Saturday, June 10, 2023 Weekend Edition

We will run open-door policy, Tinubu assures traditional rulers

Says Nigeria no longer father Christmas to neighbouring countries Our support is 100% -Royal fathers

Kano demolitions: Ganduje, Kwankwaso trade accusations in Aso Rock

Ganduje: Kwankwaso behind ‘illegal’ demolitions, using Gov Yusuf as stooge

You acquired affected properties illegally, Kwankwaso replies Looters of properties at Kano demolition sites risk jail term, fines

Zainab Balogun explains how medical disorder affected

marriage

Invest in water, environment to boost Nigeria’s economy - IWMI declares

By Maryam Abeeb

The International Water Management Institute

(IWMI) has disclosed that Nigeria has the capacity to turn around its economic growth with huge investment into exploring opportunities in the environment, sanitation, water, and agriculture sectors.

This was made known by the IWMI lead consultant, Dr. Boluwaji Onabolu, at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on ‘Assessment of the Investment Climate for BioCircular Economy in Nigeria.

She explained that the institute has set up modalities for Nigeria to use solid waste from the agriculture, water, sanitation and energy sources for economic development, adding that BioCircular Economy uses renewable biological resources from land and

sea, such as crops, forests, fish, animals and microorganisms, to produce food, health, materials, products, textiles and energy.

According to her, the rising global demand for water, food, and energy, in the context of a growing deficit and competing uses, reinforced the need for more investments in circular economy approaches.

She said: “We have learnt about studies that revealed that 183 million Nigerians do not have access to clean energy, so this is why IWMI has facilitated this workshop.

“We will have answers to some of the questions, why is it that these businesses like changing solid wastes into energy forms like biogas, and why is it that they are not able to sustain their growth?”

Also speaking, President, Association of Deans of Agriculture in Nigeria, Prof.

Olumuyiwa Jayeoba, noted that many opportunities abound in the agriculture value chain.

Jayeoba said if Nigeria managed climate change and its impact well, it would have an advantage in the agricultural sector.

He opined that climate smart agriculture would sustainably increase productivity and income, and attainment of the National Food Security and Development Goals.

Similarly, IWMI’s Regional Director, Dr Olufunke Cofie, who spoke virtually, said most of the resource reuse and recovery initiatives that aim to recover energy, water, and nutrients fall short of the estimated potential contribution to the economy and sustainable development.

Cofie said consequently, such businesses are unable to expand and sustain themselves, as

theoretically projected that they should be able to.

On her part, a sanitation and hygiene expert, Ms. Nneka Akunwa, said Nigeria has a huge market for sanitation products and services.

According to her, half of Nigeria’s population, about 111 million people, do not have a decent toilet of their own, lacking basic or safely managed sanitation.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

By Egena Sunday Ode

Immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje has accused his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso of being the mastermind of the recent demolition of properties in Kano.

He said Governor Abba Yusuf is a mere stooge of Kwankwaso who is just doing his master’s bidding.

He spoke at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Ganduje who was at the State House for the second time in two days said he was at the seat of power to draw the attention of President Tinubu to the ongoing demolition, which he claimed was threatening the security of the state.

But Kwankwaso while speaking with newsmen also after a meeting with Tinubu said that most of the buildings demolished by the new government were illegally acquired by Ganduje.

He stated that his party had pledged to demolish such structures during the campaigns, saying that the governor was just fulfilling his electioneering promises.

The two former governors who met Tinubu separately on Friday evening may have been summoned by the President as part of efforts to ease tensions arising from the recent demolition of buildings in Kano metropolis.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting Ganduje described the recent demolition in Kano allegedly carried out by Governor Yusuf as “illegal” as it was executed in breach of the law.

Ganduje said the demolition

Kano demolitions: Ganduje, Kwankwaso trade accusations in Aso Rock

•Ganduje: kwankwaso behind ‘illegal’ demolitions, using Gov Yusuf as stooge

•You acquired affected properties illegally, Kwankwaso replies

exercise was done without carrying out any investigation or giving due notice in line with the provisions of Land Use Act.

Recall Yusuf in his inauguration speech on May 29, gave a marching order to security agencies in Kano to immediately repossess all public properties believed to have been sold by the Ganduje administration.

He alleged that they were illegally acquired by the Ganduje’s administration.

Some structures demolished in included Haji camp, Daula Hotel and shopping complexes around the Eid Prayer Ground in Kano, structures Ganduje said were products of Public-Private Partnerships.

The former governor said he came to brief the President about the security situation in Kano State, especially “the looting and vandalization that is going on in Kano. And we don’t want it to result into religious or tribal conflicts. Thousands of traders have been rendered without any business”, he said.

Ganduje who served as Kwankwaso’s deputy from 19992003 and 2011 - 2015, blamed his

former boss for directing the new administration under Yusuf to carry out what he termed a vengeful campaign against the previous administration.

He lamented that the shopping complex around the new Daula Hotel developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and approved by the State’s Executive Council, was demolished on the directive of Kwankwaso, without any investigation or notice, by the Yusuf administration.

“We appointed a technical committee right from the beginning. They submitted a report to the Executive Council. The executive council approved the PPP project. The PPP project is 90% executed, but now without any investigation, without any notice, this new government under the directive of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso demolished the building. The issue is in a court of law,” he recounted.

But Ganduje said he spoke at length on the issue while reporting the matter to the president and had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, with video evidence of the looting

and vandalisation that trailed the demolition.

He said he had briefed the president adequately on the demolition exercise that even affected the supporters of Kwankwaso whom he accused of ordering the action.

He said the governor who he described as a “stooge” of Kwankwaso was no longer happy because of the condemnation that greeted the move.

Gov Yusuf had, however, explained that the demolition exercise was part of the fulfillment of his campaign promise to “restore” the urban development masterplan of the city.

He had also insisted that the exercise was not a vendetta against the past administration of Ganduje, saying that many more demolitions would still follow.

Speaking further on his part, Kwankwaso corroborated Governor Yuauf’s position that Ganduje had illegally acquired the properties in question.

The former presidential candidate of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also accused his successor of demolishing some

Ortom left no single official car, Benue Governor

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia has lamented the alleged massive looting of the Government House in Makurdi by the immediate past administration led by Samuel Ortom, noting that he was left with no single official car.

Alia also stated that he inherited an empty treasury and a whooping huge debt profile of N187.56 billion accompanied by accumulated months of unpaid salaries and entitlements of civil servants and pensioners in the

state.

Governor Alia revealed this in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Tersoo Kula, according to Sahara Reporters.

The Governor was responding to calls by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that he should reverse his decision that led to the nullification of all lastminute appointments made by his predecessor

“The PDP looted Government House to a point that the new government under governor

Hyacinth Alia, met no single car or truck in government house. The governor’s visits to agencies and parastatals have uncovered the highest level of rot ever witnessed in the history of Benue State”.

“The same party that left an empty treasury in the state and ripped off the economic system of the people is now claiming to be standing on high moral grounds to offer untenable and ill-motivated criticisms to undermine the collective wisdom of the Benue populace,” the statement reads

critical infrastructure built by his administration when he took over in 2015.

“We are all politicians and I’m sure you know how strong we’re in Kano; he was one of our senior members.

“What’s happening in Kano is a promise by governor during the campaigns that any property in government premises will be demolished.

“He (Ganduje) demolished some critical infrastructure we built and instead built on them malls owned by him and his family.

“He demolished Hajj Camp and sold the plots. He Kano demolished Kano Race course and gave to his children.

“He’s building inside Eid Mosque. It’s security risk to have buildings inside the Mosque,” Kwankaso alleged, adding that President Tinubu was shocked after his narration.

Regarding speculations of accepting a ministerial position from the Tinubu administration, Kwankwaso revealed that talks were ongoing about the possibility.

He, however, dismissed rumors of defecting to the ruling party, emphasizing that Tinubu was more focused on a government of national unity.

laments

Alia regretted that Ortom left the government owing salary arrears of civil servants, arguing that the PDP should apologise to the people of the state.

“The PDP is not ignorant of the fact that all the appointments and recruitments that were carried out by former governor Samuel Ortom at the twilight of his administration were not done in good faith.

“Is it not curious that for more than seven years, Ortom could not employ indigents of the state into the civil service, until a few months

before the expiration of his tenure?

“It is even more ironic that the PDP, which is now a crying wolf, left the government house owing salaries of Benue Civil Servants from December 2022 to May 2023. The same PDP administration left salary arrears of five months for state government workers in 2017; 10 months for local government workers in the same year, 2017. Under this same PDP government, pensions were last paid in the year 2021,” the statement said.

Kaduna Governor moves to strengthen media relations

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

In what seems a departure from the relationship between the Kaduna State Government and the media in the state, as the Governor Uba Sani has started scaling up measures to strengthen relationship with the media, in the interest of good governance.

To this end, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, embarked on a tour of media establishments in the state.

A statement from the office

of the government House signed by Mock Samuel Kure, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Publicity dated June 8, 2023 said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the working relationship between the state government and media organizations, as well as to project a positive image of Kaduna State.

The media stations visited by Mr. Shehu included Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Kaduna,

Freedom Radio, and Liberty Radio/TV.

The statement further said: “the tour is a demonstration of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to fostering a healthy relationship with the media and ensuring transparent communication with the public.

“During his visit to the media organizations, Mr. Shehu pledged to work towards mending any possible gap that exists in the relationship between the state government and media practitioners. He emphasized the importance

of collaboration in promoting accurate reportage and projection of a positive image of Kaduna State.

“He posited that Gov Uba Sani, being one of those who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, has always been a friend of the media. He further buttresses this point by citing instances where Senator Sani assisted so many media practitioners in Kaduna State long before becoming a Senator.

“He emphasized that both the media and government have a common goal, which is

to serve the people of Kaduna State, and that they can achieve this goal more effectively by working together.

“He therefore urged journalists to be fair and balanced in their reportage, while also assuring them that their concerns would be addressed by his office.

“In their respective responses, the heads of the media organizations visited expressed appreciation for Mr. Shehu’s initiative and promised to work with the state government towards achieving its objectives of

Kaduna 2023 budget needs review, Goje urges Gov. Uba Sani

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government faced with the reality that some expenditure allocations in 2023 approved budget can hardly be justified in the face of the disturbing development outcome indicators in the State, a social activist, Yusuf Ishaku Goje has called on the Governor, Senator Uba Sani to do holistic review of the said budget, and cut down the cost of governance.

Goje observed that there are expenditure allocations that can hardly be justifiable in the face of the disturbing development outcome indicators in the State.

According to him: “This is nothing new, as historically, we had leaders who were able to sacrifice the opportunity for primitive accumulation of wealth and privileges that comes with public office for the common good.

“In 1962, the Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, announced a six-year development plan for the North. In order to achieve the strategic objectives of the development plan, within the resources available, he reduced by 10% salaries to all Ministers and other political officials, and abolished many of their allowances.”

“Hence, the need for the Governor to emulate leaders such as the Sardauna and demonstrate leadership by example. Thereby, mandating the immediate review of the 2023 approved budget and cutting down on frivolous budget allocations.”

Also, the human rights activist who is also an expert in budget analysis said a meagre N1.4 billion, that is approximately 0.4% of the total 2023 approved budget of N376.5 billion, to the entire agriculture sector and allocate

N3.9 billion for procurement of motor vehicles under the Ministry of Finance.

Goje who is the leader of Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanisms (KADLGAM) wondered why allocating N877.7 million to Citizens’ Engagement and N559.6 million on Entertainment and Hospitality under the overhead cost of the Government House, noting that a critical sector like agriculture, which is contributing 36% of our GDP and 42% of the workforce, has been allocated a meagre N750 million for capital expenditure.

According to him, the Governor, immediately after the confirmation by the legislature and appointment of Commissioners, need to order the review of the 2023 budget to make it realistic in line with the initial budget size as recommended in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF, 2023-2025), saying that as expected, the Governor should be having sleepless nights on how to turn the rhetoric of campaign to the reality of evidencebased development.

He explained that the biggest challenge remains financing the promises made in his SUSTAIN blueprint, on various campaign podiums as well as open and private stakeholder meetings.

“Despite repeated assurances during the campaign on fiscal sustainability, the Governor should by now be coming to terms with the reality that it is not going to be a tea party. As the Governor has a rising debt obligation of N35.4 billion to service as well as other recurrent and capital expenditures. As the current public debt charge is 18.7% of the total revenue in the 2023 approved budget, 39.7% of IGR, 59.1% of Statutory Allocation and 26.2% of recurrent expenditure,” he noted.

He said that when the report of the Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Government of Kaduna State of Nigeria, 2022, same as that of 2021, observed that the State’s revenue forecast appears to be exaggerated and too bogus to be achieved, as most MDAs are unable to meet their revenue targets as the effect of which is that some budget releases to MDAs, as captured in the quarterly performance reports, are usually not cash-backed.

He said that any well-meaning leader should not live in luxury while overseeing an area with high unemployment, poverty and inequality rates as no compassionate leader should be moving with a legion of security agents with long convoys fuelled by public funds - while his people are slaughtered, maimed and their properties are destroyed.

Yusuf stated that no credible leader should have many lavished houses while those he leads are homeless due to displacement by insecurity or eviction without alternatives by government agencies.

He lamented, “This is because the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of the government. Therefore, the Governor should cut down on the number of institutions, aides and allowances as well as other frivolous expenditures in the 2023 approved budget that adds no direct value to the people.”

He reminded the Governor and his team that the government does not belong to the party in power, it belongs to the people who own the power.

He opined that elections are supposed to lead to the emergence of leaders that will serve all the people regardless of party affiliation, saying Election is not war, where after

victory the winner takes it all and shares the spoils with his foot soldiers.

“ I laugh when I hear people say it is our government and our turn to enjoy just because their party won the elections.

“Alas, the party in power is expected to implement its manifesto not for the benefit of party faithful but

Sadly, many, especially those in opposition, do not engage and hold the party in power accountable because it is not their party that is in power.

“It is important to note that it is your civic responsibility to engage the party in power and your right to benefit from the services the government delivers”, he concluded.

Stakeholders back earmarking beverages tax for public health financing

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Stakeholders in the public health sector have collaborated to earmarked Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) tax for public health financing and framework towards the sustainability of the tax.

Speaking at a recent one-day InterAgency Capacity Building Meeting on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)tax in Abuja, the Director/Head, public Health Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Alex Omohudu, explained that the institution of the SSB tax has been identified as the most effective way of reducing the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, consequently reducing the incidences and prevalence of NCDs.

According to her, it is to this effect that the government introduced a 10 naira per litre excise tax on all sweetened beverages in the 2021 Finance Act.

“We believe that this is a step in the right direction towards achieving the global best practice of excise tax of at least 20% of the final retail price on all SSBs products. “This tax is to be earmarked for

public health interventions towards the prevention and control of NCDs”.

“In an effort to accomplish its mandate, the Federal Ministry of Health through the NCD Division of the Public Health Department has continued to engage relevant stakeholders and this is why we are here today to address the misconceptions that abound concerning the SSBs tax.

She noted that, “Nigeria has lost a lot of money annually to loss of productivity due to Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and incur cost on treatment and management of these chronic diseases”.

She said: “An estimated 38.6 million litres of soft drinks are sold daily in Nigeria making us the 4th highest soft drink consuming country in the world. “The drinks are marketed in such a way that customers believe that they get better value when they buy the bigger bottles of soft drinks, leading to overconsumption.

“Of particular concern is the trend of overconsumption among Nigerian adolescents which can lead to childhood obesity and negative health consequences in adulthood. NCDS threaten progress

towards the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development which includes reducing the probability of death from any of the four NCDS between ages 30 and 70 years by2030”, Dr. Okoh stated.

She said a multi-agency collaboration is necessary to ensure the long-term implementation and sustainability of the SSBs tax. “The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to working with relevant MDAs and NGOs to ensure sustainable implementation of the SSB tax, efficient utilization of revenue generated towards public health and periodic monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the tax”, she said.

Also speaking, Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said this Inter-Agency Capacity Building meeting serves as a platform for us to foster partnerships and collaborations of stakeholders across various government agencies, sectors, and departments to maximize our collective impact and bring about sustainable implementation for the SSB tax including earmarking the revenue generated for health initiatives.

He emphasized that, as advocates, we

recognize the urgent need to implement effective measures to address this growing public health crisis.

“The Federal Government through the Finance Act 2021 began implementation of a N10 per litre tax on non-alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages in June 2022, a commendable effort in a bit to reduce the prevalence of NCDs associated with sugary drinks, which various researches shows contributes to about 39% of the total deaths, annually”.

Similarly, in his paper presentation, Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Agency, Adeniyi Oginni noted that, most of the risk factors of NCDs lie outside health and we all need to come together to reduce the burden of NCDs in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Research Associate, Center for the Study of the Economic of Africa (CSEA), Austin Iraoya, who said, the advantages of earmarking SSB Tax are countless. “It increases the fiscal space for health and makes funds available for targeted interventions in addressing NCDs among many others”.

Malam Uba Sani

We will run open-door policy, Tinubu assures traditional rulers

President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja assured traditional rulers in the country that his administration will run an open-door policy that is ready to listen to the yearnings of Nigerians toward transforming the country’s rich potentials to reality.

Speaking at an interactive session with the Royal Fathers under the aegis of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the President apprised them on the decision of his government to remove fuel subsidy, improve security, create jobs and sustain the environment as well as the forthcoming election of principal officers of the 10th National Assembly.

‘‘We are all ears. We are ready to listen at any given time. I promise you an opendoor policy and that is the way I will go.

‘‘That open-door policy is for you to call me and send to me at any given time any concern that you might have.

‘‘We may not have it right 100 per cent of the time but we must get it right 90 per cent of the time for this country’’, he said.

Responding to issues raised by the traditional rulers on challenges facing the country, he assured them, saying ‘‘worry not because the country is in good hands.” He added that his administration is very conscious of the expectations of Nigerians.

On the decision to remove fuel subsidy, for which various speakers at the meeting expressed support, the President appealed to the traditional leaders to persuade Nigerians to have faith and that the pump prices of fuel will eventually come down.

‘‘I am grateful that you are paying attention to what I have been doing. You have paid attention to the subsidy

removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas?

‘‘The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy. A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing,’’ he said.

While acknowledging concerns on the need for critical infrastructure in different parts of the country, President Tinubu pledged that any road block in the way of the progress of the Nigeria people would be removed by his government.

‘‘The lamentations about the capital projects, where is the money going to come from if we don’t protect our resources and our boundaries?

‘‘You cannot have development without capital projects,’’ he added.

On the leadership of the National Assembly, the President urged the Royal Fathers to counsel their subjects interested in elective positions on the need to manage their ambitions, and create harmony within the legislative house.

President Tinubu declared that he is ready to work with any elected representative from the National Assembly, stressing that the Nigeria project is of paramount importance to him.

‘‘Nigeria must survive. Nigeria must develop. Nigeria must make progress’’, he said.

On security, the President reiterated his pledge to Nigerians to prioritise the sector until every Nigerian “goes to sleep with their two eyes closed.’’

He emphasized that the unity and togetherness of the country cannot be compromised, saying that every region of the country would get what it is due.

He adds: ‘‘We are going to tackle youth unemployment. It is only when we have the prosperity for the country that we can create jobs that will employ our youths.’’

Condemning crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region by a ‘tiny percentage’ of the population, President Tinubu said it was counterproductive to the growth of the economy.

‘‘We need to tame those involved in this sabotage and we will work as hard as possible to ensure that the diversity of this country is used for its prosperity, growth and stability’’, he adds.

President Tinubu told the traditional rulers that, with the campaigns and elections over, he is primed for governance, and his government has already signed a law that extends the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 years, while also addressing pension reforms.

Equally on electricity, the President said a constitutional amendment signed into law now allows Nigeria’s 36 States to generate electricity.

‘‘That’s devolution of power and that should be our contribution to the developmental projects you are looking for and we will continue in ways that will help our people’’, he said.

President Tinubu thanked members of NCTRN for their early visit and prayers for the success of his administration.

‘‘Without your prayers and support, I cannot stand before you as President and I thank you for your support during the campaigns’’, he said.

In separate remarks, the Chairman

and Co-Chairman of NCTRN, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged the support and loyalty of traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones to President Tinubu.

They assured the President of their continued prayers in his resolve to move the country forward under his Renewed Hope agenda.

‘‘We are 100 per cent in support of your government and we believe in the will of the Almighty Allah you will move this country forward,’’ the Sultan said, while congratulating him and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their election victory, peaceful transition and assumption of office.

‘‘We will contribute our quota to the development of the country once you reach out to us,’’ the Sultan added.

The Ooni of Ife expressed delight that the country has remained united and focused despite the challenges.

Recounting that the President had said he deserves no pity from anyone because he asked for the job, the Imperial Majesty appealed to President Tinubu not to underestimate the power and reach of traditional rulers in complementing the programmes and visions of the new government.

The President and his deputy listened to presentations from representatives from the six geo-political zones, including Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Ibn Umar Al Amin El-kanemi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Amanayabo of Nembe, Edmund Daukoru; Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse; and Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

•Says Nigeria no longer Father Christmas to neighbouring countries •Our support is 100% -Royal fathers

Tinubu suspends CBN Governor, Emefiele

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Bola Ahmed

Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.

A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said the

suspension of the CBN governor “is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.”

Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the

Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms, the statement signed by the Director of Information, Willie Bassey said.

Adesola, Permanent Secretary not ‘Acting FCT Minister’ – FCTA clarifies

Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Stanley Onyekwere

There is no provision either in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or civil service rules for the designation of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, as the Acting Minister of the

Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director of Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, made this clarification in a press statement made available to newsmen on Friday.

The Statement read: “The FCTA wishes to address recent speculations and misconceptions regarding the designation of

the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, as the Acting Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by some mass media outlets and members of the public.

“We hereby clarify that there is no provision either in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or civil

service rules for such a position, and therefore, the FCTA Permanent Secretary cannot be addressed as the Acting Minister of the FCT.

“We understand that the recent political transition and absence of a Minister at present may have led to confusion regarding this matter. However, it is essential to rely on the

established legal framework and adhere to the prescribed protocols.

“The FCTA is committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional provisions. The general public and the mass media are enjoined to kindly take note and comply accordingly.”

Again, govt reads riot act to Okada operators in Abuja city

For the umpteenth time, the FCT Administration has warned operators of commercial motorcycles otherwise known as Okada, operating in restricted areas of the Federal Capital City of Abuja, to stop forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.

The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, gave the warning in his office while meeting with some Senior officials of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) led by the Director, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Bello, recently.

Adesola said the law banning the

operations of commercial motorcycles within the Abuja metropolis is still in place and will be enforced to the letter.

He advised commercial motorcycles against violating the law, warning that all those found disobeying the ban will be made to face dire consequences.

According to a statement issued by the Director, in charge of FCT Information and Communication, Muhammad Hazat Sule, all commercial motorcyclists arrested will have their motorcycles impounded and crushed to serve as a deterrent because the law must take its course.

It added that the Permanent Secretary, also directed the Task Force to step -up its game and go into the nook and crannies of the Federal Capital City, particularly where the government had earlier restricted the operations of Okadas to enforce the ban.

Adesola instructed the Task Force and officials of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (popularly known as VIO) to go all out and rid the city of the menace; adding that there should be no sacred cow.

He reiterated that Abuja is a creation

of the law and remains the face of the country, thus, no effort will be spared at maintaining the aesthetic and serenity of the capital city.

The Permanent Secretary further advised the commercial motorcyclists to, in their interest, leave the city center and go to areas not restricted for their operations such as the Satellite Towns and the Area Councils.

He reiterated that any commercial motorcyclist arrested will have the motorcycle immediately crushed in consonance with the extant rules.

L-R: Chief of Staff Government House Katsina State, Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri; Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Lamin Barrow; Governor of Katsina State Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda and program Coordinator, Special Agro Processing Zones(SAPZ), Dr.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The internal squabbling among the National Executive arm of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, (SOKAPU), seems to have blown into a full crisis, which has crippled the once vibrant group, known for defending the interest of Southern Kaduna.

According to sources, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of SOKAPU met in Kaduna on the 13th May, 2023 and suspended the entire National exco of the Union, after the President of the Union, Mr. Dio Awemi Maisamari, made an opening remark in Kaduna in which he indicted himself of failure to lead SOKAPU and tendered his resignation.

This prompted the NEC to suspend the entire exco. An investigation committee was formed. Also, a caretaker committee was inaugurated to run the Union for three months.

But, the suspended exco, which may be heading to court if the matter is not resolved, according to a source, have strongly challenged its suspension.

In a letter of protest written to the Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of SOKAPU, elder Stephen Bangoji, the aggrieved members wrote that their suspension did not follow due process and as such they were seeking for the intervention of the BoT.

A copy of the letter obtained by DailyNewsPrecise is titled: “Request for Urgent Intervention on The Purported Suspension of the CEC By NEC.” The letter stated with an opening: “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) has been embroiled in leadership crisis, which has pitched the President of SOKAPU, Mr. Awemi Dio Maisamari, the General Secretary, Mr Stephen Mallan on one side and 13 other members of the exco.”

“This development has been previously conveyed to you in which you tried to intervene but to no avail,” the letter went on.

“Some of the areas in which we have had major disagreements with the two are: “Subsuming SOKAPU under one Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC), which is an aberration of the norm. SOKAPU cannot be under any southern Kaduna group, without amending the constitution of our great union.

“The President is more loyal to the Community Development Associations’ (CDA) forum and CONEACDA in which he has remained the President of Adara Development Association (ADA) and the Vice President of CONEACDA.

“He has also refused to abide by agreed resolutions during exco meetings. He is also fond

SOKAPU crisis deepens as Exco rejects’ suspension’ by NEC

of unauthorized withdrawals of funds among others.

“Since the coming of Maisamari as SOKAPU President, SOKAPU has never carried out a single activity, even with all the serious issues that Southern Kaduna was facing,” the 13 members of the embattled exco alleged in the letter.

“Mr Mallan, the GS, has shown shocking incompetence since he was voted into office in 2019. He has never produced a single minute of our meeting. Aside from that, he was absent from his duty post from 2020 to 2022,” said the group.

“On the 25th April, 2023, the President convened a CEC meeting in which, again, we had heated debates on several matters. He then announced that there will be a NEC meeting on the 13th of May, 2023 in which matters that we couldn’t address at the CEC will be tabled before the NEC. We then agreed that before the NEC, we have to sit and draft an agenda and decide on issues to be tabled before the NEC,” said the CEC.

“We arrived at the NEC meeting early hoping that we shall draft an agenda for the meeting. But unknown to CEC, Maisamari had a prepared agenda without consulting with us. We were later to find out that Mr Dio had a meeting with some members of the CDA forum in which the agenda of the NEC meeting was drafted. We were made to understand that the plan was to allow Maisamari to honourably resign while we the remaining exco were to be suspended so as to dent our image,” the group alleged.

“When the meeting started, the President made a long welcome remark which was

laced with false and malicious allegations against us,” the group claimed

“He admitted that he had failed in his duties and owned responsibility for all that happened under his tenure.

“He even tendered a receipt of N1, 065,000 (one million, sixty Five Thousand Naira) which he said was a loan he took from the coffers of SOKAPU, to buttress one of the allegations against him,” reads the letter.

“He then tendered his resignation and pleaded that it should be immediately adopted.”

Furthermore, the letter noted that the confession of failure by Maisamari and his tendering to resign caused a stir at the meeting. The embattled exco said that instead of being allowed to defend themselves, the NEC summarily suspended them, formed an investigation committee and a Caretaker Committee to run the Union.

The letter continued: “Sir, may we draw your attention to section 26 (v) of the SOKAPU constitution, which reads inter alia, ‘no disciplinary measures shall be taken against any member until a disciplinary committee must have given such a member not less than 7 days’ notice in writing to appear before the committee and such notice shall inform the member of the complains or allegations against/her. No member shall suffer any disciplinary sanction without first having heard an opportunity of appearing before the committee to answer to the complaints or allegations made against him/her and to adduce any evidence in defense thereto, if he/she desires.”

“We have not been served with any complaints or

allegations against any of us. We are also not aware of any petition written against us,” the exco said in the letter.

“We have served SOKAPU and sacrificed for Southern Kaduna to the best of our abilities. Under a purposeful leadership, we raised SOKAPU to global attention and we did a lot to improve the wellbeing of our distressed people even without any subvention from anywhere.

“We therefore protest and reject our suspension, because we cannot be punished for the failure of Mr Dio Maisamari without being heard. In other words, we are being purportedly punished (suspended) before investigation. We reject such a suspension,” the group said.

“The formation of the Investigative and Disciplinary committee also goes contrary to section 26(i) of the SOKAPU constitution which reads: ‘There shall be a DISCIPLINARY AND GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE to be constituted by the NEC from among its members and any other member of the union as may deem appropriate on THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE CEC.’

“It is therefore an abnormality that the same CEC which is supposed to recommend the constitution of the committee was said to have been suspended,” the group noted.

“Sir, the constitution of the CareTaker Committee also comes short of the constitutional provision of SOKAPU. According to section 17 (Vi): ‘In the event of the resignation or removal of the entire CEC before the expiration of tenure, the BoT shall in consultation with member association, appoint a

caretaker committee in a manner prescribed by this constitution, to handle the affairs of the Union for a period not exceeding 3 months, at the end of which a special EC (Electoral Committee) shall be convened for the purpose of electing a new CEC.”

“Sir, you can now see that we were supposed to have been investigated first, and if found wanting, assuming the NEC has the powers to remove us, it is only the BoT that has the powers to appoint a caretaker committee after due consultation as stipulated by our laws.

“We are therefore challenging the constitution of the Caretaker Committee as a constitutional violation and illegal usurpation of our duties.

“Mr. Chairman sir, we also want to put you on notice that the said CTC has collected all our cheques and bank documents and are working towards changing of signatories.

“Sir, let it be made clear that we wholeheartedly support the investigation of our tenure. We believe that it is a proper thing to be done and we are willing to appear before a properly constituted investigation committee in line with the provisions of our Union’s constitution as stated above.”

When approached for confirmation, an insider in SOKAPU said that the aggrieved members may already have started briefing a lawyer in the event that a return to the status quo ante is not achieved and a proper process of investigating them is not done.

“They believe that it is a witch hunt, all arranged by Maisamari to square up for the resistance the other exco gave him,” the source added.

CRIME NEWS

EFCC nabs twins, 26 others over involvement in alleged ‘online’ fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested identical twins, Potential and Takwan Peter, and 26 others for alleged internet fraud in Calabar, Cross River State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-

graft agency’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, in Abuja, added that the agency recovered cars, phones and laptops from the suspects.

In the statement, Uwujaren revealed that the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, following “credible intelligence” linking

them with suspected internetrelated fraud.

According to him: “The other 26 suspects are Takwan Emmanuel, Kelvin Onedu, Evans Edwin, David Osuji, Osang Tony, Confidence Oblech, Uche Chinedu, Gabriel Kanong, Ojong Victor, Ephraim Ikechukwu and Shedrack Mfon.

“Others are Godswill Omini, Walter Opha, Godswill Iti, Moses Sha, Prince Uba, Anyi Bassey, David Disi, Peter Silas, Christian Uche, Chidindu Oforji, Kelvin Anyanwu, Anthony Ojone, Samuel Disi, Gideon Joseph and Ezekiel Francis.

“Preliminary investigations showed that while some of

the suspects specialised in love scams, others engaged in fraudulent impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

“Items recovered from them include several mobile phones, laptops, five cars and a wifi device”.

(NAN)

57 Suspected looters of properties at demolition sites risk jail term, fines

For allegedly looting properties of shop owners at several demolition sites in Kano state, no fewer than 57 suspected thieves are facing various criminal charges in the state.

Making this disclosure, the police spokesperson in the state, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the suspects would be charged with criminal trespass, mischief, shop breaking, and theft.

Kiyawa in a statement on Friday, added that the arrests

were in line with the command’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of people in the state.

According to the Police Spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mohammed Gumel, had directed round-the-clock visibility patrols, following reports that some hoodlums are taking advantage of the demolition of buildings/structures by the Kano State Government to loot people’s properties.

The statements read: “In

addition to the forty-nine (49) suspects arrested and charged to Magistrate Court 35 Normans Land Kano, for offences of Criminal Trespass, Mischief, Shop Breaking and Theft, another fifty-seven (57) suspects have been arrested with exhibits and charged to the same court with the same offences, bringing the total to one hundred and six (106).

“Victims are advised to come to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Bompai,

Kano State Police Command to provide testimony for the various crimes committed by the suspects, or through this phone number; 0803 824 9455

“The Commissioner of Police appreciates those that assisted with information that led to the arrest made and the looted properties recovered.

“He reiterates that policing is a collective responsibility and therefore calls on parents and community leaders to admonish their wards and youths to desist

from looting people’s properties, as anyone arrested will face the full wrath of the law.

“In case of emergencies, Kano State Police Command can be contacted through these phone numbers; 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292929”.

Premium Times reports that the state government has been demolishing structures built on government properties it claimed were illegally sold by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje

SPECIAL REPORT

Gov Alia’s 11 days on the saddle

Barely 11 days into the life of the new administration in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has stirred the hornet’s next with emergence of State Assembly Speaker of his choice and mass sack of workers, writes UCHE NNOROM.

Just eleven days on the saddle, Benue State is already witnessing some dramas that have sent tongues wagging. Governor Hyacinth Alia seems to be braving the odds and calling the bluff of certain power blocs to assert his authority as Chief Executive of the State.

On Monday 5th June, 2023, one of such events unfolded in the election of the Speaker of the State Assembly.

Prior to the inauguration of the 10th Assembly, there had been speculations, claims and horse trading about the candidacy of Mrs. Becky Orpin as the likely person to emerge as Speaker. Mrs. Orpin it was said, had the strong backing of leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Benue State Sen. George Akume who only recently was appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Leaning on that support, the Party hierarchy headed by Comrade Austin Agada who is Akume’s protege, conveyed a stakeholders meeting at the party Secretariat on Sunday 4th June,2023. The meeting which was attended by the new Chief of Staff to Governor Alia, Paul Biam,Chief Press Secretary Kula Tersoo, past speakers of the House including Terhemen Tarzoor Nigeria Ambassador to Namibia, David Iorhemba who only recently defected to the APC from the PDP, Steven Tssv who doubles as Vice Chairman of the party, as well as selected past Assembly members from the three (3) Senatorial zones and members of the present

Assembly.

During the meeting which lasted till almost midnight, Agada spoke in harsh tone threatening fire and brimestone to the new members on dangers of opposing the choice of the party. He warned them sternly against hobnobbing with the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP to do otherwise. Agada reminded the members that the party and its leader had sacrificed so much for them to emerge and any plot to go against the decision of the party, may spell doom for them.

At the end of the meeting, a

strong worded resolution was reached interalia:

The State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), today 4th June, 2023 at a Stakeholders meeting held at the Party Secretariat in Makurdi in consultation with party leaders and stakeholders on Zoning arrangement.

The State Working Committee noted with respect to the outcome of the meeting which has zoned the office of the Speaker of the 10th Benue Assembly to Zone B and Chief Hon. Mrs Beckie Torkwase Orpin (Gboko-

East) was chosen as the party consensus candidate for speaker. We urge our party leaders, members and the people of Benue State to continue to support our party in this period of transition, bearing in mind that it is for the good of the good people of the State.

However, on the day of inauguration of the House and election of the Speaker, there was twist of event. It was learnt that Governor Alia had held meeting in Government House with 18 members loyal to him and afterward, proceeded to the House complex.

Inaugurating the House, Governor, charged the new legislators to collaborate with the Executive arm of government in order to deliver the much expected dividends of democracy to the Benue people.

The governor however, assured the lawmakers of his administration’s support at all times and solicited for constructive engagements and support from the legislature and

“

Inaugurating the House, Governor, charged the new legislators to collaborate with the Executive arm of government in order to deliver the much expected dividends of democracy to the Benue people

Gov Alia’s 11 days on the saddle

judicial arms of government to enable them actualize set goals.

He urged the new legislators to be exemplary in their conducts, stressing that the Benue society has placed so much expectations on them, hence the need to deliver on their mandate.

According to the Governor, “The legislature not only give the people a voice in affairs of government, but provides the bedrock for the rule of law, equity and justice to reign in the polity.

“Due to the big role the legislature play side by side with the judiciary and the Executive arm of government, we are fully prepared to respect the sanctity of the doctrine of the separation of powers under a democracy.”

Alia, who pledged not to interfere with the internal affairs of the legislature especially in the election of its leaders, said “We are prepared to meaningfully work with those who you choose to lead the house.”

He however, advised members to choose from among themselves those that they will always be proud of their leadership qualities, adding “We will support the house with the training and retraining of staff of members of the House.”

He pledged that the Executive arm of government will work in harmony with the legislature and

the judiciary to ensure effective service delivery to the people who are expecting so much from them.

Then the stage was set for the real deal as the Governor sat back comfortably to witness the event. The first ballot shocked everyone including the Governor who thought it was going to be an easy go for his team. But the Governor’s favored candidate and namesake Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh and the SGF and party candidate Becky Orpin tied on 16 votes necessitating a second voting.

A break was declared by clerk of the House Nule Igbawese for lobbying and negotiations by members of the House. Note that the Benue Assembly is composed of 32 members with APC having the majority of 22, PDP 9 and

Labor party,LP 1.

After over 2 hours of break, the house reconvened as the clerk asked everyone inside the gallery except the media to vacate. Then came the moment of heightened anger and acrimony amongst the members when the clerk announced that voting woulld be by direct mode. The house became rowdy with members involved in a shouting match even attempting to engage in fisticuff. Later, the secret ballot mode was adopted and members voted.

At end Dajoh representing Gboko West State Constituency polled 17 votes to beat his closest rival Becky Orpin who represents Gboko East State Constituency who scored 15 and emerge as Speaker while Mrs. Danladi Lami representing Ado State Constituency who had nominated the speaker emerged as Deputy Speaker.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, it was, learnt that the State Chairmam of APC Austin Agada was involved in a fisticuff with the Chief of Staff to the Governor Paul Biam at the Assembly complex.

Paul and Agada only recently before the elevation of the former to the position of Chief Staff to the Governor were executive members of the APC, with Paul

serving as Secretary.

By installing a speaker of his choice, Governor Alia has asserted his authority as captain of the ship and avoided what happened to Immediate past Governor of the State Samuel Ortom when in 2015, a speaker Terkimbi Ikyange was imposed on him and there was attempt to impeach though he smartly averted it.

Many political analysts have viewed this recent development as interesting. They hailed Governor Alia for his action, maintaining the State has experienced underdevelopment because of influence of godfather. They believe that the Governor has not only demonstrated bravery but, given an indication and sent a signal that he is interested in walking his talk to develop the State.

Little wonder, he also, announced the sack of all categories of workers including those on contract engaged by his predeccesor Ortom that caught the ire of the opposition party PDP that described the action as unlawful, callous and insensitive, demanding for a reversal of the directive.

The question on the lips of Benue residents is, “will the Governor continue in this stride? Only time will tell.

He pledged that the Executive arm of government will work in harmony with the legislature and the judiciary to ensure effective service delivery to the people who are expecting so much from them

Ogah’s position on President Tinubu’s leadership personal, not party position.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The leadership of Labour Party has said the interview granted by one of its House of Representatives members-elect, Hon. Amobi Ogah, wherein he expressed his satisfaction with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that some of his colleagues have “agreed to go towards government decision” on the leadership of the 10th Assembly, is his personal opinion and not representing the party.

In a statement issued yesterday by National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party said though as a first time and newly elected lawmaker, the Memberelect made the utterance which is clearly within his rights as an individual as enshrined in the laws of the land however, the party has a view quite different from what the honourable member was quoted to have said.

“As an individual, he does not have the mandate to speak for the party and therefore cannot claim to be standing on the platform of the Labour Party to do same, giving views that are diametrically opposed to what Labour Party stands for.

“Labour Party is presently in the tribunal hoping to retrieve our mandate which was expressively given to our presidential candidate on the February 25, and every testament emanating from the tribunal points to the fact that Labour Party clearly won the election but was robbed. We have remained resolute to our belief that justice will be done and so soon.

“For the records, Labour Party has nothing against the personality of President Tinubu, however, we are challenging both the process and final outcome of the presidential election. We as a party insist that the route to His Excellency must be excellent and anything other than that amounts to a mockery of democracy.

“Finally, we urge millions of our party members who are irked and offended by Hon Ogah’s interview which has since gone viral to maintain their cool as the lawmaker has regretted his actions and has tendered unreserved apologies to the party”, the statement said.

35 South-East Reps-elect endorse Abbas, Kalu for House leadership

By Christiana Ekpa

The race to the Speakership of the 10th National Assembly is taking a new dimension with 35 out of 42 House of Representatives members-elect from the SouthEast region reportedly endorsing Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Deputy chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, who made the announcement during a meeting of the SouthEast members-elect with Abbas and Kalu late Thursday night, said the endorsement list was an ongoing one and was sure that the remaining ones would be part of it.

Reacting to the development, Communication Adviser to the Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu Campaign Group, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere said the lawmakers-elect made the decision by choosing to support the duo as the All Progressives Congress, APC, anointed candidates.

Ugochinyere, who’s also a member-elect for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency

of Imo State, described the ruling party’s zoning arrangement as one that ensures equity and fairness.

While noting that Abbas and Kalu’s detribalised nature, competence and admirable qualities were the reasons behind endless endorsements, he expressed optimism that the remaining eight lawmakers-elect from South-East would sign the endorsement document by the end of the Thursday night’s meeting in Abuja.

“President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress national leadership, having taken a look at the true reflection of our society, and knowing the importance of inclusivity, chose South-East for the Deputy Speakership position.

“So, for inclusiveness, for the unity of the country, for everybody to be carried along, I see no reason any member-elect or Nigerian with conscience will say, South-East should not be given this position.

“So I commend my brothers from the South-East for making the right decision. Apart from zoning, Abbas and Kalu are the most competent amongst all contestants to preside over the affairs of the Green Chamber.

“I believe the remaining eight lawmakers-elect from SouthEast will sign the endorsement document before the end of

the caucuses meeting currently going on at Treasure Suites Abuja,” Ugochinyere stated late Thursday night.

Peter Obi knows Tinubu democratically elected – Bashir Ahmad

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad, has claimed that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, knows that President Bola Tinubu was “democratically elected.”

Ahmad stated this during a Twitter exchange with popular social activist Aisha Yesufu.

Yesufu wrote: “Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not win the 2023 election and crudely rigged it to get himself imposed on Nigerians. That’s the issue that no matter how much you cry on my TL, you cannot forget.

“A stolen mandate doesn’t bring any sense of fulfilment, and

reason you are restless here.”

But Ahmad quoted the tweet and retorted: “The good thing is that even Peter Obi, your supreme commander, knows Bola Ahmed Tinubu is his democratically elected President.”

Obi has yet to publicly congratulate Tinubu, who was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

The former Anambra state governor has instead headed to the election tribunal to challenge the result of the election.

The good thing is that even Peter Obi, your supreme commander, knows Bola Ahmed Tinubu is his democratically elected President. https://t.co/ pSIqvTd6ub— Bashir Ahmad (@ BashirAhmaad) June 9, 2023.

Gov Nwifuru warns against escalation of crisis in Ebonyi

By Musa Baba Adamu

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Friday warned his special assistants on internal security, urging them to guard against the escalation of crises and killings in the various communities of the state.

Nwifuru made this known to the 21 newly inaugurated special assistants on internal security, media, and primary health at the Exco Chambers, New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi

State.

The governor vowed to arrest and prosecute any of the special assistants found culpable of breaches of security and order in the 13 LGAs that they hail from.

According to him: “In no distance time, all the sectors of the government will fully function.

We have been confronted with lots of challenges. And we are very sure that with the kind of leaders that will come to help us discharge our duties within one or two weeks, most of all these insecurities will be a thing of the past.

“We charge the newly inaugurated special assistants that the only job they have to give us [in the area of] law enforcement is to give us information. If we record any insecurity again from anywhere in the state, not only will we arrest the SA, but we will prosecute him as being part of that killing.”

He added: “For you to be in charge of security in your local government area or in the city, means that, if there is any security breach, you are the cause of that security breach, and we will hold you responsible

for that. I want them to be more faithful.”

Nwifuru further appealed to the stakeholders and citizens of the state to be patient with him and vowed that his administration will surmount all challenges facing the people in the state.

“I’m aware of all the challenges in the state. We are so well equipped to surmount all the challenges that are before us. I solicit more of your patience. We will do everything within our reach to put all the segments in place,” he said.

Hon. Tajudeen Abbas

POLITICS

Former Oyo Rep, Shina Peller drums up support for successor

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Aformer member of the House of Representatives, Shina Abiola Peller, has urged his constituents and lawmakerselect in the incoming 10th Assembly to extend the same support and love given to him to his successor.

Peller, who has represented the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/ Iwajowa federal constituency since June 2019, came to the end of his tenure this week.

The former lawmaker who represented his constituency in the 9th National Assembly has enjoined his kinsmen to extend their support to his successor, Shina Oyedeji, who won the February 25 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Peller, who was elected in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was the Oyo North Senatorial candidate on the platform of Accord in the 2023 elections.

Speaking during the valedictory session of the 9th Assembly on Monday, he said:

“As I sign out of the 9th National Assembly, I hope that the cordial relationship that I have built with members in the House will be transferred to my successor, Hon. Shina Oyedeji (O’Shine) of Kajola Local Government, in the overall interest of my constituency, which is made up of four local governments, namely Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola, and Iwajowa.” the cordial relationship that I have built with members in the House will be transferred to my successor, Hon. Shina Oyedeji (O’Shine) of Kajola Local Government, in the overall interest of my constituency, which is made up of four local governments, siwaju, Kajola, and Iwajowa.

You did everything to frustrate me, Ortom fires back at Gov Alia

By Musa Baba Adamu

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has accused his successor, Hyacinth Alia, of doing everything to frustrate him a few days before his handing over.

Ortom was reacting to Alia’s several allegations of mismanagement against him.

He charged his successor to focus on governing the people of the state rather than looking for a scapegoat.

In a statement by his spokesman, Terver Akase, Ortom said: “In his latest outing, the Governor has accused his predecessor of carrying out recruitment into the civil service without due process, handing him an empty treasury, and looting government vehicles, among several other unfounded accusations.

“The present governor did everything to frustrate his predecessor, to the point of writing to banks not to honour any transaction by the outgoing government. Even at that, the

Ortom administration still funded the May 29 inauguration.

“While we won’t go into a war of words with the Governor despite the media trial, it is pertinent to clarify that the Ortom administration followed due process in recruiting the workers whom the present government sacked a few days ago.

“Vacancies were duly advertised in national newspapers, and those who applied for the jobs were properly interviewed/screened and the successful ones were given appointment letters as required by civil service rules. Promotions were also carried out according to the laid down service regulations.

“We expected the Alia administration to specifically point out the areas where it claimed that due process was not followed in the recruitments, instead of making sweeping statements and spurious generalisations.

“On the issue of vehicles, the present administration may wish to be informed that it was the decision of the Benue

State Executive Council that government officials, including the Governor and his Deputy, be given waivers to enable them to go with the official vehicles

allocated to them. Governor Ortom, therefore, did nothing unlawful by leaving office with the official vehicles allocated to him.”

10th NASS leadership: Tinubu not supporting any candidate - Lawmakers

By Christiana Ekpa

Members of the House of Representatives have disclosed that the real reason why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited all the aspirants for the positions of the 10th National Assembly was revealed during the Thursday meeting of the Joint session on Thursday, even as they stressed that the President “did not voice his support” for a particular candidate or asked any lawmaker to step down for the other.

The lawmakers who spoke after the meeting, disclosed that the real reason Mr President invited all of them, including aspirants, is to urge them to work for the unity of the country.

They stressed that the President “did not voice his support for a particular candidate or asked any lawmaker to step down for the other.

The lawmakers noted that Tinubu spoke with a joint session of the National Assembly, comprising senators

and members of the House of Representatives across all parties, at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

There had been some misleading report in some of the media that Mr President Wednesday night, “made a strong appeal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators-elect and Memberselect to abide by the zoning arrangement as announced by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in electing presiding officers of the Senate and House of Representatives”.

But denying the report, the lawmakers said the President on Thursday restated what he discussed with aspirants in a closed door meeting by tasking the lawmakers to put the nation first and downplay party politics in the discharge of their duties.

The meeting is one of several engagements between the President and lawmakers, even as the 10th NASS would be inaugurated on June 13.

The member representing Ningi/Warji Federal

Constituency in Bauchi State, Adamu Ranga, said the President did not voice support for any of the candidates vying for the Senate or Speaker, adding that he called for a united front.

According to him, “the lawmakers were told to work together to choose “good leaders”, in the 10th National Assembly.

Ranga said, “Mr President spoke to the general assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives, in order to ensure that we have a solid government. Second, he emphasized that he will run an open-door policy for everybody.

“Whoever wants to see him can see him without any hindrance. And whatever you want to discuss with him, he will give you that privilege to discuss.

“Thirdly, he said we should put our constituency first, since we are here to represent them. He mentioned that he wants the Senate and the House to cooperate to elect good leaders.”

On his part, memberelect for Enugu East/Isiuzo

Federal Constituency, Prof Paul Nnamchi, told our reporter that Tinubu appealed to lawmakers to uphold national interest.

“He appealed that we should forget about party politics and face national interest. That was the major part of his speech.

“He didn’t mention anybody’s name to be voted for. Maybe he is appealing, but I did not hear anybody’s name,” Nnamchi said

Sources who attended the meeting however observed that Mr. President’s body language at the meeting did not go well with party chieftains and promoters of those pushing for the imposition of some of the preferred candidates on both chambers.

Some of the lawmakers expressed excitement over the disposition of the President to the election of the Presiding Officers.

They maintained that the President’s posture was assuring and will provide cordial working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.

Governor Ortom

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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

Subsidy removal: Patriotism is reciprocal Robert Kennedy: The candidacy that shakes the USA

By Tope Oke

Let’s not even delve into the humongous amount that is readily made available to the 469 ‘distinguished’ and ‘honorable’ men and women of the ‘hallowed’ chambers. This year, they increased their budget from N169b to N228b simply because they are the ‘representatives’ of the people and therefore whether Nigeria or Nigerians are broke, they must continue to get their own money regardless. First line.

I used to be amongst the crowd that thronged to the scene of the Occupy Nigeria protests in 2012 to foolishly protest the removal of fuel subsidies by the government. While it is consoling that the folly was a pandemic then, it is even more regrettable that with the benefit of hindsight, we were all tools to catalyze the piercing propaganda to oust a ‘good’ man from office.

Eleven years later, it is quite an irony that the same people who engineered and sponsored the protests are now bent on removing it, this time even more ruthlessly. Without any consultation, conversation, or communication with the relevant stakeholders, Nigerians woke up to a new dispensation and another episode of fuel scarcity after prices were jacked up by a mammoth 200%!

While there is a consensus that subsidy has to go, the conundrum is the process. Announcing it unilaterally and suddenly is definitely not the way and is a reminder of the sustained contemptuous relationship between the government and the people.

Nigerians have made so many sacrifices for Nigeria and are always willing to but one cannot be infinitely patriotic to a country that continues to degrade the life expectancy of its people. It is sheer wickedness that those who are appealing to Nigerians to make sacrifices are not leading by example. There is no attempt whatsoever at scaling down on the over-bloated cost of governance. There is no attempt whatsoever to rein in the brazen oil theft which is put at over a million barrels per day! The futile attempt to fix at least one of the four refineries (which is the genesis of the subsidy regime) has only swallowed trillions of naira with nothing to show for it.

To buttress the irresponsibility of government, Stephen Oronsaye, a full-blooded Nigerian and former Head of Service was commissioned to produce a framework to make the civil service leaner. He recommended the abolition and merger of some government agencies and parastatals. A reduction in the number of statutory agencies from 263 to 161; 38 agencies were recommended for abolition, 52 should be merged, and 14 to revert to departments in existing ministries. He also admonished the government to discontinue the funding of professional bodies and councils, and religious pilgrimages amongst other wastages.

As clear as the White Paper was, NOTHING in it has been implemented. In the usual Nigerian way, one committee is followed by another committee to review the findings of the first committee, after which another committee is set up to study the reports and draft another White Paper. At the end of the day, rather than reduce or merge some agencies as recommended in the report, even more agencies were established! That is why there is a foreign affairs ministry and also a diaspora commission as if there are different breeds of Nigerians overseas and why there is the FRSC and the VIO as if they inspect different car models!

Let’s not even delve into the humongous amount that is readily made available to the 469 ‘distinguished’ and ‘honorable’ men and women of the ‘hallowed’ chambers. This year, they increased their budget from N169b to N228b simply because they are the ‘representatives’ of the people and therefore whether Nigeria or Nigerians are broke, they must continue to get their own money regardless. First line.

What is even more puzzling is that the government hasn’t put anything in place to ameliorate the sudden spike. The comical $800m loan it took from the World Bank will only leave a huge N8,000 each in the hands of 133m Nigerians it is meant for. Added to this, there’s no electricity guarantee, and no increase in wages yet some people will sit in their solar-powered homes defending the government that has failed to provide even the most basic of amenities to survive. This has always been the problem in Nigeria anyways. I better pass my neighbour.

So imagine sitting in darkness in your home, consoling yourself with a mound of eba and okro soup with fresh fish, unable to buy fuel for your generator after buying for your car, and then you tune in to the news after power is somehow restored, to hear that the budget for the President’s food for the year is N5b or one minister bought 10 fire trucks for N30b or a tag team between snakes and rats led to the disappearance of N500m cash How will the eba digest? What is the guarantee that the supposedly saved funds will be channeled appropriately to make life better? Will the sacrifice be worth it?

These are the issues. The trust deficit is so wide and can only be bridged if government lead by example. People will buy into whatever policy they churn out.

Patriotism is reciprocal.

By Isidoros Karderinis

Iwould like to emphatically emphasize that the overwhelming majority of politicians who appeared in the past, before the elections, against the dominant system, when they gained power not only did not change a single hair from it, but instead turned into components of the system. Let’s hope that in the case of Robert Kennedy, if he wins the nomination of the Democratic Party and is elected president of the United States, the same will not happen.

Robert Kennedy, son of the assassinated in 1968 Robert Francis Kennedy, US Attorney General, New York Senator and 1968 Democratic presidential candidate, and nephew of the also assassinated in 1963 US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, will be a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the November 2024 presidential election.

But who is Robert Kennedy? He is a lawyeractivist, specializing in environmental issues, 69 years old. Raised in the political environment of the Kennedys and embracing the values and political views that have been transmitted to him, he has said: “My father told me when I was a child: ‘People in power lie. And if we want to continue living in a Democracy we must understand that the people in power are lying. The people in power are abusing the power we gave them”.

It is at the same time a leading figure of the anti-vaccination movement. Robert Kennedy’s public attack on the “philanthropist” promoter of the “vaccines” Bill Gates had caused a global sensation with his post, describing how Bill Gates is using the “vaccine” to impose a global dictatorship (Europost, 9-4 -2020): “Vaccines for Bill Gates is a strategic philanthropy that fuels his many related business activities to gain himself a dictatorial control of global health politics, the spearhead of neo-imperialism”.

Robert Kennedy, before the start of vaccinations for COVID-19, sent a message to the global community in December 2020 sounding the alarm about mRNA vaccines by saying: “Avoid vaccinations at all costs, at all costs,” For the first time in the history of vaccinations the mRNA technology used interferes directly with the genetic material of the recipient-patient and consequently this intervention involves genetic modification, which is already internationally prohibited and considered criminal”, “Dear prospective recipients you should know that after receiving the vaccine you will no longer be able to manage the symptoms of the vaccine in an effective way. You will have to live with the effects as you will not be able to remove the toxins from your body. The genetic damage caused to you by these vaccines will be irreversible and irreparable,” “In my opinion these new technology vaccines represent a crime against humanity that has never happened before and on this scale ».

On February 11, 2021, “Instagram” closed Robert Kennedy’s account for “fake news! “. “We removed this account because it repeatedly posted false claims about the coronavirus and vaccines,” Facebook, Instagram’s parent company, said in a statement. At the time, Kennedy had about 800,000 followers on his account. It is obvious that the promoters of “vaccines” did not like the public positions of Robert Kennedy, because he himself was staunchly opposed to the so-called “vaccines! “.

Then in November 2021 he visited Italy and spoke in Milan in Piazza dell’Arco della Pace in a large demonstration, where he was received as a hero by many thousands of people, against the so-called Green Pass, the COVID-19 certificate, characterizing it as” instrument of oppression”. And speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Robert Kennedy said: “The Green Pass is not a public health innovation, it is an instrument of obedience and economic control, just like the pamphlets issued by the Third Reich”.

During his speech at the Milan demonstration he encouraged protesters to go out and fight and resist, telling them: “Reclaim your government, reclaim your lives, reclaim your freedom for your children, for the your country, for future generations,” and ended saying amid cheers and prolonged applause: “I will stand by, with you, and if necessary I will die for it. I’ll die in my boots”.

In August 2022, Robert Kennedy was in Berlin and spoke about modern Orwellianism and the bioterrorism agenda of multinational pharmaceutical companies. Among other things, he said: “Governments love pandemics the same way they love wars, because it gives them power, gives them control, and gives them the ability to enforce obedience on human beings. And today we have the distortion of new technologies that give governments the ability to impose controls on populations they never imagined”.

In November 2022, Robert Kennedy made shocking statements about the side effects of mass vaccinations, saying: “We’re seeing a 40% increase in unexplained deaths, in excess deaths, and we’re seeing them especially happening to young people! The number of people dying from mass vaccination is much higher than the number of people dying from COVID-19. Some doctors will say we don’t know if it’s from the vaccine. Then why does the CDC discourage coroners and public health authorities from performing autopsies on people whose deaths are suspicious?”.

As for the war unfolding in Ukraine, his position is clear. In his statements in May 2023, he said the following: “Let’s be honest! This is a US war against Russia for geopolitical reasons! These are geopolitical machinations that have been going on since 2014 with (US) intelligence agencies and neoconservatives. They are essentially sacrificing the “flower” of Ukrainian youth in a slaughterhouse of death and destruction for the geopolitical ambition of the neoconservatives behind the scenes. To depose, change the regime of Vladimir Putin and exhaust the Russian military so that it cannot fight anywhere else in the world”.

So, we see, based on Robert Kennedy’s entire journey, that we have before us an antiestablishment candidate, a candidate who is not afraid to clash with huge financial interests, a candidate who is not afraid to go against the dominant system, defying the risks.

In closing, I would like to emphatically emphasize that the overwhelming majority of politicians who appeared in the past, before the elections, against the dominant system, when they gained power not only did not change a single hair from it, but instead turned into components of the system. Let’s hope that in the case of Robert Kennedy, if he wins the nomination of the Democratic Party and is elected president of the United States, the same will not happen.

Isidoros Karderinis an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

KPMG Nigeria: Tinubu’s target of 6% annual GDP growth not feasible

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

KPMG says Nigeria may not be able to achieve 6 percent average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in four years.

In his inaugural speech on May 29, President Bola Tinubu set a target to increase the GDP growth rate of the country by 6 percent on average in the next 4 years through budgetary reforms aimed at stimulating the real sector of the economy.

KPMG, in a flashnote titled ‘Prospect for Attaining 6% Average Growth Rate in 4 years’, and released on Friday, said the target “might be difficult to attain” within the timeframe set by the president.

“For example, the consensus analysts is a GDP growth in 2023 of between 2.7-3.2%. Thus, if we assume a GDP growth of 3% in the first year, the economy will then have to grow by an average of 7% for the subsequent 3 years and moving growth from a forecasted 3% in 2023 to at least 7% in 2024 and afterwards seems overly ambitious,” the firm said.

KPMG said attaining a 6 percent real GDP growth on average from 2023 to 2026 means growing the value of real GDP from N74.6 trillion in 2022 to N92.5tn by 2026, representing an increase of N17 trillion in 4 years.

The professional services firm explained that within 12 years (2010 and 2022), real GDP grew by about N17 trillion which will have to be replicated in just 4 years and within a much more challenging macroenvironment that cuts across the fiscal, monetary, external, and real sectors.

KPMG, however, said that while the 6 percent target is unlikely to be achieved, the best possible GDP growth rate to be achieved within the next 4 years would be between 4 to 4.5 percent.

“In conclusion, while we expect stronger year on year growth over the next few years, we are of the opinion that there is very limited space to attain a 6% average real growth rate in 4 years or an increase in real GDP by N17trillion,” KPMG in Nigeria said.

“We are of the opinion that an average GDP growth rate of between 4-4.5% at the best is more feasible in the next 4 years.

“Even this will require the country to get its policies right and keep consistent faith with macroeconomic reforms.”

NNPC clarifies Kyari’s statement on N687trn profit

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has clarified that its 2021 profitafter-tax (PAT) was N674 billion — not N687 trillion.

Last Thursday, Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited, spoke on the 2021 profit margin of the national oil company on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.

“I am sure you are aware that this conpany has broken even. We have [been] doing very well,” Kyari said.

“We have a profit level of N687 trillion in fiscal 2021.”

However, Garba Deen Muhammad, NNPC’s spokesperson, clarified that Kyari made an error and that the accurate PAT value had been released on the company’s

official Twitter page in 2022.

“Inadvertently, N687 trillion was mentioned as the company’s profit after tax figure as against N674 billion contained in the 2021 annual financial statement,” he said.

Quoting the company’s 2021 annual financial statement, he said the accurate profit-after-tax figure for 2021, “N674 billion, was communicated to the public

via our official Twitter account on 05/10/2022”.

Meanwhile, the 2021 financial year made it the fourth consecutive time that the NNPC opened its book for public scrutiny.

When the NNPC first published its account statement in 2018, it reported a loss of N803.9 billion.

IPMAN bemoans planned demolition of ’13 filling stations’ for flyover project in Anambra

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has bemoaned the proposed demolition of 13 functional filling stations to make way for the construction of a flyover in the Ekwulobia area of Anambra state.

The marketers, in a letter signed by Chinedu Anyaso, chairman of IPMAN, Enugu community depot in charge of the south-east zone, called on Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, to resolve the issue amicably.

He said the marketers that will be impacted have expressed worries over the planned demolition of their premises “without any compensation plan by the government”.

According to Anyaso, the filing stations — Matino Oil, and Ngozi Petroleum — are on Orlu Road, Ekwulobia; while Pap Oil, Evkkins Oil, Ernmaco Petroleum, Narco Oil, and NIPCO, are all located along Awka Road, Ekwulobia.

Others are Jolet Oil, Best Abino Oil, God’s Decision Oil, and Hachele Petrogas, located along Igboukwu Road; Ekwulobia; and Narco Oil, and God’s Decision Oil, sited along Oko Road in the same area.

The IPMAN chair begged the government not to push members out of their businesses and means of livelihood, adding that the marketers were in full support of Soludo’s infrastructure transformation agenda, including the flyover project, because of its attendant

benefits.

“Our members in Ekwulobia axis have made official reports to our NEC through the zonal office in respect of the proposed Ekwulobia flyover which will adversely affect their means of livelihood,” Anyaso said.

“About 13 of their operational filling stations with current documents have been marked out for demolition.

“As a body, we appreciate every move towards infrastructural development and applaud the giant strides of the governor in that respect.

“But we also want you to understand that most of our members that are affected by the proposed project rely heavily on those outlets as their means of survival and sustenance to their families and other dependents.”

Ayanso said IPMAN would like to schedule a meeting with the governor on how to resettle the displaced members.

Meanwhile, the Anambra government said the construction of the Ekwulobia flyover has been awarded and would soon commence.

In an official statement signed by Paul Nwosu, commissioner for information, the government asked business owners whose properties and shops were on the right of way of the flyover or encroached into the road corridor, to leave.

“Owners of such properties and shops are hereby advised to begin to dismantle their structures and evacuate their valuables immediately as agreed in the last stakeholders’ meeting,” the statement reads.

•Says ‘We generated N674bn in 2021’

FIRS, LIRS set up joint tax audit team to cut compliance costs

The Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint audit and investigation team (JAIT).

In a statement on Wednesday, Ayodele Subair, executive chairman of LIRS, said JAIT aims to encourage the exchange of information between both agencies.

Subair said the collaboration would improve tax administration by reducing compliance costs, thereby enabling ease of doing business in the country.

He also said the objective of the agreement is to ensure efficiency, accurate assessments, and increased revenue for funding government expenditures.

According to Subair, while the agencies carry out their respective mandates, JAIT would “help the administration enhance tax revenue generation, create a robust database and improve the country’s tax-togross domestic product (GDP) ratio”.

“There is no reason to debate the above as it has been established that tax compliance and good governance are expected to co-exist as the undividable social contract that binds citizens and governments anywhere in the world,” the LIRS taxman said.

“Therefore, citizens and governments are expected to fulfill their end of the bargain in achieving a balance.”

Speaking on the agreement, Muhammad Nami, executive chairman of FIRS, said the cooperation fosters sharing relevant information that would assist both parties in their tax administration and enforcement roles.

This, he said, would also provide capacity building between both tax authorities.

“We will carry out a joint audit and investigation as a team, we will also conduct an automatic exchange of information for gathering data for the purpose of tax administration. With that information, we would be able to carry out tax administration seamlessly,” Nami said.

NBS: Nigeria’s 2021 taxto-GDP ratio 10.86%

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced an upward review of the country’s tax-togross domestic product (GDP) ratio for 2021 to 10.86 percent from 6 percent.

In its report titled ‘Tax-toGDP Ratio Revised Computation (2010-2021)’, the statistics agency said the revised calculation now includes relevant revenue collected by other agencies of government.

The tax-to-GDP ratio is a measure of a nation’s tax revenue relative to the size of its economy.

Developed nations typically

have higher tax-to-GDP ratios than developing nations

According to the World Bank, tax revenues above 15 percent of a country’s GDP are a key ingredient for economic growth and, ultimately, poverty reduction.

The report said the revised computation is a collaborative effort of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the federal ministry of finance, and the NBS for “better measurement” of Nigeria’s taxto-GDP ratio.

The report said the data used were sourced from the office of the accountant general of the federation (OAGF), FIRS,

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Joint Tax Board (JTB), NBS, and other relevant agencies of government that collect revenue.

“The new figures are revised and updated numbers to reflect better data sources and improved estimation using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) manual,” the NBS said.

“The OECD manual is an improvement over the System of National Accounts (SNA 2008) classification of taxes.

“Although the System of National Accounts conceptual framework and its definitions of the various sectors of the economy are reflected in the

OECD’s classification of taxes, the OECD classifications provide the maximum disaggregation of statistical data on what are generally regarded as taxes by tax administrations.

“The revised computation took into account wider coverage of data at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels, and revenue items not previously included in the computations, particularly, relevant revenue collected by other agencies of government.

“At the end of 2021, the tax-to-GDP ratio stood at 10.86% for Nigeria compared to an estimated 6% previously reported.”

Fuel

marketers declare support for subsidy removal

By Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) on Wednesday in Abuja pledged its support for the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies.

The association’s chairperson, Winifred Akpani, made the disclosure at the end of a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. She said the association would also support the government’s palliative measures by providing between 50 and 100 mass transit buses.

Ms Akpani said the buses would be locally manufactured and would use Compressed Natural Gas as fuel.

“We pledge our support for President Tinubu in the bold decision of removing petrol subsidy. It is an idea that was long overdue.

“Removal of subsidy is not about making fuel costly and taking it out of the reach of Nigerians. It is about getting it right on the real issue of petroleum product subsidy.

“Who are those enjoying the subsidy? The subsidy ends up being enjoyed by those it was not

meant for.

“We also spoke to the president about substitutes to petrol as well as creating an environment conducive for investments to thrive in the oil sector,” she said.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who led the DAPPMAN delegation, described the subsidy removal as a bold step that portended positive growth for the economy

He said fuel subsidy withdrawal was a clear indication of Mr Tinubu’s readiness to address the challenges of the oil and gas sector.

“Subsidy has become a N4 trillion per annum issue and its removal will release more funds for economic development.

“Subsidy removal will unleash the potential of Nigeria because it will open up a lot of resources for the development of other sectors of the economy.

“The National Economic Council will soon begin sitting to propose interventions on the subsidy removal.

“The interventions will definitely be a long-lasting solution to the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians,’’ Mr Abiodun said.

L-R: Vice President Kashim Shettima; President Bola Ahmed Tiunbu; President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan, and Speaker House of Representatives Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, during the President Tinubu’s closed-door meeting with Senator-eelects and Member-elects of the 10th National Assembly at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday Night

Weekend MagazineEntertainment

Zainab Balogun explains how medical disorder affected her marriage

Nollywood actress, Zainab Balogun, has recently opened up about her longstanding battle with endometriosis and the significant impact it had on her marriage.

In an intimate conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the actress candidly shared her experiences with the medical disorder that affected her for over two decades.

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, leading to symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, irregular periods, and potential fertility issues.

Balogun courageously disclosed the challenges she faced due to this condition and credited her husband, Dikko Nwachukwu, for his unwavering support throughout her journey.

When asked about her husband’s role during her battle with endometriosis, the actress responded, “Yes, of course, my husband was supportive. You know, you have to take the village mentality when it comes to dealing with something as big as this. You realise that you are going to need the therapist, the back-rubber, and the make-me-laugh person. So, it would be hard to do something like this alone [without the support of my husband]. Not even just because of the physical aspects, but more so, the mental and emotional aspects.”

In addition to discussing her battle with endometriosis, the actress touched on her decision not to share photos from her wedding in 2018 publicly.

She expressed her desire to keep her personal life private and stated, “I did not share my wedding photos. I don’t know who did it. The only person who had permission to share one image, which was like a beauty image, was my make-up artist. I was very comfortable with nobody seeing an image from my wedding. I mean, my personal life is very personal. It’s not out for public consumption because that is not my work, that’s my life.”

Zainab Balogun is a model, television presenter and Nigerian actress with noteworthy performances in various Nollywood movies such as God Calling, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, and Sylvia.

Sina Rambo’s wife, Heidi Korth publicly announces divorce

The wife of Sina Rambo, son of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has publicly confirmed her divorce from the singer.

Making the announcement via her Instagram story, the estranged wife revealed her intention to give away her diamond wedding ring to a couple who is preparing to tie the knot.

In a video message, the mother of one showcased her wedding ring and expressed her desire to pass it on to someone who is soon to be married.

She said, “This is my wedding ring. And since I’m now officially divorced, I want to give it out to someone who is getting married. So, if you are getting married

anytime soon because it’s actually diamond and it’s actually really cute. So, if you are getting married anytime soon and you need a nice ring, I mean, hit me up, just send a DM and send a picture of your wedding invitation card and I will send this over to you.”

Korth’s controversial action has sparked various reactions among Nigerians, with many wondering who would want a wedding ring previously worn by a divorcee.

The announcement has ignited a discussion on social media platforms, where opinions are divided on whether such a gesture would be well-received by potential recipients.

Sina Rambo and Heidi Korth had their court wedding in October 2021, followed by their introduction ceremony in November.

The couple shares a daughter together. However, their relationship has been marred by controversies. A few months ago, Korth accused the singer of domestic violence and accused him of neglecting their daughter, further claiming that the singer owed her a substantial amount of money.

Shina Rambo, the spouse of Heidi Korth, is yet to make an official statement regarding the matter of their divorce.

Heidi and husband, Sina Rambo

Weekend Magazine

Caroline Danjuma wants to reconcile with ex-husband on one condition

Nollywood actress Caroline Danjuma has expressed her desire to remarry her exhusband, Musa Danjuma.

The couple, who were married for nine years, went through a divorce in 2016. However, in a recent interview with media personality Innih Emah, the actress shared her longing to return to her former spouse, on one condition.

“If God reveals that he is the man destined for me then yes, I would love to go back to my ex-husband” the actress wholeheartedly revealed.

Reflecting on her past, the mother of three confessed that she would not have walked away from her marriage if she possessed the wisdom and experience she has now.

They were just some irreconcilable differences that, if I was of this age and the experience I have now, I think I would have handled it better,” she revealed.

Undoubtedly, Musa remains a significant figure in her life as the father of her three children. Danjuma stated, “He would always be the love of my life. He is the one I said, you know what? This man is worth being my husband. So, yes, he would always remain the love of my life and that would not change.”

Right now, she says her primary desire is to find peace of mind and happiness.

As she matures, Danjuma longs for a partner with whom she can build a future and find tranquillity. She emphasised, “Peace of mind is more valuable than money.”

When asked why she still bears her ex-husband’s surname, Danjuma, despite their divorce, the reality TV star provided an explanation.

She emphasised on the connection she shares with her exhusband as the father of their three children, stating, “I have three kids with my husband, and he’ll always be my husband, whether anyone likes it or not. So I can always carry that name Danjuma. On social media, I am Carolyna Hutchings as a brand, but in real life, I am actually

Carolyna Danjuma. Yes, I still bear Danjuma, and my husband does not have a problem with that”

During the same interview, the actress shared another intriguing aspect of her life. The reality TV star revealed that she used to be an evangelist, dedicating herself to spreading the message of Christ.

During that period, she made significant changes to her appearance, abstaining from wearing makeup, artificial hair, and even foregoing nail enhancements.

Danjuma vividly described her commitment to evangelism, stating, “No artificial hair, no makeup, no fingernails, no toes. I did all of that. And I was even evangelising outside Farm City. From 10 o’clock to 1 o’clock, I would carry my Bible and go and win souls for Christ. That was 2018-2019.”

She expressed her passion for becoming a gospel minister and shared her aspirations of one day becoming a praise leader.

Caroline Danjuma, also known as Carolyna Hutchings is a Reality TV star who featured in Real Housewives of Lagos reality show. She is also a Nigerian actress with noteworthy performances in various Nollywood movies such as Come Alive, Deadly Decision, and The Journalist.

‘No Days Off’ is the last piece in Teni’s rebrand

Teni’s entrance into the scene was heralded by the natural appeal that flows from her talent and relatability, and while several artists struggle to make the transition from internet sensation to music star, Teni was able to become a mainstay in the Afrobeats scene.

This piece takes a look at Teni’s rebrand over the years which now appears to be complete with the release of her recent single ‘No Days Off.’

Teni got her big break in 2018 and went on a blistering run of hits (‘Case’, ‘Askamaya’, ‘Uyo Meyo’) which culminated in her winning the Best Pop Song and Record of the Year at the 2019 Headies Awards.

Her introduction into the mainstream would see her become the adorable music star loved for her captivating music as well as for her sense of humor.

After becoming famous, Teni would continue to maintain her reputation as a fan favorite as she used her social media to offer the playful side that preceded her rise into the mainstream.

As Teni grew in fame, this playful side would begin to slowly dwindle down while she continued churning out her trademark records.

When she released her debut album ‘Wondaland’ in 2021, she greatly reduced the display of the adorable personality listeners were familiar with and this invariably affected consumers’ appreciation and interaction with the music.

This subtle rebrand would continue into 2022 where she underwent an impressive weight loss journey before returning with new singles which again, were overshadowed by her drastic physical alteration.

After steadily shedding off the old parts of herself, Teni is now set to entirely kill off the old body and introduce listeners to a new superstar with all-around artistic switches.

Popular social media commentator Daniel Regha has claimed it is ridiculous that Mercy Chinwo charges N10m to perform in churches.

Regha said gospel artists shouldn’t charge money for performances in church.

In a post on his Twitter handle on Thursday, Regha claimed that the church is only obligated to provide hospitality and cover their transportation costs, if necessary.

He wrote, “Mercy Chinwo charging N10m to perform in Church is ridiculous, gospel artistes shouldn’t charge a dime; The church is obligated to provide hospitality & cover the transportation costs of invitees if necessary but paying anyone to perform is wrong. A true Christian will not charge.”

Mercy Chinwo charging N10m to perform in churches ridiculous –Daniel Regha

How ICT contributed 17.47% to Nigeria’s real GDP in Q1 2023

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributes 17.47% to Nigeria’s real GDP in Q1 2023, showing an increase from the previous year.

The Telecoms sub-sector drives the growth in the ICT sector, contributing 14.13% to the real GDP.

Overall GDP growth in the first quarter of 2023 is 2.31%, with the services sector being the main driver, growing at a rate of 4.35% and contributing 57.29% to the GDP.

Activities in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) contributed 17.47% to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q1 2023.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed this in the Q1 GDP statistics. This shows an increase in contribution when compared

to the 16.2% recorded in the same period last year.

Quarter on quarter, the sector also recorded growth in real GDP contribution when compared to the 16.2% it added in Q4, 2022. According to NBS, the ICT sector is composed of the four activities of telecommunications and information services; publishing; motion picture, sound recording, and music production; and broadcasting.

Telcom leads

While the ICT sector recorded a growth rate of 10.32% in real terms year on year in the quarter under review, the growth was driven largely by activities in the telecommunications sub-sector, which contributed 14.13% to the GDP in real terms.

The closest sub-sector to telecoms in the ICT sector in terms

of contribution was broadcasting, which added 1.98%.

Other key highlights for the ICT sector

The ICT sector contributed 13.23% to the total nominal GDP in the first quarter of 2023, higher than the rate of 10.55% recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and higher than the 10.42% it contributed in the preceding quarter.

In nominal terms, the sector recorded 41.84% growth in the quarter under review, a 21.30% point increase from the rate of 20.54% recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and 20.43% points higher than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

The ICT sector contributed 13.23% to the total nominal GDP in the first quarter of 2023, higher than the rate of 10.55% recorded in the same quarter of 2022 and higher

than the 10.42% it contributed in the preceding quarter.

The general performance of the economy.

According to NBS, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 2.31% year-on-year in real terms in the first quarter of 2023, indicating 1.21% points lower than 3.52% recorded in the previous quarter and 0.8% lower compared to 3.11% recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.

The Statistics Bureau blamed the slowdown in GDP growth rate on the naira scarcity, which occurred in the first quarter of the year as the central bank refused to back down on its naira swap policy.

The performance of the GDP in the first quarter of 2023 was driven mainly by the services sector, which recorded a growth rate of 4.35% and contributed 57.29% to the aggregate GDP.

Source:nairametrics.com

Alzheimer’s drug gives hope, Sevenoaks family says

The wife of a Kent man who was put on a “momentous” drug developed to fight Alzheimer’s says it has given the couple “hope”.

David Essam, 78, from Sevenoaks, started developing Alzheimer’s about seven years ago.

He was put on a new drug, Lecanemab, as part of an international trial for those with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

His Alzheimer’s meant he had to give up work as a joiner as he could no longer remember how to use his tools.

He now uses a digital watch as he can’t tell time using a clock face.

Cheryl Essam said her husband has experienced “deterioration” after three years on the trial.

But she said there are activities that he can still do, adding that the trial “has helped us” and “has given us hope”.

“Every day that David is still able to do those things, we’re convinced it is down to the fact that we’ve been lucky enough to be on the trial,” she said.

Lecanemab works in the early stages of the disease, and attacks the sticky gunge - called beta amyloid - that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

The large-scale international trial involved 1,795 volunteers with earlystage Alzheimer’s. Infusions of lecanemab were given every fortnight.

Alzheimer’s Research UK said the research breakthrough was “momentous”.

Ms Essam said those who were running the trial say they can prove that beta amyloid has been reduced with her husband.

Mr Essam said: “There are lots of things I used to be able to do [and] now I can’t do. That’s what I miss.”

Source: bbc.com

INTERVIEW

What Uba will do for Kaduna -Aide

NASIR ABDULKADIR , a former editor at various media houses across the country is a Senior Special Adviser on print media to the current Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani. The veteran journalist. In this interview with FEMI OYELOLA , expressed optimism in the ability and political will of Governor Uba Sani to turn around the fortunes of the state, in order to herald a new dawn, among other issues...

To what extent do you see Uba Sani as Governor achieving much for the state?

To a very large extent, of course. Everyone is by now aware that Uba Sani is a committed and dedicated achiever. As a first timer in the Nigerian Senate for the only first four years he served, he is on record as having surpassed the efforts of most of his colleagues in the Ninth Assembly in terms of sponsorship of motions and initiating bills that worked and welfare of his constituents.

How would you generally describe the electoral victory of the current Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani?

For me, and I believe for every discerning citizen of Kaduna State, the victory of Malam Uba Sani is representative of a major paradigm shift across generations, which has been elusive for several decades.

Uba Sani, by far, the youngest to have ever become Governor in Kaduna State, is by disposition, a passionate believer in the organic links between generations.

He is always available for

young people and the old providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship. With Uba Sani, it is certainly going to be an entirely new dawn that would see the potential of the young people of Kaduna state sufficiently harnessed as the most productive segment of the society.

To what extent do you see Uba as Governor achieving much for the state?

To a very large extent, of course. Everyone is by now aware that Uba Sani is a committed and dedicated achiever. As a first timer in the Nigerian Senate for the only first four years he served, he is on record as having surpassed the efforts of most of his colleagues in the Ninth Assembly in terms of sponsorship of motions and initiating bills that worked and welfare of his constituents.

He has moved several important and people-focused motions that scaled through and became law. With this background, he is coming to governance in Kaduna State with loads of proven integrity, honesty, and wealth of experience.

Well, those who know the man would live to remember him for his legendary generosity. If he is not the most masses-friendly politician in the Northwest, he should be the second on the region. I say this because his community-friendly programmes have been unparalleled in the recent democratic history of this nation. He spent hundreds of millions continuously on scholarship for indigent people and became the messiah of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kaduna State as a Senator

Before he became governor, what spectacular things do you think he did that might have endeared him to the people?

Well, those who know the man would live to remember him for his legendary generosity. If he is not the most masses-friendly politician in the Northwest, he should be the second on the region. I say this because his communityfriendly programmes have been unparalleled in the recent democratic history of this nation. He spent hundreds of millions continuously on scholarship for indigent people and became the messiah of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kaduna State as a Senator.

These are all life-touching and I dare say very few politicians

in today’s Nigeria devote their personal resources to the upliftment of the common man. So, on a scale of 100, I give His Excellency 90% pass mark on masses friendliness.

Rural Kaduna, according to a school of thought would also require a touch of the spirit of urban renewal His Excellency has reiterated times without number, especially in his engagement with stakeholders in the rural areas, that they would be part of his priority concerns. He has restated similar commitment to the welfare of youths, women and girls as a renown activist and politician. I forsee a revolutionary outcome in terms of governance in Kaduna State under the watch of my principal, by the special grace of God.

Nasir Abdulkadir

COMMON ERRORS

IN ENGLISH

With Samuel Alimi

Redundant use of words (2)

Last week, we started an engaging class on the tautological expressions we use in our everyday conversations. I stressed that some words are extraneous because they make our sentences wordier and unnecessarily lengthy. As students of English, it is high time we took enough time to critically study the correct expressions because learning the rudiments of English is not as difficult as many wrongly think.

TRANSPORT FARE

When you board a car to any location of your choice, you may face the temptation to call the money usually paid to the driver TRANSPORT FARE. What is wrong with it? The issue is, Oxford English Dictionary states that “fare” is money paid for a transport ticket. It’s sheer repetition to use TRANSPORT FARE. The proof that its use is erroneous is undeniable, according to the dictionary quoted.

The management informed all students to pay their transport fares for the excursion to Aso Rock. (Wrong) The management informed all students to pay their fares for the excursion to Aso Rock. (Correct)

CAR FARE, BUS FARE, TAXI FARE AND TRAIN FARE

When you board a car and want to pay the driver for the service rendered, it is grammatical to say CAR FARE. For example, I need to pay the car fare to Nasarawa State tomorrow.

BUS FARE should be used for the cost of an automobile conveying a large number of people to any location.

The bus fare to Kano is too high; I would prefer to board a train.

TRAIN FARE

Use train fare for the cost of a train ticket.

Example

Sule should pay the subsidized train fare before the opportunity ends.

AIRFARE

Use airfare for the cost of an airplane trip.

Due to the harsh effects of fuel subsidy, airfare to Dubai has skyrocketed.

NEW INNOVATION

It is imperative to note that life advances every minute. Several headlines from the media houses capture the technological advancements, especially in Western countries. Amazingly, we are improving, but I would not refrain from addressing the grammatical error we spread around like cancer in a bid to announce the intriguing development.

Example

Building an electric car is a new

innovation. (Wrong)

Building an electric car is an innovation. (Correct)

Innovation is the introduction of something new. Have you now realized that it is tautology to use “new innovation”?

PREDICTIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

I had an eerie experience with several clerics’ hit-and-run prophecies about the 2023 General Elections. While listening to one of the clips posted on Facebook, one of them publicly predicted that the newly elected president would not be inaugurated. Expectedly, many gullible and religious congregants really anticipated the fulfillment of the revelation probably influenced by resentment, political hostility.

Example

Bishop Wealth made several predictions about the future of Nigeria throughout the last December.

Study the sentence above and point out the redundancy.

Every prediction is about the future. Therefore, it is redundant to write “about the future” again. Grammatically, this expression is valid: Bishop Wealth made several predictions about Nigeria throughout

the last December. I believe that this explanation is comprehensible.

NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Bagging a degree in Education is a necessary requirement for teaching in Nigerian schools. (Wrong)

Bagging a degree in Education is a requirement for teaching in Nigerian schools. (Correct)

The redundant word “necessary” has been eliminated in the second instance. Requirements are necessary or prerequisite. Below is an example from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary: There was a requirement of the government on citizens for paying taxes.

IN MY OPINION, I THINK...

People suffering from stage fright are most likely to always use this repetitious expression during their contributions to public discussions. Please, repent from every mistake as we continue to spread the gospel of good English around the country through the Peoples Daily newspaper. It is about time you repented from the sins of grammatical blunders.

In my opinion, I think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will perform incredibly before the end of his first tenure. (Wrong)

In my opinion, President Bola

Ahmed Tinubu will perform incredibly before the end of his first tenure. (Correct) or

I think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will perform incredibly before the end of his first tenure. (Correct)

In one of our classes, I emphasized that opinions are always personal. Your thoughts when expressed are also your opinions. Using “In my opinion, I think...” sounds awful to the ears of every brilliant English user. This is one of the indisputable reasons you should strive to learn more about tautology. I would advise you to study other books on Common Errors in English to have a sound understanding.

I MET HIM PERSONALLY

While working as an editor to a male lecturer, he penned a tribute in memoriam of a monarch whose leadership positively impacted the community he ruled. At the beginning of the remarkable recognition with the late king’s picture in his full regalia, he wrote “I personally recognize...”. Professionally, I deleted the word “personally” because it was not needed in the piece.

I went to see the chairman personally.

Of course, If you met the chairman, it must have been personally.

Study the following sentences and underline the redundant words in them.

The loss of over two hundred lives in India is a sad misfortune.

Read the passage and write its short summary.

Kindly send your answers to 07049203179

or samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com.

Names of students who got the answers to the last questions correctly

Akindunjoye Micheal, Alimi Olive, Olanrewaju Glory, Rasheed Fatai, Awoyemi Joseph, Oluniyi Mojolaoluwa, Princess Nada Onu-Pepple, Adebayo Ifeoluwa, Racheal Alimi, Tunde Samuel and Ayobami Safiyyah.

Barr Anene-Maidoh: An institutional memory of ECOWAS Community Court of Justice

By Paul Ejime

At the recently concluded 2023 International Conference of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice held in Banjul, the Gambian capital, the sobriquet “CR,” was frequently used by participants, particularly Judges, Ministers, and legal acolytes from within and outside the ECOWAS region. This was not a reference to World football famous Cristiano Ronaldo, but Barrister Tony Anene-Maidoh, the pioneer and immediate-past Chief Registrar of the Abuja-based regional Court.

Soft-spoken, unassuming, but a stickler for details, Barr Anene-Maidoh boasts an impressive track record and more than four decades of experience of legal practice in the public and private sector, including 18 years at the helm of the Registry Department of the ECOWAS Community Court.

Having joined the Court in 2003 as its Registrar and a pioneer staff, he became Acting Chief Registrar in January 2004 and then substantive and first Chief Registrar of the Court in April the same year, a position he held until final retirement in September 2022.

His retirement date was actually October 2020, but he received service extension for two years. Not that the service of any staff was indispensable, however, the hierarchy was convinced that Barr Anene-Maidoh brought something unique to the table.

As testament to his dedication and hard work, Anene-Maidoh was elevated to a D2 Director position in April 2008, making him the first Officer in all ECOWAS institutions to attain that enviable height.

As Chief Registrar, he remains an institutional memory or brain box of the Court, assisting the institution, its Presidents, and Hon. Judges in their official functions.

Barr Anene-Maidoh worked very closely with six successive Court Presidents beginning with Hon. Justice Hansine Donli (Nigeria), Aminata Malle Sanogo (Mali), Awa Daboya Nana (Togo), Maria Silver Monteiro (Guinea-Bissau), Jerome Traore (Burkina Faso), and the incumbent, Edward Amoako Asante (Ghana).

Set up as an inter-state Court under provisions of the 1991 Protocol and the 1993 Revised Treaty to facilitate the integration process of the Community, the Court has Treaty supervisory and oversight functions with the primary mandate of interpreting and applying the Treaty and other Community Texts.

However, a 2005 Supplementary Protocol, which amended the initial Protocol on the Court, expanded its mandates to include the ECOWAS Community Court mandate, ECOWAS Public Service Administrative Tribunal, a Human Rights Court mandate, and an Arbitration Court mandate, with Human Rights jurisdiction as the centrepiece of its judicial activities.

Barr Anene-Maidoh’s responsibilities as the Chief Registrar were numerous and he is credited with many achievements, including conceptualising, and leading the implementation of many of the Court’s

flagship programmes, some of which have been institutionalised in the annual Work Programmes of the Court.

Other achievements are the Judicial/ Judges’ Retreats; External Court Sessions in member States, the New Legal Year ceremonies; International Conferences, which started as a biennial event but now held annually; Case Management Workshops; and Workshop on Headnotes and Summary of the Judgments of the Court.

Other key programmes started during Anene-Maidoh’s tenure as Chief Registrar are the Orientation training for new Judges of the Court and their Executive Assistants, establishment of the Court’s Archive Unit, which has proved a very useful part of its Judicial records system, and a Publication Division in charge of all the Court’s publications, such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice Law Reports, with him as Editor-inChief.

The former Chief Registrar also conceived and pioneered the publication of the Notice of Registration of new cases in a Special edition of the Official Journal of the Community in English and French and is credited with setting up the Registry Department of the Court with sustained training and mentoring of staff of the Department into a formidable and efficient workforce.

Barr Anene-Maidoh also introduced Case Management meetings and statutory reports, an Operations Manual, as well as an annual Registry Work Programme, and an innovative Docket Information system, as an indispensable tool for the Judges.

Under the Court’s 2018 Organogram approved by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, the former Chief Registrar worked with staff of his department, to propose and successfully defended the creation of five Divisions in the Registry Department and creation of many essential professional staff positions in the department.

As Chief Registrar, Barr Anene-Maidoh represented the Community Court on the Inter-Institutional Strategic Planning Coordinating Committee and played pivotal role in the production of the first and subsequent editions, of the ECOWAS Court of Justice Strategic Plan and Action Plan between 2010 and 2020.

He also conceived the creation of a Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation position in the Office of the President of the Court under the 2018 Organogram.

Barr Anene-Maidoh equally played key roles in the establishment of the website to enhance the Community Court’s online visibility, and in stepping up sensitisation and orientation programmes, as well as training workshops for judges, lawyers, and the academia in member States.

He was also a key player in the production of the draft rules of Arbitration of the Community Court in 2011 with a revised edition in 2018; the ECOWAS Court of Justice Practice Direction 2012, and the 2020 Practice Directions on Virtual Case Management and Hearing, which enables litigants to file and argue their cases remotely.

Some of lawyer Anene-Maidoh’s strong qualities are his intellectual depth, workaholic nature, discipline, humane inter-personal relationships, team spirit and building of collegiate and professional contacts.

Even so, he insists that whatever he has achieved as Chief Registrar was down to the excellent cooperation and support of the Hon. Presidents and Judges of the Court, and his colleagues, across the departments and divisions.

One of his colleagues, Eric Akuete, Head of Conference and Protocol, another pioneer staff of the Court, described Anene-Maidoh as a “very efficient and rigorous professional.”

“He has put in great efforts and done a lot to raise the status and professional efficiency of the Court,” added Akuete, who joined the Court in 2004.

Continuing, he said, one of the key achievements of the Court “is the implementation of the 2005 Protocol,” which allows citizens direct access to the Community Court on human rights issues. Before then, access was restricted to member States only.

Like Akuete, Barr Anene-Maidoh believes the lack of implementation of the Community Court’s decisions by member States remains a major challenge.

In the paper he presented to the Banjul Conference on Zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, the former Chief Registrar, called for “redesign” of the implementation mechanism to involve political authorities such as the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government to assist in monitoring and supervision of the implementation of the Court’s judgments.

Official records show that about 106 judgments of the Court against member States have not been enforced with another 11 outstanding against the ECOWAS Commission and Community institutions. Describing the current enforcement mechanism as “rudimentary and inconsistent with international best practice,” Barr AneneMaidoh, said the suggested mechanism would address perceived shortcomings of Article 24 of the 2005 Supplementary Act relating to the enforcement of the Court’s decisions.

He also suggested that the 2012 Supplementary Act on Sanctions should be amended to include a provision empowering the Court not only to set time limits for compliance with its judgments, but also prescribe details of the judicial sanctions for non-compliance in the form of day to day or lump sum monetary penalty, and to empower successful parties to trigger the sanctions mechanism. His other recommended measures for improving the level of the Community Court’s enforcement mechanism, include the domestication of the Revised Treaty, Protocols, and other regional texts by member States and incorporation of these into national laws of member States in accordance with Article 5(2) of the Revised Treaty.

Member States, he said, should also

enact the implementing legislation for the enforcement of the Court’s decisions to enable national courts recognize and enforce such judgments in addition to assigning the ECOWAS Commission a role in the enforcement mechanism while a Committee of Ministers should be constituted to monitor and supervise the enforcements.

“The Court should be empowered to send its Annual Report to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and/or the Authority of Heads of State and Government on the status of compliance with its judgments by member States, like in the African Human Rights system and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights enforcement mechanism,” the former Chief Registrar suggested.

Before joining ECOWAS in 2003, Barr Anene-Maidoh, who holds an LLM, and is working on his Ph.D. programme, has attended multiple specialised professional trainings in Nigeria, United States, and UK. He has also written extensively on law and jurisprudence, including the Human Rights Mandate of the Community Court of Justice, the Practice and Procedure of the Court and its Judgement Enforcement Mechanism.

Between 1983 and 1992, he held various high-profile legal positions, including as State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State; (northern Nigeria), Judge Advocate, Military Court Martial, Nigeria Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna, member, and later Chairman, Kaduna State Local Government Election Tribunal, Chairman, Kaduna State Rent Tribunal in 1986 and Company Secretary in Lagos in the late 1990s.

Barr Anene-Maidoh is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, African Bar Association, International Bar Association, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981.

*Paul Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Strategic Communications, Media Development, Governance Issues & Elections

Barr Anene-Maidoh

THE PINNACLE OF EVIDENCE ADORATION CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART F OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT (CAMA) 2020

TRUSTEES:

1. OPARA UZOCHUKWU ANTHONY (CHAIRMAN)

2. AGOHA CHINWEUBA BLESSING (SECRETARY)

MAIN AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

1. WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST CALLED TO KNOW, GLORIFY, AND ENJOY THE TRINITY OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST, AND BY THE HOLY SPIRIT’S EMPOWERMENT. WE SEEK TO LOVE GOD, HIS PEOPLE, AND THE WORLD.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED, SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL BOROKIRI, CLASS 81 OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. 2020.

TRUSTEES

1. GREEN, BARR. CHRISTOPHER - (CHAIRMAN)

2. KIOLAWSON DATOM - (SECRETARY)

3. WILLS, INIRUO

4. ALABOSON, COLLINS DEINGIKUMO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(A) TO FOSTER UNITY AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS.

(B) TO INITIATE PROGRAMMES OR ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS.

(C) TO SUPPORT THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT AND UPLIFTMENT OF OUR ALMA MATER SO AS TO ACHIEVE A COMMON GOAL IN THE PURSUIT OF CORPORATE AND EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR OUR ALMA MATER.

(D) TO ENGAGE IN SUCH ACTIVITIES AS THE CLASS MAY DEEM FIT IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ALL OR ANY OF THE ABOVE IDEALS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, PMB 198 GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

GLORY EWALEFOH FOUNDATIONS

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT. 2020.

TRUSTEES

(

1) GLORY EWALEFOH. CHAIRMAN.

(2) ESTHER OKPETE -SECRETARY .

(3). TSOLA OMATSOLA TAWIAH ORITSEJAFO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION FOR UNDER PRIVILEGED CHILDREN

2. TO PROVIDE DEPRIVED YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE POWER TO EARN A REGULAR AND DECENT LIVELIHOOD BY GIVING THEM ACCESS TO TERTIARY EDUCATION

3. TO INTEGRATE CHILDREN WHO ARE MARGINALIZED BY POVERTY AND LACK OF EDUCATION INTO MAINSTREAM SOCIETY THROUGH WORK PLACEMENTS AND OTHER PROGRAMS.

4. TOASSIST IN THE PROCESS OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION TO UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUNG PEOPLE INTO THE SOCIETY

5. FACILITATING VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO THE YOUNG ADULTS TO REDUCE THEIR SKILL GAP WHICH WILL HELP THEM IN EITHER GETTING EMPLOYED OR START THEIR OWN ENTERPRISE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATIONS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, PMB 198 GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: MADUAKOLAM IGWE ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. ONYEGIRI JAMIKE UCHENNA - CHAIRMAN

2. OSAJIELE CYNTHIA JOY - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED TOWARDS THE ADVANCEMENT OF EXCELLENCE

EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS IN THE COMMUNITY

2. TO CREATE AWARENESS ON GENDER INEQUALITY.

3. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION PROGRAMMES

4. TO EMPOWER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

5. TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER THE WIDOWS IN THE SOCIETY.

6. TO ORGANIZE AND CREATE ADVOCACY PROGRAMS AND SENSITIZATION AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION.

AJIBOLA

I, FORMALLY KNOWN AS JIBOL DAMILOLA WHICH WAS WRONGLY CAPTION BY MY BVN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AJIBOLA GRACE DAMILOLA ALL DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

BEAUTY

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ATI BEAUTY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ADDRESSED AS BEAUTY ATI OBAKPOLOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NKECHI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NKECHI JOVITA MADUFOR. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS NKECHI JOVITA ADIOHA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

JIBRIN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS USMAN FATIMA WITH THE DATE OF BIRTH 08/01/1987 NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JIBRIN FATIMA WITH THE CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH 20/08/1988. ALL FOR DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE :

1. EBAH JAMES PATRICK - CHAIRMAN

2. ENWERE FRANCIS NNAMAKA - TRUSTEE/SECRATARY

3. ADEYEMI OLUWABUKOLA MOSES

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE :

1. TO IMPROVE THE STATE OF THE MEDICAL SERVICE, ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY, IMPROVING THE WELFARE OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED AND DISADVANTAGED BY PROVIDING MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES THAT WILL HELP REDUCE DISEASES PREVALENT IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R OF O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 1069, FILE NO. BN 11019, DAPE DISTRICT CADASTRAL ZONE CO4, FCT ABUJA. BEARING ODE OLUJIMI ADEKA.

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE MISSING DOCUMENTS PROVE ABORTIVE. PLEASE THEAGIS, FEDERAL CAPITALTERRITORYADMINISTRATION (FCTA) AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

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International

South Carolina officer rescues woman in car mouthing ‘help me’

ASouth Carolina police officer rescued a woman who repeatedly mouthed “help me” during a traffic stop as her alleged kidnapper sat beside her.

Officer Kayla Wallace stopped a white Jeep on 28 May after it went through a red light, and approached the woman behind the wheel.

The driver told the officer the man in the passenger seat had abducted her at gunpoint after a shooting.

The suspect, Collins Bates, 29, was arrested.

Ms Wallace, an officer with the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, did not know anything about the shooting before the traffic stop, Officer Pat Wilkinson told the BBC’s US media partner CBS News.

There were only 30 minutes

left on her shift when Ms Wallace encountered the vehicle.

After she pulled the car over, police said the driver opened the door and appeared distressed.

“I gave loud orders for her to close the door,” Ms Wallace wrote in a police report. “The passenger also opened his door and stated that the windows don’t roll down.

“The driver then told me that she felt like she was going to throw up.”

The department posted on Facebook: “While the male passenger wasn’t looking at the driver, the female silently mouthed ‘Help Me’ repeatedly.”

Ms Wallace placed Mr Bates in the back of her patrol car.

She went back to speak with the driver, who told her that the man had just shot someone before forcing

her to drive him away at gunpoint.

During the traffic stop, a “be on the lookout” alert was dispatched over Ms Wallace’s radio. It said a white Jeep had been involved in a shooting in the county.

The dispatch also described a suspect matching Mr Bates’ description.

County law enforcement were called to the scene and he was arrested.

He faces charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and possession of a weapon during a violent crime in connection with a shooting.

Police said a pistol was found under his seat in the car.

“Our department and our community is lucky to have Officer Wallace,” the department said.

Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia under way

Was this the week that Ukraine’s longanticipated counteroffensive finally got under way?

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to think so. “We can definitely state that this Ukrainian offensive has begun,” he said in a video interview published on Telegram on Friday.

In some ways, it’s already been under way for weeks, with Ukraine conducting what’s known in military jargon as “shaping operations”: long range artillery and missile attacks on key Russian logistical targets far behind the front lines.

Monday seemed to herald a change, with small detachments of lightly armoured Ukrainian units moving forward across the open fields towards Russian fortifications in southern Ukraine, south-east of Zaporizhzhia.

“Now the so-called ‘fighting reconnaissance stage’ is taking place along the entire length of the front,” Serhii Kuzan, co-founder and chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre, told the BBC.

“That means there’s a probing of Russian defences.”

Some videos and accounts suggested that they quickly ran into trouble.

“Somewhere this happens more successfully with small losses,” Mr Kuzan said. “And somewhere less successfully, where the Russians fight back.”

Mr Kuzan declined to name specific towns, saying only that they were all in the area south of Zaporizhzhia.

By Tuesday, the world’s attention was captured by the destruction of the dam at Nova Kakhovka and the subsequent flooding that soon covered around 230 square miles (596 sq km)

either side of the Dnipro River.

For all the Kremlin’s denials, it didn’t look like a coincidence. The dam, and the road across it, offered a possible line of attack for Ukrainian forces looking for ways to keep Russian forces off-balance.

It seems highly likely that Russian forces, which controlled the dam, decided to blow it up, taking one of Kyiv’s military operations off the table.

Kyiv had already signalled its interest in this stretch of the front line more than once.

In late April, Ukrainian soldiers crossed the river and briefly established a bridgehead at Oleshky. Ukraine also took control of several small islands in the Dnipro delta, close to Kherson.

The extent of Kyiv’s military plans for this area is not known, and is now academic. The catastrophic flooding will have made river crossings impossible for the time being.

“But the fact that such a direction was an option was seen by the Russians,” Mr Kuzan said.

While the authorities in Kyiv suddenly grappled with the flooding, the fighting continued - and seemed to escalate - further east.

By early Thursday morning, the UK’s Ministry of Defence tweeted that “heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front,” adding that in most areas “Ukraine holds the initiative.”

In a video the same day, Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, said that Russian forces had repelled an overnight Ukrainian attack in the area south of Zaporizhzhia, involving 150 armoured vehicles and 1,500 troops.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, Ukraine’s 47th Mechanised Brigade “made an

attempt to break through Russian lines.”

A video circulated on the internet, purporting to show something new: a western-supplied Leopard tank being destroyed. The BBC has not yet verified the video. Ukrainian officials, characteristically tight lipped about current operations, offered tantalising glimpses into what was going on.

Hanna Malyar, the Deputy Defence Minister, coyly said that Russian troops were “actively on the defensive” in the area around the town of Orikhiv, around 65km south-east of Zaporizhzhia.

In a statement on Telegram, she also confirmed that battles were continuing around Velyka Novosilka, further east.

The two towns likely form the western and eastern edges of a heavily fortified stretch of the front line where many analysts believe Ukraine will eventually try and punch through Russian lines.

“It’s not a secret that one of our main goals is to cut the land corridor that feeds the whole southern grouping of enemy forces,” Mr Kuzan said.

Pro-Russian Telegram channels in the Donbas were full of excited chatter about Ukraine’s latest moves, much of it laced with scorn.

“They are going where the Russians are waiting for them,” one member posted in the I Love Kramatorsk group. “What stupidity!”

Others acknowledged that Ukrainian forces had moved forward, but questioned the price in lost men and armour.

“I really question the price of this success,” another member of the same group commented.

“Do they have enough forces to reach Tokmak [44km south of Orikhiv], let alone Berdyansk and

Melitopol?”

But it’s not the only area where fighting is raging.

Footage from north and south of the city of Bakhmut, scene of one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, appeared to show Ukrainian forces moving forward.

Ms Malyar said they had advanced “from 200 to 1,100 metres in various sections,” in what may eventually be an effort to encircle the city and trap its Russian occupiers.

It is, as the UK’s Ministry of Defence noted, “a highly complex operational picture”.

But does it mean that Ukraine’s counter-offensive is already entering a dramatic new phase?

On Wednesday, Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, scoffed at the idea.

“All of this is not true,” he told Reuters.

“When we start the counteroffensive, everyone will know about it. They will see it.”

But something has definitely changed.

“The point is that the front is finally moving,” Serhii Kuzan said, adding that several options were still open to Ukrainian

commanders.

But Ukraine is also operating under a number of significant restraints, the main one being the lack of fighter jets capable of providing support from the air.

“That’s why we move slowly,” Mr Kuzan said, “and then move air defence [systems] closer.”

Another factor is time. This offensive will probably last no more than five months, after which autumn rain will once again render open ground impassable for heavy armoured vehicles.

What will success look like?

If Ukrainian forces can punch through Russian lines, all the way to the Sea of Azov, then any Russian troops west of that breach will suddenly be much more vulnerable, dependent entirely on supply lines through the Crimean Peninsula.

All that would then remain, Mr Kuzan says, would be to destroy the Kerch Bridge linking Russia with Crimea (briefly disabled by a huge truck bomb last October) and attack ships and planes being used to ferry supplies to the peninsula.

“That would be the end,” he says. “But don’t expect this to happen soon. It’ll take months.”

Source: BBC

Officer Kayla Wallace was in the last 30 minutes of her shift when she encountered the woman in distress

Ukraine has been planning its counter-offensive for months - and it now may finally be under way

NEWS FROM AFRICA

Legendary Mozambican ruby sells for record price

The biggest ruby ever to come to auction has been sold in New York for a record sum of $34.8m (£28m).

Sotheby’s, which auctioned the 55.22-carat gem, described it as a “oncein-a-lifetime” jewel.

The original rough stone weighed a staggering 101 carats when it was found last year in a mine in Mozambique, where there are vast ruby deposits in the north of the country.

Polished rubies of more than five carats are extremely uncommon.

The rare gem has been called “Estrela de Fura”, meaning “Star of Fura” in Portuguese, named after the mine in which it was found.

Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby’s Jewellery in New York, said when he first saw the stone he was entranced, the Press Association reports.

“With its unprecedented size, piercing colour and rare degree of optical transparency and clarity, it truly deserved

the record-breaking price today, as it now joins the ranks of the world’s most legendary gemstones.”

Fura’s Mozambique ruby mine is in Montepeuz district in the province of Cabo Delgado, where an Islamist militant insurgency has raged for the last few years.

Cabo Delgado is one of Mozambique’s poorest regions, but it is rich in untapped mineral resources.

Analysts suggest the insurgency, which began in 2017, was fuelled by frustration about the lack of local jobs.

Troops belonging to the regional bloc Sadc deployed to the region in 2021 to fight the jihadists, notorious for their brutal attacks. Their power had grown to the extent that they controlled key towns in the province.

The regional force has helped the Mozambican army regain control of the towns and the violence has reduced, but the militants are known to still operate at a low level.

Senegal bans protests by Ousmane Sonko’s supporters

The authorities in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, have banned protests planned for Friday by supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

On 1 June, a court in Dakar acquitted Sonko on charges of rape and issuing death threats but sentenced himto two years in prison for “corrupting” a young woman in 2021.

Under Senegal’s penal code, “corrupting” is described as “anyone who offends against morality by inciting, promoting or facilitating the debauchery or corruption of young people of either sex under the age of 21”.

Violence sparked by the two-year jail term claimed the lives of at least 16 people and injured hundreds last week.

Sonko, a former tax inspector, is the mayor of Ziguinchor city and chairman of the Patriots for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (Pastef) party.

He came third in the 2019 presidential election with 15.7% of the vote.

Sonko’s supporters consider his sentencing politically motivated and part of a government plot to stop him standing in a presidential election scheduled for February 2024.

Friday’s protests were also about fears President Macky Sall may attempt run for an unconstitutional third term in office.

The opposition has vowed to hold the banned demonstrations on Saturday.

Russian killed by shark off Egyptian beach resort

A Russian citizen has been killed by a shark off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

A tiger shark attacked the man as he was swimming off the city’s Dream Beach on Thursday afternoon, Egyptian and Russian officials say.

An eyewitness caught the moment of attack on camera and shared the video with Reuters. It shows the man, in his early 20s, thrashing about in the sea before being dragged under water.

According to Reuters, a diver described how a lifeguard at a nearby hotel had raised

the alarm and people had rushed to help, but were unable to get to the man in time.

Swimming, snorkelling and other water sports in the area have been banned for two days, starting from Friday, Egypt’s environment ministry said.

The shark had been captured by a specialist team and was being examined to determine the cause of the attack, it added.

Russian Consul-General Viktor Voropayev named the man as V Yu Popov, saying he had been living in Egypt for a while and was not a tourist, the Tass news agency reports.

The consulate passed on its condolences to his family and friends, and urged Russians be vigilant when in the water and abide by swimming and diving bans imposed by the Egyptian authorities, Tass said.

The withdrawal of the subsidies - which Mr Nunes Júnior said was aimed at cutting government spending - came into effect on 1 June, leading into a steep rise in fuel prices.

The oil-rich nation has since experienced a wave of protests, with more expected over the weekend.

On Monday, five people died and eight were injured after police opened fire on a group of protesters the city of Huambo.

Angola is one of the largest oil exporters in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sharp rise in child deaths after Tigray loses food aid

brutal two-year conflict between forces loyal to Ethiopia’s government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

The conflict came to an end last November when the two sides signed a peace deal in South Africa. Aid then began trickling in, though some areas still remain inaccessible.

Burkina Faso offers bounty for 20 ‘wanted terrorists’

The government of Burkina Faso has offered a bounty of up to $293,000 (£233,700) for 20 “wanted terrorists”.

Justin

Welby criticises Uganda clergy for backing anti-gay law

The spiritual head of the Anglican Church has urged the clergy in Uganda to reject a new anti-gay law just approved by President Yoweri Museveni.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said there was no justification for Anglicans to support legislation that went against Christian teaching.

The leader of the worldwide Anglican communion said he had written to Stephen Kaziimba, the head of the church in Uganda, to express his “grief and dismay” that the church has supported the law.

Gay sex is now punishable by life in prison, while what the law calls “aggravated homosexuality”, including transmitting HIV, attracts the death penalty.

Angolan economy minister fired amid fuel protests

Angolan President João Lourenço has sacked the minister responsible for economic and social development following protests triggered by the government’s decision to end fuel subsidies

He replaced Manuel Nunes Júnior, a seasoned minister and economics professor, with the central bank governor, José de Lima Massano, a statement said.

In the month since the US and the UN suspended food aid to Ethiopia’s warravaged Tigray region, doctors at the biggest hospital there say seven malnourished children have died.

That marked increase in May makes up more than half of the 13 total deaths since the start of year, staff at the Ayder Referral Hospital in Mekelle told the BBC.

What is more, medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says nearly 70% of health facilities in Tigray have been deliberately vandalised and had equipment looted to make them “non-functional”.

At present, 32 children are in very critical condition and receiving treatment in an intensive care unit at the Ayder Referral Hospital.

“Children in the ward are most vulnerable and thought couldn’t recover with food assistance outside of the hospital,” medic Simret Nigusse told the BBC’s Tigrinya service, adding that international humanitarian agencies were wrong to halt operations in Tigray.

USAid and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) froze aid to Tigray after discovering that food shipments were being diverted and sold at local markets.

This week both went a step further, announcing they would be suspending food to the whole of Ethiopia, with some exceptions for only the most vulnerable.

Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during a

The security ministry published on its Facebook page on Thursday the list of the 20 individuals “actively wanted for their involvement or complicity in planning or carrying out terrorist acts” in the Sahel country.

According to French public broadcaster RFI, several people on the list were already included in a previous notice published a year ago by the army.

An eight-year Islamist insurgency has killed more than 14,000 people and displaced over two million in Burkina Faso.

This announcement came days after gunmen killed more than 20 people in attacks, most of them security forces.

The insurgency has been described as the world’s most neglected displacement crisis by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Sudan rivals agree 24-hour truce, Saudi Arabia says

Saudi Arabia has announced another attempted ceasefire between the warring military factions in Sudan.

The Saudi foreign ministry said the Sudanese army and its paramilitary rivals had agreed a 24-hour truce.

It is due to begin on Saturday at 05:00 GMT.

Saudi Arabia and the United States have made repeated mediation efforts since the fighting erupted in April.

The foreign ministry in Riyadh warned that if the ceasefire failed, it would consider suspending peace efforts. BBC

Sotheby’s says a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Estrela de Fura is being allocated by Fura to set up an academy

to provide technical training in the fields of mining, engineering, carpentry and agriculture.

“The Estrela de Fura”, meaning “Star of Fura”, was cut from a 101-carat rough stone and is the world’s largest ruby

Feature

Ukraine war: Oleg Orlov faces jail time for criticising Putin’s war

As soon as he enters the Moscow courtroom, Oleg Orlov makes crystal clear his feelings about being put on trial for criticising the war in Ukraine.

The veteran Russian human rights defender opens his briefcase and takes out a book. He holds it up to the TV cameras. The title is End of the Regime.

“It’s a good title. I recommend reading it,” declares Mr Orlov, who is one of Russia’s most respected rights activists. “It’s all about how totalitarian and fascist regimes come to an end.”

Oleg Orlov has been an outspoken critic of both wars the Kremlin is currently waging: the war in Ukraine and, back home, the war on dissent.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, thousands of Russians have been prosecuted under new laws designed to stifle criticism of the country’s war effort.

Mr Orlov, who is 70, is on trial for allegedly breaking one of these laws. He faces up to three years in prison for repeatedly “discrediting” the Russian army with his criticism of the war in Ukraine.

“The article I’m being tried under is ‘Public actions aimed at discrediting the use of the Russian armed forces for protecting the interests of the Russian Federation and its citizens, and preserving international peace and security’,” Mr Orlov told me ahead of his trial.

“First of all, the Russian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech. I wrote an article presenting my assessment of events. Prosecuting me for that violates the Constitution.

“Secondly, what is happening in Ukraine - let’s be clear and call it a war - it is against the interests

of Russia and Russian citizens. As for ‘preserving international peace and security’, that’s a joke. It reminds me of George Orwell’s ‘War is Peace’ and ‘Freedom is Slavery’. Claiming that the war in Ukraine is ‘in the interests of international peace’ is just nonsense.”

Article 29 of the Russian Constitution does, indeed, guarantee freedom of speech.

On paper.

In reality, Russians who publicly criticise those in power here are taking a considerable risk. The Russian authorities have put together a hefty toolbox of repressive laws which can be employed to punish critics of the government and opponents of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

As well as criminalising “discreditation” of the army, Russia’s criminal code now punishes what it calls “the public dissemination of deliberately false information about the use of the Russian armed forces”.

Often referred to as the “Law on Fakes”, it has been used to imprison such vocal Kremlin critics as Ilya Yashin. Last year, he was sentenced to eight-anda-half years in jail.

There are other “tools”.

Russian theatre director Zhenya Berkovich, who wrote and posted anti-war poems, has been charged with “justifying terrorism” in one of her plays. She faces up to seven years in prison.

Back in April, Kremlin critic and anti-war activist Vladimir Kara-Murza was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in a prison colony.

“The scale of repression and the number of cases is reminiscent of the era of [Soviet leader] Leonid Brezhnev,” believes Oleg Orlov. “But by the level of cruelty, and by the length of prison terms being handed out, it’s like Stalin’s time.”

The Orlov trial has sparked international condemnation. The Council of Europe, Europe’s oldest political organisation which aims to uphold democracy and human rights across the continent, denounced the case as “a travesty of justice”.

“The [Russian] government wants to control the thoughts of people. It wishes to have only opinions that are in agreement with their policies, even when it comes to deciding to start a war,” the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic tells me.

“It’s important that the messages coming from all of us who are monitoring what is going on in Russia are strong and

clear that this is unacceptable.”

In Russia, those behind bars are not forgotten. In the centre of the Russian capital, I watch Muscovites sitting at tables writing letters and postcards to political prisoners.

It’s a monthly event organised by Yabloko, one of Russia’s last

remaining liberal parties that is still allowed to function.

In a country where collective protest is restricted, there’s still pen and paper to show solidarity and support. Prisoners’ portraits along with their biographies have been printed out on flyers and spread across tables.

Visitors can write messages to as many of these people as they want.

“I’ve come here out of a sense of guilt,” a young man called Ilya tells me. “People have gone to jail for expressing their opinions. I think this is wrong. I want to support them.” BBC

“

The [Russian] government wants to control the thoughts of people. It wishes to have only opinions that are in agreement with their policies, even when it comes to deciding to

Oleg Orlov was defiant during his court appearance on Thursday

Russian authorities are swiftly and harshly cracking down on any dissent against those in power

People in Moscow write letters to prisoners, as a show of support for them and an act of defiance against the state

Man City v Inter Milan: Noel Gallagher on the Champions League final and why this has been Pep Guardiola’s greatest season

Even if Manchester City win the Champions League on Saturday to complete the Treble, Pep Guardiola won’t be totally happy - and it’s Noel Gallagher’s fault.

“Pep is always trying to get me to bring a guitar to a big game, so I can play in the dressing room afterwards,” Gallagher explained to BBC Sport.

“I went into see him after the Real Madrid game [in the semi-finals] and told him I couldn’t be at the FA Cup final or the Champions League final and, honestly, he gave me a look of utter disgust.

“It was with real contempt, as if to say ‘well what the hell are you doing instead then?’. I said ‘I am on tour’ and he said ‘cancel it!’.

“I said ‘I can’t, I’ve sold the tickets now’, and he was like ‘ahh, get out’ and he almost launched me out of his office. He probably treated me the same way he did Joao Cancelo when he got rid of him in January.”

‘An error of admin’

Gallagher, whose High Flying Birds released their latest album, Council Skies, on Friday, is touring the United States when City play Inter Milan in Istanbul and he has already missed the club’s first two victory celebrations of what has become a sensational season.

“I wasn’t at the Etihad for the Premier League trophy lift either,” he added.

“I’d made plans I couldn’t get out of for the Sunday of the Chelsea game and then, when Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest the day before, I was like ‘wouldn’t you just know it… Arsenal, I can’t rely on you for anything!’.

“We started our tour last week so I missed the FA Cup final too. Everyone has been asking ‘are you going to be in Istanbul?’ and I have to reply: ‘no, there has been a mistake’, or an error of admin as they put it.

“My management are told never to book any gigs anywhere in the world around the Champions League final, in case City get there.

“It usually falls around my birthday, at the end of May, so when this tour was put in front of me, and it’s down to start in the US on 2 June, I am thinking great, push the button, it’s done.

“But then a few months back I suddenly thought oh no, I forgot to factor in the World Cup and how that has pushed everything back. I saw the Champions League final was 10 June - it’s never been held that late before - and I couldn’t believe it.

“Then you think well, we are not going to get there anyway, so who cares - we will probably go out in the quarter-finals againbut then we kept winning. We were getting closer and closer and I was thinking ‘oh no!’.

“To be honest though, I’ve been there to see us win so much now that I don’t care too much about not being at this one, as long as we win it.”

What would define greatness?

Noel and Pep celebrate City’s Premier League title triumph at Etihad Stadium in 2018, at the end of his second season in charge

Noel and Pep celebrate City’s Premier League title triumph at Etihad Stadium in 2018, at the end of his second season

in charge. Guardiola’s next chance to see Gallagher play live might be in August when he plays a homecoming concert at Wythenshawe Park in Manchester at the end of August.

Gallagher has seen City lift plenty of silverware since Guardiola took charge in 2016, with his side collecting five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups in the space of those seven seasons.

So far, the Champions League is the only major prize to elude the Spaniard during his time at Etihad Stadium - but Gallagher says it is nonsense to label him as a failure if he doesn’t change that on Saturday, or in the future.

He explained: “I always put it this way; if the Champions League or European Cup defines greatness then are Steaua Bucharest [who won it in 1986] a great team?

“And Porto [who won it in 2004], are they European elite? Are they heck - they won a cup competition. Good luck to them and all that, but that’s what this is.

“The best teams don’t always win cups, do they? Arsenal are lauded as one of the great British clubs of all time, and their Invincibles are called one of the best ever teams, but they never won the Champions League and noone says Arsene Wenger was a failure, right?

Champions League: Man City boss Pep Guardiola on his ‘exceptional legacy’

“As well as what Pep has won, when you look at how he’s done it, and the influence he has had on our game, then for anyone to even suggest that he has failed in English football if he doesn’t pick up the Champions League is an idiot, a total idiot.

“I go and watch my kids play football a lot and when you wander around the pitches

on a Sunday morning when there are loads of games going on, every young coach has their teams playing out from the back.

“Knock it long and get it in the mixer? There is none of that. Pep has influenced every young football coach and therefore they have influenced every young child who plays football, and that’s just a fact.

“That in itself is a much greater legacy than the Champions League, even though he will win it with us, hopefully on Saturday.

“Inter will give us a tougher game than Manchester United did at Wembley and I am expecting it to be a long night, but I do think we will beat them.”

Guardiola’s greatest season?

Watch Guardiola’s rant after win over Tottenham

Gallagher was the first person to interview Guardiola when he took charge at City in the summer of 2016, and has enjoyed every evolution of his team since then.

“When we played for so long without a recognised striker because Sergio Aguero was out injured, then we were waiting for Erling Haaland, I think Guardiola enjoyed the fact that we won the league with a false nine,” Gallagher said.

“He perfected that, and now he has done this thing with John Stones going into midfield - a centre-half stepping up like that is mad. No-one else comes up with this stuff, no-one.

“I was at the 4-0 win over Real Madrid last month and it felt like we had 13 men on the pitch because Real weren’t getting near us.

“It all just goes to show how Pep never stops thinking. Next season he will come up with something else, because someone will

man-mark Stones.

“I remember speaking to John after the Arsenal game a couple of months back when he played in the middle of the field and scored, and I said ‘bloody hell mate, how many positions can you play?’

“He said ‘to be honest, I haven’t got a clue what I am doing - Pep just tells me I am going to play in there and do this and I say OK’.

“It feels like Guardiola kind of believes in the players and what they can do more than they believe in themselves sometimes, and it works.

“What he’s done down the years is fascinating, but for me this has been his greatest season.

Guardiola wants Premier League financial charges resolved ‘as soon as possible’

“He had to bed Erling Haaland into the team, get rid of Cancelo because of his sulking and do something different at the back, then deal with the doubts about whether his captain, Ilkay Gundogan, is staying or going… all while chasing down Arsenal when they were so far in front.

“The players have been brilliant of course, but Guardiola did all of that and also had to guide the club through the backdrop of all the charges from the Premier League.

“There was also a point [after the Tottenham game in January, see video above] where he basically called out everyone at the club - the players and the fans - and I was like ‘wow, he’s never done that before’.

“But here we are; champions again, the FA Cup in the bag and one game away from the Champions League and the Treble. I don’t know how he keeps doing it, but it is bordering on voodoo.”

Pep Guardiola and Noel Gallagher have celebrated plenty of Manchester City trophy successes together in the past few seasons but they won’t be reunited in Istanbul on Saturday

Naby Keita: Liverpool midfielder to join Werder Bremen when contract expires

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will join German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen when his contract expires with the Anfield club this summer.

The 28-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 129 appearances for the Reds, signed for what was a club record £48m from RB Leipzig in 2018.

The Guinea midfielder made just eight league appearances this season having struggled with injuries.

Liverpool had confirmed his departure in May.

Keita lifted the the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and EFL Cup in his five-year spell in England.

“A number of clubs are obviously going to be interested when a player like Keita is available on a free transfer,” said Clemens Fritz, head of scouting and professional football at Werder Bremen.

“He suffered an injury setback at the start of this season and that meant he didn’t play as often as he’d have liked to.

“We now want to get him back to his best.”“A number of clubs are obviously going to be interested when a player like Keita is available on a free transfer,” said Clemens Fritz, head of scouting and professional football at Werder Bremen.

Man Utd takeover: Club’s owners spoke to PSG chairman about Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid

Manchester United’s owners spoke to Paris St-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi a month ago in an effort to get Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to increase his bid for the club.

BBC Sport has been told it was instigated by the Glazers, who have known Qatari AlKhelaifi for years.

Sheikh Jassim and Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group are competing to buy the club.

The Qatari banker made a fifth offer this week with a warning he would not engage

with the process beyond Friday. Listen on BBC Sounds: How To Buy A Football Club: Manchester United Why the Glazers might end up staying at Old Trafford Manchester United potential takeover - all you need to know It is privately being claimed the conversation did not work as the bid for a full takeover was not increased.

It has been reported AlKhelaifi has also met with the Raine Group, which is handling the sales process, although this is being denied by a source close to

the PSG chairman.

Those same sources are also adamant Al-Khelaifi has no role, either officially or unofficially, in United and the bid is completely separate to PSG, amid suggestions other Premier League clubs want any sale to Sheikh Jassim fully investigated due to a feeling it would be centrally funded from Qatar.

Concerns have previously been expressed around potential conflicts of interest with AlKhelaifi’s club role, and his status as chairman of the influential European Clubs’ Association and

his close relationship with Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.

Sources close to Sheikh Jassim have repeatedly claimed his proposed purchase is being made in a private capacity.

It has been established AlKhelaifi has spoken to Sheikh Jassim to offer his experiences around running a major European club.

It is not expected Sheikh Jassim will make any statement around the self-imposed Friday deadline and he is not intending to withdraw his bid.

Champions League final: Noel Gallagher and Blanco v Chris Sutton in Man City v Inter predictions

BBC football expert Chris Sutton has picked a score for every Premier League game and FA Cup tie this season, and now he is predicting whether City or Inter Milan will triumph in Istanbul.

For the Champions League final, he is taking on famous City fans Noel Gallagher and Blanco.

Scroll down to see who they think will win, and make your own prediction here.

More from Noel Gallagher on the Champions League final

Chris Sutton: “This is a dangerous game for City. Inter Milan are giants of European football but at this moment in time, Pep Guardiola’s side are far superior.

“Everyone expects City to win it but, at the back of Guardiola’s mind there must be the thought that they have been in this situation in this competition before - when everyone has expected them to beat lesser teams, and they haven’t managed it.

“City’s history in the Champions

League since Guardiola took charge in 2016 does make you wonder whether they will somehow miss out again, but this could be seventh time lucky for him. It should be.”

Noel Gallagher

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds’ new album, Council Skies, is out now.

The band are currently on a 26-date US tour prior to playing a series of summer shows and festivals in the UK. They also have a UK Arena tour in December

Noel Gallagher: “We’ve taken it step

by step towards the Treble - but this is it now, it’s just about this one game.

“I was looking at the Serie A table when I was wondering what Inter are all about and in Italy, where getting beaten is sacrilege, they have lost 12 times - noone in their top nine lost more games this season.

“Inter don’t draw games, they either win or lose, but they are used to losing, which bodes well for City. Losing that many times and finishing fourth is almost unheard of in the Premier League.”

Manchester United are up for sale

Tinubu and the tough choices ahead, by Dan Agbese

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did what may define his presidency. He served notice on his assumption of office on May 29 that he is not afraid of taking calculated tough decisions. Not for him, I hope, the endless prevarications compounded by hypocrisy that have characterised the decision-making process at the highest level of government in the land; not for him the progressive failure of leaders to confront problems and solve them; not for him the policy of pleasing the few but destroying the many.

He has inherited a monumental mess. Cleaning it up and pulling the nation back up from the pit of indifferent leadership require focus, determination, and the courage to take and stand by and defend tough decisions.

His administration is currently mired in the controversy over the removal of fuel subsidy. The president did not end fuel subsidy. He inherited it from his predecessor, President Buhari, who did not provide for it in the current federal budget. The choice before Tinubu was to either borrow more money to fund the wealthy lifestyle of the oil cartels and their collaborators in government or bite the bullet. He chose to bite the bullet. He was not unaware of the implications or the consequences for him so early in the life of his administration. When a leader ignores the howling of the hordes and bites the bullet in pursuit of his moral obligation to do what is right for the country and its people, he gives leadership its true meaning – genuine public service.

Fuel subsidy removal is a sensitive matter that easily pits the government against the people. It has hobbled every federal administration. It was a problem Buhari could not tackle for his eight years in office. His decision to pass the buck to his success was hostile in intent and a booby trap in implementation. He cannot escape the charge that he intended to set up the people against the government and powder his own face in contented retirement.

NLC leaders were promptly up in arms and called on their members to go on strike in protest to force the president to back down and continue with a policy riddled with open theft and corruption that has done more harm than good to the labour union leaders and their members. No surprise there. The court stopped them. Labour has a pathetic record of its inability to protest its members from the ravages of incompetent, indifferent and mediocre leadership. Still, its leaders continue to indulge in the sickening modus operandum with a weapon that has lost its potency. They never seem to appreciate the harm that strike actions do to the economy and the people they purport to protect. Each time labour goes on strike and returns, their members pay

By Dan Agbese

a stiff price in increased food prices and transport fares. It is always a loss-loss for labour.

Twenty-eight state governments owe their civil servants and pensioners huge arrears of salaries and pensions. I have not heard labour picket such state governments. They watch as their impoverished members live and die in penury. Labour is a critical contributor to how a nation is governed and the direction of its development. It has responsibilities over and above the infantile resort to strike actions, just to massage the ego of its leaders, some of whom settle with the enemy and betray their members and the cause they purport to pursue.

Fuel subsidy is a huge social, economic, and developmental problem. Every president, in khaki or agbada, has approached it with trepidation. It is not in the nature of human development for a country and its leaders to carry problems on their heads while looking for their solutions in their sokoto. The World Bank has advised against fuel subsidy; the IMF has advised against it; informed and knowledgeable people within and outside the country such as the intrepid Emir Sanusi II have all advised against it and shown with indisputable statistics that the policy was corrupt, wasteful, anti-people but pro-oil cartels and unsustainable. They were all ignored.

Before he assumed office in 2015, Buhari described the fuel subsidy as a scam. I thought he should know having been commissioner for petroleum resources in the Murtala/Obasanjo

military administration. Everyone knew it was a huge scam and we expected Buhari to end the scam, free good money from the corrupt system and channel it to areas of our national challenges such power, water and security.

On assumption office, Buhari played the social psychology card. He grandly announced that fuel subsidy had become history. Except that it had not. He ended up spending much more -11 trillion Naira – on fuel subsidy than any one of his predecessors. His courage failed him when he found he had to choose between minting new billionaires and ending what had become an albatross for the nation. In eight years, he, as the minister of petroleum resources, could not fix even one of our four dilapidated refineries. Had he had the courage to end the fuel subsidy my guess is that he would not have been driven to manage the economy from internal and external loans and saddled it with 77 trillion Naira debt.

The scandalous fuel subsidy regime has run its course and must be allowed to find its place in the rubbish heap among policies conceived with good intentions, implemented with hypocrisy and killed with graft. It was rooted in faux welfarist sentimentalism, to wit, Nigeria is an oilproducing nation; its people are entitled to the benefits of nature’s gift by paying less for fuel. Even when the economy could no longer sustain it, our successive leaders chose to live the lie and the fiction that everything was normal. This is the logic of the palliatives intended to cushion the effect on the people each time a portion of the subsidy was removed. It seems unusual to tell a man that a contemplated action will badly affect him but not to worry, some balm will be given to him to soothe his pain.

Oodles of easy money have been made from fuel subsidy. Tens of our country men and women are wealthy today, thanks to fuel subsidy. Those have powerful connections in government became fuel importers overnight. In the Jonathan administration, fuel import licences were issued indiscriminately to men and women who had no experience in the oil industry. Most of them did not import a drop of fuel but were generously paid in the well-oiled system of corruption that has sustained the fuel subsidy regime for so long.

The administration of the palliatives

has been held hostage by confusion and corruption and the same people and the same cartels have been the beneficiaries of what was intended each time to benefit the people. One of President Ibrahim Babangida’s palliatives was th pump price differentials that gave commercial vehicle owners lower prices to persuade them to charge lower transport fares. It failed to achieve the intended objective.

President Obasanjo’s palliative was to flood the market with commercial vehicles to be sold to commercial vehicle owners at subsidised prices in the hope that those who bought them, including Keke Napep, would pass the benefit to the people. It failed, as indeed, it was bound to do – and dragged good money into the gutter with it. We do not know how much federal and state governments have spent on the so-called palliatives because the administration of the palliatives is opaque. It is a fair guess that as much money must have been spent on the palliatives as on the fuel subsidy regime itself. Sometime in 2021, I think, the federal government announced that it would “replace N1.8 trillion subsidy with N2.4 trillion palliatives.” Surprised? We will never know the facts because you cannot see through what is opaque. Heads, we lost; tails, we lost.

Those who argue that the president acted hastily miss the point. No one time is a good time for ending a policy that has gone past its potency date. If the president had waited for the next two years to act, his action will still draw blood. Fuel subsidy is not our country’s shadow; it ought not to be allowed to continue to follow every administration.

Email: ochima495@gmail.com

The scandalous fuel subsidy regime has run its course and must be allowed to find its place in the rubbish heap among policies conceived with good intentions, implemented with hypocrisy and killed with graft