Saturday, April 15, 2023 Weekend Edition

Succour for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients in Kaduna

Census: No questions on religion, ethnicity, says NPC boss

Insight: How banditry kingpin, Danwasa met his Waterloo

NNPCL defends billion-naira gratuity payment to Mele Kyari, others

PDP, APC trade accusations

As INEC conducts guber, senatorial polls in Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, others NNPP protests inclusion of polling units affected by violence

I was expelled from university in my 3rd year – BBTitans’

Yvonne

Recruitment: Beware of scammers, CBN warns Nigerians

IGP posts DIG Egbetokun to FCID, deploys 36 commissioners to departments, formations

Southeast deserves Speakership for equityGroup tells APC, Tinubu

Police rescue 9 abducted persons in Zamfara

Census: No questions on religion, ethnicity, says NPC boss

The National Population Commission (NPC) has clarified that the Census questionnaire has no column for religion and ethnicity.

The commission made the clarification on Friday in Kano when the National Publicity Committee on the 2023 Population and Housing Census paid an advocacy visit to Nigerian Television Authority, Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was led by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Chairman of the committee and Minister of Information and Culture, represented by the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr Garba Abari.

Speaking on the speculations that Nigerians would be asked questions on their faith and ethnic affiliation, a member of the committee, Dr Isiaka Yahaya, said the commission was not interested in such data.

Yahaya, who is also the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, maintained that issues of religion and ethnicity being peddled on social media were mere distractions and without foundation.

“Since 1991 when the National Population Commission has been conducting census, we have never asked questions on ethnicity and religion.

“We didn’t do it in 1991, we didn’t do it in 2006 and we won’t do it now.

“The reason is obvious. The two issues are very sensitive and have the capacity to divert attention from the main issue of the census,” he said.

Similarly, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr Osita Okechukwu, urged Nigerians not to see the census as a contest among ethnic groups.

He said the census was only for planning purposes and not to confer advantage on any group.

“For planning purposes, President Muhammadu Buhari said before he leaves office, he wants to deploy digital technology to conduct a headcount.

“The incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed, in planning with our resources, will know

exactly how many Nigerians he is planning for,” Okechukwu said. Abari on his part commended the authorities of NTA for playing a critical role in the sensitisation campaign for the headcount.

He reiterated that the headcount was solely to obtain data for national development purposes and urged the media to help tackle the twin scourge of fake news and misinformation.

The General Manager of NTA Kano, Sani Yusuf, expressed the readiness of NTA to support the sensitisation campaign on census.

He gave an assurance that the media house would produce jingles to aid the campaign as well as provide coverage on the exercise.NAN

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PDP, APC trade accusations

As INEC conducts guber, senatorial polls in Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, others

By Lateef Ibrahim & Ahmed Idris

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is on the move again. After the presidential and National Assembly elections of February 25 and the Governorship and States Houses of Assembly elections of March 18, this year respectively, the Professor Mahmood Yakubu -led Commission will again file out today to conduct supplementary elections in some parts of the country.

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

This supplementary elections were slated, weeks back, by the electoral body as announced in a statement by one of its National Commissioners and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, VEC, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.

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

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

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

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

Ever since the announcement of the supplementary polls, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the leading opposition party in the country, has never kept quiet in its demand that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, of INEC in Adamawa State Mallam Hudu Yunusa Ari should

recuse himself from superintending and/or conducting the re-run governorship election in the State, saying that it does not have faith in him (the REC) any more.

Should the REC refuse to recuse himself, the PDP demanded that the INEC Chairman Prof, Mahmood Yakubu should immediately remove him.

The party pointed out that the call became necessary in view of grave allegations and evidence of the audio tape already in the public domain against him.

The main opposition party pointed had out that the continued stay in office of Mallam Ari as Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner amounts to pushing the people to the wall and daring them to do their worst.

The PDP added that it is provocative and unacceptable that INEC retained Mallam Ari to conduct the April 15, 2023 governorship rerun election despite being reportedly caught on tape directing the Electoral Officer of Fufore Local Government

Area of Adamawa State in Hausa Language to alter election results in favour of the defeated governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Aisha Binani.

According to the PDP, “The continued stay in office of Mallam Yunusa Ari in the face of widespread outcry by the people of Adamawa State amounts to pushing the people to the wall and daring them to do their worst.

“The PDP dismisses the lame denial of the leaked audio tape by the exposed INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner. “The basis for recusal by an umpire is the accusation of likelihood of bias.

“In this case, apart from the accusation, there is audio evidence against Mallam Yunusa Ari and he cannot by any standard superintend over the Adamawa Governorship re-run election without widespread suspicion of his actions.

“The situation around the embattled INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner is worsened by

allegations of similar instructions to Electoral Officers in some other Local Government Areas of the State to manipulate the results of the election.

“In view of these grave allegations and evidence of the audio tape already in the public domain, Mallam Yunusa Ari should immediately recuse himself from superintending and/or conducting the re-run governorship election in Adamawa State on April 15, 2023”, the party insisted.

The PDP invited Nigerians to note that INEC relieved the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto State, Dr. Nura Ali of his position over allegations of irregularities in the conduct of the just concluded elections in that State.

It added, “There is therefore no justification for the continuing stay of Mallam Yunusa Ari as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State in the face of these grave allegations except for sinister reasons.

“Nigerians can recall that the Adamawa State INEC Resident

Cont. on next page

PDP, APC trade accusations

Cont. from previous page

Electoral Commissioner was also accused of being at the center of the failed attempt to move the collation of results of the Adamawa State Governorship election from Yola to Abuja to enable the INEC Returning Officer declare the defeated APC candidate as the winner; a move that was firmly resisted by the people of Adamawa State.

“The PDP cautions that the people of Adamawa State will never surrender their mandate to these reprehensible plots to manipulate the outcome of the re-run governorship election in the State.

“The continued stay of Mallam Yunusa Ari as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State is heightening tension and is capable of disrupting the peace for which the State is known.

“Mallam Yunusa Ari has clearly become partisan; he has descended into the arena by allegedly taking sides with the APC, a political party in the contest to the extent of directing Electoral Officers to manipulate election results in favour of the APC candidate.

“The PDP therefore demands that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu immediately remove Mallam Yunusa Ari as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State”, Ologunagba said.

Similarly, the Sokoto State Governor and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Sokoto South Senatorial district, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has petitioned the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, over the listing of polling units where elections had been concluded and results declared for the April 15, 2023 supplementary elections.

The petition by Tambuwal to the INEC Chairman was written by his lawyer, Mr. S.I. Ameh SAN.

Tambuwal expressed the firm hope that what he called, “these obvious irregularities” will be cured, especially having brought them to the notice of the INEC Chairman.

The Governor, in his petition, said:

“Consequent upon the Commission’s publication of the areas slated for the April 15th 2023 rerun across the country, our Client’s attention was drawn to certain Polling Units under his Senatorial District, where elections were successfully conducted, concluded and results validly announced and collated in Forms EC8B (1).

“To our Client’s surprise and chagrin, some of the Polling Units in question, where Elections were duly concluded, have now suddenly resurfaced as part of the places listed for the said proposed Rerun.

“We have, for the purposes of verification, your urgent attention and intervention, compiled the list of the affected Polling Units and urge you to delist the said Polling Units from the list of Polling Units where a rerun Election will take place on the 15th day of April, 2023 in view of the fact that elections cannot be conducted twice in a Polling Unit, which had no issues.

“Attached are the various Forms EC8B (1) properly highlighted, and an itemized summary of the affected Polling Units, for ease of reference.

“We do hope that these obvious irregularities are cured, especially having brought them to your notice and attention promptly and within time.

The Governor, in his petition, expressed the strong belief that the listing of the concluded polling units is the latest in the well-laid and orchestrated plan against him.

He alleged that the February 25, 2023 Sokoto South Senatorial Election was the target of internal and external forces bent on extracting a pound of flesh from Governor Tambuwal.

According to the petition, “Tambuwal was leading comfortably and was awaiting his formal declaration. All of a sudden, violence erupted in some polling units, giving the compromised Resident Electoral Commissioner and field officers the excuse to declare the election inconclusive.

“In their haste and determination to complete their evil design, they still included polling units where elections have been concluded in the list for supplementary elections.

“It is expected that INEC will

take a critical look at the list for supplementary elections in Sokoto South Senatorial Zone, clean it up and without delay release the authentic list.

“INEC is also expected to identify their officers involved in this electoral fraud. “Meting out exemplary punishment to them will help break the cycle of impunity and restore the confidence of the people in the electoral process,”, he concluded.

The presidential candidate of the PDP in the February 25, 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has, however, implored the electorate in all the places where supplementary elections will take place on Saturday to come out in large numbers to cast their ballot for the PDP.

Atiku, in a press release signed on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, specifically called on the voters at polling units where elections will take place in Adamawa and Kebbi on Saturday, 15 April, to ensure that the process of electing PDP state governors and federal and state lawmakers in those states and others are completed in a peaceful manner.

According to him, “In both Adamawa and Kebbi States, where supplementary elections shall be held on Saturday, I wish to make a special appeal to the voters in the respective polling units where elections shall be taking place to make sure that the PDP enjoys overwhelming support through their votes.

“It is an established fact that the APC ((All Progressives Congress) has failed the people of this country and, especially, in Kebbi State, the more reason it is incumbent on the electorate to vote them out and return the PDP”, Atiku was quoted to have said in Yola where he will be casting his vote Saturday”.

In Kebbi State where the electorate will also be voting in an inconclusive governorship election, the ruling APC in the state is blowing hot. The

party has asked INEC to remove the state collation Officer before today’s exercise.

The APC Chairman Kebbi State Publicity Committee for the state Governorship Campaign, Alhajl Kabiru Sani Giant, has called on the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC], Professor Yakubu Mamudu, to urgently removed the Kebbi State election Collation Officer, Professor Yusuf Saidu, for allegedly being bias and sentimental in the just concluded Governorship and State Assembly Elections.

He added that the removal of the Collation officer will bring sanity to the re-run of the said elections adding that the APC in the State is not conformable with the Collation Officer due to is alleged alliance with the other political parties.

“ I urged INEC’s Returning Officer Professor Yusuf Sa’idu who on Monday declared the results to be inconclusive due to what he said was cancellation of polling unit results in 20 of the state’s 21 local governments should be changed for the next reruning elections” he said.

Nigerians in general and voters in the affected areas, where supplementary elections will be held today, in particular, are however hoping that the Professor Mahmood Yakubu -led Commission would conduct the supplementary polls in a manner that will not only be free, fair, transparent and credible, but will also be generally acceptable by all.

According to observers, the supplementary elections, if well conducted and managed, are capable of helping to shore up the image of INEC and reduce litigations that have trailed the outcomes of the February 25, and March 18 presidential and governorship elections respectively.

The ball, certainly, is right now in the court of the Commission.

News Editor (Ag), Stanley Onyekwere

IGP posts DIG Egbetokun to FCID, deploys 36 commissioners to departments, formations

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, has approved the posting of the recently promoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Olukayode Egbetokun Adeolu, mni, the supervising DIG for the South-West Geo-Political Zone, to man the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Force Headquarters, Abuja.

DIG Egbetokun who hails from Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, holds a BSc. (Hons.) Degree in Mathematics Education, an MSc. in Engineering Analysis, and a Master’s of Business Administration degree.

DIG Egbetokun has attended various courses both home and abroad, and has served in various investigative, operational, and administrative capacities including as Commander Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Lagos; Head Anti-Fraud, FCT Command;

CP Kwara State amongst others. He was until his recent promotion the AIG in charge of Zone 7 Abuja comprising the FCT and Niger State.

A statement from Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also disclosed that the IGP has approved the posting/ redeployment of thirty-six (36) Commissioners of Police to various Commands and Formations.

The statement, which was issued yesterday, and made available to Peoplesdaily added that the posting is with immediate effect.

According to the statement, amongst the 36 CP’s are; CP Operations, DOPS FHQ - CP Zubairu Abubakar, CP Homicide FCID Abuja CP Fom Pam Joseph, psc(+), CP Railway Lagos - CP Emuobo F. Ekokotu, fdc; CP Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) –CP Nemi E. Osigboboka Iwo, and CP General Investigations FCID

Abuja - CP Salman Dogo Garba

Others are; CP PAP Western

Ramadan Timing Day 24

Lagos – CP Dungus Ali Monguno, CP Police Mobile Force FHQ - CP Audu Ali Dabigi, CP Anti-Fraud FCID Annex Lagos – CP Patrick A. Atayero, CP INEC Abuja – CP Olaiya Victor Mobolaji, CP CCR, CP Olaolu A. Adegbite, mfr, CP DFA Force Intelligence Bureau –CP Disu O. Rilwan, CP Armament FCH Abuja – CPMohammed S. Dalijan, fsi, Force Provost Marshal – CP Dan-Mamman E. Shawulu, fsi, CP Servicom, R&P, FHQ Abuja – CP Clement Robert, fsi, CP X-Squad FCID Abuja – CP Rhoda Olofu, CP Anti-Human Traficking - CP Onah Ambrose Sunny, CP PAP Eastern - CP Yetunde Longe, and 19 others.

It added that the InspectorGeneral of Police has instructed all newly posted and redeployed officers to strive to ensure that their Commands, Formations, and Departments comply with the Police Reform mandate.

He also tasked them to ensure compliance with all standard operating procedures in the discharge of their responsibilities.

FG reiterates resolve to affordable healthcare service for citizens

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to Nigerians.

Minister of State for Health, Mr. Joseph Ekumankama, gave the assurance at the presentation of certificate of ISO 17025:2017 to the National Laboratory Equipment Calibration Centre (NaLECC).

Ekumankama, who commended the centre for receiving an accreditation by the Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS), said Nigeria was signatory to several global initiatives and committed to the health and development of her citizens.

He said the reforms implemented by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) on the health sector was in line with the efforts of Federal Government to reposition the health centre.

”This action will enable the federal government to meet the yearnings of the citizens for quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.

“It is indeed remarkable as the council has recorded such a milestone within a short period of existence.

”I am happy with the number of activities for quality service delivery and you are trying for excellence.

“The council is always attempting to break new frontiers albeit; they do not allow the ministry any breathing space, the milestones of course can only be

achieved by hard work, creativity and foresight,’’ Ekumankama said.

Also, Dr Tosan Erhabor, Registrar of MLSCN, said the council would continue to create enabling platforms to support the facilities in accessing these services.

He said that the structures would support effective medical laboratory regulation for quality laboratory care, otherwise known as the MLSCN Quality Tripods have been put in place.

The facilities, he said, are first in West Africa and have also attained International accreditation.

“The quality tripods are the National External Quality Assessment Laboratory (NEQAL) in Saye, Zaria achieved ISO 17043 accreditation as a proficiency testing provider by interlaboratory comparison and will be going for re-accreditation this year.

“The second is the Public Health In-vitro Diagnostics Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos for regulation of the production, importation, sales and stocking of diagnostic reagents.

“The laboratory equipment is also ISO 17025 accredited and just completed a re-accreditation assessment. This facility conducts validation checks on all in-vitro diagnostics produced locally or imported into Nigeria.

“While the last is the National Laboratory Equipment Calibration Centre in Abuja. The centre is equipped with funding from the U.S., Centre for Disease Control, Nigeria and Technical support from Institute of Human Virology

Nigeria (IHVN),’’ he said.

According to him, the facility is set to calibrate ancillary equipment and ensure the delivery of the correct volumes of samples or analyses.

He said that the equipment are optimum and has attained international accreditation as a calibration laboratory upon satisfying the requirements of KENAS.

“This is actually the reason why we are gathered today to present the certificate of Accreditation to the minister and also to commission the NaLECC to full operations as an internationally accredited Centre.

Dr Mary Boyd, Country Director, U.S. CDC said that the U.S. Sub-Saharan Africa strategy was released with the intend to pursue four objectives, one of which is on health.

“The strategy has outlined the plan to build core capacities to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases globally, including addressing challenges related to diagnostics and service delivery that would enhance health security.

“This accreditation is the first of its kind in Nigeria and a major step towards our mission of public health excellence for healthy Nigerians.

“It is to positively impact on the region as it allows international accredited laboratories across West Africa to have their equipment calibrated right here in the region,’’ she said.

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)

Inconclusive: INEC distributes sensitive materials to affected areas in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

To ensure a hitch free conclusion of gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has distributed sensitive materials to affected areas, for the conduct of the supplementary elections in the state.

Recall that 69 polling units were affected in the earlier declared inconclusive election by the electoral body conducted on the 18th March.

Also, the declaration of the March 18th governorship election received wide spread criticism especially from the PDP which claimed that the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri ought to have been declared winner of the election.

Distributing the materials at the INEC headquarters in Yola yesterday the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari pledged to conducting a free, fair and credible exercise.

Ari however, appealed to the potential voters and politicians to cooperate with the INEC officials with a view to witnessing a hitch free conduct devoid of friction and rancour.

He stated that all machinery have been put in place by INEC to ensure the completion of the supplementary polls in the state.

“I want to assure all the political parties and the people of Adamawa state especially the voters that their votes will count during the exercise”, he stressed.

Similarly, two National Commissioners of INEC from the North West sub region, Professor Abdullahi Zuru and his counterparts from the North East, Dr Baba Bila are to jointly supervise the exercise. Similarly, two National Commissioners of INEC from the North West sub region, Professor Abdullahjointly supervise the exercise

Hajji: Jigawa deposits N2.5b as NAHCON allocates 1,125 seats

From

Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON) has allocated 1,125 hajj seats to Jigawa state for the conduct of 2023 Hajj exercise.

Making this disclosure, the executive secretary of Jigawa State Pilgrims And Welfare

Board, Alhaji Umar Lobbo also revealed that the sum of N2.5 billion already deposited to NAHCON where N1.5 billion deposited through Jaiz bank while N1 million deposited through the board.

Alhaji Lobbo spoke while giving update on 2023 Hajj exercise in the state.

He explained that, out of

total seats allocated to the state, eighty percent of the seats were disbursed to local government for interested intendants across the state.

According to him, the board has gone far on preparations as Jigawa team travel to Saudi Arabia and booked accomodations close to Holy mosques for Jigawa pilgrims.

The executive secretary reiterated that, AZMAN Airlines is assigned by NAHCON to airlift Jigawa pilgrims for this years Hajj exercise.

He then urged intendants to complete their payment before the deadline, and commended governor Badaru for supporting the board at any time.

Abduction: UNICEF moves to end children woes in North-east

From

Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

As part of efforts to protect children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) welcomes government of Nigeria’s signing of the UNICEF supported handover protocol and it’s commitment to invest N144.8 billion in financing save schools plan in 2022.

This was contained in a statement signed by the UNICEF representative in Nigeria Cristian Munduate and made it available to news men.

The statement said, nine years after 276 schoolgirls were abducted in the middle of the night from their dormitory in Chibok, Nigeria, 96 girls remain in captivity, and thousands more children have been subjected to grave violations of their rights.

According to the statement, as recently as 7 April 2023,

80 children were reportedly abducted by militants in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area according to local media. This reinforces the urgent need for action to protect children in Nigeria.

“The statistics are disturbing; the reality is devastating. It has been 9 years since the horrendous abduction of the Chibok girls, yet the nightmare continues as children are still being kidnapped, forcibly recruited, killed and injured– their futures torn away,” said Cristian Munduate.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of Nigeria’s children. We must do everything in our power to ensure they grow up in safety, with access to education and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.”

Since 2014, there have been over 2,400 incidents of grave

violations verified, affecting over 6,800 children in the north-east.

“The most common violations are recruitment or use of children by armed groups with 700 verified cases, followed by abductions of children, with 693 incidents, and killing and maiming, with 675 incidents. The impact of the conflict on education is alarming, with repercussions that will likely affect generations”.

It continues: “The Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TCN) reports that, between 2009 and 2022, around 2,295 teachers were reportedly killed in attacks, over 19,000 teachers were displaced, more than 1,500 schools closed because of insecurity, and 910 schools were destroyed.

“UNICEF welcomes the Government of Nigeria’s signing of the UNICEF-

supported handover protocol and its commitment to invest N144.8 billion ($314.5 Million) towards the Safe Schools Financing Plan in 2022 and stands ready to support the Government in its implementation to ensure that all children encountered in the course of armed conflict in Nigeria or released from armed groups are quickly reunited with their families and benefit from reintegration programmes”.

“UNICEF Nigeria calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law and protect the rights and wellbeing of children.

“UNICEF Nigeria stands committed to working with the government and partners to ensure that every child in Nigeria can enjoy their rights and live in a peaceful and prosperous”.

WhatsApp unveils new security features to protect users against hacks

By Abubakar Yunusa

WhatsApp has introduced automatic security codes among three new features it is rolling out to make it harder to take over other people’s accounts.

The instant messaging app, in a blog post on Thursday, said the “automatic security codes” feature is based on a process called “key transparency”.

The messaging app said the process allows users to automatically verify that

they have a secure connection.

“Our most security-conscious users have always been able to take advantage of our security code verification feature, which helps ensure you are chatting with the intended recipient,” WhatsApp said.

“You can check this manually by going to the encryption tab under a contact’s info.

“What it means for you is that when you click on the encryption tab, you’ll be able to verify right away that your personal conversation is secured.”

The two other features, WhatsApp said, include “account protect” and “device verification”.

“If you need to switch your WhatsApp account to a new device, we want to doublecheck that it’s really you,” it said.

“From now on, we may ask you on your old device to verify that you want to take this step as an extra security check.

“This feature can help alert you to an unauthorized attempt to move your account to another device.

“Mobile device malware is one of the biggest threats to people’s privacy and security today because it can take advantage of your phone without your permission and use your WhatsApp to send unwanted messages.

“To help prevent this, we have added checks to help authenticate your account, with no action needed from you, and better protect you if your device is compromised. This lets you continue using WhatsApp uninterrupted.”

Kaduna govt lauds CODE for engaging citizens on constituency projects

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has commended Connected Development (CODE), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), for mobilising citizens in the state to monitor Constituency projects in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Hajiya Habiba Shekarau gave the commendation when she received a delegation of the CODE team, Community Monitoring Teams and the Media in her office yesterday.

Hajiya Shekarau said mobilising the residents to get involved in the design and implementation of constituency projects was very crucial, saying she is excited that young team from the CODE are at forefront an indication that there is hope for the future generations.

She opined that the involvement of constituents in the design and execution of constituency and other development projects will ensure that government spending meets the people’s development yearning and the Ministry will be ready to partner with CODE in the

noble cause.

In his presentation the Kaduna State Team lead of CODE Mohammed Abubakar said In a bid to deepen citizen’s interest in government spending and address accompanying corrupt practices, his organizations have sensitised residents of Kaduna State on how to engage government using the FollowTheMoney model.

According to him, by fostering social accountability, the organisation had through its open government and improved service delivery in the execution of development projects, exposed and mitigated corruption, and

tackled extreme poverty in rural communities.

Speaking earlier the Project Assistant of CODE in Kaduna, Zaraphat Haruna explained that Nigeria’s constituency projects are shrouded in secrecy.

According to her, firstly, the recipient regions are not aware of the projects, and this stems from the fact that the projects did not emanate from them.

She adds: “ Second, the time of executing the project is not known for them to oversee their implementation.

“ Third, federal representatives are far away from the people they

claim to represent.”

Haruna stressed that with most of these legislators not having offices, the electorate only sees them during the electioneering period.

She opines that afterwards, it will be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the people to see their elected representatives, therefore seeks the Ministry collaboration in tracking the Projects

She said CODE has expanded its tentacles outside the shore of the country where its activities are being executed.

Integrate technology into classrooms – Group advises school owners

The DUMENA Education Group, a Digital Company, has called on school owners to integrate the use of technology in their teaching and school operations.

He said this at a one-day workshop organised for school owners and administrators in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event is “Building a Digital-Ready School”.

Mr Kingsley Ezejiaku, Chief Executive Officer, DUMENA Education Group, said that the workshop is aimed at improving the digital literacy of school owners and administrators and to encourage them to embrace technology in their operations.

“We organised this event to enable school owners and administrators to enable them make sense of technology and how best they can integrate it to their learning and operations.

“This was inspired by the works we have done with some schools and children and we found out that many of these children are far ahead of the schools they attend in terms of their understanding of technology.

“That is why we are getting the owners of these schools to let them know that they really need to take a step to find out what is available for them in terms of technology and how to bring it back to the classroom.

“This is because the children are being exposed to technology everyday but in

the classroom where they are meant to have a first class experience, technology seems to be missing.

“So our objective is to let the school owners know that it is time to embrace technology because it has come to stay,” he said.

Mr Joseph Ajuwon, Co-founder, Afrelib Academy, said when technology is brought into classroom, it would make the students stand-out in terms of employment, starting their businesses, among others.

“We have a huge potential with the number of children in educational

facilities in Nigeria, that is a massive potential that can really bring about massive change in this part of the world.

“So we want to make sure that technology for children is made easy and to do that it is the teachers that can make it come to life.

“So bringing technology and making it accessible to the children in the classroom would go a long way in our society,” he said.

Mrs Temitayo Ibikunle, Director, Thriving Treasures School, Garki, said the had provided them the knowledge of how to overcome the challenges of a

technology-driven society.

“We have learnt the importance of blended learning which has come to stay and the truth is that it is the future and we cannot shy away from it.

“We have to embrace it and put in every effort to evolve because we are raising children for the future,” she said.

Mr Otaru Richard, Software Engineer, Telesoftas Nigeria, a facilitator at the workshop added that the advantages of technology in education is massive as it would make the students to be problemsolvers. NAN

Court remands man for alleged attempt to kill sibling

AChief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi has ordered that a 59-year-old man, Kelvin Iorfa, be remanded in a correction centre, pending legal advice.

The police charged Iorfa with assault and attempted culpable homicide.

The Magistrate, Mrs Roseline Iyorshe, did not take the plea of Iorfa for want in jurisdiction.

Iyorshe ordered the police to return the case file to the Benue Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.

She adjourned the case until June 8, for further mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Godwin Ato told the court that the case was reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi by Jenkies Shade of KM 4 Gboko Road, Makurdi on

Driver docked over alleged manslaughter

A45- year-old man, Bayo

Oluyomi, on Tuesday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court charged with manslaughter.

Oluyomi, a driver who resides at 48, Dipo Akindele Street, Otta, Ogun, is facing a one-count charge of manslaughter.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Rapheal Donny told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 6, along Oshodi Expressway, Lagos.

Donny said that the defendant drove in a reckless manner and knocked down a pedestrian, Miss Tolulope Ogunkorede who died on the spot.

He said that the offence contravened Section 52 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2018.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. A. Odubayo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Odubayo adjourned the case until April 26 for mention.

April 11.

Ato alleged that on April 10, Shade reported that Iorfa ruthlessly brutalised his older sister, Nguwasen of Clerk Quarters, Makurdi.

“He hit her with an object on her head and other sensitive parts of her body until she became unconscious,” the prosecutor said.

Following the petition, the

prosecutor told the court that police detectives arrested Iorfa and he confessed to the crime.

He said the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 266 and 230 of the

Penal Code Law of Benue State 2004.

The prosecutor, who said investigation into the matter was still ongoing, prayed for an adjournment.

Court remands man for allegedly swindling sex worker

ADei-Dei Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Thursday ordered that a 30-year-old man, Victor Emeka be remanded in a correctional centre for allegedly swindling a commercial sex worker.

The police charged Emeka of Mpape, Abuja, with criminal breach of trust and theft which he pleaded not guilty to.

The judge, Mr Saminu Suleiman, ordered that the defendant should be taken to Suleja correctional centre until May 5, when the

facts of the case would be reviewed.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Chinedu Ogada told the court that the complainant, Sandra Orogbo of White House Hotel Abuja, reported the case at the Zuba Police Station on March 17.

Ogada alleged that the defendant went to the hotel, patronised the complainant with a promise to pay her N2,000 for her services on March 16.

He added that after the complainant

rendered her service to the defendant, he refused to pay her.

Ogada said the defendant further deceived the complainant to Suleja, collected her cell phone valued N60,000 and ran away.

He added that the defendant eventually got arrested and was handed over to the police for investigation.

The offence he said contravened the provisions of sections 265 and 287 of the Penal Code. NAN

Succour for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients in Kaduna

Was the most common form of sickle cell disease, Nigeria takes almost half of the share of more than 300,000 babies with severe haemoglobin disorders that are born globally each year.

These staggering statistics, according to health experts, has ranked Nigeria as a black sheep among the comity of nations. Our Correspondent, Femi Oyelola, however, writes that Hajia Badiya is giving succour to the underprivileged sicklers in Kaduna State.

Despite the economic hardships ravaing the country for the past couple of years, there are Nigerians that cannot be cut off from seeing to the wellbeing of others even at their expense and that of their family members. Driven by the general good of society and their inate altruistic passion, they would give their all, no matter the circumstance, to ensure that those with forlorn hope are lifted out of their predicaments.

The founder of Sickle Cell Patient Health Promotion Centre, (SCPHPC),

Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa, is one such person and she, no doubt, derives joy in putting smiles on the faces of less the privileged sickle cell anaemia patients in Kaduna State.

The Katsina’ state born philanthropist, founded the centre

In view of the sad incident about her son’s demise, Hajiya Inuwa vowed to honour her son in death by establishing the Centre, which now caters for over 3,000 sicklers in Kaduna State. Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa has since continued to up her game in seeing to the well-being of underprivilged sicklers as ahe was also in the news on recently when she presented a tricycle to a Person with Disability (PwD) who is also a sickler, Sanusi

located in Badarawa, Kaduna North Local Government Area in memory of her son, late Malam Isa Inuwa, who died at age 35 in 2006 of sickle cell anaemia.

Speaking to Weekend Peoples Daily, Hajiya Inuwa, said she gave birth to

“that killer of joy to a stsndstill in her life time. And she has found victims of humanity’s worst killer disease as battle axe for this fight. By giving succour to the sicklers who are less privileged in the society, she would have delt a devastating blow on sickle sell disease, usually referred to as SCD.

She said this determination culminated in the establishment of SCPHPC in Kaduna State which provides free routine drugs to over 3,500 poor sicklers and also encourage blood test to confirm a patient’s genotype at no cost. Hajia Inuwa, therefore, appears to be winning the war with this life changing initiative.

From commencements so far received as of this year’s Ramadan season, Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa, has been providing food for the less privileged sicklers, though it is a law that sicklers of the Centre do not fast due to their peculiarity.

When asked why only the less privileged sicklers deserve her attention, Hajiya Inuwa, said she thanked God that she is from a privileged family and knows how long she was moving from one hospital to the next.

Recounting an experience during one of the crises her late son, Isa Inuwa suffered, she said when she got downstairs to fetch a doctor, she met a woman crying, but because her attention was focused on her own son which later stabilized the next day, she

Succour for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients in Kaduna

Cont. from previous page

could not ask why she was crying.

“The second day when I came out I saw the same woman looking sober. I asked her why she was weeping yesterday? She answered that the doctor refused to attend to her child because she could not afford to pay the required fee, and the child was a sickler.

“When I returned to the ward, I discussed with my son, the Sickler, who was on admission in the same hospital, and he said it would be better to assist the woman and other less privileged sicklers who are experiencing crises like him. I went down to settle the bill, unfortunately the woman’s child passed away the following day

“When my son heard the sad news, he wept and together we made a commitment to assist the less privileged sicklers with the little resources Allah has blessed us with. But unfortunately, not too long my son also died,” she narrated.

In view of the sad incident about her son’s demise, Hajiya Inuwa vowed to honour her son in death by establishing the Centre, which now caters for over 3,000 sicklers in Kaduna State.

Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa has since continued to up her game in seeing to the well-being of underprivilged sicklers as ahe was also in the news on recently when she presented a tricycle to a Person with Disability (PwD) who is also a sickler, Sanusi.

How did she meet Danusi? According to her, one of her workers introduced Sanusi as a PwD sickler who needed help to enable him move around freely, and the Center agreed to provide a wheelchair for him. And within a space of two weeks, Sanusi was presented

with the tricycle.

While presenting the tricycle to the beneficiary, Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa encouraged him to use it for the purpose it was meant for, and to never look down on himself as either a PwD or a sickler.

In his remarks, the elated Sanusi, who could not hold back his joy, said he decided to give it a trial asking for a wheelchair and today, he has gotten a

modern one, which showed that there is no harm in asking.

Another Sickler from the centre, Maryam Ibrahim, said Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa, whom they popularly referred to as ‘Mama Sickler’ has actually been a mother to all the sicklers in the centre.

She, however, called for all other well meaning Nigerians to team up with

the centre to ensure that smile is put on the faces of more sicklers in the state. For the beneficiaries of her spirited effort to tame SCD especially in Kaduna, and good spirited Nigerians generally, Hajiya Badiya Magaji Inuwa will always be remembered as a rising star and giver of hope for the sickle cell anaemia patients especially the less privileged ones.

2023 polls: Ogun tribunal receives 19 petitions

By Christiana Ekpa

No fewer than 19 petitions have been received by the Ogun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the State capital.

The petitions were received from various candidates and political parties who are willing to challenge the results of the various elections they participated in between February and March, 2023.

The Secretary of the Tribunal, Ezenta Obioma, confirmed this to newsmen on Friday.

According to her, two of the petitions were received from the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.

The two governorship candidates are

challenging the victory of the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.

It was gathered that 17 House of Assembly candidates from various state constituencies had also filed petitions to contest the results of the State Assembly elections as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

16 of the petitions were filed by the PDP Assembly candidates, while one was filed by a candidate of the APC.

Adebutu and Oguntoyinbo had dragged Abiodun, the APC and INEC before the tribunal in their separate petitions.

Adebutu is seeking an order from the court declaring him as the winner of the election or to order INEC to conduct a fresh election in 99 polling units in 41 wards which cut across 16 Local government areas of the state

where elections were either not held and/or cancelled due to disruption and over-voting.

On his part, the NNPP candidate is protesting the “omission of the party’s name on the ballot papers” used for the governorship election by INEC.

When asked, the Secretary of the tribunal could not confirm when the court would commence sitting proper, saying, “We are still at the filing stage, so I cannot tell you precisely when the tribunal is going to commence sitting.”

Bayelsa guber primaries: APC assures aspirants, stakeholders of free elections

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) electoral committee for the gubernatorial primary in Bayelsa State, Maj. Gen. A.T Jubrin, on Thursday, assured stakeholders of the party of its readiness to conduct transparent primary elections according to the party’s guidelines.

The Chairman gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on Thursday evening at the party’s headquarters in Yenagoa, the state capital, after a meeting with all guber aspirants and stakeholders of the party.

All the six gubernatorial aspirants

seeking to become the flag bearer of the party were cleared and in attendance at the meeting.

Gen. Jubrin, who stated that the mode of the election would be option A4, maintained that his committee would strictly follow all procedures as provided by the party guidelines in the conduct of the exercise.

He said, “We had a stakeholders meeting, we explained to them the modalities of the conduct of the primaries election. We also met with all the security agencies in the state to inform them of the exercise, and we were assured of adequate security.

“It will be option A4 mode, in all the

105 wards in the 8 Local Government Areas of the state, after which it will be collated by the relevant Presiding Officers and taken to the Local Government headquarters where the second stage of collation is done before finally brought to the state headquarters in Yenagoa for further compilation and announcement of results.

“We will also have an affirmation exercise which will take place on Saturday, where five members from each of the 105 wards will affirm the exercise.

“Those to participate are members of the party whose names are on the register of the party. Accreditation will be done through their registration slip as party

members, and those with PVCs are with an added advantage.

“We have put in all measures to ensure a free and fair exercise, a compilation of the voters register based on our party register. Registration identity cards, and slips will be presented for accreditation. We have visited all the security to solicit their support, met with INEC, and got advice from them to act within the guideline of the party. We also had the stakeholders meeting with all aspirants and their agents.

“One of their doubts was on those who are going to conduct the elections at the ward level, and we explained how the persons were chosen.”

Supplementary elections another redemptive opportunity – Group to INEC

By Musa Baba Adamu

An advocacy group has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the supplementary elections slated for Saturday, April 15 to redeem its image.

Executive Director, Peering Advocacy and Advocacy Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagwu also tasked stakeholders such as security agencies and political parties to view the supplementary election as another test of the integrity and commitment to free, fair and peaceful elections.

A statement by the group on Friday in Abuja noted that the supplementary election to be conducted will conclude the process and draw the curtains on the 2023 general elections.

It noted that PAACA in collaboration with other observer groups will observe the elections across polling units in Sokoto South Senatorial Districts where

INEC will conduct the elections.

In its lineup of activities, its observers will be stationed to observe the setup and opening of polling units, accreditation and voting, counting and announcement of results at these polling units.

Nwagwu said these deployments will allow PAACA to provide an independent and objective assessment of the conduct of the elections.

“These supplementary elections are conducted as part of the 2023 general elections to conclude in locations where the commission had declared the process inclusive due to disruptions and infractions in the process during the February 25 Presidential and National assembly elections and the March 18 Governorship and States House of Assembly Elections.

“We expect that nothing will be left to chance, that the commission had maximized the opportunity of the onemonth gap and would improve on its engagement of the process. PAACA expects

the electoral commission and other stakeholders to uphold the provisions of the extant laws and the electoral guidelines and ensure hitch-free participation for all eligible voters. We also expect that voters will not be fatigued but make the best of the opportunity to make their voices heard in deciding who becomes their leaders.

“The commission should ensure the early deployment of its personnel and materials to polling units to enable the early commencement of polls.

“INEC election officials must ensure uniformity of consistency in the application of guidelines across all polling units. They should provide explicit information on accreditation, voting procedure, and the result collation process and announcement.

“INEC must improve its communication and engagement with election stakeholders. The Commission should improve its collaboration with election observers, CSOs, security and the

media.

“INEC must be transparent and accountable to boost citizens’ confidence in the election process. Security agencies should collaborate with the commission to secure election materials, personnel and citizens.

“Security personnel deployed for the election should conduct themselves with the utmost sense of responsibility, professionalism and impartiality. They should be on the alert to forestall any attempt to circumvent the election using violence and intimidation.

“We call on voters in the locations where elections will be conducted to come out in their numbers and elect a representative of their preference. Eligible voters should go out and exercise their franchise, knowing that their votes matter and their votes will count”, Nwagwu noted in the statement he made available to the media.

POLITICS

Southeast deserves Speakership for equity - Group tells APC, Tinubu

By Christiana Ekpa

National Convener and Lead Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) on Friday demanded that the All Progressive Congress (APC) should, in the spirit of equity and fairness, allow Southeast to produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

This was just as the group insisted that to reflect Federal character and support a balanced power sharing formula in the country, APC should pick Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whom they described as a man “suitable for the job” for the Speakership position, stressing that the Southeast zone has the potential and capacity for the office.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu is the Spokesperson of the Green chamber, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.

The leader of the group, Dominic Ogakwu, National Convener and Lead Civil Society

Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), who disclosed these at a Press Conference in Abuja on Friday, said “The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the cusp of history to demonstrate that equity, inclusivity and justice are the principles on which the party is built as it reaches a decision on zoning of key officers for the 10th National Assembly, especially for the House of Representatives.

He said “Well, equity matters. I hope that most of us believe that we actually would all benefit from living in a more equitable society. If that’s not happening, we’re squandering human potential,” John Landgraf, the Chairman of FX Networks said.At present,

“As members of civil society, we hold the view without equivocation that equity and fairness demand that the South East should produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“It is for this reason that we call on the APC as the majority

party in the National Assembly to zone the Office of Speaker of the House of Reps to the South East not just to reflect federal character and support a balanced power sharing formula in the country, but because the South East Zone has the potential and capacity for the Office.

“There is a sense of alienation and marginalization amongst the people of the Zone by the APC, which though we do not share, but agree as legitimate concern.

“As a country that just emerged from an electoral process that is benighted by divisive tendencies, history beckons on the ruling party to demonstrate that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to all parts of the country, particularly the South East.

“As a multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-religious country, it is urgent and imperative that the APC promotes the tenets of Federal Character by zoning the Speakership to the South East

and strengthen the cords of unity and peaceful co-existence amongst our peoples. Records indicate that since the return of democratic rule in 1999, the Southeast geopolitical zone is the only zone yet to have the opportunity to produce a speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The nearest the zone has come is Deputy Speaker between 2011 and 2015.For the avoidance of doubt, from 1999 to 2007, the position of Speaker was zoned to the North West with Rt. Hons. Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba and Aminu Bello Masari as Speakers.

“Also, from 2007 to 2011, the South West produced Rt. Hon. Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole presiding; and the North West taking another chance between 2011 and 2015, with Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker and Emeka Ihedioha as Deputy. In 2015, the North East produced Yakubu Dogara as Speaker. By 2019, it returned to the South West again with the current speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.”

Primaries: Yahaya Bello lauds APC members over good turnout, orderliness

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their large turnout in the ongoing governorship primaries in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC is holding their governorship primaries across the 239 wards of Kogi.

Bello gave the commendation on Friday while speaking to journalists after casting his ballot during the exercise at his Agasa Ward in the Okene Local Government Area of Kogi.

UK introduced Nigeria to election rigging –Ex-REC, Mike Igini

By Musa Baba Adamu

Former Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has claimed that the United Kingdom (UK), introduced Nigeria to election rigging.

Igini stated this while fielding questions about the conduct of the just concluded 2023 general elections on a television program on Friday. He lamented how politicians manipulated the electoral process, urging the judiciary to stop the political rascalities.

The governor also commended the voters for their peaceful conduct and orderliness during the exercise and attributed the large turnout of voters to the peaceful environment created by his administration.

Bello urged the voters to cast their ballots for a candidate that believes in continuity and sustainable development for the overall good of the state.

The governor further applauded the security agents for maintaining law and order and charged them to be civil in their approach.

“You can see the massive turnout of party members in this ward. These are financial members with an up-to-date financial commitment to our party in line with Article 9.3 (i) and (ii) of the APC Constitution.

“From the reports I have received so far, the turnout is good all over the 239 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state,” Bello said.

NAN recalls that the Kogi Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja and six other APC governorship aspirants on Thursday, withdrew from the primaries.

He said, ”What I want Nigerians to know is that whatever we make of this country, that is what it will become. It is clearly in our hands because, in this country, Nigeria, with all the human and material resources, all that is required is leadership.

”Today, we are now in Court over the election that has been conducted. It should be noted that the United Kingdom, UK, that today is one of the countries that our people are going to; in short, after Nigeria, they go to the UK. It should be noted that even the UK, which introduced Nigeria to election rigging for a period of 99 years, almost a hundred years, had no postelection adjudication in the United Kingdom.”

Plateau Governor-Elect, Mutfwang promises youth inclusion in governance

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

As Governor-Elect of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang warms up to take over the baton of governance from Simon Lalong on May 29, youths from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP who aided the emergence of Mutfwang have begun lobbying to key into the new administration.

The Directorate of Youth Mobilization of the Atiku-Mutfwang Campaign Council

led by Hitler Joshua Pwajok made their intentions known on Friday when they paid a visit to the Governor-elect. He said, Plateau youths would want to be active participants in the incoming administration of Caleb Mutfwang on the Plateau.

Hitler who led Directors of the Youth Directorate including zonal and Local Government Coordinators to pay homage to Mutfwang noted that youths of Plateau expect to constitute over 40%

of the workforce under Mutfwang’s administration.

The Governor-Elect seized the forum to commend the youth population, saying indeed thousands of Plateau Youths did the state proud in the recent gubernatorial election.

He said thousands of youths from every nook and cranny of Plateau State mobilized not only to vote but also to protect their votes from being rigged and manipulated.

“You didn’t do this for Caleb Mutfwang, you did it for Plateau People. You fought for your father’s land, you fought for your mothers, you fought for your sisters, you fought for your brothers. You fought for children, you fought for even the ones yet unborn,” he told the visiting youth leaders.

The incoming governor vowed that he would do everything within his power to avert the ugly experiences that characterised the last 8 years.

Gov. Yahaya Bello

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EDITORIAL

OUR VISION

They’re back again

The past one and a half decades or so have placed Nigerians in some misery.

It heralded pain, fear and uncertainty. Security of lives and property has been at its lowest ebb. And citizens and leaders alike have been seemingly gropping in the dark as solutions have been slow to come.

But the buildup to the just concluded general election had brought some relief - the odious activities of terrorist groups and other criminal elements seemed to have been curtailed. The terrorists’ bombs were silent and bandits were seemingly on holidays from their kidnapping-for-ransom business that had held the nation by the jugular. That respite, coming on the eve of the elections, was received as the beginning of restoration of sanity that would herald a new dawn which the elections were meant to usher in. After a long period of psychological torment and trauma of citizens by Boko Haram insurgensts and their banditry associates, it is reasonable to expect that citizens cannot wait for a breather which had been promised them by political leaders but never realised.

Arguably, Nigeria has seen the worst of terrorism, whether perpetrated by Boko Haram or bandits, and it cannot be any worse than what citizens have already been experiencing in almost two decades: insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, herder-farmer crisis in the North-Central, IPOB coordinated attacks in the Southeast and so on.

However, for those who are under the direct heat of the inhuman activities of these anti social groups, the long night is getting longer everyday as the booming sound of their guns are thundering every now and then, and refusing to go away.

Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno and Benue states epitomise the theatres of operation of these deadly groups, and they do not seem to be in a hurry to shift their battle ground. Neither are these terrorist groups seemingly contemplating to give up their nefarious and despicable trade, despite remarkable efforts by the security agencies to send them out of business. Just last week, one of the most wanted kingpins of the bandits terrorising Kaduna, Isiya Danwasa, was neutralised by the military. Ditto to countless members and leaders of the devious groups. But we are yet to see the desired outcome.

So, they are back again, in the forests and bushes causing nightmares to law abiding citizens. Without exaggerations, the days have become unpredictable for citizens of the affected areas where these men who live by the gun have chosen to dwell.

Just last week alone, the bandits struck in Zamfara about three times, leaving behind a gory tale as usual. Three villages in Bakura Local Government Area were targetted in one of the attacks, and no fewer than 56 persons were killed, according to reports. Barely 24 hours after, another seven people were killed by gunmen in Maradun Local Government Area of the state. Maradun

and Bakura local government areas share boundaries. Two villages of Faru and Kauyen Minane were the targets in Maradun last Saturday afternoon. Reports said dozens of children were also kidnapped in Tsafe Local Government last weekend.

Like Zamfara, Kaduna has been living under the yoke of banditry for too long. This newspaper can recall that Governor Nasir el Rufai had last year advocated what he called carpet-bombing of all the forests in the northwest region, and indeed, other parts of the country to eliminate the terrorists. That was how bad the situation was. Desperate! And the tale of woes and anguish scripted by the attackers is still reverberating.

On Wednesday, an attack by bandits on Atak’Njei community in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State reportedly claimed eight lives. The gunmen were said to have invaded the community from a nearby bush at about 9pm and randomly opened fire on residents. Just recently, Langson community in the same local government area suffered an attack that claimed the lives of 10 people, reportts said. Cases of bandit attacks in Kaduna are too numerous to be counted with Kajuru, Chikun and Birnin Gwari among others as the theatre of war.

The story from Benue is also worrisome. The State Police Command last week confirmed another attack by gunmen on one of the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps at Agan in Makurdi Local Government Area with scores of fatality.

This attack followed the killing of a traditional ruler in Apa Local Government Area of Benue earlier in the week along with many others before the attackers were said to have moved to Otukpo Local Government Area on Wednesday, killing 46 persons including a 33-year-old son of the local government chairman. These horrendous occurrences should be a source of worry for anyone and everyone. They are indicators of a major setback to civilization. They’re despicable and condemenable!

We acknowledge the spirited commitment of the Buhari-led administration to tackle this menace which, no doubt, predated his emergence on the saddle. It’s, however, unfortunate that at the twilight of his eight-year reign, bandits and insurgents are still raising their ugly heads and baring their fangs on the citizens.

That Nigerians cannot endure anymore pains from these elements is not a subject of arguments. The incoming adminstratin should have it at the back of its mind that security remains one plank upon which its successes would be measured.

Nevertheless, we believe that the outgoing adminstration can still do a lot in its remaining 42 days in office to reasonably push back these elements before it hands over the baton. An extraordinary approach can do the magic.

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OPINION

Mother is a warrior who deserves a medal

By Maryam Adamu Sulaiman

Mother’s sacrifices and experiences have certainly opened our eye’s to the importance of planning ahead and prioritizing self-sufficiency for the sake of one’s retirement, regardless of marital status and choices made in life we now strive to become the woman that never forgets her own needs so that our sacrifices won’t lead to more sacrifice though our kids will have to make for us in our old age.

Although this is not the first time of knowing the sacrifice of our parents especially mother’s in showing the love, caring and sacrifices of their lives through the needful things and emotional feelings that they have for their children’s.

We have all made sacrifices at some point in our lives, mother’s are most often commended for their selflessness and the sacrifices they make for their children, they usually give up on their children to inculcate good morals on them. In this case, a mother has a significant role in the everyday lives of her children and husband.

l believe that every mother has her won set of challenging circumstances specific to her and no individual has it more difficult or simpler because a mother who goes to work everyday to make money just to raise her children and to get them everything that they want. She had to cancel her plans with her friends or any activities just to pick us up from school, and in terms of sickness a mother will stay all day and night with a sick baby in other to take good care of her baby, she sacrifice her own mental, physical and emotional energy all the time in favour of the need of her children. Some mother’s might have to sacrifice their dream to stay as housewife so that their children may fulfill their dreams

A mother i once knew she will stay every day and night no food no and good clothes but her wishes is to get something for her children she sacrifice her food and clothes for them. no person other than a mother will be able to do such, this is because a mother share unconditional love for her child.

It’s so hard sometimes being a mother means lack of time for themselves, lack of understanding from others including their husband, having to deal with everything including work while exhausted, and being criticized by anyone for everything just because they are being expected to be the perfect mother, wife and professional while being tired and sleep deprived.

ln deed mothers are very strong and all they could think of is when they look after all their child and it’s worth it. All those things are the sacrifice of mother through the love and bond that exist between them, so how on earth as a human being seeing all caring and love that your mother show to you and even she sacrifices everything to you just to raise you and at the end leave her in careless condition especially in her old time, no caring and sympathy for her. In times like this try to treat your mother well give her what she want and treat her in a righteous way in other to see the best in your life.

Mother’s sacrifices and experiences have certainly opened our eye’s to the importance of planning ahead and prioritizing self-sufficiency for the sake of one’s retirement, regardless of marital status and choices made in life we now strive to become the woman that never forgets her own needs so that our sacrifices won’t lead to more sacrifice though our kids will have to make for us in our old age.

Maryam Adamu Sulaiman Is A Student Of Mass Communication, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi.

Between Soyinka, the Obidient movement and the fight for justice

By Gozie Irogboli

The ebullient and the restless Obidients have torn what is left of Soyinka’s reputation to shreds, deflating his ego and demystifying his personality. The dreaded lion seems to have lost its jewel and is now like a sheep in his demesne. Yes, “the man died in him” who tries to suppress the voice of dissent and play the advocate of the oppressors; who despises what is good and align with what is bad.

The uncharitable comment made by Prof. Wole Soyinka against the Obidient Movement the penultimate week is still generating ripples across the country now and many people seem to have joined in the fray and some are trapped in the cross fire of smear campaign. While I am excited about the responses, I must also add that I am surprised that most people are surprised at the behavior of the wily professor of comparative literature. But those who know his antecedent and are acquainted with the behavior of most of those who claim to be social critics in Nigeria should expect such shifty behavior from him. Although, the purpose of this essay is not about the human rights activities in Nigeria, yet you cannot fully explain the shifty behavior of Soyinka without reference to the human rights activism to which Soyinka seems to epitomize. The hypocritical behavior of the so-called Nigerian activists and the sectional Lagos Press has been the theme of some of my comments in the past.

I became very critical of the Nigeria’s social critics right from my days in the university. Before then I used to see them as idols, men of honor and integrity, altruistic and committed to the ideals of good governance. They go by different names and titles like: social critics, social activists, human right activists, pro-democrats…They carry themselves as nationalists, patriots, progressives speaking for the masses but in reality most of them are self-seeking political jobbers and ethnic demagogues whose notion of good governance and human rights are tinged with ethnic coloration. Like our politicians, many of them are failed professionals and jobless individuals looking for relevance or recognition, surviving on grants and patronage which they must earn by making noise and halfhearted comments about on democracy and human rights. The event that shaped my views about them was the Anti-SAP riot of 1989 wherein the man who goaded Nigerian students into going on rampage with false information about IBB’s wealth, took appointment with the same IBB government and transmogrified from a critic to a military apologist and then began to defend the same Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) that he told us was an evil contraption from the IMF to enslave Nigerians.

You will recall that one of those who emerged from the rubbles of the showboating acts of social activism in the 90s was Festus Keyamo whom many regarded then as a firebrand advocate but today, he has proved to be a self-seeking advocate for the most oppressive regime in the history of Nigeria.

The same goes for Prof. Itse Sagay. Bayo Ononuga who was in the trenches in 90s with his guerrilla journalism ostensibly for the enthronement of democracy now sees the exercise of people’s franchise in Lagos as “meddling with Lagos politics”.

It is self-evident that he never fought for democracy but for his primordial interest. How can a man who claimed to have fought for democracy liken those who want to exercise their civic franchise in their place of abode in their own country to intermeddling with other people’s affair? It is ridiculous and unfortunate!

But by far, the most hypocritical of the group that claim to be social critics in Nigeria is Prof. Wole Soyinka who is notoriously known for speaking from both sides of his mouth. In 1984, he produced a movie entitled: Blues for a Prodigal, which was a satire against Mohammadu Buhari’s military interregnum of that era. And in 2003, in solidarity with his brother Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, he declared that Buhari put Nigerians in chain while he was the military head-ofstate and queried why Nigerians would want to go back to their chains by voting Buhari. Paradoxically, in 2015, the same Soyinka presented the same Buhari as a saint just to spite President Goodluck Jonathan who did not dance to his primordial tunes. In the 1980s, he was

one of the most ardent critics of the IBB regime until, IBB established the FRSC in 1988 and appoint him the pioneer commandant and the vociferous Soyinka became quiescent.

Thus, we know Soyinka’s position ab initio. Soyinka cried blue murder when the Pirates Confraternity to which he belongs released the Emilokan song satirizing Tinubu. Again, shortly before the election, he declared his support for Tinubu when he said: “humiliate Asiwaju and you have me to contend with”. And he never in any way directly or indirectly condemned the violence, the xenophobic attack against the Igbo in Lagos and the irregularities that characterized the conduct of the just concluded election because everything seems to be in favor of his preferred candidate.

So, he is not suffering from any form of senility or intellectual stagnancy or fatigue as is being insinuated. His statement was deliberate. Soyinka is a wily old codger for the attack on the Obidients was diversionary but most people won’t see it that way.

It is meant to divert attention from the main issue— the flawed election and the violent and unorthodox conduct of Tinubu and his thugs. Those familiar with the art of propaganda know that what Soyinka did was deliberate. His main purpose is to discredit the Obidient Movement and the groups challenging the outcome of the shambolic election conducted by INEC and divert attention from the main issue. I have stated this for the umpteenth time that one of the devious tactics of some of the self-styled activists we have in Nigeria and the sectional Lagos Press is to gloss over real issues, highlight irrelevancies and suppress and obscure facts not in their favor.

Clearly, by the unwarranted attack on the Obidient Movement, Soyinka has exhibited himself as a bigoted ethnic chauvinist whose primary interest like most people of his type who are “culture-trapped”, is ethnic hegemony and cultural atavism, not on good governance or national unity. However, I have no problem at all with anybody identifying, affiliating or fighting for his people as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. But I have problem with people claiming what they are not. If somebody like Gani Adams speaks about supporting Tinubu, nobody would raise eyebrows for everybody knows where he belongs. But, it is unbecoming of somebody of Soyinka’s age and status to make such obtrusive and uncharitable comments about those fighting a just course while turning blind eyes to the real acts of violence perpetuated by political renegades. And by this, also, he has portrayed himself as one who is not interested in justice, peace or progress of the country and the masses that he had pretended all these years to speak for.

Perhaps, frustration could be seen as another reason for Soyinka’s unnecessary outburst against the Obidients. The voice of the Obidients has been loud and deafening, swamping out those of the main stream media that hitherto control the direction of public discourse and opinion and Soyinka is not happy about that. The dominance of the media space by the Obidient Movement and its pervading effect are quite disconcerting to the likes of Soyinka who feel it is their prerogative to control public opinion. In the past, Soyinka and his group have always dictated the direction of public discourse and public opinion through the collaborating Lagos Press but not anymore with the advent of the new media platforms. The youths that have always been their tools as well as their victims have this time realigned with the Obidient Movement to take back their country and their future from the drones and the godfathers that have held the country hostage.

And, that is why the behavior of the Obidients is “off-putting” to Soyinka but that of MC Oluomo and Tinubu’s area-boys who are carrying out xenophobic attack on others are soothing to him. What an irony! Indeed, Soyinka and his ilk that pay lip-service to our national problems are the real face of fascism in Nigeria and not the Obidients agitating for freedom from oppression from the political godfathers and recidivists that S

oyinka is in dalliance with.

Gozie Irogboli, an economist, a novelist and a public policy analyst can be reached at goziei@yahoo. com)

Recruitment: Beware of scammers, CBN warns Nigerians

By Abubakar Ojimaojo

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has disowned a fake recruitment portal, created in its name and inviting eligible Nigerians to submit job applications.

Its Acting Director, Corporate

Communications Department, Dr Isa AbdulMumin, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Mr AbdulMumin, the attention of the CBN has been drawn to a fake recruitment portal inviting “eligible” members of the public to submit applications in

an exercise that will commence soon.

“The fraudulent website lists requirements for eligibility to include, among other qualifications, the possession of a Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“The portal goes on to state that those with physical disabilities are

not eligible to apply.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the CBN is currently not carrying out any general recruitment exercise,” he said.

He added that the apex bank would never request for the BVN of intending applicants nor discriminate against persons with

physical disabilities.

“Members of the public are hereby warned to be wary of fraudulent recruitment agents bent on taking advantage of the employment challenge to defraud eligible applicants, particularly young graduates,” he said.

NNPCL explains payment of billion-naira gratuity to Mele Kyari, others while still in ‘active service’

From Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has explained why it paid gratuities to its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari; Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, and some other top officials while still in active service.

Recall that an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, had exclusively reported how Messrs Kyari and Ajiya allegedly paid themselves billions of Naira as gratuities.

Some other top officials of the NNPC were also said to have been paid undisclosed amounts as gratuity.

Reacting to the report, in a statement on Thursday, the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garbadeen Muhammad, said the officials were paid for their service to the “NNPC and not NNPCL”.

The statement read, “The general public may recall the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act and the successful transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to a commercially driven

pNational Energy Company, the NNPC Limited.

“The PIA 2021, has in addition to the creation of NNPC limited made clear and unambiguous provisions relating to governance, administration, and the appointment of a chief executive officer [CEO], a chief financial officer [CFO] and board of directors by Mr. President.

“The PIA 2021 is deliberate about the long-term sustainability of the 20-yearlong petroleum industry reform that climaxed in the creation of NNPC Limited as a commercially driven national energy company with focus on sustainable value creation.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the appointment of the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is on the basis of distinct terms and conditions of service, including tenure, employment benefits and termination. The appointment of CEO and CFO is not a career posting.

“Specifically, Section 59(3) of the PIA 2021 has clearly stipulated the conditions

to be considered in appointing the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited without recourse to previous employment ranks in the Corporation. The previous rank of GMD or GED F&A was therefore not a consideration in the appointment of the CEO or CFO of NNPC Limited.

“Consequently, by virtue of the appointments of Mallam Mele Kyari and Mr. Umar Ajiya as NNPC Limited Group CEO and CFO, respectively, by Mr President for a tenure of five years each with effect from 16 September 2021 has ended their employment with the Corporation and are thus entitled to their terminal benefits in respect thereof.

“Based on the provisions of the Act, the new tenured roles they assumed with NNPC Limited cannot be regarded as continuance of their previous positions in the defunct Corporation.

“The Group CEO and the CFO have demonstrated patriotism by ending their career appointments with the Corporation to serve the nation on five years tenured appointment in NNPC Limited.” Mele Kyari

CBN to mop up dormant account

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria has proposed that banks should transfer funds in accounts that have been dormant for up to 10 years into a trust fund account.

This is contained in the recently released exposure draft of guidelines on the Management of Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances and Other Financial Assets in Banks and Other Financial Institutions In Nigeria.

A circular accompanying the exposure draft stated that the guideline was in response to requests from banks and other stakeholders for the CBN to clarify the procedures for the management of dormant and inactive accounts by banks in the country.

The circular, which was signed by the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department of the apex bank, Chibuzor Efobi, also called for inputs which should be sent within three weeks.

The draft states that banks and other financial institutions are expected to transfer all unclaimed funds into an Unclaimed Balances Trust Fund pool account, which will be domiciled at the CBN.

The apex bank said the balances would be invested in government securities like Treasury Bills and would be returned to the beneficiaries not later than ten days of notice.

CBN said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria shall open and maintain an account earmarked for the purpose of warehousing unclaimed balances in eligible accounts. The account shall be called ‘Unclaimed Balances Trust Fund Pool Account.”

The eligible accounts and financial assets are current, savings and term deposits in local currency; domiciliary accounts; deposits towards the purchase of shares and mutual investments; prepaid card accounts and wallets; proceeds of uncleared and unpresented financial instruments belonging to customers or

balances, unclaimed funds

non-customers of FIs; unclaimed salaries and wages, commissions, and bonuses.

Others include proceeds of stale local and/or foreign currency drafts not presented for payment by beneficiaries; funds received from a correspondent bank without sufficient details as to the rightful beneficiary and/or a recall of funds made to the remitting bank to which the Nigerian bank’s account has not been debited and a judgment debt for which the judgment creditor has not claimed the amount of judgment award.

The central bank said any bank or financial institution that contravenes any provision of the new guidelines would attract a penalty of not less than N2,000,000.

It added that failure to comply with CBN’s directive in respect of any infraction would attract a further penalty of N200,000 daily until the directive is complied with or as may be determined by CBN.

The CBN said the objectives of the guidelines are to “Identify dormant

accounts/unclaimed balances and financial assets with a view to reuniting them with their beneficial owners; hold the funds in trust for the beneficial owners; standardise the management of dormant accounts/ unclaimed balances and financial assets; and establish a standard procedure for reclaim of warehoused funds.”

The CBN also said that it would publish an annual list of the owners of the unclaimed balances that had been transferred to the pool account as well as the procedure for reclaim of warehoused funds.

In the signed Finance Act 2020, the Federal Government revealed plans to borrow unclaimed dividends and funds in dormant account balances of Deposit Money Banks. This was disclosed under Part XII of the Companies and Allied Matters Act in the Finance Act.

The move elicited reactions from stakeholders and a lawsuit from the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project in 2021.

Fuel subsidy, oil theft gulped N29tn, says FG

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

The Federal Government, on Thursday, said the amount spent on subsidising Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, between 2005 and 2021 was N13tn, adding that the country lost N16.3tn to oil theft from 2009 to 2020.

It disclosed this in Abuja through the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative at a policy dialogue on oil swap, co-hosted by NEITI and Policy Alert, an indigenous civil society organisation, with support from the Opening Extractives.

In a presentation by NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Orji Ogbonnaya-Orji, which was made available to our correspondent, he said there was an urgent need to make decision on the agitation for the removal of fuel subsidies.

He stressed that the full deregulation of the petroleum sector would permanently lay to rest the conversation around oil swaps, adding that latest findings by NEITI showed the humongous amount spent on subsidising fuel by the government.

“NEITI’s latest policy brief titled, ‘The cost of fuel subsidy: A case for policy review,’ revealed that Nigeria expended over N13tn ($74bn) on fuel subsidies between 2005 and 2021.

“The figure in relative terms is equivalent to Nigeria’s entire budget for health, education, agriculture, and defence in the last five years, and almost the capital expenditure for 10 years between 2011 2020. It is also important to note other economic opportunity costs of fuel subsidy which include slashing allocations for the health, education, and technology infrastructure sectors.

“Others include the deterioration of the downstream sector with the declining performance of Nigeria’s refineries and recording zero production in 2020; disincentivised private sector investment in the down and mid-stream petroleum sector; low employment generation since the refining process is done outside the shores of Nigeria; worsening national debt; declining balance of payment, forex pressures and depreciation of the naira and of course product losses, inefficient supply arrangements, scarcity and its attendant queues, etc,” Orji stated.

On crude oil theft, he said NEITI policy brief and data

pulled from industry reports of the oil and gas sector “showed that between 2009 and 2020 (12-year period), Nigeria lost 619.7 million barrels of crude oil valued at $46.16bn or N16.25tn.”

Orji explained that the volume of crude oil losses represented a loss of more than 140,000 barrels per day, adding that between 2009 and 2018, Nigeria also lost 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries valued at $1.84bn.

“These findings and recommendations on tackling crude oil theft have been submitted to the President through the Presidential Committee on Crude Oil Theft, in which NEITI also served as a member.

“The committee has concluded its work and submitted its report to the President. The committee did an excellent job with far reaching recommendations. I will like to commend the Office of the NSA (National Security Adviser) that coordinated that panel’s work,” the NEITI boss stated.

The presentation also talked about the status of the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that its progress had not been made public.

Recall that the PIA made copious provisions for the deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. A Presidential Steering Committee on the implementation of the PIA was set up in 2021 to coordinate the implementation of the Act.

“Not much is in the public domain on the progress of the committee’s work. Civil society should step up advocacies for the conclusion of the committee’s work and submission of its report to the President before the

expiration of this administration with clear recommendations to the next administration on what has been done and outstanding work,” Orji stated.

On oil swap, the NEITI helmsman said it dated back to the period when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation used to receive a daily crude allocation of 445,000 barrels per day from the Federal Government to refine for domestic consumption.

“The near-total collapse of the country’s four refineries meant that the NNPC could not refine the 445,000 bpd domestic crude allocation. Instead, NNPC exported most of the crude and then depended on the Pipeline Products Marketing Company Limited or private oil marketers to import refined products for local consumption.

“This led the country into huge debts and did not guarantee sustained imports of refined products to meet domestic demand. The debts got so heavy, and refined products were scarce with long queues at petrol stations nationwide.

“The government had to find innovative and less expensive ways of making refined petroleum products available for the citizens. Thus, in 2010, the NNPC introduced oil-forproduct swaps as a solution to this problem,” Orji explained.

He, however, pointed out that oil-for-product swaps were complex barter transactions in which NNPC and private traders swapped crude oil for refined petroleum products, rather than for money.

He said the NNPC had to adopt two kinds of swaps, including the Offshore Processing Agreement, in which a refiner or trading company entered a contract to lift a

specified volume of crude (with clear terms on the expected product yields), refine it abroad, and deliver the resulting refined products back to the NNPC.

Under this model, the refining company also can pay cash to NNPC for any product that Nigeria does not need.

Orji said the second was the Crude-oil-for-Refined-Product Exchange Agreement, in which crude was allocated to a trader, who was then responsible for importing refined products to match the value of the crude, less agreed to fees and expenses.

“However, these swap deals were not sustained as there were major operational changes within the NNPC on the management of domestic crude allocation in 2016.

“The Direct Sale Direct Purchase replaced offshore Processing Arrangement with effect from January 2016 and a functional unit was created

within the Crude Oil Marketing Division to manage the DSDP,” he stated.

Orji, in the presentation, therefore stated that the oil swap policy dialogue was designed to provide a platform to share data and analytical insights on Nigeria’s crude swaps, identify gaps and weaknesses in the swap deals, and highlight corruption red flags or risk areas.

He said the dialogue would initiate inter-agency collaboration on the use of beneficial ownership data between anti-corruption agencies and regulators.

“We also want to use this dialogue to extract a commitment from state actors, especially anticorruption agencies to followup investigations on the crude swaps, strengthen partnerships with specific agencies for followon action and generate interest around the subject of crude swap deals among key stakeholders.”

Aviation workers plan strike over minimum wage, others

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Aviation workers’ unions have threatened to withdraw their services over the refusal of the Federal Government to release the reviewed condition of service negotiated over seven years ago.

Other grievances include the non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage consequential adjustments and arrears for workers of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency since 2019.

The union also rejected the planned demolition of aviation agency buildings in Lagos to pave the way for an airport city project initiated by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

In a notice of a two-day warning strike signed by the secretaries general of five aviation unions – National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, National Association of Aircraft

Pilots and Engineers, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees – it was stated that if the warning strike, scheduled to commence on April 17 failed, an indefinite strike would be embarked upon.

The unions had on February 7, 2023 issued a 14day ultimatum to the Federal Government on the same issued.

In the latest strike notice, the unions said they had directed their members to comply with

the directive, adding that all state councils, branches, and executives had been mandated to enforce the directive.

Copies of the notice of the warning strike have been sent to the Airport Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Airport Commandants of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, chief executive officers of aviation agencies, and foreign airlines.

The situation may disrupt aviation services in Nigeria if the industrial action sails through.

Weekend MagazineEntertainment

Herb vendor calls out Davido’s manager, Israel DMW over N800,000 business ‘scam’

Aherb vendor with the username Mideshaven has called out Davido’s Logistics Manager and socialist, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Israel DMW, for blocking her after collecting N800,000 from her.

The herb vendor made the call in a video shared on Instagram on Friday.

In a now trending video on social media, Mideshaven said, “I contacted Israel DMW for an advert promoting my herbs on his page. He charged N1 million, and I deposited N800,000.

@isrealdmw wants to rip me off 800k. I am calling online because all effort to reach him has

failed. I’ve been begging since December, I sent emails to the Dmw lawyer and managers to speak to him no response guess they didn’t see it.

”In December, I contacted Isreal DMW for an ad video of him promoting my herbs to be posted on his page. He charged one million, and I paid N800,000 deposit when he did the video, and I like it, I’ll send the balance so he can post.

”After he mentioned this, I also understood the situation, and I was like, I didn’t even think of this, and you didn’t tell me either. Meanwhile, the money was my marketing budget for December. So I said okay, make the video since you can’t post, I

Nigerian producer and singer, Phillip Kayode Moses, popularly known as Pheelz, has proclaimed himself “one of the greatest musicians” the country has ever produced.

The Finesse crooner stated this while featuring as a guest on the recent episode of the F&S Uncensored audiovisual podcast hosted by Feyikemi AkinBankole and Simi Badiru.

According to him, selective amnesia is the only reason most people fail to recognize that he is one of the greatest musicians in Nigeria, the African continent and the world.

He said, “Sometimes I feel like we have selective amnesia in the [music] industry. I’m not even proud, but it is fact; I’m one of the greatest musicians that Nigeria has ever seen, Africa has ever seen, and the world has ever seen.

“I have made so many classics. A lot!,” added.

Pheelz also said he is one of the greatest producers in the history of afrobeat.

The singer revealed that Omah Lay was also featured on his song ‘Finesse’ with BNXN, but he later removed his part because the release date clashed with the release of Omah Lay’s song ‘Attention’ with Justin Bieber.

He said he has upcoming collaborations with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Phyno and Olamide.

will take it to blogs to promote, but he refused, and he said I should send the balance first. And I was like wouldn’t that be stupid of me to give him more money when I haven’t gotten value for what I paid before. he blocked me, and any number I reach him with will block. He has blocked four numbers so far.

”It was just this month after the album launch that he posted a picture of my product bag on his story. This was never what we agreed after waiting four months plus. So when I called him, he said I should bring 10 million for video. Tunji Dmw also talked to him, but he still refused.”

I’m one of the greatest musicians Nigeria has ever produced – Pheelz brags

Weekend Magazine

I was expelled from university in my 3rd year – BBTitans’ Yvonne

Former Big Brother Titans finalist, Yvonne Godswill Awanga, has recounted how she was expelled from the university in her third year.

She said after her rustication she had to rewrite JAMB and apply for another university to start all over again.

The TV Reality star was featured in a recent interview with media personality, Hero Daniels.

She said, “I was involved in a fight. It was a messy situation. And I was in my third year. Not like it was an academic issue so you can imagine that kind of clumsy stupid thing that will get you kicked out of school.

“My mom was so mad at me. She just like ‘You’ve joined bad gang.’ It was crazy! I did deliverance [in the church] because she thought something was wrong with me.

“Just my dad understood. You know lion no dey born goat. He was like ‘What’s your plan?’. I was like ‘I want to go back to school’. He was like ‘okay’. I had to write JAMB because I was rusticated. So, I had to like start all over again.”

She said by the time she got admitted into the new school, her coursemates at her former school already graduated.

“By the time I got into year one, my mates [at my former school] had graduated. I was sad. I was depressed. I was so bad that the next school I got to I couldn’t really bond with people because I felt like I was the mama of the class. I’m like three to four years older than the people in my class.”

Yvonne added that she would have bought a certificate but she wanted to experience school life.

Award-winning gospel singer Mercy Chinwo dazzles on new EP ‘Elevated’

Gospel music has a large audience in Nigeria and one of the artists defining the genre is Mercy Chinwo whose music has crossed the boundaries of Nigeria. After over a decade at the top of the industry, she has returned with a new EP titled ‘Elevated’.

The EP released on April, 14 is an intense rendition of the artist’s version of hope, faith, and unwavering love in God.

Minister Mercy’s ‘Elevated EP’ is a body of work that has something for everyone. From songs that inspire, uplift and encourage listeners, Mercy Chinwo’s impressive vocal range and songwriting skills tell their own stories — with the right dose of emotions laced throughout the body of work.

Last month, Mercy Chinwo released the EP’s lead single ‘Confidence’ along with accompanying visuals of the must-listen EP. Produced by renowned producers, Israel Dammy and Skerz, with songs written by Minister Mercy herself, she says:

This project is very special to me as it represents a new chapter in my music career. These songs are a reflection of my faith and my journey, and I hope they not only inspire and uplift anyone who listens but that the songs on this EP will draw them closer to God. I hope you enjoy listening to this EP as much as I enjoyed making it”.

The release of ‘Elevated’ follows Mercy’s successful 2023 where she performed to sold-out crowds across Africa and beyond, establishing herself as one of the most talented and beloved gospel artists in this genre who is set to reach an even wider audience and solidifying her place as one of the leading voices in gospel music.

The ‘Elevated’ EP is a candid mirror that reflects her sound style and vocal influences, from soulful and energetic tracks like ‘Confidence’ and ‘Wonders’ to more introspective and contemplative songs like ‘Imela’ and ‘Hollow’.

Weekend Magazine

Bisola Aiyeola, Adjetey Anang to host 2023 AMVCA nominees announcement

For the better part of a decade, the AMVCA has celebrated excellence in movie-making across Africa and this year, the award ceremony is set for its 9th instalment.

Nigerian actor Bisola Aiyeola and Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang have been announced as the hosts of the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards nominees announcement.

For the better part of a decade, the AMVCA has celebrated excellence in movie-making across Africa and this year, the award ceremony is set for its 9th instalment.

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Scene from ‘Gangs of Lagos’ (left), Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right)

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Come April 16, 2023, stakeholders the nominees for the 2023 awards will be announced at an event that will be broadcasted across all Africa Magic Channels on DStv and GOtv from 7 PM WAT.

The movie stars will announce all categories except the MNET original category which will be presented by two child actors, Jasmine Olarotimi and Nifemi Lawal who are also actors in Africa Magic Original telenovelas, The Johnsons, and Ajoche.

Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West African Channels at MultiChoice Nigeria said, “We are happy to unveil the nominees for the 9th edition of the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. This year, we saw a 40% increase in the number of entries received and hundreds of hours have gone into

painstakingly them to arrive nominees. Each the nominees for this year’s award is a reflection of the abundant talent our continent boasts of, and we can’t wait to celebrate them.”

February 20, 2023, and ended on March 17, 2023, and was open to filmmakers from across Africa whose made-for-television movies or television series fell within the specified timeline and were relevant to the categories available.

2 categories will be decided by live voting at the event

ICT/INNOVATION

Top 10 Information Technology Trends

The IT world never stands still. This rapid, everchanging industry is full of new technologies, tools, software frameworks and innovative ideas.

Information Technology Trends

Modern technologies develop symbiotically and inevitably affect one another. For instance, mobile internet depends on cloud computing and facilitates IoT development. Therefore, a breakthrough in one area stimulates innovations in the other.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Over the past few years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been the headliners among emerging information technologies. Many large businesses have begun to introduce AI and ML solutions into their operations, gaining tangible benefits such as improved customer experience, streamlined processes, reduced production issues and higher revenues.

According to the statistics by Semrush, 86% of CEOs said AI was mainstream technology in their office in 2021. Specifically, we’ll see more SMBs ensuring their development strategy takes into account artificial intelligence, machine learning, or deep learning.

Intelligent tools and algorithms will be expanding their presence in various sectors, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education. Companies that ignore or postpone AI implementation within the next five years will risk falling by the wayside.

2. 5G Proliferation

Although the first 5G-enabled devices were connected to the network in 2019, the new standard has not become ubiquitous yet. Unsuitable infrastructure and lack of compatible devices were the main obstacles for 5G expansion in previous years. Infrastructure is becoming more sustainable, and the availability of compatible handsets is growing, enabling mobile phone users and various businesses to leverage the potential of 5G technology.

The practical usage of 5G brings broadband download speeds over mobile networks and provides 10x faster internet services than 4G. Consequently, it provides the impetus for further development of disruptive technologies, including the Internet of Things, self-driving cars, virtual and augmented reality, robotic surgery, drone delivery and more.

3. Quantum Computing

You may be surprised, but traditional computers are objectively quite slow. Information technology trends say that the next generation of computers will be quantum computers. The technology is actively maturing now and is going to supplant current technology.

Quantum computing technology is a completely new way of transmitting and processing information based on the phenomena of quantum mechanics. Traditional computers

use binary code (bits) to handle information. The bit has two basic states, zero and one, and can only be in one of them at a time. The quantum computer uses qubits, which are based on the principle of superposition. The qubit also has two basic states: zero and one. However, due to superposition, it can combine values and be in both states at the same time.

This parallelism of quantum computing helps find the solution directly, without the necessity to check all the possible variants of the system states. In addition, a quantum computing device doesn’t need huge computational capacity and large amounts of RAM. Imagine: it needs only 100 qubits to calculate a system of 100 particles, whereas a binary system requires trillions of trillions of bits. With quantum computing, it’s much easier to process large sets of information, which is incredibly beneficial for predictive analytics applications. Further development and widespread adoption of the technology are therefore only a matter of time.

4. Blockchain

Though most people still associate blockchain with cryptocurrencies only, the technology has been successfully incorporated into many other fields that require decentralized data storage and transparency of transactions. For example, blockchain is currently used for supply chain management, making falsifications practically impossible at all its stages (financial transactions, warehousing, inventory records, delivery schedule, etc.). The security of medical data management is also enhanced using blockchain technology. Specialists from various industries are actively exploring the potential of blockchain. So, this year and beyond, we are likely to see new practical use cases, and the demand for blockchain experts will increase.

5. Cybersecurity

Spending on cybersecurity

continues to grow for several reasons:

More and more companies are undergoing digital transformation, so they need protection for their digital business environments.

More businesses have been assessing the risks of data breaches and realizing the amount of financial and other losses they can avoid by developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Cybercriminals continuously invent increasingly sophisticated malicious activities, so companies need to hire skilled professionals and introduce advanced counteractions to resist their attacks.

The 2021 Security Priorities study by IDG revealed that 98% of respondents will either increase their security budget or keep it the same in the upcoming 12 months.

6. Edge Computing

The demand for edge computing devices is steadily growing due to the large volumes of data that enterprises produce and need to analyze. The essence of edge computing is that data processing nodes are situated closer to data sources and consumers. Obviously, this is a quicker and more efficient way to gain valuable insights than transferring raw data to centralized platforms.

This decentralized model of data handling provides lower latency, which is critical for realtime operations. Hence, edge computing technology will be more widely introduced in logistics, smart manufacturing enterprises and healthcare institutions. Moreover, edge computing will significantly contribute to cybersecurity, because distributed nodes are less vulnerable to cyberattacks than a single platform.

7. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The automation of processes has been a ubiquitous trend for practically all industries and spheres over the past decade. Known as

business process automation (BPA), it’s based on software systems such as CRM and ERP. These are tailored to the specific needs of enterprises, automating various repetitive tasks according to prescribed code. BPA solutions need APIs to integrate with other systems.

In 2022, we’ll see the emergence of robotic process automation (RPA). In this type of automation, bots are trained to completely take over human tasks. They don’t need APIs but run on top of systems using a screen-scraping method. Bots record actions that humans perform in the interface (typing in data, moving a mouse) and then mimic them, thus performing the same tasks. Leveraging AI and ML technologies, bots can categorize unstructured information, interpret it and make decisions independently.

8. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Initially, VR and AR technologies were used mostly in the gaming industry and entertainment. And this market continues to grow. However, the applications of augmented and virtual reality are not limited to games anymore.

Retailers utilize VR and AR tools to enhance customer experience during online shopping. With the help of such tools, customers can configure products such as furniture to their liking and see whether they match the interior of a room before making an order. In virtual reality, consumers can also try on clothes to make sure that the size and style are right for them.

Engineers and designers across industries (automotive, construction, and more) create prototypes in the digital environment and experiment with them to achieve the best result. This is much cheaper than producing numerous physical prototypes that fail.

Healthcare specialists use VR and AR as training tools to train medical personnel. The technology also

assists with planning and performing of surgery thanks to the anatomical reconstruction of patient bodies.

Undoubtedly, VR and AR technologies have huge potential and we’ll see more examples of their practical applications in the future.

9. Growth of IoT Networks

Many enterprises have been using IoT solutions for quite a long time and benefit from them. Nevertheless, the technology doesn’t stand still. The Internet of Things continues its advancement due to the development of complementary technologies such as 5G connectivity, edge computing and artificial intelligence. As a result, IoT networks reduce or eliminate latency, becoming more efficient and secure.

This year and beyond, more enterprises that need real-time applications for their processes will implement IoT solutions, so the market will be expanding.

10. Cloud Migration

Though cloud computing is not new, the market growth doesn’t slow down. This is due to several factors:

The accelerated digital transformation of companies caused by the pandemic

The need to modernize legacy enterprise applications to stay competitive

The need for data analytics to drive business processes

The development of edge computing and 5G technology, which enhance cloud capabilities

Business owners realize that cloud migration is an integral part of digital development that brings a range of benefits.

More companies choose a hybrid cloud model while developing a cloud migration strategy. Kubernetes orchestration is also a growing trend in the cloud computing world.

Source: https://www.samsolutions.com

HEALTHY Living

Scotland first to ban environmentally harmful anaesthetic

Scotland has become the first country in the world to stop its hospitals using the anaesthetic desflurane because of the threat it poses to the environment.

NHS data suggests the gas, used to keep people unconscious during surgery, has a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide.

Banning it in Scotlandfrom its peak use in 2017would cut emissions equal to powering 1,700 homes a year.

UK hospitals have already cut down.

In the last few years, more than 40 hospital trusts in England and a number of hospitals in Wales have stopped using it.

NHS England will introduce a similar ban

from 2024, which - like Scotland - prohibits its use for anything but exceptional circumstances.

Banning it across NHS hospitals in England would cut harmful emissions equivalent to those caused by powering 11,000 homes every year, according to NHS analysis of desflurane use in 2020.

Other countries, including many in Europe, are likely to make similar moves in the next few years.

Dr Kenneth Barker, anaesthetist and clinical lead for Scotland’s national green theatres programme, said he was shocked to find the anaesthetic drug he had used for more than a decade for many major and routine operations was so harmful to the environment.

“I realised in 2017 that the amount of desflurane we

used in a typical day’s work as an anaesthetist resulted in emissions equivalent to me driving 670 miles that day,” he said.

“I decided to stop using it straight away and many fellow anaesthetists have got on board.

“When you are faced with something as obvious as this and with the significance it has to the environment - I am very glad we have got to this stage.”

Many hospitals have switched to safe and effective anaesthetic gases with less warming potential such as sevoflurane, which has a global warming potential 130 times that of carbon dioxide, or to using alternative non-gaseous anaesthetics and more efficient equipment.

Scottish Health and Social Care Secretary,

Humza Yousaf, said: “Programmes like this are key to our transition to become a net-zero health service, whilst ensuring patient safety remains at the heart of every clinical decision.

Greener NHS ‘must help fight climate change’

The NHS’s ‘first climate friendly’ operation Meanwhile. Dr Helgi Johannsson, vice president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, told the BBC: “More and more anaesthetists across the UK have become aware of the sheer extent of the damage the gas can cause to the environment and have chosen to stop using it - and I am proud of that.”

But he warns it is only the start and just “a drop in the ocean of the NHS carbon footprint”.

He explained: “The NHS is a really carbonintensive industry. We need to concentrate on all the other major things that can make a difference too - such as tackling old hospital buildings that are difficult to heat and reducing the journeys patients take.”

Overall, anaesthetic gasses make up about 2-5% of the NHS’s carbon footprint, and efforts are under way to tackle other medical gases like nitrous oxide.

NHS England’s net-zero strategy includes looking at more environmentally friendly heating and lighting systems, greener vehicles and examining the environmental impact of how medicines and equipment are supplied to the NHS.

Source: bbc.com

INSIGHT

How banditry kingpin, Danwasa met his Waterloo

By Femi Oyelola

When talking about bandits whose names ring a bell when terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are mentioned in the northwest and North-Central, names like Bello Turji, late Kachalla Yellow, and Isiya Danwasa readily comes to mind because of their roles in kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and all terrorist activities.

One cannot easily forget Isiya Danwasa, whom security agencies have described as a notorious bandit whose activities and influence sometimes spread to Igabi, Chikun and BirninGwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

Danwasa was responsible for several killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling operations across the state. However, he met his Waterloo on April 11, 2023 when troops of Operation Forest Sanity, (OPFS), ended his reign of terror.

Giving a graphic detail how the end of Danwasa came to be, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public

Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the troops were able to successfully get that done following a tip-off from a human intelligence source.

According to him, an intelligence source revealed that a bandit leader named Isiya Danwasa intended to send his errand boy Yunusa to purchase some arms and ammunition in Kaduna town.

He added that the errand boy was trailed and picked up by plain cloth soldiers and later used to lure two of the bandits’ leaders to a selected ammunition collection point.

“Upon their arrival, troops who had laid an ambush engaged the criminals with superior firepower and

neutralized the two bandits’ leaders”, the Division’s spokesman said.

Lt. Col Yahaya further revealed that Items recovered from the bandits, included two AK 47 rifles, six AK 47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one power bank, two charm vests, a destroyed motorcycle, and the sum of two hundred thousand Naira.

He, however, noted that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Punch, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their professional conduct and perfect execution of the task, inspired the troops to do more just as he appealed

to the public to continue to avail the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information for a saner Nigeria.

Reacting to the news, Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, Commended the troops for neutralizing the notorious bandit leader, Isiya Danwasa, who was responsible for several killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling operations across the state.

El-Rufa’i who spoke through the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, praised the troops for the diligent intelligence work and precise execution, which led to the demise of Danwasa and his associates.

The Governor further appealed to members of the general public to continue to volunteer information to the security forces.

Resisents of Kaduna and its environs were, no doubt, elated by the news of the killing of the bandit leader as they hope that it would yield a reduction in the activities of the marauding gunmen who have stolen the peace of the state.

“

Commended the troops for neutralizing the notorious bandit leader, Isiya Danwasa, who was responsible for several killings, kidnappings and cattle rustling operations across the state.

Biography

Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna: A true hero!

Sir Ahmadu Bello, popularly known as the Sardauna of Sokoto is arguably one if not the most politically powerful man to have walked the northern Hemisphere of Nigeria. The Sardauna of Sokoto was a reputable statesman, a focused politician, and a well-admired and loved diplomat. He is a descendant of the famous Islamic Cleric and Jihadist, Usman Dan Fodio who founded the Sokoto Caliphate.

Early Life of The Sardauna

Ahmadu Ibrahim Bello was born in the city of Rabah, on June 12 1910 to the family of Mallam Ibrahim Bello. His father held the title of Sarkin (king of) Rabah. He was from the early age of four Islamically educated at home, where he learned the Qur’an, Islamic jurisprudence, and the Prophetic traditions which were expected as a descendant of the great Sheikh Muhammad Bello, son of Dan Fodio.

Education

After his homeschooling, at the age of eleven, he then attended Sokoto Provincial School and afterward the then Katsina Teacher’s Training College (now Barewa College, Zaria). During his school days, he was popularly known as Ahmadu Rabah. He graduated in 1931 and subsequently became (appointed by the sultan) the English teacher in Sokoto Middle School. Like the majority of other northern royals, he is an accomplished horseman.

Early political Activities

In 1934, the Sardauna was made the District Head of Rabah by the then Sultan, Hassan dan Mu’azu, who succeeded his brother. In 1938, Ahmadu Bello was promoted to the position of the Divisional Head of Gusau (present Zamfara State capital), thus making him a well-standing member of the Sultan’s council.

At a very young age of 28, in the year 1938, After the demise of Sultan Hassan dan Mu’azu, he attempted to become the Sultan of Sokoto but was not successful, losing to Sir Siddiq Abubakar III (his first cousin) who reigned till his death in 1988.

As Sir Siddiq Abubakar III, the new Sultan assumed the seat of power, he immediately made Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna (Crown Prince) of Sokoto, a chieftaincy title, and promoted him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council, noticing he commanded a high morality and intellectuality. These titles by default made him the Chief Political Adviser of the Sultan.

The Sardauna of Sokoto was eventually put in charge of the Sokoto Province to oversee its 47 districts and by the year 1944, he had returned to the Sultan’s Palace to work as the Chief Secretary of the State Native Administration, which meant he held the traditional Islamic title of Sardauna as well as a British Colonial Office. This appointment was in line with the British Policy of indirect rule.

Involvement with The Northern People’s Congress

In the 1940s, sir Ahmadu Bello joined the

Jam’iyya Mutanen Arewa party, which later became the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) in 1951. After his appointment as the Chief Secretary of Native Administration, he traveled to England on a government scholarship to study Local Government Administration, which broadened his understanding and knowledge of the western form of governance.

After Sardaunan Sokoto’s returned to Nigeria in 1952, in the first-ever held elections held in Northern Nigeria he secured a seat in the House of Assembly of the Northern region of the country, and when there was a new constitution that came into being, he was appointed as an Executive minister of Survey and Works. He was also minister of Works, Local Government, and Community.

As a member of the house of assembly, he became a prominent voice for northern interests and adopted a style of consulting and consenting with the major representatives of the then northern emirates; Kano, Borno, and Sokoto. He was also selected to be a part of the committee that redrafted the Richards Constitution and he attended the general conference in Ibadan.

His participation in the assembly and the constitution drafting committee brought him much appreciation and

admiration in the north and was asked to take on leadership positions within Jamiyya Mutanen Arewa.”

Two years after his appointment as minister, the Sardauna of Sokoto became the first and sadly the only Premier of the North, being the leader of the Northern People’s Congress, the ruling party at the time.

In 1959, during the independence elections, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello led the NPC to win the majority of the parliamentary seats. The NPC allied with the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) led by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, forming Nigeria’s first indigenous government which led to Nigeria gaining its independence from Britain.

During the formation of the 1960 independence government, Ahmadu Bello, the president of the NPC, was by default supposed to be the Prime minister of the newly formed government. But the Sardauna had other plans than leading the newly formed independent government, he chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria and redirected the position of Prime Minister of the Federation to his deputy of the NPC, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Achievements of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna

“ During the formation of the 1960 independence government, Ahmadu Bello, the president of the NPC, was by default supposed to be the Prime minister of the newly formed government. But the Sardauna had other plans than leading the newly formed independent government, he chose to remain Premier of Northern Nigeria and redirected the position of Prime Minister of the Federation to his deputy of the NPC, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Ahmadu Bello’s many political accomplishments include; establishing the Northern Regional Development Corporation (NRDC), which subsequently became the Northern Nigeria Development Corporation (NNDC), the Bank of the North, the Broadcasting Company of Northern Nigeria (BCNN), and the Nigeria Citizen Newspapers.

The Sardauna saw the North as far less developed; structurally as well as economically than the South, and he argued that the North needed to catch up and a matchup with the South for the sake of national harmony hence his policy of Northernization.

His leadership characteristics were a mishmash of religious, traditional, and modern values and his obligation in colonial and post-independence Nigeria was performing these different roles in the northern region.

He made it a major priority of his that the North would be at par politically and economically with the Western and Eastern regions.

Sardauna’s Death and Assassination

On the 15th of January 1966, Sir Ahmadu Bello was assassinated by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu a Nigerian Army officer in a coup that toppled Nigeria’s post-independence government. Before the coup d’etat, he had received warnings from the Premier of the Western Region Samuel Akintola, and Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun.

He was still the premier of Northern Nigeria at the time.

This was the first coup in the history of Nigeria, which catapulted the rise of a series of military reigns and coups in the country’s politics. Also assassinated in the coup was his long-time friend and deputy, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa alongside many other notable political elites in the north and western region of the country.

Ahmadu Bello’s Legacy, Honours, and Awards

During his lifetime, he had received a lot of honours and awards, including honorary doctorate of Law from UNN (University of Nigeria Nsukka) in December 1961 and an honorary degree from the University of Al-Azhar in Cairo in 1962. He was made a Knight of the British Empire (KBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959 just before the colonial rule came to an end.

He established the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1962, the second largest University in Africa, which was named after him. He was the University’s first Chancellor. The 200 Nigerian naira carries his portrait.

Sir Ahmadu Bello also has several roads named after him in almost all states in northern Nigeria. The stadium in Kaduna is also named after him. His residence in Kaduna where he lived, is now a center of Research and Historical Documentations under Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Source: northpad.ng

Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna

Police rescue 9 abducted persons in Zamfara

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Zamfara State Police Command said it succeeded in the rescue of 9 persons who were recently abducted by fleeing bandits, following military bombardments on some

targeted enclaves in the state.

Parading the rescued at the Police Command Gusau, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Shehu Mohammed, said Police Tactical Operatives successfully rescued 9 hostages comprising of 7 females and 2 male who

were abducted on 11th April, 2023 at Kucheri village in Tsafe LGA of the state.

Shehu noted that, the rescue of the victims was sequel to a credible information obtained from a good samaritan which the Police used and successfully rescued the victims hale and

hearty. He added that the victims while with the Police, undergone medical check at Police Clinic facility Gusau, debriefed by the Police detectives and thereafter reunited with their families and relations.

However, the Commissioner of Police CP Kolo Yusuf, congratulates the victims for regaining their freedom, and reassures the public of sustained onslaught against the activities of bandits and other criminal elements in the state.

NNPCL defends billion-naira gratuity payment to Mele Kyari, others

From Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has explained why it paid gratuities to its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari; Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, and some other top officials while still in active service.

Recall that an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, had exclusively reported how Messrs Kyari and Ajiya allegedly paid themselves billions of Naira as gratuities.

Some other top officials of the NNPC were also said to have been paid undisclosed amounts as gratuity.

Reacting to the report, in a statement on Thursday, the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garbadeen Muhammad, said the officials were paid for their service to the “NNPC and not NNPCL”.

The statement read, “The general public may recall the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act and the successful transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to a commercially driven pNational Energy Company, the NNPC Limited.

“The PIA 2021, has in addition to the creation of NNPC limited made clear and unambiguous provisions relating to governance, administration, and the appointment of a chief executive officer [CEO], a chief financial officer [CFO] and board of directors by Mr. President.

“The PIA 2021 is deliberate about the long-term sustainability of the 20-yearlong petroleum industry reform that climaxed in the creation of NNPC Limited as a commercially driven national energy company with focus on sustainable value creation.

“Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the appointment of the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is on the basis of distinct terms

and conditions of service, including tenure, employment benefits and termination. The appointment of CEO and CFO is not a career posting.

“Specifically, Section 59(3) of the PIA 2021 has clearly stipulated the conditions to be considered in appointing the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited without recourse to

previous employment ranks in the Corporation. The previous rank of GMD or GED F&A was therefore not a consideration in the appointment of the CEO or CFO of NNPC Limited.

“Consequently, by virtue of the appointments of Mallam Mele Kyari and Mr. Umar Ajiya as NNPC Limited Group CEO and CFO, respectively,

by Mr President for a tenure of five years each with effect from 16 September 2021 has ended their employment with the Corporation and are thus entitled to their terminal benefits in respect thereof.

“Based on the provisions of the Act, the new tenured roles they assumed with NNPC Limited cannot be regarded as

continuance of their previous positions in the defunct Corporation.

“The Group CEO and the CFO have demonstrated patriotism by ending their career appointments with the Corporation to serve the nation on five years tenured appointment in NNPC Limited.”

Supplementary elections: NNPP protests inclusion of polling units marred by violence

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Less than 24 hours to the conduct of supplementary elections in two Federal House of Representatives constituencies and 14 state Assembly constituencies, the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), on Friday, submitted a letter of complaint to the Hajj Camp headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano, protesting the inclusion of polling units allegedly marred by violence, as part of places the supplementary election will be taking place.

Leaders of the party led by the state chairman, Alhaji Haruna Umar Doguwa stormed the state INEC headquarters, armed with a letter of complaint which they submitted to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Abdu Zango.

Speaking to journalists after a closed door meeting with the REC, the NNPP chairman noted that it was against the spirit of the electoral act to hold re-run elections in polling units where violence were recorded.

He said the party figured out a number of such polling units which INEC included as part of where the supplementary election will be taking place on Saturday and urged the electoral umpire to correct the anomalies.

He told journalists at the INEC headquarters that: “We feel that INEC has included so many polling units where elections were cancelled due to violence for rerun to take place.

“ So, we submitted a formal

letter of complaint to INEC on the 11 of this month, but today’s visit is like a reminder. We want to remind them that it is an error and they should remove them as part of places where elections will hold tomorrow (Saturday).

“ Our expectation is for INEC to comply with the Rule of Law and follow the guidelines of the electoral act.”

The Kano State NNPP Chairman also faulted INEC’s decision to hold supplementary election in Dovuwa/Tudun Wada Federal constituency where there was alleged killings and binning of houses during the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections, insisting that the people of the area are still in mourning mood.

“We are saying that right now, the people of Tudun Wada are in mourning period. For you to come and hold election there shows that you don’t have remorse for the feelings of the people.

“ We feel that the election in Tudun Wada should be shifted”, he stressed.

He, however, expressed optimism that NNPP will emerge victorious in the supplementary elections, saying that the party is fully prepared for the exercise.

The supplementary elections for Federal House of Representatives are scheduled to hold in Fagge Federal Constituency and Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency.

More so, the state House of Assembly supplementary elections will hold in 14 state House of Assembly seats which include Ajingi, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa,

Gwarzo, Gezawa, Makoda, Takai, Ungogo, Warawa, Gabasawa, Tudun Wada, Gaya, Wudil and Garko.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Abdu Zango, said INEC in the state has made adequate preparations to conduct supplementary elections in 14 state constituencies and two federal constituencies in Kano.

Speaking to journalists, he confirmed that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been distributed to the designated areas where elections are scheduled to hold on Saturday.

He said the elections have been slated to commence at 8:30 a.m and round up by mid-afternoon.

“As you can see, the INEC headquarters is bubbling with activities. We have been very busy. The ad-hoc staff have received training and they are prepared to carry out their duties.

“We have concluded our briefings and other activities, and we are good to go,” he added.

The Kano REC further stated that all the needed arrangements

have been made to ensure adequate security during and after the supplementary election.

“Security agencies have carried out operational plan, and we are very confident that the operational plans will work out effectively,” he said.

Zango said he and his management team “have met with all stakeholders concerned in the conduct of the election, adding that they have agreed to ensure a hitchfree and violent-free exercise.

“ We have spoken to the politicians from all the political parties and urge them conduct themselves peacefully, because election is not war.”

The Kano REC also gave reasons the Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency supplementary election could not be postponed as requested by the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), pointing out that doing so will go against the dictates of the electoral law.

He added that, “holding the election in Doguwa/Tudun Wada federal constituency on Saturday is directly in line with the electoral law. Any postponement will go counter to the electoral act.”

Beatriz Flamini: Athlete emerges after 500 days living in cave

ASpanish extreme athlete has emerged from a cave after spending 500 days with no human contact, in what could be a world record.

When Beatriz Flamini entered the cave in Granada, Russia had not invaded Ukraine and the world was still in the grip of the Covid pandemic.

It was part of an experiment closely monitored by scientists.

“I’m still stuck on November 21, 2021. I don’t know anything about the world,” she said after exiting the cave.

Ms Flamini, 50, entered the cave aged 48. She spent her time in the 70-metres (230 feet) deep cave exercising, drawing and knitting woolly hats. She got through 60 books and 1,000 litres of water, according to her support team.

She was monitored by a group of psychologists, researchers, speleologistsspecialists in the study of caves - but none of the experts made contact with her.

Footage on the Spanish TVE station showed her climbing out of the cave grinning, before hugging her team.

Speaking shortly afterwards, she described her experience as “excellent, unbeatable”.

“I’ve been silent for a year-and-a-half, not talking to anyone but myself,” she said, while reporters pressed her for more details.

“I lose my balance, that’s why I’m being held. If you allow me to take a shower - I haven’t touched water for a year-and-ahalf - I’ll see you in a little while. Is that OK with you?”

Ms Flamini later told reporters she lost track of time after about two months.

“There was a moment when I had to stop counting the days,” she said, adding that she thought she’d been in the cave for “between 160-170 days”.

One of the toughest moments came when there was an invasion of flies inside the cave, leaving her covered, she said.

The extreme athlete also described “auditory hallucinations”.

“You are silent and the brain makes it up,” she said.

Experts have been using her time

in isolation to study the impact of social isolation and extreme temporary disorientation on people’s perception of time.

Ms Flamini’s support team said she has

broken a world record for the longest time spent in a cave, but the Guinness Book of Records has not confirmed whether there is a record for voluntary time living in a cave.

US leak: What punishment could Jack Teixeira face?

Jack Teixeira faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of involvement in what the Pentagon has deemed a “very serious” national security risk, experts have said.

The 21-year-old military cyber-specialist is suspected of leaking sensitive US documents.

The Pentagon said it believes the leak was a deliberate criminal act.

Mr Teixeira is expected to make his first appearance in court on Friday in Boston.

He is a member of the intelligence wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

What charges is he facing?

Merrick Garland, the US attorney general, said Mr Teixeira faced charges under the 1917 Espionage Act.

Steven Stransky, an attorney who previously served as senior counsel to the Department of Homeland Security’s Intelligence Law Division, said the act was “very old and outdated” and “essentially criminalises an individual collection, disclosure or potentially re-disclosure, of national defence information”.

He added that while the term “national defence information” is only vaguely defined in the law, it broadly means information that “can injure the United States or put us

at a disadvantage vis-a-vis another third country”.

Several spies and people who have shared classified information with the press and the public have been charged since the law was first enacted in 1917, albeit infrequently.

It has historically largely been applied to Americans found spying for foreign countries, such as Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed in 1953 after being found guilty of passing nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. The Espionage Act authorised the death penalty for espionage “in time of war” - and at the time, the US was involved in the Korean war.

More recently, the Espionage Act has been applied to whistleblowers and people who have leaked sensitive information, including Wikileaks source Chelsea Manning and ex-CIA contractor Edward Snowden.

What could happen if he is found guilty?

This will depend on the charges Mr Teixeira will face.

When the Espionage Act was originally passed, it stipulated prison sentences of 20 years or less and fines of up to $10,000 per charge.

Reuters news agency quoted Brandon Van Grack, a former Justice Department national security prosecutor now with the

law firm Morrison Foerster, as saying the likely charges could carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment, even if Mr Teixeira did not intend to cause harm.

“This is someone who is facing on the higher end of exposure for years in prison... because the leaks were so damaging,” Mr Van Grack said.

“There’s certainly criminal charges

that could attach to it [the Espionage Act] and there’s financial penalties as well,” Mr Stransky said. “If the justice department is pursuing a criminal violation for the Espionage Act, they’re most often looking for jail sentencing as a way to deter these types of future actions.”

The Pentagon press secretary indicated it would treat the leak extremely seriously,

Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, not invited to coronation

The Duchess of York has not been invited to King Charles’s coronation next month, sources have confirmed.

It is understood that there is no “ill will” from the duchess, Sarah Ferguson, about this decision, who is said not to have expected to attend.

Before her divorce in 1996, she was married to the King’s younger brother, Prince Andrew.

He is expected to be at the coronation on 6 May, along with more than 2,000 guests in Westminster Abbey.

Details of those who will be at the ceremony are beginning to emerge.

Senior royals and politicians will

be present, alongside 450 charity and community representatives and international dignitaries such as President Macron of France, US first lady Jill Biden and Crown Prince Akishino of Japan.

Prince Harry this week confirmed that he would be travelling from the US for the coronation, but his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be attending.

‘Working royal’

There are denials that the decision not to invite the Duchess of York is a snub, when she has maintained good relations with her royal ex-in laws, including spending Easter with them this year.

When the late Queen died last year, the

duke and duchess adopted two of her corgis.

The 63-year-old duchess shares a house with her ex-husband, almost 27 years after they divorced, although there have been reports of pressure for Prince Andrew to move out of Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Prince Andrew, who reached a settlement with Virginia Giuffre last year after allegations of sexual assault, is no longer a “working royal”, so it remains uncertain what part he might play in his brother’s coronation.

At last year’s Platinum Jubilee, the traditional balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace was restricted to working royals.

The duchess, under her own name of

Sarah Ferguson, has become a best-selling author, with her latest novel, A Most Intriguing Lady, recently published by Mills and Boon and Harper Collins.

While preparations build up for next month’s coronation, a poll from YouGov has raised questions about the levels of public interest.

A survey of more than 3,000 adults found 35% said they “do not care very much” about the coronation and 29% said they “do not care at all”.

Apathy about the event was claimed to be highest among young people, with 75% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they were not interested in it. Source: BBC

The King has previously spoken about the “depths of his personal sorrow” over the slave trade

Sarah Ferguson speaking at the memorial to Lisa Marie Presley earlier this year

Kenya cult deaths: Four die after suspected starvation plot

Kenyan police are investigating the deaths of four people suspected to have starved to death on the orders of the leader of a controversial cult.

Pastor Makenzie Nthenge is alleged to have told his followers in the coastal area of Kilifi to starve themselves in the hope of getting to heaven quickly.

Following a tip-off, police found 15 seriously ill people on Thursday, but only 11 made it to hospital alive.

Police are also looking into reports of a mass grave in a nearby forest.

Last month Mr Nthenge was charged in connection with the deaths of two children whose parents had joined his Good News International Church.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. The current whereabouts of the pastor are not clear.

The identities of those who died on

Thursday have not yet been established.

Some of the survivors, including a teenager, are currently in a critical condition having become so emaciated.

A security source told Kenya’s Nation Media group that those rescued from their homes were extremely unwell: “We found them in a very bad state, others fainted on the way to hospital.”

Police said they began their search for followers of the Good News International Church after receiving intelligence that “ignorant citizens” were “starving to death in pretext to meet Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect”.

They were also warned about “a mass shallow grave of victims of that brainwashing totalling to 31 bodies in an unidentified place at Shakahola Forest”, the police statement said.

Kenya is a religious country and

this is not the first time people have been lured into joining dangerous, unregulated churches or cults.

Third launch attempt of Kenyan satellite aborts

SpaceX has aborted the launch of Kenya’s first earth observation satellite due to bad weather.

The launch director stopped the Falcon 9 rocket just 29 seconds before it blasted into space from the Vandenberg Force base in California US.

Another attempt will be made on Saturday.

The launch has now been postponed twice this week due to poor weather.

Kenya’s Taifa-1 Satellite is among 51 other satellites and orbital vehicles that are scheduled to be deployed on the Transporter 7 mission.

It will be used to gather data for agriculture, land and environment monitoring.

The satellite would be the 50th deployed by African nations. So far, 14 countries in the continent have sent satellites into space, with many of them opting for commercial companies like SpaceX for their launches.

Sudan paramilitary leader ‘ready’ to meet army amid rift

The head of a notorious and powerful paramilitary group says he is ready to meet Sudan’s army chief to deescalate recent tensions, according to mediators.

Local reports say Western envoys have met the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Gen Mohamed ‘Hemeti’ Dagalo a day after the Sudanese army accused the RSF of sowing conflict.

The country was supposed to be transitioning to civilian ruler following the 2019 ouster of long-time President Omar al-Bashir.

But a coup two years later halted that process. A second attempt to move to civilian rule has been held up because of tensions between the RSF and the army.

Part of the transition plans involve integrating the RSF into the national army, but when this was discussed last month the RSF soon began redeploying units in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere.

Bandits shoot dead eight Nigerians in their homes

Police have yet to comment on reports that at least eight people have been shot dead by bandits who broke into their homes in north-western Nigerian.

Four other people were injured in the attacks, which a local government official says happened on Wednesday night in the Zangon Kataf area of Kaduna state.

It is the latest in a wave of violent incidents in Nigeria where armed gangs recently abducted at least 80 children in Zamfara state. The West African regional block condemned the abduction and called for the release of the children.In another development, a traditional ruler has been kidnapped in central Kogi state after the assailants killed a palace worker. It comes after bandits killed more than 70 people in two separate attacks in the central state of Benue last week.

A similar attack on a camp for internally displaced people last Friday left dozens of people killed and others injured.

Burkina Faso ‘mobilisation’ ramps up terror response

Burkina Faso’s military government has set a target of recapturing 40% of territory lost to militant groups, announcing a “general mobilisation” to give them “all necessary means” to do so.

A statement on Thursday by Defence Minister Col Maj Kassoum Coulibaly said the measures would “give a legal framework to all the actions to be implemented to deal with the situation that Burkina Faso is experiencing”.

It is thought it could include a state of emergency in parts of the country, although the full details of the guidelines are not yet clear.

The so-called “general mobilisation” also guarantees the government freedom of action to deal with terrorist threats.

Burkina Faso’s parliament passed a law in 2020 to recruit Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland, an auxiliary civilian

army to support the fight against terrorists.

Burkina Faso has been embroiled in a jihadist insurgency since 2015. The violence has left more than 10,000 dead and displaced 1.8 million people.

Last week, 44 civilians were killed following an attack on the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the north-east near the country’s border with Niger.

Botswana leader denies he plans to sack VP

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Thursday denied allegations that he planned to replace his deputy Slumber Tsogwane.

This follows speculation that Mr Masisi would fire his deputy after the 2024 general elections.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), President Masisi said Mr Tsogwane had been a hardworking vice-president since his appointment to the position in 2018.

“I’m very comfortable with Slumber taking up the leadership of this country if something happens to me,” Mr Masisi said, adding that there was no vacancy in the vice-presidency.

He said he had never planned with anyone or held any meetings with his cabinet to replace Mr Tsogwane.

‘Facebook rapist’ fears poisoning SA court told

Aconvicted rapist and murderer who escaped from jail last year has appeared in court for the first time since his re-arrest earlier this month.

Thabo Bester, the so-called “Facebook rapist” who used the social media site to lure victims, has alleged at Friday’s hearing that his ID number is incorrectly listed on documents and that it is not safe for him to eat prison food in case somebody poisons him.

Instead he wants his lawyers to provide his meals, and he has refused to eat for the past 48 hours.

His lawyers said Bester would not apply for bail but argued he maintains the right to do so at a later date.

Bester’s case has now been postponed

until next month.

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Child rapists get longer jail terms after public outrage

A court of appeal in Morocco has greatly increased the jail sentences given to three men for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl.

In a case that sparked public outrage, two weeks ago a lower court convicted the men of indecent assault, and sentenced them to between 18 months and two years in prison.

The appeals court in Rabat has now revised the sentences to 20 years in jail for the main defendant, and 10 years for the other two.

The court heard that the girl, who is now 12, gave birth to a baby last year, and a DNA test confirmed that one of the attackers was the father.

Chibok girls: Provide closure for parentsactivists

Activists of the Bring Back Our Girls movement (BBOG) on Thursday commemorated the ninth anniversary of the abduction of scores of Nigerian schoolgirls by Boko Haram militants.

Ninety-eight of the 276 students kidnapped by the militants from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in the north-eastern Borno State, are still in captivity.

The incident sparked local and international outrage with leaders and activists exerting pressure on the Nigerian government to act. Source: BBC

Kenya is a religious country with a history of people being lured into dangerous cults

France’s plan to crack down on Indian Ocean migration

Christian Ally Moussa did not tell anyone that he had decided to get in a small boat to make the 350km (220-mile) trip across a treacherous stretch of the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the French island of Mayotte.

He was desperate and he had made the risky crossing twice before.

He needed to return to the place from where he was deported a few weeks earlier as he was supposed to appear at a hearing about his application for French citizenship.

After years of saving to pay his legal fees, the 42-year-old hoped he would finally be able to claim the European passport that was his birth right.

He had the right to a passport as his father was a French citizen from Mayotte, a French overseas territory, 8,000km (5,000 miles) away from Paris. In almost every respect it is supposed to be treated like any part of mainland France.

But because Mr Moussa was born and raised in Madagascar, an island to the south of Mayotte, he had struggled to gain recognition as a French citizen.

He had been living and working in Mayotte on and off since 2004 without the correct paperwork, while, like many others, supporting his wife and children in Madagascar.

But a French passport would allow him to become a legal resident giving him greater opportunities.

Famous for its stunning coral reefs and lagoon, Mayotte is home to an estimated 300,000 people.

It is the poorest part of France yet wealthy compared to the neighbouring islands of Madagascar and Comoros, off the south-east coast of Africa.

With only weeks to go until his citizenship hearing, Mr Moussa was unexpectedly arrested by French immigration police and deported to Madagascar.

“[The police] barged in and wanted to take Christian away,” his relative, who we are not naming for security reasons, says.

“He asked me to go and get his shoes but by the time I came back with them, they had already taken him.”

Mr Moussa was tracked down to the only detention centre in the main

city, Mamoudzou.

“We spoke on the phone. He was crying a lot and said he didn’t want to go back to Madagascar,” the relative says.

The family then contacted a lawyer who launched an emergency appeal to stop the deportation.

Mr Moussa was set to appear in front of a judge at 11:00 the next day but by this time he was already on a flight to Madagascar, less than 48 hours after being detained.

But it was the court hearing on his bid to become a French citizen that he did not want to miss. That was when he hatched the risky plan to return to Mayotte on a small fishing boat, known locally as a “kwassa kwassa”.

“I didn’t know he wanted to make the trip back to Mayotte,” the relative says.

“He didn’t say anything to me or his friends. He just asked for money as he said he was sick and needed medicine because they had no drinking water in the village.”

That was the last the relative ever heard from him.

“When the authorities called to tell me he had been found dead, I told them: ‘No it’s not him. It can’t be him’. They then sent photos and I recognised his face.”

‘An open-air graveyard’

Mr Moussa died with at least 34 others - all discovered drowned off the coast of Madagascar on 12 March.

What happened to Mr Moussa was not unusual.

“The lagoon around the island is an open-air graveyard,” says Daniel Gros, from the Human Rights League NGO in Mayotte.

But, he adds, there is no official attempt to find out how many perish on the journey from either Madagascar or the Comoros.

“When I [started working here] in 2012, the authorities used to say that about 10,000 people were estimated to have died there [since 2002]. And today, they give the same figure.”

Mayotte has been in the headlines for riots and unrest, with islanders experiencing rising poverty.

They complain about an increase in immigration mainly from the

Comoros, which has put pressure on public services.

The French government says one in two people living on the island are “foreign” and has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration. It has stepped up its presence at sea as well as aerial surveillance and currently deports 24,000 people a year.

As part of a plan to tackle the migration, the French government is planning a major demolition operation, known as Operation Wuambushu, to get rid of what it says are illegal dwellings or shanty towns.

It has also boosted the police and paramilitary presence on the island to 1,300 officers.

North of Mamoudzou, in a shanty town called Majikavo, officials are already marking some of the corrugated iron dwellings for destruction.

The police believe most of the residents in this poor area are there illegally, but regardless of their status many are getting caught up in the operation.

“We live under constant threat,” says Fatima, who has lived there for 15 years. “They said: ‘Whether you accept it or not, this place will be destroyed’.”

Fatima, not her real name, is originally from the Comoros but

holds a residency permit which allows her to remain on the island, though not travel to mainland France.

Under French law, the government has to offer “suitable alternative accommodation” to those whose homes are set to be destroyed. But up until now, no clear relocation plan has been released though some residents have been offered emergency accommodation for six months.

French member of parliament for Mayotte, Estelle Youssouffa, who asked for the operation to take place, says it is urgent that the state regain control of these areas.

She is one of two representatives that the island sends to Paris.

“It is about destroying an illegal habitat that shelters a population that is mostly foreign or recently regularised,” she tells the BBC.

“These shanty towns are built on private or public land that has been stolen because it is illegally occupied. The shanty towns are dangerous areas for the safety and health of those who live there. They are also environmental hazards: destroying them is an emergency for the return of republican order and the security and health of all.”

She has also called on Paris to take a tougher stance with the Comoros islands and wants the national navy to set up a permanent base on the island, solely dedicated to fighting clandestine immigration.

“There is no point in carrying out such large-scale slum-demolition operations if the borders are not closed.”

But the Comorian government, which claims the island of Mayotte as an integral part of the Comoros, has called out the danger of such an operation and asked the French authorities not to proceed with it.

In a statement this week it said that “the electoral promises made in Mayotte of ‘spectacular action’ to destroy shanty towns and expel their inhabitants, judged to be in an irregular situation, must not lead to the destabilisation of an entire region”.

With Mayotte being majority Muslim, the operation is set to start straight after Ramadan at the end of next week.

Human-rights activist Daniel Gros is highly critical of what he describes as the “heavy-handed actions” of the French state.

“If you chase people away, you shouldn’t be surprised that they come back. We deport hundreds of people a day yet we have boats arriving with a similar number of people at the same time.”

The tragedy for Mr Moussa was that he was entitled to be French all along, but his desperation to get the citizenship cost him his life.

“His dad was French, his grandparents were French. Why did he have to die in the sea?,” his relative asks. Source: BBC

The beaches, the sea and the coral reef offer an idyllic view of Mayotte

Some homes in Majikavo have been tagged, making residents fear that they will be demolished

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RAIN OF PRAYER ASSEMBLY

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Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool boss compares Jude Bellingham talk with a child asking for Ferrari

Lionel Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December, has scored 29 goals in 67 games for PSG

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has compared talk of big-money transfers with a five-year-old asking for a Ferrari for Christmas.

Despite being heavily linked with a move, the Reds will not pursue signing England midfielder Jude Bellingham because of the money involved.

Any move for the 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund player could cost in excess of £100m.

“We cannot have six players in a summer, everyone for £100m,” he said.

Liverpool will not make a move for Jude Bellingham this summer - the England midfielder could cost in excess of £100m

The German added: “We are not children; when you ask a five-year-old what they want for Christmas and they say a Ferrari, you wouldn’t say ‘oh, that’s a good idea’.

“You would say ‘no, that is too expensive and anyway, you cannot drive it’. If this kid is then unhappy their whole life because he cannot get a Ferrari, it would be a really sad life.

“You look what you can do, and you work with that.

“What we need and what we want, we try absolutely everything to get it, but there are moments when you have to accept that this or that is not possible for us - you step aside and do different stuff.”

The Reds, eighth in the table, have won just one of their past five Premier League games.

Klopp says he expects Leeds to come out fighting, particularly after the “proper knock” they faced in Sunday’s 5-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace.

“We expect them to be on their toes, proper atmosphere,” said Klopp.

“We have to build on two games with good

moments. We will try to do that. We have nothing to lose, we have to try new things; everything is on the table. I’m looking forward to the game. Leeds will go with all they have. It will never be an easy game.”

Robertson incident ‘dealt with really well’

On Thursday, the Football Association said it would not be taking any further action against assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis over an incident involving Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Hatzidakis had been stood down while an investigation was held, after he made contact with Robertson’s chin when the player approached him at the end of the first half at Anfield.

“I think it has been dealt with really well,” said Klopp.

“I wasn’t aware of it during the game; I spoke to Robbo and the other guys, not the assistant, but now we can carry on.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been fined £37,500 after players surrounded referee Simon Hooper during their 4-1 defeat by Manchester City on 1 April.

A number of players protested that City midfielder Rodri should have had a second yellow card - and so been sent off - for a trip on Cody Gakpo. Balague says the Argentina captain has received offers from Saudi Arabia and the USA’s Major League Soccer, while there is interest in bringing him back to Barcelona, albeit no official offer has been made yet.

Messi had reached an “agreement in principle” to renew his contract at Paris StGermain for another year, with his priority to continue in elite European football until the 2024 Copa America.

After two seasons in Paris, the club, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments, would like to convince him to accept that extra year under the same conditions as he has now.

According to Balague, the 35-year-old still needs to be convinced the Ligue 1 side can remain competitive at the top of European football, as director of football Luis Campos has been asked to reduce the wage list to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

“Messi said he would stay put for that extra year as long as - because it has to be accepted by both sides - there is a sporting competitive team put together,” said Balague.

“The message that Messi got was that PSG will keep the same financial conditions, which is not a problem, but that they had to reduce the wage list which makes the team less competitive.

“It is also not clear if the manager (Christophe Galtier) will be replaced and who will come in. In Qatar, the talk is that the team line-up will vary by four to five players, which makes next season a bit of an uncertainty.”

A number of clubs from around the world are stepping up their own attempts to convince the 2022 World Cup winner to sign for them.

“The pressure from the club’s Qatar owners is massive. They don’t understand why there is a delay and would be willing to put even more money on the table. But I insist, that’s not an issue,” said Balague.

PSG lead Ligue 1 by six points but their 11th consecutive attempt at winning the Champions League ended in a last-16 3-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich last month.

Could Messi really return to Barca?

Lionel Messi lifting the 2015 Champions League trophy

Messi is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 games

Messi, who left Barcelona for financial reasons in 2021, was met by whistles from a small section of PSG fans before they fell to a seventh defeat of 2023 at home to Lyon on Sunday.

That followed the news last week that Barcelona were in contact with Messi about returning to the club, and after stories started appearing in French media about his future that placed the Argentine in a negative light.

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, had a 25-minute meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta in a Barcelona hotel. It was the first time they had met since the day Laporta confirmed in Messi’s office that the player was not going to continue at the club.

“The main theme of the hotel conversation was not the future of Leo but how can Barcelona give him an homage,” said Balague.

“Leo and Laporta have not spoken but obviously Barcelona keep pushing the idea that yes, they are going to go for it. The main engine is manager Xavi who speaks very regularly to Messi and quite clearly paints him a picture of a team that needs his quality.

“Xavi tells Messi he will be used as one of the two midfielders in front of the holding one, very close to what he does with Argentina. Xavi has thought of different ways for that to work and every time Leo hears about this, his eyes light up.

“But then he hears stuff from the club like ‘we’re definitely talking to them and this is going to happen’ from directors who suggest that this is almost a goer and I imagine his reaction is quite negative because there has been no offer at all. It’s just talk coming from Barcelona.”

Manchester United sale: Thomas Zilliacus says second offer to buy club still stands

Thomas Zilliacus says he is still interested in buying Manchester United and has called on the Glazer family to “put a price tag” on the club.

The Glazers decided to go to a third round of bidding this week.

Finnish businessman Zilliacus said on social media he would not participate “in a farce’” and that he had declined the chance to lodge a third bid.

Yet, rather than meaning he was totally withdrawing, Zilliacus told BBC Sport his second bid remains on the table.

“My earlier offer still stands and I am willing to pay a premium above what I offered,” he told the BBC’s How To Buy A Football Club podcast.

“I’m not going to be participating

in a third round because I find it highly unprofessional. I see no reason whatsoever why a third round is basically starting the whole thing from scratch.

“It seems odd to me that, if there is a genuine will to sell and you have three serious bidders, why you don’t sit down with the bidders, discuss and negotiate and hopefully come to a number that everyone can agree.”

Seconds out, round three - what is happening with the Man Utd sale?

Hear more of the interview on How To Buy A Football Club on BBC Sounds

Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe both submitted a second bid to buy the Old Trafford club last month.

The Glazer family, who bought the

club for £790m in 2005, announced they were considering selling in November and have established a valuation of £5bn-6bn.

Zilliacus, 69, agreed with the Manchester United Supporters Trust that the current impasse is likely to hinder manager Erik ten Hag’s summer squad building programme.

“I can’t see the Glazers spending a lot of money on new players,” he said. “If they have decided to sell the club, why would they do that?

“The potential to have a negative impact on the club is big and is growing every day when there is no decision on this.”

The former chairman of Finland’s leading club, HJK Helsinki, also said he

was shocked at Old Trafford’s exclusion from the list of the stadiums put forward by the Football Association as a preferred host ground at Euro 2028.

United could not offer guarantees work at Old Trafford would be completed in time, although part of the reason for that is the lack of recent significant investment in the ground and the continuing uncertainty over the ownership.

“Most people know the name of three stadiums in England - Old Trafford, Wembley and Anfield,” said Zilliacus.

“You could travel just to see those stadiums. It is a real shame if Old Trafford is in a condition where it cannot be included.”

President Muhammadu Buhari signed 16 amendments to the 1999 constitution into law on March 18. Perhaps the most significant of these was the amendment that has removed electric power generation, transmission, and distribution from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list. States are thus permitted by this amendment to assume the power to let electric light shine on their people in the 21st century in the giant of Africa. I offer my commiserations to the village candle merchants.

The senate initiated this bill in 2022 as one more legislative effort to solve the country’s stubborn energy crises. The legislators believed that our country has much to gain from living the truth that a problem shared is a problem solved. The truth may descend on the nation with a pleasant surprise sooner than later. But take the advice of an old codger. Do not cross your fingers.

Our power sector is ailing. The energy crises have defeated all our presidents. Buhari is the latest victim. As a presidential candidate of his party in 2007, he issued a manifesto in which he bared his mind on the country’s myriads of social and economic problems and his proposed solutions to them should he receive the people’s thumbs up to become our president. Tackling the energy crises was one of them.

Under “Power supply, energy policy” he promised to take the road not yet taken to solve our energy crises. Among his policy objectives was this: To “Facilitate involvement of multiple actors in the provision of public electric power supply in the country, and the active public private sector partnership that will facilitate private capital investment in the sector on a viable commercial long-term basis.”

Manifestoes are written like that because some measure of obfuscation is necessary in public policy initiatives. On that pillar, according to him, would rest among others, “A national programme for the expansion of electricity generation, which will entail the establishment of new power installations with an initial target of additional 10MW of generated electricity within 4 years.”

In 2015, he received the thumbs up from the people and became our president. I am told he came into office suffused with the enthusiasm of a man destined to solve our energy problem. But eight years later as president, the energy crises have defeated him. At a campaign rally in Ogun State, the then presidential candidate of the president’s party, APC, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, said “they can’t even generate enough power to roast popcorn.”

The 10MW of electricity promised in his manifesto remains a mirage. Power remains at best epileptic and at worst, non-existent for millions of fellow Nigerians. A brief period of power supply is followed by a long period of power outage. Call it the Nigerian energy shuffle – one positive switch of light followed by a long negative switch of darkness.

A front-page banner headline in the Daily Trust of April 11, 2023, summed up the plight of the people reeling in the worsening energy crises: “Consumers groan over

epileptic power supply.” As Buhari leaves office in a few weeks, I am sure he must still be wondering why the energy crises humbled him as it did his predecessors in office.

The new law does but raise false hope on curing our ailing energy sector. Those who think that bringing the states as players must temper their excitement with the darkening realities that follow us like the shadow. Nigerians as individuals and corporate bodies have always provided their own electricity, thanks to generators from Asia. We are the world leading importers of generators.

One thing will not happen with the states becoming players. We will not witness a dramatic improvement in our public power supply. Most of the states are too poor to think of setting up their own independent power generation plants. I fear too that this will provide a new avenue for the corrupt enrichment of state governors and their business compradors.

But one thing will also happen. It will be business as usual. Individuals and corporate bodies must still bear the burden of providing their power supply in their homes and offices.

Given our tendency to turn every solution into a new and more complex problem, thanks to the money-smart men and women among us, I will not hasten to organise a requiem mass for the generator merchants. The facts of what we are up against in the energy sector are depressing and despairing.

Experts estimated that the country needs between 25,000 and 40,000 megawatts capacity for its over 200 million population.

Our current installed generating capacity of 12,522MW can in no way approach this important threshold. It can only generate 4,000MW. Even in a miracle-saturated nation such as ours, it will take much more than a leap of faith, if not foolishness, to believe that this could end the energy crises.

As of now, according to Ogaga Ariemu, in his paper, “Nigeria’s ailing power sector: How FG’s projections failed,” “our current power generation stands below 3,800MW, and the per capita electricity usage is 136 KW/h, one of the world’s lowest. In Libya, it is 4,270 KW/h; India, 616KW/H; China, 2,944KW/H; South Africa, 4,803KW/h and Singapore, 8,307KW/h.”

The energy crises have humbled every one of our leaders, in khaki or agbada. However, it will be unfair not to appreciate what they tried to do to solve the multidimensional problems in the sector. The fact is that every effort missed the path to the solution of the energy crises. Ours is the only country on the continent with an ailing energy sector this bad. I suppose the devil just did not give any one of them a chance to be recognised as our energy sector messiah. Pox on the horned one.

In 2005, the Obasanjo administration enacted the Electric Power Sector Reform Act. This was moved to the next level with the Roadmap Power Reform of 2010. This ambitious initiative was aimed at a comprehensive transformation of the power industry with improved public and private investments. The government expected this to raise the power generation capacity to a whopping 40,000MW five years later by the year 2020. This was what gave President Goodluck Jonathan the confidence to tell Tell magazine editors at an interview that they should be prepared to dash him their generators. The editors wisely held on to their generators.

One of the major reforms in the sector was to create independent power generation and distribution companies to improve efficiency in the system. The new companies were TCN and DisCos. The privatisation was effected in 2013 to the bells and whistles of hope from the harassed populace. DisCos soon became part of the energy shuffle. This compounded the problems and the relief the country hoped for evaporated in the heat of corruption in the system, beginning with the sale of the new companies to companies that went into the business because they saw them as the new cash cows. They could not bring in the required funds to run the business. Deprived of the oxygen of investments, the distribution companies, one after the other began to end up belly up, taking down our hopes for improved power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Ariemu pointed out that “the debt

burden, poor balance sheet and lack of investment are hallmarks of challenges facing DisCos.” He quoted the minister of power, Abubakar Aliyu, as having said that nine out of the eleven DisCos were on the verge of bankruptcy by last year. The sick cannot cure the sick, apparently.

One of the critical problems in the power sector is the national grid. The wisdom in creating the national grid lies in the peculiarity of our federalism, an unwanted face of military federalism in which centralisation is the soul of our national development. All power generated are fed into the single basket of national grid from which power is then distributed. This national distribution system relies on a dilapidated distribution system that makes it impossible for the little that is generated to be evacuated, transmitted, and distributed. Under the little weight of power generated, the national grid frequently collapses throwing the country or parts thereof into avoidable darkness. There were at least nine such collapses last year. This year has recorded at least four of such collapses so far.

Despite putting power in the concurrent legislative list, the responsibility for our energy policy is still that of the federal government. To really move forward in this troubled sector, something must give. One of these is to discontinue with the folly of a frayed wisdom of maintaining a national grid system that has become a serious problem in the energy sector.

If the national grid was a wise step in the past, it has become a sclerotic step in the present. Time to consider regionalising power generation, transmission, and distribution in the country. Its advantages are obvious, to wit, regional power generation caters to a smaller populace; it shortens the distribution line; it will be cheaper to have shorter and a more efficient transmission system in place of the current dilapidated distribution system. Centralised federalism ought to have sensible limits in our country.

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Given our tendency to turn every solution into a new and more complex problem, thanks to the moneysmart men and women among us, I will not hasten to organise a requiem mass for the generator merchants.