Tuesday, June 13, 2023 Edition

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed forces during the

held at the

Villa in Abuja yesterday

Join fight against insecurity —NSCDC boss tells Nigerians

As Nigeria marks its 2023 Democracy Day, the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has appealed to Nigerians to join in the fight against insecurity to sustain the nation’s democratic ideals.

Dr Audi said that it was imperative for citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by embracing his policies and programs for a better Nigeria.

The CG made this statement while briefing officers and men at the Corps’ at National Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

He stated that security agencies requires the cooperation and support of citizens to effectively

ensure national security.

He called on citizens to endeavor to provide credible information that could help nip crime in the bud.

“If you see something, do not waste time in saying something,” he advised.

The NSCDC boss urged Nigerians to engrain the spirit of national consciousness to move the nation forward, noting that only a safe and secured environment could guarantee prosperity and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

“A rise in national security consciousness is the first step towards creating a nation with shared sense of national identity.

“It also fosters common understanding amongst different ethnic groups, religion, tribes, and organisations.

“We have to develop a strong

feeling of love, commitment, loyalty and affection that enables us to work together for the growth, progress and development of this country,” he said.

He further called on government at all levels to give maximum support to security agencies to function effectively in crime fighting and prevention.

“We will appreciate more governmental support to help us discharge our duties optimally,” he said.

He advocated the need for security agencies to heed the advice of President Tinubu on synergy and collaboration.

“We have to promote the culture of synergy and collaboration amongst ourselves.

“We must embrace the advice Mr President gave us recently regarding synergy and

collaboration for effective service delivery,” he said.

“The task of eradicating crimes and criminality in the country required a formidable internal security apparatus that must be opposed to unhealthy rivalry.

He congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of democacy day celebrations and assured that NSCDC under his leadership will not derail but play its part with renewed vigour for the betterment of Nigeria.

“Preserving Nigeria’s democracy is a collective effort in which, protecting her people and critical national assets is our role.

“We will continue to do our best in discharging our constitutional responsibility to the nation effectively without compromise.” the CG said.

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu and Former SGF, Babagana Kingibe during the 2023 democracy day celebration held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

Groups condemns Tinubu administration for interference in NASS leadership election

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance (YPA) have frowned at the interference of the Bola Tinubu-led government in the election of principal officers of the National Assembly ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups in a statement issued Monday by the Convener of OPF, Moses Odewale and National President of YPA, Anuoluwabamise Adetutu, that it was disheartening to witness the relentless attempts by the government to utilize security agencies as tools of intimidation,

coercing aspiring candidates into submission.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups also expressed dissatisfaction and concern over the flagrant disregard for democratic principles demonstrated by this administration.

The groups pointed out that it was shameful that the current government, barely at the outset of its tenure, was already exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.

They said: “Nigeria is not an ‘agberocracy’; we are a nation founded on democratic principles, where the separation of powers and the independence of the legislative and judicial arms

are paramount.

“We vehemently repudiate any misguided parallel drawn between Nigeria and the confined realm of Lagos State, where agberos and touts reign supreme. We assert that Nigeria, as a whole, transcends the narrow scope of a single state and operates on an entirely different scale of governance.”

They noted that considering the use of court orders to impede eligible candidates from exercising their fundamental rights to contest for principal offices in the Senate was not only an affront to the country’s democracy but also a blatant violation of the principles of justice and fairness.

The groups added: “The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance

(YPA), stands firmly against any attempt by this administration to undermine our democratic systems.

“We refuse to be silent spectators as our democracy is eroded by the very government entrusted to uphold it. We will resist every encroachment on our democratic institutions with unwavering determination.

The groups added that the people of Nigeria deserve leaders who respect the tenets of democracy and uphold the principles of good governance.

“We demand that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government refrain from further interference in the electoral process and respect the rights of eligible candidates to contest for principal offices in the National Assembly. ”

Police comb Bauchi bush in search of abducted traditional rulers

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Command has combed Balma Forest in Ningi Local Government Area of the state in search of two abducted traditional rulers.

Our correspondent learnt that the two traditional rulers, the Village Head of Balma and Mai Anguwan Bakutunbe as well as one other person were abducted in two separate incidents. The gunmen had shot one person to death in the incident which occurred within a few hours interval between late Saturday to early Sunday morning.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of

the Command SP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil said “The Bauchi State Police Command on Sunday received a report from the Balma outstation in Ningi LGA that some unknown gunmen stormed the village.

“They shot sporadically and took away the village head, one Alh Hussaini

Saleh who is 48-year-old to an unknown destination.

“One Haruna Jibrin was shot in the head by the gunmen. When the Police received the distress call, a team of policemen was drafted to the scene, they rescued the victim and rushed him to the General Hospital, Ningi and was receiving treatment. He was later confirmed dead by a medical.

“Presently, the police in Ningi Division are combing the bush trying to see how they can rescue the two abducted Village Heads alive.”

Wakil said the second Village Head was also abducted .

In his account of the incident The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ningi LGA, Ibrahim Zubairu, said that the traditional ruler of Balma was sitting with people in his palace when the kidnappers who were three in number arrived in a car, stormed his palace and forcefully took him away.

Zubairu said that one of the victims, “Alh

Haruna Dan OC, came back home on his motorcycle and was going to enter his house when the kidnappers saw him and shot him, which led to his death.”

He urged the people of the local government to continue praying for peace and to cooperate with the security forces to achieve peace in the area.

He assured that the local government has already reported the incident to the relevant authorities to take action.

According to him, at the local government level, we have taken action to ensure that the military officers in Jimi town are returned to reduce the occurrence of these acts of terrorism.

Residents of the area said the gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed one person when they attacked Balma Village.

They also abducted three people including two traditional rulers.

A resident of Balma town who didn’t want to be mentioned said the gunmen attacked the village at about 11.00 pm on Saturday and operated till the early hours of Sunday.

He said that as soon as the assailants who were armed with heavy guns arrived in the town, they went directly to the Sarki’s house and shot sporadically into the air to scare the villagers away.

According to him, after they kidnapped the Sarki and left, one Alh Haruna Dan OC was found lying down after they shot him in the neck.

He said the victim was then rushed to the Ningi General Hospital where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Similarly, the gunmen on Saturday night stormed Bakutunbe village and kidnapped two people, the neighborhood leader, Idris Mai Unguwa, and another man named Ya’u Gandu Maliya who is about 45 years old.

The kidnappers were said to have contacted their families and demanded the sum of N8 million each as ransom.

This is coming barely one week after two Fulani men, Alhaji Malami in Ware Ware village and Buba Kwancikwaniya in Yelwa village were kidnapped in the same Ningi LGA.

PDP dismisses claim on NASS minority leadership

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Ahead of today’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and the election of its presiding officers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the rumour making the rounds and purporting that certain individuals have been designated for Minority leadership positions.

The party said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

Such rumours and reports, Ologunagba pointed out, do not represent the true position of affairs in the party and among its National Assembly memberselect.

For clarity, the PDP made it succinctly clear that it is on the same page with its lawmakerselect in focusing, for now, on maximizing its numerical strength with other opposition Parties to determine the emergence of the Presiding Officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 and will not allow any distractions at this moment.

The interest of the PDP, according to Ologunagba, is to ensure that whoever emerges as the Speaker of the House of Representatives must be a person with long standing relevant managerial and legislative experience, leadership capacity and past legislative achievements as a member of the House of Representatives.

Ologunagba assured that at the right time, the PDP together with its members in the National Assembly will speak with one voice

on any issues with regard to other leadership positions in the federal legislature.

The party therefore urged Nigerians to disregard the said rumour and reports as the Party and it’s members-elect at the moment have “our eyes on the ball on the election of the Presiding Officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly in the general interest of the people of Nigeria”.

The statement by Ologunagba reads, “The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to rumours and

reports making the rounds and purporting that certain individuals have been designated for Minority leadership positions ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly slated for Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

“Such rumours and reports do not represent the true position of affairs in our Party and among our National Assembly memberselect.

“For clarity, the PDP is on the same page with our lawmakers-elect in focusing, for now, on maximizing our

numerical strength with other opposition Parties to determine the emergence of the Presiding Officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 and will not allow any distractions at this moment.

“The interest of the PDP is to ensure that whoever emerges as the Speaker of the House of Representatives must be a person with long standing relevant managerial and legislative experience, leadership capacity and past legislative achievements as a member of the House of

Representatives.

“At the right time, the PDP together with our members in the National Assembly will speak with one voice on any issues with regard to other leadership positions in the federal legislature.

“The PDP therefore urges Nigerians to disregard the said rumour and reports as our Party and members-elect at the moment have our eyes on the ball on the election of the Presiding Officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly in the general interest of the people of Nigeria”, it said.

Group kicks against Shettima comments on NASS election

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Civil Society Organisation under the aegies of Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has kicked against Vice President, Kashim Shettima, over comments on the leadership National Assembly members.

They say that the current leadership in Nigeria is underlined by impunity with officials riding roughshod over the law.

Addressing journalists on Monday, in Abuja, group Secretary, Lawal Rabiu Tinka, called on all Nigerians to rise and get involved in this struggle to free Nigerian and democracy from this emerging dictatorship.

He said: “Today we say, this impunity must stop and call on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, traditional, cultural and religious leaders, politicians, civil servants, businessmen and women, teachers and students, the media and the civil society to rise and get involved in this struggle to free our country and

our democracy from this emerging dictatorship.

“We invite the attention of Nigeria’s friends in the international community to the emerging trend trend in Nigeria and call on them to be vigilant as to the direction our country and our democracy are headed.

“To call out Kashim Shettima’s hypothetical inconsistency in speaking out against the use of religion in politics in one breathe and in another breathe manipulating the same religious sentiments to drive this dangerous agenda.

“To warn Kashim Shettima and all those in authority who are pursuing this agenda to weaken judicial and legislative authority that Nigerians and indeed the world, will not stand by and watch them endanger democracy and the rule of law, or push the Nigerian society itself into the danger of descending into disorder.”

They said that Shettima is casting aside civility in a manner that suggests subversion of the law

and democracy by the persons that elected and entrusted to uphold him with the constitution.

He added, “We find it disheartening that the current executive arm of government, by its recent actions or complicit silence, appears bent on dwarfing the other arms of government by arbitrarily abusing the amplitude and plenitude of privileges allowed to it.

“We are worried also that while the principle and practice of the separation of powers, is a major hallmark of democratic governance, players in the current administration, in open display of recklessness, are working on violating this major pillar, thereby threatening orderly society and potentially placing democracy and the Nigerian state at imminent risk.

“Whereas in practice, each organ is constitutionally barred from encroaching on the boundaries of another organ, we note a rising level of intensification of the desperation of the executive

arm of this government to impose a leadership on the legislature by every means and tactics.

“This dangerous desperation has led to devising various schemes to deny major aspirants to the Senate Presidency and Speakership of the House of Representatives their constitutional rights to seek election through a democratic due process.

“These devices, we note, include plans to forcefully deny them and their perceived supporters access to the Assembly on the day of inauguration, harassing and intimidating them through stage managed arrest and most recently securing a frivolous court injunction against the aspiration of Abdul’aziz Yari in particular.

“We fear that if such level of arrogant dictatorship, autocratic arbitrariness, and blatant impunity are left unchecked, Nigeria’s democracy would collapse totally under this administration before it clocks one year.”

•Says its eyes are on the ball

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the February 25 presidential election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has charged the media to educate the public and help them understand what democracy stands for.

The call was contained in his Democracy Day message to Nigerians on Monday.

Adebayo noted that even though democracy, as it is practiced, in Nigeria today might be imperfect, it still remains the fairest and surest way by which the minority could have their say and the majority, their way.

Adebayo charged public office holders to service the people with humility, reminding them that government is not a place for revenge, personal reward, egoism and aggrandizement, but rather a place of servant-hood on behalf of the rest of the citizens, who cannot converge at the state house or the

Democracy Day: Adebayo tasks media on citizens’ enlightenment

National Assembly or judge every case in the judiciary.

According to him, “Every position in public service is a trust, a delegation and an attempt to do through a few of us what the majority of us desires. “Therefore, on this day, I plead with the media to educate the public to understand democracy. Imperfect as it may be, it is the fairest and surest way by which the minority can have their say and majority can have their way.

“But the direction the country should be travelling is the direction we can say that we have unity, faith, peace and progress,” he stated Adebayo warned those in public

office to be mindful of the fragility of the nation. His words, “Today, on the 30th anniversary of June 12, many heroes have passed away including MKO Abiola, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Solomon Lar, while many of the players are still around.

“We have learnt many lessons. There are citizens’ lessons, political parties’ lessons, and civil society lessons. There are institutional lessons for the military as well as lessons for the government of the day,” he said.

Adebayo noted that the event was another opportunity to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who

was a key player as a Senator of the Social Democratic Party in 1993. He added, “So, no one can say that he did not know the travails of the people looking for democracy. No one can say he does not know the fragility of democracy. No one can say that we do not have a documentary in recent history on how a people can come together and canonize democracy and a small group can come together and vandalize democracy,” he stated.

The foregoing, according to Adebayo, underscores the need to have the current republic.

He said: “We have this republic so that we can determine our own

destiny, come together and form a government that is meant to implement the provisions of our constitution, especially chapter two of it.

“Therefore, the rituals of election will come and go, but what is important is; are we making progress? And the only way we can make progress is if the electorates get enlightened to realize that the assumption that one has the right to vote is an assumption that one is a good citizen. And that one will study the issues and be motivated by the progress and desire for the development of your community.”

Speakership: Youth holds rally, drums support for Abass

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, a group, Youth Alliance for Renewed Hope, on Monday urged lawmakers in the House of Representatives to ensure the emergence of Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House.

The spokesperson for the group, Dami Adeyi said this during a rally held in Abuja and noted that Abass possessed the right qualities to lead the house for remarkable impact.

He said, “We are standing in solidarity in struggle and in intellectual capacity for Honorable Tajudeen Abbas. Our organization has aligned with the leadership of this new administration and also realigned with the candidacy of Honorable Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House of Representatives

Also speaking,Babatunde damilola (dambaba) said ,”Our organization, Youths alliance for renew hopes is here to reactivate that lost hope in to the realm of the new hope, and by doing so, we have aligned with the new leadership of this administration and also realigned with the speakership, Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, by affirming our love, support and solidarity with him.

“We are also commending World Oil Industries Limited ,Dukiya properties limited and Sebastine foundation for burn victims for their

Textile

unrelenting efforts, we are very grateful to them.

“We decided to back him because we have checked and seen the fact that his a youth oriented person and in this administration, we are looking for leaders that are youth oriented that will pass bills to accelerate youth involvement, youth participate and progress in Nigeria.

Peter Buraimoh Folajimi appealed with the members of house of assembly to give Abbas the opportunity to serve by massively voting for him.

He urged the youths in the grassroot to wakeup and work for the emergence of Abbas as the next speaker would be a renewed hope for Nigerian youths.

“We are here for Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, because we believe in his dream for Nigeria youth and there is know other man that is capable of this position. Honorable Tajudeen Abbas is the next speaker and and so shall it be as the APC members have said.

Also, Engr. Robert Ahen Chenge said Abbas is the right choice for

the Speakership.”We are here today to identify with the incoming leadership of the national assembly. The candidate of the right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas. We believe that the national APC committee has made the right choice.

*We are solidly behind Tajudeen Abbas because he has big dreams for Nigerian youths”.

L-R: Director General National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Inspector General of Policy, Usman Alikali Baba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen, Faruk Yahaya and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor during the 2023 democracy day celebration held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

workers union partners Kaduna Govt in reviving industry

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, (NUTGTWN), has expressed its desire to work with the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani, to revive the ailing textile industries in the state with a view to creating jobs for the mass of unemployed youth in the state.

The National President of the Union, John Adaji, stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

Adaji said as a private sector union affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and a critical stakeholder in the development of the state and the country in general, NUTGTWN wishes to pledge its support, and cooperation in the great task of moving Kaduna State and indeed Nigeria to a greater

height.

The Union who congratulated Senator Uba Sani, on his successful election and inauguration as Governor of Kaduna State, said as a prodemocracy activist and with his wealth of experience in administration and finance, the Union has, no doubt, Governor Uba Sani would deepen the peace process and remarkably improve security in the state.

“However, there cannot be

sustainable peace and security without social justice.

“Sustainable peace and security must also go hand in hand with sustainable development which must start with urgent re-industrialization of Kaduna State and mass employment of the army of the unemployed youth.

“Even the critics of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el Rufai will acknowledge

the remarkable effort of the past administration in the area of road construction and rehabilitation across the major cities of Kaduna.

“We have no doubt that the new administration will consolidate on the past achievement and further expand the road network and urban renewal project of the past administration,” the Union stated.

Democracy Day: Tinubu, Kingibe, Akume, Akpabio pay tributes to Abiola

By Egena Sunday Ode

Five years after the official recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day, President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians paid glowing tributes to the memories of late Chief MKO Abiola who was believed to have won the 1992 presidential election.

Recall that May 29 had been proclaimed by the Federal Government as Democracy Day since 1999 until 2019 when former Preaident Myhammadu Buhari officially declared June 12 and also conferred a posthumous award of GCFR on Abiola.

Tinubu in particular commended what he deecribed as Chief Abiola’s selfless sacrifice and uncommon courage that propelled him to stand up to the military authorities to claim his mandate until he met his death.

He said Abiola died for a democracy that pro.oted the qwlfare of the people above personal interest of the ruling class, and urged Nigerians to make a little more sacrifice for the survival of the country.

His words: “Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.

“The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.

“On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.

“On my part and that of my

administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people - the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

‘We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.”

Meanwhile, as part of activities to mark the event, President Bola Tinubu on Monday inspected a Guard of honour at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Ahead of President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, had arrived the venue few minutes earlier after the arrival of President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume.

Other dignitaries present at the Forecourt to wit eas the event were Lagos State governor, Jide SanwoOlu; former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu; and the party’s Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore among others.

The Chief of Defense Staff, General Lucky Irabor led the service chiefs; Inspector-General of Police and other senior security chiefs as well as government officials to witness the ceremonies marking the significance of June 12 1993 presidential election at the State House.

Spwaking to newsmen at the end of the event, former running mate to Abiola in the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Amb Babagana Kingibe, urged Nigerians to see acclaimed winner, MKO Abiola, as a beacon for the direction the nation should take in order to strengthen democracy tenets in the country.

Kingibe affirmed that June 12 will always bring back vivid memories of the whole process and sadness that ensued at the end of the process with the annulment.

“I believe in looking forward and the President in his Democracy Day address has set out the markers as to where we are coming from. He has

set up beacons as to the direction we should take to make our country great, to strengthen democracy and to defend democracy at all times.

“And I believe that his speech was really inspiring and I think all right thinking men and women of this country should very carefully go through and be inspired by it and be guided by it. It is a great thing.

On his thoughts whether the country has done enough to recognize what MkO Abiola truly stands for, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation urged Nigerians to be inspired by his courage, adding “Abiola is no more. We can’t bring him back. And whatever we do, will never bring him back to life. But we should never forget.

“We should be inspired by his courage. We should be inspired by his steadfast commitment, and we should be inspired by his willingness to sacrifice his life, which he has, and for which I think the country will forever be grateful.

Also expressing his views on the essence of Democracy Day, the new Secretary to the Government of the

Federation (SGF), George Akume noted that June 12 was a deliberate attempt to enthroned the sanctity of democracy and due process as far as elections are concerned.

According to him, the day represents “fundamental human rights, the right of people to vote freely and choose their own leaders. The abandonment of this principle will lead to unpleasant consequences by way of demonstrations, when that annulment was made.

“It was long ago, but we give glory to God that today, we are celebrating this very important landmark in the history of our country. Remember, it was 2019 that President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as work free day and by that tradition the present government is continuing to walk in the steps of the last administration.

“And President Tinubu is regarded as one of the most critical persons in the struggle for the attainment of that mandate. And that is why we’re very happy that today he is here as the president.”

Senator Godswill Akpabio

described June 12 as a milestone for the country, saying that the nation was already making progress as far as freedom is concerned.

He also said that Nigerians should see it as a period for sober reflection, especially “when you look at the events that happened 30 years ago, the late MKO Abiola— may his soul rest in peace. And then we are celebrating this day, you know to commemorate that event, it is very humbling. And for us to be alive to see this happening and for almost seven times of change of baton in democracy; it shows clearly that Nigeria is moving forward in freedom. And I believe under President Bola Tinubu also in prosperity.”

Also fielding questions, Governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma averred that democracy in Nigeria was still in a learning process, adding “we’ll continue to learn like in other climes, that the spirit of sportsman must be deployed, that it’s either you win or you lose.

“When you win, you’ll celebrate, when you lose, you’ll wait for another time. So we’ll continue to advice and encourage practitioners in politics to eschew violence and take to this path of honour,” he said.

meeting with President Tinubu on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

June 12: INEC, APC raped democracy, disregard people’s will, PDP claims

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) PDP has urged Nigerians to use the June 12 Democracy Day to accentuate the demand for the entrenchment of democratic tenets in the country. The party said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba in Abuja.

The PDP described as distasteful, offensive and unacceptable for the nation to observe the Democracy Day under a system that violated, desecrated and despoiled all the tenets of Democracy as witnessed in brazen rigging that characterized the 2023 general elections.

According to the leading opposition party in the country, “The barefaced manipulations of

the 2023 general elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amounts to an unpardonable assault and rape of democracy and disregard for the Will of the people; the very ills which Chief MKO Abiola fought and died for.

“June 12 epitomizes the struggle by Nigerians against corrupt, manipulative and anti-

democratic system; against injustice, impunity and electoral fraud which INEC, under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu now represents.

“It is indeed heartrending that all the steady progress and gains made by successive PDP administrations in reforming our electoral system have been completely wiped off by INEC in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

“Our Party however urges Nigerians not to despair but remain optimistic and law-abiding in their hope for a better nation which they earnestly yearn for.

‘The PDP charges all the leaders at all level across the country to be guided by the essence of June 12 by always adhering to the principles of democracy in the overall interest of the Nigerians people”, the PDP said.

10th Senate: Senate President Ahmed Lawan and an aspirant for Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio after a

•President recommits to good governance •Inspects guard of honour to mark event

CAN urges Nigerians to learn from 1993 election by building true democracy

By Albert Akota

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to embrace the lessons of the annulled 1993 presidential election of Chief Moshood Abiola and work towards building a truly democratic nation.

In a statement yesterday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh emphasized the need to address issues such as insecurity, corruption, poverty, and unemployment.

He called on all citizens to work together towards the common goal of a

better Niger Okoh said, “As we mark this year’s Democracy Day on June 12, I want to acknowledge the sacrifices made by our past heroes who fought for democracy in our land.

Their struggles and sacrifices have paved the way for the democratic government we enjoy today. We must never forget their efforts and their contributions to our freedom.

“On this day, we also remember the annulment of the free and fair election of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as president on June 12, 1993.

This event was a watershed in our

nation’s history, and it reminds us of the need to uphold the principles of democracy, justice, and fairness at all times as responsible citizens.

“As Nigerians, we must learn from the lessons of June 12 and strive to build a nation where democracy is truly entrenched.

We must put aside our religious and cultural differences and work towards the common goal of a better Nigeria.

Our leaders must prioritize the needs of the people and ensure that they are accountable to the citizens they serve.

“Furthermore, as we celebrate Democracy Day, we must recognize that

there is still much work to be done. We need to address the issues of insecurity, corruption, poverty, and unemployment in our country.

These problems affect all Nigerians and must be tackled with urgency and sincerity.

“I call on all Nigerians to play their part in advancing the development of our nation. We must all be responsible citizens and work towards building a better future for ourselves and the next generations.

Let us continue to pray for our nation and work together towards a brighter future.”

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.

Democracy Day: We can achieve greatness together, says Fintiri

From Umar Dankano,Yola

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa state has threw a passionate aopeal to citizens in the state to rally round his second term administration for more devidends of democracy.

Governor Fintiri made the appeal while extending his felicitations to citizens of the State and country at large on the occasion of Democracy Day celebrations held yesterday.

In a press statement issued in Yola on Monday by the Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary,Mr.Humwashi Wonosikou and made available to the media indicated that, the Governor who expressed delight over Nigeria’s unbroken democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999 described it as the triumph of freedom.

“Twenty-seven years ago, we witnessed a scene that had once seemed impossible -- an election where, for the first time, the people of this nation had a choice-unanimously agreeing to ensure democracy thrives.”

Governor Fintiri noted

that though it was thwarted, 1999 saw a new beginning as the event turned out to be a landslide victory for freedom as it ushered in the beginning of the end of military rule.

“And we have seen the extraordinary progress since that time. As Nigeria today is standing tall as proud democracies.

“Regrettably, despite our state being a peaceful one,the recent ugly happenings of the Adamawa election where some elements tried to subvert the will of the people.

“I am commending the resilience of those who stood to preserve democracy by ensuring the right thing is done.

“We must never forget that the spark for so much of this revolution, this blossoming of hope, was lit by you, the people of Adamawa. It was the culmination of the struggles of those who rose up and finally won and those who resisted enemies of democracy.

“History will remember you for standing for the truth. You are our heroes of democracy.

“This is the Nigeria we celebrate today. The free and

democratic nation that our forebears and some who are here today dreamed of and fought for and, in some cases, died for.”The statement added.

While commending the spirit of oneness exhibited by Nigerians 27 years ago, Governor Fintiri urged for a return to that kind of spirit where a projected 14 million Nigerians – ignored tribe, religion, class, sectional propensity and even harsh conditions to elect their president with the hope of instituting representative governance and enjoying the dividends of democracy; a process that was, however, tragically annulled.

Governor Fintiri said that the people must learn to imbibe that spirit they were once known for and put away sentiments and see ourselves first as Nigerians for the much needed change.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of the 2023 Democracy Day, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted pardon to two prisoners in the state stressing that, the inmates were granted pardon

Gov Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri

based on their good conducts right from the different dates of their conviction.

“In the spirit of the 2023 Democracy Day, and in the exercise of the powers conferred on me as Governor in Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), after due consultation with The State Advisory Council On Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted various categories of pardon to two prisoners for their good conduct. The two Prisoners as aforementioned should have the remainder of their sentences remitted whole.”

“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.

Nigeria Air Scandal: AYCF calls for arrest of Hadi Sirika

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for the immediate arrest of the former Minister of Aviation and his thorough investigation on the role he played in the Nigeria Air Scandal.

A statement issued by the National President of AYCF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima in Kaduna yesterday, the Forum averred that Nigeria is not a Banana Republic, where anything goes, stressing that the likes of Hadi Sirika and his cohorts should not be let go of the embarrassment caused Nigeria as a nation.

Shettima recalled that the recent

revelation by the interim MD of the so called “Nigerian Airline” Captain Dapo Olumide, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Aviation, where he stated that the Nigeria Air aircraft used for unveiling of the Nigeria Air was rented from Ethiopian Airline.

The group said it was a slap on Nigerian faces, hence perpetrators should not be allowed to go free.

He observed that rather than the former aviation minister going round media houses giving unsatisfactory explanations, the EFCC should Wade into the matter urgently by arresting him for proper questioning.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinunbu has already started demonstration that it is

no longer going to be business as usual in Nigeria, he should also order immediately the anti graft agency to bring Former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika to book to serve as a deterrent to others going forward.

“The action of Hadi Sirika amounts to deception and breach of trust that should not go un-punished, He must be made to face the law, particularly in the face of absolute disregard to the rule of law and the entire justice system and proceeding on the. Umveioing against the order of a competent court of law.

“This national embarrassment and waste of resources incurred in the country would have been averted if he had listened to advices, yet Hadi Sirika

went ahead knowing it was a charade, to deceive Nigerians and pocket billions to himself”.

AYCF President said, in the event that the EFCC fails to yield to this national call and do the needful with immediate effect, it will be left with no option but to take legal action against the former Minister until he is made to pay for the embarrassment he has caused the country.

“ We will also mobilize CSOs, activists, NGOs, Students and others to take to the streets across the country until he is brought to book. But we hope we will not be pushed to the wall to take such action enough of this embarrassment”.

Business woman appeals to Uba Sani over unpaid contract debts

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

An indigenous company, Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures Kaduna, has appealed to the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, to come to its aid and intervene in a debit case between the company the state major contracting company.

Chief Executive of the company, Mrs Bolanle Ogundele, who made the appeal during a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, alleged that the State major contracting company, Messrs Ronchess Global Resources Limited, has refused to pay Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures the sum of over N14million (fourteen million)

Naira owed the company for the supply of materials since June 2022, despite repeated demands.

According to her, Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures supplied to Messrs Ronchess Global Resources Limited, through a purchasing order materials worth over N14 million Naira since last year and the money has not been paid.

The materials which included sharp sand, hard core granites and stone base were supplied to Messrs Ronchess Global Resources Limited and confirmed by it.

She further explained that the alleged refusal of Messrs Ronchess Global Resources Limited, to settle the debts has exposed Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures

to ridicule from those it collected the materials on credit to carry out the supply, due to it failure to pay the money for the aforementioned materials.

“Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures are one of the suppliers in the ongoing project titled: Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA) Urban Renewal Road Project. “The company supplied for Zaria, Danbushia and Sultan road projects respectively,” she explained.

Ogundele said, although, she instituted a civil case before a court to retrieve the money, but up till the time of the press conference, nothing came out of it, alleging that ‘It is because I am a woman’, or an attempt to frustrate her efforts,” she lamented.

She added that Messrs Ronchess Global

Resources Limited paid Messrs Bolanle Ogundele Ventures some amount of money in April 2022 and up till now, nothing has been paid again.

“Last payment date was April 15, 2022, with some amount left unpaid of an invoice dated 23 March, 2022, and we commenced new supply between 22 April, 2022 and 25 May, 2022, and up till date no payment has been made,” she further stated.

When contacted, the Chief Executive Officer of Ronchess Global Resources Limited, Mr. Jackson Ukuevo, did not deny owing the contractor/supplier or not. He simply told our Reporter, the civil case is before a court.

From left: Secretary, Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), Comrade Kabiru Garko; National President of NCM, Dr Awwal Aliyu; Director-General, Confederation of Tinubu/ Shettima Support Group, Dr Kailani Muhammed; and National Vice President of NCM, Hajiya Hauwa Kabir, during a World news conference seeking support for Sen. Abdullaziz Yari as President of the 10th National Assembly and a level playing for the 10th Assembly Leadership election, in Abuja on Monday

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago has approved the payment of fines for the discharge of eighty inmates spread across various Correctional Centres in the State to mark this year’s Democracy Day.

A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman explained that the Governor’s action was in line with power of Prerogative of Mercy as guaranteed under the

Democracy Day: Gov Bago pardons 80 inmates

1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He appealed to the inmates to make use of their freedom by engaging in useful ventures and shun any act that could lead them back to correctional facility.

Alhaji Usman implored

the inmates to be law-abiding citizens and engage in legitimate endeavours by taking advantage of various empowerment windows.

In a similarly, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman has called on the people

of the State to use the period to reflect on their roles in peace building and support for good governance.

Alhaji Usman implored the people of the State to renew their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions by imbibing values

that will promote democracy such as tolerance, patriotism and discipline.

The SSG stated that, Government noted with deep concern the security challenges in the State but assured citizens that all forms of criminality will soon be nip in the bud.

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

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

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.”

June 12: Uba Sani urges Nigerians to build trust in government

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, has said the lessons of the June 12 incident should be used to build and renew people’s trust in government.

He asserted this in his message to mark the 30th Anniversary of June 12th in Kaduna yesterday.

The Governor recounted that late MKO Abiola’s sacrificed a lot to ensure that democracy thrives in Nigeria.

Uba Sani added that Nigeria has come a long way in its practice of democracy which has been a mixed bag of successes, failures, unmet expectations and rising expectations.

“It is also a story of heroes and villains,”

Governor Uba Sani lamented.

He noted that Nigeria’s founding fathers, labour leaders, civil society and pro-democracy activists have made remarkable contributions to the growth and development of democracy and the nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their labours of love.

“The last few years of our practice of democracy have been full of challenges. Our people’s trust in democracy and government waned considerably due to economic, social and political crisis, with their debilitating consequences.

“Many of our people feel the country and its leaders do not care about them. The youths feel the country does not care about their future. Many parts of the country feel they have not been given a

sense of belonging. These sentiments and anxieties threaten our country’s economic prospects and our desire for national unity,” the Governor said.

He lamented that the way policies are designed and implemented in Nigeria without adequate consultations and scrutiny have tended to alienate the people while corruption has worsened the trust deficit.

The challenge before us therefore is how to restore the people’s trust in government and effectively mobilize them for the important task of national renewal.

“Our country must move in a new direction. We must put in place measures to ensure inclusiveness, responsiveness, fairness and integrity in policy making and service delivery. Devolution of powers is

the way to go. More powers must be given to the states to take care of the needs of the people at the grassroots. Decentralization of power will unleash the potential that exists everywhere in Nigeria,” he said.

Kaduna State, the Governor said, is making conscious and deliberate efforts to spread development by focusing on the rural areas and his government is determined to reinvent and re -energise the rural economies through the massive infrastructural development.

“When we make the grassroots attractive to our people, rural - urban migration will be checked and our people will fully embrace democracy as a system that caters for their welfare and enables them to realize their full potential,” he said.

From left: President Agbekoya Group, Chief Kunle Oshodi; President Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, Mr Adewale Adeoye; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun and Executive Secretary Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, Mr Popoola Ajayi during the 2-Day Summit on the 30th Anniversary of June 12 Organised by the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements in Lagos on Monday

June 12: Our govt not out to witch hunt —Gov. Alia

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has stressed that his administration have no room for witch hunt, avering it will not shy away from taking those decisions that may look harsh but have become the foundations on which to build a peaceful and prosperous Benue.

Governor Alia stated this in his broadcast message to Benue people to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day.

He seized the opportunity to vivdily explain to the people his recent decisions, maintaining that they are for the common good of the State.

“On the issue of Recruitments/ Appointments, we noted that it was full of irregularities. Specifically;

the Civil Service Secretariat through the out-gone Administration recruited Two Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Four (2,194) persons. The State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) employed Three Thousand, Twenty-Eight (3,028) against the approved number of Two Thousand, Five Hundred (2,500) only while Replacements made were over Five Thousand (5,000). Teaching Service Board (TSB) employed Two Thousand Five Hundred (2,500), that is, for Grant-in-Aid Schools, four in number, One Hundred and Twenty Teachers. Replacements were Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-Four (2,484). In the entire exercise, due process was not adopted.

“In addition, the employment was lopsided in favour of few Local

Government Areas and did not take the principle of State character into consideration; also, no budgetary provision was made to cater for the Recruitments just as there was no advertisement in any media as required by the provisions of the rules guiding the Service on the matter; and no Interviews were conducted to determine suitability or otherwise of candidates. Above all, the Solicitor-General of the State was not involved at any stage of the Recruitment process.

“Benue sons and daughters, the appointment of persons to the post of Permanent Secretaries from January, 2023 to May, 2023 was reversed for the following reasons:

“Since the appointments were politically motivated, the Due Process required was not observed; “The eventual postings of the

appointed Permanent Secretaries were mainly for cover up.

“In making the appointments, the State Character Principle was not observed.

In view of all the above, the hard decisions we are taking are for the common good.

“Good people of Benue, we are aware of the sufferings and hardships of our people especially Civil Servants and retirees due to non-payment of their Salaries, Pensions and Gratuities. We call for your patience and understanding as we are working hard to address these problems. Indeed, as from 25th of this month, Civil Servants should start expecting alerts for their payments.

“Similarly, I call on all Benue people not to despair but to keep hope alive because a new Benue

is possible not through any other means but with all hands being on deck. We will not appreciate you enough so far for your prayers, support and cooperation”, Alia said.

He paid glowing tribute to late Moshood Kashimowo Olawale aka MKO for paying the price for the entrenchment of democracy.

“As we mark this day, it is necessary to note that for the past twenty-four, unbroken years, Nigerians have firmly resolved that the democratic culture of choosing who to lead them through the ballot is the best. There is no gain saying about the enormous benefits that we have made and are making from democracy at the National, State and Local Government levels”, he maintained.

Kaduna 10th Assembly holds first session today

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has said the first session of the 10th House of Assembly will hold on June 13, 2023.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday.

The statement said this is coming after the dissolution of the 9th Assembly on Thursday, June 8, 2023 by the Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani.

Accordingly, Governor Uba Sani is expected to deliver an address at the occasion, outlining his administration’s priorities for the new legislative term.

“The historic event marks a new chapter in the legislative history of Kaduna State and demonstrates the commitment of the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure good governance.

“This development follows the issuance of the proclamation

instrument by the Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by Subsection (3) of Section 105 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“The proclamation signifies the commencement of a new legislative session and sets forth an agenda for addressing pressing issues facing the people of Kaduna State.

“The first session will witness the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected members and subsequent election of principal officers such as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

“The first session of the 10th Assembly is an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a brighter future for the people of Kaduna State,” it stated.

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.

Atoyebi added that Kaduna as always, has set the pace with the passage of the law, pointing out that she looks forward to the implementation of the provisions which will have a far reaching positive impact on the residents of Kaduna State.

President Bola Tinubu signing the Students’ Loan Bill passed by the National Assembly into law on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

Textile workers union partners Kaduna Govt in reviving industry

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, (NUTGTWN), has expressed its desire to work with the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of Senator Uba Sani, to revive the ailing textile industries in the state with a view to creating jobs for the mass of unemployed youth in the state.

The National President of the Union, John Adaji, stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

Adaji said as a private sector union affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and a critical stakeholder in the development of the state and the country in general, NUTGTWN wishes to pledge its support, and cooperation in the great task of moving Kaduna State and indeed Nigeria to a greater height.

The Union who congratulated Senator Uba Sani, on his successful election and inauguration as Governor of Kaduna State, said as a pro-democracy activist and with his wealth of experience in administration and finance, the Union has, no doubt, Governor Uba Sani would deepen the peace process and remarkably improve security in the state.

“However, there cannot be

sustainable peace and security without social justice.

“Sustainable peace and security must also go hand in hand with sustainable development which must start with urgent re-

industrialization of Kaduna State and mass employment of the army of the unemployed youth.

“Even the critics of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir

el Rufai will acknowledge the remarkable effort of the past administration in the area of road construction and rehabilitation across the major cities of Kaduna.

“We have no doubt that the new

administration will consolidate on the past achievement and further expand the road network and urban renewal project of the past administration,” the Union stated.

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.

R-L: Executive Governor of Katsina State. Mallam.Dikko Umaru Radda paid a courtesy call on the Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral AZ Gambo at the weekend in Abuja. Photo;. Justin Imo-owo

June 12: Nigeria’s democracy wobbly but hasn’t fallen

By Tife Owolabi

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that persist and to critically assess the progress made. The nation’s democracy may be wobbly, but it has not fallen. It stands as a testament to the resilience, tenacity, and unwavering hope of the Nigerian people.

Nigeria’s Democracy Day, celebrated on June 12, is a significant occasion that marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. On this day, Nigerians commemorate the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that have shaped their democratic journey. However, as the country reflects on its democracy, it becomes evident that it stands on shaky ground, yet resilient and determined to overcome its challenges.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent speech on June 12 sought to instill renewed hope in the hearts of Nigerians. While his words carried a sense of optimism, it is crucial to analyze the current state of Nigeria’s democracy objectively.

Nigeria’s democracy has experienced its fair share of turbulence. The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as the country’s fairest and freest, dealt a severe blow to the aspirations of Nigerians for a representative government. However, the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people propelled them to fight for democracy, ultimately leading to its restoration in 1999.

Since then, Nigeria’s democracy has been tested by various challenges, including political instability, corruption, electoral

irregularities, insecurity, and socio-economic inequalities. These issues have eroded public trust and confidence in the democratic process and highlighted the need for urgent reforms.

President Tinubu rightly emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law, a vibrant judiciary, and a government that serves the people. However, words alone are not sufficient to address the deep-rooted issues that hinder Nigeria’s democratic progress. Tangible actions, accompanied by transparency and accountability, are necessary to restore faith in the democratic system.

One pressing concern is the independence of the judiciary. While efforts to harmonize the retirement age for judicial officers are commendable, more needs to be done to safeguard the judiciary from external influence and ensure its effectiveness in delivering justice. Strengthening institutions and promoting a culture of accountability will help establish a solid foundation for Nigeria’s democracy.

Another critical aspect is socio-economic development. President Tinubu’s mention of removing fuel subsidies to redirect resources towards public utilities highlights the government’s intention to prioritize the welfare of the people. However, the burden placed on the masses must be carefully managed to prevent further hardships. It is imperative that the government delivers on its promises, invests in infrastructure, creates employment opportunities, and addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Furthermore, electoral integrity remains a key concern. Free

and fair elections are the bedrock of any thriving democracy. Efforts should be made to enhance the transparency of the electoral process, ensure equal participation of all citizens, and build trust in the electoral system. By fostering inclusivity and promoting active civic engagement, Nigeria can strengthen its democratic foundations.

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that persist and to critically assess the progress made. The nation’s democracy may be wobbly, but it has not fallen. It stands as a testament to the resilience, tenacity, and unwavering hope of the Nigerian people.

To truly renew hope, President Tinubu and his administration must translate their words into concrete actions. They must prioritize the welfare of the people, tackle corruption, promote good governance, and create an enabling environment for the full realization of Nigeria’s democratic potential.

Democracy is a continuous journey, and it requires the active participation of all citizens to thrive. On this Democracy Day, let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy, hold our leaders accountable, and work collectively towards a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.

May Nigeria’s democracy rise above its challenges, remain steadfast in its pursuit of justice and equality, and fulfill the aspirations of its people. Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians, and may the spirit of democracy continue to guide the nation towards a brighter future.

Tife Owolabi is a Media Practitioner.

Nigeria offers the most exciting business opportunities in Africa

By Sunday Oyinloye

Nigeria offers the most exciting and incredible opportunities for investors in Africa, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu has said.

Speaking at the just concluded Nigeria Belgium Luxembourg Business Forum in Brussels, Onowu who is also Nigeria’s Head of delegation to the European Union said the country is considered one of the ten most improved economies in the World Bank Doing Business Report 2020, stressing “its economy continues to thrive”.

He noted that Nigeria remained Africa’s largest economy over the last seven years adding that its geographical land mass is huge, bigger than France and UK combined, and is blessed with diverse natural resources.

In his words: “Nigeria is largest market across Africa with a projected population of 402 million and the world’s 3rd largest population by 2050. Nigeria is home to many international brands who have recorded success operating in the country such as PZ, GSK, Unilever, Diageo and MTN.

“Nigeria’s financial market is one of the largest in Africa with a capital market capitalization rate of over US 40 billion.

“The country has witnessed 24 years of uninterrupted democracy, sparring peaceful handover of six elected presidents. Recently, precisely on 29th May, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR was inaugurated as the President of Nigeria.”

The Ambassador explains further that the Federal Government of Nigeria has provided numerous initiatives and policies to incentivize investment across various sectors.

“Nigeria has energetic, tech savvy and entrepreneurial population with over 50% of the total population below 25 years old. Nigeria has the most vibrant tech eco system in Africa.

“The fintech businesses are twice as large as the banks. The biggest bank in Nigeria is worth 1.6 billion dollars while Flutter Wave is worth 3.6 billion dollars.

“With well mapped out economic policies, over the years, Nigeria remains a prime destination for business and investment” he said.

Onowu assured Nigeria’s Belgian partners that the new administration in his country will improve the current economic policies especially by consolidating strategies to create enabling environment for businesses

to thrive, and instill confidence in economic activities.

His words “The Federal Government is fully aware of challenges such as shortage of foreign exchange, inadequate power supply and insecurity in some parts of the country, and is working assiduously to address them. Some of the strategies will be discussed in the presentation by the NIPC.”

The Ambassador is optimistic that partnerships established between government and businesses as well as business to business at the Business Forum will take Nigeria, Belgium and Luxembourg bilateral trade ties to a new level.

In his presentation, the Director Investment Promotion of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Abubarkar Yerima said the theme of the Business Forum: “Building Sustainable Partnerships In the Non- Oil Sector” is apt.

“Nigeria and Belgium share a long history of bilateral relations, and it is encouraging to witness the continuous growth and diversification of our economic engagement.

“This gathering presents an incredible opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration, exchange ideas, and forge enduring partnerships that will drive mutual prosperity.

“Belgium’s expertise in sectors such as technology, logistics, renewable energy, and manufacturing, combined with Nigeria’s vast market potential, natural resources, and dynamic workforce, creates a promising landscape for fruitful investment and business ventures” he said

The Director noted that Nigeria’s investment climate has witnessed remarkable transformation in recent years, stressing that the government in close collaboration with the NIPC has implemented a series of reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business.

“Streamlining bureaucratic processes, simplifying company registration, and improving transparency have all contributed to a more favorable investment environment. These initiatives have been recognized globally, propelling Nigeria’s rise in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index”.

“Nigerian government understands the importance of providing attractive incentives to investors. Various incentives, including tax holidays, exemptions, and rebates are available in sectors that drive economic growth.

“Whether you are considering investments in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, or renewable energy, Nigeria offers a range of incentives to support

your ventures. These incentives not only encourage investment but also foster innovation and job creation, driving sustainable development.” He said

He disclosed that Infrastructure development has been a priority for Nigeria adding that government recognizes that robust infrastructure is essential for economic growth.

His words: “Significant efforts have been made to improve power supply, transportation networks, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure. Initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), which aims to eliminate the risks of project funding, cost variation, and completion that have plagued the development of the nation’s critical infrastructure assets, underscore our commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors.

“Nigeria presents a wealth of investment opportunities across diverse sectors. Our agricultural sector is teeming with potential, offering opportunities in crop cultivation, livestock farming, and agroprocessing. With abundant arable land and favorable climatic conditions, investors can tap into the immense potential of Nigeria’s agricultural resources.

“The manufacturing sector is another area ripe for investment. From textiles to cement production, automobile assembly to consumer goods manufacturing, Nigeria’s growing middle class and large population provide a ready consumer base for manufactured products. By investing in this sector, you can tap into a market with immense potential for growth”.

“Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly oil and gas, has been a prominent investment destination for decades. With significant reserves of oil and gas, there are opportunities for exploration, production, refining, and distribution. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, Nigeria is increasingly focusing on renewable energy projects. Investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects hold great promise”.

Yerima commended Ambassador Onowu and other organizers for their efforts in bringing together entrepreneurs and investors from both countries.

Many presentations were made at the Business Forum by partners and friends of Nigeria as well as industry players in Belgium, while some companies indicated interest to invest in Nigeria.

There were also panel discussions which unanimously agreed that despite the challenges, Nigeria remains one of the best countries in the world to invest. Sunday Oyinloye is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Democracy Day: MKO Abiola’s advocacy and Tinubu’s speech

By Caleb Onah

But the big questions remains did the annulment of Chief MKO Abiola’s victory in the 1993 presidential election really and still contributing to the struggle for democracy of current Nigeria? Are there still the key similarities between the opposition to the annulment of the election and the battle against colonial rule in current Nigeria? With greed and corruption of politicians are various levels, hasn’t Nigeria democracy been taken for granted, yet as Chinua Achebe stated, indeed there was a Country.

In modern-day Nigeria, democracy plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance and providing a platform for the people to participate in decision-making processes. Since the transition from military rule to democracy in 1999, As a Nation, we have made significant strides in consolidating democratic institutions and practices. Democracy in Nigeria is characterised by regular elections at various levels of government, including the presidential, legislative, and local levels.

These elections provide an opportunity for us as Nigerians to choose our leaders and express our political preferences. While there have been challenges, such as an allegation of electoral malpractices and violence, the country has made efforts to improve the electoral process through reforms and the use of technology.

However, President Bola Tinubu, on Monday 12th June addressed Nigerians in commemoration of 2023 Democracy Day with promises to respect rule of law and reward we Nigerians for our sacrifices on subsidy removal. In summary, he stated that, thirty years ago, we exercised our right to elect a President in a historic transition from military dictatorship to representative government.

The annulment of Chief Moshood Kashimawo

Olawale Abiola’s victory in the June 12, 1993, presidential election sparked a struggle that ultimately led to the democracy enjoyed since 1999. The opposition to the annulment represented a fierce commitment to democracy, paralleling the battle against colonial rule. This struggle demonstrated the enduring validity of the notion that societies progress as they respond to challenges.

The democracy we have today was not easily obtained. It required sacrifice and martyrdom, notably by Chief MKO Abiola, who gave his life defending democratic ideals. Other heroes of democracy, such as Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, also played pivotal roles. It is essential to never take democracy for granted, as its value is truly appreciated when lost.

While democracy may have its challenges, such as rancorous debates and electoral contestations, these aspects testify to its merit. In 2023, Nigeria held its seventh cycle of elections since 1999, demonstrating that democracy remains alive. The beauty of democracy lies in its ability to provide opportunities for both winners and losers, ensuring that power can be alternated through regular elections. Disagreements with election outcomes can be addressed through legal means, further highlighting the strength of democracy.

June 12 has become a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history, symbolizing the eternal nature of democracy. It encompasses the rule of law, a vibrant judiciary, and a rejection of illegal orders that undermine democracy. The recent harmonisation of retirement age for judicial officers aims to strengthen the rule of law, a critical pillar of democracy.

Democracy should bring social and economic justice to the people. It offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty through thoughtful policies. Though the removal of fuel subsidies may burden the masses, it is a necessary sacrifice to save

the country and redirect resources from the few to benefit the many. The government pledges to repay this sacrifice through investments in transportation infrastructure, education, power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities that enhance quality of life.

The democracy MKO Abiola died for prioritises the welfare of the people over personal interests. It seeks to provide personal fulfilment and happiness to the governed. On Democracy Day, we are urged to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government, particularly elected officials who must deliver on electoral promises. The commitment to truth, equity, justice, and respect for the rule of law will guide the government in governing with fairness and upholding the dignity of all citizens.

Personally, the president only emphasised the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made to obtain and maintain it. Democracy should be cherished and protected, as its benefits are truly valued when lost.

We as Nigerians are called upon to uphold democratic principles and work together towards social and economic justice. The government pledges to repay the sacrifices made by investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Ultimately, the hope ignited by MKO Abiola in 1993 remains alive, and the light of liberty shall continue to shine in Nigeria.

But the big questions remains did the annulment of Chief MKO Abiola’s victory in the 1993 presidential election really and still contributing to the struggle for democracy of current Nigeria? Are there still the key similarities between the opposition to the annulment of the election and the battle against colonial rule in current Nigeria? With greed and corruption of politicians are various levels, hasn’t Nigeria democracy been taken for granted, yet as Chinua Achebe stated, indeed there was a Country.

Caleb Onah is a Public Policy Analyst.

Addressing unemployment, politics, economy, and other key sectors

By Muh’d Jamiu Ridwan Elepo

Tackling insecurity issues, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, requires a comprehensive approach involving improved intelligence gathering, effective law enforcement, community engagement, and regional collaboration.

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, it is crucial to reflect on the nation’s present situation and explore potential solutions for its pressing challenges. With the new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assuming office in 2023, the country stands at a critical juncture, requiring concerted efforts to address issues such as unemployment, politics, the economy, and other crucial sectors. This article aims to delve into these challenges and propose viable solutions to set Nigeria on a path of sustainable development and progress.

Nigeria’s high unemployment rate has been a longstanding concern, particularly among its youth population. To combat this issue, the new government must prioritize job creation through targeted policies and initiatives. This includes:

Encouraging entrepreneurship: By providing access to capital, mentorship, and business development programs, aspiring entrepreneurs can be empowered to start their ventures, thereby generating employment opportunities.

Diversifying the economy: Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil exposes it to volatility. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on developing sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy, which have the potential to create a significant number of jobs.

Enhancing vocational training: By revamping the education system to prioritize vocational training, young Nigerians can acquire skills aligned with market demands, improving their employability and bridging the skills gap.

The political landscape in Nigeria requires reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, foster good governance, and ensure inclusivity. Some crucial steps include:

Electoral reforms: Enhancing the transparency, credibility, and integrity of the electoral process through measures such as biometric voter registration, improved ballot security, and strict adherence to electoral laws will instill trust in the system.

Anti-corruption measures: Implementing and enforcing robust anti-corruption policies will help curb the pervasive culture of corruption and nepotism, ensuring a level playing field for all citizens.

Strengthening institutions: By bolstering the independence and effectiveness of institutions such as the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and anticorruption bodies, the government can promote accountability and justice.

Nigeria’s economic growth must be inclusive, sustainable, and diversified to reduce poverty and inequality. The following strategies can be employed:

Investment in infrastructure: Developing critical infrastructure, including transportation networks, power generation, and digital connectivity, will attract foreign investment, stimulate economic activities, and create job opportunities.

Ease of doing business: Streamlining bureaucratic procedures, reducing red tape, and simplifying

regulations will facilitate business growth, attract investors, and boost private sector participation.

Promoting industrialization: Encouraging the establishment of manufacturing industries, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and providing incentives for value addition will reduce reliance on imports and enhance domestic production capacity.

Apart from addressing unemployment, politics, and the economy, attention must also be directed toward other sectors vital for Nigeria’s development, including:

Education: Reforms in the education sector, such as increasing budgetary allocation, enhancing teacher training, and improving access to quality education, will empower the younger generation and equip them with the skills needed for the future.

Healthcare: Investing in healthcare infrastructure, improving access to quality healthcare services, and prioritizing preventive measures will enhance the overall well-being of Nigerians and reduce the burden of diseases.

Security: Tackling insecurity issues, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, requires a comprehensive approach involving improved intelligence gathering, effective law enforcement, community engagement, and regional collaboration.

As Nigeria embraces a new era under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is imperative to address the nation’s challenges head-on.

Muh’d Jamiu Ridwan Elepo is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Killing of 40: Benue group urges FG to intervene

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Agroup known as Shitile Development Association (SDA), Makurdi branch in Benue State has passsionately appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the area over the recent killing of 40 people in different places of Shitile, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

In a letter of intervention written to the state government and signed by its President, Door Samuel and Secretary General, Zuai Ephraim, the group called on the Federal Goverment to rescue the people by intervening without delay to save them from the calamity which had befallen them.

They said the lingering and sporadic killings which had bedeviled the Shitile people and land in communities within Kastina-Ala, Logo LGAs of Benue State and some parts of Taraba State had risen to an unbearable crescendo in the past two weeks.

“These wanton killings are now being orchestrated with reckless abandon and mostly at night. Most disturbing also, is the fact that the identity of the perpetrators is hardly known nor the reason for their actions disclosed.

“Though due to the fear of general insecurity, it is difficult to move from village to village to gather exact statistics, hordes of lives have been horrendously eliminated in several villages across the land such that the whole land is thrown into wailing and mourning,” the group stated.

They further explained that after the dust settled on the June 4 shooting by gunmen at Imande Mbakange village market in Mbacher council ward, a total of 28 people were killed occasioned by corpses picked up at different points.

The group added that on the same day, in Michihe council ward, six other people were slaughtered while another six on same night were killed at Achamegh village, Mbagene Kpav, bringing the total number of those killed to 40 in just one night.

They however lamented the situation of three others badly injured during the attacks who

NSCC lays solid structures, partnership for older persons in 2 years - DG

By Albert Akota

The Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, (NSCC) Dr. Emem

Omokaro has said that the body has used two years in laying solid structures, designing programs as well building partnerships for the betterment of older persons in Nigeria.

Dr. Omokaro who disclosed this at the weekend during maiden media luncheon in Abuja, emphasized that the coming year is going to see a rollout of so many of these programs for the betterment of older persons.

According to her, “We are really looking forward in

engaging the Governor’s Forum and then finding the focal points in the states.

Since we cannot put up state offices, we will find focal points in their State Assembly and their Executive arms to ensure that they understand the vision and they can also be passionate about including their older people.

“We have gained so much in our partnership with NDE, SMEDAN and other partners. It is now for us to leverage on their nationwide structures and then increase the tempo of our penetration into the states to reach out to older persons as fast as possible.

“I also look forward to our

care quality assurance, seeing us roll out the national benchmark and minimum curricular for training, certifying and registering care agencies, caregivers and then rolling out this agency model where these agencies and caregivers can be sent to homes”, she stated.

She noted that having been able to mainstream geriatric social care into the national skills framework which has now made it a skill that is classified and recognized, the Agency is really looking forward to rolling that out so as to get quality care to older citizens.

She also recognized the efforts of the media in promoting the activities of the Agency, as

well as bringing issues affecting older persons to the forefront.

The DG used the opportunity to award the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for its partnership with the Agency by providing a platform to ensure smooth and easy broadcast of NSCC’s activities to Nigerians and the world at large.

Meanwhile, Media practitioners present took turns to laud the Agency and the DG for her tenacity and resilience in promoting the issues of older persons and engaging their skills even after retirement.

She adding that the efforts of NSCC will help older persons to remain relevant in the society long after retirement.

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.

The notice of the case hearing has been slated for 27/6/2023 by the High Court 3 Minna.

From left: Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje and Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State during the 2023 Democracy Day Military Parade at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi, Yakubu Ajaka, has charged the people, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political persuasions to unite in confronting the State sponsored violence and intimidators to rescue the State from precipice.

In his democracy massage to the people of the State, Ajaka said “Today history beckons on us as Kogites. June 12 is a Clarion Call for the unity of our people irrespective , political persuasions, ethnicity, religious dichotomy or ideology. We have a duty to come together as a people to rescue our state from the precipice.

“We must be brave despite intimidation and state sponsored violence and all manners of unconstitutional devices to cow us. Those who sacrificed their comforts and even lives for us to enjoy democracy today knew that there is no gain without pain.

“Our own struggle has been made easy by the heroes and martyrs of June 12. We don’t have to confront anyone who deploys violence anymore. Rather we must confront them with our votes. By so doing we are certain to return our land to the path of justice and the rule of law.

“As the flag bearer of the SDP, the same party which led our nation to democracy and liberty 30 years ago I offered to be your servant in the pursuit of these same ideals in our dear state.

“Once more I salute the heroes of the struggles that liberated us from dictatorship and repression and oppression. I salute all Nigerians who United against the forces of division to make an everlasting statement that ultimately culminated in our freedom on this day in our history.”

Speaking further on the 2023 Democracy Day, said the day is particularly historic in the sense that for the first time since that struggle raged and ended the frontline leader of the heroes who refused to be intimidated or cowed from pursuing the restoration of the sacred mandate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Asiwaju triumphed over several debilitating odds by the same anti democratic forces to arrive at this fulfilling destination today. His greatest weapon was that he remained true and faithful to the ideals of June 12. He remained resolute, brave and never lost focus of the need to maintain our unity in diversity and the pursuit of justice.

“My good people of Kogi State, it is imperative that as Nigerians we must inculcate the lessons of June 12 just like Mr President did for us to succeed and reach our goals as a nation. The goal of justice, the goal of economic stability, the goals of security and justice, the goal of unity and progress and many more of our aspirations as a people”, he said.

Kogi guber: We’ll confront oppressors with bravado to rescue our State - SDP’s Ajaka

“Today marks the 30th anniversary of the triumph of democracy in our country. This day 30 years ago Nigerians from all backgrounds defied all divisive cleavages and spoke in one voice to endorse democracy. It was a day that we became one people despite of our differences of ethnicity, class, ideology and religious persuasions.

“On that day our people across the nation, North, East, West and South overwhelmingly voted for

Late Chief MKO Abiola. ironically the Presidential Candidate of our great party, this same SDP. The rejection of identity politics by our people was so loud that even in Kano, the home state of his only challenger, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), the people’s preferred candidate Chief Abiola won overwhelming.

“The military was to end the euphoria of this epoch development only a few days later

and imposed themselves on our country for another six years.

“But democracy was an idea that had manifested. Thus for those six years Nigerians gave them no peace even when Abiola, the custodian of the mandate, was incarcerated and later died in custody.

“Brave Nigerians stood up to be counted. Many were hunted down and killed including Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane and several other martyrs. May the soul

of these martyrs rest in peace. (Amen). Several other protestors were killed. Human Rights activists and journalists simply disappeared into thin air in the course of the struggle.

“But at the end of it all June 12 was an albatross that haunted the military with all their might and arsenal, in 1999 they had no option than to abdicate and return Nigerians to the path already chosen on June 13, 1993”, part of the statement reads.

L-R: Senate President Aspirant, Godswill Akpabio; Former Kano Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma during the 2023 democracy day celebration held at the Presidential Villa Abuja yesterday

CNPP, CSOs want INEC chairman Yakubu to step aside within 14 days

By Musa Baba Adamu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have demanded that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu resign from office.

The CNPP and the CSOs issued a 14-day ultimatum to Prof. Yakubu to step aside or they will galvanised all democratic and legal means to force him to do so.

In a statement jointly signed by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the National Secretary of the Coalition, Alhaji Ali Abacha, they explained that the INEC Chairman, who failed to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) it procured

“despite billions of naira wasted on the 2023 general elections is not worthy of remaining in office and must not be allowed to continue to waste the nation’s resources in conduct of future elections.”

According to the statement issued in Abuja, the CNPP and the CSOs said that they are equally disturbed that “INEC under Prof. Yakubu has equally constituted itself into an obstruction to justice in the electioneering process in Nigeria by becoming a partisan umpire and opposing petitioners who are in the various tribunals to seek justice after being allegedly rigged out in the elections.”

They also accused the INEC Chairman of inflating about N105.25 billion spent on acquiring BVAS machines for the 2023 polls, saying that “despite having been severally accused of manipulating the February 25 presidential election results, counsel to INEC, Abubakar

Mahmoud, recently aligned with the position of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 presidential election to object to the presentation of subpoenaed witnesses who were INEC ad-hoc staff during the 2023 presidential election in the petition filed by Atiku Abubakar and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We recall that at the resumption of proceedings on Atiku’s petition last Thursday in Abuja, one of the witnesses, Egwuma Friday from Kubwa area of Abuja entered the witness box and prayed the court to admit his witness statement, but all respondents in the petition, including INEC, raised objections to stop the witness from testifying.

“This is the same INEC that has been accused of manipulating election results by deliberately refusing to transmit polling units results as promised

real-time.

“From mere allegations, a staff of INEC, Abedemi Joseph on Friday told the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) that they were instructed by the commission under Prof. Yakubu, their employer, not to give copies of election results to political party agents who declined to sign the results.

“It’s now becoming more obvious that, until INEC Chairman exited from the commission, rebuilding confidence in the electoral body will be impossible due to the now battered image of the commission in the eyes of the electorates.

“More so, INEC under Prof. Yakubu took four years to mislead Nigerians by creating false impression that uploading of the election results to the BVAS real-time was the only way to go for the country’s electoral system.

Group slams Tinubu administration for interference in NASS leadership election

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance (YPA) have frowned at the interference of the Bola Tinubu-led government in the election of principal officers of the National Assembly ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups in a statement issued Monday by the Convener of OPF, Moses Odewale and National President of YPA, Anuoluwabamise

Adetutu, that it was disheartening to witness the relentless attempts by the government to utilize security agencies as tools of intimidation, coercing aspiring candidates into submission.

The groups stated categorically that such actions are not only undemocratic, but also threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

The groups also expressed dissatisfaction and concern over the flagrant disregard for democratic principles demonstrated by this administration.

The groups pointed out that it was shameful that the current government, barely at the outset of

its tenure, was already exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.

They said: “Nigeria is not an ‘agberocracy’; we are a nation founded on democratic principles, where the separation of powers and the independence of the legislative and judicial arms are paramount.

“We vehemently repudiate any misguided parallel drawn between Nigeria and the confined realm of Lagos State, where agberos and touts reign supreme. We assert that Nigeria, as a whole, transcends the narrow scope of a single state and operates on an entirely different scale of governance.”

They noted that considering

the use of court orders to impede eligible candidates from exercising their fundamental rights to contest for principal offices in the Senate was not only an affront to the country’s democracy but also a blatant violation of the principles of justice and fairness.

The groups added: “The Oodua People’s Frontier (OPF) and the Yoruba Patriots Alliance (YPA), stands firmly against any attempt by this administration to undermine our democratic systems.

“We refuse to be silent spectators as our democracy is eroded by the very government entrusted to uphold it. We will resist every

Speakership: Youth holds rally, drums support for Tajudeen Abass, Ben Kalu

By Abubakar Yunusa

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, a group, Youth Alliance for Renewed Hope, on Monday urged lawmakers in the House of Representatives to ensure the emergence of Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House.

The spokesperson for the group, Dami Adeyi said this during a rally held in Abuja and noted that Abass possessed the right qualities to lead the house for remarkable impact.

He said, “We are standing in solidarity in struggle and in intellectual capacity for Honorable Tajudeen Abbas. Our organization has aligned with the leadership of this new administration and also realigned with the candidacy of Honorable Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House of Representatives

Also speaking,Babatunde damilola (dambaba) said ,”Our organization, Youths alliance for renew hopes is here to reactivate that lost hope in to the realm of the new hope, and by doing so, we have aligned with the new leadership of this administration and also realigned with the speakership,

Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, by affirming our love, support and solidarity with him.

“We are also commending World Oil Industries Limited ,Dukiya properties limited and Sebastine foundation for burn victims for their unrelenting efforts, we are very grateful to them.

“We decided to back him because we have checked and seen the fact that his a youth oriented person and in this administration, we are looking for leaders that are youth oriented that will pass bills to accelerate youth involvement, youth participate and progress in Nigeria.

Peter Buraimoh Folajimi appealed with the members of house of assembly to give Abbas the opportunity to serve by massively voting for him.

He urged the youths in the grassroot to wakeup and work for the emergence of Abbas as the next speaker would be a renewed hope for Nigerian youths.

“We are here for Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, because we believe in his dream for Nigeria youth and there is know other man that is capable of this position. Honorable Tajudeen Abbas is the next speaker and

and so shall it be as the APC members have said.

Also, Engr. Robert Ahen Change said Abbas is the right choice for the Speakership.”We are here today to identify with the incoming leadership of the national assembly. The

encroachment on our democratic institutions with unwavering determination.

The groups added that the people of Nigeria deserve leaders who respect the tenets of democracy and uphold the principles of good governance.

“We demand that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government refrain from further interference in the electoral process and respect the rights of eligible candidates to contest for principal offices in the National Assembly.”

APC calls for democratic rebirth in Rivers

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

As Nigeria marks democracy day, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has called for a democratic rebirth in the state.

The party, in a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju said it believes the critical elements of democracy are, respect for the rule of law, political tolerance, transparency, accountability, participation of citizens and equality.

Nwauju advised stakeholders to practice the elements of democracy to deliver proper representation, which he claims is the missing link in governance in Rivers State.

The statement stressed that Nigerians must have freedom of expression, noting that participation is the foundation that makes democracy strong.

candidate of the right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas. We believe that the national APC committee has made the right choice.

*We are solidly behind Tajudeen Abbas because he has big dreams for Nigerian youths”.

He said the right to vote and hold peaceful protests cannot and should not be difficult in the state, to avoid the pitfalls of June 12, 1993.

Nwauju said all political parties, religions, ethnic groups and regions must be treated equally in a genuine democracy.

Taraba governor, Kefas shops for cabinet members

By Musa Baba Adamu

There are high indications that the governor of Taraba, Agbu Kefas, will soon unveil the list of his cabinet members.

This was observed following the high level of consultations presently going on in the state, especially between the relevant stakeholders and the chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP).

The Governor was said to have already reached out to the party and other relevant stakeholders about his plans to form his cabinet.

Taraba PDP chairman, Abubakar Bawa, also confirmed that the governor has communicated his plans to the party.

Bawa affirmed that the governor tasked the party to reach out to stakeholders at both the local government and ward

levels to source capable hands that will form his cabinet.

The governor’s directives, he said, have led the leadership of the party to engage the services of traditional rulers spread across the nooks and crannies of the state for the assignment.

Apart from engaging monarchs for the assignment of sourcing for cabinet members, religious bodies have also been reached out to.

Bawa, who noted that the governor is in dire need of quality representation, urged all the institutions consulted to set aside their religious and tribal differences and come out with the best hands that will assist the governor in galvanising the state to greater heights.

Should the governor stick to his words, 80% of those presently being shopped to constitute the cabinet would be young men and women.

Tajudeen Abass

Sirika alleges lawmaker demanded ‘5% stake in Nigeria Air’

Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, says Nnaji Nnolim, former chairperson of the house of representatives committee on aviation, privately requested a five percent stake in Nigeria Air.

The former minister spoke when he appeared on Arise TV recently.

TheCable has contacted Nnaji for his response. “I’ll give my response soon. I am still busy with my this thing,” the lawmaker said when asked for comment.

Sirika had unveiled Nigeria Air — the national carrier — about three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Speaking on the launch, Nnaji had faulted the process leading to the unveiling of the airline, describing it as a “fraud”.

“A careful review of the process indicates the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community,” Nnaji had said.

However, Sirika responded that the committee chairman “and his people” had sought a minority interest in the national carrier.

“He (Nnaji) asked to give

him five percent of Nigeria Air to carry him along with his people, and I said to him at that time that honourable, this is a bidding process that has taken place, and some people won. So, I think you should go to those people and ask for the five percent,” Sirika said.

“I want to assure you that at that point, even the five percent held by the federal government will go to market. So he should get his money ready and buy for him and his people, according to him.”

When asked to clarify what “his people” meant, the former minister said Nnaji could be referring to anybody — not necessarily other members of the lower chamber.

“He said he wants him and his people. His people could be his family, members and it could be leadership. I did not know what this meant, but he said he and his people needed five percent. I am saying that he should relax and approach the owners. That’s exactly what I told him in camera,” he said.

The former minister also berated Nnaji and the aviation committee for conducting a “predetermined hearing”.

“I was a member of the house

of reps 20 years ago; 10 years ago, I was a senator. I know how the workings are. He called for a public hearing. And right after the public hearing, he just turned the paper and read the riot act,” he said.

“The practice in the national assembly is that after hearing people and the complaints, you sit down as a committee. The clerks

will do their job, you will then sit down to discuss the issues, raise them, approach the whole house of reps and take position of the house plus leadership and come back and make your findings known; but you do not immediately read the riot act out. It means it is predetermined.”

Reacting on Sunday,Nnaji Nnolim, former chairperson

of the house of representatives committee on aviation, has described the allegation that he requested for five percent equity in Nigeria Air as spurious.

“He (Nnaji) asked to give him five percent of Nigeria Air to carry him along with his people, and I said to him at that time that honourable, this is a bidding process that has taken place, and some people won,” Sirika had said.

Tinubu’s advisory council proposes oil sector reforms

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

The policy advisory council of President Bola Tinubu has recommended that the federal government becomes a minority shareholder in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited before May 2027.

The report, dated May 2023, was submitted by the energy and natural resources subcommittees of the council.

It forecasted that the federal government will rake in about $17 billion from the sale of NNPC’s majority stakes in oil and gas assets.

The members of the committee are Austin Avuru, Olu Verheijen, AbdulRasaq Isa, Bashir Bello, Ifeanyi Ajuluchukwu, Doyin Akinyanju, Tinuade Sande, Ahmad Zakari, George Etomi, Nasiru Wada, Mohammed Abbas, and Segun Lawson.

Before the end of the present administration, the committee advised the NNPC to form global strategic partnerships with other coventurers.

The committee projected that the NNPC will sell down interests in joint ventures (JVs) to a minority position and develop an operating model that eliminates cash calls.

The committee said the current

administration should divest its interests in the country’s refineries as well as build Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) operating model.

“Bring remaining Brownfield project on-stream including 10 critical gas projects, oil and gas projects post field development plan (FDP), and pre-FID,” the report reads.

“Bring Greenfield projects to FID to grow production, such projects included deepwater oil and NAG (non-associated gas) projects, develop offshore gas hub, and FLNGs (floating LNGs).”

According to the report, Nigeria is currently producing 3.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day in gas output capacity, 1.4 million barrels of oil per day, and 2,500 thousand tons per annum (kta) in petrochemical capacity.

By 2030, the committee projected that gas production capacity will increase to 12 bcf per day, oil production capacity to 4 million bpd, and petrochemicals capacity to 7,5000 kta.

The committee advised the government to unify the exchange rate window before the end of August 2023 — a policy Tinubu had said his administration would implement.

The re-organisation of the Nigerian

Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) as well as head-hunting of “competent, tested, reform-focused leaders” in NNPC were also proposed by the committee.

The council asked the government to deregulate petrol pricing (a recommendation which has been implemented) and execute a federal direct cash transfer programme.

The council called for a reform of the operations of the military task force on oil theft with clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs).

The government was enjoined to “signal determination to end insecurity in oil-producing states (Imo, Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom) by engaging key political and community stakeholders” as well as “transition to market prices for gas”.

The council advised the government to consider integrating NUPRC, NMDPRA, and Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into a single regulator or place all midstream activities under NUPRC.

Tinubu’s administration was advised to “mandate NNPC and NUPRC/

NMDPRA to close out outstanding divestments and contract issues for project delivery clarity”.

The council also recommended that the administration should strip “NNPCL of policy-making roles and keep NCDMB within its Act mandate”.

The advisory council also called for the expansion of domestic gas reserves and the promotion of the development of a diversified oil and gas industry by implementing reforms in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), including the National Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC).

Proposing the development of a sustainable financing model to boost oil and gas development projects, the council stressed the need for the government to facilitate a third-party gas pricing framework for the export market.

Tinubu’s administration was also urged to “enact fiscal enablers for NAG and deepwater via Finance Act and expand stabilisation in PIA to cover full credit for post-FID levies and taxes”.

“Bring ready Brownfield Project onstream from 10 critical gas projects and oil projects at FID,” the report added.

•urges FG to sell shares in NNPC, merge agencies

•lawmaker responds to Sirika’s claim of ‘5% stake’ in Nigeria Air

From Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

Air Peace has refuted claims made by Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, that it lost $19 million from parking two leased Boeing 777 aircraft for several months.

In a statement on Monday, signed by Toyin Olajide, chief operating officer (COO), the airline said the claims made by the minister were spurious.

TheCable, on Sunday, reported that Sirika discussed issues relating to Nigeria Air and the country’s general aviation sector on Arise TV.

“Nigerians can remember when I stood up for Air Peace and ensured they must be going to Dubai. Are they going now? No! Why? No capacity,” He had said.

The former minister also said Air Peace “leased two Boeing 777 aircraft on a monthly lease fee of $250,000, parked the aircraft for several months and incurred losses of $19 million while all the aircraft engines and landing gears became due for replacement when we were ready to fly”.

Speaking on the allegations in the statement, Olajide said the airline has three Boeing 777 aircraft, which it purchased outrightly.

“This is a blatant lie as we have three and not two Boeing 777 aircraft which were never leased or rented, but were purchased outrightly by the airline,” she said.

“Air Peace never incurred such a loss, we never paid rentals contrary to his lies. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) can attest to the purchase and ownership of the aircraft by Air Peace.”

Also responding to the allegation that the airline stopped flying to Dubai because of a lack of capacity, the COO said “Air Peace never stopped the Dubai operations because of

Air Peace replies Sirika on claim of losing $19m from leased aircraft

lack of capacity”.

She said the airline commenced operations into the UAE in July, 2019, but in October 2022, the UAE government announced a total visa ban on Nigerians,” she said.

“Neither Emirates nor Air Peace is operating the Nigerian/ UAE route since the ban. The persisting non-issuance of visas and the accompanying

inconveniences necessitated the suspension of our Dubai operations from November 22, 2022, till date.

“For the former minister to ascribe the suspension to ‘lack of capacity’ is not only shocking but also shows how keen he is to disparage an airline which (sic) ascendancy has defied all the commercial odds and hostile environment placed on its path

to continue to serve our nation proudly.

“How could an airline that placed a firm order for 13 brand new E2-195 aircraft, a firm order of 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 10, with over 30 aircraft already in its existing fleet be accused of lacking in capacity?

“How can an airline that stood up for the entire nation during the Covid-19 outbreak, and

embarked on rescue operations worldwide, evacuating Nigerians from faraway China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, UK, and South Africa during the Covid-19 lockdowns be accused of lacking in capacity?

“We implore the general public to disregard these lies told by the former minister of aviation against Air Peace during the Arise TV Interview.”

Shareholders of Nigeria Air unveiled airline — not FG, says Sirika

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, says Nigeria Air was unveiled by the national carrier’s shareholders and not the federal government.

The former minister spoke when he appeared on Arise TV recently.

Nigeria Air, which has an ownership structure of 49 percent held by Ethiopian Airlines, 46 percent by Nigerian private investors (SAHCO, MRS and other institutional investors), and five percent by the federal government, was unveiled about three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Reacting to the launch, house of

representatives committee on aviation had faulted the process leading to the unveiling of Nigeria Air, describing it as a “fraud”.

Appearing before the committee, Dapo Olumide, chief executive officer (CEO) of Nigeria Air, said the aircraft used for the unveiling of the national carrier was a chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines. Affirming Olumide’s stance, Sirika said that although the plane was chartered, the government was not responsible for paying for the flight.

He said the unveiling of the single aircraft was a marketing strategy by the Nigeria Air partners, adding that the national carrier would resume operations once the air operator certification (AOC) process was completed.

“It is their own marketing strategy as equity partners that they came to do this unveiling on a special allowance which is called a chartered flight,” the former minister said.

“Chartered does not mean they paid for it. If there is anybody that paid for it, it would have been the Ethiopian Airlines. No penny is paid.

“It was the owners of Nigeria Air, the consortium of the federal government (five percent) that decided to do the unveiling as part of their marketing strategy.

“So it is not the government that was doing the unveiling to start the operations. Not at all. It was them who did it and I was invited.”

Sirika denied allegations that the unveiling of the national carrier was

shrouded in secrecy, saying the claims were “mind-boggling and disturbing”.

“This airline was advertised during the procurement stage in the Economist and in national dailies. And there was a bidding process and members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) participated in the bidding conference,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sirika said the government has spent about N3 billion in seven years to ensure that the airline becomes operational.

“In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, all of the monies voted for the national carrier was N5 billion, but all that was released is in the neighbourhood of N3 billion — not N85 billion,” he said.

BU$IN€SS

IPMAN bemoans planned demolition of ’13 filling stations’ for flyover project in Anambra

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has bemoaned the proposed demolition of 13 functional filling stations to make way for the construction of a flyover in the Ekwulobia area of Anambra state.

The marketers, in a letter signed by Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of IPMAN, Enugu community depot in charge of the south-east zone, called on Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, to resolve the issue amicably.

He said the marketers that

will be impacted have expressed worries over the planned demolition of their premises “without any compensation plan by the government”.

According to Anyaso, the filing stations — Matino Oil, and Ngozi Petroleum — are on Orlu Road, Ekwulobia; while Pap Oil, Evkkins Oil, Ernmaco Petroleum, Narco Oil, and NIPCO, are all located along Awka Road, Ekwulobia.

Others are Jolet Oil, Best Abino Oil, God’s Decision Oil, and Hachele Petrogas, located along Igboukwu Road; Ekwulobia; and Narco Oil, and God’s Decision Oil, sited along Oko Road in the same area.

The IPMAN chair begged the government not to push members out of their businesses and means of livelihood, adding that the marketers were in full support of Soludo’s infrastructure transformation agenda, including the flyover project, because of its attendant benefits.

“Our members in Ekwulobia axis have made official reports to our NEC through the zonal office in respect of the proposed Ekwulobia flyover which will adversely affect their means of livelihood,” Anyaso said.

“About 13 of their operational filling stations with current documents have been marked out

for demolition.

“As a body, we appreciate every move towards infrastructural development and applaud the giant strides of the governor in that respect.

“But we also want you to understand that most of our members that are affected by the proposed project rely heavily on those outlets as their means of survival and sustenance to their families and other dependents.”

Ayanso said IPMAN would like to schedule a meeting with the governor on how to resettle the displaced members.

Meanwhile, the Anambra government said the construction

of the Ekwulobia flyover has been awarded and would soon commence.

In an official statement signed by Paul Nwosu, commissioner for information, the government asked business owners whose properties and shops were on the right of way of the flyover or encroached into the road corridor, to leave.

“Owners of such properties and shops are hereby advised to begin to dismantle their structures and evacuate their valuables immediately as agreed in the last stakeholders’ meeting,” the statement reads.

Democracy Day: Free me from Kuje Prison - Activist cries out to Tinubu

By Stanley Onyekwere

Ahuman rights activist, Mubarak Bala, in his 37th month incarceration in Kuje Prison in Abuja, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to grant him and some other inmates eligible for amnesty, in the spirit of the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary.

Bala, who alleged that he was unjustly imprisoned in Kuje Prison, was formerly in Kano prison, passionately begged the President to release him, so he could go back home to his family, society, and seek medical help, as well as further his education.

In an open letter to the President, the Convict, however discloaed that his appeal to the federal courts in Kano have never been heard nor admitted, and will not be at least for another year.

According to the letter dated 29th of May, 2023, originally handwritten, was typed and released to the Press yesterday by his lawyer/wife, the activist, described himself as a prisoner of conscience, sought after only because he refused to follow the religion he was born into, especially coming from descendants of the 1804 conquerors.

He said: “I’m a convict, which makes me eligible for your pen to sign my freedom. My appeal to the federal courts in Kano have never been heard nor admitted, and will not be at least for another year I learnt, Femi Falana SAN stands to represent me, which I hope will annul everything including the conviction, and reparations paid to me for the damages, and time served.

“My wife was summoned at the twilight of the last administration, that she, and my sister should come and collect me, that everything has been finalized, she spent money and left her work: being asked to wait further two days, further two

days, another two days, until the government ended and she was asked to go that she will be called again. She wasn’t, now they are out of office, so please end this appalling injustice.

“ Sir, let me go back home and observe life without interfering with some people’s way of subjugation, in the long run, I may be able to help, if I grow wings, nails, clout, as well as canine to climb higher than the prey I now am to the wicked.”

The letter read: “Dear Mr. President, Your Excellency sir, I am hereby drafting a handwritten note from my jail cell, on occasion of your inauguration as our new leader, to lead us through the next four or eight years. But given the chain this letter has to be relayed, it may reach your desk on or beyond our democracy day, this is also so as to allow you some time to settle in the new seat for the tough job.

“Sir, this is my 37th month unjustly imprisoned in Abuja, formerly in Kano prison. Back in 2013 sir, when I tried to intimate my immediate family that I have left the religion long ago during my University years, I was immediately put in a psychiatric hospital by my father and uncles, in connivance with a friendly-doctor, even as another doctor from same hospital has a year prior, assured them that I am sane and smart, and that all they need to do is preach to or pray for me, but within a year in 2014, the delicate peace and diplomacy, proselytizing, sanctions and threats, deteriorated to an attempted brain castration, a calculated, sinister chemically induced lobotomy, in same Kano State, at a federal hospital, they later said it was simply to protect me as the media came to probe, and that it was an internal family affair

which requires respect to their privacy. And so, the media stayed off.

“They violently sedated me, force-fed me drugs meant for epileptic patients, (I wasn’t ever epileptic), another for schizophrenic patients, I was not maniacal, and yet another as antipsychotics. I have had none of these symptoms but I was sedated and kept for weeks until I wrote emails globally to seek help and I got rescued.

“It is worthy of your notice Mr. President, for this crime, no one was arrested, no one was punished, and no one lost their license, I was simply discharged quietly from the hospital, begged to forgive and forgo, and then later betrayed and disowned and threatened further as the news broke out to the larger society.

“Since then, I have received

constant death threats so much that I got used to it, sometimes illiterate morons, other times by seemingly university educated folks who have chosen the path of radicalism, instead of tolerance, ordinary civilians and clerics that inspired jihadism among our youths, only to leave the doctrine with the followers and come back to counter it hypocritically

“I wish you a happy democracy day. I commiserate with you over this tough job you got for yourself. I wish you good health, great courage, good ideas and deeper insight. May all the Nigerian imaginary-Gods see you through it all. I don’t care if foreign gods(as imagined) come to our rescue, because for now, ‘they’ have failed our people and caused fatal divisions between our diverse people in this great land...and as such do not deserve our attention, nor our reverence.”

Land encroachment: Gov’t recovers 500 plots from Katampe inhabitants

By Stanley Onyekwere

In furtherance to its clean up exercise in Gishiri community, of Katampe District, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has purportedly reclaimed no fewer than 500 plots of land from individuals suspected to be victims of land grabbing activities in the area.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Director, Monitoring and Inspection, FCT Department of Development Control, Hassan Ogbole during the exercise, which was third in series of recent.

He said the illegal structures and

other activities in the area affected the Abuja master plan and must be dismantled to restore the sanity.

According to him, “This is our third time of visiting Gishiri in continuation of the city clean up to restore the Abuja master plan. Gishiri is a traditional name but the area is Katampe District, we have recovered over 500 plots of land for individuals to take possession.

“We are concerned with recovering plots taken over illegally by some persons for different purposes, to restore the Abuja master plan”

Ogbole called on the genuine owners of the plots to commence work immediately to stop the return of illegal

structures.

“Individuals that are allottees of the plots should take them over immediately to avoid new illegal developments, let the owners come in and start developing”.

Similarly, Deputy Director, Monitoring and enforcement, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Bello Kaka, stressed the need to sustain mopping of an unauthorised activities anywhere in the nation’s capital.

He adds:”Anything that is contrary to the standard would not be allowed. We will keep the fight against environmental nuisances till the right

thing is done”.

On his part, the Secretary, Command and Control, FCTA Department of Security, Peter Olumiji, noted that the administration is concerned with having a secured environment for the residents, and would not allowed illegal structures to thrive.

“Allowing illegal structures to remain, will continue to provide ground for criminals to exist, we can’t leave such structures that will become safe heaven for bad eggs.We had such experience in Gishiri in the past.

“Removing of the illegal structures will make criminals not to have a place to hide and carry out their evil activities,

Parade and Special Guard by the Military and the Nigerian Police during the 2023 Democracy Day celebration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday

world news

Brittany: France shooting suspect under investigation for murder

The suspect held over the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old British girl in France is under investigation for murder, prosecutors say.

Solaine Thornton was shot dead while playing on a swing in her garden on Saturday evening.

Prosecutors said Dirk Raats, a 71-yearold neighbour, got to within 10m of the girl’s father before opening fire through a hedge.

He had been in conflict with the family over building work on their property.

Mr Raats then shut himself in his house in the village of Saint-Herbot, north of Quimper in Brittany, following the incident but gave himself up to police an hour later.

His wife, who was also arrested, surrendered half an hour after he did, but she has since been released.

Prosecutor Camille Miansoni said the couple had been in conflict for years with their British neighbours over works taking place on their property.

The suspect was “profoundly exasperated” over the works, which he said affected his privacy and caused disturbance to him and his wife.

Mr Miansoni said the suspect had gone into his home to fetch one of the guns and returned to the garden before opening fire and shooting three or four times through a hedge. This suggested a level of premeditation, he said.

“It appears that he clearly aimed at the father, that he aimed at his wife, but however he seems less clear as to a possible admission that he aimed at the girl,” Mr Miansoni said.

Solaine Thornton and her eight-yearold sister Celeste had been playing on a

swing as their parents tended the barbecue when the neighbour began firing.

The younger girl ran to another neighbour’s house to raise the alarm and is now said to be in shock.

A local resident told French media that the younger child ran to neighbours shouting: “My sister is dead, my sister is dead”.

The victim’s parents Adrian and Rachel Thornton were also hurt and are in hospital.

A search of Mr Raats’ home uncovered two rifles, one of which had not been previously declared. The couple, both Dutch nationals, tested positive for alcohol and cannabis. They had no previous convictions, prosecutors said.

Mr Miansoni said the suspect had expressed regret, and that a mental health assessment had found nothing notable.

Adrian and Rachel Thornton, both from Oldham, came with their two daughters to live in the hamlet of Saint Herbot in 2019. Theirs is the only English family in the area.

Previously, the Thorntons had lived in other parts of France. Solaine was born in Brittany and Celeste in the Massif Central in central France.

The family home in Saint Herbot is a square, whitewashed, relatively modern house with a large plot of land behind and a workhouse which was once a sawmill.

While his wife worked in social services and his two children attended local schools, Adrian, a mechanic, spent a lot of time working on his plot of land.

According to Marguerite Bleuzen, mayor of the town of Plonevez-du-Faou, the land had been abandoned and was returning to the wild. Adrian set about the task of clearing the land, cutting down

undergrowth and some trees.

This appears to have caused the friction with his neighbours, whose large blueshuttered house looks down onto the Thorntons’ plot.

“I was called out there three years ago, when there were the first tensions,” said Mr Bleuzen. “We managed to settle things down, but since then I had never had to intervene.”

But after Saturday’s shooting, the mayor later heard from neighbours that there had been regular flare-ups.

“On one occasion, I was told that the Dutch man brought out a weapon. I wish I or the police had been told, and this might have been avoided,” he said.

Locals say that the English family were well-liked. They lent their plot of land for parking at the hamlet’s annual September

festival which honours the saint after which it is named. The 14th Century church lies 100m from the Thorntons’ house.

By contrast, no-one seems to have had any contact with Mr Raats or his wife.

At around 22:00 local time on Saturday night, he fired through his hedge into the plot of land where the Thorntons were having a barbecue.

The rough-and-ready children’s play area, with a swing and a small trampoline, is right next to the hedge which separates the two properties. When the man fired, the girls were at practically point-blank range.

According to Mayor Bleuzen, when police arrived, Rachel Thornton was holding her dead child in her arms.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was providing assistance to a British family.

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi dies at 86

Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian former PM who overcame various scandals to hold office four times, has died at 86.

He died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. In April, he was treated for a lung infection linked to leukaemia.

Berlusconi’s death leaves a “huge void”, Italy’s defence minister said, with a national day of mourning due to take place on Wednesday.

The longest-serving prime minister in post-war Italy, he had bounced back from sex scandals and corruption cases.

After taking political office in 1994, the billionaire media tycoon led four governments until 2011 - though not consecutively.

Last September, Berlusconi’s centreright Forza Italia party went into coalition under right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Reacting to the news, Ms Meloni

remembered her predecessor as a “fighter”. In a video message, she said he remained “one of the most influential men in the history of Italy”.

Her deputy Matteo Salvini said he was “broken” and thanked Berlusconi for his “friendship”, “advice” and “generosity”.

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said:

“An era is over... Farewell Silvio.” His death left a “huge void”, Mr Crosetto added in a tweet.

The Italian government has declared a national day of mourning for Wednesday, the same day Berlusconi’s funeral is scheduled to take place at Milan Cathedral.

“All Italian and European flags on public buildings will be lowered to half mast from Monday nationwide,” a spokesman told the media.

Another figure to pay tribute was Vladimir Putin, who called Berlusconi a “true friend”. In a statement the Russian

President said he had always admired Berlusconi’s “wisdom” and “ability to make balanced, far-sighted decisions”.

The former Italian leader had been suffering from a rare form of blood cancer, chronic myelomonocyte leukaemia, doctors at San Raffaele revealed in April.

He had repeated health problems after contracting Covid in 2020. So far, there has been no official confirmation of the precise cause of death.

Born in 1936 in Milan, Berlusconi began his career selling vacuum cleaners, before setting up a construction company.

He went on to become one of Italy’s richest men, building a business empire that included television networks, publishing companies and advertising agencies.

On top of that, he gained international recognition as owner of legendary football club AC Milan - which he saved from bankruptcy in 1986 - before going into

politics in the 1990s.

Former AC Milan player and manager Carlo Ancelotti, who now manages the Real Madrid team, remembered Berlusconi as a “loyal, intelligent, sincere man”.

Mr Ancelotti, who twice won the Champions League with AC Milan under Berlusconi’s ownership, said the former PM had been a fundamental part of his journey “as a football player first, and then as a coach”.

Berlusconi was a polarising politician. He was praised by supporters for his business acumen and populist verve, but reviled by critics for his disregard for the rule of law.

Throughout his political career, he faced a string of legal troubles, including charges of bribery, tax fraud, and sex with an underage prostitute. He was convicted on several occasions, but avoided jail because of his age and the expiry of statutes of limitations.

Colombia plane crash: Mum told children to leave her and get help

The mother of four children rescued after 40 days in the Amazon jungle was alive for four days after their plane crashed.

Magdalena Mucutuy told her children to leave and find help as she lay dying.

Speaking to reporters, the children’s father, Manuel Ranoque, said his eldest

daughter told him their mother urged them to “get out” and save themselves.

The siblings, aged 13, nine, five, and one, were rescued and airlifted out of the jungle on Friday.

They were moved to a military hospital in the nation’s capital Bogota.

“The one thing that [13-year-old Lesly]

has cleared up for me is that, in fact, her mother was alive for four days,” Mr Ranoque told reporters outside the hospital.

“Before she died, their mum told them something like, ‘You guys get out of here. You guys are going to see the kind of man your dad is, and he’s going to show you the same kind of great love that I have shown

you,” he said.

Details have been emerging about the children’s time in the jungle and their miraculous rescue - including the first things the children said when they were found.

Rescue worker Nicolás Ordóñez Gomes recalled the moment they discovered the children. BBC

Nato peacekeeping troops have been called in to help deal with unrest in northern

Kenya sickle cell: Fighting to dispel the myths around the disease

Sickle cell disease affects more people in countries in Africa than anywhere else in the world. BBC Africa Eye joined someone who helps give a voice to those with sickle cell in one town in Kenya, where nearly a quarter of the population lives with the genetic disease.

In the small town of Taveta, lodged in Kenya’s Taita Hills close to the border with Tanzania, families sat on every available bench under a canopy at a local health clinic. Those who could not find space stood or sat on the grass.

“Who here has sickle cell?” asked Lea Kilenga Bey, the woman at the front, who they had all been waiting to hear from.

“All of us,” they shouted in unison, meaning that they either carry the genetic mutation or are looking after someone who does.

In this busy market town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a population of just 22,000, nearly one in four of the residents have sickle cell, one of the highest rates of the genetic disease in the country.

The red blood cells of some people with sickle cell, which are normally round, are shaped like a crescent moon or a sickle, and cannot transport enough oxygen around the body. Those with sickle cell can experience episodes of severe pain sometimes lasting weeks.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two-thirds of people affected by sickle cell worldwide live in countries in Africa.

It is the most prevalent genetically acquired disease in the region, and the survival statistics are stark.

More than half of children born with sickle cell will die before the age of five, usually from an infection or severe anaemia. Some medical journals say child mortality rates are as high as 90%.

Lea Kilenga Bey wants better understanding and treatment for those with sickle cell in Taveta

A woman at the clinic put her hand up to ask a question.

“They say that someone with sickle cell cannot live beyond 20 years old. They only get to 15 years and most they can live is 18 years old.”

Ms Bey pointed out that she was diagnosed with sickle cell at the age of six months and had survived - she is now in her 30s.

“It is a curse,” another woman shouted out.

In 2017, Ms Bey founded the Africa Sickle Cell organisation, an non-governmental organisation focused on improving the lives of people with sickle cell. She regularly visits communities to spread awareness of the

genetic disease, but she went back to Taveta, her hometown, to help support the people there.

“A lot of communities attribute sickle cell to ancestral curses, witchcraft,” Ms Bey told BBC Africa Eye.

“This is a situation for any unknown thing in the community. People form their own stories around them. So, I had to go and tell people sickle cell is not witchcraft. It’s not ancestral curses. It’s something that we can solve.”

One of the main challenges for people with sickle cell in Taveta, and other towns across Kenya, is access to medicine.

‘Either food or drugs’

Daily treatment is needed for people to live normal lives: antibiotics to prevent infection,

drugs to treat the blood cells and dietary supplements like folic acid to help with the anaemia.

“The majority of people who have less $1 [£0.80] or $2 a day will not sacrifice the meal of their home to buy this expensive medicine,” Ms Bey said.

“It’s either the meal or the medicine.”

She knows more than anyone what it is like to experience what is known as a sickle cell crisis - extreme pain caused by the blockage of a blood vessel, which can affect any part of the body.

Ms Bey has recorded video diaries of her sickle cell crises. Holed up in bed, without any medication, she stares at the camera, eyes half closed, trying to explain how excruciating the pain is.

Belgium’s Africa Museum rethinks its relationship with Congo

In the darkest corner of a grand museum that looks like a neo-classical palace lies a not-so-secret room.

It is filled with statues of Congolese people, which have been regarded as racist, that were once part of the permanent exhibition.

Schoolchildren on educational tours file past the Leopard Man, men with spears and women almost naked.

This is the Africa Museum in Tervuren, just outside Brussels, and until recently those sculptures were part of the permanent exhibition.

After facing years of heavy criticism nationally and internationally, the museum worked with a group of experts from the African diaspora in Belgium to rethink the controversial statues on display.

The museum traces its origins back to when King Leopold II set up the International Exposition of 1897. As part of that, 267 Congolese men, women and children were taken by force to Belgium and exhibited to the public in fenced fake villages on the site where the museum now stands.

When Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in the 19th Century, the Western nations’ “scramble for Africa” was in full throttle. King Leopold II wanted his own slice of the continent, but without government backing he had to win over

investors and the public.

The “human zoo” was a tool to convince visitors that Belgium had a duty to bring civilization and Christianity to the African country. The exposition was a huge success and so began Belgium’s long and violent history in the Congo.

Fast forward to the present and the museum is now marking its 125th year. It is also five years since it underwent a massive renovation, where it removed problematic statues and changed the labelling around objects that created a negative stereotype about Africa.

Guido Gryseels was the director of the museum until he retired earlier this year, aged 70, and is largely responsible for ushering in change.

Visitor numbers have improved since the revamp, but some of the African diaspora believe more can be done and that the statues should be removed completely. Others say the museum just should not exist any more given its historical displays representing African people as primitive.

The museum says it cannot change the past but is committed in doing its part towards building a better future.

“We realised that most children had their first encounter with Africa through a visit to this museum, either when they came with the school or with their parent,” Mr Gryseels told the BBC.

“For 100 years that impression was basically one of stereotypes, that Africa was good for providing nature and we were good for providing culture. From stereotypes you get pre-judgements and from pre-judgements you get a certain amount of racism.”

When Mr Gryseels joined the museum in 2001, a survey showed 95% of Belgians thought colonisation was a good thing. In 2022 the survey was done again and the number dropped to 35%.

Work in progress

Despite the museum’s best efforts, some of its history remains thinly veiled. In a beautiful round atrium called the Rotunda, colourful drapes hang around the walls.

Behind them you can see largerthan-life statues with matching French inscriptions such as “La Belgique apportant la civilisation au Congo”, which translated means “Belgium brings civilisation to Congo”.

“Belgium brings security to Congo” is on a plaque under a golden goddess-like statue with a Congolese child at her feet. The counter-narrative image depicts an armed Belgian soldier holding a machine gun. Another statue shows a Congolese man wrestling a snake.

“Here you will notice the statue is black and the others are gold, because gold is seen as superior, as godly, but this is for

someone who is inferior,” Africa Museum collaborator Marie-Reine Iyumva explains.

She is part of a new generation of staff with African heritage especially brought in to help bring about change and provide context.

Ms Iyumva said their work is not as a simple as removing or changing items considered problematic.

“The building is protected, it’s part of the Flanders Cultural Heritage, so we cannot touch anything from the walls of the building. So what we did is we commissioned contemporary artists to present their alternative interpretation.”

The answer, it seems, lies in education. Visiting the Africa Museum is not part of the national curriculum and tours are up to a teacher’s discretion.

But weekdays are busy with visiting school groups taking tours in French, Dutch, English and German. A big emphasis is on the workshops and open discussions addressing Belgium’s colonial past and the role the museum has played throughout the past century.

One young female student admitted the experience was eye-opening.

“I think it’s the first time we really learned about it. I wouldn’t do it if I was queen of Belgium,” she said.

Source: BBC

ews F rom A si A

The Ukraine offensive: What will win it or lose it?

“

Don’t call it a counteroffensive,” say the Ukrainians.

“This is our offensive, it’s our chance to finally drive out the Russian army from our land.”

Alright, but what will it take to actually succeed?

First off, let’s not get distracted by the recent hard-fought but tiny territorial gains Ukraine has been making as it retakes obscure, half-abandoned villages in the eastern Donetsk and south-eastern Zaporizhzhia regions.

After months of stalemate, images of victorious, battle-stained Ukrainian soldiers holding up their country’s blue and yellow flag in front of a bullet-ridden building is a welcome morale boost for Ukrainians.

But in the big strategic picture, this is a sideshow.

The area of Russian-held territory that matters most in this campaign is the south: the area between the city of Zaporizhzhia and the Sea of Azov.

This is the so-called “land corridor” that connects Russia to illegally annexed Crimea, the central part of that purple-shaded strip on the map below that has barely changed since the early weeks of the invasion last year.

If Ukraine can split that in two and hold the ground it’s retaken, then its offensive will have largely been successful.

It would cut off Russia’s troops in the west and make it hard to resupply their garrison in Crimea.

It would not necessarily spell an end to the war - which some are now predicting could drag on for

years - but it would put Ukraine in a strong bargaining position when the inevitable peace talks finally take place.

But the Russians have looked at the map, quite some time ago, and reached the same conclusion.

So while Ukraine sent its soldiers off to Nato countries for training and readied their 12 armoured brigades for this summer campaign, Moscow spent that time constructing what is now being called “the most formidable defensive fortifications in the world”.

Blocking Ukraine’s path to the coast - its own coast, let’s not forget - are layer upon layer of Russian minefields, concrete tank-blockers (known as “dragons’ teeth”) bunkers, firing positions and trenches wide enough and deep enough to stop a Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams tank literally in its tracks.

All of this is covered by predetermined artillery impact zones calibrated to rain down high explosive on Ukraine’s armoured vehicles as they and their crews wait for their engineers to find a way through.

The early signs are - and it is still very early in this campaignthat those Russian defences are so far holding fast.

Russia’s military claims that a number of Ukraine’s westernsupplied tanks and armoured personnel carriers have been destroyed in fierce fighting Ukraine has yet to commit the bulk of its forces - so these are probing, reconnaissance attacks designed to reveal the whereabouts

of Russia’s artillery and search out areas of vulnerability in their lines.

In Ukraine’s favour is morale. Its soldiers are highly-motivated and fighting to liberate their own country from an invader.

Most of Russia’s troops do not share that motivation, and in many cases their training, equipment and leadership are inferior to Ukraine’s.

The General Staff back in Kyiv will be hoping that if they can achieve a sufficient breakthrough then a collapse in Russian morale will be contagious, spreading across the battlefront as demoralised Russian troops lose the will to fight. Also in Ukraine’s favour is the quality of hardware that Nato countries have provided. Unlike

Soviet-designed armoured vehicles, Nato’s tanks and infantry fighting vehicles can often withstand a direct hit, or at least enough to protect the crew inside who then live to fight on.

But will that be enough to counter the strength of Russia’s artillery and drone attacks?

Russia, as the vastly bigger country, can draw on more resources than Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin, who started this war in the first place, knows that if he can only wear down the Ukrainians into a stalemate that drags on into next year then there is a chance that the US and other allies will tire of supporting this expensive war effort and start to

pressure Kyiv to reach a ceasefire compromise.

Finally, there is the matter of air cover, or lack of it. Attacking a well dug-in enemy without sufficient close air support is highly risky.

Ukraine knows this, which is why it’s long been pleading with the West to supply it with F16 fighter jets.

The US, which makes them, did not give the green light for this until late May, by which time the first, preparatory, phase of Ukraine’s offensive was already under way.

Critically for Ukraine, the game-changing F16s may now arrive too late on the battlefield to play a key role in the early phases of this counter-offensive.

Netherlands and Canada ask world court to rule on Syria torture claims

The Netherlands and Canada have submitted a case against Syria to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over allegations of torture.

Their application accuses the Syrian government of committing “countless violations of international law” since the country’s civil war began in 2011.

They ask the court to urgently compel Syria to prevent any acts of torture.

If the ICJ finds it has jurisdiction, it would be the first international court to rule on Syrian torture claims.

“Syrian citizens have been tortured, murdered, disappeared, attacked with poison gas or forced to flee for their lives and leave behind everything they had,” Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in a statement.

“Establishing accountability and combating impunity are important elements of achieving a lasting political solution to the conflict in Syria. Bringing this case before the ICJ is a major next step on the long road to that goal.”

There was no immediate

response from the Syrian government, but it has previously rejected the legality of the Netherlands and Canada’s action and repeatedly denied torturing its opponents and their families.

More than half a million people have been killed in the conflict that erupted after President Bashar alAssad cracked down violently on peaceful pro-democracy protests.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR), they include at least 14,449 civilians who have died due to torture in government prisons.

Former detainees have alleged that government forces have routinely employed torture methods including severe beatings, electric shocks, burning body parts, pulling out nails and teeth, rape and other sexual violence, as well as the systematic deprivation of food, water and medicine.

The Netherlands decided to institute proceedings against Syria before the ICJ in 2020, a year after Mr Assad’s ally Russia said it would block the United Nations Security Council from referring the situation in the country to

the International Criminal Court. Canada joined the process the following year.

Since then, the two countries have attempted to reach a negotiated settlement with Syria, in line with the dispute resolution

mechanism set out in the UN Convention on Torture, to which it is a state party.

The Dutch foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that the talks had not led to a solution. In addition, Syria had not consented

to their proposal for arbitration within six months, it added.

“For this reason, it was decided to bring the case before the ICJ... in an effort to compel Syria to comply with its obligations under the convention.”BBC

Ukrainian soldiers from 35th Brigade posted a photo, saying its soldiers retook the village of Storozheve in the eastern Donetsk region

Tens of thousands of Syrian civilians have allegedly been tortured or killed in government custody

El Salvador gangs: Derelict gang houses given to locals

The former gang stronghold of La Campanera in El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador, is dotted with empty houses.

Some were so-called “casas destroyer”, houses the gangs used for rape, murder and torture. Others were abandoned when their owners fled the endless gang violence, and then occupied by the gangs for their families to live in or stripped for materials.

Now, as part of a new social housing plan to compliment his harsh security policy, the administration of El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, has started to reclaim derelict gang houses, to turn them over to local residents.

Primary school teacher

Audelia Rosales received her house with the help of a lowinterest government loan.

She shows me the refurbishments they are making on the modest house, including patching up a hole in the wall which the gangs used as an escape route whenever the police raided the neighbourhood.

Living in La Campanera since the 1990s and watching the gangs grow in strength and number was tough, says Audelia.

“We lost our freedom. My children couldn’t play in the street or in the parks. They grew up cooped up inside, their whole childhoods.”

Audelia says that following the arrest of more than 65,000 people since the government crackdown on gangs started a year ago, her long-suffering neighbourhood is starting to shed its violent image.

“For years, I never said where I lived. People often couldn’t find work, there was such stigma about living here. But now I say it proudly: I’m from La Campanera!”, she laughs.

Normal life is gradually returning to such districts. Fastfood delivery couriers have reappeared in what were once no-go zones for outsiders and the police.

And nearby, a mid-morning game of football is taking place between teenagers from adjacent neighbourhoods.

While that might not sound like something special, the game between San Antonio and San Jose’s youth teams is remarkable.

The two areas used to be controlled by rival splinter groups

of El Salvador’s notorious 18th Street gang - the Sureños and the Revolucionarios.

Children from one side could not even enter the opposing neighbourhood, much less hold a game of football.

Now regular matches take place on San Antonio’s scruffy artificial pitch.

“This new security is here to stay”, says Erik, one of the coaches. “Many of those gang members will be in jail until they’re 90, 100 [years old], or won’t ever be let out. This generation will grow up in a healthier, gang-free environment.”

The military-led crackdown has done more than just bring back civic pride and sports to former gang strongholds.

It has had a huge impact on crime across El Salvador, and the murder rate - once considered the highest in the world - has plummeted.

Yet it is probably the most controversial security policy in the Americas. Human rights organisations say thousands of people with no gang ties have been arbitrarily detained, often on the flimsiest of pretexts.

One night last May, the police knocked on the door of labour union leader Dolores Almendares and took her away - based, they told her, on an anonymous tip off.

She did not see her children for the next seven months.

She describes being kept in horrific prison conditions, including chronically overcrowded cells with just one toilet for more than 230 people. Dolores says her treatment amounted to “torture”.

The Bukele administration says the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been granted access to the jails, and the ICRC in El Salvador confirms it has carried out regular checks on prison conditions.

However, the ICRC’s findings and recommendations (based on observations during the state of exception imposed by the government of President Bukele) remain confidential.

Dolores is adamant her arrest was unconstitutional and illegal.

“It was a kidnapping by the state. If you’ve done something wrong, then you have to pay - but if you haven’t, it’s privation of liberty, and that’s kidnapping. I’d committed no crime, so I shouldn’t have been in prison,” she argues.

I put Dolores’s point to Justice and Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro in an exclusive interview.

“We are not capturing innocent people,” he said. “We don’t want to arrest anyone who offered the gangs support, but who did so because they had no choice. What we’re currently analysing is whether those who collaborated with the gangs did so because they were trying to become a gang member or had been forced to provide them with support.”

Dolores is unimpressed by the official justification for her detention. “I hate this government,” she says simply.

“They should investigate people using the constitution. They’re supposed to set a good example. They won’t eradicate violence if they generate more violence themselves.”

For years, the streets gangs ruled El Salvador under a chilling motto of control: “See, hear, shut up.”

One resident told me that, for him, it meant “see how we murder

and extort people, hear their cries as we torture them, keep your mouths shut.”

Having endured such a reign of terror, Audelia Rosales does not question the methods by which the peace she is now enjoying has been achieved.

Rather, she is just relieved that she can finally step out of her house after dark and take in the

cool evening air.

“For 16 years my mother couldn’t even visit us here - we barely saw her,” she explains, sitting on a park bench watching local children play baseball.

“I hope the next generation gets to experience this freedom too.”

Source: BBC

Dolores is unimpressed by the official justification for her detention. “I hate this government,” she says simply.

“They should investigate people using the constitution. They’re supposed to set a good example.

Audelia Rosales says the neighbourhood of La Campanera is changing for the better

Young footballers are enjoying the freedom to play against each other

Dolores Almendares was jailed and held in conditions she says amounted to torture

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2 SIMON DANIEL OKORO

3 AJIBADE MARTINS OLALERE

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GWAGWALADA INTERNATIONAL MAIN MARKET AHIA ZUBAA ASSOCIATION

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UWELLE-UKEHE UNITED BROTHERS CLUB

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6 IYI CHUKWUDUBEM CALISTUS

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1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

2. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS

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RELIABLE NATIVES FOR SOCIALAWARENESS FOUNDATION

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Silvio Berlusconi: AC Milan pay tribute to ‘unforgettable’ owner, who has died at 86

AC Milan have paid tribute to “unforgettable” former owner Silvio Berlusconi following his death at the age of 86 on Monday.

Berlusconi bought his hometown club in 1986 and turned the struggling side into one of football’s most successful clubs.

Under his leadership, Milan won five European Cups, as well as eight Italian league titles.

In 2017, he sold the club to Chinese investors for 740m euros (£628m).

Fifa president Gianni Infantino described Berlusconi as a “visionary”.

Milan tweeted: “Deeply saddened, AC Milan grieves the passing of the unforgettable Silvio Berlusconi and wishes to reach out to the family, associates, and most cherished friends to share our sympathies.”

Berlusconi’s death leaves ‘huge void’, allies say

Football’s reaction to Berlusconi’s death

Berlusconi: Comeback king who led Italy four times

The former Italian prime minister returned to football less than 18 months after selling Milan when his holding company, Fininvest, bought 100% of shares in third-division side Monza in 2018.

Berlusconi and former Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani guided the club to Serie A for the first time in their 110year existence.

A Monza statement read: “Forever with us. Adriano Galliani and all AC Monza mourn the loss of Silvio Berlusconi.

“A void that can never be filled, forever with us. Thank you for everything President.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, during his playing career, helped Milan lift their first league title of the Berlusconi era in 1988 and returned to manage the club from 2001 to 2009.

The Italian was criticised by Berlusconi during his early seasons for his supposedly defensive tactics but would go on to win the Champions League twice, the Coppa Italia and secure the Serie A trophy with an Italian record 82 points from 34 games.

Ancelotti wrote on Twitter: “Today’s sadness doesn’t erase the happy moments spent together.

“There remains infinite gratitude to the President, but above all to an ironic, loyal, intelligent, sincere man, fundamental for me as a footballer first, and then as a coach. Thank you President.”

In a statement, AC Milan’s city rivals Inter said: “He has left an indelible mark on the history of our country. The challenges between Inter and his Milan have made the city of Milan the heart of world football.”

Berlusconi was a controversial figure and often complained of victimisationparticularly by prosecutors in his native

Milan - once claiming to have made 2,500 court appearances in 106 trials over 20 years.

Charges over the years included embezzlement, tax fraud and false accounting, and attempting to bribe a judge. He was acquitted or had his convictions overturned on several occasions.

In a tribute posted on Instagram on Monday, Infantino said: “In terms of football he had foreseen everything long before the others, and in fact he became the most successful president in the history of (AC Milan).

“Recently, as owner of Monza, he fulfilled another dream, because in dreams size doesn’t matter. They can even be contained within a small town.

“I want to remember him just like that, like the person who - in our beloved sport - dreamed and then transformed those thoughts into reality.”

AC Milan won 29 trophies during Silvio Berlusconi’s ownership

Côte d’Ivoire to host 2023

CAF Women’s Champions League

Côte d’Ivoire will host the third edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, the Executive Committee has announced. The prestigious inter-club competition for women was first hosted by Egypt in 2021 with Morocco hosting last year’s edition.

The dates for the tournament will be announced soon, but the eight-team tournament will help the Ivorians test their systems ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which kicks off in January 2023.

The format will remain unchanged with the eight teams drawn into two groups. The top two in each will progress to the semi-finals.

The champion of the host country will be joined by seven other teams from the zonal qualifiers which will be held in due course as well.

Morocco’s AS Far are the defending champions, having clinched the crown on home soil, beating holders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. The format will remain unchanged with the eight teams drawn into two groups. The top two in each will progress to the semifinals.

The champion of the host country will be joined by seven other teams from the zonal qualifiers which will be held in due course as well.

Morocco’s AS Far are the defending chamhed the crown on home soil, beating holders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Morocco’s AS Far are the defending champions, having clinched the crown on home soil, beating holders Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. The format will remain unchanged with the eight teams drawn into two groups. The top two in each will progress to the semifinals.

The champion of the host country will be joined by seven other teams from the zonal qualifiers which will be held in due course as well.

Morocco’s AS Far are the defending chamh.

Ivan Toney: Brentford striker says missing World Cup worse than eight-month ban over betting

Ivan Toney says missing last year’s World Cup was a bigger punishment than the ban he received for breaking Football Association betting rules.

The Brentford striker was banned for eight months in May after admitting to 232 breaches of FA betting rules.

He was charged in November and missed out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man

squad for the 2022 World Cup.

“Support is good, but how I am, I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me,” he told the Kick Game YouTube channel.

“Even though I miss eight months of football, that was the biggest punishment, to miss out on a World Cup - everyone’s dream - it is bigger than missing eight months of football.”

Toney won his first England

cap as a late substitute in the 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Ukraine in March, having received his first call-up to Southgate’s squad last September.

The 27-year-old, who was given a reduced ban because of a diagnosed gambling addiction, will not be allowed to play again until 17 January 2024.

He can return to training with Brentford on 17 September, four

months before the ban ends.

“I done what I done before, the punishment is the punishment and get on with it,” Toney said.

“I just have to focus on when I come back training. I want to be a different animal when I come back. It’s going to be frightening.”

Toney was the Premier League’s third highest scorer last season with 20 goals and helped Brentford to a ninth-place finish.

Toney missed the final day of the season and will not be allowed to play again until January

Yankuba Minteh: Gambian teenager joins Newcastle United from Denmark’s Odense

Newcastle United have signed Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh from Danish side Odense. The Magpies say the 18-year-old will officially join them on 1 July before moving to Dutch side Feyenoord on loan for the 2023-24 season.

Minteh had four goals and six assists in 17 Superliga matches in 2022-23.

“We are very pleased to be bringing a player with Yankuba’s high potential to Newcastle United,” said Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth.

“He has done extremely well in his first full season in Denmark, and he has a promising career ahead of him.”

Minteh moved to Denmark last July after beginning his career at Gambian side Steve Biko FC.

He has also played twice for Gambia in friendly internationals against DR Congo and Liberia.

Everton directors Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Grant Ingles & Graeme Sharp leave board

Everton have announced chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance and strategy officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director Graeme Sharp have left their boardroom roles.

The Toffees said interim appointments and chairman Bill Kenwright’s future will be decided in the next 48 hours.

Last month, Everton entered into an exclusivity agreement with MSP Sports Capital over investment in the club.

Everton ensured Premier League survival on the last day of the season.

A 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at Goodison Park confirmed they would be extending their 69-year stay in English football’s top tier.

However, fans have been extremely unhappy at the running of the club and vented their anger with protests asking for the board’s removal.

The club’s key decision-makers last attended a home game in January, having been warned of a “real and credible threat to their safety” following “threatening correspondence”.

The construction of Everton’s new 53,888-capacity ground on BramleyMoore Dock is well under way but has seen costs soar from £500m to £760m, for which owner Farhad Moshiri has been searching for investment.

Talks over funding have progressed with MSP and it is understood the New York-based company will likely expect representation in the boardroom if it does complete a minority investment.

The departing directors said in a joint statement: “We have all been fully committed during our time here and are disappointed to have made the decision to leave Everton.

“We have worked tirelessly alongside our chairman in what has been a challenging period to deliver some of the most significant projects in Everton’s history - projects that will safeguard and sustain the commercial future of the club for generations to come.

“We are proud of the commercial growth projects progressed during our time on the board, including the construction of the club’s new waterfront stadium. This construction project - the largest currently

on site in the UK - is progressing at pace.

“The club’s partnership portfolio has also been increased and diversified, reflected in record commercial partnerships and the expansion of our work internationally.”

Kenwright added: “This has been a great board who have all worked tirelessly for the club, no matter what the circumstances.

“My relationship with Denise has been known as one of the closest in football. I thank her for her many achievements, particularly her magnificent work in respect of our new stadium.”

Meanwhile, court records show Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is suing Everton, his former club, at the High Court.

The claim relates to “general commercial contracts and arrangements” but the listing gives no further details.

Ancelotti, 64, managed the Toffees between December 2019 and June 2021.

The Italian’s lawyers declined to comment when contacted by BBC Sport.

Everton’s boardroom changes were the inevitable consequence of years of bad decision-making that led the club into a second successive near miss with relegation from the Premier League and the complete breakdown of relations with the club’s support.

It was a dysfunctional situation that simply could not continue.

Everton’s supporters continued to throw their weight behind the team but now only chairman Bill Kenwright remains and the forthcoming announcement on his future must be confirmation he is out along with Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Grant Ingles and Graeme Sharp.

The bottom line is that if, and it is highly unlikely, Kenwright somehow stays then the discontent and protests aimed at Everton’s hierarchy will continue. It looks, however, that the increasingly untenable position of the chairman is about to end in

his departure.

It is all the result of catastrophic policies at boardroom level and under owner Farhad Moshiri, who has now entered into an exclusivity agreement with MSP Sports Capital for investment in Everton, primarily for the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

MSP will want their own representation on the board and what looks like a clean sweep of Everton’s boardroom hierarchy is under way,

The outgoing board have also presided over policies that have seen Everton referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of Financial Fair Play rules - which the club strenuously denies.

Everton had to do something to clear the poisoned air around the club and inject fresh ideas to somehow avoid another season of crisis. This is just the start and it remains to be seen whether more big changes will follow.

Yankuba Minteh has scored four goals and registered six assists for Odense this season

Everton fans protested against the club’s board during the season

June 12 comes full circle at full moon

West Ham: David Moyes will stay on at London Stadium

David Moyes will stay on as West Ham manager after winning the Europa Conference League.

Moyes’ future had been the subject of huge speculation throughout the season.

On three occasions, the Scot appeared to be one game from the sack, however, each time, West Ham won and eventually secured their Premier League future with two games to spare.

The Hammers have since gone on to end their 43-year wait for a trophy by beating Fiorentina in Prague.

And it has now been decided Moyes, 60, will stay in his job as West Ham look forward to European football for the third successive season for the first time in their history.

Moyes will have to cope without skipper Declan Rice, who is set to leave the club this summer, but is eager to build on their Conference League triumph.

“I hope we can continue to make progress. I think we have done over the last two or three years and last night was progress because we won a trophy. It was massive for us to win a trophy,” Moyes said when interviewed during West Ham’s open-top bus parade in London on Friday.

“It’s very hard to compete at the top end every season but all you can do is try your best every season and that’s what we do - and next season that’s what we’ll do.”

Monday was the anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election, rated as the freest so far, in which religious and ethnic considerations counted for nothing in the eyes of the electorate then. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olarewaju (MKO) Abiola Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was cruising to a landslide victory against his rival Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Congress party (NRC) when the election was annulled at the behest of the ruling military junta led by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida a.k.a. IBB. To-date, that remains a stain on Babangida’s profile. Had he allowed that election to stand, leading to return to civilian rule and subsequent passages of democratic rule to this day, IBB would have ranked as a hero if not legend of Nigeria’s democratic journey. As it is, that honour belongs to another of his colleague, a Nigerlite like himself, General Abdulsalam Abubakar. It is to General Abubakar’s credit that Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999 has now enjoyed 24 years of uninterrupted democracy since he handed over power to an elected Chief Mathew Okikiola Aremu Olusegun on May,29, 1999. Because the electoral umpire at that time of which Dr. Humphrey Nwosu was the head did not officially declare results of that election before it was cancelled by fiat, MKO Abiola is not numbered among Nigeria’s heads of state. Rather, that infamous annulment plunged our country into a political logjam whose wounds festered until May 1999 when a healing process started.

Invalidating that election thereby truncating the return to democratic rule angered millions of Nigerians. It sowed the seed of activism in Nigerians some of whom teamed up to form NADECO – National Democratic Coalition. The military later sought to pacify Nigerians somehow, by setting up the Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former managing director of UAC (one of the largest companies in Nigeria) who is also from same Ogun state as Abiola. However, this did not help matters as most Nigerians considered the ING an illegal government. Under this condition

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

it was not long before the then Chief of Army Staff, General Sani Abacha (so appointed by Head of State, General Babangida who stepped aside after after announcing establishment of the ING) disbanded the ING and announced himself as Head of State. Agitations for return to civilian rule and actualisation of June 12 continued in parts of the country.

Abiola was arrested and put under house arrest. Negotiations for his release were said to be ongoing, being brokered by some third parties too. It was said that one of the conditions given for his freedom was renunciation of his ‘mandate’. It was also said that Abiola rejected that proviso, insisting that he stood on June 12. From the moment of the annulment, the slogan, ‘’On June 12 we stand’’ became the singsong of those pushing for validation of that election… Soon afterwards, news broke that the acclaimed winner of that election had died in custody, mysteriously. Nevertheless, south westerners in particular believed that he was poisoned by the government. Abiola’s wife, his beloved Kudirat also died in the struggle as did some others that were killed during the countless strike actions called to press for de-annulment of that result, restoration of Abiola’s mandate.

The deaths resulted from clashes between the police and protesters as well as motor accidents suffered by people rushing to their hinterlands to avoid the tensions in the western part of Nigeria, especially Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre. Lagos the epicentre of the struggle was intermittently locked down by the protesters in those years especially as they had an effective ally in the National Union of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (NUPENG) presided over

by Frank Kokori.

Soon after Abiola’s mystery death, that of General Abacha, the Head of State followed suite, in a mysterious way too. Still, the seething and barely concealed anger against the military over Abiola, his wife and others’ deaths and the cancellation of that election continued unabated. So, when General Abubakar took over as Head of state upon General Abacha’s demise, he quickly announced a six-month time table for return to civilian government. They drafted Chief Obasanjo from prison to contest election under PDP. He won and governed for eight years, from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. Obasanjo was of same Egba stock as Abiola, the reason being to ‘compensate’ the Yorubas for the annulled 1993 election which claimed lives. However, nothing can truly compensate for a life lost.

Although former president, Obasanjo disdained June 12 during his tenure by not recognising it, I believe his successor, Umar Musa Yar’Adua but for his illness and subsequent short tenure, would have been sympathetic to the June 12 issue because of his progressive tendencies and the fact that his brother, an army general also lost his life whilst in prison. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who took over from Yar’Adua was, I believe, aligned somehow with the June 12 cause but his hands appeared tied by the power brokers at the time, hence, his attempt to name what he considered a federal monument the University of Lagos, after Chief Abiola.

Eventually, former president, Buhari in 2019 took the giant step of recognising the monumental place of June 12,1993 in our political history, by giving a presidential order declaring it as ‘Democracy Day’. The National Assembly in May of same year gave it legal backing as a public

holiday and we had the first official nationwide Democracy Day on June 12, 2020.

And now with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one of the arrow heads of struggle against the military over cancellation of that historic 1993 election and for speedy return to democratic rule as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, June 12 1993 has come full circle at full moon, thirty years after. In a way, there are some similarities between 1993 and 2023. Chief Abiola from the south west zone was the presidential flag bearer of a progressive party as is Tinubu now of the All Progessives Congress party. Abiola’s running mate 30 years ago was a Kanuri from Borno State (Babagana Kingibe) as is President Tinubu’s running mate (now vice president), Kashim Shettima. Abiola’s campaign theme was ‘Hope 1993’ and Tinubu’s was ‘Renewed Hope 2023’.

On the occasion of his first commemoration of June 12 1993 as president, Asiwaju Tinubu pledged anew, the commitment of his new administration to ‘’diligently fulfil every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda’’. The president stated that his administration shall be faithful to truth, faithful to equity, and faithful to justice. “We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people’’, President Tinubu added. Those are the ethos of democracy.