Saturday, May 20, 2023 Weekend Edition

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari (7th); President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan (6th r) Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha (8th) Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari (9th) Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Tijjani Umar (5th) and Others during the commissioning of the Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre at Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday

With N21bn medical Centre, Presidents no longer need medical treatment abroad - Aisha Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has said henceforth, the Nigerian President would not need to travel overseas for medical treatment, following the inauguration of the new N21 billion Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Center at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking at a brief inauguration ceremony of the Centre on Friday, the First Lady, who accompanied her husband to the event, noted that the facility will stop the need for the president and his family members to go abroad for medical treatment.

The First Lady, who spoke to journalists after President Buhari had cut the tape and concluded a guided tour of the facility, said she bought the idea of executing the project six years ago, following the extended stay of her husband abroad for medical treatment.

She said now that the facility is in place, Nigerian Presidents and their family members will no longer need to go abroad for treatment but may only fly medical experts to assist their colleagues in the country.

On her impression of the new medical center, she said: “I’m quite happy, feeling fulfilled. Though we are leaving but all the same, we thank God the project has come to reality.

“I have opted for it six years now. I initiated this project idea six years ago when my husband spent three months abroad, consecutively, for 90 days. And it shouldn’t be because we have all the experts in Nigeria. We only need a good platform.

“The hospital that is supposed to serve the First Family is serving like 35,000 people which is quite much.

“That’s why I insisted we should have a VIP Wing within the proximity of the presidential villa.”

Also, on whether the medical Centre will now make it unnecessary

for Nigerian leaders to go abroad for treatment, she responded: “Yes. This one is for the health and wellness of the First Family. They don’t need to go abroad now. They only need to fly in experts to help our people. “So, no need for any leader to spend months and months abroad because of health care.”

The N21 billion, state-of-thefacility commissioned by President Buhari spans a total floor area of 2,485 square meters, on a suspended floor with a basement, the hospital, which serves as a specialized Intensive Care Centre, caters for the President, Vice President, their immediate families and VIPs. The hospital incorporates state-of-the-art medical technology.

The Presidential/VIP Wing houses several specialized departments, to be staffed by a team of medical professionals, featuring five consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties, including respiratory, cardiology,

ophthalmology, ENT, and general consultation.

Additionally, the hospital has a specialized X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine as well as a diagnostic suite encompassing MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities.

Moreover, patients and visitors can enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to foster healing, relaxation, and enhancement of overall wellbeing.

The Presidential/VIP Wing completed well on schedule and on budget, also showcases a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab), two operating rooms for regular procedures, and special procedures such as organ transplants.

Comedians entertaining guests, at a function in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Aisha Buhari

INEC now meddlesome interloper in my petition, Atiku tells Tribunal

By Vivian Okejeme

Former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a meddlesome interloper in its defence against the PresidentElect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Also, Atiku told the court that INEC lacks legal right to defend Tinubu in the drug and dual citizenship accusations.

At the resumed proceeding, Friday, the electoral empire, through its counsel, Mr Kemi

Pinhero SAN moved a motion on notice praying the Court to strike out some of the allegations made against Tinubu.

Specifically, INEC pleaded with the Court to strike out 32 allegations made against Tinubu by Atiku for various reasons including lack of jurisdiction, forfeiture of $460,000 dollars in the United States of America (USA), possession of Guinea’s Password and Allegiance to foreign countries.

But Atiku, through his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN filed a counter affidavit in opposition to INEC’S request and asked the Court to dismiss the electoral body’s position.

Uche argued that it was not the duty of INEC to do the battle or argue the case of Tinubu who is 2nd defendant in the petition.

Atiku insisted that INEC ought to be neutral but somersaulted by turning itself to busy body and meddlesome interloper by taking up the defense of Tinubu against the provisions of the law.

He therefore asked the Court to dismiss INEC’S motion for being gross abuse of court process, lacking in merit and grossly incompetent.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani has fixed the ruling till the date of judgment in the substantive petition.

Stakeholders seek extension of FG’s NG-CARES programme

Stakeholders have commended the Federal Government for its NGCARES programme, aimed at improving the livelihood of poor Nigerians, calling for its extension, in order to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Several stakeholders, including implementing agencies drawn from seven states, gave the commendation in Ibadan at a maiden Ministerial Town Hall meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for beneficiaries from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos and Kwara States. They took turns to make presentations on how the programme had empowered them economically and improved their socioeconomic wellbeing.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Beatrice Ogunsuyi, a widow from Ondo State, who benefited from the healthcare provision under the initiative, said it was the needed intervention appropriate for her situation.

Similarly, Mrs. Rachel Onapasa from Obokun Local Government Area of Osun, who lost her source of livelihood as a poultry farmer during the COVID-19 pandemic, said she regained her stability with the intervention of the Federal Government.

“I was provided with a carton

of broiler with feed, which helped to regain my livelihood,” Onapasa said.

For a physically challenged beneficiary from Oyo State, Mrs. Subaidan Rasak, she received government support, in spite of her condition, which had confined her to be indoor.

Rasak said the monthly social transfer received from the government had improved her living conditions and helped in taking care of her family.

Speaking on behalf of Moferere-Iju community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Dipe Adegboye, said the dilapidated science laboratory and Basic Health Care Centre in the community had been reconstructed and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

“All these were achieved through the NG-CARES community development programme, making students, who could not take subjects in sciences, are now doing well,” Adegboye said.

Other beneficiaries, who were unemployed, artisans, cattle breeders and petty traders, also attested to the positive impact of the NG-CARES in their various businesses.

On his part, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for

his vision to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within a period of 10 years.

Agba, who was represented by Mr. Aso Vakporaye, Chairman, Federal CARES Technical Committee of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme, commended the partners for making the initiative a success.

Speaking in his capacity, Vakporaye said the hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic made the Federal Government develop the Economic Sustainability Plan.

This, he added, inspired the preparation and eventual implementation of the NGCARES Programme in the 36 States and FCT.

“We are proud to say that the Programme has recorded

tangible results and has positively affected so many poor and vulnerable Nigerians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other shocks across the country,” Vakporaye said.

The World Bank representative and Task Team-lead, Prof. Foluso Okumadewa, commended the commitment and courage put into the initiative by various states and executors in various programmes which had yielded positive results.

Okumadewa announced that the World Bank had extended the programme for 12 months, calling for registration of more Nigerians below the poverty line as well as extending support to the poor in every area needed.

The National Coordinator,

NG-CARES, Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, said the programme was a multi-sectoral programme designed to provide immediate emergency relief to the vulnerable and poor Nigerians, smallholder farmers and SMEs that were adversely affected by the COVID-19.

Obaje said the programme covered three results areas with 11 Disbursement Linked Indicators interventions which were selected by the states.

“On the state and FCT Performance in 1ˢ ˢ Result Verification; 29 states and FCT earned reimbursement after deducting the initial advance, while seven states earned no reimbursement after deducting the initial advance,” he said. NAN

Atiku Abubakar

Customs seizes 14 items worth over N71m in Kebbi

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Customs Command said it has recorded 17 seizures of assorted items worth N71, 287,056 of the duty paid value in one month.

Addressing press conference on Friday, the Kebbi Command Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, said the seizures were between 15th April to 15th May 2023, adding that the arrests were made

through Bunza Town to Maje axis, in the border area.

Oramalugo explained further that the effort was made through stop and search, saying that the officers were able to intercepted a truck load of donkeys’ skins and meat, along kamba border axis.

According to him, “during conveying it to the command our officers were attacked by some unscrupulous elements from the village of Bunza, which they

broke the windscreen of the two patrol vehicles belonging to the command”.

He added that other items seized include: Volvo truck (6 tyres) fully loaded with 212 big sized sack and 202 small sized sacks of Donkey meat/skins.

Others are 4 used vehicles comprising 2 Toyota Camry 2013, 2 used Honda Jazz 2005, 55 bales of secondhand clothes, and 4925 liters of PMS, while 13 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 5 kegs

of vegetable oil and 1 blue Volvo truck 6 tyers and 1 Toyota corolla Ash as means of conveyance among others.

“This command has steadily continued to record a boost in one of our core mandates of revenue generation in the month of April we were able to generate a sum of one hundred and twenty-seven million, three hundred and sixty-four thousand, one hundred Naira (N127, 364100)”, he stressed.

Ministry inaugurates revised service charter, honours staffers

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has inaugurated its revised service charter.

This is to ensure rewards and efficient service delivery among the members of staff of the ministry.

Inaugurating the document on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister, Sadiya Farouk, said the charter aimed at defining the service experience its publics would have with it.

Farouk said that the revised edition of the charter was created to ensure strict service compliance in the discharge of the ministry`s responsibility to the public.

“This document is a compendium that gives an overview of the ministry, the aims and objectives of the ministry as well as mechanisms for redressing grievances”, she said.

The Minister also used the event to honour some staffers of the ministry with a prestigious award of excellence in service delivery for their outstanding performances.

“The ministry has been rendering services to millions of its beneficiaries through various programmes as such it has become necessary to recognise and reward hard working staff,`’ Farouk said.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM), Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, commended the minister for her commitment towards providing efficient service delivery to Nigerians.

Akajemeli said that the document would remain a tool that boosts quality service delivery.

“So, implementation is key to the success of this service charter, we are also lending our voice to what you’re already doing to satisfy the citizens through service delivery“ she said

The Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Gwarzo, said the ministry`s mandate was to develop humanitarian policies by providing effective coordination of national and international humanitarian interventions.

“This mandate has put the ministry in the spotlight since its inception, three years ago and with the commitment of all the staffers, their skills, their focus, we have been able to serve our customers.

“The mandate also includes strategic disaster miitigation preparedness, response management.

“it also entails the formulation and implementation of a fair and focused social inclusion, as well as protection

programmes in Nigeria.

“The charter was put in place in order

to ensure that the ministry maintains efficient and effective service delivery to its customers,” he said (NAN)

Buhari approves immediate resumption of new governing board of NEDC

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate resumption of the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North East Development Commission, NEDC, Umar Abubakar Hashidu and other members of the Board.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

According to the statement, the President’s directive followed the expiration of the tenure of the former Board on May 7, 2023.

“The President has therefore directed the immediate completion of handover formalities in the organisation in order to avoid a vacuum in the day to day running of this very important and strategic Commission, pending the

confirmation by the Senate,’ Shehu said. Members of the new Governing Board which has Barrister Bukar Baale as the Chairman include; Suwaiba Idris Baba, Executive Director, Humanitarian Affairs, (North East, Taraba), Musa Umar Yashi, Executive Director, Administration and Finance, (North East, Bauchi), Dr Ismaila Nuhu Maksha, Executive Director, Operations (North East, Adamawa), and Umar Abubakar Hashidu, MD/CEO, (North East, Gombe).

Others are Onyeka Gospel-Tony, Member, (South East), Hon. Mrs Hailmary Ogolo Aipoh, Member, (South-South), Air Commodore Babatunde Akanbi (rtd), Member, (South West), Mustapha Ahmed Ibrahim, Member, (North West), Hadiza Maina, Member, (North Central), the Director, Humanitarian Affairs Department of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster

President Muhammadu Buhari

Management and Social Development, Alhaji Grema Ali and a representative from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

Stakeholders canvass abolition of female genital mutilation

Stakeholders, on Friday, called for the outright abolition of female genital mutilation (FGM), describing as it as an anomaly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders made the call during the launch of a book: ‘Ogorire: Our Blood, their Bond,’ written by a federal civil servant, Mr. Kunle Awojemila, in Abuja.

One of the stakeholders and wife of former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, said:“We must shout; we must scream; we must pass the message in our cars, homes, offices and villages that we should stop FGM, until there is no one female being subjected to this horrible treatment.

“There have been cases of women who had been rendered barren because of infection from the day they were mutilated.

“There have been stories of women, after marriage, who have to be sent back for surgeries to open them up again.

Mind you, those are even the lucky ones who have the money, means and knowledge”.

Mimiko, who was the mother of the day at the occasion, said that many women had been left to wallow in tears, nights without end, because they could not satisfy their husbands on bed.

“There have been stories of women who killed themselves because of the consequences of FGM,” she said.

She opined that the author of the book should be celebrated, as he had succeeded in passing cogent messages that should be spread across every corner of the communities until FGM was totally stopped.

Also speaking, a retired Director at the federal civil service, Mr. Olowoofoyeku Olusoji, said that the book was going to add to the others earlier written on FGM.

While urging everyone to spread the message in order to stop the practice, Olusoji commended the author on the

sensitisation on the dangers of FGM through the book.

The Eleriti of Eriti-Akoko, Oba Amos Ogunleye, and the Olojo of Igashi-Akoko, Mrs Mojirade Ipinaye, commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for its support to the author, whom they described as a hospitable and resolute person.

Responding, the author, Mr. Kunle Awojemila, said the book was aimed at sensitising societal segments on the danger of FGM.

Awojemila urged everyone to read and propagate what was in the book to every nook and cranny of the country for the barbaric act to be eradicated.

NAN reports that “Ogorire” is a festival in Terengo-Orisa Akoko in Ondo State and also an initiation into womanhood through circumcision.

NAN also reports that Awojemila, who was born in 1971, is a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

NAN

COVER News Editor (Ag), Stanley Onyekwere

How Tinubu-Kwankwaso romance is unsettling Kano politicics

By Mustapha Adamu

The recent meeting between the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, may have signalled a new dawn in the politics of Kano state, the second most populous state in the country.

Although the meeting between the two political leaders, held in Paris had become a subject of national discourse and elicited reactions from both NNPP and APC stalwarts who are either in support or against the development.

Reports had it that the meeting was at the instance of Tinubu, who extended the hand of friendship to Kwankwaso with a view to working together with him after he takes over from President Muhammadu Buhari on May 29.

Tinubu, according to reports, wants to work with Kwankwaso to achieve the unity government he intends to run when he takes over on May 29.

Indications are rife that the Presidentelect may want to work with Kwankwaso as a politician in his own right who has a large followership, not only in Kano but across the North and he’s even said to have promised ministerial position to the former governor of Kano state.

The meeting of the two politicians in France which was well publicised has expectedly generated suspicions that the power structure in Kano would soon be restructured.

Accordingly, the question that readily comes to the mind of politics watchers is, what would be the fate of the outgoing Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was at the forefront of Tinubu’s campaigners, even before he formally declared interest to contest for president.

Ganduje at several fora had openly expressed his support for Tinubu even before the former governor of Lagos state won the APC presidential ticket.

Ganduje had indeed become part and parcel of Tinubu’s campaign and even though Tinubu lost Kano to Kwankwaso, the governor was able to garner over half a million votes for the President-elect.

However, looking at this scenario, there are fears that Tinubu may dump Ganduje as he has not openly promised any appointment to Ganduje yet, the way reports said he had offered ministerial slot to Kwankwaso.

But, why isTinubu wooing Kwankwaso?, This is the question on the lips of observers of the political situation in Kano and beyond.

Weekend Peoples Daily gathered from sources privy to the meeting between Tinubu and Kwankwaso that he is wooing Kwankwaso because he believes he has the capacity to help his government succeed.

Tinubu is also said ro believe that Kwankwaso has a support base that would help Tinubu’s 2027 ambition should the former governor of Kano defect to APC.

• As fears envelop Ganduje’s camp

So, the question is, if eventually Tinubu is able to lure Kwankwaso to APC, what then would be Ganduje’s fate?

According to political observers, Tinubu may have considered Kwankwaso’s political support base before he approached him for discussions.

They have also suggested that Tinubu is Kwankwaso’s friend as they served at a National Assembly.

Again, If Kwankwaso decides to defect to APC, he would join with a governor, two senators, 18 House of Representatives members and about 27 House of Assembly members, leaving Ganduje with only one Senator, six House of Representatives members and 13 assembly members.

Based on this arithmetic, Kwankwaso would definitely take control of the APC in Kano and Ganduje would be shoved aside except he agrees to play a second fiddle to his former boss.

But the question is, would Kwankwaso accept to be under Ganduje while he holds the majority of elective position in the state.?

This might be the reason why Tinubu decided to seal the deal with Kwankwaso in view of the fact that he has strong political structures that would help him win Kano in 2027.

Weekend Peoples Daily understands that should this happen, crisis would be inevitable in the party as some APC

members in the state had already kicked against any move for Kwankwaso to return to the party.

Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, one of President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s ally and APC chieftain said Tinubu should expect “war” if he eventually woo Kwankwaso back to APC.

In an emergency press briefing with newsmen in Kano on Thursday, Kwamanda described such an attempt by Tinubu as a betrayal of the trust and commitment of his supporters in the region, which they would not handle lightly.

He warned that Kwankwaso has an agenda that would bring the APC down if he is allowed into the party as he attempted doing in the past but could not succeed and had to leave for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which he shattered and left for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) where he became it’s presidential candidate.

“We in the Northwest do not welcome Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to our party APC.

“We do not accept the idea of Bola Tinubu giving him any appointment even as low as a messenger in our dear party.

“Should Tinubu ignore our outcry and appoint Kwankwaso, we are going to disrupt the entire APC in the North and withdraw our support for him.

“If we set the party on fire, not even

Tinubu as a president can put out that fire. We are the north and the people are our people.

“We have invested all our efforts, integrity and dignity in the North to mobilize the people to vote for Tinubu, they refused to vote for a fellow northerner just for him to win in the region and now come and embrace our major opposition. We will not accept that.

“We assure Tinubu that we will turn our backs on him if he decides do ignore our call, we don’t welcome Kwankwaso to our party and don’t give him any appointment.

This is our message to all” Danbilki declared.

Also, the APC spokesman in Kano, Ahmed Afuwa, said even if Kwankwaso eventually returned to the party, he must be under the leadership of Ganduje.

According to Aruwa,” This meeting between Tinubu and Kwankwaso means Kwankwaso wants to return to the party he labelled as anti-masses party.

“So, we are not against his return but he has to labour for the party from the scratch. We will not allow any attempt to impose him over the structure already built by Ganduje. He has to be under Ganduje,” Aruwa said.

Whether Kwankwaso is returning to APC or not, only time will tell, especially as Tinubu hinted that there would be more meetings between both of them.

Tinubu Kwankwaso

Court lifts suspension order on Abure, other, LP officers

Justice Hamza Muazu of a High Court in Abuja, on Friday granted an order of stay of execution on the suspension of Julius Abure, Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) and others.

Others are the National Organizing Secretary, Mr Clement Ojukwu and National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, from parading themselves as LP national officials,

The plaintiffs in the case are Martins Esikpali John; Lucky Shaibu; Isah Zekeri; Omogbai Frank; Abokhaiu Aliu; Ayohkaire Lateef; John Elomah

Shun culture of insulting your leaders, Ortom charges residents

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has admonished Benue people to shun the culture of insulting their leaders, but rather seek ways to support them to deliver effective leadership.

Governor Ortom gave the admonition while commissioning road projects named after late Gideon Ortkar and first speaker of the State Assembly Ayua Num.

He said the roads were hitherto, impassable, hence the need for the government to construct them to ease movement and open up the areas for socio economic activities.

However, the outgoing Governor said throughout his term, he received a lot of uncomplimentary remarks from Benue people, but was not deterred.

Ortom, who drummed support for the incoming administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia said, “by 12 noon May 29th, I will be referred to as ex-governor.

“I advise Benue people to support the new Government. What I have been able to do, I hope they will improve on”.

and Dr Ayobami Arabambi,. They had in an ex-parte motion, marked M/7082/2023, sought the removal of Abure and the three other national officers of the party which the judge granted order of suspension

The judge after listening to arguments from parties granted the order for stay execution pending the determination of the appeal filed by the defendants.

Justice Muazu had on April 5 issued an interim injunction stopping Abure, Ibrahim and the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Mr. Clement Ojukwu and National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, from parading themselves as national officers of LP .

This was contained in an ex-parte motion, marked M/7082/2023, brought before the court by the eight plaintiffs.

At the sitting today, the defendants told the court that they have a notice of appeal pending at the court of appeal.

After much arguments from parties, the judge granted an order for a stay on the suspension.

Following the April 5 exparte injunction made by Justice Muazu, stopping Abure, Ibrahim and two other national

officials of the party, Alex Ejesieme, SAN had on April 20 argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The senior advocate had submitted that the matter before the court bordered on the internal affairs of the Labour Party, adding that criminal allegations made by the plaintiffs in the case, could not be ventilated in an origination summon.

He added that the eight plaintiffs that brought the case before the court were not members of the National Executive Council of the party and as such lacked the locus standi to institute the case.

According to Ejesieme, “Our contention is very clear that those criminal allegations cannot be ventilated in an origination summon.

“The issue of locus standi is there. When you refer to LP’s constitution, the claimants are not members of NEC or the party.

They have a duty to present their membership cards to the court which they didn’t.”

While objecting to the preliminary objection raised by the counsel for Abure , counsel for the plaintiffs, Mr George Ibrahim, urged the court to

dismiss the same.

According to him, the first to fourth defendants had yet to obey the April 5 order of the court as they were still parading themselves as national officers of the LP.

With the ruling of the court on having jurisdiction to hear the case, its order of April 5 subsists.

The judge then adjourned until today to hear the substantive case.

Earlier, the plaintiffs had informed the court, through

their counsel, Ogwu Onoja SAN, that Abure and the three other national officials allegedly forged several documents of the FCT High Court, including receipts, seal and affidavits, to carry out unlawful substitutions in the last general election.

Onoja argued that following their indictment by police investigation, the four people are to be arraigned in court, adding that warrants for their arrest have already been obtained.

(NAN

Buhari unveils state-of-the-art medical centre at Presidential Villa

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu

Buhari has said the new state-of-the-art Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre in Abuja, will boost health infrastructure in the country by far, while calling for the judicious use of the facility to maximize its benefits.

The Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre, which was conceptualized by the previous administration eleven years ago, was officially unveiled by the President, on Friday.

Accompanied by the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, members of the first family, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff Prof Ibrahim Gambari, and the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, the President toured the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab), operating rooms for regular and specialized

procedures, Intensive Care Unit, Specialized Infectious Disease Isolation Suites, and Specialized consultation rooms.

He expressed satisfaction with the fully-equipped and operational medical facilities at the Centre, noting that in the past eight years, holistic health care has been given a priority.

During his tour of the facility, President Buhari interacted with the local medical staff who received specialized training on handling the advanced equipment available at the facility.

The State House Permanent Secretary explained that the VIP facility is intended to be a one-stop shop for the provision of medical services to the President, Vice President and their families as well as other VIPs.

He recounted that the concept of establishing a medical facility within the seat of government was conceived in 2012, which resulted in the creation of a project brief in

2013, outlining the objectives, scope, and specifications for the facility’s construction.

According to him, it wasn’t until 2020 that President Buhari gave his approval for a comprehensive geotechnical survey and assessment of seven potential sites,

‘‘Mr. President selected this site for the project after he had gone round to personally inspect the proposed sites. This led to the development of a concept design, taking into consideration the specific requirements of its intended end-user.

‘‘The contract for the construction of the facility which occupies a floor area of 2,485 square metres across one suspended floor and a basement, was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria, Plc as a turnkey project after a rigorous evaluation process and the site handed over to them in August, 2021.

‘‘However, it was on 1st November, 2021 that actual

construction started after a ground – breaking event led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the project was completed on schedule and on budget in December, 2022.

‘‘All this was achieved due to the singular resolve and resilience of His Excellency Mr. President to address the long –identified need for such a facility and to bequeath a worthy legacy in this regard.

‘‘Today, to the Glory of God and country, this dream has been achieved and standing in all its splendor, before our very eyes is this technologysupported by the Presidential Wing of the State House Medical Centre,’’ he said.

The contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was praised for their commitment, competence, consistency, and exemplary workmanship, which played a significant role in the successful and timely completion of the project without exceeding the allocated budget.

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

There is an uneasy calm in the corridors of legislative and executive power brokers in Benue State, in the wake of Thursday’s palpable tension at the Benue State House of Assembly, as heavy security and suspected thugs barricaded the complex. Peoples Daily had gathered that there were alleged plans by the state lawmakers to be coerced into passing the controversial Life Pension bill proposed by the outgoing Governor Samuel Ortom’s administration.

Uneasy calm in Benue Assembly over pension bill

Confirming the incident, in chat with our correspondent on phone, a member representing Tarka State Constituency, said the bill will not see the light of day, arguing that the Governor is owing members 6 months and cannot compel them to pass the bill.

“Yes, I was in attendance at the plenary. I was not coerced

into sitting. I was around on my own volition. We decided to pass the Bill because it has to do with our tertiary Institutions.

“So, what we did was basically to amend laws that were already in place.

“Two polytechnics and three colleges of education and then we worked on the bill on widows Commission. We were

about 17 members out of 30”, he said.

On his part, the member representing Vandeikya Tiev Constituency, Terkaa Ucha said he was marked for harassment but ran for his dear life, maintaining that the Pension Bill cannot be passed because the Governor is not pension friendly.

“Ortom cannot pass that bill in Benue state. If he is pension friendly, we will know because my mother is a pensioner and my father died a pensioner.

“My vehicle was not vandalized but I was penciled down to be harassed but I got the information and ran for my life”, Ucha said.

Kaduna Govt promises improved school furniture, WASH facilities

The Kaduna State Government has pledged to provide adequate school furniture, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and other facilities to encourage school enrolment and retention in public primary schools.

The Executive Chairman, Kaduna Basic Education Board (Kaduna SUBEB), Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi made the promise in Kafanchan, during a oneday sensitisation campaign on the enrolment of out-of-school children in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was organised by the Kaduna SUBEB, under the World Bank-supported Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Malam Kabiru Lawal, acting Director of Social Mobilisation, said that the government was also working to improve security in schools and improve teachers’ capacity for quality teaching and learning.

He called on the SchoolBased Management Committees

(SBMCs) to step in, particularly in the provision of WASH facilities when necessary before while awaiting government intervention.

He explained that the enrolment campaign was to mobilise relevant stakeholders to support the government to mop-up out-of-school children in the streets, motor parks, farms, houses, markets, and other places.

Also speaking during the campaign, Mrs Josephine Michael, Desk Officer of BESDA, Kaduna SUBEB, said that the effort was to ensure that no child was left behind in the government drive to provide quality education to all.

Michael appealed to the stakeholders to support the state government efforts to address the menace of out-of-school toward building the needed human capital that would move the state forward.

“BESDA, a Programme for Result (P for R) was initiated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) with support from the Federal

Ministry of Education, designed to address the menace of out-ofschool children.

“The programme began in 2019, with a 611 million dollars loan from the World Bank, which the Federal Government gave 17 participating states with the highest number of out-ofschool children as grant.

Also, Malam Magaji Mohammed, Community Participation Officer, Kaduna SUBEB, urged the stakeholders to strengthen advocacy and sensitisation to ensure that no child was left behind.

He noted that the government was doing the best it could to provide the needed facilities in schools to enable children to learn in line with the state’s free and compulsory basic education.

Earlier, community stakeholders from Jema’a, Kaura, Zangon Kataf and Sanga Local Government Areas of the state commended the government efforts to enrol outof-school children in school.

They, however, urged the government to improve security

in schools and provide adequate school furniture and WASH facilities.

One of them, Mr. Peter Owaze, said that the provisions of school furniture and other facilities would encourage children to enrol in school and remain in school.

On his part, Mr. Ango Arkilawus, lamented that some teachers and pupils were

struggling for space in bushes around public school due to lack of toilet and water facilities.

NAN reports that religious and community leaders at the meeting pledged to sensitise community members on the importance of education and work with parents and caregivers to enroll their children in school. NAN

Varsity Don advocates support for traders

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo of the University of Abuja has urged governments at all levels, especially Lagos State, to intensify support for traders, given their contributions to the growth of the economy.

Okonkwo made the call in Abuja on Thursday at a meeting with the new executives of Ndigboamaka Progressives Markets Association (NPMA).

NPMA is the umbrella body of Ibo Traders in Lagos , made up of 58 market groups across the state.

It has the mandate to facilitate trade for its members, improve the volume of trade for further growth of the economy of Lagos and Nigeria in general.

Okonkwo, said the call became necessary given the high volume of trading activities and turn out by the traders and the impact to

the economy of Lagos and Nigeria in general.

“This people who are representing a turnover of trillions in this our economy, as simple as they might look, they cannot be taken for granted.

“This people here have millions of youths who are engaged over their mentorship in different markets in Lagos, they should be recognised, and that is going to be our objective.

“So, they need all the support to add more to grow their business because the bigger their business becomes, the more trillions of turnovers they are turning in, the more customs duty, the more taxes to the nation.

“A good number of them are moving from trading to manufacturing, to assembling and not Just buying and selling.

“The association is a very important group to the life, future and economy of the nation because these people consist of about 60 to 70 per cent of Lagos economy’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

Okonkwo, who is a professor of Business at the University of Abuja Business School, said the group has worked out a way to create a mutual working relationship and understanding with the government.

”There is an improved relationship within my leadership; last year, there was a special event where they gave a special award to the Lagos governor based on association and collaboration on improved relationships.

“And the governor for the first time appointed a member of the association into the Lagos State

Market Advisory Council.

“At that meeting, the governor received an open endorsement of the association for his second term in office.”

Okonkwo, who is the National Grand Patron of the association, commended the association for the transparent and peaceful conduct of election of the new executives.

He urged them to consolidate the peace amongst members of the association.

“For the fact that they are organised and for the fact that they organised their election peacefully, is a manifestation of unity among them.

“And we shall continue to work for peace, and consolidate on the unity and understanding,

“They have been men of credibility and integrity, having

successfully served in their various businesses, and that is what the society we have now needs and unfortunately it is a scarce commodity.

“I am committed to working with every one of you in whatever markets with pride, with joy to the glory of God, to attain the objectives of these associations for the benefit of members.”

The new President of NPMA, Mr. Chinedu Ukatu who is also a member of Lagos state Market Advisory Council, said the association was having a cordial relationship with the Lagos State Government.

According to him, the priority of the new executive is to intensify trade facilitation among members for the benefit of traders who consist of different races. NAN

Governor el-Rufai

CRIME NEWS

DIA tasks finance officers on due process, anti-corruption

The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has urged defence advisers and attaches in charge of finance to be conversant with Nigeria’s anti-corruption and due process provisions.

The Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget, Maj.Gen. Adekunle Adesope, gave the charge at the closing of the 2023 Deputy Defence Advisers/ Attaches Finance Conference, on Friday in Abuja.

He said being abreast of the laws and processes was necessary for them not to fall foul of the provisions in public sector financial administration in Nigeria.

Adesope said the conference was to enhance the performance of the officers in the management of finances of defence sections in their various countries of assignment.

“I, therefore, implore all participants to put the

knowledge acquired during this conference to good use to justify the commendable efforts of DIA.

“I will also like to advise you to take cognisance of the ongoing federal government anti-corruption campaign and due process in the administration of finance resources in your various missions,” he said.

Adesope commended the Chief of Defense Intelligence,

Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, for the effort to revive the training programme for finance officers after about a decade.

He urged the agency to include the training programme in its annual forecast of events as part of DIA manpower development.

Speaking, Director, Finance and Accounts, DIA, Commodore Samuel Ngatuwa, said the conference brought together experts, professionals

and experienced practitioners who shared their insights on a wide range of issues.

Ngatuwa said the in-depth discourse was focused on the need for transparency, probity and accountability in effective management of public finances. According to him, the participants were exposed to the latest innovations in digital accounting, in line with global best practices.

NAN

EFCC probes Matawalle over alleged N70bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is probing Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara over alleged N70 billion fraud.

The EFCC Chairman, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, represented by the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Osita Nwaja, said this at a news conference, in Abuja.

This development came days after Matawalle accused the EFCC of bias in selecting who to investigate, leaving others as sacred cows.

Matawalle had urged the EFCC to probe people working with President Muhammadu Buhari, including cabinet ministers.

He accused the anti-graft office of being too timid to go after people loyal to the president.

The EFCC boss, however, said that the claim of the governor was just an attempt to cast aspersion on the integrity of the EFCC’s fight against corruption.

He accused Matawalle of making farcical allegations of corruption in assets disposal and plea bargain procedure, among others.

“What is at play here is a pure case of corruption fighting back. Matawalle’s outburst is a product of paranoia, an uncomfortable exertion arising from the heat of EFCC’s lawful activities.

“But the real issue with Matawalle is that he is being investigated by the EFCC, over allegations of monumental corruption, award of phantom contracts and diversion of over N70 billion.

“The money which was

sourced as loan from an old generation bank purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state.

“It was allegedly diverted by the governor through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were not executed,” he said.

Bawa said that the EFCC investigation had become the source of anxiety in Government House, Gusau, with the governor in mortal dread of his fate once he steps down as governor on May 29.

He said the governor would have been in the EFCC custody but for the immunity clause.

“In Nigeria, state governors and their deputies enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution while in office, a reason the EFCC has yet to arrest Governor Matawalle.”

Bawa said that the Commission’s investigations so far, revealed that more than

100 companies had received payments from the funds, with no evidence of service rendered to the state.

“Some of the contractors who had been invited and quizzed by the commission, made startling revelations on how they were allegedly compelled by the governor to return the funds received from the state coffers to him.

“This was done through his aides after converting the same to United States Dollars.

“They confirmed that they did not render any service to Zamafara state but were allegedly directed to convert the monies paid to them into United States Dollar.

“And, return to the State governor through some of his commissioners, notably the Commissioners in charge of Finance and Local Government Affairs,” he said.

According to the EFCC chairman, one of the

contractors, a popular Abuja property developer, collected N6 billion on a N10 billion contract without rendering any service to Zamfara.

“Another contractor collected over N3 billion for a contract for the supply of medical equipment but the Commission traced a payment of N400 Million from his account to a Bureau de Change operator.

“The contractor confessed the payment was to procure the dollar equivalent allegedly for the state governor,” he said.

Bawa further said as part of the extensive investigation of contracts awarded by the Matawalle administration, especially for phantom projects in the local government areas, the commission had recovered N300 million from a company, Fezel Nigeria Limited.

He said that the funds were allegedly traced to the Zamafara Investment Company.

According to him, it is intriguing that Matawalle would want to take on the role of a supervisor, who tells the EFCC whom to investigate. Is this a case of a “thief’’ saying he must not be touched until other “thieves’’ are caught?

“Unfortunately, it is not within Matawalle’s remit to dictate to the EFCC whom to arrest, when and where. Suspects in the custody of the Commission cut across all sectors and social class.

“The qualification to get a space in the Commission’s detention facility is to commit a crime. It does not matter whether you are a priest, Imam, Governor or minister.

“Currently, a former minister of power is in the custody of the EFCC over a N22 billion corruption allegation. That conveniently did not attract Matawalle’s attention,” he said.

(NAN)

SPECIAL REPORT

CSOs demand just energy transition as major oil coys hold AGMs

By Femi Oyelola

Next week will be a busy one for the major oil companies as they will be having their Annual General Meetings, (AGM) from 23rd to 31st of May.

Information gathered revealed that Shell BP’s AGM is scheduled for May 23rd, Total Energies AGM, May 26th; and Exxon Mobil scheduled for May 31st, 2023.

However, worried by the perennial damages done in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Civil Society Organisations working under the aegis of the Peoples’ Annual General Meeting, (PAGM), held a shadow annual meeting unlike that of the major oil companies, where profits are declared at the detriment of the people.

The PAGM, which was convened by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, (ANEEJ), called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) Ltd, to as a matter of urgency, withdraw the operating License of Shell over its complicity in the environmental and ecological injustices ranging from divestment from onshore to offshore, leaving behind the problems it created in the Niger Delta, weakened climate change commitment for shortterm profit, and its poor human rights record in Nigeria.

In a ten-point resolution signed by the trio of the Convener and Executive Director of ANEEJ, Reverend David Ugolor; CoChair and Executive Director, Indigenous Centre for Energy and Sustainable Development, (ICESD), Legborsi Saro Pyagbara; and Co-Chair/National Coordinator, Publish What You Pay, Nigeria Campaign, Taiwo Otitolaye, after the PAGM held in Abuja and made available to newsmen in Kaduna, the group also called on international financial institutions including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Export

•Seek end to environmental degradation

•Want credit agencies to stop financing of fossil fuel projects in Nigeria

Credit Agencies to discontinue financing fossil fuel projects in Nigeria.

The PAGM which was held ahead of Shell, Exxon Mobile and Total Energies AGMs scheduled

for next week, frowned at Shell’s current weak energy transition strategy, and welcomed the recent Church of England Pensions Board’s announcement to vote against Shell’s Chair and Directors, and the transition plan during the company’s 2023 AGM.

On the on-going Cleanup of Ogoni land, the group called on the FG to appoint a substantive chairman of the Governing Council of HYPREP to ensure consistency in its leadership. “The Government, companies and other stakeholders should contribute to the remediation process by supporting the development and adoption of new technologies that can accelerate the Ogoni cleanup

“We also call on HYPREP to embark on a full-scale livelihood restoration programme for the Ogoni people,” the group demanded.

The group also called for an unbiased investigation into the remediation process in Ogoni land as well environmental and health audits of the entire Niger Delta, urging a total cleanup of the region.

The resolution further reads in part, “The Norwegian Pension Fund and other investors should follow the example of The Church of England, which has made a commitment to vote against Shell’s Chair and Directors, and the transition plan during the upcoming company’s 2023 AGM.”

While calling on the FG, particularly the incoming administration to demonstrate the political will to end gas flaring in Nigeria, the group noted that the Energy Transition Plan of oil companies should be in compliance with Paris Agreement on climate change and Climate Change Act, reflecting the perspectives of communities affected by decades of fossil fuel extraction.

The PAGM also resolved to conduct further research on the activities of oil companies operating in Kogi, Nasarawa, Gombe, and other parts of Nigeria, to promote learning and experience sharing between Niger Delta communities and other parts of Nigeria even as it vowed to undertake high-level advocacy

“

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

CSOs demand just energy transition as major oil coys hold AGMs

to engage the investors and government currently supporting Shell, Total Energies, Exxon Mobil and other oil companies in Nigeria.

The group demanded that Oil companies including Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron should take responsibility for loss and damage in the Niger Delta as recommended by COP27.

Other civil society leaders at the meeting were; Mr. Edem Edem, Green Concern for Development, and Ms. Inyingi Irimagha, Gender and Development Action, (GADA).

This year’s PAGM which is the second in the series had in attendance Sixty-seven participants across Nigeria including the Niger Delta region and other emerging oil States

from Northern Nigeria.

Participants at the meeting include; representatives of host oil communities, faith based organisations, human tights groups, climate justice activists, women and youth groups,

indigenous peoples’ groups, and environmental groups. The event continues tomorrow with demonstrations against the activities of oil majors in the country.

The activitists later stormed

the NNPCL Tower in Abuja with myriads of placards bearing different inscriptions like: “We demand a just Energy Transition”, “We say No to Carbon Emission”, “We say No to Global Warning”, “We say No to Environmental Degradation”;

Others are; “We say No to Gas Flaring”, “We Say No to Shell Transition Strategy”, among others. The groups bemoaned the level of penury and agonies Shell among other oil giants in Nigeria have subjected Nigerians in the host communities .

They presented a letter demanding the withdrawal of the operating License of Shell and the resolutions of their meetings to the representative of the Group Managing Director of NNPCL.

“

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

Northcentral senators-elect still stand by Sani Musa for Deputy Senate President - Sen. Wadada

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Senator-Elect who would represent the Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Aliyu Wadada, has said his colleagues from the North Central geopolitical zone were still determined to ensure the emergence of Senator Sani Musa as Deputy Senate President during the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly next month.

Wadada, who was elected on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party, stated this on Friday when he granted an interview to journalists at the closing ceremony of the induction programme organised for the newly elected members of the 10th National Assembly.

He also said the fact that he and some of his colleagues have been following the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the position of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, does not mean that the North Central had dumped Musa.

He said since the North Central Caucus of the incoming 10th Senate had resolved to support and ensure the emergence of Musa as Deputy Senate President, there was nothing wrong in supporting the choice of the APC for the position of the Senate President.

Wadada said, “The North Central will not, and cannot be left out with

a representative like us. We will always strive to get what belongs to us or what we deserve.

“We already had a press briefing where we clearly stated our position. After the press briefing, when the zoning arrangements had been announced, we also took a stand and our governors supported us.

“The governors met with the aspirants from the North Central met and efforts are really on to ensure that North Central gets what it deserves.

“As senators elect from the North Central geopolitical zone, our position has not changed. We stand for the Deputy Senate President.

“If the North Central Caucus stands for the Deputy Senate Presidency, by implication that means that the caucus of the North Central, wants the Presidency of the Senate to go to the Southern part of Nigeria.

“My being around Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin does not change my position as a senator from the North Central part of Nigeria.

“Akpabio is from the South South, Barau is from the North West, while Wadada is from the North Central. So there is no confusion at all.

“My being around Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin does not mean that the North Central Caucus had conceded to the APC joint ticket.

Sen. Wadada

“The North Central geopolitical zone that has been a stabilising factor in Nigeria’s politics, would not want to rock the boat.”

He said the fact that the North Central Caucus recently said it won’t mind having the position of Speaker zoned to its geopolitical zone does not mean, the senatorselect had abandoned Musa.

He said, “What we have said lately is that, if for any reason, the position of the Deputy Senate President that we have always canvassed for would

not be conceded to us as North Central, then, we should be given the Speakership position.

“This is because the North Central cannot go empty handed. It is not fair, It is not just, it is not rational. There is nothing right about it.

“A situation where a single geopolitical zone to have two presiding officers positions when the North Central remain empty, is not fair,” he added.

Peter Obi reacts as US Secretary, Blinken calls Tinubu, makes promises

By Christiana Ekpa

Peter Obi, Labour Party candidate in the February 2023 presidential election, has reacted to the call between US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Blinken, on Wednesday called Tinubu on phone to emphasize his continued commitment to further strengthening the US-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.

Reacting, Obi said the US responses to Nigeria’s affairs should be based on

mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations and interests which ought to transcend the considerations of any individual.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, the United States are meant to wait for the full resolution of the ongoing judicial processes before tacitly conferring legitimacy on any of the contending parties.

“There is still a lack of clarity on the basis of the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken’s call to APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 16th May 2023. The most fundamental tenet and core value of democracy is the rule of

law.

“Nigeria’s democracy is founded on these principles which the American people hold dear. Without the risk of interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, the US-Nigeria relationship should be guided by the core values of democracy.

“Above all, Nigerians expect that the U.S. responses to our affairs should be based on mutual respect, shared ideals, aspirations and interests which ought to transcend the considerations of any individual.

“Contextually, the willful manipulation and falsification of the will of Nigerians as

freely expressed during the February 25 elections cannot be overlooked by the true friends and partners of Nigeria.

“It is thus of overarching importance that a beacon of democracy like the United States should not respond to political developments in Nigeria in a manner that faintly suggests taking sides.

“There is an evolving political and judicial process around the last presidential election in Nigeria. We expect the United States to await the full resolution of the ongoing judicial processes before tacitly conferring legitimacy on any of the contending parties.

Judge denies nullifying Abia governorship election

By Christiana Ekpa

AFederal High Court has denied nullifying the candidature of the Abia Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti, who contested the election on the platform of the Labour Party, LP. The court, however, said it nullified

the election of the Kano LP candidates that contested the 2023 general election.

Recall that Ibrahim Haruna-Ibrahim had filed an application asking the court to revoke and set aside the certificate of return issued to all LP candidates declared winners in Kano and the 35 states of the Federation, including the

FCT, Abuja.

However, following the mixed reactions that have trailed the judgement, Justice Nasir-Yunusa affirmed that the candidates in Abia who took part in the just-concluded general elections were not parties in the suit.

Nasir-Yunusa said the court declared

only the primary election of the Labour Party in Kano State null and void.

“This court lacks jurisdiction to make an order for the issuance of certificate of return.

“They are at liberty to seek redress in the appropriate division of the court,” he said.

POLITICS

Labour Party’s day of drama at Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal

By Vivian Okejeme

The battle for the soul of the bubbling Labour Party, LP, seems to ladden with more fireworks in the offing. The drama that characterised the appearance of the party and it’s presidential candidate at the Preaidential Election Petitions Tribunal on Wednesday was a pointer that the LP is now a house divided against itself.

The party, whose presidential candidate, Mr Peter Gregory Obi, for February 25th, 2023, Presidential election, surprisedly garnered massive suppoet from a teeming population of youths who described themselves as “Obidients” appears to be on the verge of destroying itself with internal squabbles, if not checked.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had March 1, declared Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election with 8,794,726 votes, ahead of Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 6,984,520. While Petter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) secured 6,101,533 votes.

Irked by the outcome of the election, Obi, who came third alongside his party headed to tribunal, insisting that the election results were manipulated and the process marred by irregularities.

As it stands now, the leadership crisis rocking the boat of the party, if not nip in the bud, will negatively affect their quest for recovering of the party’s “stolen mandate” currently on motion at the Presidential Election Petition Court, sitting at the Appeal Court, Abuja.

Leadership Crisis:

According to the stakeholders in the party, the perceived troublemakers who they named as the former national publicity secretary, Abayomi Arabambi and the Rivers State Chairman, identified as Favour, as well as the former Youth Leader, Anslem Eragbameh, were allegedly compromised to jeopardise Mr. Peter Obi’s petition pending at Tribunal.

Tracing the genesis of the leadership crisis, the acting National Chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa and members of his camp accused the then National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure and other leaders

of the party of forgery and conspiracy.

The aggreived members headed to Federal Capital Territory High court and obtained an order stoping Abure from parading himself at the chairman of the party .

Sequel to the order of the court and subsequent service on the party, Apapa said he was immediately and unanimously selected in acting capacity as the National Chairman of the party.

Consequently, Apapa who is currently entangled in a legal dispute with executives was said to have directed all the lawyers representing Obi to report to him for briefing.

However, the 36 state chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) were said to have passed a vote of confidence on Barrister Julius Abure as the authentic national chairman of the party, saying “any attempt to remove him from office must pass through a court of competent jurisdiction or through the National Executive Committee (NEC).”

Speaking through Kwara, Kano and Enugu spokespersons, Kehinde Rotimi, Mohammed Abdullahi and Cashmir Uchenna Agbo, respectively, the states chairmen maintained that the mechanisms of conflict resolutions as enshrined in their constitution is very clear, adding that the mechanisms must be exhausted before going to court.

“And you went to court to obtain an order and you came back to enforce the order by yourselves. It’s really unfortunate

“We heard that they went to court to take a particular order but they did not allow the court to determine the motion on notice, and they took laws into their hands to come and destroy our secretariat.

Court drama

At the resumed proceeding on Wednesday, May 17, a mild drama played out at the court after Apapa attempted to announce himself as a representative of the party.

He had, immediately the main door to the court room was opened, made his way to the line of chairs reserved for dignitaries and the petitioners.

Obi was already seated by the time Apapa attempted to take possession of one of the seats but was blocked by members of the party led by a man that was identified as the LP’s National Youth Leader.

When the factional LP Chairman noted that despite his spirited effort he would not be allowed to sit close to Obi, he relocated to the line of chairs reserved for members of the public.

Meanwhile, shortly after the Justice Haruna Tsammani-led five-member panel adjourned the petition till Friday the 19th May for continuation of the prehearing session, Apapa, while stepping out of the courtroom, made attempt to address the media, but a group of youths that identified themselves as “Obidients”, pushed him away from the cameras, insisting that he lacked the right to speak for the party.

In the commotion that ensued, with Apapa being pushed back and forth by the aggrieved youths, in the process, his cloth was torn even as someone snatched his cap from his head.

Subsequently, the helpless factional LP Chairman, was bundled into protective custody with the help of the security operatives attached to the court.

Reacting, the embattled Apapa, in a press conference after the fracas, called on Obi to objectively intervene and resolve the heating chairmanship crisis.

On the allegation that he received the sum of 500 million Naira from external forces to destabilize the party, Apapa vehemently denied receiving any money or being influenced by anybody or group to work against the party.

He insisted that what

happened at the Presidential court in which fracas broke out in the presence of Peter Obi, was disgraceful and a test to Obi’s leadership quality.

Specifically, Apapa informed that the leadership crisis would have been put behind them if the presidential candidate had respected the order of the federal Capital Territory High court which ordered Julius Abure and three others from parading themselves as National Officers of the party over their indictment for forgery and Perjury.

Further in his speech, he said that it was wrong of Obi to accord respect to Abure in-spite of the order of the court and as a presidential candidate seeking Justice from the same court of law.

He also said that is was wrong of Peter Obi to have claimed not knowing him adding that he worked closely and even travelled in the same flight with Peter Obi through out his Presidential electioneering campaign.

He therefore, appealed to Obi to be open minded, neutral, and objective so as to be able to stop the crisis.

Also speaking at the briefing the deputy National Chairman of the Party in the North Mike Ayuba Auta denied that the all Progressive Congress was behind the crisis adding that the allegation was baseless and unfounded.

Auta apologized to Nigerians who he said gave Labour Party over 6million votes during

the last presidential Election, adding that that should not be discouraged by the current leadership crisis and assured that the dispute will soon be resolved.

Meantime, LP, alongside other parties in the suit pending at PEPC are still struggling to regularize thier processes to determine which documents to tender in court or not.

Respondents claimed that LP legal team walked of the meeting held to regulate their processes as ordered by the court.

They also revealed that the party refused to party the sum of N1.5million as demanded by Sokoto state to obtain the certify true copies of the documents requested.

However, the lead counsel, Dr Levy Uzoukwu SAN, denied the walked of meeting accusation, he, therefore, assured of total compliance and the readiness to pay the statutory amount for the documents.

Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Wole Olanipekun, SAN also accused the INEC of frustrating thier effort to regularize their proceeding.

He submitted that five times they have written the electoral empire and five times they refused to responds to them.

“We are yet to receive about 70% of the documents the INEC supposed to send to us. Eg, in River state were the Resident Electoral Commission REc boldly told us they do not have any Form EC8A. We requested they put in writing.”

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EDITORIAL Absurd! Kill it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR VISION

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

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

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

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

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

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OPINION

Motorist and check points on Nigeria roads

By Ikpang Sunday

Iwill say something had to be done, and, if there should let’s remember the functions and the role the conscience plays. I want to also bring to your notice the reasons why motorist quickly comply to this;

The issue of check points and motorist on Nigeria roads is a concern issue. The lamentations you hear most times, by motorist and passengers and eyewitnesses; to the hurdles of check point’s officers are alarming. Obviously, the important of the check points cannot be overemphasized check points are enacted to curtail lawlessness, criminal activities; like smuggling, banditry and illegality. It is also to keep motorist abreast on the uses of the road and to know the conditions of their vehicles and also to generate revenue.

But it is very dishearten, that instead of the real activities of why this various organizations are permitted to mounts the road; the reverse is the case bribery and corruption had replace this important activities.

Some officers of the federal republic of Nigeria with their authorize uniforms collect tips to let go of some motorist and their deformed, outdated and dilapidated vehicles to the detriment of their life, passengers and the general public. I will say point blank here that there is nothing wrong in appreciating an officer at any check points with any amount for the sacrificial services that’s being render to humanity; but making it a daily contribution is questionable.

And most time some check points are illegal, criminally arrange and unwholesome. I will say again we can not dispute the importance of check points created by the federal, state and local government for revenue and also for security. We all know this had contributed earnestly to the development and safety of the nation at large.

But allowing some of these checks point to be headed by unschooled and greedy individuals both on highways and minor roads is unprofessional. In some highways you can meet more than 30 check points or road blocks and at every points motorist must ‘roger’ and any incompliant the vehicle of such motorist is impounded or delay until they comply and if things does not augur well with both parties it can either results to harassment, humiliation and sometime death or injury of either an officer or a motorist or both; not mindful whether the contents of the vehicle both human and object or substance is valid or illegal.

I will say something had to be done, and, if there should let’s remember the functions and the role the conscience plays. I want to also bring to your notice the reasons why motorist quickly comply to this;

Some vehicle particulars and driver license of motorist had expires for about God’s know how long and they still parade theirselves and their vehicles confidently, this makes these motorist to be prepared to comply, with any amount so that their journey would not be delay. And sometime even though their documents are complete and valid the check points officers still demand for a tips before the motorist is permitted to proceed

Vehicles which are not fit to ply the road are another factor. A point whereby you will see some vehicles piling up loads, passengers and goods together like sardine and the tires looking very frustrated on the road and the driver manages the driver’s door with one hand and driving with the other and changing gears in between a passenger’s lap is an eyesore.

Officers of the law making it a mandatory to collect money from every motorist is uncalled for and anyone who refuses to comply is harassed; so motorist prepared to comply to avoid this odd experiences.

I don’t have a problem with check points, so long the authorities barricading these roads, are doing the right thing. And I want to say also that continous proper orientations should be given to all law enforcement agents on how to behave at check points and also illegal check points created to extort monies from motorist in the name of revenue should be look into. Because the revenue collected at these illegal check points, end up been banked, in the pockets of these marauders.

Ikpang Sunday can be reached at ikpangsunday@ gmail.com.

Enforcement of fundamental rights of companies in Nigeria

By Nwokeke Chidera

This article examines the enforcement of fundamental rights of companies and its possibilities in Nigeria. However, the argument on this subject matter is not novel because some persons claim that companies should not enjoy any fundamental right at all on the ground that they were not in contemplation by the Nigeria Constitution. Without prejudice to their argument, the pith of this article is that the fundamental rights of companies can be enforced in Nigeria without having regards that companies are not natural persons. Going further, this article will not consider the different categories of companies (public and private) but on certain rights companies can enjoy and how it can be enforced.

The concept of fundamental rights and the arguments on its definition is not novel. The learned authors of Black’s Law Dictionary, 9th edition, page 744, describes the term fundamental right as a right derived from natural or fundamental law. The court in plethora of cases particularly in the case of OSONDU & ANOR V AG ENUGU STATE & ORS (2017) LPELR-CA/E/25/2016 defined fundamental right to mean any of the rights provided for in chapter IV of the constitution and includes any of the rights stipulated in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.

It is pertinent to state that in law, the fundamental rights cannot exist except if the following indices are available:

(a) The Subject of the right: This is the right holder. He is the person on whom the law confers the freedom or power to act or not to act and the capacity to permit a person to act or compel another not to act. In the context of this article, the subject of the right is the company.

(b) The duty bearer: This is the person on who the law imposes an obligation to respect the right assigned to the right holder.

(c) The object of the right: This is the purpose for which the right is prescribed.

Fundamental rights have always been seen as a prevention of dictatorship and despotism. The Court in the case of KELVIN PETERSIDE V IMB (1993) 2 NWLR (PT. 278) 710, held that it is a long settled issue that a company could be liable for infraction of fundamental rights and can also enforce same. In the case of ONYEKWULUYE v BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT (2008) 8 NWLR (Pt. 28) 614, the court of appeal held that a limited liability company is a persona ficta- a juristic personality which conducts its affairs through its agents like the managing director, directors and others and as such, it will not be correct to say that fundamental rights do not apply to artificial persons – OMEGBA & ORS V DG NBC (2001) 1 FHCLR 547, ROBINSON INTERNATIONAL INSPECTORATE LIMITED V ISEGHOHI (2000) 1 FHCLR 410

It is apposite to have a succinct overview on the corporate personality of companies in Nigeria, to ascertain if they can enjoy these fundamental rights. The court in the case of CDBI V COBEC (NIG) LTD (2004) 13 NWLR (PT. 948) 376 held that as from the date of incorporation mentioned in the certificate of incorporation, the subscribers of the memorandum together with such other persons as may from time to time become members of the company shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the memorandum capable forthwith of exercising all the powers and functions of an incorporated company including the power to hold land and having perpetual succession and a common seal. Where a company is registered under the Companies and Allied Matters Act or any other previous Act, it continues to retain its status of a legal entity distinct from its members. Companies upon its incorporation is regarded as a person and the word “Person” was defined in the case of KASANDUBU V ULTIMATE PETROLEUM LTD (2008) 7 NWLR (PT. 1086) 274 to mean both artificial and natural persons and includes sole or public bodies, corporate or incorporate.

In the Interpretation Act, the word “Person” is defined as including any company or association or body of person, corporate or incorporates. Corporate bodies are separate legal persons capable of owning properties, entering into contracts and suing or being sued- JIBO v. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & ORS (2016) LPELR-CA/OW/425/2013

Perusing from the aforementioned points, important question often arise as to whether companies not being a natural person are entitled to the same fundamental rights guaranteed by the Chapter IV of the constitution and the African Charter available to natural persons?

Chapter IV of the Constitution of Nigeria talks about the fundamental rights. However, there is a thin line of division between the rights provided in this chapter. While some of these rights are available only to citizens others are available to persons. In circumstances where the constitution confers a particular right to be enjoyed by citizens in contradiction to those enjoyed by all. The constitution has used the phrase “Every Citizen” or “A citizen”

and in some sections the phrase “Every Person” is also used.

It is in this context that the difference between persons and citizens become vital to determine the right companies can enjoy. However, a question that crosses the mind at this point is, can companies also enjoy fundamental rights that are specifically assigned to citizens by the wordings of the constitution? I answer in the affirmative. Firstly, it is important to consider what is citizenship? The concept of citizenship in the 1999 constitution is provided for in Chapter III but unfortunately, the word is nowhere defined either in the chapter or in Section 318 dealing with interpretation. The word “Citizenship” has been defined by the Black’s Law Dictionary as pertaining to a person who under the constitution and the laws of a particular state is a member of the political community owing allegiance and being entitled to the enjoyment of some fundamental rights

Going by the provisions of Section 25, 26 and 27 of 1999 constitution of Nigeria, there are 3 categories/mode of acquiring citizenship. A clear reading of the provisions will show that the draftsmen never had the companies in mind to be a citizen or acquire same. Howbeit, it is barefaced that from the definition and mode of acquiring citizenship, that a company is not a citizen. But it is my humble contention that even if companies are not citizens, they can still enjoy certain fundamental rights specially assigned to citizens. A perusal on certain sections of chapter IV will be essential and they include:

Right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria: This right is guaranteed under Section 43 of 1999 CFRN and it provides: “Subject to the provisions of this constitution, every citizen of Nigeria shall have the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria”. Immovable property as the name shows refers to landed property (empty lands and or buildings on same). It is apposite to state here that even though the constitution stated that citizens have the right to acquire immovable property, a company as an independent legal personality though not a citizen can acquire properties (moveable and immovable) in its name for the purpose of its existence and service in anywhere in Nigeria.

The right to acquire immovable property by a company is not the prerogative of any member or director of the company but that of the company itself. In the case of MACAURA V NORTHERN ASSURANCE CO LTD (1935) AC, P.615, the court held that members of a company have no insurable interest in its property as the property belongs to the company. However, this right to acquire land or an interest in land, like any person is subject to the requisite approval as provided in the Land Use Act 1978.

Right against compulsory acquisition of property: This right is guaranteed under Section 44 (1) of 1999 CFRN and it provides: “No moveable property or any interest in an immovable property shall be taken possession of compulsorily and no right over or interest in any such property shall be acquired compulsorily in any part of Nigeria except in the manner and for the purposes prescribed by a law that, among other things-

Requires the prompt payment of compensation therefore and

Gives to any person claiming such compensation a right of access for the determination of his interest in the property and the amount of compensation to a court of law or tribunal or body having jurisdiction in that part of Nigeria.

Implicit in this provision is that no moveable or immovable property of a company shall be acquired compulsorily by another company, government or individual without paying the necessary compensation. However, it is pertinent to note that the government can acquire immovable properties of a company but such acquisition must be for public purpose as Section 28 of Land Use Act, 1978 provides that private lands must be acquired for public purposes. So, where the government acquires a company’s immovable property or land for a purpose other than public, the court will nullify such acquisition.

Subsection 1(b) of 44 of 1999 CFRN gives to any person claiming for compensation the right to approach the court for the determination of interest in the property and the amount of compensation. The court in the case of TELL COMMUNICATION LIMITED & ORS V STATE SECURITY SERVICE (2002) 2 HRLRA 104 @ 138-139 the Respondents joined issues with the applicants over the competence of the 1st applicant, a publishing company to sue for the enforcement of its fundamental rights under the FREP Rules. In overruling the preliminary objection, Adeyinka J. (as he then was) held that the 1st applicant Tell Communications Limited is competent to institute an action under Section 40, 1979 CFRN and to hold otherwise will mean that the Federal Government of Nigeria can acquire the property of a company without compensation.

Chidera Nwokeke, a graduate of Law can be reached at Nwokekechidera@gmail.com

FG to generate $800m revenue from concession of Abuja, Kano airports, says Sirika

From Abubakar Yunusa Abuja

Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, says the federal government will generate about $800 million from the concessioning of two international airports.

The federal executive council (FEC) approved the concessioning of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Speaking to journalists after the FEC meeting, Sirika said the Abuja airport would be concessioned for 20 years, while the international airport in Kano will be concessioned for 30 years by Corporación America Airports.

Sirika also said the approval was part of the ministry’s roadmap aimed at putting the nation’s assets under concession rather than privatisation.

According to the minister, the concession would generate $797.4 million (N368.8 billion) as fees and taxes from the concessionaire.

“Put together, it is about $800 million. And this is equal to the amount of money that we borrowed to build those four airports,” Sirika said.

“The consortium that won the bid is Mssr Corporación America Airports consortium and in the consortium, they have Mssr MotaEngil Africa and Mssr Mota-Engil Nigeria and this is through a PPP, and it’s for 20 years for Abuja, and 30 years for Kano.”

Speaking further on revenue expected from the deal, Sirika gave a breakdown of the amounts payable to the government as fees and taxes.

“The concession fees or upfront fees for Abuja is $7 million while $1.5 million will be given for Kano. The fixed concession fee is $401.2 million for Abuja and fixed fees for Kano is $21 million,” he said.

“The variable costs concession fee is $154 million for Abuja, and $26.9 million for Kano. Tax $111.2 million for Abuja and $42.7 million for Kano. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) supervision fees for Abuja is $16.4 million and $5.3 million for Kano.

“So, the total amount of money that is accruing to the government is $700 million for Abuja and then $97.4 million for Kano.”

The aviation minister also said the aforementioned fees are different from the direct fees the Federal Airports Authority of

Alleged amnesty fraud: Court declines Ecobank’s application to stop refund of N849m to FG

Afederal high court in Abuja has refused to grant an application by Ecobank Nigeria Limited to restrain the federal government from ordering the bank to reimburse over N800 million in losses incurred as a result of duplicate payments made to the beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme.

Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, in a ruling on Wednesday, ordered Isaac Oguche, counsel representing the commercial bank, to put the respondents on notice within seven days of the order.

Ekwo also directed Oguche to serve on all the respondents in the suit, the processes filed, and adjourned the matter until May 31.

The federal government had established a Niger Delta amnesty programme, with a key component said to be the payment of monthly stipends to qualified beneficiaries in the oil-producing region, via linked banks accounts.

The office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) had said it was carrying out an investigation into multiple accounts allegedly linked to exmilitants.

Ecobank had, in an ex-parte motion marked, FHC/ABJ/ CS/469/2023, sued the attorneygeneral of the federation (AGF), national security adviser (NSA), and the federal government through the amnesty programme (as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively).

In the motion dated April 5, Anthony Idigbe, the bank’s lawyer, sought for an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from arresting its directors, staff or agents or taking steps to disrupt its business without following due process of law, pending the hearing and determination of originating motion.

It also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents — either by themselves or agents — from taking steps “to further harass the applicant, directors, and staff”.

The affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Oladipupo Raji, regional operations head of Ecobank in FCT, claimed that since inception of the programme

till January 2023, there had been no allegation against the bank for fraud in relation to monies paid to its customers.

He said on January 19, commercial banks, including Ecobank, were summoned to a meeting by Babagana Monguno, NSA, in respect of the amnesty programme.

“That the NSA at the meeting which I attended informed the banks’ representatives that some of the beneficiaries of the amnesty scheme have been receiving double payments from the federal government of Nigeria by opening multiple accounts in several banks and that the 3rd respondent has also been paying funds to unknown individuals,” Raji said.

“That the NSA, thereafter,

sought for the support of the banks in tackling the challenges in sanitising the system and ensuring the leakages are blocked.”

But to the bank’s surprise, according to Raji, Aliyu Mohammed, the permanent secretary, special services office, office of the secretary to the government of the federation, informed all the banks that the federal government had purportedly lost the sum of N13 billion through the leakages and thereafter noted that the the sum of N849,408,000 must be refunded by Ecobank within two weeks.

Raji, in response, said Ecobank was not “involved in the processing of payments, approval of payments or verification of the list of the beneficiaries of the scheme”.

IMF approves $3bn loan for Ghana to ease economic crisis

By Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The International Monetary Fund (IMF’s) executive board has approved a threeyear extended credit facility (ECF) arrangement of $3 billion for Ghana.

In a statement on Wednesday, the IMF said the West African country will receive an immediate disbursement of about $600 million.

The Bretton Woods institution said the 36-month facility will support a comprehensive reform programme by the Ghanaian government which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

The IMF said the programme will help Ghana to overcome immediate policy and financing challenges, mobilise external financing from development partners and provide a framework for the successful completion of the ongoing debt restructuring.

Ghana sought help from the IMF in July 2022 after its citizens

took to the streets to protest over spiralling inflation, currency depreciation, and other economic woes.

The country had previously refused to seek IMF support.

Following the executive board discussion on Ghana, Kristalina Georgieva, IMF managing director, said the combination of large external shocks and preexisting fiscal and debt vulnerabilities precipitated a deep economic and financial crisis in Ghana.

“In response, the authorities have launched a comprehensive reform program, to be supported by the ECF-arrangement. It is focused on restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability as well as implementing wide-ranging reforms to build resilience and lay the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth,” the IMF boss said.

“Capacity development and continued support by development partners would be critical for the

successful implementation of the authorities’ program.

“Fiscal consolidation is a core element of the program. A substantial and front-loaded fiscal adjustment has started with the 2023 budget.

“Enhanced revenue and streamlined expenditure will be combined with policies to protect vulnerable households and create room for higher social and development spending in the medium term.

“With a view to fostering lasting fiscal discipline, the authorities are also advancing reforms to enhance domestic revenue mobilization, strengthen public financial management, and tackle the deep challenges in the energy and cocoa sectors.

“The government has also launched a comprehensive debt restructuring, including both domestic and external debt, to place debt on a sustainable path. Effective collaboration by all parties involved would be critical.

“Preserving financial sector

stability is critical for the success of the program. Given the adverse impact of the domestic debt restructuring on balance sheets of financial institutions, the authorities will devise and implement a comprehensive strategy to rapidly rebuild financial institutions’ buffers and exit from temporary regulatory forbearance measures.

“Monetary and exchange rate policies under the program will focus on reining in inflation and rebuilding foreign reserve buffers. The Bank of Ghana will continue tightening monetary policy until inflation is on a firmly declining path and will eliminate monetary financing of the budget. The central bank will also enhance exchange rate flexibility and limit foreign exchange interventions to rebuild external buffers.

“An ambitious structural reform agenda is being put in place to reinvigorate private sector-led growth by improving the business environment, governance, and productivity.”

From Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

The Nigerian Shipper’s Council said it saved a whooping N2.7bn between 2020 to 2022.

The council in its newsletter called ‘Complaint Newsletter’, a periodic publication of the agency, said the fund could have been lost to shipping companies, and terminal operators through demurrages, among others.

The NSC in the publication said during the period under review, it recorded a total of 1,727 complaints.

Giving a breakdown of the figures, NSC said that 2021 had

N2.7bn saved from demurrages in two years, says NSC

the highest figure of complaints by shippers with 666 cases handled and N2.5bn recovered on behalf of the trading public in the year.

“Similarly, a total of 648 cases of complaints were recorded in the year 2020 despite the coronavirus pandemic, with N57m recovered. In 2022, a

total of 413 cases was recorded, which was a clear indication of a sharp drop in complaints by the trading public, with a sum of N204m recovered on behalf of shippers and freight forwarders.

“Some of them are excessive charges while some are demurrage or container deposit refunds among others. Some

are also on damages of cargo,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the port economic regulator said it observed that despite the decrease in the volume of cargoes in the country’s seaports, demurrage and detention remained high.

The council also urged

importers and exporters to ensure that they engage professional logistics service providers to handle the clearing and delivery processes of their cargoes to ensure that all containers are returned promptly without accruing demurrage or detention charges.

Oil prices stable as US reserves rise

As economic worries competed with a tighter supply outlook for later in the year, oil prices remained steady on Wednesday despite a surprise rise in U.S. crude inventories, Reuters reports.

In the futures market, Brent crude rose 2 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $74.42 a barrel. The West Texas Intermediate U.S. crude oil price fell 5 cents to $70.81 at 0921 GMT.

The International Energy Agency on Tuesday predicted demand would outpace supply by 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second half of the year, with China making up 60 per cent of oil demand growth in 2023.

“Crude prices remain heavy as energy traders just can’t shake off global demand concerns. It doesn’t matter how upbeat everyone is for China’s second half of the year, the current situation is too disappointing,” said Edward Moya, an analyst at OANDA.

U.S. crude stockpiles rose by about 3.6 million barrels in the week ended May 12, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Seven analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 900,000 barrel drawdown.

U.S. government data on crude and product stockpiles is due at 1430 GMT.

Oil steady as demand worries face tight supply outlook

Oil prices were steady on Wednesday after a surprise rise in U.S. crude inventories stoked demand concerns as economic worries competed with a tighter supply outlook for later in the year.

Brent crude futures rose 2 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $74.42 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate

U.S. crude was down 5 cents to $70.81 at 0921 GMT.

The crude inventory build added to concerns about U.S. growth after data showed retail sales rose 0.4 per cent in April, short of estimates for an increase of 0.8 per cent.

Talks on raising the U.S. debt ceiling continue to weigh on the market. The U.S. Treasury

Department has estimated that the United States will go into a crippling default as early as June 1 if Congress does not lift the ceiling.

In China, April industrial output and retail sales growth undershot forecasts, suggesting the economy lost momentum at the beginning of the second quarter.

“Markets were in a wait-andwatch mode over the outcome of

crucial negotiations to raise the U.S. government’s debt ceiling,” said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights.

Macroeconomic data for April released on Tuesday confirmed the narrative of a patchy and slow recovery in the country and continues to weigh on oil market sentiment.”

Governors call for urgent action to curtail Nigeria’s rising debt

From Abubakar Yunusa,Abuja

The governors of some states in Nigeria have called for a quick intervention to curtail the nation’s rising debt profile.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) had said Nigeria’s total public debt reached N46.25 trillion at the end of the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022.

The state leaders, speaking on Wednesday at the recent 2023 induction programme organised by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), said Nigeria cannot perpetually borrow.

The governors were responding to the warnings by Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala, director- general of World Trade Organisation (WTO), that they should

monitor their debt profiles, and keep careful control of expenditures.

Okonjo-Iweala had argued that it had become imperative for governors to focus on debt management because the country has challenges on the fiscal, debt, and monetary policy fronts.

Expressing his view on the issue, Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi state, bemoaned the nation’s debt service costs, which “accounted for 95 percent of its income”.

He warned that without action, “the nation would collapse”.

“We are going to go under unless we do something inward to really correct our own perception, our own notions and our own approaches to the management of the economy of the country,” Mohammed said.

“It is a monolithic economy. And yet, even where we are getting money, we have taken so much up front, the federation has to be looked at as a structure because states have to have a say in the management of the economy.”

Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau governorelect, corroborating Mohammed’s stance on the need to reverse the country’s debt situation, said the federal and state governments must collaborate in order to come up with the right policies to reverse the situation.

He said the country must look for ways and means of creating wealth as a nation, so that more Nigerians would come out of poverty.

“This is both a national and subnational issue. We at the sub-national

level will be collaborating with the federal government, as members of the National Economic Council, to come up with the right policies so that we will be able to reverse our debt situation,” he said.

“And of course, reversing debt is not rocket science, you have to create wealth, you have to add more money to be able to pay your debts. So, we must look at ways and means of creating wealth as a nation.

On his part, Dikko Radda, the Katsina state governor-elect, said as soon as he is sworn-in, there would be a comprehensive assessment of the state’s debt profile with a view to restructuring it, in order to meet the obligations for the people of the state.

“There is nothing wrong in borrowing to the develop, but it is wrong to borrow to spend uselessly,” he said.

Weekend MagazineEntertainment

Wande Coal releases highly anticipated album ‘Legend or No Legend’

Afrobeats maestro Wande Coal has released his third album titled ‘Legend or No Legend’.

Wande Coal is a famous name in the Nigerian music industry as his music has contributed massively to the evolution of Afrobeats while also influencing several artists.

After releasing releases three lead-up singles in ‘Come My

Way’, ‘Kpe Paso’ feat Olamide, and ‘Let Them Know’ Wande Coal has finally released his highly anticipated third album he calls ‘Legend or No Legend’.

The thirteen-track album features guest appearances from Olamide, Wizkid, Fireboy, and American singer T Pain.

Wande Coal has spent over a decade in the Nigerian mainstream since making his

debut in 2009 with the critically acclaimed ‘Mushin 2 Mo’hits’ which delivered multiple hits including ‘Bumper 2 Bumper’.

He released his sophomore album ‘Wanted’ in 2015 which packed hits like ‘Baby Hello’, ‘Superwoman’, and ‘Ashimapeyin’.

His third project is the EP ‘Realms’ released in 2020 and it had the hit single ‘Again’.

Davido brings together Chris Brown & Poco Lee for ‘Unavailable’ challenge

Afrobeats megastar Davido has brought together two celebrated dancers for ‘Unavailable’ challenge.

On March 31, 2023, Davido released his highly anticipated fourth album ‘Timeless’ which has enjoyed huge commercial success and broken multiple records across streaming platforms.

Davido has taken to his Instagram account to unveil a new video for ‘Unavailable’ Challenge which is the lead single from his new album.

The video featured American megastar Chris Brown and Nigerian celebrity dancer, artist, and media personality Poco Lee.

According to Davido, he wanted to bring two of the biggest dancers in the world together to hop on the challenge

Had to bring together two of the most fire dancers from two different worlds. GUESS WHO?! UNAVAILABLE challenge STILL goin’ ! Just ask the family,” the caption reads

The video has drawn wide excitement from fans with the post recording over 13,000 comments in just 1 hour.

‘Unavailable’ featuring South African star Musa Keys has enjoyed huge commercial success with the challenge generating over 1.2 million on Tik Tok.

The highly anticipated album has enjoyed huge commercial success that has seen it set new first-week streaming records on Apple Music Africa, Spotify Nigeria, YouTube Nigeria, Boomplay, and Audiomack.

Davido recently performed songs off his new album at his Timeless Concert in Lagos at the Tafawa Balewa Square. The hitmaker is set to resume his tour of the US and UK as he continues to promote his new album.

Weekend Magazine

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Temz, has beaten American female music stars to a new record on the Billboard chart.

The Nigerian achieved the rare feat after her song ‘Free Mind’ broke the record for longest running number one by a female artist in Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart history.

The song maintained its position at number one on the chart this week, making it a total of 17 weeks at peak, which is a record by any female artiste.

The song debuted on the main chart, Billboard Hot 100 last year, making Tems the first Nigerian female soloist to appear as a lead on the chart.

‘Free Mind,” which is off Tems’ debut Extended Play (EP) has earned millions of streams in the United States across major digital streaming platforms.

Tems beats Rihanna, Beyoncé to new music chart record in US Court remands Seun Kuti for additional four days

ASabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has granted an application for an extension of remand of popular afrobeat singer Seun Kuti for additional four days.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Olatubosun, extended Kuti’s remand until May 23.

Mr Simon Lough (SAN), who led a police legal team to the court on Thursday, had moved the application.

He said the extension is to allow further investigation into the real cause of the assault against the police officer.

NAN reports that Kuti is charged with assaulting a police officer in Lagos.

He allegedly committed the offence on May 13 on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State.

The music star was charged with slapping an inspector after he drove dangerously on the bridge and blocked a moving police vehicle.

Kuti was arraigned on Tuesday during which the chief magistrate ordered his remand for 48 hours.

She had adjourned the case until May 22 for mention.

The AMVCA continues to uphold its esteemed reputation as a groundbreaking platform that celebrates and recognises excellence in the African film and television industry.

The highly anticipated 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) kicked off in grand style on May 18, 2023, with a mesmerising cultural extravaganza.

The event took place at the Balmoral Convention Centre and Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, which was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and

beauty. Attendees graced the occasion, bedazzling the venue with their resplendent traditional attire, presenting a stunning fusion of African heritage and the glamour of the film awards.

Distinguished personalities and celebrities adorned the event with their exquisite cultural outfits, showcasing the rich diversity of African traditions. Among the notable attendees were popular figures such as Mercy Aigbe, Yemi Cregx of BBTitans, the enchanting Juicy Jay and Thabang, BBNaija stars Liqourose, Elozonam, and Saga, the iconic Ramsey Nouah, Uti Nwachukwu, and

the esteemed John Ugbe, CEO of Multichoice Nigeria. The evening commenced with a soul-stirring recitation of the Nigerian national anthem by a choral group, captivating the audience and earning them resounding applause. The stage was then set for an extraordinary showcase of performances by various cultural groups, captivating the audience with captivating songs, pulsating drumbeats, enchanting chants, and mesmerising dance moves. The fusion of tradition and modernity in this eclectic display left the crowd spellbound.

AMVCA treats attendees to spectacular cultural display as 2023 edition commences I’ll forgive those who said I fell off on one condition – Joeboy

Nigerian singer, Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, has listed the condition on which he will pardon his haters, doubters and naysayers.

He said once his latest album ‘Body & Soul’ becomes an “instant success”, he would forgive all his foes, including those who tried to sabotage his recent project.

He stated this via his Twitter

handle on Thursday night ahead of the release of his album.

Joeboy wrote, “When this album becomes an instant success, I’ll willingly forgive all of you that doubted me or said I fell off. Even the

ones that tried to sabotage the whole project, I’ll forgive everybody.”

Joeboy’s second studio album ‘Body &Soul’ arrived on Friday, May 19, 2023, via Mr Eazi-owned Empawa Africa.

ICT/INNOVATION Trends in ICT

As the world of Information Communication Technology (ICT) continues to grow, the industry has focused on several innovations. These innovations cater to the needs of the people that benefit most out of ICT. Whether it is for business or personal use, these trends are the current front runners in the innovation of ICT.

Convergence

Social Media:

It is a website, application, or online channel that enables web user to create, co-create, discuss, modify and exchange usergenerated content.

Social Networks:

These are sites that allow you to connect with other people with the same interests and background.

Bookmarking Sites: These are sites that allow you to store and manage links to various websites and resources.

Social News: These are sites that allow the users to post their own news items or links to other news sources.

Media Sharing: These are sites that allow you to upload and share media content like images, music video.

Microblogging: These are sites that focus on the short updates from the user. Those subscribed to the user will be able to receive these updates.

Blogs and Forums:

These websites allow users to post their content. Other users are able to comment on the said topic.

Mobile Technologies

The popularity of smartphones and tablets has taken a major rise over the years. This is largely because of the device’s capability to do tasks that were originally found in personal computers. Several of these devices are capable of using high-speed internet. Today, the latest mobile devices using 4G Networking (LTE), which is currently the fastest mobile network. Also, mobile devices use

different operating systems: Assistive Media Assistive Media is a nonprofit

service designed to help people who have visual and reading impairments. A database of audio

Source: prezi.com

recordings is used to read to the user.

Why tall, leggy people run faster in the heat

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

A study of 170 Ironman contestants found tall, leggy runners performed better in warm climates, while shorter, stockier people had the upper hand in colder temperatures.

But the effect is seen in men only, the researchers say.

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

Study author Prof Ryan Calsbeek, a professor of biological sciences, at

Dartmouth College, in the US, said his research was among the first to suggest human physiology may be adapted to climate to optimise physical performance.

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

So even before athletes leave the starting line in Ironman triathlons, marathons and other endurance events, some men may be better suited than others to racing - based on their body type and the temperatures they are running in.

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

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

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

Ironman participants have to:

swim 3.8km (2.4 miles)

cycle 180km

run 42.2km

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

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

He found the greatest

difference in performance based on physique came in the running section.

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

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

Source: bbc.com

NEWS EXTRA

I’m sure history will be kind to Buhari – Ghanaian President

By Egena Sunday Ode

It was all eulogies and accolades by dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, led by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, for President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday as two books written about his life and times as well as his leadership experience were launched.

Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion at the public presentation and launch of the two biographies, President AkufoAddo assured his Nigerian counterpart that history will be kind to him.

The Ghanaian President, who took time in his opening remarks to highlight some of the achievements of Buhari, whom he noted shared a similar experience in the journey to the Presidency with, however said Africa and the world would miss his leadership when he leaves office in a few days.

The two books; “State of Repair: How Muhammadu Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria for Good”, written by Antony Goldman and “The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, written by Senator Abu Ibrahim, were reviewed by the former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Professor Abubakar Sadeeque Abba.

The highlight of the ceremony was the realization of about N500 million at the launching of the books by the dignitaries at the event, led by the Co-Launchers, the Chairman of the BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu and Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.

In his Opening Remarks, President Akufo-Addo, while eulogizing President Buhari for providing model leadership for Nigeria and other regional and international organizations that he had been tasked to lead, particularly noted how he tamed the

•As Buhari’s biographies generate over N500m

Boko Haram menace.

“Likewise, through the launch of today’s biographies, the story of President Muhammadu Buhari, a man who made such a great effort to change Nigeria for good, is being told by those who’ve had the opportunity to see for themselves at firsthand, from the beginning of his mandate as a democratically elected president, to his last days in office, the highs and lows of his tenure thus far. From what I have read and know, the life of Muhammadu Buhari has been truly an amazing story.

“The works the President Buhari has done in helping to diversify Nigerian agriculture and thereby enhancing significantly agricultural productivity, reviving the economy and ensuring consistently fast rates of growth. These developments, for me, have vindicated the choice of Nigerians, which I believe enabled continuity in office for the APC, through President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“You can imagine the excitement in the ranks of the NPP with the victory of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, about the prospects of a third term agenda for the NPP, what we in NPP call ‘breaking the eight’.

“By the same token, the efforts President Buhari has made to defeat the scourge of Boko Haram, a process which is still ongoing are also testimonies of his determination to establish full normalcy and security in Nigeria.

“His tentacles extended beyond Nigeria; Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS; Chairperson of the Gulf of Guinea Commission; ECOWAS Chairman in the coordination of the fight against COVID-19, amongst several others, and in all of these, he has spared no effort to ensure the

successful execution of the objectives of his office.

“As leaders, we all have our high and low moments, but I have no doubt that posterity will be kind to Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari, we will miss you. West Africa, Africa, and indeed, the world will miss your leadership, the leadership of a military ruler, turned consummate democrat, who’s extremely solicitous of Nigerian and African interests and who sought for principles in all decisions which he took.

“I’m yet to have a book written about me, let alone author one myself. I have some 19 months to leave the office and I guess I have to take a cue from my seniors and hope the books will give about me”, he said.

After the unveiling of the books by the Ghanaian President, various guests at the event launched them, bringing the money generated to something above N500 million.

The Chairman of BUA Group, Rabiu, led other donors with the sum of N200 million, followed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who launched with the sum of N100 million to obtain copies of both books just as Muhammed Idimi also bought copies of the books for N100 million.

The President-elect and the Vice President-elect, Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima obtained copies for a combined amount of N40 million.

Besides the President-elect, who was represented by the Vice-President-elect,

10th NASS Speakership: Wase vows never to step down

By Egena Sunday Ode

There are clear indications that the gaps in efforts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to narrow the contention in the race for the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly has continued to increase as many of the frontliners have continued their campaigns in defiance of the consensus arrangement being preached by the party.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, who is believed to be one of the candidates to beat said on Friday that there was no going back on the race, adding that he won’t step down for any contender.

Wase made this assertion at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC had earlier announced that it had zoned the position to the

Northwest and zeroed in on Tajudeen Abass, a development that had triggered protests by lawmakers-elect especially those that had indicated interest in the plum position.

Their grouse is that the party’s National Working Committee took the decision without consulting with them.

Wase said, “I am in the race, and by the grace of God, I am going to conclude the race. I have not withdrawn or stepped down for anybody.”

However, he argued that the National Working Committee (NWC) letter, which outlined the zoning as advisory, also allows for continued discussions on the matter.

According to Wase, the advisory nature of the letter contradicts the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, Section 14(4) as amended.

He stated that Section 14(4) of the Nigerian Constitution states that the composition of the Government of the

Federation, including its agencies, should reflect the federal character of Nigeria.

He emphasised that this provision aims to promote national unity, avoid the dominance of individuals from specific states or ethnic groups, and ensure the loyalty and harmony of the nation.

Highlighting the importance of diversity in leadership, Wase emphasised that Nigeria has six geopolitical zones and that the government currently comprises six presiding officers.

Also, he argued that neglecting the deputy speaker position for his zone would not only be contrary to the constitutional principle of federal character but would also disregard the significant support and votes his region has contributed to the government.

“I am not just speaking for myself,” Wase asserts, underlining the shared sentiments among his fellow candidates. You can’t bring a deputy senate president, but you can give us the deputy speaker

role.

“You cannot neglect us, even though we have given one of the best outcomes in terms of voting and support to the government,” he said.

Nana Addo Akufo-Addo

Ahmed Wase

Why divorce rate is on the increase -Inveatigation

By Femi Oyelola

Marriage is a special event and when two people decide to get married, they do so with the intention of staying together forever ‘till death do us part.’

The couples are expected to start the journey of their lives together with joy and hope for a better future. However, today in many homes that joy is short lived as some marriages end as soon as they are contracted.

Findings have shown that the rate of divorce in Kaduna state has increased in recent times with many having to question what the problem is. Kaduna appears to one of the states with high rate of divorced in the country.

Speaking to our reporter on the ugly Development, Pharm. Aisha Isyaku Tukur the Kaduna State Amira of Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) blamed the high rate of divorce on the lack of understanding and forgiveness.

According to her, “marriage is an Ibadah [devotion] in Islam and people should see it as such. Unfortunately, people who go into marriages do not always understand what it is all about.

Many young couples today marry without knowing what marriage is. They think it is about posting flamboyant marriage proposals, wedding pictures and all sorts on social media. But those are an outward show of love, not from the heart and, just a few months into the marriage, they start having a crisis.”

Tukur said the Kaduna State chapter of FOMWAN was setting up a marriage counselling centre for people planning to get married

The centre would be located at the FOMWAN model School Ungwan Sarki in the Kaduna North Local Government Area

Similarly, Pastor Yohanna Buru of the Evangelical Intercessory Fellowship Ministry Kaduna blamed the trend on lack of tolerance and impatience. He expressed worries about the increase in divorce cases among couples in the society.

According to him, marriages took place weekly across the state ”but such marriages hardly last for months due to lack of tolerance, impatience, lack of love and lack of care”.

He stressed the need for couples to always love and tolerate each other.

“Tolerance and love are the ways to solve problems even in the larger society,’’ Buru said.

He said that the high rate of divorce was responsible for preponderance of single parenthood in the country with its attendant consequences.

“Children from separated families usually find themselves in difficult situations as the education of such a child most times is affected and proper upbringing may be difficult,’’ he said.

He, therefore, called on couples to sustain their marriage through understanding and love.

Giving reasons for increased numbers of collapse of marriages, Barrister Hauwa Umar opined that lack of commitment, too much arguing, infidelity, marrying too young, unrealistic expectations, lack of equality in the relationship, lack of preparation for marriage, and abuse are common reasons people give for their separation after coming together as husband and wife.

Worried by the scenario, Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State recently said the state government is working on a family law that will set ground rules for marriage and tame the high rate of divorce in the state.

He observed that people now live in a society where people marry at will, divorce at will without regards to the injunctions of both Islam and Christianity.

“The victims of this careless attitude to family life are the children, who suffer the most.

“So, we are working on legislation that will put a cost to divorce, that will put a cost, particularly in men who send-off their women with the children and not taking care of the children.”

He added that the law would provide for the establishment of the Family Court Investigation shows that married couples besieged the courts in Kaduna on daily basis to seek divorce. A court official who will not want

his name in print say the number of cases before the court is an indication that the matrimonial bond is fast diminishing and the society should wake up to check this menace.

Back in the days, divorce was hardly brought to the public space. It was then perceived and tagged as a taboo and not good for public discourse.

Sadly, with the advent of alien culture, the reverse is now becoming the trend as many marriages are steadily crashing like a pack of cards.

A Divorcee Aina Moses said she decided to call it quits with her former husband because of his drinking habits and lack of care for her and her son.

Aina said she is enjoying her life as a single parent because there is no man to disturb her life.

However Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu said he trained his wife in Nursing

School and they were having a blissful marriage when he was served a divorce notice.

According to him, all efforts to make peace with his wife had hit the rocks as she is bent on returning the bride price to him.

According to our responsents, the marriage vow is spiritual so couples should endeavour to keep it. They, also noted that every home has its challenges, but keeping the marriage vows should be encouraged and not divorce.

Some of the problems bedeviling the state today cannot be separated from the high rates of divorce in the state, so all stakeholders must rise up to their games to restore sanity in the marriage institution in order to reduce the embarrassing divorce rates, according to them.

Amina (Queen of Zazzau), historical figure of a rare Kind!

Amina (also Aminatu; died 1610; was a Hausa Muslim historical figure in the city-state Zazzau (now city of Zaria in Kaduna State), in what is now in the northwest region of Nigeria.[4] She might have ruled in the mid-sixteenth century. A controversial figure whose existence has been questioned by some historians, her real biography has been somewhat obscured by subsequent legends and folk tales.

Early life

Amina was born in the middle of the sixteenth century CE to King Nikatau, the 22nd ruler of Zazzau, and Queen Bakwa Turunku (r. 1536–c. 1566). She had a younger sister named Zaria for whom the modern city of Zaria (Kaduna State) was renamed by the British in the early twentieth century. According to oral legends collected by anthropologist David E. Jones, Amina grew up in her grandfather’s court and was favored by him. He carried her around court and instructed her carefully in political and military matters.

At age sixteen, Amina was named Magajiya (heir apparent), and was given forty female slaves (kuyanga). From an early age, Amina had a number of suitors attempt to marry her. Attempts to gain her hand included “a daily offer of ten slaves” from Makama and “fifty male slaves and fifty female slaves as well as fifty bags of white and blue cloth” from the Sarkin Kano.

After the death of her parents in or around 1566, Amina’s brother became king of Zazzau. At this point, Amina had distinguished herself as a “leading warrior in her brother’s cavalry” and gained notoriety for her military skills. She is still celebrated today in traditional Hausa praise songs as “Amina daughter of Nikatau, a woman as capable as a man that was able to lead men to war.”

Queenship and expansion of Zazzau

After the death of her brother Karami in 1576, Amina ascended to the position of queen. Zazzau was one of the original seven Hausa States (Hausa Bakwai), the others being Daura, Kano, Gobir, Katsina, Rano, and Garun Gabas. Before Amina assumed the throne, Zazzau was one of the largest of these states. It was also the primary source of slaves that would be sold at the slave markets of Kano and Katsina by Arab merchants.

Only three months after being crowned queen, Amina waged a 34-year campaign against her neighbors, to expand Zazzau territory. Her army, consisting of 20, 000 foot soldiers and 1,000 cavalry troops, was well trained and fearsome. In fact, one of her first announcements to her people was a call for them to “resharpen their weapons.” She conquered large tracts of land as far as Kwararafa and Nupe.

Legends cited by Sidney John Hogben say that she took a new lover in every town she went through, each of whom was said to meet the same unfortunate fate in the morning: “her brief bridegroom was beheaded so that none should live to tell the tale.” Under Amina, Zazzau controlled more territory than ever before. To mark and protect her new lands,

Amina had her cities surrounded by earthen walls. These walls became commonplace across the nation until the British conquest of Zazzau in 1904, and many of them survive today, known as ganuwar Amina (Amina’s walls).

Death

The exact circumstances of Amina’s death are not known. The nineteenth-century Muslim scholar Dan Tafa says that “She died in a place called Attaagar. It was for this reason that the kingdom of Zazzau was the most extensive among the kingdoms of Hausa, since Bauchi included many regions.” Drawing on Tafa’s account, Sidney John Hogben reports that “Amina died in Atagara, near present day Idah, for at that time Amina had pushed the frontiers of Zazzau south of the Niger-Benue confluence. But there are many contradictions surrounding her death; many authors in their books cited that she died in Vom Jos while other historians said she died in Atagara, the present-day Idah.”

Legacy

As the British historian Michael Crowder has noted, after Amina’s death

Queen Amina Stage Ruling class Hausa women experienced a steady diminution in their influence and were systematically deprived of their authority and autonomy. The traditional titles and offices relating to authority over women and redress of their grievances have now become nominal or may have been discarded altogether.

Although Amina’s success as a ruler did not have a trickle-down effect on her female successors, Amina enjoyed a lasting reputation, bordering on legend, as a woman warrior. Sultan Bello of Sokoto wrote:

Strange things have happened in the history of the seven Hausa States, and the most strange of these is the extent of the possessions which God gave to Aminatu, daughter of the ruler of Zazzau. She waged war in the Hausa lands and took them all so that the men of

Katsina and the men of Kano brought her tribute. She made war in Bauchi and against the other towns of the south and of the west, so that her possession stretched down to the shores of the sea [i.e., the Niger].

Beyond her expansion of Zazzau territory, she created trade routes throughout Northern Africa. Additionally, Amina has been credited with ordering the construction of a distinctive series of ancient Hausa fortifications, known as ‘Amina’s walls’, and with introducing kola nut cultivation in the area.

Historical references

One of the earliest sources to mention Amina is a map called the Planisphere of Domingos Teixeira, which was made in 1573 and names a place in Africa as “Castelo Damina,” the Castle of Amina. One of the earliest textual sources to mention Amina is Muhammed Bello’s history Ifaq al-Maysur, composed around 1836. He claims that she was “the first to establish a government among (the Hausa),” and she forced Katsina, Kano and other regions to pay tribute to her. Bello provided no chronological details about her. She is also mentioned in the Kano Chronicle, a well-regarded and detailed history of the city of Kano, composed in the late nineteenth century, but incorporating earlier documentary material. According to this chronicle, she was a contemporary of Muhammad Dauda, who ruled from 1421 to 1438, and Amina conquered as far as Nupe and Kwarafa, collected tribute from far and wide and ruled for 34 years. A number of scholars accept this information and date her reign to the early to mid-fifteenth century.

There is also a local chronicle of Zaria itself, written largely in the nineteenth century but extending to 1902, published in 1910, that gives a list of the rulers and the duration of their reigns. Amina is not mentioned in this chronicle, but oral tradition in the early twentieth century held her to be the daughter of Bakwa Turunku, whose reign is dated by the chronicle from 1492 to 1522. On this basis, some scholars date her reign to the early

sixteenth century. Historian Abdullahi Smith, however, places her reign after 1576.

Modern cultural depictions

The Queen Amina Statue at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos State honors her, and multiple educational institutions bear her name.

Amina is the protagonist of the historical fantasy novel Queen of Zazzau (2018) by J.S. Emuakpor, based on her life beginning in 1557 CE.

Amina is the inspiration for the character Malika in the graphic novel Malika: Warrior Queen (2017) by Roye Okupe as stated in the coloring book also created by the author.

In Education, the fifth episode of the Small Axe films by Steve McQueen, 12-yearold Kingsley Smith triumphantly reads aloud the story of Amina to his family, after having learnt to read.

In the video game Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition Queen Amina appears as the leader of the Hausa civilization.

Amina appears as the leader of Zazzau in 1444, well before her lifetime, in Europa Universalis IV. She is also a general, which female rulers typically cannot be in the game, and has very good stats.

The 2021 film Amina depicts her rise to the throne. It is directed by Izu Ojukwu.

More recent oral tradition has a series of lively stories about the queen, and these have found their way into popular culture. Among them were: Amina was a fierce warrior and loved fighting. As a child, her grandmother Marka, the favorite wife of her grandfather Sarkin Nohir, once caught her holding a dagger. Amina holding the dagger did not shock Marka, rather it was that Amina held it exactly as a warrior would. As an adult, she refused to marry for the fear of losing power. She helped Zazzau (Zaria) become the center of trade and to gain more land. Her mother, Bakwa, died when Amina was 36 years old, leaving her to rule over Zaria.

source: wikipedia

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Georgian anger as Russian flights land again in Tbilisi

Protesters held banners saying “you are not welcome” at Tbilisi airport in Georgia, as the first direct flight for almost four years arrived from Russia.

Scuffles broke out as police barred them from standing outside the airport arrivals hall.

The Azimuth Airlines plane arrived at 13:20 local time (09:20 BST), days after getting the green light from Georgia’s civil aviation authority.

Georgia’s government has welcomed the return of direct flights from Russia.

“The beneficiaries are our citizens who have to take a detour at triple the cost,” said Irakli Kobakhidze, the chairman of the governing Georgian Dream party.

The government argues a million ethnic Georgian citizens living in Russia stand to benefit, although Russian figures suggest the number is closer to 114,000.

But most Georgians oppose the government’s move to allow flights and more than 100 Georgian organisations says it is a “direct sabotage” of their country’s aspirations to join the EU. Georgia is hoping for Brussels to approve its bid to become a candidate later this year.

On board the first flight was a delegation of pro-Russian Georgian NGOs and businesses, according to Russia’s state news agency. Georgian Airways is also planning daily flights to Moscow.

The apparent thaw in relations

comes after President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ending Moscow’s unilateral ban on direct flights imposed in response to mass anti-Russia protests in Tbilisi in 2019.

Russia has also lifted 20-year-old entry restrictions on Georgian citizens, allowing them to visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

And yet the two countries do not have diplomatic relations.

Russia and Georgia fought a war in 2008 and 20% of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory remains under Russian occupation.

Georgia’s pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili denounced “another Russian provocation”.

And both the EU and the US have expressed disappointment at the latest

developments.

US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan questioned the decision to accept “a gift” from what she called an aggressor country.

“I think the important question is why, why now? Why is Putin now making these concessions, these offers to Georgia. What is the price that Georgia is going to have to pay?

“We all know that Putin does not give anything without extracting a price,” she said.

The EU’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, Peter Stano, said earlier this week that the decision raised doubts about Georgia’s commitment to align itself with the 27-member union.

“We and our partners do not allow flights from Russia, flights to Russia

and flights over Russia,” he pointed out.

Georgia’s opposition has roundly condemned the return of direct flights as a “reward” to the ruling Georgian Dream for “good behaviour” towards Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

Georgia did not impose sanctions against Russia and has allowed tens of thousands of Russian citizens to relocate here, many of them escaping mobilisation.

Levan Khabeishvili, who leads the largest opposition party United National Movement, said that President Putin was trying to turn Georgia into a “Russian province”.

But he added that “the will of the Georgian people is unshakeable! We choose Europe, not Russia!”.

G7 summit: Zelensky to travel to Japan to take part in G7 summit, reports say

Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to join the G7 summit in Japan, reports say, in a bid to secure strengthened support ahead of a planned counter-offensive in the Ukraine war.

The Ukrainian president is expected to arrive in Hiroshima on Sunday, although his office has not confirmed the visit.

On Friday, Mr Zelensky flew to Saudi Arabia to meet leaders of Arab nations.

The G7 summit kicked off on Friday with a renewed condemnation of Russia and an announcement of further sanctions.

The group of seven nations, made up of the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan, represent the world’s richest democracies. This year, eight other countries including Australia and India have also been invited.

Mr Zelensky had been slated to appear at the summit by videolink, but speculation has been rife that he or his wife, who recently visited South Korea, would attend in person.

The trip will be the furthest he has travelled from Kyiv since the war began in February 2022, and like other trips outside of Ukraine it could pose a potential risk to his safety.

But the calculation is that the risk is worth taking if it means securing even

more help in his fight against Russia.

“When a person is somewhere far away, across the ocean, somewhere else, they do not always feel and understand what is happening on the territory of our country. It is the physical presence of our president that is extremely important at such events,” said Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s powerful National Security and Defence Council.

Several news agencies have reported that Mr Zelensky will travel to the summit, although it has not been officially confirmed. In the past few days Mr Zelensky has visited Italy, Germany, France and the UK, where he nailed down promises of military support. He also continues to push allies to provide advanced fighter jets to Ukraine, but so far no country has committed to directly providing them.

On Friday, Mr Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia for the Arab League summit.

He urged Arab leaders to help facilitate the return of political prisoners in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

“Unfortunately, there are some in the world and here among you who turn a blind eye to those [prisoner of war] cages and illegal annexations and I’m here so that everyone can take an honest look, no matter

how hard the Russians try to influence, there must still be independence,” Mr Zelensky said at the summit.

Of all the 22 Arab League members, only Syria has openly supported Russia’s invasion. However, other nations have sought to maintain good relations with Moscow.

Saudi Arabia has walked a delicate line on the conflict - on the one hand supporting a UN resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its troops and pledging $400m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while on the other hand resisting imposing sanctions on Russia, preferring to see itself as neutral on the conflict.

It is thought Mr Zelensky will travel from Saudi Arabia to the G7 summit.

Once he reaches Hiroshima he will probably try to persuade more cautious leaders to provide aid, such as Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Indian leader Narendra Modi.

“By showing up in person, it is a chance for him to ensure he does not come away empty-handed, and that he will head back to Kyiv his arms full with the weapons deals that he wants”, including a promise of lethal weapons from Japan, said John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group think tank.

Though Japan has been hugely sympathetic to Ukraine, its strict military laws have meant that so far it has only given non-lethal defence equipment.

Earlier on Friday, G7 leaders were welcomed by Mr Kishida at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where they laid wreaths to honour those who died in the US atomic bombing which hastened the end of World War Two.

The summit’s first day ended with a statement in which member countries pledged “new steps” to stop the war in Ukraine and promised further sanctions to “increase the costs to Russia and those who are supporting its war effort”.

They said they would “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine” and limit Russia’s revenue from energy and diamond sales.

Separately, British PM Rishi Sunak told the BBC the UK would sanction the Russian diamond industry, and would target more people and companies connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit, which ends on Sunday, is expected to end with a communique on the war in Ukraine and a statement on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Source: BBC

Most Georgians see themselves as pro-European and are unhappy with the thaw in relations with Russia

NEWS FROM AFRICA

Investigation ordered after teenage basketball fan shot dead at Libyan top-flight match

The prime minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity has ordered an investigation after the death of a teenage basketball fan shot in the head at a topflight match in Tripoli.

Abdul Mohimen Al-Falah was fatally injured on Monday in a disturbance outside the arena following the Libyan Basketball League play-off between Al Ittihad and Al Ahly Benghazi.

Local reports have suggested armed security were involved in trying to control the violence.

The 19-year-old was taken to Tunisia for treatment but died on Thursday.

His funeral is expected to take place today while fellow Al Ittihad supporters are set to gather at the stadium to pay their own respects.

A promising footballer, AlFalah played for the youth team

of

The high-profile nature

of the death has led prime minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to instruct the country’s interior ministry to take responsibility

for finding those responsible, while the Libyan Olympic Committee has stressed the need for more professional security forces at major sports events.

Despite the country’s ongoing security crisis, which has seen a proliferation of firearms, the Libyan Basketball Federation is one of the few sports organisations that allows spectators to attend games.

The federation has now postponed all fixtures until next week while Al Ittihad used social media to announce the suspension of all club activities for three days.

The team’s supporters have been using the slogan “Keep your weapons away from our stadiums and our youth” in a bid to pressure the authorities to take such incidents more seriously.

Holidaymaker dies after going missing in Africa

Aholidaymaker has died after he went missing in The Gambia.

Michael Costain, 69, from Rhayader, Powys, travelled to the west African country on 8 March and had been expected back on 20 March.

Dyfed-Powys Police launched a missing persons appeal last month.

But the force has now confirmed that he died while on holiday and said it was not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Costain spent time in Busumbala, western Gambia, before travelling to the village of Abene in southern Senegal.

He had booked a flight home but the alarm was raised when he did not board it.

Mr Costain was a percussionist and member of Community Arts Rhayader and District (CARAD).

The organisation said he led drumming workshops and parades and even travelled to Brazil to teach music to children.

CARAD trustee Peter Cox described him as a man who “loved travelling to extraordinary places”.

He said that his friend died while on a bus on holiday, adding: “It feels fitting, in some way, that he would have closed his eyes for the last time having been gazing out of the window watching an exciting new world open up before him.

“He will be missed by all who

knew him.”

Zimbabwe pardons over 4,000 prisoners to decongest jails

Thousands of prisoners have been freed in the past to decongest prisons, like these ones in 2021

Zimbabwe has released about a fifth of all prisoners under a presidential amnesty order meant to decongest the country’s overcrowded jails.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) said more than 4,000 inmates - mostly men - were let out, in what it described as a noble gesture.

Violent criminals as well as those convicted of robbery, treason and public order offences were excluded.

Prisons in Zimbabwe are suffering from extreme overcrowding.

The move comes ahead of general elections in August.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is battling a cost of living crisis, high inflation and power cuts.

Footage appears to show Greeks abandoned

Africans at sea

Video footage has emerged that appears to show a group of 12 African migrants, including women and children, being rounded up by Greek coastguards on the island of Lesbos and abandoned at sea on an inflatable raft.

The incident, alleged to have occurred last month, would be a violation of Greek, European Union and international law.

The New York Times said it had verified and corroborated the footage filmed by an activist, Fayal Mulla.

The Greek government -

which has consistently denied migrant pushbacks - hasn’t responded.

The government recently defended what it called its “tough but fair” migration policies.

The group were later rescued by Turkish coastguards whilst drifting in the Aegean Sea and taken to a detention center in Izmir.

All musicians benefit from afrobeats’ success - Florito

A Namibian musician has told the BBC that all musicians are benefitting from the success of afrobeats worldwide, saying

he never would have imaged his music would play in some countries like Brazil - but it does.

“I’m grateful that my brothers and sisters are just opening more doors for us”, Florito said.

Born in Luanda of Angolan parents, he makes music that mixes afrobeats, amapiano and kwaito influences.

He has released some big collaborations with Namibian veteran Gazza on the track Pull Up, and with Nigerian artist BNXN, formerly known as Buju, on his recent hit Stamina.

What’s more, his hit song Dalilah has received shout-outs from big stars like Wizkid and Diamond Platnumz.

“Actually Dalilah is my exgirlfriend. At that time I was with her. So I was at the studio with some friends, and my producer played the Dalilah beat. I started creating melodies and I recorded the song in two hours.”

He’s currently working on an EP with seven tracks and is shooting videos in both Angola and Nigeria.

“The future is bright. It’s going to be a beautiful year for me and my fans because I’m going to be releasing more music,” he said.

To hear the full interview with Florito, listen to This is Africa on BBC World Service radio and partner stations

second division Al Azima.

Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, has ordered an investigation into the death of a teenage basketball fan

Michael Costain left for Africa on 8 March and died while he was there

Feature

G7 summit: Zelensky to travel to Japan to take part in G7 summit, reports say

Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to join the G7 summit in Japan, reports say, in a bid to secure strengthened support ahead of a planned counter-offensive in the Ukraine war.

The Ukrainian president is expected to arrive in Hiroshima on Sunday, although his office has not confirmed the visit.

On Friday, Mr Zelensky flew to Saudi Arabia to meet leaders of Arab nations.

The G7 summit kicked off on Friday with a renewed condemnation of Russia and an announcement of further sanctions.

The group of seven nations, made up of the US, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan, represent the world’s richest democracies. This year, eight other countries including Australia and India have also been invited.

Mr Zelensky had been slated to appear at the summit by videolink, but speculation has been rife that he or his wife, who recently visited South Korea, would attend in person.

The trip will be the furthest he has travelled from Kyiv since the war began in February 2022, and like other trips outside of Ukraine it could pose a potential risk to his safety.

But the calculation is that the risk is worth taking if it means securing even more help in his fight against Russia.

“When a person is somewhere far away, across the ocean, somewhere else, they do not always feel and understand what is happening on the territory of our country. It is the physical presence of our president that

is extremely important at such events,” said Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s powerful National Security and Defence Council.

Several news agencies have reported that Mr Zelensky will travel to the summit, although it has not been officially confirmed.

In the past few days Mr Zelensky has visited Italy, Germany, France and the UK, where he nailed down promises of military support. He also continues to push allies to provide advanced fighter jets to Ukraine, but so far no country has committed to directly providing them.

On Friday, Mr Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Saudi

Arabia for the Arab League summit.

He urged Arab leaders to help facilitate the return of political prisoners in Crimea and other Russian-occupied territories.

“Unfortunately, there are some in the world and here among you who turn a blind eye to those [prisoner of war] cages and illegal annexations and I’m here so that everyone can take an honest look, no matter how hard the Russians try to influence, there must still be independence,” Mr Zelensky said at the summit.

Of all the 22 Arab League members, only Syria has openly supported Russia’s invasion. However, other nations have

sought to maintain good relations with Moscow.

Saudi Arabia has walked a delicate line on the conflict - on the one hand supporting a UN resolution calling for Russia to withdraw its troops and pledging $400m in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while on the other hand resisting imposing sanctions on Russia, preferring to see itself as neutral on the conflict.

It is thought Mr Zelensky will travel from Saudi Arabia to the G7 summit.

Once he reaches Hiroshima he will probably try to persuade more cautious leaders to provide aid, such as Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and Indian leader Narendra Modi.

“By showing up in person, it is a chance for him to ensure he does not come away empty-handed, and that he will head back to Kyiv his arms full with the weapons deals that he wants”, including a promise of lethal weapons from Japan, said John Kirton, director of the G7 Research Group think tank.

Though Japan has been hugely sympathetic to Ukraine, its strict military laws have meant that so far it has only given nonlethal defence equipment.

Earlier on Friday, G7 leaders were welcomed by Mr Kishida at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where they laid wreaths to honour those who died in the US atomic bombing which hastened the end of World War Two.

The summit’s first day ended with a statement in which member countries pledged “new steps” to stop the war in Ukraine and promised further sanctions to “increase the costs to Russia and those who are supporting its war effort”.

They said they would “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine” and limit Russia’s revenue from energy and diamond sales.

Separately, British PM Rishi Sunak told the BBC the UK would sanction the Russian diamond industry, and would target more people and companies connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit, which ends on Sunday, is expected to end with a communique on the war in Ukraine and a statement on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Source: BBC

“When a person is somewhere far away, across the ocean, somewhere else, they do not always feel and understand what is happening on the territory of our country. It is the physical presence of our president that is extremely important at such events,” said Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s powerful National Security and Defence Council

President Zelensky addressed the Arab League on Friday afternoon

On the opening day of the summit, G7 leaders slapped more sanctions on Russia

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool boss receives twomatch ban for Paul Tierney comments

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has received a two-match ban for comments he made about referee Paul Tierney after his side’s 4-3 victory over Tottenham in April.

It means the German will miss Sunday’s match against Aston Villa at Anfield.

The second game is suspended until the end of the 2023-24 season, meaning Klopp will not miss the final game of this campaign against Southampton.

Klopp suggested Tierney had “something against” the Reds after the Spurs game.

He has also received a £75,000 fine having admitted improper conduct and saying he regretted making the comments.

Klopp was shown a yellow card for celebrating Liverpool’s 94th-minute winner in front of the fourth official and later claimed what Tierney said to him

was “not OK”.

The refereeing governing body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited, said at the time it “strongly refutes” any accusation Tierney’s actions were “improper”.

Liverpool sent a letter in response to the charges three days after the match, suggesting emotions were heightened during a tense fixture and that while Klopp had not intended to “question Tierney’s integrity”, the referee had been involved in a number of “questionable decisions” involving the club.

‘We will give you the benefit of the doubt’

However, the FA said the comments were a “particularly serious example of misconduct” and it was “disturbed by the very aggressive nature” of Klopp’s behaviour towards fourth official John Brooks.

Klopp also wrote a letter of apology, saying the words he used in the postmatch interview were “inappropriate” and “driven by emotion”.

The FA has also released the transcript of what Tierney said to Klopp when he booked him, which the Liverpool boss deemed to be “unacceptable”.

After being told by Brooks about Klopp’s behaviour and having sought confirmation from the video assistant referee (VAR), Tierney said: “Right, I have to show you yellow... it could be red, but I am going to show you yellow.

“He [VAR] said yellow. We will give you the benefit of the doubt, don’t do anything more.”

Klopp was previously given a one-match ban after he was sent off against Manchester City in October for berating an assistant referee and the independent commission

acknowledged his “poor disciplinary record” - of three appearances before commissions in five seasons - when deciding on the sanction.

The commission said in mitigation that it accepted Klopp’s “apology and regret to be genuine”.

Klopp’s actions in the Spurs match triggered another debate about behaviour towards match officials from managers and players this season.

Referees chief Howard Webb said this week behaviour “has not been good enough” and a “stronger” approach is needed to address the issue.

A number of Premier League managers including Klopp, Marco Silva and Roberto di Zerbi have served touchline bans after being sent off.

Webb said: “We need everybody in the game supporting a movement towards a more respectful environment.”

Jurgen Klopp will miss Liverpool’s final home game of the season against Aston Villa

Rafael Nadal out of 2023 French Open and plans retirement in 2024

Rafael Nadal will miss the French Open for the first time in 19 years after a hip injury ruled out the record 14-time men’s singles champion.

The 36-year-old Spaniard, who has won 22 major titles, also said he plans to retire after the 2024 season.

“I didn’t make the decision, my body made the decision. To play Roland Garros is impossible,” he said.

“Next year will probably be my last year. That is my idea. If I keep going now I won’t be able to make it happen.”

Nadal holds the joint record number of men’s major triumphs alongside Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. He has won 70 other ATP titles and spent 209 weeks at world number one - the sixth longest amount of time in ATP history.

Known as the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal has won 112 of his 115 matches at the French Open.

However, the Majorcan left-hander has not played since sustaining the hip problem at the Australian Open in January.

Nadal has been practising in recent weeks, but was not fit enough to play a tournament in the run-up to Roland Garros.

The French Open starts in Paris on 28 May and runs until 11 June.

Why Nadal’s French Open absence so hard to imagine

“I was working as much as possible every single day for the past four months and they have been difficult because we were not been able to find the solution to the problems I had in Australia,” he added.

“I’m still in the position where I am not able to feel ready to compete at the standards I need to be to play at Roland Garros.

“I am not the guy who will be at Roland Garros just to try to be there and in a position where I don’t like to be.”

Nadal said he needs to stop playing for the foreseeable future in order to make a full recovery and complete a planned farewell season in 2024.

His participation at this year’s Wimbledon remains in doubt. The Championships, which Nadal won in 2008 and 2010, start at the All England Club on 3 July and run until 16 July.

“I will stop for a while, maybe one month and a half, maybe two months, maybe three months or maybe four months. I don’t know. I do not like to predict the future,” he said.

“I will do the right thing for my body and personal happiness.

“My goal and ambition is to try to stop and give myself an opportunity to enjoy the next year.

“That is my idea but I can’t say 100% it will be like this. My idea is to try to enjoy and say goodbye to all the tournaments that have been important for me.”

Nadal injured his hip during a secondround defeat by American Mackenzie MacDonald in Melbourne and initially expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

An MRI scan two days after the match

showed a tear in his left psoas muscle.

Last month, Nadal announced he would not be able to play the Madrid Open because the injury “still hadn’t healed” and was planning a different course of treatment.

Then he withdrew from this month’s Italian Open - another important claycourt tournament before the French Open - saying he had still not been able to train at a high level.

On Thursday, he announced he will miss Roland Garros for the first time in his career in a news conference at his academy in Majorca.

Nadal won the French Open title in his first appearance there in 2005, going on to triumph another 13 times in the following 17 years.

No player has won as many singles titles at one major tournament as the Spaniard

has at Roland Garros.

Tournament director of Roland-Garros Amelie Mauresmo called it a “heartbreaking” decision.

“We will really miss seeing Rafael Nadal, whose destiny is closely linked with that of Roland-Garros.

“I can only imagine the pain and sadness he must be feeling after having to make such a hard decision.

“We hope to see him at Roland-Garros next year.”

‘Nadal harbours hopes for more titles’ - analysisRussell Fuller, BBC Tennis Correspondent

By missing the French Open for the first time since 2004, Nadal hopes he might just be in a position to win a 15th title in Paris this time next year.

He very much wants to be in Melbourne,

Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Wimbledon and New York next year to say goodbye. But you just know he will also very much hope he can win these tournaments for one last time.

It is, however, not very encouraging to hear him say no solution has yet been found to his hip problem.

And when he admitted pain has prevented him from enjoying both practice and competition in recent years, it reminded me of Andy Murray: who took his own break from the sport, and surgery in his case, to improve - above all else - his quality of life. Tennis has been adjusting to the loss of Serena Williams and Roger Federer. And now there will be a Rafael Nadal size hole in the summer schedule.

But if it gives us another year, it will be worth the wait.

Rafael Nadal pulls out of French Open and plans to retire in 2024

PEOPLES DAILYWEEKEND

. putting the people first

Rebuilding our university system

LAST Friday, I gave the Convocation Lecture at Modibbo Adama University in Yola. The theme was the Nigerian University System and the Public Good: Pathway to Recovery. I addressed the problem of declining finances of the university system, which makes it difficult for the universities to recruit and above all to retain quality staff, engage in research and provide a conducive atmosphere for learning and research. I also addressed the more complex story about the corruption of Nigerian society in general but particularly insidious in the university, which created a mentality of looting and wanton exploitation in whatever situation people find themselves.

University students’ enrolment has had an immense increase since its inception. It started from barely 100 in 1948 to 3,681 in 1962 to 7,697 in 1965-66; to about 17,750 in 1972-73, to about 250,000 in 1994. Over the past two decades, there has been an incredible growth of student numbers. Currently, there are 1,855,261 undergraduate students in Nigerian universities out of which only 102,500 are in private universities.

Meanwhile, the university landscape has been transformed significantly with the dramatic growth of private universities where lecturers are not allowed to join the union.

Nigeria’s national educational policy is based on the premise that the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its economic, political, social and human resources is education. It is considered to be the greatest force that can be used to bring about change. It is in this context that the Nigerian Constitution defines education as a public good that the State has an obligation to provide to citizens in an equitable manner as enunciated in Article 18 of the Constitution.

The problem with the constitutional policy is that successive governments since the Ibrahim Babangida regime have simply refused to place it on the policy agenda. They neither believe in it nor are they ready to implement it. There has been no national conversation on sustaining or reformulating the policy and the occasion of the in-coming government is an opportunity to place it on the public agenda.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has however been very committed to it and has worked very hard for over four decades to sustain it. The public good was defined essentially as – FREE AND HIGHQUALITY EDUCATION PAID FOR BY THE STATE. The arrival of radical unionism in the university system meant their engagement was no longer focused on catering for the advancement of the staff welfare of academics but also to have a greater voice in the operations of the Nigerian university system and the affairs of the nation at large. ASUU radicalism has however left the society behind on the theme of education as a public good.

The university cannot serve the public good if it is perpetually on strike. The

By Jibrin Ibrahim

addiction of ASUU to the strike option as the only way to promote its interests has to stop. ASUU strikes have become part of Nigeria’s national strife and trauma. Enormous working days are lost regularly due to strikes. Over the past twenty years, public universities have been closed for five years due to strikes. As Emmanuel Emmanuel, the best all-round student said in his valedictory speech, in his “final year”, there were 18 months of strikes – do the maths.

These long strikes have been sustained for a very long time because ASUU has the power and capacity to organise them without consequence to its material interests as eventually they do not work for the said periods and they get paid for the period which most academics use to work in private universities. The capacity to carry out long strikes, keep students at home for three to six or eight months at a time and get them to put pressure on parents and the government of the day to sign a deal is an apparent sign of strength.

Successive presidents have all been forced to sign deals, but signing is the simple issue, implementation has always been the bane of policies in Nigeria. It could be argued that in reality, ASUU is weak because it’s too focused on grandiose victory called an AGREEMENT that often yields little in real results. This state of affairs might be changing. After an eightmonth strike from February to October 2022, the Government refused to pay lecturers the backlog of salaries for the period they were on strike. This might signal a change in the balance of forces. If government maintains its refusal to pay, ASUU will understand that

long strikes are not always the best forms of industrial action.

The strikes have seriously affected university calendars’ over the decades and generations of students have lost one to two years of their lives waiting for their lecturers to return. The strikes have shortened teaching weeks and the capacity of lecturers to cover the course outline thereby contributing to the decline in the quality of graduates. Precisely because of this impact, wider sections of the elite have taken their children out of public universities to private universities where ASUU is not allowed to operate so there are no strikes, and lecturers teach and cover the course outline.

As more elite take their children out of the public system, the unintended consequence is that increasingly, governments have less commitment to rebuilding the universities because their children are not there, they are in private universities within or outside the country. The fact of the matter is that family budgets have transformed drastically over the past three decades with considerable percentages of the family budget devoted to expensive private education for children from the nursery to the tertiary levels. In other words, public education has been abandoned to the children of the poorest in society.

The Nigerian Government has not reflected on its philosophy of education for 50 years. Since ASUU started negotiating with the federal government in 1982, the union has always had a position paper but government has never had a position. It simply ducks blows from ASUU and threatens or cajoles them to reduce their demands. Government does not even brief its own negotiating team on the principles upon which it should negotiate with ASUU because it does not have any. A good example was the last three government teams – Wale Babalakin, Munzali Jibril and Nimi Briggs – all had their recommendations rejected by the government that appointed them. ASUU puffs and rants about disrespect of government to negotiated deals it signs but the Nigerian Government was never an interlocutor because it never had a position to negotiate from, so all its moves are tactical rather than strategic.

The context today is that the rentier State has collapsed and massive corruption and oil theft have wiped out petroleum revenues. Over the past decade, public expenditure has been based on massive borrowing and the country is now in a debt trap. The State is no longer capable of funding quality education

for all. Nigerians know it and they decide for the education of their children. ASUU is stuck in the context of the political economy of the 1970s and 1980s.

A responsible government would have placed the current reality on the table for a national debate. They have not done this. The central task today is to get the government to engage the subject of education as a public good in today’s context. My key recommendation is that the in-coming government should immediately produce a Green Paper on Education as a Public Good which would then be presented to a National Conference on Education as a Public Good. Key issues would include the following:

Making our educational system fit for purpose;

Developing a national strategy to Bring Back Our Students from foreign universities; Enhancing equality and access to education;

Funding of education, including payment of tuition fees and scholarships; Ending the regime of permanent strikes in our universities;

Addressing corruption in the education system;

Ending Sexual Harassment in tertiary institutions

Raising academic standards

We should all lobby the incoming administration to immediately review the constitutional, legal and policy framework for higher education or simply the education system. The conference itself should be proceeded with stakeholder meetings where issues are discussed.

Ibrahim is a professor of Political Science and development consultant/ expert, and Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development.

—Aisha Buhari

“ The Nigerian Government has not reflected on its philosophy of education for 50 years. Since ASUU started negotiating with the federal government in 1982