Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 Edition

Gbajabiamila insists on better oversight of government spending

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday insisted that oversight of Government spending should be a must, even as he tasked lawmakers on the need to continue to do the ‘people’s’ work despite the obligations and distractions of the political campaign season.

Gbajabiamila disclosed this in his address at the commencement of the 2023 legislative session on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

The Speaker while welcoming members of the House from the Christmas and New Year break, said they approach the end of their term in office, they will continue to meet and exceed expectations in the new year.

“Let us begin this new year with a renewed commitment to legislative action that brings us closer to achieving our highest aspirations for our nation,” he said.

Gbajabiamila also enjoined the legislators to resume with renewed determination to achieve better oversight of government spending priorities through a collaborative effort with the executive arm of government and civil society.

•Says Lawmakers must work for the people despite Campaigns

“We remain dedicated to the lofty yet clear ambitions we articulated in our Legislative Agenda when we resumed in the 9th Assembly. This year, it is imperative that we focus our efforts on completing the tasks we have already initiated and closing out the assignments on which our legacy in this 9th House will be assessed.

“Several bills still in the legislative process need to be actioned as a matter of urgency, as these bills propose significant improvements across different sectors of our national life. Some of these bills are still in committee, while others are awaiting concurrence in the Senate. We will see to it that we conclude work on these bills so that they can be presented to Mr president during the life of this administration.

“One recurring criticism of the legislature in Nigeria has been the lack of continuity and the absence of tools and procedures for establishing an institutional memory. Government is a continuum; the actions of one administration will continue to impact the country long into the future,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said in the executive arm of government, it is established practice to prepare handover notes and called on the House to adopt the practice at the committee level.

The Speaker therefore charged the House Committee on Rules and Business to lead the effort by formulating guidelines to make that possible.

He acknowledged that the last few appropriation cycles, the dire conditions of the national finance have required significant borrowing to finance government operations, sustain investments in infrastructure and national security and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“Just as the 9th Assembly has reformed the appropriations process to ensure timely budget passage, we also intend to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability as a standard for the future. Therefore, as part of preparing our reports, we must make a deliberate effort to give a complete account of our oversight activities in the 9th House of Representatives.

“Early in our term, we adopted the Legislative Agenda

as a statement of our governing priorities in the 9th House of Representatives. We termed the agenda ‘Our Contract With Nigerians’ to reflect our determination to be held accountable for the commitments we made therein.

“Despite many challenges, including the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the contraction of our national economy, and a drastic reduction in resources available for development, we have made reasonable progress in achieving the objectives we set in our agenda. It is time to consider what has been done, what we didn’t do, and why.

“The Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of the Legislative Agenda will review activities of the 9th House of Representatives and present a report on the implementation of our legislative agenda to the House.

“This is necessary to ensure that we have a report card to show the Nigerian people at the end of our term. But just as importantly, this review will allow us to better understand where we succeeded and where we didn’t as a guide for the future,” Gbajabiamila said.

Director Interfaith mediation Centre (IMC) Imam. Nurayn Ashafa,-Director Interfaith mediation Centre (IMC) Rev. Dr. James Wuye,presenting Peace T-Shat to deputy director, bereau of interfaith Rev. Fr. Anttjony Shawuya,during the National Brodcasting Commission,(NBC) incollaboration with Interfaith Mediation Centre (IMC) 1 Day Media Conference in kaduna

Delta state govt. remains pilgrimage friendly –NCPC boos

By Albert Akota

The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has described the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa as a pilgrimage friendly Governor.

The NCPC boss made this disclosure in at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja during the airlift of intending pilgrims of Delta State to Israel and Jordan by the Commission.

He commended the Governor for always taking a lead in the sponsorship of Christians to the Holy Land.

He affirmed that it was on recorded that the Governor was adjudged the best pilgrimage Governor in the South-South few years back and set to become the first in country.

He said the Commission would continue to partner with the Delta State Government and ensure sustained synergy with the State.

The NCPC Boss thanked the

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha whose office supervises the activities of the Commission for the support the Commission had enjoyed under his leadership.

Speaking, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties Delta State, Hon. Johnbull Edema affirmed that it was time for the intending pilgrims to use the opportunity of being on pilgrimage to pray for the country, themselves and the government of Delta State.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Delta State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Most Rev. Cyril Odutemu charged the intending pilgrims to conduct themselves properly and decently while in the Holy Land.

About 300 intending pilgrims which comprises Delta and Akwa Ibom State were airlifted to the Holy land of Israel and Jordan under the NCPC fourth batch of December 2022 Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan.

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Inland Revenue Services, and other relevant stakeholders to explore Executive Order 007 of 2019

Emir of Zazzau urges wealthy individuals to invest in propagation of Islam

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Emir of Zazzau Amb Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli has called on wealthy individuals to invest in the propagation of Islami for a greater reward from Allah.

The Emir made the call during a fund raising for the expansion of Al-Anoor central Mosque Kaku junction Kofar Galadima, Nagoyi bypass Zaria.

Amb Bamalli explained that well to do people need to support the propagation of Islam financially by taking the responsibility of building worship places and Islamic schools.

HYPPADEC boss charges staff to declare assets

From Ahmed Idri, Birnin Kebbi

Reps want Fashola , others to explore Executive order 007 to construct Niger FG road

(Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme) to provide an alternative funding source to finance the total Reconstruction of Bida-Lemu-Wushishi-Zungeru Road in Niger State.

According to the House, the 92Km Bida-Zungeru Road is the preeminent link route between the North and South-Western Nigeria which was first constructed by Costain West Africa in 1962.

The House alo Mandated it’s Committee on Works, Finance, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the “urgent need for the Federal Government to provide an Alternative funding sources for the total reconstruction of BidaZunheru Trunk’A’ Road in Niger

State” moved by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi.

Presenting the motion, he said “Aside from the recent maintenance on some failed portion of the road through the COVID-19 Intervention by FERMA, no rehabilitation has been carried out on the trunk A road and its bridges (one-lane bridge) since it was rehabilitated over 30 years ago.

The House Notes that the 92Km Bida-Zungeru Road is the preeminent link route between the North and South-Western Nigeria which was first constructed by Costain West Africa in 1962 during the first republic and reconstructed by the Babangida Administration in 1989.

“Also Notes that Aware that Zungeru town plays host to the ongoing 700 megawatts Hydro Electric Power Station project

embarked on by the Federal Government of Nigeria at the cost of $1.3 billion. The project is part of the Federal Government’s strategies to reposition power generation in phases in the Country and upon completion, will have the recognition of a strategic National Asset.

“Also Aware that the area from Bida to Zungeru is a major rice belt with huge potentials for other Agricultural produce that can hugely contribute to the Country’s drive at food security.

“Concerned that the road leading to this strategic National Asset (the Zungeru Hydro Dam) in addition to the huge Agricultural endowment of the area is in a total state of disrepair leading to road traffic accidents and heavy post-harvest losses and lowering the ability of farmers in these

communities to monetize their farm produce.

“Also Concerned that despite the approval of the Minister of Works & Transport for the redesign and reconstruction of the road, the amount captured in the 2023 Appropriation Act for the road is grossly inadequate and cannot make any significant impact on the Project.

“Recognized that if reconstructed, the road will openup the Western link of the Country to the Zungeru Hydro Power Project which upon completion will generate 700 megawatts of electricity to meet close to 10% of the Nation’s total domestic energy need and have positive impact on the Country’s GDP through enhanced Agricultural productivity and Commercial activities in the area”, he said.

The

Managing Director of Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission

(HYPPADEC) Alh Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa has charged all the staffs of the commission to comply with the federal government’s directives and declare their assets through the code of conduct Bureau.

Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa stated this while declaring open a 2 days training workshop, tittle,”compliance with assets declaration and code of conduct for public offecers”, organized by HYPPADEC in collaboration with code of conduct Bureau in Birnin Kebbi.

He added that the commission is committed to assets declaration with the view of aiding the government in tracking the assets and liabilities of its staff vis-a vis their income in order to mitigate unethical conducts including corruption,money laundering and fraud.

Nigerians will be safe under my Presidency - Atiku

Bauchi

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured Nigerians that they will be safe under his watch if elected President come next month.

Atiku was speaking in Jos while gracing the 2023 extraordinary General Church Council,GCC of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA.

He said as a born unifier, he believes in the integration of humanity at all levels and would do everything to promote unity in diversity.

A statement from media aide to Yakubu Dogara Turaki Hassan said Atiku was speaking

through the former Speaker Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara.

He said God did not make any mistake in creating people and allowing them belong to different tribal,ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Atiku said, “a divided Nigeria cannot achieve the purpose of God for us as a people. A divided country will only keep us in darkness and disunity. All through my life I have lived and worked harmoniously with people of other faiths and ethnic affiliations with ease because of mutual understanding and respect. My bussiness and political partners come from different backgrounds with zero expressions of religious or ethnic sentiments. I have never contemplated same faith ticket throughout my political

career. “The Muslim Muslim ticket adopted by some people is a recipe for disaster. It is an indication that not everyone will be carried along in government.

“As Governor- elect of Adamawa in 1999, I gave my full backing to Boni Haruna to take over when I was nominated Vice President against all odds. Boni governed Adamawa for 8 uninterrupted years. In Taraba Rev Jolly Nyame was encouraged to contest the Governorship in 1999 just after loosing the local government primary elections. We have and are working together with many Christians across the nation and the Church should have confidence in my capacity,experience and ability to deliver”.

Atiku appreciates Christians all over the nation for their

prayers and commitment to the nation and assured that he will not relent in cementing a cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims all the time.

“The church stands to get alot under my watch as President of this nation if elected. Knowing the significance and importance of unity in peace and development. I will do everything possible to sustain and consolidate it. Any society that is not united will suffer. We have no reason to divide ourselves for whatever reason. A divided Nigeria cannot take us anywhere. If Nigeria is divided, both Christians and Muslims will suffer.

“Together with Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice President, we will take Nigeria to greater heights.”

From Ahmad Muhammad,

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila with other principal officers on their way to the first plinary of the year 2023 at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps want relief materials for victims of Abak Main Market, Akwa

Ibom

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives has urged the National Emergency Management Agency to arrange for relief materials for victims of the recent fire incidence at Abak Main Market, in Etim Ekpo, Ika Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

This was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance titled "Urgent Need To Empathize With And Provide Relief Materials

For Victims Of The Recent Fire Incidence At Abak Main Market

In Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State", brought to the House by Hon Aniekan Umanah.

Umanah noted that the materials was to cushion the effect of losses incurred during the fire .

He said that there is need for the Federal Fire Service to enhance the operational capacity of their outpost to enable them rise to the occasion whenever fire disaster occur.

The Lawmaker noted that while people all over the world were eagerly preparing and waiting to usher in the new year,2023 with joy, a devastating fire gutted down the popular Abak market at the Abak Market square area of Abak Town, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on the 30th December,2022 at midnight.

In presenting the motion in the House, the Lawmaker further notes that the inferno which began at about 12am lasted for over four hours before it was brought under control through community efforts and intervention by men of the Federal Fire Service, Uyo".

According to the Lawmaker, there have been an alarming increase in fire disasters in the markets across the country in the recent past, while observing that inferno wrecked havoc on people and properties resulting in several burns, injuries and huge loses incurred by the hapless citizens and traders".

Adopting the motion in the House, the Lawmakers noted with grave concern that the ugly incident has left it's victims distraught and helpless especially that the market served as their only source of livelihood with so much responsibilities to cater for.

"The House further noted that, majority of the victims obtained various forms of loans to finance their trading ventures and with the unfortunate situation are now jobless and unable to meet their daily responsibilities.

"The House Worried that the highly industrious people of this community are majorly traders, farmers artisans and small scale entrepreneurs and have contributed their quota in the maintenance of peace and general development of the country and face imminent outbreak of epidemics arising from hunger and unhealthy lifestyle.

"The House therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster

SGBV: FG assures effective prosecution of cases via judiciary, other authorities

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Federal Government has reassured its commitment to put to end the Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), emphasizing on the fact that the scourge has become a disheartening phenomenon.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN noted that the FG will continue to prohibit violence in private and public life by providing maximum protection.

The AGF promised an effective prosecution of cases via the judiciary and other prosecutorial authorities to put an end to SGBV.

Malami made this known, yesterday, at a capacity building for judges on sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV) held in Abuja.

Other speakers at the occasion are the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi who was represented by the Deputy Head of EU, Mission, Mr Alexandre Gomes.

In a keynote address he gave at a workshop on use of practice direction and guidelines on trial of sexual and gender – based violence cases and ancillary procedure, he pledged the government continuous support to stem the prevalence.

Speaking further, the AGF said, “Government can no longer tolerate a situation where we would be recording 1,342 SGBV cases, which for me is a big issue.

“Out of concern and need to curb the trend, we have on ground far reaching policy, institutional and legislative interventions,”

In her opening remarks, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba noted that her ministry has taken a number of initiatives including prosecution and capacity building to stem the emerging trend of SGBV.

Also speaking, the Director General National Agency for

the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Dr. Fatima Waziri described the SGBV menace in Nigeria as extremely disturbing, asking for the supports of judges in the area of access and prompt dispensation of justice.

She then assured that the agency has put mechanism in place, saying response protection officers are now being deployed in the six area councils in Abuja.

PICS..1 L-R: Minister of Defence, Major. Gen. Salihi Magashi (rdt), Governor of Plateau/Chairman of the Occasion, Barr.

Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, in her opinion, called for domestication of the Child Rights Act and other violence laws against women by all the states of the federation.

Concluding, she commended the federal government for playing a strategic role.

Atiku in Ekiti, promises road rehabilitation, empowerment of youths, women

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku has assured the people of Ekiti State of massive rehabilitation of roads as well as youth and women empowerment if elected as the next President of Nigeria.

This is even as the PDP Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has promised, concretely, that a PDP-led federal government, under President Atiku Abubakar, will work towards recreating a ‘new Nigeria’ where everybody will be happy with availability of jobs and other opportunities.

Atiku Abubakar, Okowa and others spoke on Tuesday during the PDP presidential campaign rally in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

At the rally, which was well attended by PDP chieftains, supporters and people of the state of the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’, the former Vice President emphatically pledged that a PDPcontrolled federal government will make use of the human capital that God has endowed Ekiti state with as well as utilize that human resources that God has given them.

He vowed that everything will be done by him, if voted as the next President of the country, to make sure that young men and women in the state have businesses to do with a view to having sources of income.

He explained that that was why he has pledged to set aside Ten Billion US dollars so that the nation’s young men and women, who want to get involved in enterprises, will be given loans and capital so that they can

Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his Deputy/ APC governorship candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and APC Deputy National North,

•PDP will recreate Nigeria to make all happy, says Okowa

achieve their life time ambition.

The PDP presidential candidate told the mammoth crowd, “When I came here today (Tuesday), what I saw almost brought tears to my eyes, when we came here some people said we are not going to see anybody in Ekiti, we realized what they meant was to cripple public transportation in Ado- Ekiti and the whole of Ekiti state.

“Again they did not stop there, they also caused an artificial scarcity of Petroleum products so that even if you have your motorcycle, your car, you will not be able move. So that they can stop people from coming here, but you braved all their challenges.

“When I came into this arena, I almost shed tears of joy. What I can assure you is that if you vote PDP into power, the way you have made us happy today (Tuesday), we will also make you happy in Ekiti state.

“We will go out of our way to provide you with everything that you want us to provide, some people were talking about the road from here to Akure, we will do it and all the roads that connect Ekiti state with other states, we shall construct them.

“Ekiti state is the center of intellectual discuss, you have more educated people in this state than any other state in the country.

“I can assure you that a PDP federal government will make use of the human capital that God has endowed you with in Ekiti, it is your God given gift and we shall utilize that human resources that God has given you.

“Besides we want to make sure that particularly our young men and women have businesses to

do, have sources of income.

“That is why I pledge to set aside Ten Billion US dollars so that those young men and women who want to get involved in enterprises will be given loans and capital so that they can achieve their life time ambition.

“Today has been a wonderful day, happy day and I want to assure you that we will be with you through out the campaign period and we will make sure that on the election day whatever you may need to make sure that you go to vote, protect your vote is made available to you”, he assured further.

Speaking at the rally, the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said, “It is time to bring back a government that cares for the people.

The high level of insecurity is not for the Nigeria we are talking about, the disunity in the country today, that is not the Nigeria of our dream.

“The way they have destroyed the education of this country, that was not what we hoped for and now our people are hungry, they don’t have employment. Everything is going bad, industries are packing up, everything is getting expensive, that is not the Nigeria of our dream.

“We want, as a party, to begin the process to recreate a new Nigeria, where everybody will be happy, where people will get employed, where our youths can have hope for their future and when they are leaving the school, they know that there is something in stock for them to do. This is what Atiku Abubakar has promised us.

“He was vice President and chairman of National Economic Council and a lot was done

between 1999 and 2007. He is coming back, strengthened for the great task ahead and he will turn around Nigeria for the better so that our youths can have hope for the future.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the presentation of the APC Kano state governorship candidate and fundraising dinner, in Abuja yesterday.

“We don’t want a situation where our youths are exiting this country because there is lack of hope. We are creating that hope and PDP is going to recreate that hope”, he said.

The Director-General of the PDP presidential campaign management committee and Governor of Sokoto State, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while speaking at the rally, appealed to the people of the state to ensure that they deliver the state to PDP.

According to Tambuwal, “This movement is about the people, it is not about any individual, it is about this country, it is about our freedom.

“We know that the people of Ekiti state are intellectually endowed. Hardly you find a family without a professor in Ekiti state. No individual can dictate for you. “You know your rights and you are exercising those rights through your freedom of movement and freedom of association.

“We appeal to you that you must continue with this momentum and deliver Ekiti state for PDP.

“When Atiku Abubakar comes on board, he will, by the grace of God, strength the Copy Rights Commission so that all of the innovations, all of the intellectual works by the people of Ekiti state and other Nigerians will be given due protection by the administration of Atiku Abubakar because we appreciate your intellectual prowess, we appreciate your intellectual

Customs intercepts hard drugs, military hardware at Lagos airport

Yakubu Mustapha Minna with agency report

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) has intercepted hard drugs, military and police hardware at the cargo section of the domestic wing of the airport.

This is as the Niger, Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 317 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 253.6 kilograms to NDLEA.

The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Sambo Dangaladima, said this at a media conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

Dangaladima said the drugs consisted of 162 cartons of banned Tramadol hydrochloride 225 and 250mg, military and police hardware, which were intercepted at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO).

He said the drugs originated from India and Pakistan and were routed through AddisAbaba to Lagos, had an estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N13.8 billion.

He noted that the drugs included 92,387 packs, 929,970 sachets and 9,299,700 tablets.

“These milligrams (225&250mg) are above allowable thresholds as contained in the extant laws.

“In summary we have a total of 162 cartons, 92,387 packs, 929,970 sachets, 9,299,700 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride with a DPV of N13.8 billion.

“The drugs will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) by this Command.

“We are also handing over the suspect by name, Samson Olayiwan Tantolohun, of 29 Okejide Street, Ejigbo, Lagos,” he said.

He said the command intercepted and detained some military hardware and uniforms from two AWBs,118-11860343/3 and118-18860332/5.

He added that the hardware were 309 pieces of military helmets; 106 pieces of Military Armless Jackets, 352 pieces of ballistic body armoured pads and 119 pieces of Police Badges.

“Others are five pieces of bullet proof jackets; 33 pieces of body side ballistic pads and 105

pieces of ballistic chest plates.

“The suspects connected to this importation could not provide the end user certificate, which is the lawful prerequisite for such importation.

“We have detained the suspects, Mr Olaolu Marquis, and the military wares while investigation is ongoing.

“The service is empowered by section 46B of the Customs Excise and Management Act to perform this act,” he said.

Dangaladima said the command was mindful that 2023 being an election year in Nigeria, the traffic of hard

drugs that induced youths to do extraordinary things (when taken) was bound to increase.

“I can assure the unscrupulous importers that MMAC is the most dangerous route for their illicit trade, because we are always here to catch them and ensure that they face the wrath of the law,” he said.

He stated that the command generated N69.77 billion between January to December, 2022.

“The Command has done well in the area of revenue generation for the past year. I make bold to say that this Area Command never had it so good.

“Between January to December, 2022, the command generated a total of N69.77 billion, against the N55.67 billion generated in the year 2021.

“This shows an overwhelming increase of N14.1 billion, representing 25.34 per cent.

“The 2022 yearly target was N66.9 billion but the command surpassed the target with N2.83 billion, representing 4.24 per cent increase,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Niger, Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over 317 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 253.6

kilograms to NDLEA.

The cannabis worth over N20 million was intercepted on Abuja Lokoja highway by customs.

Minna Customs Area Controller Mr Busayo Kadejo while handing over the seized items to the NDLEA, said he has obtain necessary approval from Comptroller General of Customs Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali retired to do that.

Mr Kadejo hinted that the action further demonstrated the synergy that exists between Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA, the security and law enforcement agencies.

Police begins search for killers of 70 year old man in Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Command has intensified search for hoodlums that killed 70 year old man in Bauchi State.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Mohammed Ahmed Wakil stated this in a statement distributed to reporters in Bauchi.

He said the gunmen have stormed the residence of Saleh Umar (aka Saleh Burga) m

aged 70yrs old in Dan village of Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State and killed him.

He said the victim was shot multiple times by the armed men.

Upon receiving this information, Police operatives

were drafted and immediately arrived at the scene, but the hoodlums took to their heels on sighting the police team.

“The victim was rushed to Gar Primary Health care center Bauch but was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.”

R-L: Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, Interpol Executive Directoràte of Police Services, Mr. Kavanagh Stephen and the the Head of National Central Bureau (NCB) / Vice President Interpol Africa, AIG Garba Baba Umar, during the Interpol Executive Directoràte and West Africa Police information system WAPIS executives, working visit to the Minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo-: Justin Imo-owo

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

From

•Hands over N20m worth of Cannabis to NDLEA in Minna

Our tenure will expire this year, says NATMP President

By Usman Shuaibu

The national president of the National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Dr Shaba Maikudi, has disclosed that the current executives of the association under his leadership would end their tenure in November, 2023.

Maikudi made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, pointing out that due to the certificate of return signed by the electoral committee chairman, the secretary of the committee, as well as the Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairman of NANTMP showed that the tenure of the present officials would expire in November, 2023.

He said: “I wish to inform the members of the association and the general public that no election will hold on the 28th of January, 2023 as was spearheaded by a few dismissed executives of the association”.

He further pointed out that the so-called election by a few dismissed executives of the association is a scam capable of

Gombe Governor appoints LG Caretaker Chairmen

From David Hassan, Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) has approved the appointment of Caretaker Chairmen for the Eleven (11) Local Government Councils in the State.

Ismaila Uba Misilli Director-General Press Affairs Government House Gombe made this known in a statement yesterday.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who conveyed the Governor’s approval, announced the new appointees as follows: Abubakar Usman Barambu - Akko LGA; Garba Umar Garus - Balanga LGA; Margret Bitrus - Billiri LGA (iv) Jamilu Ahmed Shabewa - Dukku LGA; Ibrahim Adamu Cheldu - Funakaye LGA; Aliyu Usman Haruna - Gombe LGA and Faruk Aliyu UmarKaltungo LGA.

Others include Ibrahim Buba - Kwami LGA; Salisu Shu’aibu Dendele - Nafada LGA; Yohanna Nahari - Shongom LGA and Garba Usman - Y/Deba LGA.

According to the SSG, all the appointments take immediate effect.

Kwankwaso promises free education

From Gambo Ahmed Iafia

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP) Dr Rabiu Musa Kwakwaso has promised to

introduce free education from primary to the tertiary levels if elected president of Nigeria in the forthcoming general elections.

Dr Kwakwaso who made the assertion during his

presidential campaign held at the Lafia Square, called on Nigerians to vote massively for NNPP for good governance.

Kwakwaso expressed deep displeasure with the current poor education system and

harsh economic situation.

He further charged candidates on the platform of NNPP to work assidously by spreading the blue print of the party to Nigerians.

AMAC frowns at FCT Transport Secretariat over return of park

BY Usman Shuaibu

The administration of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has frowned at the Mandate Secretary in charge of Transport Secretariat of the FCT Administration, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido over the return of Park-and pay policy.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to

the Chairman of AMAC, Mr. Yunusa Yusuf Ahmadu and made available to peoples Daily Correspondent in Abuja.

According to the statement, it is worrisome for the FCT Transport Secretariat to cooking up a Kangaroo way to begin park and pay which ideally the law does not permit them, they do not have the power to do that.

The statement said “Candido should know clearly that gone are those days when he was the Chairman, he cannot be

mandate Secretary and be the Chairman of AMAC at the same time, it is not allowed, it is either he is mandate secretary.

“There are so many laws he should concentrate on, we have issues in train station, people are dying, neighboring communities are sacrificed for train stations and railway, let him go and attend to those issues, we know how people’s bags are being snatched in train stations. I think he has enough job to do rather than concentrating on how to collect

park and pay or co-operate parking or whatever he calls it, it solely the responsibility to enforce it and ensure that we get it done”.

It said; “We want to warn clearly that we know the Minister as a law-abiding citizen and nobody should cajole the Minister to do wrong thing, we want to tell Candido that we have records of how he never allowed the park and pay to see the light of the day when it was initially introduced by the FCDA”.

L-R: Director, Security FCTA, Dr. Adamu Qwary, Representative of the Minister of State for FCT, Hayiya Aisha Baiyee, Mandate Secretary, Area Councils Service Secretariat, Hon. Abubakar Ibrahim Dantsoho, the President Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO) / SA to the Minister of FCT on Youths Affairs, Amb Issac David, National Program Officer NYCN, Comrade Nehemiah Zaka and the FCT Youth Leader, Hon. Ibrahim Maikeri, during the flag off of sensitization campaigns for the collection of PVC in FCT, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

Clash between NNPP guber,

Mrs Bichi is

plan to

tarnish DSS boss - CSF

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The clash between the gubernatorial candidate of NNPP in Kano and the wife of Director General Department of State Services, has been described as a purported clash aimed at tarnishing the image of DSS boss.

This was disclosed by the lead convener of Patriots Network Nigeria (PNN) and Citizens Stability Forum (CSF) comrade Mukhtar Lawal at press conference.

Comrade Lawal explained that, some detractors of DSS boss use media to speculate what happened instead of resolving the situation amicably.

“In the past few weeks, there have been media reports on the purported clash between the entourage of Mrs. Bichi and that of NNPP gubernatorial candidate in Kano state, an unfortunate situation that can be resolved through consultation.”

Kebbi Contributory Scheme boss says PHCs doing well then general hospitals

From Ahmadu Baba Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Executive Sercertary, Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Scheme Dr. Jafaru Mohammed Augie has said that the Primary Healthcare Centers are doing better than the General Hospitals interm of the healthcare services delivery.

Augie, disclosed this yesterday at a two days retreat organised for media practitioners, NGOs and Union leaders at Shukura Hotels in Sokoto State.

He added that the health services rendered by the healthcare centers are more critical and better than the General Hospitals in the state and Nigeira at large.

Rescue kidnapped Akwa Ibom PDP Leader now -Reps tasked IG

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives, Tuesday asked the InspectorGeneral of Police, Usman Baba, to rescue the Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ward 3, Oruk Anam Local

Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Enobong Williamson, from his abductors.

The House decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Unyime Idem,representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom on

Tues at plenary.

The Lawmaker expressed concern and sadness over the incessant kidnappings going on across the country, most importantly and recently in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

He said: “Unfortunately, the whole community was greeted with the sad news of the kidnapping and disappearance of Mr. Enobong Williamson who, until his disappearance, was the Treasurer, Peoples Democratic Party Ward 3, Oruk Anam LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

Culture Advocate urges youths to be right mentees

Ms May Ikokwu, Chief Executive Officer, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI) has advised Nigerian youths to strive to emulate right characters and attitudes from their mentors to make themselves better mentees.

Ikokwu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja on the occasion of World Mentoring Day.

She described mentoring as an imperative aspect of human development which was required to mold enviable characters.

“Mentoring usually involves a more knowledgeable person

sharing wisdom with someone who has less experience.

“Mentors share their skills in the workplace, schools, places of worship and professional organisations,” she said.

The Culture Advocate who called on youths to shun temptations of materialism, said character and integrity remain the greatest gifts.

She advised young people to always look up to people with impeccable characters than those with fraudulent and questionable characters.

Ikokwu added: “Wherever one might need guidance, there are usually mentors.

“Those who are mentors

usually find the position to be rewarding too.”

She said that mentoring was also a great way to influence young people, urging elderly people to always lead lives of honour and integrity.

According to her, it is pertinent for older persons both in office and anywhere to strive to be good influences to the younger ones.

Ikokwu identified increased chance of graduating from school, healthier relationships with others and make better lifestyle choices as benefits of mentoring.

“Other benefits include improved self-esteem, self-

confidence, and behavior, lack of drug abuse etc,” she said.

The culture advocate cautioned young ones to imbibe good qualities from their mentors without trying to be like them, because each person had been wonderfully and specially created.

The International Mentoring Day is celebrated yearly on Jan. 17.

International Mentoring Day fosters a global understanding of the mentoring movement throughout the world.

The day also raises awareness for the global contributions of mentoring. (NAN)

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu with Dr Alex Vines, OBE, a senior official of Chatham House, London, during Prof Yakubu’s presentation at the British Think-thank Centre on Tuesday, 17th January 2023. He spoke on preparations for Nigeria’s 2023 elections, pledging credible, inclusive and technology-driven polls.

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi says he will continue to showcase President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements, in spite of stiff opposition by some people.

Umahi said this in Abakaliki when he inaugurated several projects executed by the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC) Abakaliki.

The governor said that Buhari has done a lot for the country.

“Every sincere leader will tell you the burden of leadership at this present challenging period.

“Most developed countries are presently experiencing recession, but Nigeria experienced it on two occasions and is still standing,” he said.

He described Buhari as a committed, sincere and humble leader who has never asked anyone to fight his enemies for his sake.

“He has not asked anyone to rig election for him and if others will not commend him publicly, I will.

“Ebonyi has come to be under his administration and in spite of what some people say, I know where we were before this period,” he said.

I’ll continue to showcase Buhari’s achievements – Umahi

Umahi commended the medical director of NOFIC, over the monumental projects, saying that the center’s management also shared in the plaudit.

“I am impressed with the concrete roads you constructed and adopting our concrete road technology shows you like us.

“You also imbibed our philosophy of using little funds to achieve great works and I can assist in installing an oxygen

plant at the centre,” he said.

He pledged to lay the foundation stone of the new Ebonyi University Teaching Hospital in February which would be developed by his successor.

The Minister of State for Health, Mr Joseph Ekumankama commended NOFIC management for the projects.

Ekumankama said that the

ministry would collaborate with the state government to improve healthcare access to the people.

“This will be through improved budgetary provisions, federal government’s intervention and support from international agencies,” he said.

Prof. Johnson Obuna, the Medical Director, NOFIC thanked the governor and the minister for the inauguration, saying that it will motivate its

management and staff.

Obuna listed the projects for inauguration to include: maternity complex, molecular laboratory and equipment, oncology health record building and theatre ramp.

“The other projects are minipetrol station, dual carriage roads, NOFIC guest house, reconstructed main theatre complex, among others,” he said. (NAN)

Senator Binani kick-starts gubernatorial campaign

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The Adamawa state gubertorial candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani has promised to use her political influence and connection to change the fortunes of the state if elected as governor come 11th March, 2023.

Senator Binani made the promise while officially flagging off her 2023 election gubernatorial statewide campaign in the boarder town of Toungo in Toungo local government area in the state yesterday.

She pledged that her 10 points agenda has captured all her administration will provide for the people in the state.

Binani urged electorates to vote for all candidates of the party.

She assured electorate that they will not regret voting her.

Allow DSS to carry-out their constitutional duty on CBN Gov - Group tells detractors

Agroup

(CSF) has called on detractors of move made by the Department of State Services (DSS) on arrest and investigation of CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele.

The call was contained in a

statement, signed and issued to news men by the lead convener of the forum comrade Mukhtar Lawal during a press conference organised by the forum.

He explained that, the forum

decided to organize the press conference to looking at how the move to arrest and investigate CBN governor is taking another dimension.

Niger Govt, CAN condemn bandits killing of Catholic Priest

From

Kafin-Koro Rev Father Isaac Achi.

He was said to have been killed by unknown gunmen and the entire Parish house burnt down in the early hours of Sunday.

In a statement issued by

the State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Emmanuel Umar Musa said the Governor is saddened with the unfortunate incident and condoled the entire Christian Community in the State.

He therefore, directed all the

security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger state strongly condemned the gruesome killing of the Catholic Priest.

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

of civil society organizations known as Patriots Network Nigeria and Citizens Stability Forum

Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Governor of Niger State Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello has entirely condemned the rude and shocking killing of the Parish Priest of Saint Peter and Paul,

From right, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Chairman, Implementation Committee of Emmanuel Alayande University, Oyo, Prof Deji Omole; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Mosurat Sunmonu; Anthoney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo and Prof Olusegun Ajiboye during the inauguration of the committee held at Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, yesterday in Ibadan.

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Government, with support from UNICEF, has taken steps to strengthen nutrition data management to improve decisionmaking and quality of service delivery across the state.

The State Nutrition Officer, Mrs Ramatu Haruna, stated this yesterday in Zaria at a twoday training on Nutrition Data Management, organised by the State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB).

The training, supported by UNICEF, was conducted for state officials, local government, health authorities, nutrition focal persons and monitoring and evaluation officers.

Haruna noted that over the years, there have been challenges on data management at different levels, adding that the training was to increase capacity and enhance skills in nutrition data management.

“Currently, the state, in partnership with UNICEF, is implementing Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) in 107 OutPatient Therapeutic Centres in 21 local government areas (LGAs).

“Also, the Community Infant and Young Child Feeding programme is being implemented in the whole 23 LGAs of the state.

“Data from these activities are collected periodically and shared with all stakeholders at all levels of decision making,” she said.

The State Integrated Data Control Coordinator, Mr Jibril Isah, said that the objective of

Northern Christian elders forum bristles over killings targeting Christian Clerics

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) has again, expressed concerns over the incessant killings in the North, specifically targeting Christian clerics.

This was contained in a statement signed by NOSCEF Chairman, Engineer Ejoga Oyinehi Inalegwu, in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, communities in Southern Kaduna and Niger State are the most affected.

NOSCEF called on the governments at the state and federal levels to give the security forces the needed support to sustain the push against the insurgency plaguing the nation.

KDSG, UNICEF strengthens nutrition data management

the training was to strengthen competencies of HMIS and nutrition officers on the National HMIS data collection tools.

He added that the training was also to strengthen the competencies of participants to conduct robust desk reviews and analysis of program data and also conduct supportive supervision strategies focused on data quality.

Also, Dr Neyu Iliyasu, Director, Family and Community Health Services, KSPHCB, highlighted the key role of quality data in decision making for nutrition and other health services.

Iliyasu pointed out that improving the capacity of data

managers would significantly improve the quality of nutrition data across the council areas to enable the local councils and state government make informed decisions.

Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna State, Mrs Chinwe Ezeife, said that the training was crucial to ensuring effective data management for result-oriented decision making that would improve nutrition indices in the state.

Ezeife, who spoke virtually, encouraged the nutrition focal persons and the HMIS officers to take the issue of quality data management seriously to improve

the quality of nutrition service delivery.

“The nutrition data management training is very important to UNICEF given the relevance of data in reporting the nutrition and health status of children.

“It will help to track where the issues are in decision making, for improving nutrition intervention and helping in tracking the quality of nutrition programmes.

“Data is very dynamic and its quality accuracy and completeness are very important to the overall programme and decision making, which will add

up to the quality of life of children and human capital development.

“As such, every program manager at all levels, local government and health facilities have to have hands-on practical skills around quality data and reporting,” she said.

Also, the Information Management Specialist, Nutrition Section, UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Jieun Yeom, who took the participants through CMAM and CIYCF data tools virtually, stressed the importance of data quality.

According to her, poor data quality will lead to poor result outcomes and waste of resources.

From right, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Chairman, Implementation Committee of Emmanuel Alayande University, Oyo, Prof Deji Omole; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Mosurat Sunmonu; Anthoney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo and Prof Olusegun Ajiboye during the inauguration of the committee held at Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, yesterday in Ibadan.

NGO urges politicians to play by rule, ensure credible election

An NGO, JACCO’s Charity International, has tasked politicians across the country to play by the rule to ensure a violent-free and fair general elections.

Queen Jodie Frank, the founder of the NGO, made the call at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

Frank is Miss Africa United Nations 2022 and also the Peace Ambassador with Universal Peace Federation.

She said that as the election was drawing near, it had become

imperative for political parties, their candidates and supporters to ensure that peace reigned before, during and after the elections.

“In politics there must be winners and losers; however, whatever the outcome of the elections, we want all political parties, their candidates and supporters to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship,” she said.

This, according to her, is to ensure peace and that no blood of any Nigerian was worth the political ambition of a candidate or party.

She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to provide a level playing ground for all political parties and their candidates.

She said that security agencies should obey the rules of engagement and do everything possible to ensure violence free elections.

“While the campaigns are still on, it is important to call on political parties and their candidates to restrict themselves to issue-based campaign,” she said.

According to her, candidates should be able to tell Nigerians how they hope to address the myraids of challenges bedeviling the country rather than engage in mudslinging and name calling.

She further said it was time the government prosecuted those making statements capable of igniting violence before, during and after the election.

She called on Nigerians, not just the youth, to participate in the general elections and ensure that it was credible and without violence.(NAN)

IBBUL don calls for enforcement of Land Use Act, regulations

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Professor of soil science,

the enforcement of land use act and regulations in order to ensure sustainable use and proper land management in Nigeria.

He made this known during the 18th inaugural lecture on “Pedology

and Nigerian Farmer: The Nexus”, held at the Institute campus, Lapai.

He applauded the idea of establishing Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) by an Act of 2017

Professor Yakubu who is the current Provost, Niger State College of Education COE Minna, also recommended the need to increase Pedological research as well as soil information system.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Professor Muhammad Yakubu has called for

Nigeria has 16 million more voters ahead all West Africa –INEC Chairman Tinubu’s ambition not personal —Support group

The ABAT Framework Outreach, a support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has said that the former Lagos State Governor’s ambition is not personal but in the interest of the masses.

Mr Fola Tinubu, the Convener, and the DirectorGeneral of the Bola Tinubu 4 President 2023 Support Group, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Tinubu, who is also the Managing Director, Primero Transport Services Ltd., operator of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) in Lagos State urged Nigerians, especially electorate in South West region to vote massively for the APC presidential candidate.

He said that the outreach had organised its fifth Campaign Road Show in Somolu/Bariga and environs on Thursday to mobilise support for Tinubu.

“Only the APC candidate will put smiles on faces of the general masses in Nigeria and also actualise the dream of each region,” he said.

According to him, the Tinubu project should be for everyone in Lagos State and Southwest region, hence the group’s several road shows to galvanise support.

“People of Lagos and South West must come out massively to support Tinubu and vote for him for a better tomorrow for them and their children.

“He (Tinubu) is the right man that can lead us to the Nigeria of our dream, the Nigeria that we all want for ourselves and our children. Tinubu is ready, he is prepared and can do it.

“We know he has the best team for the job in every facet of the economy, security, health, education and what a few,” the convener said.

He said that only the APC presidential candidate has the antecedents to bring about Nigeria of everyone’s dream.

The convener said that the former Lagos state governor has “the best team to take Nigeria forward” if elected.

Tinubu, who noted that the group had toured Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo and Somolu Local Government Areas and environs, said the road show would move to some state capitals in the South West.

He said that the road show, which had attracted several party leaders and loyalists in

By our correspondent with agency report.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has stated that available data indicated that Nigeria has over 16 million more voters than the rest of West Africa.

The INEC boss made this known on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, when he spoke about the commission’s preparations for the 2023 general elections at Chatham House in London.

He said: “Based on figures

compiled from electoral commissions and interior ministries in West Africa, Nigeria’s current voter population is 16.7 million higher than the 76.7 million registered in all the other countries put together and there are 14 other elections in the sub-region.

“This means that a general election in Nigeria is like conducting an election in the whole of West Africa and beyond.”

He also refuted claims the insinuations that INEC may postpone the election saying the commission is “not contemplating let alone planning to postpone the 2023 general elections”

“We are going ahead to conduct the election as scheduled,” he added.

According to him, Nigeria can surmount its electoral challenges and make sure elections continue to get better.

He said: “We know that political actors often try to undermine the process by attacking the technology, casting doubts on its suitability, bypassing its use or indeed seeking to undermine its security.

“This informed the early choice of a new voter accreditation technology, using an electronic device called Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.”

2023: AA to write AGF, foreign embassies over exclusion

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Adekunle Omo-Aje leadership of the Action Alliance said it will write the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

over the alleged failure of INEC to recognise its candidates for the 2023 general elections despite valid court orders.

The National Chairman of AA, Omo-Aje also said that foreign embassies would be petitioned over INEC’s refusal to obey court

judgments.

The AA chairman, who spoke on the sidelines of a programme to mark his 69th birthday organised by party members yesterday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call INEC, under the leadership of Prof. Mahmood

Yakubu, to order.

“By next week, we are planning to stage a very massive protest to the National Assembly.

“Our lawyers are working on letters to all the embassies and organisations that partner with INEC.”

2023: Group tasks INEC on fairness to political parties

The Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts (ASSPT) has tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair to all political parties ahead of 2023 general elections.

The Director of the School, Dr Sam Amadi, made the call at a news conference in Abuja, on Tuesday while speaking on the uploading of party agents for the Feb. 25 presidential election.

Amadi urged INEC to work hard and simplify its digital processes to enable efficient and timely upload of Polling Units (PUs) agents by political parties.

He equally advised the commission to factor the interests and challenges faced by the less established political parties in managing its deadlines.

Amadi said from the group’s interactions with some of the parties “outside the major ones, namely the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’sParty” the feedbacks were not encouraging.

“We receive reports of difficulty in uploading party agents including difficulty of using the INEC’s portal and the number of PUs to be uploaded.

“Some of the officials of these parties informed us that INEC official did not notify them that their method will only provide

online forms suitable for selfservice and not for enterprise use cases.

“Some of them have also complained that the tasks requires more time that INEC allocates.

“Some of these party officials are requesting INEC to adopt the Enterprise Data Upload Method which will be easier and faster to enable them to quickly upload their agents.

“And this will enable them be in a position to monitor and defend their votes, especially in the presidential and governorship elections where incentives for rigging and manipulations may be high.

“INEC should recognise the comparative disadvantage of the less established parties and grant them amply opportunity to meet the deadline.

“If INEC is not able to be flexible with its system to enable smooth upload, then it should, within its conveniences and schedule, consider to extend the deadline.

“This will enable effective participation by the less established parties, outside the Big Four to ensure fair participation in competitive election, “ Amadi explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school at the event launched a 2023 Election Observatory to monitor, analyse and provide

solutions to issues that would affect the credibility and fairness of the elections.

Amadi said the gesture became necessary in order to help the INEC with necessary information in its preparations towards a credible exercise.

He said, “the objective of the observatory is to offer an independent analysis of the challenges of free and fair election to INEC as the country approaches its general elections.

“We believe that the most important aspect of the electoral process is not the actual voting, but actions taken by the electoral management body to make voting free and fair.

“We are not engaged in election monitoring but rather in observing and analysing the processes and procedures that guarantee fairness and credibility of voting and declaration of results.

“To this end, we will be having weekly press briefings to highlight challenges and offer solutions to ensure the conduct of the 2023 elections remain free, fair and credible.”

The school urged INEC to ensure that all eligible registered voters collect their Permanent Voter Cards(PVCs) before the election dates to avoid disenfranchisement.

He explained that the logistics could be overwhelming for the institutions, adding

that the election is a crucial one and its competitiveness requires more transparency and accountability than in the past.

He commended INEC for the decision to use its staff to conduct the election rather than academics outside its control.

“By establishing a committee of its senior management and taking ownership of the process, INEC is proving that it is learning from the failures of the past and is determined to conduct more efficient and reliable elections in 2023.

“This decision underlines a recognition of the needs to standardise the procedures and processes of the elections.

“This is more so as the returning officers make decisions that at times are arbitrary and capricious to undermine the fairness of electoral outcomes,” he said.

Mr Kenneth Eze of Speak Out Africa Initiative, urged INEC to put measures in place for all eligible registered voters, especially students who were now back to their various schools, get their voting PVCs.

“We all know that when the Continuous Voter Registration was conducted, Nigeria students were home due to eight months strike declared by ASUU.

“Today, as we are talking PVCs distributoon and collection, these same largest decision making constituency

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

Shishi-less strategy

By Kene Obiezu

in other countries straddle Nigeria’s political space with magisterial authority.

spite of his many shortcomings, President Muhammadu Buhari has tried to plug the many leakages to public funds deliberately designed by the komodo dragons who feast on the country. For them, a president who shares money is not just a president but a prophet and even a physician who will cure Nigeria of her infirmities.

In

In the pit that is politics in Nigeria, pittances are pearls.

They are a stark mark of unyielding and unbending poverty, the kind of poverty that pulverizes the mind, laying waste to what there is and seeding a disease that is invisible but invincible.

Nigeria is a land lain waste. From the beginning, it was trampled under the boots of callous colonialists. Independence came in 1960 and while a newly independent country was struggling to find its feet, its oppressors came in khaki uniforms, pledging death and issuing decrees.

Then came the weasels of war which were only forerunners to the wolves unleashed against the Southeast between 1967-70 as a country crumbled under the weight of its wannabes.

Between 1970 when the war supposedly ended and 1999 when the delicacies of democracy again danced their way to Nigeria’s starving tables, Nigeria’s khaki-clad tormentors let the country enjoy only brief moments of respite.

Their shadows loom large even till this day as the infamous Abacha loot continues to come home and with it a litany for the leeches that continue to leer at Nigeria’s nakedness.

Since 1999 however, Nigeria’s tactful and treacherous traducers have been mostly civilians rebranded as politicians. With the return of democracy came all the dreams that had been cruelly aborted under different military regimes – dreams of free speech, of elections, of independent media, but most crucially, of a free prosperous people.

With the distinct possibility of elections came the formation of political parties which are the associations that necessarily support the mechanics of democratic elections in Nigeria.

Into these different parties decorated by different names and symbols but markedly similar in their scandalous lack of ideology have dispersed many of the dupes responsible for the depredations that currently afflict Nigerians.

All manner of people are politicians these days. People convicted of drug-running and fraud in foreign countries where the law takes no prisoners have returned to Nigeria and become political heroes. People wanted for crimes

The results are riotously clear for all to see . Leadership in Nigeria has come to be afflicted with a poverty of ideas and implementation. This has birthed a country crippled by incompetence, inertia and corruption.

In the last eight years especially, Nigerians have lived a leadership nightmare. As poverty and insecurity have scythed through Nigeria with terrifying consequences, Nigerians have been forced to look at themselves over and over again.

It is said that people always get the leaders they deserve. Nigerians have never had good leaders in the country.If this argument holds true, Nigerians have never deserved good leaders.

The 2023 general election is fast approaching. Already, it has thrown up all manner of permutations. The major and minor political parties have since put forward their candidates. Campaigns have long opened. The usual suspects are in the race along with a couple of newcomers who are threatening to breast the tape on their first attempt.

For the Labour Party and Peter Obi, its candidate, an earthquake rumbles deep in the belly of Nigeria’s politics.

The weight of his words on the campaign trail gives off the whiff of someone who knows just what Nigeria’s problems are and what has to be done to solve them. If he wins the race, he may yet be overwhelmed by the problems. But that he seems to have a handle on the challenges has made many Nigerians to take notice.

But more than the wisdom he exudes when discussing Nigeria’s seemingly intractable challenges is the mammoth danger his personal and political philosophy poses to a disease that is at the heart of Nigeria’s leadership failures.

It is the politics of crumbs and craps and crabs and craft with each feeding off and sustaining the other. With bad leadership having hastened the institutionalization of poverty around the country, Nigerian politicians – master opportunists that they are – have deified money while refining the role its plays during elections.

The strategy is simply to hand out chicken feed to gullible Nigerians in exchange for their votes. The items usually range from clothing to seasoning, a little rice and some money here and there.

Recently, the items have been upgraded to include some beans with the stipend jumping from two thousand naira to five thousand naira and even ten thousand naira in some cases. The result is that many Nigerians are hooked.

Where are they sharing money, many people ask during elections? They should come and share money, say. While

Mobilising youths for civic duty in 2023

By Mujeeb Awonuga

In light of the foregoing, I implore everyone to be on their guard as we are once again faced with the daunting task of choosing the right leaders who will govern us aright. This we must do if we are to birth the Nigeria of our dreams for you, for me, for us, and our generations unborn.

A poem by Joe Carnahan culled from the movie, ‘The Grey’, which reads, “Once more into the fray; into the last good fight I’ll never know; live and die on this day; Live and die on this day”, loudly echoes the energy and mentality that every Nigerian youth must develop, maintain, and sustain in anticipation of the upcoming 2023 general elections (the seventh of its kind since the beginning of the Fourth Republic). I must state that the word ‘die’ used in the poem doesn’t convey a literal interpretation in this piece.

This energy must be similar to that exuded by warrior-youths who stared death in the face during the historic and revolutionary 2020 #Endsars protests. Like the poem suggests, the 2023 general elections are a fight we must never run away from. But the question remains: How many youths are willing and ready to? The answer appears to be a resounding ‘nobody’ because no one(not even the country’s over 150 million youths) seems to be disturbed as the country continues to plunge headlong into an abysm of doom and nothingness.

Despite the 62 years down the line of public

mismanagement, abuse of office, unfulfilled promises, unrealistic manifestos, political monopolisation, projects that begin never to end, and the practice of a loopsided democracy where the rich get richer and the powerful hunger for more power while the masses — the very essence of the existence of this nation — continue to wallow in despair and abject poverty, Nigerian youths have a rich history of showing apathy to the electoral sector, showing no interest in what happens to them in that regard.

They always seem to have an ever-ready unending list of ‘whys’ and ‘wherefores’ to justify their undue apolitical stances. However, it is high time the youths began to embrace the idea of a paradigm shift; a recalibration that will amount to change.

In recent times though, it is thrilling and inspiring to see this generation of youths expressly agitating towards 2023 with increased involvement in the electoral process. Recent statistics from the Independent National Electoral Commission show that 71 per cent of the twelve million newly registered voters are under 35 years, and that the 96.2 million registered voters have a youthful majority. These show that indeed, there is a strong desire for change. Therefore, we the youths have no excuse not to be involved in the 2023 general elections. And yes, it is time to change the narrative.

I must, however, put it to you and anyone who cares to listen that being involved in the electoral process come 2023 goes beyond registering to be a

some Nigerians have retained their senses in spite of the lure of filthy lucre, out of the mentality of the maddening mob for whom elections are only about money has emerged a stereotype that the politician who does not share money cannot be trusted.

This stereotype has become a rod for Peter Obi’s back. The astute business man who as Anambra State Governor brought an unprecedented level of shrewdness and prudence to public spending has maintained all through his bid to become Nigeria’s president that he abhors this nauseating politics of craps and crumbs.

He has steadfastly maintained that he is a firm believer in the fact that money should be spent properly. Many of Nigeria’s political buyers and sellers have taken offence at him, slapping their ears shut at his words.

It was Peter Obi’s conviction that he could not participate in such breadcrumbs politics that saw him jump ship from the Peoples Democratic Party shortly before its primaries descended into an unregulated match of avaricious buying and selling.

Peter Obi’s courageous stand in a country where many values have been lost to the vicious cycle of vice spun by vultures has ironically brought many Nigerians who want a sanitized country aboard his charabanc of change.

However, for political merchants like Reno Omokri whose farcical flippancy knows no bounds, Peter Obi’s stinginess won’t suit Nigeria if he becomes President. Omokri recently warned that were Peter Obi to become President, ASUU will embark on an unending strike as he would be unwilling to meet the demands of the members of the union.

Reno Omokri who was an aide to Goodluck Ebele Jonathan when the latter was president definitely belongs to the league of leeches who having latched on to Nigeria in the past to great benefit want a return to the past.

In spite of his many shortcomings, President Muhammadu Buhari has tried to plug the many leakages to public funds deliberately designed by the komodo dragons who feast on the country. For them, a president who shares money is not just a president but a prophet and even a physician who will cure Nigeria of her infirmities.

But such is not the kind of President Nigeria needs now. Nigeria needs a president who has a track record of accountability and transparency with public funds.

Unless Nigeria gets such a president who will be willing to lead the way by force of personal example into office, a desperate country will be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Kene Obiezu, Twitter: kenobiezu

voter; it goes beyond being in possession of the much coveted Permanent Voter Cards; it goes beyond airing your thoughts on social media (as in recent times); it goes beyond leaving the comfort of our homes and casting our votes. The strife for 2023 transcends beyond 2023.

It is about pooling resources, strengths, and ideas and putting efforts (big and small) to make 2023 a success by choosing the right leaders. It is about standing firm on the principles of democracy and duly requesting a transparent and accountable government from those leaders. It is about going forward and questioning where we are, how we got here, how we are hurting, and what to do to stop hurting. It is about going against the youthful trend of sycophancy and standing for what is right. It is about aggressively advocating for youth inclusion in governance for indeed, being youthful is more than just the theme of the day, it is the song of the decade and centuries to come.

In light of the foregoing, I implore everyone to be on their guard as we are once again faced with the daunting task of choosing the right leaders who will govern us aright. This we must do if we are to birth the Nigeria of our dreams for you, for me, for us, and our generations unborn.

Mujeeb Awonuga writes from Lagos State University, Ojo

The exceptional bus driver

By Ahmed Mahmud

As for the driver, he did not see his kindest act as anything important. He believes it is normal to return things that are not yours. He went further to say that,he too was very worried about my wife’s emotional state having realized that the laptop belongs to a company, hence he made sure he came to to station earlier than usual.

This man. He’s a bus driver in Ajah area of Lagos. He is fondly called Mr. Righteous.He is always in rain boots and professional overall.

He is also called an Engineer by all bus drivers at the bus station, apparently because of his choice of dressing.

His spoken English is Queens, very articulate and fluent. He hails from Imo State.

Without a doubt, he’s man of integrity, pillared by conscience and roundly revered by everybody in the car park.

He is a very simple man, about 5ft tall with white beard. I think he is in his late sixties.

Just last night, at about 7pm.

My wife entered his tiny bus, usually called Korope. She sat at the front with her company’s laptop which contained vital contents and information.

The distance to her destination wasn’t upto 4 kilometers. Still. She decided to drop the laptop by her side while seated.

Shockingly, when she arrived at her destination, she got off the bus without the laptop.

It was when she got home she realized her laptop was still on the bus.

Swiftly, we drove out in a bid to locate the man’s whereabouts since he’d told my wife that that was his last trip and he lives around Sangotedo’s ShopRite.

The traffic didn’t help the situation, but I managed to speed when there was a chance.

We got to the United Estate, but the man could not be found. Still we braved the traffic back to Ajah’s bus stop with the hope that he would return the laptop if sees it. Yet to no avail.

The entire time, my wife was understandably distraught. Praying, wailing and crying at the same time. She did so in a profuse scale wondering what is she going to tell her company.

For me, the speed in which I drove the car was unprecedented and I am thankful to God we had no accident.

As we got to Ajah and explained the situation to everyone, they expressed their empathy and assured us that the driver is a man of integrity and if he sees the laptop that he would surely return it.

We went back home at about 10 pm after exchanging telephone numbers with the drivers we met and promised them that we will return this morning since we were told the driver will surely be at the park today.

Throughout yesterday’s night my wife did not sleep and neither did I.

On the other hand, inspite of all the efforts I displayed to get the laptop back on real time, as a husband, I was blamed for the loss.

Understandably so, it is the nature of every woman. They blame their husbands for everything.

The tension in the house was high and I dared not

say anything to escalate it.

If you are a married man reading this, you will have an ideaof what I am talking about.

As early as 7am this morning, my wife left for the bus station and I followed her shortly. We got there and waited for close to 2 hours narrating the situation to the drivers and engaged in conversations about incidents similar to ours. Boom!

At about 8 O’clock, the entire car park erupted in a wild jubilation as Papa emerged with the laptop. On sighting the driver,my wife broke down in tears of joy as we roundly gave the man an appreciave hug thanking him for his utmost sincerity.

As for the driver, he did not see his kindest act as anything important. He believes it is normal to return things that are not yours. He went further to say that,he too was very worried about my wife’s emotional state having realized that the laptop belongs to a company, hence he made sure he came to to station earlier than usual.

After handing over the laptop, I gave him money as a token of our appreciation, but Papa refused to take it

Please, I am using this medium to thank Papa and appeal to everyone reading this to pray for this man because he has saved my household from trouble.

With this demonstration, he has proven once again that God answers prayers and that Nigeria is full of Good Samaritans.

Finally, have confidence in Nigeria and Nigerians, because there are so so many good people in this beautiful land of ours.

Ukraine and Africa aim to bolster economic cooperation

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Despite the former Soviet republic of Ukraine for almost a year, is experiencing the worst times due to an extensive special military operation from its neighbour Russia, it has simultaneously been stepping up efforts to support Africa. During the past year, it despatched tonnes of fertilizers, wheat, grains and other agricultural products to a number of African countries, most them located in the Horn and East Africa.

In order to boost its efforts in establishing cordial working relations especially in the area of economic cooperation, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba last year visited a number of African countries, held useful conversations with high-powered government officials, and plans to open diplomatic representative offices this year inside Africa. It also plans to boost exports and participate in taking up opportunities of manufacturing offered by the single continental market.

The overarching message in all these is to focus on engaging and expanding the expected long-term partnership, and collaboratively establish trade links. For connecting business interests between Ukraine and Africa, Ukrainians are rapidly studying more possibilities for participating in the African Continental Free Trade Area which was already agreed on, in the process, with a number of African leaders and the African Union.

Early January, Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky visited Senegal, where he signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ukrainian ministry and the relevant Senegalese agency on January 9, the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry website.

The document envisions the development of bilateral trade in agricultural produce and cooperation on scientific studies, investments, and interrelations between Ukrainian and Senegalese government agencies and private companies. It provides for the possible storage of Ukrainian grain at so-called grain hubs. Ukraine is willing to export not only foodstuffs but also other goods to African countries, which requires the development of logistical infrastructure.

The official document points out that Ukraine is considering the implementation of new logistical projects in Senegal to step up exports of its agricultural produce via the Port of Dakar. West African republic of Ghana plans to implement new logistics projects, which will help increase agricultural exports from Ukraine. Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Minister Nikolai Solsky and Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture Owusu Afriyie Akot, have thoroughly discussed steps to broaden agricultural cooperation and trade relations.

The parties discussed a potential joint project, a logistics hub that will be able to store food products, including grain, and will help stabilize food prices in the region. Besides Ghana and Senegal, Nigeria has also expressed high interest in setting up such hubs in its territory. The current geopolitical situation should rather have a reliable and diversified transit and transport infrastructure to destinations where it is badly needed especially naturally disasteraffected regions in Africa.

“There have been meetings in Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria. These countries regularly take a lot of food products, especially wheat. These are major markets from the standpoint of their populations compared to the European market or many other countries. It doesn’t have such purchasing power, but it is big and is developing, and therefore, it needs to be monitored,” Ukrainian media quoted Solsky as saying.

Solsky said each country he had visited was interested in developing cooperation with Ukraine and ready to expand the capacity of their ports to increase the volume of Ukrainian grain unloaded and stored there. But, before launching the construction of hubs in Africa to transship Ukrainian grain, Ukraine needs to receive guarantees from the countries concerned including documenting the guarantees and the principles of operating them either by Ukraine, or whether it will be a state company, and how private traders will be involved in this cooperation.

Solsky said that his ministry would provide more information about infrastructure projects in mid-spring 2023, as in the coming months it would have to hold additional consultations with the authorities of African countries and businesses interested in Ukrainian grain exports to Africa.

Within the framework of the roadmap, it has launched its development projects including constructing facilities for storage agricultural foodstuffs and for onward distribution throughout some regional markets, to offset food shortages in Africa. Ukraine, however, insists that food and fertilizer trade should not be subjected to sanctions or any restrictions.

According to several reports carefully monitored by this author, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has held 18 conversations with African leaders in 2022, nine of which were the first instances of bilateral communication between Ukraine and these African countries. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry listed some of them such as Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, and Botswana.

President of Guinea-Bissau and Chairperson-in-Office of the Economic Community of West Africa Umaro Embalo visited Ukraine in October 2022. It was the first official visit by a leader of a sub-Saharan African state since 2004, according to the Ukrainian

Foreign Ministry.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmitry Kuleba, for his part, held 35 phone calls and meetings with his counterparts from African countries in 2022, the ministry said. The first ever African tour by a Ukrainian foreign minister took place in October 2022. The report indicated that Minister Kuleba visited Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Kenya.

Ukraine’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa Maxim Subkh, appointed in July 2022, also visited five African countries. Within this emerging multipolar world, Ukraine is broadening its geopolitical influence, and of course it is important for Ukraine to fix its diplomatic presence on the continent to an appreciable level necessary for active interaction, in a continuous and efficient manner, with Africa. It has official representation, an observer status, at the African Union.

Arriving back to Kyiv after his visit to Washington in December, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in a video address, announced that Ukraine would open 10 new embassies in African countries. “We are rebooting relationships with dozens of countries in Africa. We must strengthen this as we have already determined ten countries where new Ukrainian embassies in Africa will be opened. We have also developed a concept of the Ukraine-Africa Trade House. Its offices will open in the capitals of the most promising countries of the continent,” he said.

President Zelenskiy considers Africa as a unique and dynamically developing continent with whom to have relations. In addition, these countries are steadily gaining political weight and achieving significant economic successes, it therefore becomes necessary to look for more new partners eventually targeting African countries.

The Chairman of the African Union and President of Senegal, Macky Sall, together with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, visited Moscow and Kyiv in an attempt to mediate the conflict, but without any result in sight.

“We do not want to be aligned on this conflict, very clearly, we want peace. Even though we condemn the invasion, we’re working for a de-escalation, we’re working for a ceasefire, for dialogue … that is the African position,” Senegalese Macky Sall said, back in May 2022.

Meanwhile, Africa is still divided over the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, the crisis that have caused global economic instability since February 24, 2022. The African Union (AU) and African leaders understand aspects of the geopolitical complexities, implications and possible solutions to the existing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Kestér Kenn Klomegâh is a Public Policy Analyst.

Group trains academic staff of Kadpoly on prevention of SGBV

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI) an (NGO), has sensitised members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, on the prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

EWEI’s Programme Officer, Gender, Mr Mendie Jeremiah, at the opening session of the seminar in Kaduna, said that the orientation was under the “We for Them (WFT)” project.

Jeremiah, who is also the Secondary Focal Person, WFT, explained that the project was being implemented in partnership with Africa Women’s Development Fund.

He said the project was specifically aimed at decreasing the frequency of SGBV, with particular focus on sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces.

He said EWEI would be working with allies from ASUP, a male-dominated union of Kaduna Polytechnic to implement the project in the next two years.

He added that a total of 50 academic staff members was selected from five colleges of the institution to participate in the implementation of the project.

He identified the schools as College of Engineering, College of Science and Technology, College of Environmental Studies, College of Administrative Studies and Social Sciences, and College of Business and Management Studies.

“It is important to state that this project recognises the power, influence, and intellectual nature of the union as a strategic ally to reform.

“This will ensure the implementation of existing legal instruments that address sexual harassment in this institution.

“Together, we will speak out against this social problem that has prevented members of our communities from developing and using their full potential, especially women and girls,” he said.

He described sexual harassment as an “unwelcome, unwanted sexual advances,

Purchase of N130m property: Court judgement counters claim by civil servant against property developer

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The judgement of Justice

Othman Musa of a High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, has countered the claim by a staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Asabe Waziri, over the purchase of N130m property in Maitama district of Abuja.

According to a judgement of the court , sitting in Apo, in suit no. FCT/HC/CV/2435/2021, the court ordered Abeh Signature Limited, the property developer, to take possession of the property after the company filed a suit against Ms Waziri, alleging breach of contract sales agreement.

Contrary to allegation by Asabe Waziri that Mr Cecil Osakwe, the Managing Director of Abeh Signature Limited is holding unto her money after the court ‘s judgement, Mr Osakwe, through his lawyer, Mr Victor Giwa, said a cheque of

N150m was immediately issued in her name.

Copies of the cheques were made available to our correspondent.

According to Ms Waziri, she entered into a contract to purchase two flats at Abeh Signature Apartments in Maitama but failed to meet the contractual agreements.

Abeh Signature Limited had dragged Ms Waziri before the court alleging breach of contract agreement on the part of Waziri in the purchase of the apartments.

Justice Musa of the court entered judgment in favour of the applicant as follows:

“That having regard to sections 1, 14 and 15 of the Money laundering (Prohibition) Act and other relevant laws, the various payments made vide cash and sundry bank transfers made by the Defendant in favour of the claimant in respect of the contract for the purchase of two flats at Abeh Court is illegal and

contrary to the aforementioned provisions of the money laundering laws.

“That in view of the way and manner or mods of payments employed by the Defendant on the purchase of the two flats at Abeh Court belonging to the Claimant, same has rendered the contract for the purchase of the properties void for violating money laundering laws.

“That the Claimant was right in terminating the contract it had with the Defendant for the purchase of the two flats at Abeh Court and offering a refund of the money paid so far for being void due te the contravention of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

“That In view of tne termination of the contract for the purchase of the two flats at Abeh Court by the Claimant, the Defendant can no longer claim or exercise ownership over the said two flats.

“Consequently, this Court order the Claimant

to immediately refund the entire monies paid to it by the Defendant including the legal and agency fees and further orders the defendant to immediately handover possesson of the two flats being flats 3C and 38 of Abeh Court to the Claimant.”

Also, Asabe Waziri had accused Mr Osakwe of electricity theft but document made available to our correspondents revealed that the allegation was a a smear campaign to intimidate and harass Mr Osakwe.

Documents from Abuja Electricity Distribution Company show that electricity bills were paid monthly by Mr Osakwe, owner of Abeh Signature Apartments.

Documents for the payment of electricity bills were also sighted by our correspondent.

Contrary to claims by Ms Waziri, monies were paid for the consumption of electricity in the apartments.

Guild seeks improved incentives for doctors, health workers

National Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) on Tuesday appealed to government at all levels to create an enabling environment and provide attractive incentives for doctors and other health workers.

Dr Raymond Kuti, President, GMD said this in a communique issued at the end of the guild’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The theme of the AGM was ‘ Human Resource Management for Healthcare:Challenges, Strategies and Opportunities.’

He said attractive incentives could make doctors and health workers who had left the country come back home.

“Poor working conditions and weak infrastructure with chronic underfunding are compounding the issue with increased workload and overwork for those who remain in service.

“Limited career opportunities for advancement compounded by political interference and the lack of performance-based promotion.

” This leads to low morale and poor attitude amongst the health workforce and the pervasive challenging political climate and insecurity is an important reason for uninhibited brain drain,” Kuti said.

He said the lack of adherence to the Commonwealth Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Health Workers

made it easy for other countries to recruit medical professionals with impunity.

Kuti said the guild had however identified strategies that can be adopted by government and private sector organisations to retain doctors in Nigeria and curb brain drain.

Kuti sai’: ”One of such strategies is for the organisations to provide career advancement programmes and opportunities by investing in training, learning and development programs to keep abreast of new innovations.

“Develop and implement enhanced health sector salary and incentives schemes especially in deprived areas to improve quality of life.

“Skills such as effective communications, resilience, leadership, emotional intelligence, empathy, and quality assurance management must be actively taught to health professionals-starting early in schools.

” This will also help to improve communication channels and provide effective, ethical leadership and governance in healthcare institutions,” he said.

Kuti also said the Human Resources (HR) management was imperative to ease burnout and minimize dissatisfaction while improving worklife balance for healthcare professionals.

He said solutions to mitigate

or reverse brain drain among healthcare workers in Nigeria must be practical and adopt a systemic approach, adding, ”there are short and long-term strategies.”

Kuti said the large contingent of health workers in the diaspora was a pool of great resources that the nation can still benefit from through skills transfer, mentorship and the use of technology.

He urged that innovative approaches to increasing the pool of health workers available should be explored.

“This includes elimination of roodblocks such as licensing of doctors that discourage middlelevel doctors from coming back to Nigeria.

” Rehiring of retired physicians on retainership or contract hosis to fill in the gaps created by doctors who have left the country and to also use their wealth of experience to mentor younger doctors,” Kuti said.

He said the guild would engage with the government and all stakeholders in the implementation of the WHO policy on towns in advanced countries poaching healthcare workers from developing nations.

Kuti also said: ”The guild would promote multilateral negotiations between Nigeria and the key countries doctors and other health workers emigrate to so as to secure

Dr. Osagie E. Ehanire

controlled emigration on more profitable terms for the country.

“Resuscitation of an abandoned exchange programme that allowed residents and other cadres of health workers to go overseas for a specified period for specialised training and then come back to give back.

“Likewise, Nigerian resident doctors in training in the diaspora should be able to come home for short, specialised training periods that will be counted as part of their training,” he said. (NAN)

Jagaban Army: Atiku/Okowa Campaign Calls for Tinubu’s arrest, questioning

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization (AOPCO) has described the formation of a uniformed squad by the All Progressives Congress (APC) code-named “Jagaban Army” as a treasonable act.

The campaign organisation has, consequently, called for the arrest and questioning of the APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The organization said this in a statement yesterday by its Spokesperson, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The AOPCO alleged that the Jagaban Army, which is apparently set up to disrupt

•Says formation of militia a treasonable act

the 2023 general elections and raid the polling units for votes on behalf of APC Presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a direct affront to the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agencies as well as an assault on the sovereignty of our nation.

The organization stressed that it is reprehensible that Tinubu can create a rogue force just for the purposes of undermining the electoral and security arrangements of our nation.

According to the statement, “The Jagaban Army, which is apparently set up to disrupt the 2023 general elections and raid the polling units for votes

on behalf of APC Presidential candidate, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a direct affront to the Nigeria Armed Forces and other security agencies as well as an assault on the sovereignty of our nation.

“It is reprehensible that Tinubu can create a rogue force just for the purposes of undermining the electoral and security arrangements of our nation.

“Our Campaign holds that this nefarious act of the APC Tinubu/Shettima Campaign lend credence to the position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and well-meaning Nigerians that Tinubu as well as his rank and file

has set out to make our nation ungovernable and thereafter disrupt the 2023 Presidential election scheduled for February 25, 2023 using his army of ‘Jagabandits’.

“The notion of Jagaban Army is a ploy to bring hoodlums, thugs and gangsters together under the cover of the APC and turned them into official militia that will be used to unleash mayhem on the day of election.

“This reckless anti-democratic plot by the ‘Jagabandits’ must also be condemned by all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and across the world over.

“We call on the security agencies to save the lives of

Nigerians and protect our electoral process by immediately going after this dangerous formation, arrest those behind this design and save our nation from electoral violence.

“Our campaign counsels Tinubu to note that his Presidential ambition is not a do or die affair and that he should not set the nation ablaze just because Nigerians have rejected him and his party, the APC for their mass failures.

“Nigerians have settled for the PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who continues to exhibit maturity, experience and capacity to deliver, and not even the ‘Jagabandits’ of the APC can cow them to submission”, it said.

CNPP tells INEC to withdraw Tinubu, Atiku candidature over drug, corruption scandals

By Christiana Ekpa

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has demanded that the presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, immediately withdraw from the February 2023 race, urging the federal lawmakers to effect necessary electoral laws amendments to include security clearance, including narcotics clearance, as part of the conditions for valid nomination candidates by political parties and requisite for acceptance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of future elections.

The CNPP in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted that “latest revelations and counter allegations against the presidential candidates of the PDP and APC have brought to the front burner the urgent need to ensure that corrupt politicians and persons with connections to illicit businesses are not allowed to emerge as political parties’ flag-bearers in elections at all levels.”

The CNPP said, “While we agree with the APC Presidential Campaign Council that the security agencies should immediately arrest the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar for prosecution over his alleged Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) coded corruption strategy as against “open corruption”, we also call for the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to subject himself to security screening over alleged illicit business ventures and corruption allegation bordering on the alleged use of “SPV” like the Alpha Beta for money laundering.”

The APC had given 72 hours ultimatum to the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to arrest, interrogate and prosecute Atiku for what the party referred to as offences against Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Offence of Money Laundering; Offence of Criminal Breach of Trust and Criminal Misappropriation; and Offence of Conspiracy.

On its part, the PDP has described the formation of a uniformed squad by the APC code-named “Jagaban Army” as a treasonable act and called for the arrest and questioning of Tinubu who has also been figured in a Chicago State narcotics syndicate saga in the United States.

“For the CNPP, both the APC

and the PDP are right in their calls and counter calls for their respective presidential candidates to step aside for thorough investigation as the allegations made by a whistleblower, Mr. Michael Achimugu against Atiku Abubakar and the revelations equally made against Tinubu by awardwinning journalist and researcher, David Hundeyin, bordering on international crime, specifically, trafficking in narcotics and taking proceeds of narcotics are all germane.

“These are serious allegations that impact negatively on national security, corruption and transborder criminal activities.

“Crime prevention is part of the fundamental duties of security agencies anywhere in the world and Nigeria is not an exception.

“There is reasonable suspicion

that Atiku Abubakar engaged in syndicated corruption at hi-tech magnitudes as Vice President of Nigeria under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, where companies were alleged to have been deliberately incorporated purely as a vehicle for unfettered siphon of Nigeria’s commonwealth.

“Little wonder former President Obasanjo was quoted as insisting that he is corrupt in his book, My Watch, in chapter 36, which was devoted to discussing alleged corruption and money laundering cases linked to Atiku and details some “corrupt involvement” of the former vice president with a company called iGATE and William Jefferson, a former US lawmaker, who was later jailed for 13 years over corruption.

“Chief Obasanjo linked Atiku

to the misappropriation of $20 million, which the administration was supposed to deploy for Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and another $125 million to fund PTDF during 2003 the fiscal year.

“On the other hand, David Hundeyin exposed alleged drug links to Bola Tinubu, with Atiku’s spokesperson, Dino Melaye, insisting that as a result of the revelation, Tinubu is the person expected to be investigated and prosecuted as “He is the one that has been indicted already in a certified court indictment. He is the man that has faced the Code of Conduct before,” Dino Melaye said in response to a petition to security agencies by Festus Keyamo against Atiku Abubakar.“

Soludo removed my billboard in bad faith – LP’s Victor Umeh

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Victor Umeh has opened up on the recent dismantling of his campaign billboard by the Anambra State government.

Umeh who spoke to journalists in Awka on Tuesday said the billboard was dismantled on the order of the state Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

The former senator said the Governor ordered the removal of the billboard, during a meeting with some members of his party at the Governor’s lodge.

“He ordered them to remove it, but someone told him that I duly paid for the billboard to stand at Unizik temporary junction, but he replied that they should refund my money to me, that that space was too strategic for any other political party to display their billboards.

“They removed it on Saturday morning, and on Saturday evening, they replaced it with an APGA billboard.

“I made inquiries before I accepted to pay for that billboard. That space was previously occupied by Interfact Brewery, makers of Hero Beer, and when their contract there expired, an advertising company which is duly registered, which works with us told us the space was vacant.

“We paid N1 million for our billboard to be hoisted on that space, and the billboard had my face and that of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. The advertising company also paid the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) for the billboard.

“That billboard has been there since December, and the contract was to expire after the election, but he ordered that it be removed. He did it

in bad faith, and I heard that he has asked me to go to court if I like, that if I do, the matter will remain there until after the election.”

He said further “On the very day he ordered that the billboard be removed, about five people who were in that meeting called to tell me too. This is impunity. The Soludo government has been very intolerant of other political parties campaigning in Anambra, except APGA and PDP. That is unfair.”

Asked whether he felt bad campaigning for the emergence of Soludo as the Director General of his campaign council last year, Umeh said he has no regret.

He said “I campaigned for him to be governor, I was his Director General, and during the run-off at Ihiala, he called me to be his returning officer, and I discharged creditably, ensuring that his votes were not stolen, and after that, I took the result

to him in Isuofia and presented it to him.

“I have no regrets. I only told him my interest was for him to take care of Anambra people, and it is left for the people to judge if he is doing well or not.”

Governor Soludo

Atiku plans to sell Nigeria to shady partners

-Tinubu tells voters in Kwara

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Ilorin on Tuesday charged the people of Kwara State to vote for party candidates in the coming general elections, saying that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar plans to sell Nigeria to his shady partners under the pretence of privatisation.

Speaking at the rally, Tinubu said: “On February 25th, we will need you to come out. You don’t vote for anybody else, you vote for me, you vote for the APC. Vote APC across all levelsPresidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.”

The APC Presidential candidate, in his prepared speech, again warned Nigerians never to be deceived into voting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in next

month’s election, saying a vote for PDP would be an error that will be hard to correct.

According to him, several facts have pointed to the fact that the PDP Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar is only interested in the presidential race to enrich himself and his friends.

He said just like he did in the past, if given the opportunity again, Atiku would only sell Nigeria to his shady friends in the name of privatization.

He said: “You earned a favorable and great place in the history of our progressive party and of the nation when you voted for the APC to chase the PDP out of this beautiful and historic town. You kicked them out and now they want to come back.

“Do not let them back in. They only want to devour what they could not take the first time. If you give them the chance, they will strip Kwara and Nigeria bare to the bone.

“The PDP candidate in the race is well known for selling everything that has the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s name on it. If it is part of the public treasure or national patrimony, he is looking to pawn it to one of his shady partners.

“He wants to sell off your chance at a decent job, good schools, a nice home and a happy life. His aim is to sell and turn our public assets into his private profit. He wants you to go hungry so that he can feast off the abundance of the land.”

Tinubu also dwelt on the recent revelation by one of Atiku’s former aides Michael Achimugu where the former vice president himself admitted to setting up Special Purpose Vehicle companies to siphon the country’s funds.

“Before today, we used to call him Mr. Privatize. But today, we must give him a new name. One that comes from his own mouth. “He is now Mr. SPV. From

his own mouth, we have heard him admit that he and his old boss conspired to rob from the Nigerian treasury millions upon millions of dollars. They did this by using a fancy business device called an SPV, Special purpose vehicle, to hide the money.

“By his antics, Atiku has changed the meaning of SPV. It is no longer a business unit. With him, it is a money-eating monster. From henceforth, Atiku shall be known as MR. SPV. S for Stealing, P for Plunder and V for Vicious.

“For this is a vicious assault on the public funds, public welfare and on the public conscience. How can he so brazenly steal and plunder yet ask you to return him to the scene of the crime. He wants to return to the crime scene not to repent but to repeat the Stealing Plundering and Viciousness.

“You must stop him before he stops your dreams and aspirations for a better Nigeria.”

Group takes vote not fight campaign to violence flashpoints in Bayelsa

By Musa Baba Adamu

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a group known as Fostering Achievement of Community Empowerment (FACE) Initiative, has said it has begun the “Vote Not Fight, Election No Be War” campaign in some areas identified as violence flashpoints in Bayelsa State.

Briefing newsmen on Tuesday, at the NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa, Executive Director, Inatimi Peter Odio, stated there was a need to address the issues of violent conflicts, hate speeches, vote buying and other vices that have characterised the political and electoral processes since Nigeria returned to democracy.

He said the sensitisation will be taken to areas prone to electoral violence in the state such as Oporoma community headquarters of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Nembe LGA, Ekeremor LGA and Brass LGA.

His words “The citizens particularly youth and women need to be awake to their responsibility of nation building through active participation in the electoral process. This group of citizens have remained at the fence for a long time because of voter apathy”

Why Labour Party didn’t field candidates for most positions – Chieftain, Okonkwo

By Christiana Ekpa

Kenneth Okonkwo, a spokesperson to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi has revealed why the party could not produce candidates to contest for various positions in the forthcoming general elections.

Peter Obi has taken a relatively small Labour Party into national limelight but despite its popularity, the party failed to get candidates for a number of Senatorial and House of Representatives seats, particularly in areas that are not his stronghold.

According to the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Labour Party has only 78 candidates out of the 109 seats available in the Senate.

Okonkwo, who spoke on Tuesday, said the party prefers to leave the positions without a candidate rather than field unqualified candidates without character.

“Peter Obi entered the Labour Party about two weeks or three weeks before the end of the nomination time.

“And at the time, the party had not become monstrously popular

as it is now. So the entrance of Peter Obi made it attractive to Nigerians who are looking for escape routes from these structures of criminality.

“So when we entered there, we discovered there were offices that were not filled and Peter Obi is a man who in an emergency yields to pressure.

“He will still be committed to the capacity, competency and character of each and every person. He would prefer that a seat is vacant rather than fielding incompetent or people who are not of character.

“So in those areas where there

are no candidates, not because we couldn’t have drafted anybody but because of shortness of time we were not able to certify that we can comfortably vouch for all the candidates that we are putting in there because when you want to bring a new thing you don’t have to succumb to the blackmail of the opposition to in your haste come against the particular thing you want to change.

“So we were prepared to do the right thing at all times so whoever that was prepared was allowed to get in within the short time that we had“, he said.

All non-governmental organizations, community and faith-based organizations, traditional institutions, youths and women groups should deepen engagement with relevant government agencies in demanding professionalism in the conduct of elections and also intensify sensitization of their constituents on the need to embrace peaceful elections.

The BVAS is an innovative game changer in Nigeria’s political process, therefore youth are encouraged to go get their PVCs and go out en-masse to vote for the new Nigeria they desire, and avoid by used by politicians to perpetrate electoral violence.

He also called on INEC to ensure they make effective logistic arrangements for staff and mobility for voting materials to enhance election day coordination to prevent potential violence resulting from poor coordination.

L-R: Director General / CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, Minister of Science ,Technology and Innovation (STI) Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, Director Finance and account FIIRO, Mr. Joshua Oderinde, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), Mrs Monilola Udoh, Director Chemical Technology FMSTI, Mr. Mej Bassey and the Board Chairman, FIIRO, Alh. Ibrahim Gwarzo, inspecting products develop by FIIRO, during the FIIRO day at the ongoing 7th Edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2023, theme: Actualizing Effective Diversification of Nigeria Economy through Science, Technology and innovation, held yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo.

NNPP candidates, others defect to APC in Zamfara

By Musa Baba Adamu

Zamfara North senatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hon. Ibrahim SonAllah Abubakar, along with the party’s candidate of Zurmi/ Shinkafi Federal Constituency, Hon. Suleiman Garba Zurmi, has defected to the APC.

In their separate speeches, Hon. Ibrahim Son Allah and

Hon. Suleiman Garba said they joined the APC because of the impressive improvement recorded in addressing insecurity of their respective constituencies by the Bello Matawalle administration which has brought relative peace.

They assured to work hard for the success of the party at all levels.

Receiving them into the APC, Governor Matawalle said

Zamfara people are satisfied with the APC leadership under his watch that is why a lot of people are leaving their parties.

He promised to sustain the tempo in his fight against banditry until a desired result is achieved.

The NNPP candidates were presented to the Governor by the state APC Chairman, Hon Tukur Umar Danfulani, at the Government House, Gusau.

The event was attended by the Zamfara State APC Secretary, Hon.Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima; Speaker, Hon. Nasiru Maazu Magarya; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe; state APC working committee, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors General and party supporters, among others.

Desist from jaded aproko pettiness – Atiku fires back at Oby Ezekwesili

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday berated a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili for being petty.

On Monday, Atiku, while speaking at an event organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), claimed he played a major role in designing a

private sector revival strategy and opening the economy for private sector investments in several sectors.

But Ezekwesili, who served along with Atiku during the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo, described the exVice President as a liar.

However, speaking through his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused the former minister of resorting to “jaded ‘aproko’ pettiness.”

His tweets read: “Dear @ obyezeks, I know it’s political season and people resort to all sorts of antics in support of their preferred candidates. But some things should be considered too low.

“In trying – and failing – to weaken his standing in public, let us not resort to this sort of jaded ‘aproko’ pettiness.

“If Atiku wasn’t head of the Economic Management Team as VP, so who was? You?”

Binani begins guber campaign with renewed appeal to womenfolk

By Christiana Ekpa

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Senator Aisha Ahmed Binani, has started her community-level campaign with a renewed appeal to the womenfolk.

Binani who had won the APC guber ticket last year by relying massively on votes from women delegates said on Tuesday that as a woman and a mother, she could be trusted to live up to her promises.

Speaking to the crowds who gathered in communities around Toungo and Ganye local government areas to receive her, Binani emphasised that as a woman, she will serve them truthfully.

Urging the people to beware of politicians and candidates for political offices who come round to make promises to them only to promptly forget such promises,

Binani said: “Don’t listen to politicians who come only to deceive you. Trust me because what I say I will do is what I will do.”

She said she would make a priority of the welfare of the people, and that she would make skills acquisition centres of the state functional so that everyone can learn skills and create wealth for themselves.

A community leader who spoke during Binani’s stopover in Kiri, a village in Toungo LGA, Alhaji Mansur Toungo, said his people would vote for Binani in view of her services to her people while she was a House of Representatives member and now as a senator.

Mansur Toungo told Binani: “We know you to have empowered your people and provided social amenities for them since you have been in the National Assembly, so you can be sure that we will vote for you.”

2023 election is about candidates not political parties –Dalung

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has said the 2023 general election is about the quality of candidates and not their political parties.

Dalung, also Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for Langtang North/ Langtang South Federal Constituency, stated this on Tuesday in Jos when he interacted with newsmen.

The former minister said that Nigerians were more politically aware and that their considerations in the current political dispensation was about the qualities of candidates and not their political parties.

“Don’t be deceived, Nigerians are not going to elect parties, Nigerians are going to elect individuals.

“It is going to be a rainbow coalition in 2023, and it was the rainbow coalition that saved South Africa because it ended apartheid.

“In 2023, Nigerians with their votes will build a rainbow coalition that will end these political failures, political gangsters and set the foundation of a new nation.

“A nation where people from different political backgrounds, different ideologies, different religions, different ethnicities will come together, and build a better country for Nigeria,” he stated.

The former minister said that the performance of an elected person was the only weapon he could use to survive the 2023 general election.

“For a candidate that has not been elected before, it is going to be his character, his integrity and past antecedents that will give him an edge.

“It is not going be how long a politician has been in government but what it has been able to achieve during that period,” he said.

Kwankwaso’s Bauchi Coordinator dumps NNPP, defects to PDP

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Bauchi State Coordinator of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and campaign council of presidential candidate, Rabiu

Kwankwaso, Babayo Liman has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Liman disclosed his defection to PDP at a press conference in Bauchi yesterday.

The NNPP North-East Zonal Secretary said he dumped the party due

to lack of structure to win elections.

He said: “I want to formally inform the general public, especially members of the NNPP in Bauchi State, North-East and Nigeria at large, that I have resigned as a member of the NNPP.

“I have also resigned as the Zonal Secretary of the North-East as well as member and coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council of the NNPP presidential candidate, Dr Rabiu Kwnkwaso.”

Senator Aisha Ahmed Binani

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Anew report released by Oxfam, an international confederation against poverty, says the three richest men in Nigeria have more wealth than 83 million citizens.

Oxfam released the global inequality report at the start of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday.

In the document, titled, ‘survival of the richest’, the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) said the wealth of Nigerian billionaires has grown by a third since the start of COVID-19 pandemic without a corresponding increase in health budgets.

It also said the richest 0.003 percent of Nigerians (6,355 individuals worth $5 million and above) have 1.4 times more wealth than 107 million of the country’s citizens.

Oxfam said a wealth tax of 2 percent on the millionaires, 3 percent on those with wealth above $50 million, and 5 percent on the Nigerian billionaires would raise $3.2 billion annually.

According to the organisation, the revenue gained from the wealth tax would be enough to double health spending as Nigeria has one of the lowest health budgets in the world.

Commenting on the report, Vincent Ahonsi, country director, Oxfam International, said superrich Nigerians are not paying their taxes.

“While millions of Nigerians are unsure where their next meals will come from, the super-rich are getting richer and not paying their fair share of taxes but taking advantage of the complexities and loopholes in the tax legislation, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability in tax implementation, thereby depriving the country of the revenue needed for social protection and inequality reduction.”

“Taxing the super-rich and big corporations is the door out of today’s overlapping crises. It’s time we demolish the convenient myth that tax cuts for the richest result in their wealth somehow ‘trickling down’ to everyone else.

“Forty years of tax cuts for the super-rich have shown that a rising tide doesn’t lift all ships — just the superyachts.”

Ahonsi also said, to have a more secure and prosperous society, Nigeria needs to purposely work to reduce inequality, generate more tax revenues from the rich, spend more on health, education, agriculture and social protection; and provide

Housing deficit: FG, NECA to inaugurate 1,071 houses in eight states

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) says it will inaugurate 1,071 completed houses in eight project sites nationwide.

The bank disclosed this in a statement signed by Timan Elayo, group head, corporate communications, FMBN, on Tuesday.

FMBN said the housing units are part of the over 3,560 homes under phases one and two of the national affordable housing delivery programme.

It said the housing scheme is a collaboration between the bank and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union

Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The firm said the programme aims to build and deliver decent, safe, and quality housing for Nigerian workers at a price that they can afford.

It added that the house types are based on proven social housing models and comprise one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, with prices ranging from N3.1 million to N8.3 million.

According to the bank, the commissioning exercise will be held in eight states on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

The states include: Akure, Ondo state; Yola, Adamawa

state; Katsina, Abakiliki, Ebonyi state; Damaturu, Yobe state; Sokoto, Maiduguri, Borno; as well as Kogi state.

FMBN noted that the joint implementation committee (JIC) of the programme, comprising NLC, TUC, and NECA, approved the commissioning exercise at its meeting at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on development, Hamman Madu, managing director, FMBN, revelled in the completion of the first batch of the housing units, while applauding the labour centres for their cooperation and support.

“We are excited at the progress that we have made on the national affordable housing

delivery programme. Indeed, it is a historic initiative as it marks the first time that FMBN and the organised labour and NECA are working together on the basis of a realistic and acceptable framework for delivering affordable housing to Nigerian workers,” Madu said.

He added that the stakeholders’ involvement and contributions to the project design make the scheme a fitfor-purpose tool that will deliver houses that workers can afford.

This, Madu said, is part of the overall national efforts toward redressing the huge housing deficit that experts now estimate to be over 22 million housing units.

Economic

The global economic stagnation may make finding a decent and wellpaid job harder this year, says a new report.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) said in a report released on Monday, global employment growth will only be at 1.0 per cent in 2023, less than half the level in 2022.

Global unemployment, on the other hand, will affect 208 million people at a rate of 5.8 per cent.

The United Nations (UN) labour agency warned, many workers would have to accept lower quality jobs, often at very low pay, sometimes with insufficient hours.

“Without access to social protection, many people simply cannot afford to be without a job.

They often accept any kind of work, often at very low pay and with inconvenient or insufficient hours,” the report reads.

“The projected slowdown is therefore likely to force workers to accept jobs of worse quality than they might enjoy in better economic conditions.

“Furthermore, with prices rising faster than nominal wages, workers will experience rapidly declining disposable incomes even when they can keep their current jobs.”

The labour market deterioration is mainly due to emerging geopolitical tensions, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, uneven pandemic recovery, and continuing bottlenecks in global supply chains, according to the UN labour agency.

The report added that the global job gaps in terms of pay and social protection have

affected women and youth more.

“Women and young people fare significantly worse in labour markets, a fact indicative of large inequalities in the world of work in many countries,” the report reads.

“Globally, the labour force participation rate of women stood at 47.4 per cent in 2022, compared with 72.3 per cent for men. The gap of 24.9 percentage points means that for every economically inactive man, there are two such women.

“Young people (aged 15–24) face severe difficulties in securing decent employment. Their unemployment rate is three times as high as that of adults (aged 25 or more).”

But ILO noted that in spite of the overall slowdown in employment growth, shortages of qualified labour remain a risk.

The UN agency said the

slowdown in employment growth proved that gaps opened up by the COVID-19 crisis, globally, still exist and were not projected to be closed in the next two years.

It called for a “major increase in investment in education and training to unlock the full potential of the global labour force” as decent work is fundamental to social justice.

For Africa and the Arab states, the report added that although there is a decline in job provision, employment growth of around 3 per cent or more would be recorded.

“However, with their growing working-age populations, both regions are likely to see unemployment rates decline only modestly (from 7.4 to 7.3 per cent in Africa and 8.5 to 8.2 per cent in the Arab States),” the report reads.

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

Three richest men in Nigeria have more wealth than 83m citizens, says Oxfam

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

uncertainty may affect ability to find decent jobs in 2023, UN warns

15% of low-income countries are already in debt distress – IMF

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that about 15% of low-income countries are already in debt distress.

In a new report titled ‘Confronting Fragmentation Where It Matters Most: Trade, Debt, and Climate Action’, the IMF said an additional 45% of the population is further at high risk of debt distress.

It stated that debt is a challenge that many countries face, and fragmentation will make it harder to resolve sovereign debt crises, especially if key official creditors are divided along geopolitical lines.

IMF noted that about 25% are at high risk and facing defaultlike borrowing spreads among emerging markets.

Resolving the debt challenge: IMF noted that there are signs of progress on the Group of Twenty’s Common Framework for debt treatment. While Chad recently reached an agreement with its official and private creditors, Zambia is progressing toward a debt restructuring.

Similarly, Ghana just became the fourth country to seek treatment under the Common Framework, sending a signal that it is seen as an important pathway for debt resolution.

According to the IMF, countries seeking debt restructuring under the Framework will need greater certainty on processes and standards, as well as shorter and more predictable timelines.

For countries not covered by the framework, however, it suggests that there is a need to improve their processes. Part of the report said:

“To support these improvements, the IMF, World Bank and Indian G20 presidency are working with borrowers and public and private creditors to quickly establish a global sovereign debt roundtable, where we can discuss current shortcomings and make progress to address them.

“These and other pragmatic actions, such as further progress on majority voting provisions in sovereign loans and climate resilient debt clauses, can help improve debt resolution. That would reduce economic and financial uncertainty while helping countries get back to investing in their future.”

Climate action: IMF pointed out that the agreement at COP27

to set up a loss and damage fund for the most vulnerable countries shows that progress is possible with enough political will.

Hence, it suggests further pragmatic steps to cut emissions and curb fossil fuels.

To the fund, an international carbon price floor among major emitters could be a potential game changer to focus on carbon pricing or equivalent measures in an equitable process that would

complement and reinforce the Paris Agreement.

It also suggests stepping up climate finance to help vulnerable countries adapt as well as better data around climate projects.

IMF projects that trade growth is expected to decline in 2023, making it more critical to roll back the distortionary subsidies and trade restrictions imposed in recent years.

Meanwhile, it noted that

strengthening the role of trade in the global economy – which is key in an economy beset with low growth and high inflation – begins with vigorous World Trade Organization reform and by concluding WTO-based market-opening agreements.

It suggests that plurilateral agreements, among subsets of WTO members, can offer a path forward, adding that there is a need to be pragmatic about

strengthening supply chains. IMF also suggests that countries should carefully weigh the costs, at home and abroad, of national security measures on trade or investment, adding that better policies at home, from improving social safety nets to investing in job training to increasing worker mobility across industries, regions, and occupation would ensure that trade works for all.

Why Nigeria’s ICT industry is attractive to investors —NITDA DG

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has listed factors that make Nigeria’s ICT industry attractive to investors.

According to him, these factors include Nigeria’s large population size and its emerging economic status.

Inuwa, who stated this while speaking at a meeting with the Chief Executive of Startup Lions, Ludwig von Bayern, said the government has also put many interventions in place in terms of ‘policies, laws, and infrastructure to help businesses to grow.’

While calling on German

investors to come and invest in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, the NITDA DG said investing in the tech industry comes with many rewards for investors.

Comparative advantages: Highlighting the advantages the country has over other African countries, Inuwa said:

“The future of Nigeria is much more promising than today due to the four comparative advantages the nation has over other countries of the world. Our large population with an emerging economic status position put us at a pole length as a suitable investment destination in Africa.

“Africa is a continent with 54 countries and 1.4 billion people with 2.9 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nigeria alone

has 15% of the population and the GDP, so investing in Nigeria is like investing in Africa.”

He further said that Nigeria’s economy was emerging because it attracts 30% of the continent’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with more than $ 2 billion in the past year.

According to the DG, the level of support the government now gives to the tech ecosystem is unparalleled in the history of the country, and this provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to quickly and conveniently start and grow businesses. He said:

“In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari expanded the mandates of our ministry to cover the digital economy because he realised that communication is not the end

but a means to an end. The end is how we can use technology for economic prosperity.”

Inuwa recalled the passage of the Nigerian Startup Act, the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business, including other incentives like Visa on Arrival and Business Incorporation under 24 hours, adding that these would also help investors in the industry to scale.

“All these were aimed at transforming the digital ecosystem of the country. Nigeria has a youthful and talented population that is unique. Nigeria has a high potential for social and economic impacts and investing in the country would help the country solve its myriad of challenges,” he said.

President Buhari set to exceed Nigeria’s 40% debt -GDP threshold

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari may limit Nigeria’s next government from borrowing any further if he succeeds in convincing the Nigerian Senate to convert an unpaid N22.7 trillion ($50 billion) overdraft from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to public debt.

President Buhari’s push is despite concerns surrounding the legality of the borrowing.

Peoples Daily gathered that the president asked the Senate to approve his plan to convert 22.7 trillion naira into bonds that will be repayable over decades.

The move would immediately boost the country’s official debt load by more

than half, propelling Nigeria’s debt-toGDP ratio toward the 40% limit set by the administration. Such borrowing has exploded 30-fold under President Buhari. If the Senate accedes to Buhari’s proposal, it would add about 50% to the official public debt.

With such a scenario, and if the federal government maintains its 40 debt to GDP ratio, any incoming government would be left with no choice but to generate all of its income internally, which would imply increasing taxes.

Commenting on the likely scenario, Moses Igbrude, the national coordinatorelect of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the Buhari administration is setting a debt trap for

the incoming administration.

Igbrude said if well-managed, Nigeria should have no problem with debt, if the debt were used for production, but lamented that the country is being enmeshed in debt servicing with no way out because the federal government has been borrowing for consumption over the years, which is not sustainable.

However, the CEO of Anthill Concepts Limited, Dr Emeka Okengwu, said the 40% limit set by the federal government is not sacrosanct.

He said any other government can set a new limit for borrowing. He added that converting the Ways and Means withdrawal from the CBN to long-term debt would be an assurance from the

federal government of its commitment to pay the debt.

Frank Mbata, an economist with Cashlinks Trust, said Nigeria’s debt stock is becoming grossly unsustainable. He noted that if the country cannot service an N42 trillion debt, it would be much more difficult to service an N77 trillion debt. He lamented that the current generation of leaders is piling up a huge liability for the unborn generation.

Mbata stated that Nigeria will have to take the hard decision of cutting the cost of running the government. He particularly cited the cost of running a bloated civil service, as well as the ‘jumbo cost’ of maintaining the National Assembly.

Ghana extends deadline for domestic debt swap programme to Jan 31

their instruments for new ones.

The Ghanaian government has extended the deadline for its domestic debt exchange programme to January 31, 2023.

Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s finance minister, disclosed this in a Twitter post recently.

This would be the third time the deadline is being extended.

On December 5, 2022, the government asked domestic bondholders to exchange

It had explained that the existing domestic bonds would be exchanged for a set of four new bonds maturing between 2027 and 2037, with the hope that the programme would help the government restore macroeconomic stability.

But the deadline for the debt swap, which was initially fixed for December 19, was later extended to December 30 and then to January 16.

In Ofori-Atta’s tweet on Monday, he said the extension was to allow the

government to build consensus while engaging with stakeholders and investors.

“Building consensus is key to a successful economic recovery for Ghana,” he said.

“Pending further stakeholder engagement with institutional and individual investors recently invited to join the debt exchange programme, government is extending the expiration of the DDE (domestic debt exchange) to January 31, 2023.”

Last year, the International Monetary

Fund (IMF) said it was helping Ghana to restore its macroeconomic stability.

This was after Ghana, one of West Africa’s largest economies, approached IMF for support in July, after street protests hit the country over spiralling inflation, currency depreciation, and other economic woes.

On December 13, 2022, IMF and Ghana reached a staff-level agreement for a three-year loan package of $3 billion, after the country “announced a comprehensive debt restructuring”.

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

METRO

NGO trains healthcare workers, CDC on handling SGBV cases

By Stanley Onyekwere

In

order to ensure effective handling of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls (AEIG) yesterday organised a one-day intensive training for healthcare workers and members of Community Development Committee (CDC) in Abuja.

In particular, the training with the theme: “Strengthening the capacity of FCT PHCs on SGBV case management and access to efficient healthcare service delivery, had trainees drawn from across Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari.

Also, the participants were introduced to methodology of handling issues of Sexual and Gender-Based

Violence (SGBV) in their areas, as they are the frontline workers and people that should be sensitised on the menace, as they have daily interactions with, so that they will understand how to manage SGBV as leaders.

It was gathered that the NGO had outlined three series of trainings for 20 PHC workers each from the six Area Councils, in addition to members of CDC, who are given the mandate to manage healthcare facilities in their communities.

AEIG Founder, Abiodun Essiet, explained that the training will help to improve their way of managing cases of SGBV and services of PHCs in the FCT.

Abiodun, noted that they were taught how to do proper management and documentation of cases of SGBV, so as not to tamper with evidence, which can

be used for prosecution.

She said: “The healthcare workers are front liners that manage SGBV cases and other people interact with to share ideas. So it is important that we re-orientate them about their positions and how to handle cases of SGBV.

“Our project goal is to strengthen traditional justice system, to effectively combat SGBV, and we have done that across the Area Councils last year, so what we are doing now is to train the healthcare workers, who will be interfacing with CDC members.

“These are issues of paramount concern to communities, where most of the original inhabitants of the FCT, as it is only the PHCs that they can access care. Let’s work together to see how we can promote healthcare facilities, so that the original inhabitants will be better

served”.

Similarly, Founder, Make Our Hospital Work Campaign, Dr. Laz Eze, who presented a paper on Promoting Health Care Delivery: The role of primary health care, stressed the need for primary healthcare facility should be accessible and affordable to the people.

On his part, one of the participants, Philemon Garba, said the training is a welcome idea as in the society today, a lot of things are happening because of lack of knowledge about the meance.

Garba noted that if only the people are enlightened on the issues, many of them will not fall victim.

“The training is a welcome idea, so when we go back to our communities, we will be able to let them know, by trying to bring the awareness to them”, he added.

2023: FCTA takes PVC collection campaign to residents

By Stanley Onyekwere

To encourage greater participation in the forthcoming general elections, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the office of the Special Assistant on Youth Matters have taken sensitisation campaign on collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC), to residents of Abuja.

Flagging off the PVC collection sensitisation drive yesterday, the FCT permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, advised residents of the territory to ensure that they collected their PVC and come out en-masse to vote for the candidates of their choice during

the elections.

Adesola, who was represented by Secretary of the FCT Area Councils Service Secretariat, Alhaji Ibrahim Dantsoho, also urged the residents to collect their PVCs for them to have a voice during and after the elections.

Also speaking at the occasion, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Youth Matters, Commandant Isaac David, explained that the reason for the sensitisation was to ensure that no residents of the territory, especially those at the grassroots are not left out in the PVC collection before the deadline.

He said: “Across the 36 States of Nigeria, we are the first people to initiate a sensitisation programme tagged

collection of PVC close to your ward, because this year’s election, the youths in the FCT want to take the lead in the voting process.

“We also want to hold our leaders accountable because we can not afford to leave the elections for politicians again. We need to checkmate them and guide them also.

“The PVC is also a very important card to us, so we need to sensitise our people at the grassroots level and rural communities on the importance of the PVC”.

David noted that some people at the grassroots have decided not to collect their PVC because they believe that even if they vote, it will not count, that

they need to make them understand the business aspect of collecting the PVC.

“Having your PVC is the only way you can hold your leaders accountable, but without the PVC, you do not have the powers to call any leader to account.

All thanks to the minister of FCT who gave the approval for this sensitisation to be carried across the wards in the six area councils of the FCT.

“We are going to spend two days in each area council to ensure that the message gets to the grassroots of the council. We believe that if the sensitisation gets to the grassroots, the votes from the FCT will be more than in previous elections”, he added.

world news

Nicola Sturgeon says gender reform row will go to court

The row over Scotland’s gender reforms will “inevitably” end up in court, the country’s first minister has said.

Nicola Sturgeon was speaking as the UK government formally moved to block the legislation that was passed by the Scottish Parliament last month.

The reforms are intended to make it easier for trans people to change their legally-recognised sex.

But the UK government says the changes could impact on equality laws that apply across Great Britain.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack is to use a Section 35 order to prevent the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from gaining royal assent - the first time this has been done since the Scottish Parliament was created in 1999.

The Scottish secretary is able to block legislation passed by Holyrood if he believes it would have a detrimental impact on areas that are reserved to Westminster.

Mr Jack told the Commons the reforms would have an adverse impact on single sex clubs, associations and schools and protections such as equal pay.

And he said having different processes across the UK would create “significant complications” and could lead to “more fraudulent or bad faith applications”.

Ms Sturgeon told BBC political editor Chris Mason that Mr Jack was making a “profound mistake” and accused him of launching a “direct attack on the institution of the Scottish Parliament”.

She said it would “inevitably end up in court” and that the Scottish government would “vigorously defend this legislation”.

The first minister added: “In doing so we will be vigorously defending something else, and that is the institution of the Scottish Parliament and the ability of MSPs,

democratically elected, to legislate in areas of our competence.

“In short, we’ll be defending Scottish democracy”.

Ms Sturgeon said the legislation would not automatically go to the Supreme Court, as would have happened if the UK government had used another section of the Scotland Act to challenge it.

So the Scottish government is instead likely to seek a judicial review of Mr Jack’s decision at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

The first minister also accused the UK government of attempting to stoke a “culture war” over the issue, and of being “increasingly hostile to the Scottish Parliament”.

Ms Sturgeon added: “This is not the first attack on the Scottish Parliament we’ve seen, but it is the most serious to date”.

Mr Jack said he was not making the Section 35 order lightly, and acknowledged it was a “significant decision”.

But he said the mechanism had been put in place by the architects of devolution for good reason, with Donald Dewar - Scotland’s inaugural first minister - describing it as a “sensible measure to ensure that devolved legislation does not have adverse impacts on reserved matters”.

Mr Jack added: “We should be clear that this is absolutely not about the UK government being able to veto Scottish Parliament legislation whenever it chooses as some have implied.

“The power can only be exercised on specific grounds and the fact that this is the first time it has been necessary to exercise the power in almost 25 years of devolution emphasises that is not a power to be used lightly”.

The UK government has published a full statement of reasons alongside the order which it says sets out in full the adverse

effects it is concerned about.

Mark Drakeford, the Welsh first minister, condemned the UK government’s move as a “very dangerous precedent” for devolution.

Mr Drakeford has said he would like to introduce similar gender recognition reforms to Scotland, but the Senedd does not have the powers to pass such legislation.

We might have grown used to seeing devolution disputes between the Scottish and UK governments play out at the Supreme Court in London - like the recent row over Holyrood’s power to set up an independence referendum.

But this one will at least start in Edinburgh, at the Court of Sessionand it will be a completely different sort of debate.

This is not about whether or not MSPs were right to legislate on gender reform; it’s broadly accepted that they were acting within Holyrood’s powers.

Rather, the question is whether the reforms they have made would have broader consequences which could affect how UK-wide legislation works.

The Scotland Act sets out very specific tests which allow the UK government to veto a Holyrood bill.

They must show that it would “make modifications of the law as it applies to reserved matters” - in this case the 2010 Equality Act - and that they had “reasonable grounds” to believe it would have an “adverse effect” on the operation of that law.

For all of the political rhetoric flying around, those are the detailed legal points on which this bill will stand or fall.

Earlier on Tuesday, the UK government’s education secretary denied being at odds with the prime minister over gender recognition policy after appearing to suggest 16-year-olds are old enough to change their legal sex.

Gillian Keegan appeared to quickly row back on remarks - made as she toured broadcast studios on Tuesday - in which she seemed to indicate that young people could be mature enough at 16 to make the decision.

The lowering of the age from 18 to 16 has been one of the most controversial aspects of the Scottish reforms, with both Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer saying they have concerns about it.

When asked by Sky News on whether she thought 16 was too young, Ms Keegan replied: “No I don’t actually. I was working at 16, I was paying tax at 16, I was making decisions for myself at 16.”

In a subsequent interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, she said she does not have a “strong opinion” and was referring to the fact she “felt able to take decisions for myself at 16”.

Scottish Labour backed the lowering of the minimum age, with the party’s MSP Monica Lennon criticising Mr Starmer’s concerns as “unhelpful and ill informed”, adding: “I don’t think Keir Starmer can comment with the same insight as us.

“He didn’t sit in the committee, he didn’t sit in our chamber, he didn’t have a vote and he didn’t follow the evidence like we did.”

What are the gender reforms?

The Gender Recognition Bill was passed by 86 votes to 39 in the Scottish Parliament last month, and is intended to streamline the process in Scotland for changing someone’s legally recognised sex.

The reforms have been highly controversial, with several SNP backbenchers voting against the bill and Ash Regan quitting as community safety minister in protest.

The bill would lower the age that people can apply for a gender recognition certificate (GRC) - a

UK weather: Snow and ice causes travel chaos and shuts schools

Parts of the UK have been hit by snow and ice, with warnings from police in some areas to only travel if “absolutely essential”.

Yellow alerts for snow and ice are in place across large areas of all four nations and an amber alert for snow has been issued for northern Scotland.

In Somerset, a double-decker bus with 70 people on board overturned in icy conditions, injuring dozens.

Overnight temperatures dropped as low as -9.8C and some schools have shut.

BBC forecaster Nick Miller said: “Widespread cold has returned to the UK with lows of -7 to -10C across the four home nations last night.”

Northern Scotland, Northern

Ireland and parts of north-west England and Wales are likely to see further snow, he said.

Conditions in the Highlands were expected to “deteriorate”, he said, and travel disruption was likely.

“Temperatures across much of the UK will only rise a degree or so above freezing today with another widespread frost tonight”, he added.

An amber alert for snow is in place for parts of north and north-east Scotland until midnight meaning travel disruption is expected and rural communities are likely to become cut off.

A yellow alert for snow and ice across parts of the UK until midday on Wednesday means travel delays are likely and icy conditions which

could lead to slips and falls.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

Temperatures dropped to -9.8C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, overnight and to -8C across Scotland and Northern Ireland on what was the coldest night of the year so far.

At Loch Glascarnoch in the Scottish Highlands, 32cm (12.5in) of snow fell on Tuesday morning, according to the Met Office.

It will remain cold for the rest of the week, but BBC forecasters say it will turn milder by the weekend.

Avon and Somerset Police warned drivers to “only travel if absolutely necessary” after the force said it received more than 100 reports in five hours due to

“treacherous conditions”.

The A39 near Cannington is closed after a crash involving a motorcyclist resulted in a bus overturning.

Avon and Somerset Police said conditions were “extremely icy and dangerous” as a result of freezing overnight temperatures and residual water on the road from last week’s wet weather.

Over in the South East, Kent County Council highways manager Toby Howe warned of flooding issues on the roads after an “awful night” of heavy rainfall.

Cars overturned on icy roads in Wales on Tuesday

In Wales, icy conditions on the roads caused cars to overturn, with nine road incidents being reported

but no serious injuries.

In Cornwall, more than 80 schools have been shut and some roads are blocked after heavy snow fell in parts of the county.

Devon and Cornwall Police tweeted, urging drivers to “travel with caution as heavy snow showers sweep through the region”.

Schools in Shetland have been closed for a second day and more than 200 have been shut in the Highlands.

The Met Office said a further 10 to 15cm of snow could fall in a short space of time across northern parts of Scotland.

There have been 19 road crashes across Londonderry and Strabane as snow and icy conditions came in overnight in Northern Ireland.

Source: BBC

Opponents of the reforms are concerned about their potential impact on legal protections for women

BBC Komla Dumor Award 2023 launched

The BBC is seeking a rising star of African journalism for the BBC News Komla Dumor Award, now in its eighth year.

Journalists from across Africa are invited to apply for the award, which aims to uncover and promote fresh talent from the continent.

The winner will spend three months at the BBC headquarters in London, gaining skills and experience.

Applications close on 14 February 2023 at 23:59 GMT.

The award was established to honour Komla Dumor, an exceptional Ghanaian broadcaster and presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014.

Dumor’s widow, Kwansema Dumor said she was “proud” of her husband’s impact at the BBC, and also said her family were “thankful to the BBC for remembering him” through the prize.

The BBC is encouraging journalists

across Africa to apply for the prize, which seeks to promote and celebrate outstanding journalistic talent living and working on the continent.

As well as receiving training, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to a country in Africa to report on a story that they have researched, with the report broadcast to the BBC’s global audiences.

Known for championing robust, dynamic journalism and for his commitment to reporting African stories comprehensively and authentically, Dumor made a significant impact on Africa and the rest of the world.

The BBC is committed to continuing his legacy through the award by empowering journalists from Africa to tell original and nuanced African stories to reach international audiences.

Zambian TV host and reporter Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya was last year’s winner - the first to come from southern

Africa.

During his placement he travelled to Seychelles to report on how the country’s ocean plants could help tackle climate change.

“Komla Dumor was an inspiration to me, so to win the award and take part in his legacy has been an honour,” Buyoya said.

“I encourage African journalists to apply for the awards, it’s an incredible way to learn and further develop skills needed to tell even more groundbreaking stories in Africa.”

Liliane Landor, senior controller of BBC News International Services, said: “The award and our previous winners are a fitting testament to Komla’s dedication to telling African stories with depth and integrity.”

Dumor was the presenter of Focus on Africa, the BBC’s first-ever dedicated daily TV news programme in English for African audiences. It was broadcast on

BBC World News, which later this year is merging with the BBC News Channel to create a single 24-hour TV news service.

He was also one of the lead presenters for BBC World News’ European morning segment.

He joined the BBC in 2007 after a decade of broadcast journalism in his native Ghana where he won the Ghana Journalist of the Year award.

Between 2007 and 2009 he hosted Network Africa for BBC World Service, before joining The World Today programme.

In 2009 Dumor became the first host of the African business news programme on BBC World News, Africa Business Report. He travelled across Africa, meeting Africa’s top entrepreneurs and reporting on the latest business trends around the continent.

In 2013 Dumor featured in New African magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Africans.

Arthur Ashe: How the former Australian Open champion impacted Nigerian tennis

In February 1976, Arthur Ashe - threetime Grand Slam singles champion, including the 1970 Australian Openand some of his contemporaries cheerfully jetted off to Nigeria to participate in the Lagos Tennis Classic.

A week later, they were forced off the court at gunpoint - and were soon fleeing the country for their lives.

Ashe was the most famous member of the group that had flown to Africa for the Lagos-based round of the World Championship of Tennis (WCT), which had a $60,000 prize fund courtesy of business tycoon Olatunji Ajisomo Alabipopularly known as Lord Rumens.

Ashe was the reigning Wimbledon singles champion, but also on the trip were Tom Okker, Dick Crealy, Jeff Borowiak and Brian Fairlie.

The tournament’s big claim at the time was that it was the first of its kind in black Africa.

Coincidentally, Brazilian football icon Pele was also in Nigeria that February on an ambassadorial tour sponsored by Pepsi.

The director of Nigeria’s International Tennis Academy, Godwin Kienka, remembers it as a great moment for lovers of sport in the country.

“Arthur Ashe was as famous as Pele was in football. It was auspicious,” he recalled.

“It just happened that two great sportsmen were in the country at the same time.”

Forced off court

General Murtala Mohammed’s assassination was the trigger for the crisis that unfolded

The tournament at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) had passed off without a hitch until Friday 13 February, the fourth day of the Open.

That was the day General Murtala Mohammed, the Nigerian head of state, was assassinated whilst on his way to work in Lagos as part of a military coup attempt .

Nonetheless, the organisers of the tournament - led by John McDonald,

international director of the WCTpushed for the tournament to continue, despite the chaos that began to envelop the country.

WHO WAS ARTHUR ASHE?

• Started playing tennis at the age of six

• First black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, winning four titles

• Only black man ever to win the singles titles at the US Open (1968), the Australian Open (1970) and Wimbledon (1975)

• Also won Grand Slam doubles titles at the French Open (1971) and the Australian Open (1977)

• Retired in 1980

• Believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during a heart bypass surgery in 1983

• Died from Aids-related pneumonia in 1993

Matches resumed on Sunday 15 February, with four Americans - Dick Stockton, Bob Lutz, Ashe and Borowiakin the quarter-finals.

A day later, the LLTC was filled to capacity with spectators on centre court excitedly taking their seats to watch Ashe play his semi-final against Borowiak.

But, just as it began, five men marched on to the court and stopped play.

“Arthur Ashe was actually playing a match when the army guys - upset about the coup and the murder of Murtala Mohammed - came,” remembered Kienka, picking up the story.

“And they said, ‘what are you guys doing here?’”

According to Kienka, Ashe and Borowiak raised their hands in a surrender motion. They were told “get out of here” and then “they led [Ashe] out with a gun.”

As events unfolded, the capacity crowd also began to flee, running from the stadium into the street.

Kienka told BBC Sport Africa how Ashe went into the changing room where the director of the tournament was holed up. From there they ran into the crowds until they found a cab sent by the US Embassy

to come and collect them.

“Then, when they got into traffic, the car couldn’t move,” he added.

“They got down and started running towards the embassy. They just found the next plane out of the country.

“They could not have continued; it was too traumatic for them.”

A legacy in Lagos

Nigeria now has a regular place on the tennis calendar in the form of the Lagos Open - played at the same venue Ashe had to flee

Ashe had been pivotal to the WCT’s decision to take the event to Lagos in the first place; he had previously visited Nigeria in 1970 with fellow American tennis star Stan Smith as part of a US State Department goodwill tour.

Despite the way it ended, the president of Nigeria’s Tennis Federation, Ifedayo Akindoju, thinks the impact of Ashe’s visit cannot be underestimated.

“Arthur Ashe brought two things: he came to Nigeria to play tennis and gave confidence to Nigerians that they can equally excel in this game,” he said.

“We didn’t have to travel to the US, we didn’t have to travel to the UK - tennis

was right here under our nose in Lagos. We saw the same game being played with the same racket we hold.

“Secondly, not too long after, we had a lot of Nigerians - up to the early 1980s - that went even as far as playing in the Grand Slams.”

Nigeria has never had a Grand Slam champion but Kienka says Ashe’s memorable visit did bring national success.

“The young boys who were ball boys and officials at the tournament are still talking about it to today,” said the ITA director.

“Many of them became national champions in the country. The inspiration came from the visit of Arthur Ashe.”

Indeed, Kienka thinks it ultimately led to a “golden age” of Nigerian tennis.

“The impact still lives on, the legacy is enormous,” he claimed.

“It’s the same as when you have Messi, or Ronaldo, or Mbappe coming to Nigeria and playing football with children in schools.

“What impact they have on their sports career cannot be quantified. And that’s actually what happened.’’ BBC

Ashe was the reigning Wimbledon singles champion at the time of the attempted coup on his visit to Nigeria in 1976

F rom A si A

Irish man on hunger and water strike in Iran prison

Concern is growing for a man from the Republic of Ireland who is on hunger and water strike in an Iranian prison.

Bernard Phelan was arrested on 3 October during a wave of antigovernment protests that have seen millions take to the streets.

The 64-year-old is originally from Clonmel, County Tipperary, but grew up in Blackrock, County Dublin.

As a dual-citizen, Mr Phelan was travelling on a French passport at the time.

He was arrested for allegedly taking photographs of police officers and a mosque which had been burned.

He is one of seven French citizens currently detained in Iran and is being held in a cell in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Iran’s second largest city.

Mr Phelan has denied multiple charges including disseminating antiregime propaganda and taking pictures of security services.

He has been on hunger strike since New Year’s Day, protesting his incarceration, and on Tuesday accelerated action by refusing liquids.

Conditions inside the prison are said to be cramped, with 16 people sharing a cell amid freezing night-time temperatures.

It is understood some of Mr Phelan’s block mates have been executed.

There was widespread outrage earlier this week after a British-Iranian citizen, Alireza Akbari, was executed.

Mr Akbari had been convicted of spying for the UK, which he denied.

Media caption, Watch: The protests currently sweeping Iran have their roots in changes made after the 1979 revolution ‘No beef with Iran’

Mr Phelan’s sister, Caroline MasséPhelan, told The Irish Times she now fears for her brother’s life.

“We want them to let him go. It is of no interest to anybody to keep him as a prisoner. He is very sick now. He has a heart condition, he has a bone condition.

“He has been drinking tea and drinks with sugar in them. Now he has stopped that and we are very worried. It can be fatal.

“He is an Irish citizen who has no beef with Iran,” she said.

Mr Pelan had been living in Paris, France and was in Iran while working for a tourism company.

“All he was doing was promoting Iran as a tourism destination. Both the Irish and French authorities have been working hand in hand in relation to this,” Ms Massé-Phelan said.

When he announced his protest, Mr Phelan said he understand the associated risks and that he would “hold the Iranian government totally responsible for any resulting negative repercussion on [his] health”.

French government officials issued a statement on Mr Phelan’s case on Tuesday.

They confirmed Mr Phelan is one of seven French nationals currently held in Iran, and they are “extremely worried about his health, which is poor and requires appropriate medical monitoring, which is not ensured in detention”.

“We are stepping up the pressure on Iran, in co-ordination with the Irish government, to ensure that our compatriot is released without delay,” the French foreign ministry said.

The Republic of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it

was “aware of the case and has been providing consular assistance, in close coordination with France, since the outset”.

“The case has also been raised directly with the Iranian authorities, stressing the health condition of Mr Phelan and making the case for his urgent release on humanitarian grounds,” the department added in a statement.

“As with all consular matters, the department does not comment on the details of any specific case.”

China’s population falls for first time since 1961

China’s population has fallen for the first time in 60 years, with the national birth rate hitting a record low - 6.77 births per 1,000 people.

The population in 2022 - 1.4118 billionfell by 850,000 from 2021.

China’s birth rate has been declining for years, prompting a slew of policies to try to slow the trend.

But seven years after scrapping the onechild policy, it has entered what one official described as an “era of negative population growth”.

The birth rate in 2022 was also down from 7.52 in 2021, according to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, which released the figures on Tuesday.

In comparison, in 2021, the United States recorded 11.06 births per 1,000 people, and the United Kingdom, 10.08 births. The birth rate for the same year in India, which is poised to overtake China as the world’s most populous country, was 16.42.

Deaths also outnumbered births for the first time last year in China. The country logged its highest death rate since 1976 - 7.37 deaths per 1,000 people, up from 7.18 the previous year.

Earlier government data had heralded a demographic crisis, which would in the long run shrink China’s labour force and increase the burden on healthcare and other social security costs.

Results from a once-a-decade census announced in 2021 showed China’s population growing at its slowest pace in decades. Populations are also shrinking and ageing in other East Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea.

“This trend is going to continue and perhaps worsen after Covid,” says Yue Su, principal economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. Ms Su is among experts who expect China’s population to shrink further through 2023.

“The high youth unemployment rate and weaknesses in income expectations could delay marriage and childbirth plans further, dragging down the number of newborns,” she added.

And the death rate in 2023 is likely to be higher than it was pre-pandemic due to Covid infections, she said. China has seen a surge of cases since it abandoned its zero-Covid policy last month.

China’s population trends over the years have been largely shaped by the controversial one-child policy, which was introduced in 1979 to slow population growth. Families that violated the rules were fined and, in some cases, even lost jobs. In a culture that historically favours boys over girls, the policy had also led to forced abortions and a reportedly skewed gender ratio from the 1980s.

The policy was scrapped in 2016 and married couples were allowed to have two children. In recent years, the Chinese government also offered tax breaks and better maternal healthcare, among other incentives, to reverse, or at least slow, the falling birth rate.

But these policies did not lead to a sustained increase in the births. Some experts say this is because policies that encouraged childbirth were not accompanied by efforts to ease the burden of childcare, such as more help for working mothers or access to education.

In October 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping made boosting birth rates a priority. Mr Xi said in a once-in-five-year Communist Party Congress in Beijing that his government would “pursue a proactive national strategy” in response to the country’s ageing population.

Apart from dishing out incentives to have children, China should also improve gender equality in households and workplaces, said Bussarawan Teerawichitchainan, director of the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Family and Population Research.

Scandinavian countries have shown that such moves can improve fertility rates, she added.

According to Paul Cheung, Singapore’s former chief statistician, China has “plenty of manpower” and “a lot of lead time” to manage the demographic challenge.

“They are not in a doomsday scenario right away,” he said.

Observers also say merely raising birth rates will not resolve the problems behind China’s slowing growth.

“Boosting fertility is not going to improve productivity or increase domestic consumption in the medium term,” said Stuart Gietel-Basten, a public policy professor at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Source: BBBC

Brendan Phelan has been imprisoned in Iran since October 2022

China’s birth rate has hit a record low

FG committed to bridging infrastructural gaps – Fashola

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Federal Government said it remained committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the country, including those of institutions of learning.

This was contained in statement signed and issued by Blessing Lere-Adams, Director, Press and Public Relations.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has said stated the importance of infrastructure to the learning environment and quality of education

He made the disclosure in Sokoto, on Thursday, at the formal handover of 0.92 kilometres internal road project constructed in the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under its tertiary institution’s internal roads intervention initiative.

Fashola was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr Kassim Maigwandu

Accordingly, the Minister explained that the gap in infrastructure was being bridged steadily by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways, which had now reached the schools.

He further revealed that the Federal government has provided 83 internal road intervention projects in various Federal tertiary institutions across the country.

over a total of 46 as at March 2022. Another 18 are now ready to be handed over, while 19 roads are currently being attended to in similar institutions across the country, making a total of 83 “he said

The road projects according to Fashola, benefited not only the students and the institution’s community but also provided jobs for youths, stating that 95 people were employed in the process of the construction of the road in the Teaching Hospital.

Earlier in his remark, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Professor Anas Ahmed Sabir, represented by Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Chairman, the Medical Advisory Committee, said that the entire Hospital community were excited about the project.

He explained that the project had enhanced a significant part of the hospital more accessible and motorable with asphalt road which has also given room for expansion in the hospital as new projects can easily be sighted along the road

“The commissioning of this road project will obviously mark the beginning of other assessable and affordable health care services delivery to all Nigerians,” he said

He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the UDUTH Board Management to H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support and for providing the enabling environment to operate and further improve specialist quality service delivery, while also praying for more interventions to be considered and executed for the hospital.

Professor Sabir also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Controller at Sokoto office for ensuring that quality job was done at the appointed time and not compromised.

The 0.95 km road in UDUTH links the new female students hostel; new Multipurpose Center; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Sewage treatment plant; Renal dialysis center;” Aminity ward and Nutritions unit among others .

Aggregate testimonies gathered from staff and students of the hospital community pointed to the fact that the internal road intervention in the institution has positively impacted in no small measure to the working

and learning environment in the institution

According to the views expressed ” the road, before the intervention was not in good condition, it was wiry and scary access to clinical areas. But with the intervention, it

has now provided easy access and comfort of movement in the institution. It was well constructed, illuminated and has added improved security measures for the students in the institution “

FG task stakeholders on functional national physical planning standards

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Federal Government has tasked directors of town planning and other relevant stakeholders on the need for development of functional physical planning standards for Nigeria.

The Director Urban and Regional Development (URD), Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Olasunkanmi Dunmoye, made the disclosure at a workshop, held in Ibadan, Oyo State,recently.

The two-day regional workshop was organised for directors and experts on preparation of national physical planning standards in Nigeria.

Dunmoye, represented by an official of the ministry, David Olakunde, said the Federal Government had, in November 2021, mobilised national stakeholders to drive the process of developing common standards and guidelines that could be applied to moderate physical planning activities in the country.

He said that the efforts had resulted in the generation of a general framework of core thematic issues to be contained in the proposed document.

“It was agreed that the framework shall be subjected to reviews by stakeholder groups at regional levels and this explains why we are gathered here today.

“It is a clear fact that the federal government and all sub-national governments had been applying one set of standards or the other before now.

“But there is the need to synchronise these to reflect our federal character.

“There is also the need for federating units to work together more closely in order to guarantee smooth, sustainable and cohesive human settlements development across the country.

“You will all agree with me that one of the most popular global slogans amongst

developmental experts today is: ‘leave no one behind’.

“This is what the initiative for developing National Physical Planning Standards seeks to promote,” he said.

Dunmoye further stated that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing viewed the physical planning standards preparatory process as a landmark event that would determine the destiny of human settlement development in Nigeria in the foreseeable future.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to driving the process to a logical conclusion.

The director said that the stakeholders were at the workshop to discharge the task of preparing a tool that had the potential of guaranteeing integrated and sustainable socio-economic and physical development for Nigeria.

According to him, it is a tool that several other African countries have embraced and applied successfully to move their respective countries forward.

Dunmoye urged the stakeholders to provide vital inputs toward improving the draft physical planning manual, such that it would become the springboard for engendering harmonious development in the region.

He also enjoined them to play their respective roles with utmost diligence, thereby setting a very clear direction for eventual national workshop.

“At the end of the series of regional workshops at regional levels, we are hopeful that a fully acceptable, practical and functional instrument for the management of physical development activities in Nigeria would emerge.

In his address of welcome, a Director in the Urban and Regional Development Unit of the ministry, David Olakunde, said that the workshop was aimed at formulating acceptable physical planning standards for

Nigeria.

He said that the ministry had, in 1992, initiated the annual forum of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations in Nigeria to engender productive collaboration on physical planning issues.

“Since then, the enthusiasm and support to the vision of working together for common good have been very high. It is our earnest prayer that the zeal will not wane at any time.

“Our coming together today is to deepen the ongoing process of preparing the firstever compendium of standards that will help guarantee sustainable development of the different aspects of physical environment and human settlements across Nigeria.

“We are here to build on what had been done so far and to introduce the region’s specific character into the document in the making.

“In welcoming you, I want to pose this challenge that we apply the opportunity of this workshop for maximum benefit.

“In the course of this meeting, we shall be relying on each and every one of us to put forward his or her best efforts into the various discourses.

“If we are diligent with this request, we shall finish well by improving the quality of these national planning codes and regulations,” he said.

Olakunde added that the workshop would also be promoting the synergy amongst different tiers of government as well as building higher levels of partnerships between government and non-governmental agencies playing roles in the human settlement development sector.

In his goodwill message, the Federal Controller of Housing in Oyo State, Mr Jacob Gbolahan, stressed the need for Nigeria, as a rapidly growing and developing country, to prepare and implement the national physical standard.

They commended the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari and described the tertiary institutions roads intervention initiative of the federal ministry of works and housing as excellent.

Representative of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Federal Controller of Works, Sokoto State Engr. Maigwandu Kashim, Unveiled the Plague after the Official Commissioning & Handover of 0.95km internal road in Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, recently.

Buhari lists conditions for peace in Africa

By Egena Sunday

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, urged leaders to place a premium on youth development, with more seriousness and actionable ideas in promoting skills acquisitions, while discouraging idleness.

Speaking at the African Conference for Peace, 2023, the President said idleness of youths and non-inclusion in discussing issues that shape their lives and the future portends liability for the continent, especially in religious fundamentalism and extremism.

The President, who was honoured by the Abu Dhabi Peace Forum with “Award for Strengthening Peace in Africa”, said there was a need to inculcate values and principles of tolerance and peace in educational institutions, and particularly, among the youths.

“African leaders and decision makers should ensure that democratic principles and good governance form the basis for management of affairs in every country in Africa, noting that peace, security and good governance are inseparable.

“There is need also for African stakeholders, that is, the government, private sector and the Civil Society Organisations, to make concerted efforts to support existing mechanisms and initiatives to build strong and virile institutions that effectively support good governance which, inter alia, lead to the development and progress of our countries and continent.

“African leaders must reaffirm their commitment by demonstrating political will required for ownership of African Peace and Security Architecture and in the implementation of African Governance Architecture.

“We must also adjust the effectiveness of the early warning system and conflict prevention and adopt policies aimed at resolving the crisis of de-radicalisation through continuous dialogues and negotiations,’’ he said.

President Buhari noted that efforts must be concretized towards the curtailment and possible prevention of the circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as the festering of the foreign fighters into the African continent.

The President called for the imperatives of the next Summit of the African Union to take a holistic review of the challenges that continue to fester in Libya with the hope of finding pragmatic African approach to resolving the over a decade-old instability in Libya that had made that country a safehaven for all kinds of weapons and foreign fighters whose profound impacts stare all in the sub-regions and Africa.

“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen, global terrorism, banditry and other trans-national crimes continue to pose enormous challenges not only to Africa but to global peace and security. These phenomena have become perennial threats to sustained economic development and growth.

“Nigeria and other regional bodies in Africa and the rest of the world are working assiduously to deal with these existential threats to the very existence of humanity. For us in Nigeria, we continue to engage bilaterally and multilaterally to comprehensively win the war against the

Boko Haram insurgency and other related terror groups through kinetic and nonkinetic approaches.

“When I assumed power in 2015, Boko Haram held about two thirds of Borno State, half of Yobe State, and a couple of Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, all in the North-East of Nigeria. We have been able to retrieve these swathes of territories by investing over a $1 billion dollars to acquire hard and soft ware weaponry from the US and other friendly countries to carry out sustained operations against insurgency since 2015.

“Our Armed Forces and those of our partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force (consisting of Chad, Niger, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Nigeria) continue to demonstrate great bravery while paying the ultimate price in securing our collective freedom. Despite the difficult times we face, we continue to spend very scarce and lean resources to ensure that we have a well-resourced military force to take on this task. Ideally, these are resources that could be spent on Education, Healthcare, infrastructure and other social services, but without peace, we have learnt the hard way that our children cannot go to school or seek good healthcare,” the President stated.

President Buhari told the assembly of African leaders that the shrinking of Lake Chad had resulted in dire consequences of the people of the region losing their traditional source of living which culminated into the youths being recruited by the terrorist groups who were seeking for means of livelihood occasioned by difficult economic conditions.

He explained that the scenario created serious instability and served as a litmus test for member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in devising means to restore the livelihoods within the region.

“As a corollary to containing this development, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has begun implementing programmes to safeguard the ecosystem of the basin, including seeking global support to return the lake to an economic hub it was known for in the past.

“Although, we are winning the war, however, as a country and sub-region, we continue to be negatively impacted by events in Libya, Central Africa Republic, The Sahel and the war in Ukraine. Our region, is awash with all sorts of small and light weapons that continue to be freely in circulation, orchestrated by the impact of foreign fighters.

“We must therefore, support peace initiatives to bring political stability in crisis ridden areas such as Libya, Central African Republic and other parts of the Sahel region in order to discourage the spread of insurgency, other criminal groups, as well as arms and foreign fighters in these locations and continent-wide,” he stated.

President Buhari noted that it was imperative for the African countries, through the African Union, to renew initiatives for finding African Solutions to the challenges of Libya that have continued to remain very volatile and unstable, hoisting not only lack of peace and stability in that country, but development in the Sahel, Central and West Africa as well as the Lake Chad Regions.

“Too many external interests have pestered on the challenges of Libya for too long and regrettably compounded the search

president Muhammadu Buhari

for sustainable resolution. This has left our sub-regions far more fragile and safe haven to all negative influences to regenerate which have ultimately remained threats to peace, stability, development and progress of our regions and the rest of Africa.

“It is my hope that the next African Union Summit next month, would revisit this matter, in a comprehensive and pragmatic manner, to free our regions and continent, the cycles of violence, instability, lack of development and progress in the subregions of Africa that are well-endowed with resources that can easily sustain not only the continent, but most of the world.

“It is my hope that President Macky Sall, as President of the African Union, would take up this challenge at the continent’s next Summit, to refocus our attention, to finding indigenous sustainable solutions to Libya as indeed the entire Peace and Stability Architecture of our continent.

“To conclude my address, I wish to align myself with the Declarations reached at the two previous series of the Conference,” he said.

President Buhari thanked the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace under the tutelage and sterling leadership of Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, for the honour of nominating him as the recipient of the “African Award for Strengthening the Peace”.

“It is indeed a recognition that speaks volume to the ultimate goal of collective efforts by African leaders to engender peace and stability as prerequisites for development in our continent.

“This event is taking place amidst growing armed conflicts, exacerbated by extremists’ ideology rooted in misinterpretation of religious precepts, and of course widespread deprivations of the citizens of Africa and other parts of the world.

“These sad developments have, for many decades, become worrisome that they preoccupy all governments and wellmeaning organizations, as well as individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

“Realizing the danger posed by the growing insecurity to the progress African countries have achieved in their political and socio-economic advancement since gaining independence from their colonial masters, it is commendable that the Government of Mauritania, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, launched the First edition of the Conference in 2020, where the inaugural Conference deliberated on:

“The Role of Islam in Africa: Tolerance and Moderation Against Extremism and Sectarianism”.

“The theme of the Third edition of Peace Conference: “Enter all in Peace” still corroborates the lingering scourge of insecurity, with linkages within and outside of the region, thereby necessitating the imperative for continued concerted engagements with governments and international partners towards its amelioration, if not outright eradication,” the President told the leaders.

President Buhari paid tribute to the relentless drive and courage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, for his initiative to promote peace through the process of combating extremists’ ideas that incubate violence in societies.

“Your scholarly teachings should be given due dissemination to counter the terrorists’ narrative misrepresenting Islamic thoughts,” he said.

President Buhari stated that it was his strong belief that if leaders were able to recommit themselves in the right directions with our strong political will, Africa would be the better for it.

President Buhari appreciated President El-Ghazouni and the Government and people of Mauritania for hosting the peace conference.

In his remarks, President of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, said the 2023 conference theme was based on the recommendations of the “Nouakchott Declaration” that emerged from the inaugural conference.

The declaration, which aims to deconstruct the religious basis of extremist speeches and to limit violence based on religious arguments, was enshrined as a reference document in the African Vision for Peace at the 33rd Summit of Heads of State of the African Union.

Bin Bayyah said the 2023 conference aims to strengthen the implementation of the Nouakchott Declaration and grow its popularization.

“We want to raise awareness among African elites, spiritual elites and the youth, of the absolute priority that must be given to peace, and the need to implement concrete actions to promote and entrench it,” Bin Bayyah noted. “The promotion of peace is the only possible way to guarantee access to prosperity and economic and social development.”

He said that women would be specifically included during the three days of reflection, debate and development of concrete peace building initiatives.

Welcoming African leaders and scholars to the peace conference, the President of Mauritania congratulated President Buhari for being singled out for the award, among other African leaders.

He said the award was given to President Buhari for providing good leadership and promoting peace in a multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-linguistic country like Nigeria, and extending his experience and wisdom to other African countries.

The African Conference for Peace 2023 aims to strengthen the implementation of 2022 Nouakchott Declaration by continuing to address the issues of conflict, misused concepts of Jihad, illegal immigration, girls’ education, and promotion of peace and development.

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Matteo Messina Denaro: How Mafia boss was caught on a visit to a clinic

Italy’s most wanted mobster was heading to a cafe outside a private Sicilian clinic when a policeman approached him and asked him his name.

He did not lie.

He merely looked up and said: “You know who I am. I am Matteo Messina Denaro.”

Until that moment, the armed forces could not be sure the man really was the Mafia “boss of all bosses”, who they had been hunting for three decades.

He checked in for an appointment at the clinic under the name of Andrea Bonafede.

But after years of painstaking research, and only a computerised image to go on, Italy’s Carabinieri military police were confident enough he was the man they were looking for.

During his time at the top of the Cosa Nostra organised crime syndicate, Messina Denaro oversaw racketeering, illegal waste dumping, money-laundering and drug-trafficking. He was convicted in absentia in 2002 of a string of murders.

He was reportedly the protege of Totò Riina, head of the Corleone clan, who was arrested in 1993 after 23 years on the run.

That was also the year that Messina Denaro vanished. For 30 years investigators could rely only on a facial composite and short snippets of voice recordings to identify him.

Reported sightings placed him everywhere from Venezuela to the Netherlands. But it was in Palermo - the heart of his homeland of Sicily - that he was caught.

“It took so long to arrest him because, as it happened with other Mafia bosses, he was protected by a very dense network of complicities, deeply-rooted and extremely powerful in Sicily and beyond,” Italian journalist Andrea Purgatori told the BBC.

Many had assumed Monday’s arrest was the result of a tip-off by Messina Denaro’s associates, who decided the ailing boss was no longer useful to them.

After all, for a long time Italy’s most-wanted mafioso had felt protected enough “to walk freely in the streets of Palermo, the moral capital of Cosa Nostra,” said Mr Purgatori.

In the end he was found in the centre of a busy city: hardly a hidden spot. After 30 years of searching, what had finally led the police to him?

At a news conference, police dismissed the theory of a tip-

off. Instead, they said they had combined old-school investigative methods with modern technology to narrow down their suspects.

“Over the years, a sort of smokescreen formed around Messina Denaro, made up of a network of people loyal to him,” said Mitja Gialuz, lawyer and professor of criminal procedure at LUISS University in Rome.

For over a decade, police cracked down on anyone suspected of protecting or aiding Messina Denaro. More than 100 people were arrested, including Denaro’s siblings, and businesses worth over €150m (£130m) were seized.

“This gradually weakened his network and… eventually made him more vulnerable,” said Gen Teo Luzi. The smokescreen had started to clear.

Meanwhile, the homes of Messina Denaro’s relatives were wiretapped.

They must have been aware that their conversations were being listened to, and so only talked about “people with cancer” and “cancer surgeries” in generic terms.

Yet that was enough to tip investigators off - especially due to longstanding rumours that Messina Denaro was sick.

These intercepts, combined with monitoring of internet searches on Crohn’s disease and liver cancer by Messina Denaro’s associates, led the Carabinieri to assume the Mafia boss was seeking treatment.

They then gathered the details of all male cancer patients born in 1962 near Trapani, in western Sicily. Investigators zoomed into their lives, narrowing down the search to 10 suspects, then five.

One name jumped out at them: Andrea Bonafede, the nephew of deceased Mafia boss Leonardo Bonafede.

A man identifying as Bonafede is said to have had surgery in Palermo twice, in 2020 and 2021. But phone-mapping put the real Bonafede’s phone far away from the Sicilian capital on one of the two days he apparently went under the knife.

When a chemotherapy session was booked under his name, the Carabinieri knew it was their chance. On Monday morning, more than 100 members of the armed forces surrounded La Maddalena clinic.

Messina Denaro was walking to a cafe when he noticed the heavy police presence. He made to turn back, but spotted more police

run. Perhaps he, too, had known it was just a matter of time.

One of the officers, Col Lucio Arcidiacono, told Italy’s TGcom24 he had hunted Messina Denaro for eight years and “felt a surge of emotion” when he saw him in the flesh. “It was him - the man in the photographs I’d seen so many times.”

The Mafia boss - who was reportedly “polite and softspoken” - was taken to a nearby airport and flown overnight to a high-security penitentiary in L’Aquila, in the central region of Abruzzo, by military plane.

Details of how Messina Denaro lived before his arrest are now starting to emerge. He was living in an unassuming house in Campobello di Mazara, 116km from Palermo and a mere 8km from his

A neighbour told Italian TV that he frequently saw the man and that they would greet one another regularly.

Police found no weapons in the hideout, according to initial reports, but rather luxury perfumes, expensive furniture and designer clothes.

Messina Denaro’s taste for high-end items was well-known. When he was arrested, he was reportedly wearing a watch worth €35,000. Police said that far from looking like a “destroyed man”, he seemed like “a well-groomed man in a good economic condition”.

While he was a source of frustration for authorities and his victims’ families, the fact that it took authorities so long to catch Messina Denaro fuelled his myth, said Prof Gialuz.

Police found no weapons in the hideout, according to initial reports, but rather luxury perfumes, expensive furniture and designer clothes. Messina Denaro’s taste for high-end items was well-known. When he was arrested, he was reportedly wearing a watch worth €35,000.

“Of course, he was forced to live extremely cautiously, and had to calculate every move to perfection.”

His associates’ internet searches may have contributed to Messina Denaro’s arrest, but it is unlikely the boss himself ever used technology because of the risk of leaving digital traces.

“A Mafia boss, in order to continue to operate undisturbed, has to stay away from technology, and return to an almost primitive way of life, going back to the roots of verbal communication, and creating a parallel and sophisticated secret code of communication with his allies,” Prof Gialuz explained.

Italians have been transfixed by the arrest. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni flew straight to Sicily to congratulate the armed forces as praise poured in from all sides of the political spectrum.

“Messina Denaro was the last godfather of the most ferocious generation of mafiosi. After he went into hiding, Cosa Nostra completely changed its attitude, becoming a more silent and almost invisible, submerged organisation,” journalist Andrea Purgatori told the BBC.

The mobster once boasted he could fill a cemetery with his victims. Mr Purgatori said until the 1990s, murders were being committed on a daily basis.

“Messina Denaro committed some of the most violent and cruel crimes Italy can remember,” he said. In 2002 he was tried and sentenced to life in jail in absentia. His murders include:

• The 1992 killing of anti-Mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino

• The killing of Antonella Bonanno, the pregnant girlfriend of a rival Mafia boss

• The 1993 bomb attacks in Milan, Florence and Rome, which killed 10 people

• The kidnapping and killing of Giuseppe Di Matteo, the 11-year-old son of a mafiosoturned-state witness. The boy was held in captivity for two years before being killed; his body dissolved in acid to prevent the family from burying him

University of Essex criminology professor Anna Sergi told the BBC it was doubtful Cosa Nostra could survive without its mythological boss, who had become the symbol of the Mafia’s resilience.

“Who is going to take over - or indeed if anyone can - remains to be seen,” she said. Source: BBC

closing off the street. He didn’t

birthplace of Castelvetrano.

Messina Denaro was arrested by the Carabinieri’s special operations group

Messina Denaro’s hideout in Campobello di Mazara was raided

NPFL: Gusau thumbs up referees, charges them to sustain credible officiating

By Albert Akota

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended the group of officiating officials who took charge of the Match Day 1 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, saying they should sustain through the season and thenceforth, the credibility that was apparent in their output on the first day.

The Match Day 1 of the NPFL witnessed four away wins and four draws with only two home teams earning the maximum points. Champions Rivers United fought hard to defeat Lobi Stars 2-1 in Port Harcourt, while Remo Stars turned back El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Ikenne.

“I am happy with the results in which so many teams won on away ground, as well as the reports we received from most of the centres concerning the performance of the referees.

“I want to commend the NFF Referees Committee for putting their right foot forward from the beginning and also charge the referees themselves to sustain credible output going forward. We are determined to ensure that so many things about the League change for the better and we will not relent in our efforts,” Gusau said at the weekend.

The NFF boss underscored the commitment of the present NFF administration to rebranding the domestic game and giving it life to spur the real growth and sustainability of a football economy that will delight all stakeholders

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Waldrum says Super Falcons can emulate Class of ‘99

By Albert Akota

Super Falcons Head Coach, Randy Waldrum has reiterated the confidence he has in the present Super Falcons as they gear up for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Super Falcons got a spot in the mundial after defeating Cameroon’s Lionesses in the quarter finals of the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco last summer, with Rasheedat Ajibade scoring the crucial goal to earn a semi-final

spot and the ticket to Australia/ New Zealand. It meant the Falcons have made through to all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup –a record shared with only six other teams globally.

In a chat with thenff.com, Waldrum said he believes that the present crop of Super Falcons is capable of emulating the 1999 set, and match their predecessors’ feat of a quarter-final place at the global finals.

The Class of 1999 led by Florence Omagbemi defeated North Korea 2-1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with goals from Mercy

Akide and Rita Nwadike, before losing 1-7 to the USA despite taking a second-minute lead through Nkiru Okosieme.

Defeat to the Americans in Chicago stirred something in Africa’s lone flag-bearer at the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to feature 16 teams.

In their next match, the Super Falcons flew past Denmark 2-0 at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium near Washington DC, the goals coming from Mercy Akide and Nkiru Okosieme.

In the quarter finals, at the same venue, the Nigerian girls

stormed back from three goals down to Brazil in the first half to tie the game 3-3, with Prisca Emeafu, Nkiru Okosieme and Nkechi Egbe the scorers, before Brazil won in extra-time, in what was the very first time a women’s competitive game was decided by the golden goal. This was after 104 minutes.

“I am confident and realistic about this. We have an abundance of talents in the squad and I am convinced they can go that far. This particular team is very talented and has the same ability to go far in the tournament, just like the Class of 1999.

“To be able to achieve this and even more, we need to have all players in fit condition, healthy and most importantly have enough time together. If we have enough time together, we have the ability to be successful at the World Cup,” Waldrum said.

The Super Falcons have been drawn alongside Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and Republic of Ireland in Group B of the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, and will play all their group phase matches in Australia – one in Melbourne and two in Brisbane.

and other indirect income earners.

MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS (A)

Nasarawa United 1-2 Enyimba FC

Akwa United 0-2 Bendel Insurance

Plateau United 3-3 Shooting Stars Kwara United 0-0 Gombe United Remo Stars 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS (B) Bayelsa United 1-1 Dakkada FC Wikki Tourists 0-2 Niger

Tornadoes

Doma United 1-1 Sunshine Stars Rivers United 2-1 Lobi Stars Rangers Int’l 0-2 Abia Warriors

Nigeria referees

FIFA names 4 African referees among officials for 2023 Women’s World Cup

By Amaechi Agbo

World football governing body, FIFA has listed four African women referees among the 33 officials to handle matches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

Leading the quartet is highly experienced Vincentia Enyonam Amedome of Togo.

Vincentia Amedome officiated Nigeria Vs Ghana Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON qualifier on October 21, 2021 in Lagos.

Other Africa officials include Karboubi Bouchra of Morocco, Makalima Akhona of South Africa and Mukansanga Salima of Rwanda. They will join other 29 officials from other continents of the world to officiate matches

Also included in the Assistant Referees (AR) list are Mali, Zambia, Cameroon with one AR each while Morocco has two ARs.

In a release on Monday, FIFA noted that the selected match officials represent “highest level of women’s refereeing worldwide” adding that they will undergo various seminars before the tournament commences.

FIFA Referees Committee announced the names of the match officials selected for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on Monday with a total of 33 referees, 55 assistant referees and 19 video match officials (VMOs)

They were chosen in close cooperation with the six confederations, based on the officials’ quality and the performances delivered at FIFA tournaments as well as at other international and domestic competitions in recent years. For the first time in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, six female VMOs have also

been selected.

“As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’ and the selected on-field match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide,” said the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina.

“We all remember the very successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France. The high standard of refereeing contributed significantly to that success. The aim for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 is to repeat that success and to convince again

with excellent referees’ performances.”

Only Morocco’s Zourak Adil was named among the 19 Video Match Officials

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 20 August 2023; it will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation, and also be the first senior World Cup of either gender to be held across multiple confederations, as Australia is within the Asian Confederation while New Zealand is within the Oceania

Confederation.

In addition, this tournament will be the first to feature the expanded format of 32 teams, from the previous 24, replicating the same format used for the men’s World Cup.

The opening match will be between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park, Auckland on 20 July 2023. The final will take place on 20 August 2023 at Stadium Australia, Sydney.

The United States are the defending champions, having won the previous two tournaments.

doors are open for partnership in 2023 - Volleyball President, Nimrod

The President of Nigeria Volleyball

Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod said the doors of the Federation are open to corporate organisations that are willing to partner for the development of the sports across the country.

In his New Year message, Nimrod said the aspirations of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation in 2023 is to make a meaningful impact at International Championships as well as qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He said Nigeria volleyball can achieve the desired goals when major stakeholders are committed to the same course.

The Secretary General of Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) Zone 3 lauded the commitment of players, coaches, referees, club owners, administrators, sponsors and board members for their contribution to the growth and development of the game since their inauguration.

He said, “Our doors are open for

sponsorship and support as well as seeking partnership and MOU with corporate organisations that wish to key into the sport as a social responsibility to the youths of Nigeria.

“Our aspirations this year includes making it to the numerous and important continental as well as global engagements vis a vis the 2023 African Games, 2023 African Youths Games and FIVB U19 Boys World Youths Championship, as well as series of Beach Volleyball events which will climax with the 2024 Olympics qualifiers in which Nigeria have registered to participate.

“The year 2023 is an opportunity to step up our commitment and dedication to our goals and objectives. This can only be achieved by our collective efforts and common desire for success as a federation.”

Nimrod said, “Appreciation goes to all clubs, sponsors with due recognition to all players for their patience, club owners and

administrators for their understanding, stakeholders for their support, coaches and referees for their sacrifices and to all members of the Board of Administration for their contribution to the growth and development of the game since our inauguration.

“No matter what challenges we faced, the past is now but a lesson. As we are ushered into the new year, we have a renewed hope for greater vision and better goals”, he added.

The member of Confederation of African Beach Volleyball Commission recounted some of the successes recorded by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation.

He said, “Without recounting all our success, I will on behalf of the Federation express heartfelt gratitude to everyone that played a different role in our successes last year, especially the triple international participation of our junior national teams in which Nigeria topped the podium at the U19 Championship in

Morocco.

“The senior beach volleyball teams also participated in the African nations cup in Morocco where they performed credibly well. Your various contributions and involvement are noble and deeply appreciated.

“In 2022, M we dared to expand our horizon to involve National Division 2 Volleyball League and the Beach Volleyball Tour which another category will be created this year for new entrants into the tour. The aim is to spread the opportunities of the game to all levels.

“Despite the lapses we hope and believe we can do better and be better, but everything better can only be achieved with unity of purpose and collective effort,” he said.

Nimrod advised clubs and sponsors to always get clearance for the Nigeria Volleyball Federation Secretariat before using the logo for competitions across the country.

Vincentia Enyonam Amedome from Togo is among officials for the World Cup

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Antonio

wants

Ihave been having what anyone might rightly call a high stream of thoughts in the last few days. 2023 elections in particular, across all the levels, must be a do-or-die affair for Nigeria and Nigerians, not necessarily to kill or maim senselessly, but to get it right. To collate all actions and inactions, to recognise and line up behind what is best for the country. This is the one time that we cannot allow sentimental dispositions to sway us from rationality and from doing what is right for and about this country. This is the time that, above all, the call for compatriotism beckons on us above all, to put Nigeria first in all reckoning.

boss

“I’ve never seen the medical department coming here to explain. I’ve never seen the club or the sporting director coming here to explain the strategy or vision of the club.

“In Italy, before every game there’s a person from the club that goes to speak to the media.

“I think for us it could be really better, otherwise there is only one face to explain the situation that I think is better for the club to explain.”

The Italian added: “I think it could be good for the club to be present in the media.

“Not every week, but at least every 15 days or once a month. I think it could be more simple for you to understand, otherwise it can seem [as] if something is a criticism or negative and it’s not the case.”

Spurs have taken just 10 points from the last 27 and are five points adrift of Newcastle United in third and fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

“If there is criticism then we have to accept [it] but it’s difficult to understand because we are doing

If we are to first sustain the great bricklaying achievements of the Buhari Administration, regardless of critics’ submissions, and to present a country that recognises the outright meaning of federalism and brings it to bear on the country; seeing the individual tiers of government effectively functioning and developing at their full capacity and in accordance to available and potential resources, then we must use the 2023 elections to elect the best of hands into all elective positions across the legislative houses across the states and at the centre and make sure the best of all the aspirants becomes the president of the country.

Spurs were beaten 2-0 by leaders Arsenal on Sunday and have lost five of their past nine league games.A tree does not make a forest; a defective legislative house is already a signal to a malfunctioning system as there is nothing much the executive institution can accomplish without a legislative house that is patriotically rendering its national duties. This being said, the onus is upon us to vote the best and trusted hands to the states and federal legislative houses, the best into all the governorship seats and the most qualified by capacity and antecedents as president of Nigeria in the next fifty days thereabout.

In my many thoughts, I have come to be very rough in presenting my reasons for the many decisions I have taken concerning the all-important elections and to openly declare my supports with reasons for those I strongly believe are capable of delivering on their promises and present the best that I want to see in my country in the nearest future. So doing that, today, I am going to move around issues and persons, raising points that are germane to the decisions we have to make and make as soon as possible.

Last week, I talked about the celebrated endorsement of Peter Obi by Obasanjo and still I cannot stop wandering what the former president thought he could still achieve with a candidate’s endorsement in this country; Obasanjo that I know has made a rubbish of the political values he commanded as a former president when he made the blunder of endorsing Atiku Abubakar in 2019; the same

Atiku he had vowed in his book, ‘My Watch” to never support. In his words, he said “if after everything I know about Atiku I support…, God will not forgive

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me.” This was him making that bold declaration. Yet, he went ahead to eat his own conviction, and told the whole of Nigerians that the same man was the best thing that could happen to them. To rational Nigerians, Obasanjo endorsing whoever is a non-issue.

On Obi, I really want to give it to him. He is an astute businessman; from his shares in International Breweries and the chains of NEXT supermarkets across the country. Give it to him, he knows how to do business with his money, but it would be totally out of point and non-correlating for Peter Obi to claim to be a believer in a productive Nigeria and preaching the same. In all the lines of business of the Labour Party candidate, he has proven to specialise in the importation of finished goods into the country, a country that needs a more favourable balance of trade. Just like Shoprite, NEXT is substantially if not a 100 percent store of imported products and has been since inception. I must reiterate the fact here that the drive to industrialise Nigeria cannot be overseen by a man who makes his money from the very opposite of industrialisation of the country.

And when we talk of setting this country on a development autopilot, we are talking of taking decisions that prioritise local production, commerce, and consumption. We want to see repetition of the rice revolution across products and local capacities. It does not matter what the costs are on us at the beginning, but the value chain gains and the long term effects on the national economy is a dream we must give life to. An economy that records permanently, a positive balance of trade and payment. We cannot have that for as long as the likes of NEXTs and their owners are still in business, and definitely not when they are in control of the machinery of governance.

Really, Peter Obi should not have been in the permutation as much as Atiku Abubakar deserves no place in the leadership of the reborn Nigeria, but for the emotional undertones that decide our supports for candidates in the country, their likes wouldn’t have the courage to remain in the presidential race. We would do everything to push Tinubu out of the race on the back of non-evidential allegations of drug related crimes, academic discrepancies and whatever. Even when they know these allegations are untrue, they continue driving them to shove up sympathies for their preferred candidates. Yet, here we have a Peter Obi who confessed to and is

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proud of investing Anambra’s money in his family business where he remains a Director, a clear ethical breach of conflict of interest, and we accepted it and chose to make no issue out of it. Would that have been the case if it was a Tinubu in that shoe? Of course, No! What we want to have on Tinubu is a proven document or documents of any atrocities, yet, when we have the same on Peter Obi, we chose the silence response to douse the effect. The global viral PANDORA PAPERS is enough to terminate the political dreams of any politician in a very sane society where the electorate holds leaders accountable for their actions and inactions against the country and its people. But what effect does the revelations contained in the paper have on Nigerians responses? Mostly negative. No journalist deemed it a feat to discuss it; the politicians on Arise TV wouldn’t touch it and Obi remains the celebrated ‘messiah’ of his irrational followers.

We must all remember that the PANDORA PAPER is an apolitical investigation carried out by 600 journalists from 150 news organisations across the globe over a period of two years. The unbiased investigation threw open Peter Obi’s secret businesses that are clandestinely set up, mostly in well-known notorious tax and secrecy havens in ways that breached Nigerians laws. They breached our laws to the extent that as a citizen, he has technically designed his businesses to evade tax payment to the Nigeria government.

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And did he deny them? No. he claimed ignorance of the law; saying he wasn’t aware that the law expected him to declare such assets or companies. As intelligent as Peter Obi has claimed over the months since he came into the presidential race, how could he be so ignorant of the laws of the country he claimed he is the best man to lead? He didn’t know it was illegal, yet he embraces secrecies to hide the ownership identities of the companies and shares he holds in all those investments.

. . SPACE FOR SALE DAN GAYE PDP crisis: G-5 have not endorsed Atiku, ignore fake report –Gov Ortom Tell us the correct report then!

The crazy among the “Obedient” has called is the baseless message that if they want a better future for their kids, they must vote for Obi; but, we have asked for the umpteenth time without response, those people who voted for him as governor for eight years, how are their children now? How on earth could the Anambra state he developed become increasingly depleted by its residents thronging to Lagos state that Tinubu has pocketed? How come

Peter Obi himself feels safer living in Lagos despite the purported huge work he did in his home state and the ‘transformation’ the state experienced during his tenure?

Record is there; it remains factual that under Obi, poverty in Anambra grew from 25 percent to 54 percent, and more than half of the entire populace of the state were living in poverty. During his tenure as governor, the state local government civil servants worked for nine months without salary, medical doctors were off duty for almost a year and state university lecturers spent over ten months on strike. When asked, he said it was because he was reforming the state and so many were not comfortable with the changes. Where are those changes?

Peter Obi is never the problem; the Nigerians who know all these and still chose to pretend they are not there are the problem. We know very well, all of us, the antecedents of the same man as the governor of Anambra state for two consecutive terms. We know his stance on religious freedom for all. We know his relationship with the organised labour as a governor, we remember how the state owned hospitals were without doctors for over ten months and the state university was closed down for almost the same length of time because he would not even negotiate with them. We are all aware of how insecurity was at the highest in the state during his time and how he did nothing about it. Aren’t we all aware of the inability of the same man to improve the standard of living of the people of the state, at least from the record?

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