Friday, April 14, 2023 Edition

NEMA predicts below average rainfall in FCT, Kano, Kaduna, others

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As 283 legislators, governors, back new forum for united Nigeria

IGP meets predecessors on better policing

EFCC nabs 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Maiduguri

TETFund allocates N30b to 18 institutions for high impact projects

Maryam Abeeb

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund has allocated thirty billion Naira (N30b) to 18 tertiary institutions across the country for high impact projects.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of TETfund, Arc. Sonny Echono, during a press briefing on the breakdown of the approved 2023 intervention guidelines, in Abuja.

Echono explained that the allocation are rotational, noting that each institutions are picked from the 6 geopolitical zone annually.

He added that the sum of N3billion will be disburse to each university, while each Polytechnic

and Colleges of education will get N1billion each.

According to him, the allocation is shared equally regardless of the size, needs or population of the institutions.

The TETFund boss noted that the allocation is classified into two categories, special disbursement and designated projects.

“Under the special disbursements, there is high impact projects, the reason behind this is the realization that if we share the whole full amount of the revenue, spreading all our resources, Jon of the institutions will be able to do any high impact projects.

“So, we thought that what we rather do, is to do this rotation and should concentrate on institutions so that they can do a certain

projects.

“So that if you finish , you move to others, the way you can achieve. Each year , we take six universities, six polytechnics, six colleges of education.

“We do this rotation , all that got last year, will it get. We do six each year , we take one from each geopolitical zone”, he stated.

According to him, the universities are :Ibrahim Gbadamosi University, Niger state (North Central), Federal University of Wukari , Taraba state( North -east), Federal University of Birnin Kebbi, ( North West), Imo state university of Agriculture and Environmental Science , Imo state( South East), Edo state University, Uzairue, (south south), and Federal University of Technology,

Akure, Ondo state( Southwest).

Also the polytechnic that benefitted are: Federal polytechnic, Offa, Kwara state, Federal Polytechnic, Katingo, Gombe state, Federal Polytechnic, Kano, Kano state, Anambra Polytechnic, Anambra state, Federal polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Rivers state and , Oyo state colleges of Agriculture and Technology, Oyo state.

While the Colleges of Education are as follows: Plateau state colleges of education, federal college of education, yoga, Adamawa state, Federal college of education, Zaria, Kaduna state , Enugu state college of education, Enugu state, Delta state college of education, Warri, and Tai solarin college of education, Ogun State.

CODE to partner with ICPC to track constituency projects

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Connected Development (CODE) has sought for collaboration with the Kaduna office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) to ensure constituency projects are properly utilized.

The state Team lead of CODE, Mohammed Abubakar asserted this when he led a delegation of from CoDE, Community Monitoring Teams (CMT) and the Media to the ICPC Kaduna office yesterday.

Abubakar said the purpose of the visit was to establish collaboration with the Commission in advocating for transparency, accountability and good governance.

He adds: “ Exploring collaboration with the ICPC is a strategic move to collectively combat corruption, illicit financial flows and track to completion, development projects in rural areas so people can have access to potable drinking water, standard healthcare and even primary education.”

Speaking earlier the Project Assistant of CODE in Kaduna, Zaraphat Haruna explained that the visit aims is to build a synergy with the commission especially in the area of constituency projects

In his remarks Mr. Bello Buhari of Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Team of the Commission said the Kaduna office has been engaged in constituency projects Tltracking to ensure that

projects are done to the required standards and more appropriate for such projects are justified.

Bello noted that ICPC is also partnering with CODE on mobilizing the youth, through CODEs Follow The Money University Campus Tour, on an anti-corruption movement where young people are sensitized on good governance and the movement to end corruption in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier the Resident, Anti Commissioner Kaduna state Prince Hassan Mohammed, said there is already an existing partnership between CODE and ICPC in respect of consultancy projects tracking.

He explained that the Commission under the Chairmanship of Professor

Bolaji Owasanoye, was determined to track constituency projects, especially in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) to combat corruption in the country.

Mohammed opines that “implementation of constituency projects is one of the ways by which we can ensure that what the Presidency desires to do connects with the people.

“Every year, funds are budgeted for constituency projects, yet, people at the grassroots, especially, are not beneficiaries”.

He however, assured the CODE delegation of robust relationship, saying the doors of the commission is open to CODE and others organization with similar aims and objectives.

State Pilgrims welfare Agency Executive Secratary Dr. Yusuf Argasiyyu,- Breffing the Media organisation over approve the sum of N2.919 2023 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, yesterday in Kaduna.

Buhari performs Umrah ritual in Makkah

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari performed Umrah rituals, amid tight security, upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in the early hours of Thursday.

A statement by the

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said Buhari was received by a number of officials, including a delegation from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and Nigerian Embassy staff.

Ramadan Timing Day 23

A day earlier in the second Holy City of Madina, President Buhari had also visited and prayed at the Prophet’s Mosque, the statement noted.

The President arrived in the Kingdom on an eight-day official visit on Tuesday, the statement recalled.

Ramadan: Cleric urges Muslims to imbibe culture of self-reliance

The Chairman, League of FCT Imams, Sheikh Tajudeen Adigun, has urged all Muslims to imbibe the culture of self-reliance in compliance with the teachings of Islam.

Adigun gave the advice yesterday, in his keynote address at the distribution of food items and cash to over 2,000 needy persons by the Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation at Life Camp in Abuja.

The cleric urged every muslim to work hard to earn a living, saying, “in Islam, there is nothing like just waiting for somebody to give you.”

He said that Islam was a religion that encouraged everybody to work so as to be self-reliant and also give out alms to the needy.

Adigun said: “Until we have the culture of thinking of the way out individually, we cannot solve the problem of poverty in the society.

“This is because those who are rich as you are seeing them, they are in categories.

“There are those who are merciful and ever ready to give out and there are those who don’t mind, they believe it is their handiwork that makes

them to reach such position.

”So, they are too careless to even know if somebody is suffering, but the only way is to encourage individuals to have something doing.

“If we have that culture, poverty will be reduced tremendously in the society.”

He also commended the foundation, under the leadership of Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, for consistently reaching out to the needy, especially in the month of Ramadan.

“Today is a great day in the history of Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation where a number of individuals have gathered together in this holy month of Ramadan to collect food items and cash donation.

“Islam has always encouraged giving to charity. Allah said in the holy Quran that those who are giving out their wealth in the day time, in the night time, secretly and openly.

“They are doing this so as to make people to be happy their reward lies in His hand a very big reward.

“So, we encourage other organisations and individuals too to give out charity to those who are in need off especially in the month of Ramadan,” he said.

Earlier, Imam Yahya AlYolawi, the leader of the foundation, said they had been distributing food items to the less-privileged for the past four years.

He described the programme as” remarkable in the history of the foundation”.

Al-Yolawi called on those that had the means to give out alms and charity to the lessprivileged, especially in the month of Ramadan where the reward was multiplied.

The cleric said that the foundation was feeding over 300 persons daily since the beginning of the Ramadan fast, which would last till the end.

“You can see the turnout of the people over and above what we witnessed in 2022,” AlYolawi said.

Also, Mrs Hadiza Kasim, the Secretary, Advisory Committee of Women in Da’awah of the foundation, said the massive turnout of the less-privileged in the event showed the enormity of poverty in the country.

“So, from the government down to the individuals, those whom Allah has blessed and have means should all rise up and ensure that we extend a helping hand,” she urged. (NAN)

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

President Muhammadu Buhari(middle), Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami(right) with Others performing lesser hajj(Umrah), in Makkah Saudi Arabia.

PHOTO BY STATE HOUSE

Insecurity: IGP meets predecessors on better policing

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, has met with the Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Ex-IGP Solomon Arase, and retired I-GPs in Abuja to strategise on achieving better policing in Nigeria.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement yesterday, said the meeting discussed issues affecting the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the meeting was also used to draw from the experiences of the retired officers who had at various times piloted the affairs of the force and PSC.

Adejobi said the retired IGP’s who graced the meeting included Sunday Ehindero, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo and Suleiman Abba.

According to him, the PSC chairman appreciated the I-GP and retired I-GPs for honouring his invitation while assuring that the commission under him will not relent in making sure that the welfare of officers and men are well catered for.

“The I-GP, assured them of the commitment of the force under the current leadership to promote positive collaborations with the commission for effective implementation of the Police Reform agenda.

“He appreciated the PSC Chairman for the thoughtfulness in assembling the eggheads for the laudable meeting,” he said. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement yesterday, said the meeting discussed issues affecting the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the meeting was also used to draw from the experiences of the retired officers who had at various times piloted the affairs of the force and PSC.

Adejobi said the retired IGP’s who graced the meeting included Sunday Ehindero, Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo and Suleiman Abba.

According to him, the PSC chairman appreciated the I-GP and retired I-GPs for honouring his invitation while assuring that the commission under him will not relent in making sure that the welfare of officers and men are well catered for.

“The I-GP, assured them of the commitment of the force under the current leadership to promote positive co for effective implementation of the Police Reform agenda.NAN

Kebbi State Governor’s wife in shock over orderly’s death

From Ahmadu Baba Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zanab Shinkafi Bagudu has expressed deep shock over the death of her orderly, Inspector Hassana Sule.

The late Police orderly who worked with the Kebbi’s

First lady for over 7 years, died on Tuesday 11th of April, 2023 at 2330hrs, following a brief illness at her country home, in Kogi State.

The news of her death was announced by her sister, Balkisu Sule.

In her condolence message, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu however took solace

in the Quranic prescription that “every soul will test death because we are from Allah and to Him we shall return”.

She fervently prayed Allah to grant late Hassana abundant mercy, admit her into Aljannah Firdausi and give her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, a high powered delegation led by the Liaison Officer, Kebbi State Government Lodge, Abuja, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba has been dispatched to condole with the family in Kogi State.

Late Inspector Hassana Sule has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Governor Inuwa Mourns Ahmed Alkali, Gombe State Polytechnic Registrar

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed grief over the demise of the Registrar, Gombe State Polytechnic Bajoga, Ahmad Alkali, whose sad event occurred yesterday after a brief illness.

In a message of condolence signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director General on Press Affairs, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is currently performing the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, described the demise of the Chairman of Gombe State chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR as deeply painful.

He noted that Alkali was well known for his humility, strength of character and examplary conduct, adding that his death will leave a huge vacuum, not only in the academic spheres by the state in general.

The Governor recalled the outstanding services and contributions of the deceased

when he worked at the National Universities Commission ( NUC), the Federal University of Kashere where he rose to the position of Deputy Registrar and most recently the State Polytechnic Bajoga where he served as Registrar until his death.

Governor Inuwa added that the late Ahmed Alkali had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the academic community in FUK and Gombe State in general.

The Governor conveyed his deepest condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the entire Alkali Modibbo family, the management and staff of Gombe State State Polytechnic Bajoga, as well as the FUK community over the great loss.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (right) discussing with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Capital Express Assurance Limited, Mrs Odukale Adebola during her visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama Abuja . Photo-: NYSC

Ahmad Alkali

Poverty reduction: 2 million vulnerable people gain from social empowerment projects

By Egena Sunday Ode

No fewer than two million vulnerable Nigerians across the country have been impacted by projects implemented under the Federal Government’s National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) for the year 2022.

A progress report presented at the NPRGS Steering Committee meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday also indicated that about 1.6 million smallholder farmers were impacted under the Agriculture for Jobs Plan.

Also,13,000 youths have been trained under a Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme in 6 States comprising Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna and Nasarawa, while arrangements are underway to provide similar training for 2000 beneficiaries in Edo State.

Equally, it revealed that more than 8,000 Nigerians were employed in rural roads construction under the Rural Roads programme which built 40 rural roads in 120 communities, covering about 57.3 km across the country, media aide to the Vice President, Laolu Akande said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the NPRGS implementation monitoring update presented by the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, “following the release of N50 billion, programmes that have achieved 100% completion include: Agriculture for Food and Jobs Plan (AFJP),and Construction of Rural Roads, among others, the statement said.

“A total number of direct beneficiaries of the implemented programmes currently stands at 1,818,782 vulnerable Nigerians and a total of 9,527 Nigerians have also been directly employed through the implementation of the programmes so far.”

Akande said, at the meeting

•To expand social register with 3m households

also, the committee approved the sum N250 billion for the execution of projects for the year 2023. Projects scheduled for implementation under the NPRGS for the year include:

“The provision of 100,000

homes for low-income earners which will create 1 million jobs directly and indirectly.

“The expansion of energy access by providing 1,200 solar street lights in rural communities and 6 mini-grids for high-capacity

productive farming under the Solar Naija Programme.

“Creation of 4.5 million direct and indirect jobs through the Rural Roads programme which targets to connect about 750 rural markets.

“Provision of N9 billion support for over 1.6 million vulnerable smallholder farmers for the 2023 wet season farming under the Agriculture for Jobs Plan.

“The expansion of the National Social Register with additional 3 million households.”

Supplementary Election: Atiku drums support for PDP

By Stanley Onyekwere

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar has implored the electorate in all the places where supplementary elections will take place on Saturday to come out in large numbers to cast their ballot for

the PDP.

Atiku, in a press release signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, and made available to newsmen ywsterday, specifically calls on the voters at polling units where elections will take place in Adamawa and Kebbi on Saturday, 15 April, to ensure that the process of electing PDP state governors and federal and

state lawmakers in those states and others are completed in a peaceful manner.

The statement read: “In both Adamawa and Kebbi where supplementary elections shall be held on Saturday, I wish to make a special appeal to the voters in the respective polling units where elections shall be taking place to make sure that

the PDP enjoys overwhelming support through their votes.

“It is an established fact that the APC has failed the people of this country and, especially, in Kebbi State, the more reason it is incumbent on the electorate to vote them out and return the PDP”, Atiku is quoted to have said in Yola where he will be casting his vote on Saturday”.

It will be recalled that after the February 25 and March 18 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission scheduled supplementary governorship elections in Adamawa and Kebbi states, five senatorial districts, and 31 federal and 58 state assembly constituencies across the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari(middle), Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami(right) with Others performing lesser hajj(Umrah), in Makkah Saudi Arabia. PHOTO BY STATE HOUSE

$460,000 forfeiture: “You can’t outrun your past, Atiku’s aide chides Tinubu

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu has lampooned the Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly trying to present the $460,000 forfeiture case as one relating to tax evasion and not drug charges.

In a statement issued yesterday, Shaibu noted that after the lies told by Tinubu and his surrogates, the truth had finally been unravelled through the processes filed by the All Progressives Congress at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

He said, “Festus Keyamo had gone on national television to say that Tinubu’s forfeiture of $460,000 was based on tax obligations. At least they have now finally admitted that the forfeiture was in relation to a drug trafficking case even though Tinubu did not admit guilt.

“But what has been established is that Justice John Nordberg ordered on October 4, 1993 that the funds in the amount of $460,000 held in First Heritage Bank in the name of Bola Tinubu represent the proceeds of narcotics trafficking or were involved in financial transactions in violation of 18 U.S. 1956 and 1957.

“Tinubu should know that he cannot outrun his past. He was investigated in relation to heroin trafficking. He had millions of dollars in his account while on a salary of $2,500 monthly, and he forfeited part of it in order to escape jail. These are the facts. Elections are over, and he should stop lying to Nigerians.”

According to him, Keyamo’s lack of understanding of the

legal proceedings was one of the reasons he failed as a prosecutor with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Festus Keyamo’s law degree really needs to be investigated. One wonders how he even became a senior advocate. He went on national television to say the $460,000 was a fine for not paying taxes.

“Now, Tinubu is telling the Election Petition Tribunal that the money in question was forfeited as part of a court decree in relation to his drug case. No wonder Keyamo lost so many

high profile cases with the EFCC while he was a prosecutor,” Shaibu said.

Atiku’s aide, however, knocked Tinubu for claiming that he was not under investigation, but only the funds in his bank accounts were under probe.

He asked Tinubu to explain to Nigerians how he was able to deposit millions of dollars one year after opening bank accounts while earning a salary of $2,500 at Mobil.

“Elections are over, but Tinubu is still trying to deceive Nigerians. Is he saying the

millions of dollars found in his account just magically appeared there just as how his aide said on live television that the bullion van found on his premises ahead of the 2019 poll erroneously found their way there?

“Tinubu should stop taking Nigerians for a ride. Let him explain the business he did in order to have such a humongous sum of money in his account.”

Shaibu said a Tinubu presidency would represent a setback in the fight against narcotics, given his antecedents and his open admission that he

lived with known drug kingpins.

Shaibu implored the US authorities to set aside diplomatic protocols and furnish the Nigerian judiciary with all information relating to the trial and verdict of the US investigation of Tinubu over drug dealings and his forfeiture of the sum of 460,000 US dollars during his conviction.

“The US should not associate with electoral thieves by merely stating whether he is still under probe or not. We need in-depth details of this corn-man,” Shaibu said.

Centre partners NBTE to boost career path for care givers

Dr Emem Omokaro, DirectorGeneral, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has expressed commitment to strengthen collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to create career path for caregivers in Nigeria.

Omokaro was speaking on Wednesday when she met with the officials of NBTE in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports tha the meeting was a follow-up to NSCC`s stakeholders engagement on the development of national benchmark statement and minimum standards in

curriculum for training caregivers to older persons earlier held in Abuja.

She said at the gathering that NSCC was working towards ensure compliance, standards and regulations of caregivers, especially to older persons and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

“ Why we want to work with the National Board for Technical Education is to ensure a structured collaboration towards creating a career path for caregivers, to certify, standardise and regulate the operations of caregivers in the country.

“ Because NBTE’s core mandate is

to accredit and regulate, so NSCC as a government agency cannot regulate without working with an agency like NBTE because we are working towards ensuring technical competence,“ she said.

The D-G said the centre had identified some strategic institutions, one of which was the NBTE to achieve this target.

She said the aim of the engagement was to ensure quality care assurance for certification, develop training modules for caregivers and care agencies administrators as well as open a website for registration of care agencies.

The Executive Secretary, National

Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Prof. Idris Bugaje, represented by the Director Skills Development, Mr. Abbati Mohammed, assured the centre of the readiness to provide the necessary support towards achieving its objectives.

According to him, relevant skills acquisition is required to standardise the system of caregiving in the country.

NAN reports that, a Memorandum of Understanding between NSCC and NBTE for accrediting caregivers is expected to be signed after all the discussions are harmonised at a later date.

(NAN)

L-R: Managing Director, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), Demola Igbalajobi ; Chairman, HumanManager Limited,Waheed Olagunju ; Managing Director, HumanManager Limited, Adekunbi Ademiluyi ; Chairman, SystemSpecs Limited, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe ; Group Managing Director, SystemSpecs Limited,John Obaro; and Managing Director, Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), Deremi Atanda, at the HumanManager breakfast and product launch held, yesyerday in Lagos.

10th House: Coalition of Lawmakers-elect commits to respect decision on zoning

By Christiana Ekpa

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives in June, a coalition of returning and new members-elect from all political parties that won seats in the parliament has vowed to respect the decision of the majority party in the House, APC, on zoning the Speaker and Deputy Speaker seats in the House and decision of opposition parties on minority leadership of the House in line with parliamentary best practices.

The coalition, known as the “Joint Task – 10th Assembly”, comprises 283 members-elect from the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

The main focus of the coalition is to promote the independence of the Legislature; the interdependence of the Legislature and other Arms of Government to legislate for good governance and grassroots impact; constituency outreach; equity and fairness among Members-elect as well as unity, equity and fairness in the emergence of Presiding and Principal Officers in line with best parliamentary practice.

Already, 283 members-elect, comprising both returning and new members, have endorsed the coalition, which awaits the decision of the ruling APC on the zoning of the various offices.

The coalition has the blessings of 14 APC governors, 9 PDP governors as well as several National Working Committee (NWC) members the ruling and opposition political parties.

The forum is independent of the speakership ambition of any of the various aspirants but with determination to build a strong coalition of members-elect of the 10th House in readiness

to support the majority party zoning of the speakership office towards building a rancorfree and people-oriented 10th Assembly and in line with best parliamentary practice.

A press statement from the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the coalition, Rt Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) and Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), said members of the coalition are in agreement with whatever the majority partyAPC - decision on zoning might be.

According to the press statement, members of the ‘Joint Task – 10th Assembly’ have

agreed to put Nigeria first and allow the majority to form the leadership of the 10th House with other opposition parties playing a major role.

They noted that those who may want to defy the APC and have a repeat of the 2015 rebellion should remember the consequences of such action on governance as the sour relationship between the leadership of the 8th National Assembly and the Executive left Nigeria and Nigerians at the receiving end.

“We are aware of the theatrics in the 8th National Assembly. But Nigerians want

to see good governance and not grandstanding. Rebellion will deny the incoming Tinubu administration the opportunity to deliver on its mandate and the high expectations from Nigerians, especially under the current ethnic and religious tension in the country.

“We are glad that the leadership of the ruling party recognizes that the opposition political parties in the House are very key in the formation of the next leadership of the House, hence this coalition shall continue to consult with all the opposition parties.

“Our desire is to see a Nigeria

where all of us, the political actors, come together to put the country first, subduing our individual interest, in order to have a better country that we, our children and our children’s children will be proud of,” the statement noted.

The coalition said it “appreciates the capacity and prowess of all contestants for the esteemed positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, and implores every aspirant to put the interest of the House and the nation first over their personal ambition for the good of all.”

RTEAN charged to establish learning centre for hawkers, members

The leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) are enjoined to collaborate with the National Agency for Mass Literacy to establish leaning centres for hawkers as well as its members.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, made the call

at the 10th National Delegates Conference, Abuja 2023 of RTEAN, in Abuja.

Tallen said: “When I sometimes visit parks in company of family, I still see young children; girls and boys hawking when they should be in school. Yet your members turn blind eyes to such scenarios.

“In some cases, these children

become victims of exploitation and abuse.

”And because they are powerless, they have no voice and are afraid to report, so the cycle of abuse continues. Even women have reported such abuses in the parks.

“I want to appeal to the leadership of RTEAN to work

with the National Agency for Mass Literacy to set up learning centres in the parks.

“This will support both adult learning by your members and young hawkers in and around the parks.”

She however commended the National President of RTEAN, Dr Musa Maitakobi, for protecting

passengers against touts, thugs and other unwholesome behaviors in and around motor parks across the country.

She equally urged the leadership of the association to constantly enlighten its members on other issues bothering on Gender Based Violence (GBV) which are often witnessed in motor parks.

L-R: Member of Arewa New Agenda (ANA), Prof. Adamu Usman; Chairman of ANA, Sen. Ahmed Abubakar, member Amb. Hassan Ardo Jika and Vice chairman of ANA, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani, during a press conference on Alleged plot by on patriotic elements to foist and interim national Government on Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja.

•As 283 lawmakers, governors, others endorse new forum for united Nigeria

Adamawa Rerun Election: Don’t undermine people’s mandate - PDP tells INEC

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship inconclusive election in Adamawa state, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure absolute neutrality in the electoral process, so as to not undermine the people’s mandate.

Director General of the Campaign Council, Hon. Auwal Tukur made public the position of the council yesterday, at a round up press Conference in Yola.

Tukur warned that the PDP as a law abiding political party will not accommodate manipulations from

any quarter regarding the inconclusive election.

“That is also to sound a word of caution that the PDP will not in anyway also fold its arms and allow rigging and any violent procedure to undermine the people’s votes and mandate.

“Clearly we are ready to use all the necessary and available legal and constitutional means to secure our mandate.

“It should be on record also that the PDP knows its legitimate ways and will definitely deploy the right and available ways to vote and protect the party’s supporters”, Tukur asserted.

Tukur said the council,party as well as the good people of Adamawa state can confidently attest to the fact that the

18th March Governorship election in the state was a good outing where Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri was successfully elected as Governor with clear margin of over 31 000 votes ahead of the APC Candidate.

“The votes were credible enough to have declared right Hon.Ahmadu Fintiri,governor elect.

“Unfortunately,the INEC failed to do that thereby declaring the elections inclusive with re-runs to be held in some wards and 69 units of the state.

“As a political party in the past weeks,we have had to cope with wrong allegations made by the APC, deliberately perpetuated to gerrymander votes and cause mayhem.

“This is also to let INEC,our umpire

know that our party will be timely and ready to inspect and scrutinise all available sensitive electoral material(s) for transparency and effective monitoring”, Tukur maintained.

While commending the efforts of the INEC, security, electorate and the press,the council categorically denied the claim that the APC candidate won the governorship election and can not win this re-run by popular voting.

“With this in mind,as we prepare for the re-run,our resolve is to win through due democratic means.

“It is noteworthy to appeal and encourage voters to come out and vote our governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for continuity and consolidation of development”, Tukur appealed.

NOA tasks media on census awareness

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari has charged media practitioners to raise public awareness on the upcoming national census.

Abari urged the media to saturate Nigerian airwaves and space with all the needed

information on the population exercise.

He made the appeal yesterday in Kano shortly after visiting the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, as part of the public enlightenment and mobilisation efforts for the success of the headcount.

According to him, the national

census publicity committee was created to create more awareness on the importance of the population census to the development of the nation.

He noted that traditional institution has a vital role to play in enlightening their subjects on need to fully participate on the 2023 National Population and

Housing Census.

“We have also reached out to development associations and non-governmental groups to mobilise residents on the need to participate in the exercise,” said Abari.

According to Abari, the committee is holding a town hall meeting with the aim of engaging

all stakeholders to achieved the set objectives.

“We are sure that our outing would play a significant role in reaching out to the general populace so that they will be well informed on the importance of this national assignment in the development of the nation,” he said. (NAN)

L-R: Director Relief and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alh. Alhassan Nuhu, Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting NEMA, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu, Director General, Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA), Clement Onyeaso Nze , Director General NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed Habib, Director General , Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof Bako Mansur Matazu and the Director Search and Rescue NEMA, Air Commodore EK Adedokun, during the public presentation of 2023 Climate-Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies by the NEMA, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Niger political appointees bemoan non-payment of March salary

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Some political appointees in Niger State have lamented over the alleged nonpayment of their March salary by the state government.

It was gathered that the affected appointees includes; coordinators, senior special assistants, and special assistants respectively.

Some of the appointees, who spoke to our reporter under the condition of anonymity expressed dismay considering the ongoing Ramadan fast, the state government remain adamant in paying their salaries...

However, the affected appointees appealed to governor Abubakar Sani Bello through his magnanimity direct the ministry of finance to immediately effect their payment to cushion the hardship been experienced.

It could be recalled that the state civil servants also received their March salaries late which according to reports was due to shortfalls and court case instituted against the Niger state government by some contractors, resulting to garnishing of one of government account. It could be recalled that the state civil servants also received their March salaries late which according to reports was due to shortfalls and court case instituted against the Niger state government by some contractors, resulting to garnishing of one of government account.

EFCC nabs 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Maiduguri

The Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) has arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Jere and Maiduguri Local Government Areas of Borno.

Its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement

on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the suspects who were arrested on Wednesday included Olatunji Sherif, Bright Felix, Jude Magaji, Jonah Jondi, Ojobaro Abdullahi, Jerry Zizighi and Micah Joseph.

Others are: Mari Ayuba,

Ibrahim Abdullahi, Adam Abiodun and Victor Chinonso Okolieaboh.

Uwujaren said they were arrested in a sting operation following credible intelligence on their alleged criminal activities.

“Items recovered at their

residence included one Mercedes Benz GLK 350, a Toyota Corolla saloon car, smartphones, MTN 4G Wi-Fi and power banks.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” he said. (NAN)

PSC investigates bribe for promotion allegations

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has set up a committee to investigate a report published by an online medium that police officers pay up to 10,000 dollars bribe to get promotion.

The Head, Press and Public Relations of PSC, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said this in a statement yesterday, in Abuja.

Ani said the report had claimed that some police officers gave $10,000 bribe to get special promotion from the PSC.

According to him, the report quoted one Chijioke Okonkwo, as making the claim in a petition on behalf of some aggrieved senior police officers.

The PSC spokesman said even though the said Chijoike Okonkwo, did not

indicate his rank, the commission would welcome further details on the allegations.

Ani said the commission had not formally received the petition or similar complaint on the allegations.

He however said “anyone with evidence on these allegations should, as a matter of urgency, forward same to the commission”.

Ani assured that anyone found culpable will be dealt with in line with the laws of the land.

“The commission has also set up a panel of investigation, comprising both members of the commission and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate these allegations.

“Aggrieved officers should avail

themselves of the existence of this investigative panel and come forward with substantiated proof that could aid the investigation.

“The commission insists that those found wanting in the course of investigation will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The PSC spokesman however warned that the commission would not tolerate frivolous and fictitious media claims.

He said officers and men of the police should always follow approved lines of communication.

Ani added that the commission had directed the police to unravel the identity of the said Chijioke Okonkwo for appropriate interrogation.

He assured that the new PSC Chairman, Solomon Arase, has been working to harmonise and improve the services of both the commission and the Police.

“The Commission cannot afford this kind of distraction,” he said, adding that Arase’s desire to bring sanity, peace and unity in the police sub-sector is already receiving desired results.

He assured Nigerians that the new PSC chairman was determined to sanitize the system and had warned staff of the commission to live above board in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“Bribery and corruption of any kind will not be tolerated under his watch,” Ani added. (NAN)

L-R: Director Product Development, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Obidike Evelyn, Director, Trade Information NEPC, Dr.Joe Itah, Country Head, Valency International, Mr. Pankaj Chawla, Executive Director NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak and the Profit Center Head- Export, Valency International, Mr Abhijeet Kumar, during the Launch of the Organic Cashew Certification Programme in Nigeria for Export and EU Organic Regulations, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo; Justin Imo-owo.

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote has guaranteed shareholders and other stakeholders of the company’s management’s resolve to keep the company profitable by leveraging on strategic innovations for the continuous growth of their investments.

Speaking at the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM), of the company in Lagos, Dangote said the prospects for the cement company remain bright as the management will continue to innovate on quality products delivery to millions of its customers across Africa while touching the lives of its host communities.

He said: “We will continue to make sure that we keep our shareholders happy, not only the shareholders but all our other stakeholders... Our strategy remains steadfast, focused on organic growth in Nigeria and Pan-Africa while ensuring that Africa’s regional integration becomes a reality.

“ We will continue to contribute to improving regional trade within Africa by building plants across West and Central Africa, guided by our vision of making the region cement and clinker self-sufficient. In addition, we aim to deliver higher returns and value to our shareholders.”

The Chairman pointed out that despite the challenging macroeconomic environment in 2022, the company still made great strides, performed admirably, and remains Africa’s largest and leading cement producer.

Dangote explained that in the face of unexpected challenges in 2022, the company implemented robust cost reduction strategies to manage the inflationary

AGM: Dangote promises higher returns, value to cement shareholders, stakeholders

environment, and thus enhanced its competitiveness while maintaining high levels of product quality and customer service delivery.

According to him: “In addition, we achieved giant strides in transitioning to cleaner energy, with our cost containment initiative propelling the use of Alternative Fuel (AF) to replace more expensive fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.

“We also increased the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for our trucks due to the rising diesel cost environment.

“These efforts have helped us reduce our cost base and enhanced our flexibility, enabling the Company to respond more effectively to changes in the market.

“As a result, we recorded revenue and EBITDA growth of 17.0 per cent and 3.5 per cent from the prior year respectively, albeit under unprecedented inflationary pressure.

“We also achieved a profit

after tax of ₦382.3 billion, up 4.9 per cent compared to 2021.”

Analysing the 2022 year-end result, Dangote explained that the company achieved its highest revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in history at ₦1,618.3 billion and ₦708.2 billion, respectively.

The exceptional EBITDA, according to him, was supported by its numerous cost containment measures, substituting highercost fuel for cheaper alternative fuel products.

He explained that: “Over the last twelve years, volumes have grown by a double-digit compound annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent. Similarly, EBITDA has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 16.3 per cent, over the same period, implying a fivefold increase and revealing a true growth story.

“Accordingly, we closed the year with a profit after tax of ₦382.3 billion and an Earning per Share (EPS) of ₦22.27.

Despite these accomplishments, we are not resting on our laurels. We recognise that the business environment remains volatile, so we will continue to evolve with the changing times while embracing technological advancement.”

While peaking on the Company’s Annual Reports, Mrs. Bisi Bakare, Chairman of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association, commended the management of Dangote Cement for its doggedness during the year under review for still being able to exceed the shareholders’ expectation in view of the inclement economic weather under which companies operated in the country.

Bakare explained that the shareholders were happy for the returns, pointing out that it only means that the company was living up to its billing as the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that if not for the resilience of the management, the company would not be able to post such an impressive performance in 2022.

Also, she alluded to the successful listing of the N300 billion series bond by the Company, saying the company succeeded largely due to the confidence reposed in the company and its management by the investing public.

“It is not all companies that could record such a feat given the huge amount involved and the biting economic situation”, she added.

Kaduna State, WHO announced their commitment towards healthier future for citizens

The Kaduna State Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have announced their commitment to continuing their partnership towards a healthier future for citizens.

At an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of WHO, the State Commissioner for Health

Amina Baloni acknowledged the

organization’s commitment to achieving “Health for All” through transformative public health agendas, including universal health coverage in Nigeria.

The commissioner Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Adamu Yusuf said with WHO-supported initiatives, Kaduna State has seen significant progress in

reducing vaccine-preventable diseases through improved routine immunization coverage and accelerated COVID-19 vaccination.

She explained that WHO has also played a crucial role in providing technical support for disease surveillance and outbreak response activities in the state.

The WHO representative

for the state Mr Omeh Gregory highlighted some of the organization’s most significant public health achievements which include the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and the neareradication of poliovirus.

He said With WHO’s continued support, Kaduna State looks forward to building a healthier future for all its citizens.

SEC optimistic of ISB passage before May 29

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed optimism that the Investment and Securities Bill (ISB) will be passed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari before May 29.

The Director-General of SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, expressed the optimism at a news conference held on the first quarter postCapital Market Meeting (CMC), on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ISB 2023 scaled through the final hurdle of the National Assembly when the Senate passed it on March 29.

The bill, which is expected to aid the functioning of the capital market and facilitate the ongoing economic diversification in the country, had been passed by the House of Representatives in

December. It is only awaiting presidential assent to become a law.

Yuguda said the President would sign the ISB before leaving office in May, while stressing that the new law was long overdue.

He listed some of the provisions of the ISB as stiffer punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes, expansion of the categories of issuers of securities, and better coverage of some new products among others.

Yuguda added that the ISB has provisions for regulation of commodities exchanges and other operators in the commodities trading ecosystem.

“This is a significant development for the Nigerian capital market.

“I am optimistic that the President will sign the Bill into

law before his tenure ends on May 29,” he said.

He also commended the President for his support in the nation’s capital market since 2015.

The director-general said that the market, over the years, had recorded tremendous growth and development, especially in the commodities ecosystem.

Speaking on annual renewal of registration of the Capital Market Operators (CMOs) conducted between Jan. 1 and 31, he said that 627 CMOs renewed their registration status.

“At the end of the exercise, 627 CMOs representing over half of the total number of CMOs on the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) portal renewed their registration status.

“The Commission is carefully

reviewing the report, and a position would be taken on those market operators that failed to renew their registration,” he said.

Yuguda disclosed that another important issue at the CMC meeting was the approval of rules on the revised National Investors Protection Fund.

He listed other issues discussed at the meeting was the registration of five new Fintech companies as full-fledged market operators.

Yuguda said that these include two crowdfunding intermediaries, two digital sub-brokers and one robo-adviser.

He, however, expressed optimism about the growth potential of the Nigerian capital market and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building and maintaining a

vibrant, fair, and transparent market for investors and issuers.

He expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Investors and Securities Bill, (ISB) into law before leaving office in May, noting that it was long overdue.

“The meeting was officially informed about the passage of the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2023 by the Senate.

”Some of the provisions in the ISB include stiffer punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes, expansion of the categories of issuers of securities, and better coverage of some new products among others.

“The ISB also has provisions for regulation of commodities exchanges and other operators in the commodities trading ecosystem,” he said. (NAN)

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Poor service networks: Urging banks’ image managers to keep customers informed

By Isaac Asabor

In fact, not a few Nigerians are insinuating that failed financial transactions currently being experienced by bank customers are been caused by telecom operators (Telcos) whose infrastructure the banks ride on to provide financial services to customers. Expectedly, the Telcos have distanced themselves from such failed transactions.

There is no denying the fact that since the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) made its intent known in November 2022 that it would launch new currency designs to replace the naira notes from December 15, 2022, that not a few bank customers have been having negative digital experiences when interacting with banks due to persistent system outages or app downtime. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be pooh-poohed as disappointed customers with each passing day continue to narrate their sad and frustrating experiences on both social media and conventional media platforms, and even personally in offices, markets, and neighborhoods. Their experiences, as gathered, paint a negative picture of banks given the increased use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channels by customers to engage with their service providers.

For instance, Mr. Kingsley Imaseun, who was unarguably distraught when engaged at a media parley by this writer narrated how he was literarily detained at an eatery where he went to eat as the money transfer he made in his bid to make payment for the drinks and food he bought was not timely credited to the seller. According to him, after consuming the food and drinks which costs N1800, he severally tried to make the transfer from his account to that of the seller, and unfortunately, the credit alert emanating from his transfer was not seen by the restauranteur who on that note insisted that she must see the alert before he leaves. According to Imaseun, he spent close to 3 hours at the eatery while waiting for the confirmation of the payment made to the seller through a USSD transfer format.

In a similar vein, Mr. Matthew Arokola said he got frustrated and pissed off with Nigerian banks when he on a particular day severally made monetary transactions with his bank’s USSD short code but continued to receive unresponsive code messages that say “Transaction Declined” only to afterward repeatedly receive debit alerts from his bank for transactions that were not consummated.

Also in a similar vein, there were instances where customers who attempted to check the balance status of their accounts were

debited applicable USSD charges of N6.98 in each transaction as approved by the CBN even when all transactions made were not consummated as they were all declined transactions.

Without a doubt, many banks have since the move to replace the old naira notes with the newly introduced notes been dealing with angry or unhappy customers due to shoddy services, and without being told, one can in this context guesstimate that it has not been easy for the banks in calming the frayed nerves of not a few of their customers.

Unfortunately, it is not an exaggeration to say that virtually all banks are not talking to their customers about the causes of the digital service glitches that they are all experiencing. As it seems, it is obvious that the banks do not know what to say, and there is no denying the fact that if they know what to tell their customers, and how to say it, that such public relations effort would have saved the situation and portrayed them in good light. In fact, updating their customers would have placed them on the pedestal of even ending up with a better relationship with their customers than they had prior to the prevailing service network challenge.

In fact, if there is a frustrating experience that banks customers in Nigeria, collectively and individually have been passing through in the bid to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive for the return of old 200, 500, and 1,000 naira notes to commercial banks not beyond January 9, 2023, it has been that of persistent service network failures. This, for real, prevented them from consummating digital banking transactions so much that not a few Nigerians have had to struggle with bad networks from their banks amidst the naira scarcity, which makes the implementation of the cashless policy seem even more unrealistic.

In fact, the situation has become knotty that some Nigerians are now turning to payment solution providers, like OPay, Smartcash, and Palmpay, among others as a way out of the quagmire. Without resorting to exaggeration, a lot of people have experienced disappointments over transaction failures to a worrisome level so much that it has drawn the attention of key stakeholders in the banking and financial sectors of the economy.

At this juncture, it is expedient to say that the kind of crisis which Nigerian banks are today facing is not unusual as most corporate entities are bound to face bad PR at some point, but how they respond can determine the extent of the damage. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is not an exaggeration to assert that if the crisis is not promptly and professionally responded to that social media can spread and exacerbate the issue. What happens

next might be completely outside control. Thus, a lack of a strong response will likely result in the escalation of false rumors and even endanger business relationships.

Given the foregoing view, there is no denying the fact that a particular new-generation bank in the country, which has ubiquitous branches is somehow suffering from a bad image due to a persistent poor service network that characterizes its banking operations so much so that POS operators often sigh, and even refused to transact any business that has to do with the bank, particularly when a customer presents the bank’s ATM Card to them for cash withdrawal or transfer purpose. The bank’s service network is notoriously bad that even market women, bus conductors, and virtually everyone talk about it.

Unfortunately, virtually all the banks are not telling customers subscribed to their services why their networks are bad. In fact, it is expedient to say that not having answers to questions asked by not a few bank customers is the worst thing Nigerian banks can do in this prevailing crisis. However, PR experts can agree with this writer that sometimes, it is difficult for a given corporate affairs manager of a bank to give a good answer with the information at his disposal for fear of making existing customers of the bank lose confidence, and consequently transit their patronage to other banks considered to have faster and reliable service network.

While some PR gurus may agree that using “no comment” is better than making something up just to give an answer, it is easy to see how the phrase “no comment” can be misconstrued as an attempt to cover up or avoid an issue. Given the foregoing, it is expedient to advise that if a corporate affairs manager of any affected bank doesn’t have credible and convincing information to give to customers, he or she should say so, and assure the person asking that statement will be issued when more details are available.

At this juncture, it is expedient to inform corporate affairs managers of Nigerian banks, particularly those affiliated with the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) that not a few Nigerians are conjecturing that banks are not investing enough in digital infrastructure. In a similar vein, not a few customers are alleging that digital infrastructure which the banks have individually and collectively invested in cannot withstand the quantum of electronic transactions that are been made by Nigerians, particularly since the failed attempt of the CBN to phase out the old N200, N500, and N1000 currency notes.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Balancing the conversation around empowering the girl child: The foundation for nation building

By Ogaga Darlington Ossai

Do you really need to be naked to show that you are confident or that you love your body as it is?. When you tell them to dress well they call it ‘body shaming’. So you don’t know that you are the one shaming yourself by exposing your privates in public. Only a mad person walks naked without Shame.

According to UN Charter:The concept of gender equality has been established within the core guiding principles of the United Nations, and unequivocally reflects a commitment to the equality of men and women in all aspects of the human endeavour. More specifically, the Charter of the United Nations (Articles 8 and 101) stipulates that there shall be no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in every capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

Again, according to the BEIJING DECLARATION FOR ACTION in the section on “Women in power and decision-making”, presented at the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, states that the United Nations must take measures to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making.

From documents like these and more on gender equality we see so much being said about ensuring level playing grounds for the girl child but let me ask you, apart from extreme areas such as Afghanistan where recently women were banned from schooling or participation in public life, are there restrictions in most nations prohibiting women from expressing their potentials?

The forgoing is my perspective on empowering the girl child.

The girl child is not as vulnerable as we are socialising them into thinking thry are. What the girl child becomes we program into them from the home. Right from birth you see the girl child wrapped in pink and the boy in blue. The girl child is taught to be soft and need protection from the brothers. I tell the girls I mentor, when next someone prays for you that you will marry a Senator, Governor or CEO ask them why can’t you be those things yourself

Why can’t he pray that your husband will marry a female Governor, Lawyer and Engineer? We groom girls to think they need defending, hence thry grow vulnerable not knowing they can stand and defend themselves. We current have too many negative role models for the girl child today. As parents we must start teaching our girls from home today that they must rely on their BRAIN POWER than their BODY POWER.

I feel very offended most times when I see in musicals where the boy dresses properly and the girls which are theirvideo Biden would be half naked. Something is wrong with that depiction. Too many so-called female role models giving poor examples by calling nudity in public glear “body modeling” or “body advocate.”

Do you really need to be naked to show that you are confident or that you love your body as it is?. When you tell them to dress well they call it ‘body shaming’. So you don’t know that you are the one shaming yourself by exposing your privates in public. Only a mad person walks naked without Shame.

The next thing you will hear them say “you can’t shame the shameless”. Many parents of the girl are their problems. The height of parental failures I have seen recently is a mother wearing torn designer jeans and her daughters wearing same they will shamelessly share such trash in social media. How can you be smiling in such state? It’s a show of crass ignorance by such parent. It’s obvious you don’t know that children will multiply the errors you allow them practice.

Where we find ourselves today as a society is caused, mostly, by negligent parenting. I once heard a mother tell her daughter that came to report that her husband was violent and beat her up at the slightest provocation, that beating is part of marriage. She actually asked the girl, do you know the kind of beating I took from your father….whaaaat!?!?! How can you justify an anomaly just because you were a victim? Many years ago as a chapel pastor in a boarding school, one of my female students came crying to me that she was harassed by some female teachers who were calling her names. They called her loose because of the way she dresses.

This girl was used to wearing very tight outfits, even her hours wears in the hostel. You need to see her during the weekend’s where they are allowed to dress in casuals, when she puts on sport wears, it’s either too short or too tight. When I probed into it she opened up to me that her mum buys those things for her and her mum usually get angry when she refuses to put them on. So who do now blame thst she is accustomed to it?For me, to empower the girl child is not to give her undue advantage in the name of equality advocacy. We should not take the advocacy to the gallery. How many women came out in the last elections in Nigeria? How many Women would have VOTED for a female president? Even United Nations that has a charter and one of the SDGs dedicated to women, how many women do they have in their high ranking committee? Until we see a female UN Secretary General emerge, it

can still be seen as lip service.

The girl child should be made to know that like my sister’s in Delta State: Arimobi Miracle( who is a female civil engineer), Favour (The number road girl who recycles used tires for great furnishing), she can be an engineer/an advocate and compete with men in these fields. For me to empower the girl child is to give her the opportunity to express the innate gift and to express to the full her deepest potential.

To create a level playing ground for her and her male counterpart, Know this woman, no one will stand up and give you a seat on the table of men. You can see how vicious men fight themselves over a place on the table. If you want a place on the table, step up and fight for it. No one will give you power on the plater of gold, you must show your worth. You can’t keep emphasizing your ‘body power’ over your mind power and expect men to respect your gender.

You must first rise up and advocate for sanity amongst your gender. Let’s Let’s you talking to yourselves. Yiumare even more than the men in numbers, so instead of advocating for more appointments for our gender, why not rally yourselves together and vote one of your own? Why not lobby a legislature with your number mass? I say this at the risk of being misinterpreted, the advocacy for gender equality by the female gender questions their understanding of their self image and awareness.

What gives you the impression that you are not equal and why would you fight to be equal with someone you are already equal with. God made them male and femal, equally with no superior or inferior abilities. The differences were created by our upbringing and process of socialization.Let balances our Advocacy.

Let’s advocate for both the boy child and the girl child. This is why I fault any advocacy that focuses solely on the rights of the girl child neglecting the boy child. You forget that a boy child that is poorly raised is a danger trap for a well raised girl child. Give your girl child all the training, that boy child you neglect today will be her husband tomorrow. Let’s be balance and raise both kids right. I am never in support of any one-sided advocacy, either for the boy child or the girl child.

Living in abusive marriage: Who is the real enemy?

By Matthew Ma

Societal and cultural ideologies prefer to discourage any woman who decides to leave apart from an abusive mate. This kind of mentality should be discouraged as we have lost many lives because of the victim adhering to the advice of family members and society to stay in an abusive marriage or relationship for fear of being tagged promiscuous or irresponsible.

“Abusive marriages are by far the saddest aspect of any relationship. Staying in an abusive relationship or marriage is counterintuitive. It is unreasonable, damaging, illogical, implausible, nonsensical, absurd, preposterous, irrational, foolish, sophisticated, and unsustainable.”

There is an adage that says the family is the basic unit of society because it is the family that teaches us social norms, manners, and the way of life for the first time. Family fulfills our basic needs, such as food, clothes, and shelter. It ensures love and security for all the members of the family. From within the family, we begin to develop and maintain social relationships. Although the family is the basic unit of society, this beautiful arrangement made possible by the Supreme Being, God, to raise responsible and noble persons has gradually reached its low point. Reports of unsettled homes and the growing trend of domestic violence are skyrocketing daily. Hence, making families no longer what they ought to be.

For some time, I have avoided writing about domestic violence in marriages. However, the prevalence increase in domestic violence in Nigeria has necessitated this article. Statistics have shown that most Nigerian men have subjected women to several forms of violence in the home ranging from deprivation, stabbing, suffocating, burning, acid baths, poisoning, neglect, verbal insults, degrading comments, torture and intimidation, child marriage, and abandonment. Domestic violence in Nigeria is often shrouded in silence. Recent reports suggest that most victims of domestic abuse shy away from reporting cases of domestic violence due to cultural and religious reasons or fear of stigmatization. People outside the family hesitate to interfere, even when they suspect abuse is occurring. Many times, extended family denies that abuse exists out of loyalty to the abuser and to protect the image of the family. Some people still argue—mistakenly—that intervention by outside sources endangers the sanctity of the home. Thus, shielding perpetrators and abusers from punishment.

In Nigeria today, there is barely a week without evidence of domestic violence in the news. For example, not many Nigerians will forget in a hurry the tragic story of the Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu who died after suffering from alleged domestic violence from her husband, Peter Nwachukwu. Peter allegedly kicked Osinachi in the chest, leading to a blood clot that eventually killed her. When the story about the circumstances around her death broke out, the public was shocked and queried how such a gifted singer suffered domestic violence for such a long time without notice. Sadly, Osinachi joins several cases of women across Nigeria whose untimely death and injuries were because of domestic violence by a spouse or an intimate partner. Recall that the Lagos State police had recently arrested one David Idibie, who resides in Ajah, Lagos State, for the death of his 42-year-old wife, Juliana Idibie. The police arrested Mr. Idibie for allegedly beating Juliana to death. They found the body of Juliana in their apartment after a neighbor contacted them. In April 2022, Anulika Uguru, a mother of seven, died in Ebonyi State following alleged domestic violence and wife battery by her husband. The incident took place in EkeruInyimaegu in Izi local government. The state chairman of Human Right Defenders (HURIDE), Sampson Nweke, who spoke to reporters, said the victim, originally from Ndiechi

Onuebonyi Igbagu, had on April 19, reported a case of battery and domestic violence to his office against Sunday Uguru (the husband). Mr. Nweke explained there was a little delay in inviting Mr. Uguru to their office because of network issues in reaching his phone. He added that after a failed attempt to contact Mr. Uguru, he dialed the wife’s phone number only to be answered by another woman who said the phone owner was dead. Mrs. Abimbola, the wife of a car dealer, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, better known as IVD, reportedly passed on in a fire incident. However, the family alleged that their late daughter suffered severe domestic violence and abuse at the hands of her husband before her untimely death. A 31-year-old Tochukwu Christian Edeh gruesomely murdered a 48-yearold Abuja businesswoman, Ijeoma Phillis Chiboli, her lover whom she met on social media. According to the Nigerian Police Force public relations officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, trouble started on October 24, 2022, when a heated argument began between both lovers over financial mismanagement. Tochukwu, who allegedly sold Ijeoma’s Toyota Highlander in May 2022, reportedly hit her with a pistol at the upper region of her body. Late Osinachi and these women are just a few Nigerian women who became victims of domestic abuse and suffered extreme physical violence at the hands of their husbands until their deaths.

In a different twist, a young lady, Ozioma Michael, desperate to avert the same fate as Osinachi, canceled her wedding with her fiancé, Mr. David Okike, based on domestic violence. Ms. Michael, on her Facebook page known as Ada Uburu, alleged that her fiancé usually hit and abused her at any slightest provocation. She lamented that her supposed husband has anger issues, beating her with his belt, stick, and broom as his daily routine. Many times, he has beaten her with a hammer. According to Ms. Michael, she met Okike during her secondary school days, but soon after he paid her bride price, he began to show his color. She added that beating her was not a part of their marriage agreement. Hence, she would not live her entire life enduring domestic violence. Therefore, she canceled the traditional marriage and white wedding ceremony between herself and David Okike.

The surge in domestic violence is not new to Benue State. Only last year, the Benue Police Command arrested a 42-yearold man, Mr. Patrick Ejiro, for allegedly beating his wife to death over N5,000. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, who confirmed the arrest, said the husband battered his wife when she allegedly failed to remit the money from the proceeds from the sale of some family items. Preliminary findings revealed that neighbors rushed the victim to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where she was confirmed dead by a medical Doctor. That same year, the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, reconciled a Channel’s Television reporter, Pius Angbo, with his wife, Ifeyinwa Angbo. Earlier, some media outlets reported how Mrs. Angbo took to Twitter to narrate how her husband abused her. She said Mr. Angbo assaulted her because she advised him to cease spending lavishly on ladies and cater for his four children. Reacting to the trending video, Mr. Ortom said the family is barely six years with four kids. Hence, he felt a young couple of six years must be encouraged instead of trying to separate them. Recently, the court in Benue State remanded a farmer identified as Ternenge Igbaade in Makurdi Correctional Center for allegedly beating his pregnant wife to death. Magistrate Mrs. Erdoo Ter did not accept Igbaade’s plea for bail. She ordered Igbaade to be remanded in the Makurdi Correctional Center and adjourned the case to April 19. Earlier, the prosecutor, Inspector James Ewache, told the magistrate court in Makurdi that Tyoapine Sule of Tse-Agberagba in Konshisha LGA reported the case on February 22, 2023. Ewache, who noted that the victim, Kpadoo, was two months pregnant, met her untimely death when the

suspect abandoned her to bleed and die.

While the number of women who have died from domestic violence remains largely unknown, it is vital to note that there are also cases of men who have lost their lives after domestic disputes with their spouses. An example is Biliyaminu Bello, who was stabbed to death by his wife, Mariam Sanda. Later, the Federal Capital Territory High Court found Mrs. Sanda guilty of killing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello. In the early hours of January 24, 2022, a 27-year-old wife, Motunrayo Oluwatoyin, allegedly killed her husband, Alaba Bakare, a 36-year-old businessman and owner of Bama Hotel in the Ojokoro area of Lagos with a hot-pressing iron. According to reports, the violent incident occurred at their home on Finance Road, Maplewood Estate, in the Oko-Oba area of Lagos State. The reports said that Motunrayo accused her deceased husband of infidelity, which resulted in a fight. She afterward stamped a hot-pressing iron on his chest, which later led to his death. She was arrested and charged to court.

In July 2022, the Adamawa Police Command arrested Caroline Barka, a 20-year-old housewife, for stabbing her late husband, Barka Dauda, to death. The police apprehended Barka, a resident of Angwan Tamiya in the Madagali Local Government Area of the state, following a report from a relative of the deceased. Reports said that the accused engaged her late husband, Barka Dauda, in a fight following an argument, which ensued between the couple after the late husband returned home drunk and fell on their one-year-old baby, who was in bed. Angered by his drunkenness, habitual late nights, and failure to provide necessities as a husband, the suspect engaged the deceased in a fight resulting in her stabbing him. He was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead. Furthermore, in July of the same year, the Edo State Police Command arrested Favor Oyhou in Auchi for allegedly stabbing to death her lover, Paul Handsome. The state Deputy Police Public Relations, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, said that around 7.30 pm in Auchi, Edo State, 25-year-old Paul Handsome was stabbed to death by his girlfriend, Favor Oyhou, who went into hiding but later arrested in Benin on July 25, 2022.

In October, the Borno Police Command arrested one Fatima Abubakar, 25, for allegedly poisoning and killing her husband, Goni Abbah. The state police command later arrested the suspect at Angwan Doki on October 19. The victim, a Chief Imam of the area, returned from the mosque when the suspect (the second wife) allegedly mixed poison in his food and served him to eat. The police said that Mr. Goni started feeling unwell as soon as he started eating. Before long, his condition deteriorated. Neighbors rushed the victim to the State Specialist Hospital, where he received emergency medical attention, but unfortunately, he later died when the couple returned home. In her statement, the suspect, Fatima, said she killed her husband because she was tired of the marriage. She added that she never wanted to marry. She revealed that she got separated from her first husband because she detests marriage but her parents forced her into a second marriage. Because she hates marriage, she killed her husband to be free. In October, the Lagos State Police Command arrested a lady, Esther Paul, for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, Sadiq Dahiru, to death at Amusa Street, Agungi, in the Lekki area, Lagos. According to reports, Dahiru’s stepfather, Kazeem Obafunso, reported the incident at the Ilasan Police Station after he knew that his stepson died courtesy of his girlfriend. The Police officer who investigated the case rushed Dahiru to Evercare Hospital, where the doctors confirmed his death. Later, Police authorities arrested Paul and deposited the remains of the deceased at the mortuary.

Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and PhD candidate in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA.

Why US matters for peaceful India-China ties

By Aman Maheshwari

India is today in a diplomatic sweet spot with both US and Russia committed to improve ties. It is important for China also to not let this border tensions become a playground for Indian politicians.

India is set to host G20 Summit this year where world leaders are expected to pay a visit. India is already going a complete turnaround for the mega multilateral summit. Meanwhile, US has supported India for a fruitful Summit. Since May 2020, India and China are locked in a tense border situation.

China tried to unilaterally change the status-quo which was India countered militarily by mirror deployment of troops.Both sides suffered fatalities in brutal Galwan Valley

clash.

China views the world through a prism of US-China ties. As the trend is in favour of India-US warm ties, US-China ties are going through a tough phase.

China is wary of growing India-US ties and implies that it will eventually be directed against it. China remains profoundly suspicious of India’s strategic ambitions and intensions. Indian Foreign Minister has signalled to Chinese against this approach.

Chinese Foreign Minister in a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart suggested to keep aside border tensions from overall bilateral ties whereas India maintained that peace and tranquillity at the border will define India-China ties.

India is today in a diplomatic sweet spot with both US and

Russia committed to improve ties. It is important for China also to not let this border tensions become a playground for Indian politicians.

US President Joe Biden has time and again mentioned India as key US strategic partner in the world and vital to global peace.QUAD, a grouping of four nations — India, US, Japan and Australia has also regularly met at Foreign Minister and Leader’s levelto discuss stability of Indo-Pacific. US must convey to China that the rising India-US is not directed against any third country and it’s in China’s interest not to undermine India-China ties. Only a peaceful IndiaChina ties can truly bring a Asian century. Normalization of India-China relations is in the interest of US and the world.

Aman Maheshwari is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Habib Ahmed, has said that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Kaduna will experience below average rainfall this year.

Ahmed made this known yesterday during the presentation of the 2023 climate-related disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, in Abuja.

He said forecast from the Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, showed that a total of 66 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high flood risk in the months of April to June; while 148 LGAs in July to September and 100 LGAs in the months of October and November.

He said, “Sequel to the public presentation of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by NiMet on 24th January, 2023 and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by NIHSA on 17th February, 2023, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a technical meeting to review the two forecast documents.

“The technical meeting was attended by experts from relevant stakeholder organizations that thoroughly appraised the risk implications of the forecasts and developed an early warning document based on thematic sectors covered by both NIHSA and NIMET.

“This document is expected to aid responsible organizations carry out preparedness and mitigation actions to safeguard lives, livelihoods, properties and the environment against hydro meteorological hazards in Nigeria during the 2023 rainy season and beyond.

“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to highlight excerpts from the SCP which predicted rainfall onset to be

NEMA predicts below average rainfall in FCT, Kano, Kaduna, others

earlier than the long term average in most parts of the country. The prediction also indicated rainfall amounts range to be average and above average during the year.

“The exception to these are for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna and the FCT that are likely to observe belowaverage rainfall. Furthermore, states that are expected to record rainfall amounts of 2700mm and above are Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Delta and Cross River.

“Similarly, the 2023 AFO has revealed that a total of 66 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are at high flood risk in the months of April to June; 148 LGAs in July to September and 100 LGAs in the months of October and November.

“In addition, a total of 41 LGAs fall within the moderate flood risk areas in the months of April to June; 199 LGAs in the months of July to September and 72 LGAs

in the months of October and November.”

According to him, this year’s forecast has indicated that there is a high risk of coastal flooding due to expected rise in sea level and tidal surge that may negatively impact agriculture, human settlements and transportation in Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos and Rivers States. Flash and urban floods are also forecasted over many cities and towns due to poor drainage systems and the lack of compliance to town planning and environmental regulations.

Ahmed therefore called for early action towards flood-prone areas, saying that the Agency has already sent out documents to the 36 state government for early action and preparedness.

He further urged remaining state governments to with immediate effect establish Local Emergency Management

Committee, LEMC, to curb the obvious damage flood can cause in prone areas.

He explains, “In NEMA, we believe that early warning must be matched with early action. Therefore, we have written letters and attached this document for dispatch to all the 36 State Governments and the FCT Administration with specific mention of LGAs at risk and actions that are expected to be taken by responsible authorities.

“We have also produced flood risk maps of areas at risk and uploaded on our official website and social media platforms for greater access by the public. NEMA has also commenced public sensitization through placement of flood early warning jingles, special discussions and advocacy across the states.

“From the foregoing, it is important to emphasize that

it is our desire that early warning alerts are matched with appropriate early actions especially at the community level. State Governments that are yet to establish Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in their respective Local Government Areas are encouraged to do so. Let me also advise the public to imbibe attitudinal change towards disaster risk reduction and take serious all advisories released by relevant authorities.”

Meanwhile , Director-General/ CEO, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, urged all actors within the disaster risks reduction and management value chain to uptake these early warning and early action documents, for continuous early action in their respective domains in order to avert losses.

Minister harps on importance of dialogue in government/labour relations

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has stressed the importance of dialogue in promoting the symbiotic relationship between the government and the organized labour.

Bello stated this when the Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Chapter, led by the Chairman Comrade Stephen Adalo Knabayi paid him a courtesy visit, in his office to present the new membership of the NLC EXCO in the FCT. This was contained in a recent press release from the Assistant Director, Press, (Office of the Minister), Rabi Musa Umar.

According to the statement, the Minister said: “Dialogue is very important; it’s amazing what can be achieved through dialogue. I’m sure you have seen it here in the FCT and I’m going to hand over reports to the incoming FCT Minister, informing him of the relationship that I have enjoyed with all the various labour organizations in the FCT, the NLC, the TUC and our own in-house JUAC”.

Also, Bello, who appreciated the robust relationship between the FCT Administration and the NLC as well as other sub-affiliated units like the, NUT, pledged that the FCT Administration will continue to partner with the new leadership of the NLC to promote industrial harmony in the FCT.

The FCT Minister equally thanked the NLC for the tremendous support that the FCT Administration has received from them over the years and prayed that God Almighty will guide the new leadership and grant them success in their assignments.

While commending the Chairman over his emergence as the new leader of the NLC in the FCT, the Minister noted that his elevation is as a result of the credible roles he played over the years as Chairman of the NUT in the fct, adding that his antecedents are very well known in the FCT.

He however, advised the new leadership to try to adopt new approach and strategies in terms of its utterances and activities

now that the stakes are much higher, and urged Association to see themselves as stakeholders in the FCT project.

“As you go higher, you realize that a lot is achieved through mutual respect, dialogue and understanding of the wider picture”, Bello stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, NLC, FCT chapter, Comrade Knabayi disclosed that the new EXCO members were on the visit to familiarize and identify with the FCT Administration as well as commend the Minister for the very good job he has done in terms of the welfare of the workers.

He said, “We are also here to let you know that the NLC is available for you and for all of us,

ready to work together with you, because we believe in dialogue, we believe in appreciating employers who have done us well and who are doing us well. We believe that meeting together to discuss issues will aways chart a better way forward on issues”.

“Present at the meeting include the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Directors Human Resources Management and Treasury, Malam Bashir Muhammad and Dr. Zanna A. Hamza as well as other senior management staff of the FCTA and executives of the FCT Council of the NLC”, the statement added.

Peter Obi: Why APC is having sleepless night –Fayose

By Christiana Ekpa

Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has suggested why the All Progressives Congress, APC, is having sleepless nights despite the loss of the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Fayose said the level of reception accorded Obi by Nigerians in the diaspora makes the APC feel Obi is still campaigning.

Reacting to a video of Obi being received by Nigerians abroad, Fayose claimed that APC is wondering why a loser would be accorded such treatment.

Taking to his Facebook, Fayose said: “They are wondering what kind of man is Peter Obi, how can a perceived loser be receiving this kind of treatment for free?

“This is why they are not comfortable, having sleepless nights, saying Peter Obi is a threat to them and democracy.

“How can someone going about his normal activities be a threat to APC if not that they are not at rest, they have no peace of mind.”

Governorship tribunal: Ogun NNPP replaces counsel Ogah with Izunya

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Ogun State chapter of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has replaced its counsel, Peter Ogah, with Isaac Dale Izunya at the state governorship tribunal.

The party made these disclosures via a statement made available to journàlists on Thursday.

The NNPP and its candidate during the last gubernatorial election in the state, Ambassador

Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, had earlier filed a petition at the Ogun State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, over the omission of the party’s name on the ballot paper used during the election on March 18, 2023.

The party and its candidate in the motion urged the tribunal to grant the prayer of the petitioner and permit them to change counsel from Ogah to Izunya.

The party noted that

replacement of Ogah with Izunya was in line with a motion dated 11th April, 2023 and brought before the tribunal in effecting the change of the counsel.

The motion reads, “Motion on notice for change of Counsel brought pursuant to section 36 (5) (C) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (As amended) 2018, order 9 rule 35 (1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) rules, schedule l, paragraph 47 (2) & (3) 9f electoral rules and procedure,

2022 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this honourable court.

“An order permitting the petitioner to change his counsel from Peter Ogah Esq of the Law Firm of Peter Ogah & Partners to Isaac Dale Izunya Esq of the law Firm of Izunya Izunya & Co.

“We humbly urge this Honorable Court to grant the prayer of the Petitioner/Applicant and permit her to change her counsel from Peter Ogah to I.D Izunya”.

NASS forwards Peace Corps Bill to Buhari for sssent

By Musa Baba Adamu

The National Assembly has forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent the harmonised version of the bill on Nigerian Peace Corps after passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Transmission of the bill for Presidential assent by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Sani Magaji Tambuwal as authoritatively gathered by the Blueprint, was done on Wednesday this week via letter written to that effect.

The letter according to highly placed source in the National Assembly , written on leter head of the CNA , was dated 12th April , 2023 and directly addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Three copies of the authenticated copies of the bills, the source added, were forwarded to the President for assent, one of which is expected to be retained by him and the other two, sent back to the National Assembly for further action.

In line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution, President Buhari is expected to assent to the bill on or before 11th May ,2023 when 30 days window, given for such important action, must have been exploited.

The Bill, If assented to, The existing Peace Corps of Nigeria that had been operating on template of volunteerism over the years, will now be a Federal Government owned and funded Agency in the name of Nigeria Peace Corps.

10th Assembly: Coalition of lawmakers elect commits to respect zoning

By Christiana Ekpa

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives in June, a coalition of returning and new members elect from all political parties that won seats in the parliament has vowed to respect the decision of the majority party in the House, APC, on zoning the Speaker and Deputy Speaker seats in the House and decision of opposition parties on minority leadership of the House in line with parliamentary best practices.

The coalition, known as the “Joint Task – 10th Assembly”, comprises 283 members-elect from the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

The main focus of the coalition is to promote the independence of the Legislature; the inter-dependence of the

Legislature and other Arms of Government to legislate for good governance and grassroots impact; constituency outreach; equity and fairness among Members-elect as well as unity, equity and fairness in the emergence of Presiding and Principal Officers in line with best parliamentary practice.

Already, 283 members-elect, comprising both returning and new members, have endorsed the coalition, which awaits the decision of the ruling APC on the zoning of the various offices.

The coalition has the blessings of 14 APC governors, 9 PDP governors as well as several National Working Committee (NWC) members the ruling and opposition political parties.

The forum is independent of the speakership ambition of any of the various aspirants but with determination to build a strong coalition of members-elect of the 10th House in readiness to support the majority party zoning of the speakership office towards building a rancor-free and people-oriented 10th Assembly and in line

with best parliamentary practice.

A press statement from the Chairman and Co-Chairman of the coalition, Rt Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) and Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), said members of the coalition are in agreement with whatever the majority party - APCdecision on zoning might be.

According to the press statement, members of the ‘Joint Task – 10th Assembly’ have agreed to put Nigeria first and allow the majority to form the leadership of the 10th House with other opposition parties playing a major role.

They noted that those who may want to defy the APC and have a repeat of the 2015 rebellion should remember the consequences of such action on governance as the sour relationship between the leadership of the 8th National Assembly and the Executive left Nigeria and Nigerians at the receiving end.

“We are aware of the theatrics in the 8th National Assembly. But Nigerians want to see good governance and not grandstanding. Rebellion will deny the

incoming Tinubu administration the opportunity to deliver on its mandate and the high expectations from Nigerians, especially under the current ethnic and religious tension in the country.

“We are glad that the leadership of the ruling party recognizes that the opposition political parties in the House are very key in the formation of the next leadership of the House, hence this coalition shall continue to consult with all the opposition parties.

“Our desire is to see a Nigeria where all of us, the political actors, come together to put the country first, subduing our individual interest, in order to have a better country that we, our children and our children’s children will be proud of,” the statement noted.

The coalition said it “appreciates the capacity and prowess of all contestants for the esteemed positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively, and implores every aspirant to put the interest of the House and the nation first over their personal ambition for the good of all.”

PDP begs IGP to transfer petitions against party chieftains to Zamfara Command

By Musa Baba Adamu

Alhaji Muktar Lugga, Zamfara State Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) to transfer the petition before him against some party chieftains to Zamfara Command.

Lugga made the appeal at a news conference in Gusau on Wednesday, saying that the current security situation on the road, especially in Zamfara, was not favourable for traveling outside the state. He said instead of inviting them to Force Headquarters Abuja, they should be redirected to Zamfara State

Police Command to face the necessary interrogation.

Moreover the allegations levelled against them happened in Zamfara state, and going by the jurisdiction, the petition should be better handled at state police command.

“As law abiding citizens, we are optimistic that our

party members are ever ready to respect and comply with the directive of security agencies,” he said.

He urged party supporters to turn out en-mass in the forthcoming rerun election in Gummi /Bukkuyum and Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency as well as Zamfara Central Senatorial

District.

He said the supporters should disregard all forms of distraction that could be used to turn down the success of the party in the rerun election.

He said the petition filed at Force Headquarters in Abuja was deliberate to cause panic among party loyalists.

Umahi holding my stolen mandate – Ex-Reps member, Okorie alleges

By Christiana Ekpa

The senatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, for Ebonyi South zone, Mr. Linus Okorie, has alleged that his mandate was stolen and given to the outgoing governor of the state, David Umahi, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Okorie, who was a twotime member of the House of Representatives, and represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo federal constituency, insisted that he was the one that won the Ebonyi South senatorial election that held on 25th February 2023.

He made this known while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.

He alleged that Umahi is not qualified to contest for Senate and that he didn’t win primaries.

According to him: “I like to say that I’m the presumed winner of the Ebonyi south senatorial zone, conducted on 25th February 2023, irrespective of the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced APC candidate, David Umahi as a winner.

“I still don’t accept to the extent that I’m in Election Petition Tribunal to retrieve that mandate. I consider that mandate as a stolen mandate, and I’m very dedicated to retrieving it with the provings of the court.

“An election was held on 25th of February, 2023, where governor David Umahi is a candidate for APC and I was a candidate for Labour Party, LP, and there were other candidates. His supporters, including the local government chairman of Onicha LGA, made thugs that are known APC members and supporters to destroy votes in polling Units within my community and my wards, and that’s the areas of

my strength, where ordinarily, I’m expected to harvest the maximum number of votes, just like Umahi did in Umunnaga ward and other wards in Uburu community.

“They shot people; they burnt BVAS, they burnt billot papers, they destroyed results in many of my ten (10) polling Units. When you put all these places, including the one that happened in the Isu community in Ugbogologo ward, we have over ten thousand (10,000) votes that were destroyed.

“If you go to Ivo LGA, in Ngwugwu ward, in the ward collations and after tabulating the results by whatever they have done, Labour Party, LP, which is my party, scored 551votes, while APC scored 290 votes, but instead of entering 551votea that my Party scored, they decided to enter 290 votes to be same with that of APC that scored 290 votes. Taking away 261 votes, is stealing of votes.

The BVAS are there to confirm it.

“In all of these irregularities that happened, the total results announced by INEC said he (Umahi) won me by the margin of lead, which is 2882 votes. Meanwhile, we have over ten votes, mostly in my areas of strength, my stronghold that were destroyed by APC members.

“The law says that where the margin of lead between the 1st candidate and the 2nd candidate is not more than the total number of the places where election didn’t hold or cancelled, that you shall not return a winner, in other words, 2882 votes compared to ten thousand (10,000) votes, nobody should be declared the winner but should be declared inconclusive.

“I did a petition when I found out that they (INEC) wants to declare him (Umahi), i quoted section 24(3) of the

electoral acts, which prohibits the Returning Officer from announcing that results but because of the pressure mounted on him (returning Officer) he declared that results, is that not stealing?” He questioned.

“That INEC stole my election and that governor David Umahi of APC, are the recipient of a stolen property. And so, INEC stole my election, then Governor David Umahi received the stolen mandate. That’s my stolen mandate. He (Umahi) is holding unto a stolen mandate,” he stated.

In a swift reaction, the outgoing governor, David Umahi, however, in a press conference that took place at his office located at the Centenary City, Abakaliki, had threatened to drag Mr Linus Okorie to court to prove how he (Umahi) stole his mandate.

“I listened to Linus Okorie, and I want to use this opportunity to warn him, if he

continues to say that he has a stolen mandate. I will take him to court to prove that his mandate was stolen because he has a criminal insinuation. He (Okorie) must prove on who stole his mandate. And he is relatively influencing the outcome of the Tribunal by saying that, and I must stop him (Okorie) from saying it,” he stated.

Lawan makes case for capacity building for 10th Assembly members, aides

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has made a case for capacity building for members of the incoming 10th National Assembly for efficient and effective service delivery.

Lawan said there should be provisions for capacity building especially for the new members of the 10th Assembly to achieve the set goals and targets.

He spoke on Thursday while receiving the 2020, 2021 and 2022 annual reports of the activities of the National Assembly Service Commission.

Lawan said: “What is critical to us is what happens when we leave. Everybody knows the turn over rate has been very costly and this is without prejudice to anybody elected.

“Costly in the sense that when you have only about 30 percent of members of the ninth National Assembly going to 10th Assembly, you know that you have lost capacity. You have lost experience. You have lost skills, enterprise and so on and so forth. These are traits that you need, to hit the ground running immediately.

“And I use the word costly deliberately because what this means is that, the 10th Assembly, we must make provisions immediately for capacity building for new members of the National Assembly If we want to achieve our goals and set targets.

“Everybody is enthusiastic. Everybody is ready. We want to come in and continue to contribute to making Nigeria better. But the parliament is not like the Executive.

“Therefore, I am using this channel to sound that advisory that the National Assembly will need money, will need more resources for capacity building for members of the National Assembly that are coming new, as well as those staff that we will be working with.

“I also want to urge here that the National Assembly Service Commission, the management of the National Assembly, as well as the management of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies will have their hands full because the tenth National Assembly, and I am not speaking for the 10th National Assembly, is yet to be inaugurated, but I know having met many of our Senators-elect, they are all ready to start work immediately we are inaugurated and sworn in.”

The Senate President asked for the support of the National Assembly Service Commission for the incoming lawmakers.

“So we want your support. You are there. It is the National Assembly membership that is always changing. You will give us the kind of support that will make us do so well.

“Whatever we have achieved, wouldn’t have been achieved without the National Assembly Service Commission and the staff of the National Assembly.

“Infact the staff have been very wonderful, very supportive and we believe that this is the kind of staff that we should always have and also as an Assembly, as a Commission, we need to continue to give the staff the kind of motivation that they need,” Lawan said.

Mr. Linus Okorie

Imo: PDP’s Anyanwu issues quit notice to alleged ‘inhuman’ APC government

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

Anyanwu, the national secretary of the PDP, said the people were ready to vote out the “inhuman” APC administration led by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

A statement on Thursday by the Party’s Spokesperson, Ikenna Onuoha accused rivals of claiming he was “being sponsored” for the November 11, 2023 election.

The aide said the news was baseless, misleading and “a brazen concoction garnished by individuals already afraid of the PDP and its candidate”.

Recalling that Anyanwu ran for governor in 2019, Onuoha insisted only “a nonentity and a push-over can be sponsored” to destabilize the position of NdiImo.

He said to show preparedness, Anyanwu released an abridged version of his manifesto after winning the PDP ticket, while others are trying to steal the “strategic initiatives”.

The statement accused the APC government of “enjoying the wanton killings, incessant kidnapping and total shutdown of all businesses in the country”.

It added that the plot against Anyanwu was in retaliation for his resistance to the planting of “stooges” as governorship aspirants ahead of the primary election.

Onuoha said opponents were circulating “uncharitable and divisive venom” because they were jittery about PDP’s unity which led to the adoption of a consensus option.

“Senator Anyanwu will sack the retrogressive and inhuman APC administration to be able to secure our society from the senseless killings and economic shortfalls,” the aide asserted.

POLITICS

Obi won presidential election but INEC declared Tinubu winner – Ekpa tells UN

By Christiana Ekpa

Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa on Thursday accused the Nigerian government of scuttling the election of Peter Obi at the February 25 presidential poll.

Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, rejected the result and is now in court to challenge the victory of President-elect Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Imo, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has advised the All Progressives Congress, APC, to pack its bags.In a letter to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ekpa berated Information Minister Lai Mohammed for “lying” about the elections.

He said the official has been “junketing…telling lies and calling for a ban on all fund-raising activities of the indigenous people of Biafra with threats of sanctions”.

“Little did he say to the

world, Mr. Peter Obi of the LP won the presidential election and the government and its subservient electoral body declared the ruling APC candidate (Tinubu), winner”.

Ekpa noted that even the UN has admitted the general elections “revealed ethnic, religious, demographic fault lines in Nigeria”.

The position, according to him, somehow captures the situation of Nigeria that needs urgent redress through a referendum.

Ekpa said when Obi’s running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, cited election irregularities, Mohammed “through his broadcasting commission slammed a N5 million fine on the television station”.

On the election in Lagos State, the secessionist said Obi defeated Tinubu, despite the disenfranchisement of “Biafra

people”.

“State-sponsored political thugs went on a rampage, burning down the markets where the Biafra people are dominant and their businesses.

“Another Market was burned in Maiduguri (capital of Borno) where Eastern (Biafra) people do their businesses.

“Almost all big markets have been burned down by a combination of government security agencies and the terrorist Fulani herdsmen conducting economic jihad.”

Ekpa told the UN that killings are still going on while the burning of homes, markets and churches is being perpetrated by governmentsponsored terrorists and arsonists in state uniforms.

against “state-sponsored terrorists’ herdsmen and their accomplices in the military”.

Delta Rep joins race for Deputy Speakership

ep. Francis Waive (APCDelta) has declared interest in the race for Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly, billed to be inaugurated in June.in Abuja.

He said that his aspiration, aside from overriding competence and capacity to deliver, would be driven by equity and fairness.

of members, in equal opportunities, both on the floor and in committee. I offer to serve you as Deputy Speaker, if zoned to the SouthSouth.”

personally in the current 9th Assembly will describe me as a calm, cool and collected lawmaker. My antecedents have always been that of service to humanity.

The lawmaker said this in a notice to the 10th House of Representatives memberselect, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday

The lawmaker’s notice of intent read in part: “I believe the 10th Assembly deserves a leadership sensitive to the needs of members and serves all without any discrimination.

“I believe in the equality

Waive said that he would be easily accessible and help the first-timers quickly find their footing, adding that he would also carry everyone along during his tenure.

“Those who know me

“As our induction and inauguration ceremonies draw near, I am available to interact with you personally and privately at your convenience,” the lawmaker said. (NAN)

Court restrains Rivers APC chairman, legal adviser from parading as executives

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

Omiete Eferebo and nine others had asked the court to stop Beke and Dike from parading themselves as executive members of APC in the state.

Justice D. G. Kio granted the ex-parte application by the plaintiffs.

Confirming the development to newsmen, the factional spokesman of the APC State Working Committee, Eyinda Dike urged members of the

public to desist from transacting with Beke and Dike.

Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has restrained Emeka Beke and Iheanyichukwu Dike from parading themselves respectively as the state chairman and legal adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.“We, the executive members of the All Progressives Congress, APC Rivers State chapter, wish to reiterate to the general public today, the 13th day of April 2023, the suspension of the former chairman, Emeka Beke and the legal adviser, Mr Iheanyichukwu Dike.

“You will recall that their suspension was made known to the public on the 4th of April, 2023. As law-abiding citizens, the entire executive approached the court to validate their suspension, pending ratification by the National Executive Committee.

“The Rivers State High Court sitting in PortHarcourt, presided over by Justice Dakakima Kio has graciously granted our prayers, hence, restraining Chief Emeka

Beke and Mr Iheanyichukwu Dike from acting or parading themselves respectively as chairman and legal adviser of APC in Rivers State.

“Consequently, we notify the public to desist from transacting or dealing with them in that capacity. Whosoever transacts or deals with them, do so in his or her own peril.

“Furthermore, the acting chairman and the entire members of the state executive committee, wish to advise all chairmen and leaders of our various strata, that is, the local government areas, wards and units to desist forthwith from all forms of abuse of office capable of generating rancour in the party.

“We, therefore, appeal to members of our great party to remain calm as the executive

is working round the clock to overhaul, reposition and align the party with the centre,” he said.

Addressing newsmen, the factional APC state Chairman, Omiete Eferebo, further disclosed: “In line with repositioning the party and ensuring permanent peace, I am delighted to inform you that the following committees have been set up.

“Reconciliatory committee, [with] the purpose to reach out to all aggrieved members of our party, APC;

Investigative and Disciplinary Committee, vested with the power to investigate all victimisation-related incidences and recommend findings to the state executive council for ratification.”

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has assured investors that the interest of minority shareholders would be protected during all transactions in the capital market.

The Director General, SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda gave the assurance in Abuja yesterday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first quarter Capital Market Committee meeting, CMC.

This follows the decision of Oando Plc to delist from the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX.

He noted that protecting the interests of both majority and minority shareholders was the

SEC vows to protect minority interests in Capital Market

primary responsibility of the Commission.

“Protection of investors is the central mandate of the Commission and when the Commission protects investors, we do not discriminate between minority and majority shareholders.

“When there is a case of delisting, the application for the delisting cones to the Commission and we go through

it very carefully to ensure that the shares of the company being delisted are fairly valued because fair valuation is what protects all the shareholders”, he explained.

Mr. Yuguda also noted that the Commission was working at ensuring that foreign and retail investors were retained and more attracted to the capital market, observing that relative to other markets on

the continent, the NGX has performed very well.

He expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Investors and Securities Bill, ISB, into law before leaving office in May, noting that the new law was long overdue.

“The meeting was officially informed about the passage of the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2023 by the Senate.

Some of the provisions in the ISB include stiffer punishment for operators of Ponzi schemes, expansion of the categories of issuers of securities, and better coverage of some new products among others.

“The ISB also has provisions for regulation of commodities exchanges and other operators in the commodities trading ecosystem”, he added.

OECD, Nigeria meet on maximising benefits of two-pillar tax solution

From Abubakar

Yunusa

Adelegation from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) met with Nigerian representatives on 4th and 5th April 2023, at a workshop it jointly organised with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to discuss the maximisation of the benefits of the TwoPillar Solution for Nigeria.

This is contained in the Workshop’s Outcome Statement released today. The Outcome Statement was signed by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami and the OECD Representative, Mr. Ben Dickinson.

The Two-Pillar Solution, a proposal by the OECD Inclusive Framework, is a set of proposed rules, endorsed by 138 countries across the world as a uniform solution to the tax challenges of the digitalised economy, as well as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

Nigeria, one of the four members of the Inclusive Framework that did not endorse the set of rules, met with the OECD delegation last week to familiarise relevant government officials with the rules, Nigeria’s position, as well as the potential benefits of the Two-Pillar Solution to the country and the world in general.

The workshop was attended by key stakeholders, led by the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Executive Chairman’s Group, Mr. Muhammad Lawal Abubakar. Also in attendance were the representatives of the Office of the Vice President, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Joint Tax Board (JTB),

and some States’ tax authorities.

After a critical review of the rules and Nigeria’s participation in their development, stakeholders at the meeting resolved that “there is the need for Nigeria’s continued participation in the rule development, as a member of the Inclusive Framework, to ensure that the interest of the country and Africa is factored into the design and development of the rules.”

The Outcome Statement noted that whether or not Nigeria endorsed the statement of October 2021, and the detailed rules to be released later, to address challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the country’s tax base and fiscal policy options will be impacted by the implementation of the Two-Pillar solution, especially the Pillar 2 Global Minimum Tax Rules of 15% effective tax rate (the GloBE rules).

The meeting consequently observed that there was the need for Nigeria to immediately implement fiscal policy measures to address these potential impacts.

“In light of this, there is a need to commence immediate implementation of fiscal policy measures around the Global Minimum Tax Rules, in view of the fact that other jurisdictions around the world have commenced implementation of measures that will enable them reap topup taxes allowed under the rules, which will be to the detriment of Nigeria from 2024, if no step is taken.

“There is also an urgent need to review and streamline Nigeria’s tax incentives, as the rules will have the impact of allowing other jurisdictions to mop up taxes not collected in Nigeria due to tax incentives,” the Statement read.

The Stakeholders also observed that Nigeria could implement and reap the benefits of Pillar 2, even where it does not wish to implement Pillar 1, noting that “Effective implementation of Pillar 2 rules holds significant potential for increased tax revenue to fund government programme, boost the economy and keep Nigeria as an attractive investment

location.”

As part of its recommendations, the OECD-Nigeria Meeting urged stakeholders within the country to commence internal engagements and “draw up a national strategy for immediate streamlining of its tax incentives, to avoid ceding its tax base to other jurisdictions, owing to the implementation of Pillar 2 rules.”

The Workshop Statement enjoined Nigeria to take immediate steps to respond to Pillar 2 through implementation of tax policy options, which may include “changing its income tax rule to bring up its effective tax rate to a minimum of 15% or introducing a Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT)”.

The meeting emphasised on the need for Nigeria to continue to participate in the rule development “as a matter of importance to protect national interest.”

Nigeria is a member of the Inclusive Framework, and has actively participated in the rule development process despite not endorsing the Inclusive Framework October 2021 Statement on the grounds that it was in Nigeria’s best interest not to do so, to ensure that the country does not lose out on potential revenue from the digital economy.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS had in a statement in May 2022 noted that the country had concerns over the impact the rules could have on Nigeria’s tax system and revenue generation.

“There are serious concerns on how the rules (particularly on Pillar 1) would compound the issues in our tax system. For instance, to be able to tax any digital sale or any multinational enterprise (MNEs), that company or enterprise must have an annual global turnover of €20 billion and a global profitability of 10%. That is a concern. This is because most MNEs that operate in our country do not meet such criteria and we would not be able to tax them,” Mr Nami stated then.

“Secondly, the €20 billion global annual turnover in question is not just for one accounting year, but it is that

the enterprise must make €20 billion revenue and 10% profitability in average for four consecutive years, otherwise that enterprise will never pay tax in our country, but in the country where the enterprise comes from, or its country of residence,” the statement read.

Thirdly he noted that for Nigeria to subject a Multinational Enterprise to tax under the rule, the entity must have generated at least €1 million turnover from Nigeria within a year.

Mr. Muhammad Nami stated that this is an unfair position especially to domestic companies which, with a minimum of above N25 million (that is about €57,000) turnover, are subject to companies income tax in Nigeria. He added that this rule will take-off so many Multinational Enterprises from the scope of those that are currently paying taxes to Nigeria. In other words, even the MNEs that are currently paying taxes in Nigeria would cease to pay taxes to us because of this rule.

Fourthly, on the issue of dispute resolutions under the Two-Pillar Solution, the FIRS Executive Chairman explained that the rules were such that in the event of a dispute between Nigeria and a Multinational Enterprise, Nigeria would be subject to an international arbitration panel as against Nigeria’s own justice system.

“It would be subject to international arbitration and not Nigeria’s judicial system and laws—even where the income is directly related to a Nigerian member of an MNE group, which is ordinarily subject to tax in Nigeria on its worldwide income and subject to the laws of Nigeria. We are concerned about getting a fair deal from such process. More so, such a dispute resolution process with a Multinational Enterprise, in an international arbitration panel outside the country, would lead to heavy expenses on legal services, traveling and other incidental costs.

“Nigeria would spend more; even beyond the tax yield from such cases,” statement read.

Shell denies breach of Nigerian Content Law

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) on Wednesday denied claims that it was in violation of Nigerian Content laws at the EA fields in Bayelsa State.

The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) had on Monday alleged that SPDC had excluded indigenous players from its operations at the EA fields in breach of the community content guidelines.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the content guidelines were set out by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

The youth group said that it would resist any plot to exclude members of the host community by mobilising for a protest that would ground operations at the oil fields if the policy was not reversed.

The group also urged the Minister of Petroleum, President Muhammadu Buhari and leadership of NNPC Limited to prevail on SPDC to have a rethink and reciprocate the peaceful disposition of the host communities.

NAN also reports that SPDC operates the EA shallow offshore fields off Bayelsa coastline, deploying a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FSPO) vessel, with a capacity to process and hold 1.4 million barrels of crude.

Reacting to the allegations, the SPDC said that on the contrary, it was a leading player in the development of local capacity in the oil and gas sector.

SPDC Media Relations Manager, Abimbola EssienNelson, in a statement, said that Shell awarded contracts worth $1.9 billion to Nigerian companies and works with NCDMB in building capacity of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas sector.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (SPDC JV) is committed to the development of businesses in the Niger Delta.

“Working with government and community stakeholders, we have supported capacity development in several Niger Delta-owned businesses.

“The case in hand is a scheduled review of our logistics contracting process that has been in place for years. The review was supervised by the NNPC Upstream Investments Management Services (NUIMS) and the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

“It was, however, conducted via an open and transparent bidding process which resulted in the entrance of several new

Bankrupt FTX mulls reopening as recovered assets hit $7.3bn

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, is considering reopening at some point in the future, its lawyers from Sullivan & Cromwell, said during a court hearing on Wednesday.

According to Coindesk, the lead attorney for FTX, Andy Dietderich, also told the court that they’ve recovered $7.3

billion in liquid assets from the defunct exchange, up from $1.9 billion reported in January.

The bankruptcy hearing was at a court in Delaware, United States of America.

Reports said that one potential option discussed was to let FTX’s creditors convert a portion of their holdings to a stake in a reopened exchange.

Dietderich said, “There are possibilities that customers

could have the option to take part of their proceeds that they would otherwise receive in cash from the estate and receive some kind of an interest in the exchange going forward.”

“There are as many opinions on this, I think, as there are professionals involved in this case. And that’s a lot.”

Following the news, FTX’s FTT token more than doubled in price.

FTX had collapsed last November and its ex-leader, Sam Bankman-Fried, was indicted on allegations of fraud and conspiracy for allegedly stealing billions in FTX customer funds to plug losses at his hedge fund, Alameda Research, conspiring to violate campaign finance laws and bribing Chinese authorities. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Seplat Energy reacts to lawsuit as Nigerian Government alleges breach of immigration law

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Nigeria’s biggest oil and gas company by market value, Seplat Energy, said Thursday there is a court action initiated by the Nigerian government alleging a breach of immigration law by the company and some of its directors.

“The suit is in relation to the immigration status of Mr. Roger Brown and the withdrawal of his immigration visa by the Ministry of Interior,” the oil driller said in the statement.

The lawsuit is the latest phase of the clash between Seplat Energy’s CEO Roger Brown and some stakeholders.

Earlier this year, concerned parties petitioned Rauf Aregbesola, Nigeria’s minister of interior, stating allegations of favouritism, racism, discrimination and breach of corporate governance against Mr Brown, a British citizen.

On 3 March, the minister had sent a letter to Chairman Basil Omiyi, informing him of the withdrawal of the CEO’s work permit as well as his visa and residence permit including

a petition from a lawyer to the Seplat employees who made the allegations.

A week later, a Federal High Court in Lagos gave an interim order forbidding Mr Brown from management activities in Seplat Energy, granting the prayer of petitioners including Moses Igbrude, Ajani Abidoye, Sarat Kudaisi, Robert Ibekwe and Kenneth Nnabike.

The court also forbade the company’s chairman and all independent non-executive directors from running the company “in an illegal, unfairly, prejudicial and oppressive manner pending the hearing and determination of the petitioners’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

Seplat Energy said last week the court had repealed the orders initially issued against its CEO and its chairman.

“The Company maintains that the petition lacks proper basis and is premised on false allegations,” Seplat Energy said in a statement issued after the court ruling.

The first count alleged that Seplat Energy, its CEO, its chairman, Company Secretary

Edith Onwuchekwa and directors including Charles Okehalam, Fabian Ajogwu, Rabiu Bello, Bashirat Odunewu and Emma Fitgerald (all of them defendants) conspired among themselves to allow Mr Brown accept employment as the CEO without the consent of the comptroller general of immigration.

The documents added that the action contravened Section 36 (1)(a) and 71 of the Immigration Act 2015 and is punishable under Section 36 (2) and Section 71 (a) of the Immigration Act 2015.

According to the second count, the defendants allegedly conspired to “allow Mr Roger Brown take over business as Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy PLC without the consent of the Minister of Interior, contrary to Section 36 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 36 (2) and Section 105 of the Immigration Act 2015.”

The third count alleged that the defendants “did instigate, encourage, connive, by neglect on your part, allow Mr. Roger Thompson Brown, a nonNigerian to accept employment

as Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy PLC even after withdrawal of his immigration documents.”

The action contravened Sections 36, 71 and 105 of the Immigration Act 2015 and is punishable under Sections 36(2) 105(1) of the Immigration Act 2015, it added.

The fourth count stated that the defendants allegedly failed to apply to the comptroller general of Immigration for his permission before employing him both as the CEO and the chief finance officer of the company contrary to Section 38(1) of the Immigration Act 2015 and punishable under Section 38(5) of the Immigration Act 2015.

Seplat said in the Thursday statement that it “continues to follow the rule of law and uphold high standards of corporate governance.”

The company added that it “remains confident that it has provided all of the required documentation to the Ministry of Interior and the judicial process will address the circumstances appropriately.”

Women engineers mourns engr Ojelade, described her as patriotic Nigeria

From Abubakar Yunusa

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) have paid last respect to its immediate National President, Engr. (Mrs.) Funmilola Ojelade, they described her as a strong, dedicated, innovative and irreplaceable leader who gave her all to the service of humanity through her profession.

Engr. Funmilola was the 16th President of APWEN, and Funmilola was the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of APWEN (2011 – 2013) and died in the early hours of Wednesday 22nd March 2023.

The president Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE), Tasiu Gidari-Wadil, stated that Ojelade is a detribalised Nigerian and a devoted Christian who has proven at many occasions how nationalistic and patriotic she is in the discharge of her

duties.

He made this known during a valedictory council meeting held in her honour by APWEN, Wednesday in Abuja.

Urging her fellow APWEN members and others to emulate her good virtues, Gidari-Wadil said “my appeal to those of us who are alive is to emulate her, she is a detribalised Nigerian, a devoted Christian but I always receive her Friday prayers and that tells you how nationalistic she has been and how patriotic she was.”

Describing her close work and relationship with the deceased, APWEN President, Funke, Eterigho, said Ojelade remains one of the strong figures APWEN has had because of her dedication and teamwork spirit, she is humourous and someone that always ensures she finishes whatever projects she starts.

“I want to say that Engineer Funmilola, I call her my presee, we call her digital president, is very humourous. She is

a finisher, some people will start and will not finish but Funmilola will start and then she will finish the program, she is so meticulous, plain, straightforward forward and a woman of integrity, I am very, very sure of that.

“We will miss her a lot. She brought APWEN to this level as far as e-presence and an online program is concerned. As her then vice president, during the COVID period she said t ensured that we held our conference online and we had speakers all over the world speak to us.”

While eulogizing her, APWEN’s Current president, Engr Elizabeth J. Eterigho said “Funmilola is a woman of integrity and we will miss her a lot. She brought us to this level as far as the online program is concerned.

“I want to say that engineer Fumilola was our digital and humorous president and she accomplished all her mission in office. She’s meticulous and

she calls you to order when you misbehave.

“During COVID-19, she said my V.P. you must do something because you can’t occupy that place and we discovered this online meeting where the speaker speaks to us from all over the world. We will miss her intelligence and everything. And we believe God deliver her out of any difficulty she will have to face there,” Elizabeth said.

Speaking further, she described Fumilola as a humorous person because she is the kind of person you love to be with all the time

“While she was in the hospital, I paid her a courtesy visit, have some chat, and also sent her encouragement sms every morning but the last sms she sent toe when I prayed for her is, “Bible says many are their future of their of the righteous, but the lord delivered them all” and I told her you are already delivered.”

Monsurah Alagbe, who is

the 9th APWEN Chairman Lagos State Chapter, Engr Fumilola was an inspiration to everyone around her and she helped a lot of people when she was alive. She said, “Fumilola always stood for knowledge empowerment and everything, and may the good Lord continue to stay with her family and give her eternal rest”.

This is why she described her as someone that had an impact on everyone be they old or young and also she is someone that goes for whatever she believes in Because whatever she believes is good for the system, she carries everyone along.

“During COVID-19 when the whole world was on stand steel, she made use of all the ICT gadgets and made sure all the things were in order at that moment and it was as if it was on a normal day because everything was normal due to her personality.

LG unveils latest cutting-edge innovations at 2023 MEA, aims to enhance customer experience

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

LG, the electronics giant, has disclosed that its LG Showcase MEA 2023 is now open, marking the first time in four years that LG Electronics is presenting its latest products in the region.

According to the company, the two-day event will be taking place at Habtoor City in Dubai, UAE, and will be attended by over 400 guests. Visitors will have the chance to witness LG’s latest innovations, which will soon be rolled out in the region.

The LG Showcase, which was last held in 2019, brings together the largest group of participants ever, reflecting their confidence and expectations towards LG’s brand and its exciting range of new products. The event reaffirms the company’s “Life’s Good” philosophy, which aims to bring innovative products to the market that enhance the overall customer experience.

Giving his Keynote Speech, Mr. Il Hwan Lee, Chief Executive Officer of LG MEA Region, said, “We are thrilled that LG Showcase MEA has resumed in Dubai in the post-pandemic period. This event has built a reputation for providing visitors with firsthand experiences with the most

innovative technology that LG has developed, providing our customers with ‘First, Unique, and New’ experiences. Despite the industry’s challenges over the past few years, it is wonderful to see so many guests and partners at the event today.”

The company has also made its range of strategic products available, including QNED TV, Vivace washing machine, and DualCool air conditioner. Guests can also experience LG’s new emerging products range featuring dishwashers, dryers, audio systems, gaming monitors, PCs, vacuum cleaners, stylers, and more.

In his remarks, Mr. Dongyoun Kim, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations said, “Everyone at LG is excited for the start of LG Showcase 2023 MEA. We have a whole host of innovative new products and devices on display for visitors to use and experience.

With almost 400 guests confirmed to attend, we expect plenty of interest from visitors about how LG sees the future of technology in the coming years. The event is also a wonderful opportunity for LG to further enhance our business relationships with local partners. As a company, we are fully committed to

supporting local customers and partners by fulfilling their needs as well as sharing the values the company stands for with ‘Life’s Good’.”

Visitors at the showcase will have the opportunity to get handson with LG’s newest high-end premium products, including the LG SIGNATURE second generation line-up, Wireless OLED TVs (including 10-year anniversary editions), and refrigerator with MoodUP™.

This year’s highlights feature “First, Unique, and New” experiences with lifestyle TVs and

WashTower™. A particular focus is LG’s built-in home appliance range of products that further enhance LG’s presence and position in the market.

Not only did LG Showcase 2023 introduce the company’s wide-ranging products, from the revolutionary wireless TV to the second-generation LG SIGNATURE lineup, but it also gave attendees a hands-on experience of what the future holds with LG’s restless efforts to provide its customers with smart life solutions showing what the company means with ‘Life’s Good’. There really

was something for everyone, with all four distinct zones of the LG Showcase 2023 offering visitors F.U.N. – first, unique and new –customer experiences

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of LG OLED this year, the OLED TECH zone presented the lineup’s diverse sizes and features. As a pioneer of the premium TV market and winner of many prestigious accolades from journalists and industry experts, the LG OLED TV lineup provides superb picture quality, vibrant colors and deep blacks that bring images to life.

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Executive Chairman of Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has flagged off free medical services outreach programme in Kurudu, a suburb of the council.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony yesterday, Maikalangu, who was represented by his vice, Hon. Nasiru Umar Usman, noted that it is part of the dividends of democracy he promised AMAC residents during the campaigns last year.

He also implored civil society organisations and non governmental organisations to replicate the gesture by bringing initiative to every village and community in AMAC.

He said: “May I begin by appreciating the almighty God for enabling us score another first in our quest to exhibit the spirit of social responsibility in our communities and also making spirited attempts at tackling simple health challenges that are out of the reach of the people, especially the aged and less privileged in society.

“As far as I can remember, this is the first self-sponsored local medical outreach programme sponsored by this administration led by me, in the Federal Capital Territory.

“On behalf of the management and people of Abuja Municipal Area Council, it is therefore my pleasure to welcome all of you to the first edition of the communitybased medical outreach holding in Kurudu and to also thank the Health Department for making this idea a reality.

“We are today opening our doors for free medical services, especially testing and treatment of some basic, but widespread health challenges such as malaria, typhoid, High Blood Pressure, eye problems as well as other interrelated issues that my medical team can lay their hands on. This is a demonstration of our love for the people, a commitment we have

METRO

AMAC chair flags-off free medical services outreach scheme in Kurudu

vowed to uphold.

“The thrust of this Administration has been to cater for the welfare of AMAC residents with the provision of basic amenities and I reiterate that no community will be left behind with regards to basic health care delivery. This is in line with our campaign promises and avowal for a better AMAC.

“Therefore, as part of my Administration’s basic health care delivery, we decided to hold this outreach in response to the widespread negligence and poor attitude of the citizens against voluntary testing and treatment of common diseases until they are caught unawares. In addition, many people are out there with several medical needs as well as unknown, underlying health challenges.

“It is the desire of our administration to use this forum to enlighten and awaken the

consciousness of the public to adopt the principles of preventive health that saves lives and costs through voluntary testing and treatment of underlying diseases and health challenges in the society”.

He continues: “In view of the current economic situation, we decided to hold this outreach to attend to desirous but less privileged people in our communities.

“With the flag-off of this programme, it has signalled the commencement of quarterly zonal health outreaches across the Area Council; to be able to mitigate the risks of common ailments, especially those that look simple, but potentially terminal.

“At this juncture, I wish to, however, call on wealthy public spirited persons and organisations, especially CSOs, NGOs and related agencies to replicate this gesture by bringing this initiative to every village and community in AMAC.

“I wish to seize this opportunity to thank our guests for coming and to most especially appreciate the Executive Secretary, Health and Human Services, other Directors present here today.

“Permit me to specially single out all our dependable and reliable partners, UNICEF, WHO and a host of very important other agencies present, for identifying with this milestone”.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board (FCTPHCB), Dr Isa Vatsa, said that primary Healthcare remains an integral part of national development, saying that the AMAC Chairman should be emulated.

In his goodwill message, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Abdulhakeem Abdulkareem, said that health is paramount in whatever we do as humans, even as he expressed gratitude to the

AMAC Chairman for bringing healthcare to the grassroots, where it is paramount.

Similarly, the District Head of Kurudu, HRH Ezra Gomna, said that the outreach is the first of its kind, even as he implored AMAC Chairman to always remember the community when it comes to democratic dividends.

Highlights of the event included provision of free medical healthcare to over 1,000 children and women of the community, including immunization, COVID-19 vaccination, free malaria testing and meditation, HIV testing and counseling, family planning, eye screening and other medical services rendered by medical doctors and nurses.

The Vice Chairman of the council and other officials also had their vital signs taken and medical advice given by the medical doctors and nurses on duty.

FHIS boss harps on boosting universal health coverage

By Stanley Onyekwere

In order to access improved healthcare services, Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme, FHIS, Dr. Ahmed Danfulani has reiterated the need for all residents of Abuja to key into the scheme, irrespective of their financial status.

Danfulani, who spoke on the overview of Universal Health Coverage, during a twoday engagement with the media on the need to create more awareness of the scheme to residents of the FCT, noted that access to healthcare should not be based on the availability of funding.

He emphasized on the need for everyone to key into the scheme with a small amount, adding that healthcare services must be made available to all on equity basis, without subjecting one to danger.

“We are working towards Universal

Health Coverage by 2030. The concept of UHC is well embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Part of the benefits of UHC is increase in life expectancy, reduction in mortality and morbidity rate, increase in total revenue and predictability of revenue for healthcare businesses, hospitals and pharmacies.

“There are also economic benefits of UHC such as increase in productivity, creation of business opportunities, reduction in unemployment and others”, Danfulani said.

Similarly, FHIS Deputy Director, Operations, Dr. Amina Zakari, said that the agency was determined to achieve UHC in the FCT through the FHIS.

She however, urged residents to access any hospital of their choice, noting that FHIS was present in almost all the hospitals in the FCT, and that what is required is just N13,500 annual payments for all accommodated

services of the scheme.

Earlier, the Secretary Health and Human Service Secretariat of the FCTA, Dr. Abubakar Tafida urged healthcare service providers to ensure prompt health actions for patients under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).

Tafida said leadership is primarily a necessity to achieve the pillars of health care financing by taking into account strategies that will increase enrollment into the FCT health insurance scheme.

He further explained that the channels needed to take the message of health insurance should be prioritised, so as to meet the objectives of the Universal Health Coverage and reduce out of pocket expenditure which has been a major constraint for those living in under-served communities of Abuja.

On her part, Executive Director,

International Society for Media in Public Health Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, while speaking on the topic, ‘Principles of Effective, Journalism,Communication/ Engagement for Health/Life, called on journalists to be alive to their responsibility of informing, educating and entertaining the public.

She added that the media has a role to play in encouraging people to buy into the health insurance scheme, noting that no one is immune to sickness, disease or death.

“No one is spared out of illness; everyone is subject to it. We must do all we can to always check on our health regularly.

“Many diseases, medical conditions or death can be totally avoidable if we work towards that. Nigerian journalists must be alive to their responsibility of informing the public about basic needs of life, including health,” Makanjuola stressed.

Jack Teixeira: Suspect in Pentagon documents leak named

The suspect in the leaking of highly sensitive US defence and intelligence documents is named as Jack Teixeira, US officials tell CBS News.

The New York Times earlier reported that the leader of an online gaming chat group where the files leaked in recent months had the same name.

The paper said he is a 21-year-old member of the intelligence wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Its report did not identify Mr Teixeira as the alleged leaker.

The New York Times cited interviews with other members of the online group, one of whom said he had known the person who leaked the files for at least three years.

At least 50 but perhaps more than 100 secret documents were posted on Discord - a social media platform popular with gamers.

The documents contain a range of intelligence assessments about the war in Ukraine, but also sensitive intelligence about countries around the world, including US allies.

On Wednesday, the Washington Post published an interview with one of the

members of the chat room where the documents initially appeared.

He described the leaker as a young, charismatic gun enthusiast in his early to mid-20s who works at an unnamed military base.

The Post reported that the man was the leader of a Discord chat room including roughly two dozen members who swapped “memes, offensive jokes and idle chitchat” and prayed and watched movies together.

The members included people from Russia and Ukraine and a number of other countries in Europe, Asia and South America, the paper reported.

At first the leaks were kept inside the small chat room, but in early March members began posting them on other Discord servers, including ones dedicated to the game Minecraft and a Filipino YouTuber.

From there they were posted on the fringe message board 4chan and on the Telegram chat app, particularly on proRussia channels. In some cases they were altered to increase Ukrainian casualty counts.

Earlier, while on a trip to Ireland, US

President Joe Biden said investigators were close to finding the person who leaked the documents.

“There’s a full blown investigation going on, as you know, with the intelligence

community and the Justice Department, and they’re getting close,” Mr Biden told reporters.

The FBI has not identified a suspect in the leak.

Joe Biden in Ireland: President says ‘I’m at home’

US President Joe Biden has declared “I’m at home” as he made an historic address to the Irish Parliament.

Mr Biden said he has returned to his ancestral home and his only wish was that he could stay longer.

In his speech to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas (both houses of the Irish parliament), he spoke of his pride in his Irish roots and support for the peace process in Northern Ireland.

He said the UK “should be working closer” with Ireland to support NI.

President Biden praised the huge strides that have been taken since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which largely ended decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland.

His address in Leinster House was one of a number of events scheduled during his visit on Thursday.

“People of Ireland, it’s so good to be back in Ireland,” he told the Oireachtas, making a remark in Irish which translated as: “I am home.”

Mr Biden went on to say that the United States was “shaped by Ireland”.

“The values that we share remain to this day - the core of our historic partnership between our people and our governments,” he said.

“As nations, we have known hardship and division, but we have also found solace and sympathy in one and other.”

Mr Biden said he can define the USIreland relationship with just one word: “Possibilities”.

“There is nothing beyond our capacity if we work together. Now is the time to meet every challenge together,” he said.

‘Peace is precious’

President Biden praised the Good Friday Agreement, which, he said has ensured that an “entire generation of young people’s lives have been shaped by confidence that there are no checkpoints on their dreams”.

“Political violence must never again be allowed to take hold on this island,” Mr Biden

told those present, to rapturous applause. “Peace is precious but still needs a champion.”

Former Irish president Mary McAleese, former (Irish prime minister) taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Marie Heaney, the widow of the late poet Seamus Heaney were among those in attendance.

Stormont leaders such as Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, the SDLP’s Colum Eastwood and Naomi Long from Alliance were also there.

Joe Biden was only the fourth US president to ever address the Irish parliament after John F Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

Later, President Biden is to be the guest of honour at a state function in Dublin Castle, the former seat of British power in Ireland.

He began his working day with a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin - the home of the Irish president in Phoenix Park.

President Biden inspected a military guard of honour, and signed the visitors’ book. He also planted an oak tree and rang the Bell of Peace.

The bell was erected in 2008 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

After ringing the bell, President Biden gave it another ring, saying: “One more for peace”.

He said he was feeling “great” and that he had “learned a lot from the president”.

President Higgins then gave President Biden a quick tour of the grounds around his official residence and introduced him to one of his dogs.

The two men discussed the importance of the meeting 25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, the strong connection between their two countries and their shared love of Irish poetry.

President Biden then met Leo Varadkar at nearby Farmleigh House. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged a few words before posing for pictures.

Mr Biden remarked that it was “a beautiful day”, the weather a contrast to the conditions that greeted him as he arrived in Dublin on Wednesday.

Mr Varadkar said it was “great” to have the US President back in Ireland and that the visit was going “very well”.

Mr Biden described the meeting as an opportunity to make “tremendous progress”.

He said he was not just commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - but also wanted to hail Ireland’s “leadership” on world issues such as taking in Ukrainian refugees.

‘America and Europe working together’

Speaking afterwards, Mr Varadkar hailed the importance of both the US and European leadership, praising the vital role that the US has played in helping Ukraine since the Russian invasion last year.

Earlier, Mr Biden said he had quoted an Irish proverb, in his message in the visitors’ book - “your feet will bring you where your heart is”, adding that it was “an honour to

return”.

He made a reference to returning to the home of his ancestors, pledging to recommit to peace, equity and dignity.

Mr Biden added: “I’m not going home. Isn’t this an incredible place, all you American reporters, it’s just like the White House, right?”

A delegation attending the event included Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheál Martin, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and former Irish football star Paul McGrath.

President Biden visited both Dundalk and his ancestral roots in the town of Carlingford in County Louth on Wednesday.

He met distant relatives in the Cooley Peninsula, where crowds lined the quayside as the presidential motorcade arrived.

Later in Dundalk, there were shouts of “welcome home, Joe” when Mr Biden arrived to address an audience at the town’s Windsor Bar.

Source; BBC

Jack Teixeira in a photo posted on social media

Joe Biden arrives at Leinster House, the home of the Irish parliament

Thabo Bester: South Africa’s ‘Facebook rapist’ deported from Tanzania

Tanzania has deported one of South Africa’s most-wanted fugitives, the rapist and murderer Thabo Bester, who faked his death in prison and fled to the East African state.

Bester was flown to South Africa in a specially chartered plane, following his arrest in Tanzania last week.

His girlfriend, celebrity doctor Nandipha Magudumana, who was arrested with him, has also been deported.

Her father has been charged with helping Bester escape from prison.

Bester was at large for a year after it was thought he died by setting himself on fire in his prison cell in the South African city of Bloemfontein.

A manhunt was launched last month after a new post-mortem investigation revealed the body was not actually his.

The celebrity doctor’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, and a suspended prison

warden, Senohe Matsoara, have been charged with murder, arson and aiding and abetting Bester’s escape.

The two men appeared in a magistrate’s court in Bloemfontein earlier this week.

They were not asked to plead, and no further details were given of the charges.

The case was postponed to 17 April for a possible bail application.

Two other people have also been arrested in connection with Bester’s escape.

Bester has been taken to a highsecurity prison in the capital, Pretoria, while his girlfriend has been taken to court in Bloemfontein.

She will be charged with murder, fraud, helping Bester escape and “violation of bodies”, police said.

Bester is also expected to face fresh charges following his shocking prison break.

Libya arrests two over alleged conversion attempts

Libyan security forces have arrested two American citizens for allegedly trying to convert Muslims there to Christianity.

Neither have been named by the authorities. Both are reported to have worked at the same private language school in the capital Tripoli.

One of the men is accused of working as a missionary for the Assemblies of God organisation - based in the US state of Arkansas.

Two Libyans were also arrested on similar charges. Islam is the state religion of Libya.

While Christians are free to worship there, attempting to convert Muslims to other faiths is banned.

Press freedom in Algeria curbed further

Press freedom in Algeria has been further restricted following a law passed by the country’s parliament.

The measure tightens media ownership rules and empowers courts to force journalists to reveal their sources.

Domestic media outlets will be banned from receiving overseas funding and dual-nationals prevented from owning press or broadcasting companies.

Algeria ranks 134 out of 180 countries in the latest Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.

Chamisa to stand against Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe vote

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party says it is expecting Nelson Chamisa to stand for a second time against Emmerson Mnangagwa in presidential elections.

The Citizens Coalition for Change said Mr Chamisa - who’s a lawyer and a Christian minister - was the only nominee and would be vetted before being formally announced as a candidate.

The party has accused the governing

Zanu-PF party of carrying out a crackdown on its political opponents ahead of the election which is due in August.

Some opposition campaign rallies have been banned by the police.

Last week Mr Chamisa accused the government of weaponising the law and unjustly incarcerating a CCC lawmaker, Job Sikhala, who has been in prison since June after being accused of publishing falsehoods.

DR Congo president rules out talks with M23 rebels

The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo has ruled out political negotiations with the M23 rebel group.

As part of an internationally brokered peace deal the group has been withdrawing from areas it had captured.

President Félix Tshisekedi said according to the agreement the M23 rebels are to demobilise before returning to civilian life.

The group - which is widely reported to be backed by Rwanda - had previously said it was expecting negotiations with the Kinshasa government.

Correspondents say with the president ruling that out, the peace process could stumble.

Over the last 18 months around three quarters of a million people have been displaced by the fighting.

At least 25 dead after Sfax boat wreck - officials

Tunisian officials say 25 people are now known to have died after their boat was wrecked off the port city of Sfax on Wednesday.

Seventy-two of the 110 onboard were rescued. Several are missing.

All of them were from sub-Saharan Africa. Tunisia has taken over from Libya as the main departure point for people fleeing poverty and conflict in Africa and the Middle East.

The Tunisian National Guard says 14,000 migrants have been rescued in the first three months of this year – five times more than in the same period last year.

Kenyan LGBT activist to re-hoist pride flag on mountain

An activist who raised a rainbow flag on one of Kenya’s highest peaks, says she will climb up the mountain again to hoist it after it was taken down by traditional elders.

Juelz Nimo, was part of a team that climbed Mt Kenya in 2019 as part of a campaign to raise awareness on the safety of LGBTQ people and other human rights defenders.

But the flag was this week taken down and burnt by traditionalist elders, who claimed it desecrated the mountain which is considered a holy site by communities in central Kenya.

Nimo told the BBC that raising the flag again at the third highest peak of the mountain would be a sign of defiance in the face of growing hate against the gay community in Kenya.

On Wednesday, Kenyan MPs passed a motion to ban public debate and promotion of same sex relations in the country.

The vote was adopted by acclamation in the national assembly which had just slightly above the required quorum of 50 legislators.

But the resolution is largely symbolic and non-binding as it would require a bill to be drafted for it to become law.

The motion was tabled by Mohammed Ali, a former investigative journalist, who claimed that the LGBTQ community was growing in the country due to publication and broadcast of books and media promoting same sex relations.

During the motion’s debate MPs called for stiffer penalties against people in same sex relations.

Mozambique authorities seize drugs in banana truck

Police in Mozambique have seized 124kg (19.5 stone) of hard drugs hidden in a truck carrying bananas at the border with South Africa.

According to police, a drug that was presumed to be methamphetamine was found.

The truck was driven by a South African who managed to escape, however, the police are in possession of his documents and say they are on the hunt or the man.

Ethiopia rights body calls for probe on Amhara killings

Ethiopia’s state-linked rights watchdog has called for investigations into the killing of civilians and humanitarian workers during recent protests in Amhara region.

The killings were reportedly carried out by security forces and other unknown people

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said that worsening insecurity could lead to abuse of rights and urged security forces against using excessive forces.

Protests in Amhara began last week in opposition to moves by federal authorities to dissolve a regional paramilitary unit.

The government says the unit will be integrated with the army or police to create a unified force, but opponents argue its dissolution could leave the region vulnerable to attacks by neighbours.

Many of the major cities in the region appeared to have returned to normalcy on Wednesday afternoon after days of protests, with businesses and offices reopening.

A resident in the regional capital, Bahirdar, has told the BBC that the reduced protests could be linked to the upcoming Ethiopian Easter to be celebrated this Sunday.

Source: BBC

He is known as the “Facebook rapist” for using the social networking site to lure his victims.

He was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu.

Thabo Bester escaped after his cell was set alight and a corpse was put in it to give the impression he had died

N ews F rom A s IA

Iran executions surged in 2022 to ‘spread fear’ - report

Executions in Iran rose by 75% in 2022, with at least 582 people put to death as authorities sought to “spread fear” among protesters, campaign groups say.

The figure was the highest since 2015, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France’s Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).

Their report is based both on official announcements and sources inside Iran.

Most of those executed were convicted of murder or drug charges, but two protesters were hanged in December.

Mohsen Shekari, 22, and Majidreza Rahnavard, 23, were found guilty of the vague national security charge of “enmity against God” following what the report said were “show trials” based on confessions obtained through torture.

Another two protesters were

executed at the start of this year, while dozens have reportedly been sentenced to death or charged with capital offences.

The protests swept across the Islamic Republic following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was detained by morality police in Tehran in September for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”.

IHR and ECPM’s annual report on the death penalty in Iran says only 71 of the executions they recorded last year were announced by official sources.

The rest were “unannounced” or “secret” executions that were reported by sources including eyewitnesses, family members, lawyers and people working for prisons or the judiciary, it adds.

According to the report, 288 (49%) of those put to death were convicted of murder, which was the highest number in 15 years. They included 13 women and three

Bathinda Firing:

Police in India are searching for unidentified shooters after a firing at a military base in the border state of Punjab killed four soldiers.

The soldiers were shot at the military station in Bathinda on Wednesday.

Police say the incident, which took place in the base’s barracks, was “not a terror attack”.

No arrests have been made yet, but the army said it had found an assault rifle believed to have been used in the firing.

Ajay Gandhi, a senior police officer from Bathinda who is heading the investigation, told Reuters that a police complaint has been filed based on a statement of an army personnel, which refers to the involvement of “two unknown people” in the attack.

A search operation was underway all of Wednesday as authorities sealed the military station, set up barricades and deployed drones to locate the attackers.

Located about 280km (175

people who allegedly committed crimes when they were children.

Another 256 people (44%), including three women, were executed after being convicted of drug-related charges, up from 126 in 2021 and 10 times higher than the figure for 2020.

The report warns that the significant reduction in the number of drug-related executions that came as a result of a 2017 amendment to the Anti-Narcotics Law “has now been completely reversed in practice” and laments the “lack of reaction” from the United Nations.

The report also draws what it calls an “insidious link” between surges in executions and antigovernment unrest, with one coinciding with the start of protests by teachers in May and another beginning a month after the death of Mahsa Amini.

“The international reactions to the death sentences against protesters have made it difficult for

the Islamic Republic to proceed with their executions,” says Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHR’s director.

“To compensate, and in order to spread fear among people, the

What we know about the attack on

miles) from capital Delhi and 100km east of the border with Pakistan, the Bathinda Military Station is one of the largest army bases in India.

The base serves as a vital operational and logistics base for Indian army units in Punjab and parts of the neighbouring Rajasthan state.

What happened?

The army said the attack occurred 4:35am (2305 GMT Tuesday) on Wednesday when the soldiers were sleeping in their rooms.

The four soldiers succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the firing.

A police investigation was opened based on the statement given by Major Ashutosh Shukla, who said he had caught a glimpse of the shooters.

In his statement, Major Shukla said he rushed to the spot after a soldier informed him that there had been a firing in the officers’ mess.

He said he saw two men “of medium height and good build”

armed with a rifle and an axe fleeing from the site of the attack. The men wore kurta-pyjamas and had their faces covered with a cloth, he said in the complaint.

At the barracks, Major Shukla said he saw the bodies of two soldiers in one room and two more bodies in the adjacent room. All four of them had bullet marks, he said.

“We also found that a large number cartridges of the Insas rifle scattered in the rooms, which belongs to an open-ended Insas rifle,” he said in the complaint, adding that one such rifle had been reported missing from their unit two days previously.

On Wednesday evening, the army said it had recovered the missing rifle along with its magazine and that it would be subjected to a forensic analysis.

“The number of rounds (unused) in the weapon will only be available after forensic analysis. The joint investigation with Punjab police is in progress,” it said.

What is the police saying?

authorities have intensified the execution for non-political charges. These are the low-cost victims of the Islamic Republic’s execution machine.”

Indian army

base

The Punjab Police said that the incident was not a terrorist attack but a fratricidal incident.

On Wednesday, Punjab minister Anmol Gagan Maan told reporters that the firing was “a matter of an internal fight”.

Police said the bodies of the four soldiers were sent to the Bathinda civil hospital for an autopsy.

Mr Gandhi from Bathinda police told Reuters that the search for the assailants was still underway.

“The attackers had only one rifle. The weapon carried by the other attacker is still being investigated,” he added.

Meanwhile, the army on Thursday said that another soldier at the military station had died of a gunshot wound at around 4.30 pm on Wednesday.

However, it said the incident was not related to the shooting and “purportedly seemed to be of attempted suicide”.

North Korea missile launch sparks confusion in Japan

Amissile launch by North Korea sparked confusion in northern Japan, where an evacuation order was issued and then retracted within 30 minutes.

Sirens blared across Hokkaido and residents were told to “evacuate immediately” on Thursday morning.

Authorities later said the missile did not land near the island and withdrew the alert.

Tensions have been growing in the region, as North Korea has already fired 27 missiles this year.

The projectile flew about 1,000 km (620 miles), in what South Korea’s military called a “grave

provocation”.

The missile is believed to be of medium or longer-range, but details on which weapon was tested on Thursday morning have not yet been made public.

Meanwhile, Japanese coastguards said the missile had splashed into waters to the east of North Korea. Mr Hamada said he could not confirm whether the missile flew over Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Schools in Hokkaido delayed their start times and some train services were suspended, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

Japan’s Foreign Minister

Yoshimasa Hayashi said Pyongyang’s repeated missile launches pose a “grave and imminent threat” to Japan’s security.

US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the latest launch “needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilising the security situation in the region”.

This latest launch came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his military to adopt a “more practical and offensive” manner in war deterrence, as reported by its state media agency KCNA.

For the past week, North Korea has not been answering twicedaily phone calls from South Korea, which has concerned the government in Seoul.

The two Koreas typically exchange calls at 09:00 and 15:00 local time (00:00 and 06:00 GMT) via a military hotline - these daily check-ins are intended to prevent clashes along the countries’ border.

Earlier this week, South Korea’s Unification Minister Kwon Youngse described the North’s suspension of communication as “unilateral and irresponsible”.

“Pyongyang’s provocations continue past its protest of US-

South Korea defence exercises because Kim Jong-un hasn’t finished demonstrating his nuclear delivery capabilities yet,” said LeifEric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul,

“However, with the North Koreans literally not answering the phone, the lack of hotlines and diplomacy increases the risk of unintended escalation,” he said.

This is an important week for North Korea as it celebrates Mr Kim’s 11th year in powerthe country tends to mark these anniversaries with displays of military progress.

Sourdce; BBC

A man protests in Lisbon against Iran’s execution in December of two men over the anti-government protests

The attack took place at the Bathinda Military Base in Punjab

Environment

COP15: High stakes in Montreal as negotiators seek new global biodiversity framework

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) convened for its resumed Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP15),yesterday in Montreal, Canada, and to close on Monday, 19. Negotiators will be working to clinch a new global biodiversity framework (GBF) that will set a series of goals and underlying targets for a “nature-positive future.”

The previous set of goals and targets that have guided international biodiversity conservation efforts in recent years, the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and its 20 Aichi Targets, expired in 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic stymying plans to already have a GBF ready to take their place.

The first part of the CBD COP15 took place in Kunming, China, and online last year. While China is the meeting’s host, travel restrictions and other challenges related to the pandemic led to the resumed COP15 venue being moved to Montreal, where the CBD secretariat is located.

Discussions in Montreal are numerous and include issues related to addressing environmentally harmful subsidies; the final shape of the 30×30 target; the signals that COP15 sends for scaling up naturebased solutions, including naturebased infrastructure; the linkages between nature-based solutions finance and climate finance; and how the results of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties (COP27) can inform the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), remarked: “We need a ‘Paris Moment’ in Montreal. Similar to the legally binding global climate agreement to hold global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and aim for 1.5 degree Celsius, governments gathering at the world nature summit COP15 in Canada need to set a limit to nature destruction. To safeguard our life-support system on Earth, we need to halt nature loss to zero, which means protecting all remaining intact nature. Only if we protect and regenerate Earth’s nature, we can really protect Earth’s climate.”

“This is potentially an historic moment for biodiversity,” said Andrew Gonzalez, a professor in the biology department at McGill University in Montreal and founding director of the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science.

He added: “The rate of global change in nature during the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history,” the report said, pointing to five key drivers: land- and seause changes, direct exploitation of organisms, climate change, pollution, and invasions of alien species.

Environmental crisis: Nigeria seeks UN interventions on GGW, HYPREP issues

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the United Nations (UN) to assist in addressing Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and Great Green Wall issues (GGW) to enable restoration of lost lands in the country.

Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, said this while receiving the Deputy Secretary-General of UN, Amina Mohammed, on courtesy visit, in Abuja, recently.

Abdullahi said that the ministry was committed to ensuring that the two major projects were implemented effectively, adding that the UN’s intervention would boost the ministry’s efforts.

“There are two important projects which we will need more of your support, the HYPREP and GGW. We are doing our best to ensure that it’s working greatly.

We have the team for the HYPREP. We are doing our best to make sure that the structure put in place is maintained to ensure checks and balances for good governance and transparency.

“This is what we are doing and we hope we will get robust support from you.

“You have always been there for us and we still have hope that you will continue to give us your full support,” he said.

Responding, Mohammed said that the UN would give its best to support in restoring the loss lands.

“So, it’s really important that we put in place the teams that will help us to look at those programmes and to see that GGW issues is properly addressed.

She said the GGW project was an economic corridor, which would offer empowerment to both youth and women, if properly addressed in the country.

According to her, the GGW project will really empower our people, but at the same time, it is able to give less reason for people to destabilise countries when they get involved in conflicts of different types.

“So again, we are at your disposal; the UN will support any efforts that you want with the GGW, particularly the wetlands,” she said.

Mohammed, however, advised agencies, parastaltals and other relevant stakeholders to support the ministry in ensuring that the environmental programmes were implemented effectively.

She thanked the minister

for his strong leadership and commitment in ensuring that environmental crisis were being tackled as well as ensuring that Paris Agreement was achieved effectively.

HYPREP was established in 2012 under the Federal Ministry of Environment to achieve the under listed objectives in Ogoniland and other impacted communities:

“To determine the scope, means and modalities of remediation of soil and ground water contamination in impacted communities as may be recommended by HYPREP Governing Council and remedy them,

“Enhance local capacity for better environmental management and promote awareness of sound environmental management as

well as ensure livelihoods and sustainable development, and

“Ensure security and promote peace building efforts in impacted communities as well as strengthen governance, transparency and accountability in the region.”

The Great Green Wall (GGW) initiative, launched in 2007 by the African Union, aims to restore the continent’s degraded landscapes and transform millions of lives in the Sahel.

Its ambition is to restore 100 million hectares of currently degraded land, sequester 250 million tonnes of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030.

In Nigeria, the GGW Initiative also seeks to recover degraded land, preserve ecosystems, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.

PILIWA launched in Nigerian

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Lawyers, civil society, and media executives converged to Benin, the Edo state capital recently for the launch of the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA) Nigeria chapter.

The initiative which was founded in 2016 has a membership that cuts across nine West African countries including Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Niger, among others, and supports young lawyers interested in public interest cases technically, financially, and intellectually.

A member of PILIWA and Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoEN), Chima Williams said that public interest lawyering is a special area for legal practitioners

with passion for public good.

Williams explained that the PILIWA was particularly interested in Nigerian lawyers because of the peculiarity of environmental and human rights abuses perpetrated by big corporations aided by the state in all parts of the country where natural resources are found.

On the Nigeria launch of the PILIWA initiative, the ERA/FoEN boss said a desk office will be set up in Benin which will receive an endowment of N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand naira only).

The initiative will equally train young lawyers and imbue them with the relevant knowledge on sources of evidence, how to gather evidence and how to present it before a court of competent jurisdiction.

In his intervention, Jonathan Kaufman, Executive Director of

the Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) said that he owes his association with legal work and particularly public interest cases with his experience as a young lawyer, when he was conscripted into the cases filed by families associated with the Ken Saro Wiwa case as well as victims of the Parabe Oil Platform case caused by Chevron in Ondo State.

The two cases, Kaufman pointed out, encouraged him to reach out to and start associating with local lawyers that are classified as stubborn because of their quest for justice.

He revealed that many legal cases suffer because of information gathering deficit, financial constraints, and lack of thoroughness in terms of minute details. Sometimes lawyers are not able to obtain cross border information that their peers may

be able to obtain and pass onto them if a platform for cooperation exists.

He said that the PILIWA platform will bridge the identified gaps to help public interest lawyers secure what they need to push and win unconventional cases.

The highpoint of the event was the inauguration of zonal coordinators for the PILIWA in Nigeria. The nominated coordinators of the South-South, South-east and North Central Zones are Courage Nsirimovu, Kalu Emmanuel Chisom and Redzie D. Jugo respectively. The coordinators for the Northwest, Northeast and Southwest will be announced later.

Participants were drawn from the legal profession in Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Plateau, Imo, Enugu, Niger and Kogi states, among others.

Feature

On the hunt for the businessmen behind a billion-dollar scam

Aglobal scamming network has robbed ordinary investors of more than a billion dollars. BBC Eye identified a shadowy network of businessmen who appear to be behind it.

First, you hear a phone ringing. An elderly man answers.

The caller introduces himself as “William Grant”, from the trading firm Solo Capitals. He says he has a “great promotion” to offer.

The elderly man sounds vulnerable and confused. “I’m not interested, I’m not interested,” he says.

But William Grant is persistent. “I only have one question,” he tells the old man.

“Are you interested in making money?”

Jan Erik, a 75-year-old pensioner in Sweden, is about to get scammed, again. The call was made from the offices of Solo Capitals, a purported cryptocurrency trading firm based in Georgia. The recording is hard to listen to, because not only does the elderly man, Jan Erik, sound muddled, he tells the caller he has already lost one million Swedish Krona (about £80,000) in trading scams.

But the caller already knows this. And he knows it makes the pensioner a good target for a follow-up “recovery scam”. He tells Jan Erik that if he hands over his card details and pays a €250 deposit, Solo Capitals will use special software to track his lost investments and get his money back.

“We will be able to recover the whole amount,” William Grant says. It takes him a while to wear Jan Erik down. But after about 30 minutes on the phone, the pensioner begins reading out his credit card details.

The audio recording was saved by the company under the file name “William Sweden scammed”. The BBC obtained the file from a former employee, but the company had not tried hard to hide it. In fact, it had handed it out to new recruits as part of the company training package.

This was a lesson in how to scam.

The scam

For more than a year, BBC Eye has been investigating a global fraudulent trading network of hundreds of different investment brands that has scammed unwitting customers like Jan Erik

out of more than a billion dollars.

Our investigation reveals for the first time the sheer scale of the fraud, as well as the identities of a shadowy network of individuals who appear to be behind it.

The network is known to police as the Milton group, a name originally used by the scammers themselves but abandoned in 2020. We identified 152 brands, including Solo Capitals, that appear to be part of the network. It operates by targeting investors and scamming them out of thousands - or in some cases hundreds of thousands - of pounds.

One Milton group investment brand even sponsored a topflight Spanish football club, and advertised in major newspapers, lending it credibility with potential investors.

In November, BBC Eye accompanied German and Georgian police on call-centre raids in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. On the computer screens, we saw row after row of British phone numbers. We phoned several and spoke to British citizens who told us they had just invested money. On one desk, there was a handwritten note with a list of names and useful details for the scammers: “Homeowner, no responsibilities”; “50k in savings”; “From Poland, British citizen”; “50k in stocks.”

Next to the name of one British man, a note said: “Savings less than 10K, very pussy, should scam soon”.

The majority of victims sign up after seeing an ad on social media. Within 48 hours typically they receive a phone call from someone who tells them they could make returns of up to 90% per day. On the other end of the phone there is usually a call centre with many of the trappings of a legitimate business - a smart, modern office with an HR department, monthly targets and bonuses, awaydays and competitions for best salesperson. Some call centres play pumping music in the background. But there are also elements you won’t find in a legitimate business - written guidance on how to identify a potential investor’s weaknesses and turn those weaknesses against them.

From their first phone call, victims can be directed into regulated companies or sometimes unregulated, offshore entities.

Some victims who signed up to regulated brands within the Milton group are directed by their broker

to place high-risk trades likely to lose the customer money and make money for the broker. Some victims are instructed to download software that allows the scammer to remotely control their PC and place trades for them. And according to former employees of Milton group brands, some customers think they are making real trades, but their money is simply being siphoned away.

“The victims think they have a real account with the company, but there isn’t really any trading, it’s just a simulation,” said Alex, a former employee who worked in a Milton group office in Kyiv,

Ukraine.

In order to better understand how the scam works, the BBC posed as an aspiring trader and contacted Coinevo, one of the Milton group’s trading platforms. We were connected to an adviser who gave the name Patrick, and told us we could make “70% or 80% or 90% as a return in one single day”. He told us to send $500 worth of Bitcoin as a deposit to begin trading with.

Patrick pressed our undercover trader to provide a copy of their passport, and after providing a fake copy we were able to continue to operate the account for about two months before Coinevo appeared to detect the fake. At that point, Patrick wrote to us by email, swearing at us and cutting off contact.

But the BBC’s deposit money was already in the system. We were able to track it as it was divided up into small fractions and moved through many different Bitcoin wallets, all seemingly associated with the Milton group. Experts told the BBC that genuine financial institutions do not funnel money in this way. Louise Abbott, a lawyer

who specialises in cryptocurrency and fraud, examined the flow of the money and said it suggested “large-scale organised crime”. The reason the money was spread over various different bitcoin wallets, Abbott said, was to “make it as complicated as possible and as difficult as possible for either you, or the victim, or us as lawyers to find”.

The perfect target

The victims of these telephone trading scams often have their financial and social circumstances used against them. People who reveal large savings pots are pushed to make large investments. People who are lonely are befriended by the scammers. As a recent retiree, Jane (whose name we have changed for this story) was a perfect target. She had just taken voluntary redundancy and had a lump sum of nearly £20,000 that she thought, invested wisely, could supplement her pension in the years to come. In June 2020, during the first lockdown, she saw an ad online for a company called EverFX.

Source; BBC

Milton group brands had office space in this downtown Kyiv office building. (Alexander Mahmoud/DG)

Patrick pressed our undercover trader to provide a copy of their passport, and after providing a fake copy we were able to continue to operate the account for about two months before Coinevo appeared to detect the fake. At that point, Patrick wrote to us by email, swearing at us and cutting off contact

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

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PATRIOTIC ELITE CLUB OF AMASSOMA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. YERI, WAIBODEI, PETER (CHAIRMAN)

2. AYOGOI, AYOGOI, SIMON (SECRETARY)

3. AMBAIOWEI,TARI,EBIOWEI (MEMBER)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1.TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS AND ENLIGHTENMENT CAMPAIGNS TO EDUCATE THE PEOPLE OF AMASSOMA COMMUNITY AND BAYELSANS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN NATION BUILDING AND SUCH OTHER LECTURES THAT WILL AFFECT THE SOCIETY POSITIVELY.

2.TO FOSTER UNITYAMONG MEMBERSAND INCULCATETHE ESSENCE OF CITIZENSHIP,MUTUAL CO-OPERATION, PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AND PROGRESS.

3.TO FIGHT AGAINST ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATIONS AS A RESULT OF POLITICAL, SEX, RELIGIOUS, FAMILY AND EDUCATIONAL DIFFERENCES AND TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY IJAW NATION.

4.TO EFFICIENTLY HARNESS AND DIRECT THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF BAYELSANS ASSISTING DESERVING STUDENTS MORALLY AND FINANCIALLY.

5.TO BE STRONGLY OPPOSED TO ALL FORMS OF CRIMINALITY AND SOCIAL VICES IN SOCIETY.

6.TO ENCOURAGE AND FACILITATE IN ANY DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMME IN AMASSOMA COMMUNITY AND OTHER PARTS OF BAYELSA STATE.

7.TO PROMOTE THE OBSERVANCE OF THE TENET OF DEMOCRACY, RULE OF LAW, EQUITY, FAIMESS, RIGHT AND JUSTICE IN AMASSOMA AND BAYELSA AT LARGE.

8.TO ADEQUATELY ADVOCATE FOR POLICIES AND IDEOLOGIES OF GOOD GOVENSANCE

9.TO HONESTLY SEEK FOR THE INTEREST AND PROGRESS OF AMASSOMA COMMUNITY IN PARTICULAR AND BAYELSA STATE IN GENERAL.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. KUDIRAT MOSUN ADEYEMO-CHAIRMAN

2. NOJEEMDEEN O.OLADIPO-SECRETARY/MEMBER

3. PHILLP DAMILOLA ABIOLA MEMBER

4. AWE GRACE OLUWAFUNMIKE MEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE AT ALL LEVELS IN THE COMMUNITY.

2. TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG THE LESS PRIVILEGED (ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS)

3. TO SET UP ON A HUMANITARIAN GRAND. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

RAIN OF PRAYER ASSEMBLY

TREASURE MINDS CLUB

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

Lionel Messi: Where will Argentina legend be playing next season?

“Everything is a possibility” with regards to where Lionel Messi will be playing next season, says Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Balague says the Argentina captain has received offers from Saudi Arabia and the USA’s Major League Soccer, while there is interest in bringing him back to Barcelona, albeit no official offer has been made yet.

Messi had reached an “agreement in principle” to renew his contract at Paris St-Germain for another year, with his priority to continue in elite European football until the 2024 Copa America.

After two seasons in Paris, the club, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, would like to convince him to accept that extra year under the same conditions as he has now.

According to Balague, the 35-year-old still needs to be convinced the Ligue 1 side can remain competitive at the top of European football, as director of football Luis Campos has been asked to reduce the wage list to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

“Messi said he would stay put for that extra year as long as - because it has to be accepted by both sides - there is a sporting competitive team put together,” said Balague.

“The message that Messi got was that PSG will keep the same financial conditions, which is not a problem, but that they had to reduce the wage list which makes the team less competitive.

“It is also not clear if the manager (Christophe Galtier) will be replaced and who will come in. In Qatar, the talk is that the team line-up will vary by four to five players, which makes next season a bit of an uncertainty.”

A number of clubs from around the world are stepping up their own attempts to convince the 2022 World Cup winner to sign for them.

“The pressure from the club’s Qatar owners is massive. They don’t understand why there is a delay and would be willing to put even more money on the table. But I insist, that’s not an issue,” said Balague.

PSG lead Ligue 1 by six points but their 11th consecutive attempt at winning the Champions League ended in a last-16 3-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich last month.

Could Messi really return to Barca?

Lionel Messi lifting the 2015 Champions League trophy

Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games

Messi, who left Barcelona for financial

reasons in 2021, was met by whistles from a small section of PSG fans before they fell to a seventh defeat of 2023 at home to Lyon on Sunday.

That followed the news last week that Barcelona were in contact with Messi about returning to the club, and after stories started appearing in French media about his future that placed the Argentine in a negative light.

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, had a 25-minute meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta in a Barcelona hotel. It was the first time they had met since the day Laporta confirmed in Messi’s office that the player was not going to continue at the club.

“The main theme of the hotel conversation was not the future of Leo but how can Barcelona give him an homage,” said Balague.

“Leo and Laporta have not spoken but obviously Barcelona keep pushing the idea that yes, they are going to go for it. The main engine is manager Xavi who speaks very regularly to Messi and quite clearly paints him a picture of a team that needs his quality.

“Xavi tells Messi he will be used as one of the two midfielders in front of the holding one, very close to what he does with Argentina. Xavi has thought of different ways for that to work and every time Leo hears about this, his eyes light up.

“But then he hears stuff from the club like ‘we’re definitely talking to them and

this is going to happen’ from directors who suggest that this is almost a goer and I imagine his reaction is quite negative because there has been no offer at all. It’s just talk coming from Barcelona.”

Messi agreed a new deal with Barcelona on reduced wages two years ago, but the club changed their mind unexpectedly at the last minute. Now, with a similar financial situation, the thinking is that having Messi in the team will bring money in to keep bringing big players.

That Laporta decision in 2021 ended Messi’s storied spell at the club which yielded four Champions Leagues and 10 La Liga titles - plus six Ballons d’Or.

The club have continued to struggle with their finances since.

“How is it possible that Barcelona, who are in a similar situation to what they were when Messi left, think they can afford Messi?” said Balague. “And why don’t they start negotiations?

“Nobody has approached Jorge or Leo to tell them how to put all that together with a financial package. Barcelona still need to reduce their wage list by 200m euros.

“My intuition is that if they did, they would be at a disadvantage enticing Messi with the possibility of coming back. Every week that passes without an offer is one less million that they will probably offer.

“If the only offer that Messi has got to stay in the elite game is PSG, and he is not fully convinced because of their sporting

situation, Barcelona can come in a month’s time and say ‘we cannot afford to pay what you deserve but we can actually offer you this, which won’t be a lot’.”

A 400m euro move to Saudi?

Messi has had an offer this week to sign for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, where rival Cristiano Ronaldo already plays, for in excess of 400m euros for one season, according to Balague.

He has also had an approach from Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, the club his former Barcelona team-mate and friend Sergio Busquets is expected to sign for next season. Busquets is not committed to that move yet because he is hoping to be reunited with Messi.

“In MLS, they can never pay what Al-Hilal and PSG can offer. The hope for Inter is that Messi feels it’s time to abandon the elite and be in a quieter place to be ready for the Copa America,” said Balague.

“Anyone that says Messi has decided one way or the other would be lying. He will take a decision at some point of course but the priority is to stay in the elite game until 2024 and the Copa America, which puts PSG still in the forefront.

“Barcelona have made no offer, the offer from Inter [Miami] is very clear and has been for a while, and then the other offer for 400m-plus wouldn’t keep Messi in the elite but it is a crazy financial package and the possibility of playing against Ronaldo again. So that’s where we stand.”

Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December, has scored 29 goals in 67 games for PSG

S P R T

Real Madrid rout Barca to reach Copa del Rey final

Karim Benzema scored a second-half hat-trick as Real Madrid routed Barcelona to reach the Copa del Rey final.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Madrid levelled the tie through Vinicius Jr in firsthalf stoppage time.

Benzema added two goals early in the second half - the second from the penalty spot - to put the visitors in control and completed his hat-trick to seal the win in the 80th minute.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face Osasuna in the final on 6 May.

Barcelona had the better of a feisty first half at the Nou Camp, but their best chance led directly to Madrid’s opener in first-half injury time.

After keeper Thibaut Courtois got down

smartly to stop Robert Lewandowski’s effort, the away side broke quickly and, after exchanging passes with Benzema, Vinicius squeezed his effort into the bottom corner.

Five minutes after the break, Madrid were in front on aggregate as Luka Modric drove forward and rolled the ball into the path of Benzema, who swept the ball home from the edge of the area.

Xavi’s side were reeling and when Franck Kessie needlessly brought Vinicius down in the box, Benzema sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the spot to extend the lead.

The France striker got his third with 10 minutes remaining after a devastating Madrid counter, again led by Vinicius, with Barcelona having committed men forward searching for a way back into the tie.

It was Benzema’s second hat-trick in successive games after achieving the feat last Sunday against Real Valladolid.

Los Blancos end Barca’s run of Clasico wins

Going into the second leg a goal down, a distant second in La Liga and having lost the last three Clasico meetings, Madrid had a point to prove.

For much of the first half it looked as though they would end the night with just the Champions League to play for in the remaining two months of the season.

Not bad as consolation prizes go but entering the run-in with only one trophy target is something of a disappointment at the Bernabeu, especially if your fiercest rivals have a treble in sight.

But just when they might have been

contemplating that reality, a blistering counter-attack at the end of the opening period changed the game.

Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid celebrates Vinicius Jr scored his 20th goal of the season to put Real Madrid ahead in firsthalf stoppage time

Madrid came out after the break with renewed energy and confidence, showing their class in a ruthless second-half display for which Barca had no answer.

The hosts can console themselves with the fact they are closing in on a first league title since 2019, having already won the Spanish Super Cup.

For Ancelotti’s team, though, there is now a dual purpose - the pursuit of backto-back Champions League wins and a first Copa del Rey triumph in nine years.

Vinicius Jr scored his 20th goal of the season to put Real Madrid ahead in first-half stoppage time

European Championship 2024 qualifiers: Who do you think will reach Euro 2024?

Here we go again. Qualifying for the 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany gets under way this week as 53 nations battle for 24 places.

In a repeat of last tournament’s final, England face holders Italy in their first Group C match on Thursday.

Scotland find themselves in a difficult group with Spain and Norway as they hope to reach just their second major tournament this century.

Wales, semi-finalists in 2016, are in Group D with Croatia, Turkey, Latvia and Armenia.

Northern Ireland, who made their only Euros appearance seven years ago, are in an intriguing Group H which includes Denmark and Finland.

Two teams from each group advance straight to the finals, plus there is a backdoor route via the Nations League for a handful of teams.

We want to know who you see booking their spot in next year’s tournament, plus you can have your say in the comments.

Group A

Who will reach Euro 2024?

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Group F

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Group G

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Group I

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Group J

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England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all start their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 this week

PEOPLES DAILY

One market fire, too many

Frank Lampard: Chelsea name exmanager as boss until end of season

The hazard of the past was that infernos had already erupted and decimated the brightness of the future. The echoing of the disasters that devastates the human heart is not a closed discussion, as the victims keep counting their losses with a broken heart so that all stakeholders must response to the call of a fire free market.

Guest Columnist

By Abdu Abdullahi

Frank Lampard says he will “focus on the job in hand”

after being named Chelsea’s caretaker manager, rather than trying to land the role full-time.

Lampard has completed a surprise return to Chelsea for the rest of the season, replacing the sacked Graham Potter.

The club say Lampard will take charge while they carry out an “exhaustive process” to find a permanent boss.

“I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens,” the 44-yearold said.

“I am not getting anywhere ahead of myself.”

‘Lampard’s return most surprising Chelsea development yet’ Lampard, who has been out of a job since he was dismissed by Everton in January, previously managed Chelsea from July 2019 until he was sacked in January 2021.

His first game will be away to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday before a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Lampard was a player at Stamford Bridge when interim boss Roberto di Matteo led the club to Champions League glory as a caretaker before earning the job on a full-time basis.

Asked if he could follow a similar path, the former midfielder said: “It won’t be my decision so again I don’t want to jump forward to that.

“I understand I will get asked that question a lot. I have my eyes wide open. The important thing for me is to park that and focus on the job in hand.”

The sad and horrible occurrences alarmingly protruded several times. Like the volcanic eruptions, they left behind colossal damages affecting goods and properties. The victims were always rendered hopeless and miserable. Their future darkened and obstructed on a very large scale. Eventually, they tried to begin a new living, with a very minor set of optimism.

Indeed, incessant fire outbreaks in our markets have become a natural disaster that has consumed huge losses across the country. Only recently, the popular Singer Market in Kano was again razed down by ravaging fire, resulting in millions of naira loss, re-enacting the blazing flames of mass destructions. What efforts are we exerting to curb these recurrent devastations? Are we seeing fire as a disaster that is curable or incurable?

Between November 2020 and August 2021, over 50 fire outbreaks were recorded in different markets in Nigeria. One can imagine the enormous loss in terms of goods and properties and how this negatively impacted on the economy. In two years alone, market fire losses amounted to 41.54 billion naira across the country. This havoc was rising at a time when the country’s economic fortunes were dwindling.

A breakdown of the scenes of market flames reveals a very pathetic scenario. In Lagos alone, the famous Balogun Market recorded the incident of fire outbreak every year from 2015 to 2021. It persisted and became a domineering disaster phenomenon. In 2016, a fire that engulfed the Sabon Gari Market in Kano lasted for 12 hours, destroying over 4,000 shops, amounting to two trillion naira. The cause of the Inferno was attributed to an electrical fault. The victims were left to their fate and lived counting

their humongous losses.

At the renowned Wadata Market in Markudi in 2019, goods valued at over one billion naira were destroyed, consuming 600 lock-up shops. Also, in 2021, no fewer than six markets were gutted by massive fire in Abuja.

It was a bad signal that even the nation’s capital could not be saved from the damages done by fire outbreaks in our markets.

The scenes of fire outbreaks in markets are horrific and sympathetic. The poor and devastated victims are sighted wearing a gloomy face that expresses deep shocks, sorrows and despairs. Their deplorable conditions are a strong manifestation of breaking away from a delightful past to an unhappy present. Their eyes speak the language of a great fear of the future. They are forced to carry the burden of their tremendous losses on their shoulders and rebuild another hope entirely. The reconstruction of another optimism, however, takes a great

deal of mild pleasure in gigantic sadness.

Rebuilding this hope is magnificiently tasking in inspiration and painstaking in actualisation. The codes of this optimism cannot be quantified in terms of the danger of thinking of the future. The hazard of the past was that infernos had already erupted and decimated the brightness of the future. The echoing of the disasters that devastates the human heart is not a closed discussion, as the victims keep counting their losses with a broken heart so that all stakeholders must response to the call of a fire free market.

That most recorded fire outbreaks occured in the night unravels the secret of this natural doom. That the still night instigates and facilitates major infernos in our markets compels us to use power of ideas to conquer the power of fire. While the night is more governed by possibility of fire than the daytime, it is to our dismay that little preventable

measures are strategized and executed. Whether in the night or day, fire outbreaks don’t just happen, they are caused by notably human factors and the same human factors can be harnessed to stop the rampage of burning fire. In other words, if fire possesses and controls destructions, we can possess the causes of fire and control them to save our markets of this lingering horror. The wanton and terrifying expression of fire is the mass destructions incurred and our only counter expression is to put fire occurrence under strict vigilance and secure our markets.

How these ugly incidences keep resurging showcases a firm laxity on the part of all stakeholders to take proactive measures to halt the growing danger. We have lived not to the expectations of averting the phenomenon of fire disasters in our markets. We have failed to ensure and enhance a fire free market environment, a prolific and active catalyst for Gross Domestic Product process.

When natural disasters are preventable or can be reduced to the barest minimum, our rapid economic development is rest assured. If we are not prepared for the next fire disasters by averting their reoccurrences, saving lives and properties, then we will end up playing with fire. Markets are institutions where the knowledge of buying and selling goods and services promotes national cohesion as Nigerians from all walks of life unite for a purpose such as in survival.

Abdu Abdullahi is a Public Policy Analyst.

“

That most recorded fire outbreaks occured in the night unravels the secret of this natural doom. That the still night instigates and facilitates major infernos in our markets compels us to use power of ideas to conquer the power of fire