Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Edition

Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 22.22% from 22.04%

Horror as man blows off self with

PDP dismisses purported suspension of Ahmed Makarfi

Land papers forgery: How Lawyer physically assaulted complainant wife in court

I have laid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria, says Buhari

Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci, sets new Guinness World

2023 poll: US imposes visa ban on electoral offenders

L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Saulawa, Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola and Grand Kadi of Niger State, Justice Abubakar Musa Kakira, during the opening ceremony of the Induction Course for newly appointed judicial officers of the Supreme Courts of Records, appointed judges of the Federal and State high Courts and Kadis of the Sharia Courts, at the NJI headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

PDP dismisses purported suspension of Ahmed Makarfi

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The National Working Committee, NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has dismissed the purported suspension of former Governor of Kaduna State and former acting National Chairman off the Party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, by the Ward Executive of Tudun Wada Ward of Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State void and of no effect.

The PDP, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba categorically said that the purported suspension, which bordered on issues of discipline, was as null and void and of no effect, as it is not consistent with the provisions of the Constitution

of the PDP (As amended in 2017).

The NWC of the PDP charged all leaders, critical stakeholders, members, teeming supporters of the Party in Kaduna State and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Makarfi by the Ward being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our Party.

The NWC also charged all Party members in Kaduna State to remain united at this critical time especially as the Party leadership is progressing in its concerted effort to ensure a comprehensive reconciliation in the Party.

The statement reads, “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported suspension of former Governor of Kaduna

State and former acting National Chairman of our Party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, reportedly by the Ward Executive of Tudun Wada Ward of Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“The NWC, after a thorough consideration of all the issues raised by the Ward Executive, hereby declares the purported decision and action of the Tudun Wada Ward Executives which borders on issues of discipline, as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (As amended in 2017).

“For clarity, Section 57 (7) provides that “Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee, at any level except the

National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governor or member of the National Assembly”.

“The NWC therefore charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members, teeming supporters of our Party in Kaduna State and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Makarfi by the Ward being a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our Party.

“The NWC also charges all Party members in Kaduna State to remain united at this critical time especially as the Party leadership is progressing in our concerted effort to ensure a comprehensive reconciliation in our Party”, the statement said.

Mayaki cautions journalists against fake news

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Country Director, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Nigeria, Prince John Mayaki, has cautioned journalists against fake news.

Mayaki gave the advice during a media workshop organized by Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja .

He said there is a need for journalists to always do fact checking before publishing any story.

“With the advent of technology people seat down in their various corners and form stories. We saw what happened in EndSars and many other crisis in Nigeria.

Fake news has so much disadvantage and we must caution ourselves against that”.

He called on journalists and other citizens to always spread the right news.

While urging journalists to balance their stories, and be patriotic and objective in their reportage and discard fake news, he said

“Nigeria should have grown beyond fake news. We can also regulate some media houses by having laws”.

He said the cyber law should be enforced in Nigeria, to curb the menace of fake news.

Similarly, The minister of Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, said,the freedom of the press in any democracy is important.

He said members of press of are the watchdogs of society and should shun fake news.

“The watchdog has a role as the

fourth estate of realm, they have the power to critically checkmate excesses of governments to ensure accountability ”.

Agba represented by the Statistican General of National Bureau of Statistics( NBS), Semu Adeniran stated that:”Think of how Nigerian press will be objective, and there should also be fairness in all editorial matters.

It is good for the press to keep government in check. Journalists like anyone must be responsible in ensuring that there is peace , harmony and stability in country.

L-R: Kastina State Governor Elect, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda,Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Microvis Microfinance Bank ,Kayode Akinade and Director general, Small and MediumDevelopment Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN, Olawale Fasanya during a dinner in honour of the governor elect, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Tribunal dismisses petition challenging

Tinubu ‘s victory

Katsina State’s governorelect, Dr Dikko Radda has assured the people of the state that he will run a transparent, fair and open-door government.

The governor-elect also assured the people of Katsina State that he would block all leakages and waste of the state’s commonwealth

Radda gave the assurances at a dinner held in his honour on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Olawale Fasanya Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The dinner was also in honour of Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed, lawmaker-elect for Musawa/ Matazu federal constituency.

“I will do everything possible to make the lives of the people of Katsina State better and I want to operate an open and transparent government.

“I will block all leakages that may arise from some of the abnormalities that are happening in the state,’’ Radda said.

The incoming governor solicited the support of the Federal Government, development partners, other stakeholders and the people of Katsina State to ensure that his administration succeeds.

“I want you to join hands with me to develop the people and to manage the resources of the state.

“We cannot succeed without the support of development partners and we won’t succeed without the support of the Federal Government and we will be very friendly towards them,’’ he said.

Radda, who described his victory at the March 18 poll as a difficult task prayed that God would guide him to steer the affairs of the state successfully.

“Initially, I thought I could do it easily but as the time gets closer I start to develop fear, but I ask God Almighty to guide us.

“I prayed to God that if I won’t deliver, may He give it to the person that can deliver and God gave it to me, so it is a challenge,’’ Radda said.

Radda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the governorship election in Katsina State with 859,892 votes.

He defeated his closest rival, Sen. Yakubu Lado-Danmarke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 486,620 votes by 373,272 votes.

Earlier, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investments, Amb. Mariam Katagum, commended Radda for promoting the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) during his tenure as its director-general.

Army clarifies trial of ex-NAPL GMD

The Nigerian Army says the former Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigeria Army Property Limited (NAPL), Maj.-Gen. UM Mohammed, is being Court Martialed following his indictment over sharp practices while in office.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave the clarifications in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

“The general is being tried having been indicted by a military police investigation and recommendation for trial.

“Therefore, the media report on the ongoing Court Martial process of Maj.-Gen. Mohammed, is ill-conceived and campaign of calumny.

“Indeed, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed is facing army court-martial over alleged offences of theft of various sums of money belonging to NAPL and forgery,” he said.

According to him, “it is expedient to clear the air on the despicably false report and calculated attempt to cast aspersion on the ongoing court martial”.

He said the trial had already progressed to an advanced stage, adding that the prosecution had put forward the evidence against

the general and closed its case.

Nwachukwu disclosed that the accused has opened his defence and testifying as First Defence Witness (DW1).

“For the avoidance of doubts, without being sub-judicial, the former GMD NAPL is facing trial in relation to alleged offences of theft of various sums of money belonging to NAPL and forgery.

“These are all acts declared as offences punishable under the provisions of various extant penal laws in Nigeria.

“To set the records straight, upon investigation and indictment of the accused senior officer by military police investigations, the Army Headquarters convened a Special Court Martial.

“This is to try the senior officer as a procedure to legally recover the sums of money he allegedly fraudulently acquired from the coffers of NAPL during his tenure as GMD.

“The details of the outcome of the court martial will be provided at the end of the court martial proceedings.

“It is instructive to point out, that trials are lawfully provided in the Armed Forces Act (AFA) as one of the disciplinary tools in the

armed forces,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court had in multiple instances validated the procedures, findings, and sentences of court-martial.

He added that the court martials like all other criminal trials were held in the open.

According to him, the trial of Maj.-Gen. Mohammed is taking place at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Asokoro Abuja and not shrouded in secrecy as being insinuated.

“The trial has been opened and the Defence has presented adequate representation in court.

“The accused senior officer’s family members, friends, and associates attend and observe the court proceedings till date, without hindrance.

“It is factual that Maj.-Gen. Mohammed ought to have proceeded on retirement, however, provisions of the Armed Forces Act (specifically Section 169) permits the retention in service of such a personnel, who has pending disciplinary case(s) to allow extant legal processes.

“Furthermore, it is also a fact that members of the Special Court Martial trying Maj.-Gen.

Mohammed are all junior to him.

“This is permissible in special circumstances, as the Armed Forces Act provides for this contingency in Section 133(7), where the Convening Officer is required to obtain the consent of an appropriate superior to appoint any such officers as members of the court.

“The requisite consent was obtained before convening the Special Court Martial trying the accused senior officer,” he added.

The Army spokesman said that the general was being defended by a legal team comprising two Senior Advocates and six lawyers, including a retired military officer.

He said that Mohammed was currently being detained at a military location purposely-built for such detention, where the rights and wellbeing of such detainees were given prime consideration.

According to him, at the onset of the trial, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed requested to be granted bail interalia on health grounds, the court declined the bail application taking cognisance of the humongous amount of monies allegedly stolen in the indictment, which could encourage the accused senior officer to abscond.NAN

Confirm your life status via ‘I Am Alive’ exercise, PTAD tells pensioners

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has urged pensioners to take advantage of the ongoing ‘I Am Alive’ online confirmation exercise under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) to confirm their life status as continued beneficiary of the scheme.

The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, who made the call during the Northwest Stakeholder’s Engagement Forum

in Kaduna on Monday, said PTAD has successfully tested the application on 50, 000 randomly selected pensioners from four operational departments in the six geopolitical zones in the pilot stage. “Following the success of the Pilot Phase, on the 14th of April 2023, PTAD fully rolled out the solution for the use of our pensioners.

“To ensure an efficient and effective delivery, and prevent a heavy flow of traffic on the website, we have staggered the availability of the Confirmation Solution according to departments as follows; Police Pensioners 14th

April, 2023 to 13th October, 2023; Customs, Immigration, Prisons

Pensioners 1st June, 2023 to 31st December, 2023; Civil Service Pensioners 1st July, 2023 to 31st

January, 2023; and Parastatals

Pensioners 1st August, 2023 to 28th February, 2023 for a period of six months.

“Since our last Stakeholders Forum for the Northwest held in Kano in November 2021, PTAD has completed the liquidation of the 126 months outstanding liabilities due to ex- workers of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, complete payment of the 219 months of inherited liabilities

to ex-workers of New Nigeria Newspaper (NNN) Limited, complete payment of the 100 months of inherited liabilities to ex-workers of NICON Insurance and complete payment of the 96 months of inherited liabilities to ex-workers of Delta Steel Company (DSC).

“We have also implemented the 9.7% increment to ex-PHCN workers with attendant arrears and paid a total of 48 months of the 84 months inherited arrears owed NITEL/MTEL pensioners in December 2022, leaving a balance of 36 months for complete liquidation,” she said.

Minister of Youths and Sport, Mr. Sunday Dare (right), NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (left) with Cross Section of corpers during, the NYSC 50th anniversary celebration of the Corps, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

AGF to standardize remuneration of legal practitioners

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) on Monday, inaugurated Practitioner’s Remuneration Committee to look into the remuneration of lawyers in the country.

Malami said, the Legal Practitioners Act, established the committee to regulate and standardize the remuneration of legal practitioners in Nigeria.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja said, finding a reasonable remuneration for legal services in Nigeria has been an issue of great controversy for legal practitioners and further explained that, “It has, and is

still eliciting heated intellectual and non-intellectual debates by various countervailing interests.

“Despite the existence of a scale of charges for legal services in Nigeria, there have been repeated debates for, and against its existence.”

According to the AGF, some people have argued that a lawyer’s fees cannot, and should not be pigeonholed to a scale of charges due to the unique nature of the legal profession, while others, who canvass for its continued existence say, it has created order and certainty in the expected remuneration for legal services.

The AGF said, the scale of charges hitherto established are long overdue for review in view of the current national

Buhari celebrates former NFA Secretary-General, Sani Toro at 70

President Muhammadu Buhari has fefelicitated with the former SecretaryGeneral of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and ex-Member House of Representatives, Sani Ahmed Toro, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, lauding him for his services to the nation and important contributions to the growth of football.

The President, a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said rerecognized all the years of hard work of the first Executive Secretary/CEO Nigeria Professional Football League Governing Board, who during his tenure as scribe of NFA, the Super Eagles won gold medal at Tunisia 1994, Nigeria for the first time qualified and participated at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States where they reached the second round.

President Buhari noted that it is worth remembering that under Toro’s administration the Men’s Olympic Football team won gold in Atlanta 1996, making the country’s ‘Dream Team’, captained by the great Nwankwo Kanu, with other legends like the skillful Jay-Jay Okocha, Celestine Babayaro, Sunday Oliseh, Daniel ‘the bull’ Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike, Tijani Babangida, among others, the first African nation to win that title, the statement noted.

It said the President bebelieved that Toro and other administrators who worked behind the scenes to give Nigerians those wonderful memories deserved to be thanked and prayed for, in the hope that they live more years to experience more moments of joy and celebration in the country.

and economic realities, adding that, a situation where legal practitioners are paid pittance for the legal services they render must be thoroughly looked into and necessary steps taken to, not only safeguard the livelihood of lawyers, but ensure that legal practitioners are treated with the dignity and prestige they deserve.

The Committee therefore has the responsibility to critically review the scale of charges, taking into consideration prevailing challenges and experiences by legal practitioners as well as the nation’s current economic realities.

On the committee’s functions, Malami admonished members to be fair and to discharge its statutory responsibilities without

fear or favour and stressed that, particular consideration should be given to the new wigs and young lawyers, as a way to encourage their dedication and commitment to justice delivery.

He said, his ministry is poised to continue to fulfil its mandate of improving the administration of justice in Nigeria, by providing necessary support to the NBA and ensuring that the association is well positioned to address the legal needs of legal practitioners and Nigerians as a whole.

In his speech, the President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) said, the Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee, which is a statutory committee, in line with the Legal Practitioners Act, allows it to look at lawyers’ remuneration.

He said, the last time lawyers’ remuneration was looked at was in 1991 and commended the AGF for his collaboration with the NBA in ensuring efficient administration of justice delivery in the country.

In his speech, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Lagos state, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) said, the scale of charges is to help the client, who needs the service of lawyers and also assists the lawyers themselves.

“If you want to consult a lawyer, you will know from the scale of charges what your legal fee will be. It provides for more transparency when it comes to lawyers’ charges. It is for the better for all us”, he said.

10th Speaker: Betara has all qualities to give Nigerians what they deserve - Elected Members

By Christiana Ekpa

House of Representatives

member, Hon . Inuwa Garba (PDP-Gombe), has disclosed that most returning/ members-elect are supporting Rep. Aliyu Betara as the speaker of the 10th National assembly because he has all the qualities and requirements to give Nigerians and lawmakers what they deserve.

This was just as the former Governor of Zamfara, Abdulaziz Yari disclosed that nobody has the constitutional right to chose leaders for the elected Members of the 10th Assembly, adding that he and his colleagues have exclusive power to decide those who lead them

Garba who disclosed this at the induction venue for members-elect in Abuja on Monday, said “most of us in the 9th Assembly and even the

elected Members believe that Aliyu Betara has the leadership quality to give to Nigerians what we want in the 10th House of Representatives.

He said chosen the speaker that would preside over plenary should be based on track record, experience and commitment.

He said the focus of the “Greater Majority,” a coalition of minority parties of all members-elect was to have a purposeful leadership, adding that Betara stand tall based on his antecedent.

He said such purposeful leadership was needed for the 10th Assembly, adding that this would bring all members together for a good working relationship.

“Nigeria is already in a serious problem and to come out of this problem start and end with having good leadership.

“Once many of us from the opposition party see reason to

team up with somebody from the ruling party, you should know that such a person will be committed. “

He further said that such person would have the will to carry all members along irrespective of party affiliation, stressing that this would also come with a good understanding of the tenets legislature.

He however added that the ultimate beneficiary of such relationship would be the executive arm of government.

He said, “Majority of us in the Greater Majority group have endorsed Betara for the position and I can assure you that if today, we go in for the contest, Betara will be the Speaker.

“ His Speakership will be the gain of Nigerians. For somebody to choose a Speaker for us is a miss normal, undemocratic and unconstitutional.

“ We will vote for the person that will do justice to Nigerians and I can assure you that the next Speaker of the House of Reps is Betara.

Also speaking, Rep Cyril Hart (PDP- Rivers) , said the constitution was cleared on the procedure that should be adopted as members to elect presiding officers.

According to him, I share the sentiment that the majority party should produce the leadership of the House even though I am of the PDP.

He however said that the agitation on who becomes the speaker would soon be rested, adding that in the end, Nigeria would get the best out of it, “so, there is no course for alarm because it is all politics.”

“The contest is free and anyone is free to contest, but my simple opinion is that the majority party,

the APC with the highest number of members elect should produce the leadership.

He said the contest was an APC affair and they should be allowed to produce the leadership of the 10th Assembly.

“So, whatever they are doing is their business, I am only praying that the best emerges, what you are seeing is politics.

“The dust will settle and at the end of the day, Nigerians will get the best. So, no course for alarm,” he said.

Yari said, That is not correct. How can I go against my party. If you listen to the lecture, you discover that the lawyer said that nobody has the constitutional right to choice leaders for us. It is a kind of an exclusive power for me and my colleagues to decide our leaders.

“Was I wrong when I say I

Sani Toro

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Barely two weeks to the end the present administration, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government has built a firm foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.

Noting that the road has been bumpy due to a challenging fiscal climate, Buhari declared that he is proud to state that “as we leave office in about two weeks that we have built a firm foundation for a prosperous Nigeria”.

The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, said this at the opening ceremony of the induction program for newly elected Governors at the Banquet hall, State House, Abuja.

The outgoing regime, Buhari joyfully said, has made steady progress since assuming office in 2015. a prosperous Nigeria”, he said.

He enjoined the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum to promote ideals that will address the challenges of democracy and governance in our country today.

According to him, “We have made steady progress since we took office in 2015.

“The road has been bumpy due to a challenging fiscal climate, but I am proud to state as we leave office in about two weeks that we have built a firm foundation for a prosperous Nigeria.

“We could not have done everything, but we focused on a number of areas: Infrastructure, Agriculture and strengthening our Armed Forces.

“1 am very confident that from the foundation we have laid, the incoming federal government will build on our legacies in ensuring that we continue to build the country of our dreams.

“Congratulations to all of you and good luck in the days and years

I have laid foundation for a prosperous Nigeria, says Buhari

•*Tasks Govs on democratic ideals

ahead”, he said.

Continuing, Buhari said, “In March 2023, Nigeria consolidated and reinforced its democratic process with a general election which saw the election of a new President and about 18 newly elected/incoming governors.

“I am happy to note that democracy is alive, vibrant and thriving in Nigeria.

“With the elections now over, it is time for us to deliver the promises we made during the campaigns.

“I have always maintained that democracy is not an end state nor is it a static event. It is an evolutionary process that takes its participants on a journey of self actualization.

“The process forces us to hold a mirror to our elves, and by doing so we are made to constantly review and improve its critical elements to ensure that we have an inclusive democratic practice that gives faith to voters.

“We must therefore be patient, tolerant and use the appropriate channels to seek redress if we believe there have been unfair practices along the way.

“As you can tell, am speaking as a veteran of the process, with the scars to show for it.

“On May 29, you will be called upon to steer the affairs of your States for the next four years. From this day you become wholly responsible for the state as an enterprise.

“You as the Governor or State Chief Executive inherit all its assets

and liabilities.

“The assumption of office is a constitutional process that we must take with utmost dedication, in the light of the trust bestowed on you by those who elected you into office.

“One interesting development that we all saw from the last election is that the electorate is maturing, and people are increasingly finding their voices. “Any public officer who fails to either meet up with the expectations of the people or deliver on his campaign promises would be voted out in the next election. That is what democracy is about. Deliver or get shown the door out.

“I enjoin the Forum to promote ideals that will address the challenges of democracy and governance in our country today.

“The role of the Sub-nationals is critical in our Socio-Economic development as a nation.

“Your proximity to the people, gives you the privilege to have an instant pulse on their needs and challenges and yours is to device creative and judicious means of addressing the myriad of issues that confront them daily.

“As returning or incoming State Executives you also must be cognizant of the comparative advantages inherent in each of your states, and how you can form partnerships with each other, by leveraging your various strengths while recognizing that there is no one size fits all solutions.

“I also bid you to take this opportunity to unite across party divides to put the country first. Nigerians desire peace, progress and security.

“A country where they have access to quality education, health and social services.

“Your ability to champion these values significantly impacts the atmosphere where in the delivery of social goods and services will be conducted efficiently and harmoniously.

“We could not have done everything, but we focused on a number of areas: Infrastructure, Agriculture and strengthening our Armed Forces.

Despite the difficult fiscal conditions, we remained committed to our promises. “These key areas were strategically targeted.

“Our focus on Infrastructure was to improve access to markets, improved linkages and to reduce overall supply chain costs.

“This singular commitment to infrastructure development for roads, rails, airports, ports and affordable housing were designed to create better means of livelihood for our people and facilitate access to jobs.

“I am happy that we are succeeding in investing the nation’s wealth in every State of the federation and a clear path for sustainable development has been set.

“Our various interventions in agriculture ensured that we reduced our food import bill while increasing domestic production and even

expansion of critical export crops.

“This deliberate policy was especially necessary as Covid forced shutdown led to increase in global food prices, and whilst we experienced some spike, we nonetheless were better able to contend with the food crises.

“Our Men and Women of the Armed Forces have through their gallant actions and sacrifices ensured that our territorial integrity remains intact; and they continue with laser focus to combat what remains of a significantly degraded enemies of state, and there shall be no letting on until peace and stability returns to our nation.

“As found in the oath I took, I shall continue to support their efforts with improved resources and modern warfare equipment to enhance their abilities.

“1 believe that the outgoing governors have left a legacy that will ensure that incoming governors are able to transit into office with minimal interruption in governance.

“This will ensure that new governments are able to make significant mileage as they step in, including identifying key operational and policy issues that require early action.

“1 am very confident that from the foundation we have laid, the incoming federal government will build on our legacies in ensuring that we continue to build the country of our dreams.

“Congratulations to all of you and good luck in the days and years ahead”, he said.

As Governors-elect begin induction in Abuja: Okonjo-Iweala, Amina Mohammed say trust key to nation building

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Ahead of the May 29 inauguration of the new President and Governors in the country, the Director-General of World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has declared that the task of nation building requires a lot of trust factor, lamenting however that trust in Nigeria has always been fragile.

Okonjo, a former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in the country, noted that a lot of trust was broken in Nigeria during the last general election.

Similarly, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Ms Amina Mohammed has said that when elected officials fail to deliver on their promises to their electors, “we erode their faith in power, in politics, in the state”.

Okonjo-Iweala, Amina Mohammed and several others spoke yesterday at an induction program organized by the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, NGF, for Governors-elect and re-elected Governors at the Banquet hall, State House, Abuja.

The DG of the World Trade Organization categorically told the incoming Governors that they have a lot of healing to do within their states, and between them.

She said, “Honourable governors,

let us be candid: trust in Nigeria has aways been fragile but following the election, a lot of trust has been broken.

“Through your words, deeds, and policies, you need to demonstrate to Nigerians that they are equally loved. That they can settle and do business in any part of the country without fear.

“I love Nigeria deeply and I want to feel welcome in any part of this country.

“Just as different states need to rebuild perceptions among people across Nigeria, we collectively need to rebuild the Nigerian brand in the wider regional and international economy”, the former Minister of Finance said.

Speaking in the same vein on the issue of nation building, Amina Mohammed said that one estimate from UNDP suggests that terrorism has cost Nigeria over US$97 billion in ten-years.

According to the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, “When we fail to deliver for people on their rights and their futures, we erode their faith in power, in politics, in the state.

“And that results in a loss of trust, in resentment between generations

and towards elites; and in greater tensions between groups, cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

“The only way to build a more cohesive nation and a more harmonious world is to deliver better for people:

“Better services, better opportunities, better safety, better government, and a healthier environment.

“And despite all the challenges, I believe we have what we need to make a great leap forward in these areas in the next few years.

“Massive investment and political attention in a number of concrete areas could be key”, she said.

Continuing, the former Nigeria’s Minister of Environment said, “Globally, we need to end our addiction to fossil fuels while building base load and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for all.

“In Nigeria, we face a situation where 36 per cent of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

“Nigeria has a well defined energy transition plan. Our energy mix must change and the international

community must meet its investment pledges to support countries in this transition.

“We know that the green and blue economy has the potential to unleash the next great wave of human development with women and youth the beneficiaries.

“It’s absolutely crucial that we unleash a rapid and just transition to clean energy – opening new frontiers in the economy, creating new jobs, improving health, strengthening human and digital connectivity, and protecting our natural environment.

“The same is true in other areas where we need to both expand and rethink: food and agriculture; education and skills; digital connectivity; social protection and protecting our environment.

“In each of these areas, we face great challenges but if we can find the tools to breakthrough, the opportunities for Nigeria and indeed the world are immense.

“So, we need to make sure that Nigeria does not get left behind.

“As you look to your governors’ mission, you must answer a key question: what do you need to accelerate these transitions in your state?, she told participants at the program.

Speaking further, the DG of the WTO said, “The World Bank estimates that with the COVID-19 pandemic having pushed 5 million more of our fellow citizens into poverty, the number of Nigerians below the national poverty line reached 95 million last year, 43% of our population, which has considerably worsened from 40% in 2018/19, and an estimated 37% in 2015.

“Food insecurity is also on the rise. A government-led, UNsupported analysis earlier this year warned that the number of Nigerians at risk of facing hunger could rise from 17 million to nearly 25 million in the lean season between June and August.

“It is really hurtful when I hear Nigeria listed internationally as one of those countries where people may need food assistance.

“As a country with fertile arable land we have no business being in that category.

We have challenges on the fiscal, debt, and monetary policy fronts.

“Nigeria’s gross debt level has climbed from N19.3 trillion in 2015 to $N91.6 trillion in 2023. The debt-toGDP ratio has almost doubled from 20% to 39% over that time period.

Horror as man blows off self with IED to escape arrest in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

There was a state of pandemonium yesterday at KEKE community of the Kaduna Millennium City in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a man took his own life using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in a desperate attempt to evade arrest by security agencies

The community leader in the

area, Malam Samaila, confirmed the incident, noting that the security operatives had barricaded the street to prevent people from approaching the suspect’s house.

Samaila stated that it is likely that the security personnel had trailed the suspect to his residence to arrest him alive. However, realizing that escape was impossible, he decided to take his own life inside the house.

According to eyewitnesses,

gunshots were heard at around1 am when officials from the Department of State Services (DSS), soldiers, and the police arrived at the suspect’s residence. It was discovered that when the man sensed that he was surrounded, he resorted to using explosives to end his life during an exchange of gunfire between him and the security agencies.

A security source revealed to our correspondent that an AK-47

rifle was discovered inside the house, along with two other IEDs that were later safely detonated by the Anti-bomb squad.

The source suggested that the deceased may have been a member of a terrorist group.

“Tragically, the man’s body was mutilated due to the explosive device, while his wife and children were taken away by DSS officials in their vehicles,” the source said.

FG kicks against bill to stop doctors migration

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government on Mondat kicked against the bill before the National Assembly seeking to control the migration of doctors for greener pastures abroad.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, expressed the objection while fielding questions from State House correspondents at the end of the extraordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Responding to a question on the threat of doctors to go on a five day warning strike over what they perceived as the attempt to compulsory keep medical and dental graduates in the country for five

years before granting the licence to practice, Ngige said the bill will go against extant Labour laws.

The sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives, Ganiyu Johnson, representing Lagos State, had explained that the move was to check the mass exodus of medical professionals from the country.

The legislation is titied: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioner to practise in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before being granted a full licence by the council to make quality health services available to Nigeria; and for related matters.”

Following the introduction of the bill, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had

vowed that it will resist any attempt to enslave Nigerian medical doctors under any guise.

The association has announced plan to embark on a five-day warning strike with the immediate withdrawal of the bill as one of its demands.

Other demands are an immediate increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the tune of 200 per cent of the current gross salaries of doctors, the immediate implementation of CONMESS, domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, and review of hazard allowance by all the state governments as well as private tertiary health institutions where any form of residency training is done; among others.

But Senator Ngige said, “Nobody can say they (doctors) will not get a practising licence till

after five years. It will run counter to the laws of the land that have established the progression in the practice of medicine.

“I am a medical doctor. When you graduate from the medical school, you go on one year apprenticeship called housemanship or internship as the case maybe. After your internship, you are now given a full licence because prior to that, what you have is a provisional licence of registration with the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

“So, after that intensive training, you were signed off by consultants and you became a fully qualified medical doctor to attend to human beings and to work without any supervision again. Supervision then is voluntary.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle) flanked by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON (left) next to him is the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, Immediate right of the Minister is aperticipant and next to him is representative of AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mrs Felicia Ayoola-Daniels, Director, Administration of Criminal Justice Reform Department, FMOJ, as well as the Controller General,Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa,MFR.

Kebbi to partner Egypt in agriculture, livestock production

Kebbi Government says it will partner with Egyptian experts in agriculture and livestock production for the development of the state.

Gov. Atiku Bagudu made this known while receiving experts in agriculture from Egypt who visited him at Government House in Birnin Kebbi, on Friday.

He said that his administration believed in partnership and cooperation as essential ingredients for development of the state.

‘The state is endowed with abundant agricultural potentials and rated as the second most livestock producing state in the country.

“In addition, the state has

Sudan crisis: Nigerian embassy facilitates students transfer to Egyptian universities

The Embassy of Nigeria in Cairo, Egypt is to facilitate the transfer of Nigerian students from Sudanese universities to Egyptian universities.

The embassy, in a statement on Sunday, said this was in the light of requests by both parents and students caught in the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

The embassy said that it was collaborating with the Central Administration for International Students (Wafeden), under the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to achieve this.

“In this regard, Nigerian students from Sudanese Universities who are interested in transferring to Egyptian Universities are expected to send their full names, faculties required, academic level/year completed, transcripts of the academic years completed.

“(They should also send) passport data pages and contact details (phone number and email) to enable the embassy and the Wafeden start working on them, before the portal for international transfers opens.”

become the gateway to West Africa in animal husbandry due to its strategic location of sharing boundary with both the Republic of Niger and Benin Republic.

“Already, we have signed a tripartite agreement with Kwanni in Niger Republic and Maleville in the Republic of Benin on the development of animal husbandry.” Bagudu further described people of the state as hardworking and ready to imbibe modern methods on agriculture and livestock production.

He also commended the National President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, for facilitating the visit and

preparing ground for mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector.

“The President-elect Bola Tinubu has pledged to build on the achievements on agricultural revival for food security initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the national level.

“Also, here in the state, the Governor-elect Dr Nasir Idris, has affirmed similar commitment to strengthen the agricultural revolution started by incumbent administration at state level.”

Earlier, the RIFAN President, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, informed the governor that the Egyptian experts, led by Gen. Walid Soliman-Morsy, were in the state

for partnership on agricultural development.

He revealed that the experts were ready to develop several hectares of Fadama land in the state through the process of training of farmers, application of modern farming methods, technology and expertise.

Goronyo said that the team would also visit Lagos and Ogun states as well as Calabar in Cross River for similar ventures.

The Egyptian agriculturalists, led by Mr Soliman-Morsy, said that they were in the state for a joint partnership with government to explore areas of interest in agriculture and livestock production. (NAN).

The embassy cautioned students that any of them that transfer to Egyptian government universities would not be eligible for an Egyptian Government Scholarship.

It also provided a link for the transfer for interested students to fill and attach the required documents between May and June in order to join the 2023/2024 academic session commencing in September. UsduSWSIQsMkEn2b2fJ9cn1 Bmq12AdCZSU1x1HEg/ viewform?usp=sf_link.

“After filling the above form, interested students should also send their below details and documents to this email:

Photo: Min. of Interior

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, restrained the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC)and it’s Director, Corps Certification, Ibrahim Muhammad, from publishing disclaimer against the Enugu State Governor-elect, Peter Mba, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The ex-pate order held that the commission is restricted from continued to issue, publish disclaimer to the effect that the NYSC certificate of national service dated 6th January, 2003, issued to the Governor-elect of

Enugu state, Barrister Mbah Peter was not issued by the National Youth Service Corps.

The ex parte motion moved by Emeka Ozoani SAN, on behalf of the applicant, was pursuant to Section 13(1) & (2) of the Federal High Court Act Cap F12, Vol. 6, Law of Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Order 26 Rule 6(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

After hearing Mbah’s counsel, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted prayer one on the motion paper for “An order of interim injunction restraining the Defendants and Respondents whether by themselves, their directors, officers, servants, legal representatives, counsel

or any other person or persons howsoever described and connected, from issuing, publishing or continued to issue, publish disclaimer to the effect that the NYSC certificate of National Service dated 6th January, 2003, certificate No. A.808297 issued to the Plaintiff Barrister Mbah Peter Ndubuisi, in accordance with Section 11 of the National Youth Service Corps Decree No. 51 of 1993 was not issued by the National Youth Service Corps pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed in this suit”.

Consequently, the trial judge ordered the applicant to

serve the defendants with court processes within two days of the order.

The motion ex parte was predicated on 10 grounds, which are as follows: “The plaintiff states that after graduating in law from the University of East London in 2000, retuned to Nigeria and as a pre-requisite to practice as Barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, applied and was admitted into the Bar part 1 programme of the Nigerian Law School.

Mbah said upon completing the Bar Part 1 Exam, he had to wait for the Bar Part 2 programme, and was advised that instead of spending time idling around, he should proceed

Enugu guber: Court orders NYSC not to publish disclaimer against Mba Census will be credible -Official

to the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps programme.

The plaintiff said he was called up for the NYSC and was deployed initially to Nigerian Ports Authority Apapa Quays for his primary assignment but was rejected by NPA, before securing the law firm of Ude & Associates.

“The plaintiff in the course of his service year and after six months of NYSC, applied and was admitted approval to defer the NYSC in other to enable him complete the Bar final exam.

“Thereafter, the plaintiff was re mobilized to finish the NYSC programme, which he did complete”.

Mbah averred that upon completion of the NYSC service, he was issued the certificate of National Service No. A.808297 dated 6th January 2003.

Buhari hails Hilda Baci for placing Nigeria on global spotlight

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu

Buhari jas shared the joy of celebrations as 27-yearold gourmet chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci, makes history by breaking the world record of longest hours of cooking, finding her way into the Guinness Book of Records, and placing Nigeria on the global spotlight.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on

Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina lauded the young culinary expert for turning her talent and passion into a career, with a rippling effect on the economy as she runs a restaurant in Lagos, and trains other talents on entrepreneurship, and now leads the world in resilience, perseverance, and consistency in cooking.

The President noted the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Faceoff Competition, 2021, preparing

mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice, the statement said.

President Buhari, it added, believed Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her

footsteps.

The President thanked the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cooka-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country.

President Buhari wished Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career, according to the statement.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

National Population Commission (NPC), Federal Commissioner, Muhammad Dattijo Usman has reassured that the next census will be credible, reliable and acceptable.

He gave the assurance in a press conference held at IBB Pen House, Minna, saying that the questionnaire does not contain religion and ethnicity but basically on demographic socio economic characteristics.

Dattijo Usman noted that the National Population Commission primary purpose for its establishment is to undertake the enumeration of the population of Nigeria periodically through census.

The federal commissioner reiterated that the commission is fully ready for the census exercise in the country which is going to be completely digital and transformative.

He emphasized that it has carried out 33 activities.

Usman hinted that the postponement was not due to the unpreparedness of the commission, adding that they are only waiting for directive to commence the census exercise any moment.

L-R: Former President Jonathan and wife, Patience was in Ebonyi state at the invitation of the state government to commission some projects Monday. Here he commissions the Dr Goodluck Jonathan Bridge in Edda, Afikpo South local government supported by Governor Umahi, wife of the Governor, Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi and Dame Patience Jonathan, yesterday

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

There was a commotion out side court premises, as Mr C.O Adie, counsel to an Abuja based legal practitioner, Henry Onyinyechi Nwosu, who was arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Wuse zone 2, over land paper forgery, engaged the wife of the nominal complainant, Mrs Oluwatayo Adeyemi in a physical fight.

The woman was battered in the face with injuries, was moved to Wuse General Hospital for treatment, after the matter was reported at the Zone 3 Divisional Police Station.

Nwosu, alongside a Pastor, Jonathan Onuoha were arraigned, Monday, over alleged conspiracy and forgery of documents of a plot of land located at Zone 6, Dutse Alhaji District of Abuja.

Before the fracas, Mr Emmanuel Onuoha, counsel to the Pastor and

Ortom has done well in education, Benue SUBEB boss

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board,SUBEB, Joseph Utse has said over 3000 teachers have been engaged in the twilight of the Ortom administration.

He disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent at the weekend.

Utse maintained that the administration has in no small measure given priority to basic education.

He said 1,855 schools were constructed, 2,191 classrooms renovated, 264 bore holes dug, 80,384 furniture purchased for schools,616 teachers tables and chairs provided.

Utse added that 115 motorcycles were acquired, 158 computers and accessories, 14 laptops,14 printers, 20 and 10 tablets for e-monitoring and e-quality respectively provided for teachers in the State.

The SUBEB boss further intimated that the sum of 21.5 billion naira was received from UBEC with counterpart funding from the State Governemt to train head teachers, teachers and education managers from the period 2015 to 2021.

He however, advised the incoming governmentt to improve on what the outgoing government has done by employing more teachers and giving priority to their welfare.

Land papers forgery: How Lawyer physically assault complainant wife in court

second defendant in the charge had challenged the authorities of the newsmen to cover the arraignment of his client.

Onuoha protested to Magistrate Oyekan who directed newsmen to move out of the Court premises to do their job since they did not obtain permission to cover the arraignment.

All efforts by the Journalists that they did not need to obtain any order before covering court

were rebuffed prompting them to comply as directed by the Magistrate.

When the matter was called for arraignment, Counsel to the plaintiff, Gbenga Adeyemi, alleged that the forged documents of the land belonged to a retired Director of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Mr Royson Obijuru.

They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Sequel to the not guilty plea, counsel to the defendants, pleaded with the court to grant his clients’ bail, the motion the prosecution counsel, Olaolu Alao, didn’t oppose.

Chief Magistrate Muinat Folasade Oyekan granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 each and two sureties each in the like sums.

The court insists that the sureties must be resident in the jurisdiction of the Court and must

also be Civil Servants not below Grade Level 16.

Also, the sureties must swear to affidavit of means while the two accused persons are to be moved to prison custody on remand pending the time they will perfect their bail conditions.

Meanwhile, the Court has fixed June 7 for all pending motions in respect of the charge and continuation of trial.

NSCDC boss pledges to ensure annual sporting events for officers

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Aweek-long maiden Inter-Directorate Sports Competition organised and coordinated by the Sports Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for personnel at the National Headquarters, Abuja, has ended with 54 medals won in various competitions.

Approved by the Commandant General (CG), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the sporting event began on the 8th of May, featuring seven sporting events such as Football, Tug of war, Badminton, Table tennis, Chess, Scrabble and Dart, all of which were keenly contested for.

Represented by the Acting Deputy Commandant General (DCG) Technical Services, Engr. Saladin Adigun, the CG appreciates all participants, as

well as the officials for abiding strictly by the rules of the games and exhibiting high level of sportsmanship in line with global best practices.

He stated that the competition was approved In a bid to build a united, virile and physically fit workforce that is ready to fulfill its mandates at all times and pledges to make it an annual event.

“This competition could not have come at a better time than now considering the enormous tasks we are saddled with by the government.

“I approved the competition because there is need to build a dynamic workforce that is united, virile and physically fit.

“I enjoin those that did not win medals to go back to the drawing boards, train well to perform better in the future.

“We are going to make the competition an annual

event that may involve other formations of the Corps.

“I encourage all participants to sustain the tempo exhibited in the competition with a view to improving your performances on the job and in future tournaments,” the CG said.

Speaking on the competition, the Head of Sports Unit, Commandant Ogbadu Austin, appreciates the CG for granting the approval which made it possible for the competition to be held successfully.

He added that, the sports unit is preparing for a more inclusive tournament for all Officers and Men of the Corps, and that the just concluded competition is a test-run of the NSCDC games coming soon.

He expressed confidence that with the support of the CG, the forthcoming competition would be bigger and better, while at the same time, appealing for

corporate sponsorship from sports loving Nigerians.

At the end of the weeklong competition among the 6 Directorates, the office of the Commandant General (CG’s office) took the first position in the overall medal table with 6 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 bronze medals.

The Civil Defence Academy, Sauka, came second with 3 Gold, 1 Silver, while the Directorate of Administration took the third position with 2 Gold, 5 Silver, and 3 Bronze Medals in the tournament.

Others are Directorates of Operations and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure with 1 Gold medal respectively.

The Directorate of Operations won the football competition after defeating Critical National Assets Directorate 2 - 1 in the finals, while the CG Office came third in the football event.

L-R: Kaduna State People Democratic Party Chairman, Hassan Hyet, State Secretary, Ibrahim Wuzono, and the Party Treasurer, Kasimu Lawal, during the Press briefing over Alledge Suspention of Senator Ahmed Makarfi held at Party Sectariat, yesterday in Kaduna.

Stop FIRS usurpation of our statutory function, NIPOST Chair cries out

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Chairman, Nigerian Postal Service Board, Barr. Maimuna Abubakar has appealed on President

Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the ongoing tussle between the Federal Inland Revenue, FIRS, and the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, over which of the agencies should

administer stamp duty.

Maimuna made the appeal in Abuja, while speaking at 1st Economic Confidential Public Lecture & Presentation of the Books entitle, “Pantami -

Trials & Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro” and “e-Naira Revolution – A peep into Nigeria’s Cashless Future.”

In her speech, the NIPOST Board Chairman, who described

Kebbi gov elect to improve agriculture

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governorelect, Dr. Nasir Idris, has said that his administration will continue to promote agriculture and ensure more establishment of Rice

Mill in the State

He gave this assurance yesterday while addressing the management of WACOTT Rice Mill in Arugungu.

He added that as a labour leader, he was overwhelmed by the magnanimity of

WACOT to provide massive employment to indigenes of Kebbi state, thereby reducing unemployment and enhancing wealth creation.

Dr. Nasir Idris who was in WACOTT together with the Governor Abubakar Atiku

Bagudu on their facility tour round the second WACOT Rice Mill which was under construction commended Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for providing an enabling environment for WACOT.

2023 poll: US imposes visa ban on electoral offenders

By Ochiaka Ugwu

United States government said it had taken final step on its plans to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.

This was revealed in a statement by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Monday, published on the website of the US government.

According to the statement, “Today, I am announcing that we have taken final step to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle.”

While stating that, “the United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world,”

Secretary Blinken added that the visa restrictions “are specific to certain individuals and are not

directed at the Nigerian people or the government of Nigeria as a whole.”

Blinken added, “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy.”

However, as of the time of filing this report, no name of any individual has been published.

“These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.” The statement noted.

The US government disclosed the decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi (Centre) flanked by Sen. Julius Ali Ucha( Commissioner, South-East - right), Alh. Aliyu Auwalu Ohindase( Commissioner, North Central - left), Hon.Babagana Modu (Commissioner, North-East, - far right), and Ikharo, Lucky.U. ( Secretary to the Commission - far right) assisting the Executive Chairman of the commission to cut his 69th birthday cake on Friday in his office.

Niger Govt inaugurates Committee for seamless transition

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State government has inaugurated its inauguration committee for seamless transfer of power from governor Abubakar Sani Bello to the incoming governor, Umar Mohammed Bago.

The State Secretary to

the Government SSG Alhaji

Ahmed Ibrahim Matane while inaugurating various committees in his office, in Minna, said this will allay the concern, misconception and misrepresentation by the public.

He added that over 200 miscreants have been arrested in Minna and environs who

have been disturbing the relative peace enjoyed to ensure smooth movement in the state capital.

Matane reiterated the commitment of the state government in ensuring a hitch free transition.

He explained that the collapse of the two committees in to one was aimed at working

FIRS’ action as a usurpation of NIPOST legal duties, emphasized the need for the President to call for the withdrawal of the ongoing legal tussle and have it settled out of court.

Also present, the Keynote Speaker, Prof. Isa Pantami, who delivered a lecture themed, “Economic Diversification in an Evolving Cashless Society”, spoke on his ministry’s efforts at promoting Nigeria’s digitisation.

He further harped on the importance of exploring the knowledge based economy option for Nigeria in the quest for economic diversification.

Earlier, the Chairman, Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mohammed Shehu, who also chaired the event, clarified that diversification is vital for economic growth and development.

Provides family education center in rural areas, expert tells gov’t

By Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

In commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Family, proprietress of the Jewels Leading Lights Academy,Ms Oluwatoyin Oboh has called on government at all levels to establish family educational centers in the rural areas to sensitize parents on child upbringing.

Oboh stated this while speaking with journalists on the sideline of the International Day of Family with the Themes “Families and New Technology “in Abuja, yesterday.

She said the federal government can make use of the National Youth Service Corps, by training them in that area so that they can also educate parents in the villages.

together to ensure the success of the committees mandate of peace and tranquility process.

Responding, the chairman of the governor elect committee for inauguration, Dr Mohammed Kudu Santuraki stated that it’s a transition within same political party, hence the seamless transition of power.

“I would encourage the government to put up family education centers in the rural areas just like we have maternity centers, that can be in their loc languages. It must not be in English so that it will be accessible.

“We should remember that the value is embedded in the family,belief identity systems.“

Gulmarg ready to host G20

events

International tourist resort

Gulmarg of Baramulla is all set to welcome delegates from the G-20 nations in the last week of May 2023.

In this regard, the district administration of Baramulla is finalizing all the related arrangements, and the district is undergoing a major makeover amid a stringent security plan for the high-profile event.

All the developmental and beautification works are being supervised by the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Syed Sehrish Asgar.

She said that the stage is set and all the preparations are in the final stage.

Sehrish exhorted the departments to push for a double shift of working in all the existing works in a time-bound manner.

She emphasized greater coordination and synergy among line departments for the timely completion of developmental activities in Baramulla.

Moreover, the DDC had issued instructions to concerned authorities for grass cutting along roads, routes, and footpaths, closing manholes with lids, colour iron grills, making water fountains functional, smooth operation of streets lights, removing debris and construction material from roads so that the establishments get charmed and to boost aesthetics.

Meanwhile, the traffic on all routes will ply normally and to facilitate the foreign delegates, a proper traffic advisory will be issued in advance.

Welcome boards and signages have been erected in Gulmarg. The road to Gulmarg from Srinagar, the NarbalGulmarg stretch, has been given a new look.

To enhance the aesthetic value of the existing structures, footpaths and medians have been developed, traffic roads have been furnished, hoardings are installed and government buildings and commercial building walls are being painted in the district. To enhance the aesthetic value of the existing structures, footpaths and medians have been developed, traffic roads have been furnished, hoardings are installed the district.

Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci, sets new Guinness World Record for ‘marathon cooking’

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has surpassed the current Guinness World Record holder.

With her feat, she’s poised to break the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” after hitting the 87 hours 50 minutes mark.

The restaurateur began the competition on Thursday after she turned on her cooker at 4pm and surpassed the current world record holder on Monday morning.

If certified by the Guinness World Record, she will be displacing the current world record holder, Lata Tondon, an Indian chef who achieved the feat in 2019 with 87 hours 45 minutes record uninterrupted cooking.

Baci’s cooking marathon is currently ongoing at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State. In her ongoing recordbreaking attempt, Nigerians, including several celebrities defied the rain to physically cheer up the visibly tired chef.

The chef won the maiden edition of the Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021, pocketing a grand prize of $5000.

The Guinness Book of Records is a reference book that

contains human and natural world records.

It was first published in 1955 by the Guinness Brewery in Ireland and has since become one of the world’s most wellknown and frequently read reference books.

Individuals or groups must submit proof to the Guinness World Records team and go through a verification process to qualify for a world record listing.

FEC Approves N3.197bn Taxi Waylights, Photometric Pattern for 3 airports

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government has approved N3,197,127,22.72 for the procurement and installation of Taxi Waylights and Photometric Pattern in three airports and some other equipment all over the country.

This was even as the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, insisted that Nigeria Air will commence operation before handing over power in May 29, 2023.

Sirika stated this after the

Extraordinary Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Sirika explained that the equipment would be installed in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja airports.

“So today in council, something very significant has happened in the world of civil aviation. Part of our roadmap, the aviation leasing company has been established and

approved by council.

“Asecond memo was also a contract for procurement, an installation of taxi waylights in the system and photometric pattern in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja and some other equipment all over the country.

“And this contract is in the total sum for the photometric and taxi waylights system N3,197,127, 22.72 billion with an eight month period and the contractor Mssrss KSR3 Global Ledger Limited,” the minister said.

Showing the approval, the minister said, enterpreneurs in civil aviation will have access to these equipment at affordable rates in Nigeria, and this is part of the roadmap, adding that, the roadmap is gradually coming to 100% completion.

Regarding Nigeria Air, the minister further explained that “yes, we are on course, we’re on course, and by the grace of God before President Buhari leaves office, it will fly. We are on course, we are on course and before May 29, it will fly.

L-R: District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Olaleye Gbolahan (PHF), Sir Kingsley Okoro, Rotary International President’s Representative and Past District Governor (PDG), Rtn. Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and District Governor of Rotary, District 9125, Rotn. Goddy Nnadi, during the opening session of the 14th District Conference in Abuja on Friday.

Collaboration: Panacea to solving challenges in Nigeria’s aquaculture -Experts

Experts in the aquaculture industry in Nigeria have identified collaboration among stakeholders as a panacea to solving challenges in the industry. They stated this at the stallholders’ engagement workshop in Ibadan on Tuesday. The programme is with the theme: “Implementation of Best Management Practices in Aquaculture and E-Technology Platform Adoption for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Nigeria”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by USAID, hosted by University of Ibadan and the International Centre for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM). Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the Principal

Investigator, FIL Aquaculture Biosecurity Project, University of Ibadan, said the project was one of USAID-funded projects under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish. Adeyemo said that Nigeria was the host Country, and the project sites are Ogun and Delta states.

According to her, the theme of the workshop is focused on disseminating Best Management Practices in Aquaculture. She stated that it was developed as an outcome of the project with the hope that the uptake of BMP by farmers would lead to a significant reduction in the incidences of diseases in aquaculture. “We should also be presenting a justification for a collaborative development and implementation of a National Aquatic Animal

Health and Governance Strategy (NAAHS). “We strongly believed that communicating our findings will in no little measure assist Competent Authorities with jumpstarting the processes involved in having a NAAHS enacted, implemented, and monitored.

This is to ensure performance sustainability and resilience of the Nigerian aquaculture industry,” she said. Adeyemo said the workshop would showcase best examples of electronic technology platforms for aquaculture development in Nigeria. This, she said, would include demonstrating the improvements of E-Aquahealth Solutions, that was developed to bridge the identified gap of inadequate veterinary and disease diagnostic support to

the Industry. Also, Prof. Gabriel Ogundipe, Head, Department, of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, stated that the industry in Nigeria was growing and Nigeria was depending on it for animal protein supply.

So, many people are in the industry either as fishermen or as fish farmers, whereas a lot of people are also involved in marketing the products of the aquaculture industry. “So, we need to sustain the industry to be able to feed the multitudes of Nigerians. “We also need to sustain the industry to maintain the people who are employed by the industry. “And, we also need to maintain this industry because of the consumers who depend on fish for their livelihood,” he said.

PHOTO: ROTARY D9125

Seun Kuti and the burden of policing Nigeria

By Zayd Ibn Isah

Seun Kuti’s lawless act is despicable, to say the least. And that this is happening at a time the IGP and PSC Chairman are poised to rid the Force of its bad eggs is worrisome. After all, no one can disrespect a police uniform more than the very officer who wears it. That is why these symbolic uniforms are often earned at great cost in order to reflect the high standards of authority and duty they represent.

“Policing Nigeria is difficult.” – Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON

The Vice President made the above statement when he paid host to His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan (The Yakanaje Uke of Nasarawa State) in his office at the Presidential Villa. In fact, his exact words were, “Policing Nigeria is difficult, hence the decision by the country’s leadership to reorganize the security architecture for effective results.”

It appears the Vice President shares similar sentiments with the former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu. The former IGP had once said that policing Nigeria in the era of social media has proven quite difficult. He made this claim during the closing ceremony of a four-day capacity building workshop for Police Public Relations Officers in Anambra State.

Now, I couldn’t agree more with both the Vice President and the former IGP. From personal experience alone, I know that policing in Nigeria is one of the most difficult anyone can do. Consider the fact that most Nigerians often complain about policing in Nigeria, but see no problem in breaking the law as long as it either benefits them or comes with no consequence. And that as a law enforcement agent, it isn’t enough trouble bringing law-breakers to book, but you’re meant to conduct yourself properly even in the face of unruliness, disrespect and animosity. You now understand why the Vice President and the former IGP were of the view that policing in Nigeria is a very difficult job, right?

The viral video of Seun Kuti attacking a uniformed police officer is another glaring proof of why policing in Nigeria is a very herculean task. Oluwaseun Kuti, widely known as Seun Kuti, is a Nigerian musician, singer and the youngest son of Afrobeats pioneering legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Seun’s act of rascality has stirred up a storm of outrage on social media, with many concerned Nigerians already calling for his head. This is even as the Inspector-General of Police has ordered for Seun’s immediate arrest and

possible prosecution. The Chairman, Police Service Commission, has also released a statement commending the IGP’s swift response and imploring that the law must take due course to set a cautionary example..

Reacting to the calls for his arrest and prosecution, Seun alleged that the police officer had tried to “kill him” and his family members, causing him to react in what he believed to be an act of self-defence. How Seun intends to corroborate this statement is up to his lawyers to decide, because in the widely circulated video, the policeman in question appears to be unarmed. And even after being slapped, the policeman incredibly kept his cool. This outstanding detail alone earned him the respectful commendation of the PSC Chairman.

Meanwhile, Seun has joined the long list of Nigerian citizens who have assaulted police officers while performing their lawful duties. Sometime in April, 2021, a police officer attached to the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad, ASP Sunday Erharbor, was assaulted by a young man later identified as Emmanuel Ebhomenyen. The officer’s offence? He was only trying to arrest Emmanuel for driving against traffic. And the young man took offence at that.

How did we get to this stage where citizens raise their hands against our nation’s symbol of authority? How? But what surprised people most about the aforementioned incident was that ASP Sunday never even tried to use his AK–47 rifle while the young man unleashed a barrage of blows on him. And that earned him an award from the Lagos State Government. Whenever anyone says, “All police officers are trigger-happy killers,” I often refer them back to this record of ASP Sunday’s exemplary professional conduct.

But perhaps, the most amazing part of Seun’s lawless act is that he sees assault on police officers as no big deal. He later confirmed in a video posted on his social media page that what he did on Saturday, in broad daylight no less, was nothing compared to past encounters he has had with police officers. And he always get away with it. But it remain to be seen whether he will escape the long arm of the law this time around.

I am quite sure that the likes of Peter Okoye and other celebrity musicians pleading for justice to be tempered with mercy on Seun’s behalf would have lowered their heads in shame after watching Seun implicate himself even further. This is because what he said in that video is enough evidence to nail him in court. At this point, only a popular Igbo proverb captures the current situation perfectly, and that’s the one which says people whom the

Sudan’s scared and scarred evacuees

By Ike Willie-Nwobu

There are not a few Nigerians who believe that one of the main reasons Nigerians are found all over the world, including in some of the most remote countries imaginable, is that things are not working as they should in their country.

As with war everywhere and every time, the conflict in Sudan has yielded multiple victims, many of them cross-border victims

It was in February 2022 that the world was shaken by a new conflict coming from the heart of Europe and going to the center of the European Union, which is one of the most important regional organizations in the world.

Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine immediately sent shockwaves across the world, sending refugees pouring over the border into neighboring countries.

The world’s response to what was essentially an act of defiance from Russian President Vladimir Putin was characteristically harsh, with sanctions springing up from every corner of the world, targeting Russia’s most powerful men and threatening to suffocate Russia’s interest.

The war continues even today as the world continues to hold its breath over the bread basket of Europe.

The war in Ukraine immediately sent food prices soaring across the world and plunging millions far removed from the epicenter of the world into hunger.

The conflict in Sudan is having a similar, even if not dramatically identical, impact in Africa. As two military men have metamorphosed into monsters, the peril pelting innocent

civilians in Sudan has not just been reserved for the Sudanese. Nationals of other countries who until the conflicts had lived in panic in a troubled country have also been roundly affected.

Many countries have had to evacuate their citizens from Sudan. Nigeria has not been left out. Nigerian students, businessmen have had to be evacuated amidst much tension.

When the government announced that the humongous sum of $1.2 million had been budgeted for buses for the evacuation, there was an uproar at home over the amount. The uproar is yet to die down, despite the best explanations of the Nigerian government.

It appears that every Nigerian who wanted to return from Sudan has since returned. But what exactly have they returned to? What manner of life have they returned to?

There is admittedly a lot of dysfunction in Nigeria. While Nigerians like to think they are better than other Africans, as aptly observed my gifted author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, many African countries are doing quite well for themselves. Take Rwanda, Senegal, Mauritania and even the Seychelles.

While they may be far smaller countries compared to Nigeria, they are proving they can outdo the giant of Africa in the provision of basic amenities.

One of the evacuees stated that in Sudan they were always assured of eighteen hours of power supply. Can the same be said of Nigeria?

What is it that works in Nigeria apart from chaos and corruption? It was striking that as some Nigerians were forced to evacuate from Ukraine in the thick of the war, some preferred to

gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.

The job of policing in Nigeria is not just difficult, but a thankless one as well. Police officers in Nigeria are practically expected to perform magic in their frantic efforts to fight crimes and criminality. Also, they are expected to be over and above board. As a matter of fact, being a police officer automatically translates to being under pressure to convince a lot of people that look o, you are different from regular police officers often encountered on the road, that you don’t collect bribes or abuse the authority you possess. And nobody may believe you.

If Nigerians hold other civil/public servants to these same high standards, this country would no doubt be better off for it. But then, their concerned wish for a police institution in the mold of the highly-trained NYPD (United States) and tactically efficient Metropolitan (United Kingdom) is understandable. Afterall, there is no organized country without an effective police force. However, we must first of all understand that ours is a third world country. The only way we can have an intelligently advanced, highly sophisticated and logistically competent police force is through strategies to utilize proper funding, adequate manpower and state support.

Seun Kuti’s lawless act is despicable, to say the least. And that this is happening at a time the IGP and PSC Chairman are poised to rid the Force of its bad eggs is worrisome. After all, no one can disrespect a police uniform more than the very officer who wears it. That is why these symbolic uniforms are often earned at great cost in order to reflect the high standards of authority and duty they represent. If we allow them to be undermined and disrespected by lawless individuals like Seun, the end result could spell destruction on an unimaginable scale.

Another thing we need to do to curb these incessant attacks on police officers is to review the law criminalizing assault on officers going about their lawful duties. It may interest you to know that the penalty for assaulting a civilian is 25 years under the Anti-Torture Act of 2017. Meanwhile, the penalty for slapping a police officer is three years imprisonment under the Criminal Code. If one of the main aims of imposing punishment is deterrence, then such a small term of imprisonment for the assault of police officers and other uniformed personnel is simply not deterrent enough.

Zayd Ibn Isah writes in from Abuja and can be reached via: isahzayd@gmail.com

remain in detention centers in Poland than return to the country. Others who returned only grudgingly have since predictably struggled to piece their lives back together in a bid to go again. It is as if they had an inkling of what awaited them here.

There are not a few Nigerians who believe that one of the main reasons Nigerians are found all over the world, including in some of the most remote countries imaginable, is that things are not working as they should in their country.

The standard of living was well on a downward spiral due to poverty before things suddenly became complicated by insecurity which has rocked the country to its core.

Today, things have only gone from bad to worse, with many of those who live in the country struggling to cling on to dear life.

For those who have been forced to flee their relatively stable lives in Sudan, it is no doubt back to basics.

Many of the evacuees who manage to pick up the pieces of their lives would have to go again. They may have to start from the scratch to make sense of things in a thoroughly dysfunctional country.t

It should be tough, of course, but with time and a lot of fortitude, they should be able to make something of a thoroughly dire situation.

The conflict In Sudan in another searing lesson for Nigeria on the dangers of conflict, especially the displacement, destabilization, devastation, and despair it brings.

Ike Willie-Nwobu writes in from Abuja

National Assembly sovereignty: Joke taken too far

By Owei Lakemfa

For many legislators, investing huge sums in getting elected into parliament is a worthy investment because the returns are very high; perhaps the highest and safest investment in the country.

AS an undergraduate in Great Ife, the Obafemi Awolowo University, I was a member of the Students Representative Council, the parliament. Whenever we met, the generality of the student body surrounded the venue to observe. The idea was that the parliament represented the students, so they have a right not only to observe, but also influence it. In a far limited sense, that is what is called the gallery; except that while the gallery can be cleared, same does not apply to the parliament.

The idea that parliamentarians are autonomous and should not be influenced either in picking their officers or legislating, was ridiculous.

Given that background and consciousness, I find it a huge joke for some legislators-elect to demand that the leadership of the 10th National Assembly should be determined by members alone without influence from outside, including, the ruling party and the President-elect.

It is wishful thinking to expect the in-coming Executive to be disinterested in who becomes the Senate President, Speaker or their Deputies. Even the legislators diverting the country’s attention on such a matter know they are joking. Otherwise, they would not be littering our cities with their billboards and posters soliciting to be elected into the leadership of the National Assembly when they know the general populace, being neither Distinguished Senators nor Honourable Members, are not eligible to vote in the hallowed chambers.

I have not read about these legislators or their horde of supporters making a case for pro-people programmes the next Assembly should pursue; how to check the financial recklessness of previous assemblies, or the content of the character of those aspiring to lead the Assembly. It is all about zoning, sharing offices, and by extension, cornering the resources of the country.

Some even warn that the scenario of the 8th Assembly when Senator Bukola Saraki broke ranks and got himself elected against the position of the party, should not be repeated. I ask: why not? Was the rebel Saraki leadership not far better than the out-going rubber stamp Assembly leadership?

The idea that only National Assembly members should determine who the Senate President or House Speaker should be is as ridiculous as saying politics should be left to politicians alone. Even when the Constitution empowers the President to pick ministers, he cannot be allowed to do so without pressures and interference from various groups, parties, communities and interests, including the National Assembly. Indeed, it will be ridiculous to expect one man alone to pick a minimum of one minister from each of the 36 states without outside interference.

Even if we all close our eyes and play deaf to the process of NASS members electing officers, that would not mean the Assembly will be independent; a parliamentary leadership that wants to sell out will do so irrespective of whether its ascension was backed or rejected by ‘outsiders’. In any case, the idea of whether the NASS is independent or not would not be determined by its antagonism to the Executive.

The fact is that the way the NASS runs is so compromised that it cannot be independent of the Executive. First, it pays its members all sorts of allowances and emoluments, outside what is officially approved. And that is to the extent that the net payment to a member of the House of Representatives comes to some N10 million ($21,621) monthly and that of the Senator, N14 million ($32,272) monthly.

Secondly, the Assembly pads the National Budget so heavily that President Muhammadu Buhari in his 2022 Budget claimed that the NASS inserted 6,576 new projects in the budget, including over 1,500 into the budget of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture alone. These insertions are done without regard to needs, feasibility studies, conceptualisation, design, costing or availability of funds. This, as we are aware, is an annual ritual in the NASS.

Thirdly, the parliamentarians hijack executive responsibilities

by awarding themselves ‘constituency projects’ which they cost, award, implement, supervise and approve by themselves.

Perhaps a more fundamental issue is the electoral process that produced many of the NASS members which we all know cannot stand the most basic of scrutiny. Some were not even candidates produced through normal party primaries; and for many, their elections were characterised by financial inducement, blatant vote-buying, intimidation and violence. In summary, the process which produced some NASS members was criminal.

For many legislators, investing huge sums in getting elected into parliament is a worthy investment because the returns are very high; perhaps the highest and safest investment in the country.

So, what we truly need in Nigeria is not the so-called independence of the legislator from the Executive, but his independence from an un-parliamentary culture. A critical step is to make it so unattractive that only those interested in serving the people will seek election into parliament. I am never tired of making a contrast between the Nigerian Senator who for the work of making laws collects an obscene net of $32,272 monthly or $387,264 annually, and his Cuban counterpart who receives not a single cent for doing the same work. While the Nigerian Senator claims to be doing legislative work full-time and lays claims to other monies, including for vehicles, the Cuban Senator has a fulltime work and being a legislator is part-time. So in Cuba, after a normal day’s work, while his fellow workers are going home to their families or for relaxation, the Senator is heading to the National Assembly for the voluntary part-time work of making laws. Therefore, where in Nigeria a Senator may be willing to buy votes, employ thugs and violence in order to get elected or reelected, the Cuban Senator does not buy votes, and may not even be too keen to get elected. Yet, the quality of law making in Cuba, is not inferior to that in Nigeria. If anything, going by the propeople laws in Cuba, the Cuban National Assembly is far superior to that of Nigeria.

Owei Lakemfa is a Public Policy Analyst.

In support of Igbo senate president

By Dele Sobowale

Many of the planes asked to be relocated have been disabled for years. The owners of a few have died or fallen on hard luck and cannot possibly relocate them. Others are involved in court cases – with the aircraft as part of the dispute –and cannot be moved out of the courts’ jurisdiction by the party operating them. Obviously, this is an order made virtually in vain – unless FAAN wants to take the risk of moving them.

“The old world dying; the new world impossible to be born…” – Matthew Arnold, 1822-1888

To me, election 2023 is not yet over because the courts still have a lot to decide. At least one aspect of the new government is beyond dispute. The All Progressives Congress, APC, has such an overwhelming lead in the number of senators elected as to leave the matter of which party will hold the position of Senate President beyond reasonable doubt. An APC senator will lead the Senate during the tenth National Assembly, NASS. The only question left for our politicians to answer for us is: who should it be and why? Unless the courts decide otherwise, it would appear that we are stuck with a President from the South-West and a Vice President from the North-East. Buhari’s government had a North-West President and a South-West Vice President. Let me place my cards on the table – face-up; I strongly believe that selecting a Senate President from the South-East will seriously help to lower the political tension in the country.

I know that this appeal amounts to repeating myself; and the principal reason for advocating Igbo Senate President remains as valid as my call for the presidency over the years. According to the late Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr, 1929-1968, “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic, nor popular, but, he must take it because conscience tells him that it is right.” Conscience and my instincts tell me that an Igbo Senate President will be in the national interest at this time.

Before going forward, I will strongly advise Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to avoid getting sucked into the issue by those trying to carry truckloads of senators to him. The Red Chamber of the NASS is where the action is and will be. In fact, any senator seeking the President’s endorsement has already signified that he is ready to make a deal to mortgage the Senate’s independence for personal benefit. The spectacle of the 41 senators, led like sheep, by one of them would have been funny – if not tragic. If Tinubu must know the truth, the next NASS will be the most divided and most difficult to manage by its President.

Some of the basis for hostilities will include the sharing of appointments – Ministers, Military Chiefs, INEC Chair, EFCC, Special Advisers, NNPC, Customs, NPA, NCC etc. He cannot rely

on all APC senators to be happy with his decisions and people everywhere are more aware of the most lucrative posts. Those who feel cheated will no longer toe the line of the Senate President – unless he is their choice.

The tough decisions the President must make, not just on fuel subsidy, but also others, like downsizing the over-bloated Public Service, will affect different states differently. Increasingly, senators will have to take their state’s interests into consideration instead of following, sheep-like, any Senate President. Tinubu will have a mountain load of his own problems; he should not add antagonizing senators he did not favour by getting involved. What happened under Obasanjo should be a lesson to him.

Finally, Tinubu supporting a non-Igbo candidate will only confirm the views of those who already accuse him of being anti-Ndigbo. That would constitute a major setback for his need to unite the nation for the tasks ahead. As an economist, I can state authoritatively that we need Igbo domestic investment and Diaspora remittances to survive and grow as a nation.

That said; what are my reasons for, once again, supporting Igbo candidate for Senate President? For a start, the equity issue remains abiding; the South-East remains the only zone locked out of the major power positions – President, Vice President, Senate President and Speaker — at the Federal level since the Yar’Adua/ Jonathan/Sambo administration began. Every other zone had occupied one or the other of those highly-exalted positions – but not the Igbo. Inadvertently or premeditated, by the end of this month, four National Assemblies, NASS, would have passed into history; yet we have not been able to find one Igbo person who could hold any of those positions. Given the atrocious performance of all the former office holders from the other five zones, it would appear to me that an Igbo Senate President cannot do much worse. One saved us from Third Term Agenda. How, for instance, do you explain the N22.7 trillion Ways and Means debt accumulated with a Senate President in charge? How bad can things get?

Furthermore, this particular presidential election has generated a new kind of ethnic hatred and animosity different from any before it. Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan and Buhari elections ended without creating ethnic tensions anywhere. But, this last one has left well-meaning Igbo and Yoruba leaders working to ensure that a lot of the violent language does not end up in real conflict. Whereas, every loser in all the other elections was aware that the courts would not decide the case for months to come, the unrealistic expectation in certain quarters that the presidency will or should remain vacant will certainly result in unforeseen and unknown consequences after May 29, 2023 –when it finally dawns on the young people that inauguration will

take place as scheduled.

I am aware of the promises by the Armed Forces of Nigeria that they are equal to the task. Ordinarily, it would provide peace of mind if one can totally believe them. But, I am also aware that most Generals are always fighting the last war. The Nigerian top brass is prepared for massive crowds lurching towards Eagle Square. But, today, given technology, Eagle Square can be reached by people situated hundreds of miles away. And, as Virgil, 70-19 BC, has said, “Anger supplies the arms.” Even the most optimistic Nigerian must admit that there is a lot of anger in the land; and it takes just a few determined fanatics to cause a great deal of trouble. So, why not defuse one of the political landmines by creating an all-inclusive Federal Government with an Igbo Senate President? Precious peace would have been enhanced by taking one of the most volatile flashpoints out of contention.

Contrary to what most people might think, it is not an impossible task for well-meaning Nigerians. We don’t need all the senators to vote for the Igbo candidate – whoever they might decide among them to put forward. A majority of the senators voting is required to elect the President. There are 15 senators from the South-East. Hopefully, they will be sensible enough not to present two or three candidates – despite the fact that APGA, APC, LP and PDP are all there. The Tower of Babel syndrome should not blind them to the fact that the over-riding objective is to get an Igbo Senate President elected; instead of losing the chance to another zone. Grumbling after throwing away victory serves no purpose.

Now, 57 committed senators are needed; meaning that 42 votes must come from other ethnic groups. That is the point of this article. From the South-South, about 11 senators from at least eight different ethnic groups have emerged; South-West contributes 18 senators; North Central, 18 senators and about 15 ethnic groups; North-East has produced 18 senators hailing from 11 ethnic groups and North-West with 21 senators and three ethnic groups. The hunting grounds for support of Igbo Senate presidency are South-South, North-Central, North-East, SouthWest and North-West in that order. Incidentally, they can get two surprising votes from an unexpected place in the South-South and reduce the search to 40 votes.

I am appealing to all incoming senators to assist in bringing closure to the Civil War. For once, our elected representatives from all the other ethnic groups should embrace our Igbo brothers. I have no candidate and have not spoken to any of them. The choice is entirely up to our Distinguished Senators. I pray they will use this opportunity to bring us together.

Dele Sobowale is a Public Policy Analyst.

Niger Gov. applauds Buhari for Zungeru Dam Power project completion

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani

Bello has applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the completion of the 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State.

Governor Bello made the commendation when he joined the Minister of Power, Eng. Abubakar Aliyu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Gabriel Suswam on a fact-finding visit to the facility.

He added that the Hydroelectric Dam being the fourth in the state would benefit the surrounding communities and ensure access to more electricity to the people of the state and beyond.

Minister of Power Eng.

Aliyu also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for sustaining and completing the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project which he said its type was last constructed in 1960.

He said the work has been completed and all necessary measures are being put in place at the National Council of Privatization to tidy up the concession deal with Mainstream Energy, the preferred bidder.

The Zungeru Power Dam which has a height of 95m and is located on River Kaduna is the first dam to be constructed using Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) technology, four of the turbine have been completed each with 175 MGW with four water spillways.

The 330KV Switchyard at Mararaba has been completed and the 132kv Tegina Substation ongoing will soon be completed. Places visited included, the reservoir, control room, 330 KV switch yard that connects power generated from Jebba, shiroro and now Zungeru to the National Grid, and Mararaba Switch yard among others.

FG issues licenses for online university, 36 others

By Egena Sunday Ode

The Federal Government on Monday approved the licensing of 37 new universities in Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after an extraordinary meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC

chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

He noted that the new approval, brings to 72 the total number of universities licensed by the Buhari administration since 2015.

The minister, however, did not name the universities, revealing that one of them is an online university, the first of its kind in

Nigeria owned by a woman from Bauchi State.

According to him, it is expected that it will cater for the likes of northern Muslim women who feel reluctant or are restrained from attending physical campus education.

Asked if the additional universities were really expedient given the funding challenges of

existing ones, Adamu explained that these ones are all private, with enough funds to run them and they should not be denied the opportunity to exist.

Besides, the Minister said, “Nigeria actually needs more universities as the available ones are nor adequate to take up all those aspiring for higher education.”

Bagudu donates 2 trucks of rice, cash to Kebbi NYSC

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governor Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu has donated two

trucks of 10 kg rice and cash to Corps Members and Camp Officials.

He disclosed this yesterday when he paid an unscheduled

visit to the camp at Dakingari, promising to complete male hostel before handing over.

Bagudu who addressed the 2023 Batch A Stream II Corps

Members, that were currently undergoing their NYSC Orientation, congratulated them for the successful completion of their various courses.

10th NASS: Wadada’ll make a difference in Senate — Stakeholders

Some political stakeholders in Nasarawa West Senatorial District have expressed optimism that Senator-elect Ahmed Wadada would make a difference in the upcoming 10th Senate.

They expressed their views at an interactive session between Wadada and his Campaign Council under the leadership of Prof. Silas Gyar, Chairman of the Advisory Council and the Director-General, Alhaji Bello Ramalan, held on Friday in Keffi.

In his remark, the former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Alhaji Aliyu Tijjani said even before the inauguration of the 10th Senate, Wadada has demonstrated capacity to provide quality representation for his constituents.

Tijjani described Wadada as a unifying factor in the politics of Western Zone, adding that his election was very unique in the

political history of the senatorial district.

He said: “The people of Nasarawa West Senatorial District, irrespective of tribal and religious differences and political affiliations voted for Wadada because of the confidence reposed on him.

“It is only during the election of Wadada that religious leaders including Pastors preached in the Churches and told their followers to vote for him.

“There was no question of tribe or religion throughout the period of the election that brought Wadada to the Senate and I believe that he will make a difference at the Senate.”

Earlier, Mr Adabson Tanimu, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, said: ”The people of the district voted for Wadada because of his competency not his political party.”

Tanimu,who is the DirectorGeneral of Gov. Abdullahi Sule/ Akabe Campaign Council, enjoined the Senator-elect to embrace people of the senatorial district irrespective of their political inclinations.

Also, Alhaji Bello Ramalan, former two-term member of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, said the people of the zone were pleased with what Wadada has started doing at the national level.

He said: “We are excited with the recent engagements of Wadada with the serving and Senatorselect. It has reaffirmed our hope and belief in his commitment to give us effective representation at the Senate.”

Similarly, Alhaji Danladi Madaki, a former lawmaker and Commissioner of Environment, Nasarawa State, described Wadada as a man of great political sagacity who was always concerned with the

progress of his people.

On her part, Hajiya Rabi Taro, a grassroots mobiliser, urged Wadada to work assiduously towards addressing the high rate of unemployment in the area.

Responding, Wadada said: ”I am a Senator for all the people of the district irrespective of political differences.”

The Senator-elect harped on the need for sustainable peace, unity and mutual respect among the people of the district.

Wadada said that the meeting was convened to update his campaign council and the people of the district on unfolding developments regarding the 10th National Assembly.

He promised to work diligently to ensure that his constituency, state and the North Central got what was due to them from the Senate and the Federal Government.

NAN

Representative of the Vice president / Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu (3rd left), Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare (2nd Left) Director General NYSC Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed (2nd right) ,Former National Director, NYSC , Dr Ahamdu Ali (right). during, the NYSC 50th anniversary celebration of the Corps, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Aleading aspirant for the 10th Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence in securing the required number of support across party affiliations from the Senators-elect to defeat opponents.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom said this when he led senatorselect from various political parties on a courtesy call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State at the State House Marina, to seek the support of the Lagos State Government for his emergence as the next Senate President.

This comes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) battles pressures from two sides on whether or not to revisit its zoning template.

Recall that the Vice Presidentelect, Senator Kashim Shettima, a South-South governor and some power brokers had moved in to ensure that the party’s choices

June 13: We’ve enough number to win Senate Presidency -Akpabio boasts

prevail.

The APC National Working Committee, NWC, had, last week unveiled Akpabio (South-South) as Senate president; Jibrin Barau (North-West) as Deputy Senate president; Tajudeen Abass (NorthWest) as speaker; and Benjamin Kalu (South-East) as Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Akpabio, however, promised that the Senators-elect would collaborate with others and Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure Lagos succeeds.

He said, “This is a stability group of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We have the numbers; we have men and women

of virtue across party affiliations on our side. We have come today to show ourselves to the Lagos State Governor and solicit his support to endorse Senator Akpabio and Senator Jibrin, as Senate President and deputy Senator President respectively.

“We are determined to express support for the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We believe that his project, is a nationalistic project which will bring more goodies to Nigeria.”

In his response, Sanwo-Olu commended the Senators-elect for displaying a high sense of responsibility and threw his weight behind them.

YYF, NEPF commend Buhari for nomination Ba’ale as NEDC board chair

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

By Abubakar Yunusa

South East Unity Movement has charged President elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to take the path honour by remaining neutral and democrats in the affairs of the National assembly leadership tussle.

The group also cautioned Tinubu not to be dragged into counterproductive, selfserving conflicts over the NASS leadership.

Chairman of the South East Unity Movement,Godwish Kuruma Obi made the call in a statement shared with Journalists in Abuja, yesterday.

“We urge politicians to tread with caution and play by the rules with fairness to all sections of the country devoid of dangerous preconditions and sinister motives.

“We call on political party structures particularly the party in power to allow the three organs of government to exercise their constitutionally demarcated roles unhindered,”he said .

He also cautioned that the National Working Committee of the APC is against continuous meddling with the leadership affairs with the constitutionally and democratically independent and autonomous legislative arm of government.

The North East Progressive Forum (NEPF) and the Yobe Youth Forum (YYF) have commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni over the nomination of Barrister Bashir Bukar Ba’ale as the Chairman Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC).

NEPF, in a statement by its leader, Comrade Muhammed Hassan, explained that the nomination of Ba’ale is a landmark achievement in the history of the commission as they

expressed hope of a total turnaround in the North East.

NEPF emphasized the need for urgent confirmation of Barrister Ba’ale by the Senate as the Chairman, Governing Board of the North East Development Commission.

“While wishing him the best in the new assignment, the group expressed belief that Barrister Ba’ale would justify the confidence reposed in him by President Buhari towards achieving total transformation of the North East Development Commission and new strategies and policies that will bring new hope for the people of the North East.”

They also said that the appointment of Barrister Ba’ale would bring a new lease of life to the North East, onsidering the devastating effects of insecurity in the North East.

Similarly, the YYF commended the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni and All Progressive Congress Party (APC) for their support towards the nomination.

In a statement by the President of the YYP, Alhaji Muhammed Usman, it said Governor of Yobe State and the Chieftains of All Progressive Congress Party (APC) had made a right choice by nominating Ba’ale

to the North East Development Commission, noting that his doggedness and innovation will change the narratives in the entire North East.

The forum therefore appealed to the senate to accede to the request of President Muhammadu Buhari by confirming the nomination of the board members of the North East Development Commission.

The YYP called on stakeholders in the north east to give maximum cooperation to the Board members to collectively realize the dreams and visions of developing the north east states.

Senate Presidency: Yari ignores APC zoning arrangement, intensifies campaign

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator - elect for Zamfara West

, Abdulaziz Yari , declared on Monday in Abuja that he is in the race for the Presidency of the 10th Senate in line with constitutional provisions and not zoning arrangement made by any political party .

Yari who stated this while fielding questions from journalists at the sideline of induction programme held for Senators and Members - elect for the 10th National Assembly at International Conference Centre (ICC) , said his aspiration is not an affront against his party , the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Working Committee of APC had in giving direction to where the leadership of the 10th National

Assembly will come from , zoned the Presidency of the Senate to South - South in person of Godswill Akpabio and Deputy President of the Senate to North West in person of Jibrin Barau.

But eight days after, Yari insisted that he is still in the race as provided for by section 50 ( 2) of the 1999 Constitution.

“My aspiration for Presidency of the 10th Senate is covered by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution which to me , is superior to any other law or arrangement.

“I am a loyal party man, nobody has told me that any position has been zoned to anywhere as far as the 10th National Assembly is concerned.

“Position of President of the Senate , is first among equals among the 109 Senators. Any Senator - elect who wants to occupy the position, must seek for support of others which I am

doing.

“It is a hire and fire arrangement. I want them to hire me as President of the 10th Senate on the day of inauguration . Many of those approached by me have given their support and I will not disappoint them.

“My becoming Senate President on the day of inauguration lies with a decision that will be made by 108 other Senators that day and nothing else”, he said.

Throwing his weight behind him, another Senator - elect from Zamfara State, Sahabi Ya’u, told journalists in a separate interview, that as far as he and many of the senatorselect on the platform of APC are concerned, the zoning made by the party was not known to them.

“I read about the zoning arrangement in the papers like other people. Nobody has

discussed such a plan with us and in any case, Senators-elect are the ones to decide who they want as President or Deputy President”, he said.

Also commenting on the issue at another interview session with journalists, Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party, Anambra Central), said Senators - elect and not party arrangement, will decide who becomes what and what on the day of inauguration.

“APC as the ruling party and the party with majority of seats in the Senate, has zoned the positions of President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate to the zones it felt deserves them , but on the day of inauguration, Senators - elect will decide the fate of those interested in the positions as provided for by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution”, he said.

Akpabio

N/Assembly: Group urges Tinubu to remains neutral, democrat

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun state, on Monday, dismissed two petitions file by two political parties, Action People’s Party (APP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) against the re-election of Dapo Abiodun, during the March 18 governorship election.

The APP had filed its petition challenging the return of Abiodun as the Governor-elect in the Ogun state governorship election held on 18 March 2023.

It, however deposed in its application for discontinuation moved this morning that “upon

Ogun Tribunal dismisses APP, NNPP petitions against Abiodun, APC

the re-evaluation of the grounds and facts of the petition, the petitioner is not reasonably convinced about the sustainability of the grounds of the petition as presently constituted before this Honourable Tribunal.”

APP declared that the withdrawal of the petition is based on the fact that upon a further evaluation of the petition, the petitioner had found that the respondent won the highest

number of lawful votes as duly recognised by INEC and permitted by law.

On its own, the NNPP Chairman in the state, Sunday Oginni had disclosed that the party, which filed a petition against Abiodun before the Tribunal over the alleged omission of the party’s logo on the ballot papers for the governorship election by INEC was ready to withdraw.

“The New Nigeria Peoples

Party, Ogun State chapter under the leadership of Comrade Olaposi Oginni Sunday hereby step out of court and withdraw the suit with petition number: EPT/OG/ GOV/01/2023,” he announced.

“We came to realise that on that same date; March 18 despite the fact that the INEC did not comply with an electoral act that stipulated that the name and logo must be on the ballot, the electorates still manage to vote for

some of NNPP’s candidates and some of our candidates won in some places”.

“For example, in Kano State, the governorship candidate of our party and candidates of NNPP for the house of assembly and Reps were declared winners”, Oginni said.

The Chairman of the Tribunal upheld the applications of the two party and dismissed the petitions accordingly.

Alleged threat: Adebutu chased by ego, creditors, failed ambition – Ogun APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Ogun State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, Ladi Adebutu, as “one who is only being pursued by creditors, his ego and failed ambition”.

The Ogun APC stated this in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, on Monday.

Oladunjoye was reacting to a news report credited to Adebutu, who lost the March 19, 2023 governorship election, that he has “gone into hiding over an alleged threat to his life.”

The ruling APC described Adebutu’s “latest script as advance-clowning taken too far”.

He said the State Security Service (SSS) withdrew its officers attached to him and the police reduced their own, saying that he felt exposed to harm after the SSS withdrew its personnel and the police scaled down their own.

Adebutu alleged that he was in possession of credible intelligence that attempts were being made to kidnap him before the determination of his petition.

Oladunjoye said, “We do not want to believe that someone who had dreamt of being the governor of a state like Ogun is oblivious of the fact that it is a normal practice to downsize security details after elections, except you are a President, Vice- President, Governor and others.

“Perhaps, he wants to continue to hold on to security operatives paid by tax payers’ money as he did on the day of the last governorship election, when he was moving from Ogun East senatorial district to the others, in breach of the Electoral laws and guidelines,”

the statement said.

The APC further stated that, “Our advice to Adebutu is that ‘promise is a debt until it is paid’, he should pay without further delay, his sundry creditors, agents, officials and

contractors, and stop muckracking in a vainglorious attempt to cover his misdeeds.”

“It would be recalled that recently, a letter of appointment by PDP/Adebutu to one of his lackeys went viral. The latest is

his funny request for security cover equivalent to that of an elected state governor!

“Adebutu should just stop all these hallucinations and be prepared to face the laws of the land on what he and his

ramshackle party perpetrated during the last elections. He can only run, but cannot hide forever from the long arms of the law”, the statement concluded.

May 29: It’s time to support incoming govt – Gambari

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Ahead of the inauguration of the President-elect and governors on May 29, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has urged Nigerians to start building support and provide an enabling environment for the incoming government to thrive.

Gambari made the call in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, while briefing newsmen following a visit to Gov. Atiku Bagudu and Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar.

“I am here on a private visit to see the governor and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gwandu. Because we are coming to the end of this administration.

”I am here to appreciate them for their support, prayers and also making a point that elections are

now over.

“We should now be building support and enabling environment for the incoming administration so that they could build up on the positive record of President Buhari in all the major priorities his administration focused on.

“Above all, for being the one that conducted and supervised the free and fair 2023 general elections that produced these results”.

Speaking on the legacy Buhari will be leaving behind, Gambari noted that apart from the free and fair elections he conducted, the country’s people would remember him for his fight against corruption and agricultural revolution, which has started making Nigerians eat what they are producing.

”Among other legacies, we have diversified the economy. We are now producing what we are eating.

“Many States across Nigeria

Ahmed Tinubu

now have various crops they have economic advantage upon, and they are producing it abundantly.

“Except Kebbi State, which stands top among the states because the state has made a lot of impact on

Bauchi North SDP senatorial candidate, IMBA

By Christiana Ekpa

The Bauchi North district senatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 25th February, 2023 elections, Ibrahim Mohammed Baba, at the weekend defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Baba, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Katagum Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2019, announced his resignation from SDP and defection to APC, under which platform he was elected to the National Assembly.

Popularly called IMBA, Baba was received into APC by the

Nasarawa Nakin Kasuwa ward chairman in Katagum Local Government Area of the state, Malam Adamu Abubakar.

Speaking to journalists shortly after declaring for the APC, IMBA said that he is returning to the APC with a view to joining others for the party’s reinvigoration since he was once an insider.

He said some APC members, including himself, left the party ahead of the 2023 general election for varying reasons, adding that his return, which he said is a homecoming, is meant to join forces with others to place the main opposition party in Bauchi State on a sound footing.

According to him, “The main reason for my coming back into the APC is to partake in rectifying some of its identified anomalies while placing it on a sound footing ahead. Some APC members in Bauchi have different reasons for leaving the party, some were annoyed by acts of omission, especially during and after the party primaries.

“This was the major reason some of us decided to stage a comeback into the APC in order to revive the party.”

While asserting that a majority of Bauchi State politicians’ hearts are with APC, the defector said those regrouping for a comeback have

the agricultural revolution in Nigeria.

“Apart from that, President Muhammadu has constructed a lot of road kilometres, fighting corruption. These are the legacies he will be leaving behind.

defects to APC

some vital roles to play in the party and expressed confidence that the APC would continue to expand from strength to strength with the current rapprochement.

He then urged members of the party to put behind their narrow-minded interests and forge ahead for the betterment of all.

While receiving the former House of Representatives member earlier, the Nasarawa Bakin Kasuwa ward chairman of the party, Malam Abubakar congratulated him for taking a bold step to return to the APC, saying that his return is a big boost for the party.

10th Reps: Speakership hopeful, Betara optimistic party will revisit zoning

By Christiana Ekpa

The front runner for the position of the speaker of the 10th House of Representatives Muktar Betara Aliyu has called on Nigerians to be patient with the leadership of his party, the governing All Progressives Congress with expectations that the party will revisit micro zoning decision paving way for the right thing to be done in the long run.

Betara made this known in company of some members Elect on Monday urging his colleagues to carry on with induction lectures and bring in their wealth of experience to bear for a better 10th House of Representatives.

The Borno lawmaker Betara popularly known as the head boy of the House who is coming back to the House for the fifth term is hopeful that as the incoming speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, he will ensure inclusiveness in the green chamber.

He said “I am happy the induction will offer my colleagues the opportunity to get all the necessary experience and knowledge to bring on board so together we can all pilot the affairs of the House”

“So i appeal to everyone to be calm with the Party because i am hopeful that the right thing will be done, and the issue of micro zoning addressed”.

Betara while assuring the Nigerian people that a fair playing ground will be availed to all contestants asked Nigerians to continue to hope and pray for the incoming administration bearing in mind of the onerous task of rebuilding the nation and positioning same positively in the committee of Nations.

Rep. Muktar Betara Aliyu ( OON), noted that all hands must be on deck to build a 10th parliament that will be the envy of many even as the handover ceremony draws near, ushering a new administration in line with his core agenda in promoting bills and motions aimed at poverty alleviation, standard health care system, education, addressing insecurity and access to basic social amenities

Rep. Muktar Betara Aliyu (OON), assured Nigerians of his commitment in nation building while soliciting for prayers from Nigerians in the task ahead.

10th Speakership: PDP members elect confident lingering crisis will be resolved

By Christiana Ekpa

Members-elect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday assured Nigerians that the lingering crisis trailing the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly would be resolved amicably.

The lawmakers who spoke during a media chat at the sideline of the ongoing Induction of returning and newly elected lawmakers organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed support for the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s ambition.

Speaking exclusively with Parliamentary Correspondents, former Speaker, Gombe House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Inuwa described Hon. Betara as the most qualified Aspirant after wide consultation with other Aspirants who have so far expressed interest in the Speakership race.

“The focus of the Greater Majority is to have a very

focussed and purposeful leadership for the 10th Assembly that will bring all members together for a good working relationship.

“That should be based on track record, experience and commitment. Most of us in the 10th Assembly believe that Aliyu Betara has what quality to give to Nigerians what we want in the 10th House of Representatives.

“Nigeria is already in a serious problem and to come out of this problem starts and ends with having a good leadership.

Also speaking with Parliamentary Correspondents, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo state who kicked against the APC National Working Committee’s plot to impose its preferred Aspirants on the House,

He said: “I believe that the independence of the parliament is an important foundation for any progress that will be recorded. At the same time, stability and harmonious coexistence is also very important

if we must achieve what we promised our people out there.

“Right now, there seems to be so much confusion. But in the days ahead, after consulting party leaders, one can speak clearly on these divisions and this contest viz-a-vis the need for an independent parliament, the need for stability and the need for harmonious co-existence.”

On his part, Hon. Cyril Hart (PDP, Rivers) observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates the “procedure that we should adopt as members to elect our presiding officers.

I share the sentiment that the

Majority Party should produce the leadership of the House even though I am of the PDP.

“Whatever you are seeing now will calm down and at the end, Nigeria will get the best out of it. So, there is no cause for alarm because it is all politics.

“Contest is free and anyone is free to contest, but my simple opinion is that the majority party, the APC with the highest number of Members-elect should produce the leadership. It’s an APC affair and I believe that they should be allowed to produce the leadership of the 10th Assembly,” he noted.

APC diaspora C’ttee bemoans ‘strange youths’ planning Tinubu inauguration

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on Diaspora Chairmen has advised President-elect Bola Tinubu to beware of sycophants.

The party chieftains expressed reservations about some developments ahead of Tinubu’s inauguration on May

29.

Bola Babarinde, Secretary of the APC body led by Prof. Adesegun Labinjo, issued a statement on Monday in Lagos.

The diaspora committee demands that the reward system under Tinubu’s government be sacrosanct.

Babarinde said those around the President-elect must also be wary of praise singers and

“strange bedfellows”.

The chieftain complained of how youths are being assembled “to handle some aspects on the national level to celebrate the inauguration”.

“This is very insulting to those that lay their lives for the success of our principal,” the statement reads.

Babarinde said some persons getting roles displayed “hatred”

to Tinubu during electioneering but are now “lobbying to be part of the success”.

“The incoming administration should be careful about enemies of progress now within the corridor of power.”

Babarinde advised Tinubu and his team to identify those that genuinely worked for APC’s victory at the polls and reward them accordingly.

Senate presidency: Discipline ex-Gov Yari before he destroys APC – Obono-Obla

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former special assistant to President Muhammadu

Buhari on prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has called on the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, to muster courage and discipline a former Governor of Zamfara State,

Abdulaziz Yari over his divisive statement.

In a statement, the former presidential aide said Yari’s utterances had become incendiary, disrespectful and capable of splitting the party into factions.

He quoted the ex-governor as threatening that the APC would cease to exist if the North does not

get the Senate Presidency.

According to Obono-Obla, Yari had now become a pain in the neck of the ruling party due to his alleged intransigence and uncompromising attitude.

Obono-Obla described such daring statement as arrogant, recalling that it was such utterances and attitude that cost the party

a colossal loss in Zamfara State during the 2019 general election.

“It is utterly inconceivable and insensitive that a supposed national leader like Yari could make such unreasonable statement.

“I shudder at such unreasonableness which Yari is exhibiting,” he said.

120 heads of state interested in attending Tinubu’s inauguration – Adamu Garba

By Musa Baba Adamu

Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has said over 120 heads of state have

expressed interest in attending the inauguration of Nigeria’s presidentelect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29, 2023.

He stated this while speaking on Arise TV on Monday.

He said that despite stiff opposition, the May 29th

inauguration will go ahead.

Garba said: “Already, 120 heads of state indicated an interest in attending the inauguration of the incoming President-Elect and Vice President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim

Shettima, on May 29, 2023; thus, there is nothing whatsoever that can stop the inauguration by the Grace of God.”

The APC chieftain described those filing suits to stop Tinubu’s inauguration as jokers.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Rises To 22.22%

From Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

T

This latest data was contained in the CPI report released on Saturday

According to the report, in April 2023, the headline inflation rate rose to 22.22% relative to March 2023 headline inflation rate which was 22.04%. Looking at the movement, the April 2023 inflation rate showed an increase of 0.18% points when compared to March 2023 headline inflation rate

“On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.13 percent points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2022 which was 15.92 percent,” the data bureau said.” it read.

“Likewise, on a month-onmonth basis, the All-Items Index in April 2023 was 1.91%, which was 0.05% points higher than the rate recorded in March 2023 (1.86%). This means that in April 2023, on average, the general price level was 0.05% higher relative to March 2023.”

The report also showed an increase in urban inflation on a year-to-year basis

“In April 2023, the urban inflation rate was 23.39%, this was 6.05% points higher compared to the 17.35% recorded in April 2022. On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 2.05% in April 2023, this was 0.05% points higher compared to March 2023 (2.00%).”

he Nigerian Bureau of Statistics has revealed that the country’s inflation rate for the month of April has hit 22.22% surpassing last month’s rate of 22.04%As for Food Inflation, it moved from 24.45% in March 2023.to 24.61% in April 2023.

The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months ending April 2023

over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months was 20.82%, showing a 4.37%

increase compared to the 16.45% recorded in April 2022.

Stocks investors record N136bn loss in one week

Stocks investors lost N136bn at the end of trading last week on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

Suffering a dip which saw mixed sentiments was the AllShare Index, which depreciated by 0.48 per cent or 250.69 base points to close at 52,214.62 on Friday.

All other indices finished higher except for NGX Main Board, NGX 30, NGX Banking, NGX AFR Bank Value, NGX MERI Value, NGX Industrial Goods, and NGX Sovereign Bond which depreciated by 0.85 per cent, 0.12 per cent, 0.99 per cent, 1.45 per cent, 1.11 per cent, 3.36 per cent and 4.83 per cent respectively while the NGX ASeM index closed flat.

At the end of last week, the Year-To-Date returns rose to 1.88 per cent from 1.78 per cent recorded on Thursday.

In the last trading week, a total turnover of 3.602bn shares worth N36.451bn in 27,801 deals was traded by investors on the floor of the NGX against a total of 2.973bn shares valued at N22.828bn that exchanged hands the previous week in 23,765 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 3.150bn shares valued at N27.484 bn traded in 14,987 deals; contributing 87.47 per cent and 75.40 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 99.394m shares worth N219.455m in 901 deals. The third place was the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 87.434m shares worth N1.628bn

in 3,768 deals.

Forty eight equities appreciated lower than 51 equities in the previous week. 30 equities depreciated in price, higher than 26 in the previous week, while 78 equities remained unchanged, lower than 79 recorded in the previous week.

Leading the gainers’ table was the Computer Warehouse Group whose shares appreciated by 56.82 per cent to close at N2.07, and Ardova Plc gained 37.50 per cent to close at N26.40. Transnational Corporation Plc recorded a 33.51 per cent gain to close at N2.59, Multiverse Mining and Exploration Plc gained 32.90 per cent to close

at N4.12 and Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc gained 27.27 per cent to close at N0.42.

Atop the losers’ chart was C &I Leasing, which dipped by 19.60 per cent to close at N3.20, Access Holdings Plc lost 12 per cent to close at N9.90, Royal Exchange Plc lost 11.48 per cent to close at N0.54, Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc suffered a 9.26 per cent loss to close at N0.49 and Bua Cement lost 8.02 per cent to close at N90.

Analysts at SCM Capital projected that the mixed sentiments that the market had been experiencing may persist, even as bargain hunting took place as investors took positions in

fundamentally sound stocks with fantastic first-quarter earnings.

In his presentation at the Lagos Business School Breakfast meeting (May edition), the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Ltd, Bismarck Rewane, warned that the impact of the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria would remain a threat to consumers’ purchasing power and would likely weigh on the second quarter performance of corporates.

“However, it will be offset by improved digital services and increased availability of cash,” he said.

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Stransact (Chartered Accountants), the correspondent firm of RSM, a global accounting and auditing firm in the world, has recommended tax related reforms for the government to improve and sustain the economy.

During a media briefing, the firm’s partners set agenda on tax reforms for the incoming administration, ahead of May 29 inauguration of President-elect of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu.

Stransact Partners noted that the middle class in Nigeria was fast disappearing due to the collapse and relocation of companies that would have employed skilled and educated workforce.

According to the partners, Nigeria had

one of the highest multiplicities of tax in the world. With inflation rate rising to 22.04 per cent in March, the multiple taxes imposed on businesses and individuals had become a heavy burden on Nigerians and had become impediments to the ease of doing business.

They advised the government to widen the tax net by bringing in more people from the informal sector into the tax bracket, rather than increasing tax rates or introducing new forms of taxes.

“To ease pressure on genuine businesses bringing investments into the country and ensure compliance, government must be fair and concise in regulation, allowing market forces to freely set the terms for a healthy competition in the economy,” General Partner at Stransact, Eben Joels,

said.

Joels also noted that the multiple currency rates policy was giving influential people undue advantage to make excess profit while stifling the growth of genuine businesses.

“For instance, a politician can use his influence to get dollars at the official rate of N460 and sell at the black-market rate of around N750, taking advantage of the arbitrage difference,whereas a fully compliant business person may find it challenging to recoup their investments because they are required to purchase dollars at the open market rate, which is not stable enough to ensure consistent profits”

Partner, Tax Services, Victor Athe, called for the ‘formalisation’ of the

informal sector of the Nigerian economy, where a large portion of transactions were done outside the banking system.

“Introducing facilities and regulations that will formalise the unregulated sectors of the economy will widen the tax net and increase the tax revenue available for government,” Athe said.

The partners canvassed for the deployment of homegrown innovations, technologies and tailored solutions to Nigeria’s tax problems.

One example of such indigenous innovations, the partners noted, was the TaxPro-Max introduced by the Federal Inland Revenue Services, which enabled seamless registration, filing, payment of taxes and automatic credit of withholding tax.

From Abubakar Yunus, Abuja

The International Air Transport Association has released a statement clarifying that it is not responsible for the exchange rate applied to international flight tickets in Nigeria.

This comes after reports suggested that IATA was behind the current hike in exchange rates.

The IATA stated that “The exchange rate applied to international flight tickets sold in Nigeria are not determined by IATA, and it is incorrect to describe them as the “IATA exchange rate.”

We don’t determine exchange rates in Nigeria – IATA

According to IATA, airfares for international flights from Nigeria are denominated in US dollars and converted into naira, the local currency, for sale in the Nigerian market. The conversion process uses the official prevailing exchange rate provided by the country’s financial system.

IATA simply applies the spot

rate at which the Central Bank of Nigeria sells USD through banks to the market at its fortnightly retail foreign exchange auctions.

The rate is not static, meaning that if the rate at which the CBN sells USD goes up, the exchange rate applied to airfares will follow suit and vice versa.

The statement reads, “The exchange rate applied to

international flight tickets sold in Nigeria are not determined by IATA and it is incorrect to describe them as the “IATA exchange rate”.

“Air fares for international flights from Nigeria are denominated in US Dollars and converted into Naira, the local currency, for sale in the Nigerian market.

“These conversions use the official prevailing exchange rate provided by the country’s financial system.

“IATA simply applies the spot rate at which the Central Bank of Nigeria sells USD through banks to the market, at its fortnightly retail foreign exchange auctions. The rate is not static, i.e. if the rate at which the CBN sells USD

NNPC seizes vessel with 700 barrels of ‘illegal’ crude oil, arrests six ‘vandals’

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it has intercepted a barge carrying 700 barrels of illegal crude oil in Opete, Udu LGA, Delta state.

The national oil company said it also arrested six suspected crude oil thieves during the operation.

The arrest was made in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security contractor, NNPC said.

Speaking with journalists during an inspection of the site, Warredi Enisuoh, executive director, Tantita Security Services, said the operation was conducted by a combined team of security agencies.

Enisuoh said the reports received by Tantita and Sand Mason Engineering indicated that the site was being used for activities beyond its approval limits.

He said surveillance revealed that the 1000 metric tonnes capacity barge was loaded with illegal crude oil– but was declared as sewage.

“A team of Tantita Security Services operatives continued to monitor the jetty for suspicious activities. It was observed that a sewage truck with plate number JR7750XA visited the jetty twice,” he said.

“During its third visit on May 12, 2023, the truck was accosted by the Tantita Security operatives keeping constant vigil over the area. Upon inspection, the substance found inside the tank was not sewage, rather, crude oil.

“The driver was arrested and handed over to government security operatives.

“The driver later revealed the destination of the contents, which took us to another yard inland, also operated by Mawe Services Limited.

“Within the Mawe Services Limited’s premises, there were two metallic cylindrical tanks

of about 45,000 litres capacity each.

“Both tanks were inspected and one was found to be filled up with crude oil.”

He said the driver of the truck confirmed that he had been transferring the contents of the barge into the tank.

He said inspection of the “yard security logbook” showed that the truck visited the location severally, adding that the contents of the truck were well spelt out as “crude oil”.

Enisuoh said the perpetrators frequently loaded the crude from the big barge into small gallons batch by batch, before transferring to illegal refineries.

“One new method they use now is that they obtain documentation and authorisation from the government to fool security agencies, then go on to do other illegal jobs,” he said.

He said when the suspects are apprehended, they would usually

claim to be recently hired by their companies, “whereas they were already trained to operate in that line”.

He said part of the crude has

been evacuated while the rest would go through a combustion process.

Last year, the national oil company renewed a pipeline

surveillance contract, reportedly worth N48 billion annually, awarded to the owner of Tantita, Government Ekpemupolo, otherwise known as Tompolo.

DisCos can disconnect defaulting customers after 12 days, says NERC

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says distribution companies (DisCos) have been empowered to disconnect consumers who have not paid their electricity bills for at least 12 days.

This is contained in the commission’s recently released ‘Customer Protection Regulations, 2023’.

According to NERC, a DisCo may disconnect supply to a customer’s premises when the client fails to pay the amount billed by the payment date specified on the bill or violates other terms and conditions agreed upon with the firm.

The commission outlined the conditions that must be fulfilled before DisCos can exercise their rights to disconnect customers for failure to pay their bills as

and when due.

The regulatory body said the payment date must be clearly stated on the bill.

NERC stated that the payment date must be, at least, 10 days after the bill was delivered, and DisCos can then disconnect two working days later.

“The payment date must be, at least, 10 days from the date of the delivery of the bill to the customer. Bills may be delivered physically to the customer’s premises or by some other electronic means, including text messages or electronic mail, as agreed with the customer,” the commission said.

“The period between the payment date and date of scheduled disconnection for nonpayment is not less than two working days after the payment date.

“Any bill correcting a

previous inaccurate bill shall have a payment date which is at least 10 working days from the date of delivery of the corrected bill to the customer.”

NERC said the DisCos must also verify from its records that payment has not been made by the customer.

According to the agency, a DisCo may disconnect a customer’s electricity supply without notice when the customer is connected to the DisCo’s network in an unauthorised manner.

“Where the customer’s connection is considered to be dangerous to the integrity of the network and/or affects the quality of supply to other customers,” NERC added.

“Where the DisCo is not granted access to read a meter that is located within the customer’s premises.”

NERC also said a DisCo may

deny a customer’s request for supply of electricity over refusal to provide an acceptable means of identification or to pay the security deposit requested by the company.

“Whenever a customer requests a distribution company to disconnect electricity supply to his premises, the distribution company shall disconnect the supply after confirming that the customer’s request will not impact on other customers in the premises that require continued supply,” the commission added.

“The distribution company shall ensure that it is able to monitor consumption to the premises of the customer that has requested a disconnection that was not effected due to the impact on other customers in the premises, to assess the customer’s consumption.”

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SDS Secretary tasks journalists on patriotism, developmental reportage

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Hajia Hadiza Mohammed Kabir, has enjoined media practitioners to always promote patriotism, by reporting the various developmental strides of the government.

Kabir said Journalists even in the course of being ethical must advance, educate and inform the society of those policies that are being churned out and its attendant benefits to them.

She spoke on a topic: “Balancing Ethics and Patriotism: The Obligations of Journalists to their Country”, at a media workshop organized by the Coalition For Good Governance And Economic Justice in Africa, held in Abuja.

The SDS Secretary, who described herself as an advocate of developmental journalism, noted that the choice of the topic for discourse was apt, timely and couldn’t have come at a better time than now knowing that the Nigerians are at a threshold in their political history.

According to her, the practice of journalism, being the fourth estate of the realm, is too important to be neglected by any nation, political

party or politician, they not only set agenda for discourse, they engage critical stakeholders in governance and ensure that government is held accountable for its actions and inactions in relation to promises made towards the delivery of democratic dividends to the governed.

She however, decried that the exalted field of journalism is on trial as the gate has been thrown open to accommodate any comer to engage in the all important business of news and information management, thus, lowering the

standards and accuracy of information being churn out for public consumption.

“As the fourth estate of the realm, you are part of the drivers of the national progressive ideals; part of those that should mobilize and ensure that good policies see the light of the day, not otherwise. As you deliberate and brainstorm today, make it a duty to be champions of progress and advancement.

“Journalists as citizens must ply their trade to the advancement of the country’s well-being,

Criticisms must and have to be constructive and not destructive, you must learn from the Western media that will never do what will jeopardize the cohesion and survival of the corporate existence of their Country.

“They must not always be on the other side of the divide just to criticize the government as no government is totally bad.

Patriotism demands that we seek to act and comport ourselves in such manners as to build and defend our nation and its territorial integrity at all times.

“To me, patriotism should be the watchword while applying the ethics of your profession. I agree that you must take to task political office holders so as to ensure good governance and dividends of democracy get to the grassroot.

“Practicing your profession in such a manner that will not cause harm, social unrest, put the government in bad light to its citizens but rather protect the nation and integrity are paramount remains the hallmark of every journalist that knows his onions as it were”, she stressed.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Hajia Hadiza Mohammed Kabir, delivering a speech on the topic “Balancing Ethics and Patriotism: The Obligations of Journalists to their Country”, at a media workshop organized by the Coalition For Good Governance And Economic Justice in Africa, held yesterday in Abuja.

FCT-IRS to establish world-class revenue collection system for Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), Mr. Haruna Abdullahi has declared that the vision of the Service is to establish a world-class revenue collection system that is transparent, accountable, and efficient for the Territory.

This, the FCT-IRS boss said the Service was working to achieve this by creating a single, unified platform and dashboard that would enable the institution to track and monitor all revenue generated in the FCT.

Abdullahi made this assertion at a recent two-day Stakeholders Resolution Retreat on the Harmonisation of Revenue and Ease of Doing Business in the FCT, held in Akure, Ondo state.

He said: “Our goal is to ensure that all revenue in FCT is properly accounted for and reported, with the highest level of transparency and accuracy. This will help to build trust and confidence among the people and encourage them to support our revenue generation efforts.

“We also aim to use technology to streamline our revenue collection processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve service delivery to the people.

Ultimately, we believe that by achieving our vision, we can create a vibrant and prosperous FCT that will be the envy of the nation.

“The harmonization of revenue collection in the FCT is a complex process that requires collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders. To achieve a successful harmonization process.

‘It is important to conduct a comprehensive review of the current processes, develop a unified revenue collection platform, improve transparency and accountability, ensure stakeholder participation, develop a communication and awareness campaign, and provide training and capacity building for staff involved”.

According to him, it is expedient to call on all the revenue collecting agencies in the FCT and the six Area Councils in the FCT to participate actively in this retreat, targeted at achieving a harmonized revenue collection system that is efficient, transparent, fair and promoting a business friendly atmosphere in the FCT.

Similarly, in her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board, Mrs. Nana-Aisha Obomeghie noted that FCT-IRS, since its inception had made its mark in the nation’s tax

environment terrain, especially at the subnational level, and continued to set new standards among its peers in its approach to ensuring enhanced, inclusive, and sustainable internal revenue generation processes in its approach to revenue administration.

Obomeghie added that it is no surprise that it has chosen as its theme for the retreat, an issue that cuts to the heart of contemporary tax-revenue issues, not just within the FCT, but at the country level as well.

She explained that as the global tax community increasingly moves towards simplification of the tax process, it becomes imperative that existing barriers that hinder such processes were removed.

According to her, these barriers manifest in a variety of ways, and one of these is the multiplicity of tax-revenue collecting actors and entities, and the duplicity of collectibles prevalent in our domestic system, which unfortunately gives rise to the incidence of double taxation, or what many popularly refer to as multiple taxation.

“It is quite unfortunate that in the 21st century, our tax-revenue collection processes are still populated with a multitude of revenue collecting agencies and bodies, and much more so the

involvement of non-state actors in the business of collecting revenue on behalf of government, or for themselves.

“This is a modern day aberration and negates global best practice of domestic revenue mobilization. This unfortunate reality, aside from creating opportunity for revenue leakages, also bring about a state of policy dissonance and confusion in the system.

“The result is a situation where the taxpayer is at the receiving end, as the ease with which they carry out their businesses is diminished, to the detriment of their enterprise, and the socioeconomic growth and development of the nation.

“The eradication of these negatives is just some of the objectives of harmonization of taxes. While there may be fundamental challenges to tax harmonization at the country level, given our Federated structure, the country, at this point, must be willing to make some hard and bold tax reforms which will be to the ultimate benefit of all and sundry.

“ It is heart-warming to see that several sub-national entities have towed this path, and it is indeed gladdening that the FCT-IRS is leading the charge in this regard” she added.

Thailand elections: Voters deliver stunning blow to army-backed rule

Thai voters have delivered a stunning verdict in favour of an opposition party that is calling for radical reform of the country’s institutions.

Early results show Move Forward exceeding every prediction to win 151 of the 500 seats in the lower house.

It’s now 10 seats ahead of what was the frontrunner, Pheu Thai, led by ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter.

Analysts are calling this a political earthquake that represents a significant shift in public opinion.

It is also a clear repudiation of the two military-aligned parties of the current government, and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led a coup that ousted an elected government in 2014. The governing coalition won only 15% of the seats.

“We didn’t leave any stones unturned,” Move Forward’s 42-year-old leader Pita Limjaroenrat told the BBC. “People have had enough in the last decade. Now, it’s a new day.”

Pheu Thai, the second-largest party, has said it has agreed to join Move Forward and four smaller opposition parties, giving them a coalition of more than 60% of seats in the new parliament.

However, that still isn’t enough to outvote the 250-strong unelected senate, which was appointed by Mr Prayuth, and are allowed to join the vote in parliament for the next administration. They are likely to object to Move Forward’s progressive agenda, in particular its pledge to amend the controversial lese majeste law.

In the political negotiations which lie ahead, many Thais fear the military and its backers may yet try to block the winning parties from taking office. A military coup is unlikely, but yet another court ruling to disqualify Move Forward

on a technicality, as happened to its predecessor Future Forward in 2020, is possible.

The other question is how well Move Forward and Pheu Thai, whose relations in the last parliament were sometimes fractious, can work together. Mr Pita, a Harvard University graduate and a skilled parliamentarian, is still untested in the more ruthless art of stitching together and sustaining a coalition.

But that uncertainty doesn’t change the fact that the people of Thailand woke up to a changed political landscape this morning.

“The majority of votes reflect the need to escape from the ‘Prayuth regime’, and the yearning for change,” says Prajak Kongkirati, a political scientist from Thammasat University. “It shows that people believe in the Move Forward demand for change - many more people than predicted.”

Thai social media has been awash with victory messages from Move Forward supporters, who call themselves “organic canvassers”, and describe the party’s win as a “wind of change” and the “dawn of a new era.”

Mr Pita tweeted that he was “ready” to become the country’s 30th prime minister. “We have the same dreams and hopes. And together we believe that our beloved Thailand can be better, and changes are possible if we start working on them today,” he wrote.

“This election really tells you that only four years have passed, but the people’s thinking has changed a lot, both the establishment and the pro-democracy camps,” a tweet read, adding that, “democracy cannot be taken for granted”.

It would have once been unthinkable that Move Forward, a party calling for wholesale changes to Thailand’s

bureaucracy, its economy, the role of the military, and even the laws protecting the monarchy, could win more seats and votes than any of its rivals.

It’s no coincidence that these were the same issues that spurred a months-long student-led protest movement in 2020. Some of Move Forward’s candidates had been leaders in the movement. And, like the 2020 protests, young and passionate voters, many of them followers of Move Forward, played a big role in the election result.

The mood in favour of the young party was hard to miss in the weeks leading up to the election. A new wave of memes exploded on Thai social media - people taking big steps or leaps in an obvious nod to Move Forward’s Thai name.

And that played out in real life at voting booths on Sunday as people took exaggerated, giant steps to show their support. It was the only way to indicate which way they were leaning because election rules don’t allow voters to

declare their preferences openly. Others wore bright orange shirts, flip flops and sneakers - the party’s chosen colour for campaigning.

Move Forward’s candidates had fewer resources than their rivals, and had to rely on social media, and sometimes old technology like bicycles, to get their message across. It helped that their vision seemed much clearer than other parties.

Move Forward ruled out any coalition with parties associated with the 2014 military coup, a position on which its reformist rival Pheu Thai was initially evasive. The party was also fresh and bold, and in the last parliament, was known for taking principled positions.

It also benefitted from what appears to be a widespread public appetite for change. Voters under 26 years are not a large bloc in ageing Thailand - they make up just 14% of the 52-million electoratebut they worked hard to persuade older voters to back Move Forward to offer their generation a better future.

Austrian train plays Hitler speech over loudspeaker

Instead of the normal announcements, a crowd could also be heard shouting “Heil Hitler” and “Sieg Heil” over the train’s speaker system.

The operator said there had been several such incidents in recent days.

One passenger on the Bregenz-Vienna service told the BBC that everyone on the train was “completely shocked”.

David Stoegmueller, a Green Party MP, said the speech by the Nazi German leader was played over the intercom shortly before the train, an ÖBB Railjet 661, arrived in Vienna.

“We heard two episodes,” he said. “First there was 30 seconds of a Hitler speech, and then I heard ‘Sieg Heil’.”

Mr Stoegmueller said the train staff were unable to stop the recording and were unable to make their own announcements. “One crew member was really upset,” he added.

In a statement sent to the BBC, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) said: “We clearly distance ourselves from the content.

“We can currently assume that the announcements were made by people

directly on the train via intercoms. We have reported the matter to the police,” the ÖBB said.

It is understood that complaints have been filed against two people.

Mr Stoegmueller said he had received an email from a man who was on the train with an old lady who was a concentration camp survivor. “She was crying,” he said.

He said another passenger remarked that when other countries had technical problems, it involved the air conditioning breaking down.

“In Austria, the technical problem is Hitler.”

Hitler was born in Austria and emigrated to Germany in 1913 as a young man

Florida professor breaks record for time spent living underwater

Researchers are studying the 55-yearold’s health while he lives underwater

A US researcher has broken the record for the longest time spent living underwater without depressurisation.

Joseph Dituri has spent more than 74 days at the bottom of a 30ft-deep lagoon in

Key Largo, Florida.

And he does not have plans to stop yet. On Sunday, he said he would stay in Jules’ Undersea Lodge for at least 100 days.

“The curiosity for discovery has led me here,” he said.

“My goal from day one has been to inspire generations to come, interview scientists who study life undersea and learn how the human body functions in extreme environments,” he added.

The previous record for most days spent living underwater at ambient pressure - 73 - was established by two professors in 2014 in the same Key Largo lodge.

Unlike a submarine, the lodge does not use technology to adjust for the increased underwater pressure.

Prof Dituri - who goes by the nickname Dr Deep Sea - began his journey on 1 March at Jules’ Undersea Lodge, a small room that sits at the bottom of a lagoon in the Florida Keys.

It is named after Jules Verne, who wrote the well-known sci-fi book 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

For the project, called Project Neptune

100, the University of South Florida professor is studying how the human body reacts to long-term exposure to extreme pressure.

Researchers are studying the 55-yearold’s health, as well as the psychological effects of being isolated and confined for so long, by running a series of medical tests.

But his time underwater has not kept him from his professorial duties. Prof Dituri - who also served in the Navy for 28 years - is teaching his biomedical engineering classes online while he lives in the lagoon, according to the University of South Florida.

To keep busy, the professor wakes up at 05:00 each day to exercise. He stays full by reportedly eating protein-heavy meals such as eggs and salmon that he can keep warm with his microwave.

And while his underwater stay has proven ground-breaking, he is excited to get back to some above-ground activities.

“The thing that I miss the most about being on the surface is literally the sun,” he told the Associated Press.

Source: BBC

Mr Pita addressing the media on Monday

Hilda Baci: Nigerian chef ready to poach world cooking record

ANigerian chef has become a national sensation after cooking non-stop for more than 90 hours in an attempt to break the world record.

Hilda Baci has used over 100 different dishes since turning on her cooker at 15:00 GMT on Thursday.

Politicians and celebrities have been egging her on, as has the boisterous crowd watching her cook.

The current record is 87 hours and 45 minutes set in Rewa, central India in 2019 by Indian chef Lata Tondon.

Guinness World Records says it is reviewing the evidence before saying if she has broken the record.

Though no officials of the organisation are at the venue in the upmarket area of Lekki in Lagos, CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the event.

Baci, 27, initially planned to cook for 96 hours - until 15:00GMT on Monday.

But the crowd camped outside the venue is urging her to hit the 100-hour mark.

She has cooked mostly Nigerian meals, such as jollof rice, as well as different types of rice and pasta, and has also made akaraa popular street food made from deep-fried mashed beans. The food is being handed out to invited guests.

She is allowed one assistant at a time, and can take a five-minute break each hour, or the equivalent over several hours.

“This attempt is proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support,” the chef told BBC News Pidgin before starting her marathon

cooking session.

Baci is showing visible signs of the physical exertion and is getting cold compresses applied to her head, and foot massages during her breaks. A medical assistant is also checking her vital signs.

Her attempt has captivated the country, with politicians and celebrities stopping by to cheer her on.

Lagos state governor Babajide SanwoOlu was at the venue on Sunday, and she also received a call from Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

“We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state. I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

Baci is no stranger to the heat of

competitive kitchen events. In 2021 she defeated other contestants at the maiden edition of the “Jollof Faceoff”, including a Ghanaian rival in the final, to claim the crown for the best version of West Africa’s fiercely contested spicy rice meal.

She said her passion for cooking was inspired by her mother’s culinary techniques and that her recipes were homemade.

Kenyan farmer: ‘I’m afraid that elephants will kill me’

In our series of letters from African journalists, Ismail Einashe reflects on how Kenya’s changing climate is bringing animals and humans into greater conflict.

On a sweltering afternoon in the small Kenyan village of Njoro Mata, a farmer is desperately inspecting the damage caused to her smallholding by elephants.

Kenya’s famous giants have been invading Monicah Muthike Moki’s land in southern Kenya, overlooked by Mount Kilimanjaro.

The 48-year-old is a single mother of three whose livelihood depends on her hard work growing cassava, maize, bananas, sugarcane and mangos.

Her harvest had been increasing after employing new farming methods introduced with the help of the Kenya Red Cross Society, but in recent months, her precious crops have regularly been destroyed by elephants.

Ms Moki says elephants come every day from the nearby Tsavo national park, one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries, home to about 15,000 of the mammals.

According to her, herders have cut the fence to access pastures for their livestock in the park but elephants then cross the other way.

With consecutive years of failed rains, the pastoralists are desperate to feed their animals, while at the same time the elephants have started to roam further afield seeking sustenance.

The animals’ new behaviour patterns are driven by Kenya’s escalating climate crisis and drought, causing wildlife to conflict with people.

For Ms Moki, the elephant crop-raiding

is “very painful” to see.

She says the elephants are “bold” and “not afraid”. They can come at any time but usually from around dusk, and they raid in herds, as pairs or sometimes lone elephants with their calves.

The elephants have recently eaten her entire maize, banana and cassava crops.

Currently, she should be harvesting five to six 90kg bags of maize she would sell in the local market in the nearby town of Taveta for 6,500 Kenyan shillings ($48;

£38).

Without her crops, Ms Moki cannot feed her family or sell her produce to pay the school fees for her 10-year-old daughter.

Farmers in her village also use the bags of maize they harvest as a security deposit or payment of school fees for their children to attend the local primary school. In turn, the schools use maize to serve children meals.

Now children as young as four years old are forced to walk up to 4km (2.5 miles) home from school for lunch before walking

the same distance in the opposite direction in the afternoon.

The largest land animals in the world can consume 150kg of food per day, spending three-quarters of their day just eating. Ms Moki explains that they often leave nothing behind.

Elephants also gulp down 100 litres of water a day, so often drink the little water she gets supplied by the local authorities to use on the farm.

Source; BBC

Hilda Baci says her recipes are inspired by her mother’s cooking

Monicah Muthike Moki keeps watch over her land in order to spot the elephants

ews F rom A si A

Turkey’s presidential race to be decided in run-off

Turkey’s powerful president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will go head to head with his opposition rival in a run-off vote, the supreme election council has confirmed.

Mr Erdogan led the first round with 49.51% of the vote, its chairman said.

Although he had a clear lead over his main challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who polled 44.88%, he needed more than half the vote to win the race outright.

A second round will go ahead on 28 May, with Mr Erdogan the clear favourite.

Shortly before the announcement by election council leader Ahmet Yener, the president’s rival appealed to supporters not to “fall into despair” and to stand and take on the election together.

But it was not immediately obvious how the opposition Nation Alliance could narrow a margin of almost five points in just two weeks. Although the third candidate, ultranationalist Sinan Ogan, polled 5.17% it seemed unlikely that all his voters would switch to the centre-left-led opposition.

Mr Erdogan has been in power in Turkey for more than 20 years, first as prime minister and then as president, extending his powers still further after a failed coup in 2016.

Many opinion polls had suggested his rival was on course to win the first round, and Erdogan supporters celebrated outside party headquarters in Ankara long

into the night.

Addressing them from the balcony, he told them he had won 2.6 million more votes than his chief rival.

With Mr Kilicdaroglu as candidate, the opposition was seen as having its best chance so far at removing him from power. It drew together a broad-based alliance of parties and offered an end to soaring inflation and Mr Erdogan’s system of an allpowerful presidency.

But initial confidence in victory turned to disappointment and the opposition leader did his best to rally supporters by declaring “we will absolutely win in the second

round”.

Mr Yener said all of the ballot boxes from Sunday’s vote had been opened and turnout in Turkey was 88.92%. However, it was clear that a number of votes cast abroad had not yet been counted.

The international monitoring group OSCE highlighted several flaws in the election, pointing out that Mr Erdogan and the ruling parties had enjoyed “an unjustified advantage”.

Although the monitors praised the high turnout and political choice, they said the vote had been limited by an unlevel playing field. They singled out “biased media coverage”, as well as intimidation

of the pro-Kurdish party and the jailing of its former joint leader and that of philanthropist Osman Kavala.

Another issue they highlighted was the limited help given to survivors of February’s earthquakes to take part in the election.

Supporters of Kemal Kilicdaroglu had little to celebrate on election night

Mr Erdogan was widely criticised for the state’s slow response to the disaster, which left more than 50,000 people dead.

But it had little effect on election results in the eight cities

seen as strongholds of his AK Party in the earthquake zone. In seven of the cities the president’s support remained above 60%. Only in Gaziantep did it slip to 59%.

Sunday’s vote was not only for the presidency but for the 600 seats in parliament too. And here too the Erdogan party had a good night, heading for a majority of about 317 seats.

Attention has now switched to the 2.79 million ballots cast for Sinan Ogan, who told BBC Turkish that without him the presidential race would have been over in one round, implying that Mtr Erdogan would have won outright.

Zelensky meets PM as more Ukraine weapons pledged

The UK will send hundreds of air defence missiles and armed drones to Ukraine on top of the Storm Shadow cruise missiles announced last week.

The move means the UK is going further than any other country in providing weapons with the potential to tip the battlefield in Ukraine’s favour.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky met the UK’s Rishi Sunak as part of his tour of Western allies.

Mr Zelensky said it was important for the West to send fighter jets as well.

But the prime minister said providing fighter jets was “not a straightforward thing”, although he did say the UK would form “a key part of the coalition countries” providing that support.

Ukraine is continuing to prepare for a much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces.

Last week, Mr Zelensky told the BBC his country needed more weaponry before it could launch the attack.

On Monday, the Ukrainian

president had about two hours of talks with Mr Sunak at Chequers, near London.

He arrived on British soil for a surprise visit after a whirlwind tour of Western Europe that also took in Rome, Berlin and Paris.

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine and the UK were “real partners”, while Mr Sunak’s spokesman described the meeting as “warm and collegiate”.

The Storm Shadow cruise missiles can be used to destroy Russia’s positions on occupied Ukrainian territory.

If Ukraine can destroy Russia’s command centres, logistics hubs and ammunition depots in occupied territory, then it may prove impossible for Moscow to continue resupplying its frontline troops in places.

This is what Ukraine did so successfully in Kherson last year, forcing the Russians to withdraw almost without a fight. It will now be hoping to repeat the process with the help of Western-supplied munitions.

President Zelensky’s repeated calls for Nato to send F-16 jets

are being met with delays and obfuscations, for several reasons.

The Ukrainian air force has trained its pilots on F-16s, which the RAF do not use, but such training takes months, not days. Logistics, maintenance and the need to find suitable runways are all important too.

Finally, there is the question of escalation. Nato is struggling to balance giving Kyiv the maximum support it can, without getting directly drawn into this conflict.

If Nato does end up sending F-16 warplanes, however old they may be, then that, in Moscow’s eyes, constitutes a major

provocation by the West.

Mr Zelensky said he discussed the supply of Western fighter jets with Mr Sunak.

New jets were a “very important topic for us, because we can’t control the sky”, the Ukrainian leader added.

Sdource; BBC

Mr Erdogan is favourite to win the second round after Sunday’s vote success

Tinubu, power-sharing and North-West ex-governors

Key Points:

• In Katsina Masari and his team overcame image of insecurity to garner votes for Tinubu

• North-West political leaders expected the Vice-Presidency

• The geopolitical zone gave the highest number of votes to Tinubu

• Barau, Yari insist on Senate Presidency because of NorthWest’s contributions to Tinubu victory

• Several choice ministerial positions may go the way of North-West ex-governors

By Clement Adeyi

In the 2023 elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the unlikely party to win votes in Katsina State, where insecurity in rural areas has made life unbearable for the people. Though Katsina is the home-state of President Muhammadu Buhari, bandits and terrorists disrupted the peace of the North-West state throughout the eight years that Buhari has been president and commander-in-chief o the armed forces.

As many as 18 local governments were oppressed by bandits, as at 2021. The affected local government areas were Batsari, Safana, Jibia, Danmusa, Sabuwa, Kankara, Dandume, Faskari, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Batagarawa, Rimi, Danja, Kafur, Matazu, Kankia, Malumfashi and Katsina metropolis. The activities of bandits were seen as evidence of failure on the part of the APCled federal government, who may not garner votes from the state in the 2023 presidential and even governorship elections. Insecurity in Katsina State provided enough contents for political rhetoric among political strategists who planned to dislodge the APC from power at both federal and state levels.

It was, therefore, by hard work and uncommon strategic planning that Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari delivered the number of votes garnered in the troubled state for the APC. In spite of the negative image that insecurity gave the APC, Masari and his team convinced the people to give the party 482,283 to come second, losing only about 7,000 votes to the PDP forces who had thought that winning Katsina State was like a thoroughfare for the opposition. For one, the PDP had

many political chieftains, many of them nationally-acclaimed, like former Governor Ibrahim Shema, who was once the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP. Against all odds, the team put together by Masari was able to puncture the efforts made by the PDP to take Katsina State.

The tough battle fought in Katsina State was replicated in almost all North-West states, including Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kano. In all these states, except, Kano State, the bloodshed and suffering among poor peasants in rural areas made the region the unlikely place for the APC to garner the kind of votes that propelled Tinubu to victory. From the exploits made by the NNPP in Kano State, and in-roads made by the PDP in many parts of the North-East, it was clear that without the dexterity of NorthWest governors, the APC would have lost the elections, and there would have been a good excuse for it - insecurity in the region and across Nigeria.

It is for this reason that all eyes are on President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu about powersharing, now that the most fiercely contested presidential election in the country has been lost and won. There are six geopolitical zones in Nigeria from where political tacticians and strategists laboured in the political factory to fashion out victory for Tinubu. Perhaps, two of the political zones, SouthWest and North-East, from where the president-elect and his deputy hail, are satisfied with the two big prizes. Political leaders who worked for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in other geopolitical zones are waiting with anxiety as to how they will be compensated.

The North-West, especially, may be angling for a huge slice of the pie, considering its political history. In this political dispensation, it has produced either the president, vice-president or choice ministers in government. For instance, in the Fourth and Fifth Republics, the North-West produced the Speakers of the House of Representatives. In the Sixth Republic it produced the President, in the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. In the Seventh Republic, the North-West produced VicePresident Namadi Sambo, while in the Ninth and Tenth Republic, it held the position of president, as Muhammadu Buhari won the

presidential elections in 2015 and 2019.

In fact, after Tinubu won the party’s presidential ticket in 2022, political strategists came up with an argument that if he must win the presidency, Tinubu must choose his running mate from the North-West. At that time, the names of several serving North-West governors, as possible deputy to Tinubu, were canvassed. However, Tinubu took the political risk to pick a former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, as his running made.

It is not difficult to establish why the North-West always feature in political power sharing; the voting population is high, so also is the political consciousness in the sub-region. In the 2023 election, for instance, the NorthWest was the battleground, as all the major political parties, especially the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and to some extent, Labour Party (LP), made a deliberate attempt to woo voters from the region. The fact that the presidential flagbearer of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, hails from Kano, one of the most populous and politically active states

in the North-West, created a stumbling block for other political parties, as in the current political dispensation, Kwankwaso has proved to be a veritable political force among the youths, with his Kwankwasiya Movement.

The situation was somehow worse for the APC. First, Tinubu is not from the North, though a Muslim. Also, the fact that his running mate is not Hausa/ Fulani, but Kanuri from the North-East, placed him as another layer of disadvantage. The PDP’s presidetial candidate, Atiku Abubakar, a Muslim from the North, was seen as the candidate the conservative North-West would readily support, providing enough data for bookmakers to envisage a big loss for the APC in several North-West State. However, the results from the polls was to the contrary. The chart below shows how the NorthWest powered Tinubu to the presidency, according to results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). From INEC’s data, the North-West generated 2.6 million out of the eight million votes that gave Tinubu the edge over one the North’s political heavy weight, Atiku Abubakar. The result he garnered from the North-West is

higher that Tinubu’s total votes from his South-West political base, where he got 2.2 millions votes, and was beaten to the second position by Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the commercial city of Lagos.

It is for the difficulty involved in the process of delivering the North-West for Tinubu that some North-West senators-elect are insisting that they should be entitled to the position of Senate President. For instance, the senator-elect from Kano North, Jibrin Barau, while throwing his hat in the ring to contest for Senate Presidency, used the contributions of the North-West to Tinubu’s declared victory as his reason.

Senator-elect Barau has a lot of supporters for his ambition, though the mood of the nation which is against the top three positions in Nigeria being taken by Muslims, does not align with his ambition.

Not giving up, another NorthWest candidate, Abdul-Aziz Yari, has emerged as a contender for the Senate Presidency from the North-West state of Zamfara. His argument is that the region gave Tinubu more votes at the polls than the South-South, from where former Governor Godswill Akpabio, the favoured candidate for Senate President, hails. In an era that the nation is calling for equity, equality, justice and inclusiveness, the North-West must give up their struggle for Senate Presidency, but the president-elect must compensate political leaders from the geopolitical zone in other ways.

Tinubu, as a political tactician, is not ignorant of the need to carry along those who worked for him to secure victory in the NorthWest. No doubt, as soon as the government is inaugurated on May 29, 2023, Nigerians will not be surprised when former governors like Masari, Ibrahim Ganduje, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Bello Matawalle feature prominently in juicy ministerial positions. The reason for such is not far-fetched. For some of these persons who made victory possible for Tinubu to remain relevant, they must be part of the national government and be able to service their political base for future elections. They and their political associates would want to be given a sense of belonging, and manifest in the character of the new administration.

Ahmed Bola Tinubu

Erdogan leads as Turkey heads for election run-off

Turkey’s battle for the presidency looks almost certain to go to a run-off, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan set for a four-point lead in the first round.

After 20 years in power, he stood on the balcony of his party HQ saying he was convinced he would win five more.

Opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu also claimed to have victory in his grasp.

Everything appeared to have fallen into place for first-round success.

But incomplete results give him around 45%, with Mr Erdogan on more than 49% of the vote. Candidates need more than 50% to win in the first round.

And Mr Erdogan has an added boost as he seeks to extend his presidency. His People’s Alliance of parties has also won a majority in parliament, according to preliminary figures provided by the state news agency.

For months, Turkey’s disparate opposition parties had pooled their resources in a bid to bring an end to a president who has extended his power dramatically since a failed coup against him in 2016.

And Turks went out to vote in very high numbers. Officials put the turnout at 88.8%.

The election is being watched very closely in the West, because Mr Kilicdaroglu has promised to revive Turkish democracy as well as relations with its Nato allies. On the other hand, President Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted government has accused the West of plotting to bring him down and Turkey’s candidacy for the EU has long been on ice.

In the early hours of Monday, Mr Kilicdaroglu stood on a stage at his party headquarters in Ankara, flanked by his allies, doing his best to sound upbeat.

“If our nation says second round, we will absolutely win in the second round,” he said.

Party spokesman Faik Oztrak later reinforced his comments, adding that they would do everything they could in the two weeks before the run-off.

Supporters outside party headquarters chanted one of his

slogans, “everything will be all right”, but it was not clear for them that it would.

The opposition leader had earlier angrily accused the government of seeking to “block the will of the people”, by launching repeated challenges in opposition strongholds. Two rising stars in the party, the mayors of Istanbul and Ankara, reminded voters that this was a strategy that Mr Erdogan’s AK Party had used before.

They praised an enormous team of opposition volunteers guarding ballot papers to ensure nothing untoward happened to the votes.

Mr Kilicdaroglu, 74, has lost several elections as leader of his Republican People’s Party, but this time his message of scrapping the president’s excessive powers struck a chord.

Turks have also been reeling from a cost-of-living crisis with 44% inflation, made only worse by Mr Erdogan’s unorthodox economic policies. It was of little surprise that Turkey’s Bist-100 stock market dropped 2.7% on Monday morning, and the Turkish lira fell back too.

And then the Erdogan government was blamed for a slow rescue response to the double earthquakes in February which killed more than 50,000 people in 11 provinces.

And yet, despite a very difficult few months, Turkey’s dominant president appears to have the upper hand.

Overnight results suggest the president’s support in eight party strongholds hit by the earthquake dipped by just two to three points.

In seven of those eight cities, his support remained above 60%. Only in Gaziantep did it slip to 59%.

Addressing supporters from the balcony he had used for previous victories he announced that “even though the final results are not in, we are far ahead”.

Whatever the margin between the two contenders ahead of the expected run-off in two weeks, the president appears to have defied many pollsters who said his rival had the edge and could even win outright without a run-off.

He is also heading for a majority in parliament, along with his

nationalist MHP ally, according to unconfirmed results quoted by state news agency Anadolu. Of the 600 seats in parliament, the AKP and nationalist ally MHP have 316, it says.

His supporters ridiculed the opposition allies first for declaring that Mr Kilicdaroglu would become the 13th Turkish president, and then for gradually lowering their expectations as the night progressed.

What this result does confirm is the extent to which Turkish society has become polarised, 100 years since Kemal Ataturk’s foundation of the modern Turkish republic.

In the final hours before voting began, Mr Kilicdaroglu rounded his campaign off with a trip to Ataturk’s mausoleum in Ankara.

President Erdogan instead chose to make a very symbolic statement to his conservative and nationalist support base, by making a campaign speech at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

Under the Ottomans the former

Orthodox Christian cathedral had become a mosque. Ataturk had turned it into a museum, but in 2020 Mr Erdogan turned it back into a mosque, defying international criticism.

It is unclear how close the expected run-off will be, and there is already considerable speculation over what will happen to the 5% of votes that went to the third candidate in the election,

ultranationalist Sinan Ogan. He knows both leaders will be trying to court him and has set some uncompromising conditions for the Kilicdaroglu camp, including the return of refugees to their original countries and “fighting terrorism”. Even if he were to act as a kingmaker by endorsing one candidate or the other, it is far from certain that his first-round voters would follow his suggestion.BBC

Whatever the margin between the two contenders ahead of the expected run-off in two weeks, the president appears to have defied many pollsters who said his rival had the edge and could even win outright without a runoff

“

President Erdogan greeted supporters much the same way he celebrated previous victories

Mr Kilicdaroglu and his allies put on a show of unity as the results came in

Pro-Erdogan celebrations went on well into the night in the biggest city Istanbul

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TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1 ALIYU FATIMA JAMILU - CHAIRMAN

2 IBRAHIM SADIQ ABUBAKAR

3 GLENN SAKAMANHA KIBIKIWA

4 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI

5 FWANGJE NAOMI LIKITA

6 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TOUCHING LIVES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE/ASPECTS

TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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1 ALIYU FATIMA JAMILU - CHAIRMAN

2 IBRAHIM SADIQ ABUBAKAR

3 GLENN SAKAMANHA KIBIKIWA

4 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI

5 FWANGJE NAOMI LIKITA

6 USMAN MARYAM DANLADI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TOUCHING LIVES IN DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE/ASPECTS

TO PROVIDE PROVISION OF FOOD, CLOTHS AND CLEAN WATER FOR THE NEEDY OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, BUSINESS INITIATIVES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTHS ADVOCATE FOR LAWS AND POLICIES THAT WILL REDUCE MALNUTRITION AMONG CHILDREN

TO PROVIDE A PREVENTATIVE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE TO RESTORE HOPE AMONG VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY PROVERTY, ABUSE, VIOLENCE, DISEASE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS.

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

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4.OSUO EBIERE WENDY - TRUSTEE

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THE AMINU CHRISTOPHER TERHEMBA MOHAMMED (ACT-M) FOUNDATION

TRAININGS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENHANCE SOCIO- ECONOMIC GROWTH AND WELFARE TO PROVIDE AWARENESS OF FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT, TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS THAT IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE TO ORGANIZE AWARD CEREMONIES TO ENCOURAGE HARDWORKING, INTELLECTUAL, INTELLIGENT AND SUCCESSFUL WOMEN AND YOUTH TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND FEEDING FOR CHILDREN TO PARTNER WITH NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NGOS AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF SPECIFIC GOALS THAT PROMOTES THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN, WOMEN AND YOUTHS TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ABUSE. 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.

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THE AMINU CHRISTOPHER TERHEMBA MOHAMMED (ACT-M) FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

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OJOWU GEORGINA SEEMBER

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

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Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria wins 3 gold, 3 silver medals at Africa Weightlifting Championship

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria on Monday began her quest for 2024 Olympic Games qualification in grand style as Lawal Rufiatu and Olarinoye Adenike Adijat won 3 gold and 3 silver medals respectively at the ongoing 2023 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia

The championship also serves as the 2024 Olympics qualifier.

Competing in the 59kg women category, Rafiatu won three gold medals in Snatch, Clean and Jerk and Total while Adijat claimed all the three silver medals in the same category.

in a release signed by the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF Media Officer, Amaechi Agbo, it noted that Rufiatu, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in the category, lifted 95kilos in snatch, 122kilos in Clean & Jerk and 217kilos in total to win all the three gold medals in the category

Olarinoye, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal winner in 55kg, claimed all the three silver medals with a lift of 93kilos in snatch,118kilos in Clean & Jerk and 211kilos in total as she continued her impressive s performances in the new category

Olarinoye moved from 55kg in late 2022 to 59kg. In her first competition in the new category at the 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF, she won three silver medals.

Two Tunisians and a Moroccan shared the three bronze medals

Nigeria will continue her

Golden Eaglets wins U-17 AFCON Fair Play Award despite elimination

Despite crashing out at the quarter-final stage, Nigeria's Golden Eaglets have been awarded the Fair Play Team in the group stage at the ongoing U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Algeria.

The Eaglets lost 2-1 to Burkina Faso in the last 8 match on Thursday thereby failing to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the AFCON semi-final.

However on Saturday, the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF named the Nduka Ugbade tutored lads as the best behaved team at the group stage of the tournament

Nigeria defeated Zambia by alone goal in their first matche, lost to Morocco by similar score and rallied to beat South Africa 3-2 in their last Group B match.

It could also be recalled that Gold Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali was named among the CAF Best XI of the U-17 AFCON group Stage.

The 2023 tournament will continue on Sunday, May 14 after observing a two-day hiatus.

quest for more medals in Tunis on Tuesday, May 16, as two lifters will be on stage as well. Joy Eze, (71kg women) and Edidiong Umofia (73kh men) will compete.

Nigeria’s 5th athlete, Akano Desmond (89kg men) will round

off Nigeria’s participation in the championship on Wednesday, May 17.

Nigeria weightlifters will participate in six Championship qualifiers as they seek to return Nigeria to

global weightlifting map in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The 2023 Africa Weightlifting Championship which commenced on May 11 will end on Friday May 19th.

The semi-final will take centre stage as tournament's favorite, Senegal takes on Burkina Faso while Morocco and Mali will also squareup.

All the four semi-finalists have qualified to represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA World Cup which holds later in the year.

Manchester United refused to pay £4M for Erling Haaland - Solskjaer reveals

By Amaechi Agbo

Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar

Solskjaer has revealed that his former employers rebuffed his advice to sign current Premier League top scorer, Erling Haaland 6 years ago.

Solskjaer hit out at the club for failing to take his advice and sign the striker, now flying at City

Solskjaer was Haaland’s coach

at Norwegian side Molde and recommended the young striker to United at the time, but no move materlialised and Haaland is now breaking records across town at Manchester City.

Speaking at An Evening with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, reported by The Athletic, the Norwegian revealed that United had missed out on signing Haaland for just £4m.

“I got in contact with United

because we had this talented striker who they should have had. “But they didn’t listen, unfortunately. Four million, I asked for. But they never signed him. Four million! Don’t ask [where he is now]. He’s too good!”

He said

Solskjaer also called on the Glazer family to push through a takeover, saying the facilities have been allowed to decay and claiming that United ‘need to

catch up with the other teams’.

“It needs to be done,” he said. “Old Trafford is neglected. The training ground has been neglected. We need to catch up with the other teams.”

Manchester City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £51m in June.

He went on to score a record 35 Premier League and 12 UEFA Champions League goals as Manchester City keep hope of

their back-to-back League title.

Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho as Manchester United’s Manager on 19 December 2018 on till end of the season.

On 28 March 2019, having won 14 of his 19 matches in charge, Solskjær signed a threeyear contract to take over as Manchester United manager on a permanent basis but was sacked in November

Olarinoy Adijat and Lawal Rufiatu on the Podium in Tunisia

Monday for their medal presentation

Gusau hails Team Nigeria’s Performance at U18/20 Africa Athletics Championship

The immediate past Vice-President of the Confederation of African Athletics CAA, Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau has hailed the performance of team Nigeria at the just concluded CAA’s Under 18/20 Championship held in Ndola, Zambia.

Team Nigeria won 17 Gold, 10 Silver and 9 Bronze medals to finish in second place on the medal table behind South Africa at the quadrennial championship.

In his congratulatory message on Friday, the highly revered Athletics Administrator says the performance of the team is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; while stressing on the need for talent discovery, training and exposure to global platforms, which according to him, will in turn result to future podium finish.

“I want to extend my heart felt congratulations to these young Nigerians who made the country proud at the just concluded African U18/20 Athletics Championship in Zambia.

The records achieved is a testament to the fact that talents are abound in Nigeria; and these talents require training and exposure to global platforms in order to achieve podium finish in the near future.

I am impressed by the performance and feat achieved by Samuel Ogazi, obliterating the 46.26secs record of Lythe Pillay, the South African in 400m with his 46.01secs.That is the Nigerian spirit!

Others are appreciated, especially Faith Okwose, Fejiro Djoma and Justine Jimoh for flying the country’s flag high in Zambia.”Engr.Gusau said.

Recall,that Nigeria finished top at the medals table in the last edition held at the Stade Felix Hoouphouet-Biogny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 2019, producing stars like Favour Ofili, Grace Nwokocha, Rosemary Chukwuma and

P R T

Nigeria rugby team to camp in UK for 2024 Olympic qualifiers

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria Rugby Football Federation will camp the senior men national team fondly called Black Stallions in the United Kingdom for the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The Black Stallions are to participate in Rugby Afrique Olympic qualifiers slated for Mauritius on June 24 and 25, 2023.

Speaking ahead of the preparation, the President NRFF, Dr Ademola Are said the first phase of camping has kicked off

“We have started the first phase of camping for players based in the UK and some other parts of Europe. We hope to use that to select some good players that will later join the home lads for next phase of camping before the final team will be selected,”

he said

Mr Are who was recently appointed as a member of Africa Rugby Audit and Risk Committee, said that the federation’s target is the ticket for the Paris 2024 Games.

“Our target is to qualify for the Olympics and if we can have the bulk of our players playing outside the shores of this country turning up for the camp, then we stand a good chance of picking

the ticket,”

Nigeria is placed in Pool A with Ghana, Burundi and DR Congo.

Other countries participating in the qualifiers are Mauritius, Cote D’ Ivoire, Botswana, Cameroon, Algeria, Lesotho, Senegal and Egypt.

Paris, France capital, will host the 33rd Olympic Games from Friday, July 26, to Sunday, August 11, 2024

Flying Eagle’s arrive Argentina for U-20 World Cup

By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of the commencement of the 2023 U-20 World Cup on Saturday next week, Nigeria

U-20 male team, the Flying Eagles have arrived the host nation, Argentina.

The delegation of two-time runners-up Nigeria have arrived in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina for a 10-day camping programme ahead of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

A contingent of 20 players and 10 officials departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Saturday night aboard a Turkish Airline flight and travelled through Istanbul before heading to the “land of the Pampas”.

With a record of having finished with the silver medals in 1989 and 2005, and with the bronze medals in 1985, the Flying Eagles are hoping to break the duck and collect the top prize in their 13th appearance at a

tournament they first graced in Mexico 40 years ago.

That year, they stunned then Soviet Union 1-0 through a welltaken goal by Tarila Okorowanta in Monterrey, but then lost 0-3 to Brazil in their second game in Guadalajara. Needing victory to reach the knock-out round, the Flying Eagles could only draw with The Netherlands in their final group game in Monterrey.

Nigeria has been slotted in Group D for this year’s championship and will play the

Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in the group phase.

Their first two games will hold in Mendoza, in the far west of Argentina, against the Dominican Republic on 21 May and against Italy on 24 May, before they fly to La Plata to play Brazil on 27 May.

Guatemala and New Zealand will square up in the opening match on Saturday, 20th May at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades, Santiago del Estero.

Nigeria Rugby Team, the Black Stallions

PSG Suspends Lionel Messi For Two Weeks Over

Unapproved Trip

French Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain has slammed a two-week suspension on its attacker and World Cup winner, Lionel Messi for embarking on on a trip to Saudi Arabia without authorisation

The Ligue 1 leaders handed Messi a club ban and a fine after the star made a midseason trip to Saudi Arabia last week

The 35-year-old took a trip to Saudi Arabia after PSG’s Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient. The move was reportedly not approved by manager Christophe Galtier, with the club having since taken action.

The Argentina international will miss fixtures against Troyes this weekend and Ajaccio on May 13, with PSG five points clear at the top of the table.

Messi, who is set to leave the club in the summer at the expiration of the two-year contract he signed in 2021, has been linked with a move to the Middle East.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was spotted at Riyadh airport as part of a visit relating to his role as a tourism ambassador in the country, the dat after their defeat against Lorient on Monday.

Messi received a backlash following the trip, with teammates said to have been left shocked. The Argentina international, a World Cup winner with his country in 2022, is a tourism ambassador for the Middle East nation but was not given permission by Galtier to take the trip. Messi received a backlash following the trip, with team-mates said to have been left shocked. The Argentina international, a World Cup w take the trip.

Nigeria’s

foremost football agent, Makanjuola Nureni celebrates Mohammed Cosic at 61

One of Africa’s foremost football agents, Makanjuola Nureni has celebrated the birthday of the father of one of Europe’s best football talent scout, Aljosa Cosic whose father cloaked 61 on Saturday May 6th 2023.

Aljosa who is on a visit to Nigeria was shocked when he got to the camp of the Water FC in Abuja ,where a birthday bash was already arranged to celebrate his father, Mohammed Cosic

In his words,’I am really shocked beyond words,my father will also be shocked because he would never have thought that somewhere in Nigeria he is being celebrated ‘

‘I want to say thank you to Makanjuola for doing this for me and to the players of Water FC for their hospitality ‘

Aljosa works with All Conti Sports Media ,the Agency managing Arsenal defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko and he was in Nigeria to look at sporting talents available in the country .‘I want to say thank you to Makanjuola for doing this for me and to the players of Water FC for their hospitality ‘

Aljosa works with All Conti Sports Media ,the Agency managing Arsee in the country

Nigeria Olympians Association unveils plans for 2023 Summit, focuses on athletes welfare

The Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA) on Thursday rolled out programmes for 2023 with this year’s summit coming up in July and holding in Abuja.

Speaking at Media Parley inside FIFA Goal Project Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja Thursday, the General Secretary of the Association and an Olympic gold medallist Emmanuel Babayaro (MON) said NOA would be eager to focus on the welfare of Nigerian athletes both present and past with a bid to inspire the young ones and honoured the past Olympians. This according to him will be heralded by honouring the past Olympians when the Nigeria Olympians Association Summit coming up in July holds Abuja.

“I am here to intimate the media with plans for the Nigeria Olympians Association. Babayaro said.

“Customarily, every two years, we have the Olympians Association Summit. The summit is a forum that allows every Olympian from inception till date, probably the future athletes, wherever they live anywhere in the world to converge here in Nigeria and fly the country’s flag once more time.

“We also come together to do

a lot of humanitarian works, in line with the Olympian spirit, to celebrate the spirit of the Olympics.

“And see how we can develop or further improve the conditions of our sports especially the grassroot sector. And this year is no exception. We had it two years ago, and it’s 2023’s turn. The event starts from the 11th of July to end on the 14th of the same month.

“The main event will be on the 13th of July. And that is the day of the banquet, and celebration of life, and awards to the deserving and meritorious individuals.

Nigeria Olympians Association President and former Nigeria’s National Basketball Team Captain, Olumide Oyedeji, hit the ground running while reeling out their programmes for 2023 to journalists.

An excited Olumide Oyedeji told journalists that the new executives are willing to impact the lives of past and present Olympians with laudable activities cum programmes that would be staged across the country.

He started by appreciating individuals and corporate organisations that supported NOA two years ago before unveiling programmes for the year.

“We are here to lay out the

plans for this year’s Olympic summit coming together. Just like we had two years ago, it was a wonderful one.

“I want appreciate those who supported us two years ago, the ACTDF, Bet9ja, Dr. Larry Echejile, and Ambassador Ronsewe, to the DG of art and culture, the Nigeria Olympic committee, ministry of Youth & Sports, and also NTA.

“This year, there are going to be a lot of exciting things. And we are having on the 11th, 12th, and 13th for the Olympian Summit. And on the 12th, it would be the first time the Nigeria Olympian Association will be having a co-session with Nigeria Olympian Committee Athletes Commission. Talking about a lot of things relating to athletes and Olympics.

“And on the last day, there’s going to be a gala night which is already been tagged ‘The Labour of our Heroes past’.That’s where we would award the Olympians who have contributed and still contributing tremendously to the development of the sports and the Olympian society.

“And we are also promoting the spirit of Olympics, Olympian for humanity, and all other related things.

“The last time, we had a couple

of our members, all the way from Germany, Funke Osunaike, Fatima Yusuf, Patricia Patrick, to mention but a few.

“We are looking forward to have more of them this year. But during the course of this year’s summit, we are definitely going to have our congress, mentorship, gathering about a thousand students.

“Young Olympians, future champions, as we have a program called ‘Building of champions’.

“Building for the future, nurturing them, and contribute to their lives mentally, psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially.

“We use this opportunity to ask for a lot of support, because we can’t do it alone. Because as we know, this is a group of people that have served the country.

“So as we say whenever we recite the national anthem on the podium, we quote ‘to serve Nigeria with all our strength’.

“Which we did, by bringing honors, and glories to this country, and we believe we should be celebrated. And we are saying we want people to come and celebrate with us.

“So we need your support in every single aspect. He concluded.

Makanjuola Nureni and Aljosa Cosic at the birthday party in Abuja over the weekend

Lionel Messi: Barcelona is forward’s ‘home’, says club president Joan Laporta

Why are women ‘wicked’?

Actually, being wicked or evil-minded is not a peculiarity of women nor is confined to the men folk either. As a matter of fact here on earth, gross matter, because of the density of our physical bodies and the earth itself, both good and evil mined persons dwell together this makes it a sort of school during our short stay here. Life on earth is relatively short but impactful because of the experiences that assail us. Here we experience, so to speak, the good, the bad and the ugly. In the other realms of Creation, the law of homogeneity is strictly adhered to, to its minutest details. There, those that are noble minded live together while those that are otherwise, as for example those that have the propensity for hatred find themselves in the same region, and so suffer mutually.

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

and bad men, good women and bad women. However, when a woman indulges in some coldblooded evil, we frequently hear these remarks, ‘women are wicked’. ‘A woman did this?’ The latter implies that women are considered to be more compassionate generally and so less evil tendencies. And the former connotes that women are the most evil. Both views are correct somehow.

to the hospital. It was reported that she was rejected by three hospitals in the community because of the severity of her wounds. She is now being treated in a hospital in the state capital, Awka. The couple have been arrested,nAnambra state Commissioner of Women Affairs, having handed them over to the police for prosecution

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club is Messi’s “home” as they look to re-sign the forward this summer.

The Argentine’s contract at Paris St-Germain expires in June, with reports linking him to Saudi Arabia.

But in an interview with Spanish broadcaster TV3, Laporta said Barcelona can compete with anyone for the 35-year-old’s signature.

“History backs us, the feelings are too strong, we have 400 million fans around the world too,” he said.

Messi left the Catalan giants two years ago after 21 years at the club but has struggled during his two seasons in France, with fans booing him after their 5-0 win over Ajaccio at the weekend.

Laporta said there had been an “affectionate conversation” between the two and that he congratulated Messi on winning the World Cup in Qatar last year.

“He is a Paris St-Germain player and we have to wait until the end of the season, until it is over, and then we can talk more calmly about this,” Laporta added.

“With all due respect to Saudi Arabia, Barca is Barca, and it is home.”

The comments come after Barcelona won their first La Liga title in four years with a 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday.

Laporta appeared to be more reserved than during a late night Twitch stream after the win, on which he is reported to have said the club would do “everything possible” to sign Messi.

Nonetheless, from the very beginning each of us has the potentials of the virtues in us. And we also have the inalienably right of free will – the free will to choose (in thought, words and deeds) what is good or evil. That is, to think, do and speak what is good or otherwise. This is an inherent part of us as human spirits which cannot be annulled. In exercise of our free will the more we indulge in noble deeds (also in thoughts and words), the lighter, and brighter will be our inner cloak, the soul. Likewise, if in exercise of this our right, we choose evil ways, our inner cloak becomes dark, soiled, dense. Thus, when we pass on, drop our physical body at death, the state of our inner cloak, will follow the law of gravity. That is, our soul if light, shall rise to the lighter regions and if dense, to the regions of darkness….

Coming back to our situation here on earth, we have said that the good and the ugly coexist here and that they are not limited to any gender. Both genders exhibit the two traits. That is, there are good men

Here is the latest example of such behaviour of women that has elicited such remarks and has become a talking point in many quarters. It is a viral video of a nine year-old girl in Obosi, Anambra state who was sent by her parents to go help out her mother’s sister that had a set of twins in March. According to the reports one of the babies mistakenly fell off the little girl’s hands and her aunt beat her mercilessly with a pestle, hot knife, etc. As Providence would have it, the girl was sent by the aunt to go dispose domestic thrash across the road. But seeing how she was staggering and stumbling on the way she was accosted by some good Samaritans. They discovered that the girl’s eyes were swollen and almost closed; she had injuries on her body and head. They decided to take her

“

Sometime in November last year, the Katsina state Police Command paraded a housewife before journalists for killing her ex-husband’s four year-old son by throwing the little boy into a well where he of course drowned and died. There are of course other instances like reported cases of Madams fatally burning their domestic help’s buttocks with hot pressing iron. And so on and so forth.

In all cases the women would be described as heartless, wicked and their evil deeds generally viewed as unbecoming of a woman. This is right because women are supposed to be ‘soft hearted’. Earlier I touched on virtues. There both feminine and masculine virtues. Masculine virtues include, heroism among others. In heroism is embedded courage, fearlessness. For a human being this is a kind of objective aggressivess for a noble cause. In the animal

a woman while if it is evil tendencies that predominate in her, they overflow

kingdom, this is typified in the lion. Some men are nicknamed, ‘lion’ because they carry a tinge of such trait. Feminine virtues on the other hand are in tandem with the feminine, soft nature of women, among them, ‘’faithfullness’’; faithfulness in its broader, deeper meaning, (a very small part of which is kind heartedness) not its narrow earthly definition. The more we cultivate the virtues whichever they may be, the more strongly anchored they are within us and the more brightly we exhibit them. A woman who does not imbibe any of the feminine virtues within her is a disservice to womanhood and would overtime be consumed by evil. More importantly, given the spiritual pressure under which a woman stands, she is either very good or very bad. The power of the Almighty which streams over the worlds, first of all touches the woman before it is passed on to the man. Thus when this invincible radiating power makes to blossom, whatever good, pure and noble traits are within a woman while if it is evil tendencies that predominate in her, they overflow. Thence a kind woman would exhibit kindness without equal, par excellence , to the extreme while a woman that is tending towards wickedness would be wicked to the extreme. And so on and so forth.

The power of the Almighty which streams over the worlds, first of all touches the woman before it is passed on to the man. Thus when this invincible radiating power makes to blossom, whatever good, pure and noble traits are within