Saturday, May 13, 2023 Weekend Edition

Storm gathers over Akpabio, Tajudeen, Barau, Kalu

Opposition braces up to outsmart ruling party Hope dims on seamless election of Senate President, Speaker Party back to drawing board amid confusion

Akpabio Tajudeen

Barau

Kalu

May

FCT Minister urges investors, others to sustain reforms

By Stanley Onyekwere

Just few weeks to the exit of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has solicited for the continued support and cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure that the reforms established in the FCT are successful.

Bello particularly stressed the need for the active participation and engagement of businesses, investors, and civil society organizations, to ensure that the reforms are effective, inclusive and perhaps above all, sustained.

He noted that the FCT Administration has over the last few years embarked on some reform programmes to encourage the establishment and growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the nation’s capital.

He made this assertion on

Thursday, while delivering his keynote address at a 2-day Stakeholders’ Retreat on the Harmonization of Revenue and Promotion of Ease of Doing Business in the Territory, organised by the Administration in collaboration with the FCT Internal Revenue Service, in Akure, Ondo State.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Olusade Adesola, the Minister noted that the need for continuity will be brought into even sharper focus and this can only be achieved by the collective resolve of all to ensure that it happens.

According to him, amongst the reforms is the implementation of a digital platform for the issuance of permits, licenses, and approvals known as the FCT Business Portal, which will allow businesses and individuals to apply for and receive all necessary permits and licenses online, without the need for physical visits to government offices.

He added that the FCTA is working

to streamline and simplify regulations and procedures for business registration, property registration, and land use planning. These reforms will help to create a more transparent, predictable, and efficient regulatory environment for businesses.

“The harmonization of revenue and promotion of ease of doing business in the FCT are not just technical or administrative issues, They are critical components of our efforts to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Capital Territory for all.

“None of these reforms can be successful without the support and cooperation of all stakeholders. I say this because in the next few weeks the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will exit, and hand over to a new administration.

“By working together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for the FCT and its residents”, he stated.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Acting Executive Chairman, FCTIRS, Haruna Abdullahi, said the retreat is partway to achieving its vision to establish a world-class revenue collection system in the FCT that is transparent, accountable, and efficient.

He noted that the stakeholders have made significant progress since the previous retreats, and are now ready to take the next steps towards achieving a harmonized revenue collection system that is efficient, transparent, and fair.

Among the dignitaries actively engaged at the retreat, which was declared open by the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who was represented by Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, include Chairmen of the FCT Area councils, top FCTA management Staff, FCT-IRS staff, heads of revenue and finance departments of the Councils.

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

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Herder-farmer conflicts: Nextier wants training for security agencies on loyalty to constitution

By George Okereke

National institutions involved in managing herder-farmer conflicts in Benue and other states should be given thorough training on loyalty to the country’s constitution, even at the risk of disobeying powerful political interests that wish to project and pursue narrow provincial interests.

The training should be extended to all security institutions in the country with emphasis on the need for loyalty to the constitution and national values rather than parochial regime interests.

These were some of the recommendations by a strategic public policy firm, Nextier, in a report it recently published on the persistent conflicts between farmers and cattle rearers in Benue state and other parts of the country.

According to the report authored by Dr. Ben Nwosu and Dr. Ndu Nwokolo, an Associate Consultant and a Managing Partner and Chief Executive at Nextier respectively, the recommendations became necessary “in light of the government’s lack of decisiveness in dealing with the persistent attacks on communities.”

Titled “Benue Conflicts and

Governmental Helplessness,” the report also recommended that “the national security architecture should be reorganised to include more local participation as it pertains to a more robust local policing and its nature.

“There is a need to build local intelligence and early warming responses around Benue Community Volunteer Guards and other local non-state security outfits in order to respond to some of these attacks before they occur.”

It noted that the frequent violence in Benue and some other states of the country and the increasing pressure it entails for the country’s security institution had imposed the need to reorganise the national security architecture to include more local participation.

“In other words, there should be conversations about more robust local policing and the nature it should take.

There is a need to build local intelligence and early warming responses around Benue Community Volunteer Guards and other local non-state security outfits in order to respond to some of these attacks before they occur,” the report emphasised.

It added: “Therefore, a synergy

between formal (National security outfits) and semi-formal (in this case, state-governments-supported policing outfits) should be given serious consideration. Any security architecture that is not driven by local intelligence and knowledge may not likely be successful.”

Nextier observed that the agrarian violence in Benue State appeared intractable. “The reason is that state security institutions that should stop the conflicts are hampered by vested interests in government, which fails to permit the security forces to be guided by the constitution and ethos of service to the national interest.

“Consequently, mass killings occur with impunity while the governmental institutions fail to act not for lack of capacity but for narrow regime loyalty. In the process, the government appears like a subject conditioned into learned helplessness while its citizens are constantly exposed to the danger of mass murder.”

Recalling some of the major attacks between 2015 and 2023 which allegedly claimed over 5000 lives, Nextier SDP Policy Weekly, in the report, lamented the utter helplessness of Benue State

Government in the midst of the crisis due to constitutional impairment.

It said: “The Benue State of Nigeria is perhaps as unsafe as any severely terrorised territory. That valley of green vegetation that correctly prides itself as the nation’s food basket appears to have become a valley of blood flowing from constantly marauded agrarian communities. It is indeed one of the most persistent violence related to contestations for livelihood.

“The implication of this violence includes not only the depopulation of communities with constant killings but also forced abandonment of ancestral homes, expansion of the camps of internally displaced persons in the State and inability to cultivate the land due to well-founded fears of attack. Apart from the looming food insecurity from this crisis, the displaced communities are forcefully occupied by their attackers.

“Reinforcing the whole climate of terror from agrarian violence is the learned helplessness of the government in the presence of the long-running carnage and population displacement in Benue State. The State government is obviously hampered due to constitutional

limits of sub-national governments on matters of security and control of security apparatuses.

“In moments of desperation and helplessness, the Benue State Government had openly accused the Buhari-led Federal Government of treating the tragedy with indifference and connivance with the Fulani herdsmen who were behind the attacks.

“Thus, in its bid to provide security in some of its communities, the Benue state government August 2022 inaugurated its Community Volunteer Guards, with the main arm of providing conventional security in most of its rural agro-communities that are constantly under attack.

“Overall, the poor official response to the attritional violence supports its continuity and the festering insecurity in the Benue Valley.

“In response to continuing violent attacks and the destruction of crops, the Benue State government enacted an anti-open grazing law in 2017 to prevent the unrestricted movement of cattle and its attendant damages. This law was not wellreceived by the herders, and it no doubt added to the tensions. which were already at a high level.”

Malaria: Bauchi, PMI-US to distribute

4.4 million free nets to residents

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government in collaboration with United States Government President Malaria Initiative (PMI-US) and Against Malaria Foundation (AMF) has concluded plans to distribute 4.4 million Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to residents in the state.

This was disclosed by Chairman of Bauchi State Agency for the Control of Tuberclosis Malaria BACATMA, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam.

He spoke on Thursday during a media parley on ITNs Distribution Campaign in the State, disclosing. that the distribution of the free nets will commence from June 21 to June 27, 2023.

Dambam said the distribution campaign is to reduce the

burden of malaria in the state by ensuring that Insecticide Treated Net (ITNs) were issued to every household in Bauchi State.

“Before these nets will be distributed, registration of households must be conducted. This is referred to as household mobilization and includes persons wearing uniforms with malaria logo who will visit the households from 27th May-4 June 2023 to register and issue net cards that will entitle each household for a free net.

“Distribution of the free nets will commence from June 21 to June 27, 2023. A representative of each household is expected to go to the distribution point written on their nets cards to collect free nets. Once collected, air the new nets for 24 hours in the shade before hanging.

“Once hung, beneficiaries

should sleep inside with the nets well-tucked over the sleeping area every night all year round”, he stressed.

Dambam however, appealed for more support from partners, especially the media to make the ITNs Distribution Campaign in the state for the success of the planned distribution campaign for the benefit of residents.

He said although the distribution exercise is not new in the state, the campaign for this year would be the largest ever as 4.4 Millon nets would be distributed to an estimated eight 8 people in the State.

According to him, “This round of ITNs Distribution Campaign is going to be technology-driven and we all know that Technology comes with its advantages And disadvantages so we need to educate the people and remind

them on the need to consolidate on the past successes.

“In the past it was paper based and manual but this round technology would be deployed in the distribution campaign”.

The BACATMA Chairman noted that the media has remained central to the successes recorded by the agency since its inception.

He also expressed appreciation to the media, Civil Society Organisations (CBOs) and other partners and pleaded for more to.make the state government through the agency to address the burden of malaria.

Other stakeholders and experts who spoke during the parley, noted that Malaria is a lifethreatening disease transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Nigeria accounts for over 66

million malaria cases annually (World malaria report 2022), and an estimated 30% of child and 11% of maternal deaths each year are due to malaria.

According to the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS 2021), there was a reduction in malaria prevalence in Nigeria from 27% in 2015 (MIS 2015) to 22% in 2021 (NMIS 2021).

And, the current prevalence of malaria in Bauchi State is 32% (NMIS 2021), even as Malaria remains the commonest cause of absenteeism from schools, offices, farms, markets, etc resulting in lower productivity.

Furthermore, it exerts a huge social and economic burden on our communities and country, billions of Naira are lost to malaria annually in form of treatment cost. prevention, and loss of man hours.

NDE registers unemployed persons in Nigeria

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has embarked on registration of all unemployed people in Nigeria with a view to engaging them in productive ventures.

The Enugu State Coordinator of the agency, Mrs Ifeoma Ezekwe, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Enugu.

Ezekwe said that the exercise was being held across the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, Abuja.

She said that the registration was going on simultaneously across the 774 local government areas (LGAs) nationwide, adding that it was for all classes of unemployed; and with or without any educational qualifications.

According to her, the essence of the exercise is to capture all unemployed persons to help the country with proper planning, as well as engage them in profitable ventures with a view to curbing crime and boosting economic development.

“The country cannot plan

without data, data is very important in planning, and NDE since 1987, had been in the business of reducing the number of unemployed people, making them employers of labour and self-employed.

“I was appointed the state coordinator in May 2022, and I am fortunate to serve under the current Director-General of NDE, Malam Nuhu Fikpo, whom I call employment generator.

“I call him employment generator because since he came on board, we have never had a

minute rest without activities and programmes,” Aka said.

Ezekwe explained that NDE had four key programmes which included; vocational skills, small skills enterprises, rural empowerment and special public works.

She said that the state directorate just concluded training of women on bags and shoes making, so that as full time housewives, they could have a vocation and earn some money.

According to the NDE official, when the directorate trains

people, they give stipends as transportation fare to enable them go for the trainings.

Aka, who however, said the NDE had faced challenges such as paucity of funds and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Naira redesign policy, expressed optimism that the directorate would be able to discharge its mandate.

Ezekwe called on the state government to assist the agency with vehicles that could be used to access the hard to reach LGAs in the state. NAN

NYSC @50: Buhari hails Gowon’s vision

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for the vision in establishing the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC).

The president in a statement to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the scheme, noted that the laudable objectives behind its establishment had been fully realised.

The statement by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, said Buhari expressed gratitude to the Nigerian, Army and good spirited citizens who had worked tirelessly for the survival of the NYSC.

The statement reads: “On behalf of the Government, and people of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari salutes former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), for the wisdom of setting up the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in 1973, which truly achieved the goal of national integration, by providing opportunities for cross cultural interactions, and establishing a bridge for improved understanding.

“President Buhari congratulates the former Head of State, and all Directors General of the Corps, past and present, for inspiring and sustaining a 50-year legacy that has strengthened a web of solidarity, ignited loyalty to the nation, broadened the horizon of citizens, promoted civic responsiveness, created a better understanding of various individual and ethnic identities, their diversities and underscored the bottom-line of the common values of fairness, justice, peace and unity.

“The President believes the NYSC remains one the strongest ideals of nation building, institutionally encouraging intercultural and inter-religious marriages, resettling of people of various tribes in different parts of the country, exploration of entrepreneurship and business opportunities in places, removing insularity among citizens, and enabling a new culture of oneness, brotherliness and neighborliness.

“As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the NYSC, President Buhari affirms that the scheme must be sustained, with a constant reminder of the history, structure and purpose, that should not be abused, trivialized or undermined for any reason, by keeping a focus on the larger picture that Nigeria’s unity is a process and a collective responsibility that must not be negotiated.

“The President shares the joyous season of the milestone with all those that have enjoyed the adventures of the scheme, and have been sharing memories and pictures with nostalgia, while wishing potential corps members all the best as they move to different parts of the country, to share and explore new experiences of the diversity of Nigeria.

“President Buhari recalls that one of the joys and highlights of his Administration has been the annual ritual of receiving corps members in his country home in Daura, Katsina State, during Eid-el-Fitr Sallah, and the conversations that follow in getting to know their various states, languages, family trees and educational institutions, and asking about their welfare, noting that two visiting Presidents from Niger Republic and Guinea participated and enjoyed such interactions.

“President Buhari thanks the Nigerian Army, Directors General of the NYSC, and various private and public institutions for providing the enabling environment for the success of the scheme.”

Buhari greets gov. Ademola Adeleke at 63

President Muhammadu Buhari has shared in the joy of the occasion as Gov. Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State celebrates his 63rd birthday, today.

President Buhari, in a statement by his media adviser, Femi Adesina affirmed that the Senator, who represented OsunWest in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, solidified his base and gradually

built a formidable network of friends and political allies that have helped his many victories, including leading one of the 36 states in the country.

“The President believes that Adeleke’s easy going outlook on life has turned into an asset, with a huge following that cuts across all ages”, the statement said.

He urged the Osun State Governor,

whose victory was recently validated by the Supreme Court, to place interest of the State and welfare of the people above all else, and seek God’s guidance to deliver on his mandate.

The President prayed that the Almighty God will grant Adeleke the strength, wisdom and courage to serve his people and the nation, the statement noted.

Rotary will promote peace in Nigeria, says Governor

TheDistrict Governor of Rotary International for District 9125, Rotn Dr. Goddy Nnadi, yesterday said the organization will do its best to promote peace in the country.

Dr Nnadi said this at the 14th District Conference by Rotary District 9125 and Rotaract District 9125 in Abuja on Friday.

Nnadi, who said they were in the process of building a peace centre in Nigeria described the initiative as very important.

He said land has already been acquired for the project in Plateau State, which would make it the second one in Africa.

He said so far, only Uganda has a peace centre on the continent.

Nnadi said when ready, the centre would carry out training that would engender peace in the country and across the world.

“You know the Rotary has a peace arm. Peace and conflict resolution is a major focus of rotary events. We are going to develop a peace centre where people would be trained. We would train people to make sure we avoid conflicts. Make sure we maintain peace in our neighbourhoods, communities and country,” he said.

The DG also said despite the Rotary Foundation not meeting its $1million target, it made progress in the areas of membership and projects that improved the lives of the people. He said $570, 000 was raised by the Foundation.

He said the Conference was to review their efforts in the past one year as well as introduce new resolutions that would help us to improve in the next year.

He said maternal and girl child hygiene and health as well as diversity would be an area of focus for the new administration of the district

He said, “As we gather here at this District Conference, I am reminded of the power of Rotary to bring people together and create positive change. We have so much to celebrate, from the countless service projects and initiatives we have undertaken to the friendships and connections we have formed along the way.

“My visits to clubs were insightful and challenging. With a reduced number of Rotarians in my entourage, we covered all clubs even though some were done in clusters. This helped with curbing costs and yet was effective. In the year, we offset the ground rent for Jos Peace Centre and received the certificate of Occupancy. We paid for the approval of the building plan for the Abuja Rotary Centre and sustained payment of the salaries of security personnel at both Centres.

“Abuja Rotary Centre is habitable and can be used for leased functions having fixed the broken borehole with burglary protections installed on all the windows. Electrical cabling, a 10kva generator, twenty standing fans, public address systems, and furnished executive and secretarial offices were part of the activities completed to make the Rotary Centre functional. We started the building of the permanent gate of the Rotary Center in collaboration with the Synergy Presidents in Abuja. The Centre wears a beautiful look and is ready for further development.

“While working on getting the Centre ready, my team and I worked from my personal office, saving cost on rent. We initiated, produced and sold Synergy pins which yielded about N11 million and expanded the level of foundation giving by Rotarians.

“Despite the poor economic turn in Nigeria, Rotarians pulled their weight and we made five hundred and sixty-thousand-dollar donations to The Rotary Foundation. Our membership stands

at four thousand, six hundred and seventy. We hope that there will be some increment to these figures before June 30th.

“I must commend all the clubs who embarked on and completed prodigious projects this year. I have not forgotten the joy on the faces of the communities who benefitted from your magnanimity as we inaugurated the projects, thank you so much.

“News has been reaching me on the impact of this year’s RYLA. Many of the beneficiaries have taken their destinies into their hands, adding value to their immediate communities. We all know that whenever value is added, money is exchanged. We had a fantastic turnout for the event, with young leaders from across our district coming together to learn, grow, and connect with one another.

“Over the course of the event, we provided them with a range of dynamic and engaging sessions on topics such as leadership, teambuilding, communication, and problem-solving. We also had inspiring keynote speakers who shared their personal stories and offered valuable insights into leadership and personal growth.

“Many of them shared with us how the event transformed their thinking and helped them develop new skills and perspectives. They also reported feeling more confident in their abilities as leaders and more motivated to make a difference in their communities.

“Another success was the partnerships we formed with local organizations and businesses to provide resources and support for the event. These partnerships allowed us to offer the young leaders in our district a truly unique and impactful experience that would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of our partners.

Once again, I applaud the Imagine RYLA team while wishing our youths speed and success.

“As we celebrate our successes, we must also remember that there is still much work to be done. There are still people in our communities who need our help, and there are still challenges

facing our world that require our attention and resources. Let us use this conference as an opportunity to learn from each other, to share our experiences and our ideas, and to renew our commitment to Service Above Self. Let us return the lessons and inspiration we gain here to our clubs and communities.”

The President of Rotary International, Rtn Jennifer Jones, said they would honour the past and embrace the future by increasing their impact, expanding their reach, enhancing participants engagement as well as increasing their ability to adapt.

Jones, who was represented by Rtn Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, said all humans are created differently with different talents.

She said there is no better way to appreciate God than to look beyond oneself and serve without counting cost or return.

She said service should be a way of life and Rotary gives the platform to create the necessary changes through Service.

The President urged that there was a need to build fellowships with new friends who share a common passion and engage in inter-country committees, Rotary friendship exchanges, Rotary Fellowships, as well as build life-long Rotary members.

She also urged clubs and districts to engage in projects that focus on women and girls and the numerous challenges that they face.

On Rotary’s Diversity , Equity and Inclusion Policy, she said, “Diversity is one of our Core Values and there is no place for Racism, bias, prejudice, discrimination in colour, Religion, gender or abilities. People of diverse faiths, race and political parties meet in Fellowship. We must promote inclusion, dialogue and understanding. Our commitment is embedded in our past and we must cherish it.”

District Rotract Representative, DRR Gbolahan Olaeye, urged lauded Rotary for ensuring Rotractors and the Rotract district are well included in rotary activities. He urged for more collaborations to achieve set objectives.

L-R: District Rotaract Representative, Rtn. Olaleye Gbolahan (PHF), Sir Kingsley Okoro, Rotary International President’s Representative and Past District Governor (PDG), Rtn. Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and District Governor of Rotary, District 9125, Rotn. Goddy Nnadi, during the opening session of the 14th District Conference in Abuja on Friday. PHOTO: ROTARY D9125

10th Assembly leadership: Storm gathers over

Akpabio, Tajudeen, Barau, Kalu

• Opposition braces up to outsmart ruling party

• Hope dims on seamless election of Senate President, Speaker

• Party back to drawing board amid confusion

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi, Christiana Ekpa And Abubakar Yunusa

Ahead of June 13 inauguration of 10th National Assembly, a thick cloud is gathering against the nomination of former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio (South South) and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (North West) as both Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Others also in the line of fire against the conspiracy of gang up by aggrieved politicians and federal lawmakers are APC Deputy Senate President nominee, Barau Jibril (Northwest) and the Deputy Speaker nominee, Benjamin Kalu (South East).

Shortly after the party issued a proclamation on its preferred candidates, the misiles started flying in both the House of Representatives and Senate. While some of the lawmakers endorsed the candidates of the party, others rejected them over alleged lopsidedness.

Looking at the circumstances at hand, it appears the expectation and hope of a peaceful and seamless emergence of an APC choice candidate for Senate President and Speaker in the 10th Assembly is dashed, as it appears the contest will be a free-for-all.

Unlike previous National Assemblies, the opposition has a majority in the House of Representatives, just as the ruling party is only enjoying a slim majority in the Senate. This development, observers say, if not well managed, may give the coalition of opposition parties the leeway to outsmart the APC and produce the next leadership of the National Assembly.

Reps members reject Abbas, Kalu, unite for Betara as 10th Speaker

Leading aspirants in the race for the 10th House of Representatives united against the zoning of the 10th House of Representatives Speaker by APC, with resolve to present a consensus candidate among themselves.

The aspirants resolved to defy the party's zoning after a meeting of the leading contestants in Abuja.

The move is coming against the backdrop of the zoning of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by the National Working Committee of the APC on May 8.

The party had zoned the Speaker to the North West with the choice of Rep. Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna) and the Deputy Speaker's slot to the South East with the choice of Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia).

Betara had accused the incumbent Speaker of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila of sponsoring Abbas, who he described as unpopular in the House against the leading aspirants in the House.

According to Betara, Femi Gbajabiamila nominated Tajudeen Abass outside of Wase, Doguwa, Betara, Gagdi and other leading aspirants.

"Gbajabiamila picked somebody that most members of the 9th assembly do not know," he said. Gagdi, another contestant, while featuring on Channels TV, said members have the prerogative to choose their leader, adding that it would be unjust that the party jettisoned the North Central which gave the party the winning vote.

Meanwhile, some opposition memberselect from New Nigeria Peoples Party, Labour Party, APGA, ADC have queued behind the candidacy of Betara.

At the Transcorp Hilton on May 8 where Betara formally made his intention known,

scores of returning and new members stormed the venue of his declaration, with a pledge to work for his emergence.

Betara who has been described by many lawmakers as "speaker" appeared poised to win the speakership in open contest barring all hitches.

Meanwhile, Betara's aspiration received a boost amidst APC NWC's endorsement of

said. Also speaking, Doguwa said the parliament must always be allowed to choose its leaders, noting that it was not for outsiders to decide, who leads the House. "One message I want to send across is that the parliament is one institution that must always be allowed to choose its own leaders. The business of our leadership should be solely our business and

Aggrieved 10th Assembly Speaker aspirants Wednesday stormed the office of All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, where they bared their fangs over the zoning formula adopted by the party to sachem them out.

The aspirants led by Ahmed Idris-Wase, the Deputy Speaker and Muktar Betara, the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, specifically kicked against the party's choice of Tajudeen Abbas for the office.

Others who are also against APC's endorsement are Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Sada Soli (Katsina) and Sani Jaji (Zamfara).

They warned the NWC and stakeholders of the party to prepare for a repeat of 2015 scenario should the party allow the endorsed candidates list to stand.

In his speech, Wase said for such a decision to be arrived at, there was need for serious consultations with all members, reminding the party that it does not have the majority in the House, hence, the need to have everyone to agree with such a zoning template.

Abbas Tajudeen for Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives by strategic members who are also in the race.

Betara's declaration on Monday night was attended by Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi and Hon. Sada Soli, all of who have declared their intention to run for speakership of the 10th Assembly.

Wase during his goodwill message faulted APC's choice of Abass who he said was not known to members of the House, urging his colleagues to guard against any attempt at hijacking the parliament.

“Again, I want to add that we are here to ensure the independence of the parliament. To ensure that we work together. Every Parliamentarian must rise to the occasion. We will work as a team. We will not allow this parliament to be hijacked. We will not allow this parliament to be made a lame duck. I believe we are loyal to our country first, loyal to our party and loyal to our people", Wase

no other person’s business.

“In a situation where you have some people in whatsoever guise trying to decide our leadership, to form our leadership from outside without consulting us I think that should be seen as a mere failure. I remain available for consultation until that is done, everyone will answer his father’s name", he said.

Betara in his speech said he was working in collaboration with other aspirants for the project. “Today is our day for members-elect and for former members of the parliament. You are seeing all the aspirants here. They came to support me because we are one family. We are moving as a group. We have been in the system for years. I was a member in the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Assemblies."

Aggrieved Speakership aspirants storm Adamu's office, lament marginalisation

He said: "What was on social media, again, was the zoning and the micro zoned to particular individuals. As I speak to you sir, I want to say categorically that none of us here was approached or consulted even for a second to find our opinion and thought on what was going to be done or what has happened.

"Your Excellency, sir, that is the crux of matter and we feel betrayed by that action. We feel that as if our contributions are not recognized, we feel as if we are not members of this family. We feel that we have given our best but now the best is no longer needed.

Speaking also, Betara said there was no time two presiding positions were zoned to the same zone and warned the party against the consequences of such decision.

Resistance against APC choice of Akpabio, Barau as preferred candidate

On Thursday, immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulazeez Yari threatened that North will sink the ruling All Progressive

Akpabio Tajudeen

“

Leading aspirants in the race for the 10th House of Representatives united against the zoning of the 10th House of Representatives Speaker by APC

10th Assembly leadership: Storm gathers against Akpabio, Tajudeen, Barau, Kalu

Congress (APC) except the party reverses the zoning formula.

Addressing the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu and other National Working Committee (NWC) members when he led a group of aggrieved senators, including Sani Musa, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Osita Izunaso, who were barred by the party's zoning formula from contesting the Senate President, Yari assured that APC will become history in the North if it continues to push the adoption of the zoning formula.

Lamenting what he described as contravention of democratic tenets, injustice and abuse of loyalty in the party's choice of the leadership of the 10th Assembly, the former Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) said "Mr. Chairman we are not undermining what you are doing, but we are doing this for the sake of this party to grow and we are doing it for the best interest of the party because where we are talking today, if we from the North take another decision, it will not be good to all of us and it will become history which we don't want that to happen.

"And only if we do justice, that will protect that from happening but we should all pick our pen today and write it, which is 11th May. Anything from the contrary, walahi the Northern Nigeria will take another decision."

"So, Mr chairman, we have been in this game and we understand it very well and it is about dialogue. We are saying party supremacy and we are looking at the election we won in 2023 and the next election is 2027, it depends on how we play the part.

"The president-elect got 63.4 percent in the northern extraction. Where he came from in the South, he got 36.6 percent. Atiku Abubakar from Northern Nigeria got 68.8 percent of the total vote in the North and he got from Southern Nigeria 33.2 percent.

"So, now if there is anyone who can say we own APC; we in northern Nigeria own the president elect. Without undermining any part of the country. They have given their best and we can understand their situation but justice needs to be done. We should not be blinded that the power of anyone is not absolute but only God is absolute.

"We should not look at these four years as 20 years and then we are going into another election. We are going back to the next election, we should underline that we are elected and we are going to be looking for another election."

He also cautioned that if the APC insists on going by its zoning arrangements, the opposition may do the nomination and have their way, which he said will become a problem for the party.

Least Northcentral can take is Deputy Senate PresidentSani Musa

One of the key contenders for the office of Senate President, Sani Musa, has said the least the North Central zone of the country will accept from the ruling All

Progressive Congress (APC) is Deputy Senate President, even as he warned that membership of the party is voluntary while principles are involuntary.

Sani said this during a meeting with the national chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu, where he expressed shock that despite the altruistic decision of North Central caucus of the party to allow a southern Christian emerge as Senate President in view of the secularity of Nigeria, APC still did not consider North Central worthy for any position in the 10th National Assembly.

He said "When I made my declaration, I said, looking at the secularity of this country and looking at the permutations when we took the risk of same faith ticket and we were successful. There are certain times we should not push our luck. I said, we have competent distinguished Senators-elect from anywhere. That is, because we have a Muslim President elect. We have a Muslim Vice President elect and we thought that at least the third person should be a Christian.

"As leader of the North Central, we had a caucus meeting before the decision was taken and after it was taken. The caucus agreed that I should make my declaration known to Nigerians.

We looked at the secularity of the country and our caucus now said we should go for the Deputy Senate President. Your formula was a blow to us and we felt are we really part of this country? Because when you are even talking about the North, we have always been at the receiving end."

"I am very sure you will go back and take a look especially when we are talking about internal democracy because even the issue of the National Assembly is an issue of internal democracy.

"Our geographical settings have become like institutions. You cannot give positions to individuals".

Northern coalition rejects APC’s adoption of Akpabio, Abbas

The Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) also rejected the adoption of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as the next Senate President and Speaker of the House of the Green Chamber, respectively.

The group also called on the the attention of the incoming President to watch his back and guard against entrenched Judases who are bent on pitching him against democracy, Addressing journalists in Abuja during a world press conference, spokesperson, AbdulAzeez Suleiman cautioned the President-elect against the antics of vested personal interests like those represented by El-Rufai and Ganduje.

Akeredolu says Northwest clinching two presiding officers is illogical

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State also rejected the zoning arrangement for the leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly, announced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Condemning this zoning formula, Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum (SGF), said the zoning arrangement was skewed in injustice.

The governor, in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo state capital, wondered why a political zone would be favoured with two slots at the instance of others in the “permutation” carried out by the ruling party.

“It is an insidious permutation that North East will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North East.

“Therefore, the move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions on the behest of interested personalities with perceived closeness to the President-elect

manifestingly lays the dangerous foundation of distrust, and needless suspicion even as it structures nothing but a combination of booby traps. We must avoid all these,” he said.

Adamu urges aggrieved politicians to hold the fire

The National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu has assured the aggrieved lawmakers that the party would embark on further consultations and would get back to them, stressing that the statement issued by the party clearly stated that the party leadership would endeavour to do more consultations so that everyone would be carried along.

He said "There is nothing we do that may not be challenged here and there. But let us be able to attend the best possible consultation with people giving them their right of fair hearing before we can say yes we are changing positions or we are not changing positions.

"I plead with you in good conscience to give us a little time to take a good and better look at your presentation and open our ears and our eyes the more to hear more and see more before we can come with finality of your submission and the outcome of it. I thank you for your approach.

"Hold the fire until the last word is heard from us. We are the custodians of the party as NWC, but we are not acting alone. The voice of the president-elect is an essential voice. We must accommodate him, the best we can. I will not compromise on that. So, he is right now outside the country and by the grace of God, when he comes back, we will go back to the drawing board and put our heads together again and see what we will get.

"I cannot preempt that, I will wait until we hold that meeting with Mr president-elect, the same team that we had the same meeting with. If we need to enlarge the committee we will do so, we will be better informed through contributions that will be made."

Opposition parties pick 13-man C'ttee to select Reps Speaker, Deputy Opposition parties in the incoming 10th National Assembly have unveiled a 13 man committee to shortlist, screen and eventually recommend speakership and deputy speakership candidates from amongst them.

Recall that the parties met and resolved to contest the top positions in the 10th House of Representatives.

In a statement released in Abuja on Monday by the minority caucus signed by the trio of its spokesmen: Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Hon. Dachung Bagos and Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, the opposition parties said it had the numerical strength of 183 to square up with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which has 177 members.

The opposition named Hon. Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Hon. Afam Victor Ogene as Secretary of the screening committee.

The statement read in parts: "Barely one week ago, precisely on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, We, the seven political parties which make up the minority bloc of the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives, announced to the Nigerian people, via your different media organs, that it would, ultimately, seek to field candidates for the offices of Speaker and Deputy Speaker from among our ranks.

"This position has largely been foisted on the emergent 10th Assembly by the discordant tunes coming from the stable of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

"Conscious, however, of the common pact which our respective political parties have with the Nigerian people, to wit, 'holding government accountable to the people,' we resolved to step into the arena, by offering credible and alternative leadership options.

Meanwhile, in the green chamber, while the ruling party has 177 members elect, opposition parties have 143 members elect.

Barau Kalu

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam

Muhammad Musa

Bello has lauded the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for meeting the objectives for which, it was created, by paying special attention to inclusivity, functionality, design and aesthetics.

Bello added that Abuja today stands as one of the most beautiful cities in the world as attested to by not just the residents but visitors who have come here.

He made this point at a Retreat for the Board and the Executive Management Committee of the Federal Capital Development Authority, held Thursday at the Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State .

The Minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, noted that: “Abuja has been described as one of the fastest growing cities in the world just as the FCT is the fastest growing subnational in the country”.

This, he said essentially translates into more work for the FCDA as you try to cope with the rapid expansion of the city

FG constitutes advertising offences tribunal

The Federal Government has constituted the Advertising Offences Tribunal, with retired Justice Cecelia Olatoregun as Chairman.

A statement issued by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, said four other members were appointed.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the appointments in line with Section 38 of ARCON Act No 23 of 2022.

The other members of the tribunal are Mr Charles Odenigbo, Mr Moroof Aileru, Mrs Julie Jacks and Mr Idorenyen Enang.

NAN reports that the tribunal is an independent specialised judicial body established to ensure equity, openness, fairness and impartiality in all disputes and offences committed under the ARCON Act.

It is also envisaged that the tribunal will ensure speedy hearing and timely resolution of all matters before it. NAN

Minister lauds FCDA fostering inclusivity, functionality, aesthetics in Abuja

and ever changing structure and dynamics of the society.

According to him, “There is therefore the need to keep abreast with the changes taking place around you in conformity with present and emerging realities while also charting the best way forward in fulfillment of your mandate.

“I was particularly pleased to note that this retreat is paying special attention to issues of and surrounding public procurement as well as contract management and price adjustment. These issues have over the years impacted not just the cost of important projects but completion periods and ultimately the quality of works delivered at the end of the day”.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Olusade Adesola, in his goodwill message reiterated that the task of building the FCT has recorded significant milestones, particularly under the present administration.

Represented at the occasion by the Director, Human Resource Management, Muhammad Bashir he disclosed that, the number of completed and ongoing physical infrastructural projects within the life of the administration is unprecedented, expressing hope that the momentum will be sustained by the incoming government.

“In the quest to ensure optimal service delivery within the life of this present administration, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has over the years embraced all reform programmes of the Federal Government, including the Executive Orders- Ease of doing business environment, maintenance of national buildings amongst others”, he added.

On his part, FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad explained that the retreat is an opportunity to reflect and refresh our minds on the mandate of the FCDA and to assess its past experiences and challenges as

well as brainstorm on ways and means to overcome them.

He adds: “It will also avail us the avenue to look ahead by exploring the impact of trending issues on our collective future in the discharge of our responsibilities as an organization by assisting us as stakeholders both on policy formulation and implementation in the drive to build a befitting world class Capital City of our dreams”.

He, however, implored the participants to be ready to adopt new ideas and trending thoughts in order to be in tune with current and international best practices.

He, therefore, thanked the Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the FCDA Board Chairman whose approval made the gathering possible.

According to him, the retreat is indeed one of its kind in the sense that , in the history of the FCDA, no such event has ever taken place, whereby, it is organised for the members of the Board and the Executive Management

Committee outside the Federal Capital Territory.

A resource person, Mr. Kabir Yari in his presentation titled: The planning of Abuja, Yesterday, Today and Lessons for the ongoing development, said there is the need for urgent and comprehensive review of the Master Plan and mobilizing more funding from other sources such as PPP, Land based financing mechanisms, cost recovery and general taxation among many others.

On his part, the Lead Consultant, Engr Emeka Momah Ezeh noted that the Retreat is auspicious, because it is coming at the cusp of one administration and at the threshold of another.

“Indeed, the transition period is an opportune time for a retrospection on the founding of Abuja, and its ideals, as a modern city, and a repositioning of those ideals for the future as a new vision which would be on the agenda for the new administration”, he stressed.

FG okays reconstruction of Tegina Kontagora road

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has declared that his efforts in persuading the Federal Government to reconstruct Tegina-Kontagora road has yielded result, following the award

of the contract for the project.

Bello made this known when he and Governor-elect, Umar Mohammed Bago, received the executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kontagora, led by the Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Umaru Kawo on a congratulatory visit, at the Government House, Minna.

The Governor, who was excited about the award of the contract from Tegina to Kontagora, however, expressed displeasure over the delay by the contractor in mobilizing to site for the Minna to Tegina reconstruction work that had earlier been awarded.

He said the contract when completed, will reduce accidents

and unnecessary delays on the road as well as ease the movement of goods and services noting that most trucks coming from Lagos to the Northern part of the country pass through the road.

On his part, the Governorelect, Hon Umar Mohammed Bago assured the APC executive from Kontagora that his

administration will complete all the laudable projects initiated by the present administration.

He also appreciated the people of the local government for standing by him and the Party to ensure he came out victorious in the last general election.

L-R: Dr. Victor Okhai, President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria; Evi Odafe-Ejumedia, Channel Head, Africa Magic; Victor Sanchez Agahowa, Executive Head, Productions, Africa Magic; Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels; Alh. Adedayo Thomas, Director-General, National Film and Video Censors Board at the MultiChoice Film and Television Stakeholders Engagement Event Yesterday in Lagos.

CRIME NEWS

Police arrest woman for faking own daughter’s kidnap in Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Forallegedly faking the kidnap of her own six years old daughter, Hafsat Kabiru, a 25-year-old woman, Rahma Sulaiman is now in the custody of the Kano police command.

Also, Rahma Sulaiman purportedly demanded N 3 million ransom from her ex husband, Kabiru Shehu.

However, following Police investigation, the victim was rescued in Madobi LGA, the divorced wife was arrested and confessed to have planned, took her daughter to a hideout and demanded the ransom.

The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, confirmed the arrest while parading the 25-yearold mother, alongside 14 other suspects of kidnapping and a drug dealer at the Bompai headquarters

of the police on Thursday.

Gumel said, “On 08/05/2023, a report was received from one Kabiru Shehu of Sharada Quarters, Kano Municipal LGA that his divorced wife, one Rahma Sulaiman, 25-years-old informed him that his 6 years old daughter with the name as Hafsat Kabiru, was missing, and that unknown persons called her through her mobile phone demanding the sum of three million Naira as ransom.

“In a follow-up investigation, the victim was rescued in Madobi LGA. The divorced wife was arrested and confessed to have planned, took her daughter to a hideout and demanded the ransom,” he said.

In a related development, the Police Commissioner said, another woman, identified as Zainab Rabi’u, 45-year-old, was arrested for arranging the kidnap of her

younger brother, Almustapha Bashir and demanded N20 million ransom that later went down to N5.1 million after series of negotiation.

“Sometimes in 04/04/2023, we received a report from a resident of Kofar Ruwa Quarters, Dala LGA, Kano State that his son, one Almustapha Bashir, 6 years old was kidnapped and a ransom of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000:00) was demanded which they settled at Five Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N5,150,000:00).

“In a follow-up of the investigation, the victim was rescued unhurt and the following suspects were arrested, Zainab Rabi’u, 45 years old of Gwammaja Quarters, a masterminder and an aunt to the victim that organized and arranged the Kidnapping.

"Others were Abdurrashid Sa’idu, 27 years, Hassan Abdullahi,

24 years old and Ahmed Saleh, 25 years old, all of Sheka Quarters Kano. All suspects confessed to the crime and will be charge to court upon completion of the investigation,” CP Gumel said.

Furthermore, the Police Commissioner said nemesis caught up with some suspects who in an attempt to kidnap their victim who resisted shot dead their own colleague.

He said: “On 16/03/2023 at about 0100hrs, a report was ⁹ lol 0⁰0⁹ I'll that gun men stormed the residence of one Nasiru Yahaya, Yarimawa Village, Tofa LGA, Kano State, where they Kidnapped him and his son, one Gaddafi Nasiru.

"In the process, the son resisted. In an attempt to shoot the son, they shot their colleague, one Umar Abdullahi, Alias Danbaba who died on the spot.

"The father escaped. Also, in

attempt to whisk the son, they shot two villagers on their legs who came to offer assistance. The victims were rushed to Tofa General Hospital, and they were treated and discharged.

“The following suspects were arrested in connection with crime; Idris Abdullahi, 26 years of Janguza, Tofa LGA, Tukur Yusuf, 40 years old, of Langyal, Tofa LGA, and Ilyasu Aminu, 25 years old, of Gargai Village, Bebeji LGA Kano State”.

Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner commended the good people of the State and cooperating members of the public for their supports while noting that the police will continue to collectively work together with them to enhance internal security drive in order to surmount any emerging security challenges in the State.

Pre-trial detention: CSO resolves 1,400 cases in 5 years

TheNetwork of University Legal Aid Institutions, (NULAI), Nigeria, a civil society organisation resolved 1, 400 pretrial detention cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Keffi, Nasarawa State in five years.

The President of NULAI, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, said this at an event organised in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by NULAI with the support of United States Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and Partners Global.

The project was on “Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN): Project Retrospective Outlook Close -out Session”.

Ojukwu who was represented by Executive Director NULAI, Dr Mukhtar Nasiru said that the project started in 2018 and had been impactful.

“There is no iota of doubt this is

the most impactful project NULAI has ever been involved in.

“This is certain because the reports are showing some amazing statistics of impacts that have been made on different fronts.”

He said “Over 1,400 cases have been resolved; over 500 students have been able to support pro bono lawyers to intervene in cases and these cases have been resolved.

“Over 15, 000 pretrial detention cases are being updated , the records are updated in the correctional centres, that is to show you that the use of technology has helped to solve a lot of systemic problems that are affecting the criminal justice system.”

Ojukwu, however, said that there has been a lot of problems of pretrial detention in the country which has resulted into overcrowding in the correctional centres.

“The figure in Nigeria is 75 per cent and it has been consistent. What I mean by 75 per cent is that of every 100

people in the correctional center, 75 per cent of them are pretrial detainees.

“This means that their cases have not been decided. They have not been convicted. Only 25 per cent have been convicted.

“We have been able to reduce significantly all the problems that make cases to be adjourned.”

He said that with the effort by the CSO, the period of adjournment has been reduced from 31 days to 14 days.

Also speaking, David Greene, Charge’ d’ Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria, said that Nigeria was not alone in facing the challenge of pretrial detention.

“It is universal. The fundamental principle of any democratic society like Nigeria is not just the rule of law, but there must be a functioning justice system,” he said.

He said that the project was implemented in the FCT and Keffi adding that the U.S. would replicate this role to include additional states in

north central region.

Similarly, NULAI’s Programme Manager, Mahmud Yusuf said that the organisation had been working with the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) to achieve its goal.

He said: “With a little over 70,000 detainees in detention in correctional centres across states, 63,000 are pretrial detainees which constitute a high percentage of pretrial detainees.

“The problem with pretrial detention is a system wide problem not just from the correctional centres but from the point of entry, you look at what are the courts doing, what are the prosecuting agencies doing.

“And then the resulting effect is the congestion and then the resultant pretrial situation we have across the country.”

He said that the way out was to look at the structures in place to address pretrial detention.

For Controller-General Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS),.Haliru

Nababa, appreciated NULAI’S effort at reducing cases of pretrial detainees in the country.

Nababa was represented by Controller, Custodial, Adamu Yahaya.

He said that the major challenge in the custodial centres was overcrowding of the facilities.

“NULAI has supported the service in addressing the issue of overcrowding of inmates awaiting trial in custodial centres,” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Deborah Mancini, Director of the Africa Partners Global said the organisation had been discussing issues relating to pretrial detention in Nigeria.

“We realise that Nigeria had gone through a very progressive legal reform process where they have put in place the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“The Act gave a lot of opportunity to ensure that pretrial detention cases were handled more effectively in the courts.” NAN

Man docked for alleged N101m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Muhammed Usman for allegedly defrauding a man of N34.3 million on the pretext of supplying him the dollar equivalent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Usman was arraigned alongside his company, Masha Allah International Resources Ltd. on a five-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his not-guilty plea, EFCC counsel, Mr Ahmed Yerima, prayed the court for a trial date to enable prosecution team to assemble witnesses.

Yerima also prayed the court to remand the defendant in a custodial facility.

Defence counsel, Mr Jamiu Bashir, however, prayed the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody.

Bashir told the court that

defence was in the process of bringing a formal bail application before the court.

According to the EFCC, Usman deceitfully induced one Mr Abdullahi Dalhatu of Yarinya and Co. Farms Ltd. to pay N34.35 million into his Access Bank account on the pretext of giving him the dollar equivalent at the rate of 685 Naira per dollar.

The commission said that the defendant knew that he was deceiving his alleged victim.

NAN reports that EFCC also arraigned Usman before the same court on a separate charge (four counts) bordering on obtaining by false pretences and stealing.

It alleges that the defendant deceitfully obtained N67.6 million through his Providus Bank account from one Mr Suleiman Bashiru on the pretext that he had the dollar equivalent and would give him at the rate of 675 Naira per dollar.

The commission said that the defendant knew the representation to be false.

The EFCC also said that Usman collected $37,314 from one Mr Faisan Haruna, who he promised to give the Naira equivalent, but failed.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 1 (1) (a) 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act of 2006, and Sections 278(1)(2)

and 285(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Ismail Ijelu adjourned the case until June 19 for the commencement of trial. NAN

SPECIAL REPORT

Discordant tones as NYSC marks 50th anniversary

By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The golden jubilee commemoration of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme means different things to different people.

The Corps which was established by the General Yakubu Gowon-led administration on May 22, 1973 via Decree 24 now referenced as NYSC, CAP N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria has some main objectives including a follow-up action to actualise the ‘three Rs’ of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, to speed up the healing process in a country recovering from a protracted civil war.

In the wise thinking of the leadership of the then military government , it would take more than gunfire and armoured tanks to unite the numerous ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria into a cohesive whole.

They also reasoned that, since unity and peaceful coexistence cannot be decreed, the best pathway would be to create a sustainable platform that would engender mutual trust, camaraderie, respect and understanding among the youth.

And to achieve this prime objective, increasing numbers of Nigerian youths who are moatly graduates of tertiary educational institutions are made to compulsorily undertake this scheme, and are usually deployed to states other than their states of origin across the country.

However Kaduna residents have different tales to tell concerning the scheme as the commemoration of the anniversary was celebrated in grand style in the Centre of learning.

The golden jubilee, celebrated amidst live band by the corps members, also featured good music, while on a two kilometre walk which was observed in the company of the scheme’s staff.

The two kilometre walk, also done in platoon formation, started from the NYSC Secretariat and ended at the prominent independence way.

Speaking to the media at the sideline of the walk, the State Coordinator of the scheme, Mr. Hassan Taura, said the celebration was significant, adding that the scheme had come a long way in achieving its mandate of national unity and integration.

He added that the scheme had over the years made a great impact to the nation in areas of education, health- care, election duty, census, and a lot of areas of national assignments where corps members are deployed.

Taura noted that because of the impact the scheme made over the years, the golden jubilee was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to give it special credence.

Describing security as the major bane of the scheme, he said a lot of activities of the scheme were either readjusted or tempered with.

Similarly, the President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) Alhaji Yerima Shettima said the scheme, established on May 22, 1973, had been a useful initiative to engage, mould and

transform youths in the country.

He therefore called on Nigerians and government functionaries to continually cooperate with the scheme to break the barrier of unity in the country.

Shettima explained that the scheme which started with 1000 members now produces over 400,000 annually, which is a strong tool to foster unity in the country.

The AYCF President opined that some Nigerians today have settled in the different geopolitical zone of their choice because they served there.

Alhaji Yerima lamented that the insecurity bedeviling the country today is a threat to the scheme, but commended the Federal government for doing everything to sustain the program.

Speaking in the same vein Mrs. Helean Wase a former Commissioner of Plateau State who served in Oyo State in 1996 said the number of youths the scheme mobilised, integrated and empowered over the years is an indication that it achieved most of its core objectives.

“

The two kilometre walk, also done in platoon formation, started from the NYSC Secretariat and ended at the prominent independence way

Discordant tones as NYSC marks 50th anniversary

Mrs. Wase lauds the recently introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme which promoted among others; selfreliance for Corp Members.

She agreed that insecurity in the country is the challenges faced by the NYSC Scheme.

Pastor Matthew Ekundayo who served in Sokoto State in1983 observed that there was a time, many fresh graduates earnestly desired to wear the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform, adding It was an honour to wear the khaki, serve one’s fatherland then, and the corps members truly served with sincerity and honour.

The clergy, however, expressed dismay that instead of fostering national cohesion and peaceful coexistence, especially after the civil war, the NYSC today leaves nothing for the youths to desire.

He said a major cause of the negative turn in the programme is the growing rate of insecurity across the country, particularly in the northern part where Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and kidnapping for ransom are thriving.

According to him in the last 20 years, corps members have been victims of election violence, kidnapping, abduction by terrorist groups and rape, with many being killed while serving their fatherland.

Mrs. Beatrice Audu from Jaba Local Area of Kaduna state said her daughter Easter Audu died in an auto crash along Kano -Kaduna road while going to report at the orientation camp.

She stressed that the death of her daughter in 2021 made her to believe that NYSC seems to have outlived its usefulness, hence should be scrapped .

However Corp members who participated in jubillee celebration in Kaduna hold different opinions.

A serving “Corper”, Joy Emmanuel, said the scheme had provided her a platform to have

had the privilege of associating with different people of divers cultures all across the states.

“I am from Ekiti State, I have never been to the North, but courtesy of NYSC, here I am today and I am enjoying the environment,”she said.

Another corps member, Charles Onyeka, an indigene of Anambra, said the scheme has brought more

civilisation to graduates across the nation.

“Some of us have never left our geo political zones, but NYSC has brought up together from all the zones, and getting to do away with some stereotypes,”he said

Also speaking with newsmen, a Corps member, Opeyemi Bakare, lauded NYSC for bringing people of different cultures, religions,

languages and ways of life under one roof and unite them.

He said he was getting acclimatised with Kaduna state and its people, adding that he never knew the people could be so friendly, nice and tolerant in contrast to what other people say from afar.

The challenges facing the corps members and the NYSC management are, no doubt numerous. For some of the young men and women enlisted in the yearly scheme, recurrent issues of rejection at places of primary assignments and lack of necessary support from organisations in the face of the harsh economic reality in the country are issues to contend with.

Despite that, Nigerian youths still look up to the NYSC scheme with relished anxiety.

It’s indeed different strokes for different people.

“

ome of us have never left our geo political zones, but NYSC has brought up together from all the zones, and getting to do away with some stereotypes

‘I must be President of Nigeria’ – Peter Obi insists

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former Anambra State Governor, and presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last election, Peter Obi has insisted that he must be President of Nigeria.

Obi, who is in court with the winner of the just concluded election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said he is convinced in his spirit that he will be President.

The LP candidate spoke during the launch of a book written in his honour: ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective’, in Awka, Anambra State.

Obi said “Anyone who thinks I’m on transit is wasting his time. Let me tell you, I must be the president of this country. I’m sure of that. If it is not today, it must be tomorrow.

“Other people who want to be, should come and tell us what they want to do, and how to do it. This is my country, I don’t have dual citizenship. If anyone thinks I am going to run away from Nigeria, they are lying.

“I have three engagements in Anambra and Lagos today. I will be speaking in Lagos tonight. We will not leave Nigeria. I am not in a hurry to become the president, but I know it must happen.

“For three years I was in court in Anambra to reclaim my governorship, just to challenge the process. Many people tried to discourage me, but I said even if the entire four years tenure elapsed for us to prove a point and correct the process, I will be fulfilled.

“My argument is that, let’s do what is

right. I always tell everyone that I will not give people money to do the wrong thing.

I have been the chairman of a committee; TETFUND committee, and Prof Mahmood

Masari reveals why northern governors supported Tinubu

By Christiana Ekpa

Katsina Governor, Aminu

Masari has disclosed why Northern Governors supported the presidential ambition of President-elect Bola Tinubu.

The governor made the revelation on Thursday in Daura during a farewell visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar FaruqUmar.

Masari said All Progressives Congress (APC) governors backed Tinubu due to to their respect for the zoning arrangement.

“God had saved us from shame during the last general elections where the APC recorded huge successes,” he said.

Masari noted that the current administration would have been regarded as a failure had the party lost the presidential poll.

“God helped President Muhammadu Buhari to defend his integrity, because if we had failed in the election, he would be the first to be blamed.”

The governor added that he and his colleagues had foresight and saw the attempts to tarnish the Nigerian leader’s image.

Masari said though political parties believe in zoning, some people in the APC wanted to ignore it ahead of 2023, “but we rejected”.

The Katsina helmsman opined that the lack of respect for zoning formula in some parties brought them into the crises they face.

Masari added that northerners succeeded in earning the respect of the people, “because once we said yes, it’s always yes”.

was my member. We know ourselves, but when he became INEC chairman, I have never met him. I told him, you’re an umpire, just do what is right.

“If you have the chance to do the right thing, and you insist on perpetuating anarchy, then, it will consume everybody one day. I insist that we must do the right thing.

“I was in an event yesterday in Abuja, and it was World Food Organisation. I listened to report that stated that Nigeria will face intense hunger in years to come.

“It is Nigeria that will face hunger, not Peter Obi. The report listed Borno, Adamawa and Yobe as the states that will be worse hit, but those three states put together are five times larger in land mass of Israel, yet Egypt exports food, but Nigeria cannot feed itself.

“So we must cultivate a habit of doing the right thing. If we don’t do the right thing, it will consume us some day.”

One of the editors of the book, Prof Chinyere Okunna in her remarks said the launching was geared towards raising funds for the financing of the matter before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

“We believe in Obi. He is not a saint, but among all the people who contested to become president, none comes close to him in humility, education, love of the people, experience and knowledge.

“Litigation is a very capital intensive project and we want to support him through this launching. It was very clear that Obi won the election, but we want to call on the judiciary to be upright in their judgement and do the right thing,” she said.

Fani-Kayode says Nigeria owes Atiku debt of gratitude, gives reason

By Musa Baba Adamu

Achieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi FaniKayode, alleged that Atiku Abubakar murdered and buried the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, said Nigeria owes Atiku a debt of

gratitude for destroying the party.

His statement was contained in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Friday.

Recall that Atiku, who contested against Bola Tinubu of the APC, is challenging his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the president-elect.

Meanwhile, Fani-Kayode

claimed Atiku ensured the PDP would never rise again.

He wrote, “One thing we can’t take from @atiku, the Waziri Adamawa, is the fact that he single-handedly did what noone else managed to do since 1999: he murdered & buried the PDP & ensured that it can NEVER be resurrected or rise again. For this alone Nigeria owes him a debt of gratitude.”

NNPP inaugurates caretaker committee in Ogun

By Christiana Ekpa

The national leadership of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has inaugurated a caretaker committee in Ogun State.

The inauguration of the committee was sequel to the dissolution of the state executive council and expulsion of the former Chairman of the party in the state, Olaposi Sunday Oginni.

Oginni was expelled over

alleged anti-party activities.

The inauguration of the caretaker committee took place on Thursday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The event was attended by the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, his running mate, Alhaja Sakirat Idris Arowolo and the party’s state Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade Olowu Omokehinde, among other stalwarts of the party.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, South West, Kilamuwaye Badmus, conducted the inauguration of the caretaker committee.

Badmus revealed that the party took the decision in order to reposition the party in the state.

The caretaker committee has Prince Ibrahim Adekunle as its Chairman.

Adekunle in his inaugural speech pledged that the committee headed by him will

set up administrative structures across the local government areas and wards of the state.

He noted that this will prepare members of the party for congresses that will usher in a progressive democratic atmosphere in the state.

“The Caretaker Committee will direct the affairs of the party in the state, and set up administrative structures across the local governments and wards of state,” he said.

Peter Obi

Avoid sycophants - Anglican Bishop, Odutemu to Delta Gov-elect, Ohworode

By Christiana Ekpa

Archbishop of Bendel Province, Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Most Rev. Cyril.

O. Odutemu has urged the Delta State Governor-elect, Sheriff Oborevwori not to spend his time halfway with sycophants.

The cleric handed down the charge during a homily he delivered as part of activities marking the rite of passage of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM.(Dr) Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro I JP.

Archbishop Odutemu said, “Okowa is already concluding his administration. Do not spend your time halfway with sycophants.

“As you begin your tenure under God, know that there’s time for everything. I do not see you spending four years in office. I see you spending eight years in office.”

Archbishop Odutemu urged the Governor-elect to do everything within his time to attract development to Delta State.

“If you ask the man you’re going to succeed, he will tell you that there are some things he wanted to do that he couldn’t finish.”

Archbishop Odutemu earlier paid tribute to the departed Ohworode of Olomu saying, “Papa was a lover of the church. A true child of God who came, who saw and conquered.”

While noting that there’s time for everything, Archbishop Odutemu said the end of the revered monarch has come.

Atiku berates Buhari, Tinubu over foreign trips

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the President-elect, Bola Tinubu the “selected one.”

Atiku’s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, made the remark while faulting the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola

Tinubu from Nigeria due to alleged medical reasons.

While Buhari extended his trip to the United Kingdom, UK, due to a dental procedure, Tinubu travelled to Europe to allegedly engage with possible investors.

But, Bwala had claimed that Tinubu embarked on a medical trip to Europe and not for business purposes.

However, Bwala said Buhari and Tinubu’s medical needs can be met in Nigeria.

Tweeting, Bwala wrote: “Tale of a country; two presidents. Substantive one and selected one: Both out of the country as of today on medicals. One calls his own dental care; the other calls his own official visit. Their medical needs can adequately be met in Nigeria’s

hospitals, public or private. Sad

“Unless we establish a worldclass health clinic in Nigeria, solely for those officials covered under section 308; the medical care of those officials paid for adequately by their respective governments, Nigeria’s national security would forever be under threat. No joke.”

Gov Ikpazu laments workers strikes crippling government activities

By Christiana Ekpa

The Abia State government says the ongoing strike by civil servants in the state has paralyzed government activities across the ministries, parastatals, cabinet office and office of the Accountant General, which is responsible for the payment of salaries.

The state government blamed the delay in payment of civil servants in the state on a court order that froze government accounts, explaining that the protracted bank matter was responsible for the non-payment of March and April salaries of workers.

A statement by Chris Ezem, Secretary to the State government, SSG, announced that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu directed the commencement of payment of staff of ministries and parastatals, from Friday, March 12.

The state government directed all affected staff to resume work at their offices immediately and ensure the resumption of activities in all ministries and the office of the Accountant General for the implementation of salary payments.

The statement warned that

“any breach of these directives will frustrate the ongoing transition process and other activities.”

The state government further maintained that no core civil servant or ministry was owed salaries before now, adding that the salaries of local government staff are up to date except five months arrears it inherited of which three

months have been paid.

The Ikpeazu administration further directed local government authorities to commence immediate payment of salaries of health workers across the 17 LGAs and urged all local government staff to be on duty to ensure competition and commissioning of projects and a smooth transition of

power. The office of the Accountant General, Commissioner for Finance, Office of the Head of Service, and Secretary to the State government, among other government offices have been under lock and key since the commencement of the indefinite strike on Tuesday.

Ohaneze youth says Ugwuanyi unsung hero of Enugu politics

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth

Council Worldwide has described Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State as an unsung hero who would be greatly missed when he leaves office.

Ugwuanyi will be handing over to Governor-elect, Peter Mbah on May 29, after completing his second tenure in office.

Addressing journalists in Enugu on Friday, the National President of the group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said Ugwuanyi had written his name in gold.

While lamenting that Ugwuanyi was not much appreciated for

his sterling performances as the Governor of the State, Okwu described him “as a silent achiever and unsung hero.”

He said, “we are here to once more commend Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his sterling performance in office despite the cash crunch at this time in the country’s history.

“There is no doubt that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi undertook projects that have direct bearing on the life of the common man and not while-elephant projects as some would want.

“Our checks showed that the administration of Governor Ugwuanyi did a total turnaround

on the educational sector in the State. This is evident in the recent improvement on Enugu’s performance in external examinations, both in UTME and SSCE.

“Under this current administration, the Governor also completed and equipped a medical university in Igboano Nsukka, as well as a Federal Polytechnic in Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state. This is undoubtedly a rare feat.

“In the area of healthcare sector, Enugu has also been identified to be occupying a front row. This was made possible by the huge investment made by the

government in that regard.

“It is also important to point out that several kilometres of roads were done by the current government, especially in rural areas across the State, including the Miliken Hill-Ngwo road and the T-junction flyover.”

Okwu said, “regrettably, Ugwuanyi, a silent achiever, did not advertise most of these projects, leading to the false narrative that he did not do much in office.”

He added that peace became a household name in Enugu State courtesy of Ugwuanyi’s style of leadership.

“So many youths were given

leadership opportunities in this administration like never before, just as he made the Government House accessible to everyone.

“Those who do not value what he did in the area of peace and security will soon come to realise that.

“Enugu remained one of the safest States in the country under the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and it is not something to be taken for granted.

“We do hope that the incoming administrations, both at the State and the federal level will tap into his dynamic leadership,” the Ohanaeze youth group stated.

How we combated communal clashes, youth restiveness in Edda – LG boss

By Christiana Ekpa

Chairman of Afikpo South Local Government Area, now known as Edda LGA, in Ebonyi State, Prince Ekuma

Nkama Chima has revealed how his tenure combated incessant communal clashes, cultism and youth restiveness in the area.

Chima who is an in-law to the outgoing governor of Ebonyi

State, David Umahi, also gave reasons why the governor named the state international airport after President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Council Chairman made revelations while speaking with

newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He said “The killings, the fightings is not what we are known for. We are known as peaceful people. We relate well with each

other. We have a way of doing things but suddenly, it appeared that some people introduced things that are not known to our people and then, part of the challenge, was the issue of cultism.”

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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

Sudan Crisis: Providing a cautionary tale o Nigeria What about the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Act

By Abachi Ungbo

Theabundance of resources under the climate of poor governance easily pitches a country into hot cauldron of violence and instability, the strong nexus between conflict and the abundance of mineral resources is better exemplified in Africa’s many crises which have led to extreme poverty and economic instability.

Sudan is profusely bleeding on the strength of its current painful war. It is such a great country with an interesting history. The country has a huge land mass- third in Africa. And its strategically located- close to the Red sea- “….vital artery for the world economy.” It is a beneficiary of the famous Nilemaking it fertile for agriculture so much so that it has attracted investment from the rich Arab countries. It has abundant crude oil deposit until the secession of the South Sudan in 2011. Also, very rich in natural resources . It has the third largest gold deposit in Africa- aside other minerals like uranium, manganese, chromite. Though, it remained impoverished despite being so much blessed.

There’s so much to say about Sudan. Anyway, its economy went south in the aftermath of the secession of South Sudan which saw to the loss of huge oil riches. Oil revenues tapered off and adjusting to the reality became an uphill task. Omar al-Bashir who has ruled for three decades became the target of citizens’ frustration over the situation. The 2019 uprising led to his topple and the much-coveted transition to democracy was stalled with the overthrow of the transitional civilian government before the current crisis broke out between two guys that worked collaboratively against al-Bashir.

On the surface it is a fight for power between two strong men with huge command of support outside the country- beneath, is the scramble for control of natural resources. However, there’s a tinge of ethnic and regional loyalties. The Wagner group with strong ties to the Russian government is reported have a strong interest in the Sudanese gold- in fact it is said to be operating a gold processing plant. It’s a war implicitly enabled by strong interests. The Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar is a known factor in the crisis so also are some western and Arab countries. The two warring groups are definitely going for broke.

The situation in Sudan reminds of the state of the natural resource rich Congo which has experienced interminable elusion of peace on the back of myriad of extraneous interest sponsoring different warring groups at the expense of the development of the country. Poverty is pervasive amidst so much potential for wealth.

The jostle for the riches of the Sudan may push it to almost eternal doom without attempt for peace by the warring groups. The situation is shaping up to have a massive ripple effect not from the huge resultant humanitarian crisis but threat to peace of countries like Nigeria.

Nigeria has its crises that have continue to cost so much lives. Coincidentally, like the Congo and Sudan, Nigeria is also a sprawling country with so much natural resources. To so many, the scale of the existing mindless violence in the country was a distant scenario altogether. Already, deaths from banditry and terrorism is only comparable to the civil war. Alarmingly, the huge gold deposit in Zamfara state is serving as a dark incentive for violence which should raise serious concern. This much was attested to, by the British newspaper – The Times, which reported the activities of the Chinese in financing terrorist groups in a bid to have access to the abundant precious natural resource. And, it has long been speculated that outside forces are at work in Nigeria in term of sponsorship of the groups wreaking havoc.

Concern about the Sudan crisis should exist. Nigeria is not completely immune. Recalled that Libya war was a massive security threat to Africa. So much weapons flowed ceaselessly further sustaining the fire of insurgency and banditry in Nigeria. Several allusions have been made about it. We need to be worried about the situation. Our borders are to all intent and purposes open to all manner of things and people.

The abundance of resources under the climate of poor governance easily pitches a country into hot cauldron of violence and instability, the strong nexus between conflict and the abundance of mineral resources is better exemplified in Africa’s many crises which have led to extreme poverty and economic instability.

The recipe for existential crises is commonplace in Nigeria and was effectively accentuated by the concluded election in Nigeria. Nothing will work to calm the rising temperature in the country than a system that is fair to all. The next administration must go to work in instituting good governance that will ensure that every group feel that their interests are adequately represented- meaning that factors that threaten peace must be addressed. The country can’t afford any crisis that would pit the different nationalities against each other which easily will allow for destabilizing elements to waltz into the country’s affairs for self-centered purposes.

Abachi Ungbo can be reached at abachi007@yahoo.com

The clamour for the implementation of the Act creating the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission has assumed a frightening dimension but what is clear, though oversighted by most of the agitatiors is that, it is not everything that is expedient that may be truly beneficiall.

Many welcomed the signing into law by the President Muhammadu Buhari who assented to the Act passed by the parliament in 2018 because it was well intentione, but its implementation met its cull de sac when put vis-a-vis with the provisions in the 1999 Constitution as regard the creation of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

The fact is that the Federal Capital Territory Administration came into existence on the 31st December, 2004 by the proclamation of the Federal Capital Territory (Establishment of Functionaries and Departments) and Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory Dissolution Order No.1, 2004 otherwise known as “Order 1, 2004″.

The Order 1, 2004 also dissolved the erstwhile Ministry of the Federal Capital Administration, abolished the postion of the Permanent Secretary and created Mandate Ssecretariats which are to function as Ministries in states and some Agencies.

The Order 1, 2004 had been operational in the administration of the FCT with some modifications anticipated in Section 14 which provides inter Alia that “the Minister may, with the approval of the President, modifies or amends this order as he may deem necessary in furtherance of the efficient execution of the intention expressed in the preamble hereto.

In the course of time and based on necessity, the Office of the Permanent Secretary was restored since 2005 in appreciation of the fact that the administration of the FCT as provided in the Section 302 is a Ministerial System where the President in exercise of the provision and powers conferred upon him by the section 147 of this Constitution, appoints for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja a Minister who shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be delegated to him by the President from time to time.

Functional requirements also at that time necessitated structural reviews to some of the provisions of the order 1, 2004 due to the challenges of the absence of other enabling laws or necessary administrative reviews.

For instance, the positions of the Secretary and Legal Adviser provided for Mandate Secretariats was never implemented while the post for Head of Finance and Administration has been upgraded to a Director on GL.17 and currently serves as administrative heads in the Mandate Secretariats and the subaccounting officers. This was not envisaged in the Order 1, 2004 which designated the Mandate Secretaries as Accounting Officers.

In the same vein, the Mandate Secretariats have since been increased to eight.

It is important to note that the Order 1, 2004 from its inception appeared to oversight the career progression of the civil servant, hence no provision was made for advancement beyond the GL17.

In fact, the implementation of the Order 1, 2004 would ensure that the administrative positions in the Mandate Secretariats might not progress up to GL.17, since the position of the Secretary and Legal Adviser was provided.

It is true today that this career gap has become a point of grave concern to the FCT Civil Servants and stakeholders.

As part of the frameworks initiated to safeguard the career management in the FCT Civil Service Commission, the Act of which was passed into law and accented to in 2018 is yet to be implemented.

Unknown to advocates of its implementation the Civil Service Commission is a constitutional body which implementation in the FCT system, if deemed appropriate ought not to require the passage of an act of parliament.

The act as passed by the National Assembly however overstretched responsibilities of the FCT Civil Service Commission at section 7C to include:

A. “Advise the Minister on policies relating to the Civil Service of the FCT;

B. The administrative functions of Departments in the Civil Service of the FCT;

C. The conditions of service of employees generally including the ranks and grades of officers and employees;

D. The scales or salaries, emoluments, benefits, and allowances of the various classes or officers and employees;

E. The employment, appointment, promotions, transfers, discharge .and other career issues of the civil service in the FCT;

F. Strict adherence to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

G. Application of labour laws and relations in the Civil Service of the FCT;

H. Ensuring that disciplinary measures are adhered to in the

Civil Service of the FCT;

I. Information management and technology in the Civil Service of the FCT, and

J. Any other issue which in it’s opinion will facilitate the administrative performance of the Civil Service of the FCT.

It should be noted that some of the above listed functions go beyond the approved; Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline (APD) functions provisioned in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 1 for the Federal Civil Service Commission and Part 2, Section A for the State Civil Service Commission in the 1999 Constitution as Amended as follows:

(a) appoints persons to offices in the state, and

(b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding such offices.

(c) And Sub-Section1(2) provides that the Commission shall not exercise any of it’s powers under sub-paragraph(1) of this paragraph in respect of such offices of heads of divisions of Ministries or of departments of the Government of the state as may from time to time be designated by an order made by the Governor except after consultation with the Head of the Civil Service of the state.

The Part 1 Section1(3) of the 1999 Constitution as Amended inter alia provides that “if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, the Constitution shall prevail and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”. Regrettably, many of the agitators for the implementations of the Act appeared ignorant of the provisions of the documents which for all intent and purposes cannot address the career concerns of the staff of FCTA.

This position is clear because in attempting to implement the Act, the following measures must be taken into consideration to avoid a Constitutional crisis which will render it a nullity;

(A) The Constitution did not expressly declare the FCT as a State but rather “as if it were one of the States of the Federation” etc.

(B) It must also be realized that the FCT is a component of the Federal Government administration and ought not to have a separate Civil Service, the same way it does not have a separate Bureau of Public Procurement or Executive Council. Furthermore, while the laws of the State are called Bills that of the FCT are Acts, etc.. It therefore appears that the intentions of the crafters of our Constitution is that there should be only a Federal Civil Service for the entire Federal Service which includes the FCT.

Therefore, an FCT Civil Service Commission cannot perform the functions listed in number B- D and F, because the performance of the responsibilities do not fall within the constitutional responsibilities of a Civil Service Commission. In fact, matters on salaries and emoluments referred to in D is clearly the mandate of the NSIWC and cannot be undertaken by a Civil Service Commission. The performance of the responsibility at H shall be limited to what is required to perform its responsibilities of the APD and not for the entire FCT system. Finally, in consideration of the inconsistencies of powers provided in the Act with the constitutional provisions for a Civil Service Commission, the exercise of these powers will amount to a nullity.

The way forward, is simple, because from the foregoing, which is self-explanatory, both the Order 1,2004 and the FCT Civil Service Commission Act 2018 have not addressed the career issues of the Civil Servants in FCTA and thus excessive energies been expended on agitation for the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act appears to be overkill. It is therefore expected that provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act which runs contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution should be expunged because of their inconsistencies.

Again, it is also important to note that the creation of cadres is the prerogative of the National Council on Establishment for which the Civil service Commission is not a member. The Civil Service Commission have no such powers to create vacancies because only to recruit, appoint and promote when vacancies are duly declared by appropriate authorities.

As the Way Forward, rather than resort to agitation, the core stakeholders must engage on a review of FCT administrative structure with the view to address the quagmires put in place by successive administrations, albeit unintentionally, by removing the clog placed in the career progression of the staff of the FCT and restore to them, the rights accorded them by the Federal Civil Service, which rightly they are part of.

Therefore, the implementation of the Way Forward enumerated above will go a long way in addressing the career matters of civil servants in the FCTA and promote efficiency in the FCT Civil Service for the good of all stakeholders.

Wada wrote in fromAbuja.

0.17%

From Abubakar Yunusa

Abuja

The naira depreciated against the dollar on Wednesday, exchanging for N463.02 at the investors’ and exporters’ window.

The rate represents a decrease of 0.17 per cent when compared to the N462.25 it exchanged to the dollar on Tuesday.

The open indicative rate closed at N463 to the dollar on Wednesday.

A spot exchange rate of N467 was used for trading within the day before it settled at N463.02.

Spot exchange rate is determined instantly.

The naira sold for as low as N460 to the dollar within the day’s trading.

A total turnover of US$ 178.68 million was traded at the official Investors’ and Exporters’ window.

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has ordered airline operators and aircraft owners to relocate their aircraft from the General Aviation Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja, to another airports.

FAAN, in a circular dated May

8, and issued on Tuesday, stated that the May 29 presidential inauguration is a high security event, and that safety and security must be enhanced.

The circular with reference number reads: FAAN/ABJ/NAIA / RGM/NC/AM/1000/VOl-1 signed by the Regional General Manager (North Central) and NAIA Airport Manager, Kabir Mohammed, reads:

“This is to inform you of a need to temporarily relocate your aircraft to alternate airports due to upcoming Presidential inauguration slated for May 29th 2023.

“The Presidential inauguration is a high security event, and in order to ensure the safety and security of parties involved, it has become necessary to temporarily relocate all aircraft parked at the

GAT to alternate airports.

May 29: FAAN orders removal of aircraft from Abuja airport Naira drops against dollar by

“To this end, you are kindly requested to relocate your aircraft on or before 22 May, 2023.

“We understand that this may cause some inconvenience for you, however, the safety and security of all individuals involved in this event are our top priority. We believe that this temporary relocation is the best course of action in line with best international practices.”

L-R: Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, member elect, Hon. Iyaka Akinlade, Senator Elect, Hon. Mohammed Monguno, Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Sada Soli, Chairman House Committee on Appropriation/Speaker Aspirant, Hon. Muktar Betara, Deputy Speaker/ Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Niger State Governor elect, Hon. Mohammed Bago and Speakership Aspirant, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, during the Betara’s Speakership Declaration for the 10th Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

FX repatriation: CBN announces rebate for exporters of unprocessed items

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says exporters of raw and unprocessed items will now enjoy a rebate for every dollar of non-oil export proceeds sold at the importers and exporters (I&E) window.

The I&E window is the official FX rate. The naira currently trades at N461.06/$ at the I&E window.

Godwin Emefiele, CBN

governor, spoke on Tuesday in Lagos at the RT200 Non-Oil Export Summit 2023.

The rebate is part of the benefits under the non-oil export proceeds repatriation rebate scheme — a major anchor of the CBN’s RT200 FX programme aimed at attracting $200 billion in foreign exchange earning from non-oil exports proceeds over the next three to five years.

The rebate of N65 for every $1 of repatriated non-oil export

proceeds was paid to only exporters of semi-finished and finished goods.

Emefiele, however, said the apex bank would begin to pay rebates to exporters of unprocessed items as part of its efforts to encourage players in the non-oil export sector, especially small exporters.

“The reason why we initially decided that we would only pay a rebate for value-added products was to encourage exporters to

move from just exporting crude items,” he said.

“We wanted to create an opportunity to encourage you to set up an arrangement that processes these raw materials and creates job opportunities for our people rather than just exporting raw materials.”

Emefiele said the development would encourage more exporters and further strengthen its efforts aimed at attaining the objectives of the

RT200 scheme.

The CBN boss said the rebate for unprocessed items would not be at the same rate paid for semi-finished and processed products.

“We should be able to give out about N30 to N35 to one dollar for unprocessed items as against the rebate of N65 to every dollar enjoyed by exporters of processed products at the importers and exporters (I&E) window,” he said.

FG inaugurates gold processing plant in Kogi, projects end to capital flight

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The federal government, has inaugurated the gold processing plant in Kogi.

Speaking at the event, Olamilekan Adegbite, minister of mines and steel, said the inauguration marks the end of huge capital flights via informal gold trading at the detriment of the economy.

In 2021, the federal government flagged off the construction of the gold processing cluster, located in Mopa, Mopa-Muro LGA of Kogi state.

According to Adegbite, the project was designed based on the cluster concept which has become a global trend in industrial development to promote shared

amenities, agglomeration of similar producers, customers; based on geographical proximity or access to complementary expertise to promote efficiency and increase specialisation and production.

He said the plant will create and generate sustainable competitive advantages in key areas of the sector.

“Development of downstream gold mining industries; increasing the level of competitive inputs (such as services, machinery and equipment),” the minister said.

“Also by increasing the level of employment in all business activities related to the gold mining cluster; increasing the rate and exports of value-added products and services and attracting foreign investments, generating new startup companies.

“There would be an increase in trade performance and generation of higher corporate profits as well as improved mineral production output and ease of mining sector regulation and administration. Creation of more jobs through the emergence of service industries because of increased cluster activities.”

Speaking further, the minister said the gold processing plant in Mopa, for the north-central zone, is one of the cluster projects in the six geopolitical zones to harness over three million artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in the country.

He said these landmark projects are to create an enabling environment to support the mining industry through the “formalisation of the ASM subsector as a major driver of the key

growth parameters to engender the development of the mining sector since over 90 percent of the mining activities in the country could safely be said to be ASM driven”.

“The concept of the gold processing plant was a crafted policy to spur job creation and capacity development of gold mining operators in Kogi and environs, through the economic growth and sustainability plan of the federal government,” Adegbite said.

“This project houses several federal government initiatives geared towards formalising the ASM activities, curbing the exploitation of artisanal and small-scale gold miners as well as development of the capacities of our teaming youths to actively participate in downstream gold

value chain.

“The government is creating an ecosystem to minimise the high rate of illegal mining and smuggling, increase government’s revenue from the resource, create jobs, and improve environmental and social stewardship.”

The minister also appreciated Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, and his team for making the inauguration a reality.

Adegbite commended international organisations such as the World Bank, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility; and also acknowledged the support of the government of Canada, Australia, and others in addressing ASM issues in Nigeria.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

FEC approves N4.3bn for procurement of security equipment in railway stations

Thefederal executive council (FEC) has approved the sum of N4.3 billion for the procurement of security equipment in railway stations across the country.

The FEC meeting, presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, was held on Wednesday at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Last month, FEC approved N495 million for the installation of scanners in all railway stations across the nation.

Speaking after the recent council meeting, Mu’azu Sambo, minister of transportation, said three memoranda were approved.

Sambo said the first memorandum was in respect to the provision of security equipment for the Nigerian railway stations across the country (phase two).

The minister said the council approved the second memorandum, which was for security equipment such as baggage scanners, walkthrough metal detectors, X-ray male scanners, liquid explosive detectors, narcotics camera, trace bomb detectors, among others.

He said the contract, awarded to Messrs Advonix Services Nigeria Limited in the sum of N4.3 billion, was for a completion period of 12 months.

“The second memorandum is also from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to provide a secure e-ticketing solution for the Lagos-Ibadan corridor and the Warri-Itakpe corridor under a design, finance, build, operate, maintain and transfer public-private partnership arrangement for the Nigerian railway corporation,” Sambo said.

“The Lagos-Ibadan corridor was approved in favour of Messrs Global Software Digital solutions Limited and Datamatics Global Services Limited for a concession period of 10 years at a sharing ratio of 81.5 percent to NRC and 18.5 percent to the concessionaire.

“The Warri-Itakpe corridor under the same partnership arrangement was approved for Messrs Fein International Consult Limited and Artificial Intelligence Technologies Limited for a concession period of 10 years and the same sharing ratio.

“The third memorandum is in respect of our requests by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to buy two buildings in Port Harcourt and Abuja to serve as a zonal office, as well as an Abuja liaison office respectively. This was granted by the council.”

Also speaking to journalists after the meeting, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesperson, said the council also approved two separate contracts for the Ogoni community worth over N120 billion.

The contracts, according to Shehu, include a water project which has been awarded under the second phase in Ogoni land, “amounting to N22.8 billion”.

“Approval was also given for the award of contract for the remediation of newly identified hydrocarbon impacted sites along the shoreline of Ogoni land and this is for about N107 billion,” he said.

On his part, Sulaiman Adamu, minister of water resources, said the council also approved a memo for the concession of the operation and maintenance of the proposed Gurara II 300MW hydroelectric power project.

He said the project will be financed by China’s EXIM Bank loan along with a 15 percent equity contribution by the contractor and 50 percent. counterpart funding by the federal government.

“The 30-year concession is expected to pay back between $800 and $900 million,” Adamu said.

NUPRC: Nigeria’s oil production falls to 998,602 bpd

From Abubakar Yunusa,

Nigeria’s oil production fell below the one million mark in April 2023.

The production figure fell to 998,602 barrels per day (bpd), a 21.26 percent decline compared to March, when output was 1,268,202 bpd.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) disclosed this in its latest crude oil and condensate production data for April 2023.

The volume of production is at its lowest point in the last seven months.

In the previous year, oil

production fell below one million bpd in August and September owing to several issues, including oil theft.

According to the NUPRC report, oil production decreased from 1.517 million bpd in March 2023 to 1.245 million bpd in April 2023, with the addition of condensate.

Condensate is a mixture of light liquid hydrocarbons, similar to a light (high API) crude oil. It is usually separated from a natural gas stream at the point of production (field separation) when the temperature and pressure of the gas are dropped to atmospheric conditions.

Speaking about the current oil

output, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive officer (CEO) of the NUPRC, on Wednesday, said oil production is currently about one million bpd below “its technically allowable capacity”.

He was represented by Kelechi Ofoegbu, the executive commissioner for economy, regulatory, and strategic planning, NUPRC, at a host communities sensitisation workshop.

Komolafe attributed the low oil production to a number of issues, including the energy transition’s impact on hydrocarbon funding, a lack of investments, and insecurity.

“While the commission is prioritising efforts towards

increasing oil and gas production and ensuring maximum federation revenue through the optimisation of oil and gas value chain, the efforts have been constrained by a myriad of challenges,” he said.

“These challenges range from insecurity, low investment, and de-prioritisation of funding of hydrocarbon development arising from the energy transition.

“Currently, Nigeria has the technical allowable capacity to produce about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day. However, arising from the highlighted challenges, our current production hovers around 1.5 million barrels of oil and condensate per day.”

Why revenue cannot sustain our size of debt — Akabueze

From Abubakar Yunusa,

Ben Akabueze, directorgeneral of the budget office of the federation, says Nigeria’s borrowing space keeps reducing due to the inability to service debt.

Akabueze spoke on Wednesday during the induction of newly-elected lawmakers of the 10th national assembly in Abuja.

He said the ratio of the country’s budget to its gross domestic product (GDP), unlike other countries, is less than its needs.

“While the size of the federal government budget for 2023 created some excitement, the aggregate budgets of all governments in the country amount to about N30 trillion.

That is less than 15 percent in terms of ratio to GDP, ” Akabueze said.

“Even on the African continent, the ratio of spending is about 20 percent. South Africa is about 30 percent, Morocco is about 40 percent and at 15 percent, that is too small for our needs.

“That is why there is fierce competition for the limited resources. That can determine how much we can relatively borrow. We now have very limited borrowing space, not because our debt to GDP is high, but because our revenue is too small to sustain the size of our debt. That explains our high debt service ratio.

“Once a country’s debt service ratio exceeds 30 percent, that

country is in trouble and we are pushing towards 100 percent and that tells you how much trouble we are in. We have limited space to borrow.

“When you take how much you can generate in terms of revenue and what you can reasonably borrow, that establishes the size of the budget. The next thing would be to pay attention to government priority regarding what project gets what.

“The budget is not a shopping list. In the end, the budget only contained expenditure.”

Earlier this year, Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning, said the overall deficit for the 2023 budget is N11.34 trillion, representing 5.03 percent of the country’s gross domestic product

(GDP).

Ahmed said the budget deficit would be financed mainly by borrowings; noting that N7.04 trillion would be sourced from domestic sources, N1.76 trillion from foreign sources, and N1.77 billion from multilateral and bilateral loan drawdowns, while privatisation proceeds would provide N206.18 billion.

As of December 2022, Nigeria’s total

N46.25 trillion.

Recently, the senate retroactively approved a N22.7 trillion loan that had been spent by the executive arm of the government.

On Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari wrote to the senate for approval to borrow $800m from the World Bank.

public debt had hit

Representative of the President and Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (6th right) , Hon. Minister of Works & Housing and Chairman of the Board of Shelter Afrique, Mr Babatunde Fashola,SAN (7th right), Outgoing AGM Chairman and Hon. Minister of National Housing & Social Amenities, Republic of Zimbabwe, Hon. Daniel Garwe (9th left) and Hon.Minister of State, Works and Housing , Hon. Umar El - Yakub (8th left), representative of the Hon.Minister of the Federal Capital Territory & Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Adesola Olusade (5th right), Ag.Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Folorunso Esan (4th right), Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Shelter Afrique, Dr Chii Akporji (7th left), and others in a group photograph shortly after the Opening Programme of the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Symposium of Shelter Afrique with the theme,” Political Economy in the Built Environment,” jointly organized by the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing and Shelter Afrique at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday, 6th May 2023

Weekend MagazineEntertainment

Rema extends record on Billboard Afrobeats Songs

Chart to 36 weeks

Nigerian superstar Rema has continued his domination of the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart.

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ has become the biggest international Afrobeats song in history as it has dominated charts across the world. The single has continued to set the pace for Afrobeats internationally with the latest being a new African record on Billboard Hot 100.

In the latest installment of Billboard Afrobeats Songs Chart (Chart week May 13, 2023), ‘Calm Down’ continues its historic run at the top of the chart. The single has now spent a record 36 weeks at the top while entering its 59th week on the chart.

Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ remains at NO. 3 while extending its stay on the chart to 59 weeks. Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ feat Tems & Justin Bieber moves up one spot to NO. 4 while also entering its 59th week.

Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ drops one spot to NO. 5 while entering its 33rd week on the chart. Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ retains the NO. 6 spot as it enters its 51st week on the chart.

CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ moves up one spot to NO. 7 while entering a joint record 59 weeks on the chart. Victony & Tempoe’s ‘Soweto’ remix feat Rema & Don Toliver drops to NO. 8, Fireboy’s ‘Peru’ feat Ed Sheeran drops to NO. 9, and Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ feat Musa Keys stays at NO. 10.

For debuts this week, Rema’s new single ‘Charm’ of his ‘Raves & Roses’ Ultra debuts at NO. 12.

Kizz Daniel returns with new exciting single ‘Shu Peru’

Singer, Songwriter Kizz Daniel has released his latest single, ‘Shu Peru’.

After scoring the biggest song of 2022 with ‘BUGA’, Kizz Daniel has started 2023 on a high as he intends to continue his hot streak. After lending his talent to BNXN on ‘Gwagwalada’ Kizz Daniel returns with a new hit single he calls ‘Shu Peru.’

Listeners will remember that ‘Shu Peru’ is a slang popularized by Orezi with his hit record. Kizz Daniel is set to deliver another

hit record as he taps ace producer Reward Beats for his new Amapiano cut. The song was mixed by and mastered by renowned LA based engineer Jaycen Joshua.

In addition to the audio release, the music video is also set to be premiered and it was directed by award-winning Director TG Omori.

Since making his debut, Kizz Daniel has continued to dazzle fans with his sensational ability to make easily digestible songs that invariably reach hit status.

Weekend Magazine

Teni returns with new supercharged single ‘No Days Off’

Sensational singing superstar

Teni has released a new single titled ‘No Days Off’.

After dropping the Amapiano record ‘Maitama’ in 2022, Teni returns with a new record ‘No Days Off’ on which she explores a new sound.

‘No Days Off’ is a record that combines Hip Hop and Yoruba Tungba elements for a supercharged song that’s sure to arrest the attention of listeners.

The single packs a swaggering Pop rap delivery that showcases the versatility that has helped her reach the top of the industry. The award-winning sensation has been away from the music scene for some time and ‘No Days Off’ is a return to the conversation.

The song is her first release of 2023 after appearing in a collaboration with Landlady Enterprise. The highly anticipated single sparked interest with its teaser and the song’s release has satisfied the craving of listeners who are eager to get new music from the superstar.

‘No Days Off’ is out on all streaming platforms and fans can enjoy another exciting tune from one of Afrobeats’ finest acts.

Bella Shmurda & Tiwa Savage unite for new exciting single ‘Non Stop Vibe’

Bella Shmurda, the voice of the streets, is back and kicking off the summer season with his highly anticipated new release, ‘NSV,’ featuring the powerful and sultry vocals of Tiwa Savage. The upbeat track is Bella’s third release this year and sets a new standard in the Nigerian music industry.

‘Non-Stop Vibes’ delivers a tune that maps out exactly what we can expect to hear this summer. Bella’s signature street pop style and Tiwa Savage’s vocal prowess are infused with an Amapiano-inspired beat, resulting in a one-of-a-kind track

packed with energy and elevated vibes.

The feel-good tune is an ode to the unrivaled energy that Bella Shmurda and Tiwa Savage bring to life through their music wherever they go. Bella’s infectious energy and playful lyrics make the song an instant party anthem, capturing the spirit of Nigerian street music.

Speaking about the collaboration, Bella Shmurda said: “I’m thrilled to have Tiwa Savage on this track with me. She’s an icon in the industry, and her energy and talent are unmatched. Together, we’ve created a

song that I believe will rule the summer”.

Tiwa Savage’s signature style and electric energy are evident in her collaboration with Bella Shmurda on ‘NSV’ From the moment she enters the song, Tiwa brings a captivating presence that draws listeners in and keeps them engaged. The chorus, in particular, showcases Tiwa’s ability to craft a catchy hook that sticks in your head long after the song is over.

‘NSV’ is out on all streaming platforms and listeners can enjoy the exciting collaboration from two of Afrobeats finest acts.

IK Osakioduwa, Zozibini Tunzi set to host 2023 AMVCA

The hosts for the ninth Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) has been revealed.

Zozibini Tunzi, South Africa model and Miss Universe 2019, has been confirmed as one of the co-hosts of this year’s ceremony.

She joins Nigerian media personality IK Osakioduwa, who returns for the 9th time to host the prestigious awards.

On his return to the AMVCA stage, IK shared his delight for the ceremony and this year’s nominess.

In his words, “It feels good to be hosting the AMVCAs once again; I have been privileged to be on this stage for the past nine years, and I do not take that for granted. I’m excited about the nominees this year and cannot wait to see them all shine.”

Tunzi is a model, actor, social media personality, and beauty queen, who made her acting debut in last year’s The Woman King. She is also a radio and television host and has hosted several prolific events, including Miss South Africa.

Sharing her thoughts on co-hosting the AMVCA, she said, “It’s an incredible

honour to be hosting Africa’s biggest night in entertainment and film with such a talented co-host. This is my first trip to Nigeria, and it could not have gone any better other than being privileged to host the biggest film award in the continent while celebrating our African stars.”

On the choice of this year’s hosts, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, said: “We are excited to have IK

and Zozibini as the hosts of the 9th edition of the AMVCA. They are both professionals in their craft, and we trust they will bring in the super energy and professionalism and keep the continent entertained as we celebrate our African stars.”

While these two take the main stage, media personalities, Toke Makinwa, Uti Nwachukwu, Sika Osei and VJ Adama will host the red carpet speaking to guests, giving viewers a sneak peek into all the glitz and glam of the night.

The highly-anticipated AMVCA will hold over three days, from Thursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20, 2023.

The events will kick off with the Opening/Cultural Night on Thursday, May 18, followed by the MTF Day and Digital Content Creators Day on Friday, May 19 and the Nominee Gala/Runway show will hold later that day before the awards night on Saturday, May 20.

Watch the ninth edition of the AMVCA live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv from 16:00 WAT (17:00 CAT) on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

I can’t date any man who split bills, he must provide all – Tolanibaj

According to her, a man is supposed to provide all the household’s needs.

She stated this in a video message she shared on her social media page recently.

She said, “Let me just throw

this out there. One thing I know that I know that I want in man…

FYI: I’m single. If you are trying to move to me because I’ve a lot of admirers here who send me nice messages, some I respond to, some I don’t. Know that I’m

only interested in a man that is a provider.

“I’m not interested in doing 50/50. I’m doing very well by myself. So, if a man is going to come into my life, you need to add butter to my bread like, my life

needs to be even softer. So, if you know that you are not a provider and you are not generous, I’m not interested. And I’m telling you this from my chest. There’s no shame in having standards and knowing what I want.”

Former Big Brother Naija reality show star, Tolani Shobajo, simply known as Tolani Baj, has said she can’t be in a romantic relationship with a man who split bills between his partner.

ICT/INNOVATION

Courses to Learn about Blockchain and Crypto

Blockchain and crypto are the trending technologies. Blockchain is a distributed public ledger that stores all updated transactions and is used by cryptocurrency holders. Different platforms provide blockchain training and courses to learn blockchain and crypto. Check out the list of the 10 best courses to learn blockchain and crypto.

1. Blockchain A-Z: learn how to build your first blockchain: Another comprehensive and hands-on Udemy Blockchain course is here. You will begin the development process by installing the environment on your machine, creating smart contracts, designing and developing a decentralized application, and finally deploying your app after some theoretical lessons on the blockchain’s workings and principles of cryptography.

2. Blockchain principles and practices:

One of the best Pluralsight Blockchain courses is here. Beginning with an understanding of cryptography that ensures a secure transaction and protects the user’s identity, the next step is to learn how to store a single transaction within a block and how to do so with multiple transactions.

3. Learning blockchain development with EOS and C++: The final one in this article is designed for C++ developers who want to learn how to build solid blockchain technology by designing, deploying, and understanding the dApp ecosystem.

You will begin by reviewing the fundamentals of the C++ programming language by incorporating various libraries into your code. From there, you will build the decentralized application, the blockchain using Ethereum technology, and a lot more.

4. Ethereum and solidity: the complete developer’s guide:

This is the best Udemy course to learn Blockchain in 2023 if you like Udemy courses. Because you will be exploring how to create the code and every bit of syntax step by step to ensure that you fully understand what you are doing, this course is intended for programmers who have a solid understanding of JavaScript and npm.

5. Blockchain technology on edX:

Another fantastic online course to learn about and develop Blockchain is this one. BerkeleyX offers this course, which is also required for professional certification.

This course, which was created by Blockchain at Berkeley and faculty members from the best department of computer science at UC Berkeley, covers a lot of the topics that are

related to and build on the foundation of Bitcoin and blockchain technology.

In addition, this is a good course to take if you want to learn about enterprise-level blockchain implementations like JP Morgan’s Quorum, Ripple, Tendermint, and HyperLedger, as well as industry use cases for blockchain, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and the growing regulations that surround blockchain.

underpinnings necessary to develop safe software that works with the Bitcoin network. incorporate Bitcoin-related concepts into your projects.

You will gain an understanding of the primary building blocks of cryptography and how secure they are. Explore the process by which these primitives can be used to create straightforward cryptocurrencies. Learn about Bitcoin’s security and

Some instruments to lower your risk exposure in this market

You will have a deeper comprehension of cryptocurrency security and some tools to reduce your risk exposure after completing this course.

9. Cryptocurrency/wallets, investing, and trading masterclass: Learn how to buy cryptocurrency, set up cryptocurrency wallets, and get trading and investing advice for cryptocurrency!

The course consists of: An Overview of Cryptocurrency

How to Purchase Any Cryptocurrency

How to Setup and Add Cryptocurrency to Wallets

Cryptocurrency Investing Strategies and Tips

Technical Analysis, Candlestick Charts, and Strategies

For getting started on Steemit Everything you need to know about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

10. Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies:

6. Steemit 2.0- the complete steemit cryptocurrency course: You will begin this course by creating a Steemit account from scratch. After that, we show you how to start a blog, gain followers, and launch a professional blogging career step by step! You’ll also learn everything you need to know about buying and selling STEEM, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.

7. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency: You will acquire the skills necessary to: comprehend the theoretical

the consensus mechanism. Recognize that security is the result of a clever combination of technical approaches and incentive engineering.

8. Securing cryptocurrencies: This brief introduction course explains how to reduce security risks and examines some of the fundamental security requirements for cryptocurrencies.

This course will teach you about:

Some of its fundamental security requirements for cryptocurrencies

How to reduce security threats

The fundamental characteristics of bitcoin, its inner workings (such as cryptographic hash functions, Bitcoin Script, privacy, and hash commitment schemes), and its origins in the Cypherpunk movement and Libertarian ideals are discussed in the course.

You’ll learn how to destroy bitcoins, including network attacks and malicious mining strategies, as well as practical Bitcoin applications like wallets and mining.

Additionally, you will have a brief look at Ethereum and the applications of blockchain outside of cryptocurrencies.

Source: analyticsinsight.net

“ Learn about Bitcoin’s security and the consensus mechanism. Recognize that security is the result of a clever combination of technical approaches and incentive engineering

Brain-altering fungi could lead the next frontier in mental health care

If you were one of the millions of people who watched HBO’s TV series The Last of Us, you probably have a heightened awareness of the threat that fungi can have to our health.

The series is set in a postapocalyptic world where parasitic fungi take control of the human brain, turning people into killer zombies. The scariest part of this premise is that it’s not entirely implausible. Parasitic or “zombie” fungi that alter the mind and behaviour of their hosts do exist.

Fortunately, real-life zombie fungi (known as Cordyceps) only infect insects. The fungus hijacks their bodies for the sole purpose of spreading its seed-like fungal spores. When spores are ingested by insects, they germinate and grow, secreting molecules that travel to the host’s brain and interfere with its function.

The fungus compels the insect to forego its aversion to heights and climb upwards. Upon reaching a position optimal for fungal survival, the fungus induces the “death grip” and then devours its host from the inside-out, sprouting sporecontaining mushrooms from the insect carcass.

Fungi that alter our minds

In the case of humans, some fungi which produce small molecules, or metabolites, that alter our minds – and recent research shows these have therapeutic potential. The most widely known is the hallucinogen psilocybin – the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is another psychedelic with fungal origins. Humans have known about the hallucinogenic properties of fungi for centuries. The Aztecs even gave magic mushrooms to people who were dying to promote a peaceful transition to the afterlife.

But recently, there’s been an explosion of interest in fungal metabolites, specifically because of their neurological benefits and potential in treating mental health conditions. And it’s no wonder, given the mechanisms fungal metabolites use to interact with our

Fungal metabolites, such as psilocybin, may have therapeutic potential.

nervous system.

Think of our brain like a map. When we’re young, we explore all corners of this map, sending out connections in every direction to make sense of our environment. Before long, we figure out basic truths – such as how to secure food, or where we live – and the neurological paths that make up these connections strengthen.

Over time, a network emerges that reflects our unique experiences. Regions we re-visit often will develop established paths, whereas under-used connections will fade away.

Conditions such as addiction, chronic depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are characterised by processes such as repetitive negative thinking or rumination, where patients focus on negative thoughts in a counterproductive way. Unfortunately, these strengthen

brain connections that perpetuate the unfavourable mental state.

But it’s believed that fungal metabolites give our brain the freedom to explore less-visited territories again. Psychedelic “trips” are thought to allow people to experience a world without the boundaries of reality – and more recent research suggests this is a manifestation of novel brain exploration.

For example, psilocybin stimulates a receptor in the brain called 5-HT2a. This receptor usually binds to serotonin, a chemical in our body which controls communication between specific nerve cells. But when psilocybin binds to the 5-HT2a receptor, it makes it easier for our brain to change and generate new connections (including causing hallucinations at high doses). We call this an increase in neuroplasticity.

Although the effects of a single large dose of psychedelics are transitory, evidence shows administering two smaller doses of psilocybin three weeks apart leads to a sustained increase in connectivity between different functional regions of the brain. Such changes in neuroplasticity have the potential to disrupt the rigid thought patterns that underlie certain mental health conditions. Furthermore, by increasing neuroplasticity, it is believed that psychedelics allow people to view life situations from a new perspective. Combining psychedelics with more traditional talking therapy could make it possible to explore – and more fully understand – the initial trigger for negative thought patterns. This could potentially prevent the same negative cycle reestablishing after treatment. Indeed, research showed that combining therapy

with psilocybin had a prolonged anti-depressive effect in adults with major depressive disorder.

Additional studies demonstrate the positive effect of fungal metabolites in treating a range of conditions – including anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction. These studies also point out that psilocybin can affect the symptoms after only one or two doses –whereas anti-depressants may take many months to work.

No miracle cure

That said, psychedelics should not be considered a miracle cure as there is still a lot we don’t know. Furthermore, most studies on psychedelics are still preliminary as they use a limited number of participants. As such, experts are divided on the efficacy of psychedelic treatment. Furthermore, psychedelics are powerful and unpredictable – and the safety and long-term effects of such treatment is unknown.

But given the current mental health crisis, any intervention that offers a new approach to tackling these conditions – especially those that are treatment-resistant –needs to be carefully considered and rigorously researched.

Excitingly, many countries recognise the benefits of psychedlics for mental health treatment. The Australian government even legalised prescription psilocybin for medicinal use in 2022. Although the UK doesn’t yet permit the prescription of psychedelics, multiple research centres are undertaking trials to establish the mental health benefits of fungal metabolites.

While there’s still much we don’t know about fungal metabolites –including whether other molecules exist that have a similar effect on neurological function – it’s clear they have great potential in mental health treatment. Perhaps it’s time for us to relinquish certain negative connotations we have of illicit fungal drugs, and become comfortable thinking of brainaltering psychedelics as medicine.

Source: theconversation.com

Why tall, leggy people run faster in the heat

You are a marathon runner in search of a personal best, your body shape could be just as important as your training, analysis suggests.

A study of 170 Ironman contestants found tall, leggy runners performed better in warm climates, while shorter, stockier people had the upper hand in colder temperatures. But the effect is seen in men only, the researchers say.

Natural selection probably means the fastest men became the best hunters.

Study author Prof Ryan

Calsbeek, a professor of biological sciences, at Dartmouth College, in the US, said his research was among the first to suggest human physiology may be adapted to climate to optimise physical performance.

"Global patterns of temperature and climate may have shaped human body types to look and perform the way they do," he said.

So even before athletes leave the starting line in Ironman triathlons, marathons and other endurance events, some men may be better suited than others to racingbased on their body type and the

temperatures they are running in.

Humans, it turns out, may be just like animals, with cold-adapted species tending to be burlier with thicker, shorter limbs to limit heat loss.

And in hotter climates, sleeker human (and animal) physiques are built to keep cool efficiently.

The research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, analysed 171 triathletes who had competed in at least two Ironman events - one in a hot location, the other in a cold one - and used software to measure the athletes' physiques, based on photos from the

competitions.

Ironman participants have to: swim 3.8km (2.4 miles) cycle 180km run 42.2km

Triathletes were chosen for the study because their event is a perfect way of studying how the size and shape of the human body affects performance.

"There is one event, running in particular, that we know to be important in the evolution of humans and two eventsswimming and cycling - that are not," Prof Calsbeek said, which made comparisons very useful.

He found the greatest difference in performance based on physique came in the running section.

Endurance athletes are urged to think about which climates their body shape and type might be naturally suited to, while not taking their eye off the ball on training and motivation either.

"People attempting a personal best time can think about race locations and average temperatures, to pick a venue based on how their body type is adapted to perform," Prof Calsbeek said.

Source: bbc.com

Group train healthcare givers on newborn hearing screening

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A group, under the auspice of Medical Electronics, (MED-EL),

Austria, in collaboration with Hearing Healthcare Alliance, PATH Medical, Germany and some Nigerian hospitals have drilled Nigerian doctors and other healthcare givers on the screening techniques for newborn child.

Speaking at the training session in Kaduna, yesterday, the Project Manager, Business Development of MED-EL, Sebastian Holler, said “early diagnosis of hearing gives a higher chance for the best results of any intervention dealing with hearing loss, adding that this makes hearing screening a significant success factor.

Holler revealed that “the shortage of specialists necessary education and experience is one of the most pressing problems. International human resources and know-how should contribute to the formation of a constantly growing cluster of professionals”.

In the same vein, the International Sales Manager Screening and Tracking Specialist of PATH Medical, Peter Bottcher, said the screening is possible in Nigeria as it is cheaper to screen infants for hearing and more expensive to have a community of Deaf people.

“Nigeria can have infants screened at hospitals within cities and even in rural areas,” he said

In her remarks, the Medical Director, National Ear Care Centre, Dr Mustapha Abubakar Yaro, represented by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Alfred Nicholas Bemu, commended MED-EL for the partnership; stressing that the investment of the company in human resources will help in reducing hearing challenge of children.

On sustainability of the hearing screening, the Chief Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Professor Abdulkadir Musa Tabari, commended the program and urged the pioneer doctors on hearing screening from Kano, Kaduna, Abuja and Jos to commit to the project and escalate it to the remaining part of Nigeria.

The climax of the training was the presentation of equipment for hearing screening to participants drawn from Mohammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano; Maitama General Hospital, Abuja; Jos University Teaching Hospital; and the National Ear Care Center, Kaduna, which is to serve as the final diagnostic centre.

The World Heath Organization, (WHO), estimates that 432 million adults, including 34 million children worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss and the number is expected to grow fast and reach at least 700 million by 2050. Nearly 60% of hearing loss in children are due to avoidable causes.

May 29: Fresh suit seeks to stop Tinubu’s swearing-in

By Vivian Okejeme

Fiveresidents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, have approached the Federal High Court for an order to halt the swearing-in ceremony of the President -elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the president of Nigeria.

This is coming days to the transition ceremony of a new government that usher in Senator Bola Tinubu as a new President of the country.

The five plaintiffs, who identified themselves as “registered voters of the FCT, Abuja are; Anyaegbunam Okoye, David Adzer, Jeffery Ucheh, Osang Paul and Chibuike Nwachukwu.

The Attorney-General of the Federation(AGF)and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN)were cited in the matter as 1st and 2nd

defendants, respectively.

The plaintiffs, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/578/2023, applied for an order, restraining the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, any other judicial officer and/or any other authority or person from swearing in any candidate in the February 25 presidential election as President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until it is judicially determined with finality or in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that such candidate has fulfilled the requirement of Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution.

They further want a declaration that, “the plaintiffs and other FCT residents have a legal interest and constitutional rights to be heard on the question of whether a President-elect must secure at least 25% of votes cast,

on the first ballot, in the FCT, Abuja.”

“A declaration that no state of the country is at the same time the FCT for any propose whatsoever, including, in particular, under section 134 (2) (b) of the Constitution.

“A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country may validly be declared elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without that candidate obtaining at least 25% of the votes cast in the FCT, Abuja.

“A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election may validly be sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without such candidate having obtained 25% of the votes case in FCT, Abuja.

“A declaration that following

the February 25 presidential election and until a successor is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and sworn in, the term of office of his Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria subsists and endures in accordance with the provisions of section 135 (1) (a) of the Constitution”.

As well as, “An order setting aside or suspending any declaration and/or issuance of a Certificate of a Return to any candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country as having been elected, save and except it is judicially determined with finality that such candidate fulfilled the conditions stated in section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution.

Healthcare: KADCHMA sensitises, offers medical services to 2,000 farmers

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority, (KADCHMA) has sensitised farmers on embracing insurance scheme operated by the Authority.

KADCHMA officials took the message to over 2000 farmers that converged on the popular Tomato Jos farm, located at Kaigimi, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

Also, the farmers had their vitals signs taken, blood pressure also taken, and then prescriptions were made and drugs provided. Drugs provided include; drugs for malaria, ulcers, coughs, headache and body pain, vitamins, and others.

Addressing the farmers, the Head of Marketing and Business Development of KADCHMA, Ibrahim Mohammed Alimi, said the work of the farmers exposed them to many health hazards which cannot be solved with outof-pocket spending.

Alimi informed the farmers that after brainstorming with the Management of Tomato Jos, they came into a conclusion that the Contributing Health Insurance scheme is the best option for them where an individual can pay N10, 800 and all his health challenges are solved in the whole year.

He explained that the farmers can also enjoy this service at all the Primary Health Care facilities spread across the state, Government and accredited private hospitals of their choice. Similarly, KADCHMA’s Head of Operations, Dr. Juliana Dauda Bungwam, who led the team said the sensitization exercise to the farmers is different because the Authority came with some health personnel like Lab Technicians, Pharmacists, Doctors among others to provide free medical services to them.

An excited Admin Smallholder Team, Tomato Jos, Hannatu Irimiya, said the farmers have not had it so good considering that most of them are rural dwellers

and such sensitization and medical services are provided for them without hassle.

Irimiya added that the KADCHMA sensitization and medical outreach will go a long way to fill the vacuum created by the absence of a standard health facility in the area; and the farmers are finding it easy using their money to go to clinics for medical checkup and treatment.

The Admin Smallholder Team, also agreed that the exercise was a success considering the number of farmers that showed up which was beyond their expectations as they are known not to leave their farmlands.

She said it was a good experience that the farmers took their health seriously enough to take part in the free medical exercise.

She equally disclosed that Tomato Jos as a mark of appreciation is registering 100 farmers on the contributing health insurance scheme as it’s pilot project, assuring that more

will follow.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our Correspondent described the exercise as one that has helped the farmers, and also encourage them to keyed into the state contributing health insurance scheme.

Hadiza Umar, who was full of excitement after receiving her medication for ulcer and malaria, collected the enrolment form to personal enrol herself since she was not among the first 100 farmers shortlisted by Tomato Jos.

Thanking KADCHMA for the foresight, the Smallholder Program Manager of Tomato Jos, Esson Akolo Elijah, said the event is thoughtful and came at the right time.

He added that it was a proactive measures from the Kaduna State Government, and his organization will reciprocate by partnering with KADCHMA for the betterment of their farmers’ health.

L-R: Senate President Aspirants, Senator Sani Musa; Senator Orji Uzo Kalu; Senator Abdullaziz Yari, APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore and the National Chairman of the Party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu during a meeting between the senators and the NWC at the party’s National Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja. Photo; Mahmud Isa

Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa (21 Aug. 1936 – 11 Nov. 2020)

Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa was a Nigerian left-wing politician who was elected Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria during the Nigerian Second Republic, holding office from October 1979 until he was impeached on 23 June 1981. During the Nigerian Fourth Republic he was leader of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), a coalition of opposition parties.

Musa was born on 21 August 1936 in Kaya, Kaduna State. He studied at Zaria Middle School (1947–1952) and at the Institute of Administration, Zaria (1952–1953). He was an accounts clerk (1953–1955) and a school teacher (1955–1960). He held various managerial positions related to accountancy in the period 1960 to 1976, while studying at different colleges in London to gain additional qualifications.

Political career

Musa was elected governor of Kaduna State in 1979 on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), a party founded by Mallam Aminu Kano. with others such as Abubakar Rimi, Sabo Bakin Zuwo, Abdullahi Aliyu Sumaila, Michael Imoudu, Chinua Achebe, Yusufu Bala Usman, Uche Chukwumerije, and Sule Lamido. The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) challenged his election unsuccessfully. His party was initially a member of the PPP alliance in opposition to the NPN, but later quietly withdrew. As Governor he was stalemated by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which was dominated by NPN members. He was unable to form a cabinet since he refused to nominate NPN members and the House refused to ratify his candidates. Eventually the House impeached him in June 1981, making him the first Nigerian state governor to be impeached.

A leftist, when the Kaduna Polo Club sent Musa an invitation to join along with a mallet he refused the invitation and gave the mallet to a servant, saying “I don’t play polo... It is the game of the rich and powerful, of neo-colonialists”. Musa later said he was impeached because he planned to have the state open smalland medium-sized industries, and this would deny the NPN members the opportunity of establishing their own enterprises. He did initiate some state-owned companies, but they were unprofitable and all were eventually closed down.

Presidential ambition

Musa continued to be active in

politics. He was the PRP candidate for the presidency in the April 2003 elections, selected in February 2003. However, without even enough money to print posters he was not successful. In May 2003, the Inspector-General of Police Tafa Balogun refused a permit to the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), to hold a rally in Kano. As Chairman of the coalition, Musa said he refused to be intimidated, and the CNPP had other ways to achieve their objectives. Speaking as CNPP chairman in February 2004, Musa described President Olusegun Obasanjo’s policies as “phantom and mirage”, doing nothing for the people and serving only to enrich politicians and government officials. In the 2007 elections, the CNPP backed Muhammadu Buhari as a credible alternative to the PDP candidate Umaru Yar’Adua. In February 2009, Musa said “Capitalism is returning us to the era of slavery. The solution

to the current crisis is the abolition of greediness and antagonistic competition in our economic systems”.

Musa spoke at a public lecture and reception in January 2009 in honour of former Oyo State governor Lam Adesina. He said that electoral rigging had to be stopped, and said “we need a revolution in Nigeria to have a positive change in the political system”. In November 2009, Musa said that Nigeria’s economic system was based on narrow self-interest, with a disabling level of corruption, theft and waste of public resources. He expressed concern that the state might fail, as had happened in Somalia, but said this was unlikely since the USA would act to prevent it due to the strategic importance of Nigeria.

In an interview in April 2010, Musa said the electoral system was rigged to favour those with money. He was sceptical about whether implementing the recommendations

of the Uwais committee, such as removing state electoral commissions and having all elections run by the Independent National Electoral Commission, would have any positive effect. However, he was cautiously optimistic that Labour could put up a credible showing against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 elections through alliances with other parties such as Action Congress. The same month, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said that Musa had obstructed formation of a mega opposition alliance because he did not want to lose the identity of his PRP in the larger group.

On 31 August 2018, Musa quit active politics due to health issues and announced his immediate resignation from chairmanship of People’s Redemption Party.

Balarabe Musa died on 11 November 2020 in Kaduna due to a heart attack.

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RAIN OF PRAYER ASSEMBLY

Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut after Russia denials

Ukraine says it has recaptured ground in Bakhmut, a rare advance after months of grinding Russian gains in the eastern city.

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said Ukrainian forces advanced two kilometres (1.2 miles) in a week.

The claims signal a momentum shift in Bakhmut - but more widely, there is no clear evidence of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive.

Russia has denied reports of Ukrainian gains, after claims from both sides.

“The individual declarations on Telegram about a ‘breakthrough’ on several points on the frontline do not correspond to reality,” Russia’s defence ministry said.

“The general situation in the special military operation zone is under control,” it added, using Russia’s term for the invasion.

However, in a updated statement on Friday morning the ministry claimed Russian troops had changed their position for strategic reasons.

It said units of the southern group of Russian forces had taken up a better defensive position in the Maloilinivka area, something which took into consideration “the favourable conditions of the Berkhivka reservoir”.

Maloilinivka and Berkhivka are both near Bakhmut.

Responding to the statement, the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin said what the Ministry of Defence was talking about “is unfortunately called ‘fleeing’ and not a ‘regrouping’”.

As the intense, bloody battle has worn on, Bakhmut has become symbolically important - though many experts question its tactical value.

In a post on Telegram, Ms Malyar said Bakhmut has become a target of “almost sacred” importance to Russia.

She accused the Kremlin of simultaneously claiming false victories on one hand, while also spreading lies about

being short on weapons and ammunition.

Describing the “real situation” over the past week, Ms Malyar claimed Russia suffered significant troop losses, as Ukraine gained 2km without losing any positions.

Earlier Prigozhin accused regular Russian troops of abandoning positions in Bakhmut.

“The situation on the flanks is developing according to the worst predicted scenario,” he said.

And Russian military bloggers reported Ukrainian advances or troop movements in several areas.

The Institute for the Study of War also said Ukrainian forces had probably made gains of 2km in Bakhmut.

And the US-based think tank said the Russian defence ministry acknowledging “the Ukrainian counterattacks uncharacteristically quickly” - by denying them - indicated “increased panic”.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says his army needs more equipment ahead of counter-offensive

Away from Bakhmut, the exiled mayor

of Melitopol reported a large explosion on Friday morning in the centre of the city in south-eastern city, which has been occupied by Russia since the start of the war.

It’s not known what caused the blast, but the Ukrainian air force made 14 strikes on Russian forces and military equipment on Thursday, Ukraine’s armed forces said.

Alongside the air strikes, Ukraine said it destroyed nine Russian drones and carried out successful attacks on dozens of military targets - including artillery units, an ammunition warehouse and air defence equipment.

After months of stalemate, a Ukrainian counter-offensive - helped by newlyarrived Western weapons - has been openly discussed. But Ukraine’s president said on Thursday it was too early to start the attack.

“With [what we already have] we can go forward and, I think, be successful,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview.

“But we’d lose a lot of people. I think that’s unacceptable. So we need to wait. We still need a bit more time.”

But despite President Zelensky’s words, pro-Kremlin Russian war correspondent Sasha Kots claimed the counter-offensive had begun.

Ukrainian tanks were on the Kharkiv ring road heading towards the border with Russia, he said, quoting “trusted” sources. His claims could not be independently verified.

“There are low loaders in the columns carrying Western [tank] models among others,” Kots added.

“In other words,” he said, “Kiev [Kyiv] has decided to aggravate the situation along the northern front in parallel with the start of offensive actions on the flanks of Artyomovsk [the Russian name for Bakhmut].”

Another Russian war correspondent, Alexander Simonov, wrote on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had broken through near the village of Bohdanivka, close to Bakhmut, taking “several square kilometres” of ground.

Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Musivenko said Kyiv recognised that the anticipated counter-offensive might not necessarily defeat Russia “in all occupied areas”.

He told Ukrainian NV radio there was every possibility the war could continue into next year. “It all depends on how the battles develop. We can’t guarantee how the counteroffensive will develop,” he said.

An unnamed senior US military official told CNN that Ukrainian forces were preparing for a major counter-offensive by striking targets such as weapons depots, command centres and armour and artillery systems.

Ukraine’s spring 2022 advances in the southern and north-eastern parts of the country were also preceded by air attacks to “shape” the battlefield.

Russia’s defence ministry said it stopped several Ukrainian attacks throughout Thursday and said an ongoing battle near Malynivka, in eastern Donetsk, involved both air and artillery forces.

Imran Khan to be released from custody in Pakistan, court rules

Pakistan’s ex-prime minister Imran Khan is to be freed from custody, a day after the Supreme Court ruled his dramatic arrest on corruption charges was illegal.

Judges granted Mr Khan protected bail, meaning he can not be re-arrested on those charges for two weeks.

The court also ordered he could not be arrested on any charges filed after last Tuesday until 17 May.

Despite the rulings, the corruption charges against Mr Khan still stand.

The 70-year-old - who was arrested on Tuesday as he arrived at a courthouse in Islamabad - pleaded not guilty to the charges when a judge formally indicted him with corruption for the first time in the dozens of cases he faces.

Officials say Mr Khan unlawfully sold state gifts during his premiership, in a case brought by Pakistan’s Election Commission.

He remained at court after the hearing on Friday seeking preventive bail against other charges, which he told the BBC included counts of terrorism, sedition and blasphemy.

Conviction would disqualify the former

international cricket star - and Pakistan’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022from standing for office, possibly for life. Elections are due later this year.

Mr Khan had arrived at the hearing under heavy armed guard, and greeted supporters with a single raised fist.

Speaking during Friday’s hearing, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said the arrest was unlawful because it took place on court premises.

He ordered that the “whole process” of Mr Khan’s arrest “needs to be backtracked”.

The dramatic saga has significantly escalated tensions between Mr Khan and Pakistan’s powerful military.

Many analysts believe Mr Khan’s election win in 2018 happened with the help of the military, which both parties denied.

But he later fell out with the army. After a series of defections, and amid mounting economic crises, he lost his majority in parliament.

Since being ousted less than four years into his term, he has become one of the military’s most vocal critics, and analysts say the army’s popularity has fallen.

And his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

party says the charges against him - which relate to gifts given to him by foreign leaders while he served as prime minsterare politically motivated.

Media caption,

Watch Tuesday’s dramatic arrest of Pakistan’s former prime minister

His dramatic arrest outside the courthouse on Tuesday sparked outrage among Mr Khan’s supporters.

At least 10 people were killed and some 2,000 arrested as unrest swept the country. Those protests included an attack at a military commander’s home residence in Lahore, which was set on fire.

While this week’s violence petered out after the army was deployed in Islamabad and other areas, such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the country remains on edge.

There was a large security presence at the court on Friday.

Speaking to the BBC before his bail hearing, Mr Khan said he feared immediate re-arrest once released, and urged authorities against a move as “there might be huge reaction which will go out of control. Because mobs are out of control, no-one controls mobs.”

“How am I supposed to control what happens afterwards?” he told the BBC.

Critics say the PTI has been fuelling unrest through social media posts calling for protesters to take to the streets, and judges told Mr Khan that he must condemn the violence and tell supporters to stop.

Mr Khan told the BBC he and his party had only called for peaceful protest and asked for supporters to “act within the constitution”.

“We have never broken the law. Even now, when I tell them to protest I say ‘They should be peaceful protests’,” he said inside the courtroom on Friday.

Pakistan’s current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who took power after Khan was ousted, criticised the Supreme Court’s ruling to free Khan in a cabinet speech aired on state television.

He alleged that judges had favoured Imran Khan, and their ruling had caused “the death of justice in Pakistan”.

He further criticised Mr Khan and his party for their inflammatory language, and encouraging protesters to take to the streets.

“Imran Khan has divided the nation,” he said. Source: BBC

A Ukrainian soldier firing an anti-tank grenade launcher at a front line near Bakhmut (pictured on 3 May)

NEWS FROM AFRICA

South Africa tries to restore US relations amid Russia arms sales row

South Africa is seeking to smooth US relations, amid a diplomatic row over claims of arms sales to Russia.

US ambassador Reuben Brigety has claimed a Russian ship was loaded with ammunition and weapons in Cape Town last December.

The allegation created a diplomatic storm and South Africa has said it has no record of an approved arms sale.

But the government also said it valued a “cordial, strong, and mutually beneficial” relationship with the US.

An inquiry looking into the claims has been set up, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Thursday.

South African authorities have expressed disappointment over what one official describes as “megaphone” politics by the US ambassador, referring to Mr Brigety’s news conference on Thursday where he made the scathing accusations.

The BBC understands that behind the scenes the government is more than disappointed - it has been angered by what some see as the US trying to strong-arm South Africa into aligning with it over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “by any means necessary”.

Officially, the department of international relations has said Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor will be speaking to her US counterpart Antony Blinken on Friday afternoon.

They’ve also said they will be officially issuing a complaint against Mr Brigety

through diplomatic channels - a reprimand of sorts.

While the US has provided no evidence of the accusations yet, South Africa’s presidency on Thursday said it would set up an inquiry which would be chaired by a retired judge to investigate the alleged incident.

The presidency told the BBC that the terms of that inquiry, as well as when it would begin its investigation, would be communicated in due course.

There is no dispute that a Russian ship, known as Lady R, docked off the Cape Town coast last December - prompting questions from local politicians at the time. Whether the ship was supplied with arms before returning to Russia still needs to be established.

But it’s about more than a diplomatic row between old trade partners.

If the accusations are true, South Africa will have violated its own Arms Control Act, which commits to “not trade in conventional arms with states engaged in repression, aggression or terrorism”.

In the same act, South Africa describes itself as a “responsible member of the international community”.

The government said on Friday that it had no record of arms being sold to Russia - and that if this happened - it was done covertly.

Even this possibility does not bode well for South Africa. At best it would speak to a government that does not

have a handle on the country’s affairs and at worst, would suggest something far more sinister - complicity in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

South Africa is one of a handful of countries that has abstained from a number of UN votes on the conflict and has refused to publicly condemn Russia, insisting it is nonaligned on the matter.

For months the regional superpower has been saying it instead supports a mediated settlement to the conflict.

Supplying arms while claiming to be neutral would not only rubbish that stance but would leave South Africa with a lot to answer both to its citizens and the international community.

Russia seems to stir feelings of nostalgia for some in the governing African National Congress, for the then USSR’s support for their fight against white-minority rule. But in present-day South Africa, many have been asking questions about whether this love affair truly serves South Africa’s interests.

International relations experts have pointed out that South Africa has more in common with some in the West, including the US, on matters of democracy and international law, and a far greater trade relationship with the West than with Russia.

They’ve said it’s a relationship that may have been useful at a time in history for ANC activists, but in a world where Russia is increasingly being viewed as an aggressor and human rights violator following its invasion of Ukraine - are these really the friends South Africa needs?

Some are worried about possible economic implications for South Africa, if relations with the US strain further.

The country’s currency, the rand, which has been struggling for weeks as a result of months of rolling power cuts leaving homes and industries in the dark for up to 12 hours at times, crippling the economy, weakened even further following the US ambassador’s accusations.

It’s an additional problem that South African citizens can scarcely afford.

Sudan conflict: Army and RSF agree deal to protect civilians

After nearly a week of talks, Sudan’s warring parties have signed a deal to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population, but have made little progress towards peace.

This is a first step to providing relief for trapped civilians.

They agreed to allow safe passage for people leaving battle zones, protect relief workers and not to use civilians as human shields.

However, they did not agree to pause the fighting.

There are reports of more air strikes and shelling in the capital, Khartoum on Friday.

The talks have been mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia, the host country.

US officials said they were cautiously hopeful there was momentum now for the safe delivery of relief supplies, as

both sides committed to let in badly needed humanitarian assistance after looting and attacks that targeted aid.

However, the conflicting parties are still quite far apart when it comes to brokering peace, the US said.

They are still discussing a proposal for a truce and a mechanism to monitor it.

Meanwhile Saudi Arabia said there is still more work to be done, according to Arab News: “Other steps will follow, and the most important thing is to adhere to what was agreed upon.”

Not everyone is happy about the new deal, with some Sudanese saying it falls short of what they expect: “I’m really incredibly disheartened,” Professor Nisrin Elamin from Toronto University told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

“Ceasefires that they have agreed to in the past have not held. I don’t understand why we would ever take them by their word. To me this

is really just another closed door negotiations with no civilian actor,” Professor Elamin added, saying that she still has family who are stuck in Khartoum surrounded by conflict.

The BBC has heard several accounts of people trapped in Khartoum, who have been witness to loud explosions, gunshots and all-out violence.

The conflict erupted in mid-April when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) refused to be integrated into Sudan’s army under a planned transition to civilian rule.

Since then, the death toll has risen to more than 600 according to the WHO, and thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes.

Source: BBC

The Russian fleet sent to South Africa for naval exercises was led by the Admiral Gorshkov warship, seen here in Cape Town in February

Sudanese refugees have fled into neighbouring Ethiopia to escape the conflict

Feature

Nigeria Benin Bronzes: Buhari declaration ‘blindsides’ museum officials

In the dying weeks of his administration, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari made a decision which has caused a mixture of delight, concern and confusion.

His declaration of 23 March, made public last month, unequivocally recognises the Oba, or king, of Benin, Ewuare II, as the owner of the famous Benin Bronzes.

These are thousands of metal castings and ivory carvings which were looted by a British military expedition in 1897 from the Benin kingdom in what is today southern Nigeria, and are now mainly in museums in Europe and the United States.

In recent years several of these museums, responding to demands from Nigeria but also from within their own societies, have started to return the Bronzes.

The Nigerian president’s declaration says any repatriated Bronzes must be “handed over to the Oba”, who is “responsible for the management of all places” where they will be kept.

This could include the Oba’s palace, or anywhere else he and Nigeria’s government consider secure.

No Benin Bronze can be moved without the Oba’s written authority, and he must inspect and authenticate each one upon its subsequent return.

In other words, Ewuare II has been given sweeping powers.

These appear to come at the expense of the Nigerian government’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, (NCMM), which has handled many of the negotiations over the return of colonial-looted artefacts.

When the Oba played host to the Dutch ambassador in his palace in Benin City last month, he spoke confidently.

The president, said the Oba, had “spelt it out clearly.

The ownership, custody, and management are vested in the Oba as an institution. That is the law.”

Many of the Benin people, known as the Edo, welcome the president’s declaration.

The Benin Bronzes became known internationally as works of art during the decades they have been in Western museums, but they have a spiritual significance which predates this.

They were made by royal guilds, to venerate the Oba’s ancestors, and were kept in the palace.

Ewuare II is the great-great grandson of the Oba toppled by the British, and his palace was built upon the ruins of the one destroyed in the invasion.

But for the NCMM, supposedly in charge of the country’s heritage and yet not even mentioned in the president’s declaration, this has come as an unwelcome surprise.

“We were blindsided… this is not practical nor compatible with

existing Nigerian law [and] it was written by someone who doesn’t understand how museums work,” one official said.

I am told the NCMM has been invited by Nigeria’s ministry of justice to offer amendments to the president’s declaration.

But President Buhari may feel this is a problem best left to his successor, President-elect Bola Tinubu, due to be sworn in on 29 May.

Nigeria’s contradictions and fragilities - its many ethnic groups were carelessly thrown together by the British in 1914 - are never far from the surface.

One of the NCMM’s concerns is that President Buhari has, inadvertently, undermined the rationale for any national collection.

If the Oba’s ownership of the Bronzes moves beyond the theoretical to the practical, does this not mean that every Nigerian traditional ruler or community is

the world’s most comprehensive collection of Benin Bronzes”, it is still viewed with suspicion by palace officials.

The Oba says that returned Benin Bronzes will eventually go on display in a much discussed Benin Royal Museum, to be located near his palace and constructed with the support of the Nigerian government.

“All hands are on deck” for this museum, according to the Oba. European museums, perhaps understandably, are confused.

The German government, which has taken the lead on the return of Benin Bronzes, says these are internal matters for Nigeria. But some diplomats are worried.

“We negotiated with the Nigerian government to return Bronzes to the NCMM, and signed contracts with the NCMM,” says a key German official, “so who are we giving them to?”

In November 2022 Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock flew to Abuja and, amid fanfare, delivered some 20 Bronzes to Nigeria’s minister of culture. They remain in NCMM custody.

“Things would be done differently next time,” one of the Oba’s officials said.

A close relative of the Oba told me the NCMM had “bungled” returns by “surreptitiously” signing agreements.

But he and NCMM officials also told me they were determined to resolve simmering tensions and work together.

“We shouldn’t take the presidential declaration too literally,” he said, “but as an acknowledgement that the Oba must be at the heart of the process.”

in charge of the treasures made by their ancestors?

The NCMM aims to build a Museum of National Unity in the capital, Abuja, which would, presumably, contain objects such as the Benin Bronzes. That ambition could be harder to achieve now.

Oba Ewuare II and his advisers are more focused on local politics.

They welcome the president’s declaration as a victory over the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, with whom they have a chilly relationship.

Governor Obaseki supports a museum project in Benin City known as the Edo Museum of West African Art, or EMOWAA, which has attracted international funding and engaged the AngloGhanaian architect Sir David Adjaye.

EMOWAA says it will complete its first building in 2024.

Although it has abandoned its original ambition to be “home to

In Britain, museums also try to navigate their way through Nigerian politics.

Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology was due to hand over 116 Benin Bronzes to a Nigerian delegation on 16 May.

It would have been a highly symbolic moment.

Cambridge has the second biggest collection of Benin Bronzes in Britain after the British Museum itself, which is increasingly isolated on the issue of restitution.

But Cambridge’s event has been quietly postponed.

“There being a bit of confusion, it seemed better to pause,” explained one official, diplomatically. October is mooted as a new date.

“I have no doubt,” emphasised the museum’s director, Nicholas Thomas, “that the transfer of ownership will go ahead.”

Source: BBC

“

No Benin Bronze can be moved without the Oba’s written authority, and he must inspect and authenticate each one upon its subsequent return

The Benin Bronzes were looted at the end of the 19th Century and ended up in museums and private collections

Oba Ewuare II is now the legal owner of all the Benin Bronzes, according to the presidential decree

Future of Test cricket could be like Wimbledon, says Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale

Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann will not be the next manager of Tottenham, BBC Sport understands.

Spurs, who are sixth in the Premier League, have been without a permanent manager since Antonio Conte was sacked in March.

Nagelsmann, 35, who was sacked by Bundesliga champions Bayern in March, has been linked with the vacancy.

However, there have been no talks and Spurs are not considering him for the role.

Spurs continue to search for a permanent replacement for Conte after interim manager Cristian Stellini was sacked in April and replaced by Ryan Mason.

According to journalist Guillem Balague, Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has been approached by Tottenham and some reports linked Burnley manager and former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany with the vacant role.

Nagelsmann, who was sacked by Bayern on 24 March after a run of five wins from 10 league games, has also been linked with Chelsea, who remain without a permanent manager since Graham Potter was sacked in April.

Nagelsmann is recognised as one of the game’s most promising managerial talents, having taking charge of Hoffenheim aged 28 before moving to RB Lepizig, leading the club to the Champions League semi-finals.

He then joined Bayern in 2021 and won the league title in his first season alongside two German Supercups.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel replaced Nagelsmann as Bayern manager.

Speaking on Radio 5 Live’s Friday Football Social, former Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: “Tottenham need to act and they need to act quickly. Why wouldn’t they be interested in Nagelsmann? He is one of the most innovative, modern-thinking, modern-day coaches.

“If Spurs aren’t in the hunt for a manager like that it is worrying. I potentially think they have sounded his people out and they have gone ‘no, don’t waste your time’.”

Former West Ham and Aston

Villa captain Nigel Reo Coker added: “I think Nagelsmann has looked at this Tottenham situation and said it is not for me. I am too good, too focused, I want to be part of that greatness and Spurs doesn’t shout greatness right now.

“You have to think of a manager of his stature, do we even know what is happening with Harry Kane right now? For all the top teams we know how important it is to have a topclass striker. If he loses Harry Kane, who fills in those boots at Spurs?

Nagelsmann has been linked with the Tottenham job so often, and the rumours around apparent discussions were

getting so strong, the club felt they had to do something to correct them or risk looking like they had missed out on someone they weren’t actually chasing.

Given the general chaos around the club at the moment, it is an additional narrative they are keen to avoid.

It is not entirely clear why Tottenham wouldn’t want Nagelsmann and the answer may only become clear when they appoint Antonio Conte’s permanent successor.

Many feel the 35-year-old was unfortunate to be sacked by Bayern Munich and he built up an impressive body of work before that, enhancing his status as one of the most progressive

coaches in the game.

It could be that chairman Daniel Levy wants to sort out the director of football gap in his management team first, so that individual has a significant say in who follows Conte.

Equally, the more mischievous might argue Tottenham are pulling away from a candidate they have established didn’t want to join them.

So, for now, Ryan Mason continues in the role without the spectre of Nagelsmann hanging over him, unsure of the identity of the coach he is trying to secure European football for next season.

Source: bbc.com

Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga with Bayern in 2021-22

SPORTS Lionel Messi: Argentina captain to start for Paris StGermain for first time since suspension

Haaland has scored 35 goals in 31 Premier League games this season

Lionel Messi will return to Paris St-Germain’s starting line-up on Saturday for the first time since making an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Argentina captain was initially suspended by the club for two weeks for the trip, which followed PSG’s home defeat by Lorient on 30 April.

The Ligue 1 leaders, who have suffered three defeats in their past four home games, face AC Ajaccio on Saturday.

“He [Messi] will start tomorrow,” PSG manager Christophe Galtier said.

“I spoke with him on Tuesday to see what his mindset was and I found him very determined to play.”

Messi, who has a role as a tourism ambassador for Saudi Arabia, apologised to his team-mates last Friday for making the unauthorised trip.

The 35-year-old returned to training on Monday having been left out of the squad for their 3-1 win at Troyes the previous day.

“He’s very eager to win that title,” Galtier added.

“With him in the team we’ll have to adjust compared to what we did against Troyes. Leo is Leo. I’m not going to go into statistics but when he’s with us we have to strike a different balance.”

Messi is set to leave PSG when his contract expires in the summer.

Declan Rice contract: West Ham boss David Moyes accepts midfielder may leave

There is a “good chance” that West Ham captain Declan Rice will leave at the end of the season, manager David Moyes has admitted.

The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in 2024, although the Hammers have an option to extend that by a further year.

So far, Rice, 24, has rejected all efforts to get him to sign an extension amid interest from virtually all of England’s top clubs.

“We hope Dec stays,” Moyes said.

“We would love him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case. That is one of the scenarios.

“Our plans are to have Dec here but we are also fully aware there is a good chance that we won’t have him.”

‘A world star who has

outgrown West Ham’

England international Rice came through the youth system at West Ham and has 243 appearances in all competitions since 2017.

He has been a virtual everpresent for the Hammers this season.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs to have been linked with Rice.

“Everybody would love to have Declan Rice,” former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves said on BT Sport during their coverage of Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg win over AZ Alkmaar.

“He’s playing with a little bit of swagger about him now. He sometimes kept it simple

and safe but now it feels like Declan realises he can do anything on a football pitch. He doesn’t have a weakness in his game.

“He would start in every Premier League team apart from Manchester City because Rodri is one of the best in the world. That is his position, he’s not going to be a number 10 or eight. He can be

one of the best in the world as a defensive midfielder.”

Former West Ham winger Joe

Cole believes Rice would walk into any team in Europe.

“He’s outstanding,” he said.

“Everything good that West Ham do goes through him. He’s added things to his game this year. He was adding goals to his game and he can just do everything.

“He keeps getting better. Any team in Europe would have him in their team.”

Former Brighton striker Glenn Murray believes Rice should be playing in the Champions League.

“At this stage of his career, Declan Rice has almost, for want of a better word, outgrown the football club,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think he should be playing in Champions League games and for a top six club. He is a world star, and I think his star will only continue to grow and to shine.”

The many things I do not understand

My generation came of age at about the time the majors struck on January 15, 1966, and turned our country upside down. The young officers alerted us to the existence of ten percenters in our public services. These were the men who creamed ten percent off government contract sums to enrich themselves. We were told this constituted something called corruption, also called cankerworms. Although not many of us knew what a cankerworm was, we just knew it was bad because guinea worms were bad.

Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, the leader of the young majors, said the ten percenters were the enemies of the revolution because they made the country look big for nothing. The unintended consequence of the battle that followed to rid the country of corruption was that corruption became the reason governments changed hands from military to military and from civilian to military. The promise to free our country from corruption by successive political leaders in khaki or agbada, has never lacked takers because we all subscribe to the belief that corruption is bad for our country. When a country is in dire need of a messiah, anyone who chances along with a faux halo, is instantly recognised as the messiah, a product of divine intervention, no less.

I understood that.

My generation has witnessed the longestrunning war against corruption, also known as graft. We have watched the promises made; and we have watched the promises broken in the tangled web of opportunism and the greed that can only be satiated, ironically, by corruption. We have watched as corruption sucked in the commanders and the foot soldiers of the anti-graft war. And we know it is a no-win war for the country because the war has always been prosecuted with transparent ambivalence.

General Yakubu numbered corruption among his nine-point programme he intended to accomplish before leaving office in 1976. He did not go the distance. Because of alleged corruption, General Murtala Muhammed, who succeeded him smeared the integrity of the Gowon administration. Fictitious probe reports at federal and state levels tarred Gowon’s men. In his anti-graft war, Muhammed destroyed the civil services of the federation and enlarged the capacity of public officers and civil servants for corruption and corrupt practices.

This, I did not understand. I thought you could not kill a cankerworm by feeding it.

We have watched as the miraculous powers of corruption have transformed most of our public officers into wealthy men and women. But they tell us that God is good. He dispenses miracles. We no longer know if we are ruled by thieves or charlatans or honest men. All our politicians have sinned and there is hardly any truth left in them. The line between honesty and thievery grows thinner and thinner.

This, I do not understand.

We have watched corruption destroy our morals and morality as a nation. We have watched corruption imprison our collective integrity and turned our country into a nation of unsavoury practices and made its citizens suspect in the eyes of the rest of the world. We

By Dan Agbese

have watched as corruption has compelled us to celebrate individual and family shame as achievements worthy of national honours. We have watched as most of our public officers, former and serving, have been tainted with the mark of the beast even as they present the faux faces of honesty and religiosity.

We have watched corruption grow exponentially in all its ramifications. I have always felt that those who think we make slow progress as a nation, have not stopped to give some thoughts to the rapid growth of corruption as evidence of our national progress and development. No, I am not being cynical. After all, development na development.

These, I do not understand.

The ten percenters stole but whatever they stole could not today buy you one pawpaw. They stole discreetly because personal and family shame mattered and was still a strong pull against waywardness. By the second republic, much of that had changed. Stealing gradually became more brazen. It reached the thousand Naira mark with thousandnaires minted by corruption; then we graduated to the million Naira mark with impunity as the hallmark of the brave; then we hit the billion Naira mark and corruption donned a new face mask as evidence of smartness.

If this is not national progress, I do not know what it is. Check the stories of graft. No public officer is accused of stealing millions anymore. This country watched as the auditorgeneral of the federation, whose term expired but was renewed by Buhari, bravely and brazenly helped himself to N108 billions of our common wealth. With our public debts hitting the glass ceiling in trillions of Naira, you need not bet me but know ye that corruption will move up to the trillion Naira mark. It is a mark of progress, however you may think of

progress.

This, I do not understand.

The systematic raid on our national and state treasuries by those we entrusted with their protection remains a peculiar Nigerian version of national service, to wit, you serve the nation by serving yourself because self-interest is the first law in the nature of the Nigerian public officer. Has anyone taken some serious interest in what happens at the state level where many of the governors treat the state treasuries as their personal bank accounts and deal with them as they choose? While they cannot pay their civil servants and their pensioners, these men with an arid conscience, build mansions in Abuja and other cities and set up the only functioning industries as fronts in their states.

Yes, I know that it is unforgiveable for a man to leave a high public office as a pauper who finds himself asking his friends for recharge cards. I regret to say that my generation has been part of these grand failures. Professor Wole Soyinka said his generation was a wasted generation; ours is the generation that wasted its hopes for a greater country on itself. I look over my shoulders and see that the new generation of political leaders have been forged on the anvils of me-first greed and are inheriting a nation in which the chaff and the grains are interchangeable – depending on who rules and determines what constitutes corruption in his dictionary.

In countries that value integrity in their public officers, a public officer, serving or former, accused of graft is a tainted man or woman and forfeits the right to either continue in office or the right to seek another public office. But here such people are excused by the system with the rubbish explanation that they have not yet been convicted by a court of law. It is a fine example of our ambivalent attitude towards the anti-graft war. History has no record of a war won with ambivalence.

This, I do not understand.

On assumption of office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari declared loudly to the hearing of corruption: “I will kill corruption before it kills Nigeria.” Corruption chuckled. For eight years, the man watched as corruption sprouted under his feet. He is about to leave office, not with the song of anti-corruption victory but with the whimper of a defeated general.

Corruption in our country is full of ironies. I take one: religion. Nigeria is the second most religious nation in the world. It holds the candle to only India. Nigeria is not the most corrupt nation in the world, although going by the noise we make about it, we make the rest of the world believe that honest men and women are an aberration in our country. Bangladesh, the tiny country on the Indian sub-continent,

leads all nations in corruption.

Evidence of our religiosity is everywhere –with the places of worship in every nook and cranny in our towns, cities, and villages. The men and women who claim to hear the voice of the almighty rail daily against evils in the society such as corruption, yet many of the cannot resist the lure of the money put in their care. They are rich because they cream their flock. It is difficult to reconcile our religiosity with the level of crimes in our country today. In the natural order of human societies, a religious nation such as ours, should have no room for corruption, banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, murders, arson, and sundry criminals, all of whom have turned our nation into a haven for dangerous criminals.

Christianity and Islam have millions of followers in our country. Both religions are loudly intolerant of any form of evil-doing and criminality. Both of them threaten criminals with the hot but slow burning fires of hell in the hereafter. Yet, all the criminals, high and low, in our country are either Christians or Muslims. Some of them make a show of their religiosity on Fridays and Sundays by sitting in the front rows in mosques and the front pews in churches. Our big men and women wear their religiosity like one-in-town designer clothes.

All those who have been caught with their hands in the till belong to either one of these great religions. All those who kill innocent men and women belong to one of these great religions. All those dragged to court by EFCC belong to either one of these great religions. All those who habitually rig elections belong to either one of these great religions. All our judges and justices, some of whom have delivered judgements with a surfeit of hollow professional integrity, belong to either one of these great religions. So, you wonder, is this a failure of the religious injunctions or purposeful faux religiosity?

These, I do not understand.

Email: ochima495@gmail.com

SMS: 08055001912

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The systematic raid on our national and state treasuries by those we entrusted with their protection remains a peculiar Nigerian version of national service