Monday, June 12, 2023 Edition

L-R: Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume and the Former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Dele Alake during the world press conference on the 2023 Democracy day celebration held on Friday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has commended President Bola Timubu for removing fuel subsidy, saying it will help Nigeria’s economy.

National President, of IPMAN, Debo Ahmed, who stated this yesterday while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said the association has been in support of fuel subsidy removal for a very long time because of its implication on the economy and the market space.

He said in the past, a lot of money that should be channeled to the development of country is used on subsidy.

“I commend the president for removing subsidy on his first day in office. He has tried. He did a very good job. Successive government found it

Subsidy removal will help Nigeria’s economy —IPMAN

difficult to remove subsidy. Not that they don’t want to remove it because the political exigency is more than economic exigency to them.

“If you remember, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s time, they came with appropriate pricing, deregulation. They gave it all sort of names but they could not do it. Obasanjo was only increasing the price and you increase the price the thing is still there because we are importing. The president has done a good job and it is going to help this country a lot.”

However, he queried the government for not putting palliatives in place to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and

the marketers.

“Before the removal, PIA was signed and fuel subsidy was big issue in the PIA of 2021. The government should have started planning about palliatives like provision of buses, salary increase because it is not the government that will increase salaries but the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

“All these things should have been done but the government did not do all these things. I am sure that the new government is doing something about palliatives.”

Speaking on importation of the product, he said they have several issues and that the issue

is still lingering.

“Before now, it is only NNPCL that imports. All the marketers depend on NNPCL to get their products. When the subsidy removal was announced, we had a lot of tickets that are pending. We have up to 5 billion worth of tickets that are pending with NNPCL retail that we have not been able to access. Most of these monies were borrowed from the banks. Our members are not enthusiastic to go and load because they don’t know what happened to their tickets. We are trying to meet with the management of NNPC retail to discussed these issues amicably.”

Gov. Alia sets up committees to probe Ortom’s Govt

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has constituted a committee to probe the administration of his predeccesors, Samuel Ortom.

The committees are coming on the heels of the recent sacking of all categories of workers employed by Ortom.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Govérnor Kula Tersoo and made available to the media on Sunday 11th June, 2023 said the committees are known as Probe, Assets Recovery and Benue State University, BSU Facts Finding Committee.

He also, said one of the committees is to work at the state level, while the other at the Local Government level.

The statement added that the committee, among other things, is mandated to ascertain all assets of the government including lands, vehicles, houses, furniture and other machinery.

Those inaugurated at the State level include, Hingah Biem as Chairman, Barr. Joe Abaagu, Hon. Dennis Akura, Hon. Ioryue Yajir, Peter Egbodo, Hon. Joseph Ojobo, Jonathan Modi, Barr.

Shaageer Matins, Yuhe Jerome, Barr. Tom Uja, while Barr. Tormbuwua Terlumun is to serve as Member/Secretary.

The local government committee has the following as members, Jude Tyo PhD,Barr. Aondowase Apera, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, Richard

Dzungweve, Rt. Hon. Anthony Sende, Olofu Ogwuche, Mr. Terver Kachina, Rt. Hon. Nick Eworo - Member ss Secretary.

Similarly, the facts Finding Committee for the Benue State University (BSU) has Rt. Hon. Paul Biam as Chairman Barr. Jacob Ajene, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi

Ikyange, Prof. Eugene Alyegba, Mr. Agbo Ochekpe as Member/ Secretary.

According to him, “both committees will have able representatives from; Department of State Security, the Police,the Military and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps.

Democracy Day: Niger Gov. to improve welfare package

Mustapha Minna

iger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has reassured Nigerlites of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of citizens in the state.

Bago in a statement by his

Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, to mark the twentytwenty-three Democracy Day, said the welfare of citizens is paramount to the development of a democratic system.

Bago maintained that time has come that things must be done differently to bring about

the desired results.

The Governor While congratulating the people on the celebration of Democracy Day, also commiserated with the people affected by the renewed banditry attacks in parts of the state.

He assured them of his

resolve to have a secured state, explaining that the impact of his interface with Service Chiefs will soon be felt by all and sundry.

The Governor who prayed for the repose of those killed, also prayed for quick recovery of those injured and safe return of abductees.

From Yakubu

From.. Left: National Coalitalion of APC Support, Dr. Yusuf Yahaya,- Coalition President, Dr. Maina

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Given the Presidential order to rid the nation’s oil sector of economic saboteurs, vandals, criminals, oil thieves, and other nefarious activities inimical to the growth of the sector, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi,, has read the Riot Act to Commandants of the Niger Delta States to ensure full compliance.

NSCDC in a statement issued at the weekend by Olusola Odumosu said the CG summoned the concerned State Commandants to the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, and gave them marching orders to immediately rejig their Anti-vandal units as a measure to arrest oil theft and vandalism of critical national

Oil theft: NSCDC boss orders Niger-Delta commandants to rejig anti-vandal unit

assets.

“He warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had declared zero tolerance for crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other frivolous dealings in petroleum products, therefore, anyone found aiding and abbeting economic saboteurs will face the full wrath of the law.

“This meeting became necessary to convey President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the absolute need to end all sharp practices in the nation’s oil sector.

“Oil remains the mainstay

Group empowers

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

AKaduna-based group under the auspice of Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI) says it has empowered 944,286 women and girls from 2008 to 2022 in Kaduna State.

EWEI’s Founder and Programme Director, Mrs Safiya Garba made this Known on Tuesday in a message to celebrate the NGO’s 15th anniversary in Kaduna.

Garba said that since establishment on June 6, 2008, EWEI, a gender-based NGO, has worked tirelessly to encourage girls and women to harness their abilities to live a quality and

of our economy, you must therefore rejig your Anti-vandal Units to end the problem of oil theft in compliance with Federal Government’s directives.

“We have a duty to protect our oil and gas sectors from vandalism and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure and earnings” the CG stressed.

Dr Audi charged the State Commandants to maintain 24 hours surveillance of the oil facilities across the country, work with host communities and gather enough credible information and intelligence to

944,286

fulfilling lives.

She said that between 2008 and 2022, the women and girls were empowered financially, educationally, politically, socially, and culturally to effectively exploit their potential, live a quality life and contribute to national development.

She said that women and girls were empowered under “Our Safe Spaces project; Learning Without Limit’s project; Economic Empowerment Partnership; We for Them project; and Educational Subsidy Programme.

Others, according to Garba, are ”Know and Say No project; Civic Education and Participation for Women”; and other online interventions among others.

checkmate the menace.

He emphasised the need for safe keeping of all exhibits, security of exhibits centres and strict adherence to the code of ethics and standard operating procedure of the Corps.

The Corps helmsman warned that his administration will not condone any compromise or unethical conducts from any command or personnel, promising to hold any State Commandant accountable for oil theft, acts of indiscipline, breakdown of law and order in their domains.

“As the lead agency in the

protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, there is a need to be determined and reselient in the fight against crude oil theft.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is already changing the narrative for good and we cannot afford to let the President and the entire nation down,” the CG assured.

Dr Audi charged the personnel on synergy and collaboration with other security agencies as well as critical stakeholders to reduce crude oil theft to its barest minimum.

women, girls in Kaduna

She said that over the years, collective efforts, collaboration, and the belief in EWEI’s mission have become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the lives of countless girls and women.

She said that the commitment of partners to EWEI’s cause has enabled the NGO to provide multi-sectoral interventions and empower women through capacity building, information dissemination, advocacy, and community service projects.

“Today marks a momentous occasion as the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative proudly celebrate its 15-year anniversary.

“On behalf of the entire EWE family, we extend our heartfelt

gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and partnership throughout this remarkable journey of empowerment,” she said.

A virtual presentation of the achievement so far showed that the women and girls were empowered under the “Our Safe Spaces” project that supports women and girls’ survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

It added that the project also supports women and girls’ survivors of physical and economic violence and sexual exploitation with a 24/7 toll-free GBV helpline.

The report also showed that adolescent girls were equally empowered under the NGO’s “Learning Without Limit” project,

which provides supplementary learning for girls across eight secondary schools within Kaduna metropolis.

It added that the project equally seeks to bridge the digital divide in adolescent girls’ access to quality education.

Under the “Economic Empowerment Partnership”, the report indicated that the NGO provided training on economic empowerment activities such as micro credit financing targeting low income or out-of-school girls and women.

“EWEI’s “We for Them “project seek to reduce sexual harassment and abuse in public places particularly motor parks and tertiary institutions.

L-R: L-R: Secretary, Arewa New Agenda(ANA), Hajiya Halima Idris, Vice Chairman of ANA, Prof. Adamu Kyauka Usman, Chairman of ANA, Senator Ahmed Abubakar, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani and Ambassador Hassan Ardo Jika, during the press conference to unveil the Position of North on the unfolding 10th National Assembly Leadership contest on Saturday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

N/Assembly: Northern elders Forum warns against religious extremism

By Abubakar Yunusa

Former

Prof. Ango Abdullahi has advised that members-elect of the National Assembly should be left alone to elect its own leaders.

Addressing newsmen in

Abuja, Abdullahi emphasised that the National Assembly is an independent body and no external force should meddle into its affairs.

According to him, “Now we are at a point where the National Assembly is supposed to have leaders. Each chamber of the National Assembly is independent to decide how this should be done.

“But the basic foundation is the Constitution of the country which stipulates very clearly that there would be such an institution and how it will be formed and provide its leadership. As far as we know the Constitution should be strictly adhered to, by all concerned. All concerned here is the National Assembly, on deciding who would be the Senate

President, the Speaker and other positions.

“The National Assembly is an autonomous body and decides its own leadership and mode of operation as long as it is within the context of the Constitution of this country. If we should advice people who care for this nation, the National Assembly memberselect should be left entirely alone

Northern coalition raises alarm over plans to arrest Yari, others

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Sunday, raised the alarm over an alleged plan to arrest key northern aspirants for the House of Representatives speakership position, as well as the aspirants for the position of Senate Presidency.

The northern group also alleged that former Governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari and some of his strong support pillars were being threatened with arrest in order to intimidate him out of the contest for insisting on due process.

The Spokesperson of the group, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement, asked President

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to respect rule of law by stop the playing to intimidate anyone for exercising his rights to vote and be voted for .He said noted that these elements were hatching these evil plans without the consent of President Bola Tinubu, with the sole aim of pitching him against the larger northern interest.

Suleiman stated: “We understand too that the sinister plot also extends to aspirants to positions in the House of Representatives who are targeted for undue harassment and intimidation.

“This plot, as widely speculated, involves the introduction of a suspicious electronic voting system in the process meant to track the pattern of voting in the National

Assembly.”

The Northern group said it was without the slightest doubt and convinced that by Tinubu’s democratic antecedents and abiding faith in the rule of law and sanctity, would never be party to any conduct that tends to impeach anybody’s right to personal liberty and freedom from harassment.

The group noted that it was sure that Tinubu cannot afford to allow anybody, no matter who, to cause any form of misunderstanding between him and the North, where he enjoys solid support and genuine friendship.

He added: “This realization and other manifestations of evil being perpetrated by some unscrupulous political merchants, who pose as his friends, are the reasons why

from the onset, CNG cautioned the President against the antics of desperate political dealers with very negative intentions by allowing the legislators to freely and fairly produce their leaders.

“As concerned northerners and well wishers of Mr. President, we feel duty bound to once again draw his attention to this brewing plot and to call on him to move quickly and reassert his commitment to good, impartial governance to halt this sinister plot that potentially airms to set him up against particularly the North.”

It said it would be difficult not to remember that northern votes overwhelmingly went to Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to comprehensively ensure their victory at the polls.

to decide who their leaders would be.

“We like to appeal to our leaders, friends and associates in parties and government that this is an honest advice and that the National Assembly should be free. This is the kind of democracy we require.

“The ruling party is not in charge of the National Assembly, the NASS is an independent body. The ruling party only has members in National Assembly and they may direct for them to do their bidding but they should also allow those who do not belong to the ruling party to also exercise their rights. Their rights include demand for the leadership of the NASS. I think this should be respected.

“I commend Tinubu for accepting that the National Assembly is an independent body and that whatever they decide in their internal affairs will work with the executive in running the affairs of this country.”

He further warned against religious extremism, saying that there is no religious party in Nigeria and that every Nigerian has free will to interact in whatever part of society.

This was as he boasted that the North amassed 63 percent of votes for APC, of which he said 33 percent came from the Northwest. He said, “There’s a worrying development that is happening now. Especially the issue of religion which has cropped up into our polity, this is very sad indeed. There is no religious party in this country, the Constitution is very clear, anybody who proposes a religious party, that party will not be approved.

“So I always ask, where is Muslim party of Nigeria? Or where is Christian party of Nigeria? There is none. Nigerians who belong to these various ethnic and religious groups have a choice in terms of where to associate, and it is this association that has produced the government that is sitting now.

“I voted, 63 percent of votes that brought APC into power are from Northern Nigeria. I come from the North west, we gave Tinubu 30-33 percent of votes and he couldn’t get this percentage from the south where he comes from.

“So you can see that if you want to take these extreme views into our democracy, things will not be easy for this diverse country. I must pause and commend our first generation leaders who moulded this country together despite their differences. No part of the country has been left out.”

Kaduna govt partners financial firm to boost IGR

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has commenced discussion with a renowned financial consulting firm, Deloitte Nigeria, to assist the State in boosting its Internally General Revenue (IGR).

The was contained in a statement by

Muhammad Lawal Shehu Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to the media in Kaduna.

The statement stated that 2022 Internally General Revenue (IGR) of Kaduna State, stood at 58.1 billion Naira.

The statement further stated that during a meeting to mark the commencement of the partnership on Wednesday, the

Governor of the State, Senator Uba Sani reiterated his commitment to boosting the IGR in order to achieve sustainable growth and development of the State.

He expressed optimism that, the firm will fashion out strategies that will help achieve the set goal.

Governor Uba Sani also expressed confidence that with the collaborative

efforts of all the government MDAs, the strategies will be successfully implemented and lead to the desired increased revenue generation for the sustainable growth and development of Kaduna State.

During the meeting, representatives of Deloitte Nigeria, presented their recommendations on how the state can rapidly increase its revenue generation.

vice chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, and convener of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF,

L –R , Chairman, Managing Director, Exxon Mobil, Mr. Richard Laing; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; President, Exxon Mobil, Liam Mallon and Executive Director Mrs. Adesua Dozie during the courtesy visit of Exxon Mobile Executives to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

10th NASS: Betara, Gagdi agree to Step Down For Abbas

By Egena Sunday Ode

The path seems to be clear for Tajuddeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu to secure the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, in the House of Representatives.

This comes as two prominent contenders decided to step down and lend their support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) zoning arrangement.

Aliyu Betara from Borno State and Yusuf Gadgi from Plateau State withdrew their ambitions after a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The meeting witnessed the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, and Speaker of the 9th National Assembly, Femi Gbajabiamila, along with Niger State Governor ,Mohammed Bago.

Following the meeting, VP Kashim Shettima addressed journalists, highlighting President Tinubu's satisfaction with the decision of Aliyu Betara and Yusuf Gadgi to prioritize the interests of the party over personal ambitions.

He further urged other contenders vying for the speaker's position to follow suit, setting aside their aspirations and collaborating with the party to foster national unity, equity, fairness, and justice.

Alleged witchcraft: Police arrest 3 officers, vigilante, others over murder of 2 women in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Ten (10) people including 3 police men and vigilante members were arrested by Adamawa state police command for brutally killing 2 women accused of witchcraft in Roma community, Song LGA of the state.

Report had it that, three (3) women from the community who are accussed of being wizards were stripped naked and beaten up mercilessly by those arrested which led to the demise of two, leaving one

seriously injured.

Confirming the development via a statement, Spokesman of the command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said that the incident occurred in Roma, Dumne Development Area, Song LGA.

Nguroje stated that, the command came across a viral video where the Police Officers attached to Dumne Divisional Police Headquarters and Vigilantes were sighted assaulting the women in an unprofessional manner.

The Command promised to

charge the suspects to court for prosecution immediately after detectives are done with their investigation on the ugly development.

“The Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola, expressed shock over the unprofessional conduct displayed by the said Inspector, Ahmed Suleiman as well as Vigilantes members as seen in the viral video.

“Irked by the unfortunate incident, immediately,the CP deployed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in

charge of CID,who arrested those seen maltreating and assaulting the women.

“CP had ordered for a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote cause(s) of what he described as condemnable act as well as ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

“The CP has assured that, any act of indiscipline and lawlessness will not be tolerated under his watch as those found guilty of this heinous crime against humanity will surely be brought to book”.

A cross-section of the participants during the meeting of NYSC Management with the Registrars of Corps Producing Institutions in Abuja on Thursday (8/6/23).

NDLEA intercepts UK-bound skunk in native black soap, tramadol pills in women hair

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a consignment of 3.20kg skunk concealed in native black soap heading to the United Kingdom at the NAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

It added that that a freight agent involved in the attempt to export the illicit drug, Olowokudejo Oladele Tonyi arrested.

NDLEA in a statement issued yesterday by Femi Babafemi Director,

Media & Advocacy, said a bid to export 3,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg concealed inside women hair attachments to Monrovia, Liberia, by a cargo agent, Akinwale Taiwo Bolutife, through the MMIA was thwarted by operatives who arrested him during the outward clearance of passengers at departure gate of terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.

“In Benue, a suspect, Emmanuel Onah was arrested during a routine stop and search of vehicles at the Vandeikya check point with a total of 61, 790 pills of tramadol seized from him on Thursday 8th June, while another suspect, Ikenna Jonathan Udeze was nabbed at Otuo-

Agor, Owan East LGA, Edo state with 208kg cannabis hidden in his Toyota Camry car marked ABJ 117 MR. No less than 235 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23.5 litres and 1,500 pills of Tramadol and Swinol were recovered on Friday 9th June from Agara Ogbonna, 35, along Owerri - Onitsha expressway, Imo state, just as operatives in Ondo state arrested two suspects: Friday Augustine, 25, and Segun Akintudoye, 20, with 30kg cannabis at B-Ali Junction, Idanre and 10.4kg of the same substance recovered from the home of a fleeing suspect at Oke Odowo, Idanre on Tuesday 6th June when operatives raided some drug joints

in the town.

“In Kebbi state, Alin Bala, 45, and Danzaki Alhaji, 52, were arrested on Thursday 8th June at Goran Maiyaki, Gwandu LGA with 5.9kg cannabis and 3,792 tablets of diazepam while 18-yearold Babangida Mande was nabbed on Friday 9th June along Mararaban YauriKebbi road, with 6kg cannabis and 658 tablets of diazepam. In Osun state, a total of 115.9kg cannabis was recovered from Adewole Abidemi, 31, who was arrested at Araromi Oke Odo in Ife South LGA; Raji Musa, 25, and Alominile Folashade, 34, nabbed at Gbokuta village in the same LGA on Monday 5th June.”

Democracy Day: Implement true democratic culture - AA urges Tinubu Group congratulates

Prof Sulaiman as new NBAIS Registrar/CEO

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Concerned Northern Forum congratulates Prof Imam Yahuza Sulaiman on his appointment as the new Registrar/ CEO of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).

In a statement yesterday by Spokesperson of the Forum Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem expressed delight over the appointment, describing it as well deserved.

CNF noted that the emergence of Prof. Sulaiman through a rigorous selection and highly competitive process, was a testament to his long years of academic excellence, hard work, and demonstration of great leadership skills.

The Statement stressed that as a Forum of young, intelligent and committed persons interested and passionate about the growth, development and unity of the Northern region believed he is round peg in a round hole saying, as a seasoned Islamic scholar and administrator per excellence, Prof. Imam is bringing to the Board more than 20 years of teaching and research as well as pious religious observances according to the Sunnah.

“With his wealth of experience, it won’t take long before Islam will become the dominant religion not just in Nigeria but the entire West African Sub-region.

The CNF also commends the former President, Mohammadu Buhari for appointing a highly qualified and experienced individual to lead the board.

We believe that Prof Sulaiman’s wealth of experience and expertise in academia and administration will enable him to steer the NBAIS to greater heights.

“We urge Prof Sulaiman to build on the solid foundation and achievements of the former Registrar, Prof Shafiu. We believe that with his leadership and the support of all stakeholders, the NBAIS will continue to thrive in its mandate to promote the study of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Nigeria.

“We appeal to all stakeholders, including members of the NBAIS staff, to give Prof Sulaiman all the necessary support needed to make him succeed in his new role.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Action Alliance (AA) Party, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to implement true democratic culture by ensuring that his administration works to protect and defend citizens’ democratic rights.

National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Adekunle Rufai OmoAje, made the call in his message to mark the 30th anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential elections.

Omo-Aje said President Tinubu can demonstrate his avowed belief in democracy if he selflessly delivers the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians regardless of social status or ethnic, religious and political

affiliations.

He added that the only way citizens’ longstanding aspirations and hope in true democracy, encapsulated in the long-drawn struggle against the de-annulment of June 12 could be met, is when Nigerians can choose their leaders in a free, fair, and transparent process devoid of violence, ethnic and religious hatred.

According to him, the Democracy Day celebrated today stands as a symbol of Nigerians’ steadfast struggle against military despotism for democratic governance.

He added that while it is important to recognize and honour the heroes of this remarkable struggle, as past regimes have done, “we believe

that far more important is the need for Nigerians to fully enjoy their democratic rights in the selection of who governs them.

“They also must begin to feel the dividends of democracy for which they sweated, struggled and died during those long years of street battles and protests against the military rule.

“It has been over 24 years since democratic rule was restored in Nigeria, but it is arguable whether the form of governance that exists in Nigeria today can be described as a democracy or simply civilian rule.

“While there has been some marked progress in terms of a thriving multiparty democracy and regular elections, Nigeria’s record of human rights violations

has not fundamentally improved.

“Instead, since 1999, Nigeria has experienced systematic attacks on democratic rights, attacks on the opposition, shrinking civic space, arbitrary arrests, illegal detentions, torture and extrajudicial killings by security agents, as well as suppression of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, violation of the principles of separation of powers, assault on the judiciary and press freedom.”

Omo-Aje while congratulating Nigerians on the celebration, said AA will continue to ensure that the dividends of democracy get to the nooks and the crannies of the country and the sacrifice of the actors of June 12 are not in vain.

NCAC, Niger military strengthens cultural relations- Runsewe

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said Nigerian and Niger military have strengthened cultural relations in the cross boarder line communities.

Runsewe made the disclosure during a courtesy visit of the Niger Republic Higher Military School delegation of senior Military Officers from the Superior Military College in Niger Republic who were in his office in Abuja, as part of their study tour to Nigeria at the weekend.

He stated that, the existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic has

helped tremendously in tackling trans-border insecurity, illegal arms importation and smuggling.

“Niger’s bilateral relationship with Nigeria, has played a role in the interception of a large arm smuggling carrier into Nigeria in 2019. Both shared 1960’s as independence and this collaboration have yielded positive results in cross boarder lines communities.

“NCAC as giant of culture, has been promoting unity among all security forces military and Police forces. NCAC also promoted the NDLEA for the fact that the agency is working to eradicate drug use among our youths. Anything that promotes Nigerian culture, we are delighted and ready to support.

“ Nigeria should count itself

lucky that when any country is coming for interventions and strategies,it looks for Nigeria for such idea. The Niger republic see us as big brothers in Africa and we have accommodated each other.

“The military shouldn’t always be about fighting always, it should be about what unity us that is what the came to do today”, he said . According to Runsewe, Nigeria is also promoting peaceful coexistence strategies in the community.

“The Niger military said they have taken some cultural peaceful strategies to be taken back to their country”.

He added that culture is key in our day to day activities, that is why NCAC is bringing Nigeria

Military closer, bringing closer its citizens.

Meanwhile, the team leader of the Niger Republic military delegates in Nigeria, Col Abdulrasak Ibrahim said “culture is very crucial to security because as military members, we work in areas where cultures differ.

“So, there is need for us as military men to understand the different cultures for successful military operations in any country”.

He explained that, “Our presence is also an opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian culture we have always heard about. We are here to take a piece of Nigerian culture to integrate with ours”, Ibrahim emphasized.

Coordinator, Peter Mbah Water Project Volunteers (PMWPV), Comrade Madus Mathias (6th L, Front row), with other members after PMWPV inaugural meeting in Enugu on Thursday (8/6/23).

NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY (NIWA)

ALIYU OBAJE ROAD OFF HYDRO JUNCTION, ADANKOLO NEW LAYOUT, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

APPROPRIATION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), a Parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) with Headquarters at Lokoja, Kogi State saddled with the responsibility of managing, regulating, and maintaining Inland Waterways, in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007 hereby invites reputable and experienced Contractors/Consultants to submit Tenders for the under-listed projects contained in the Year 2023 Budget Appropriation.

2.0 SCOPE OF PROJECTS

A: PREQUALIFICATION

LOT 28: Sweeping of Oyingbo Jetty Waterfront

LOT 29: Construction of Jetty at Ihiala, Anambra State

B. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

LOT 30: Provision of LAN/Wireless LAN and Subscription of Internet Bandwidth Services in Abuja Office

LOT 31: Hydrographic Survey of a Section of Bonny River and its Right-of-Way from Isaka through NPA Dockyard in Port Harcourt to Akubiakri to End of Abukuru Creek (15km)

LOT 32: Hydrographic Survey from Iwopin in Ogun State to 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos State (93km)

LOT 33: Hydrographic Survey of a Section of Orashi River and its Right-of-Way from Oguta Lake in Imo to Omoku in Rivers State (68km)

LOT 34: Purchase & Installation of Budget Monitoring Hardware, Software and Accessories at NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State

LOT 35: Consultancy for Procurement Quality Assessment and Evaluation of Procurement Process

LOT 36: Design of Firefighting System at NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State

LOT 37: Consultancy on the Development of Environmental Regulation and Statutory Compliance Action Plan for National Inland Waterways

LOT 38: International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Survey for National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Terminal Facilities at Baro, Lokoja, Yenagoa, Yola and Oguta.

C: INVITATION TO TENDER

LOT 39: Construction of Drainage System and Landscaping of Yola Area Office

LOT 40: Construction of One (1) Storey Building at NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State.

LOT 41: Construction of Drainage and Access Road at Eket Area Office

LOT 42: Removal of Wrecks within the Inland Waterways at Lagos

LOT 43: Removal of Wrecks within the Inland Waterways at Delta

LOT 44: Clearing of Water Hyacinth, Aquatic Weeds and Floating Debris at Lagos

LOT 45: Clearing of Water Hyacinth, Aquatic Weeds and Floating Debris at Bayelsa

LOT 46: Construction of 5No. Revenue Patrol Boats

LOT 47: Repair of 2No. Vessel at Lokoja Area Office (BV Lekki & BV Numan)

LOT 48: Maintenance of Port/Terminal Facilities and Equipment at Baro & Lokoja Ports

2.1 SCOPE OF WORKS

Details of the Scope of Work for all the projects above shall be provided in the Tender (Bidding) documents.

3.0 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with CAC including form CAC2 and CAC7 or CAC 1.1. Business Name with Form BN1 is also acceptable for Services;

• Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate (or Personal Income Tax Clearance Certificate of all the Partners in case of Business Name) for the last 3 years (2020, 2021 & 2022) valid till 31st December 2023, with a minimum annual turnover of N300m for Lot 28 & Lot 29.

• Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years - 2020, 2021 & 2022;

• Reference Letter from a reputable Commercial Bank in Nigeria indicating a willingness to provide a credit facility for the execution of the project when needed.

• Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of the Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31st December 2023 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

• Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above);

• Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above or the bidder’s annual turnover is N50m and above).

• Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December 2023.

• Supply of Equipment: Evidence of being an Original Equipment Manufacturer or its representative.

• Company profile with the CVs of key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic and Professional qualifications.

• Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last 5 years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the Projects.

• Works: List of Plants/Equipment with Proof of Ownership/Lease Agreement.

• Sworn Affidavit:

- disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the (state name of the procuring entity) or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;

- that no Director has been convicted in any Country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter;

- that the Company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings;

- that the company does not have existing loan or financial liability with a bank, other financial institution or third party that is classified as doubtful, non-performance, bad or whose repayment portion has been outstanding for the last four (4) months;

• Services: Evidence of the Firm’s current registration with relevant regulatory professional body(ies) whose expertise is required for the successful delivery of the project such as NAICOM/Insurance, CMD/Training, NITDA/ CPN/ Information Technology, ICAN / ANAN / Financial Reporting Services, COREN / QSRBN / ARCON / CORBON /SURCON / Construction Consultancy, NSCDC / Security etc.;

• Invitation to Tender is adopted when the item to be procured is less than N100 million for Goods & Services and N300 million for Works, Bid Security is not required.

• For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided indicating among others the Lead Partner (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Clearance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner).

• All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/ Firm’s Letterhead Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the CAC, contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The letterhead paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorized officer of the firm.

4.0 COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Interested companies are to collect the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) from the Procurement Department in Room D11, NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, Kogi State upon presentation of evidence of payment of a non-refundable tender fee of N10,000.00 per Lot, paid in favour of National Inland Waterways Authority’s Remita account in any commercial bank (for prequalification and invitation to tender only).

5.0 SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

A: PRE-QUALIFICATION/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Interested firms should submit two (2) bound Pre-Qualification/EOI documents duly signed, paginated, separated by dividers, and arranged in the order outlined hereunder:

All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorized officer of the firm. Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Headquarters, Adankolo New Layout, Lokoja, Kogi State and clearly marked with the title of the project and Lot number. Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the name and address of the bidder and be dropped in the designated “Tender Box” in Room D11 Block D of the Procurement Department at NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State not later than 12:00noon on Monday 26th June, 2023.

B: INVITATION TO TENDER

Prospective bidders are to submit a bid for each of the Lots desired, two (2) hard copies of each of the Technical and Financial bids with a soft copy of the Financial bid only in MS Excel format package separately in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Technical Bid” or “Financial Bid” Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to The Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Headquarters, Adankolo New Layout, Lokoja, Kogi State and clearly marked with the title of the project and Lot number.

Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should have the name and address of the bidder and be dropped in the designated “Tender Box” in Procurement Department, Room D11 at NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State not later than 12:00 noon on Monday 10th July 2023.

6.0 OPENING OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCS/ EOI/ TECHNICAL BIDS

A: PRE-QUALIFICATION/EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

The Pre-Qualification/Expression of Interest (EoI) will be opened immediately after the closure of submission at 12:00 noon on Monday 26th June, 2023 at the conference Hall of NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja in the presence of observers, only shortlisted firms and prequalified companies will be invited for second stage to collect Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Tender Documents.

Please ensure that you sign the Pre-Qualification/EoI Submission Register in the Procurement Department of the Authority, as NIWA will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted Pre-Qualification/EoI documents. For further inquiries, please contact the General Manager (Procurement) on the e-mails: procurement@niwa.gov. ng or niwaprocurement@gmail.com

B: INVITATION TO TENDER

The Technical Bids will be opened immediately after the closure of submission at 12:00 noon on Monday 10th July, 2023 at the Conference Hall of NIWA Headquarters, Lokoja in the presence of observers, while the financial bids will be kept un-opened.

Please ensure that you sign the Bid Submission Register in the Procurement Department of the Authority, as NIWA will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids.

For further inquiries, please contact the General Manager (Procurement) on the e-mails: procurement@niwa.gov. ng or niwaprocurement@gmail.com

7.0 GENERAL INFORMATION (ATTENTION)

a. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder.

b. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened.

c. Documents not properly bound will be disqualified on the day of opening.

d. All bids/EoIs must be written with indelible ink, those written with a pencil will be rejected.

e. All costs will be borne by the bidders.

f. Invitation to Tender: Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be contacted later for financial bids opening, while financial bids of unsuccessful bidders will be kept unopened.

g. Bidders should not bid for more than two (2) Lots.

h. Due diligence will be observed as all documented claims by the Contractors are subject to verification.

i. The EOIs/Technical Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders or their representatives, CSOs in the areas of Anti-Corruption and Transparency and Private Professional bodies; and will be covered by video recording; invitation link will be sent to bidder who chooses to join the EOI/bid opening online

j. NIWA is not bound to pre-qualify/shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the Procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

*The advertisement is approved on the condition that the procurements in this advertisement are contained in the Entity’s Approved Procurement Plan.

Signed: MANAGEMENT

PRE-QUALIFICATION/ EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)/INVITATION TO TENDER FOR PROJECTS CONTAINED IN THE YEAR 2023 BUDGET

KADSPAC calls for speedy assent to Kaduna social protection bill

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Social Protection Accountability Coalition, (KADSPAC), has commended the Kaduna House of Assembly over the passage of the Social Security bill on June 8, 2023, calling on Governor Uba Sani for speedy passage of the bill into law.

Chairperson of the coalition, Ms Jessica Bartholomew, stated this while speaking to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

According to her, the coalition worked in partnership with the State to ensure speedy passage of the Social Security bill and setting up of an agency where all Social Protection (SP) activities are coordinated and can be tracked effectively.

She further explained that the coalition over the years, have worked with the community champions in tracking SP interventions, not only at the national Social Protection programmes but as well as state owned programmes.

“We look forward to an implementation or operational plan to be approved timely so that the poor and vulnerable residents of Kaduna can access SP interventions that will help cushion the current economic crisis faced in their households,’ Bartholomew stated.

The coalition also commended the Save the Children International, (SCI), for the technical, advisory, and capacity support provided in developing the SP and its continued support to SP in Kaduna State.

Similarly the immediate past Focal Person on SPin Kaduna, Mrs Saude Atoyebi, said the passage of the Bill is a big win for the people of Kaduna State.

“I am so delighted to see that the extensive effort put in by several stakeholders; the former Governor, members of the State Steering Committee on Social Investments, Ministry of Justice and members of the Law Review Committee, the State Executive Council and our Civil Society partners, has resulted in a law that seeks to entrench Social Protection and harmonise the implementation of several crosscutting functions,” she noted.

Director-General, Nigeria Governors Forum, Asishana Okauru (left) presenting a certificate to Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, , during the forum’s presentation of certificate of service to members, in Abuja at the weekend.

Bamidele urges Tinubu to assist in Ekweremadu’s release

The Senator representing Ekiti Central, Sen. Opeyemi

Bamidele has urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy diplomatic shuttle to ensure the release of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP -Enugu) in the United Kingdom’s prison.

He made the call in his remarks at the valedictory session for the outgoing senators of the 9th Senate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Ekwremadu, a former Deputy Senate President was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for organ trafficking in May.

The sentencing was done at the Central Criminal Court, Old

Bailey, UK.

Opeyemi who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters said what happened to Ekweremadu could have happened o any parent.

“My heart goes to that gentleman distinguished Sen. Ike Ekweremadu,” he said.

He called on Tinubu to deploy all the necessary diplomatic means for the release of Ekwremadu.

Bamidele also mourned four senators who died while serving the people of their senatorial districts in the National Assembly.

They include: Sen. Bayo Osinowo (Lagos East), Sen. Rose Oko (Cross River North), Sen.

Benjamin Uwajumogu (Imo North) and Sen. Ignatius Longjam (Plateau South).

He further appreciated the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, for the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the committee on judiciary human rights and legal matters.

“On behalf of all of us in the committee, it was a wonderful opportunity you gave us to add value.

“Under your watch, our committee participated in the passage of very important bills.

“Our committee was also responsible for the speedy confirmation of two Chief Justices

of Nigeria and President Court of Appeal and five other Chief Judges of different courts in this country. “Nigeria’s story is not going to be the same under the new administration and I call on all of us to continue to work.

“President Tinubu signed a bill that is important to us on the retirement age of our judges.

“Under your watch, the budget of the judiciary was increased geometrically from N95 billion in 2018; N110 billion in 2021; N120 billion in 2022 and 125 billion in 2023.

“It is not yet uhuru. I know the incoming senate will also do more from where you are living this baton.”(NAN)

Contempt of Court: CEO vows legal action against Bawa, IGP

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Cash Flow Abi Ltd, Dr Philemon Ibrahim Gora, has threatened to drag the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) Abdulradheed Bawa and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to Court if they fail to obey the recent court injunctions.

He asserted this while speaking to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

It would be recalled that the Abuja division of the Federal High Court under Justice Ahmed Mohammed, has given permission to Gora and his financial institution, ‘Cashflow Abi Network’, to file

a suit compelling the EFCC, its Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Inspector General of Police to comply with the judgment of the court in suit No FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2018, relating to his alleged fraud case that got him incarcerated for years now. Justice Mohammed equally granted leave to the applicants to apply for an Order of Mandamus compelling or mandating the Respondents to withdraw and or discontinue charging Nos. FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2018: FRN vs. Philemon Ibrahim Gora & Anor and FCT/HC/CR/203/2018: FRN vs. Philemon Ibrahim Gora & 2 Ors that the aforesaid charges were instituted in contravention of paragraph 14 of the Terms of Settlement adopted as Judgment of this court delivered on 12th

July 2013 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/7/2013 aforesaid.

In addition, the court further granted leave to the Applicants to apply for an Order of perpetual injunction pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Terms of Settlement adopted as Judgment of this Court on 12th July 2013 restraining the Respondents, their officers, servant, agents and any other person deriving authority from the Respondents from trying, continuing the trial, arresting, detaining or prosecuting the Applicants in charge Nos. FHC/ ABJ/CR/77/2018 and FCT/HC/ CR/203/2018 and other matters related to the aforesaid charges.

Responding to the judgement, Gora said that the court verdict is a symbol of justice for the

common man.

He added that the distractions by the Anti-graft Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF) is a deliberate ploy to sabotage his efforts for empowering the less privileged in the society.

Gora, said “Over the years, the EFCC in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, unnecessarily exerting charges upon me and my Foundation, whom every standard had meet up what is required to stay in Business.

“We therefore concluded that this is not an anti corruption driven case and cannot be part of the move aimed at fighting corruption or attack fraudulent activity in the Nigeria economy and financial sector but a witchhunt on the personality of Dr Gora.”

Kana commission’s MODACS shopping mall in Nasarawa state

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dr. Abrahim Abubakar Kana has commissioned a two-storey Ministry of Defence Agricultural Cooperative Society ( MODACS) Shopping Mall at New Nyanya in Nasarawa State over the weekend.

A statement issued at the weekend by Victoria Agba- Attah Director ( Press & PR), said Dr. Kana commended the management of the Co-operative Society for the great feat as he described the edifice as a grade “ A” Cooperative Society in Nigeria which has attained an enviable identity in diverse dimensions, most especially in area of astonishing increase in its capital base and infrastructure development within and outside Abuja.

He made the commendation during the 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and commissioning of the MODACS Shopping Mall Complex.

“I am aware of your numerous projects within and outside Abuja: the MODACS Guest House in Jos, Plateau State, Bus Services and other infrastructural projects at various locations within and outside Abuja”, he said.

The Permanent Secretary also commended the Civil Servants who are contributors to the scheme, whose membership savings has helped in financing these projects. “This singular action has

helped in no small measure in realizing the objective of the cooperative. I therefore call on you all to help develop the country and serve as agents of progress,” he charged them.

Delivering his remarks, the President of the Organisation, Dr. Edache Adigwu expressed gratitude to God for the journey so far.

He said that though the journey has been very challenging , they have been able to maintain a steady astronomical rise within the years and maintain balance in handling the ever increasing loan profile of the scheme.

Adigwu pointed out some unprecedented expansion in MODACS to include fiscal structures and other developmental strides since the inception of his administration.

He said: “I am happy to see the level of success recorded in the organisation. When I came into the Cooperative in 2015 as a Medical Doctor,I made a promise that if allowed to manage the affairs of the Cooperative, I will take it to a greater height. Today, I can count on various departments and the MODACS and say that the liquidity base has maintained a steady astronomical rise within the year 2022 under my administration” he stressed.

The event which held at New Nyanya, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State was well attended by dignitaries from far and near.

Kaduna Club members accuse President, Secretary for misappropriation

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Members of a famous recreational centre known as Kaduna Club have accused its leaders of misappropriation and plot to corner assets of the elite rendezvous point for personal gain.

It is obvious all is not well within the club with diverse membership mainly elite, including expatriates.

The brewing crisis could be traced to the decision of president and General Secretary of the club, Engr. Tijjani Abubakar and Muhammed Ajagun respectively to lease out a chunk of the club’s landed property to a private developer to build a shopping mall, an action that enraged some key members into writing a petition to Governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani for intervention.

A petition signed by ten members of the club, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent contained alleged misappropriation of the club’s finances and conspiracy by the duo of the president and General Secretary to take possession of its assets through a firm owned by a member via a questionable concession, according to the petitioners.

The petition noted that the club founded in 1932 as a foremost recreation center, subsequently registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission with a Government approved landed property at 18 Waff Road, Kaduna should be used and maintained for the sole purpose of social and brotherhood activities only.

The petitioners recalled with nostalgia past years in the history of the club when members fraternized with one another in pure and mutual friendship, adding that until owner of Binanci Associates Ltd became a member and connived with president and General Secretary of the club to rub members off their cherished possession.

“The action of these people is entirely for personal gain and against the club’s business, objective and constitution.

“The unfortunate aspect of the deed is that it stated that the price for the assignment is 90.3 million naira only and seven million naira had already been paid in an earlier lease agreement without stating when and how the balance will be paid and granting Binanci Associates beneficial owner even without paying the balance.

“Binanci has since completed building shopping malls and leased them out without making an attempt to pay up the balance to the club.

“The deed of assignment is without your consent as required by law while the four trustees who signed the document were those foisted on the club who are being challenged in the court of law,” the document added.

The petitioners faulted the ongoing construction, saying it would encroach and tamper with key recreational facilities such as Lawn Tennis courts sit and swimming areas, adding that the embarrassing development had already attracted a demolition notice from KASUPDA.

The members in the petition also accused the two leaders of the leisure centre of gross financial misappropriation, indiscipline and corruption, disclosing that all activities relating to the account of the club under the president and General secretary had been shrouded in secrecy without accountability and transparency.

They called on Governor Uba Sani to look into the issue at the club with a view to saving a relic of capital of old Northern Region by ensuring a proper investigation of all actors involved, their collaborators and allegations made by the club president against the state’s agencies; KADGIS, KADIPA and KASUPDA in order to establish the truth.

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY JUDICIARY, CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, NO 36, P.O.W MAFEMI CRESCENT, UTAKO ABUJA

PRE –QUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR THE YEAR 2023

1.0

INTRODUCTION

The Federal Capital Territory Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja, in compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007 hereby, invites reputable companies with proven track records for Pre –qualification Exercise on Renovation/Rehabilitation Works for its 2023 Procurements.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORKS

Lot No PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1 Office Renovation/Rehabilitation

Works of the Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters

2 Office Renovation/Rehabilitation

Works of the Customary Courts of the FCT (Gwagwalada “B” & Idu/ Karmo)

3 Office Renovation/Rehabilitation

Works of the Customary Courts of the FCT (Yangoji &, Agyana)

4 Office Renovation/Rehabilitation

Works of the Customary Courts of the FCT (Abaji and Rubochi)

3.0 ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS

Prospective Contractors shall possess the following Documents and without any of the under listed Requirements, the Company will be automatically disqualified.

a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC1.1 or CAC2 and CAC7;

b. Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December, 2023; with minimum average annual turnover of (Nxxx) million;

c. Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 15 and above);

d. Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023 (this requirement is only applicable to bidders whose number of staff is 5 and above or the bidder’s annual turnover is N50m and above);

e. Evidence of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2023;

f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31/12/2023 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.

g. Sworn Affidavit:

- disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Federal Capital Territory Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;

- that no Director has been convicted in any Country for any criminal offence relating to fraud or financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter;

- that the Company is not in receivership, the subject of any form of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of winding up petition or proceedings;

h. Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years - 2020, 2021 & 2022;

i. Reference Letter from a reputable Commercial Bank in Nigeria, indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;

j. Company’s resume and Evidence of Technical Capability and list of at least five (5)

registered Professional namely Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineers (ARCON,QSBRN, COREN,CORBON);

k. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs (in size, nature & complexity) executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects;

l. List of Plants/Equipment with proof of Ownership/Lease Agreement;

m. For Joint Venture/Partnership, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Clearance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Clearance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner)

n. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm;

SUBMISSION OF PRE – QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

4.0

Interested firms are to submit two (2) bound of documents separated by dividers and arranged as indicated above (a-k). The documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope and addressed to:

The Secretary, Court Tenders Board, Customary Court of Appeal, No 36. P.O.W Mafemi Crescent, Utako District, Abuja, and clearly marked with (the name of the project and the Lot number). Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the name and address of the bidder and drop in the designated Tender Box not later than 12:00 noon Monday, 26th June, 2023.

5.0 OPENING OF PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

The Pre-Qualification documents will be opened immediately after the deadline for submission at 12:00 noon Monday, 26th June, 2023, in the open Court Hall II, Customary Court of Appeal, Head Quarters, Utako -District, Abuja.

6.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Bids must be written in English Language and signed by an official authorised by the bidder;

b. Bids submitted after the deadline and time would be returned unopened;

c. All cost will be borne by the bidders;

d. The Technical Bids will be opened in the presence of CSOs and Professional bodies and covered by video recording; invitation link will be sent to bidder who chooses to join the bid opening online;

e. Only pre-qualified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited at a later date for collection of tender documents;

f. The Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja is not bound to pre-qualify any bidder and reserves the right to annul the Procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

This advertisement is approved on the condition that the procurements in this advertisement are contained in the Entity’s 2023 Approved Procurement Plan.

CIVAC support fuel subsidy removal, condemns attacks on Tinubu

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

Aplatform of non governmental organisation popularly known as Citizens Voice Against Corruption (CIVAC) have declared their support for fuel subsidy removal and condemned in strong terms the hypocrisy of some Nigeria’s political figures.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National coordinator of the platform Comrade Abdulrazaq Alqali and made available to newsmen.

The statement also condemned attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by both major presidential candidates who made promises to remove fuel subsidy if elected, but now they are all over the place blaming president Tinubu for doing what they promised to do for Nigerians.

“We also urge Nigerians not to partake in the planned strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) against the removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government. Any confrontational action in this regard can be described as misguided, unwise and selfdefeating”.

According to the statement, the leaders of NLC and TUC should rise up to their duties and stop playing to gallery or the books of some elites who are benefitting immensely from the petroleum subsidy.

It said, NLC and TUC needs to get their acts together by putting future and survival of Nigeria first.The intended strike and protest will put a halt on the operations of government offices, banks, shopping centres and schools, transportation workers and will also significantly affect the informal sectors including markets and local transportation services.

“This will cause an untold hardship on Nigerians and have significant damaging effect on an already struggling economy. Paralysing the country of more than 200 million people, majority of the citizens live on daily wage will be highly irrational as well as a great threat to security situation in the country.

“we have all witness how criminal elements hijacked the End SARs protest and the amount looting and burning that took place, while turning into tribal violence and killings in some states” it said.

Perm Sec calls for maintenance culture of public facilities

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has called on the Management and Staff of the Ministry to embrace maintenance culture, pointing out that, “it is our collective responsibility to protect public facilities.”

A statement issued at the weekend by Victoria Agba-Attah

Director (Press &PR), said Dr. Kana made the call while going round on a routine visit of the facilities within the Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence.

He explained that the essence of the inspection was to assess the state of the facilities in the Ministry to ensure that they are functional as well as to identify the Staff and operators of these facilities.

Dr Kana said: “The purpose

of this exercise is to see that the Ministry of Defence continues to have a new and beautiful look and any equipment that is obsolete should be replaced and the ones not working well should be fixed.”

He cautioned those misusing government properties to desist from such act or face disciplinary action failure to do so.

Speaking shortly after the inspection, he said he was

impressed with the cleanliness of the Ministry and commended INBOX; Facility Manager in charge of cleaning of the Ministry.

The Permanent was accompanied by the Director, General Services Department, Mr. Chuma Ajeagbu, SA to Permanent Secretary Dr. Jubrin Suleiman, PA to Permanent Secretary Andrew Young, MTO Warrant Officer Abdullahi Sani and other staff of the Ministry.

Democracy game of numbers, Sharia council replies CAN

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has defended the former governor of Kaduna, Nasiru Elrufai for airing his views on the political happenings in the state and by extension the country.

Recall that the CAN state chairman, Rev Joseph Hayab had in a recent statement while reacting to El-rufai’s comment on why he chose Muslims as Deputy Gov, SSG, Chief of Staff, Speaker, lampooned the former governor for promoting Islamic agenda in a plural state like Kaduna, concluding that El-rufai still wants to be relevant after leaving power.

However, in a swift reaction,

the sharia council through its state Secretary, AbdurRahman Hassan in a statement made available to the media yesterday noted that, “for the past one week, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter has been wagging tongues accusing the former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufa’i for making some incitements as far as CAN is concerned, simply because he aired his view on the political realities of Muslim-Muslim ticket.

However, the statement declared that the stand of the Council on this issue is that CAN would have shut up, and follow the line of Honour! If it had known.

The statement queried

the christian body during the campaigns of the just concluded elections in this country, saying, “where was CAN when the majority of pastors were making unguarded utterances, which if not for the help of Allah (SWT), Nigeria would have been history.”

It said to the extent that, on a video that went viral on social media, one Apostle Kassy Chukwu insinuated that Tinubu’s wife should have poisoned him, and CAN did nothing.

“Where was CAN when a pastor stood on the pulpit with AK-47 in Abuja? Where was CAN when some christian clergies were making prophecies of doom for this country? But Alhamdu

Lillah, all the hullabaloo and all the fake and false prophecies, nothing negative happened to our dear country Nigeria.

“The Muslim Ummah have been tolerant enough, if not, there is no way, a Muslim Dominated state like Taraba, will be governed by a Christian. If a plateau state with a population of over 35% Muslims were denied the Deputy Governor slot, why should the Kaduna State with Muslim population of close to 75% not have MuslimMuslim ticket?

CAN should better understand that democracy is a game of numbers, and that was what played out during the just concluded presidential elections.

President Tinubu meet with Traditional Rulers 1: L-R: Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi; Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi-Ojaja II, and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, during the President audience with National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

The rising cases of phones snatching

By Mukhtar Garba Kobi

Everyone has role to play in curbing the menace of phones snatching, parents should redouble efforts in training their wards well, keep eyes on the behaviors of friends they mingle with and register them in one or more skills acquisition centres; this would make them useful members of the societies.

The administration of former Nigeria’s President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000 has made an unforgettable impacts by importing Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in to the country, mobile phones brought solace to the stressful means of delivering messages or passing information and it is portable not like telephone. Also, with the coming of GSM, people communicate with ease, send messages in seconds and be updated with happenings within or outside their shores. It is true that all that have advantages also have the other sides, some people use GSM in perpetrating immoralities and perpetrating crimes like bargaining with relatives of the kidnapped, inviting teenagers to brothels, defrauding innocent victims, etc.

In recent weeks unfortunately, the cases of phones snatching have skyrocketed to the extent that some streets in towns are regular zones for such activities; phone snatchers in those areas freely operate in broad day-light without being restricted by security agents. The incidences became intense more especially Kano and some other Northern States, they (phone snatchers) inflict various degree of injuries to victims while attack in parts of the body that could lead to death on those that hesitate to give them. Phone snatchers are youths used during campaigns and election by some politicians that give them money and hard drugs are now left to survive on themselves without tangible skills.

Majority of those engaged in phone snatching venture are products from irresponsible homes because they lacked good norms, parental trainings and nobody was there to guide them in doing what are right or hinder them from wrongs. They grewup doing whatever they like, steal commodities to live and spend nights in clubs or wherever they wish. One African adage states that ‘a friend to a thief is also a thief’, this reveals that even when parents trained their wards well while allow them mingle with

people that have questionable characters, they unknowingly and gradually start imitating their ways as time goes. Family members that engage in snatching items also play vital roles in assimilating close relatives.

Everyone has role to play in curbing the menace of phones snatching, parents should redouble efforts in training their wards well, keep eyes on the behaviors of friends they mingle with and register them in one or more skills acquisition centres; this would make them useful members of the societies. Governments and all authorities concerned should investigate, arrest and take those found guilty of such acts to courts; this is to make them harvest the bad seeds they have been planting in the hearts and bodies of victims. Lastly, judges on their parts need to adjudicate justice, handle cases fairly and make sure guilty ones face wrath of the law; no politician should be allowed to bail or set those serving in prison free.

Mukhtar writes from Bauchi and can be reached via garbakobim@gmail.com

Root causes of violent conflict in developing countries

By Palash Kausher

One of the most fragile of the peace agreements currently in place is that for Kenya, for precisely this reason: the Annan negotiation, while producing an effective political fix at the top, through a power-sharing agreement which stopped the initial violence, left completely unresolved the fundamental underlying causes of the explosion of ethnic violence, including land distribution, economic disparities and inadequate constitutional and legal protections.

I don’t think anyone needs to be persuaded now about the existence of a basic interrelationship between poverty and conflict, captured in the familiar mantra that there can be ‘no security without development, and no development without security’.

If one were in an argumentative mood, it is certainly possible to argue about the extent to which poverty, as such, causes deadly conflict. If severe economic deprivation was by itself a direct cause of violent conflict or mass atrocities, the world, with a billion people still living on around a dollar a day, would be even more alarmingly violent than it is now. But it is not very plausible to suggest that there is no connection at all: as Paul Collier for one has persuasively argued, there is every reason to accept that economic decline, low income, and high unemployment are contributing conditions, either directly by fueling grievances among particular disadvantaged or excluded groups, or indirectly by reducing the relevant opportunity costs of joining a violent rebellion — or quite probably both.

When it comes to the other side of the coin — whether deadly conflict causes poverty and immiseration — I don’t think anyone would argue at all. Some may grow fat on the profits of war, but many more suffer unconscionably. Paul Collier calculates that civil war tends to reduce growth by around 2.3 percent per year, so the typical seven-year war leaves a country around 15 per cent poorer than it would have been. The World Bank estimates that countries that have endured a war take an average of 11.1 years to regain pre-conflict per capita income levels.

And there’s pretty obviously a feedback loop involved here, what Collier calls the ‘conflict trap’: particularly when countries are poor to start with, prolonged violence can create the conditions in which further violence is almost inevitable unless quite dramatic action is taken to break the cycle. Wars directly damage critical infrastructure, investor confidence, and social capital; money is shifted from productive investments into military budgets. Individuals are driven from their homes, and diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria thrive among military personnel and vulnerable populations. Together, these effects cripple the ability of already-marginalized countries to develop, creating a trap in which countries repeatedly fall back into civil war, despite attempts to escape.

This session asks us, in effect, how we can contribute to effective poverty reduction by tackling conflict, fragility and insecurity. For present purposes I will steer clear of definitional issues about what constitutes a ‘fragile’ state — or for that matter a ‘failing’, ‘failed’ or ‘phantom’ state; nor will I try to address the many kinds of nonconflict related human insecurity that are involved in living in a state that satisfies one or other of these descriptions. I will focus simply on summarising, in abbreviated form, what I think – from my nearly ten years now with the International Crisis Group — we now know, or should have learned, about how to prevent and resolve deadly conflict and mass atrocity crimes.

Preventing Conflict Outbreak The first rule for preventing deadly conflict is don’t start it — certainly not in defiance of either international law or common sense. There are circumstances in which there will simply be no alternative to taking coercive military action, to respond to real and immediate cross-border threats (as in the case of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1991), and — in the case of man-made

internal crises of the kind we confronted in the Balkans and Rwanda and elsewhere so often in the last decade — to do so in the context of the principle of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) endorsed by the 2005 UN Summit.

But such action should only ever be undertaken in the most serious cases, as a last resort, and in circumstances where it will do more good than harm. It should certainly not be assumed that R2P requires the use of coercive force, even in the most explosive situations. Kenya at the beginning of 2008 is a case in point, with the violence and ethnic cleansing being stopped not by sending in the Marines but by Kofi Annan’s diplomatic mediation.

The second rule of conflict prevention is to understand the causes: the factors at work — political, economic, cultural, personal — in each particular risk situation. The basic point about conflict is that it is always context specific. Big overarching theories – whether cast in terms of clash of civilizations, ancient ethnic enmity, economic greed, economic grievance, or anything else — may be good for keynote speeches and royalties, and may also be quite helpful in identifying particular explanatory factors that should certainly be taken into account in trying to understand the dynamics of particular situations. But they never seem to work very well in sorting between those situations which are combustible and those which are not. For that you need detailed, field-based case by case analysis, not making assumptions on the basis of experience elsewhere, or what has gone before, but looking at what is under your nose, right now.

The third big lesson we have learned about conflict prevention is the need to fully understand the conflict prevention toolbox, and be prepared to apply flexibly as circumstances change the whole range of possible measures, that can be deployed to deal with high-risk situations: political and diplomatic measures, legal and constitutional measures, economic and social measures, and security sector and military measures as the case may be.

The crucial thing is to recognise not only that each situation has its own characteristics, and that one-size spanners don’t fit all, but that each situation is likely to require a complex combination of measures, the balance between which is bound to change over time as circumstances evolve. Burma/Myanmar is a good example of a need for a fundamental rethink of the right tools to apply, with the longstanding Western focus on coercive sanctions bearing, in the absence of comparable regional pressure, no obvious fruit in changing the military regime’s inward-looking, undemocratic, authoritarianism. Although I am an old anti-apartheid campaigner for whom ‘constructive engagement’ has long been an almost obscene expression, I have been persuaded by Crisis Group’s field analysis that re-engagement through major programs of development assistance, and opening up trade, would not only make life less miserable in the short term for Burma’s people, but do more than coercion alone to change over time regime behaviour.

The fourth rule is to be prepared to commit the necessary resources, governmental and intergovernmental, when and where they are needed, and particularly at the early prevention stage, where any investment now is likely to be infinitely cheaper than paying later for military action, humanitarian relief assistance and post-conflict reconstruction — something the international community is still much better at talking about than doing.

Preventing Continuation: Conflict Resolution When efforts to prevent the outbreak of conflict fails, the task becomes that of preventing its continuation, i.e. conflict resolution — hopefully achieved by peacemaking negotiations rather than the use of overriding military force. In this context, again, there are a number of lessons we have painfully learned about what makes a successful peace accord.

First, peacemaking requires, as does earlier conflict prevention

effort, the commitment of serious diplomatic resources, both in quality and quantity, at whatever level is most likely to bring success — through the UN, through a regional organization, through a particular government initiative, or sometimes through second-track or unofficial mechanisms.

Second, successful peace negotiating requires creativity and stamina, and a willingness to work with all the players that matter, however ugly their past behaviour may have been, or stated principles or ideology continue to be.

A third lesson we have learned is that peacemaking is not an event so much as a process, and signing the agreement is not the end of it. The critical need is to generate commitment to, and ownership of, the peace by the warring parties: so their commitments are not just formal, but internalized, and will stick. That takes, in turn, real skill and commitment on the part of those mediating or otherwise assisting the negotiation.

Fourth, we know that any peace accord must deal with all the fundamentals of the dispute: all the issues which will have to be resolved if normality is to return. One of the most fragile of the peace agreements currently in place is that for Kenya, for precisely this reason: the Annan negotiation, while producing an effective political fix at the top, through a power-sharing agreement which stopped the initial violence, left completely unresolved the fundamental underlying causes of the explosion of ethnic violence, including land distribution, economic disparities and inadequate constitutional and legal protections.

Fifth, any successful peace accord must get the balance right between peace and justice. This is a lot easier said than done. The South African truth and reconciliation commission model, with its amnesties for the perpetrators of even serious crimes, is widely admired, but in other cases sustainable peace will not be possible without significant retributive justice: i.e. the visible trial and punishment of those most guilty. What is clear is that the people of every country, whether it’s Cambodia or Rwanda or East Timor or Liberia, have to resolve what works for them. There is sometimes a case to be made for peace taking precedence over justice, but only in the most exceptional cases where there is clear and unequivocal evidence that there will be a major peace dividend — and that is not the case for now in either Uganda or Sudan, the two most currently controversial cases.

Sixth, the terms of any accord, and the method of its enforcement and implementation, must be sufficiently resilient to deal with spoilers — those who would seek to undermine or overturn it. That has been a constant problem in most of the peace settlements in Africa and elsewhere that have not held, or which remain incomplete — as happened before in Rwanda and Angola for example, and is happening now in the Congo.

Seventh — and this follows particularly from the last point — a peace accord to be successful must have the necessary degree of international support: with all the guarantees and commitment of resources that are necessary to make it stick. And this leads us to the last set of lessons I want to discuss, necessarily very briefly in the time remaining.

Preventing Recurrence: Post Conflict Rebuilding The biggest lessons of all about the handling of conflict that we have learned in recent years — not least from Rwanda (where the 1994 genocide, taking 800 000 lives, followed the Arusha peace deal just a year before), Angola (where the 1991 Bicesse Agreement to end the war in was followed by a relapse into bloody conflict for another decade with another million or more lives lost), Haiti, Afghanistan and now Iraq — is the critical necessity of effective post-conflict peacebuilding, to ensure that the whole weary conflict cycle does not begin again.

Palash Kausher is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Mohammed Umar Bago and Niger State administration

By Bologi Ibrahim

Good and inclusive governance as well as people’s trust are, perhaps, the most important factors in attaining socioeconomic development of any society. Their imperatives are such that they guarantee stability, prosperity, and collective well-being of the people.

But for a leader to establish good and inclusive governance that earns people’s trust, he must come to power with vision, courage, tolerance, humility, and hard work. This is from the prism the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, is clearly approaching his administration.

After a triumphant entry and assumption of office as the 6th Executive Governor of the state, Mohammed Umar Bago, is aware that earning the trust of people he governs will not only be vital to his success, but that all campaign promises must be delivered to sustain that trust, while also avoiding the fatal mistakes of his predecessors.

Given the size, diversity, and development challenges of Niger State, the herculean task of spearheading the affairs of the state is enormous but surmountable. In order to confront these challenges, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago rolled out the policy thrust of his administration. The policy thrust and roadmap targets a transformation programme that will help accelerate good governance, overcome obstacles, and harness the full potential of the state to spur inclusive growth, support economic transformation, promote development, and improve socioeconomic conditions of the people.

During his inauguration address, shortly after taking the oath of office, the Governor listed security, agriculture, education, commerce, tourism, health, infrastructural development, and women and youth empowerment as the central focus and priorities of his administration.

It is said that no meaningful development can be achieved in an insecure environment. This is why security tops the agenda of the new administration. The re-articulation of the state’s development agenda upholds insecurity as the most compelling task ahead of the government. “We will tackle security challenges bedeviling the state with the intensity and urgency it deserves”, Governor Bago had assured in his inauguration address.

To do so, the Governor, with the swiftness of military dispatch, has set the ball rolling with his recent visits and consultations with Service Chiefs and Heads of Para-military outfits, to consolidate the already established collaboration with security agencies towards a peaceful Niger State.

He hinted Defence Correspondents after a close door meeting with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Iraboh, on one

of the strategies they would employ to secure the state. He said his administration would involve Fulani youths as part of nonconventional security personnel to protect forests within the state in order to wade-off bandits.

“We will first take over the forests, clear them and make them useful, then the Fulani will now be given the responsibility to protect themselves and their assets because they are the occupants of the forest and jungles,” he had said.

Already some security experts have lauded such a strategy, and acknowledged it as one of its kinds in recent times. The Governor’s visits and consultations with Service Chiefs have started yielding positive result, as they all assured that they would intensify efforts at bringing insecurity to an end in the state. On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Isiaka Oladayo, assured of the deployment of more aircraft to ensure quick response to security challenges in the state.

“We know the problem we have now is the criminals don’t want farmers to go to their farms but we are working ahead of them. We are deploying some aircraft to Minna to increase our response to any security issue in the state”, he had said.

As Governor Mohammed Umar Bago fixes security, he will, simultaneously, strives to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and diversify its economy through agriculture, solid minerals, and tourism as well as other potential areas of comparative economic advantage. In repositioning the state for greatness, the Governor is aware that agriculture is the backbone of the state’s economy, and recognizes the potential of agriculture to rapidly promote growth and development. Consequently, the new administration will facilitate the attainment of food sufficiency, provide jobs across the agriculture value chain, and generate the needed revenue for development of critical infrastructure in the state, thereby reducing over-dependence on Federal allocation.

The state government will also leverage assistance from International Development Partners, Aid, and Donor Agencies to fund some critical and revenue-yielding sectors of the state’s economy, especially tourism and road infrastructure.

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is aware that promoting gender and youth mainstreaming is essential for an all-inclusive government that will prowl development, hence intends to not only include them in decision-making but empowered them to make meaningful contributions to the progress and development of the state. In driving this policy, the Governor has earmarked the positions of vice chairman and secretary of the 25 local government areas of the state to women, while 90 percent of those who would be appointed to his cabinet would be youths.

“Our administration’s determination to create a better

future for youths and women will be unwavering; we will create opportunities for gainful employment for them within the state and beyond,” the Governor had said. “I am confident that the engagement of our women and youths in skill acquisition will create the desired multiplier effects to change their socioeconomic status.”

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago understands the yearnings and expectations of the people, which is why he has chosen to do things differently by taking a departure from the past, in the overall interest of the people. It is in demonstration of this resolve that in his inauguration speech, he revoked the sales of houses and plots of land at the proposed 3-arms zone in Minna, by the immediate past administration of Abubakar Sani Bello. He said the 3-arms zone will be completed to provide accommodation to the 3-arms of government as contained in the original masterplan.

As a man that abhors the leader knows it all mentality, the Governor welcomes suggestions from the people on ways to further develop the state. And he demonstrated this when he personally received a report from Niger State Development Forum, headed by Chairman and Former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada at the Niger State Lodge, Abuja. The report, which was put together by prominent sons and daughters of the state, irrespective of political affiliation, contained the group’s suggestions and recommendations on ways to move the state forward.

The Governor had told the gathering that the expectations of residents are much and that his administration will do its best to surpass the expectations.

“We shouldn’t be interested in the euphoria of the first 100 days,” he had said, “our limit should not be in the next 100 days. We don’t want to do window dressing, we want to do groundbreaking projects that will last for a long time “.

Undoubtedly, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is ready and willing to build a new Niger State for the present and future generations. And armed with modern governance framework, a pro-growth and development policy, the new administration has started on a good footing to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people of Niger State. But like our elders have adviced, we must all be prepared to leave our comfort zones if things must get better.

With Governor Mohammed Umar Bago at the helm of affairs, there is high optimism that with collective support and cooperation, the new administration shall achieve remarkable milestones beyond the people’s expectations, as we all believe that a new Niger State is a work in progress.

Bologi Ibrahim writes in from Niger State.

“Illiteracy”?

By Caleb Onah

Several good decisions and policies have been made in the past but when decisions are made, including educational ones in the absence of empathy or empathic intelligence, it creates a corrupt system and future that indirectly affects us and not others. Hence, to cure Nigeria’s educational sector of this malady, we have to make very large self sacrifices in order to achieve a change in the system, sector or the society.

During a speech at Northwestern University, Barack Obama once said that there is a more pressing challenge in our society, federal and institutional arena which is the “empathy deficit”. According to the former US president, it is empathy that will bring together a nation divided by ethnicity, class and political ideologies.

An article published by Alan Kirman and Miriam Teschl, entitled “Selfish or Selfless? The Role of Empathy in Economics”. They argue that although empathy has been practised, and incorporated into every aspect of life to some extent throughout history, as well as in other policy areas, much of its application in the educational system and current world has faded away, which I will say is the case of Nigeria’s educational sector. In Nigeria, according to the latest World Bank records, as of November 2022, her literacy rate was 62% in 2018. According to verified Statista, 68% of young Nigerians in 2020 will have a secondary education. About 15% of them completed their primary education, while 17% went on to further education after high school.

According to UNICEF later sources, cited by Reliefweb, 18.5 million children were out of school in Nigeria as of May 2022. 60% of these children are girls and 20% of all Nigerian children are out of school in mid-2022. Statistics on the most educated states in Nigeria by their literacy level shows Lagos State is the most developed state in Nigeria, has a literacy rate of 96.30%, Imo State has a literacy rate of 96.43%. Enugu State has a literacy rate of 96.00%, home to the first Federal University in Nigeria. Rivers State’s literacy rate is 95.76%. Abia State is the 5th most educated state in Nigeria with a literacy rate of 94.24%. Akwa-Ibom State has a literacy rate of 93.00%. The literacy

rate of Anambra State is 92.11%, Ogun State is 90.57%. Edo State has a literacy rate of 90.53% and Osun State has a literacy rate of 90.00%.

However, out of the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory, it would not be a bad idea to say that the entire Nigerian education system is suffering from a multitude of problems and the situation is getting worse every day. Some of the problem which some of us have become aware of includes: lack of funding, lack of quality staff; inadequate facilities, lack of furnished and quality classrooms, offices and laboratories for teaching and research; indiscipline among staff and students; inconsistent and erroneous educational policies; corruption in high and low places; worship of authority figures; irregular pay; exam malpractices; sexual acts for grading; the use of ghost labour force; fake sourcing and the provision of resources; bogus education data; appointments and promotions based on ethnicity and tribes instead of base on merit; as well as trivialisation of retirement.

It should be noted that of all the issues, corruption is a widespread problem in the political and economic sphere of Nigeria. It is not contradictory to say that educationally, Nigeria is in chaos. Corruption is already deeply ingrained in the country’s institutional structures. But it becomes a more worrisome and tragic issue as it creeps into the educational sector. Understandably, corruption in politics is enough of a “tragedy” for a country as Nigeria; when practice in the educational sector is a “double tragedy”.

Unfortunately, it is also not out of place to say “educated illiteracy” and lack of “empathy” is what has pervaded Nigeria’s educational sector and continues to threaten economic growth. Because it has shown over the years no values to showcase leadership and initiative for growth and innovation in the sector or perhaps system by those concern, in policy making, and lack of common sense in ways to know that “one good turn deserves another” which why in a way critical thinking, empathy and cost-benefit analysis of others in today’s corrupt, polarised and divided world will revitalise and lead us to a better place in our country.

Empathy will show an understanding of challenges and difficulties that all students and staff face. It will serve as a great catalyst, serving as a pathway to correctly perceive and express concerns for citizens,

and using those emotional-concerns to facilitate policies, not only about and for self but the adjustment and growth of systems.

Several good decisions and policies have been made in the past but when decisions are made, including educational ones in the absence of empathy or empathic intelligence, it creates a corrupt system and future that indirectly affects us and not others. Hence, to cure Nigeria’s educational sector of this malady, we have to make very large self sacrifices in order to achieve a change in the system, sector or the society.

On the hand, if we are to employ empathy but it only produces benefit for people who look, think, believe, or vote like us which is the case of Nigeria today, then I would argue that not only we will keep falling back to our most base of tribal, corrupt nature, there is little chance that diverse nations like the U.S, UK, China, Finland and South African can continue to achieve great heights. The idea of these nations is based on the idea that it is because of their diversity and inclusion that they remain prosperous, strong and united. It also means that there is a national value created when we “sacrifice” ourselves for the greater good of others.

For when we are concerned with the educational system or intellectual growth of citizens, we pay attention with keen awareness, to how current economic situation affect others, we remain close to them and their stories, whether physically or cognitively, we seek to understand how our lives and actions intersect with theirs, including desires and actions.

By investing in education through empathy; governments, communities and NGOs can help prepare young people for the challenges ahead. If children are truly the leaders of tomorrow, and education is the bedrock for economic and national growth, it is time we start investing in them with empathy and not mere thinking or rulership! Therefore, if we begin to act with empathy, think with empathy, serve with empathy, and live with empathy there is always hope that we can get closer to the stability we seek in our educational system, nation and world.

Caleb Onah is a Public Policy Analyst.

Failure of Nigeria’s educational system: Lack of “Empathy” or mere

10th NASS: Group declares support for Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Support Group of Tajudeen

Abbas Speakership has said that their candidate has all qualities to become the 10th assembly speaker and should be given the mandate for a better legislation in the country.

The group Secretary, Ahmed Adamu made this known during an interview with newsmen after paying homage to the elder statesman former military President

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to seek for his fatherly blessings at his uphill Manson in Minna, urging Nigerians to key in to the All Progressives Congress (APC) anointed candidate.

Hon. Adamu emphasized that among the speakership aspirants only Tajudeen Abbas who sponsored over 70 bills out of which 20 bills were assented to by the immediate past president Muhammadu Buhari.

He reiterated that if given the mandate, he will turn the

10th assembly in to a formidable team for members across the country, hence to meet up with the high expectations of Nigerians especially with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima piloting affairs of the country.

Adamu was optimistic that Abbas will ensure cordial and better understanding and working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government for better development while avoiding

the repeat of what happened during the 8th assembly in Nigeria.

He maintained that Honourable Tajudeen Abbas has all the required prerequisites and experience to lead the lower chamber of the national assembly, noting that he has the good character, integrity, passion, trustworthiness, team spirit and a Nigerian per excellence that deserved to be given the mandate.

Niger Gov. to renew plan on Urban renewal project

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger state has reiterated the commitment of his government in the realization of urban renewal plan in all the major cities in the state.

Governor Bago stated this when he went round to inspect some strategic locations within Minna, the state capital with the contractors to survey areas where some projects will be located.

He said remodeling of the major towns have become

necessary considering the poor environment the people are living in over the years.

The Governor expressed optimism that the people will be happy with the developmental projects even if it will cost them their buildings so long as they will be compensated.

Nasara urges Tinubu to re-sign Musa Bello as cabinet appointee again

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Areas inspected were Obasonjo complex, Mobil roundabout, Tunga roundabout, City gate roundabout, Tugan Goro, Chanchaga Bridge, Barkin SaleMorris Bridge, Kpakungu and Old Secretariat roundabout amongst others.

PDP dissolves Ebonyi, Ekiti States’ Executive committees

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has approved the dissolution of its Executive Committees in Ebonyi and Ekiti States with immediate effect.

This dissolution was confirmed in a statement by the

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

The decision of the NWC, according to the statement, is pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The PDP charged all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our

Party in Ebonyi and Ekiti States respectively to remain united and focused on the task ahead. According to the statement, “After extensive deliberations and consultations, the National Working Committee (NWC) hereby approves the dissolution of the Executive Committees of the Ebonyi and Ekiti States Chapters of our great Party with immediate effect.

“The decision of the NWC is pursuant to Sections 29(2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The PDP charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Ebonyi and Ekiti States respectively to remain united and focused on the task ahead”, it said.

Aparty chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,APC, and former Senatorial candidate in Adamawa state,Alhaji Ahmadu Hamman Nasara has urged president Bola Ahmad Tinubu to appoint Nigerians with impeccable character, patriotism and capacity to deliver in to his cabinet.

Hamman Nasara who holds the traditional title of Dan-Majen Adamawa gave the presidential advise while bearing his mind on the future of the country, suggesting that, personality like the immediate past Minister of FCT, Mal. Muhammad Musa Bello are the type of people needed for the job.

Nasara in the interview in Yola yesterday said president Tinubu need to consider reappointing Mal.Musa Bello in to his new administration with a view to moving the country forward as he has exhibited in the last former president Buhari’s era where he held sway as the FCT Minister.

He noted that the records of the Minister speaks volume for himself.

He stated that,Bello as Minister has proven his worthiness by maintaining the FCT Abuja master plan and texture without tempering or compromising it (Master plan) for favours or gratifications to cronies which was order of day before his appointment as the Minister.

“We are proud of our brother as Adamawa state nominee in the last President Buhari’s administration,who happens to be the only one that left office with clean hands with out any form of query or questioning by anti-craft agency .

“He (Musa Bello) vehemently maintained the FCT Abuja master-plan and it’s texture without compromising it which gave the desired results of standard infrastructural development and beautification of the capital city of Nigeria.”

Members and officials of National Coalitalion of APC Support Groups Northern States, Endorsed Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, As 10th National Assembly, in Kaduna on Sunday

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has said the emergence of a northern Muslim Senate President will aggravate the fear over an alleged plan to islamise Nigeria.

Briefing journàlists yesterday in Abuja ahead of the 10th National Assembly election of principal officers, which has

Five Kogi East guber candidates adopt SDP’s Ajaka as consensus candidate

By Christiana Ekpa

Five of the nine governorship candidates from Kogi East Senatorial District have adopted Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka as the consensus candidate to contest the November 11, Governorship Elections.

A statement issued yesterday by his Director of communication, Faruk AdejohAudu said the resolution of the candidates has further reinforced the bright prospects of Alhaji Ajaka, who is already tipped as the leading candidate in the race.

It said the Secretary of the Kogi East Governorship Candidates Forum (KEGCF), Abdullahi Bayawo of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), who announced the resolution at the weekend, said the candidates decided to sacrifice their personal ambitions in the interest of the people of Kogi State.

It further said those who participated in the resolution include: Arc Isah Dauda; APM, Onaji Sunday Frank; APP, Dr Elukpo Julius; ADP, Dr Abdullahi Bayawo; PRP and Alhaji Murtala Yakubu of the SDP.

“Following this resolution the candidates are expected to harmonise their structure with that of the SDP Candidate to ensure a more effective campaign”, the statement said.

Northern Muslim Senate President will fuel islamisation fears - Arewa New Agenda

been scheduled for tomorrow in the federal parliament, the Convener of ANA, Ahmed Abubakar MoAllahyidi said there is need for religious balancing.

To this end, he called for a southern Christian to be allowed to emerge as the 10th Senate President, adding that senator Godswill Akpabio from Akwa Ibom state should be adopted as consensus candidate as already indicated by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

While enjoining all muslim northerners, including former Zamfara State Governor, AbdulAzeez Yari, to shelve their ambition of contesting the Senate President in the interest of peace and stability of the country, MoAllahyidi said what Tinubu needs now is the corporation of the National Assembly.

“As you are now aware, the Arewa New Agenda ANA, has been in the forefront of seeking to promote the continuing prominence, relevance, involvement and participation of “the north” in national sociopolitical and economic activities through its vision of a Nigeria; where the north is capable, vibrant and takes ownership of its future.

“As a northern voice engaging in the promotion of social harmony and peaceful coexistence in our great country Nigeria, we are speaking ahead

of the inauguration of the 10th national assembly coming up tomorrow- essentially to add our voice and prevail on our newly elected distinguished Senators and honorable members of the House of Representatives to use the election of their presiding officers as an activity that will demonstrate social peace building, national cohesion and healing.

“The election of principal officers of the two chambers of the national assembly is coming at a time when some sections of the polity are already jittery of the fact that the President and Vice President are Muslims, the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN is a Muslim and the front-runner for the Speaker of the house of representatives is also a Muslim.

“ANA is concerned that a situation where all the leadership of the Executive, Legislature and the judiciary are Muslims does not provide the needed balance, inclusion and cohesion that our diversity requires at this moment; it is for this reason that the quest to have a Southern Christian as President of the 10th Senate is laudable, commendable and most reassuring.

“Taking deliberate steps to reserve the position for the South with a Christian on the saddle is a bold move that has the propensity of further uniting Nigeria across both tribal and

religious lines. It is a very desirable and progressive move that is capable of engendering peace and national stability. It will also demonstrate, empathy, accommodation and a sense of belonging that will erode the fear of exclusion and marginalization.

“ANA is however mindful of the fact that in the lead up to the determination of the Leadership of the 10th Senate, many highly qualified contenders have publicly thrown their hats into the ring; they come from different regions of the country; we therefore respectfully impress on the northerners among them especially the Muslims, to defer their ambition as a sacrifice to promote the spirit of brotherhood, fraternal accommodation and goodwill”,

MoAllahyidi pleaded.

“The current dispensation requires leaders with character and tenacity; Senator Godswill Akpabio comes across as a gifted leader with an uncommon grace to navigate the treacherous and difficult political landscape, having built enduring bridges across the Political, ethnic and religious landscape of a multifaceted country like Nigeria, his political sagacity and accommodating win-win ethos will be the highly needed skills required to head the 10th Senate.

“ANA will like to use this opportunity to call on wellmeaning Nigerians to support President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, in their onerous task of taking Nigeria to great heights.”

Democracy Day: Action Alliance harps on citizens’ democratic rights

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Action Alliance (AA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that his administration works to protect and defend citizens’ democratic rights.

The national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai OmoAje, made the call in his message to mark the 30th anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential elections.

Omo-Aje said President Tinubu can demonstrate his avowed belief in democracy if he selflessly delivers the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians regardless of social status or ethnic, religious, or political affiliation.

He added that the only

way citizens’ longstanding aspirations and hope in true democracy, encapsulated in the long-drawn struggle against the annulment of June 12, can be met is when Nigerians can choose their leaders in a free, fair, and transparent process devoid of violence and ethnic and religious hatred.

According to him: “The Democracy Day celebrated today stands as a symbol of Nigerians’ steadfast struggle against military despotism and for democratic governance.

“While it is important to recognise and honour the heroes of this remarkable struggle, as past regimes have done, we believe that far more important is the need for Nigerians to fully enjoy their democratic rights

in the selection of who governs them.”

He added that they also must begin to feel the dividends of democracy, for which they sweated, struggled, and died during those long years of street battles and protests against military rule.

“It has been over 24 years since democratic rule was restored in Nigeria, but it is arguable whether the form of governance that exists in Nigeria today can be described as a democracy or simply civilian rule,” he stressed.

According to him, while there has been some marked progress in terms of a thriving multiparty democracy and regular elections, Nigeria’s record of human rights violations has not fundamentally

improved.

He noted that since 1999, Nigeria has experienced systematic attacks on democratic rights, attacks on the opposition, shrinking civic space, arbitrary arrests, illegal detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings by security agents, as well as suppression of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, violation of the principles of separation of powers, assault on the judiciary, and press freedom.

Omo-Aje while congratulating Nigerians on the celebration, said his party would continue to ensure that the dividends of democracy get to every nook and cranny of the country and that the sacrifice of the actors of June 12 is not in vain.

POLITICS

Democracy Day: June 12 should inspire us to correct error of February 25 -Peter Obi

By Christiana Ekpa

The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi has urged Nigerians to let the spirit of June 12 being celebrated as Democracy Day in the country be an inspiration to correct the errors of February 25, as the surest root to restoring and deepening democracy.

Obi, in a Democracy Day message to Nigerians said that “ the challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy”

He described June 12 as “a historic day that deserves to be celebrated”, noting that “on that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.”

Obi noted that it is the qualities of votes reflecting the true choice of the people “that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy. Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and

governments and peoples across the world.”

The former Anambra state Governor who is in court challenging the Presidential election he is perceived to have won remarked “June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

He regretted that “the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

“We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of

ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.”

The Presidential flag bearer urged the country to “use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

“In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

“Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social

contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Obi regretted that Nigerians are now in “an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting.

“The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

Allows NASS members to exercise their rights - CNG tells Tinubu

By Abubakar Yunusa

Ahead of the National Assembly election, Coalition for Northern Group (CNG) has warned President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to respect rule of law, urging him to stop the ploy to intimidate anyone for exercising his rights to vote and be voted for.

The group said it understands that the sinister plot also extends to aspirants to positions in the House of Representatives who are targeted for undue harassment and intimidation.

CNG said it is particularly worried by its conviction that these elements are hatching these evil plans without the consent of the President, with the sole aim of pitching him against the larger northern interest.

CNG spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement signed and shared with journalists yesterday, said “We are calling on President to move quickly as a renowned democrat and respecter of the rule of law to stop the ploy to intimidate anyone for exercising his right to vote and be voted for.

“As concerned northerners and

well wishers of Mr President, we feel dutybound to once again draw his attention to this brewing plot and to call on him to move quickly and reassert his commitment to good, impartial governce to halt this sinister plot that potentially airms to set him up against particularly the North.

“We are sure Mr President cannot afford to allow anybody no matter who, to cause any form of misunderstanding between him and the North, where he enjoys solid support and genuine friendship.

“This plot as widely speculated, involves the introduction of a suspicious electronic voting system in the process meant to track the pattern of voting in the National Assembly.

“We are also aware of growing worries over plans to block lawmakerselect opposed to the Senate Presidency’s ambition of Godswill Akpabio from gaining access to the National Assembly on the day of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly.

“The statement partly read “CNG is, without the slightest doubt, convinced that by his democratic antecedents

and abiding faith in the rule of law and sanctity enfranchisement, Mr President shall never be party to any conduct that tends to impeach anybody’s right to personal liberty and freedom from harassment.

“This realization and other manifestations of evil being perpetrated by some unscrupulous political merchants, who pose as his friends, are the reasons why from the onset, CNG cautioned the President against the antics of desperate political dealers with very negative intentions by allowing the legislators to freely and fairly produce their leaders.

“It would be difficult not to remember that northern votes overwhelmingly went to President Tinubu and the APC to comprehensively ensure their victory at the polls.

“Finally, we reiterate our earlier advice for the President not to interfere in the leadership selection process of the National Assembly, which is the sole prerogative of the elected legislators, and to alert him that those undertaking this insane scheme are not his friends; they are people who will not want to see him succeed”.

Kogi guber: Ajaka was Barewa College student - Principal, Isyaku

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Barewa College, Zaria, Kaduna State has confirmed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Kogi gubernatorial election, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka was a student of the school.

Reacting to an earlier letter which the school was reported to have written in response to an enquiry to verify his history in the school, the Principal,

Mallam Alhassan Isyaku apologised that there was an inadvertent mix up.

The letter addressed to the Chairman of the Kogi East Elders Forum, Chief Gabriel Aduku, said its earlier response was an error of omission.

Part of the latter reads “After additional investigation of our archived records I confirm that the Muritala Yakubu with registration number 14667 was a student of the college from 1996 to 1998.

“However he did not sit for WAEC in

1998 in the college, hence the absence of his name in the 1998 WAEC Gazette. I apologise for the error and we are available, should you need further clarification. “

Statement issued by the Director of Communication, The Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka Campaign Organization, Faruk Adejoh-Aidu, therefore assured supporters that there is no cause for alarm.

“The error of omission by the school was as a result of the fact that

the original enquiry was couched to verify the WAEC Certificate submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which Alhaji Ajaka never said emanated from the school.

“Rather it was an external GCE Certificate issued directly to the candidate by the Examination Council.

“The public is therefore urged to disregard the campaign of calumny by desperate individuals based on the earlier erroneous communications”, the statement said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Musa Baba Adamu

The alleged suspension of former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Taraba State, David Ishaya Kassa, by the executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Yorro local government council has begun to tear the party apart.

The party leadership from Kassa ‘A’ ward of the council, claimed that their counterparts in Wards, had no constitutional power to suspend any member of the party.

The party in the local government, led by its chairman, Anthony David, had last week announced the suspension of the former Commissioner from the party.

His suspension was attributed to the alleged roles he played during the last general election, which they claim led to the victory of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, candidate in Yorro state constituency.

Piqued by the former Commissioner’s purported suspension, the party’s ward executives, led by Geoffrey Mading, insisted that the suspension cannot hold as the executives at the local government level have no power mandating them to suspend anyone.

Buttressing their argument with Articles 8(3), (9), Article 57 (1)(2) (4) of the PDP Constitution 2017 (As amended), they said, “only the Ward Executives have power to register members at Ward level, initiate any disciplinary proceedings and suspend or expel a members.”

The Ward leaders who insist “the Local Government Executives have no power to suspend a member of the Party” made their positions known in a press statement on Sunday

Crisis in PDP Taraba as executives fight over authority to suspend in Yorro LG

made available to newsmen in Jalingo, the state capital.

Part of the statement read, “We the Kassa ‘A’ Ward Executives of PDP, Yorro Local Government Area lead by the Ward Chairman Mr. Geoffrey Mading affirms the membership status of Dr. David Ishaya Kassa as a bonafide member of the party without any blemish.”

“As a matter of fact, Dr. Ishaya is a pride of PDP in Yorro Local Government and primus inter parem among all

other PDP members of the local government. He has worked tirelessly for the party and contributed immensely for the growth and development of the party.”

“A few persons have demarketed the party by sitting tight and promoting redundancy for donkey years, soiling the good image of the former Commissioner and the Party in the local government.

“Ward Executives will not stand by and watch any group

of charlatans speak ill of him without basis or authority, They called on the party leadership at the state level to as a matter of urgency bring to book those behind the purported suspension, saying, “in the exercise of the powers of the Ward Executives, the perpetrators of this ill-fated, malicious and baseless, press release against our leader are hereby recommended for disciplinary action by the party at Ward level.”

Announcing the suspension of the local government party chairman, they directed him to immediately “hand over all properties of the party in his possession and desist from parading himself as a member of the PDP until he clears his name before the ward disciplinary committee.”

But the chairman who insisted that he is still the PDP chairman of Yorro council, said the suspension of the former Commissioner remains.

Why Akpabio is best candidate for the job of 10th Senate President - SSSG

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Apolitical pressure group, South South Solidary Group (SSSG) at the weekend said former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, remains the best candidate for the job of Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

Briefing journàlists in Abuja, the Convener of the group, Peter Ikpen Ilefa, said Akpabio and senator Jibril Barau will give the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Government the required impetus to deliver good governance to Nigerians.

Explaining why the Akpabio and Barau ticket remains

most formidable, the SSSG said “Senator Akpabio/Barau leadership of the 10th Nigerian Senate promises to be the pillar of support for the smooth administration of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Over the years, both Sen Akpabio and Sen Barau have shown the world unrivalled capacity of being superlative leaders. Little wonder the Stability Group led by Senator Ali Ndume is rallying support behind their aspirations as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

“Growing through the ranks of politics in Nigeria, Senator Akpabio has demonstrated immense competence in the

management of human affairs, and this, he is bringing on board his leadership of the 10th Senate.

“Akpabio relishes an immeasurable excellent ideas on how best to complement the President in his drive to reengineering the Nigerian economy, security architecture, our failing educational system, exiting the masses of our people from acute poverty, youth development and generally bring dividends of democracy to the doorstep of every Nigerian through quality legislation and robust oversight functions.

“Senator Akpabio has relentlessly been on the Vanguard of uplifting humanity all his life and examples abound

in Akwa Ibom State where he led his people out of ‘Egypt’ to the promised land of massive infrastructural development, superlative medical facilities, educational growth cutting down insecurity to manageable level and writing the name of that state in the map of one of the fastest infrastructurally developing states in the country.”

Speaking further, he said what Nigerians need now is a man who will make Nigeria work again by joining hands with the executive and judicial arms of government to exit the nation out of the woods of rejection by the citizenry.

At this juncture, the SouthSouth Solidarity Group appealed

that for the purpose of National Solidarity, Senators AbdulAzeez Yari, Orji Uzor Kalu and Osita Izunaso to step down and support the consensus candidate of the APC for the interest of peace and respect to the leadership of the party led by President Bola Tinubu.

“Today is the turn of Akpabio and Barau, tomorrow could be the turn of any of them and we will still be here to lend our onerous voice. Anything short of stepping down, would mean fragrant disrespect to Mr. President who is determined to serve Nigeria by building a team he feels, will compliment his drive for a better and prosperous Nigeria.”

L-R: Turkish-Nigeria Business chairperson, Haton Orbl; Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Trade and Industry, Mrs Tayo Adeola ; Wife of Turkish Ambassador, Fusur Bayraktar; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayat Bayraktar; National President, NACCIMA, Barrister Dele Oye ; and Deputy Ambassador, Imdat Korolog; during the Ambassador’s working visit to the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti, at the weekend.

LG unveils powerhouse xboom XL7S speaker for audiophiles Suspended

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, arrested,

detained

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has been taken into custody by Nigeria’s secret police, the State Security Service (SSS), hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is now in its custody for some investigative reasons,” Peter Afunanya, the spokesperson for the agency, said in a press statement.

Mr Afunanya did not provide details of when and how Mr Emefiele was arrested and where he is being kept. However, this paper learnt the banker was picked up from his home in Lagos and then flown to Abuja guarded by a detachment of operatives. He was then driven to the SSS’ headquarters in the Asokoro District of the nation’s capital when sources said he was being quizzed.

There were speculations Friday night that the SSS arrested Mr Emefiele shortly after he was suspended. But the law enforcement agency tweeted Saturday morning, saying the top banker was not in its custody.

It is unclear why the SSS is holding the embattled official. But the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said Friday that his office, the CBN, was under investigation.

The SSS and Mr Emefiele have had a turbulent relationship recently. Last year, the agency accused the governor of a barrage of offences.

The SSS secretly requested a court order in December to arrest him on allegations of “financing terrorism, fraudulent activities, and economic crimes of national security dimension.”

This request was, however, rejected by the Federal High Court in Abuja because the secret security unit failed to present sufficient evidence to justify issuing an arrest warrant against Mr Emefiele.

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

LG Electronics (LG) is launching its newest XBOOM devices XL7s to build on the brand’s reputation for consistently delivering powerful, high-quality sound systems that heighten every mood while delivering the level of convenience today’s consumers demand. The 2023 LG XBOOM party speakers are more than ready to elevate every listener’s sense of immerse by creating the most energetic and entertaining listening experiences for every occasion.

In his welcome speech, while announcing the new model, LG Electronics West Africa Managing Director, Dong Youn Kim said: “We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our XBOOM series.

At LG Electronics, we are always striving to create innovative products that exceed our customers’ expectations, and this new speaker is no exception.

•provides up to 18 hours of continuous playtime, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment

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Featuring Dynamic Bass Optimizer, this party speaker’s punchy bass guarantees listeners an optimized, well-balanced audio performance without bass distortion, which is essential for playing content at low volume as it automatically increases the bass levels. In addition, the XL7’s two 2.5-inch dome tweeters make sure it performs just well outside as it does inside.

The unique lighting effects of the latest XBOOM party speaker line-up make every social gathering more memorable. Its Pixel LED lighting feature comes

with Animation mode which expresses colourful patterns, a Visual EQ effect, characters, or customized text on the speaker’s LED panel to enrich the atmosphere of any space.

Additionally, Multi Color Ring Lighting produces light shows with various rotating, flashing effects that perfectly sync with the music to add an extra dimension to the listening experience. What’s more, courtesy of the Customizable Lighting feature, users can choose their own colors, patterns, animations, and personalized messages via the XBOOM app to create custom lighting effects that perfectly match their mood or playlist.

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from place to place effortlessly like wheel luggage.

The XBOOM party speakers boast an IPX4 rating too, which means users can enjoy music outdoors without worry, even around a swimming pool or in the bathroom. This compelling party companion’s battery lasts more than 20 hours, ensuring the party can last for hours.

“The XBOOM XL7s, which combines LG’s audio expertise and cutting-edge technology to provide an exceptional audio experience, is something we’re very excited to launch,” said Mr. Daesun Hwang, General Manager, Audio Visual Division at LG Electronics.

“With its powerful sound, versatile connectivity options, and exciting party features, the XL7s is a true powerhouse designed to enhance the way people enjoy music and create memorable moments.”

Binance operations in Nigeria Illegal— SEC declares

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declared the activities of Binance in Nigeria illegal.

According to a Circular by the Commission dated June 09, 2023, any Nigerian trading on Binance Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the well-known global cryptocurrency exchange Binance, is doing so at his or her own risk.

According to the Circular,

“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) has been drawn to the website operated by Binance Nigeria Limited, soliciting the Nigerian public to trade crypto assets on its various web and mobile-enabled platforms.

Binance Nigeria Limited is neither registered nor regulated by the Commission and its operations in Nigeria are therefore illegal.

“Any member of the investing public dealing with the entity is doing so at his/her

own risk”.

The SEC further stated that “as the regulator with the statutory mandate of investor protection, the Commission urges Nigerians to be wary of investing in crypto-assets, and crypto-asset related financial products and services if the service provider/its platform is not registered or regulated by the Commission.

The Commission therefore warned Nigerian investors that investing in crypto-assets is extremely risky and may result

in total loss of their investment.

“By this circular, Binance Nigeria Limited is hereby directed to immediately stop soliciting Nigerian investors in any form whatsoever.

“The Commission shall provide updates on further regulatory actions with respect to the activities of Binance Nigeria Limited, and other similar platforms and shall work with other regulators in Nigeria to provide further guidance on this matter” the SEC added.

Emefiele: Timi Frank urges DSS to arrest CEO’s of NIMASA, NNPCL,FIRS, Others

From Abubakar Yunusa

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently arrest and prosecute heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs of the Federal Government under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, known to have abused their offices through corrupt tendencies.

Frank in a statement in Abuja in reaction to the suspension and arrest of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, by the DSS, said other heads of critical government agencies known to have serially abused their offices and allegedly stole the common wealth of the people must be brought to book.

He listed the CEO’s to include the Directors General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamo, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami.

Others are the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, immediate past Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika and ex-Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, insisted that failure to arrest and prosecute these suspects known to have used their offices for selfish gain would show that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is only out to witch-hunt Emefiele now under DSS custody.

He added that without moving against the powerful cabal, the Tinubu’s administration would have lent credence to insinuations that it is only up against Christian political office holders as recently alluded to by the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-rufai.

Frank also called on the Tinubu’s administration to include beneficiaries of corruption proceeds from the affected MDAs in its list of suspects to be arrested and prosecuted.

States, companies authorised to generate power as Tinubu signs electricity bill into law

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has assented to the electricity bill, which empowers states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.

The new electricity law repeals the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 and consolidates the laws relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

On the other hand, President Muhammadu Buhari had signed 16 constitutional amendments in 2022, one of which pertains to the devolution of powers (national grid system) – clarifying the powers of the federal government and states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity.

Consequently, states have been granted constitutional authority to enact laws that allow them to

generate, distribute, and transport electricity within its boundaries, including territories formerly covered only by the national grid.

Speaking on the enactment of the new act, President Bola Tinubu, during an interactive session with traditional rulers on Friday, said the constitutional amendment permits Nigeria’s 36 states to generate electricity.

‘‘That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the newly-signed act provides an omnibus and ideal institutional framework for the post-privatisation phase of Nigeria’s power sector in the areas of generation, transmission, distribution, supply, trading, and general use of electricity.

According to the document, the

primary objective of the regulation is to create a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to guide the operation of a privatised, contract, and rule-based competitive electricity market in Nigeria.

It also aims to attract, through transformative policy and regulatory measures, private sector investments in the entire power value chain of the NESI.

Additionally, it provides a framework for the improvement of access to electricity in rural, unserved, underserved, periurban, and urban areas through the use of conventional sources and renewable energy off-grid and mini-grid solutions.

Under the law, states would be able to issue licenses to private investors who have the ability to operate mini-grids and power plants, but such licenses would not apply to the distribution

of electricity between states or internationally.

According to the electricity act, until a state has passed its electricity market laws, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will continue to regulate electricity business exclusively carried out in those states.

The Electricity Reform Act, 2005, also empowers the NERC to oversee the electricity industry activities, including licencing and regulating persons engaged in the generation, transmission, and system operation.

The new electricity act said NERC would continue this function.

The regulation also states that the commission will promote competition and private sector participation in the post-privatised power sector, “when and where feasible; establish appropriate obligations regarding the provision and use of electricity services”.

Subsidy removal: Food will be very expensive, say farmers

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, would adversely affect food production and subsequently cause costs to shoot up, farmers stated.

Based on this, they insisted that the market prices of food items were bound to rise, stressing that Nigerians should brace up for about 150 per cent increase in the cost of agricultural produce.

President Bola Tinubu had declared during his inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th President, on May 29, 2023, that fuel “subsidy is gone.”

In about two days after Tinubu’s declaration, the sole importer of petrol into the country, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, released a price list for PMS at its retail stations, indicating a jump in price from N195/litre to over N500/litre.

The about 156 per cent hike in petrol price was implemented in all states and the Federal Capital Territory, aside Lagos, where it sold for N488/litre at NNPCL filling stations.

The development led to the hike in the cost of various goods and services across the country.

In the agricultural sector, farmers under the aegis of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria stated that the hike in the cost of food, following the jump in PMS price, was non-negotiable.

“The situation is dire right now. Food price rise as a result of the hike in petrol price is non-negotiable. That is a reality. The issue now is, by how much or per cent will this increase be?,” the President, All Farmers

Association of Nigeria, Kabir Ibrahim, told our correspondent.

He added, “Fuel is being sold at over N500/litre, so the fact is that once transportation increases, the prices of transport will be transferred on food. So, as people pay a lot to bring the food to where it is needed, the prices will increase.

“Therefore, I foresee a situation where the prices of food items would take the biggest hit and would definitely rise because of the increase in the pump price of petrol.”

On his part, the Coordinator of Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Emmanuel Ijewere, observed that though the cost of diesel had remained stable for a while, the rise in petrol could lead to over 100 per cent increase in food prices.

“The hike in petrol price is affecting food production and cost very negatively right now. The petrol price rise is not 30 per cent, but over 100 per cent and Nigerians should brace up to get something similar in the cost of agricultural commodities.

“Especially those food that are moved from one part of the country to the other, they will feel the impact. However, that on its own is not meant to be affected much if there is honesty, because the price of diesel has been liberalised long ago.

“So, those trailers cannot say the price of petrol has gone up, because they don’t use petrol but they use diesel. Therefore, the price of food, which they transport should not be affected, but the irony is that it will be affected,” he stated.

Ijewere explained that that was because “when the trailers put down their goods at the

central place, the cost of moving it to the smaller markets, with shorter distances, will be borne by dealers who use vehicles that run on petrol”.

He said the government would, therefore, need to educate people about this, in order to avoid being cheated by transporters.

“This is because many people don’t understand what I have just said. The price of petrol has gone up, and trailer drivers will now capitalise on it to charge farmers twice or three times what they were charging before.

“So, information dissemination is key right now. The price of diesel has not changed, it has remained the same or around the same rate for a very long time. So, people should not be cheated by drivers

who operate vehicles that run on diesel,” Ijewere stated.

He pointed out that another thing farmers should consider now was to start buying bicycles, rather than looking for public transport, particularly when going to farms that were not too far away from their homes.

“The government on its own should also find a way of encouraging people, because riding a bicycle is healthy and I think it is a good thing for our country,” Ijewere stated.

He, however, stated that the petrol price rise did not discouraged farmers from farming, as agricultural activities were still ongoing in many states, despite the development in the downstream oil sector.

Niger APC stalwart sues former COS Balarabe claiming N2b damages

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

An All Progressives

Congress stalwart in Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Katcha has instituted case claiming N2 billion damages against the immediate past Chief of Staff Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe for malicious prosecution that was later discharge and acquitted.

The case instituted in High Court 3 Minna presided over by Justice Maryam Mahmood, the plaintiff counsels Anietie U.J Udoh Esq and Opeyemi Makinde Esq have told the court to order the defendant to pay a sum of N1 billion general damages for malicious prosecution.

The Court directed the Ibrahim Balarabe to also pay the plaintiff another N1 billion for been aggreviated and or examplary damages as well directed the defendant to publish public apology to the plaintiff in three different national newspapers.

Meanwhile, an order of the court awarding substantial sum as the court may assess as cost the suit in favour of the plaintiff, as well as an order directing the plaintiff to pay to the defendant 10% interest per month on the sum to be awarded above released from the date of judgement debt is fully and finally liquidated.

The plaintiff who is one of the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress APC in Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Katcha was arrested, detained and prosecuted from 4/12/2019 to 10/12/2021.

The former Chief of Staff COS, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe petitioned the plaintiff for criminal case for inciting the public on various social media platforms and insult the government, governor’s immediate family and constituted themselves to be security threat. The case which was handled by Minna magistrate court two later discharge and acquitted the case against Katcha for lack of merit which was not appeal after 30 days of judgement.

Apostle Kure resigns from Kaduna Peace Commission over El-Rufai’s

comments

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu

Kure has tendered his resignation as Co-Chair and member, House of Family of Kaduna Peace Commission over recent comments of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

This was contained in a letter to the Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of the Commission, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The letter stated viral video statement credited to El-Rufai which he is yet to openly deny openly thanked one religion over the other and explained why his government discriminated against one side and his wish that the Muslim-Muslim ticket

and religion be entrenched as the sole ruler over Nigeria, which is contrary to his belief and the fairness that his faith teaches him and he thinks, the Peace Commission stands for.

Apostle Kure added that ElRufai’s comments explained why he never executed any of the suggestions from several parleys with him.

“I cannot in good conscience serve on a committee that will promote disharmony, and further disintegration of our great nation.

“More so, it is clear that this explains why he arbitrarily proscribed the Atyap Development Association to send a warning to the other associations in Southern Kaduna that the same fate

awaits them if they try to bring the plight of Southern Kaduna people to the rest of the world,” he said.

Apostle Kure however advised current government to do things to heal the wounds that this grave statement has brought to Southern Kaduna people and its inappropriate message to all Christians in Nigeria.

He also prays that the Federal Government will find a way of discountenancing El-Rufa’i’s views in other to maintain peace and mutual trust between the religions in the country.

The clergy thanked the Peace Commission for the opportunity to serve and to get to know closely the wonderful

Muslim leaders with whom he served in the great committee

“I am available to serve in any capacity that will promote sincere peace in any future proper platform with sincere intentions.

“I commend the maturity and hard work of the leadership of the Peace Commission from the Chairman, to the Vice Chairman and all the Secretariat staff in their sincere work for peace.

“I will continue to be the bridge of peace between Muslims and Christians in Southern Kaduna and the whole nation and be available to serve in any capacity that will forge the unity of Nigeria. May God raise for us leaders who will truly help us find true peace.”

L-R:ImmediatepastCommissionerforFinance,BenueStateandtheoutgoingChairmanoftheForumofStateCommissionersforFinanceofNigeria, DavidOlofu;GuestofHonour/Gov.UmarNamadiofJigawa;andout-goingCommissionerofFinanceinAkwaIbom,LinusNkan,duringtheforum’s presentation of certificate of service to members, in Abuja at the weekend.

Cross River Gov, Otu promises gender parity in appointments

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has assured women in the state of fairness and equity in his appointments.

The governor disclosed this in Calabar, Wednesday, when a socio-political organization, Team Mma-Adiaha, hosted him and his wife, Rev. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Otu, to a post-election grand reception.

According to Otu, who was very enthusiastic by the massive support by the women, “I know that as we have started here, the sky is not even going to be the

limit. Don’t despair. They talk about 50%, we don’t know how it will be, but I can assure you it might be more than that.

“I believe that the women have shown their strength and in order to recognize, strengthen and encourage them, we must appreciate the level of hard work which they have put in handsomely.

“Be rest assured that there will be more than enough for everybody. All we are begging at the moment is please, exercise some patience.”

Continuing, he said, “People are talking about employments,

appointments and so on, but I assure you that there’s going to be something magical which I am unveiling that will transform the socio-economic status of our people soon.”

Wife of the Governor, Rev (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, who was visibly excited by the women group for hosting them, praised the women for the honour accorded them and promised to ensure that women have fair representation in the administration.

She said, “Your Excellency, the women said you promised them 50 percent inclusion in your

administration, you know I will not allow you to rest till you fulfil that to us. I know you are a good man, kind-hearted, with beautiful soul and you always honour your words and I am confident that you will keep to your promise and do even more for our women because a deal is a deal.”

Coordinator of the group, Mrs Uduak Ofem, disclosed that the group was birthed over a year ago to mobilize women across the 18 local government areas to support the ambition of Sen. Out, even as she expressed excitement that their support led to the dream coming true.

METRO FCT Natives beg Tinubu for Ministerial slot

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Natives of the Federal Capital Territory have appealed to the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider FCT indigenes for ministerial appointments, and also grant Abuja recognition as a state to ensure equality and development.

Making this appeal at the weekend, Mr. Danjuma Tanko Dara, an elder statesman and stakeholder of the FCT in a press briefing on behalf of the natives, also called on President Tinubu to give proper consideration to ancestral owners of land in FCT to give the natives a sense of belonging and equal representation in the country.

Dara while expressing disappointment at the denial of the natives their legal and constitutional right to have a ministerial position from among the people, said that the indigenous people of Abuja are long overdue to have a minister and that any well-meaning government will make a request come to pass.

He noted that the position of FCT minister from indigenous persons of the FCT is something they have been advocating for, for equal rights and justice to be done to the people of Abuja.

“It is not illegal, by law it is legal. We are qualified by law to have an appointed Minister that will represent us in the cabinet. However, it might not necessarily be the minister of the FCT, but giving us the minister of the FCT is doing the party a great favor.

“The present government needs to get it right this time and ensure that if possible, an indigene is appointed minister of

the FCT, if not the main minister, they can appoint an indigenous person as the minister of state for the FCT and see the difference,” he stressed.

According to him, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had ruled on January 15, 2018, that indigenous people of the FCT were entitled to a ministerial representation in the Federal Executive Council

as provided in Sections 147(3), 299, 14(3) and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.

“We need a state status to increase our franchise beyond local government elections to enable us to have an executive governance structure, independent governing body and to expand our representation at the National Assembly.

“This present government should take a position on the constitutional legitimacy of land administration in the Federal Capital Territory to stop the marginalisation of the people. We also plead with the government to honour the Appeal Court and the ECOWAS Court judgments on the status of the FCT as an autonomous governance entity,’’

he said.

He advised that based on the decision of the Court of Appeal and according to the provisions of Section 299 and Section 147 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, the 10th National Assembly should approve that the indigenes of the FCT should nominate one of their own for appointment as a Minister.

Helpline marks 20 years of empowering widows, orphans, others

By Stanley Onyekwere

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, a nongovernmental organisation, Helpline Foundation for the Needy, Abuja has concluded plans for empowerment of 200 widows, where 20 of them with be honoured for withstanding all odds and breaking barriers to live a respectful life.

Others are a launch of a book titled ‘Rise from the Ashes: a Compelling Tale of Women Journeying through Widowhood’, and Ajadu show, which is a documentary that will bring to bare the ordeal of widows.

According to a pre-event statement signed, by founder of the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, at the weekend, its lined up series of empowerment activities expected to commence 23rd June at the Abuja International Conference Centre, to coincide with this year’s International Widows Day.

It revealed that Helpline was founded as a charity organisation in 2003 with the mission to advocate for and carry out upliftment of women and children.

It added that in its two decades of existence, the NGO has been in the forefront, catering for

vulnerable women, especially widows who are stereotyped and marginalized, and thousands of widows have benefited directly from the Foundation’s interventions through trainings, skill acquisition and financial empowerment.

Also, the statement reveals that the Foundation is currently working on empowering widows through aggressive partnerships to enable

donors and partner organizations adopt some communities and fund the scheme.

“Every year, we bring together widows and needy, especially during Christmas and Sallah, where they sing, dance and are given foodstuffs and money. These gatherings help them socialise and provide relief for many of them”, Jumai Ahmadu stated.

Recall that the International Widows Day (IWD) is a day set aside by the United Nations Organization to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.

And this year’s IWD is celebrated with the theme: “Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”.

10th Assembly: NGO harps on honest, result-oriented Senate leadership

By Stanley Onyekwere

ANon-Governmental Organisation (NGO), under the auspices of Concerned Citizens for Good Leadership and Sustainable Development Initiative (CCUGLSDi), has said that the 10th Senate needs an honest, transparent, fair-minded, result-oriented, and competent Senate President.

The group through the secretary of the organizing committee, Dan’asabe Sulaiman Kakanda, who made this known in Abuja, described Dr. Abubakar Abdulaziz Yari as the only person among other candidates that possesses such attributes to lead the 10th Assembly leadership because he also possesses the acumen and Charisma to guarantee

a united and pro-active senate for Nigerians.

Kakadan said that the group whose sole objective is to enlighten the citizenry on the need to have sound leadership and good governance for Nigeria, decided to endorse Yari because of the love they have for Nigerians.

“As you are all aware, the 10th Assembly will be inaugurated on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, and in line with the objectives of our organization on the need to achieve effective and efficient leadership and good governance for our dear country Nigeria, we can analyze, assess and deliberate on the competitiveness of all the contenders aspiring for the seat of the Senate President.

“From our analysis, we have found

that there is no better candidate to steer the realm of affairs of the 10th Assembly other than the distinguished Senator Dr. Abdullaziz Abubakar Yari to ensure that the Nigerian aspiration for good government is achieved.

“The organization has found the distinguished senator best fit for the Senate Presidency, because of his loyalty and consistency as an opposition party till date as ruling party. He has stood his feet on the ground for the party through thick and thin, come rain, come shine,” he said.

Senator Lawali Hassan Anka representing Zamfara West constituency said what happened during the Dogara, Tambuwal, Saraki era should not be repeated.

Also, the national coordinator of the group, Umaru Musa Bodinga, while speaking said the organization has branches in all the 36 states of Nigeria, and Abuja to enlighten the citizens on the need to have reliable and sustainable leadership in the country.

He said: “As we are all aware that the politics of the 10th national assembly has commenced for people taken political office for the No.1 seat of the national assembly, we the concerned citizen after going through the credentials’ of the contestants has made a stand.

“We have endorsed the most qualified among them, Sen. Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, for the seat of the senate president of the federal republic of Nigeria for the 10th Assembly.”

Cross-section of Minister of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, during the 3rd session of the Eight Synod of Anglican Diocese of Lafia, yesterday in Mararaba

Donald Trump still headline act for Republicans, despite charges

Former US President Donald Trump appeared defiant at two Republican Party conventions on Saturday, a day after he was charged with mishandling classified documents.

Mr Trump - who is running to be the Republican candidate for president in 2024 - claimed that he was being pursued in federal court because of his re-election hopes.

But at the North Carolina Republican Party convention, he didn’t look like a man under severe legal stress.

Hundreds of people stood up to welcome their former president as he walked onto the stage, happily soaking in the adulation. He was the main event, after a threecourse meal.

There was salad to start, steak for the main and ice-cream with strawberries for dessert - washed down with jugs of coke.

It was just a day after an indictment was unsealed revealing federal charges against Mr Trump, accusing him of mishandling

classified documents including nuclear secrets.

But Mr Trump - who denies wrongdoing - was characteristically combative. He suggested nothing will stop him on his quest for the presidency. Not even, reportedly, jail.

And in the vast conference room, they didn’t want him to stop.

They laughed at his jokes, offered regular applause and welcomed bold declarations, for example that he is the only candidate who can prevent World War Three.

This was, after all, a Republican Party convention dinner with guests who had paid to see him speak.

Earlier, former vice-President Mike Pence received a warm reception but it was nothing like the intense buzz that surrounded his ex-boss.

What’s more, the one-term vice-president got the lunch slot while Mr Trump got dinner. He was the big Saturday night ticket.

Earlier in the day, amongst the merchandise and campaign stands, I came across Cheryal Korfmann and Charli Thyne.

Charli proudly stripped off her jacket to reveal a Trump-branded T-shirt. “I’m Trump all the way,” she said.

Cheryal Korfmann and Charli Thyne

I pointed out the photographs, printed as part of the justice department’s case, that showed boxes of files piled up in a ballroom, even a bathroom, in Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

“Wait a minute,” said Cheryal. “This is America. We’re not guilty until we’re proven guilty.”

The two believe the system is riddled with double standards and said they would support Mr Trump, even if he was convicted.

If elected he could, suggested Cheryal, even pardon himself from prison.

An unshakeable support for Mr Trump echoed through the halls,

Greensboro, North Carolina

with his name and image visibly dominant on printed banners and baseball caps.

But there were those who were open to possibilities beyond Mr Trump’s narrative.

The truth matters, said

husband and wife Jeff and Laura Morgan.

“If the truth is that there’s impropriety, that needs to be brought out,” said Jeff. “If it’s politically motivated, that needs to be brought out.”

French Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to win Paris title and claim 23rd major

Novak Djokovic’s victory at the French Open broke the tie with Rafael Nadal for the most men’s Grand Slam titles

Novak Djokovic showed his greatness once again by overcoming a sticky start to win a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title with victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud in the French Open final.

Djokovic, 36, was far from his best in the initial stages but his quality in a first-set tiebreak laid the platform for a 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 victory.

The Serb moves into the outright lead of men’s majors ahead of Rafael Nadal.

He also becomes the first man to win all four majors at least three times.

Victory on the Paris clay moves Djokovic alongside Serena Williams in terms of Grand Slam titles, with only Margaret Court standing in front of him with 24 majors.

“I’m beyond fortunate to win 23 Grand Slams in my life, it is incredible,” said Djokovic, who also won the French Open in 2016 and 2021.

“I was a seven-year-old dreaming I could win Wimbledon one day and become number one in the world. I’m beyond grateful and and blessed to be standing here.

“I feel I had the power to create my own destiny. I want to say to every young person if you want a better future, you can create it.”

Minutes after Djokovic won, Nadal paid tribute to his long-time rival.

“Many congratulations on this amazing achievement, 23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about and you made it,” the Spaniard wrote.

Djokovic will have the opportunity to tie Court’s record at Wimbledon next month - a place where he has already won seven times and will be the favourite to equal Roger Federer’s record tally of men’s titles.

Djokovic instantly fell flat on his back in celebration as Ruud pulled a forehand wide on the second championship point.

After a commiserating hug with his opponent, Djokovic ran up to his support box where he celebrated with coach Goran Ivanisevic, wife Jelena, his two children,

parents Dijana and Srdjan and NFL superstar Tom Brady.

The victory will also see Djokovic return to the top of the world rankings.

Fourth seed Ruud, who has lost all three of his major finals, congratulated Djokovic on “another day, another record”.

Addressing his opponent, he added: “It is another day where you rewrite tennis history. It is tough to explain how great you are and what an inspiration you are.”

Djokovic delivers on his date with destiny

Having made no secret of his ambition to win more major titles than fellow greats Nadal and Federer, this was Djokovic’s date with destiny.

He pulled level with the pair on 20 triumphs at Wimbledon in 2021, but fell behind Nadal after missing the 2022 Australian Open following a row over his Covid-19 vaccination status that led to him being deported.

Nadal extended the advantage when he won last year’s French Open but Djokovic has surged ahead after winning three of the past four Grand Slams.

Even before 14-time French Open champion Nadal pulled out of this year’s tournament with injury, Djokovic was considered by many as the favourite, even though his own build-up had been hampered by physical problems.

Spanish top seed Carlos Alcaraz was the other main contender, but Djokovic beat him in the semi-finals after the 20-year-old suffered body cramps caused by the tension of facing one of the all-time greats.

It was Djokovic who looked more nervous in the early part of Sunday’s final against 24-year-old Ruud.

Tight and tense, the third seed made a number of unforced errors as Ruud pushed him deep in the court and trailed 4-2 in the first set.

But Djokovic grew in stature as a long opening set wore on.

With a star-studded crowd including French footballer Kylian Mbappe and British actor Hugh Grant watching on, Djokovic used all of his vast experience to dominate the tie-

break as Ruud wilted - and from that point on it felt there was only likely to be one outcome.

After Djokovic used his momentum to win a comparatively quick 48-minute second set, the third remained delicately poised until the Serb cranked up the pressure at another crucial juncture.

At 5-5, a blistering backhand winner instantly put Ruud on the back foot, with the Norwegian making an error before two more superb winners from the Serb set him up to serve for the title.

Djokovic raced into a 40-0 lead and, while pulling a forehand wide on the first championship point was slightly anti-climatic, he secured more history at the next time of asking.

‘Close but no cigar’ for Ruud Ruud was aiming for his first major at the third attempt, following a chastening defeat by Nadal at Roland Garros and a four-set loss to Alcaraz in New York last year.

The world number four said reaching a second successive French Open final was important to show he was “not a one-time

case”.

“Probably that is going to plant some respect in my opponents’ eyes and hopefully I can build on that,” the Norwegian said.

“That [a Slam title] is my biggest goal, my biggest dream in my career and my life.

“It’s been close but no cigar, so I’m going to keep working and try to get it one day.”

‘Nobody looks like stopping him’ - reaction Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who Djokovic has replaced as world number one, on Twitter: “Many congrats for the trophy and for the new record!”

American 12-time major singles champion Billie Jean King on Twitter: “Congratulations to Novak on winning the Roland Garros men’s singles title for the third time. He now has a record 23 Grand Slam tournament singles titles.”

Former British number one Greg Rusedski on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He’s just won the first two majors of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s on for the calendar Slam this year. Wimbledon is usually the easiest one for him to win. Source: BBC

Special red boarding passes were handed out during the first commercial flight of a C919 plane

Amb. Onowu woos investors at Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum

By Ochiaka Ugwu with Agency Report

Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu (7th left) with participants at the Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum in Luxembourg ...Wednesday

Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum kicked off in Luxembourg yesterday with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu wooing investors in ICT, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, construction/real estate, among others

Speaking at the first day of the Business Forum, Ambassador Onowu said Luxembourg is a solid financial hub in Europe and strategic partner of Nigeria.

According to him, the event provides the opportunity to enhance collaboration between Luxembourg and Nigeria, and also grow the non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy.

The Envoy said the business environment, challenges and

prospect for improved trade relations between the two countries would be discussed by participants both from public and private sectors.

While stressing the need to increase on the “minimal” trade activities between Nigeria and Luxembourg, Onowu said “Luxembourg being a financial hub would naturally like to strengthen ties with countries that place premium on issue of governance compliance, tax incentives among others. “

The Ambassador noted that the Federal Government being aware of this is determined to improve on conditions of doing business in Nigeria adding that it was in the light of that, the government institutionalized some reforms.

In his words:” Government has signed multi-lateral cooperation agreement on mutual assistance on criminal matters. Far reaching reforms have been embarked upon to diversify the country’s economy as we have moved away from fossil oil fuel to green energy; we expect more partnerships in the non-oil sector including financial

services.”

He noted that Nigeria is open to investment in ICT, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, construction/real estate among others.

Onowu disclosed further that the presentation that would be

made by Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) will address any area of concern of would be investors.

In his presentation, the Director, Investment Promotion of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Abubarkar Yerima

said thoughTrade between Nigeria and Luxembourg has been relatively small, Luxembourg is a major global financial center and its finance and investment management expertise has attracted interest from Nigerian stakeholders

Dragos Tigau: Romania recalls Kenya ambassador over racist monkey slur

Romania has recalled its ambassador to Kenya and apologised after he compared Africans to monkeys.

Dragos Tigau made the comments during a meeting at a UN building in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on April 26.

According to the AFP news agency, Mr Tigau said “the African group has joined us” when he saw a monkey outside a window.

Mr Tigau’s behaviour was first made public on Thursday by Kenyan foreign affairs official Kamau Macharia.

On Twitter Mr Macharia said he was left “appalled and disgusted” by the incident, and claimed that attempts were made to cover up Mr Tigau’s behaviour.

African diplomats on Friday demanded a public apology, according to Kenya’s Standard newspaper, insisting that a private apology was not enough.

On Saturday, Romania announced that it had only been informed of the incident this week and had now begun “a procedure to recall its ambassador”.

“We deeply regret this situation and offer our apologies to all those who have been affected,” the statement from Romania’s foreign affairs ministry read.

“Any behaviours or comments of a racist nature are completely unacceptable,” it added, saying it hoped it would not affect its ties

with African countries.

Romania mainly engages with African nations through its membership of the European Union, but it has bilateral trade deals with Egypt among others.

The Kenyan government has not commented on the decision to recall Mr Tigau.

Romanian media have criticised his behaviour, and say this is not the first time the country has been embarrassed by insults dished out by diplomats.

In 2014, Romania’s ambassador to Armenia was recalled after making antiSemitic jokes about Jewish bosses and questioning the morality of same-sex relationships.

The following year, Bucharest apologised after invitations to a reception at its Paris embassy accidentally included unflattering descriptions of some guests - labelling them “ghastly” and “undesirable” among other things.

Three Britons missing after Egypt boat fire

Three British tourists are missing after a fire on board a dive boat on the Egyptian Red Sea.

Twenty-six other people, including 12 Britons, were rescued from the boat, called Hurricane, which was off the coast of Marsa Alam, authorities said.

They added that initial reports suggested the fire, at 06:30 local time, was down to an electrical fault.

The boat had been on a dive cruise and had left Port Ghalib on 6 June and been due to return on Sunday.

The boat’s operator, Tornado Marine Fleet, said 15 British passengers had been on board along with 12 crew members and two guides - a different figure to that given earlier by the local authority, the Red Sea Governorate.

The local authority said initial examinations had found an electrical short circuit in the engine room, while the public prosecution office had begun an investigation.

All of those who had been rescued were said to be well.

The Hurricane is one of several operated by Tornado Marine Fleet.

A spokesman said the fire happened while crew were doing the diving briefing at Elphinstone Reef - a diving destination known for its wealth of marine life including colourful corals and sharks.

Scuba Travel, which chartered the boat, said the group on board had been on a seven-day tour and the company was working with the local authorities and specialist advisers.

“Our first priority is the safety of our guests,” a spokesman said.

The Red Sea is a popular resort for diving trips.

“This is really bad news for the tourism industry,” said BBC News correspondent Sally Nabil. “They depend on tourism,

particularly British tourism.”

The Foreign Office said it was supporting British nationals involved.

A spokesman said: “We are in contact with local authorities following an incident aboard a dive boat near Marsa Alam, and are supporting British nationals involved.”

Gladiator sequel crew members injured in stunt sequence on set

Several crew members filming the Gladiator sequel in Morocco have been injured in a stunt accident on set.

The film’s production company Paramount Pictures said the injuries were non lifethreatening and happened while shooting a planned stunt sequence.

The crew members were “all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment”, the statement said.

Earlier this week, the Sun reported there had been an explosion and six people went to hospital.

“It was terrifying - a huge ball of fire flew up and caught several crew members in its path. In years of filming I’ve never seen an accident so scary,” a source told the newspaper.

“Everyone involved, from the lowliest runners to the star names, has been shaken up by this,” they added.

In a statement, a Paramount Pictures spokesperson said: “The

safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care.”

They said it has “strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions” and would take “all necessary precautions as we resume production”.

According to Variety, no cast members were injured but six people received treatment for burn injuries and four remain in hospital.

Sir Ridley Scott, who directed the original 2000 historical drama film, is returning to direct the second instalment, which is scheduled to be released in November 2024.

No title has yet been announced for the sequel, which stars Normal People actor Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington and Connie Nielson.

The original film won five Oscars, including best actor for Russell Crowe, who played Roman general Maximus Decimus Meridius alongside Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus.

The movie, set during the height of the Roman Empire, sees Maximus start out as a war hero before before being forced to become a gladiator.

Gladiator made $457m (£355m) at the box office and revived the historical epic drama genre, which had been out of fashion for decades

Source: BBC

Cholera outbreaks are common in Mozambique

FROM ASIA

Ukraine war: Russia moves to take direct control of Wagner Group

Russia appears to have moved to take direct control of Wagner, after months of infighting between defence officials and the private military group.

Deputy Defence Minister Nikolai Pankov said on Saturday “volunteer formations” will be asked to sign contracts directly with the ministry of defence.

The vaguely worded statement is widely believed to target the group.

But in a furious statement on Sunday, Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said his forces would boycott the contracts.

The private military group has played a major role in the war in Ukraine, fighting on the side of Russian forces.

But Prigozhin, who is said to hold political ambitions of his own, has been embroiled in a public dispute with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and military chief Valery Gerasimov for months.

He has repeatedly accused the pair of incompetence and of deliberately undersupplying Wagner units fighting in Ukraine.

“Wagner will not sign any contracts with Shoigu,” Prigozhin said in response to a request for comment on the defence ministry’s announcement. “Shoigu cannot properly manage military

formation.”

He insisted that his group was well integrated with the Russian military, but said that its effectiveness would be damaged by having to report to the defence minister.

While Saturday’s announcement did not directly reference Wagner or any other paramilitary groups, Russian media suggested that the new contracts were a move to bring Prigozhin and his forces under control.

But the defence ministry said the move was designed to “increase the effectiveness” of Russian units fighting in Ukraine.

“This will give volunteer formations the necessary legal status, create common approaches to the organization of comprehensive support and the fulfilment of their tasks,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the contracts must be signed by 1 July.

The long-running tensions between the Wagner Group and the army have threatened to boil over in recent weeks.

Last week the group kidnapped a senior frontline army commander, Lt Col Roman Venevitin, after accusing him of opening fire on a Wagner vehicle near Bakhmut.

Lt Col Venevitin was later

released, and in a video shared by Russian military bloggers he accused the group of stoking “anarchy” on Russia’s frontlines by stealing arms, forcing mobilised soldiers to sign contracts with the group and attempting to extort weapons from the defence ministry. Prigozhin called the comments

- which appeared to be read from a script - “absolutely total nonsense”.

He has also suggested that he is ready to deploy his troops on Russian soil, saying on Telegram that Wagner was ready to fight against insurrectionist forces in the Belgorod region.

In December, the US estimated

that Wagner had around 50,000 troops fighting in Ukraine. And the mercenary group has increasingly become a tool of Russian state power around the world. Its troops are currently believed to have been deployed in Mali, the Central African Republic,Sudan and Libya.

Indian Olympic wrestlers detained as latest protest escalates

Two Olympic wrestlers have been detained by police in India during the latest protest against the alleged sexual abuse of female athletes.

Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik were among those trying to march to Delhi’s new parliament on Sunday.

They were stopped by hundreds of police, who were on duty for the building’s inauguration.

Footage showed protesters climbing over barricades and being carried away by the authorities.

Two-time World Championship medallist Vinesh Phogat and her sister Sangeeta were also among the country’s top wrestlers to be detained.

“This is wrong,” Ms Malik told reporters after she had been placed on a bus by the authorities.

“We were walking quietly, they dragged us forcefully and detained us and they’re not even telling us where we will be taken.”

“Our people are not being allowed to march,” said Mr Phogat, adding that the protesters “requested with folded hands” that police let them go and that they would go peacefully.

The incident happened as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was officially opening the new parliament nearby, which has replaced the British-era building.

Most opposition parties boycotted the ceremony after criticising the government for not asking President Droupadi Murmu, who is head of state, to

open it.

Police claimed the protesting wrestlers had not followed their directions and that they had detained those who had tried to break the barricades.

“They broke the law,” Delhi’s Special Commissioner of Police, Dependra Pathak told local media.

“Regarding further action, we would ascertain what rules have been violated and then take action by following due legal process.”

The police also removed tents and other items from the site where the protesters have been camped out for weeks.

Their handling of the march has been criticised by a number of opposition politicians.

“Strongly condemn the way Delhi Police manhandled Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers,” tweeted West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the All India Trinamool Congress party.

“It’s shameful our champions are treated in this manner.”

Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is from the Aam Aadmi Party, called the police’s behaviour “very wrong and condemnable”.

Ms Malik - the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal in 2016 - later tweeted that once she and her fellow protesters were released they would begin their “satyagraha”, a form of nonviolent resistance, again.

The demonstrators accuse wrestling officials of sexually

harassing women in the sport. That includes the head of its governing body, Brij Bhushan Singh, who denies the claims.

Their protests began in January but were called off the same month after Mr Singh was stripped of his administrative powers by the sports ministry and the government promised to

investigate their complaints.

The wrestlers restarted their protests in April, calling for his arrest. Earlier this month, they claimed they were abused and assaulted by Delhi police.

The Indian Olympic Association set up a committee to investigate the allegations against Mr Singh, which submitted its report weeks

ago. The committee’s findings haven’t been revealed yet.

Police in Delhi were also on guard on Sunday as a group of farmers tried to enter the city to support the wrestlers. That was after dozens of farmers broke down police barricades in Delhi to join another protest earlier this month.

Source: BBC

Several buildings were hit by falling drone fragments, Kyiv officials say

Rescuers react to Russian shelling during evacuation efforts of those trapped by flooding in Kherson region

By Maryam Abeeb

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has said his administration would give education top priority in the state.

Education Benue Governor pledges top priority for education

Alia who pledged this during a visit to the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono , in Abuja decried the high level of graduate unemployment in Nigeria and insisted that skill acquisition and entrepreneurship education remain critical towards tackling menace.

The Governor said what he has discovered as responsible for high rate of unemployment in Nigeria was that a lot of degrees have been acquired by youth in the country but the “skills are not attached to those degrees, noting this was

one of the reasons why both graduates and those who have not attended the four walls of education roam the street across the nation.

Alia said his administration would go back to the drawing board in a bid to revitalise education in the state, saying tertiary institutions in Benue State were known for quality and scholarship in the time past and emphasised that the lost glory would be restored.

He said his desire was to promote skill acquisition at all levels of education and informal sector in his state, so as to make

young people self-reliant and employers of labour.

He said: “We are here on solidarity visit with my brother, the Executive Secretary of TETFund. I’m honored to be here having understood how much he has been doing, promoting education nationwide and improving on the teaching and learning infrastructure as well as making the educational wheel of the nation to run and running smoothly.

“Benue state is also a beneficiary of the projects from you and the good people

of the state have conveyed our appreciation to your establishment. I’m just 8 days old as Governor and I’m looking forward to partnering with your establishment in the collaborative efforts to move the education forward in our nation,” he said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund in his remark, Arc. Echono described Alia as man called to rescue Benue State from the quagmire and pledged to support his administration in the efforts possible within the laws of the Fund in revitalising tertiary education in the state.

He informed his guest that as part of the parting gift of the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, the Finance Act 2023 was endorsed that has now increased the Education Tax, which is the primary source of revenue of TETFund to 3 per cent.

According to him, TETFund is already intervening in about 8 to 9 public tertiary institutions in Benue State, with massive infrastructure development and training of teachers among others in both the institutions owned by Federal and State

NUC presents licenses to 37 new private universities

By Maryam Abeeb

Nigeria’s National Universities Commission

NUC has presented provisional licenses to 37 newly established universities approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on May 15, 2023.

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, at the presentation of the provisional licenses on in Abuja, tallied the number of private universities in the country at 147.

Prof. Rasheed, who said the country now had 264 universities, said investment in tertiary education was a prerequisite for human capital development in the country.

He said access to university education remained a challenge due to the high demand and increasing number of secondary school leavers.

According to Prof. Rasheed, “The Nigerian statistics of high demand of tertiary education is grossly inadequate. Statistics put the number of enrollment in tertiary institutions at 2.23 million which is about 12 per cent of the total population of 220 million.”

He charged proprietors of the newly established universities to ensure that the motive for creating the universities were not for money but for a higher and noble goal.

“In establishing universities, you don’t expect to get financial rewards. If your main motive is to make money, then you are in the wrong place. You are here to pay back to humanity”

The NUC boss assured the proprietors of the commission’s support and cooperation to grow the university system.

The Permanent Secretary,

Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, said the federal government was committed to public private partnership, especially in the education sector which gave rise to the new universities.

Adejo said this was in a bid to increase access to university education.

He noted that the gross total enrollment ratio stood at 12 per cent so there is a gap between demand and supply and as long as this gap exists, the government will continue to welcome proposals for university’s enrollment by credible

group.

He said the government would ensure that quality assurance and minimum standards in those universities were not compromised.

The newly licensed private universities are: Rayhaan University, Kebbi state, Muhammad Kamalu-Deen University, Kwara state, Sam Maris University, Ondo state and Aletheia University, AgoIwoye, Ogun state.

Others are Lux Mundi University, Abia state,Maduka University, Enugu state, Peaceland University, Enugu state, Amadeus University, Abia state, Vision

University , Ogun state, Azman University, Kano state, Huda University, Zamfara state, Franco British International University, Kanuna and Canadian University of Nigeria, FCT.

On the list are Miva Open University, FCT, Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Ogun state, British Canadian University, Cross River state, Hensard University, Bayelsa State, Phoenix University, Nasarawa State Wigwe University, Rivers state and Hillside University of Science and Technology, Ekiti state.

Also, University of the

Niger, Anambra state Elrazi University of Medical Sciences, Kano state, Venite University, Ekiti state,Shanahan University, Anambra state, the Duke Medical University, Cross River state, Mercy Medical University, Osun State, Cosmopolitan University, FCT, Iconic Open University, Sokoto State, West Midland Open University, Oyo State and Amaj University, FCT are in the list.

Others on the list are also Prime University, FCT, El-Amin University, Niger state, College of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Kaduna state

NBTE, Mewar Group partner on HND top-up online programme

By Maryam Abeeb

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Mewar Group, has partnered on a one-year Top-Up programme for Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates.

The Executive Secretary, NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje disclosed this in Abuja at meeting between the board, Mewar Group and Rectors of Polytechnics.

Bugaje said that the board had written to the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the need to allow HND holders proceed for Masters in Technology to be at par with university graduates, instead of closing down HND completely.

He noted that closing HND would only reduce skills content.

According to him, we say we should give another option for HND graduates to do a one-year top-up online programme with accredited university so that they can be awarded a BSc degree.

‘’At the moment as you are aware, the HND graduates are discriminated against in public

service and also not giving awards of post graduate training, we have clear examples of these discriminations.

‘’We made an attempt to introduce a Master of Technology programme for HND holders which we agreed to be two years instead of one year to be run in polytechnics .

‘’This was the proposal we pass to the NUC through the Minister of Education- the programme went to the NUC but it seems they are sitting on it.

‘’When I found out, they claim that degrees are awarded by Senate and the Senate of the university in their opinion is not at par with the Academic Board of polytechnicswe are not asking them to give us PHD but only asking them to give us MTech.

‘’This was the position that NBTE took instead of closing down HND completely as proposed by ASUP because ASUP position is shut down HND and introduce BTech that is going to drastically reduce skills content,” he said.

The executive secretary noted

that due to the challenge of discrimination, came up with an option of introducing HND online top-up for graduates to be awarded with BSc certificate.

‘’We realised the best option is to have another alternativeeither to change the Polytechnics Act to introduce direct Masters of Technology and to empower Academic Board to award those courses of technology which will be challenged seriously from the university system.

‘’Another option is to do Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) after which they do masters, when they finish they can now do PhD but when they finish the university will still reject them asking for their BSc.

‘’So we say we should give another option for HND holders to do one year top-up online with accredited and local universities so that at the end of the one year, they can be awarded a BSc degree,” he said.

He said that the board had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the

Mewar Group for top-up with HND holders of the Kaduna Polytechnic and the students would soon be graduating with a BSc with international ranking.

He, therefore, said that ranking the HND curriculum would also help polytechnic lecturers to move across other universities.

He also said that the board was working on HND admission platform that would provide adequate data of HND students and also enable NYSC pick data of students for enrollment.

Responding, Mr Samer Khan, Pro-Chancellor (Academic), the Mewar International University, Nigeria, congratulated Bugaje for the efforts put in the development of polytechnics education in the country.

Samer said that the organisation is working with the board to provide a solution software integrated system for learning resources of the top-up programme.

According to him, producing graduates is one thing but producing graduates with skills is another thing.

How 4 children survived 40 days in hostile Colombian jungle

On Friday, in the dead of night at the heart of the Colombian jungle, army radios crackled to life with the message the nation had been praying for: “Miracle, miracle, miracle, miracle.”

The military code revealed that four children missing in the jungle for 40 days had all been found - alive.

The youngsters, all members of the indigenous Huitoto people, had been missing since the light plane they were travelling in crashed into the Amazon in the early hours of 1 May.

The tragedy killed their mother and left the children - aged 13, nine, four and one - stranded alone in an area teeming with snakes, jaguars and mosquitos.

Rescuers initially feared the worst, but footprints, partially eaten wild fruit, and other clues soon gave them hope that the children might be alive after they left the crash site looking for help.

Over the next six weeks the children battled the elements - and the odds - in what Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called “an example of total survival which will remain in history”.

‘Children of the jungle’

If there were ever children well-prepared to tackle such an ordeal, the Mucutuy family were them.

Huitoto people learn hunting, fishing and gathering from an early age, and their grandfather Fidencio Valencia told reporters that the eldest children, Lesly and Soleiny, were well acquainted with the jungle.

Speaking to Colombian media the children’s aunt, Damarys Mucutuy, said the family would regularly play a “survival game” together growing up.

“When we played, we set up like little camps,” she recalled. Thirteen-year-old Lesly, she added, “knew what fruits she can’t eat because there are many poisonous fruits in the

forest. And she knew how to take care of a baby”.

After the crash, Lesly built makeshift shelters from branches held together with her hair ties.

She also recovered Fariña, a type of flour, from the wreckage of the Cessna 206 plane they had been travelling in.

The children survived on the flour until it ran out and then they ate seeds, Edwin Paki, one of the indigenous leaders who took part in the search effort, told reporters.

“There’s a fruit, similar to passionfruit, called avichure,” he said. “They were looking for seeds to eat from an avichure tree about a kilometre and a half from the site of the plane crash.”

Astrid Cáceres, head of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, said the timing of their ordeal meant the “the jungle was in harvest” and they could eat fruit that was in bloom.

But they still faced significant challenges surviving in the inhospitable environment.

Speaking to BBC Mundo on Saturday, indigenous expert Alex Rufino said the children were in “a very dark, very dense jungle, where the largest trees in the region are”.

And while there are leaves with which the children could purify water, he warned that “others are poisonous”.

“It is an area that has not been explored. The towns are small, and they are next to the river, not in the jungle,” he added.

In addition to avoiding predators, the children also endured intense rainstorms and may have had to evade armed groups said to be active in the jungle.

At one stage, the children were forced to defend themselves from a wild dog, President Petro said.

But Mr Rufino noted that a 13-year-old raised in an indigenous community would

already possess many of the skills needed to thrive in such an environment.

John Moreno, leader of the Guanano group in Vaupes, in the south-eastern part of Colombia where the children were raised, said they had been “raised by their grandmother”, a widely respected indigenous elder.

“They used what they learned in the community, relied on their ancestral knowledge in order to survive,” he said.

A dramatic rescue

As the search continued, officials in Bogota came under pressure over its slowness. President Petro faced criticism after his office falsely published a tweet saying the children had been found.

Authorities dropped 10,000 leaflets with survival tips written in Spanish and the indigenous Huitoto language, and helicopters blared messages from their

grandmother from speakers to reassure the children they were being looked for.

But unbeknownst to the media, the army was coming increasingly close to finding the family. On several occasions rescue teams passed within 20 to 50 metres (66 to 164ft) of where the children were found, search commander Gen Pedro Sánchez said.

By the time the children were discovered, about 150 troops and 200 volunteers from local indigenous groups were involved in the operation, which was combing an area of over 300km sq (124sq miles).

“This isn’t a search for a needle in a haystack, it’s a tiny flea in a vast carpet, because they keep moving,” Gen Sanchez told reporters during the hunt.

But on Friday, after a month-long search, specialist rescue dogs found the children.

A video shared by Colombia’s ministry of

defence showed the children being lifted into a helicopter in the dark above the tall trees. They have been flown to the nation’s capital Bogota, where ambulances have taken them to hospital for further medical treatment.

The children’s family thanked the army for continuing their search despite the low odds of survival, and they urged the government to bring the children home as soon as possible.

“I never lost hope, I was always supporting the search. I feel very happy, I thank President Petro and my ‘countrymen’ who went through so many difficulties,” their grandmother told state media.

President Petro also hailed the efforts of the army and the volunteers, praising “the meeting of knowledge: indigenous and military”, adding that “this is the true path of peace”. BBC

The children’s family thanked the army for continuing their search despite the low odds of survival, and they urged the government to bring the children home as soon as possible

Fidencio Valencia told reporters that the children had grown up learning to take care of themselves in the jungle

Some 60% of properties in Lisbon’s historical neighbourhood of Alfama are now short-term rentals

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In my time working as BBC Sport’s chief football writer, I have been lucky enough to see some of the game’s greatest teams.

But watching Manchester City complete the Treble in Istanbul made me think about some of the best sides I have covered.

City’s feat in becoming only the second English men’s team to win the perfect Treble of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup is confirmation they must be ranked among the greats.

Erling Haaland’s goals and power provided a significant point of difference but there was brilliance in every position delivered by the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and many more.

The first 45 minutes of their 4-0 win against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal second leg was one of the most exhilarating exhibitions I have ever seen.

There will be the inevitable questions about the Premier League charging City with 115 breaches of financial regulationsallegations the club fiercely deny and will fight strenuously - but, judged in the football context, they are a quite magnificent football team.

So who are the other greatest men’s sides I have seen in my career? This proved too hard to whittle down into one article, so I have only covered the years I have worked for the BBC.

See what you think of my picks and let me know who the greatest side is that you have had the pleasure of watching by using the form at the bottom of this page.

Klopp’s rejuvenated Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk lifts Champions League trophy

Jurgen Klopp’s transformation of Liverpool after succeeding Brendan Rodgers in October 2015 took its time to hit full stride, but when it did they provided some of the most exciting attacking football seen anywhere.

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah formed a deadly triumvirate with Roberto Firmino, but it was the sale of star man Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for £142m in January 2018 that enabled Liverpool to hit a spectacular next level.

The money was initially spent, £75m of it, on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool reached the Champions League final at the end of that season, losing 3-1 to

‘Man City among the greatest sides I have seen, but who are yours?’

Real Madrid.

Klopp spent the rest of the Coutinho cash on Roma’s brilliant goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Liverpool going one better the following season, beating Tottenham in the Champions League final in a run that will be forever remembered for the second-leg semi-final at Anfield when Liverpool beat Barcelona to overturn a three-goal deficit.

Next up was a first league title in 30 years, there was also the chase for an historic quadruple in 2021-22 - in which they missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by one point - and there was another Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, but the FA Cup and League Cup were won.

Quite simply, one of the outstanding teams of the modern era.

The Real of Bale, Ramos, Ronaldo and many more Gareth Bale celebrates his goal in the Champions League final Real Madrid will always feature in any list of great teams but, as this is shaped by those watched in person, one era stands out above all others, starting in

2014.

I have been there for five of Real’s Champions League wins, stretching back to Zinedine Zidane’s left-foot volley, a moment of the purest sporting beauty, that won the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen at Hampden Park.

More riches came in quick succession later on in a team dominated by the force of personality of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos but also blessed with the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema andbefore it sadly turned sour - the glorious talent of Gareth Bale.

I was in Lisbon in May 2014 to see Ramos’s headed stoppagetime equaliser set up an eventual 4-1 win against arch rivals Atletico, then in Cardiff three years later when Juventus were beaten by the same scoreline.

Bale’s final came in Kiev in 2018 when Liverpool were beaten and there was another to see in Paris in 2022 when Vinicius Jr’s winner sunk Jurgen Klopp’s team once more.

This was a world-class team able to win in different ways, its enduring nature confirmed by

Benzema and Modric receiving five Champions League winners’ medals while Kroos, Ramos and Ronaldo won four while at the Bernabeu.

Guardiola’s Barcelona and beyond Pep Guardiola is hoisted into the air by Barcelona players and staff

Pep Guardiola’s opening season in charge of Barcelona brought his first Treblecrowned by a magnificent 2009 Champions League final victory against Manchester United in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico to add to La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

United actually threatened to over-run Barcelona in the opening moments but once Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring this was a peerless, one-sided demonstration of what Sir Alex Ferguson’s labelled the Catalans’ passing “carousel”.

Lionel Messi emphasised his greatness with a brilliant second-half header, a United side boasting players such as Cristiano Ronaldo - playing his final game before moving to Real Madrid - and Wayne Rooney utterly outclassed.

This was the Barca of Xavi and

Andres Iniesta in midfield, with Sergio Busquets the bulwark. Above all, it was the Barca of Messi.

If anything, their 3-1 win over United at Wembley two years later, with the great David Villa in the ranks and on target, was even more emphatic, the waves of pressure applied with a brutal brilliance that overwhelmed Ferguson’s team. It was not quite perfection but it was not far off.

Barcelona had acquired two more geniuses in Neymar and Luis Suarez when they won another Champions League with a 3-1 win over Juventus in Berlin in 2015.

I was privileged to watch all three victories by a truly great side and it was Guardiola who moulded them, Messi who inspired them.

Spain rule the world

Andres Iniesta scores in the World Cup final for Spain

The label of perennial underachievers hung heavily on the shoulders of a hugely gifted Spain side until Fernando Torres’ winner gave them their first major crown for 44 years with victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. BBC

ECOWAS @48, still battling peace and security challenges

By Paul Ejime

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), one of Africa’s foremost Regional Economic Communities (RECs) clocked 48 years on 28th May 2023.

The late Prof Adebayo Adedeji of Nigeria, who played a pivotal role in the formation of ECOWAS, which earned him the title of “Mr ECOWAS,” had in an interview with this writer at Ijebu-Ode, his hometown in Western Nigeria, recalled that the Treaty of Lagos was one of the few legal unification instruments initialled by an unprecedented number of heads of state at a sitting.

As Commissioner (Minister) for Economic Planning and Reconstruction (1971-75), Adedeji had received the marching orders from Nigeria’s then Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, to midwife the birthing of ECOWAS. This was shortly after Nigeria’s civil war of 1968-70.

Prof Adedeji, a seasoned strategist, and development pioneer picked up the gauntlet and went to work shuttling across capitals in the sub-region. He received tremendous support from his Togolese counterpart, Edem Kodjo, who later became SecretaryGeneral of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), and who also got a similar remit as Adedeji from Togolese former President Gen. Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

Such was the zeal, commitment and resolve of the ECOWAS founding fathers that they did not allow cosmetic colonial barriers of language, colonial history, or orientation to put them asunder in actualising their dream of a pan-African regional integration.

However, some five decades on, the regional bloc is still struggling with almost the same or similar challenges that nearly asphyxiated it shortly after take-off.

By 1989 a civil war had broken out in Liberia, followed by neighbouring Sierra Leone in 1990/91, and other countries in tow, forcing ECOWAS, originally set up to foster economic development to inject peace and security in the regional integration agenda.

No doubt, the organisation has recorded some gains or achievements, but the story in the past decade is one of retrogression, especially in democratic governance in the region.

For instance, there have been at least eight failed or successful coups in the past three years with three of the 15 ECOWAS member States - Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso - now under military dictatorships.

There is even a worrying concern that going by the undemocratic disposition of some leaders and political elite in the politically restive region associated with a dubious reputation as a “coup zone,” more member States could follow the infamous examples of the three deviant nations.

The root causes of political conflicts and instability include bad governance, corruption, economic mismanagement, cronyism, election rigging, violation of human rights of citizens, clamping down on

opposition and narrowing the democratic space, and mindless alteration of electoral laws and national constitutions for tenure elongation, among others.

At the just-concluded Banjul International Conference of the Community Court of Justice, one of the ECOWAS institutions, participants recommended some tough measures, including the criminalisation of unconstitutional change of government in the region. However, the major problem is not lack of protocols or legal instruments, but the political will of the leaders to implement the texts or comply with regional Treaty Obligations.

For instance, the ECOWAS 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance is unambiguous on “Zero Tolerance” for obtaining or retaining power through unconstitutional means, but implementation of this protocol seems preoccupied with military takeover of governments alone.

While military coups are condemnable and can never be justified since the role of the armed forces is for the defence and protection of national sovereignty, politicians, political adventurers, or mercenaries who subvert constitutional rule in whatever form, must also be subjected to the same condemnation and treatment as coup plotters.

And that is where the Malabo Protocol comes in. Unfortunately, since its adoption in 2014, no African country has ratified,

let alone domesticate or implement the protocol, which has expanded the jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to deal with crimes under international law and transnational crimes.

It is generally agreed that arraigning culprits before this Court and meting out appropriate punishments will serve as a deterrent against crimes such as unconstitutional change of government in Africa.

But even when the protocol is ratified, its implementation will still depend on the political will and sincerity of governments and political leaders, as a tool against undemocratic practices.

Also, election has since become a major source of political conflicts in the region. At the moment, world attention is focused on Nigeria, the regional powerhouse following the legal challenge mounted by opposition parties against the outcome of the 25 February 2023.

There is also some concern over countries where elections are due to be held in the region, such Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Togo, Benin Republic, and Liberia.

The other regional threat is insecurity, terrorism, religious extremism and the multiplicity of armed groups and separatist insurgencies. Some home-grown terrorist groups collaborating with foreign counterparts to launch sporadic deadly

In summary, the management of the ECOWAS Commission must work with regional leaders to refocus the organisation on the path to the realisation of the overarching dreams of the Community founding fathers, and for the regional bloc to regain its glory as Africa’s leading REC

attacks causing havoc from the Sahel to the ECOWAS region.

High unemployment rates, especially among the youths and economic hardships are also forcing thousands of ECOWAS citizens to flee the region, including through perilous routes to Europe for so-called greener pastures. At the same time, the emigration of skilled labour or so-called brain-drain, is taking a dangerous toll on the progress and economic development of the region.

In his anniversary message to staff, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission said: “The 4x4 Strategic Objectives of the ECOWAS Management were designed to respond to the challenges in our community and exploit opportunities for growth and development. “

The strategies are enhanced peace and security; good governance and political stability; deepening regional integration and inclusive and sustainable development.

“For 48 years…, our sense of community has remained solid in the face of challenges, and our commitment for inclusive and sustainable development has remained strong,” Dr Touray added.

In summary, the management of the ECOWAS Commission must work with regional leaders to refocus the organisation on the path to the realisation of the overarching dreams of the Community founding fathers, and for the regional bloc to regain its glory as Africa’s leading REC.

The fact that citizens of the 15 ECOWAS member States still see themselves today as belonging to one community with the same aspiration and a combined population of more than 400 million is positive, but can that justify the huge human and financial investments in the regional integration project?

ECOWAS has been the only region in Africa where citizens can visit and stay in a country other than their own for at least 90 days without a visa under its flagship Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Rights to Residence and Establishment.

But even that protocol is yearning for urgent fine tuning in its implementation, given that some member States now charge Community citizens compulsory “airport levy,” in violation of Community protocols. Moving forward, ECOWAS has to work with member States to improve governance at all levels, ensure political stability, harmonization of national policies, laws, and regulations for the consolidation of regional integration and economic prosperity.

Member States must also respect treaty obligations, with the same set of rules applied to all violators of regional instruments and protocols be they civilians, soldiers, or mercenaries.

•Paul Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Strategic Communications, Media Development and Governance Issues, including Peace & Security and Elections.

Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President ECOWAS Commission

For 48 years…, our sense of community has remained solid in the face of challenges, and our commitment for inclusive and sustainable development has remained strong,” Dr Touray added.

Naby Keita: Liverpool midfielder to join Werder Bremen when contract expires

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will join German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen when his contract expires with the Anfield club this summer.

The 28-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 129 appearances for the Reds, signed for what was a club record £48m from RB Leipzig in 2018.

The Guinea midfielder made just eight league appearances this season having struggled with injuries.

Liverpool had confirmed his departure in May.

Keita lifted the the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and EFL Cup in his five-year spell in England.

“A number of clubs are obviously going to be interested when a player like Keita is available on a free transfer,” said Clemens Fritz, head of scouting and professional football at Werder Bremen.

“He suffered an injury setback at the start of this season and that meant he didn’t play as often as he’d have liked to.

“We now want to get him back to his best.”

Andre Onana:

Cameroon

outcast ‘feeling good’ as Inter Milan prepare for Champions League final

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana insists the pressure is all on Manchester City before Saturday’s Champions League final in Istanbul.

The 27-year-old Cameroonian has been heavily linked to a summer move to the Premier League with Chelsea believed to be at the front of the pack.

Onana has kept eight clean sheets in 12 matches in Europe and believes the heat is on Treble-chasing City.

“We have nothing to lose. They have more pressure than us,” he said.

“We have to prepare well - we don’t have to stress - we have to go easy because we play against a very tough opponent.”

A tough task awaits the side who finished third in Serie A this season, but Inter already have the Coppa Italia to their name after a 2-1 win against Fiorentina in Rome.

There was no clean sheet for Onana that day but among those games in Europe in which he did keep the opposition scoreless were both legs of the Champions League semi-final against their city rivals AC Milan.

A turbulent World Cup for Onana last year saw him sent home from Qatar before he announced his retirement from international football.

But the stopper, who only joined Inter from Ajax last summer, said: “I’m feeling very good. I am so calm and so happy.

“It’s a special game for us. The Champions League final may come along only once in life.”

‘Africa is proud of him’

Onana is the fourth Cameroonian to play for the Nerazzurri after Pierre Wome, Daniel Boumsong and the legendary Samuel Eto’o.

Another Indomitable Lions legend of the past with 113 international caps, Geremi, is backing his fellow countryman to come out on top in the final - much as the 44-year-old defender did himself with Real Madrid in 2000 and 2002.

“For sure I will be supporting Inter

Milan,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“We have one of our younger brothers, one of our compatriots playing.

“I know him very well and I think all of Africa is proud of him. This is a big achievement for Cameroon, that’s why I wish him all the best as he tries to win that special trophy.

“It’s the Champions League final, the highest competition in Europe.

“I have already told him to enjoy, to not have any regrets after the final.”

Geremi won two Premier League titles with Chelsea - the team Onana has most strongly been linked with were he to move this summer.

Regardless of whether or not it’s Onana’s final match for Inter, Geremi wants his compatriot to embrace the moment.

“One of the biggest memories I have is coming out onto the field and hearing that Champions League song because it is such a special and unforgettable moment,” he said.

“He needs to give his all, he knows what

to do and I wish him well.”

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana training ahead of the Champions League final against Manchester City

Former Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana’s last season at Ajax was overshadowed by a doping ban

Onani’s path to this year’s final has not been an easy one along with the international fall-out at the World Cup.

His final season at Ajax was a mixed one following a 12-month doping ban, which was reduced to nine months on appeal.

Following his switch to Italy, Serbia’s Samir Handanovic started the season for Inter as the number one choice between the sticks before eventually being displaced by Onani.

Last year had started on a high for Onani though, as he helped hosts Cameroon to a third-placed finish at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The bronze medal was achieved with a penalty shoot-out win against Burkina Faso following their semi-final exit at the hands of defeated finalists Egypt.

Mahrez ready to claim glory for North Africa

In opposition to Onana on Saturday is a player who didn’t enjoy such a favourable time at last year’s Afcon.

City forward Riyad Mahrez was unable to prevent his Algeria team crashing out at the group stage with three defeats.

The 31-year-old has, however, become the first African to win five Premier League titles as part of City’s Treble bid though.

He surpassed former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba’s count of four titles, all achieved with Chelsea.

Now Mahrez’s shot at the Trebleonly achieved once before by Manchester United - has captured the imagination of his country and one of the first Fennec stars on the global stage, Rabah Madjer, believes more silverware awaits his compatriot.

“For me, Manchester City is the best team in Europe. This is a team that plays very well with the ball.” he said.

“This is a team that has a lot of very good players, with a great coach in [Pep] Guardiola.

Andre Onana has already lifted the Coppa Italia in his first season with Inter Milan

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French Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to win Roland Garros title and claim 23rd major

Now that fuel subsidy is gone!

Novak Djokovic showed his greatness once again by overcoming a sticky start to win a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title with victory over Norway’s Casper Ruud in the French Open final.

Djokovic, 36, was far from his best in the initial stages but his quality in a first-set tie-break laid the platform for a 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 victory.

The Serb moves into the outright lead of men’s majors ahead of Rafael Nadal.

He also becomes the first man to win all four majors at least three times.

Victory on the Paris clay moves Djokovic alongside Serena Williams in terms of major titles, with only Margaret Court now standing in front of him on 24 Grand Slams.

He will have the opportunity to tie Court’s record at Wimbledon next month - a place where he has already won seven times and be the favourite to equal Roger Federer’s record tally of men’s titles.

Djokovic, who also regains the world number one ranking with his third triumph at Roland Garros, instantly fell flat on his back in celebration as Ruud pulled a forehand wide on the second championship point.

After a commiserating hug with his opponent, Djokovic ran up to his support box where he celebrated with coach Goran Ivanisevic, wife Jelena, his two children, parents Dijana and Srdjan and NFL superstar Tom Brady.

Fourth seed Ruud, who has lost all three of his major finals, congratulated Djokovic on “another day, another record”.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

By presidential declaration on May 29, the fuel subsidy removal was put to rest and some bottled up unrest. It was put to rest because the highest authority in the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said so, and there does not seem to be any going back. Critical stakeholders have also been dissecting the subject matter vis a vis its operational framework after the initial shocks. Subsidy removal has equally been put to unrest because the presidential declaration has awoken the proverbial sleeping dogs - the civil tension and the resultant high cost of livelihood it has caused are manifesting in the market places, in rents and in transportation costs among others. On one hand, the President had talked about reviewing the minimum wage of workers and provide palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy, while on the other, the workers umbrella union, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC would not buy into that, insisting on return to the status quo, which is reversal of the subsidy removal. As all these engagements are going on, with the president taking up the gauntlet in confronting the challenges of governance to master the dynamics of the power game at the centre, the fate of the ordinary Nigerians who legitimized the government in the first place is hanging in the balance. Some will argue, however, that it is a sacrifice that Nigerians have to make in the interim to bring about a better country in the future. But they must not die before the desirable outcome comes.

Recall that President Tinubu had in his inaugural speech as President on May 29 said there was no provision for a fuel subsidy beyond June 2023 by the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The implication of that is that, according to the President, “fuel subsidy is gone.” The presidential declaration had initially provoked needless fuel scarcity and panic buying. It was subsequently followed by a high cost of transportation and of living, especially with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL swiftly raising pump price of petrol from N195 per litre to N537 per litre across its platforms. According to the Chief Corporate Communication Officer of the Nigerian National

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Monday Column

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Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Garbadeen Muhammad, the changes were in line with the current reality. The action of the NNPCL raises the question as to why it had to fix prices in a deregulated market regime, rather than allowing market forces of demand and supply in the competitive market to determine prices. Such a question may appear simplistic or naive, but it is indeed worrisome to the man on the street as to why pump price of fuel was fixed on products already in stock before subsidy removal was proclaimed. This is especially because the products already in stock were not produced and supplied before the take-off of the policy on fuel subsidy removal. On its own, removal of subsidy makes economic and commercial sense when market forces are allowed to determine prices which could crash in the face of a healthy competition in the long run. This is why questions are asked when the NNPCL had to quickly fix prices in an apparent breach of the principles of deregulation since no market force had impacted on the prices at the time of the increase. The question is could the increment by the NNPCL be arbitrary or not? Besides, the increment from N195 to N537 per litre of fuel seems rather mechanical than systematic, which is about 200% increment done without prior stakeholders consultation.

And at the time of the withdrawal of subsidy on May 29, the government had said it made provision for subsidy only up till the end of June, about a month away then, and now the subsidy is removed before the target date. We are not sure if the already budgeted funds for the subsidy between May 29 and June will be returned to the government coffers.

Another grey area of concern is whether the minimum wage for workers will be sufficient to cushion the crushing impact of

the subsidy withdrawal, with Federal Civil servants taking the minimum wage of N30, 000 thousand monthly. In many states of the country, minimum wage still remains at N18, 000 monthly, not to talk of workers in the local government areas who hardly get paid. According to reports, minimum wage in countries like the USA and Germany among others hovers around N500, 000 and N600, 000 in our local currency equivalent. It can only be imagined how much of the salary of workers will be increased, as promised, to be able to cope with the new order.

It is needless to revisit the appropriateness or otherwise of President Tinubu’s declaration on the removal of fuel subsidy considering that government is a continuum. Perhaps the President could have relied on the legacy he inherited and allowed the situation to go seamlessly after June by gradually introducing his own touches. Arguably, the Presidential declaration could be received either as an accidental or deliberate strategy. It could be a deliberate style to hit the ground running with a controversy that launches the new government into public consciousness, and a reminder of the existence of a new political order. But such a style could come with gain and pain.

Realising the enormity of the effect of the declaration, a media officer of the president responded to manage the impact of the declaration. A tweet in that respect said contrary to his unequivocal pronouncement during his inaugural speech that fuel subsidy was gone, a pronouncement that led to immediate scarcity of the product, President Bola Tinubu had reviewed his position, resorting to a cautious approach to the issues. The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Media Centre explained that the announcement of the removal of the fuel subsidy by the President would no longer take immediate effect. The statement

explained the development was neither a new one nor an action of his new administration.

The Tweet reads: “The public is advised to note that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that “subsidy is gone” is neither a new development nor an action of his new administration.

“He was merely communicating the status quo, considering that the previous administration’s budget for fuel subsidy was planned and approved to last for only the first half of the year.

“Effectively, this means that by the end of June, the Federal Government will be without funds to continue the subsidy regime, translating to its termination.

“Furthermore, President Tinubu was clear about his plans to re-channel the funds previously devoted to the payment of subsidies into better investments that will cushion the effects of the removal on the general public, especially the poor of the poor.

“This includes but is not limited to investments in public infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs that will materially improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and increase their earning potential.”

The brand new President clearly has good intentions, but he may have played into the hands of fuel supply cathel. They capitalized on the president’s announcement to hoard products and hike price to maximize profit. If the policy will not take immediate effect, as the President’s media office said, why then did the NNPCL arbitrarily fix prices without waiting for the appropriate time to do so, and even doing so without consulting critical stakeholders?

Subsidy removal: Food will be very expensive, say farmers

Baba Bola must hear this!