Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Edition

Cross section of participants during the commemoration of Global Money Week 2023, with the theme, “Plan Your Money: Plan your Future” at Gwagwalada in Abuja yesterday

Court convicts businesswoman of N47.6m fraud

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday convicted a businesswoman, Blessing Adanu, for defrauding a woman of N47.6 million on the pretext of supplying her agricultural produce.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adanu traded under the name of Emerald Multipurpose Cooperative Society to defraud her victim in a purported agribusiness scheme.

Justice Mojisola Dada convicted Adanu on a twocount charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

Dada held that evidence before the court, including

statements made by the convict during interrogations, proved all the essential ingredients of obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

Dada dismissed the argument of defence that the charges emanated from contractual disputes that were civil in nature.

“As noted by the prosecution, most economic and financial crimes arose from transactions that had a semblance of contractual transactions.

“But along the line, a lot of factors come in to derail the smooth sail when the heart of man begins to dialogue with the devil to outsmart another person and he succumbs to it.

“The defendant’s oral

testimony in court that the agribusiness was affected by flooding and Fulani herdsmen attack were an afterthought.

“She wanted to be living big at the expense of other people without counting the cost.

“Although the defendant seems to have absconded, having jumped bail graciously granted her by this court, the truth is that she cannot run away from justice.

“From the foregoing, therefore, evidence before the court clearly shows that the case against the defendant has been proved beyond every reasonable doubt on the two counts of obtaining the sum of N47.6 million under false pretences.

“I hereby declare the defendant guilty as charged on the two counts,” Dada said.

NAN reports that the convict’s sentencing was, however, suspended in accordance with Sections 321 and 352 (5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) Act, 2015, in conjunction with Section 278 (1) of the ACJ Law 2015, pending when she will be apprehended and brought before the court.

Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Samuel Daji, had called three witnesses through whom several pieces documentary evidence were tendered and admitted against the convict.NAN

Polls: COAS lauds personnel for professionalism

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk

Yahaya, has commended officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their show of professionalism during the just-concluded general elections.

Yahaya said that the performance of the army contributed to the peaceful conduct of the polls.

He spoke on Monday during the First Quarter of 2023 Veterans Affairs Seminar/ Workshop holding in Calabar.

The theme of the workshop is, “Institutionalising Nigerian Army veterans wealth of experience as a force

multiplier in military training and operations”.

The COAS, represented by the Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen.

Sani Mohammed, said that the contributions of the Nigerian Army during the polls helped the electorate to exercise their franchise without fear.

He gave the assurance that the army would continue to remain neutral during any electioneering in the country.

He said that the veteran’s seminar and workshop had leveraged the achievements of the previous seminars to enhance national unity.

Yahaya said that the

workshop was organised for retired army personnel and serving personnel who were close to retirement.

According to him, the importance of the Nigerian Army veterans in nation building and security provision was the reason for the sustenance of the workshop.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Chinade, said that the workshop was also organised to give the participants a sense of belonging and prepare them for the life after retirement.

Chinade said that the units under the division had

continued to maintain high level of professionalism.

He urged the participants to make best use of the seminar, saying that officers and men in the division would continue to dominate threat areas to ensure peace and unity.

The Special Guest of Honour at the seminar, Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, hailed the Nigerian Army for its professional role during the polls in the state.

Ayade, represented by Deputy Gov. Ivara Esu, also lauded the army for initiating the forum with veterans of the service.

(NAN)

L: R: President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Edwin Igbiti; 13th President, Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria, Diipo Olanrewaju; Book Reviewer and MD/CEO, Heirs Life, Niyi Onifade and Vice President, Institute of Loss Adjuster of Nigeria, Ike Udobi at the Investiture Ceremony of the 13th President of the Institute in Lagos, yesterday

Ahmed Wadada, Senator-elect for Nasarawa West district has urged Muslims to take advantage of the Ramadan period to exhibit the acts of total submission to the will of Allah and sacrifice.

Wadada said this on Monday in an interview with newsmen in Keffi town, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on the ongoing Ramadan fast.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which the fasting was observed by the Muslims worldwide.

It is therefore a month of

SMEDAN trains 90 unemployed youths in Taraba

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) has begun the training of 90 unemployed youths in fashion, leather work and hair dressing in Taraba.

The Director-General of the agency, Mr Olawale Fasanya said this at the opening of the National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI) programme in Jalingo on Monday.

He said that the programme is aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a most practical way.

Fasanya was represented by Dr Funto Babarinde, Head of Enterprises in the agency.

He said the agency had developed the programme to provide entrepreneurship and vocational skills as well as the provision of empowerment materials to fill the capacity gap of the youths.

Fasanya also said the programme was designed to enhance youths engagement in productive ventures.

According to him, the initiatives will bequeath the youth with the capacity to earn income through filling the artisan gap in Nigeria, adding that the programme had been implemented in the 36 states and the FCT.

He said a total of 3,330 entrepreneurs had been impacted with entrepreneurship and vocational skills, and empowerment equipment at the rate of 90 per state and the FCT.

The director general said the agency expected an improved business management practices, improved service provision by trained artisans would be achieved.

He said that there would be an increase in finance, equipment and other business resources as well as formalised artisanal businesses.

Fasanya advised participants to take the training serious as a window of opportunities to end poverty and unemployment.

Ramadan: Wadada tasks Muslims on total submission, sacrifice

fasting, prayers and sober reflection across the Muslim world.

According to the Senator-elect, Muslims across the country and the world must take advantage of the Ramadan season and pray fervently for sustainable peace and unity.

“Ramadan period is a season whereby Muslims embark on daily fasting for 30 days from sun rise to sun set to show total submission and sacrifice to the will of Allah.

“You can only observe the Ramadan period if you have fully submitted yourself to Allah. It also signifies sacrifice,” Wadada said.

He said the holy period was also provides a prime opportunity to unify the people, adding, ”because they are now acting in unison by engaging in fasting and prayers together.

“He is fasting. You are fasting. She is fasting. They are fasting. So, it unifies the people because they are now acting in unison,” he said.

According to Wadada, the Ramadan period should not just be

Ramadan Timing Day 6

carried out and forgotten easily but should have a positive impact on the lives of Muslims who participated in the fasting.

“A Muslim that sacrifices, unifies and submits will ensure orderly happenings in his or her dealings whatsoever.

“So, if you are a good Muslim that knows what the holy Ramadan period connotes, then you cannot be seen treating anybody unjustly, ” he said.

Wadada said that a good Muslim during Ramadan fast would naturally be fair and just in whatever he was doing whether in politics, trading, teaching, coaching or in his matrimonial life.

“You will not be acting ungodly to anybody regardless of his religious, political and tribal background, you will try to be fair and just to all.

“So, the period of Ramadan is a period of reflection for us to always do the needful in accordance to the teachings of Allah” he said. (NAN)

Geo-political instability, monetary tightening, require strategic leadership for success — UK firm

The UK-based executive education and management consulting firm, TEXEM, has stated that the scars of COVID-19, geo-political instability and monetary tightening remain major global threats raising the dangerous level of volatility in the present times.

In a statement on its website (www.texem.co.uk), the Director, Special Projects at TEXEM UK, Caroline Lucas, says these challenges have been unprecedented in recent years.

Lucas said that the recent failure of Niger Insurance in Nigeria, the collapse of critical Silicon Valley Bank and the historically impactful Credit Suisse, which was founded in 1858, confirms no organisation is immune from these existential risks.

She articulated that the increasingly unstable global financial ecosystem is heightened at this time when debt levels are very high, and the global economy is expected to slow down.

The director said that as a result, all organisations require strategic leadership to thrive.

Lucas said that to address these issues, TEXEM invites leaders to a virtual and engaging programme tagged “Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods” in April.

She said the TEXEM programme comprises live, virtual and engaging sessions from April 15 to May 6.

“These volatile periods have significantly impacted organisations across various industries, resulting in an exodus of talent, depressed demand, high inflation, policy

inconsistency, and low individual and organisational performance.

“In the face of these challenges, organisations require leaders with strategic leadership skills that can adapt and innovate to achieve enduring impact.

“It is for this reason that the TEXEM Strategic Leadership for Enduring Impact During Volatile Periods programme is crucial for executives and organisations,” Lucas said.

According to the director of TEXEM, it is a flexible yet impactful leadership development programme designed to equip busy executives with the actionable insights, tools and behavioural change required to navigate volatile periods successfully.

She said the programme would bring together a team of worldclass faculty and industry experts who would share their insights and practical experiences on leading strategically for sustainable competitive advantage during volatile periods.

Lucas said executives attending the TEXEM programme would benefit from a comprehensive learning experience.

The director said the experience covers vital topics such as Leading during high-stakes strategic change and Stimulating value innovation: Strategies for identifying, creating and sustaining new customers.

“The programme aims to help executives develop a strategic mindset, enabling them to identify new opportunities, anticipate potential threats and devise practical solutions to complex problems.

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

TIPS ON HEALTHY ‘IFTAR’

Choose lean proteins to get the benefits with little saturated fats. Include fish, skinless chicken or turkey and low-fat dairy to have as part of your iftar meal. If you’re vegetarian, you can select other protein sources such as legumes, beans and nuts.

(HealthyEating #Alarabiya.net)

INEC fixes Adamawa, Kebbi Guber supplementary polls, others for April 15

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed Saturday 15th April 2023 for the conduct of supplementary elections in all the affected polling units nationwide.

The supplementary elections are made up of governorship polls in Adamawa and Kebbi States, 5 Senatorial Districts, 31 Federal and 58 State Assembly constituencies.

This was made known in a statement yesterday by an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, VEC, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.

The Commission explained that owing to the competitive nature of the elections, especially for legislative seats, supplementary elections will be held in just a few polling units in some constituencies.

•Charges

The Prof Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC appealed to all political parties, candidates and stakeholders to note the date and locations of the supplementary elections.

The earlier accreditation for polling and collation agents, observers and the media, the commission said, still subsists for the supplementary elections.

It urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to see the exercise as an election and not war, stressing that they should avoid incendiary statements and negative mobilisation so that the elections can be conducted and concluded as scheduled.

The statement by Okoye reads, “The Commission (INEC) met today (yesterday) Monday 27th March 2023 and reviewed the areas where supplementary elections are required to conclude the outstanding

Governorship, National and State Assembly elections across the country.

“It will be recalled that 26 State Governorship, 104 Senatorial, 329 Federal and 935 State constituency elections have been concluded and winners declared.

“Consequently, supplementary Governorship elections will be held in Adamawa and Kebbi States, 5 Senatorial Districts, 31 Federal and 58 State Assembly constituencies.

“Owing to the competitive nature of the elections, especially for legislative seats, supplementary elections will be held in just a few polling unit in some constituencies.

“A comprehensive list of the polling units by State, Local Government, Registration Area, registered voters and PVCs collected will be published on our website on or

before Wednesday 29th March 2023.

“Meanwhile, the Commission has fixed Saturday 15th April 2023 for the conduct of the supplementary elections in the affected polling units nationwide.

“We appeal to all political parties, candidates and stakeholders to note the date and locations of the supplementary elections. The earlier accreditation for polling and collation agents, observers and the media still subsists for the supplementary elections.

“The Commission once again urges political parties, candidates and their supporters to see the exercise as an election and not war.

“They should avoid incendiary statements and negative mobilisation so that the elections can be conducted and concluded as scheduled”, the statement said.

APC chieftain urges Tinubu to reopen land borders

Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu ‘Yar-Abba has called on the President-elect, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reopen all Nigerian land borders upon assumption of duty.

‘Yar-Abba made the call in his congratulatory messages to Tinubu and his running mate, Sen. Kashim Shettima, as well as Sokoto State Governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu and his deputy, Alhajj Idris Gobir.

According to the former Sokoto State Chairman of the Bureau De Change Operators Association, reopening the borders would alleviate the suffering of the citizens, especially northern businessmen.

He lamented that the closure of the nation’s land borders had taken negative tolls on socioeconomic activities in the region as many of the businessmen were now bankrupt.

‘Yar-Abba also urged that traders should be allowed to massively import various commodities especially food items as the security situation had badly affected the food supply chain in the country.

He, however, said that the traders should be made to pay the requisite duties on all the commodities to be so imported.

The APC chieftain further called for the revamping of the security situation in the country to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the citizens.

‘Yar-Abba also advocated restructuring of the nation’s security architecture and the injection of new blood to improve

security in the country.

He also urged the government to take urgent steps to make the nation’s economy more formidable and vibrant.

On the cashless policy, ‘YarAbba said: “It is a good system but badly and hastily implemented.

“It’s disadvantages far outweigh it’s advantages. Adequate should be injected into the economy.

“The provision of dispensing

N5 million and N500,000 weekly to corporate organisations and individuals, respectively should be sustained.”

Meanwhile, ‘Yar-Abba has urged the Sokoto State Governorelect, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu to ”reincarnate the good old days of his mentor, the former Governor of the state, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko.

He specifically advised Aliyu to kick-start his administration with solving the recurring water

scarcity particularly in Sokoto metropolis and it’s environs, as well as other parts of the state.

The APC chieftain further urged him to immediately rehabilitate the parts of Sokoto Central market that were razed by an inferno two years ago.

“The market should be renovated and all the victims who had been displaced should have their stalls and shops back.

“Doing this will greatly help

in reinvigorating socioeconomic activities in the state,”he added.

‘Yar-Abba also appealed to the Governor-elect to ensure the timely distribution of fertilizer and other farm inputs to only genuine farmers, so as to bolster food security.

He also called on him to accord top priority to reviving the local governments and the State’s ‘now dead public service.’ (NAN)

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Madam Josephine Diya, the widow of the late Lt. General Donaldson Oladipupo Diya (rtd.) at the residence of the former Chief of General Staff to the then Military Head of State/ Vice Chairman of Provisional Ruling Council in his residence at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos,yesterday.

Diya’s death a monumental loss to Military constituency – Magashi

The Minister of Defence Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has described the death of Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya as a monumental loss to the military constituency and the nation at large. This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday, by Mohammad Abdulkadri, Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media and

Publicity.

Diya, a Former Chief of General Staff, Supreme Headquarters, passed on in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 79.

According to Magashi, the Military Constituency has lost one of its finest and best retired Senior Officers at a time when his wisdom and wealth of experience are much needed.

The Defence Minister slso described his contributions to National development as indelible.

He noted that they were both alumnus of the faculty of Law Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where they both bagged LLB.

He prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the deceased whom he said would

be missed greatly as a great nationalist who dedicated his life to serving the nation.

He also prayed God to grant the family and the nation the fortitude to bear the loss of a “patriotic Nigerian” who served diligently and fearlessly in defending the national territorial integrity in peace and war times. (NAN)

parties, candidates not to see the elections as war

DSS nabs 6 man criminal gangs headed by ex-army Colonel in Kogi

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Department of State Services (DSS) said its operatives intercepted a six man criminal gangs headed by retired Col A U Suleiman (rtd).

The service listed other gang members to include; Barr. MK Aminu, Kabir Abdullahi, Isah Umar, Kadir Echi and Adama Abdulkarim.

A statement issued by Peter Afunanya, its Public Relations Officer, said the culprits were arrested during a joint operation

with sister security agencies in Kogi State on 26th March, 2023.

“During the operation, the security team intercepted a six man criminal gang at Gegu Beki, along the Lokoja-Abuja Road.

“items recovered from the members are:

One (1) Pump action rifle; Four (4) catridges;

One (1) AK47 empty shell and the sum of eleven thousand, thirty naira (11,030).

“Yesterday, 25th March, 2023, Service operatives apprehended 20year suspected notorious

kidnapper, Haruna Adamu at Fotta village in Gombi LGA, Adamawa State. At the point of arrest, one (1) AK-47 rifle, one (1) magazine and four (4) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

“On 23rd March, 2023, one Aminu Ibrahim, a suspected gunrunner was arrested along Kubwa Expressway, Abuja by the Service operatives while on his way from Nasarawa State to deliver four hundred and thirty-two (432) rounds of 7.62 x39mm caliber ammunition concealed in a four (4)

litre gallon of palm oil to a bandit in Niger State. The sum of twentyone thousand, four hundred Naira (N21,400) was also recovered from the suspect.

“Earlier on 22nd March, 2023, Babangida Ibrahim, an arms courier to bandits in Zamfara State was apprehended along Bukuru in Jos South LGA, Plateau State. Recovered from him were four hundred and sixty-eight (468) rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition and the sum of twenty one thousand, ninety naira (21, 090).

“All the suspects have been taken into custody and will be prosecuted accordingly. Meanwhile, the Service and relevant security agencies are carrying out further investigations into related matters in parts of the country.

“It should be noted that the Service will continue to collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to curb crime in the country. Members of the public are enjoined to avail the agencies relevant information for counter actions against criminal and subversive elements.”

Police to collaborate with INEC prosecution of electoral offenders

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, assured of effective collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expeditiously and transparently prosecute the 781 electoral offenders apprehended from a total of 489 major electoral infractions across the nation, as all Commands were tasked with submitting casefiles centrally at the Electoral Offences Desk, Office of the IGP, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for coordinated processing to INEC Legal

Section.

A statement issued yesterday by force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the IGP stated this on Monday 27th March 2023, at a meeting with Strategic Police Managers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The meeting comprised Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and other Tactical Commanders at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“It was also to evaluate Police

performance during the 2023 General elections, highlight lessons and strengths, and dissect complex dynamics for subsequent optimal performance.

“The IGP seized the opportunity to commend the Senior Police Officers and Commanders and other ranks for their resilience, sacrifices, and professionalism which ensured the containment of the pockets of election security breaches across the country during the electioneering process and enhanced the overall credibility of the elections in line with the police reform initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The Inspector-General of Police, therefore, charged the Strategic Police Managers to readjust strategies and operations towards ensuring a stable post-election security order and refocus policing attention on routine law enforcement duties. He similarly, and firmly, admonished all political actors and their supporters to submit to democratic norms, peaceful means, and legal procedures in advancing their interests as the Police and other security agencies shall not tolerate the resort to incitement or any act designed to threaten our national security.”

L-R: Independent Non-executive Director, United Capital Plc,Mr. Sunny Iroche ; Independent Non-executive Director, United Capital Plc, Mr. Oladipupo Fatokun; Independent Non-executive Director, United Capital Plc, Sir Stephen Nwadiuko; Non-executive Director, United Capital Plc,Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom ; Chairman (Nonexecutive Director), United Capital Plc,Professor Chika Mordi; Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc,Mr. Peter Ashade; Non-executive Director, United Capital Plc,Mr. Oluleke Ogunlewe ; Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc,Mr. Sunny Anene, and Company Secretary, United Capital Plc,Sir Leo Okafor, during the 10th Annual General Meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ABenue State High Court sitting in Makurdi on Monday restrained Dr. Iyorchia Ayu from parading himself as the national chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

The Court gave the order while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by a member of the party in Benue State, Engr. Conrad Terhide Utaan,through his counsel Mike Assoh.

Justice Wilfred Kpochi, in a ruling ordered Ayu to stop parading himself as the national chairman of the PDP, having lost membership of the party, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice already filed.

He accordingly adjourned the matter to April 17,2023,for hearing of

The embattled National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, has described his purported suspension by executive members of his ward, Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, as an exercise in futility.

Ayu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Simon ImoboTswam, in Abuja on Monday, said he had not been suspended.

Ayu said his attention had been drawn to rumours that he had been suspended by the Executive Committee of his Ward.

“We wish to state categorically and with all emphasis at our disposal thus, that “The PDP National Chairman, Ayu, has not been suspended by his Ward.

Benue High Court restrains Ayu from parading as PDP National Chairman

the substantive suit.

It will be recalled that Ayu was last week suspended by the PDP ward executive of his Igyorov ward of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, after passing a vote of no confidence on Dr. Ayu.

In suit No MHC/85/2023,filed by Utaan, Dr. Ayu is the first defendant while the PDP is the second defendant.

The suit seeks among other reliefs a declaration that, Dr. Ayu is no longer fit and qualified to hold office as the national chairman of the PDP, having lost membership of the party in his

Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko, where he first registered as a member of the party.

It also seeks a declaration that Ayu cannot hold himself out, function and preside over the affairs of the PDP as its national chairman having seized to enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership by virtue of his suspension by the ward executive committee of the party in his Igyorov Council Ward of Gboko Local Government where he use to be a member of the party.

It further seeks an order

restraining Ayu from parading himself as the national chairman of the PDP having lost membership of the party, amongst other reliefs.

It should be noted that Governor Samuel Ortom and the National Chairman of the PDP have been engaged on war of attrition following recommendation by the National Working Committee, NWC that the Governor should appear before its disciplinary action on allegation of anti party activities during the just concluded Presidential election.

Governor Ortom had supported the

Labor Party, LP candidate Peter Obi while Ayu supported Atiku Abubakar who lost to the All Progressives Congress, APC Ahmed Tinubu. Ortom maintained that the action is contemptuous as the court had restrained the PDP at whatever level from taking any action against him.

The Governor is alleged to have orchestrated a suspension of Ayu for anti party activities and failure to deliver the State to PDP.

But Ayu through his media aide Simon Imobo dismissed the action as an ‘exercise in futility’, citing section 57(7) that states clearly only the National Executive Committee, NEC of the Party has the prerogative right to suspend any the national chairman or national Assembly member.

My purported suspension is exercise in futility – Ayu

Some members of the Exco are only being teleguided by political gamblers to cause mischief and nothing more.

“For starters, Article 57(7) of the PDP Constitution as Amended in 2017, expressly prohibits any organ of the party or executive committee of the party at the Ward or State Level from taking any disciplinary measure against any member of the party’s National Executive Committee.

“The purported suspension is, therefore, an exercise in futility as it derives its strength majorly from gross illiteracy, ignorance, gambling and desperation. It has only mischief, drama and propaganda value.”

Ayu claimed that the socalled suspension letter was written by an illiterate, and only given to the coerced members to sign somewhere in Makurdi.

“This is why the original date is tipexed and 24 March imposed on it.

“From what we know, the document itself is fraudulent as the signatures of the Ward Executives were forged or obtained under duress.

“The chairman, his deputy and legal adviser didn’t sign the letter. The 14th person on the list didn’t sign too. “In fact, the same applies for Nos. 5, 8 and 16.

“At the time they were supposed to be in Makurdi, the others coerced, intimidated

and induced members of the Exco, they were actually in their villages, going about their normal businesses.”

Ayu said that till now, about nine members of the exco were still being held hostage in a location in Makurdi for obvious reasons.

He added that expectedly, their cell phones had been switched off, saying “it is instructive.”

He advised the general public to ignore rumours to the “heinous effect,” saying “those behind the plot are only investing in expensive illusions.”

Ayu was reported to have been suspended on Sunday by the ward executive for alleged

anti-party activities, failure to pay his Annual Subscription Fees, and failure to vote during the just-concluded elections.

The suspension reports also alleged that: “It was also discovered that, most of his closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a Vote of No Confidence on Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from March 24, 2023,” Ayu said. (NAN)

U.S-based philanthropist hails Gov. Adeleke’s appeal court victory

AUnited State of America -based business tycoon and philanthropist, Dr Magdalene Agada, has described Friday’s Abuja Appeal Court victory of Gov. Ademola Adeleke Of Osun, as well deserved victory.

Agada’s felicitation was conveyed in a statement issued from New York, U.S.A. and was made available to newsmen in Asaba, Delta.

She noted that the Appeal Court verdict aligned with the wishes of the people of Osun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief, Mrs

Magdalena Nwaka Agada is a frontline philanthropist, whose Open Hands Amazing Charitable Organization undertakes lifechanging activities across Nigeria.

She also doubles as, President of leading U.S.-based medical equipment firm, Star Global Marketing Limited.

She said, “as a long-time friend and development partner of Osun State, I followed the court proceedings with keen interest and wish to observe that the verdict of the revered Justices of the Court of Appeal, Abuja aligns with the wishes of

the vast majority of Osun people.

“The spontaneous joyful reaction of the people to the judgement speaks volumes.”

She commended the Appeal Court Justices for upholding justice in the case, and to Gov. Adeleke, for his victory.

“This verdict has once more served to rekindle hope in the Nigerian Judiciary as a bastion of justice.

“For His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, this is sweet victory for which I heartily congratulate him on behalf of my family, as well as my business and charitable organisations,”

she said.

The philanthropist, hailed Adeleke for leading his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to dominant victory in both the Presidential and National Assembly polls of Feb. 25, and March 18 State House of Assembly election.

“This, no doubt, is a demonstration of the great love which Osun people have in His Excellency, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, and their strong belief in his leadership abilities,” she said.

She, however, advised the governor to work even harder to

meet the expectations of Osun people, as the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is also expected.”

“This, no doubt, is a demonstration of the great love which Osun people have in His Excellency, Gov. Ademola Adeleke, and their strong belief in his leadership abilities,” she said.

She, however, advised the governor to work even harder to meet the expectations of Osun people, as the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is also expected.”

(NAN)

FAO renews commitment to food security in N/East

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of United Nations has renewed its commitment to supporting food security and building resilience in North East region.

The Head of North-East Office of FAO, Mr Alhassan Cisse made this known on Monday in Maiduguri, while declaring open a workshop on Strengthening the Organisational Capacity of Local and National Actors (LNAs) for effective

Emergency Response in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

Represented by Ms Sahar Fallal- Ali, Head of Emergency Programme of the office, Cisse said that over the years, the organisation with funding from donors has invested in building the capacities of LNAs for better implementation of its programmes.

“For instance in 2022 alone, FAO trained 51 Farmers Field School (FFS) facilitators and 85 other partners.

“This is aimed at strengthening the capacity of local and national actors in humanitarian response.

“It is also for LNAs to take more leading role in the humanitarian response and also to take more leading role in the coordination mechanism for the LNAs to improve their effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian action,” Cisse said.

He noted that with funding from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), FAO is piloting the

localisation agenda in Nigeria where it conducted a gap assessment of 20 LNAs in the North-East.

According to him, the workshop will strengthen the capacities of the LNAs based on identified gaps to enable them to effectively participate in planning and implementing humanitarian and resilience programmes as well as timely response to humanitarian crisis in agriculture and food security to promote resilience. (NAN)

How pastor allegedly defiled church member’s 17-year old daughter – Medics

Amedical doctor, Mrs Maria Fadaka, on Monday told an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, how a pastor, Chris Mcdouglas, allegedly defiled a 17-yearold daughter of a member of his Church.

Mcdouglas, a Pastor at Peculiar Generation Assembly Church, Lagos, is facing a nine-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

Fadaka is a public health officer at Mirabel Medical Centre, (a sexual assault referral centre), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH).

She was led into evidence by the state Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins.

The medical doctor told the court that the survivor, (name withheld) presented herself for medical examination on May 12, 2020, a week after the last alleged sexual intercourse with the defendant.

According to her, “The survivor came to Mirabel Centre on May 12, 2020 and complained of rape by her pastor.

“The survivor said the last sex escapade occurred about a month prior to her presentation at the centre.

“The result of the medical examination showed forceful and repeated vagina penetration,” she said.

NAN reports that a copy of the medical report of the witness, dated May 14, 2020, was admitted into evidence following no abjection from defence.

While being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Suleiman Salami, the witness told the court that she was an employee of LASUTH and that it was possible for someone who has had consensual sex to have repeated vagina penetration.

The witness said she only reviewed the history of the survivor which was written by the counselor at the centre and captured it in her report.

The doctor added that the survivor did not mention to her that she was defiled through the anus and no DNA test was carried out to ascertain that the defendant committed the alleged offences.

The prosecution informed the court

that it would be closing its case against the defendant after the witness gave her testimony.

The defence counsel, however, informed the court of filing a no case submission.

“We shall serve the prosecution necessary documents my lord,” Salami said.

Justice Ramon Oshodi adjourned the case until April 27 for filing and adoption of no case submission by defence.

NAN also reports that the mother of the survivor (name withheld) and one Insp Akikuowo Omiere, had on Jan. 9, testified against the embattled pastor in the ongoing trial.

(NAN)

Wild Africa Fund unveils Nigeria’s first wildlife show for kids

Wild Africa Fund has launched a new wildlife-focused television series, Dr Mark Animal TV Show, for kids between ages seven and 14.

This is contained in a statement by Wild Africa Fund Nigeria’s Representative, Mr Festus Iyorah, on Saturday in Lagos.

“The kiddies show premieres this Saturday and every other Saturday at 8.45 a.m. on Silverbird TV DSTV channel 252, StarTimes Channel 109, and GOTV channel 92/192.

“The show will educate children between ages seven and 14 on Nigeria’s amazing wildlife and the need to protect them,” the statement said.

It said that Nigeria had become a transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade of pangolin scales and ivory in the last few years.

The statement noted that the Nigeria

Customs Service had made four major seizures of pangolin scales, ivory, and other wildlife parts in the last 13 months.

It added that there was a growing appetite for bushmeat consumption, especially among urban dwellers in Nigeria.

“Conservationists say illegal wildlife trade and a demand for bushmeat have sharply declined Nigeria’s wildlife and biodiversity.

“They estimate that Nigeria has fewer than 50 lions, 100 gorillas, 500 elephants, and 2,300 chimpanzees left in the wild.

“Generally, ignorance and low awareness about Nigeria’s amazing biodiversity and the importance wild animals play in the environment have contributed to the continuous destruction of Nigeria’s wildlife.

“These existential challenges have

inspired the need for public awareness and educational materials that educate the general public, especially young people who are best equipped to save our environment for future generations,” it said.

The statement quoted Mr Peter Knights, Founder of Wild Africa Fund and the Executive producer of the new TV show as saying that kids would enjoy the show.

“We hope that kids will be excited to learn about these animals and how we must protect them for their futures,” Knights said.

The statement added that Mark’s Animal TV show would enlighten children on the human and ecological importance of wild animals such as pangolins, lions and African grey parrots, among others.

It said that the children would also

learn fun facts about these animals including domestic animals like dogs.

The statement said that a quiz competition had been scheduled to inspire retentive knowledge in kids at the end of the show.

It said that the animal show comes at a time local content for children, especially on the environment, is nonexistent.

The statement also quoted Iyorah as saying that Wild African Fund would continue to invest in educational wildlife content.

“We plan to invest in educational wildlife content that will empower children as the next generation of wildlife ambassadors.

“We expect children to impact their cycle of influence with what they learnt from watching the show,” he said.

(NAN)

L-R: Assistant Senior Prefect, Ajao Estate Senior Grammar School, Chima Divine Chidera; the Principal, Ajao Estate Senior Grammar School, Mrs. Olabiran Ademola Agenla; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, 9 Payment Service Bank, Branka Mracajac; Assistant Senior Prefect Female, Olagoke Azeezat Precious; Senior Prefect, Ajao Estate Senior Grammar School, Awwal Mustapha Ayomide and Head, Product Management, 9PSB, Akeem Salam, during the Global Money Week enlightenment campaign at Ajao Estate Senior Grammar School Lagos, yesterday.

National conference asks Buhari to protect anti-corruption legacy

President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to leave a legacy of a functional system that would respect the rule of law, ensuring all actors acted only in full compliance with the Constitution.

The National Conference, convoked by 158 Anti-Corruption Civil Society and NonGovernmental Organisations, faith-based groups, youth and community-based organisations, made the call in a communiqué issued at a day National Conference on Sunday in Abuja.

The conference was convoked to discuss the state of the nation, covering several fundamental issues, especially as they affected education, security, corruption challenges and other general interests.

They urged Buhari to protect the anti-corruption legacy, noting that the war against corruption in the country, particularly under his administration had its milestones, prospects and challenges.

The conference said there was the need to consciously review same, while also setting an agenda for the incoming administration in the country.

It stated that the subject of corruption and the war against it was of crucial importance to the stakeholders, in the Nigerian project.

The conference noted that the anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration would eventually be assessed by the conduct of key officials, especially those saddled with the responsibility of taming corruption in Nigeria.

“Corruption undermines growth, erodes trust in governments, fuels support for extremism and hinders the fight

Gas: ANEEJ,

joins other climate activists in

against poverty and inequality.

“Therefore, we as Nigerians, have a responsibility to prevent, detect and expose any form of corruption. In fighting corruption, we cannot but also be mindful of the dictates of our laws, as a country under a democracy.

The conference, specifically expressed concerns that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the leadership of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, had allegedly become a cesspool of internal corruption, among other diverse issues.

It alleged that that Bawa’s actions as a public officer had been high-handed, prejudicial, contemptuous of Nigerian courts and oppressive to the human rights of persons under the EFCC investigation, while also condemning, in its entirety, his “deliberate disobedience of court orders.”

The communique said, in line with genuine concerns among informed Nigerians, “conference restates that a convict, as Bawa is seen to be currently, according to the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, which has not been vacated, cannot continue to preside over an important law enforcement agency like the EFCC established to fight corruption.”

They admonished the incoming administration to work hard and ensure vigorous fight against corruption and ensure that Nigerians remained united in peace and justice.

“Conference expressed gross dissatisfaction with the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which in the last three months has crippled economic activities

“And, put Nigerians under

unprecedented and untold hardship due to the scarcity of the local currency as well as the incessant failure of the online banking system,” it stated.

It stressed that there must be consequences for the needless hardship Nigerians were made to contend with in the face of a policy that was not well thought out.

While congratulating Nigerians on the outcome of the various elections, the organisations faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not keeping strictly to the promises made to Nigerians.

They also condemned what they described as the various

protest in Vienna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Executive Director Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) Rev David Ugolor has joined other climate activist to demonstrate in the Austrian capital of Vienna, protesting the three-day European Gas Conference that started in the city yesterday.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna, yesterday.

The statement stated that Rev. Ugolor along side other protesters also participated in the “Don’tt Gas Africa“ Workshop taking place at the sideline of the People‘s Gas Conference/ European Gas Conference in Vienna.

attempts by some politicians and people of vested interests toward pushing the country dangerously to the edge of the slope, particularly the promotion of ethnic and religious divisions among Nigerians.

The organisations also demanded that states and other tiers of government must set up genuine machinery toward cooperating and consolidating the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling the various security challenges presently facing the country.

They admonished the incoming administration to work hard to ensure that Nigerians remained united in peace and justice to all. (NAN)

Osun Appeal Court decision victory for democracy –Arewa Youths

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Chairman Arewa Youths for the sustenance of Democracy and good governance Alhaji Salihu has said the victory of Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, at the Court of Appeal was victory for democracy.

By Christiana Ekpa

The Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, has congratulated the governorelect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, describing his election as a major step by the people of Enugu State at a time of severe national economic challenges.

Okechukwu said Mbah’s manifesto had provided a detailed and promising roadmap for Enugu State, adding that his agenda as enshrined in his manifesto would occasion the radical reforms needed for the

socio-economic transformation of the state.

The lawmaker, who represents Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Enugu State, stated these in his congratulatory message to the governor-elect on Sunday.

He said: “On behalf of the good people of Aninri/Awgu/ Oji River Federal Constituency, I congratulate the governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the people of Enugu State on this massive victory.

“It was a hard-won victory, but it is worth it, given the quality that Dr. Mbah is expected

to bring to bear on the leadership of the State. He comes with a wealth of proven experience and track record in the private sector space where he plies his trade.

“With his ambitious vision and programmes, his commitment to transforming Enugu State’s economy from the present $4.4 billion to $30 billion economy in eight years as well as taking the youth off the unemployment market and unleashing their potentials and creativity, I am supremely confident that Enugu people made the right choice”.

Okechukwu commended Dr.

Mbah for his commitment in his acceptance speech to run an all-inclusive government, saying that the unity and brotherhood of the people of Enugu were imperative if the state must experience the much-needed development under the Peter Mbah administration.

Also commending the candidates of the other parties, the Deputy Minority Leader said: “I commend our brothers, who ran on the platforms of other parties for their spirited efforts. It is, however time to heal and to come together for the good of our state”.

Addressing a Press Conference in Bauchi over the weekend Magaji said the judgment of the appellate court was a resounding affirmation of the expressed will of the people of Osun State in their quest for purposeful leadership and good governance in the State.

“You would recalled that the Court of Appeal on Friday upheld Adeleke’s victory at the July 16, 2022 governorship election after upturning the decision of the tribunal.”

He said the jubilation in Osun State and other States of the Federation is a testament of the fact that Adeleke’s election is not only a reflection of the aspiration of the majority of the people of Osun State but also that of millions of lovers of democracy across the nation.

Reps Deputy Minority leader congratulate Enugu Governor- elect, Mbah

President Muhammadu Buhari

Nigeria, Cameroon plan trans-boundary heritage site to protect endangered species

Nigeria and Cameroon are planning to establish a world heritage site for the protection of endangered species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, lions and elephants native to both countries.

Dr. Inaoyom Imong, Director, Cross River Landscape for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), disclosed this on Monday in Calabar, at a workshop on Watershed Protection for Safe Sustainable Water Supply.

The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) reports that the workshop sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to educate Nigerians on the need to protect its wildlife.

According to Imong, rare species indigenous to both countries are very few in their numbers in the whole of Africa, hence the need to protect them through the establishment of the site.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), would soon

be signed by the Presidents of the countries, adding that the site would help both nations achieve joint conservation goals.

“The World Heritage Site will strengthen trans-boundary efforts between Nigeria and Cameroon which will make conservation more effective and reduce cost.

“When the MoU is signed by the two presidents very soon, it will bring about many more benefits, including joint patrols and regular trans-boundary workshops between Nigeria and Cameroon,”

he said.

Imong appealed for the strengthening and enforcement of laws against attacks on wildlife and incessant infiltration into protected forests.

He also called for support for prosecution of violators as well as creation of code of conduct for forest rangers.

He further said that WCS recently had a workshop for officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA)

and Nigeria Customs Service in Calabar in that regard.

“The workshop became necessary to keep relevant agencies abreast with the international dimensions which wildlife trade has assumed, including methodologies to tackle them.

“We are also providing livelihood support for local communities in the forest areas to stem widespread poverty, and also dissuade them from invading protected areas for food,” he said. (NAN)

Alleged EFCC raids: Kaduna Hotel drags businessman to court over false information

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The management of Castle de White House Limited, Kaduna has filed a direct complaint at a Kaduna State Magistrate Court over alleged criminal and injurious falsehood by a Kaduna-based businessman, Mahdi Shehu.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna.

The statement stated that on February 24, Mr Shehu tweeted that N194 million in new notes and a POS machine with a cumulative balance of 300 million were recovered from agents of the All Progressives Congress, APC, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, during a raid on the hotel.

But the hotel, in a suit with a case number KMD/DC/2023, said the social media post by Mr Shehu

has tarnished the image of the organization in the eyes of an average thinking member of the society.

The hotel, through its counsels Mas’ud Alabelewe and Aminu Hassan, argued that the defendant’s acts reveal offence of criminal defamation and injurious falsehood contrary to Sections 372, 373, and 374 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017.

It said the application was brought pursuant to sections 103[3], 122A, and 123 [1] C] of the Kaduna State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2017.

“Kindly cause a criminal summons to be issued in favour of the above named complainant against the defendant mentioned above on the following terms.

“The complainant is a registered company with its office at No. 9 Kwato Road, Ungwan Rimi G.R.A Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

“That the defendant is a businessman, who resides at Ahmad Pategi Road Ungwan Sarki Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

“That sometimes around 24th day of February, 2023 the defendant through his Twitter handle, the defendant published injurious falsehood news to the effect that One Hundred and Ninety Four Million of new Naira Notes (N194, 000,000.00) and a POS Machines with cumulative balance of Three Hundred Million Naira [N300, 000,000.00] were recovered from the APC Presidential Agents that morning when EFCC Raided White De Castle Hotel located at No. 9 Kwato Road Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna.

“That the dissemination of the above stated injurious falsehood by the defendant, which was published by the defendant in social media via his Twitter, was not true and which

Mahdi Shehu

went viral on social media, which actually tarnished the reputation and image of the complainant in the eye of average thinking members of the society.

“Thus, the culminating acts

of the defendant against the complainant, reveals the offenses of Criminal defamation, and injurious falsehood Contrary to Sections, 372, 373 and 374 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017”.

CODE tasks incoming government ,Nigerians on action against climate change

Connected Development (CODE) in collaboration with Transcorp Hilton have tasked the incoming government and Nigerians on the need for collective action to tackle climate change in Nigeria.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive of CODE, made the call at an event to mark the “Earth hour 2023” in Abuja.

Lawal said that the call was imperative to draw the attention of Nigerians on the effects of climate change and the need to collectively tackle it and save the earth.

“This event is important because as citizens, we have taken a stand that we are going to conserve energy.

“We are also conscious with the fact that over 100 million people do not have access to electricity.

“Over 60 million people do not have access to potable drinking water, over 80 million people go to bed in Nigeria today with empty stomach,” he said.

Lawal said that there was need to take a stand and take action to conserve energy and raise awareness.

“Most importantly, our incoming

government should be inspired by this little action by citizens and complement our actions in putting in place a regulatory framework and policies that will garner action.

“Nigeria is committed to the framework on climate change, so what will be Nigeria’s position?

“So today as citizens, we are taking a position, we are inspiring other Nigerians to be conscious of how we can save the planet earth but most importantly recognise that I am earth, you are earth and each and every one of us is mother earth.”

Lawal expressed optimism that Nigeria would achieve its global commitment for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on climate change action with the frameworks in place.

“So I am optimistic that the incoming government will build on what we have achieved and most importantly accelerate, because we have less than seven years to achieve the SDGs.

“I believe that if each and every one of us continues to reach out as Transcorp Hilton

and CODE are reaching out, we will achieve the SDGs.’’

Mr Islam El-Maddah, the Hotel Manager of Transcorp Abuja, said that the hotel joined billions of people around the world to call for action on climate change by turning off all non-essential lighting for one hour.

El-Maddah said that this year’s theme: “Breathing new life into our movement and mission” reinforced the need to double social impact by 2030 by carrying out sustainable activities to curb climate change.

“Examples of these activities are diversion of recyclable materials to the landfills, championed by our environmental partner Chanja Datti.”

El-Maddah listed the Soap4Hope project, regular planting of trees among some of the hotel’s initiative to curb the effects of climate change.

“With our 2030 goal getting closer, there is the need for urgent action from you and I, business owners’ government and citizens around the world on the need to invest in our planet, to improve our environment and give our descendants a better and safer

future.”

Ms Ijeoma Osuji, the E-commerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, said that the hotel tried to communicate the message of how to protect the planet to the public. Osuji said that to achieve the SDGs, hotel took some deliberate actions by recycling, reusing and repurposing things to avoid clogging the landmines with these waste.

“We use LED lights, energy saving bulbs and we are also using censored taps to avoid water wastage.

“We also plant trees, and we have planted 20 trees, this Wednesday. Last year, we planted over a 100 trees in local communities and within the hotel.

“We reuse our paper straws, instead of using plastics, we use paper cups, we use paper bags, not plastic bags, right now we are working very strongly to stop using plastic bottles as well,” she said.

Osuji urged the citizens to take these little efforts and collectively there would be a huge impact for safer earth.

(NAN)

APC youths endorse Sen. Musa 313 for Senate President

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Youth Group under the auspices of APC National Integrity Movement (ANIM) Niger State Wing has endorsed the candidature of Senator Mohammed Sani Musa 313 representing Niger East for Senate President of the 10th Assembly.

Niger State Coordinator of the Movement, Alhaji Abdulkareem Salisu made the endorsement at a press briefing in Minna, saying that Sani Musa 313 is the only outstanding and most qualified candidate for the exalted seat

Salisu lamented over the marginalization of the North Central, particularly Niger state.

He said the state has delivered the highest votes during presidential elections from 2015 to date.

According to him, to achieve this stride, the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the national level should zone the Senate President Seat to North Central.

He explained that zoning the senate president seat to the North Central region will ensure that the leadership of the country is not dominated by a few groups.

Gbajabiamila mourns

Oladipo

By Christiana Ekpa

NDE trains 20 women on shoe, bag mMaking in Niger state

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

National Directorate of Employment NDE, Niger state has commences the training of no fewer than 20 women on shoe and bag making

with fabrics.

The Director General of NDE, Malam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo made the disclosure while flagging off the 5 day program in Minna.

He disclosed that the

training is under the women empowerment branch (WEB) of the Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) department in Niger state aimed at creating employment, wealth and self employment especially among the women folks.

Represented by the Niger State Coordinator, Mohammed Dantsoho Abubakar said that the trainees are to be trained on the rudiments of making shoes and bags with a unique style and designs of the products.

Diya

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed sadness over the passing of Chief Oladipo Diya.

Diya, who served as the Chief of General Staff under the military government of General Sani Abacha, passed away at the weekend at the age of 79.

Gbajabiamila recalled Diya’s commitment and service to Nigeria during his term in office as CGS and in other capacities.

The Speaker prayed for the repose of the soul of the late General Diya and prayed God to give his family, the people and government of Ogun state the fortitude to bear the loss.

APC Support Group backs Yari as 10th Senate President

The Amalgamated All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups (AASG) has endorsed Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, as President of the 10th Senate.

The Director-General of the group, Dr Kailani Muhammad, made this known while hosting Yari at a meeting in Abuja, on Saturday.

Muhammad called on all to support the former Governor of Zamfara State to achieve his set goal.

He said that Nigerians

should always pray for a better country where development was assured.

The group’s directorgeneral, who is also the National Chairman of the Tinubu/ Shettima Network (TSN), said the group acknowledged Yari’s work and would continue to mobilise support for him.

Yari, while speaking at the meeting, promised to perform, if given a chance to become the next Senate President.

He said: “I commended this group that supported the APC in

the last election.

“I observed the support of the group nationwide and their commitment to the party and to the President-elect and I believe there are people that have credibility that can take this journey to the promise land.

“The decision that is going to be taken, this group will be of help for better APC in the future.

“I believe that I have versed knowledge of the system and I have the capacity to put everyone together for the purpose of the APC-led government in 2023 to

2027 to succeed.

“My relationship with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my relationship with the senators, my relationship with the governors, my relationship with former governors, is very intact.

“Nigerians have confidence in the APC and the party will continue to give good governance to the people.

“The election was not about religion, but about performance.” (NAN)

NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed presenting a cheque of the insurance benefit on Corps Member, Omale Victor EB/21A/1487, who went missing in 2021 during his service year in Ebonyi State to his father, Mr Omale Samuel at his residence in Lokoja, Kogi State. Photo: NYSC

Election drama and legal battles

By Ezinwanne Onwuka

And with the wave of reactions already generated by the imminent legal battle, it is safe to say that the presidential election is not really over until the judiciary resolves all unfinished business, thereby putting an end to the plethora of controversies that trailed the outcome of the election and for the gladiators to bury the hatchet.

No election in Nigeria’s recent history has faced many protests and rejections by those who lost and even those who won. So controversial was the 2023 general election that aggrieved candidates have headed to court to challenge the outcome of last month’s presidential election.

Nigerians demonstrated their dedication to democracy on February 25, but there are many angry and frustrated Nigerians who believe that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, won the election due to widespread fraud and irregularities as well as many who are celebrating victories they believe were hard-fought and well-earned.

The two leading opposition candidates: runner-up Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and third-place Labour Party’s candidate Peter Obi have both refused to concede defeat; each claiming to have won the election and have sought the intervention of the courts to reclaim what they have described as their ‘stolen mandate’.

Interestingly, Tinubu and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, have acknowledged their right to do so.

The efforts to sow doubt over the outcome of the presidential election are not just historical curiosities. Postelection litigation is nothing new in Nigeria. Except for the 2015 election, every presidential election held since 1999 has ended in legal fireworks, but none quite as dramatically as this year’s.

Consequently, the judiciary, constitutionally positioned as the final arbiter in election disputes, oftentimes, ends up being the determiner of the winners and losers of elections.

Though none of Nigeria’s presidential election results has ever been annulled or invalidated by the court, there’s a litany of situations when the third arm of government acted as a last resort in cases of electoral result disputes.

After Olusegun Obasanjo, candidate of the PDP was declared the winner of the February 27, 1999, presidential election, Olu Falae, who contested the election on the joint platform of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, and All Peoples Party, APP, filed a lawsuit disputing the result, but he lost the case. The presidential election of April 19, 2003, which was in favour of Obasanjo was also challenged by Muhammadu Buhari, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, candidate, and Chukwuemeka Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. The court, however, upheld Obasanjo’s re-election.

Atiku and Buhari who contested the April 21, 2007, presidential election under the platform of the Action Congress, AC, and ANPP, respectively, registered their grievances with the outcome of the election in court but PDP’s Umaru Yar’Adua’s victory was endorsed. In 2011, Buhari, candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, challenged the declaration of Goodluck Jonathan, the candidate of the PDP, as the winner of the April 16, 2011, presidential election. The court, regardless, affirmed Jonathan’s victory. Lastly, Buhari’s eventual victory in the February 23, 2019, presidential poll was also challenged by Atiku, who ran on PDP’s ticket, but the court ruled that the former vice president’s case lacked merit.

Undoubtedly, elections in Nigeria are consumed by post-election legal battles. This is because electoral malpractice has become part of Nigeria’s electoral culture. These malpractices take place before, during and after elections. Some of the most common include manipulation of voters’ registration, intimidation of voters, vote rigging, violent clashes between supporters, disruption of voting by thugs, and the snatching of ballot boxes and electoral materials. It is, therefore, on this note that political parties

and their candidates, disfavoured by the election results, unhesitatingly head to the court to seek redress.

The February 25, 2023, presidential election has presented yet another opportunity for the judiciary to decide who won and who lost. Aside from the aforementioned malpractices, the last presidential poll was controversial because the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, threw the entire process into a web of theories by collating and transmitting the results manually despite assurances of an electronic real-time transmission of the results. This raised questions about the credibility of the electoral process. Hence, aggrieved parties are banking on the judiciary to address this intrusive malfeasance.

It is quite unfortunate that despite the grandiose plans of the INEC to conduct a credible, free and fair election – one that would provoke fewer or no disputes and litigations due to the amendment of the Electoral Act and the deployment of technology as part of the steps to tackle electoral fraud – we are still going to depend on the judiciary to determine the validity or otherwise of the presidential poll.

In saner climes, the electorate, through their votes, determine who holds a public office and judicial recourse is an option taken to rectify an electoral impropriety of some sort. This is relative to the state of affairs in Nigeria where politicians, desperate in their quest for power, either thwart the decision of the electorate or question their choice, resulting in murky litigations and counter-litigations.

Like all historical events, the decision of the court in the ensuing court proceedings will be monumental. And with the wave of reactions already generated by the imminent legal battle, it is safe to say that the presidential election is not really over until the judiciary resolves all unfinished business, thereby putting an end to the plethora of controversies that trailed the outcome of the election and for the gladiators to bury the hatchet.

Ezinwanne writes via ezinwanne.dominion@gmail. com

Reconciliation, restoration, and integration vital to national unity

By Kolajo Suleiman Abiola

…what Nigeria needs right now are the three principles of reconciliation, restoration, and integration to move the country forward to take its rightful place among the comity of nations.

Reconciliation, Restoration, and Integration

(RRI) concepts are the keys to unlocking the Nigerian debacle. In a country as diverse as Nigeria with different ideologies, values, and norms, some level of reconciliation is required for the destination of national unity to be reached. Also, restoring inter-ethnic co-dependency will pave the way for true national integration of collective interests, aspirations, and the national team spirit. Therefore the RRI concept is vital to national unity at this moment of ethnic distrust and religious bigotry. However, national unity cannot be positively impacted without the essential concept of reconciliation that will ensure particularly the restoration and integration of South East inclusion in Nigeria’s mainstream governance. For that reason, there is no better time than now to begin the healing process by zoning the 10th National Assembly Senate President to the South East for unity and inclusiveness. It is not only the right thing to do at the moment, but it is also equitable, fair, and justifiable. Similarly, giving South East a sense of belonging in Nigeria will strengthen national unity, peace, and progress. And sincerely the RRI concepts are linked. One cannot be done without the other. So, zoning Senate President to South East will be the first step and right path to Renewed Hope.

Justification for SE Zoning and OUK for SP

“With the APC, people like Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and former governor of Imo state, Okorocha, stood firm and they helped propagate the party in that area. And when southeasterners were reluctant to publicly ask Nigerians to vote for Asiwaju, Orji Uzor Kalu was going from TV station to TV station to say look this man can do it… and he’s someone you can say is even acceptable to people from different regions, because in his early life, he lived in the North, so if we want to appease the SE for example that would be something the leadership of the party, NWC, and even with the input of the President-Elect, that is something they have to consider because the South East is an integral part of the country, we need them, we need the energy, the creativity and the business acumen of the people… we really need them…” Babajide Otitoju, TVC, 2023

Babajide Otitoju’s above quote is an excellent way to begin to fix the seclusion of the South East in the governance of Nigeria. They say a good turn deserves another so let’s pay back with the 10th National Assembly Senate President zoned to the South East. And Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, current Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, is qualified for the position without doubt, particularly when the criteria revolve around national unity, equity, fairness, justice, competence, strong character, and global understanding.

OUK And His Legislative Experience

OUK has sponsored many Bills and Motions but his most significant one yet, the Intra-States Railway Transportation Bill just got signed into Law

A Bill for an Act to alter the constitution of Nigeria (as amended) to provide that the Federal government

and the State government shall have concurrent legislative powers on the Railway and to provide for matters related thereto 2021 was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday 17th March 2023.

This achievement is a giant stride in the devolution of infrastructural power to the States.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The best solution for national unity, peace, and progress is the rotation of power between regional zones. Farooq Kperogi put it succinctly when he wrote that ethnic and religious divisiveness is not healthy or sustainable for a “fractious” country like Nigeria. Hence he recommended a constitutionalized power rotation between regions, states, and local levels. After all, raising the national emotional temperature to a fever pitch is not worth the cost to national unity. Farooq Kperogi explained this in his latest article. (Farooq Kperogi, Election highlights Imperative of power rotation, PM News Nigeria, 25, March 2023)

He gave reasons why this is realistically the way to go in order to ensure peaceful coexistence. For example, such an arrangement will not only remove ethnoreligious tension but also promote merit and competence in selecting leaders. Consequently, voters are more likely to concentrate on the capabilities and implementation measures of policies of candidates.

Lastly, what Nigeria needs right now are the three principles of reconciliation, restoration, and integration to move the country forward to take its rightful place among the comity of nations.

Kolajo Suleiman Abiola writes in from Abuja.

Somersaults at the temple of justice

By Femi Oluwasanmi

The same was made manifested in the case of John Yakubu, a former assistant director in the federal civil service, when justice Talba Abubakar, of the Federal High Court at Abuja, FCT, sentenced him to two years imprisonment with a fine of 750, 000 for his involvement in the 32.8 billion naira police pension scam in 2012.

The recent judgement of the appellate court on the Osun state gubernatorial election results dispute has further exposes the trends of somersaults at the temple of justice in Nigeria and buttresses the need for a reformed judiciary in order to accelerate the quest for sanity in the country’s democratization.

In a unanimous decision of Justice Mohammed Lawal led panel, the Court of Appeal at FCT, Abuja, on 24th March, 2023, had validated the mandate of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the gubernatorial election conducted on July 16, 2022, and awarded a fine of five hundred thousand naira (# 500, 000) to the former Governor of the state, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and his party, APC. Though, this is not the final stage in seeking for justice in a legal battle based on the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, however, the reverser of the earlier judgement delivered by the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal on the matter shows that “judicial somersault” had occurred at the tribunal. This became obvious with the “political tsunami” that swept the state few weeks after the judgement.

For instance, on March 18, it took APC, the party which Governor Oyetola belongs an extra ordinary effort to secure a constituency out of the 26 State Constituencies in the State at the State House of Assembly Election despite the fact that it currently occupying 23 seats at the Assembly. The same thing occured on February 25, when the party loss all the three senatorial districts and the federal Constituencies in the State

to the PDP. Although, the introduction of BVAS machine to the 2023 general election seems to suggest that the voting pattern of the people is gradually shifting towards personality than party but a logical examination of the manifestation of the victory of the candidates that contested on the platform of the PDP portray that the people voted for them to preserve the mandate given to governor Ademola and send a clear message to the judiciary on the need to correct the judicial somersault made at the Tribunal.

Prior to this period, the judiciary had displayed similar somersault in the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election, when senator Hope Uzodima, who secured fourth position based on the results declared by the INEC was elevated by the supreme court and declared the winner of the election in a manner that made many people to conclude that there seems to be a “special magic box” specially designed for the judiciary to assist candidates who failed to get the validation of the people at the polling units in the court of law.

Similar somersault seems to have happened on 6th February, 2023, when the supreme court declared the Senate president, Ahmed Lawal, as the winner of the primary election he never participated. Though, his party, APC claimed that a primary election was conducted in less than 48 hours after he lost at the presidential primary election to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on June 6, but the time the party sent the notice of the second primary election to the INEC without the official resignation of the winner of the first primary election, Bashir Machina, is still a question begging for answer. However, this judicial somersault is not limited to President Mohammed Buhari’s administration.

In 2014, Nigerians at home and abroad were embarrassed when the former Governor of Delta State, between 1999 – 2007, was arrested by the metropolitan police under interpol arrest issued from the united kingdom and repatriated to united kingdom where he was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by

Judge Anthony Pitils of South Wart Crown Court in London for the same 170 charges he was discharged and acquitted of in Nigeria by justice Marcel Awokulehin, at Asaba High Court on 17th December, 2009.

The same was made manifested in the case of John Yakubu, a former assistant director in the federal civil service, when justice Talba Abubakar, of the Federal High Court at Abuja, FCT, sentenced him to two years imprisonment with a fine of 750, 000 for his involvement in the 32.8 billion naira police pension scam in 2012.

More explicable, is the election process that brought late president Musa Yar’dua to power in 2007. Infact, despite his acknowledgement of massive rigging in the election, the four supreme court justices that were constituted to look into the matter including the then chief justice of Nigeria never saw any wrong in the result.

This culture of justice for sale seems to find its place in the sokoto Governorship election petition that almost pitched the president of the court of appeal, (PCA), Justice Ayo Salami against the then CJN, justice Kastina Ali when the appeal court refused to handled the appeal filed by the opposition against the tribunal judgement delivered in favour of Nyako till the Chief Justice intervened and directed the Appeal Court to do her work four days to the deadline. Though, most of these somersaults seem to be largely made on election matters but its impacts are well felt across all stratas of the country.

It contributes to the reasons for the acceleration in the report of cases of self-help, communal clashes, economic stagnancy, unprecedented swelling in the country’s debt profile, uncontrollable unemployment rate, infrastructural decadence, suspicious attitude towards the judiciary and enabling atmosphere for crisis/protest of different forms.

Femi Oluwasanmi writes in from Ibafo,

Unity: The giant that can remove tribalism from Nigeria

By Abdulazeez Toheeb Olawale

The tragedy with the Nigerian situation is that it is the highly educated people, those who really should know better, that propagate tribalism. The big question now arises, how can we combat tribalism? However, we should understand from the beginning that we can only wipe it out through our collective efforts. From the pulpit, our religious leaders should impart to their adherents the evils of tribalism.

ONE ROOT CAUSE OF our national woes is Tribalism! Nigeria is a country with about 220 million people and more than 250 different ethnic groups, it has been impossible for us as a people to present a united front. The unfortunate reality staring us in the face is that we are unitedly divided and dividedly united.

Tribalism means man supporting his people to who he belongs whether they are right or wrong, oppressing or oppressed; belonging to this group can be due to kith and kin, ethnicity, colour, birth place, citizenship, school of thought, or a group of people with common interests. Tribalism is the feeling of being better than others, and that others are of lower class. Like in George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where we are exposed to the thought that all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others. So, that person that has this feeling of tribalism thinks so highly of himself and of those to whom he belongs. This is not to say that such feeling of brotherhood is totally off base. But where such fraternity becomes detrimental to unity of the whole, then it becomes corrupt.

In Nigeria, tribalism has become a force that is more ascendant than nuclear bombs. The emergence of Boko Haram in our present day society is rooted in it. Militancy in the Niger Delta is informed by tribal sentiments, the same with the OPC and Bakassi. Tribalism nourishes terrorism. The selection of public office holders that have plunged the country into darkness is a twin brother of tribalism in the government circle. In Nigeria, you will find people in high places dolling out contracts to inept contractors because of tribal affinity instead of genuine qualification and competence. A country should not make some to work extra-ordinarily hard just to get by while some are virtually given the key to the government coffers to enrich themselves at will. This is one of the major reasons why Nigeria is yet to achieve a true “one Nigeria.”

It was tribalism that indirectly engendered the Nigerian civil war and indirectly gives birth to the present evil called “quota system” and step brother called “state of origin.”

These are direct products, consciously or unconsciously designed out of mediocrity to model the ruin of Nigeria.

This fuelled the growth of National inequality and anger of perceived injustice. One of the unfortunate characteristics of tribalism is this unnecessary competition with other tribes. The Yoruba becomes “us” and the Igbo’s and Hausa become “them”. We all have a common destiny whether from the north, the south, the east or the west. So it seems. The realization of the fact that we are all victims of economic imperialism and foreign vested interests should prompt and persuade us to educate ourselves by all means of the need for oneness of Nigeria, and realize that geography is no barrier to national cooperation and mutual understanding. We must not only unite our powers but live in harmony with others. Where there is love, there is friendship, and friendship leads to Unity the giant that can obliterate TRIBALISM from Nigeria. We cannot in this 21st century Nigeria tolerate tribalism and this objective could be achieved by mutual understanding.

No leader in Nigeria today can succeed, unless he forgets his ethnical group. His service must be to Nigeria and not to any particular group. We must widen our citizenship beyond our tribal loyalties and cease to be a tribesman. The people of Nigeria, whether they are from the North, the South, the East, or the West, have one common destiny. The mill of imperialism spares no one. It is no respecter of tribal affiliation. The sledge hammer of economic imperialism knows no difference between the Yorubas, the Ibos, the Hausas, the Fulanis, or the Kanuris. We are all one Colonial peoples and victims of foreign vested interest. That is why we should always protest against tribalism. In Nigeria today, tribalism has been elevated to the status of a national culture which dominates national discourse, controls how we think and talk, and determines what we oppose or support. It is promoted by the most educated and powerful among us, embraced by the young and the old, passed from generation to generation, and has even crept into our constitution.

The damaging effects of tribalism are well known. It promotes mediocrity and suppresses merit, encourages corruption by giving much needed cover and immunity for perpetrators, stands in the way of national cohesion and consensus, creates a distraction away from serious national issues and often contributes to communal violence. The tragedy with the Nigerian situation is that it is the highly educated people, those who really should know better, that propagate tribalism. The big question now arises, how can we combat tribalism? However, we should understand

from the beginning that we can only wipe it out through our collective efforts. From the pulpit, our religious leaders should impart to their adherents the evils of tribalism. There are tribes far behind others today, they seem to be sleeping; It is our duty to awake them from their lethargy instead of making jests of them. We must arouse them, help them forward and kindle in them the flame of nationalism. The understanding of different tribal languages is imperative. This will automatically remove the shyness, suspicion and annoyance of one tribe against another when they come across themselves in their different walks of life. There is no reason why an Ibo man should not marry a Hausa girl or a Hausa man marrying a Yoruba, nor can the Yoruba man adduce any law forbidden his marriage to an Ibo lady and vice versa. Our leaders should lay the example by giving out their sons and daughters in marriage irrespective of tribe; or marry inter-tribally. Our educators and parents will be doing the nation a great service if they start from the beginning to erase this tribalistic instinct from our youths and the leaders of tomorrow. But can they do this, if they themselves are slaves to tribalism. Hence, they must first of all, purge themselves out from its chains. If all the teachers and parents of this country will pledge themselves towards this type of militant, their doctrines will be a huge success and they will have facilitated the New Nigeria. In the animal world anthills and beehives are wonderful models of what unity can achieve. Could a single ant or bee ever succeed in raising such a complicated structure? Never, it is only their joint efforts that made these possible. The constant reference to tribal animosities in the press is affecting the youth and is ensuring that a legacy of hate and suspicion is passed down the generations. That is why a young graduate from, say, Ondo State will have sleepless nights if the NYSC posts him to Yobe State and so will a graduate from Katsina state who is posted to Ekiti State. Sometimes even when the graduate himself is calm, his parents will have the sleepless nights on his behalf! Contrary to expectations, it usually turns out to be a pleasant experience at the end of the service year.

Tribalism should not be an issue in Nigeria. In some enlightened countries, educated people are ashamed of making references to tribal differences. This allows the society to focus on real issues like education, health, transport, security etc. Looking forward to having a coalition of like-minded Nigerians who are against tribalism in order to give some hope to our country. God Bless Nigeria

Abdulazeez Toheeb Olawale is a Public Policy Analyst.

Yoruba, Igbo leader graduate from Open University

By Usman Shuaibu

The Otunba (Yoruba leader) of Yoruba Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Dr Wasiu Tunwase as well as the Igbo traditional title holder (Aguiyi Jesu Na Nanka), Chief Chima Francis Umeh have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Both Otunba and Chief Chima Francis Umeh read Entrepreneurship and Business Management in the Faculty of Management Science.

In an interview after the graduation ceremony at the Headquarters of the University, Jabi, Abuja on Saturday, Otunba said he was delighted being among the students who graduated from the University today.

He commended the staff and the Management of the University for encouraging the students in their studies, pointing out that the staffers were disciplined in terms of time frame.

He also hailed the management of the University for putting in place infrastructural facilities to enhance learning, lamenting that Open University was one of the best universities in the world.

Otunba, therefore, thanked the Almighty God who provided everything for him to overcome his studies in the University, while advising the students to always obey the laid down rules and regulations guiding the University.

On his part, Chief Chima Francis Umeh in an interview, appealed to the Federal Government to deem it necessary to take Open University to the grassroots so as to enable the less privileged to have access to education there.

He said the National Open University of Nigeria was not an institution for lazy students, pointing out he learnt a lot from the University.

He described the Open University as a Centre for academic excellence, saying that the students must read before passing their examinations.

Umeh, however, disclosed that there was no room for examination malpractice in the University.

Speaking earlier, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Olufemi A. Peters, revealed that a total number of 28,675 students graduated from the institution this year.

Mba, best choice for Enugu, drop litigations – Rep Okechukwu tells opposition

Chief Toby Okechukwu, Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representative, says that Dr Peter Mbah, the Enugu State Governor-elect remains the best choice for the state.

Okechukwu, who represents Aninri/Awgu/oji River Federal Constituency, made the remarks in Enugu on Sunday, while congratulating the new Governor-elect of the state, Mbah.

The lawmaker said that Mbah’s election by the people of the state was a right step at a time of severe national economic challenges.

He called on the opposition candidates to drop their court cases and join hands with Mbah and work for the greater good of

the state.

“I pity Nigerians who see some Labour Party politicians as progressives because they moved out from the dominant parties (either PDP or APC) to the LP to cruise on the Peter Obi bandwagon.

“They won seven out of the eight House of Representative seats in Enugu State, but PDP did not complain.

“They won the senatorial seat of the governor and even the governor’s polling booth during the Presidential and National Assembly Election, yet neither PDP nor Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi complained.

“They won the Enugu East senatorial district where Nkanu East LGA is located and celebrated it. But they would not

accept the governorship result that came from the same process the same day,” he said.

Okechukwu explained that Enugu people supported Peter Obi in the name of justice because “we believed it was South-East turn to produce the next President”.

On accusations of Mr Frank Nweke of APGA that the election was marred by irregularities, the lawmaker said, “it beats imagination how a man who managed 17,983 state-wide votes against Dr. Mbah’s 160,895 votes hoped to win the governorship election in the first place.

“On behalf of the good people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, I congratulate the governor-elect

of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the people of Enugu State on this massive victory.

“It is a hard-won victory, but it is worth it, given the quality that Mbah is expected to bring to bear on the leadership of the state.

Okechukwu commended Mbah for his commitment in his acceptance speech to run an all-inclusive government, saying that the unity and brotherhood were imperative if the state must experience the much-needed development under the Mbah administration.

He equally urged the people of the state to continue to support and pray for Mbah as he embarked on the onerous mission of building a new Enugu State. (NAN)

Development expert advises in-coming govt. to leverage on women

Adevelopment expert and researcher, Dr Nkemdilim Ene, has advised the incoming administration to leverage on women to take development faster to grassroots communities in Nigeria.

Ene gave the advice in Abuja on Sunday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the expectations of Nigerian women as the country gets set to inaugurate a new government on May 29.

On Feb. 25, Nigeria held a landmark presidential election, to keep democracy going in Africa’s most populous nation, which returned to elective governance in

1999 after years of military rule.

“Research has shown that the inclusion of women in leadership has contributed significantly to socio-economic growth.

“This shows that sustainable national development requires the contributions of women,’’ said Ene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Preston Associates International Development Ltd., an Abujabased think-thank.

She described womenfolk as the magic wand that could be used by the government to engender development and make Nigeria to rise above its current challenges.

“I appeal to government to

be deliberate in encouraging women and girls to partake in digital opportunities available to them because this can change lives of women and that of their immediate communities.’’

The researcher said that government should also find ways to utilise the opportunities offered by technology as a tool in promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

“It can be as simple as increasing access to smart phones, cash transfers and digital financial literacy skills that can strengthen women’s decisionmaking abilities and enhance bargaining power in their homes,’’

Ene advised.

Commenting on the justconcluded International Women’s Day, Ene said that the lot of women in Nigeria was getting brighter, “although a lot still has to be done.

“The theme for this year’s celebration – `DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ underscores the need to equip our women with technological know-how,’’ she stated.

The youthful Ene, who holds a bachelor of medicine and surgery degree also has expansive experience in public health and gender issues. (NAN)

L-R: President, Nigerian Society of Intelligentsia, Comrade Japhat Ogbueri, Convener,. Civil Society Coalition for Transparency and Good Governance, Comrade Victor Udoh, members of the Coalition, Comrade Joseph Maiwada and Bala Mohammed, during Civil Society world press conference calling on the NASS to stop Creating New Agencies by the National Assembly as counter productive. held yesterday in Abuja.

Disqualification suit: Appeal Court begins hearing in suit against Enugu PDP

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu will today, hear the appeal filed by Comrade Chika Idoko, the ADC senatorial candidate for Enugu North district, against an earlier judgement of the High Court in the case seeking the disqualification of all the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidates in Enugu State for this year’s polls.

Idoko had in a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP in Enugu State, sought the disqualification of all the party’s candidates.

He premised his prayers on the grounds that the Enugu PDP failed to submit its register earlier than 30 days before the party’s congresses, primaries and convention as provided by the Electoral Act 2022.

The Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, however, dismissed the suit on the grounds that he lacked the locus standi to institute the suit since he was not a member of the PDP.

Not satisfied with the judgement, Comrade Idoko went to the Court of Appeal for a review.

In a press statement on Monday, which he personally signed, the ADC senatorial candidate restated his commitment to the rule of law and his faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

“The election is over but not completely over,” he said in the statement.

“I appreciate all my supporters, home and abroad, the concerted efforts and team work of my indefatigable counsel led by Barr. C I Odoh,” he said.

ADC’s Idoko, as well as the PDP candidate Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi lost the senatorial election held on February 25 to the candidate of the Labour Party, Barr. Okey Ezea (Ideke).

There is growing anxiety in Enugu State, especially within the ranks of the PDP, following Idoko’s appeal.

Adamawa governorship: Binani pleads for review of results by INEC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) has demanded equity, fairness and justice from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the governorship poll results in the state.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Binani asked INEC to review the election results of the 18” March Governorship election in a number of Local Government Areas in Adamawa State.

She called for the total cancellation of the election results in Fufore Local Government Area.

She said if election reviews were conducted in Enugu, Abia

and Doguwa Constituency in Kano State, why should Adamawa be left out.

Binani said she had already petitioned INEC to draw their attention to the matter and press home her demands.

The statement said: “My Lawyer has submitted a petition to the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu calling for a review of the election results of the 18” March Governorship election in a number of Local Government Areas in Adamawa State.

“We are aware INEC ordered reviews for Abia and Enugu Governorship results. A similar review was also done in Doguwa Constituency in Kano State in line with Section 65 of the Electoral

Politicians dividing Nigerians, 2023

By Christiana Ekpa

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has knocked politicians playing the ethnic card and failing to abide by the rules of the electoral process.

The founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, also urged all Yorubas, elders, monarchs, socio-cultural groups, etc., to look beyond politics and strengthen the bond of unity.

A statement the Yoruba One Voice (YOV) issued on Monday said Adams addressed a virtual international conference attended by participants from six continents.

At the conference themed “Decolonizing Yoruba land:

Act 2022.

“My Lawyer has similarly applied to the commission for a Certified True Copy of the Biomodal Verification Authentication System (BVAS) used for 18” March, 2023 for Adamawa State elections.

“This is as a result of series of actions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Governor of Adamawa, and other persons in disrupting the elections, causing violence, tearing of result sheets, intimidation and harassment of both voters and INEC officials, non-accreditation of thousands of voters by non-use of BVAS, fraudulent upload of state Assembly Constituency results on Governorship IREV, beating of some APC returning officers which caused the hospitalization

in Yola of Mallam Ahmadu .J. Hausa, Ward Chairman of Songgari for four days.”

On Fufore Local Government Area, Binani asked for total cancelation of results from the Local Government Area.

She added “There was also the collation of results at Police Station in Fufore to favour PDP under duress. We therefore call for total cancellation of results from the Local Government Area.

“The case for Adamawa State is not in any way different from places where reviews were undertaken.

“It is for this reason that I am asking for equity, fairness and justice as guaranteed by the 2022 Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

election worst in history – Gani Adams

Speak up, speak out”, Adams stressed that the struggle for decolonization of ancestral land must be a collective effort.

The Grand Patron of the diaspora organization urged the indigenes to “wake up from their slumber and take their pride of place among other races in the world”.

Iba Adams maintained that the Yorubas are where they are currently “because they lost touch with the core values that are key to the progress of our race”.

The high chief said although the people have unique culture, tradition, language, dressing, food, among others, civilization came and slowed down “the glory”.

“Our language, culture

and tradition have gone into extinction. The religious institution has also failed to re-invent the true gospel of God.

“The political class has done everything to divide us along political lines and politicians have failed to play by the rules,” he fumed.

On the general elections, Adams said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Prof. Mahmood Yakubu are facing global condemnation for failing to ensure smooth conduct.

The traditional leader noted that the failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, to transmit election results electronically betrayed the hope and trust of Nigerians.

Gani Adams

“The electoral umpire organized the worst election in the history of Nigeria. The entire system is mired in distrust; we continue to witness untoward happenings across the country,” Adams added.

Court removes Adamawa lawmaker, Bororo

By Christiana Ekpa

The Federal High Court has sacked the member representing Mubi South Constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon Musa Umar Bororo.

The Federal High Court II which sat in Yola Monday, ordered the member to vacate

his seat with immediate effect for leaving the party under which he won election to the House.

Bororo had in April last year left the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state into the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The high court, presided over by Justice Saleh Kogo,

ruled that Bororo who got into the House of Assembly under the APC, ought not to defect to PDP and remain in office.

Justice Kogo, however, dismissed suits filed against the member representing Mubi North, Hon Shuaibu Dan Musa and member representing Fufure/Gurin, Hon Shuaibu Babas who

similarly defected from the APC to PDP at different times. He said the APC failed to prove its case against the two.

The state leadership of the APC had dragged the three legislators to court in October last year for leaving to the PDP, and asked the court to order that the Assembly was bound by law to declare their seats vacant.

POLITICS 2023: Ogun tribunal permits NNPP to inspect sensitive electoral materials

By Christiana Ekpa

The elections petition tribunal sitting in Ogun State has granted the request by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to inspect all Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other sensitive materials used for the 2023 elections in the state.

The Ogun tribunal granted all the prayers of the NNPP in the motion ex-parte filed on Friday at the Isabo court in Abeokuta.

Kogi guber: Rep member joins race, picks ADC forms

By Christiana Ekpa

Member representing Yagba East/West/ Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide has picked the African Democratic Congress, ADC expression of interest and nomination forms to join Kogi State governorship election.

The lawmaker and House Committee Chairman on Customs and Excise purchased the forms on Monday for the party’s office in Abuja, declaring that he would be an aspirant to beat, insisting that the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi West should be allowed to occupy the Lugard House.

The lawmaker who is a Repelect, explained that he will vacate the Green Chambers for Kogi State Government House, if he wins the November governorship election, while expressing optimism that the people in other political parties from Kogi West are solidly behind his ambition.

Abejide’s move on Monday added to the number of aspirants from Kogi West which include, Senator Smart Adeyemi representing the Western Senatorial district, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in Lagos State and the Secretary of the All Progressives Presidential Campaign Council, PCC.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress did not win a seat out of the 25 members-elect to the Kogi State House of Assembly in the just concluded governorship and House of Assembly election.

Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been declared winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election held in Ogun.

But, the NNPP went to court, adding INEC, Abiodun and the APC as respondents.

The motion ex-parte was supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit deposed by the State chairman of the party, Olaposi Oginni.

The NNPP had complained that INEC did not print the name of the party/logo on the governorship ballot papers, as

prescribed by the Electoral Act.

The party asked the tribunal to allow it make photocopies, scan and record all sensitive materials used by INEC in the March 18 governorship election, ahead of its petition.

NNPP stated that it would seek the nullification of the

governorship election in Ogun due to the omission of its name on the ballot papers.

Granting the prayers, the Chairman of the tribunal, justice Argum Ashom agreed with the NNPP on the prayers, “in that effect the reliefs are granted as prayed.”

Bayelsa guber: Disqualify Sylva for not quitting Buhari’s cabinet – APC members

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Some Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, have called on the national leadership of the party to disqualify the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, from contesting the governorship primaries of the party over his refusal to resign his position as minister.

The aggrieved members numbering over 40 from 43 Wards in Ekeremor, Ogbia, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of the State, in a petition to the party national leadership, pointed out that as at the time the

minister was screened, he had not resigned.

The petition, which was signed by Doubra Kpoku, Nelson Gbeinbo, Charles Fyneman, Ogbel Joseph, Dressman Isowo, among others, and addressed to the national chairman, national secretary, legal adviser and national organising secretary of the party, said the minister’s action is a violation of the party’s constitution.

The petition reads: ” Request for Disqualification of Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, the Hon. Minister of State Petroleum Resources from Participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bayelsa State Gubernatorial

Primaries Scheduled for April 14, 2023 or any other date.

“We are card-carrying members of the APC, Bayelsa State Chapter from various Wards in different Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State and refer to the above captioned matter for your urgent attention and action to avoid our dear party from being ridiculed in the forth-coming Governorship Elections slated for November 2023 or any other date.

“The grounds for our objection are as follows:

i. As at 25th March 2023 when the Honourable Minister, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva presented himself for screening at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja International

Hotel, Abuja in his bid to contest the primaries which is expected to be conducted any time soon, the Honourable Minister had failed, refused and or neglected to resign his Ministerial position as Minister of State for Petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is against the extant provisions of Article 31 paragraph (iii) APC Constitution, as amended; The Honourable Minister and now aspirant for Governor of Bayelsa State is a member of the APC holding political office by virtue of his membership of the APC and as Leader of the Party in Bayelsa State.

Cross River guber: PDP challenging APC victory laughable – Obono-Obla

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the just-concluded election in Cross River State, Prof Sandy Onor to challenge the APC governorship victory at the poll is laughable and frivolous.

Chairman of the APC campaign council in the state,

Chief Okoi Obono-Obla in a statement dismissed the vow by Sandy Onor to proceed to the Election Petition Tribunal, saying such intention is futile.

Obono-Obla submitted that Senator Onor was overwhelmingly defeated by Senator Bassey Otu of the APC to clinch the victory.

“Senator Onor was fairly, squarely and indeed

overwhelmingly defeated. He lost his Etung local government area but miserably and marginally won only in Ogoja, Bekwarra, and Ikom.”

He described Onor’s defeat as a dismal performance.

He said the APC are not afraid of the Election Tribunal, vowing that they shall match him grit to grit when he eventually files his petition.

Yesterday, Onor rejected the result of the election, vowing to seek redress in court, more than a week after INEC had declared the result.

According to him, the result of the poll was characterized by gross irregularities.

Onor described the outcome of the election as a charade, stressing that the result is unacceptable.

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has claimed that Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), worked for the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the presidentelect.

Umahi made the claim on Monday during the commissioning of remodelled community secondary school, Okoro nu Odo, in Rivers State.

He was in Rivers on the invitation of Governor Nyesom Wike for the project commissioning in the state.

Umahi insisted that Tinubu must know that Ayu worked for

him so he could integrate him into the next administration.

”I want to also thank the suspended Chairman of the PDP. He did very well because if he had accepted to resign, it would have been very difficult for the APC. So he is our man, and I commend him very, very well.

“And I am begging Wike that they should lift the suspension so that he can suspend many more of their leaders. We love what he has done, and so we commend him. I think Asiwaju must know that he worked for him and must also integrate him into the next administration,” Umahi said.

Speaking further, the Ebonyi Governor said Governor Wike was responsible for why the

Federal High Court sacked him as governor sometime last year, before the Appellate Court restored him back in office.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja, in March, 2022 sacked Umahi, his deputy, Kelechi Igwe, along with 15 lawmakers in the state over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

The 15 lawmakers were elected on the PDP platform before they joined him in dumping the party for the APC.

However, while recalling what transpired when he left PDP, Umahi disclosed that he would not fight Wike again, insisting that nobody could win

Governor Wike.

”First look at the decamping of G-3 governors – Cross River, Zamfara and Ebonyi; that is the stepping stone, of course governor Wike fought us; fought us very, very badly. And when APC people said why are you supporting Wike, I said what did you do when Wike removed me in the first court as governor of Ebonyi State, you want me to come and fight again? I chose my fight, I said I will not fight the man again. But the truth is that if anybody thinks he can win Governor Wike in Rivers State, that is a joke taken too far. And I am very bold to say that,” Umahi said.

PDP’s Ayu is our man, worked for Tinubu – Umahi

Atiku not retiring from politics, won’t work with Tinubu –Dino Melaye

By Christiana Ekpa

Dino Melaye, a former Kogi West Senator on Monday, reacted to claims that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is retiring from politics.

Melaye said the claim that Atiku was retiring from politics and joining hands with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu was false.

He described the claims as a lie from the pit of hell that should be disregarded.

In a tweet, the spokesman of the Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign, assured that the PDP flag bearer would soon reclaim his mandate.

He wrote: “The malicious lie and propaganda going round that Atiku is retiring from politics and joining hand with Tinubu is a terrible lie from the pit of hell and should be disregarded. Light and darkness don’t relate. Nigerians should be rest assured that Atiku is coming very soon.”

Atiku came second in the just-concluded presidential election held on February 25.

He, however, claimed that the election was flawed and rigged in favour of Tinubu.

The PDP presidential candidate has since headed to court to retain his alleged stolen mandate.

Cross River PDP goes to tribunal, accuses Ayade, INEC of altering election materials

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Cross River State is set to challenge INEC’s declaration of Prince Bassey Edet Otu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as governor-elect at Election Petition Tribunal (EPT).

As they prepare for the Tribunal, they have also alleged that Prof Ben Ayade, the state governor, and the INEC have as a result, rushed to tamper with the election result papers.

PDP has claimed that Ayade and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Professor Gabriel Yomere, and other INEC collation officers have tampered with original results sheets and manipulated BVAS machines used for the Governorship and state House of Assembly elections on March-18, 2023.

Addressing newsmen in Calabar over the allegations, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof Gabriel Yomere said, “There is no truth in the allegations that I held a meeting with the governor and his team in order to reconcile and manipulate

the electoral materials used for the gubernatorial election.

“The last time I met with the governor was shortly before Christmas and I went with my team. That was shortly before I travelled for Christmas.

“Even if I succeed in manipulating the BVAS, what about the backend at the INEC portal? You can’t manipulate that.

“The only people allowed to check the BVAS are the lawyers to the political parties and they do that in the presence of INEC staff.”

There have been speculations that the governor, the REC and some collation officers have held meetings on how to reconcile the irregularities in the last governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.

One of our sources said, “Ayade and the INEC REC are particularly worried at the issue of over voting and some irreconcilable differences recorded at the polling units and the number of votes declared from the polling units.

The sources further revealed that, “They had a meeting on

Saturday night trying to come up with modalities on how they can look at declared results in each local government to tally with hurriedly declared results especially where they have over voting.”

PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, expressed worry and called for genuine efforts to protect the election materials from deliberate manipulation.

“After a series of meetings, arrangements have been concluded between the REC, the electoral officers (EOs) of each LG, and the Returning Officers, to bring out all the BVAS within

each polling unit across the state that have over voting in the just concluded elections.

“With the BVAS, they would be able to thumbprint additional ballots papers to balance the votes and the number of persons that were accredited in each of the polling units across the state.

“The governor has concluded the arrangements for this and it will commence today.

“We call on stakeholders and relevant agencies to demand for the original results sheets used in announcing the results from REC before they temper with it,” Ojisi explained.

Why I’ll shelve my ambition for Senate President – Mohammed Sani Musa

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The Senator representing the Niger-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mohammed Musa Sani, has said he could only shelve his ambition if a competent personality like him in the Senate presented himself for the office of the Senate President.

Sani disclosed this on Monday when he appeared as a guest on a television program.

The Senator said he believes in the secularity of one Nigeria, notwithstanding the volatile situation the Muslim-Muslim ticket generated in the country.

”For the exigencies of our time, looking at the volatile situation of what has generated the MuslimMuslim ticket in this country, I am one person that believes in the secularity of one Nigeria. I am one person that believes that, for every reason, there should be give and take in this country. We have

lived with both Christians and Muslims.

“Some of us still have relatives that are still Christians and Muslims. We have lived in a society where there’s intermarriage; we have lived for so long. Our forefathers envisaged a country where we would all live together.

”I will not have any problem seeing a qualified, competent personality like me in the Senate who has also presented himself for

the office of the Senate President and asked me please to drop my ambition for him; I will do it.

“There’s a position of Deputy Senate President, which also is a presiding officer in the National Assembly. I will be willing to do it if it’s going to be in the best interest of Nigerians; it’s going to be in the best interest of the zone I am going to represent. There’s no commitment or sacrifice too much to make to keep the unity this country deserves,” he said.

10th Assembly speakership race: Gagdi posters, banners flood APC headquarters

By Christiana Ekpa

As the race for who emerged the Speaker of the 10th session of the House of Representatives gathers momentum, the posters and banners of Yusuf Adamu Gagdi on Monday flood All Progressive Congress (APC) National Secretariat, Abuja.

The posters and banners bearing the inscription: ‘GAGDI for SPEAKER 2023 10th ASSEMBLY were displayed at the entrance and inside the Muhammadu Buhari House (APC National Secretariat) at No 40 Blantyre street, Wuse 2 Abuja.

The 42-year old lawmaker is the

member representing Pankshin/Kanam/ Kanke Federal Constituency of Plateau State on the platform of the ruling APC.

While the ruling party is yet to zone the leadership positions in both chambers of the National Assembly, some lawmakers are already eyeing the seat of the Speaker of the green chamber.

The top contenders for the Speaker so far include; the Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase (APC, Plateau); Gagdi (APC, Plateau), the Chairman House Committee on Navy; Muktar Aliyu Betara (APC, Borno); Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia); Aminu Jaji (APC, Zamfara); and Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano) and Tajudeen

Abbas (APC, Kaduna).

Gagdi who had signified interest in the race and is undergoing serious consultations has been receiving the backing of many Nigerians, especially the youths who are clamouring for the speakership of the House after the presidency has been taken and senate presidency may be taken by the elderly.

While the posters and banners sighted at the APC National Secretariat bears the name of no supporters, it was gathered Nigerian youths and critical stakeholders from north-central, a zone which has not produced the speaker in past 30 years were behind it.

There has been the clamour for the Speaker of the House be ceded to the North-central geopolitical zone and the youths.

Also known as Middle Belt, the Northcentral geopolitical zone comprises of six states, namely, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The only time the North-central zone produced a Speaker of House was in 1983 when Chaha Biam from Benue State was elected to the exalted office which he served barely two months (October to December) and the military ousted the Second Republic.

Ayade

NGX

penalises 6 firms over ‘late filing, nondisclosure of information’

From Abubakar Yunusa, ABUJA

The Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) says three listed companies have violated its rules on unauthorised publications and non-disclosure of material information.

This is contained in the exchange’s X-Compliance Report dated March 17, 2023.

The X-Compliance Report is a transparency initiative of NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo), which is designed to maintain market integrity and protect investors by providing compliance related information on all listed companies.

Every listed company is required to provide NGX with timely information to enable it efficiently perform its function of maintaining an orderly market.

The report said Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc violated NGX’s rule on submission of notice and other information documentation.

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc was said to have violated the provisions of rule 17.5 on price sensitive information, rulebook of the exchange 2015 issuers’ rules.

The bank also reportedly failed to disclose the confirmation of the appointment of its new managing director.

Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc were sanctioned to undergo mandatory compliance training (MCT).

Meanwhile, the NGX imposed a fine of N453,600 on Guinea Insurance Plc for allegedly failing to utilise the issuers’ portal to file sensitive information.

“In accordance with the provisions of Appendix III: General Undertaking (Equities), Rulebook of NGX, 2015 (Issuers’ Rules) and NGX’s Circular No. NSE/LARD/LRD/ CIR3/17/05/12 on Publication of Announcements or Press Releases via the Issuers’ Portal, listed companies are required to obtain prior written approval from NGX RegCo before publications that affect shareholders’ interests are made in the media or via the Issuers’ Portal,” NGX said.

“In addition, companies are also required to disclose material

Experts call for urgent solution to naira scarcity as Monetary Policy Committee holds meeting

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Some financial experts have urged the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to take urgent steps to address the perennial shortage of cash.

The experts spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, against the backdrop of the 290th meeting of the MPC.

The meeting is scheduled to hold on Monday and Tuesday.

According to a financial expert, Okechukwu Unegbu, the MPC should discuss the cash situation as a matter of priority.

Mr Unegbu, a past president of the Chattered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said that the apex bank’s claim of circulating more than N900 billion did not reflect on the Nigerian economy.

He, however, said that the problem would likely ameliorate as elections had been concluded in the country.

“Our biggest challenge presently is the cash situation, and I think the committee

should discuss it as a matter of urgency.

“The CBN says it has over N900 billion in the system, but it is not reflecting because cash is still scarce.

“But I believe that with the elections over, cash will start to circulate,’’ he said.

He urged the committee to also address the “rumblings in the economy’’ in terms of inflation and exchange rates.

On the policy rates, Mr Unegbu advised for retention of all existing parameters until the next meeting.

“I suspect that because of rising inflation, which is now 21.91 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the MPC may be tempted to raise the rates again.

“But my suggestion is that all the rates should be held constant to allow the MPC study the situation until its next meeting,’’ he said.

Another financial expert, Muktar Muhammed, urged the apex bank to explain to Nigerians the reasons why Naira notes were still scarce.

On policy expectations, Mr Muktar said the MPC would have liked to increase the prevailing rates but could be discouraged by the already high inflation rate.

Ordinarily, we could see a hike in rates but as it stands now, because of the Naira shortage and what it has done to the economy, I do not think they will want to do that.

“Again, inflation is already high and I do not see how hiking rates, alongside the cash shortage will help the economy grow better,’’ he said.

According to Uche Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the use of cash scarcity to stifle demand is not a sustainable way to tackle inflation.

Mr Uwaleke said that such a step could hurt economic growth and could lead to loss of jobs thereby, fuelling unemployment.

“Going forward, the CBN should ensure that measures are put in place to ease the cash crunch while gradually implementing its cashless

policy.

Inflation rate rose from 21.82 per cent in January to 21.91 per cent in February, the economy witnessed a slight downward pressure in the general prices of commodities.

“This may not be unconnected with the cash scarcity which resulted in low demand for goods and services in view of the cash-based nature of the Nigerian economy.

“Recall that as a result of the cash scarcity and low demand, many traders who deal in perishable items were forced to sell them at below purchase price or cost of production due to lack of storage facilities,’’ he said NAN recalls that at its last meeting in January, MPC increased the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, by 100 basis points from 16.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent.

It, however, retained the Assymetric Corridor of +100/700 basis points around the MPR, the Liquidity Ratio of 30 per cent and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of 32.5 per cent.

Harvard alumnus advises incoming govt on economic growth

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Aformer Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ms Ifueko

Okauru, has urged the incoming government to focus on policies that will bring collective economic growth.

She advised the incoming administration to create an enabling environment that would foster the private sector to thrive which would also help reduce unemployment.

Okauru spoke during the Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of Nigeria’s dinner, where the association

hosted 64 students from 24 countries on the Africa Policy trek.

Also, Nigeria for the first time, hosted the ‘Harvard trek’ which was an opportunity for students whose backgrounds were in public policy and government administration to interact, learn and understand policies in countries they visit.

On her advice to the incoming administration, Okauru said, “The economy is at the heart of propelling a better quality of life for every Nigerian. Whatever we do, must translate to a higher level of disposable income for everyone to live, at the very

minimum a decent life.

“So, if we do not focus on growing the economy, providing jobs, and ensuring that whatever we do, truly translates, we are not just discussing at a higher growth level, but truly translates to testimonials of the common man.”

She added, “The Harvard Kennedy School is a public policy, government intervention part of the Harvard University so all it does is really help to build those people that will go back to their various countries and influence public policy and drive government in a manner that will position countries at a

much higher level.”

Also speaking on the sidelines, the President Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of Nigeria, Adaora Ugwu, said, “About 64 students and faculty of the Harvard Kennedy School from Cambridge have come to Nigeria on what they call an Africa policy trek.

“This trek they’ve done in Nigeria and Ghana and usually on these tracks they come to find out about the country, talk to the public and private sector, they want to understand governance policy and culture. So they visited Accra first and then they now come to Nigeria.”

From Abubakar Y Ojimaojo ABUJA

Diamond Aircraft, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has announced its plans to expand into Africa with a focus on Nigeria.

The company, which has over 6,000 aircraft flying worldwide, has not had a clear strategy for Africa until now.

Before the pandemic hit, Diamond Aircraft had already planned to visit Africa to explore investment opportunities. The company has three main purposes for the visit: to assess the African market, to meet with potential customers and business partners, and to find a local partner to produce their aircraft.

The Chairman, Diamond aircraft, Bin Chen, disclosed this over the weekend when he led his team on a visit to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

He said, “We are excited to explore the potential of the African market and to meet with local partners who can help us establish a strong presence in Nigeria,” said a spokesperson for Diamond Aircraft. “We believe that Nigeria has great potential for growth and we are eager to be a part of that growth.”

Chen further noted that Diamond Aircraft is currently

Diamond aircraft explores investment prospects in Nigeria

looking for a local partner who could help them obtain a license to produce their aircraft in Nigeria. The company is seeking a partner who shares their values and commitment to quality and safety.

“We are looking for a partner who can help us bring our aircraft to the Nigerian market and ensure that they meet the highest standards of excellence. We believe that there is a great opportunity here and we are eager to explore it.”

Responding, the Minister of Aviation said that in an effort to boost the aviation industry in Nigeria, a new maintenance repair and overhaul facility had just been established through partnerships, adding that the MRO is one of many in the country, and is set to provide maintenance services for a wide range of aircraft.

Additionally, the National College of Aviation Technology in Zaria had also established an MRO under the national hangar project, noting that with over 14,000 aircraft engineers and mechanics in the country, Nigeria is well-equipped to handle the

maintenance needs of the aviation industry.

Sirika said, “You are in the centre of Africa and since you are producing for Africa, you cannot go to the coast to produce, so, Nigeria is your best location.

“We also have a very flexible civil aviation requirement. So, the government of Nigeria is welcoming you with open arms to come and set up.

“There is also a lot of charter business in Nigeria and a chartered aircraft is between $9000 to $12,000 per hour. So, there is a huge market in Nigeria. So, if you are in Africa and you are not in Nigeria, then you are not in Africa,” the minister added.

Listing some of the advantages the firm would benefit from when they invest in Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed said in a bid to encourage new businesses to set up in Nigeria, the government had announced significant tax policies and incentives, adding that there is a double taxation agreement in place that protects businesses from being taxed twice on the same income.

Additionally, there is now a pioneers status available for three years, which is renewable, and offers a range of benefits, including import duty waivers for equipment and aircraft spares, she said.

Furthermore, Ahmed noted that the aircraft industry in Nigeria enjoys a VAT exemption, adding that there is also no customs duty levied on imported goods, stressing that these measures were designed to support businesses in the country and make it an attractive destination for foreign investors.

“On the fiscal side, we encourage new businesses that are coming to set up. We have significant tax policies you can benefit from, also we do have a double taxation agreement that protects you from being further taxed. In Nigeria, the aircraft industry also enjoys a VAT exemption. No custom duty when you import,” she added.

Speaking also, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said Nigeria had reinforced its commitment to protecting investments of both local and foreign investors, explaining that the nation’s constitution

now includes provisions that guarantee the safety and security of investments made in the country.

He further stated that this move is expected to boost Nigeria’s economy and attract more foreign investment, adding that investors are assured that their investments would be protected from any adverse effects that might arise, and they could do business in Nigeria with confidence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said that businesses looking to expand to Africa need not fear a lack of demand, as the African Continental Free Trade Area presents a huge opportunity.

The minister also stated that Nigeria, with a population of 200250 million, is the largest individual market on the continent, and that access to this market would also grant access to the wider African market, adding that any product manufactured in Nigeria would be eligible for duty-free sales in other African countries, making it advantageous for businesses to set up operations in Nigeria.

E-naira wallet will address scarcity of cash — Official

From Abubakar Yunusa ABUJA

Mary Fasheitan, the Special Assistant on Payment to the Governor of the Central Bank, says that usage of the digital naira called eNaira currency, will address the scarcity of cash in the country.

Ms Fasheitan stated this while sensitising traders and people of the state in Akure to the need to embrace the cashless platform for transactions.

She said that CBN, in collaboration with the Bankers Committee in the state, organised the sensitisation for people to understand all the benefits that e-naira brought to the banking system.

According to her, it is a good opportunity to key into the initiative, saying it’s seamless and can be done anywhere.

The SA added that the platform could be used for all economic transactions without any charge.

A Nollywood actor, Gabriel Afolayan, said that the platform would add value to Nigerian currency beyond the physical one.

Mr Afolayan described the platform as a brighter initiative that would enable Nigerian residents to move around without being scared.

He asked Nigerians to embrace it and use it, saying it was a next level to seamless transactions.

One of the users of the e-naira wallet, Kenneth Batusi, described it as laudable, saying it enabled him to save more and that money transfer was easier on the platform.

Mr Batusi asked the major players in the sector to strengthen banking internet for users to enjoy the benefits of the platform.

Similarly, Esther Adesola, another user of the platform, said that she had criticised the initiative but later realised its benefits over physical currency.

Mr Adesola stated that the digital currency saved time and helped the cashless policy to be smoothly effective.

Earlier, the CBN team had visited the deji of Akure, Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, on usage of the digital currency in the state.

The acting branch manager of CBN in Akure, Samuel Giwa, told the traditional ruler that the policy was an initiative spearheaded by the CBN which aimed to reduce the physical cash in transactions and promote the adoption of digital payments.

Mr Giwa added that the policy,

which was introduced in 2022, would increase financial inclusion, reduce corruption and money laundering, and improve the efficiency of the financial system.

According to him, the new digital currency will improve the way Nigerians conduct transactions.

“The eNaira is not just a currency, but an important step towards building a more robust and secure financial ecosystem.

“It was designed to make transactions easier, efficient, and more secure.

“The eNaira has indeed become a critical part of the Nigerian financial ecosystem, and an alternate channel.

“It will not only support the Ondo State economy, but Nigeria as a whole; a symbol of progress and innovation and will pave the way for a more secure and efficient financial system,” he stated.

The acting branch manager said as a people-focused central bank, the regulatory bank understood the current challenges associated with the implementation of the currency redesign policy, the CBN was currently making efforts to address them.

“However, to provide succour, we urge the people of Akure and Ondo State in general, to download the e naira Speed Wallet for easy payment for goods and services, as well as have convenient access to banking services,” he said.

Mr Giwa implored all to be advocates of the eNaira and encourage others to explore possibilities of the new digital currency.

Mr Giwa thanked the king and his council for providing an atmosphere for the bank to educate and sensitise traders and people of the state to the cashless policy.

Victory Otoba, who represented

the Deposit Monetary Banks, DMB, in the state, explained that digital payments would reduce the risk of theft and loss and as well make it easier to track and monitor transactions.

Mr Otoba said that with the platform, individuals and businesses could access financial services even if they did not have a traditional bank account.

In his response, Oba Aladelusi, applauded all the alternative means of economic transactions introduced by the CBN.

The traditional ruler asked CBN and deposit banks to ensure that was reliable and efficient infrastructure to make the policy endeared to Nigerians and hitchfree.

The deji said that Nigeria could not afford to be stagnant but advance with the rest of the world in digital banking, saying however, the policy must not cause more

Vital Twitter source code leaked online

Alegal filing has revealed that part of Twitter’s source code, the underpinning computer code that powers the social network, was leaked online.

The source code leak came at a time when the company was working to resolve technical issues and turn around its financial fortunes under Elon Musk.

According to the filing, Twitter took action on Friday to have the

leaked code removed by notifying GitHub, an online community for software developers where the code was posted.

However, GitHub adhered to Twitter’s request, taking down the code and was clear how long the leaked code had been accessible online, but reports detail that the code had been public for months.

The microblogging service additionally requested that the

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered GitHub to disclose the identity of the person who shared the code.

Sources familiar with the matter told New York Times that executives handling the case have concluded that whoever was responsible for the leak left the San Francisco-based company last year.

About 75 per cent of Twitter’s 7,500 employees have been let go

since Mr Musk’s $44 billion Twitter takeover in October 2022.

The sources claimed that the executives were only recently made aware of the source code leak.

One issue is that the code has security flaws that could allow hackers or other determined individuals to steal user data or bring the website to an end, they claimed

METRO Feature

WWD: FCT RUWASSA and quest to accelerate access to water supply for rural dwellers

By Stanley Onyekwere

There is no gainsaying that accelerating access to water supply in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will improve the living standard of residents especially those in rural areas of the Territory. And the 2023 World Water Day (WWD) celebration with the theme: “Accelerating Change” has re-echoed the need for stakeholders to double efforts at improving coverage of water supply to rural areas.

Peoples Daily recalls that the commemoration of WWD which is March 22 began in 1993, to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle water and sanitation crisis.

Interestingly, the FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (RUWASSA) marked the day with the unveiling of a multi million naira Solar powered water scheme, in Pyakasa, an aboriginal community, off the Abuja Airport Road, as part of its effort towards strengthening water and sanitation delivery in nation’s capital.

In particular, the project estimated to had cost the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) between 10 to 11 to million Naira, is part of its interventions through FCT RUWASSA, aimed at improving accessibility to safe drinking water in rural communities.

Performing the official commissioning of the project last week, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, reiterated that the WWD is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis of about 2.2 billion people living without access to safe drinking water, stressing that the 2023 World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis.

Represented by the Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, the minister, pledged the readiness of the Administration in supporting and encouraging collaboration and partnership in the provision of safe drinking water in rural communities.

She noted that the sustainability of both the private and public water sources is significant in the service delivery sector of the FCT.

She adds: “In this respect, I urge the good people of Abuja to embrace the clarion call for behavioural change to safely manage and conserve the available water resources for the current and future generations”.

Similarly, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Administration and Finance, Mr. Abdulrasaq Leramoh, also called on the benefiting communities to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their smooth operation, management and sustainability.

Not left out, Council Secretary for AMAC, Alh. Jafaru Gwagwa, who represented the AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu, described the execution of the project as apt, as it will go a long to alleviate the plight of the people in the area, just as he urged RUWASSA to consider doing so in other parts of the Council and FCT at large.

On his part, the Executive Director, FCT-RUWASSA, Dr. Mohammed Ali DanHassan, identified water as an essential

component of life that is critical to the family unit, the community, local government, state and federal levels.

Dan-Hassan expressed the confidence that RUWASSA has reached about 60 percent of coverage of rural communities, adding that in the next one or two years, it would hit 90 to 95 percent coverage of water supply.

He recalled that RUWASSA established in November 2020, was able to mark WWD in Gosa communities in 2021, as well as Mawyeya Airport road, in 2022, this, according to him, clearly demonstrates resolve to attain its mandate, which include among others to deliver safe water, sanitation and hygiene services; improve access to safe water by providing new and rehabilitation of existing water schemes in rural communities; adequate sanitation to tackle open defecation; and improve hygiene promotion through education and sensitization campaign.

“Water and sanitation involves the lives of human beings especially children at various homes, who are the future , so the need for all stakeholders to play their parts diligently so that they can better the society.

“At about 60% of coverage of our rural communities, I’m sure that in the next one or two years, we will hit 90 -95% coverage of water supply. But, we are exploiting the ground water resource, because the pipe bone network has not reached those areas yet”, he stressed.

Stressing the importance of water to the human body, Dietician Roseline Uzoma Obia, of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, explained that water serves as lubricant to the body, therefore without it, there cannot be complete nutrients humans are looking for.

She noted that RUWASSA through the scheme tend to place importance providing water that has not been accessible to people

who live in remote areas, as they tend to fall down to waterborne diseases.

According to her, the change there is the provision of the solar-powered water scheme, so there won’t be much challenge with the pumping of the water.

For Mr. Iliya Pydaza, who is a member and leader in the Pyakasa community, “it is so wonderful that the project is sited in our domain, as you can see the smiles on the faces of the people, which shows that the masses are being carried along in governance.”

He adds that, “it is good that once in a while, the government should be looking at improving living conditions in rural areas, where the masses lives will be touched.

“Everybody needs water, whether it’s for

cooking, washing, drinking and otherwise, in fact virtually everything we do, usage of water is a must, that is why importance of what RUWASSA has done, using the water day commemoration to make water more accessible to our community cannot be over emphasised. So, we thank RUWASSA, and pray that the scheme should be extended to other places, even though we need more in Pyakasa”.

Similarly, a woman leader in the community, Mrs. Laraba Gambo, described the commissioning of the scheme as a welcome development, as it would boost access to good water supply.

Gambo adds, “we thank God for the scheme, which we believed will help alleviate our plight”.

Some stakeholders and the Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantsoho, who commissioned the water scheme on behalf of the the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.

Some components of the N11 million Naira Solar-powered water scheme, at Pyakasa community.

Italian art experts astonished by David statue uproar in Florida

The Florence museum that houses Michelangelo’s statue of David has invited teachers and students from a Florida school to visit, after an uproar over an art lesson.

The school’s principal quit after a complaint about a sixth-grade art class that included an image of the statue.

A parent had complained the image was pornographic.

Cecilie Hollberg, director of Galleria dell’Accademia, has now issued the invitation to the class.

She said the principal should be “rewarded, not punished”.

“Talking about the Renaissance without showing the David, an undisputed icon of art and culture and of that historical period, would make no sense,” Ms Hollberg said.

The controversy began when the board of Tallahassee Classical School - a charter school in Florida’s state capital - pressured principal Hope Carrasquilla to resign after three parents complained about a lesson that included a photo of the 17ft nude marble statue.

The statue, one of the most famous in

Western history, depicts the biblical David going to fight Goliath armed only with a sling and his faith in God.

The board reportedly targeted Ms Carrasquilla because the parents claimed they weren’t notified in advance that a nude would be shown, with one parent calling the statue “pornographic”.

The incident has left Florentines and experts on Renaissance art bewildered.

The David is considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and a symbol of humanist values. It has been displayed in the Galleria dell’Accademia since 1873.

Ms Hollberg said she was “astonished”, stating that to think that the David statue could be considered pornographic means not only failing to understand the Bible, but Western culture itself.

“I cannot believe that actually happened, at first I thought it was fake news, so improbable and absurd was it,” she said.

“A distinction must be made between nudity and pornography. There is nothing pornographic or aggressive about the David, he is a young boy, a shepherd, who even according to the Bible did not have

ostentatious clothes but wanted to defend his people with what he had.”

The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, also invited the teacher who showed the students the image of Michelangelo’s David to visit the city and its works of art.

“Mistaking art for pornography is simply ridiculous,” he tweeted. “Art is civilisation and those who teach it deserve respect.”

In an interview with Slate online magazine, Barney Bishop, chairman of the school board, said that last year the principal sent a notice to parents warning them that students were going to see Michelangelo’s David, but this wasn’t done this year.

He called it an “egregious mistake” and said that “parents are entitled to know anytime their child is being taught a controversial topic and picture”.

According to Florentine art historian and dean of the University for Foreigners in Siena, Tomaso Montanari, such an attitude is “disconcerting”.

“First comes the dismay at the absence of educational freedom, as it should not be restricted or manipulated by families,” Mr Montanari said.

“On the other hand, from a cultural perspective, the Western world has a tendency to associate fundamentalism and censorship with other societies, believing it possesses the capability to spread democratic ideals worldwide.

“But this cultural backsliding clearly highlights the presence of fundamentalist views within the West as well.”

While several parents and teachers plan to protest Ms Carrasquilla’s resignation at the school board meeting, she isn’t sure she would take the job back even if it were offered.

“There’s been such controversy and such upheaval,” she said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I would really have to consider, ‘Is this truly what is best?’”

Back in Florence, Ms Hollberg remarked: “From majestic statues to charming fountains and paintings, Italy is overflowing with works of art, not just in its museums, but in all its cities, squares and streets, with some featuring naked figures.

“Does that make it pornography? Should entire cities be shut down because of the artistic depictions of the human form?”

Nashville school shooting: Six killed by female shooter in Tennessee

Six people including three children have been killed in a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, according to local authorities.

On Twitter, the city’s fire department said there were “multiple patients” from an incident at a local school.

Nashville police said they engaged and killed the shooter, a 28-year-old woman. Police are still working to identify the victims.

At a news conference, police spokesperson Don Aaron confirmed the dead include three children, three staff members and the shooter.

One police officer was wounded by cut glass while responding to the incident, police said. Two officers who entered the building went towards the sound of gunfire and encountered the shooter on the school’s second floor, where they fatally shot her.

The suspect was carrying two “assaulttype” rifles and at least one pistol which has been recovered at the scene. The identity of the shooter remains unclear.

An image shared to social media by Peyton Kennedy, a reporter for Nashville’s WKRN News 2, purportedly shows students being escorted away from the school.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has said it is participating in the investigation.

The Covenant School in Nashville, where the incident took place, is a private Christian school for students in pre-school through the sixth grade, when students are roughly 11 or 12 years old.

According to its website, the school has approximately 200 students. Local media reported that it implemented an “active shooter” programme in 2022.

In a statement, Nashville Mayor John Cooper said the city has “joined the dreaded,

Five planets to line up in night sky

Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Mars, and the Moon will align in an arc across the evening sky on Monday, with some visible to the naked eye.

This is often called “a planetary parade” and will be visible after sunset in the west.

A good view of the horizon and clear skies will offer the best chance of spotting the alignment.

Last summer Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn came together in a rare planetary conjunction.

“To the naked eye, even from a bright city, Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Mars should be easily visible. Uranus should be visible with a medium-sized telescope, and Mercury is that added challenge for the very determined,” said astronomer Jake Foster from Royal Observatory Greenwich.

He said that such alignments were very particular to our perspective from Earth.

“The planets aren’t aligned right now, they are all spread out across the Solar System but just from our perspective, every once in a while they get close enough to each other in the sky that we’re able to see quite a few at once,” he said.

Give yourself the best shot at spotting them by getting away from any bright city lights as the Sun is going down. Go somewhere with a clear, unobstructed

view. You need to be observing early in the evening because Mercury and Jupiter will quickly disappear over the horizon.

The easiest way to know whether you’re looking at planets or stars is by looking at what type of light they are emitting.

“Stars twinkle but planets don’t. So if you are are seeing a bright light that is steady and not flickering or twinkling and not blinking - because that might be a plane

- then you are almost certainly looking at one of those planets,” said Mr Foster.

Stargazers across the UK are hoping skies will stay clear enough for them to catch a glimpse.

in Anglesea, Wales, famed for having some of the darkest skies in Europe, Hanna Baguley was heading out with a group of fellow amateur astrophotographers.

“We’ve had Jupiter, Venus and the

long list of communities to experience a school shooting.”

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims,” Mr Cooper added. “Our entire city stands with you.”

According to data compiled by Education Week, there were 12 school shootings in 2023 through 23 March that have resulted in deaths or injuries in the US.

FBI data shows that of 61 mass shootings that took place in 2021 - the last year for which data is available - only one involved a female suspect. Of 345 incidents from 2000 to 2019, only 13 involved female shooters.

Moon visible and tonight we’re looking at five of them potentially,” she said. “It’s looking clear now. The weather’s really unpredictable around the UK but you never know when you might get a break in the clouds.”

Who knows what our cameras will pick up. With something as big as this going on it’s always worth a try.”

Source: BBC

Jupiter, Venus, the Moon, and Mars should all be easily visible, however Uranus and Mercury might be more of a challenge

Kenya’s Azimio protests: Hundreds storm farm of ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta

Crowds have reportedly set fire to parts of a farm owned by the family of former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, apparently in retaliation for another day of fierce opposition protests.

A BBC journalist at the scene in Nairobi’s outskirts saw the invaders stealing sheep, with one man saying he was selling it for $23 (£19).

There were no police in sight and some of the looters were carrying machetes.

Others were felling trees, and many of the people on site had been bussed in.

Many businesses near the farm and in the city centre remained closed all day. A gas factory linked to opposition leader Raila Odinga has also been vandalised.

Mr Odinga, who is allied to Mr Kenyatta, has told the BBC that the attack on the former president’s farm was carried out by thugs hired by the government. Kenya’s government has not commented on the allegation.

Post-election violence is nothing new in Kenya. But attacks on the property of political leaders signals a big shift.

At least one person has been killed in the protests in the western city of Kisumu, an opposition stronghold, where police fired tear gas at protesters who burnt tyres and barricaded major roads.

Since the protests began last week, at least three people have been killed in the violence.

In Nairobi’s Kibera neighbourhood, where Mr Odinga enjoys huge support, police have fired tear gas at stonethrowing protesters.

Mr Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja coalition first called for demonstrations earlier this month to protest against government failures to curb rising prices,

and what he says was the fraudulent victory of President William Ruto in last year’s election.

Even though that win was upheld by Kenya’s highest court, Mr Odinga insists that the election was “stolen” and has called for protests every Monday and Thursday.

The main men in this political tussle have all worked with each other at some point.

Mr Odinga is a former prime minister who has run for president unsuccessfully five times. As ex-President Kenyatta’s tenure neared its end, he chose to back his former rival Mr Odinga instead of his own

deputy Mr Ruto.

Back in 2007 Mr Ruto was Mr Odinga’s running mate in that presidential election, which was won by Mr Kenyatta.

The Kenyatta family is one of Kenya’s biggest landowners. Kenya’s political and business elites are tiny in number and often closely linked.

The Hundred: Plans for a new competition in Africa ‘chopped’ in favour of T10

Organisers of a proposed new pancontinental limited-overs competition in Africa have decided against adopting The Hundred format, opting for T10 instead.

The Africa Cricket Association (ACA) told BBC Sport Africa last year that an unnamed sponsor had approached them to stage a Hundred, in what would have been only the second of its kind in the world.

Devised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with the aspiration of reaching a younger and more diverse audience, The Hundred sees each team bat for 100 balls , as opposed to a set number of overs.

But Abu Dhabi based T Ten Sports Management, the firm that owns the rights for the T10 format, now appears to have won the race for the contract in Africa.

“I believe they (T Ten Sports) have been engaging with the ECB but something (happened),” ACA chief executive Cassim Suliman told BBC Sport Africa.

“I haven’t got the clear picture, but we all resolved to go to T10.

“We won’t want to trample on anybody’s toes that have the rights. We want good relationships with all the member countries and not to have any problems.

“So we are chopping off The Hundred and just using T10.”

After a controversial launch, The Hundred has run for two editions in England and Wales, with the rights held by the ECB, who also launched the hugely successful T20

format but did not patent it.

Suliman warned last year that if rightsassociated costs were due for The Hundred then the ACA would look at different options - despite the request from a sponsor to chose the format used in the UK.

“The T10 will be fine. We’re quite happy, quite satisfied. It’s played all over,” added Suliman, who confirmed the ACA is now working closely with the owner of the established Abu Dhabi T10 competition, Shaji Ul Mulk.

“When you look at the Abu Dhabi T10, it’s going to be similar to that.”

A cricketing vision for Africa

The hope is that the new T10 competition will be an opportunity for domestic African players to experience high-level limitedovers cricket - but there are also plans for a more lucrative T20 Africa Premier League franchise competition, which it is hoped will start in 2024 and attract global cricket’s star names.

However, this year’s T10 launch could end up being postponed while the ACA and T Ten Sports Management find a window within the busy schedule controlled by the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“Availability is one aspect. Secondly, there’s a lot of ICC events that goes with it as well,” Suliman said.

“So we are waiting for the final draft (of the schedule) from the ICC. Once we get that, then we will know when and where we can

have it staged.”

Suliman also told Sport Africa that the women’s edition of the Africa Cricket Association Cup, a T20 tournament for non Test-playing nations, will launch in 2024.

The inaugural men’s competition, which began in 2022, was won by Uganda after an eight-wicket win against Senegal.

SharedSon of Uganda’s Museveni to retire from army ‘this year’

The eldest son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni says he will be retiring from the army this year, after almost three decades of service.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, an army general, made the announcement in a Twitter post.

“I will be retiring from the UPDF this

year,” he tweeted

He made a similar announcement on Twitter in March last year when he was the commander of land forces. But the army said it had not officially received Mr Kainerugaba’s retirement request.

His latest retirement remarks come days after he deleted a tweet announcing that he will stand for the presidency in 2026.

The tweeting general has not hidden his ambition to take over the top job from his 78-year-old father, who has led Uganda since 1986.

The Ugandan law does not allow serving soldiers to participate in politics.

Source: BBC

Some people walked away from the farm carrying sheep over their shoulders

The England and Wales Cricket board launched the Hundred format in 2021

A si A

Israel protests: PM Netanyahu delays legal reforms after day of strikes

An uneasy calm is returning to Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would delay a decision on controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.

On Monday night he said he would pause the legislation to prevent a “rupture among our people”.

However it is unclear what a delay will achieve beyond buying time.

It followed spontaneous protests after he fired his defence minister, who had spoken against the plans.

In unprecedented events, the country’s biggest trade union called a strike, and Israelis watched society close down around them.

From the main airport to shops and banks - even in hospitalsservices were stopped. The coordinated action was designed to push Mr Netanyahu back from the brink of forcing through the reforms by the end of this week.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called it the “biggest crisis in the history of the country”.

The government, Israel’s most right-wing ever, is seeking to take full control over the committee which appoints judges. The reforms would give the parliament authority to override Supreme Court decisions with a basic majority and would make it difficult to declare a prime minister unfit for office and remove them from power.

Mr Netanyahu said the changes would stop courts over-reaching their powers, but critics said they would help him as he faces an ongoing trial for corruption. He has been on trial facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three cases. The prime minister denies any wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a “witch hunt”.

The proposed changes have provoked an outpouring of anger from nearly all parts of Israeli society, including its powerful military, since they were announced on 4 January.

When he finally addressed the nation tonight, he was quick to cast blame. He accused an “extremist minority” of trying to divide the nation, and criticised military reservists who had opposed the bill by saying they wouldn’t report for duty. His own part in the country’s upheaval was not acknowledged. The solution Mr Netanyahu has proposed will buy him time, but it won’t solve the problem - demonstrators were fighting for this bill to be scrapped, not delayed.

Israel’s opposition have said they’ll enter into fresh dialogue.

Mr Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, the Jewish Power party, said they had withdrawn a veto on any delay to passing the reforms in return for a guarantee that Mr Netanyahu would pass them during the next session of parliament.

That could happen any time from mid-April, when parliament

returns following a recess which begins on Sunday.

Itamar Ben Gvir, Jewish Power’s leader, said he accepted the delay because, in exchange, Mr Netanyahu had agreed to put his national security ministry in charge of a new “national guard”.

In the heart of Jerusalem, around the Knesset, supporters and critics held counter-protests. One thing united them - the blue and white flag waved by both groups. This is one nation, for weeks bitterly divided and Israelis know it is not over yet.

Protests erupted on Sunday

after Netanyahu fired his defence minister Yoav Gallant, who had spoken out against controversial plans to overhaul the justice system.

However a nationwide strike put forward by the Histadrut union was called off after Mr Netanyahu said he would delay the reforms.

Israel’s ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, said the delay was “the right thing to do”. He had previously called for an immediate halt to the plans.

Mr Lapid cautiously welcomed the delay to the reform package.

“If the government engages in a real and fair dialogue we can come out of this moment of crisis - stronger and more united - and we can turn this into a defining moment in our ability to live together,” he said.

Elsewhere, the White House said US President Joe Biden would address the Israeli prime minister’s decision later on Monday.

Spokesperson John Kirby said the United States remained concerned about the situation in Israel but declined to comment specifically on the delay.

Lebanon reverses decision to delay daylight savings time change

Lebanon’s government has reversed a decision to delay the shift to daylight savings time by a month, which had sparked both anger and confusion.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced that clocks would now go forward on Wednesday night. He had agreed to a delay last week so Muslims could break their fasts earlier during the holy month of Ramadan.

But Christian authorities defied the order and changed their clocks as usual on Sunday, which was the last in March.

Many businesses, media outlets and educational institutions followed suit, leaving people living in one of the smallest countries in the Middle East struggling to deal with two different time zones.

Mr Mikati, who is a Sunni Muslim, insisted on Monday that his initial decision to delay the time change until 20 April to “relieve” those fasting during Ramadan had not been for “sectarian reasons”, adding: “A decision like this should not have triggered such sectarian responses.”

He blamed the deep political and religious divisions that have resulted in parliament being unable to agree on a new president since October and a caretaker cabinet with limited powers being left to run the country.

“The problem is not summer time or winter time... The problem is the presidential vacuum.”

The political paralysis has also compounded Lebanon’s crushing economic crisis, which has left more than 80% of the population living in poverty and struggling to afford food and medicine.

The pageantry of Myanmar’s annual military parade did little to mask the sinister message - the country’s armed forces won’t stop fighting those opposing their rule, whatever the cost.

A civil war has engulfed the country since a military coup in 2021.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, and more than a million have been displaced.

But General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, showed no signs of backing down in a rare speech.

The regime, he said, would deal decisively with what he described as “acts of terror” by armed resistance groups. And, he added, countries which have condemned his coup - supporters of terror, he branded them - were wrong and should join the military in shaping its own form of democracy.

It was a lavish parade, with Gen Min Aung Hlaing cutting a regal figure as he inspected the thousands of multi-coloured and impeccably-

Churches, business and schools changed their clocks as usual on Sunday, which was the last in March

ordered troops in an open-top jeep - an unapologetic extravagance when so many Burmese people are enduring terrible economic hardship, but one which was meant to demonstrate a man in uncontested command of his army and country. Armed Forces Day, which the parade commemorates, is a curiosity. It used to be called Resistance Day,

in honour of the 1945 decision to resist the Japanese occupation. That must surely be an uncomfortable memory for an army which faces so much popular resistance to its rule today. It is, however, one of the few occasions when outsiders can hear the military commander speak.

Like so many other speeches by military leaders in Myanmar, this

one too seemed stuck in the past. Gen Min Aung Hlaing ran through old grievances, real and perceived, blaming British imperialism and Japanese fascism, which he said had divided the people of Myanmar and pushed the armed forces to intervene repeatedly in its political life for the past 75 years.

Source;BBC

Police are out in force in Punjab - and have been trying to catch Amritpal Singh for days

Narrowing Down Search for Next Speaker

By Olu Jacobs

It seems fairly certain now that the Senate President for the 10th Assembly will come from the South East or South South, a Christian, to assuage the feelings of those who felt marginalized and to make the All Progressives Congress the party it always claimed to be, one that belongs to us all, irrespective of religion, region or ethnicity, one where every Nigerian may aspire to greatness.

With 57 Senators so far, the party has a comfortable majority in the Senate and because of the famous “cognate experience” rule which presumes that only ranking senators may vie for the office of the Senate President, the battle is going to be amongst the returning senators of whom there are half a dozen or so who fit the bill; a Christian from the South East or, perhaps, the South South, a leader in a previous assembly and a former Governor. Names like senators Orji Uzor Kalu, David Umahi, Godwin Akpabio and Adams Oshiomhole, all former governors, top the list.

What this means is that baring any seismic changes, the Speakership will be zoned to the north, possibly between the north west and the north central, mainly because the north east already has the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima. This may well truncate the ambition of someone like Hon Mukthar Aliyu Betara, the current chairman of Committee on Appropriations who represents Biu/Bayo/ Shani/Kwaya Kusar federal constituency of Borno State. It is the same principle that has knocked off Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila who comes from the same Lagos State as the President-elect Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In the north west, names like Rt.Hon. Sada Soli from Katsina State, Aminu Jaji from Zamfara State and Tajudden Abbas from Kaduna State, appear to be at the forefront of those vying for this office. The current Deputy Speaker, Hön Ahmed

Idris Wase who is from the north central state of Nasarawa and has shown serious interest in the job is a major contender.

In the end, nearly everything will depend on how the party chose to zone the offices and how it wishes to share the spoils among the six geopolitical zones. Recently, the leadership of the party and the President and Vice President elect have been working out a zoning formular for the extant offices. Although, officially, the President-elect has said he would not interfere with the elections of the presiding officers into the National Assembly, it is clear that both Tinubu and Shettima, former senators themselves, will be taking a more active role in the process - if only to avoid the debacle that saw Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Senator Bukola Saraki upset the applecart a few years ago when they took the Speakership of the House of Reps and the Senate Presidency away from the chosen candidates of the party. At the time, Bola Tinubu was said to very furious and though he eventually got his men, Gbajabiamila and Senator Ahmed Lawan on the saddle in subsequent assemblies, it is doubtful if he would allow that sort of clumsiness to play out on his watch.

It is clear that the north west has some edge over the rest of the regions in this quest for Speakership and there is a more than

even chance that it would provide the candidate for that office. First, the zone was able to provide the party, and thus the President-elect the largest number of votes during the Presidential and National Assembly election of 25th February, 2023 and may well do so again in the Governorship and State Assembly elections. But beyond that fact is a nebulous but nonetheless profound fact: in an election where the president elect was buffeted from all sides, harassed and harangued by almost every power block, the northern governors, led by the formidable governors of the northwestern states of Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara in the persons of Ganduje, Nasiru El Rufai, Aminu Masari and Bello Muhammad, Mutawalle, stood by him in plain sight, defending him at every turn. Tinubu would certainly feel that he owes them some political capital.

In the end it may come down to who has the largest number in the National Assembly and in that case Katsina State holds the ace with its three Senators and nine members of the House of Reps, giving it the largest

contingent of APC legislators from any zone.

So while there is no shortage of quality in the 10th Assembly, these permutations may well have skewed the process in favour of some. One of these is Hön Sada Soli, the calm but highly influential member who represents Jibia/ Kaita federal constituency in Katsina State and is the current committee chair for Water resources. His name stands out in the House of Reps today because of the trust he elicits from colleagues and Assembly staff alike, but also as a result of his remarkable, extraordinarily particular experience: a former civil servant who worked for a decade and a half in the National Assembly, clerking for committees in both the Senate and the House of Reps, he spent four years at the Nigerian Mission in Washington as Special Assistant and Minister Counsellor to Ambassador Jibril Aminu on the approval of President Olusegun Obasanjo through a Special Dispensation that is granted by only the president when a crucial need arises.

After gaining crucial

After gaining crucial diplomatic experience, Sada returned to Nigeria and was posted as Clerk to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Three years later he resigned and joined politics

diplomatic experience, Sada returned to Nigeria and was posted as Clerk to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. Three years later he resigned and joined politics. Hön Sada Soli was first elected into the green chamber in 2007. In 2011 he became Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Reps, Hön Aminu Tambuwal. He returned to the House in 2019 where he was chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources. This, his third term in the chambers, may be the charm, and having won his election in the February 25th election he is being prevailed upon to run for the Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

His slogan, Better Together resonates with those who believe that the last elections was fractious and exposed the raw underbelly of our problematic union, our tendency to revert to atavistic ethnoreligious groupings. The clear path available for us is to find ways to come together and heal by agreeing that no part is more important than the whole.

A man of great generosity of spirit who likes to walk the talk, Hon Soli is determined to make his campaign about experience, about issues and about competence, but even more clearly, about unifying the nation through the efforts of the foremost symbol of democracy, the House of Representatives. Jacobs, a former newspaper editor, wrote in from Abuja

Sada Soli

Hön Ahmed Idris Wase

Godwin Akpabio

Orji Uzor Kalu

Angola’s 1977 massacre: Tragic twist for orphans of mass killings

Decades of silence and fear followed the 1977 massacre of perhaps as many as 90,000 people in Angola, but as the families of the disappeared started to speak out, demanding answers, the government took action in an attempt to promote reconciliation. Though in some cases its attempts appear to have gone cruelly wrong.

For João Ernesto van Dunem it was like his parents had been killed for a second time.

First, hopes were raised for the man who was orphaned when he was three months’ old.

Angola’s justice minister appeared on national television last year to announce that the remains of his mother and father had been found after 45 years, along with those of other people.

“I thought maybe finally I would have my parents back,” he tells the BBC. Sita Valles and José Van Dunem were two of the leaders of an uprising in 1977.

They were young members of the MPLA government disaffected by what they saw as the venality of their colleagues. What exactly happened that May is still a source of controversy.

The exhumation of the bones of those who had been dumped in mass graves was supposed to be part of a process of official reckoning.

But Mr Van Dunem’s hopes for answers have since been crushed.

After an official investigation identified the remains, a separate independent team of forensic anthropologists said the bodies were in fact not connected to him.

“I asked myself whether the Angolan authorities were trying to retraumatise my family? Was it intentional? How could they do this to us after all these years of pain?” asks Mr Van Dunem, an economist currently based in Lisbon.

In 2018, he and other orphans of the massacre set up an association, M27, demanding the truth about what happened, the recovery of their parents’ remains and the issuing of death certificates

A year later, the Angolan government broke its silence.

President João Lourenço established a commission to investigate acts of political violence since independence in 1975, including the events of 1977 and the 27-year war with Unita rebels which ended in 2002.

On 26 May 2021, Mr Lourenço issued a public apology for the massacre and asked for forgiveness for what he described as “the great evil”.

Bulldozers started digging up bodies and a Brazilian geographer was flown in to identify them.

The orphans were horrified when footage of the unearthing of skulls and other bones was shown on television.

They refused a request from the authorities to provide their DNA to help identify the remains, insisting on an independent inquiry.

Then, the government declared the remains had been found of four key figures in the uprising, including its main leader, Nito Alves. Their families accepted the bodies, which were buried in a state funeral on June 2022 attended by senior government officials, the coffins draped in shiny Angolan flags.

Shortly afterwards came the television announcement that the bones of Mr Van Dunem’s parents, uncle and other leading figures in the events of 1977 had been found and would be returned to their relatives.

But none of the families agreed to take the government’s word that the remains were genuine.

They hired a team of investigators led by renowned forensic scientist Prof Duarte Nuno Vieira of Portugal’s Coimbra University. He has been involved in dozens of international missions, including in Colombia, Mexico and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

‘Bones talk a lot’

Given the final outcome of their investigations, it is in many ways surprising the Angolan authorities let them in.

“Independence and transparency are the keystones of our work,” says Prof Vieira.

“Families of the disappeared must be involved from the outset. Otherwise there is no trust.

After the teams assembled the bones, they found that two of the bodies belonged to women. They told Mr Van Dunem one of them could be his mother. But when they tested the remains against the relatives’ DNA, not a single one matched. Two of the bodies were those of children. One had an amputation performed years before the person died.

Unfortunately this was not the case in Angola.”

Prof Vieira says he has never heard of the Brazilian employed by the government. None of his many colleagues in Brazil have heard of him either.

When his team arrived in Angola, they were taken to a room full of bags of jumbled up bones - these were the remains that the justice minister had referred to.

“Bones talk a lot,” says the forensic scientist.

“Our job is to make bodies speak to us. The way they are lying when we find them tells us part of the story of what happened to them. If they are dug up with an excavator, like they were in Angola, a lot of information is lost.”

After the teams assembled the bones, they found that two of the bodies belonged to women.

They told Mr Van Dunem one of them could be his mother.

But when they tested the remains against the relatives’ DNA, not a single one matched.

Two of the bodies were those of children. One had an amputation performed years before the person died. None of those named by the government were amputees.

The soil on the bones did not match the earth where the excavations took place.

Others faced similar devastation to Mr Van Dunem.

“When the authorities said they had found the remains of my father, our family was ecstatic,” says Rui Tukayana, who now works as a journalist in Portugal.

“Some of my uncles posted on Facebook that finally we could bury with dignity the body of their brother. That finally our souls could be at peace.”

Mr Tukayana never knew his father, Rui Coelho, because he was born three months after he was taken away.

“When the independent team found this was not his body, it was like we lost him for a second time,” he says, echoing Mr Van Dunem’s sentiments.

It is possible the remains of the disappeared will never be found.

Struggle for the truth

“We must not forget that at the time, it was common practice to drop bodies into the sea from planes,” says Prof Vieira.

Mr Van Dunem says one of the reasons the truth is so hard to uncover is that some powerful people in Angola have a lot to hide.

“Some of the people involved in the killings are still alive, some with significant roles in Angolan politics today.”

The authorities have been told about the independent experts’ findings. So far they have said nothing. Efforts to contact them

for the purposes of this article

have been met with silence.

The M27 group of orphans has described the government’s actions as an “exercise in cruelty”.

They say they have been condemned to live as “children of shadows” who “know their parents only through old photographs, some so faded that it is impossible to see what they looked like”.

They are currently discussing what to do next.

One thing is clear: they will not give up.

“The government’s behaviour has made us more determined than ever,” says Mr Van Dunem.

“I don’t regret what we are doing, however painful it is. Tribute has to be paid to a whole generation of Angolans who paid the highest price for dreaming of a different country where everyone could have a place.”

Source: BBC

Sita Valles, the mother of João Ernesto Van Dunem, was one of those who was killed in the 1977 massacre

José Van Dunem was one of those who objected to what some in the MPLA leadership were doing

Rui Coelho never saw his son who was born three months after he disappeared

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Nigeria will exceed expectations at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup -Gusau

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s senior female national football team the Super Falcons will exceed expectations at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand President, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated this in Abuja on Sunday when he hosted a delegation of FIFA representatives at Transcorp Hotel during the FIFA women’s world cup trophy tour in Nigeria

Nigeria will be making her 8th consecutive World Cup appearance since the tournament was created in 1991. The nine-time Africa champions have participated in every tournament with her best outing being a Round of 16 placement in 1999 under late Ismailia Mabo.

Mr Gusau who took over from Amaju Pinnick as NFF boss in September, noted that the federation is ready to spur the team for a better outing, and remained optimistic Nigeria will make a difference in this year’s edition of the women’s global football gathering.

“We have been participating in the women’s tournament since it’s inception and by the grace of God this time around we want to make a difference. We are doing everything possible to ensure we motivate them”.

The former Zamfara FA chairman said the Super Falcons will be exposed to top quality friendly matches and pre tournament games with other teams that will be participating at this year’s world cup, even as he

gave a hint that his major desire is for Nigeria to win the world cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“Just about two months ago they were in Mexico where we organized some friendly tournaments for them and in the next couple of weeks they are going to travel to turkey to also attend some organized tournaments with other countries that are going to participate at the world cup”

“So we are working really hard to ensure that we support them for them to excel at the world cup”

“I feel excited about the trophy

tour but my dream is to bring the trophy from Australia back to Nigeria”

The original FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy to be competed for by 32 teams from across the globe from July 20 to Aug. 20 arrived in Abuja on Saturday afternoon.

The trophy arrived in Nigeria after being taken to the three other African countries which will participate in the finals — Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.

Nigeria is the fourth leg of the 32-leg trip the trophy is

undertaking before heading to Australia and New Zealand.

The original FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy to be competed for by 32 teams from across the globe from July 20 to Aug. 20 arrived in Abuja on Saturday afternoon.

The trophy arrived in Nigeria after being taken to the three other African countries which will participate in the finals —Morocco, South Africa and Zambia.

Nigeria is the fourth leg of the 32-leg trip the trophy is undertaking before heading to

Australia and New Zealand.

The trophy was on display at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja from 12 noon on Sunday, with a photo session for a number of invited guests.

Only four countries have ever won the trophy, namely the U.S., Germany, Norway and Japan.

The U.S. have won it on four occasions and Germany have lifted it twice, while Japan and Norway were champions once each.

Nigeria reached the knockout stage in France four years ago losing 3-0 against Germany.

Argentina Goalkeeper scores world record 101 metre foal from goal kick

By Amaechi Agbo

Argentinian goalkeeper Leandro Requena made history over the weekend after he scored from goal kick in his own box in the Chilean League.

The goal could set the Guinness World Record for the longest strike in football history.

It was scored by goalie Leandro Requena in a Chilean top-tier match between Cobresal and ColoColo.

In the 77th minute, with his side Cobresal already 2-0 up, Requena dropped the ball in front

of him and gave it an almighty whack from inside his own sixyard box.

The ball sailed through the air and bounced just in front of ColoColo goalie Brayan Cortes, who was stood miles off his line.

It bounced over Cortes, who desperately backtracked to try and head it clear to no avail.

The broadcasters let out the most worthy drawn out ‘GOAL!’ as the keeper’s teammates swarmed him to celebrate.

The goal helped his side to a 3-1 win, but it may be about to get better for the shot-stopper.

It is believed that Requena’s kick went in from 101 metres, which is more than the previous Guinness World Record of 96.01m and the club is pushing for the goal to be recognized by the Guinness World Record organisers.

He told Radio Bio Bio: ”I asked Juan Silva, the club’s manager, if the request for the record application was really going to be made and he told me ‘obviously yes’.

“So now we are waiting for what is needed to verify what the distance really was. (Silva) did tell me that the ANFP (Chilean

Football Federation) called him to check the measurements of the field, which is 105 meters and a bit.

“If so, since the area is five meters, it would be logically over 100. The truth is that I am happy with all this, more than anything personally, but also for the institution, for Chilean football. Going down in history with an event like this makes me happy.”

The location of the field may have played a big part in the feat as well, with Cobresal’s stadium Estadio El Cobre 2200m above sea level.

Requena explained how he used

the conditions to his advantage. He continued: “I wanted to take the kick quickly as we have done so many times at altitude, to try to catch the rival off guard and it came out a little stronger than normal.

“The first thing I did as soon as the ball left my foot was hold my head because there were two players in a clear position to counter-attack and I realised that it had gone long.

“When I saw the bounce made it difficult for Brayan and it went past him, I thought the ball could go in.”

NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau addressing FIFA delegates and invited guests during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Your at the Transcorp Hotel Abuja on Sunday.

AFCON 2023 Qualifier: Nigeria reclaims group A leadership after triumph in Bissau

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles moved back to the top of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying pool after Moses Simon’s 30th minute penalty condemned hosts Guinea Bissau to a one-goal defeat on Monday.

The Eagles, just as it happened in the first leg in Abuja, created opportunity after good opportunity but failed to get behind goalkeeper Jonas Mendes.

Victor Osimhen and Samuel

Chukwueze could not convert chances in the first half, before Moses Simon made good from six yards to put Nigeria in front for the first time in the fixture.

The Djurtus looked dangerous as they did in the first leg in Abuja but failed to unscramble the new Kenneth Omeruo/Semi Ajayi equation in the centre of Nigeria’s defence, even as Bright Osayi-Samuel again showed plenty of evidence that he has come to stay at the Super Eagles’ right back.

Osimhen was denied by the upright in the 59th minute when he flashed a shot past Mendes, and four minutes later, the Napoli man simply blew it skywards after being put through by Samuel Chukwueze.

In the 69th minute, Osimhen was again foiled by the alertness and diligence of Mendes after Simon sliced one from the left flank. Two minutes later, substitute Joe Aribo was also cracking his knuckles after Mendes got a strong hand to push over his fierce

shot from just outside the box.

Victory meant the Eagles returned to the top with nine points, with Guinea Bissau second on seven and Sierra Leone, who spanked Sao Tome and Principe on Wednesday, third on five points.

The next round of the qualifiers will be in June, when Nigeria travel away to Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau take on bottom-placed Sao Tome and Principe.

Nigeria begins preparation ahead of IHF Challenge Trophy Africa Zone 3 in Ghana

Nigeria’s women U-18 handball will begin intensive camping, in Lagos, ahead of the IHF Challenge Trophy for Africa Zone 3 phase.

The IHF Challenge Trophy for Africa Zone 3 will hold in Accra, Ghana from the April 11 to 15, 2023 and it will serve as for the Women’s IHF Trophy Africa Continental which will hold later in the year.

To this end, Coach Agboola Shittu Adewunmi has invited 30 players for camping at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos, ahead of the championship.

Some of the players are mostly those who participated at National under 12/15 Handball Championship in Sokoto and few in various handball academies across

the country.

Coach Shittu believes he has been able to get all of the best female handball players in the under 18 category and will ensure they get the necessary match and tactical fitness needed for the competition.

The players are to report to the Rowe Park Sports Center this Sunday.

Players Invited For IHF Challenge Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament

Names of invited players :

1. Precious Samuel (Sokoto )

2. Chidera Ogwusimba (Sokoto )

3. Rahima Bello (Sokoto )

4.

5.

6.

7.

Academy)

8. Lucy Onyekwere (Sokoto)

9. Monica Opara (Sokoto)

10. Munira Mohd (Sokoto)

11. Timileyin Ogunwole (Sokoto)

12. Damilola Adebisi (Sokoto)

13. Akinola Temilade (Ekiti)

14. Okosi Destiny (Ekiti)

15. Ogunsakin Toyin (Ekiti)

16. Elizabeth Gift (Bayelsa)

17. Maureen John (Bayelsa)

18. Blessing Jumbo (Bayelsa)

19.

20.

21.

22.

23. Grace

24. Blessing Inyang (Akwa

25. TAIWO Babatunde (Seasider Babes)

26. Kehinde Babatunde (Seasider Babes)

27. Mathew Esther (Seasider Babes)

28. Okolo Joan (Delta )

29. Igbinedion Blessing (Delta)

30. Aparaugo Amarachi (Imo Grasshoppers)

Official:

1. Agboola Shittu Adewunmi

2. Opuene Roberts

3. Abdullahi Suleiman

Prudence Samuel (Sokoto )

Amina Mohammed (Sokoto)

Mary Olaoye (Sokoto)

Munira Kasimu (Sokoto)

Vera John (Bayelsa)

Akinlade Damilola (Mindscope Academy)

Nestor Abigail (Mindscope Academy)

Balogun Zainab (Mindscope

Gregory (Akwa Ibom)

Ibom)

Victor Osimhen vies for the ball with Guinea Bissau defender in Abuja on Friday

Morocco achieves historic win over Brazil

The Atlas Lions of Morocco made history on Saturday, securing a win against heavy-weight, five-time world cup winner Brazil in a friendly match.

Morocco’s striker Soufian Boufal scored the opening goal in the game in the 29th minute in precedent in football history as this is the first time Morocco’s national football team scored against football giant Brazil.

In the second half of the game, Carlos Henrique Casimiro tipped the scales in favor of Brazil, scoring a goal in the 67th

minute, bringing the result to a tie.

Abdelhamid Sabiri scored a second goal in the second half to take the game 2-1.

Morocco’s stellar World Cup run came to an end after losing to France’s Les Bleus in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Brazil were eliminated from the quarterfinals after losing 4-2 against Croatia, which finished in third place.

Both Brazil and Morocco prepared a powerful lineup of players for the friendly match on Friday. Earlier this month, Morocco’s Head Coach Walid

Regragui revealed the squad list for Morocco’s game against Brazil. The list features footballers who shined in Qatar and contributed to Morocco’s World Cup glory.

The lineup includes Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, and Azzedine Ounahi, among others. Seven new players joined the Atlas Lions for the first time, including Chadi Riad, Ayoub Amraoui, Benjamin Bouchouari, Yassine Kechta, Ibrahim Salah, Abdel Abqar, and Mehdi Benabid.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s squad features

renowned footballers, including Tottenham Hotspurs’ Emerson Royal, Manchester United’s Casemiro who captained the team, and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

However, key Brazilian players were missing from the friendly game due to injury, including Neymar Jr., Marquinhos, and Richarlison, making the squad’s mission to defeat Morocco harder.

Following Saturday’s game against Brazil, the Atlas Lions will face Peru in another friendly on March 28.

Euro Qualifiers: France asks Muslim players to postpone fasting during Ramadan

Muslim players on France’s national football team have been called on to postpone fasting for a few days until the end of France’s matches taking place during the holy month.

Per French sports outlet L’Equipe, “The French staff will not force anyone not to follow their faith, but Les Bleus’ staff has still given recommendations in the hope that the players will choose to postpone fasting for five days during the team’s Ramadan matches,”

During the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday in France, Muslims are required to abstain from food and drinks from dusk till dawn.

Circumstances that permit Muslims to not fast during Ramadan include illness and traveling long distances. In addition, elderly or chronically ill individuals are encouraged to not fast.

However, if Muslims choose to not fast during the holy month without a valid reason, they are expected to make up missed days by fasting for two consecutive lunar months for each missed day. If one is unable to fast two consecutive months, they are required to feed 60 people in need for each fasting day intentionally violated.

Considering this, Muslims expressed their dissatisfaction with the French team’s “recommendations,” with many taking to social media to criticize the move.

“Ramadan does not work like that, shame on the FFF [France Football Federation],” said a Twitter user.

“Meanwhile in the Premier League we allow Muslim players to break their fasting during matches,” another social media user tweeted, pointing out the difference between France and England’s approach in this regard.

Football officials across English football competitions, the Premier League and the EFL, have been asked to pause matches during Ramadan to allow Muslim players to break their fast.

During a press conference on Wednesday, French star Marcus Thuram was asked about his opinion regarding the English football leagues’ decision.

Echoes from House of Assembly elections

Winners of the recently concluded governorship and State Houses of Assembly (HOA) election will start filing out today on Wednesday, March 29, to receive their Certificates of Return at state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); just as echoes of the election are still reverberating across the nation. During the polls, many incumbent House of Assembly members were defeated by new comers.

Speakers of some State Houses of Assembly who are statutorily, the number three citizen in their states (after the governor and deputy governor) were also defeated by green horns.

Most notable is the case in Yobe state where the incumbent Speaker, Ahmed Mirwa Lawan who had been representing Nguru 2 state constituency since return to civil rule in 1999 (that is, for 20 years now) lost to a new kid on the block, 33-year-old Lawan Musa Majakura. Mus Majakura won under PDP which means he overcame two major obstacle, an opponent who had the ‘cover’ of the ruling APC in the state and also held the powerful office of Speaker. Indeed the new Assemblyman can be said to have paid his dues as he once contested but lost a councillorship post in 2021. He had also spent time in police cells for, according to him, criticising politicians albeit “with facts”. He reportedly rejected an offer of N100 million to step out of the race.

Another trending story from the last set of election is centred on 26-year-old Rukuyat Motunrayo Shittu who won the Owode/Onire state constituency in Asa local government area of Kwara state. Rjukuyat is ranked as the youngest lawmaker-elect and shall be the youngest Nigerian legislator when she is sworn-in in June, 2023,

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO

thanks to the ‘Not Too Young to Run’ act which lowered the minimum age required to run for elective positions. She is also a female which means she overcame two handicaps to emerge victorious in the political battle – being young and a female.

Of the over 1000 elected legislators in the nation’s state houses of assembly, only 48 are females, representing less than five percent of the total. Altogether, in the next legislative dispensation which starts in June, as many as 15 states shall not have a woman in their Houses of Assembly. Amazing perhaps is that four of these states are in southern Nigeria. In fact in each of the three zones in the south, there is at least, a state without an elected woman in the House of Assembly. Further analysis show that out of all the states in southern Nigeria without an elected female lawmaker in their Houses of Assembly, two are in the Southeast and one each in the Southwest and south south zones. They are Abia, Imo, Rivers and Osun states.

This is rather surprising because Osun is in a zone that is considered as the bastion of western education, a region that had always been in the forefront of promoting

women in development. In the initial years of this democratic order (1999 to 2007) virtually all the states in this zone had a woman as deputy governor, a trend that continued in Lagos state until now when Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu has a male as his deputy. Rivers state too had always had a woman as deputy even to-date and the governor that would assume office on May 29, 2023 also has a woman as the second in command. Could it be that the combustible nature of Rivers politics, characterised by violent tendencies discouraged women from getting any seat in the State’s House of Assembly? Imo and Abia are in the south east zone that ranks itself as being in the forefront of civilization while Abia in particular is better remembered in the history of Nigerian women, for the Aba women riot when women rallied against the colonial rulers.

Save for Kaduna state, all the other six states in the north west zone (Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa) did not elect any female in the March 18 House of Assembly poll. Kaduna state now has two female Assembly members, one of them is a fresh legislator while the other is re-elected having made her

The North Western zone is bottom of the ladder. Cultural beliefs could be a factor here. Nonetheless, northern Nigeria recorded a historical break through, producing the nation’s youngest legislator as well as Nigeria’s youngest female lawmaker

debut in 2019. They are both for APC and PDP respectively. Many of the 11 State Houses of Assembly that will be having a female presence in the new legislative cycle have just one or two of them.

In terms of zonal breakdown, south west has the highest number of female HOA members-elect – 16 –with Ekiti state specifically having the largest share of this number, 6. It is followed by the North Central zone that has a total of 12 elected women into the various Houses of Assembly, the lion share here going to Kwara state that has five females. In the third position is the South south zone that has ten women altogether, four of whom are in Akwa Ibom while Bayelsa and Delta states have two women each and Edo and Cross River states each have one female. The South East zone occupies the 4th position with five women --- two each in Ebonyi and Enugu states while Anambra state has a lone female HOA member-elect. In the 5th place is the North East zone with three elected female members --- two in Taraba state and one in Adamawa state.

The North Western zone is bottom of the ladder. Cultural beliefs could be a factor here. Nonetheless, northern Nigeria recorded a historical break through, producing the nation’s youngest legislator as well as Nigeria’s youngest female lawmaker.

“