Saturday, May 6, 2023 Weekend Edition

Police arrest son, 22 for allegedly stabbing mother to death in Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Kano state Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old suspect, Ibrahim Musa who allegedly stabbed his biological mother to death in Kano.

The suspect, popularly known as Iro Ƙwarangwal, was said to have stabbed his 50-year-old mother, Jummai to death over heated disagreement.

In a statement on Friday, spokesman of the Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said the suspect was

apprehended at a hideout on Thursday in Dawakin Tofa Local Government at about 10:00pm.

Kiyawa said: “The suspect confessed to the crime and also confessed to dealing in illicit drug abuse.

“He will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc appreciates those that assisted with information that led to the arrest and commended the Police Tactical Teams that ensure that the culprit is brought to book”.

Phones

Overloaded Truck with a passenger behind, along Abuja-Jos road.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ogoni power project will create jobs, spur socioeconomic development, Buhari says

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged off the construction of the Ogoni Power Project, expressing confidence that the project upon completion will spur socio-economic development of Ogoniland, create job opportunities for artisans and enhance entrepreneurial growth.

The President virtually participated in the groundbreaking of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni 100 Bed Specialist Hospital, performed on his behalf by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi at Wiiya Akara, Khana Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, on Friday.

On the power project, the President noted that it will bring sustainability to the Potable Water Schemes, Livelihood Programme, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and the Specialist Hospital projects being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

On the benefits of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the President said it would bring succour to those who over time have been exposed to hydrocarbon pollution and other ailments associated with environmental pollution in the community.

He urged the Ogoni community to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, HYPREP and the companies handling the execution of the projects.

He added that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, on whose site the groundbreaking ceremony was held, will provide capacity and research opportunities to scholars within Nigeria and around the world on environmental remediation.

‘‘It will initiate studies on home grown methods and approaches to addressing oil pollution in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, to Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

‘‘It is instructive to know that Ogoni clean-up is not the only project being undertaken by this administration to give the people a sense of belonging in national affairs.

‘‘This administration is constructing the Bodo/Bonny Road -a multi-billion-naira project to provide a link road to Bonny Island - host to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Plant.

‘‘This all-important economic road passes through the heart of Ogoniland and the benefits it will bring to the local economy will be considerable,’’ he said.

The President also disclosed that approvals for the rehabilitation of the Ogoni axis of the East/West Road which the Bodo/Bonny Road opens into and serves as the gateway to the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne,’’ he said.

‘‘Today is special and dear to me as it reminds me of the promise I made to the Ogoni people when I came here to campaign in 2015 for the Presidential election that saw my emergence as the President of our great nation, Nigeria.

‘‘I pledged to implement the United Nations Environment Programme Report on the Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland which was submitted to the Federal Government four years earlier if elected as the President.

‘‘It was a solemn pledge to my fellow citizens of Ogoni that deserves urgent economic, social and infrastructural intervention required for a decent living.

‘‘That assurance was redeemed on 2nd June 2016 when I flagged off the Ogoniland clean-up project at the Patrick waterfront in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.

‘‘The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project was established to oversee the operations of the clean-up as well as the constitution of the Governing Council, the Board of Trustees, and the Project Coordination Office to coordinate its implementation.

’’I am glad the implementation is progressing as evident in several critical awarded projects that impact on the livelihoods of the Ogoni people,’’ he said.

President Buhari told the gathering that contracts have been approved for the next phase of remediation of sites (medium risk sites), the training of five thousand Ogoni people in sustainable livelihood skills and the engagement of five hundred Ogoni youths as environmental vanguards.

The President commended the Minister of Environment his team at the Ministry and HYPREP for their doggedness in delivering on his instruction to as a matter of priority, deliver on the Ogoni clean-up and other key objectives of the Ministry including biodiversity and wildlife conservation, land remediation, upland and coastal erosion control.

He also applauded Governor Wike for his support to Federal Government’s developmental initiatives and particularly for the relative peace in Ogoni Land and Rivers State in general.

‘‘Your Excellency and Royal Highnesses, it is my desire that you will continue to support this administration and the incoming administration led by His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu who I am confident will consolidate the gains achieved from this project.

‘‘It is my hope that you will support the implementation of

the project and utilize the benefits for the present and future generations of Ogoniland,’’ he said.

HRM Mene (Dr) Suanu

Timothy Yormaadam Baridam Gbenemene, Kasimene Bangha VII of Ogoniland, on behalf of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, presented a chieftaincy title, Gbene of Ogoni land (Mighty Eagle of Ogoni land), to President Buhari.

The title was received on behalf of the President by the Minister.

The Minister of Environment used the occasion to provide an update on the modest progress being made in the restoration of oil impacted sites, which is the core mandate of HYPREP.

‘‘Twenty out of the 65 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sites have been remediated to date. HYPREP recently awarded contracts for additional 17 sites and contractors were taken to the sites yesterday,’’ he said.

Abdullahi stated that six potable water schemes spread through the four LGAs of Ogoni land are at various stages of completion.

In his remarks, Mike Nweielghi, Chairman Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund pledged that Ogoni people will provide the necessary support and conducive atmosphere to the contractors to deliver on the projects.

He thanked the President

for touching the lives of Ogoni people with his commitment to the clean-up exercise, following the recommendations of the UNEP report.

‘‘As an Ogoniman, I am grateful that your administration has touched the lives of my people and their environment through the commencement of work at the specialist hospital, Centre of Excellence for environmental restoration and Ogoni power project,’’ he said.

He also lauded the President for considering Ogoni people worthy of piloting the affairs of the HYPREP projects, pledging prudent and transparent management of the funds.

In addition to the initial $1billion released for the Ogoni clean-up by the joint venture partners, Nweielghi, on behalf of the Board, appealed for more funds, saying current inflationary trends have made the initial funds insufficient.

The Project Coordinator, HYPREP, Dr Giadom Dumbari, described the projects as major highpoints of the Buhari administration in addressing the challenges of the Niger Delta, particularly the plight of the Ogoni people.

He explained that the specialist hospital is strategically located to service Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and other surrounding communities. Dumbari pledged that the project would be delivered on target, time and cost.

NASS Speakership race: Jarma seeks support for Hon. Jaji

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

The Sole administrator of Birnin Magaji local government Area in Zamfara state, Hon. Kabiru Ladan Jarma has urged the membership of the House of Representatives to vote for Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji as the speaker of the tenth Assembly.

Jarma, who made his position known in an interactive session with journalists, explained that voting for Hon. Jaji will create a conducive atmosphere for the legislative and executive arms of government to function effectively due to his wealth of experience as well as his leadership capacity for good governance.

He noted that the country needs more productive, versatile and result getters to take leadership responsibilities with a view to face the global speeding competitive and developmental drive in the

scheme of things.

According to him, with the change of national executive leadership hierarchy to the south East, it is not only fair but balance for the speakership seat to be zoned to North West so that there would be political equality in the country.

He opined that Nigeria and Nigerians will appreciate the contributions of Jaji if given the opportunity to serve as the speaker of the 10th National Assembly citing his political stewardship to his constituency in Zamfara state where meaningful projects were executed to the constituents equitably for all to see.

“People need to go down to Birnin Magaji/ Kaura Namoda federal constituency to verify my claim over the positive contributions in developing his people in area of health care, education, employment opportunities to jobless youth as well as assisting the less privileged at times of need.

“I’m canvassing for support to the candidacy of Hon. Aminu Jaji for a better Nigeria and therefore calling on the National Working Committee of the APC to zone the speakership slot to the North West”, Jarma declared. Jarma however,

admonished federal House of Representatives delegates not to miss the golden chance of electing good, enterprising and promising young legislator for job in the interest of promoting harmonious working relationship between the executives and the legislature.

Navy warns pirates to steer clear of Nigerian waters

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, has warned pirates to stay away from Nigerian waterways.

Oluwagbire gave the warning on Thursday during his maiden visit to NNS Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom and other units.

“We are coming to smoke sea pirates out of our waterways, we will get them and we will roast them,” the FOC told the naval officers.

He said that he was in Akwa Ibom as part of his maiden inspection of bases and units of the naval command.

Oluwagbire told the commanders to rejig their operations and send out boats to the sea for effective patrol of the waterways.

The FOC called on the public to give useful information to the command in order to apprehend criminal elements in the society.

“There is one aspect of security that most people don’t understand; security is not only the business of security agencies, but everybody’s business.

“If you see something, share with the security agencies so that it can help better the society.

“We are together, we will do it and make the waterways safe and better,” Oluwagbire said.

The FOC inspected troops and facilities at the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo LGA, the proposed Naval barracks at Essene, Ikot Abasi LGA, and the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen.

Oluwagbire also toured the new Girls Model Secondary School at Awa Ubium in Onna LGA and the Utaewa Jetty in Ikot Abasi. The FOC inspected troops and facilities at the Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Mbo LGA, the proposed Naval barracks at Essene, Ikot Abasi LGA, and the Nigerian Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen.

Oluwagbire also toured the new Girls Model Secondary School at Awwa Jetty in Ikot Abasi. NAN

3,919 IDPs in abandoned Kaduna camp seek help

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

About four thousand Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in an abandoned camp in the Maraba Ride of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have cried out for help, in order to alleviate their present state of sufferings.

This was contained in a report carried out by a group, Eko Smile Support and Empowerment Initiative, (ESSEI), who visited the camp on April 26, 2023.

According to the report, ESSEI said it was surprised by the harrowing sub-human conditions of the IDPs, hence it organized a Humanitarian Rural Communities Outreach for the IDPs on May 2, 2023.

The coordinator of the camp, Mr. Adam Sule, who made this disclosure, while taking our correspondent around the camp, which looked forsaken as most of the IDPs now found shelter in uncompleted buildings or spaces provided by villagers or nearby communities, corroborated ESSEI’s report.

He said the IDPs are in urgent of food and clothing, make-shift accommodations, job opportunities, skills acquisition/ empowerment trainings, educational support for the children and interested adults, as well as medical support.

Sule, who couldn’t hold back his tears, pleaded on behalf of the IDPs to national and international organizations, well-meaning Nigerians and the

Kaduna State Government to come to the rescue of the IDPs who have been abandoned to their fate.

The IDPs, who are mostly victims of attacks by bandits, unknown gunmen and other terrorist groups, are mainly from Chikun, Kajuru, and Kachia Local Government Areas of the state.

It was gathered that before their present predicament, they were residents of Anguwan Rimi Kaso, Wako, Suleja Kaso, Telele, Anguwan Sarari, Anguwan Gaida, Kaso Kurmi, Anguwan Zhibada, and neighbouring communities, however, over 60 percent, totaling 2,331 are children, whose parents were killed by marauding gunmen that invaded and occupied their

villages.

Also, 922 of the IDPs are widows, who husbands have been hacked to death by the gunmen, while the remaining 634 are men who narrowly escaped after witnessing their brothers, friends and neighbours sent to their early graves.

According to available data provided by the camp, the last head count of the IDPs carried out in December 2022, and the numbers keep on growing as other victims and survivors of banditry attacks come to the camp to seek refuge on a weekly basis, as there are virtually no economic activities to keep the men and women going and are very prone to depression and despondency because of the situation.

Youth trek 12 kms to protest incessant attacks, killings in Zangon Kataf

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The youths of Atyap communities in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State on recently trekked 12 kilometres from Samaru to Zonkwa, to protest the incessant killings in their communities.

The youth, in their thousands, all dressed in black, trekked for about two hours while others came from different Atyap communities and converged at the local government headquarters.

Chairman, Youth Wing of the Atyap Community Development Association, Mr. Solomon Kuyeh, while addressing the crowd, explained that the protest was to bring the attention of the government to the unabated killings in Atyap communities.

Kuyeh said that the Atyap communities had been experiencing coordinated attacks and destruction of properties for a long time without the

perpetrators to book.

He however, faulted the current herders/farmers’ clash narrative to the crises, stressing that people were being killed in their sleep.

“We feel abandoned by the government that has sworn an oath to protect the lives and properties of every citizen.

“We are concerned that in spite of the spate of attacks, none of the killers has been arrested.

“Meanwhile, our youths have been arrested and tortured while trying to defend themselves.

“We are not only demanding for the perpetrators to be arrested to face the law, we are urging the government to end the killings and destruction of properties in our communities,” he said.

The youth leader also called on the government to support the survivors with relief materials to cushion the economic hardship caused by the attacks.

The Chairman of the Local Government Council, Mr.

Francis Sani, said that the attacks had created a huge population of widows and orphans.

Sani consoled the people and assured them that the local government was making efforts to restore peace in the area. He promised to mobilise support from critical stakeholders to end the lingering attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.

One of the protesters, a 13-year-old Vanessa Aminu said she trekked 12 kilometers from

Samaru to protest the protracted killing of her people.

“The killers have killed my relatives. We want the government to stop the killings and ensure peace so we could live free in our land,” she said.

Another protester, a 29-yearold Baba Augustine, also called on the government to be honest in tackling the security challenge.

“We are tired of the killings, and we want the government to do something about it. Enough is enough,” he said.

Sexual abuse: NGO trains 257 men advocates in Benue IDPs

Anon-governmental organization, Sexual Offence Awareness and Response Initiative says it has trained no fewer than 257 persons as male gender advocates in various internally displaced persons camps (IDPs) in Benue.

The programme officer of the organisation, Mr. Chibuzor Njoku, announced this at the

quarterly meeting of the Benue Child’s Right Implementation Committee on Thursday.

Chibuzor noted that the training was done on the platform of the Young Men Advocate Programme Against Sexual and Gender Based Violence Y-map Activities.

He further said that another programme — Girls

Empowerment Mentoring Programme(GEMS Arise) trained no fewer than 381 displaced adolescent girls/mother’s as female mentors in the IDP camps.

Sexual Offences Awareness and Victims Rehabilitation Initiative was set up in 2011 by a survivor of child sexual abuse to prevent and respond to the prevalence of various forms of

sexual violence and exploitation against children.

The organisation is currently working on a programme to address child marriage in the north central part of the country.

It is dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child sexual abuse as well as provide care and support for victims and survivors. (NAN)

COVER News Editor (Ag), Stanley Onyekwere

Organ Harvesting: UK court snubs NASS, Obj, jails Ekweremadu, wife, doctor

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Vivian Okejeme and Joy Baba-Yesufu

The immediate past Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and medical consultant, Doctor Obinna Obeta, were yesterday convicted and sentenced to prison for their involvement in organ harvesting charges brought against them by a UK court.

At a sentencing hearing on Friday, Ekweremadu was jailed for nine years and eight months, his wife Beatrice was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment while their medical “middleman”, Dr Obeta, 50 years, received a 10-year prison term. The trio were found guilty in the Old Bailey in March.

However, Sonia, the Ekweremadus’ daughter, who has a serious kidney condition, wept as she was cleared of the same charge.

Mr. Justice Johnson told the defendants: “In each of your cases, the offence you committed is so serious that neither a fine nor a community sentence can be justified.”

It was alleged that the 21-year-old street trader was to be rewarded for donating the organ to Sonia Ekweremadu in an £80,000 private procedure at London’s Royal Free Hospital.

The case marked the first-time defendants have been convicted under the Modern Slavery Act of an organ harvesting conspiracy.

While it is lawful to donate a kidney, it becomes criminal if money or another material advantage is rewarded.

The prosecution claimed the donor was offered up to £7,000 and promised a better life in the UK.

The donor did not understand until his first appointment with a consultant at the hospital that he was there for a kidney transplant, the Old Bailey was told.

• Obasanjo pleads leniency for Ekweremadu

However, before yesterday’s sentencing, former President Olusegun Obasanjo had pleaded with the UK government to show leniency in adjudicating on the Case against Ekweremadu and his wife.

In the letter addressed to the Chief Clerk, the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, in London, the former President asked the Clerk to intervene and ensure the UK government tempered justice with mercy on the matter.

The letter dated April 3, 2023, said the Ekweremadus have learnt their lesson from the ordeal, urging the court and UK government to show clemency.

The letter read in part, “Mr. Chief Clerk, I am very much aware of the current travails and conviction of Ike Ekweremadu and his wife in the United Kingdom resulting from their being charged with conspiring to arrange the travel of a 21-year-old from Nigeria to the

UK in order to harvest organs for their daughter.

“I do realise the implications of their action and I dare say, it is unpleasant and condemnable and can’t be tolerated in any sane or civilised society.

“However, it is my fervent desire for very warm relations between the United Kingdom and Federal Republic of Nigeria; for his position as one of the distinguished Senators in the Nigerian Parliament, and also for the sake of their daughter in question whose current health condition is in danger and requires urgent medical attention, you will use your good offices to intervene and appeal to the court and the government of the United Kingdom to be magnanimous enough to temper justice with mercy and let punishment that may have to come take their good character and parental instinct and care into consideration.

“I do hope Mr. and Mrs. Ekweremadu have learnt from this distressing experience of theirs to guide their future actions or inactions so they will continue to be outstanding members of their community and will continue to contribute fully to the good of the society in particular and the nation in general.”

• Senate offers weak intervention to stave-off sentence

In a similar situation, the Senate pleaded with the United Kingdom authorities to grant former Deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu clemency over his case of organ harvesting.

On Wednesday, senate, through its President, Ahmad Lawan, noted that the chamber is seeking clemency in Ekweremadu’s case because it is the first time a member of the red chamber is getting involved in such a case.

According to him: “Let me reiterate what our colleague here has presented to us. Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu served as Deputy Senate President for 12 years.

“He has brought in so much effort to the development of Parliaments in Africa and across the world and he has never been found wanting and therefore what has happened is very unfortunate and very sad.

“I have written a letter to the British Judicial Authorities about two-three weeks ago, seeking Clemency on behalf of the Senate. I signed the letter and had it delivered to the authorities in the United Kingdom. We are now using this particular intervention to seek clemency in the sentencing.

“The conviction has already been done, but we are seeking Clemency because this is the first time our Colleague is getting involved in this kind of thing. I want to commend Distinguished Senator Chukwuka Utazi for bringing up this issue and let me conclude by seeking tempering justice with mercy by the British Judicial Authorities that when it comes to sentencing, they should consider that this is the first time ever that Distinguished Senator Ekweremadu will be facing this kind of situation.”

•House of Reps says Ekweremadu, wife are first time offenders

Joining others to make last minute intervention, the House of Representatives Thursday also pleaded clemency for the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, ahead of the sentencing in the United Kingdom yesterday.

A member of the House, Toby Okechukwu, moved the motion on Tuesday on the floor of the parliament based on the long-standing history and cordial ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The lawmaker also drew attention to what he described as Ekweremadu’s contributions to the Commonwealth of Nations and his innocent intention to save the life of his sick daughter, Sonia.

He said there should be back channels for diplomatic interventions.

Okechukwu insisted that the former Deputy Senate President has come to the aid of many Nigerians in the past.

On his part, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, spoke to the crown and pleaded for clemency for Ekweremadu, describing him as a good man with no prior convictions.

He asked the UK court to take into consideration the history of rightful living of Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice.

He also asked that consideration for their daughter be made, who is sick and would likely be away from her parents under whose care she is.

Veterinarians seek vet desks in NDLEA, NEMA others

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), has called for the establishment of veterinary desks in emergency management institutions and other relevant agencies.

Chairman, FCT Chapter NVMA, Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu. who made the call during the commemoration of the World Veterinary Day (WVD), on Sunday in Abuja, listed the agencies as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The event was organised by the FCT Chapter of NVMA.

Ogbu said having veterinary desks or departments in those agencies, would ensure effective and holistic emergency response to both humans and animals.

According to him, whenever there is an emergency, NEMA and others will wage into the situation, but only to rescue humans and save properties, without taking into cognisance the plight of animals.

Citing example of the recent flood in Kogi State, which washed away more than 1,000 cows, goats, dogs, the veterinarian said NEMA put its rescue efforts on just humans and neglected the helpless animals.

“Those human beings rescued depended on the affected animals for survival, so there should be holistic rescue of everything in every emergency situation,” Ogbu said.

NAN reports that World Veterinary Day is commemorated every last Saturday of April, and the theme for 2023 is; “Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness in the veterinary profession”. “Those human beings rescued depended on the affected animals for survival, so there should be holistic rescue of everything in every emergency situation,” Ogbu said.

NAN reports that World Veterinin the veterinary profession”. NAN

2023: What APC victory means to Buhari’s administration – Presidency

By Egena Sunday Ode

The victory of the President-elect and Vice President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, respectively and the established control of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 21 out of 36 states in the last general elections, have firmly established the party as a dominant national Political Party.

‘‘This is a difficult reality for the opposition parties,’’ the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in his office in Abuja on Thursday, while receiving the “Arewa Young Lawyers’ Forum (AYLF),” the umbrella body for all young lawyers in the Northern part of Nigeria.

A statement by the Assistant Director of Information (State House), Patience Tilley Gyado quoted Shehu to have said that opposition victory in the general election would not only have been a career ending moment for many APC leaders but would also have had negative consequences for the various programmes of the Buhari administration that empowered marginalised groups and

remedied much of the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

It read: “APC victory in the election is a watershed moment for the Buhari government, its orientation, its programmes and projects.

‘‘In the hands of the opposition, many of the laudable programmes of the Buhari administration would have been sabotaged or unimplemented.

“An important and overlooked aspect of the Tinubu/Shettima victory is that it ensures, not only an orderly transfer of power from the outgoing administration to the incoming one, but also the safety

of policies and programmes of the outgoing government. For this, we remain grateful to the Almighty, and to citizens of Nigeria for sticking with our Party.”

In accepting his appointment as Grand Patron of the Arewa Young Lawyers’ Forum, the presidential spokesman urged members of the association to be at the vanguard of promoting the study and practice of legal profession in the northern states, the statement added.

“To build and secure democracy in our communities, you need lawyers and journalists as its guardians and protectors.

Without one, the other will not be successful,” Shehu admonished.

The Chairman of AYLF, Barr. Olayinka Dauda Jimoh, according to the statement, craved the support of the Presidency in giving strategic training to young wigs to enhance their leadership roles in the society.

Other members of the Forum at the meeting were Barr. Audu Umaru, National Welfare Director (Borno State), Barr. Ahmad Khalil, National Treasurer (Yobe State) and Barr Paul Gbande, Director of Publicity (Benue State).

Youth groups want AYCF President in Tinubu’s cabinet

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Representatives of youth groups from across the federation have called on the Nigeria’s President elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to consider appointing the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima as one of his cabinet members.

The youth groups said the call became imperative, considering the role Shettima had continued to play in stabilising youth activities, promoting peace and social justice over the years, not only in the North, but in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

While congratulating Tinubu for emerging victorious in the Presidential election and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the youth groups, who were represented by Samuel Garry, Ahmed Mohammed Rufai and Christiana Nicholas under the umbrella of Nigeria Youth for

Peace and Social Justice Forum (NYPSJF), said they found it expedient to bring Alh. Yerima Shettima to the fore and expose his noble attributes to the world, so that it would attract the attention of the President elect, who had emphasised on competence and youth inclusiveness in his cabinet appointments.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the youth groups recalled that for over a decade, Yerima Shettima was not only a galvanising factor for youth activism with direct impact on youth development and education; protection of human rights and from abuse, but had continuously supported hundreds of youths, religion and tribe not withstanding in their quest for self-development through education and trade.

“Although we didn’t seek for Yerima Shettima’s consent before clamouring for him to be appointed as Minister in his forthcoming cabinet to represent the youths, we

felt it is on us to search for a youth leader with impeccable credentials and who enjoys a lot of goodwill from across the divides, to be part of the incoming administration,” they said.

“ Yerima Shettima as the Minister would bring the desired unity in an important segment of the Nigerian population. He is well known in the promotion of political activities that encourages the talents of youths in their pathways to professionalism in different endeavours.

“ His offices and residences in Lagos, Kaduna and Abuja were always behives of activities where the youths and even the elderly, irrespective of religion, tribe or creed gathered to be counselled and assisted to be responsible, productive and respectable members of the larger society.

“ Before, during and after the general elections; Alhaji Yerima Shettima and his organisation had not relented in his youth crusades for peace; a fact that

even the youth wings of other sociocultural organisations from the Southeast, Southwest and South-South could attest to, haven hosted them on different peace and youth development missions in the North.

“Although not known to be aligned with any major political camp, Yerima Shettima as the Minister would, undoubtedly, further rally support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of future elections, because he had proven to be a commanding voice in the region; who the youths earnestly listen to for guidance and subsequent action as was exemplified in different occasions in the recent past,

“ Yerima Shettima’s activism dated back to days of military dictatorship where he and many others joined the struggle for liberation to the point of being arrested yet he never gave up the struggle, it is for these and many more we believe very strongly that he would be veritable tool that will stabilize the youths in this country”, they stressed.

Bureau DG identifies ICT as panacea for poverty reduction

From Gambo Ahmed Lafia

The Director General of the Nasarawa state Bureau for Information Communication Technology (BICT) Shehu Ibrahim has identified Information Communication Technology

ICT as a key major element of poverty reduction through job creation in the society.

He stated this while speaking with Newsmen in his office in Lafia, the state capital, on the role of ICT and the establishment of the Bureau by the Nasarawa state

government. According to him, ICT is an effective tool for reducing poverty and expanding health services as well as create Job opportunities for both graduates and undergraduates in ICT compliant society and generally improving the

quality Life of the citizens.

The BICT DG added that with the establishment of the Bureau in the state, has immensely improved the economic, culture, political and Human sectors, calling on the citizens to embrace ICT for the rapid development of the

state and the Nation at Large. Ibrahim, who expressed delight with the state government for according priority to the Bureau, promised to take it to the next step for the benefit of the society.

Culture advocate harps on preservation of African heritage

Aculture advocate and Chief Executive Officer of Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), Ms May Ikokwu, has called for preservation of African heritage.

She made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday in commemoration of the 2023 African World Heritage Day, annually celebrated on May 5 for people around the world to celebrate Africa.

The day was declared by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2018.

Ikokwu, therefore, said Africa is blessed with intangible assets inherited from past generations, including monuments, languages and vegetation which should be preserved.

She reiterated the need for preservation of the African cultural heritage, adding that they were significant in defining peoples’ true Identity.

She said “there are over 2,000 recognised languages on the continent. The most spoken language is Arabic, followed by English, Swahili and French.

“Africa, according to UNFPA, has 1.1 billion people, and over half of the population are under the age of 25 years.”

Ikokwu urged African governments at different levels to evolve policies that would preserve the cultural heritage.

The culture advocate expressed the imperatives of fighting malaria and other diseases that tend to threaten African heritage.

According to her, the World Health Organisation says about 90 per cent of malaria cases in the world take place in

Africa. She advised that more effort aimed at preserving lives and cultural identities be put

in place in the fight against malaria.

She added that it was time to prevent Africa’s cultural and

Buhari eulogies Gov. Lanlong at 60

President Muhammadu Buhari has eulogised the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong as he marks his 60th birthday, expressing gratitude for the immense affection shown to him by the Governor and the people of Plateau State.

“I express my special gratitude to Governor Lalong as he marks his landmark birthday. I thank you for the trust you have

in our friendship," Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said in a statement Friday. Lauding Governor Lalong for the work he has done since taking oath of office and the decisions he has taken in the last eight years, President Buhari said: “These reflect his effectiveness as a leader. On matters of the security and wellbeing of the people, the Governor is an example for the whole country. I

natural gifts from the risk of losing universal value.

Ikokwu, who warned against negative influence and

pressure of foreign culture affecting Africa, called for stronger resistance against such incursions. (NAN)

believe a great future lies ahead for him.”

In wishing him many happy years ahead, President Buhari

urged Governor Lalong to continue to bring convenience and respect to the people of his state, the statement noted.

FTAN tasks Tinubu on creation of sole ministry for tourism, culture

The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) on Tuesday urged the incoming President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, to create a sole ministry for tourism and culture, once he assumes office.

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN President, made the call in Abuja during a creative stakeholder’s meeting organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

The meeting had as its theme: “Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”.

Onung said that it was important to separate the tourism and culture industry from information to give room for growth in the creative sector.

According to him, tourism and culture industry would have thrived better if separated from the ministry of information as currently obtained.

“I want to seize this opportunity to plead with the incoming president to separate the ministry of information from culture and tourism.

“We want a stand-alone ministry for tourism and culture so that proper attention can be given to the creative space, such that will engender remarkable growth.

“The combination of culture and information has hindered the growth of the culture and tourism industries over the years because more attention has been drawn toward information so much.

“We also plead that individuals appointed to head government parastatals within the tourism and culture industries should be made accountable while in office to ensure growth, novices should not be engaged,” he said.

Also, Mr. Israel Eboh, National President, National Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), harped on the need for the incoming President to work unanimously with stakeholders in the culture and tourism industry, to ensure that the nation’s cultural values were upheld.

Eboh noted that the problems confronting the nation in terms of lack of unity was due to the fact that Nigerians had lost their cultural values.

He, however, called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) to wake up to their responsibilities of upholding the nation’s cultural values.

“Agenda setting is absolutely necessary as we move into the next administration.

“The incoming administration need to pay attention to all elements of our culture, in storytelling, dancing, songs and all.

“NOA, NICO and other cultural parastatals need to be deliberate and systematic in cultural re-orientation in the incoming administration,” he said.

Television analyst, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, urged Nigerians generally to be totally committed to building a better nation in view of culture collapse the nation is experiencing.

Kolade-Otitoju also advised the President-elect to reduce cost of governance to make remarkable progress in nationbuilding.

He noted that if Nigeria could have three good successive leaders, the nation would be great again. NAN

Governor Simon Bako Lalong

CRIME NEWS

N30bn suit: Court grants council leave to serve summons on Facebook owners

AFederal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), leave to serve writ of summons on Meta Platform, social media giant and owners of Facebook.

The court gave the nod pursuant to an application by ARCON in a pending N30 billion suit

against the social media giant for violation of the extant advertising laws of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the writ is to be served at the United States corporate headquarters of Meta which also owns Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp social media platforms.

While Meta is the first

defendant in the suit, AT3 Resources Limited is the second defendant.

ARCON is seeking a declaration that the publication of various advertisements and marketing communications materials targeted at Nigeria through Meta’s platforms without prior vetting and approval by Advertising Standards Panel is illegal.

The regulatory body also claimed that the act disregarded Nigerian culture, constitutional tenets, moral values and religious sensitivity of citizens.

ARCON is, therefore, seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their privies, agents, servants and associates from publishing any

advertising or marketing communications materials without recourse to ARCON in line with the country’s advertising law.

It is also seeking N30 billion in fines and sanctions for the continued violations and infractions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022.

NAN

Firm seeks compensation over alleged N86m car supply deal

Acompany, Tripple C Motors Nigeria Ltd, has sued Pagmat Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd, Prudential Steps Savings & Loan and a new generation bank over allegations bordering on N86 million car supply deal.

A writ of summons issued by the company’s lawyer, Ojonimi Apeh, against the defendants was filed pursuant to Order 2, Rule 2(6) of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja (Civil Procedure Rules) 2018.

The plaintiff sought compensation in respect of the N86 million car supply deal.

The matter which came up for mention at the High Court of the FCT, Kuje, on Thursday, was adjourned until June 21 for hearing.

The trial Judge, Justice C. E. Nwecheonwu, adjourned the matter having discovered that Pagmat Oil and Gas Nig. Ltd (the 2nd defendant) had not been served with the court processes.

However, Apeh, who appeared for the plaintiff, assured the court that he would file an ex parte application for the defendant to be served by substituted means.

The matter was consequently adjourned for continuation of hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiff, a Kano-based car dealer, is claiming against the defendants jointly and severally, the sum of over N40 million as compensation for unlawful withholding of its money for a period of 43 months.

Tripple-C Motors wants the court to declare that “the

refusal and failure of the defendants to pay it the sum of Ƙ86million for supply of cars it made at the instance of the defendants.

The company alleged that the deal resulted in the loss of profits/earnings to the claimant in the sum of at least N4.3million per month for a period of 43 months cumulating loss of at least N34,400,000.00 (ThirtyFour Million, Four Hundred

Thousand Naira) only for that period and thereby rendering the defendants liable to the claimant in damages.

“An order directing the defendant to pay the claimant the sum of N34,400,000.00

(Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) only as projected returns and/or loss of anticipated profits/earnings. 20 percent interest on the judgment sum per month from the date of

judgment until the judgment debt is fully liquidated.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimant the sum of Ƙ6,000,000.00

(Six Million Naira) only as cost of this suit”, among others.

In a statement of claims, the claimant averred that the vehicles were only delivered based on the fact that the Block Funds/Irrevocable Standing Order, dated Dec. 20, 2018 was issued by the bank’s Utako

branch manager and handed to Dr. Adamu Kukuri, the claimant’s director.

The claimant further averred that upon the expiration of 30 banking days after delivery of the seven vehicles, no money was paid into her account with Zenith Bank Plc as agreed to and undertaken in the Block Funds/Irrevocable Standing Order. (NAN)

NBTE engages security agencies, others to weed out illegal health institutions

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has engaged security agencies, heads of health colleges and registrars of health professional bodies to weed out illegal health institutions in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Prof. Idris Bugaje, said this at a one-day meeting with provosts, proprietors, principals of health institutions and registrars of health professional bodies in Kaduna on Thursday.

Bugaje expressed concern over proliferation of illegal colleges of health sciences and technology, adding that many of such institutions were swindling students and giving them unrecognised certificates.

He described the situation as “worrisome”, where some two-bedroom apartments were converted to colleges of health technology, offering all kinds of courses.

He warned that anybody who decided to call its programme National Diploma (ND) or Higher National

Diploma (HND) without NBTE registration and accreditation, is creating serious problem for himself.

According to him, NBTE is determined to clean up the system because health is the wealth of any nation.

“This is why we invited all the provosts and proprietors of health colleges, both legal and illegal and professional bodies, to discuss the challenges and develop a common roadmap to

address them.

“If it is the registration conditions that are too stringent, let us know so that we can review what can be reviewed without compromising standard.

“We will give a moratorium for every health institution to go and regularise its registration, after which, we will bring the full ambit of the law and security agencies at our disposal to close the

illegal ones.”

The executive secretary said that the NBTE had already reviewed the N100 million Bank Guarantee mandatory requirement for registration to N25 million.

He disclosed that some of the operators of illegal health colleges were currently being investigated by the Department of State Services (DSS) in two states.

SPECIAL REPORT

How Police burst criminal hideouts, arrest 375 hoodlums in Kaduna

By Femi Oyelola

It is no longer business as usual for criminals hibernating in some black spots within Kaduna metropolis and its environs, especially the dreaded gangster known as “Sara Suka,” operating within the city centre, as the Kaduna state Police Command recently took the battle to their hideouts and arrested 375 hoodlums in a swoop operation

The giant strides of the police operatives also led to the recovery of dangerous items which includes illicit drugs, 57 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp equivalent to 171kg, mobile phones, sharp knives, scissors, cudgels, master keys, vehicles and motorcycles of different brands. The raid was sequel to public outcry the nefarious activities of the criminal elements in the areas.

Recall that Weekend Peoples

Daily had penultimate week published a report on how urban gangsters was fast becoming a fresh security challenge even when the state is still battling with banditry and the likes.

Parading the suspects on Tuesday,

May 2, 2023, at the Command headquarters, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Kaduna Command, DSP Mohammed Jalige, said the operation followed directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, for the immediate lunch of manhunt on bandits and other perpetrators of crimes within the Command.

The DSP added that the Command also organized the raids on the hideout of these hoodlums with a view to having a crime free society where law abiding citizens would be allowed to go about their lawful businesses without fear of being molested or intimidated from any quarters.

Addressing newsmen at the Police Command, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, commended the efforts of the gallant officers, saying the operations were in line with the State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i’s determination to rid Kaduna free from criminals and ensure there is no hiding places for them.

Aruwan said the State Government will ensure that those arrested are prosecuted and sentenced when

found guilty, to serve as a deterrent to others.

He warned criminals to relocate from Kaduna because it will become inhabitable for them; assuring that the exercise would be continuous with support from the State Government to the police and other security operatives to push out criminals from the Crocodile city.

Continuing, DSP Jalige said some of the suspects have already been charged to court while others are undergoing discreet investigation and upon completion, they will also

be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He disclosed that some miscreants have adopted a new modus operandi in disposing law abiding citizens of their valuables by spraying a substance suspected to be acid on their victims, especially in Malali and Badarawa in Kaduna North Local government Area, saying they have been arrested and currently undergoing investigation.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment towards ensuring the security and safety of the good

How Police burst criminal hideouts, arrest 375 hoodlums in Kaduna

Cont. from previous page people of the State.

The Command’s Spokesman thanked residents of the State for their untiring support without which the successes and achievements would not have been recorded and also urged them not to relent as security is everybody’s business.

Speaking to our Correspondent during the parading, a suspect, Amina Mohammed, 16, said she only smokes Indian hemp with her lover, oblivious that he is a member of a gang who specializes in snatching handsets and housebreaking.

Narrating how she was apprehended, Amina said she was arrested in Barkallahu, a community in Igabi Local Government Area.

Another female suspect, Fatimah Abubakar, 20, was also arrested in Barkallahu community, while having good times with some friends at about 12:45am.

When asked what she was doing outside at that odd hour, she blamed the Devil for pushing her out at that time.

Similarly, a suspect, Habila Aliyu, promised to turn a new leaf if he is let off the hook. He said he regretted his misdeeds and the shame this has

brought to the family, especially his mother who has tried everything humanly possible for him to become responsible in life.

Elated Kaduna residents see this development as some setback to gangsters and criminal activities in the metropolitan city, urging the police to keep up the good job.

Mallam Ibrahim Yunusa, a resident of Rikachukun in Igabi LGA, said residents of the area and Barkallahu community had come under siege through the activities of these gangsters which has led to loss of lives.

He therefore lauded the giant strides of the security operatives, but prayed that justice should be meted to the guilty ones because the “boys” are known to always be boasting in the community that they would be back soon even if arrested.

In the same vein, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, of Hayin Damani also in Igabi LGA, said he wondered why it took the security operatives so long even when the black spots are well known. He however said it was better to be late than never.

Mr. Edward Moses, a resident of Halima Junction, Sabo Tasha in Chikun LGA, called for a robust operation along another black

spot in the area known as “Black Street” because the “boys” are even threatening to vest their anger on any citizen suspected to be against their activities.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Haruna Damishi, of Ungwar Maisamari, in Kaduna North LGA, said the community is becoming a hub for criminals who are fleeing from the raids in Badarawa, Kwaru, and Ungwar Yero communities.

He therefore urged security operatives to be proactive with its

operations within the communities.

The general views of Kaduna residents is that the security operatives, especially the Police have finally woken up to their responsibility, and the citizens soon would be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

They therefore called on the government to support the security operatives with all the needed logistics to enable them take the fight deeper into the criminals’ den and bring more holldulums to justice.

PDP blasts Uzodinma govt over blackout, ruthless attacks on workers in Imo

By Musa Baba Adamu

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter has taken a swipe at the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma, regretting that within the last two months, Imo State has been shut down twice.

This was contained in a release issued by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Collins Opurozor, made available to journàlists in Owerri, Imo State.

The statement is coming, a few days after the faceoff between the Imo State Government and the NLC left the entire state in a blackout, with many passengers stranded at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

The PDP statement reads,”

Within the last two months, Imo State has been shut down twice. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) with other affiliate unions in the state have twice embarked on strikes. Aviation operations have been

grounded twice. The electricity supply to Imo has been cut off twice.

“Also, financial institutions have halted all activities twice, thereby crippling the economy of the State. As we gather here, Io is in total blackout. All businesses have been strangulated. Imo has become a pariah state, cut off from the rest of Nigeria. This is catastrophic!

“All of these have happened because of the satanic ambition of the government of Senator Hope Uzodinma to cow, muzzle, hijack and destroy the Organized Labour in the State to implement his scorch-earth policy of beating Imo workers and pensioners into submission by starving them of their salaries and pensions and all other sources of livelihood.

“As we speak, eleven thousand (11,000) authentic Imo workers have been stigmatized as ghost workers and they are owed twenty (20) months salary arrears. These were people verified by the past

administration of the PDP, and not a dime was owed to anyone by our government. A taboo is going on in Imo State.

“Worse still, ten thousand (10,000) real Imo pensioners have also been classified as ghost pensioners, and the government has refused to pay them for twenty-two (22) months. This wicked act has led to the death of many of these senior citizens who served our state with their intellect, their skills and the brawn of their youth. These unpardonable atrocities were alien to Imo State when PDP was in power. Not a single pensioner was left unpaid by our government!

“Further, the intimidation of labour union leaders and mindless use of thugs and other instruments of coercion against Imo workers have now been elevated to that status of state policy in Imo. During the March 2023 Delegates Conference of the Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, armed agents of the government went and

unleashed mayhem on innocent Comrades in an attempt to impose weak leadership on the union. Yet, during the 2023 May Day celebration in the state, the same agents of the government invaded the venue and levied total war against the workers. Many were injured. This madness must stop forthwith!

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State stands firmly with Imo workers through these dark times. We are prepared to walk with them every step of the way to ensure that their rights and privileges are never trampled upon any longer by this dictatorship of the day. We urge them to remain strong and resolute and never to yield to the shenanigans of this alreadyfailed and outgoing government.

“As a political party, we remain committed to our founding values, namely the creation of a free society underpinned by responsible governance, rule of law, respect for the rights of individuals and workers, and the creation

of enabling environment for enterprise to flourish. Imo workers will soon have a breath of fresh air. That is our assurance. That we must do!

“We, therefore, invite Imo workers, and indeed all Imolites, to join forces with us in our determined agenda and program already set in motion to unseat this cancerous government of Senator Hope Uzodinma on November 11, 2023, so as the take-back Imo and make it safe again for everyone.”

Delta APC refutes calls by LG boss on zoning Senate Presidency to South-East

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has refuted calls on the national leadership of the Party to zone the Office of the Senate President to the SouthEast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Recall that the Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government Area in Delta State, Norbert Sochukwudinma had in a statement appealed to the Party’s national leadership to zone the position to the SouthEast.

The Delta State APC’s rebuttal was signed and made available to journàlists by its Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo.

Onojeghuo said, “The Delta State leadership of the Party wishes to set the records straight by rebutting and stripping these interviews of all their worth.”

According to Onojeghuo, “The views canvassed by the Aniocha South LGA Chairman do not in any way reflect the position of the Party in the state on the zoning of principal offices of the 10th Assembly. Pastor Sochukwudinma, went beyond his bounds with such sweeping comments on the issue.

“The APC in Delta State is of

the firm position that the zoning of principal offices of the 10th Assembly is the discretionary responsibility of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Party.”

He said, “These press interviews he granted were without the authorization of the Party leadership in the state. The statements credited to him are personal sentiments anchored on overzealousness and being uninformed.

“The leadership of the Party

in Delta State regards Pastor Sochukwudinma’s action as an uncouth affront to the duly constituted hierarchy of the Party.

”Despite several verbal reprimands by well-meaning leaders of the Party to desist, he continued on the path of ignominy in order to satisfy parochial, rather than the large interests of the Party. His conveyance of the impression that local government Chairmen of the Party in the State and

other zones are in sympathy with the position he expressed is an outright illusion, erroneous and should be discountenanced in its entirety.”

Onojeghuo further warned that “The Delta State APC will not tolerate nor condone such deviant acts of indiscipline from officials of the Party. The granting of ignorant and unapproved press interviews based on unguided whims is capable of painting the party hierarchy in the state to the

national leaders of the party in a very poor light. It is therefore unacceptable.

“Consequent on the foregoing, the Delta State APC wants to sound a note of warning to all party officials, at the state level, local governments and the wards, that any future reckless and unauthorized media comments without clearance from the State Party leadership would be viewed as an infraction and met with commensurate sanctions.”

Inconclusive Reps election: Akwa Ibom group threatens legal action against INEC

By Christiana Ekpa

Agroup, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance, has threatened to institute legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to conclude the re-run elections for the House of Representatives seat in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of the state.

Recall that INEC had cancelled the supplementary election of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, held on Saturday, April 15, over cases of violence by suspected thugs.

The Resident Electoral

Commissioner, Cyril Omoregbe, while announcing the nullification, said INEC would not uphold a process that has been marred with violence and irregularities.

It was gathered that during the rerun, suspected fake army officers invaded some polling units and attacked electoral officers and voters, resulting in the shooting of a National Youth Service Corps member.

However, the group, in a press statement signed by its chairman, Barr Stephen Abia, and made available to journalists in Uyo on Friday, also begged the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman

Baba, to investigate and bring to book all the perpetrators of violence at the bye-election that led to the shooting of a corps member on legitimate electoral duties.

Abia explained that the 17 polling units in Itak remain the focus of the bye-election as they have over 6, 000 votes and would be a deciding factor on who could be the next representative for the constituency.

He added that it would not be fair, if the people of Itak who have the highest vote strength, were denied the privilege to exercise their rights due to the unfortunate incident.

While calling on INEC to fix a fresh date for another rerun, Abia called for adequate security during the polls so that people’s confidence in the electoral umpire would be restored.

“We are calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to fix a fresh date for the conduct of the House of Representatives Election of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of the Akwa Ibom State.

“The people of the area needed to exercise their constitutional right of voting; any failure to yield to the people’s demand, we will have no option but to seek legal redress,” Abia said.

Uzodinma

POLITICS

Only APGA can decide Anambra 8th Assembly Speaker — Hon Okechukwu

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

As penetrations and permutations deepen for the leadership of the incoming 8th Anambra State House of Assembly, Ejike Okechukwu, a re-elected lawmaker has stressed that the Speaker would be determined by the party with the absolute majority, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Okechukwu, who is

representing Anaocha 2 state constituency in the outgoing 7th legislature, opined that out of the 30 seats in the 8th assembly, APGA secured 16 seats while other political parties shared 14 seats amongst themselves.

He therefore added that the outcome of the state assembly election in Anambra, puts APGA at a vantage position to decide the leadership of the House of Assembly in the next dispensation.

The House of Assembly

Committee Chairman on Education told our correspondent exclusively that he was qualified to be the next Speaker but it was not in his powers to determine instead it is ultimately the exclusive preserve of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to choose amongst its returning members who rightly fit to preside over the affairs of the 8th legislature.

He said, “The issue of the Speakership of the House of Assembly is either in God’s hands

or in the hands of the party that produced the majority members in the House.

“If you look at the constitution of the next House of Assembly, you see that APGA has 16 members which gives them absolute majority and other political parties have 14 members. So it now behoves on APGA as a political party to look within the 16 members and see who and who are competent enough to pilot the affairs of the House in the 8th

10th NASS: NILDS cautions on divisive parameters for leadership selection

By Christiana Ekpa

As contests for emergence of leadership of the 10th National Assembly hosts up among contenders for the positions of President of Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives , the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS), has cautioned on parameters to be used .

Fielding questions from journalists covering the Senate in his office on Friday, the Director General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman said in stemming the tide of divisiveness that is pervasive in our polity now , parameters that will promote national integration and development, should be used.

According to him, since elections have come and gone , issues like votes gathered from one zone to the other in deciding where position of NASS leadership should come from , should not be prioritized above

those of competence , patriotism , commitment on Nationhood etc.

“Issues being thrown up by contenders in the race for leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly and their supporters are a bit worrisome by tending towards divisiveness and not cohesiveness .

“What should be parameters for selecting or electing Presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly , should be competence , experience on legislative practices and procedures , commitment on Nationhood etc, from the contenders and not those that are purely sentimental.

“Issues that border on national unity should be prioritised far above other ones in the process of selection or election of presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly”, he said .

He added that the knowledge gap created by high turnover of legislators at both chambers , would be filled by capacity -

building workshops already planned for legislators of the 10th National Assembly . For further deepening of democratic governance in the country , Professor Sulaiman disclosed to journalists that

Democracy Radio set up by the Institute for that purpose, would be commissioned by the end of this month just as Legislative Centre for Security Analysis set up by the Institute, will also become operational very soon .

assembly and advise memberselect on that.”

Although the lawmaker noted that members elect principal officers by themselves, he was equally cognisant of the fact that the party with the majority must always have one or two advice for their members, which he said was the reason for party politics. That if he eventually becomes the Speaker having won his reelection on the platform of APGA, then to God be the glory.

Niger Assembly set up C'ttee to investigate activities of ex-SUBEB chairman

By Christiana Ekpa

Niger State House of Assembly has constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the activities of the immediate past chairman of Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Isah Adamu.

Osun guber: APC, PDP throw punches over Supreme Court judgment

By Musa Baba Adamu

Ahead of the adoption of the addresses by the affected parties in the Osun State gubernatorial contest at the Supreme Court in Abuja, the Osun All Progressives Congress, APC has revealed that it has reliable information on plans to create tension and heat the polity in Osun.

The Osun APC in a statement by its acting Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal on Thursday also alleged that the PDP in Osun had perfected an arrangement to hire political hoodlums to besiege the Supreme Court.

The statement said, “The Osun APC reliably gathered that

the state chapter of the PDP had perfected an arrangement to hire fifty 18-seater buses to convey political hoodlums to Abuja to besiege the Supreme Court to give a false impression of the acceptability and popularity of the embattled Governor Ademola Adeleke in the state.

“Information has it that material and financial logistics to aid the shady and obnoxious assignment have been deployed to those who are involved.

“It was also learnt that each of the local government chapters of the PDP in the state has also been tasked by the leadership of the party in the state to engage in show-of-strength protest across Osun while those in Abuja will

be creating needless scenes of shame at the Supreme Court.”

Describing the leaked plan of the PDP as ridiculous, and undiplomatic, Osun APC enjoined the Osun Commissioner of Police and the heads of other security agencies in the state to quickly investigate the development, arrest and prosecute those planning to disrupt the sociopolitical peace in the state.

Reacting, the Osun PDP dismissed the APC’s claims describing them as hallucinations.

In a statement by the Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, the party called on the APC to act responsibly by stopping deceit which it said accounted for its defeat in recent several elections

in Osun State.

The PDP affirmed that it has faith in the integrity of the apex court, saying, “Osun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has attributed recent lies and falsehood spewing from the state APC as a consequence of extreme hallucinations arising from the advanced stage of depression within the APC leadership.

“We have an unshaken belief that the Lord justices will reaffirm the foolproof judgement of the Court of Appeal. Osun people, Governor Adeleke and the PDP will laugh last and give all praises to our God of justice,” the statement concluded.

The SUBEB chairman is being accused of mismanagement of public funds in the state.

The committee was set up by members of the House to be chaired by member representing Bosso Constituency, Honourable Malik Madaki Bosso and given one week to report back to the house.

In another development, during plenary, four bills scaled through first reading before the house.

The bills include for a law to establish Niger State College of Nursing and Midwifery, a bill to establish Niger State Investment Promotion Council, a bill for a law to establish Public Service Training Institute Minna as well as bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Niger State Sports Commission.

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EDITORIAL Absurd! Kill it

Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom has consistently remained in the news for the past few months, albeit controversially. The latest is his proposed bill for bogus life pension for himself and past governors of the state. In the bill which has provoked concerns in Benue state and beyond, the outgoing governor is seeking to, among others, have monthly pension approval running into millions to be paid to him and his deputy for life. And, according to the proposal, the bill is to have retrospective effect to cover former chief executives of the state and their deputies, such as Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam. Prince Ogiri Ajene and Chief Steven Lawani.

Recall that on April 11, 2023, Governor Ortom had proposed a pension Bill to the State Assembly titled, “A Bill for a Law to make Provisions for the Maintenance of Former Governors of Benue State and their Deputies and for Other Matters Connected Thereto.”

Section 2(a)(i) makes provisions for the payment to all former governors a monthly “stipend”, which is equivalent to the “salary” of an incumbent governor. Section 2(a)(ii) makes provisions for the payment to all former deputy governors, a “stipend” equivalent to the “salary” of an incumbent deputy governor, while Section 2(b) provides for a building of permanent residential accommodation in any town and state of their choice.

Also, Section 2(c) and (h) makes provisions for four new cars every four years for former governors and two for former deputy governors, which shall all be maintained at the expense of the state.

Similarly, Section 2(d) and (e) provide for six personal staff for former governors and three for former deputy governors, all to be paid by the state, and Section 2(f) provides 24-hour security surveillance and guarding for all former governors and deputy governors.

Section 2(g) provides for free medical treatment for them, their wives and children, and Section 4 provides that former governors and deputies be entitled to two and one annual vacations abroad respectively.

It smacks of elite conspiracy to backdate such a contentious law to accommodate past leaders, an indication of desperation to give the bill some measure of credibility. This is more so as strong indications are rife that Ortom’s predecessors are not on the same page with him on this matter. We also believe that the bill which has

already passed first reading on the floor of the Benue State House of Assembly is not driven by altruism and general good of the state, but by palpable self protection and preservation drive.

We concede that Benue is not the first state in the country to embark on this ambiguous project of making stupendous life pension provisions for their ex-governors. Lagos, Akwa-Ibom and Rivers are among other examples; and some of them have even extended the largesse to principal officers of their state legislatures. But the case of Benue is different because it can simply not afford this luxury.

No doubt, those familiar with the state would acknowledge that unlike others, its internally generated revenue is nothing to write home about, and that probably was the reason Ortom’s predecessors avoided the temptation to introduce the law to the state. If the state could not afford this luxury under the watch of Akume and Suswam when things were a little bit better, it should not by any means contemplate it now that the whole world knows that Benue is far from being buoyant.

More worrisome is the accumulated huge salary and pension burden, in addition to quantum loans, a task the incoming administration has to grapple with. Aside pensioners whose monthly stipend arrears are in years, Benue teachers, state and local government workers are said to be be owed 11, 8 and 10 months salary arrears respectively. Feelers from the state also suggest that teachers and workers have taken to farming and petty trading in order to make ends meet, prompting questions as to what legacies the outgoing government of Ortom wants to be remembered for.

We advise the the governor to immediately withdraw the contentious bill to save the poor state from the yoke of debt burden. For many in the state, and even beyond, the vicissitudes of the past eight years will not be forgotten in a hurry. And the bill, if allowed to pass, will compromise the integrity of the fragile economy of the state. And it is for this reason that we view the governor’s proposal as misplaced. We urge members of the Benue State House of Assembly to not only discard the bill, but also proceed to demand explanation for the humongous federal allocations and sundry resources that have accrued to the state since May, 2015. By that, we believe that the legislators will demonstrate patriotism by standing with the state and its people, rather than with avaricious politicians.

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OPINION

The dangers of human trafficking in northern Nigeria

By Mustapha Abdulrazak

In Nigeria, children make up the largest group of trafficking victims. They are trafficked for many reasons, from domestic service, sexual exploitation, being used as child soldiers, forced begging, organ harvesting and even forced surrogacy in “baby farms” where they are impregnated and made to give birth. Of the people trafficked in Nigeria, the highest proportion are girls between the ages of 12 and 17.

The vast majority, like the victims, are transported within Nigeria.

The trafficking of children in Nigeria for domestic service, sex work and forced surrogacy is rampant and lucrative.

An instance happen says her uncle’s wife told her that they wanted to take her with them to Lagos, where she’d be taken care of and sent to university.

“With so many promises, I was very, very excited,” she says, shyly, telling her story for the first time. “I immediately said I wanted to go with them.”

At the time, it happens that the girl was 16 and living Nigeria’s north, in a rural village about 350 kilometers (210 miles) from the bustling commercial capital, Kaduna.

Her life at home was hard. Her parents struggled to provide enough food for her and her 10 siblings and were quick to agree to her move.

The girls falls silent — for a long, long time. When she starts talking again, her words tumble over each other in her effort to get them out.

What has happened since was nothing like what she was promised, she says.

Instead of attending school, she wakes now at 3 a.m., her days passing in a blur of domestic chores and babysitting her uncle’s triplets.

She gobbles down her food to avoid getting in trouble for loafing — she fears the punishment. Once when she didn’t get out of the car quickly enough, her aunt slammed the car door on her hand. Despite the excruciating pain in her fingers, that evening she still had to wash the triplets’ clothes by hand.

To add to the horror of her life in Kaduna, she is sexually abused by her uncle. He barges in on her while she is bathing and enters her room late at night.

“Even when I try to stop it by locking my door inside before I sleep, it was a problem because he then starts treating me badly and then told me I shouldn’t ever lock the door when I’m sleeping,” she says.

“Every night before I sleep, I always cry and wet my pillow,” she says, adding that she can’t even ring her parents to tell them what is happening because she doesn’t have a phone, or the money, to make a call.

The girl, who has been working for her uncle’s family for four years now, is a victim of child trafficking.

That is when children and young people are tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes, and are then moved somewhere and exploited for someone else’s gain.

In Nigeria, children make up the largest group of trafficking victims. They are trafficked for many reasons, from domestic service, sexual exploitation, being used as child soldiers, forced begging, organ harvesting and even forced surrogacy in “baby farms” where they are impregnated and made to give birth. Of the people trafficked in Nigeria, the highest proportion are girls between the ages of 12 and 17.

The vast majority, like the victims, are transported within Nigeria.

Whether someone moves 10 kilometers from one community to another, or thousands of kilometers to another continent, the “common denominator” for human trafficking is “exploitation,”

As this case is often relatives, friends or trusted community members who either directly exploit trafficked children, or who procure the child for someone else.

Poverty is seen as the root cause of making children vulnerable to trafficking.

Pro-workers Governor’s Award: As Inuwa Yahaya Takes The Shine

By Ismaila Uba Misilli

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), a coalition of various senior staff unions of different sectors, on Saturday, April 29, 2023, conferred on Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya the Outstanding Pro-labour Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to promoting a decent work agenda.

The award was presented to the governor during the TUC’s maiden Award Night and Dinner which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to the national president of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, Governor Inuwa was chosen among the 36 states of the federation and the FCT for the award due to his administration’s prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, and clearing of backlog of gratuities owed retirees by previous administrations in his state as well as his outstanding contributions towards the promotion of workers rights and welfare.

Without any shadow of doubt, Governor lnuwa Yahaya of Gombe State stands out among the pack as the most progressive state governor in terms of improving the welfare and well-being of workers.

Apart from ensuring prompt payment of salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities, the governor has also provided workers with state-of-the-art working tools and facilities to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

Indeed, it is on record that Governor Inuwa Yahaya, more than any other state chief executive in Nigeria, has laboured tirelessly and relentlessly to improve the lot of the workers, both in his private and official capacity, utilising the meagre resources at his disposal.

For instance, from day one, the Gombe helmsman directed that salaries and other emoluments of Gombe State workers be paid not later than the 24th of every month to curb incessant delays in salary payments, which was the unfortunate hallmark of the past administrations.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s innovative civil and public service reforms raised the tempo with the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms ( BPSR) as well as its strategic arms, the State Reforms Council and the Steering Commitee to foster efficiency and ensure quality and resultoriented service delivery in the state’s workforce.

The governor also eradicated politicisation of appointments in the civil service, ended the unhealthy rivalry in the system, mandated the installation of modern IT tools and office equipment in all the ministries, parastatals and agencies in Gombe State, while funds have been released for breakneck training and retraining of all categories of staff to meet the challenges of the global community.

At present, Gombe, with its relatively modest federal allocation is been one of the first states to pay its workers the N30,000 minimum wage, while some oil producing states that receive whopping monthly allocations have failed to do so.

During the TUC award ceremony, Comrade Festus Osifo was full of praises for the Gombe State governor, particularly for his concern about the plight of pensioners in his state and for putting smiles on the faces of the senior citizens, who he said have served the government diligently, loyally and meritoriously, by paying their pensions and backlogs of gratuity.

Recall that Governor Inuwa had, for the fourth time in less than 4 years, put smiles on the faces of senior citizens comprising state and local government retirees.

He had in February this year paid N3billion as the backlog of gratuity to over 5000 LG and state retirees.

“So far, we have paid a total sum of N7.9bn out of the N21bn backlog we Inherited from the last Administration,” the governor declared during a ceremony to flag off the payment at the Government House.

With Inuwa Yahaya at the helm of affairs in Gombe, the era of civil servants working and dying without enjoying their gratuities and pensions are over.

He told the retirees: “You have laboured in the service of our dear state, you must also enjoy the fruits of your labour.”

The APC- led administration inherited a backlog of over N21billion gratuities for both the state and LGA retirees from the past administration. State pensions obligation was over 14billion, while that of LGAs was over 7billion, bringing it to a total of over N21billion in 2019.

But notwithstanding the gloomy situation on ground when he came to power, the governor has consistently kept faith with all the promises he made.

As of today, Inuwa has paid state pensioners their 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 entitlements with the total payout for state retirees standing at N6.6billion.

Also, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has broken numerous records in the area of youth employment. For instance, he engaged thousands of youths in planting and nurturing over 4 million trees under the Gombe Goes Green Project, while over 2,000 youths have also been employed in the Gombe State Security,Traffic and Environmental Corps (G-STEC). About 1,000 youths have also been employed under the At-Risk Children Programme (ARC-P) and another 3,000 youths engaged as development facilitators working for the progress of their various communities.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has also employed over 1,000 fresh teachers through the Gombe State Teachers’ Service Commission, distributed over 1,000 KekeNapep tricycles to youths to keep them gainfully employed, even as a data base has been established, which has captured over 30,000 unemployed graduates to link them with jobs in the private and public sectors.

In addition, over 20,000 women and youths have been trained in various skills acquisition programmes, with take-off grants and working tools, while the soon to be completed Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park is targeted to create over 100,000 jobs in the agro-allied agroprocessing and agro-entrepreneurship sectors.

Indeed Gombe workers have never had it so good, and with the infrastructural and developmental landmarks being embedded by the action-oriented Governor Inuwa Yahaya, it is little wonder that Gombe State is now the best in ease of doing business for the second time running and the most favoured destination for foreign direct Investment further boosting employment opportunities for the teeming population.

It is against this backdrop that the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria adjudged the governor of Gombe State the outstanding, progressive, compassionate and workerfriendly governor in the entire country.

– Misilli is Director General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe.

Mustapha Abdulrazak writes from Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi.

Retail CBDCs pose unpredictable risks to financial system, says IMF

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), says a myriad of unforeseeable consequences could be brought about by retail central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Georgieva spoke in a recent interview at the Milken Institute’s 2023 Global Conference.

She said the IMF considers retail CBDCs to have far more room for error than wholesale CBDCs.

Retail CBDCs are digital currencies designed for public use while wholesale CBDCs are for use by certain regulated financial institutions.

The enaira, Nigeria’s digital currency, is a retail CBDC.

“We think that wholesale CBDCs can be put in place with fairly little space for undesirable surprises, whereas retail CBDCs completely transform the financial system in a way that we don’t quite know what consequences it could bring,” Georgieva said.

She said the IMF was collaborating with about 50 countries to ensure that best practices are adopted regarding CBDCs.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has consistently encouraged Nigerians to embrace eNaira as an alternative to cash transactions.

Earlier in the week, Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, said over 1.4 million transactions have passed through the eNaira platform from inception till date.

“The advent of the Corona Virus pandemic (COVID-19) no doubt triggered rapid advancements in financial technology leading to speedy digitisation of money and finance,” the CBN governor said.

“The CBN took advantage of the opportunity by launching the eNaira in October 2021. The eNaira was developed to broaden the payment possibilities of Nigerians, foster digital financial inclusion, with potential for fasttracking intergovernmental and social transfers.

“Since its launch, the CBN has continued to modify its features to make it more accessible to a wide range of users.

“Today, one does not need a smartphone to use the eNaira as it has become compatible with all generations of mobile devices (old and new).

“Till date, over 1.4m transactions have passed through the eNaira platform.”

TAJBank unveils Osita Iheme, Saratu Daso as Brand Ambassadors

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s leading non-interest banking services provider, on Wednesday announced Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) and Saratu Daso as brand ambassadors in furtherance of its marketing strategies to popularize its technopowered innovative products and services in the grassroots and deepen financial inclusion in the country.

Speaking during the occasion of the unveiling of the brand ambassadors at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamid Joda, who also listed Uzee Usman, Aisha Falke (Northern Hibiscus) and Hauwa Jalilah as Brand Influencers of the non-interest lender, said the emergence of the ambassadors and influencers followed a rigorous selection process by a brand expert team constituted by the management for the purpose.

Joda explained that the initiative was based on the customer-oriented business philosophy of TAJBank and aimed at leveraging the Brand Ambassadors and Influencers’ selfless services and commitment to poverty alleviation in the grassroots to take the TAJBank customer-focused services story to millions of under-served and unbanked people across the nooks and crannies of the country.

He said: “Today’s event is epochal in our efforts to tell Nigerians and the global community that TAJBank is determined to serve them better and bringing joy to as many as are ready to bank with us. As you can see, these Brand Ambassadors and Influencers have carved a

•three others as brand influencers

niche for themselves as highly responsible players in the movie industry over the years.

“By their actions, they are people-oriented and socially responsible, especially through their financial and other supports to the needy in the society. This aligns with the corporate philosophy of TAJBank, which is to care for the needy through interest-free innovative products and services. So, as our partners in the brand and marketing drive for TAJBank, we are optimistic that millions of customers, who are “our only interest” will immeasurably benefit from this

partnership”, Joda assured.

In his remarks, one of the Brand Ambassadors, Osita Iheme, said he was very proud to join TAJBank in its “commitment to poverty alleviation in the country, particularly at a time more and more Nigerians are being pushed into poverty trap. I am taking the TAJBank brand to anywhere I go from now and tell the people that TAJBank is the bank to bank with because it cares for all.”

Also, Aisha Falke, who is one of the newly announced three influencers of the non-interest lender, told journalists at the sidelines of the event that “I am

so proud to have emerged as one TAJBank’s Influencers today. Let me assure the management that I will do my best to take the bank’s mantra, which is “our only interest is you, the customer” to my followers and admirers both locally and internationally.

“TAJBank is a futuristic and innovative non-interest that can stand by its customers through thick and thin and offer them the best services at no interest charged. The bank’s message is clear - innovative service at no pains - and I am ready to take this to everywhere I go”, she added.

Access Holdings gets regulatory approval to buy Angolan Bank

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

Nigeria’s biggest lender

Access Holdings received the second of the three regulatory approvals for the deal involving its takeover of Finibanco Angola S.A., the group said in a statement issued Wednesday.

The move followed authorisation from the Central Bank of Angola.

The phase that requires both parties to meet regulators’ demands will be concluded in the days ahead, with the final authorisation expected from the Angolan Competition Authority.

That will set up Access Bank

(Access Holdings commercial banking subsidiary) for the decisive stage of the acquisition, where the lender expects “to initiate completion of other customary conditions precedents to close the transaction.”

Prior to the announcement, the deal had been sanctioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The group disclosed last October Access Bank had in place a binding agreement to procure a majority shareholding of 51 per cent in Finibanco, which runs over 20 branches in Angola.

The shares to be purchased through the transaction are to come from Montepio, the holding

company for the Portuguese lender Banco Montepio.

According to the latest plan, Access Bank is setting sights on scaling the stake up to 80 per cent, having entered into an agreement with minority shareholders of Finibanco, who are keen to offload their holdings.

Finibanco kicked off banking services in Angola in 2008 and is now worth $300 million in total assets.

Early in April, Access Bank had $300 million injected into its operations from its parent company in the form of a Tier 1 capital qualifying mandatory convertible instrument. The cash

will “supplement the capital needs of its African expansion strategy,” Access Holdings said.

“The Bank (Finibanco) brings a lot of value-add and expertise that will act as a positive catalyst to foster greater innovation and promote the deepening of the financial sector in Angola, while complementing our strategic growth objectives in the broader SADC region,” said Herbert Wigwe, CEO Access Holdings.

Access Holdings total assets came to N15.7 trillion at the end of March, according to its earnings report for the first quarter of the year.

L-R: TAJBank’s Ambassador, Hajiya Saratu Gidado; Managing Director TAJBank, Mr. Hamid Joda; TAJBank’s Influencer, Hauwa Jalilah; the bank’s Executive Director Mr. Sherif Idi; and TAJBank Influencer Hajiya Aisha Falke (Northern Hibiscus) during the unveiling of the Bank’s Ambassadors and Influencers in Abuja

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

ANigerian airline, Air Peace, has accused officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of storming the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, to disrupt their operations on Wednesday morning.

In a statement which was posted on its official Twitter handle, the airline said the officials of the labour unions also took over their check-in counters.

It said the labour unions had written to them on Tuesday and instructed them not to fly into Imo State from Wednesday because the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, allegedly disrupted the labour unions’ May Day celebration in the state on Monday.

Peoples Daily reported that the labour unions had threatened to shut down the state from Wednesday and asked all their affiliates in the state to withdraw

Air Peace accuses NLC, TUC of disrupting its operations

their services from Tuesday midnight over alleged disruption, looting and vandalisation of their properties during the workers’ day celebration.

But Air Peace said the company has no “affiliation” with the state government and that the company was only committed to flying Nigerians who paid for the services.

The company claimed the attack was “selective” given that another unnamed Nigerian airline was allowed to operate into the state.

“While they (NLC & TUC) do this, another Nigerian airline was allowed to operate into and out of Owerri (the state capital). They are disrupting over 110 flights of Air Peace. This particular illegal action of NLC and TUC will lead to over N700 million loss to the airline,” the company said in the statement.

“It will equally lead to massive disruptions and cancellations of our flights across the country today (Wednesday), and that will snowball into the coming days, too.”

Air Peace claimed the NLC had “attacked” the company before during their protest against N18,000 minimum wage fixed by the Nigerian government, despite the fact that the company’s minimum wage at that time was N50,000.

“It is more worrisome that security agencies are watching while an airline that is discharging its duties to the country is being harassed and hounded by unions at these airports.

“We do not understand why Air Peace and aviation should be selected for this kind of treatment. Why are they not stopping road

transport workers who are going to Imo State? If they have a grouse against Governor Uzodinma, that should be taken to Imo State,” the company stated.

“We use this opportunity to alert the Nigerian flying public that all our flights will be disrupted today (Wednesday) and in the coming days because cancellations will follow.

“Any flight we fail to operate today due to this illegal occupation of our operations will lead to cancellations in most sunset airports. Who is going to take responsibility for this? We feel highly unprotected,” it added.

Aviation minister insists Nigerian Air will commence operation before May 29

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

With less than four weeks to the swearing-in of a new administration, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika on Wednesday again reiterated that indigenous airline, Nigeria Air, would take off on or before 29 May.

The minister restated the government commitment while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

“I think three weeks is a lot of time. By the special grace of God it will fly.And don’t forget we didn’t start today. We started this in 2015,” Mr Sirika said.

The minister explained that they drew up the roadmap and got the transaction advisors in 2016.

The nation’s proposed national carrier was unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in England on 18 July 2018.

The project was suspended two months after it was announced amidst concerns over its relevance and sustainability. The airline was expected to gulp $8.8 million in preliminary cost and $300 million as take-off cost.

The national carrier idea was raised many years after Nigeria’s defunct carrier, Nigeria Airways, collapsed due to corruption and poor management.

Last month, Mr Sirika, hinted that the controversial national carrier will commence operation before the swearing-in of a new administration on 29 May.

“Operation of local and international flights will commence soon. Before the end of this administration, before May 29, we will fly,” Mr Sirika said then, adding that “Negotiation meetings with the Ethiopian Airlines Group Consortium and the Federal Government of Nigeria are ongoing. Next step: Federal Executive Council approval of the Full Business Case.”

While recounting some of the

successes achieved so far in his reign at the aviation ministry, the Minister said more than 50 per cent of the airlines in the country today were licensed under the Buhari-led administration.

“One of the airlines, United, that went to court today, we gave him the licence–the Buhari government and he’s never been to the office of the minister. He didn’t even know it. We gave him the licence. The first time I saw him was at the commissioning of Ogun airport,” Mr Sirika said.

“Rano Air, Uza Air, all of them. Even Air Peace, which is the biggest airline, when we came in 2015 how many airlines did they have? The growth and robustness of Air Peace is because we gave them the enabling environment as a Buhari government to do it. So, we didn’t stop anybody from doing it.”

Based on this, the minister emphasised that the Buhari administration will give Nigeria the airline it deserves for the market, for the population, for the centrality and for everything.

Speaking on sustainable plans,

Mr Sirika said: “Well, we are committed and luckily it is APC that will be in power again. We are committed to this project. This project is good for the Nigerian economy, for the travelling people.”

“You will all agree with me that unfortunately from the time of Cabo, Okada, Harco, Chanchangi, Albarka, and the rest of them, about 60 of them went down the

drain,” he noted.

“But it’s an individual choice. And no one has stopped any airline in Nigeria, Max Air, United, all of them, they will go and bring in competencies but if they want to run it the way they are, it’s their choice and their business, but we will get them to do it and give Nigerians what they deserve,” the minister said.

Mr Sirika assured Nigerians

that the indigenous airline will be established and the incumbent government has no choice but to run with it.

“And the reason is 95 per cent is not government owned 95 per cent is owned by entrepreneurs. So the coming of the next government which is APC, won’t throw the investment away because it’s not their government so it will continue,” he added.

Access Bank gets Angolan Central Bank’s nod for majority stake in Finibanco

From Abubakar Yunusa,Abuja

Access Holdings says its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc, has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Angola for the acquisition of a majority equity stake in Finibanco, an Angolan Bank.

Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary, made this known in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), on Wednesday.

Finibanco is a full-service commercial bank with over 20 branches and around $300 million in total assets in Angola.

The organisation, in October

2022, had said it would buy an equity stake of 51 percent in Finibanco.

The bank said the transaction would be effected through the purchase of existing shares owned by Montepio — the holding company for Banco Montepio, one of Portugal’s commercial banks.

Giving updates on the deal, Ekwochi said the Access Bank intends to acquire a total shareholding of over 80 percent at the end of the transaction, by buying additional shares from minority shareholders.

He said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had approved the transaction.

Ekwochi added that the bank expects to receive the approval of the Angolan counterpart authority in the coming days, “which would complete the requirements for regulatory approvals for the transaction, enabling the bank to initiate completion of other customary conditions precedents to close the transaction”.

“The bank has also signed agreements with minority shareholders of Finibanco Angola S.A. who have expressed an interest to sell their shares concurrently and targets to attain a total shareholding above 80 percent in Finibanco Angola S.A. at the completion of the

transaction,” the statement reads.

Commenting on the development, Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer (GCEO), Access Holdings, said the organisation is pleased to be well-positioned to “join the select league of banks providing highvalue financial services to highgrowth businesses and the rising consumer sector in Angola”.

“The bank brings a lot of value-add and expertise that will act as a positive catalyst to foster greater innovation and promote the deepening of the financial sector in Angola, while complementing our strategic growth objectives in the broader SADC region,” he said.

•”We feel highly unprotected.”

Weekend MagazineEntertainment

Tribunal cancels ‘Domitilla’ trademark registration ruling that Njemanze acted in bad faith

Domitilla’ is the title of a movie produced in 1996 by Zeb Ejiro, which starred Njemanze as the lead character.

Annie Njemanze’s registration and application of ‘Domitilla’ as a trademark have been cancelled by the Trademark Tribunal in Abuja.

The ruling, which was delivered by Chief Registrar Shafiu Adamu Yauri, stated that all documents issued to her were done in error.

This legal dispute arose from a disagreement over the ownership of the brand Domitilla between veteran filmmaker Zeb Ejiro and actress Anne Njemanze.

The movie, which featured veteran actresses such as Sandra Achums, Ada Ameh, and Kate Henshaw, tells the story of a young woman struggling to survive as a Lagos prostitute.

Njemanze reportedly trademarked the name Domitilla and Device in September 2020, years after the release of Domitilla and its sequel. Ejiro’s team of lawyers challenged the registration, stating that the brand had been in use since 1996 and fell under class 41 of the Register of Trademarks in Nigeria.They also argued that Njemanze knew of Ejiro’s prior and continuous use of the name since 1996, as she had acted in both Domitilla and Domitilla 2 and was paid for her work.

The court ruled, “The Petitioner owns the statutorily protected copyright of the film scripts of Domitilla and Domitilla 2, which were handed to the applicant in the course of her engagement as an actress in 1996 and 1999 respectively.

“Since the respective release of the films in

1996 and 1999, the films have continuously been in the market, first in video Cassettes; later in Compact Discs and now majorly as internet downloads all under the proprietary name of the Petitioner.

“The applicant has no goodwill and reputation in the word, “Domitilla”, separate from her role in the films Domitilla and Domitilla 2, which are intellectual properties of the Petitioner.

“The Petitioner has continuously used Domitilla as a created film character and as the title of his films, “Domitilla” and “Domitilla 2” since 1996 till date, thereby building strong goodwill and widespread reputation in the word.”

The reboot of the film is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.

Genevieve returns to social media for 44th birthday...to the delight of many fans

Prior to her birthday message, she hadn’t tweeted since December 31.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Genevieve Nnaji, the renowned actress, marked her 44th birthday on social media after being absent from it for several months.

he posted a new photo of herself with the caption “plus one” on her Twitter page. Furthermore, she used her Instagram stories to share birthday greetings from her friends, including Waje, Stella Damasus, Uche Jombo, Funke Akindele, and Ini Edo.

It is worth remembering that in May,

rumours began circulating online that the actress was struggling with mental health problems after she deleted all of her posts and unfollowed all accounts on her verified Instagram account.

However, her team subsequently refuted these allegations. Since then, Nnaji has been mostly absent from both social media and Nollywood events.

The only public appearance made by the legendary actress was at the 2022 edition of the Creative African Nexus in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where she spoke to diplomats about the significance of promoting development in Africa’s film industries.

Weekend Magazine

In May 2021, Chidinma took to Instagram to announce her shift towards gospel music and Christian ministry.

Chidinma Ekile, well-known Nigerian singer and songwriter who recently transitioned to becoming a gospel artist in 2021, has disclosed that she was born visually impaired

In a video posted on her YouTube channel, she shared that her parents faced significant challenges in attempting to address her medical condition, and after all their efforts failed, they turned to God.

Miraculously, she regained her sight, and her mother, without her knowledge, made a vow to dedicate her to God as a result.

She noted that despite opening her eyes, her mother informed her that they were blood red, which became another concern, causing them to grasp at straws for help.

“I was born blind actually, I didn’t open my eyes at all, and that became a challenge. My parents tried all that they could to get me to see. Without my

Chidinma Ekile reveals she was born blind, shares journey to regaining her sight Yul Edochie

knowledge, my mum made a deal with God,” she said.

Chidinma further details other parts of her journey and how she has now chosen to move with God. The singer mentioned that, being a “covenant child,” she wasn’t able to be at her best in her life areas without God, hence she decided to fully let it all depend on him.

She also used the video to urge people to find their way to God, whom she describes as “the source.”

In 2010, Chidinma rose to prominence by winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Her ‘Emi Ni Baller’music video propelled her to new heights, as she became the first female artist to reach number one on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart.

However, in May 2021, Chidinma took to Instagram to announce her shift towards gospel music and Christian ministry. She debuted her first gospel single, ‘Jehovah Overdo,’ that same month. Her debut extended play, New Season, was released on August 20, 2021.

Award-winning actor Yul Edochie has sent an appreciation post to Nigerians in response to their love and support for him and his family. The fact that the actor lost his first son to the cold hands of death weeks ago has continued to buzz around the internet.

thanked family and friends for their letters, calls, and visits to provide support and pray for his son and his family.

“I thank you all for the condolence messages,

condolence visits, calls, care, and prayers you all offered for my son and for my family. The love and concern have been overwhelming. I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you from the depths of my heart. May God bless you abundantly. Thank

Nigerians for Their Condolences Over the Death of His Son: “The Love Has Been Overwhelming”

Seyi Law’s family gets death threats for supporting Tinubu

Well-known Nigerian comedian Seyi Law has revealed that a troll sent a highly offensive message to his wife due to his political affiliation.

Seyi Law had publicly supported Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was elected President of Nigeria in the 2023 elections. This drew criticism from many people on social media.

However, Seyi Law did not let the negative comments affect him, and he recently shared a video of his successful gig on Twitter, taking a swipe at those who thought he wouldn’t get work because of his political stance.

He wrote, “Good mrng to the amazing people who don’t see political differences

as a reason to wish evil on anyone. In the minds of some people, God will not allow SEYILAW to have events so that we can say we told him. God is not for you alone. Olori ibu, a ba tanije. This ilaje song is 4 you.”

The post generated a discussion on Twitter about the insults and attacks Tinubu supporters faced during the election. Seyi Law joined in the conversation by sharing a screenshot of a malicious message his wife received from a troll who wished their daughter dead.

ICT/INNOVATION

The growing demand for ICT in the automotive industry

The world of technology breaks through all barriers of industry. Global research and data have shown that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has become a key enabler of economic growth, by way of improving and instilling new business agility and reaching new channels.

If there’s one thing that South African businesses have become acutely aware of in recent years, it is the importance of ICT in growing their revenues. Now more than ever, with global giants like China and Japan leading the technology innovation front, it is imperative South African companies are active on many fronts of emerging and disruptive technologies and are supplying the market with relevant products and services.

The future is here!

We are living in an era of advanced technology, where mindblowing discoveries are emerging and impacting our lives daily. Across the world, technology has played a critical role in improving people’s lives, as inventions and innovations continue to drastically change how people live, what they do and how they do it.

A new dawn is here, as we steer toward the advent of a Fourth Industrial Revolution, an era that builds and extends the impact of digitisation in innovative ways. A world involving entirely new capabilities for people and machines; in which technology becomes embedded within societies and even our human bodies.

The ICT sector is vital to every industry that operates today. From automation to increasing efficiency, unlocking new business ideas and potential, to increasing revenue streams. It is rapidly changing the way every industry works, and the manufacturing industry is no different.

As we forge ahead into this new industrial revolution, internet, computing and scientific advances are making marked waves across manufacturing; transforming

the way we produce goods. From advances in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and production materials, to changes in government expenditure and legislation, there’s never been a more exciting time to be in the manufacturing industry.

South Africa is home to a substantial automotive manufacturing sector that is increasingly integrated with the global automotive industry, and remains the biggest vehicle market in Africa, accounting for 37% of new vehicle sales on the continent.

The 2018 Automotive Export Manual (AEM), released in May, revealed that 2017 vehicle and component production (with the auto sector being the largest manufacturing sector in the country) accounted for 30.1% of South Africa’s manufacturing output. The yearly export manual, compiled by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa and Automotive Industry Export Council executive manager, Dr Norman Lamprecht, highlighted that the automotive industry “...is and will remain essential to the growth and success of the South African economy.”

Although South Africa produced 56,4% of Africa’s vehicle production in 2017, the industry remains relatively small in a global context and was ranked 22nd in respect of global vehicle manufacturing with a market share of 0,62%. As a country, we compete against major automotive forces such as China, India, Thailand and Mexico, amongst others, for investments and exports.

With this in mind, if the South African automotive sector is to remain competitive, it must sustain rapid innovation cycles and pay attention to emerging and potentially disruptive technologies. New automotive technologies must be implemented, pioneered and deployed.

ICT: the driving force for economic growth

The automotive industry is key to the future of manufacturing in this country. Recently, Trade and

Industry Minister, Rob Davies, stressed that development of new infrastructure within the industry, as well as technology and the necessary skills development, were imperative.

“We need to establish a technology and skills road plan that takes account of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The introduction of digitisation and the disruption that is occurring in production is predicted to have a much more rapid disruptive effect as we move further forward,” he said.

The implementation of ICT in automotive manufacturing is increasingly important in a highly competitive world. Not only does it enable technologies for lowered costs of manufacturing, adding value to core business processes; it also supports the development of systems for future automotive requirements.

Automotive ICT products have become crucial for advancing the automotive industry over the last decade and will become even more important in the next decade and beyond. Today, for example, a luxury car has up to 100 microcomputerbased systems that control nearly all aspects of the car’s operation.

Technology can enable automotive manufacturers to accurately calculate production times, synchronise production, and improve planning and control. This ultimately leads to not only reduced costs but also improved quality.

Recent growth in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) market points to the hundreds of potential use cases for AI in manufacturing, making this area one of the most invested-in by the global venture capital community. Robotics is increasingly being adopted in manufacturing to increase product quality, yield rates, reduce operating costs and improve time-to-customer production performance.

Nurturing an evolving tech labour force

With employer demand for tech talent routinely outstripping supply, there has been a global shift in the education sector, with an inherent focus on enabling workers to acquire

better skills and other competencies, particularly “21st-century generic skills” and more technical skills. However, in South Africa, there are not enough people, women in particular, who have the necessary skills to access the tech labour force.

When I founded Belgium Campus in 1999, our initial motivating factor was the need to build a new nation, with talent being sourced from the grassroots levels up; all while bringing higher education, research and industry together to get graduates ready for the real world. Our pioneering programmes and models represent a solution for closing the ever-growing gap between supply and demand as well as promoting higher female participation in tech careers.

The specialisation programmes we offer at Belgium Campus develop our young students into ICT experts, as they continually broaden their horizons by participating in the various innovations being pioneered by our staff and students in collaboration with local government and education partners around the world. All activities undertaken in our speciality hub, the Botlhale Village, are intended to improve the lives of community members in this region.

We believe in social development as a premise to ensure that our society grows and that opportunities are created for everyone in our communities. It is here in this hub, that ICT is applied in innovative ways to provide benefits in areas where they impact on the community and bring about a transformation in their daily lives. This is the essential tenet for change in our country and around the world.

The ICT sector is at the forefront of creating solutions, products and services that have never existed before. This is what makes the ICT sector so alluring and fascinating. One’s limitations are only as wide as one’s imagination. We understand the revolutionary power of ICT and spearhead many innovations with educational and corporate partners, students and government. By empowering our students to innovate

and revolutionise their worlds, we have seen brilliant and astonishing solutions flow through our campus. Innovations range through a multitude of industries, illustrating how ICT is leading the charge in making tomorrow something completely different from today.

The way forward

The latest Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index (GMCI) study found that nations who invest in exponential manufacturing technologies and innovation ecosystems will emerge more competitive than those who choose to compete on price alone. Higher value, advanced products, and processes that require excellent product quality and deliver greater margins are driving faster, permanent innovation.

With this in mind, South Africa’s desire to become an automotive investment destination of choice will be contingent on its drive toward modernisation and implementation of ICT and new tech innovation. One important consideration is the trend towards emerging green technologies. Demand has shifted towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles and, globally, environmental issues have hiked up the political agenda.

The automotive industry in South Africa remains a vital component in the country’s economy and Africa as a whole.

The industry plays both a strategic and catalytic role in economic development and in the coming years, will be filled with new and exciting developments changing the way manufacturers work, improving processes and shifting the employment landscape.

By providing a platform for the development of future technologies, businesses and government alike could lead the charge in making ICT a fundamental enabler for automotive companies to meet current industry challenges, which include changing consumer behaviour, a growing and evolving manufacturing market and the need for improved fuel efficiency.

Source: www.bizcommunity.com

Transforming the future of the automotive industry

HEALTHY LIVING

Social, behaviour change, primary enabler for health promotion — Enahire

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, says Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is a primary enabler for health promotion in the country.

Ehanire, represented by Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director and Head of Health Promotion Division, FMOH, said this on Thursday in Abuja.

He spoke at the end of a dissemination meeting of the USAID’s Global Health Bureau flagship, SBC research and evaluation project in Nigeria.

The minister said that an overarching integrated approach, which comprised interpersonal, mid-media and intensive media, including vibrant social media, could serve as catalytic change agents in health promotion in the country.

While commending USAID’s Global Health Bureau and other stakeholders on the project, he said the project would equip the country with the data and evidence it needed to integrate proven and cost-effective social and behaviour change approaches into its programmes.

He said behaviour was a complex phenomenon, influenced by factors within the individual and beyond.

He said this was why the key evidence and insights from the project would be prioritised in the country’s Strategic Plan for Health Promotion Review by 2024.

Ms Sarah Werth, USAID Deputy Mission Director, said Breakthrough RESEARCH catalysed SBC by conducting stateof-the-art research and evaluation and promoting evidence-based solutions to improve health and development programmes around the world.

Werth said this was in partnership with a range of stakeholders, Breakthrough RESEARCH was identifying key evidence gaps and developing consensus-driven research agenda to guide priority investments in SBC research Programmes, and policy.

She said that the project was positively shifting healthseeking behaviours, improving provider behaviour, and fostering supportive social norms.

“Using cutting-edge research and evaluation methods, Breakthrough RESEARCH is addressing key questions related to SBC programming.

Such questions included: “What works?” “How can it work best?” “How much does it cost?” “Is it cost-effective?” “How can it be replicated, scaled, and sustained locally?”

Dr Paul Hutchinson, Technical Lead, Breakthrough RESEARCH,

Nigeria Tulane University, New Orleans, said the aim was to assess the effectiveness of integrated versus malaria-only SBC on malaria, family planning, MNCH+N behaviours and ideations among pregnant women and those with under 2 years children.

Hutchinson said that Behavioural Sentinel Surveillance (BSS) measured priority behavioural outcomes, including Malaria and family planning.

He said that BSS measured psychosocial influences or ideations – cognitive, emotional, social – theorised as intermediate determinants of behavioural outcomes.

He said that the study populations were pregnant women and women with a child under 2 years living within Breakthrough action programme areas in the 3 states (not representative at the state level).

He said that the study design was a cross-sectional and cohort components quasi-experimental and dose-response design and was conducted in September 2019, with midline and end-line plan.

He said that the sample size was 3,032 pregnant women and 3,043 women with a child under 2 years.

The sample methods were 108 wards across three states; census of pregnant women and random selection of women with children under 2 years.

According to him, data analysis, predicted probabilities of outcomes were derived, using

mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for ideational and sociodemographic variables – wealth, age, education and employment (respondent and spouse).

He said that the BSS baseline results were a first step for assessing the effectiveness and cost- benefit of integrated versus malaria-only SBC programs in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Dr Laura Reichenbach, Breakthrough RESEARCH Project Director, Population Council Washington,

said USAID/Nigeria invested in Breakthrough-Research/Nigeria (B-R/N), since 2019.

It was aimed to expand the evidence-based on integrated, multi-component health Programme and address priority programmatic research questions pertaining to SBC for Maternal and Child Health/Family Planning and Reproductive Health and malaria.

Reichenbach said that B-R/N would work closely with its sister project, Breakthrough action/Nigeria (B-A/N), to generate evidence that informed

programme implementation and adaptation.

She said that B-A/N was implementing SBC programming in eleven states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“B-R/N will work in a subset of these states, with a particular focus on those states where B-A/N implements integrated and malaria-only SBC Programmes (Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Zamfara).

“B-R/N Project is wrapping up its project activities in the country and it’s part of the end-of-project activities,” she said. NAN

Delta partners media, others to deepen awareness on TB

The Delta government has urged partnership with the media and all stakeholders to deepen awareness on the danger of Tuberculosis (TB) in the state.

The call was made on Wednesday in Asaba at a one-day training workshop for journalists and media workers by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with its technical partners, KNCV and Breakthrough Action Nigeria with support from the USAID.

Dr Christian Tetsola, Director, Department of Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, in a welcome address, said the prevalence of TB was alarming and taking a high dimension in the state.

He noted that there was an urgent need to mobilize committed efforts of all stakeholders to spread awareness and educate the people of the state on the danger of the airborne disease.

He said that TB if detected early was treatable but for ignorance and lack of awareness, many suffer and die from the disease.

“Tuberculosis is one of the oldest contagious disease that many people don’t know it is very common around us.

“Here in Delta, many people don’t know that TB is real and that the disease is treatable

and preventable if diagnosed early.

‘This is why this training workshop for journalists is very important because the media is a critical stakeholder in our crusade to spread information about public health.

“However, we must all take action because tuberculosis is here with us. It is so bad that we are seeing the high rate of TB in the state,” he said.

Tetsola added, “the campaign against TB must be intensified if we must achieve positive results and that is why we need the media in this respect.”

He expressed the state government’s displeasure over the poor attitude of the people in utilizing the public health facilities in the state.

According to him, most people shy away from undergoing test and treatment that would help early detection and check the spread of the disease.

The director used the medium to appealed to health workers in the state to exhibit good attitude at work places towards patients who visit health facilities to seek counsel or treatment.

In his presentation at the workshop, Dr

Emmanuel Ajumuka, the Senior Programme Officer for KNCV Nigeria, said that resistance from patients was a major challenge in the campaign against the disease.

He said, “one of the problems we are having in Delta state is that most diagnosed TB patients always refuses to continue with their treatment and drugs.

“Most people who go to health facilities for treatment, don’t want to submit their sputum for test that would help facilitate early treatment.

“Also, many parents who take their children for treatment always refuse to bring stool samples.

“They will say that they do not want someone to use their children stool for ritual purpose, you can imagine their belief.”

Ajumuka said that available records showed that four out 20 persons tested TB positive and mostly children were impacted.

He, however, urged parents to allow their children undergo diagnosis and treatment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training workshop was attended by selected media workers and public health information officers in the state. NAN

NEWS EXTRA

Onuah: Meet Nigerian Journalist who covered 8 Heads of State and Governments

By Egena Sunday Ode

Today, family members, friends and other well wishers of Mr Felix Onuah will gather at Estie Events Centre, Karu, FCT to honour the gentleman veteran journalist as he clocks 60.

He would have this rare privilege of gathering his ever-busy colleagues together due to his kind disposition towards people, high or low.

Onuah is a gentleman in the true sense of the word, who is not given to too much talking. Always at his duty post on his seat at the extreme of one of the middle rows at the right side of the Briefing Room in the State House.

Whenever there’s an assignment or even at ordinary times, he is likely to be at the venue whether at the Briefing Room or any other designated venues earlier than most of the younger reporters.

And because he talks less and never joins in unnecessary discussions, you would have to look carefully to his sitting area to be sure he’s there. He would reply your greetings half smiling and either shake hands with you or wave at you depending on the distance from where you send the greetings.

There were occasions when I would not realize that he was on his seat until he answered greetings from our colleagues, even though I usually sat directly behind him at the press gallery. He is damn quiet!

Mr Onuah or Mr Felix as his colleagues at the State House Press Corps fondly call him has earned the respect of every journalist covering the beat as well as officials of the State House by his share dedication to the journalism profession coupled with his gentle disposition.

Onuah is a dogged journalist. If he has a story to pursue, there’s nothing on earth you would do to dissuade him. He would remain focused on his goal no matter the body language or demonstrated cold attitude of the news source. He would asks his questions pointblank at all times.

That is vintage Felix Onuah, one of the shining lights of modern journalism in Nigeria today.

Mr Onuah has mentored many journalists especially those covering the Presidency. Aside from professional assistance to younger reporters in the course of their duty, some of his colleagues have shared

experiences of how the senior journalist had come to their rescue in times of one form of distress or the other.

He’s a man you will never see shout at any of his colleagues no matter the level of provocation. He’s always calm and in good control of his emotions. If he gets involved in an argument that is getting our of hand, he would quietly withdraw for peace to rain.

There’s no doubt that it is Onuah’s professionalism, dedication to duty, excellent interpersonal relationship and hardwork that has guaranteed his stay in the State House for about 32 years, covering the Presidency from Dodan Barracks in Lagos to Aso Rock in Abuja.

It’s therefore no surprise that Mr Onuah ranks among a few Nigerian journalists that have earned a presidential accolades on their birthdays.

In a statement yesterday celebrating the journalist, President Muhammadu Buhari had kind words for him. The President described the Reuters World News Agency correspondent, Onuah as a journalist who had maintained high level of professionalism over the years through objective and informed reporting.

The statement which was full of encomiums and signed by the Presidency spokesman, Garba Shehu reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Felix Onuah, one of the longest serving State House correspondents, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

“Onuah was first assigned to cover the State House in 1991 and since then has continued on the job for several media organizations.

“In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari.

“As a government that values the importance of press freedom and

freedom of expression to democracy, the President commends the State House correspondent for Reuters World News Agency for maintaining a high standard of journalism over the years through objective and

informed reporting, free from any political interference.

“The President trusts that the versatile journalist, who is a calm and courageous voice among his colleagues in the State House Press Corps, will continue with the remarkable legacy of delivering news about Nigeria and the seat of government with insight, integrity, balance and knowledge.

“President Buhari joins family, friends, colleagues and members of the State House Press Corps in wishing the veteran journalist with 36 years of experience more prosperous years in health and vitality.”

Mr Felix Onuah

“

In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari

2023 Hajj: NAHCON, NNPC strike deal on aviation fuel

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said it had reached an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) for availability of ‘Jet A’ fuel for seamless transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement issued by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the commission, on Friday in Abuja.

Hassan advised the approved air carriers for this year’s hajj to meet the NNPC for briefing and perfection of the arrangement.

The chairman said that the commission decided to consult with the aviation experts to seek professional advice.

He assured that the commission would work with the advice of industry’s stakeholders in the interest and safety of Nigerian pilgrims.

Hassan said that steps had already been taken by the commission to curtail any possible drawbacks in the transportation of

pilgrims once it commenced.

“In order to ensure ceaseless supply of Jet A fuel for the purpose of the airlift, NAHCON has made arrangements with NNPC to that end,”he added.

On his part, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Musa Nuhu, stated that his organisation had inspected all the designated hajj airlift airports to take stock of all security and functional facilities.

He called on the selected carriers to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of engagement that they would sign.

The director-general also advised the air carriers to meet up with the requirements that would be spelt out in the agreements as NCAA was ready to sanction any possible non compliance.

He decried the issue of delay and cancellation of flights experienced during the 2022 hajj, saying that they had ripple effects on hajj operation in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Nuhu sad: “Over this perpetual bottleneck, NCAA was earlier invited by General Authority on Civil

Aviation (GACA) to measure the level of effect it has on Madina and Jeddah airports’ Hajj operations.

” Hence, NCAA has laid down stringent measures to avoid

cancellations and flight delays this year.”

He also expressed concern over the closure of the airspace of the war-torn Sudan. NAN

Access to skilled midwives, panacea to preventable maternal deaths – UNFPA

Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UN Population Fund (UNFPA), has emphasised access to skilled midwives as one of the most important ways of averting preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

She said this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Hajiya Kori Habib, the Media Associate of UNFPA, on the occasion of the 2023 World Midwife Day in Abuja on Friday.

This year’s edition of the celebration has “Together Again: From Evidence to Reality” as its theme.

International Day of the Midwife 2023 She described the occasion as “a moment to champion universal access to skilled midwives as one of the most important ways to avert preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

“If every pregnant woman has access to a well-trained, caring midwife, we would be much closer to a world where every childbirth is safe.’’

Kanem, however, said many health systems had continued to treat midwives poorly in terms of pay, working conditions and opportunities to cultivate skills,

adding that “a global shortage of 900,000 midwives had reflected the assumption that midwives were not essential healthcare workers.’’

According to her, midwives save lives around the globe, and that more mothers and babies survive and thrive in countries that invest in capable midwifery workforce.

The executive director, who reiterated the call for investment into midwifery, said such calibre of health workers provide essential information on sexual and reproductive health, including family planning.

She explained that they also help people to navigate often-sensitive issues in a variety of contexts, including in humanitarian settings.

She added that “midwives are often the only healthcare workers serving people in hard-to-reach places.

“The consequences of not having enough skilled midwives are alarming.’’

The UNFPA boss warned that the decades of progress in preventing maternal deaths had grounded to a halt as a result of minimal investment in midwifery, saying “every single year, 287,000 women globally lose their lives giving birth.

“Also, 2.4 million newborns die

and an additional 2.2 million are stillborn. It doesn’t have to be this way.”

She affirmed the imperatives of universal access to midwives, saying it offered the best and most cost-efficient solution to ending preventable maternal deaths.

Kanem stressed the need to close the deficit in the number of midwives around the globe so as to prevent maternal and newborn deaths, “and to save over 4.3 million lives a year by 2035.’’

She reiterated the strong advocacy of the UNFPA for quality midwifery care in 125 countries, including Nigeria, adding that “evidence shows that competent midwives can provide 90 per cent of essential sexual and reproductive health care, yet they are underutilised and in short supply.

“They account for only 10 per cent of those currently providing services.

“Midwife-led care models improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce costs.”

She pledged the commitment of UNFPA to continue to lead global drive to invest in midwifery, including through the groundbreaking State of the World’s Midwifery report.

“From 2009 to 2022, UNFPA helped countries to educate and train 350,000 midwives in line with international standards to help improve the quality of care they provide.

“More countries today are moving toward Universal Health Coverage, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.’’

She said that such created an opportunity to take a step that was long overdue, to formally recognise and treat midwives as essential, respected healthcare providers.

Kanem said “every woman has the right to lifesaving healthcare. Midwives are critical to help make that happen.

“On this International Day of Midwives, let us fully acknowledge the skills and contributions of midwives and invest in them to safeguard lives, protect the health and wellbeing of women and newborns and communities at large.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that every year on May 5, midwives are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to saving lives and ensuring the health and wellbeing of women and newborn babies.

NAN

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (5 March 1943 –8 Dec.1997

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua GCON 5 March 1943 – 8 December 1997) was a Nigerian military officer and politician who was the de facto vice president of Nigeria as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters when Nigeria was under military rule from 1976 to 1979. He was a prominent politician during the latter transition from military to civilian rule in the late 1980s and into the 1990s.

Early life

Yar’Adua was born in Katsina into a titled family. His father, Musa Yar’Adua, was a teacher who later became the Minister for Lagos Affairs from 1957 to 1966 during Nigeria’s First Republic and held the chieftaincy title of Tafidan Katsina before he was appointed to the title of Mutawallin Katsina (keeper of the treasury).Yar’Adua’s grandfather, Malam Umaru, was also the Mutawalli, and his younger brother Umaru Yar’Adua, who later became the President of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010, held the title as well. His paternal grandmother, Malama Binta, a Fulani from the Sullubawa clan, was a princess of the Katsina Emirate and a sister of Emir Muhammadu Dikko.

Yar’Adua attended Katsina Middle School and then Katsina Provincial School (now Government College, Katsina) for his secondary education; at the provincial school, where he was classmates with current Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari. At the urging of his father and his father’s friend, defence minister Muhammadu Ribadu, Yar’Adua took the entrance exam of the Nigerian Military Training College.[4] He passed and was enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1962 as part of the course 5 intake of the Nigerian military training school. Yar’Adua was selected for further training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He was turbaned as the Tafidan Katsina by the Emir of Katsina Muhammadu Kabir Usman.

Military career

In 1964, after he returned from Sandhurst, Yar’Adua was posted to the first infantry battalion of the Nigerian Army in Enugu under the command of Col Adekunle Fajuyi as second lieutenant. From 1964 to the end of the Nigerian Civil War, he held various positions including platoon commander in 1964, and from 1965 to 1966 adjutant of the First Infantry Battalion in Enugu. He was a battalion commander in 1967, and in 1968 became a Brigade Commander. During the civil war, he commanded the 6th infantry brigade under the leadership of Murtala Muhammed, commander of the second division. In October 1967, Yar’Adua was given the responsibility for the capture of Onitsha after two (2) unsuccessful attempts by the Nigerian troops.

In 1975, he was an active participant in the military coup d’état that deposed

General Yakubu Gowon as Nigeria’s Head of State. After the success of the coup, he served as Transport Minister in General Murtala Muhammed’s regime. As Transport Minister his major task was to decongest the Lagos port. Prior to the coup, officials of the previous regime had ordered 16 million tonnes of cement to build military barracks around the country. However, the berthing facilities of the port were inadequate. The financial implications became more striking because the Nigerian government was liable to pay demurrage fees by the shippers. The Muhammed regime decided to transfer some of the cargoes to neighboring ports and introduce cement management firms to clear and sell the cement and build the new Tin Can Island Port.

Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters

Following the 1976 Nigerian coup d’état attempt, which resulted in the assassination of Murtala Muhammed, Yar’Adua became the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. The new regime was a triumvirate of power consisting of General Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State, Shehu Yar’Adua as Chief of Staff SMHQ, and General Theophilus Danjuma as Chief of Army Staff. As head of the SMHQ, Yar’Adua was the de facto second-in-command. Yar’Adua who was from the northern aristocracy was relied on heavily by the triumvirate to consolidate power in the north.

His office was assigned the task of managing operations of Operation Feed the Nation, a self-reliant agricultural policy of the new Obasanjo regime. Operation Feed the Nation, known as OFN, was an initiative to boost local production of agricultural produce, especially staple crops such as rice and wheat, so as to improve self-sufficiency of food crops and reduce growing food deficits. Mechanisms used to promote the objective included the distribution of heavily subsidized fertilizers and seeds to farmers, loans to small scale farmers to enable them to purchase equipment, and an educational outreach programme manned by Corpers to teach peasant farmers how to use modern agricultural equipment.

However, by 1979 the policy had not achieved its primary goal of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Yar’Adua also guided the Supreme Military Council’s initiatives on local government reforms which led to the conduct of local government elections in 1976. The local government reforms excluded traditional rulers from certain governance issues and limited their control over property rights. The reforms also granted recognition to local government as a third-tier arm of government.

In 1979, the regime transferred power to the civilian elected government of Shehu Shagari ushering in the Second Nigerian Republic which lasted from

1979 to 1983. The triumvirate later retired from the military.

Political career

General Ibrahim Babangida started his political transition program in 1987 with the establishment of a Political Bureau, and a Constituent Assembly was later inaugurated to deliberate on a proposed draft constitution. Though Yar’Adua was not a member of the assembly and a law had proscribed certain old breed politicians from political activities, his associates represented his political leanings at the forum and was active in the formation of political associations during the transitional period.

Yar’Adua and his group formed the People’s Front of Nigeria; Members included Babagana Kingibe, Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu, Magaji Abdullahi, Ango Abdullahi, Ahmadu Rufa’i, Yahaya Kwande, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Wada Abubakar, Babalola Borishade, Timothy Oguntuase Akinbode, Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Sunday Afolabi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Tony Anenih, Chuba Okadigbo and Abubakar Koko.

The People’s Front later merged with other groups to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The People’s Front and PSP, became the two dominant factions within SDP. However, Yar’Adua’s group was very organized and able to win the majority of the elective posts within SDP. During the Governorship and House of Assembly elections, SDP had a slight numerical edge over the opposition National Republican Convention (NRC).

In January 1992, Yar’Adua spent a short stint in detention, jailed for contravening a law banning certain persons from active politics. However, the law was repealed and Yar’Adua subsequently announced his presidential election. His campaign political structure covered the country; he had a national campaign directorate, and each state had its own campaign coordinator and ward mobilizers. Members of his campaign group included former PDP chairman Anthony Anenih, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former minister Dapo Sarumi, Bola Tinubu, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila and Sunday Afolabi. Yar’Adua was leading the SDP presidential field before results were annulled. A new election was later conducted on June 12, 1993 which was won by M.K.O. Abiola. After the June 12 elections were annulled, the Yar’Adua faction negotiated an arrangement for the inauguration of an interim government. In November 1993, the interim government of Ernest Shonekan was booted out and Sani Abacha became the new military Head of State, disbanding the political parties.

In 1994, Yar’Adua won a seat representing Katsina to a new National Constitutional Conference. He was an outspoken delegate and in early 1994

organized a political conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalist office in Lagos that earned the attention of the military leadership who detained him for four days.

Arrest and death

In March 1995, General Yar’Adua alongside Olusegun Obasanjo, Lawan Gwadabe and others were arrested on allegations of plotting a coup to overthrow the General Sani Abacha regime. He was sentenced to death by a military tribunal in 1995, after calling on the Nigerian military government of General Sani Abacha and his Provisional Ruling Council to re-establish civilian rule. The sentence was commuted to life in prison but he died in captivity on 8 December 1997.

Personal life

In 1965, Shehu Yar’adua married Hajia Binta and they have five children, including Murtala Yar’Adua, former Nigerian Minister of State for Defence.

Wealth

After retiring from the military, Yar’Adua established a holding company called Hamada Holdings with several business interests in shipping, banking, publishing allowing him to amass a vast private fortune.

Source: wikipedia

Shehu Musa Yar’Adua

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Coronation procession route, what to look out for and when

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of King Charles III as he travels between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey before and after his coronation on 6 May.

Soldiers and royal footmen, marching bands and ornate coaches, magnificent horses and an Irish wolfhound called Seamus will all be taking part in the UK military’s largest ceremonial operation for 70 years - and it will all end with a spectacular fly-past. Here is what to look out for.

The day will begin at 10:20 BST with the relatively modest King’s Processionthe first of two processions on Saturday - in which the King and Queen Consort Camilla will travel from Buckingham Palace to the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey.

They will travel in the horse-drawn Diamond Jubilee State Coach, created in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne.

The coach, accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry, will head down The Mall to Trafalgar Square, then along Whitehall and Parliament Street before turning into Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary.

The 1.42-mile route will be flanked by 1,000 members of the military from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Almost 4,000 armed forces veterans and NHS and social care workers have been invited to watch from specially built grandstands in front of Buckingham Palace.

The 200-strong procession is expected to arrive at the abbey at 11:00 for the service.

How to follow events live

The service and both processions will be broadcast online, on TV and radio but you can also follow events on big screens in London’s Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and sites around the country.

If you are planning to watch the processions up close along The Mall and Whitehall, viewing areas will be open from 06:00 on Saturday 6 May and are expected to get very busy. The big screen areas in Hyde Park open at 05:00.

Gun salutes mark crowning

About halfway through the two-

hour coronation ceremony, gun salutes involving 400 personnel will mark the moment St Edward’s Crown is placed on the King’s head.

Twenty-one rounds will be fired at 11 locations around the UK - including Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast - and on Royal Navy ships at sea.

And in London, a 62-round salute will fire at the Tower of London, along with a six-gun salvo on Horse Guards Parade.

Coronation Procession to Buckingham Palace

After the ceremony, in the second procession of the day, the King and Queen Consort will travel back to the palace in the ornate Gold State Coach as part of the Coronation Procession - a much larger ceremonial display than the morning’s procession.

At the head of the procession will be Brigade Major Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw riding Sovereign’s Shadow, about a mile in front of the coach.

The Gold State Coach, which is covered in gold leaf and carved decorations, was first used by King George III to travel to the State Opening of Parliament in 1762 and has been used at every coronation in the last 200 years.

The panels feature Roman gods, and sculptures of cherubs and tritons ride on the roof and over the wheels.

Queen Elizabeth II, who used the coach for her coronation as well as jubilee celebrations, said it might look luxurious but it was a horrible, uncomfortable ride because of the lack of suspension.

It weighs four tonnes and is pulled at walking pace by eight grey horses, with a mounted rider or postilion for each pair.

Alongside the coach, walk eight grooms, six footmen and four Yeomen of the Guard.

Also present will be members of the Royal Watermen, who traditionally rowed the Royal Barges up and down the River Thames between the royal palaces, but now have ceremonial duties.

Reports suggest the Prince of Wales’ three children, princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, will be in a carriage with their parents behind the Gold State Coach.

And more than 4,000 members of

the armed forces from the UK and across the Commonwealth, 19 bands and flagbearers will join them.

Among those taking part will be members of the Blues and Royals and Life Guards of the Household Cavalry, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Irish Guards with their mascot Seamus, the Irish wolfhound

The Ministry of Defence says Saturday’s event will be the largest military procession in London since more than 16,000 people took part in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation procession in 1953.

Some soldiers involved have returned to represent their regiments from operational duties or training exercises abroad, in places like Cyprus, Iraq, Kenya and Estonia.

And the Royal British Legion is providing a 100-strong guard of honour to line the procession route in Parliament Square.

The standard-bearers will represent the legion and seven other associated armed forces charities: the Royal Naval Association; Royal Marines Association; Army Benevolent Fund; Air Forces Association; Royal Commonwealth and Ex Services League; Merchant Navy Association; and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

The procession will leave the abbey and travel along Whitehall, past the statue

of King Charles I at Trafalgar Square, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall to the palace.

The coach is expected to make the 1.42 mile journey in about 30 minutes.

Once the procession has passed, members of the public will be allowed to move up The Mall to fill the area around the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.

The marching bands will keep a beat of 108 paces a minute, which is slightly slower than a standard quick march of 116 paces a minute, because of the speed of the heavy Gold State Coach.

The personnel on parade will also have to negotiate a tricky drill manoeuvre after marching down The Mall 12 abreast to pass through the gates of Buckingham Palace six abreast, without dropping their pace.

Royal Salute and three cheers

In a coronation first, all those marching will form up in the palace gardens where they will give a Royal Salute and three cheers to the King and Queen Consort.

The King and other members of the Royal Family will then proceed to the front balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the public crowds assembled in The Mall. Palace fly-past

They will then move to the palace balcony, with other family members for a fly-past at about 14:30 BST.

The six-minute fly-past will include

Covid global health emergency is over, WHO says

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Covid-19 no longer represents a “global health emergency”.

The statement represents a major step towards ending the pandemic and comes three years after it first declared its highest level of alert over the virus.

Officials said the virus’ death rate had dropped from a peak of more than 100,000 people per week in January 2021 to just over 3,500 on 24 April.

The head of the WHO said at least seven million people died in the pandemic.

‘Great hope’

But Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the true figure was “likely” closer to 20 million deaths - nearly three times the official estimate - and he warned that

the virus remained a significant threat.

“Yesterday, the Emergency Committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I’ve accepted that advice. It is therefore with great hope that I declare Covid-19 over as a global health emergency,” Dr Tedros said.

He added that the decision had been considered carefully for some time and made on the basis of careful analysis of data.

But he warned the removal of the highest level of alert did not mean the danger was over and said the emergency status could be reinstated if the situation changed.

“The worst thing any country can do now is to use this news as a reason to let

down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that Covid-19 is nothing to worry about,” he said.

The World Health Organization first declared Covid-19 to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in January 2020.

This signalled the need for coordinated global action to protect people from the new virus.

It will now be up to individual countries to continue to manage Covid in the way they think best.

Vaccines were one of the major turning points in the pandemic. According to the WHO, 13 billion doses have been given, allowing many people to be protected from serious illness and death.

But in many countries vaccines have

not reached most of those in need.

More than 765 million confirmed Covid infections have been recorded worldwide.

The US and UK, like many other countries, have already talked about “living with the virus” and wound down many of the tests and social mixing rules.

Dr Mike Ryan, from the WHO’s health emergencies programme, said the emergency may have ended, but the threat is still there.

“We fully expect that this virus will continue to transmit and this is the history of pandemics,” he said.

“It took decades for the final throes of the pandemic virus of 1918 to disappear.

“In most cases, pandemics truly end when the next pandemic begins.”

Source: BBC

NEWS FROM AFRICA

Sudan fighting: BBC reporter’s perilous journey to leave Khartoum

BBC Arabic reporter

Mohamed Osman has lived in Sudan for his entire life. When fighting broke out between rival military factions last month, he initially stayed to report on the conflict but in the end it became too dangerous. He reflects on the difficult decision to leave his homeland and make the perilous overland journey to Egypt.

Black plumes of smoke could be seen in the sky over the capital, Khartoum, adding to my impending feeling of doom. Despite a declared ceasefire, areas like Omdurman and Khartoum Bahri had already witnessed intense clashes between between the army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and both sides were bringing in reinforcements.

More worryingly, the sound of explosions was getting closer and closer to my neighbourhood - and so were the reports of intimidation of civilians by RSF fighters, which included allegations of car thefts and looting.

All of this pushed me to make the heartbreaking decision to leave.

Many people have fled Sudan since fighting began on 15 April

As a journalist covering the conflict on the ground, conveying what is happening to the world is vital.

But major difficulties such as the inability to move, poor internet and communication services, and most importantly,

the safety of my family and myself, made this departure inevitable.

Our journey started on 28 April. We left the house at noon, as it’s usually the time when the intensity of the fighting is somewhat reduced. We joined a group of people on a bus that left the city of Omdurman towards the border with Egypt.

But 10 minutes into our journey a warplane appeared in the sky, then really close to us RSF personnel opened fireaiming at the plane. Our vehicle was stopped and suddenly surrounded by armed fighters who wanted to know where we were coming from and where we were heading.

Clashes between the

Sudanese army and the paramilitary group RSF have intensified

My wife and children were terrified as the fighters pointed their guns at us. After looking inside our bus, the men allowed us to leave, only for another group of fighters to detain us again a few minutes later. That time, however, we were moved on quickly.

As we crossed the outer districts of Omdurman, we came across streets which were completely empty. Vehicles belonging to the RSF were scattered around, often parked on side streets or under trees to avoid being spotted by Sudanese military aircraft flying over the area.

As we headed west, the paramilitary presence gradually decreased and signs of normal life resumed. Many shops and popular cafes run by women were not only open but also busy and public transportation was operating, albeit at a slower pace than normal.

However, danger lurked in the form of occasional checkpoints and armed gangs. In the absence of security forces, robberies and looting are now on the rise. Luckily, we were able to avoid these areas thanks to information we obtained from contacts before we left Omdurman.

Upon our arrival at the state border between Khartoum and the Northern State, we did not

find the checkpoints that are usually set up by the Sudanese security forces. Instead, there were large numbers of private transport vehicles, all filled with people heading towards northern cities such as Merowe, Dongola, and Wadi Halfa.

We ourselves wanted to reach Wadi Halfa, which we did after a 24-hour journey. It was an extremely difficult trip along rough roads, during which the wind would often blow sand from the desert dunes, obscuring our vision. At night, we stopped at a cafe in the city of Dongola and rented beds to sleep on in the open air, without any blankets to protect us from the cold night.

In Wadi Halfa city, we witnessed the chaotic scene of thousands of families facing the lack of hotels or shelter to accommodate the large numbers of people fleeing the violence in Khartoum. Women and children were sleeping on the ground in public squares and at schools.

A 50-year-old woman told me she had been suffering in these miserable conditions for four days, without enough food or water, enduring scorching heat from the sun during the day and the bitter cold at night. She was waiting for a visa for her son, who will be taking them to Egypt.

At the border, I not only met people from Sudan but also other countries such as India, Yemen, Syria, Senegal, and Somalia. They were mostly students at Khartoum’s International

China hits out at Canada over claim it targeted MP’s family

Michael Chong put forward a motion in parliament in 2021 that declared China’s treatment of its Uighur population a genocide

China has accused Canada of “slander and defamation” after it said Beijing targeted a member of its parliament and his family.

On Friday, China said the allegation that it attempted to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong over his antiChina stance was “nonsense”.

Mr Chong, 51, previously accused China of human rights abuses.

Canada is considering expelling Chinese diplomats over the issue and summoned its ambassador on Thursday.

It follows a Canadian intelligence report that first emerged in the Globe and Mail newspaper, which said Canada’s spy agency believes China sought details about Mr Chong’s relatives in Hong Kong in an effort to deter “anti-China positions”.

The politician put forward a motion in parliament in 2021 that declared China’s treatment of its Uighur minority population a genocide. China has denied the accusations and sanctioned Mr Chong shortly after.

Mr Chong said that he has been briefed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and criticised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government on Thursday for not expelling a diplomat the spy agency suggested was involved.

“Like many Canadians, I have family abroad,” Mr Chong said in a statement. “(China’s) targeting of families abroad to intimidate and coerce Canadians here at home is a serious, national threat.”

Mr Trudeau said he only learned about the issue after the Globe and Mail report.

“CSIS made the determination that it wasn’t something that needed to be raised to a higher level because it wasn’t a significant enough concern,” he said.

On Thursday, Canada’s foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly said that she asked her deputy minister

to tell China’s ambassador, Cong Peiwu, that Canada will not tolerate interference in its affairs.

“What has happened is completely unacceptable,” Ms Joly said.

“All options including expulsion of diplomats remain on the table, as we consider the consequences for this behaviour,” she said.

Typically, summoning an ambassador is a diplomatic tool used by one country to publicly express anger or discontent against the other.

On Friday, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China was “strongly dissatisfied with Canada’s groundless slander and defamation of the normal performance of duties by the Chinese embassy and consulates in Canada”.

It has “lodged a strong protest” with Canada’s ambassador to China, she added.

The allegations come amid other intelligence reports that have accused China of attempting to interfere in Canadian elections.

Source: BBC

There is a sombre mood as people mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan

Michael Chong put forward a motion in parliament in 2021 that declared China’s treatment of its Uighur population a genocide

Feature

Buckingham Palace balcony guessing game goes on

Even at this late stage there is no confirmation about which members of the Royal Family will be on the famous balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Coronation service.

This will be one of the most iconic images of the day so nothing will be accidental about how it is staged.

The lack of certainty about who will appear on this royal stage has been presented as keeping something back for the big day.

Or perhaps it might be a bit of news management to avoid “Prince Harry banned from balcony” headlines? Or more dramatically could there be options being kept open for lastminute, surprise changes?

The balcony has become a key moment for the Royal Family to send a message.

On Saturday afternoon, after the procession gets back from Westminster Abbey, the curtains will be pulled back and a number of invited guests will step out on to the palace balcony, looking out over the gates and at the crowd below.

There has been an expectation this will be used to highlight the core group of “working royals”those family members who carry out official duties on behalf of the King.

As well as the King and Queen Consort, that would include close family such as the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Royal, along with other working royals such as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

That approach would make a distinction from “non-working royals” - specifically Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, who a year ago were banished from the most recent balcony moment, for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum

In 1953 for the late Queen Elizabeth’s coronation there were six separate balcony appearances

Jubilee. No such announcement has been made for the Coronation, although it has been confirmed that neither Prince Harry nor Prince Andrew will have any formal role in the ceremony in

the Abbey.

For the Platinum Jubilee in 2022 there were 18 people on the balcony, including the late Queen, and her second appearance on the balcony in the closing moments of the weekend

economic austerity.

Prince Harry will be attending the Coronation, and he’s expected to make a quick turn-around before returning to the US, but there would be no bigger platform than the balcony for sending an image of a family reunited.

The balcony, like a framed photo in the royal album, could also be a way of emphasising the line of succession, bringing together the King, Prince William and his son Prince George.

Another possibility might be several appearances with different line-ups, like the family group permutations of wedding photos.

In 1953 for the late Queen Elizabeth’s coronation there were six separate balcony appearances, with some of these including more than 30 family and friends.

Such a crowd scene would be unlikely to be the message for a modern monarchy wanting to project a smaller, more costconscious image.

Monarchs have been stepping out on to the palace balcony since Queen Victoria in 1851, using it as a showcase where royalty and the public can acknowledge each other.

Winston Churchill was one of the few politicians to appear on the balcony, seen here in 1945

Although it wasn’t until the 1930s that the Royal Family began to wave back - and with a leap towards modernity, from the 1980s the balcony became the place where royal weddings were celebrated with a public kiss.

And even though there are no fixed rules, the palace balcony has acquired its own rituals. The monarch is almost always at the centre, with others fanning out around them in a courtly pecking order.

Traditionally it’s only married partners of the Royal Family who appear, not current girlfriends or boyfriends, suggesting the sense of this being a permanent record.

This is very much a royal moment, but there have been rare occasions when political figures have appeared.

Wartime prime minister Winston Churchill was on the balcony to take the salute of the crowds when victory in Europe was declared in May 1945.

became one of the most poignant images.

Numbers had been cut back even further for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, when only six people were on the balcony, in a show of frugality at a time of

In 1938 prime minister Neville Chamberlain went on to the balcony after the signing of the ill-fated Munich Agreement with Nazi Germany.

On Saturday afternoon, we’ll see who appears beside King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Source: BBC

“ Another possibility might be several appearances with different line-ups, like the family group permutations of wedding photos.

The balcony line-up of the Royal Family in 2019 for Trooping the Colour

Queen Elizabeth II made six balcony appearances after the coronation

At last year’s Platinum Jubilee there was no place for Prince Harry or Prince Andrew

Future of Test cricket could be like Wimbledon, says Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale

The future of Test cricket might be short once-a-year events like the Wimbledon tennis tournament, according to Rajasthan Royals lead owner Manoj Badale.

One of the biggest issues cricket faces is the scheduling with some sides playing two series in two different formats concurrently in recent years.

Badale estimates some of the world’s best players can play cricket on 220-230 days of the year, across T20, one-day and Tests.

England Test captain Ben Stokes retired from one-day internationals last July saying “there is too much cricket” and players “are not cars” that can be “refilled and go back out there”.

“We can make Test cricket work if we make it more of an event,” Badale told the Tailenders podcast.

“We should have it at the same time every year, played between a small set of nations that can actually afford it and Lord’s becomes like a Wimbledon, an event that is the diary.

“The amount of times I hear arguments like ‘Ben Stokes wants to play Test cricket’ - that is important but what is really important is what the fans of the future want to watch and where are they going to spend their hard-earned money.

“We are going to have to think creatively about Test cricket if we want it to work.”

Last summer, England’s Test side faced New Zealand at home while their white-ball team toured the Netherlands.

In March a white-ball series in Bangladesh started one day after a Test tour of New Zealand finished.

India have regularly had white-ball sides on tour while another set of players is playing another format elsewhere.

“There are too many formats,” said Badale. “I would be more worried about the ODI game right now.

“It is difficult one for me because Test cricket is what you grow up on as a fan and I haven’t missed the first day at Lord’s for however many years, it is still my preferred format.

“But it is not about me, it is about what the 10-15-year-olds in India and across the world are thinking.”

‘T20s have got too long, T10 is going to be interesting’

A report in The Times last week said six English players had been approached about signing multi-year deals with their Indian Premier League franchises to play in multiple leagues across the world.

Seven of the 10 men’s IPL teams have sides in different leagues across the world including the West Indies, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and a USA-based league.

Former England and IPL all-rounder Ravi Bopara told the BBC Test Match Special podcast that the contracts are “coming” and “not a surprise”.

Badale said he expects franchises to “become bigger entities” and “play in more leagues”.

“I do genuinely believe in the next three to five years there are a number of choices that the administrators are going to make that are going to be really game-defining,” said Badale.

“We are the second most-popular sport in the world at the moment but our real competition is other forms of entertainment.

“We’ve got too many franchise leagues now so you can have a hierarchy of the IPL, some major leagues and then some minor leagues.”

Cricket has a long-held desire to get into the Olympic Games but Badale feels the current formats restrict the likelihood of that happening.

“I was at a game at the Wankhede [stadium in Mumbai] the other day and the game was 4 hours and 15 minutes - that’s too long, so I think in a way T20 has got too long.

“The T10 [10 overs per side] is going to

become an interesting one.

“The only way I can see cricket in the Olympics is T10, where you can get it done in 10 days.”

‘Don’t solve time issues with a new format’

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a new 100-ball competition in 2021 designed to attract a more diverse audience to the game and fit within a two-and-a-half hour slot for broadcasters.

There have been reports they are considering axing the tournament after no other countries adopted the format and after it had made losses of £9m in the first two years.

Badale feels the ECB should be willing to stick with the format.

“I don’t think the right question is ‘what are you losing?’, it is ‘what are you prepared to invest?’,” Badale said.

“People go on about the IPL now but there were hundreds of millions of dollars invested in the first five to seven years. Everyone forgets it was loss-making for years.

“I saw an article that the Hundred lost nine million dollars, that is irrelevant to me. If there is an economical model that works it could be huge.”

However, Badale said he doesn’t believe the solution was another format.

“I tend to agree that T20 works, why do we need another format?” Badale said.

“I do think administrators tend to prioritise trying to look different over what we should prioritise.

“The problem they were trying to solve with The Hundred is that T20 games were getting too long, and I do think four and a half hours is too long, but you don’t have to solve that by changing the format.”

The likes of Australia’s Steve Smith (front left) and England Test captain Ben Stokes (front right) have been purchased in the Indian Premier League draft by Manoj Badale (back left)

Erling Haaland record: Manchester City striker breaks Premier League record for goals in a season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has broken the record for most goals in a Premier League season.

The Norwegian scored his 35th league goal of the campaign against West Ham to move past Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole’s previous best of 34.

Haaland had already set a record for a 38-game season, beating Mohamed Salah’s 32 goals for Liverpool in 2017-18.

“It’s a special night and a special moment. I’m really happy and proud,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old has another five games to add to his tally.

“It feels amazing and I’m really happy and I’m also happy for the three points,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “In the end that’s what matters and I’m happy.

“Yeah, it’s going well and now it’s time to focus on game by game. I’ve said this for a long time and that’s what the team is doing. The team is so good and I’m happy.”

Haaland’s 35th top-flight goal of the season came via a deft finish in the second half of a 3-0 win against the Hammers that sent City back to the top of the league.

He was given a guard of honour by his team-mates, boss Pep Guardiola and the club’s backroom staff after the final whistle at Etihad Stadium.

“I’ve not seen it before either,” Haaland added. “It was a nice feeling scoring that goal, it always is.

“It was painful when everyone hit me on the back in the guard of honour.”

Cole’s 34 goals for Newcastle in 199394 were matched by Shearer as he fired Blackburn to the title the following year but there were 22 teams in the top flight in both seasons, giving them an extra four matches to play - Shearer started all 42 in his record season, while Cole missed two in his.

Haaland, in his debut season in English football, has set the new marker in just his 31st game of the year.

His 35 goals are also the most by a player in a single campaign in the English top division since Ron Davies scored 37 for Southampton in 1966-67. Dixie Dean holds the record with 60 in 39 games for Everton in 1927-28.

Haaland was given a guard of honour by his team-mates after the final whistle

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Sport: “Incredible. He’s just 22 - and still has five games left. How many games I made the substitution after a hat-trick in 60 minutes, maybe he’d have scored more. But maybe he’d have got injured. He’s special. Congratulations to him.

“We expected him to score goals but to break Cole and Shearer records ... I’m

pretty sure what he wants is to win the Premier League.”

More from Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. How many important goals he’s scored to win games, we are so satisfied.

“He’s a unique person and he’s so special. He deserved the guard of honour because it’s an incredible milestone. Another day he might break his own record. He’s scored a lot of goals!”

Shearer, writing on Twitter: “Couldn’t have wanted it to go to a nicer guy. It’s only taken 28 years!!!! He’s the best.”

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on Sky Sports: “Honestly, Erling Haaland is absolutely incredible. Astonishing scenes from a top, top individual.

“This is his debut season - to do what’s he has done is absolutely breathtaking.”

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s crazy. The way he came in and does this every day. He deserves everything he gets, he works so hard and he’s a top player.”

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think there are things he can improve. He has the thing that every striker needs: he can finish.

“He is the missing piece to what Pep Guardiola is trying to do. He wants the Champions League. They haven’t had

the person up top that was going to take those chances. They have him now.”

BBC commentator Vicki Sparks on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He is quite simply, for this season, the greatest striker the Premier League has ever seen. Fifty-one goals in a season in all competitions and you just wonder what records he will go on and break, now he sets his sights on that held by Dixie Dean for Everton, who is the only player to have scored more goals in a single season as a top-flight player in England.

“The numbers, quite simply, are extraordinary.”

Haaland gets guard of honour Haaland breaks the joint record set by Andrew Cole in 1993-94 and Alan Shearer in 1994-95

Former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Erling Haaland deserves it. His first season in the Premier League, breaking all kinds of records. In the second half he was the big difference.”

Former England midfielder Karen Carney on Sky Sports: “It’s quite unbelievable and Erling Haaland is so humble, he almost can’t believe it. He was quite shy going through that tunnel of team-mates at the end.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement and what a player. His movement is just different class.”

Haaland has scored 35 goals in 31 Premier League games this season

My random thoughts on the tyranny of the majority

In one of his more lucid moments, President Goodluck Jonathan said that democracy is work in progress. It may sound like a cliché but it is indeed so. No nation has fully perfected its democracy. It is still work in progress. Blame the human mind. It is an unchained rogue such that where two or more minds are gathered, there must arise disputes about goals and objectives. Democracy sways in the calm or inclement weather of shenanigans.

Watchers of developing nations, such as ours, assess their democratic progress through their elections. It is not a perfect means but it is the most practical means by which such an assessment can reasonably be made. An election is the highest form of competition for power. It has the capacity to ruin or disappoint democracy by narrowing the frontiers of its inherent rights and freedoms of choices. An election provides the basis for a rough assessment of how far the work of democracy has progressed in a given country from one election season to another. The latest election is assessed against the background of the last election. Is it freer and fairer and credible enough for you to write home to your mother about it?

Democracy is a much beloved form of government but it is also perhaps the funniest form of government devised by man. It is such a flexible form of government that a dictator reserves the audacity to claim the right to call himself a democrat. He provides excellent evidence to show that at regular election intervals stipulated by his law, he is the sole presidential candidate and he allows the people to exercise their democratic right to re-elect him, ad infinitum – to drag in a bit of Latin and sound lawyerly.

Democracy was invented primarily to prevent the tyranny of the minority by recognising the people as the repository of power who exercise it through the ballot paper. A government in a democracy comes into being through the will of the will, hence the apt description of democracy by Abraham Lincoln as the government of the people by the people and for the people.

But here is the huge irony. In trying to prevent the tyranny of the minority, democracy takes us smack into the laps of the tyranny of the majority. An election does not reflect the rational decision of the people; it actually represents a lethal combination of primordial and emotional choices of individuals who are often the products of a skilful marketing strategy expressly designed to sway the people towards a given personal or a group cause dressed up as encompassing the interests and the future of the masses.

Democracy is put through the stress and the stress of being constantly forged in the furnace of the will of the people because democracy is in search of itself and it is in search of democrats. Democracy sets high standards for its attainment, or at least, its

By Dan Agbese

capacity to flourish in a given polity. The core values of democracy are political pluralism, free, fair and credible elections. If presidents were given the freedom to choose between democracy and autocracy, I bet my grey hair that none would choose democracy with all its wahala.

The full exercise of democratic rights is a clear and present danger to all those perched atop the totem pole of political power. They force the people to institute their governments through flawed and blatantly rigged elections to serve a determined cause. What is usually lacking in non-democratic democrats is what the late Dr Chuba Okadigbo called the democratic temperament. It is an irritant to those who to exercise power and do not wish to be bothered by the nuances of democracy.

Democracy has thrown up great leaders and it has thrown up lousy, oppressive, incompetent, and indifferent leaders. Some have led their countries up the mountain and others have forced their countries down into the valley. Some came into office with clean hands and honest hearts but left with both hands dripping with Agila palm oil and a conscience imprisoned by the wrong done to the many in the service of the few.

For all its beauty, for all its beguiling promises of a better tomorrow or today refurbished for tomorrow, democracy, being a human invention, is still afflicted with human failures. As a system of government, it

is subject to easy manipulations by men and women who value power more than service. After all, all elections are about personal ambitions and interests. I contend that the will of the majority in electoral decisions are individual idiosyncrasies forged in the furnace of probabilities.

I suppose it is now safe to look at our recent general elections and assess what progress we have made in advancing democracy as a work in progress since we renewed President Buhari’s mandate in 2019. The elections are over. What remains are the legal pyrotechnics at the tribunals and the courts. Political fortunes may change and political fortunes may remain the same on the say-so of their lordships. But that, as they say in Warri, na different tory.

In assessing our progress, please bear in mind that in every election the politicians exhibit a tendency to disappoint democracy by refusing to play by the rules or bend them to suit their purposes. The contest to win or capture political power is unlike a beauty contest. It lacks grace and creates room for the rules of elementary human decency to be broken. Still, we can proceed along the line that the people have made their free and fair choices of our next set of political leaders and representatives at all levels of government. Have they chosen the good from the bad or the bad from the worse or the worse from the worst? It is morning yet on decision day. Democracy offers the people no guidelines for the choices they make. They base their choices largely on probabilities. We just hope that the choices made by the people on February 25 and March are choices we can live with, choices that meet or approximate our individual and collective dreams and raise our hopes in a country where the hopes of the people oscillate between despair and hopelessness.

Given the howls of protests that have greeted the results of the elections, particularly the presidential election, it should be tempting to conclude that we have regressed rather than progressed in the delicate work of democracy as a work in progress in our country. But if we judge our progress on the basis of those protests and the unedited views in the social media. we may get it all wrong. The condemnation of INEC and its chairman has become compulsory for the simple reason that when things do not go our way, we must be appeased with a scapegoat.

The declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president-elect, is being contested at the tribunal by his political opponents, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. Each claims victory at the polls. But in the end only one of them will be given the presidential sash on the departure of Buhari on May 29 who will don his own sash as ex. Barring the accidents of politics, the decision of the majority imposes on us the tyranny of the majority. Both the law and our political tradition have decreed that the tyranny of the majority is the way of democracy.

While we await the final words from the courts it should still be possible for us to appreciate the silver lining that streamed across the sky of our national politics in 2023 – a fair indication, whatever may be our individual disappointments, that democracy as work in progress has made an appreciable progress in our country. To be sure, every election throws up shocks and pleasant surprises. The presidential/ national assembly elections of February 25 alerted the old guards to the threat to their comfort zone. They quickly rallied the troops and tried to stop the clock from tik-toking.

All elections are contests between the old guards who are the keepers of the flickering flames of a well-guarded system and the idealistic young men and women who want to replace them and change the system. For democracy to succeed as work in progress, the tyranny of the majority is the way to go. This is known cynically as democracy in action. The choices we made on February 25 and March 15 may serve the ends of democracy as work in progress but they may yet expose the fact that majority decisions are not informed and rational decisions and that decisions based on probabilities are deceptive.

“

In assessing our progress, please bear in mind that in every election the politicians exhibit a tendency to disappoint democracy by refusing to play by the rules or bend them to suit their purposes. The contest to win or capture political power is unlike a beauty contest