Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Edition

Wednesday, January 1, 2020/ Jumadal Ula 5, 1441 AH

2088 Days after

Vol. 33 No. 025 N150

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Kano suspends law banning opposite sexes from plying same tricycles >>>page 5

We wish our numerous readers a happy and prosperous 2020

Buhari unveils 2020 development action plan >>>page 5

• Promises to handover power in 2023 • Reveals new deal with Germany to transform power • Prioritizes agric, infrastructure, oil and gas investments • Vows to fight mass poverty, unemployment AfDB’s Adesina seeks investment of $1.8tr in infrastructure pAGE 9

$20,000 scam: EFCC detains Senator Shehu Sani pAGE 17 Adoke's bail application suffers setback pAGE 9

Alleged N6.32b fraud: Ex Gov Jang has case to answer -Court pAGE 10

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari Buhari yesterday unveiled his administration’s 2020 development action plan.

The President announced in his New Year message to Nigerians the country has in place a new deal with Siemens, supported by the German government after German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Nigeria in Abuja, to invest in new capacity for generation, transmission and distribution.

“These projects will be under close scrutiny and transparency – there will be no more extravagant claims that end only in waste, theft and mismanagement.

“The next 12 months will witness the gradual implementation of these actions, after which Nigerians can expect to see significant improvement in electricity service supply reliability and delivery.

“Separately, we have plans to increase domestic gas consumption.

In the first quarter of 2020, we will commence work on the AKK gas pipeline, OB3 Gas pipeline and the expansion of the Escravos – Lagos Pipeline.

“While we look to create new opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and other long neglected sectors, in 2020 we will also realise increased value from oil and gas, delivering a more competitive, attractive and profitable industry, operating on commercial principles and free from political interference. Just last week, we were able to approve a fair framework for the USD10 billion expansion of Nigeria Liqueed Natural Gas, which will increase exports by 35 percent, restore our position as a world leader in the sector and create thousands of jobs,” Buhari stated.

He said that, the Amendment of the Deep Offshore Act in October signaled our intention to create a modern, forward-looking industry in Nigeria. “I am confident that in 2020 we will be able to present a radical programme of reform for oil and gas that will excite investors, improve governance and strengthen protections for host communities and the environment.

“We can expect the pace of change in technology only to accelerate in the decade ahead. Coupled with our young and vibrant population, this offers huge opportunities if we are able to harness the most productive trends and tame some of the wilder elements.

“This is a delicate balance with which many countries are struggling.

We are seeking an informed and mature debate that reects our rights and responsibilities as citizens in shaping the boundaries of how best to allow technology to benefit Nigeria.”

Buhari recalled that during his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2019, he promised to lay the enduring foundations for taking a hundred million Nigerians out of mass poverty over the next 10 years.

“Today I restate that commitment. We shall continue reforms in education, health care and water sanitation. I have met international partners such as GAVI, the vaccine alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation who support our social welfare programmes. I will continue to work with State and Local Governments

News

Buhari unveils 2020 development action plan

•Promises to handover power in 2023 •Reveals new deal with Germany to transform power •Prioritizes agric, infrastructure, oil and gas investments •Vows to fight mass poverty, unemployment to make sure that these partnerships deliver as they should. Workers will have a living wage and pensioners will be looked after. We are steadily clearing pensions and benets arrears neglected for so long.”

According to the President the new Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development will consolidate and build on the social intervention schemes and will enhance the checks and balances necessary for this set of programmes to succeed for the long term.

“I am able to report that the journey has already begun with the passage and signing into law of the 2020 Appropriation Act. As the new decade dawns, we are ready to hit the ground running. Let me pay tribute to the Ninth National Assembly who worked uncommonly long hours to make sure that the 2020 budget scrutiny is both thorough and timely.”

He assured that he will conduct free and fair polls at the end of his second term in 2023.

The President in his New Year speech made available to newsmen yesterday also promised the delivery of life changing infrastructural projects by his administration in the New Year.

Buhari in the speech highlighted the achievements of his government in the last five years in the areas of security, economic improvements as well as won battles in the fight against corruption.

In his message titled, ‘A letter from the President at New Year, Buhari wrote “Today marks a new decade. It is a time of hope, optimism and fresh possibilities. We look forward as a nation to the 2020s as the opportunity to build on the foundations we have laid together on security, diversification of our economy and taking on the curse of corruption. “These are the pledges on which I have been twice elected President and remain the framework for a stable, sustainable and more prosperous future.

“Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. I salute the commitment of the millions who voted in peace last February and of those leaders who contested for office vigorously but fairly, submitting to the authority of the electorate, the Independent National Electoral Commission and judicial process.

“I understand very well the frustrations our system has in the past triggered. I will be standing down in 2023 and will not be available in any future elections. But I am determined to help strengthen the electoral process both in Nigeria and across the region, where several ECOWAS members go to the polls this year.”

On his determination to fight insecurity, the President said he deliberately negotiated for peace with Nigerian neighbours for peace in order to not only win the war but also win the peace.

He said “The Federal Government will continue to work with State Governors, neighbouring states and

our international partners to tackle the root causes of violent extremism and the networks that help finance and organise terror. Our security forces will receive the best training and modern weaponry, and in turn will be held to the highest standards of professionalism, and respect for human rights. We will use all the human and emerging technological resources available to tackle kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery.”

He listed the latest recruitment of police officers as part of his administration’s efforts to ensure security of live and properties especially with the creation of the new ministry of Police Affairs.

On efforts of his government on ease of doing business, he said “Already, we are making key infrastructure investments to enhance our ease of doing business.

On transportation, we are making signicant progress on key roads such as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and the

Abuja - Kano highway. 2020 will also see tangible progress on the Lagos to Kano Rail line. Through Executive Order 007, we are also using alternative funding programmes in collaboration with private sector partners to fix strategic roads such as the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway.

Abuja and Port Harcourt have new international airport terminals, as will Kano and Lagos in 2020.

He said, “When completed, all these projects will positively impact business operations in the country.

These projects are not small and do not come without some temporary disruption; we are doing now what should have been done a long time ago. I thank you for your patience and look forward to the dividends that we and future generations will long enjoy.”

He continued: “Power has been a problem for a generation. We know we need to pick up the pace of progress. We have solutions to help separate parts of the value chain to work better together.”

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari, receives in audience President African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Ganduje suspends law banning men, women from plying same tricycle From Edwin Olofu, Kano

T

he Kano State Government has suspended the implementation of a directive banning persons of opposite genders from plying same commercial tricycles across the state from January 2020.

The spokesperson of the agency responsible for implementing the

law, Kano Hisbah Board, Lawan Fagge, disclosed this selflessto newsmen on Wednesday.

The policy, in recent days, had attracted condemnation from Nigerians, especially on social media.

The official said the decision was taken on Monday after consultation with the leadership of commercial tricycle operators “who pleaded for

an extension of the implementation date.”

“The law has been suspended till further notice. The decision was taken after consultation with leadership of commercial tricycle operators who pleaded for extending the implementation date,” Mr Fagge said.

On Wednesday, the Commander

General of Hisbah Board, Harun IbnSina, had announced the banning of men and women from plying same commercial tricycles from January 2020. He made the announcement at the closing ceremony of 77th annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) organised by Zone A of Muslim Society of Nigeria (MSSN) which held at Bayero University, Kano.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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News

Ihedioha renames Jacob Zuma Road after Mbazuluike Amaechi

G

overnor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State on Monday renamed Jacob Zuma Road in Owerri after First Republic parliamentarian and minister, Mbazuluike Amaechi.

A statement issued in Owerri by Chibuike Onyeukwu, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, stated that Mr Ihedioha announced the rechristening at an occasion to mark Amaechi’s 90th birthday in Owerri.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the naming of the dual carriageway after the former South African president by former governor, Rochas Okorocha, attracted widespread criticism against the administration.

In his statement, Mr Ihedioha described Mr Amaechi as an icon, whose contributions to nationbuilding should not be ignored.

“Dr Amaechi is an icon, one of the founding fathers of the nation, whose contributions to nationhood should not be overlooked.

“Amaechi remains an inspiration, who stood and defended those principles that remain valuable to nation-building,” the statement further read.

Mr Amaechi, a native of Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra, was a member of the House of Representatives in 1959.

The nonagenarian was later appointed the Minister of Aviation and Transport in 1962.

According to the statement, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was stated to have prayed to God to grant the Imo governor the strength to live up to the expectations of the people of Imo. Mr Obasanjo was quoted to have said that with Ihedioha’s wealth of experience as a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he was well equipped to govern the state successfully..(NAN)

N50m realized at 2020 Emblem Appeal Week in Yobe From Uche Uche, Damaturu

Y

obe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni has donated N40 million on behalf of the state government to the Nigeria Legion.

The governor also announced a personal donation of N1 million to Nigeria Legion in the state branch as part of the Armed Forces Remembrance celebrations.

Speaking during the occasion which took place at the WAWA Hall in the Government House in Damaturu, the governor commended the efforts of the military, the veteran soldiers who fought to preserve the unity of the country.

“It is a known fact that the patriots that we are gathered here to honour and to remember today, have

sacrificed their lives for us to resolve conflicts and ensure peace not only in our communities, our state, or our country but even in different parts of the world”, the governor said.

Many of those veterans, he stated further, fought during the First and Second World Wars, and during the Nigeria civil war to keep the country together and many of them have equally participated in peace keeping operations in different parts of Africa and in other parts of the World under United Nations Peace Missions.

These veteran soldiers have also participated in internal security operations, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of criminal activities, all in an effort to defend the liberty of Nigerians and the promotion of

peace, unity and collective security of the country and its people.

The governor added that some of the patriots who fought to defend the nation and ensure peace and security have lost their lives while others have sustained various degrees of injuries and so their dependents deserve the care of the society.

“It is sad that some of these patriots have lost their lives in the line of duty and, as a result, have left behind dependents including wives, children, parents and other relations.

Many others have lost a part of themselves in the battlefield and have returned disabled...That is why the launching of the Emblem Appeal Week has remained an avenue for us to reflect on the causes and consequences of war and conflict.

In doing so, we bring to mind their sacrifices and resolve to ensure that their welfare is well taken care of “, he said.

Also during the occasion, Yobe state deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, the state assembly Speaker Hon. Ahmed Lawan Mirwa, and other members of the state assembly, commissioners, advisers, the secretary to the state government, head of service and the Chief of Staff to the Governor as well as permanent secretaries and chief executives of government agencies, all made generous donations to the Legion.

Other donations came from the state traditional rulers as well as from the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Forum bemoans bandit attacks on Dutsin-Ma in Katsina

By Stanley Onyekwere

D

utsin-Ma Youth Forum, has expressed worries over the condition of residents in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State forced to flee to neighbouring communities for safety as a result of incessant attacks and kidnappings by armed bandits in different occasions.

It was gathered that residents in the area have witnessed 29 cases of armed attack, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the month of December 2019, just as they called on the federal government and the security agencies to bring the situation under control.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the spokesman of Youth Forum, Alh. Abu Abubakar Dutsin-Ma, said residents of the area are living in palpable fear, as security agencies in the state appears helpless, stressing that the situation has reached an unimaginable proportion.

The group warned that if the federal government fails to intervene urgently, the people might resort to self defence, noting that such move may further worse the security challenges in the country.

Abubakar used the occasion to blame the state government on the spate of insecurity in the state, noting that the cease-fire deal reached with the bandits has not yielded any result.

He said, “It has become the order of the day to wake up to the news of kidnapping, killing and ransacking of a whole village by bandits that the government publicly claimed has reached an agreement with to

lay down their arms and give peace a chance to rein”.

Abubakar, while reeling out cases of bandit attacks in what he described as dairy of cattle rustlers, armed bandits and kidnapping in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina revealed that between December 1 to December 31, 2019 the area has recorded the highest armed attack in recent times.

According to him, “On December 8, 2019, Nasiru Ibrahim Dandanku was kidnapped at his residence in Dutsinma town, December 17, 2019, wife of one Malam Shamsuddeen Yusuf, his daughter, and her younger sister were kipnapped in his residence at Government Science Secondary

School, Dutsin-ma, December 19, 2019, Alhaji Kanti Kagara was kidnapped at his residence in Kagara village, December 19, 2019, Hajiya Zainab Zaria was kidnapped at Gida Mai Famfo, while on December 25, 2019, bandits attacked the people of Ruwan Dorowa village, and carted away their belongings, including 17 cows and many sheep”.

Other cases of bandits attack according to him includes December 1, 2019, bandits attacked Alhaji DanBello, a Businessman in Dutsin-Ma and collected N6 million as ransom, December 28, 2019, bandits also attacked Farar-Kasa village where one Malam Mamman was gunned down at his residence, December 28,

2019, bandits attacked Jallawa village and took away many cows and sheep, while on December 27, 2019, Amina Usman was kidnapped at Bayan Gidan Rediyo Quarters, Dutsinma, and caused serious injuries to husband.

The spokesman said that as at December 31, 2019, major parts of Dutsin-Ma was attacked by gunmen as they shoot sporadically to chase residents from their homes including traditional rulers.

“This ugly security threat is becoming worrisome and embarrassing because this is the home state of President Muhammadu Buhari who is the chief security officer of the country.”

Sympathizers at fire incident of Katako market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were 14 shops burnt. Photo: Shekarau Yusuf Mairiga, Jos.

Fire razes Jos market, destroys many shops From Yusuf Mairiga Shekarau, Jos

T

he Katako Market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has been razed down by fire.

Fourteen shops were consequently burnt to ashes.

Mallam Lawal Kamal, Chairman of Body B, Katako Market who

confirmed the occurrence of the incident, told our reporter that the calamity occurred at exactly 3:30am midnight and had completely destroyed a section of the market prior to the coming of the personnel of the state Fire Service.

According to him, “the fire was caused by electrical faults. This is not the first time the market is experiencing fire incident. In

September this year, Timber B segment was ravaged by electrical faults, it is just worrisome that Jos Electricity Distribution Company has not been serious about the problem because it doesn’t check connections regularly.”

Adding he said, “The incident came to us as a sad news, I feel like crying. I came here since 3:30am when the incident started. We have

lost property worth N15m”.

He narrated that the victims of the unfortunate calamity has to start afresh.

Abdulkarim Muhammad, a victim of the fire incident said “We have accepted the incident in good faith.”

It was gathered that the affected portion is completely razed by the inferno.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

From Umar Dankano,Yola

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our suspected rapists have been paraded by the Adamawa State Police Command for allegedly raping their victims at various destinations across the state.

Image maker of the Command, DSP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje yesterday in Yola said the suspects were arrested in Fufore, Girei, Yola

Yuletide: Don urges Kogi residents to be security conscious From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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he Director of National Education Academy and Senior Lecturer, National Open University (NOUN) Abuja, Professor Adams Agahiu, has called on the indigenes of Kogi State to be more security conscious during this yuletide.

The Kogi born renowned scholar Adams stated this during an interview with our Correspondent.

He spoke on the heel of events in the last few days, indicating that some hoodlums who were driven out of their abode on Kaduna road are causing nightmares for peace loving travellers and Kogi indigenes along Abaji/KotonKarfe highway.

“As you are aware, Kogi is the gateway to South East and South West parts in Nigeria. Therefore, there is tendency of criminals trying to use our highways as hide out for their illegal business”.

“In view of this, I urge Kogi indigenes to cooperate with the State Governor Yahaya Bello to rid the state of criminal elements by reporting suspicious activities and strange faces to the police for prompt action”.

“Let me also use this medium to thank Governor Yahaya Bello for his goodwill to restore back the lost glory of the state and his proactive measure in combating these criminal elements along our major highways”.

“I wish his every Kogi indigenes and the State government a peaceful and prosperous New year, the Kogiborn academia said”.

CRIME News Police parade 4 rape suspects in Adamawa

North and Michika LGAs. Yahaya said Nasiru Abdullahi a 45 year old was arrested in Gurin village of Fufore LGA for raping a four year old he lured with N10, while 20-year old Faisal Baba of Jabbi-Lamba village of Girei LGA was arrested

for raping a 55 year-old woman.

“We also have Mubarak Ishaya, a 22 year-old who was arrested in Jimeta area of Yola North LGA for raping another teenager which age I was yet to ascertain,” Yahaya said.

The police spokesman also

added that an elderly man of over 70-year old, Vandi Pate was also picked in Michika LGA for raping a 12 year-old girl.

Yahaya lauded the support of the public and Civil Society Society Organizations in exposing suspects and

supporting the fight against rapists in the society.

Analysts in the state have expressed concern over the rising scale of the rape cases in the state urging the government to do more in addressing the menace.

Attack: JTF, Navy officials visit Jonathan

T

he Joint Task Force (JFT), code-named Operation Delta Safe and the Nigerian Navy on Monday visited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s residence in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The visit was to ascertain the level of damage following attack on the former president’s residence by unknown gunmen on Christmas eve.

They said the visit was also to find necessary solution to prevent reoccurrence of such attacks.

In attendance were the JTF Commander, Akinjide Akinrinade, a rear admiral and Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Saidu Garba, rear admiral and Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh, Felix Esekhile, a commodore, amongst others.

In his remarks, Mr Jonathan urged them to be thorough in their investigations.

“Be thorough as you seek to bring the perpetrators to book and ensure that such mindless attack do not happen again in any part of the country,” Mr Jonathan said.(NAN)

FCT Police Command Parading Mpape Bank Robbers with the staff of the bank that planned it, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Policemen arrest pastor over alleged murder of wife

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he police detectives attached to Ughelli OtuJeremi Police Division in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested a middle aged law graduate of the Delta State University ( DELSU) who also double as a pastor at one of the Pentecostal churches in the area over the alleged murder of his wife at the

weekend.

The suspect indentified as Kenneth Kupa currently being detained at Otu- Jeremi Police station, was alleged to have caused the death of his wife after inflicting serious injuries on her including dragging her on the ground last Sunday.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya who confirmed the incident

to Journalists on Tuesday in Asaba, said that the suspect was involved in an altercation with a neighbour at the same premises,thus prompting the victim,( Wife) Mrs Irene Thompson Kupa to intervene to settle the matter as her involvement however was worsened when she was allegedly hit on her head with a wood by the suspect, leaving her in a serious bleeding and she

was subsequently rushed to the hospital ( Otu- Jeremi General hospital) where she gave up the ghost.

The suspect was said to have been arrested in the early hours of Tuesday while he was about moving out for an alleged family meeting within the Otu- Jeremi Community where he is said to have hailed from and had been pastor of Living Faith Church ( Winners Chapter) in the area.

Delta First Lady laments high rate of cultism in schools From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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he wife of the Delta State Governor, Mrs Edith Okowa has lamented the increasing cult related activities in various schools across the country, blaming the lapses on parents who are not sufficiently performing their motherly duties While admonishing mothers to always perform their traditional

roles as mothers and be careful on how they bring up their children, Mrs Okowa told Journalists in Asaba on Tuesday that cultism was becoming fast growing in various schools, especially in primary schools and condemned the activities of mothers who do not care about the whereabouts of their children or what their children are doing, adding that such act was inimical to the growth and development of

children.

She said” the result of that would definitely fallback on the society, this is what the society faces these days,” adding that instead of blaming the youths for some of the happenings in the society, the blame should go to Parents who had one way or the other neglected their duties to their children and wards.

Dame Edith Okowa stressed that parents owed their children

some responsibilities including proper upbringing, lamenting that most parents had shied away from performing the traditional duty but rather they tended to blame it teachers in their various schools and advised mothers on the need to regularly check the activities of their children within and outside the home, saying that most mothers were attracting curses to their families because of bad activities of

their children.

According to her, so many mothers today don’t care and they are engaged in irrelevant things that don’t glorify God’s name while they leave their children to do what they like without any checks” and called on women on the need to live a good life for the sake of the heavenly race especially in 2020 when the Lord promised to turn things around for those who believed and trusted him.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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News

2020: FG plans Diaspora Trust Fund, database

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he federal government has indicated that a Diaspora Trust Fund is in the offing ahead of 2020.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director-General of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, gave the hint yesterday after a closedoor meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

Dabiri-Erewa also hinted that a Diaspora database that will give an idea on the actual number of Nigerians living outside the shores of the country was in the offing.

On why she came to meet the

President, she said “Having set up the Diaspora Commission since May this year, this is December, I was able to brief Mr President on the activities of the Commission in the last few months. Normally its not easy setting up a new commission, but we are indeed grateful to the staff of the Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr President himself, that we’ve been able to hit the ground running.

“We’ve dealt with a lot of issues; xenophobic attacks in South Africa and those who have returned. Recently two, young

Nigerians stranded in Croatia returned two and we received them in the office, we’ve had various engagements. We’ve sent the Diaspora Policy to the Federal Executive Council, hopefully it will be considered in the new year.”

She continued “We are also looking at our engagements in the new year, I was able to brief on short term, medium term and long term goals of the Diaspora Commission and the key thing is that Mr President has instructed; wherever Nigerians are, their welfare is paramount, so the

Commission will always engage with Nigerians wherever they are and follow the President’s instruction to ensure that we do not take anyone for granted or neglect anyone.

It’s tough and challenging, but I know the Commission is up to the task. As we move on into the new year, we have started the process of having a Diaspora database to know exactly the number of Nigerians in Diaspora, accurately. Hopefully we’ll have a Diaspora Policy to be rectified by the Federal Executive Council and then we continue our

engagements.

We have the Nigeria in Diaspora Investment Summit, which was very successful. We are planning the Nigerian Diaspora Trust Fund because Nigerians in the Diaspora want to invest in their country and they want to contribute so the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund will be coming up in the new year and a lot of other engagements and activities.

As for the returnees from from South Africa, like we said earlier, we have not abandoned and we’ll not abandon them.

Ex Niger Gov, Aliyu laments high poverty rate in Northern Nigeria

Adoke’s bail application suffers setback

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja The hearing on the bail application filed by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, wa yesterday stalled.

The application before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, will not be heard until the court resumed from vacation on 6th January.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, had on December, 20th secured the leave of the court to hold Adoke in custody for 14 days pending investigation.

However, Justice Othmas Musa, yesterday, sent Adoke’s bail application to the Chief Judge of the court, Justice Ishaq Bello, for reassignment to the other judge of the court before whom charges

had already been filed against the ex-AGF The court’s directive is following the request by Adoke’s lawyer, Mr. Benson Igbanoi, for an adjournment of the hearing of the application to enable the applicant’s legal team to respond to the counter-affidavit filed by the EFCC in opposition to it.

Igbanoi, holding the brief for Adoke’s lead counsel, Chief

Mike Ozekhome (SAN), had at the Tuesday’s proceedings urged Justice Musa, who sits as the court’s vacation judge to adjourn the hearing till January 2.

Reacting to the development, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Bala Sanga, noted that it was better to have the application sent back to the judge handling the pending criminal charges since the vacation of the court’s judges would end

soon.

The judge agreed with Sanga, noting that since the 20-day detention order he had issued on December 20 would end on January 2, and other judges of the court would resume from their vacation on January 6, “the appropriate order to make is to remit the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge,’’ he held.

Africa: AfDB’s Adesina seeks $1.8tr investments in infrastructure

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he President of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, has urged African leaders to utilize the over $1.8 trillion pension and sovereign wealth assets in the continent to help bridge the infrastructure gap.

In an interaction with State

House correspondents shortly after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, yesterday, Adesina said the $1.8 trillion pension and sovereign wealth assets held by African countries would conveniently cover the $66-$108 billion infrastructure deficit and therefore urged the leaders to explore the option of its usage.

He said since “charity begins at home” it was advisable that such funds were invested in building the continents infrastructure rather than invest such monies abroad and turn around to go borrowing same from western nations where they were invested.

He added that the AfDB was also exploring the option of using the Africa Investment

Forum (AIF) to shore up revenues to build investments in the continent.

Adesina noted that the 2019 AIF generated over $40 billion stressing that the rate of return on investments in Africa remains the highest in the world.

While lending his support to the adoption of Eco as the unit of currency for the West Africa sub-region, the AfDB boss

said the continental financial institution would continue to lend a hand in tackling insecurity in the sub-region, especially around the Lake Chad region.

Speaking on the adoption of the Eco Adesina said “I support the Eco fully,” stressing that Africa Continental Trade Area (AFCTA) was “the biggest thing thing to happen to Africa”.

New Year: Gov Lalong sends felicitates with Plateau indigenes

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

From Yusuf Shekarau, Jos

T

T

he Chairman Board of Trustees of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, (SABMF), Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has said the north is turning to the headquarters of poverty in the country and there is a need for an urgent step to remedy the situation.

He stated this during the inauguration of the new management team of SABMF in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, the north is far behind other regions in terms of development.

The former Governor of Niger State added that many states see the north as a machine pulling them backwards.

Dr Aliyu advised that for the region to regain its glory there is need to go back to Sir Ahmadu Bello legacy by making education a priority.

“Today, Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), is said to be the best in the country, and it was because one man understood the importance of education as bedrock of development.

The BoT chairman explained that the Foundation came into limelight to address some of the problems through scholarship, mutual understanding and advocacy.

The newly appointed Managing Director of SABMF, Engineer Abubakar Gambo Umar, promised to build on the legacies of his predecessor, Dr. Shettuma Aji. He solicited support from all stakeholders to ensure success.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Mairiga

he Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong said the year 2020 holds great prospects and hope for accelerated development of Plateau State as his Rescue Administration settles down to pursue its 3-point policy thrust that will consolidate on its past efforts.

The Governor, in a statement signed by his media aide, Dr. Makut Simon Macham said, “the year 2020

L-R Gov. Buni being decorated with emblem by Chairman Nigerian Legion Captain Ladi Dadine on Monday in Damaturu

Kano NDLEA arrests 906 drug suspects From Kano

T

Mustapha

Adamu,

he Kano State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that it has arrested nine hundred and six suspects and seized 8,031,207kg of various hard drugs in 2019.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Ibrahim Abdul made the disclosure during the annual press briefing, held at his office, yesterday.

He said in the year under review, the Command succeeded in arresting two suspects with 2.927kg of cocaine, adding that it was the first time the hard drug of that magnitude was intercepted in

the state.

The Commander added that the Command also recorded the destruction of two cannabis sativa plantation at Wailari village in Kumbotso Local Government and Kiru Local Government Areas of the state.

Abdul also stated that the Command, in the year under review, succeeded in the arrest of a syndicate of barons dealing in psychotropic substances by its strike-force team, adding that 8 cartons of codeine syrup weighing 53.6kg were seized and two suspects apprehended.

Among those arrested, according to the Commander, are the six suspects connected with Zainab Aliyu’s saga, saying “the command played a significant role in unearthing

and arresting the suspects and the lady was saved from execution in Saudi Arabia for allegedly importing tramadol.”

“Among the 906 suspects arrested, 103 are female while 803 are male,” he said Items seized in the year under review are 4,525.47kg of cannabis sativa, psychotropic 2,927.669kg, 3.455kg of cocaine, 250.0000kg of khat and 000.167kg of heroine, while other drugs were 160.900kg Abdul maintained that the statistics represented a sharp decline in the number of arrest and seizure, which may not be unconnected with the sustained interdiction operation and drug demand reduction activities.

“107 convictions we’re

secured, including 1 female and 76 cases were pending. “ The logistics and financial support given by the state government from the traditional institution has played a vital role in complementing our effort in addressing the menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state must be commended.

“As you all know, the relationship between the command and other security agencies are quite cordial.

I will also recognize and commend Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Customs Service for the transfer of illegal drugs seized weighing 24KG and 157KG respectively. Such feat was scarcely achieved before,” he said.

will be quite eventful as we put behind us the distractions of elections litigation and focus on delivering on the dividends of democracy to our people especially in completing the legacy projects we have initiated in all parts of the state.

“We shall commission many of them and also ensure that others are given the desired priority attention,” he assured.

Governor Lalong acknowledged the huge support and cooperation of the people of Plateau State since assuming office which according to him,

Lalong wishes the entire and Nigeria as a whole was demonstrated in 2019 when returned to office by citizens a prosperous new while also embracing one massive votes of the electorates. year and urged them to another in the spirit of The Governor believes that continue to pray for the forgiveness, reconciliation Plateau State Investment and peace of Plateau State and brotherhood.

Economic S u m m i t which will be hosted in 2020 will be a watershed STATE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD (SUBEB) for opening No. 3 Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Dutse, Jigawa State up the economic This is to inform the general public that Jigawa State • Technical qualification and experience of key Government, through the State Universal Basic Education potentials of personnel Board (SUBEB), Dutse, has received World Bank Grant • Evidence of similar projects executed (at least the state to on BETTER EDUCATION SERVICE DELIVERY FOR three) ALL (BESDA) Project for Results with a view to Reduce the world.

• List of equipment and technical capacity

NOA boss urges Nigerians to reflect on journey of nationhood

By Lateef Abuja

A

Ibrahim,

s the world ushers in a new decade with the year 2020, the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari has called on Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to reflect on Nigeria’s journey of nationhood, especially in the last decade.

Abari specifically urged Nigerians to see the new year as another opportunity to continue contributing meaningfully to nation building in the next decade and beyond.

While congratulating Nigerians, in a New Year message for their resilience through the last decade which saw a peaceful government transition despite predictions of national doom, Dr. Abari commended the patriotism, nationalism, service and devotion of Nigerians to the nation, noting that without the sacrificial efforts of patriots through successive generations, the greatest black country on the planet would not have survived till today.

The NOA Director General noted that the

years ahead of Nigeria as a nation hold greater glory for the country and therefore called for deep reflection and repositioning from all Nigerians in order to do away with all vices that have plagued the nation in the past.

He further urged Nigerians to make the needed commitment to henceforth always put the nation first above other considerations, adding that no nation will match or surpass Nigeria’s greatness in a short time to come if its citizens will totally commit to making the nation great.

JIGAWA STATE GOVERNMENT

Out-of –School Children in the state, Improve Literacy and Strengthening Accountability.

For the purpose of implementation, the State Government has the package of Textual Materials for procurement among the Almajiri and Girl Child Out-of-School Children and Textual Materials for Primary 1 pupils on Reading and Numeracy Accordingly, the procurement of textual materials is broken down into the following lots: Result Area 1 LOT QUANTITY BOOKS Lot 1 English Textbooks Primary 1 18,330 18,330 Hausa Textbooks Primary 1 Lot 2 Mathematics Textbooks Primary 1 18,330 368 English Teachers’ Guide Primary 1 368 Hausa Teachers’ Guide Primary 1 Mathematics Teachers’ Guide Primary 1 368 368 Primary 1-3 English Curriculum 368 Primary 1-3 Mathematics Curriculum 368 Primary 1-3 Hausa Curriculum

• Annual turn over • VAT registration and evidence of past remittance • Meeting other procurement procedure for Jigawa Procurement Bureau • Alternative Bids are not permitted • Bids should be submitted in sealed envelopes to be delivered by hand or registered mail, in not later than 14 days of this advert to the address below.

• All Bids should be addressed to the Secretary Tender Committee, State Universal Education Board, No. 3, olusegun Obasanjo Way, Dutse, Jigawa State.

• Note that Bid opening shall be performed on Wednesday 15th January, 2020 by 12.00 Noon, at SUBEB Conference Room, Dutse, and Jigawa State in presence of bidders or their representatives.

• The Universal Basic Education Board reserved the right to reject late submission.

Result Area 2 • A complete set of bidding documents is in English and may be purchased by interested bidders on LOT QUANTITY BOOKS submission of written application to the address LOT 1 Littafin Karatun Dalibai 15,518 300 Jagoran Horar da Malamai Aji1 below and upon payment of non-refundable fee Lot 2 Littafin Karatun Dalibai Aji 15,500 of twenty thousand naira only (N20,000.00) Lot 3 Littafin Karatun Dalibai Aji 15,500 • Financial Bids will not be assessed for failure to Lot 4 Littafin Karatun Dalibai Aji 1 15,000 meet technical requirement.

Lot 5 Littafin Karatun Dalibai Aji 1 15,880 • Contractors of Jigawa State Origin will be given Lot 6 a. Littafin Karatu da Lissafi 4662 priority.

Lot 6 b. Jagoran Malami Aji 1 1998 2. A sworn affidavit certifying as follows: Lot 6 c. Wakokin Rana 2400 • That the document submitted for the prequalification Lot 6 d. Lissafi a bayyane 1 2400 exercises are not only genuine but correct.

Lot 6 e. Gwajin Auna Fahimta 2400 • That none of the Directors of the company has been convicted by any court of law.

In view of the above, the Jigawa State Government is requesting interested bidders for the procurement of the • That none of the officers of the State Universal Basic Education Board is a present or former aforementioned textual materials according to lots.

Director of the company.

Interested bidders must fulfill the following requirements: • Evidence of Incorporation / business name registration • 2% Bid Security • Certified true copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association Signed • Company Audited Account for last one year GARBA G. MAKAMA • Task Clearance for last three years Director Planning Research and Statistics • Evidence of financial capacity and banking support Secretary Tender Board

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

PAGE 10

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has revealed that an estimated 26,039 babies will be born in Nigeria on New Year’s Day. UNICEF in a statement issued yesterday said Nigerian babies will account for almost 7 per cent of the estimated 392,078 babies to be born on New Year’s Day globally – the third highest number of babies in the world, after India and China.

The statement issued by Eliana Drakopoulos, its Chief of Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships, also called on world leaders and countries to invest in health workers with

Over 26,000 children will be born in Nigeria on New Year Day - UNICEF the know-how and equipment to save every newborn.

“The beginning of a new year - and this year, a new decade – is a chance for us to reflect on our hopes and dreams for the future of Nigeria – especially for those who stand to inherit this country; its children,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative. “As we start each new year, we are reminded of the potential of each and every Nigerian child embarking

on her or his life’s journey—if only they are given that chance to survive and thrive.”

Fiji in the Pacific will most likely deliver 2020’s first baby.

The United States, its last.

Globally, over half of these births are estimated to take place in eight countries.

The statement listed the countries to include; India — 67,385, China — 46,299 Nigeria — 26,039, Pakistan — 16,787, Indonesia — 13,020,

The United States of America — 10,452, The Democratic Republic of Congo — 10,247 and Ethiopia — 8,493.

Each January, UNICEF celebrates babies born on New Year’s Day, an auspicious day for child birth around the world.

However, for millions of newborns around the world, including in Nigeria, the day of their birth is far less auspicious, and sadly is often their last.

In 2018, 2.5 million

newborns died in just their first month of life around the world; about a third of them on the first day of life. In Nigeria, this was 318,522 deaths. Among those children, most died from preventable causes such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis. In addition, more than 2.5 million babies are born dead each year – with more than 400,000 stillborn deaths taking place in Nigeria annually.

Alleged N6.32b fraud: Ex Gov Jang has case to answer -Court From Yusuf Shekarau, Jos

Mairiga

J

ustice Daniel Longji of Plateau State High Court, Jos, has ruled that the ex-Governor Jonah Jang (now a senator) and a cashier in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (OSSG), Yusuf Pam, have a case to answer in the corruption charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged mismanagement of N6.32 billion.

The court had on November 18, 2019, given the defence 14 days to file its no-case submission on the matter, and for the prosecution to respond within 10 days of service. Ruling on the no-case submission was however deferred on December 23, 2019, due to late service of the notice by the defence on the prosecution.

Justice Longji stated that the defendants have a case to answer,

especially on the funds for Small and Medium Enterprises, given to the state by the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, and that of the State

Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) which were allegedly diverted by the defendants.

The defendants are being

prosecuted on a 17-count amended charge corruption and misappropriation of funds.

By this ruling, it appears that

the former governor has lost his bid to stop the corruption trial filed against him by the anti-graft agency.

Butchers prepare meat for sale at Wuse Market in preparation for the New Year celebration, yesterday in Abuja .

BMO tackles Obasanjo over claim that Buhari borrowed $71b

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

A

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

group, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has urged Nigerians to ignore former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s suggestion that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration borrowed $71bn between 2015 and 2019 as well as his insinuations that the funds could be looted.

The BMO, while noting former President Obasanjo’s penchant for ‘deliberate misinformation and outright lies, said such was unfortunate and quite unbecoming of a person that was once the head of government.

Making this observation in its reaction to Chief Obasanjo’s comments on the country’s debt profile, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) said the former President set out to deliberately misinform the public with absolute falsehood.

Obasanjo had said, at a

public forum in Lagos, that Nigeria might become bankrupt due to the country’s mounting debt which he put at $84billion from the $10billion the Buhari administration inherited in 2015.

However, the BMO, in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, said Chief Obasanjo is toeing the path of his former deputy with outright lies on the nation’s debt stock.

The BMO statement reads, “Just like the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar did in a recent article, the former President completely ignored truth by claiming that the Buhari administration inherited a debt of $10bn when it indeed was $63bn.

“We are surprised that not so long after the Debt Management Office (DMO) corrected Atiku’s outright lie on the legacy debt from the PDP era, his former

principal opted to share false figures different from that of the recognised government agency which has records and details of all the national debt stock.

“Is it not shocking that a former President is depending on rumours rather than resort to publicly available records to back his criticism of President Buhari?

“More amazing is that he and his ilks keep talking of a high rate of debt servicing but forget that 70% of debts being serviced today were generated during the PDP years with little or nothing to show for them, apart from thousands of abandoned projects doting the nation’s landscape”, it said.

The group also accused the former President of being hypocritical with his claim that the debt profile could bankrupt the country.

It said: “Here is a man who in the run-up to the 2019 election, was fully in support of his former Vice President whose economic

blueprint centred around domestic and foreign borrowing to fund projects in his so-called “Get Nigeria Working Again” manifesto.

“Or is General Obasanjo saying he did not know that Atiku expressed his readiness to borrow to finance the budget deficit and to fund infrastructure in rail and roads?

“Today, both men have hypocritically made a 360-degree turnaround to criticise the Buhari government for doing this same thing with a more conscious plan to ensure that the loans are used for what they were meant for.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this administration is not seeking loans to fund recurrent expenditure like the former administration did in spite of a revenue profile of about N51trn from 2010 to 2015.

“All the loans, including the $29.6bn from the 2016-2018 borrowing plan are tied to specific infrastructural projects that could have been done by previous

governments including that of former President Obasanjo.

“He doesn’t even seem to know that part of the loan was approved by the 8th National Assembly and is already being put to use on road and rail projects they were meant for.

“We wonder how the former President wants the country to bridge an infrastructure deficit that some experts say will require more than 30 years investment of over $30bn each year as a result of past neglect.

“And besides, the loans are for specific infrastructure projects that will not only yield repayment plans on their own but also serve as a catalyst for the development of the country.

“BMO urged Nigerians to ignore Obasanjo’s suggestion that the Buhari administration borrowed $71bn between 2015 and 2019 as well as his insinuations that the funds could be looted”, it said.

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

T

Happy New Year 2020

oday, we are into the New Year of a watershed, speaking politically.

2020. Undoubtedly, it is with a General elections held in February and huge sigh of relief that Nigerians march of that year. Candidates in the are transiting to the New Year. Their elections, including Buhari who was hope is that it will be, indeed, a “happy seeking re-election, on Dec. 11 2018, and prosperous” 2020. We pray that signed a peace accord promising a free, this will not remain just a traditional fair and credible vote. They resolved to wish but a reality. The previous year adopt the same principles that guided ended on a rather happy note. It was the very successful 2015 elections a year that saw the country emerge and “therefore commit ourselves to from a terrifying economic recession the following: to run issue-based brought about by the free spending of campaigns at national, state and local the previous Peoples Democratic Party government levels; In this we pledge government. It was the first melt-down to refrain from campaigns that will in the nation’s 60-year history. involve religious incitement, ethnic Growth dipped below or tribal profiling both zero. In other words, it was by ourselves and by all negative. Inflation rose to an agents acting in our unprecedented 17 percent names”. high; job losses doubled in They also pledged the period between 2015 As we celebrate the to “refrain from and 2017, hitting almost New Year, we must be making or causing to 30 million over all in a reminded that 2019 make in our names population of supposedly or that of our party, was a watershed, 180 million. Hunger, caused any public statements, by scarcities and high prices speaking politically. p r o n o u n c e m e n t s , General elections declarations stared millions of Nigerians or in the face. In the midst of held in February and speeches that have this mass frustration, some march of that year. the capacity to incite top government officials Candidates in the any form of violence were doing their damnedest before, during and elections, including after the elections; best to undermine Buhari’s Buhari who was anti-graft campaign that commit ourselves has struck a cord with the seeking re-election, and political parties majority of Nigerians across to the monitoring of on Dec. 11 2018, the political divide. the adherence to the signed a peace However, President accord promising a accord by a National Muhammadu Buhari, Peace Committee whose economic policy was free, fair and credible made up of respected vote criticized by the opposition statesmen and women, as lacking direction, traditional and managed to redirect the economy back religious leaders”. The accord again to the path of growth. The depression commits the presidential candidates that many had predicted was avoided. to “support all the institutions of The international price of crude rose government including INEC and marginally; inflation fell significantly security agencies to act and be seen to 14 percent. These were gains of tough to act with impartiality; forcefully and decisions taken by Buhari’s economic publicly speak out against provocative team, with his approval, of course. utterances and oppose all acts of They included ending the importation electoral violence, whether perpetrated of luxury goods and those that could by supporters and/or opponents.” be produced at home. Previously, Except in few areas where there those banned imports consumed a was violence, the polls passed off lot of scarce foreign exchange. Much peacefully. President Buhari was to everybody’s relief, 2019 ended reelected. His main opponent Atiku without the painful fuel scarcity of Abubakar protested the outcome, but previous years. A strike threatened by chose to challenge the result in court fuel marketers over unpaid subsidy instead of resorting to self-help. That before Christmas was halted by the way, he showed himself to be a true government’s quick response to the democrat. The highest court in the demand of the marketers and NNPC land upheld Buhari’s victory. Now the building sufficient stock through to the nation can move on. It is also time to New Year. build a national consensus, by healing As we celebrate the New Year, the bruises left by the polls. we must be reminded that 2019 was A happy and prosperous 2020.

“

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Regulating Religious Excesses Through Moral, Social Obligation (I)

By Abubakar Bello

S

piritual leaders are supposed to be the most honourable personae in society owing to their role as custodians of divine guidance if they remain resolute to the scriptural teachings of religion by preaching the doctrine of honesty to their followers and most importantly to themselves. The command of such reverence should be sourced from their ability to be courageous in resonating truth at all times as it concerns both action and inaction of their followers, the larger society that includes those of other faith or religion.

Sometime in 2013, Malam Adamu Adamu in his Daily Trust column entitled “Is the North a lip?” addressed a somewhat controversial issue on religious excesses that seem to stir uproar among elites –mostly religious scholars especially of the Muslim faith. The piece was a deep inward reflection into the excesses of religious leaders particularly in Northern Nigeria. It was a bitter truth well told by the columnist who must have summoned unflinching courage to voice out (especially in this part of the world) what would ordinarily have been tantamount to religious effrontery in the eyes of an averagely brainwashed or illiterate follower.

There are many invented excesses disguised and promoted in the name of religion but which in essence impinge upon the right and consciousness of other individuals –both adherents and non-adherents of such faith all together– without takin into consideration the fact that each individual member of the society as part of their human right, have the right not to be disturbed by what is none of their concern. The nature of how some spiritual leaders manipulate gullible followers under religious pretexts to achieve selfish ends and maintain their relevance is lamentable.

Infallibility as a virtue is a supernatural quality. Our religious leaders are not infallible because they can be subjective, deficient and replete with biases according to their level of religious understanding or misunderstanding.

The point is that subjectivity and bias cannot be removed from the actions of spiritual leaders in the same manner as in every other ordinary person hence the need for both followers and leaders to serve as check on each other for the common good of humanity.

Human imperfections will always creep into our best guided judgements and actions with or without intention depending on what interest is at stake. This feat alone suffices to call for checks and balances between leadership and followership in a dignified approach that will promote prudence, respect and understanding. Every religion have provision for that.

Today, the act of lawlessness has reached a peak that each religious group or creed have their own tendencies of unruliness to the state on one hand and other citizens on the other. Among such tendencies is obstruction of traffic by religious procession in the name of congregational worship, procession or ceremony which is increasingly becoming unbearable considering the toil road users are subjected to. Road blockade during any of these purposes have become a general norm almost everywhere in Nigeria. It is an infringement upon the right of others who have nothing to do with such religious or ceremonial activity. The public should have free access to public road to their legitimate satisfaction. Commuters and pedestrians should move freely regardless of religious or ceremonial gatherings taking place around the road. Denying the public of this right by any religious congregation for weekly or annual spiritual soirée is a deliberate trespass that must be checked.

Religious buildings that are located along roadsides especially busy major roads must find another alternative of containing their crowd without necessarily obstructing road

traffic. Citizens that plight those roads should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship of meandering through maze of traffic on Fridays or Sundays simply because some individuals are observing religious rite.

Even as a member of a particular faith, one is not bound to a particular congregation. For instance, an adherent of a particular religious group, is at liberty for their known reasons not to be part of a religious function at some particular time. That does not in any way deny such person the right to have access to public road where their worship place is situated.

In as much as nobody should be coerced to partake in religious congregation whatsoever, frustrating traffic during such congregation amounts to compelling innocent citizens to indirectly participate in such religious activity for which they must stop and wait or by extension suffer the toil of finding another alternative route to bypass the blockade.

Either ways, no any divine religion would sanction the denial of peoples’ right to movement or traumatize others just to please its members. Rights are without substance if those exercising them cannot demarcate where they end and where those of others begin. In other climes where laws are adequately observed, citizens are enlightened to know that respecting the right of others is a fulfilment of one’s own fundamental rights.

Law enforcement agencies on their part are indifferent to the situation largely because of fear of chastisement or ostracism.

Sometimes they themselves belong to one religious affiliation or the other that perpetrate such insensitivity of public roads barricade during congregation. In many occasions those law enforcement agents are themselves accomplice to such detestable act of obstructing road traffic in the name religious congregation out of selfish interest which is largely to be blamed on religious leaders who should, more than anyone, know better what constitute infringement on others’ right.

Religious scout and other volunteer faith members that took it upon themselves a sacred religious duty to man those barricaded roadblocks and deny motorists and passersby free access to public roads until after congregation is over, are mostly uneducated followers. In some places, citizens are forced to trek long distances before they can have access to means of conveyance or are compelled to alight before their intended destination and walk on foot because a certain prayer house is holding weekly congregational activity. Those congregations usually last between two to five hours as the situation permits.

The saddest aspect of the whole situation is that many of such prayer houses occupy strategic location along public roads often with, but unfortunately multiple intersections.

In cases of emergency, alternative road must be sorted by road users because those individuals manning the barricade are hell-bent not to allow any form of access. If obstructing traffic is a worthy claim for religious congregation to hold, then public interest is equally an important factor to be considered.

How can we attain piety and claim holiness as a religious group or individuals when the most basic principle of respect for individual right of others is denied illegitimately. How spiritually placed can we be to have empathy enough to be able to understand what it feels like when our own basic rights are trampled upon? When shall our religious leaders consider telling themselves the blunt truth and be honest with themselves no matter how bitter it will seem? When shall our society uphold checks and balances between followers and spiritual leaders for prudence to reign and common good? Must we, despite our religiosity –or so claimed– be coerced by the state to do what is “right” even when such “right” is morally justifiable?

Abubakar Bello wrote from Jos and can be reached at abubakarsadiq525@gmail. com

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Perhaps a maintenance budget is what we need By ‘Tope Fasua

I

love budgeting. Especially for large organisations. I have done a bit of that in the past, in the corporate world that is. It could be a very interesting exercise, involving a good knowledge of the entire business of the organisation that one is budgeting for, and, depending on how much leeway one is allowed, an ability to imagine the future. In the world from which I come, it is about pushing the system, challenging operatives to do more, year on year, benchmarking with peer organisations, home and abroad, and even sometimes, trying to achieve feats which no one else had dared.

The final documents are a product of science, and art. Sometimes, an organisation, division, department or unit may achieve or surpass their budgets in a given period. It usually takes focus, leadership, drive, tenacity, commitment, and sometimes, a bit of luck. At other times, they fall short and try again. In the Nigerian government, performance is often measured by how much they are able to spend in a given year. In the private sector, we are always measured by how much more profitable we are able to get. Government could use some of the strategies that have been honed in the private sector.

I must address a thorny issue at this point. I have always struggled to say that Nigeria could do a lot better in terms of the amounts she budgets for her 200 million people. At N10 trillion, I don’t believe that there is much cause for cheer yet.

A rough estimate means less than N50,000 (or $139) is being budgeted by the federal government per person for the year 2020. This figure is one of the lowest in the world – only better than that for war-torn countries where they don’t know what to do with themselves. I am however reminded by Mr. Femi Falana, and of late Prof. Nazifi Darma, that there are parastatals in Nigeria, whose budgets do not reflect in the federal government budget, and who may – together – rack up an amount in yearly expenditure that rivals what the federal government is able to do. These are organisations like the Central Bank, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and so on. The arguments are bifurcated at this point. Why should their budgets not be added to that of the federal government, so that we can see a true picture of the resource injection to and economic velocity of Nigeria in a given year?

Also, is this how it is done elsewhere? If this is how it is done (and I suspect so), then the core federal government still has no excuse budgeting $139 for each citizen, when countries in Europe and America manage to budget an average of $28,000 per citizen. It should be made clear to everyone that the government is the largest single spender in any and every economy in the world, and its spending and revenue plans define so much for an economy every year. Governments are pacesetters everywhere. The money they spend are major catalysts for the private sector.

Most of them – like the U.S./U.K. etc – ensure

they almost never give a dime of their taxpayers’ money to any foreign company. Even foreign aid is routed through one of their own. So, at $139 per Nigerian, even if the budgets of the other ‘rogue’ institutions were added, we still find it difficult to achieve $300 per capita, budgeted for education, health, security, environment, agriculture, and all the rest. Something is awfully wrong with our economy when we look into the future.

Running a nation is expensive business and I suspect we still haven’t started here. That is why I will echo my egbon, Mr. Oluwadele Bolutife when he asked in a recent article on what he called ‘Purpose-Driven Budgeting’, where those who loot Nigeria manage to find the monies they loot, given that they always complain that the budgets are never enough for anything (and indeed the budgets can never be enough). The fact is that there should be nothing to loot from a budget of $139 per citizen and the result is there to see on the streets. Therefore, what happens is that the very lifeblood – a very thin lifeblood at that – of the nation is being sucked dry by a few who manage to get their hands on the booty. For in the hands of a few, the budget looks large, but shared to touch every Nigerian, it is nonsensical.

We couldn’t be more callous to ourselves. When we look around us we will see those important, human issues that have been perennially neglected, but which should have since been fixed through the instrumentality of the budget – which has been described as any nation’s mostimportant yearly document, which encapsulates her vision, her purpose, her promise to her people… and visitors alike. For every kid we see on the street, out of school, there is a budget failure (either inadequacy or misallocation or both). For every pothole, every rubble, every plastic dropped in the wrong place, every ugly graffiti on the wall, every needless accident, every stranded pensioner, every decrepit hospital, every school without a roof or a ceiling, every child studying under the mango tree, every armed robbery or terrorist strike, every kidnapping, every village in rolling darkness, every company struggling to provide its own infrastructure, every ramshackle bus ferrying harassed-looking passengers, every island within the country that still needs to be crossed by canoe. All of these are budget failures. Until our country looks and feels like Switzerland, or Abu Dhabi, or Australia, we have more budgeting to do. We are human beings too, and our people deserve the basic minimum and more.

My key concern for today is however about what type of budgeting system we need. Let us look at Oluwadele’s suggestion – a purposedriven budget. My view is that every budget, or budgeting system, for it to make any meaning, must of necessity be purpose-driven. What a nation, company or person seeks to achieve with their lives or within a given period, should be the key driver of the budget. A purpose-driven budget allows an entity to double down on what matters most and cut waste. So for Nigeria, such a budget should cause us to determine down to

the wire, how many Nigerians we need to provide for, how many work in our public service (no chance for even one ghost worker), the size of public service we need and how they should add value, the roads we need and what value they will add, the transportation links between our cities and at what cost? And so on. Brilliant idea.

But when the Buhari government came in 2015, it came with the idea of a zero-basedbudgeting system (ZBB). This system holds that every year, a government starts on a clean slate. This idea was touted as one of Buhari’s integrity ideas, until we stopped hearing about it altogether. The idea of forgetting about last year entirely, in order to start a new budget is itself problematic. Does that not encourage the abandoning of projects? How many projects can be started and completed within one accounting period? How do we plan for long-term projects?

But the idea sounded sexy from an anticorruption perspectiv,e since ZBB is all about justifying every expense and revenue that makes it into the budget. Bureaucrats will also complain about how cumbersome, nay impossible, such an approach can be in our country, even though it is far better than what we have presently.

On September 25, 2015, while the idea of ZBB raged – as does many sexy-sounding ideas in Nigeria – one David Adama wrote an article in PREMIUM TIMES, titled “Are we going backwards with our Budgeting Systems And Processes?” In the article, Adama argued that Nigeria has since moved on from such ideas as ZBB, having settled on performancebased budgeting since the Obasanjo days. You see, buying into the best ideas has never been Nigeria’s problem. There are enough vendors who ply our route on a daily basis, many with the best skills in salesmanship. Performancebased budgeting is seen as one of the best ways of progressive budgeting. At emphasis is the performance of the budgets of previous years, with regard to input and output, in order to determine efficient resource allocation. A clear obstacle here is how to measure input and output for public sector projects, especially how to remove externalities such as politics from the whole equation. Input is not only monetary.

Output is not only buildings, tangible results or infrastructure. Politics interferes because, by definition, politics is about giving value oftentimes, to entities who don’t merit value. A president takes projects to his village. I am not talking of any particular president now, thou mischief-makers! A governor, service chief, local government chairman, House of Representatives member, senator… they all do the same. So for performance budgeting to work, a people have to be totally tuned towards performance, and excellence. I wouldn’t vouch for Nigerians in this respect. If the minister of finance is trying to tell us they are using some sort of performance-based budget when she announced that 2019 budget has performed 85 per cent, she should remember what I just wrote above.

Therefore, just as zero-based budgeting died a

natural, albeit painful death, performance-based budgeting had died much earlier, via a ghastly accident. I am sorry to tell Mr. Bolutife that a purpose-driven budget can only work among a people with common purpose. In Nigeria, the purpose of a great many people is to see to the ruin of the nation. Only a tiny, and some say ‘foolish’ majority, bother to push the nation in the right direction. A man with the wrong purpose in life, or no purpose at all, has no use for my brother’s long-winded advice.

That is why Nigeria has always practiced – and continues to practice – what Bolutife called ‘olukaluku ya-mu-tere’ budgeting. I laughed out loud when I first saw this. Only ‘northern’ Yorubas will appreciate the import of this nomenclature. In pidgin English, we could call it ‘everybody come grab your own’. It evokes the reality of an ‘okrika bend-down-select’ in terms of its casualness. In fact, ‘bend-down-select’ has more structure and honour, apologies to Okrika City. You see, when you see those ear-to-ear grin plastered on the faces of our top politicians at budget season, it is for the joy of what they know is coming to them from those budgets. All, ALL of our budgets are padded, whether by the preparer of the budget, the legislature who approves or sometimes even the auditor gets to ‘add something’. In some places, a very strong cleaner, or office boy, gets to have a small allocation in the budget – maybe a small contract for which s/he will supply the contractor and take his cut.

Nigeria has bastardised the art of public finance.

Every line item has an owner and this has nothing to do with performance, purpose, or zero-based.

In the service, they call it ‘envelop system’, and this government has since capitulated to this idea of incremental – or arbitrary allocation – budget.

The civil servants won. The half-integrity of our current leaders couldn’t withstand the pressure.

I recall Segun Adeniyi’s account of how he prepared his budget as presidential spokesman.

Things have only got worse. Enough said already.

My suggestion is different. Instead of purpose-driven, or an unworkable zero-based, or a complicated performance-based budgeting system, why not simply focus on maintenance.

Call it a maintenance budget; one that forces us to work on one of our cognitive biases – inability to maintain anything whatsoever. I believe we can maintain and organically improve the infrastructure we have in this country today for the next five to 10 years, such as to allow us to build ourselves and appreciate creativity, logic, science, and productivity. The current system we are running makes us think money drops from heaven and that since we have the money, we can buy anything. Wrong thinking. Trouble loading.

‘Tope Fasua, an economist, author, blogger, entrepreneur, and recent presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), can be reached through topsyfash@ yahoo.com.

N37 billion renovation of NASS on whose interest?

By Abba Dukawa

W

e know that National Assembly is established under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “It is vested with powers to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation with respect to matters in the exclusive legislative list.” The primary functions of a legislator include: Making laws pertaining to issues affecting public interest; Representing the opinions and interest of citizens and the nation as a whole; and, Overseeing government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

At this critical juncture Nigerians need a national Assembly that will

subsume their personal interest into that of nation. Therefore, much is expected from the legislators in the discharge of their functions with a Parliament worth its name in driven national interest.

Sometime in the middle of this year President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex.

The amount, which is included in the 2020 budget, is however not part of the N128 billion allocated for the National Assembly for next year.

The economy is still in a bad shape, and the facts speak for themselves; at the end of the last quarter of the year unemployment rate is high, insecurity challenge still persistent, skyrocketed

food price, mountainous debt both at federal and states. What is benefits Nigerians will have for this renovation of the National Assembly complex. The leadership of National Assembly And President should take more than a passing interest in the state of the economy.

In simple term I can describe the decision as “misplacing pariorities” instead of using this amount of money there is need for National Assembly leadership to make a great secrefice to channelling the fund to interest-free loans for small businesses across the country.

I have been to National Assembly and building needs no renovation more than our public schools, classrooms, hospitals and roads which are mostly in a decrepit

condition across the state.

If the country under the serous economic challenge can afford to wasted N37 billion for the renovation of the National Assembly complex, absolutely we don’t know how much the phase 2 and 3 of the renovation will cost taxpayers.

Nigerians want a leadership of National Assembly to be in forefront in reforms that will have the far reaching positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. Not a pat projects that will not help Niger and Nigerians. This renovation raises some scaring in the mind of Nigerians.

Dukawa can be reach at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Comment

African big men and the futile search for peace

By Anthony Akaeze

O

ne of the stand-out features of the Yuletide season is the celebration and joy it throws up across the world, which people in and outside their homes variously display during the period.

Those with the wherewithal and time, as the case may be, love to fix or move important events to that time of the year, associate or partake in the excitement of the season to good effect, while some others see the period as an opportunity to express gratitude and offer supplication to God for a better life. For the people of South Sudan, there could haven – had things worked out as planned in November: the signing of a peace deal and formation of a government of national unity by two opposing figures: President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, former vice president, whose differences in 2013, ignited the ethnic war in the country – been an additional, if not greater reason to revel in the joys of the recently marked Christmas. According to Ashley Quarcoo in a report published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, between 2013 and 2018, “an estimated 400,000 people” lost their lives, while “over 4 million people” were displaced as a result of the war. Yet Kiir and Machar recently saw no need, for the second time this year, to embrace peace when they had the opportunity to do so, something that should have manifested in more ways than one in South Sudan from November 12.

Recalling the animosity that sparked South Sudan’s civil war, Quarcoo wrote that “the conflict began when a political quarrel between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and then vice president Riek Machar led to the eruption of violence between both leaders’ presidential guards, who were each drawn from the two largest

ethnic groups in South Sudan. Kiir later called the clash a thwarted coup d’état.

As the conflict dragged on, the two camps splintered into various armed rebel groups. The 2018 peace agreement now includes twelve armed and political groups as signatories.”

The 2018 peace talks, which began in 2015, like in earlier attempt, failed to yield the desired result in 2019, as it ended up being postponed to February next year. It was the second time in the year that Machar and Kiir would fail to reach a truce and so, citizens of the country were left wondering in the weeks preceding Christmas and New Year, when exactly the story would change for good. Will it happen in February?

Will the two warring henchmen see the need, this time, to honour the agreement, as February is just around the corner?

That is difficult to tell as the issue at hand is about power and the craze for it. Kiir and Machar likely view power more seriously than others in the country, hence their adamant postures that evince nothing but suspicion and the lack of trust of one other. No matter how much they try to clothe the issues at stake, it evidently still boils down to ego and power and who gets what. In their calculation, the blood of the many South Sudanese lost needlessly over the past six years over their dispute matters little. Their personal interests far outweighs human life. This is distressing.

It is disturbing that Machar and Kiir and their supporters seem less bothered and desperate as many people across the world in ending the war, as what currently passes for a ceasation of conflict in South Sudan is no more than peace of the graveyard. It was to be a precursor to the real deal, which is yet to materialise. How many more souls do Machar and Kiir wish to add to the death list before they commit to peace?

Worried by the situation in South Sudan, Pope Francis and two other Christian leaders: Archbishop Justin Welby of the Anglican church and Reverend John Chalmers, former moderator of the Church of Scotland reportedly reached out to the South Sudan leaders on Christmas day, to remember to keep their word on forming a government of national unity early next year. It was the latest effort by Pope Francis to try to broker peace in the country that, just eight years ago, gained independence from Sudan, making it the world’s youngest nation. One media report revealed that Pope Francis knelt and begged Kiir and Machar when the duo visited The Vatican City earlier in 2019, on invitation of the religious leaders, not to allow the peace process fail.

The hope exuded by citizens of South Sudan at independence was not unlike that of many other African countries, long preceding their birth. It was one of freedom, prosperity and a better life for the long marginalised people. But all that soon evaporated after Kiir and Machar’s personality fight went public, leading to this snowballing into an ethnic conflagration that has cost the country dearly in human and material terms and with prospect of more havoc, if peace is not achieved soon.

Looking back now, South Sudan’s story is one that, were many repeatedly asked in 2011 to contemplate how it could all end up, not a few would be hard put predicting what later became of it. Given the country’s long struggle for independence and the sacrifice of many of its citizens, who didn’t even live to see the dream come true, war would have been far from the rader of even the most cynical fellow. Whatever the deap-seated animosity among its ethnic groups or leaders, it was difficult

to contemplate war as an option to how things would turn out. But that was the fate brought upon it by two of its big men: Kiir and Machar. And yet, they appear today indifferent to opinions that are for the country to return to the path of peace and reconstruction. In effect, the two men responsible for the conflict appear the least desperate to end it.

With February beckoning, it is distressing to think that all it will take to return the rest of South Sudanese to crisis is for one of the two big men, for instance, to refuse to commit to the peace agreement in February or to fail to see reason why he should do so. It is disturbing to say the least. To have peace at the whims and caprices of politicians like Machar and Kiir is painful.

Since the outbreak of war in South Sudan, I have been intrigued by the country, and watching Kiir and Machar ever since, as they stomp about seemingly in search of peace that leads to nowhere, leave me wondering about the ways of man. That two individuals known to have brought such calamity upon their nation appear to drag their feet in enthroning lasting peace is troubling.

How should one begin to classify Kiir and Machar, and which African leader(s) in past and present times can be compared to them? If Idi Amin, the late Ugandan military dictator was listed as one of the “most evil men and women in history”

by Miranda Twiss, a writer, for allegedly murdering “over 300,000 people,” one in sixty of the Ugandan population, how would one rate Kiir and Machar who, between them, are responsible for the death of an estimated 400,000 people?

Anthony Akaeze is an award-winning freelance investigative journalist and author.

Executive begging syndrome

By Issa Ahmed Babatunde

W

ho would imagine that ‘Beggars’ could contribute to the GDP of a country, the attempt to make begging taxable shows the government have successfully turned serial dreams killer creating an industry out of abject poverty.

No one would be left out as the finance Minister as stated, beggars are earning millions and the proceeds from begging are taxable, so if your means of income is Begging you are supposed to pay tax.

Suffice to say that begging which used to be a means of living for the less privileged and defaulted nationals is vast becoming so financially attractive and legitimate in a world of almost 200 million populace living below two dollars daily with larger percentage being youths, describes the diminishing and devastating state of the nation, turning people into all sorts of things to earn a living.

Many have turned to this worrisome trendy habit of Enterpreneurship which is believed easy to set up, as the streets has been flooded with an army of beggars in order to survive due to the failure of the government though developed countries are also masked with this challenges but our own society has favoured and encouraged this act as a means of survival.

Beggars vary so as their reasons and motives but one common modus operandi is their strategic positioning, which is most prevalent anywhere that is busy. This includes important monuments, railway

stations, religious and spiritual sites, shopping districts and at major traffic intersections where they approach vehicles while the lights are red.

The fact that location is of paramount to this act means the biggest cities around the world are the major victims hit by the socio-economic implications of begging, depleting the environmental status and exposing the city to different forms of contaminations, Lagos falls in such radar.

The country is under developed though but Lagos is proving to be one of those places that can launch and lure more tourists and business activities as it’s striving to be a mega city.

Lagos is a Mecca for hustlers, which is why it is a target for many, a melting pot of all tribes but a particular tribe known for alms collection keeps trooping in only to be wandering the streets to beg, some with defections and many with deceptions but both turning out to be stigmatised to that act as its fetching them a lot, one time a governor of the state did a massive swept of the state arresting beggars and sending them back to their states but they(beggars) keep coming back just like the sun appears every day .

After many realised alms collectors were pampered and becoming financially buoyant, lots of lazy, unemployed, less privileged, disabled and other reasons which will never be enough reason to stigmatised to begging flocked the act massively.

Despite the economic growth in Lagos with plenty of opportunities to tap many

able bodied youths turned beggars riddled the streets, they are everywhere and they come in different categories if care is not taken the Beggar-Prenuership might find its way to the stock market as the act is presently facing a lot of rebranding and packaging, in fact it’s no longer begging its extortion or coning!

They approach with lots of, courtesy sympathy, persistency and are very consistent, coming up with different kind of stories, people can’t just but give them whatever is on them, some look so good and well dressed that even the giver is ashamed of given out a little amount but they(beggars) will tell you “nothing is too small” and atimes people go extra mile of taking them to the ATM machine just to grant their wishes after hearing their tales, they are the high classed beggars who either lose their wallets, missed their ways, dint meet their family or friends they came to visit, job searchers, or they were robbed and some will even claim of paying back.

They are the highest class of beggars called corporate beggar, they are organized bodies that take different forms to appeal to people, some claim of having health issues, inability to pay bills such as school fees while some bring infants which only God knows where they rent them from claiming it theirs but lack money to feed themselves benchmarking the old set up of begging but can’t side line them because those ones even have well-known locations such Kano Street at Ebute-meta, Agege railway station is flooded with beggars low class or old form of beggars which are the

regular ones This doesn’t dispute the facts that people need help, anyone can really be in need of others regardless of your social status but should not be relied upon as a way of life, you can’t even stop Nigerians from giving alms who does it for various reasons either spiritually or out of pity but the right people and channel should get it and not those who are Able-bodied who can fetch for themselves.

Whatever good that is intended if it is in wrong hands it is as bad as doing bad, we cannot let poverty turn us to criminals, fraudsters or conmen, so for the sake of our economy and society we need to defect this form of source of income and not make an industry out of it by improve earnings of various government workers and private institutions in order to curb the menace on our streets.

The urgent establishment of a Rehabilitation Centre is necessary for those with disabilities and other health issues so that they can be properly taken care, as well avoid the risk of exposing others to it, this will also prevent them from relegating the society while the young ones who are always shouting Baba Alaye (my chairman Sir! with their thick voice) find us something should be trained by acquiring a particular skill that can earn them a living in order not to put them in positions of being recruited by criminals as an armoury or top man on the field.

Issa Ahmed Babatunde is a Public Affairs Analyst.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

News

Delta pensioners reject pension C’ttee

From Nosa Akenzua Asaba

D

elta State Association of Contributory Retirees has kicked against the inclusion of Prof. Sylvester Monye and Dr. Kingsley Emu, two prominent aides of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the state committee on pension payment matters.

The retirees, on Tuesday in Asaba, expressed lack of confidence in the duo of Monye and Emu, alleging that the appointees should be immediately removed from the committee because they did not mean well for the retired state employees when it comes to payment of their entitlements.

The retirees also appealed to Okowa to ensure the payment of their pension benefits based on N18,000 minimum wage, saying such prompt and regular step would save them from starvation and untimely death.

The Chairman of Delta State Association of Contributory Retirees, Mr. Agbaka Isaiah, told newsmen, yesterday in Asaba that pension reform acts at both federal and Delta State levels were clear on the provision that a worker should upon retirement not earn less than 50 per cent of his last salary.

The chairman, who was represented by his Vice Chairman, Mr. Anthony Osanekwu, said the current payment based on N7,500 has placed them at a disadvantaged position.

While demanding the removal of Monye and Emu from the committee, he alleged: “We members of ACR are vehemently opposed to (and) reject the inclusion of Prof. Monye and Dr. Emu in the present committee.

We have no atom of confidence in them as we strongly believe that they have selfish conduit pipe ploy/interest in the whole exercise ab initio, more so as their several submitted reports were faulty.”

“The constant involvement of these individuals and setting up of several committees to work with HR, tends to portray an element of government gimmicks of circumventing the payment of N18,000 harmonised pension.

“It becomes an issue of man’s inhumanity to man, saying it is a glaring case of negligence of persons who have slaved all their youthful years to serve and are expected to be regarded as senior citizens who depend on only their pension to meet all their domestic challenges,” he alleged.

Nevertheless, Agbaka urged the governor “to involve NLC, JNC, TUC, and ACR in the

present committee since they were part of the committee that submitted the acceptable current working report.”

He said “the state government should invite PENCOM to the committee as well as the two actuarial valuers i.e B. A.

Adigun and Associates and H. E. Consultancy Services, to defend their reports before PENCOM and the committee so as to

adopt the report with the best practices of actuarial valuation (and) to put an end to this issue of harmonised pension.”

Ortom signs 2020 budget, warns aides against corruption From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday signed the 2020 budget into law with a strict charge on members of his cabinet to be wary of the presence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and Independent Corruption Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

Governor Ortom stressed the need for justification of resources appropriated to all Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs in the State.

He said his government will remain transparent and

adhere strictly to due process, maintaining that he will not shield any of his appointee who is found wanting.

“The EFCC and ICPC are government financial agencies and they are here. I will not be there to aid anyone to subvert justice. It is said that prevention is better than cure.

If you do the right thing I will stand for you and at the same thing I will not instruct you to do wrong. So that at the end of our tenure, we can all go back and meet our families in peace and not be chased by EFCC”, Ortom said.

While appreciating the sacrifice of Assembly members

for achieving a landmark history of passing the budget early, the governor promised to implement the budget to the latter, noting that Benue people are eager to see government deliver dividends of democracy, stressing ‘there is no need to procrastinate.

“In implementing the budget, we shall pursue aggressive development in all sectors. My cabinet members must be up to the task. There would be no more sitting in the office. I will personally go out to supervise projects. I appeal to all Benue people to join us in the duty of advancing development of the State. We

are open to suggestions, ideas and constructive criticisms to add value to the people.

Speaker of the State Assembly, Titus Uba intimated that this is the first time in twenty (20) years that the budget will be passed and signed early, adding that it is in keeping with the Federal Government and National Assembly early passage of the national budget.

He promised that the house will embark on strict oversighting to ensure prudent implementation of the 189 billion naira budget tagged, ‘Budget of Growth and Development’.

Representative of the President, Mr Boss Mustapha (Middle) presenting a National Productivity Order of Merit Award to the Director-General, Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Hussaini Ibrahim, during the 18th National Productivity Day Celebration and conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award, recently in Abuja, with them is the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.(right).

Kebbi gov urges youths to be proactive From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has called on the youths in the state to see the potentials that the state is downed with and make good use of it to better their lives.

He made this call yesterday

while speaking at a one day symposium program organized by the APC north West zonal youth leader at Jambale Hotel conference hall adding that everybody was created equal ,but those who work hard are the successful once.

“Youth can do better if only they realized the potential around them,urging them to

advocate to the world potentials of the state so as bring in investors” he added.

Bagudu who promised that his administration will continued to support the teaming youth in order for the to be self-reliance.

Also in his response, the chairman APC North West youth leader Abubakar Sadiq

Fakai thanks the Governor for supporting the youth in the State assured him of their support and cooperation towards achieving its aims and objective.

He also urged the youths to be law abiding citizen and avoid to be drug addict in order for them not to political thugs in the society.

Yobe: SEC approves N12.34bn for roads, agric, others From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

Y

obe State Executive Council has ratified the sum of N12.34 billion for the execution of key projects in the state.

The state Commissioner of

Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Hon. Abdullahi Bego disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state maiden Executive Council meeting held yesterday at the state Council Chambers in Government House, Damaturu.

A breakdown of the figure indicates that the sum of N2.48 billion would be spent on the construction of 9.4 kilometers of road and additional 18.8 kilometers of drainage.

The sum of N2.58 billion would be spent on the

agricultural sector while the sum of N3.023 billion would be spent for projects in the ministry of commerce.

Other expenses includes: the sum of N5.95 billion in the health sector, and the sum of N1. 30 billion in the education sector.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

F

ormer Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has declared that no democracy is worth the appellation if the principle of separation of power is not ingrained in it.

This is even as he harped on the need for Nigerians to, in the new year, stand together with renewed vigour and determination to battle the hydra-headed demon of insecurity that has plagued the nation in the past decade.

Atiku said these in his new year message to Nigerians in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

The former Vice President between 1999 and 2007 specifically admonished that government, in the new year, should not pretend to be democratic, but rather act according to the fundamentals of a democracy.

The former Vice President maintained that Nigerians must challenge the inadequacies that made the country to become the global headquarters of extreme poverty in addition to working hard to eliminate the scourge of out-ofschool children in the country.

These, he reasoned, are the challenges that this new decade has “thrown at us and we cannot afford to slumber and submit to defeat”.

The problems of extreme poverty and scant investments in education, Atiku argued, play huge roles in fueling the problems of violent extremism that we spent the past decade contending with.

The PDP presidential candidate, in the statement personally signed by him, said, “ the coming of the New Year 2020 is symbolic in many ways. First, it heralds a brand new decade.

“Secondly, and probably more important, is that this New Year will require us all to stay together more than ever before to take on, head front, the common enemy of insecurity that challenge our everyday lives as Nigerians.

“I do not share the sentiment when some people claim that the outgone 2019 was a successful year for Nigerians. Such sentiments is

Democracy without respect for separation of power, worthless- Atiku reductionist and does the harm of making us have a false sense of victory.

“The bitter truth is that Nigeria is still in the throes of economic instability, with more people losing jobs and the attendant outcome of more children being out of school and more families having hard time in accessing basic needs of life.

“In this New Year, however, I will rather ask that Nigerians stand together with renewed vigour and determination to battle the hydraheaded demon of insecurity that has plagued us in the past decade.

“We must challenge the inadequacies that made us become the global headquarters of extreme poverty; much as we must work hard and fast enough to eliminate the scourge of out-of-school children in

the country.

“These are the challenges that this new decade has thrown at us and we cannot afford to slumber and submit to defeat.

“The problems of extreme poverty and scant investments in education play huge roles in fueling the problems of violent extremism that we spent the past decade contending with.

“We cannot win the fight against terrorism if we do nothing to reduce or eliminate poverty and illiteracy.

“The reality of this new decade requires of us to recalibrate our approaches and to pursue some tough choices.

“If failure is not an option, then we must let go of our egos and conveniences.

“In this new decade, we must

start to do things differently if we are honest about our desire for a better and prosperous future.

‘There must be a deliberate effort to improve the material wellbeing of the people, by lifting millions of Nigerians out of the extreme poverty belt at a start, and to prosperity.

“Government must rethink many of its policies that is sinking more people into the abyss of extreme poverty.

“It is incumbent on government at all levels to pursue policies that will provide decent housing to the mass majority; put food on the table; provide healthcare and education.

“We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different outcome.

“It is therefore high time we caused a rejig of economic policies

that will promote an expansion of the economy and create jobs opportunities aplenty.

“At the individual level, this moment calls for more empathy and sacrifice. “The New Year and a new decade come with the opportunity to make better impressions in our lives and in the lives of people around us. “ I wish to restate that our collective call for rule of law and our history about the struggle for democratic rule did not envisage a situation where judicial pronouncements would be worth less than the paper upon which they are rendered.

“While we anticipate a change of attitude across board in the new year and new decade, I wish every Nigerian a happy and prosperous 2020”, he said.

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari, meets with Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Not Too Young to Run reflect, strategize ahead of 2023 elections

By Miriam Humbe

T

he age reduction constitution amendment popularly known as Not Too Young To Run met in Abuja at the end of December 2019 and shared revealing information on how the movement can leverage on existing capacities and relationship to further increase the number of young people in elective offices ahead of the 2023 elections.

The Not Too Young to Run legislation remains a historic milestone in the Nigerian socio-political landscape.

In this vein, towards the end of December, 2019, the State Coordinators from across all 36 states of Nigeria converged in Abuja to project a pathway for increased youth political representation in elective offices.

The crusaders of the movement who mobilized citizens from their respective states were instrumental in ensuring State Houses of Assembly Lawmakers voted YES to the historic age reduction amendment.

Speaking during the meeting, Convener of the movement, Samson Itodo said the arguably most successful movement in Nigeria reflected on the historic journey saying the team has changed the political landscape of Nigeria forever.

He said: “I remember a few years ago, we set out on a journey that seemed impossible, believing that the few contributions we are going to make is going to make a difference.”

He, however, explained to the State Coordinators that the push for inclusion in politics is beyond a democratic ideal saying it’s about

capacity and the value the movement has brought to the table.

Thus according to him, it is about reclaiming the state to provide better dividends of democracy jobs and quality health care for people.

“It is important that we push the envelope to use political power to provide the right things”.

In his words, “remain resilient because this country is breaking before our eyes,” the Convener, Samson Itodo, reminded everyone at the close of the meeting.

“We are going to be taking bold steps. 2020 is the commencement of another decade”.

Also, he firmly reminded the State Coordinators about the philosophy of the movement, saying “We have to come to a place where we tell ourselves that this struggle is not about us. And

our driving philosophy is simple: that the goal for civic activism is for the common good.“ The leadership and Strategy Team members also reiterated the need to remain politically vigilant as the movement moved to the next phase.

According to Cynthia Mbamalu, Programs Manager of YIAGA AFRICA, “today, our survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to remain vigilant to face the challenges of change. Only when we are awake and ready to act, can we really see the kind of change we want. Nigeria is still looking up to us.

Nigeria can be better,” she said.

The battle for inclusion in the country’s politics, however, is not over yet with several political party bottlenecks amongst other challenges faced by budding young politicians.

All participants of the meeting

also shared personal reflections on the Not Too Young to Run Movement, in an emotional session, while the Strategy Team Members consolidated on the results of the meeting into an action plan. At the end of the meeting, the participants were given their certificates of participation, as well as ‘Digital: The New Code of Wealth’ written by J.J. Omojuwa, who detailed parts of the Social Media Strategy of the #NotTooYoungToRun movement when it kicked off online about two years ago.

Also present at the meeting were some of the Strategy Team Members of the Not Too Young To Run Movement—Cynthia Mbamalu, Ibrahim Faruk, Chioma Ageuegbo, and Safiya Bichi. They shared their insights respectively, on charting a course for the future.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

PAGE 16

POLITICS

I’ll continue to be frank, blunt if re-elected -Jibrin

By Lawrence Olaoye

H

onorable Abdumumini Jibrin has said that he would continue to be frank and blunt if he gets re-elected as a member of the House of Representatives in the re-run poll for the National Assembly election in Kano state scheduled to hold on January 25th.

Abdumumini, who had an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at the Presidential Villa, gave this assurance while briefing newsmen after a closed door meeting.

It would be recalled that the lawmaker representing Kiru/ Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State had his election upturned by the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna and ordered fresh election.

The former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin was declared winner of the election

for the seat in February but the results was challenged by Aliyu Datti Yako , the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP. Asked whether he would continue to be his vociferous self if elected if he gets returned as the winner of the of the rerun polls, the ex-lawmaker said “Nothing has changed about me and nothing will change, I’ll continue to be the person that I am; the frank and very blunt and continue to contribute my quota towards the development of the country.”

On his speculated feud with the Kano state governor, Abdullai Ganduje, Abdulmumini said “My relationship with my is cordial, he’s always been a father and nothing has changed.”

Asked to clear the air on the rumour that some of his constituents don’t want him back to the parliament, the exlawmaker said “That’s not true.

It’s the usual rumour, we are working harmoniously and I’m sure that the rerun will be very

successful, not only in Kano for the APC, but all over the country where rerun will be held on the 25th.”

On his mission to the seat of power, he said “I had audience with Mr President and a regular audience to discuss with him all the achievements during the year, to commend him on the progress we’ve made

in the economy, fight against corruption and the issue of security in the country and to look at issues having to do with massive infrastructural development going on across the country. We need to sustain it The agricultural revolution going on, we need to sustain it. The fight against insurgency

and the successes that have been recorded and of course, the cordial relationship that now exists between the executive and the legislature.

By and large, it’s been a very good year for the President and the government and I think we all have the responsibility to commend him. That’s what we discussed, essentially.”

Rep Gaya predicts robust 2020 for constituents, Nigerians

By Ese Awhotu

T

he member representing Ajingi, Albasu and Gaya federal constituency in the House of Representatives Hon Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya has said that the year 2020 will be better than 2019 in all ramifications for the state, and the nation at large and .

He gave this assurance in his new year message, adding that for the year 2019, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Nigerians in general and for his people constituent in particular.

Hon Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya enjoined Nigerians to live in peace with one another as no meaningful progress can ever be achieved without peace and tranquility, saying there is need for peoples to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, understanding, hard work, sincerity and honesty in all our dealings.

He further said as representative of his people, he will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy.

“I shall also continue to enhance the wellbeing of my people through the provision

of socio-economic projects and equal opportunity to all.”

Hon Mahmud Gaya tasks the people in the state and the nation at large to continue to support government policies and programmes in the efforts to transform the state and nation in 2019 and beyond He urged the youth to embark on meaningful ventures to enable them contribute their quota for the development of the state and also urged people to continue to give security agencies timely and useful information towards ensuring peace and security in the state and the country.

Hon Gaya stressed that, “ It is my hope and prayer that we reflect on our activities in the past year and reposition ourselves for new beginning, with more opportunities, good health, prosperity, long life and above all success in the coming year “Let’s also ask for strength to face the pending year and its challenges and strive for the love and unity that exists among us to continue stronger in 2020 to help build my constituency.”

L-R: Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Badaru Abubakar; Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello; Gombe State Deputy Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, and Niger State Deputy governor Ahmed Muhammad Ketso, during the National Economic Council Meeting held at the Presidential Villa, recently in Abuja

Jigawa Assembly to attain autonomy soon, says Chief Whip From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he Jigawa State House of Assembly has confirmed that, the process for legislative financial autonomy in the state have so far reached 95 present completion.

This was announced by the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Garki constituency, Alhaji Lawan Garba while delivering his speech at a town hall meeting organised by the Organisation for Community Civic Engagement and Democracy

Drivers Network (OCCEDDN) Jigawa State chapter.

The Chief Whip explained that, the house already formed a committee whom are working tirelessly for the actualization of both financial autonomy and the formation of legislative service commission in Jigawa State.

According to him, with the actualisation of financial autonomy, the house will stand independently without relying on any executive financial order.

While making his remarks,

the executive director of OCCEDDN comrade Abdul’razak Alkali said, the purpose of organising the meeting is to support the agitation for the financial autonomy to state house of assembly.

He explained that, the given financial autonomy to state assembly will improve the legislative work particularly the level of budget implementation and reduce public suspicion of corruption between legislative and executive.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

POLITICS

2020: Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Omo-Agege, Wase assure on robust peace

By Musa Adamu and Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said the year 2020 would usher in robust peace and economic growth for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In his New Year message, Lawan congratulated Nigerians on witnessing the end of 2019 and the beginning of the year 2020.

He hailed the resilience of Nigerians in their commitment to the unity and prosperity of the country and support for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that with the timely passage of the budget, restoration of the January to December financial year and other amendments recently made to our laws by the ninth National Assembly, the economy will enjoy significant growth in the new year.”

The Senate President assured Nigerians that government would continue to do its best to make things better for the people.

Lawan said the National Assembly would endeavour to sustain the harmonious working relationship with other arms of government for the smooth administration of the country and benefit of the people.

Lawan wishes every Nigerian at home or abroad a happy and prosperous 2020.

Similarly, Senator Ovie OmoAgege has stressed the need for citizens to build bridges of friendship across political, ethnic and religious lines.

The New Year, Omo-Agege pointed out, is a time for rebirth and optimism, even as he was upbeat that if Nigerians work resolutely as one, the challenges facing the country would be surmounted.

In his New Year message on Tuesday, Senator Omo-Agege urged Nigerians to “recognize the beautiful and positive diversity of our nation, embrace the vital truth that our diversity is our strength”.

He called for continued support for the Muhammadu Buhariled administration, in not only maintaining the unity of the country but also delivering on the Next Level Agenda to Nigerians.

In the New Year message personally signed by him, the senator said: “Let us devote our hearts and energies to those things, and they are many, that unite us, that hold us forth as the largest black nation of the world. We must explore, exploit and dwell on them, for our common good.

“As the Deputy President of the Senate, the peace and unity of this our great country is paramount and it is something I will always work hard to preserve in the strong belief that we are stronger together as one nation.”

“I therefore enjoin all Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in reaffirming our commitments to the unity of Nigeria”, he said.

Omo-Agege, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, expressed

delight that the Urhobos have gained their rightful place at the federal level.

To the APC South-South Leader, rescuing his home state, Delta, from the stranglehold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will require synergy from all APC members in the state.

He also expressed support for the Austin Izagbo-led reconciliation committee to reconcile aggrieved APC members in the state.

Also yesterday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has felicitated with Nigerians for witnessing the end of the year 2019 and marking the beginning of the New Year, 2020.

This was just as the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, extended warm greetings to all Nigerians at new even as he asked them to pray for the continued peaceful coexistence of the country.

The Speaker in his New Year message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said God has been faithful to

Nigerians in the outgoing year and called for more unity of purpose among the citizens.

Gbajabiamila, who noted that 2019 was remarkable in Nigeria’s history having witnessed the general elections peacefully, said he believes 2020 would be better for the citizens.

“It’s just like yesterday that we ushered in the year 2019, and in a matter of hours, we will usher another year, 2020. In all, we should thank our Creator for seeing us through the outgoing year and allowing us to see the New Year.

“This New Year, let’s unite more against our challenges. Let’s be our brother’s keepers as always. Our resolve to remain together as a people should be unshakeable.

“We cannot relent in our prayers for continuous peaceful coexistence among us. Let this 2020 be a year of more prospects for the citizens.

“As an optimist, I have a strong belief that the year 2020 will be better for the country in all ramifications.

Let’s not despair. Let’s keep hope alive, and God Almighty will see us

through.

“At this moment of celebrations, I join millions of Nigerians to wish my compatriots a prosperous New Year,” Gbajabiamila said.

Also Wase in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Muhammad Puma, Wase appealed to Nigerians to pray for the continued peaceful coexistence and progress of the nation in the year 2020, and beyond.

He said the nation needs to begin the year with prayers and supplications for the sustenance of the achievements made in the out gone year and for the obvious good things expected in the New Year.

“I hereby wish every Nigerian a peaceful and prosperous New Year and urge everyone of us to thank God for allowing us to see the year 2020 and for the achievements recorded in 2019, in spite of different challenges.

“I call on all of us to continue to offer prayers for our nation and our leaders; and to be hopeful that the year 2020 will usher in improved standard of living and put smiles on

our faces” Wase also enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and support the federal government to deliver on her promises, believing that with unity of purpose, the nation will overcome its current security and socioeconomic challenges.

According to the Deputy Speaker, “Nigerians are in safe hands under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari; but what we have to do is to support the government and eschew divisive tendencies that are inimical to the growth of the nation.

“I believe that if we support and cooperate with the government, we would be creating an enabling environment for the implementation of the laudable policies and relentless efforts being made to transform Nigeria.

“I therefore, wish each and every one of us good health, peace, joy and prosperity in the year 2020. As we begin a new decade, may Nigeria experience peace, tranquility and uncommon development in all spheres of her life.”

L-R: National Chairman, Miyetti Allah Wallidira, Alh. Yusuf Musa Ardo, Director General, Global Peace Initiatives, Badamasi Ibrahim, National President, National Youth Council; of Nigeria, Comrade Solomon Adodo, Deputy President NYCN. Comrade Adamu Matazu and a Member of NYCN, Peace Kalu, during the NYCN media interaction on is Agenda, recently in Abuja.

Alleged $20,000 scam: EFCC detains Senator Shehu Sani

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and detained former Senator Shehu Sani for alleged extortion and name-dropping.

Sani used to represent Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly before losing the seat at the 2019 general elections.

Sani was arrested in Abuja on yesterday, for allegedly using the name of the acting EFCC

chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to extort various sums of money from unsuspecting members of the public.

He is also accused of extorting $20,000 from a car dealer.

“Sani claimed that he was close to Magu and could help them to

escape the agency’s scrutiny and punishments for economic and financial infractions,” a senior official was quoted saying.

It was gathered that Sani was arrested and detained after failing to honour EFCC’s invitations.

Another Reps member dies in Jigawa From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has lost a serving lawmaker ‎representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency in Jigawa State.

The deceased member who

identified as Honourable Adamu Mohammad Fagen Gawo died yesterday at Dubai (United Arab Emirate) ‎as a result of leg pains.

The Jigawa State acting chairman of APC, Alhaji Habibu Sara confirmed the death adding that, the party lost a patriotic and popular politician in the state.

Sara said, the member who was a former permanent secretary foreign affairs was said to have died due to severe leg pains he has been nursing for quite some time.

He who said that, he had earlier spoken with him from the hospital in Dubai at around 2 pm, said the death was a cruel shock to his family and

the entire state.

The deceased is currently serving a second term as member in the Federal House of Assembly.

A relative to the deceased, Muhammad Hadi Inuwa (Walwala) told our reorter that, the lawmaker died and left behind 10 children and two wives.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Stock Watch: Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Low

OPEN Volume Close High

4.80 1.15 0 2.94 1.94 0 1.27 0.27 0 1.64 0.64 0 6.60 4.60 0 57.00 48.30 0 5.79 2.21 0 9.65 40.05 0 31.50 64.00 0 1.90 1.92 0 18.45 18.45 0 1.72 1.84 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 0 6.10 6.10 0 1.75 1.75 0 186.00 186.00 0 6.00 6.65 0 14.60 14.55 0 1.80 2.00 0 3.37 3.37 0 4.30 4.70 0 14.00 14.00 0 7.35 7.80 0 1.62 1.65 0 1.91 1.96 0 4.95 4.95 99 0.33 0.33 0 21.85 21.85 0 29.60 30.70 0 0.20 0.20 0 12.20 13.05 0 32.60 32.95 0 72.00 72.00 0 1.18 1.18 0 1.53 1.53 0 31.50 31.50 0 0.51 0.54 0 0.20 0.20 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.44 0.44 0 0.30 0.30 0 1.36 1.36 0 0.72 0.72 0 0.52 0.49 0 1.83 1.83 0 2.45 2.45 0

Top Gainers

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

3.80 6.00 ACCESS -0.35 1.94 3.94 AFRIPRUD 0.00 1.27 0.27 AGLEVENT 0.00 1.64 0.64 AIICO 0.00 4.60 8.60 BERGER 0.00 37.00 67.00 BETAGLAS -1.30 6.79 3.79 BOCGAS -0.42 4.65 10.05 CADBURY -0.40 71.50 31.50 CAP -2.50 0.90 1.90 CAVERTON -0.02 08.45 18.45 CCNN 0.00 0.72 1.72 CHAMPION -0.12 23.25 23.25 CONOIL 0.00 0.20 0.20 CORNERST 0.00 0.20 0.20 COURTVILLE 0.00 6.10 6.10 CUSTODIAN 0.00 1.75 1.75 CUTIX 0.00 186.00 186.00 DANGCEM 0.00 6.00 6.25 DANGFLOUR -0.65 14.60 14.60 DANGSUGAR 0.05 1.80 2.00 DIAMONDBNK -0.20 3.37 3.37 EKOCORP 0.00 4.30 4.30 ETERNA -0.40 14.00 14.00 ETI 0.00 7.45 7.60 FBNH -0.35 1.62 1.67 FCMB -0.03 1.92 1.98 FIDELITYBK -0.04 4.95 4.95 FIDSON 0.00 0.33 0.33 FIRSTALUM 0.00 21.85 21.85 FLOURMILL 0.00 29.60 29.60 FO -1.10 0.20 0.20 FTNCOCOA 0.00 12.20 12.20 GLAXOSMITH -0.85 33.50 33.50 GUARANTY 0.55 72.00 72.00 GUINNESS 0.00 1.18 1.18 HONYFLOUR 0.00 1.53 1.53 IKEJAHOTEL 0.00 31.50 31.50 INTBREW 0.00 0.53 0.53 JAIZBANK -0.01 0.20 0.21 JAPAULOIL 0.00 23.25 23.25 JBERGER 0.00 0.44 0.44 JOHNHOLT 0.00 0.30 0.30 LASACO 0.00 1.36 1.36 LEARNAFRCA 0.00 0.72 0.72 LINKASSURE 0.00 0.52 0.52 LIVESTOCK 0.03 1.83 1.83 MANSARD 0.00 2.45 2.45 MAYBAKER 0.00

Stock Close Gain UPL 2.14 0.03 LIVESTOCK 0.42 0.08 SOVRENINS 0.28 0.13 OKOMUOIL 20.00 0.90 GUARANTY 43.50 0.25

Low 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

OPEN Volume Close High

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

0.21 0.21 0 0.21 0.21 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.63 0.43 0 0.43 0.43 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 1.15 2.05 261 2.05 2.05 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 24.80 184.80 0 184.80 184.80 MOBIL 0.00 0 1.20 0.20 970 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 6.50 3.50 0 3.50 3.50 NAHCO 0.00 0 12.00 18.00 0 18.00 18.00 NASCON 0.00 0 68.50 78.70 0 79.50 79.50 NB 0.80 0 1.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.78 NEIMETH 0.00 0 1.60 2.60 0 2.60 2.60 NEM 0.00 0 52.20 552.20 150 552.20 552.20 NESF 0.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 1.60 1.65 0 1.60 1.60 NPFMCRFBK -0.05 0 4.60 4.80 0 4.60 4.75 OANDO -0.20 0 80.00 76.20 0 80.00 80.00 OKOMUOIL 3.80 0 64.00 64.00 0 64.00 64.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 12.30 12.30 0 12.30 12.30 PZ 0.00 0 4.20 4.20 0 4.20 4.20 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.20 0.21 0 0.20 0.21 REGALINS -0.01 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 RESORTSAL 0.00 0 0.21 0.23 0 0.21 0.22 ROYALEX -0.02 0 640.00 640.00 405 640.00 640.00 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.21 0.21 SOVRENINS 0.01 0 46.50 46.00 0 46.50 46.50 STANBIC 0.50 0 102.00 102.00 122 102.00 102.00 STANBICETF30 0.00 0 1.97 1.96 0 1.97 1.97 STERLNBANK 0.01 0 203.00 203.00 0 203.00 203.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 6.10 6.10 632 6.10 6.10 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.15 1.21 0 1.16 1.18 TRANSCORP -0.05 0 9.60 9.60 0 9.60 9.60 UACN 0.00 0 1.74 1.92 0 1.74 1.74 UAC-PROP -0.18 0 7.60 7.80 0 7.90 7.95 UBA 0.10 0 6.00 6.05 0 6.00 6.05 UBN -0.05 0 2.89 2.94 0 2.89 2.91 UCAP -0.05 0 36.30 37.00 0 36.30 36.30 UNILEVER -0.70 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.27 0.27 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 1.00 0.99 0 1.00 1.00 UNITYBNK 0.01 0 2.04 1.97 0 2.14 2.14 UPL 0.17 0 0.23 0.23 0 0.23 0.23 VERITASKAP 0.00 0 4.50 4.99 0 4.50 4.50 VITAFOAM -0.49 0 11.30 11.50 0 11.30 11.65 WAPCO -0.20 0 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.40 WAPIC 0.00 0 0.59 0.61 0 0.59 0.61 WEMABANK -0.02 0 21.20 22.70 0 21.70 22.50 ZENITHBANK -1.00 0 Copyright © 2019 NgTradeOnline

Top Losers

Stock Close Loss DIAMONDBNK 1.70 -0.30 BOCGAS 1.89 -0.42 VITAFOAM 2.20 -0.69 DANGFLOUR 3.00 -0.85 UAC-PROP 0.94 -0.28

CBN directs Banks to implement pre-authorisation/ sales completion payment option

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed the banks and other relevant stakeholders to implement pre-authorisation and sales completion so that merchants that require such payment option can use it to bill

their customer appropriately.

CBN in a circular said, the directive was part of its commitment to facilitate the development of the Nigerian payments system and deepen the adoption of various electronic payment options available to users.

Pre-authorisation is a

payment service that allows merchants to bill their customers on estimation basis (pre-authorisation) and compute the final bills (salescompletion) at the end of service, to their customers.

For instance, most hotels in Nigeria require preauthorisation of payment at

the point of check-in to hold customers fund as deposit and at check-out, the hotels computes final bills and request for a debit to the customer’s card based on the final bill (sale-completion).

This payment service option encourages adoption of cards especially in Travels and

Entertainment industries.

CBN said, “the objective of the circular is to direct the banks and other relevant stakeholders to implement pre-authorisation and sales completion so that merchants that require such payment option can use it to bill their customer appropriately.”

Adewusi takes over as PostmasterGeneral

By Etuka Sunday

T

he newly appointed Postmaster General of the Federation/CEO, NIPOST Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, has assumed duties at the organization Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi replaces Barrister Bisi Adegbuyi in December as Postmaster General/CEO, (NIPOST).

In the maiden meeting he held with Management and staff of the Organisation, Dr Adewusi spoke of his intention to quickly harness the low hanging fruits to create an impact in the first 100 days of assumption of duties.

The Keio University, Tokyo, trained Economist stated that the enormous challenges,

mostly of infrastructural decay and low staff morale due to poor staff welfare bedevilling the Organisation would be addressed.

Harping on the importance of the implementation of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy's directives on the use of POS for all transactions across the Post Offices in Nigeria to block revenue leakages, the Postmaster General promised to find solutions to the problems associated with the use of POS in the transactions in the Post Offices.

Staff of the Organisation in their reaction assured the Postmaster General of maximum cooperation and promised to put all hands on deck in moving NIPOST forward.

People make last minute withdrawal from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in preparation for the New Year celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Shafii takes over as Acting Registrar-General, CAC

By Miriam Humbe

T

he Federal Government on Monday, December 30, 2019, approved the appointment of Hajiya Saratu Shafii as the Acting Registrar-General of the Corporate Affalrs Commission (CAC).

Her appointment was conveyed by a letter from the Federal Ministry of lIndustry, Trade and Investment, (FMITI), the supervising Ministry to the CAC. Saratu Shafii who hails from Bida, Niger State read Law at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

She began her working career with

the Niger State Ministry of Justice, Minna from 1985 to 1991. She joined the CAC in 1992 as a Senior Litigation Officer and rose through the ranks to become a Director in 2012.

Until her appointment, she was the Director, Incorporated Trustees Department of the Commission.

Prior to this, she had occupied top level positions in several units including Deputy Director for registry.

Before her present career at the CAC, she was a Senior State Counsel at the Niger State Ministry of Justice Hajia Shafi’i attended several trainings both local and foreign.

Some of these trainings include: Oxford Management Centre, Sectoral Policy Analysis & Management,

Centre for Management Development (CMD), Shangisha, Lagos. Others are Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Continuing Education at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, Management and Leadership in the Public sector, 2007, Institute of Chartered Mediators And Conciliators (ICMC), 2006 The United Nations Institute for Training and Research Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2006 Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Badagry, Lagos.

Hajiya Shafii is a writer. Some of her published works are (i) Dazzle – A work of fiction which won the Delta fiction Award of 1997. (ii)Nnadzawa – The merchant princess, a contribution

to an anthology of Northern women writers, 1998 and (iii) The Eyes That See the World-Fiction, 1998.

Shafii takes over from the former Acting Registrar-General, Lady Azuka Obiageli Azinge who until her appointment was the Director, Registry Department.

Lady Azinge had been appointed on October 9, 2017 by the former Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry,Trade and Investment Dr.Okechukwu Enelamah.

She was to continue to act in that capacity until a substantive Chief Executive Officer would be appointed.

Lady Azuka Azinge took over from Bello Mahmud following the expiration of his (Mahmud’s) tenure as the Registrar-General of CAC.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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New Year: Residents urged to up support for gov’t policies, programmes

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has asked residents of the Territory to support all government programmes and policies, are designed primarily for the benefit and wellbeing of the people.

Bello who stated this in his New Year message to the residents of the Territory, noted that no government policy is ever designed to inflict hardship on the populace but are formulated and implemented for the benefit of the greater populace.

He reiterated that support for

government policies will ensure the success of such policies which ultimately will be enjoyed by majority of the citizenry.

Describing the outgoing year as very important and significant in the socio-political development of Nigeria primarily because of the general elections and its accompanying events, Bello thanked residents for their cooperation and peaceful conduct during the elections and those accompanying events.

The FCT Minister also revealed that the Administration in 2020 will intensify efforts alongside relevant security agencies to ensure that lives and

property in the FCT are secured.

“2019 was a very important year in the socio-political development of Nigeria because of the 2019 general elections which culminated into an unforgettable Democracy Day celebrations. “ I wish to thank residents for their peaceful conduct and for being exemplary hosts to the foreign dignitaries who were in the FCT for this event,” he stressed.

He reminded residents that form of benevolence should be maintained if the FCT is to consolidate on its rising profile as the conference tourism hub of

the continent.

He equally reminded residents that the FCT was poised to play host to several international events in the year 2020 and FCT residents and businesses stand to gain a lot if they maintain the warm and friendly attitude for which they have become known.

This, according to the Minister is essential to build and nurture the budding tourism industry.

Bello also reiterated the need for residents to obey all extant rules and regulations guiding living and doing business in the FCT.

He recalled the unfortunate incidences of flooding in some parts of the city in 2019 which were caused primarily by developers who illegally erected structures on flood plains and river courses despite repeated warnings not to do so.

He therefore urged residents especially developers to follow all development control and land use regulations to avoid unpleasant consequences.

He however said that security was the responsibility of all and that residents should imbibe the habit of reporting suspicious events or individuals to the relevant security authorities.

Hair stylists preparing their customers ahead of the New Year celebration at Wuse Modern Market, yesterday in Abuja.

Council calls for transformative agenda for women

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) Nigeria, has called on government at all levels to ensure a transformative agenda for women in 2020 to realise the gains of gender equality.

The President of the council, Mrs Gloria Laraba Shoda, (mni) said this in her new year message to Nigerian women on

Wednesday in Abuja.

She said that this would help key stakeholders to push for advancement in areas where progress was lacking.

According to her, 2020 will be a historic year for women. The time to call for a transformative agenda for women in 2020 is now.

“Recent history has shown that transformative change that is important and lasting, takes

place only when there is both major investment and attention that rises above partisan concerns.

“As a council, we believe that asserting the centrality of investments in women and girls is critical for the health of the country. ‘’Rising above the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 indicators to measure progress, we call for a fresh,

bold, and straightforward agenda for new investment in six key areas to realize progress for women and girls in the country”, she said.

Shoda called on the global community to identify key actions in areas like politics, reproductive health, genders based violence and education to concentrate upon She said the most significant advances since

the Beijing conference was the emergence of a broader, mainstreamed recognition that investing in women in any areas of development, yields appreciatively better results than genders neutral approach.

The NCWS boss says that the time for women’ issues to move from the sidelines to center stage to embrace and promote development assistance that will put women at the center is now.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

Page 22

world news Ayia Napa: Foreign Office ‘concerned’ over Briton found guilty over rape claim

T

he UK is “seriously concerned about the fair trial guarantees” in the case of a British woman convicted of lying about being gangraped by 12 Israelis in Cyprus, the government said.

A Foreign Office spokesman said the case in Ayia Napa was “deeply distressing” and it will raise the issue with Cypriot authorities.

The teenager was found guilty on a charge of causing public mischief.

She had been arrested after recanting a claim that she was raped in July.

The 19-year-old had said Cypriot police made her falsely confess to lying about the incident at a hotel but police denied this.

The judge at the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni adjourned sentencing until 7 January. She could face up to a year in jail and a £1,500 fine, but her lawyers have asked for a suspended sentence.

Lawyer Michael Polak, director of Justice Abroad which is assisting the woman, told BBC News that they will appeal the conviction.

He said the retraction statement was given when no lawyer or translator was present, which he said was a breach of European human rights law.

He also criticised the handling of the case by Judge Michalis Papathanasiou, who he said refused to hear any evidence about whether the alleged rape took place.

Prosecutors said the woman willingly wrote and signed a statement retracting her claims 10 days after making the initial allegation.

The woman told the court this happened under duress with the threat of arrest.

As he delivered the verdict, Judge Papathanasiou said: “The defendant gave police a false rape claim, while having full knowledge that this was a lie,” adding that the teenager had tried to “mislead” the court in her testimony.

He said “there was no rape or violence” and police had thoroughly investigated, “making all necessary arrests.”

The judge said his decision was backed up by video evidence showing the 19-year-old having consensual sex and she “initially gave false statements” because she “felt embarrassed” when she realised members of the group were recording her.

Her lawyers had argued that the video found on some of the Israelis’ phones showed her having consensual sex with one of the group while others tried to enter the room as she told them to leave.

The mother of the teenager has called the verdict “absolutely astonishing” and “a nightmare”.

In an interview with ITV News, she said: “I find myself kind of unable to believe the violations of human rights she’s experienced throughout the whole affair, particularly things like having no access to lawyers whilst being interrogated for hours on end over a Saturday night.”

She said in contrast, the Israeli group had “legal representation within a matter of hours”.

She added her daughter “seriously needs” to return to the UK for medical treatment for her posttraumatic stress disorder.

One of the woman’s lawyers, Nicoletta Charalambidou, told reporters they planned to appeal against the decision to Cyprus’ Supreme Court, and if that failed they would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.

She said they “respectfully disagree” with the verdict, adding there had been “violations” of procedure and her client’s rights to a fair trial.

Analysis James Landale, diplomatic correspondent It is unusual for the Foreign Office to comment publicly on active legal proceedings against British nationals overseas.

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Poland and its allies are distorting history.

During a marathon news conference on 19 December, the Russian president said it was “totally unacceptable and inaccurate” to cast equal blame on Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for the war’s outbreak.

Mr Putin said he had requested Soviet archive documents in order to write an article on the subject - the Nazi invasion of Poland on 1 September 1939 - and, in his view,

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

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The attack took place during a religious celebration inside a rabbi’s house attacks.

He is expected to appear in federal court on Monday to face five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by attempting to kill with a dangerous weapon and causing injuries.

What did his lawyer say?

Michael Sussman, Thomas’s lawyer, told a press conference on Monday that he had requested a full mental health evaluation.

“We were able this morning to... review scores of papers which frankly show the ramblings of a disturbed individual, but there is no suggestion in any of those ramblings... of an antiSemitic motive,” he told reporters.

How did the attack unfold?

A man brandishing a machete on Saturday attacked a Hanukkah celebration at the rabbi’s property in Monsey - an area with a large population of ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Rabbi Yisroel Kahan, who was in

the house at the time, described the moment the attack began.

“He pushed his way in, slammed the door shut and said ‘none of you getting out of here’ - something to that effect, nobody’s leaving - and pulls out a machete and unsheathes it and starts doing the unthinkable,” he said.

Thomas was detained soon after and charged with attempted murder.

He pleaded not guilty, and is being held in jail with his bail set at $5m (£3.8m).

State Governor Andrew Cuomo described the attack as “domestic terrorism”, while President Donald Trump said the attack was “horrific”.

“We must all come together to fight, confront and eradicate the evil scourge of anti-Semitism,” the president said.

Are anti-Semitic attacks on the rise in the US? On Friday, New York city police’s hate crimes unit said it was investigating eight anti-Semitic incidents reported since 13 December.

Picasso painting attacked at Tate Modern

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man has been charged with criminal damage after a £20m Picasso painting was attacked at the Tate Modern art gallery in London on Saturday.

The venue has taken the artist’s 1944 painting Bust of a Woman off display while the damage is assessed. It was reported to have been ripped.

At Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court, Shakeel Massey, 20, from north London, indicated

that he will deny the charge.

He has been remanded in custody until a pre-trial hearing on 30 January.

According to Tate, the artwork depicts Picasso’s lover Dora Maar and was painted in Paris in May 1944, during the final months of the Nazi occupation.

The gallery gave no details about its condition. A spokesperson said: “The work of art is with our conservation team for expert

Russia-Poland row over start of WW2 escalates row between Russia and EU countries over the causes of World War Two has escalated, with a top Russian official condemning the US ambassador to Poland.

Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said a tweet by Ambassador Georgette Mosbacher was “insulting” to Russians and Americans.

On Monday she tweeted: “Dear President Putin, Hitler and Stalin colluded to start WWII.” President Vladimir Putin says

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Monsey stabbing: Journals of attacker ‘referenced Jews’

he man suspected of stabbing five people at a rabbi’s house in New York state on Saturday kept journals which included references to Jews and anti-Semitism, authorities said.

Federal prosecutors have filed hate crime charges against Grafton Thomas over the attack.

The filing says his journals included drawings of the Star of David.

His internet search history also included questions such as “why did Hitler hate the Jews”, it said.

The threat of rising anti-Semitism “I’m now more aware of being Jewish” Grafton Thomas’s attorney pointed to his client’s history of mental health problems, and said there is no evidence the attack was driven by anti-Semitism.

There has been an increase in police patrols around Jewish neighbourhoods and synagogues following the attack.

What was found in the journals?

The criminal complaint said agents recovered journals from the suspect’s home in Greenwood Lake, New York, including comments such as “why [people] mourned for anti-Semitism when there is Semitic genocide”.

It says the 37-year-old also used his phone to search for “why did Hitler hate the Jews” on four occasions.

“German Jewish Temples near me” and “prominent companies founded by Jews in America” were also searched, along with other references to “Nazi culture” and swastikas. On Saturday, Grafton Thomas accessed an article about an increase in police presence in New York after possible anti-Semitic

to set the record straight.

He argued that the Western powers and Poland had appeased Hitler’s aggression by letting him grab Czechoslovakia in 1938.

Why is Putin angry at Poland?

The Nazi invasion of Poland came just a week after Hitler’s Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov had signed a non-aggression pact on 23 August 1939, which stunned the world.

A secret clause in the pact

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

carved up Eastern Europe into Nazi and Soviet spheres of influence, allowing the two dictators - one fascist, the other communist - to occupy and dismantle Poland.

Ms Mosbacher’s tweet recalled that Poland was a victim of the two dictators.

But Mr Volodin, who is close to Mr Putin, said the US state department ought to make sure that an ambassador such as Ms Mosbacher had sufficient knowledge of a country’s history before sending her to work there.

assessment. Tate Modern remains open.”

A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Tate Modern, Bankside, on Saturday, 28 December have charged a man.”

Mr Massey, of High Road, NW10, was denied bail at Monday’s hearing and is due to attend the pretrial hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 30 January.

Mr Putin has revived wartime Soviet symbols, and portraits of Stalin are commonly displayed in Russia now. In 2020 the 75th anniversary of the Allies’ victory over Nazi Germany will be marked.

More than 20 million Soviet citizens died in what Russians call the “Great Patriotic War” after the Nazis invaded the USSR in 1941. Mr Putin’s father served in Stalin’s NKVD secret police and was severely wounded in the war in 1942.

Source: BBC

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Angola court orders seizure of Isabel dos Santos’s assets

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n Angolan court has ordered the seizure of the assets and bank accounts of the billionaire daughter of ex-President José Eduardo dos Santos.

The seizure appears to be part of an anti-corruption drive by the current government in oil-rich Angola.

The administration of President Joao Lourenço is seeking to recover $1bn (£760m) it says it is owed

by Isabel dos Santos and her associates.

She has repeatedly denied wrongdoing during her father’s term in office.

Often described as Africa’s richest woman, Forbes magazine puts Ms Dos Santos’ fortune at $2.2bn.

The 46 year old currently lives abroad, and runs a huge business empire with stakes in companies in Angola and Portugal, where she has shares in cable television firm Nos SGPS. Can ‘Angola’s JLo’ fill Dos Santos’ shoes?

Find out more about Angola The court ordered the freezing of her Angolan bank accounts and the seizure of her stake in local companies, including telecoms giant Unitel and bank Fomento de Angola (BFA), the state-owned news agency reported.

In a tweet, Ms Dos Santos did not refer directly to the court order, but said that “the road is long, the truth will prevail”.

Ms Dos Santos gained a high public profile in 2016, when her father controversially appointed her as the head of Angola’s state-owned oil firm Sonangol.

She was sacked from the post in 2017 by Mr Lourenço, her father’s handpicked successor.

The court order was read out on state television - a powerful gesture in a country where, for decades, the Dos Santos family had seemed untouchable.

Now, the fate of the vast business empire of Isabel dos Santos, the eldest daughter of the former president, is in doubt.

Two years ago, Mr Dos Santos stepped down after 38 years in power. And to the surprise of many, his successor turned against the family, promising a major crackdown on corruption.

Since then, billions of dollars in stolen assets have been recovered from abroad. Another Dos Santos relative is already on trial.

Angolans are waiting to see if one alleged kleptocracy will simply be replaced by another or whether, as many hope, this vast oil-rich but impoverished nation is now serious about reforms and justice.

Gamal Eid: Egypt rights activist ‘attacked and doused in paint by armed men’

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leading Egyptian human rights lawyer has alleged he was assaulted and doused in paint in Cairo by a “gang” of armed men he suspects were police officers.

Gamal Eid said he was attacked by up to a dozen men as he attempted to flag down a taxi near his home in the capital’s Maadi district on Sunday.

He said the men had been waiting for him in three cars parked on the corner.

The men beat him, threatened him with pistols and threw paint on his face and clothes, Mr Eid added.

When neighbours tried to intervene, the men drew weapons and told them to leave, according to the lawyer.

Mr Eid, the executive director of the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANRHI), believes the men were policemen or acting under the direction of a security forces officer.

The BBC has asked Egypt’s ministry of interior for comment but is yet to receive a reply.

The state-owned news website Akhbar al-Youm quoted anonymous “informed sources” as saying the assault against Mr Eid

was “planned by anti-Egypt evil forces”.

Those behind the attack were seeking to “defame Egypt’s image by spreading rumours”, the sources added.

Mr Eid, 55, said his attackers were trying to “punish” and “silence” him for his frequent criticism of “gruesome human rights violations” in Egypt.

It is the fourth attack on Mr Eid this year, the ANRHI said in a statement on its website.

In October, Mr Eid alleged that he was subjected to a robbery attempt and was assaulted followed by an encounter with individuals who claimed to be policemen.

Less than a month later, about seven men carrying guns smashed a car he had borrowed that was parked in front of his house, he said.

Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the latest attack “has the fingerprints of Egyptian security forces all over it”.

“Repeated attacks against one of Egypt’s leading rights activists raises grave concerns about the possible involvement of Egypt’s leadership,” she said.

Isabel dos Santos, 46, currently lives abroad

Libya conflict: Turkey troop deployment bill sent to MPs

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urkey has submitted a bill to parliament to allow it to deploy troops in Libya, as the conflict there intensifies.

Turkey is allied with Libya’s UN-backed government, which is based in the capital, Tripoli.

The move, which comes earlier than expected, marks an acceleration of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plans.

The Libyan government has been fighting an insurgency by forces under Gen Khalifa Haftar based in eastern Libya.

The forces of the warlord - who is backed by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and others, including what is believed to be a force of Russian mercenaries - have been trying to capture the capital city.

The Tripoli-based government receives aid from Turkey, Qatar and Italy.

Who is military strongman Khalifa Haftar?

Why is Libya so lawless?

Last week, President Erdogan said his government would seek parliamentary approval to deploy troops to Libya after the Government of National Accord (GNA) requested support.

He had initially said the motion would be submitted to parliament after a winter recess that ends on 7 January,

Libya has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011

the Associated Press reports.

Turkey argues the Libyan conflict could escalate into a civil war and threaten its interests in the country.

The bill will be debated on Thursday, though it is not clear when the law will be voted on.

It is expected to be passed as Mr Erdogan’s ruling party is thought to have enough support in parliament to have the motion approved.

The bill allows for the deployment of non-combatant troops, to act as advisers and trainers for the Tripoli government forces against Gen Haftar.

Mr Erdogan previously said Turkey was ready to send troops to Libya if such a request was made by the GNA.

France and Egypt have called for the “greatest restraint” by Libyan and international authorities to avoid escalating the conflict in Libya, a statement from President Emmanuel Macron’s office has said.

UN-sponsored talks on the conflict are set to be held in January in the German capital, Berlin, to try to end the fighting.

Last month, Turkey signed two agreements with the GNA, one on security and military co-operation, the other on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Critics say the deal would greatly extend Ankara’s territorial claims.

Source: BBC

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US Baghdad embassy attacked by protesters angry at air strikes

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rotesters angered by recent deadly US air strikes targeting an Iranbacked Iraqi militia have attacked the US embassy compound in Baghdad.

US troops fired tear gas to disperse a crowd that breached the outer wall of the compound, which is in the capital’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

One of the guard towers was also apparently set alight.

At least 25 fighters died when the US bombed bases associated with Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq and Syria on Sunday.

The US blamed the militia for a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk on Friday that killed an American civilian contractor.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the air strikes had violated his country’s sovereignty and would force it to review its relations with the US. Kataib Hezbollah’s commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, warned that the militia’s response “would be very tough on the American forces in Iraq”.

Iran described the attacks as a “clear

Protesters demanded the closure of the US embassy example of terrorism”.

Tuesday’s protest took place after funerals were held in the capital for militia

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s ex-head, flees Japan to Lebanon

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ormer Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn has travelled to Lebanon after fleeing Japan, where he faces a trial over allegations of financial misconduct.

In a statement, Mr Ghosn said he had not fled justice but “escaped injustice and political persecution”.

His lawyer said he was “dumbfounded” by the news and that he had not recently spoken with his client.

It is unclear how the former chief executive officer managed to leave, as he was barred from travelling abroad.

Mr Ghosn, who has an estimated net worth of $120m (£91m), was one of the most powerful figures in the global car industry until his arrest in November 2018. He denies any wrongdoing.

His case has attracted global attention and his months-long detention led to increased scrutiny of Japan’s justice system.

Carlos Ghosn: The driven ‘cost killer’ The 65-year-old was born in Brazil to parents of Lebanese descent and was raised in Beirut, before travelling to France for further education. He holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese passports.

But his lawyer, Junichiro Hironaka, told reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday that Mr Ghosn’s legal team was still in possession of his passports.

“I don’t even know if we can contact him. I don’t know how we will proceed beyond that,” he said. Lebanon has no extradition agreement with Japan.

Mr Ghosn was released on $9m bail in April under strict conditions that barred him from travelling abroad.

What did Carlos Ghosn’s statement say?

Mr Ghosn released a short statement after multiple news agencies reported he had travelled to Lebanon.

Confirming he had gone to the Middle Eastern country, Mr Ghosn said he would “no longer be held hostage by a rigged Japanese justice system where guilt is presumed, discrimination is rampant, and basic human rights are denied.

“I have not fled justice - I have escaped injustice and political persecution. I can now finally communicate freely with the media, and look forward to starting next week.”

Mr Ghosn has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing since he was first detained. His lawyers have accused the Japanese government of conspiring against him, calling the prosecution’s case “politically motivated”.

Mr Ghosn’s wife, Carole, told the BBC in June that authorities had sought to “intimidate and humiliate” the couple.

How he could have left Japan remains unclear. There was video surveillance of his home and he had restricted phone and computer usage.

He had to surrender his passports to his lawyer, and had to ask for court permission to travel away from home for more than two nights.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News agency, the terms of his bail remain unchanged. Immigration authorities hold no record of him leaving the country, public broadcaster NHK reports.

There’s no sign of Carlos Ghosn at his $14m dusty pink mansion in one of Beirut’s most expensive neighbourhoods.

The building, which is subject to a legal dispute, is empty.

fighters who were killed in the US strikes.

Thousands of mourners - including several senior Iran-backed paramilitary

and militia leaders - marched towards the Green Zone, where many Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies are located.

They were allowed by Iraqi security forces to enter the zone and gather on a street outside the US embassy compound.

Waving Kataib Hezbollah and other militia flags, and chanting anti-American slogans, the protesters threw stones at the compound’s main gate, pulled down security cameras, attacked empty guard posts, and started several fires.

The situation then escalated when the compound’s wall was breached.

The Associated Press reported that a gate at a side-entrance to the compound was smashed open and that hundreds of people pushed about 5m (16ft) into a corridor leading to the main embassy building before being forced to retreat by tear gas fired by US troops.

It was not clear whether there were any staff inside the embassy at the time.

There was an unconfirmed report that the ambassador had been evacuated.

Australia fires: Military to be deployed to help rescue effort

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ustralian military aircraft and vessels will be deployed to help emergency services in the fireravaged states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.

Thousands of people fled to beaches in the south-eastern states on Tuesday as emergency-level fires spread.

In Mallacoota, Victoria, around 4,000 people sought shelter on the coast.

Two more people have been confirmed dead in NSW, bringing the fire-linked death toll to 12.

Authorities say four people are missing in Victoria and another in NSW. “We’ve got literally hundreds, thousands of people up and down the coast, taking refuge on the beaches,” said Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Mr Fitzsimmons said it was “the worst fire season we have experienced here in NSW”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds have agreed to send military aircraft and vessels at the request of the Victorian government.

The Australian Defence Force will send Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and navy vessels to Victoria and NSW, the

Residents of Batemans Bay in NSW also headed to the water for safety two worst-affected regions.

The military is expected to provide humanitarian assistance and carry out evacuations if needed in the coming days.

The US and Canada have also been asked to provide “specialist aviation resources” to help the emergency effort.

The bodies of the latest victims believed to be a father and son - were found in the town of Corbargo in NSW. In Mallacoota, the local fire service said a change in wind direction had taken the worst of the fires away from the town.

“I understand there was a public cheer down at the jetty when that was announced,” said chief officer Steve Warrington.

Around a dozen “emergencylevel” blazes stretch across NSW and Victoria.

Several holiday spots along the coast have been cut off and the main road in the region - the Princes Highway - has been closed.

Temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) in every state and territory at the start of the week, with strong winds and lightning strikes bolstering the flames.

Shuri Castle: Appeal for images to ‘rebuild’ burned site online

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n appeal has been launched to collect a million images so a famous Japanese castle destroyed in a fire can be “rebuilt” online.

The main structures of Shuri Castle, on the southern island of Okinawa, were burned to the ground in October, despite efforts to save it.

Now an international group of volunteers is hoping to reconstruct the Unesco World Heritage site.

“Our Shurijo” wants to create a

virtual 3D model, using videos and photos.

But in order the create the best model, the group needs as many images as possible - and so launched an appeal for people to send in their pictures.

By 30 December, a week after it unveiled an initial model on Twitter, more than 30,000 images had been collected from almost 3,000 people around the world.

We’ve digitally reconstructed

Seiden of Shuri Castle from collected photos and here is the model!

We’re impressed by the detail of the model.

We really appreciate your cooperation.

But Rei Kawakami, a lecturer at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, who is leading the project, says the group is hoping for many more.

Source: BBC

PROPerty PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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Expect more infrastructure -Minister US house price growth T nears sixyear low

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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S house price growth reached a near six-year low of 3.8% in November 2019, Zillow’s Real Estate Market Report has found.

This is the lowest rate of growth since January 2013, and puts the average house price at $243,225.

Breaking it down by area, Phoenix, AZ, saw the highest house price growth of 6.1%, followed by Columbus, OH (5.9%), and Indianapolis, IN (5.7%).

San Jose, CA, saw a steep drop of -8.1% but prices still average at $1,163,434.

Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s director of economic research, said: “As we approach the winter holidays, housing, too, is taking a breather.

“Motivated sellers trying to close before the end of the year dropped their list prices in September and October, with November numbers showing the expected quiet in listing activity.

“That quiet is echoed by the slower annual appreciation and the lowerthan-normal available inventory. But as we anticipate longer days to come, so too we anticipate some relief for housing.

“Lifting housing starts and permit numbers, strong jobs reports and the steady progress towards more stable and sustainable home value appreciation all point to a healthier 2020 for housing.”

Across the US rent growth accelerated for the fifth straight month in November, up 2.3% annually to $1,600.

Meanwhile for-sale inventory fell 6.4% from a year ago, meaning there are 102,463 fewer homes on the market than a year ago.

Source : propertywire

he Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr Abubakar Aliyu has told the people of Yobe state and indeed the north eastern states of Nigeria to expect more infrastructural development from the present government of President Muhamnadu Buhari The Minister spoke in Damaturu, Yobe state at a grand reception organised by the Yobe state government in his honour, along side the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan, recently.

Engineer Aliyu stated that the administration of President Buhari has achieved a lot in terms of providing infrastructural development such as roads in various parts of the country, pointing out that Yobe state and the north east in particular has tremendously benefited from many of such road projects.

According to the Minister some of the ongoing and completed projects in Yobe state and the north east include; Azare- Damburu road and Nguru-Gashua-Maimari road.

He also listed the establishment of the North East Development Commission as a great stride by the Buhari administration to take care of the reconstruction, rehabilitation and rebuilding of the entire devastated north east region He therefore assured the people of Yobe state and indeed the north eastern states to continue to give support to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari even as he said, more developmental projects are still coming to the zone Earlier in his remarks at the reception, the Yobe state Governor, Mai Malah Buni sated that the government and people of Yobe state decided to honour their illustrious sons because of their various achievements for the state as well as at the national level.

The governor described them as worthy ambassadors of the state.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Salisu B. Haiba,Asst Director Press said the Governor particularly desscribed Engr Abubakar Aliyu, the Minister of state for works and housing as a core loyal public servant who contributed to the development of Yobe state He stated that Engr Aliyu had demonstrated an exemplary leadership quality and inspired young people during the over 10 years he served as deputy governor of Yobe State In his speech earlier, the immediate former Governor of Yobe state, now a serving senator, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, who was the Chairman of the occasion described Minister Aliyu as a selfless and highly supportive person who contributed alot in the development of Yobe state when he served under him as his deputy.

Fashola, Aliyu, Others At The 8th National Council On Lands, Housing & Urban Development In Abuja

COREN resubmit applications to become signatory to Washington Accord

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Ali Rabiu has said that the Council is in the process of internalizing it’s engineering qualification to enhance mobility of Nigerian engineering practitioners.

The President stated this recently while speaking on the outcome of the last quarter council meeting for 2019.

Rabiu, said the process could only be achieved by becoming a provisional

signatory to the Washington Accord and ultimately a full signatory.

He said COREN’s last attempt at becoming a provisional signatory Accord was unsuccessful.

“The Council’s application was turned down at the International Engineering Alliance Meeting held in Hong King on 9th-14 June, 2019 because the IEA had concerns over the level of autonomy as a government agency and COREN’s accreditation system.

“Council is therefore required to re-submit its application to the

IEA, hence a Washington Accord application committee inaugurated on 5th November, 2019 to further process COREN’s application for provisional signatory status to the Washington Accord in the IEA and any other relevant issues”.

He said the application will be reviewed at the IEA meeting holding at Cape Town, South Africa from 21st -26th June, 2020.

He said COREN is determine to continue its controlling and regulating the practice of engineering in Nigeria.

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The children at risk of eating themselves to death

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he fridge in Hector Fernandez’s home is under lock and key.

The door to the kitchen, which is specially fitted, is also locked.

So are the cupboards and the medicine cabinet. Anywhere that contains anything remotely edible is guarded and the keys hidden under Hector’s pillow at night.

It’s not that Hector is paranoid about thieves. It’s because his son has the incurable genetic condition PraderWilli syndrome.

Patients with the syndrome named after the two researchers who discovered it in 1956 - suffer from an unrelenting, insatiable hunger.

Always hungry Hector says that if unsupervised, his 18-year-old son, Christian, could, in effect, eat himself to death.

“The stories I could tell,” reflects Hector.

“Eating dog food from the bowl, going through the rubbish, emptying an entire tube of toothpaste into his mouth.

“For him, it’s all food…” he trails off as Christian interrupts to say he’s hungry. Hector gives him a single slice of pineapple, pre-cut to ensure he has no more than his required sugar intake for the morning.

Prader-Willi, which comes from a deletion or repetition in Chromosome 15, has a devastating effect on patients and their families.

As well as often suffering from obesity and diabetes which shortens their life expectancy, children with the condition have mental development issues and behavioural problems.

Rare illness Christian is a good-natured man but can fly into violent rages if denied access to the food he wants.

“It’s like a category five hurricane, flattening anything in its path,” his father says, showing me a disturbing video of a recent violent episode.

His parents even resorted to tying Christian to a padded chair to prevent him from self-harming or hurting his care-givers.

“I just take things one day at a time,” says Hector, unable to hold back the tears. “I don’t know what will happen to him after I’m gone,” a common concern for the parents of Prader-Willi children.

Dealing with the complications of the disease are especially tough in Cuba.

Hector tries to feed his son a macrobiotic diet to keep his weight and blood sugar in check. However, it’s hard to find the right food and medicines on an island crippled by a decades-long US economic embargo and years of economic mismanagement by the state.

Although the Cuban government lauds its healthcare system, it is suffering from a chronic lack of investment and Hector says doctors in Cuba have next to no experience with treating Prader-Willi.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Emigration hazard: SORENID to target family, religious leaders in 2020 W

Hector and Christian “Being a rare illness, there are very few doctors in the country who have ever seen any patients with it,” he

The forum brought together researchers, clinicians, patients and their families under one roof to share

explains. “They might have seen one case in 20 years and then never have seen another. There is no specialist here.”

He says patients should be seen by a range of specialists with an understanding of Prader-Willi, from nutritionists and dietitians to psychiatrists and physiotherapists.

Still, things are beginning to change.

Getting help Last month, Cuba hosted the tenth international Prader-Willi conference.

their experiences.

It is an invaluable opportunity, says president of the International PraderWilli Organisation, Prof Tony Holland: “The most important aspect is to get families, scientists and care-givers some from countries that have very good services, some that have very poor services or no services - to learn from each other.”

The intention is that people can then “argue for better services, can argue for the right treatments for their children”

“

Being a rare illness, there are very few doctors in the country who have ever seen any patients with it,” he explains. “They might have seen one case in 20 years and then never have seen another. There is no specialist here

when they go home, he says.

As emeritus professor of psychiatry at Cambridge University, Prof Holland has had years of involvement with Prader-Willi syndrome and has seen the state of care of the condition in many parts of the world. Despite the huge advances still needed in Cuba, he believes there are some encouraging signs: “Cuba now has the ability in their health service to do the genetic diagnosis. Their doctors are beginning to recognise Prader-Willi syndrome, there is a community of families of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, and that is really important.”

That coincides with Hector’s experience. In 2010, affected parents held their first national meeting. Only six turned up. Today, there are more than 100 Cuban families identified with the disease and, thanks to improvements in internet access in Cuba, they are in constant touch.

Hector serves up a plate of raw vegetables and a wholewheat rice cake for Christian’s lunch. Even finding rice cakes is a struggle in Cuba. But Hector is now familiar at dealing with the needs of a Prader-Willi sufferer on a Communist-run island. He’s even started to teach other people in his neighbourhood about the disease.

He explains to them that Christian is not just a little chubby and mentally undeveloped - but at mortal risk, every day.

“There’s a tendency here to reward kids for being good with candies,” he observes. “But people don’t realise that one sweet here, another one there - that could kill him.”

Source: BBC

orried by the challenges faced by illegal migrants in the desert, the Society for the Reconciliation of Nigerians in Diaspora (SORENID) said it would focus on family and religious leaders to enlighten Nigerians at the grassroots.

Speaking during end of year dinner in Abuja, SORENID founder, Sir Uche B. Okafor said the target could help sensitize many youths across the country.

“We will focus on family to take the campaign to where we believe is the root cost of this illegal migration. We are also going to engage religious leaders and individuals to research and write on the 26 A-Z keys to a blissful family. These books when published, will be shared to many young Nigerians to understand the values of their families.

He said the NGO currently has three books to its credit; Europe by road, curbing the root causes of illegal migration and the latest one on Xenophobia.

He said the books were shared to Nigerians free to enable them know the legal means of traveling abroad.

“I wrote the book as a way of advising Nigerians and our advocacy to tell Nigerians how these things are done; who does them, the dangers and others so that they cannot fall victims. This is because I have seen a lot of people who have been deceived to go to Europe. We want students and youths to get these books so that they can know the dangers and also know how to travel the right way. We are giving the books free and we are looking for people who will help us print more copies to give out to people so that they will not be deceived by these trick stars.

We are not stopping people from traveling. We are educating them on what they must do to travel the right way. We are against them traveling by road to Europe.

It is always to have a skill so that you can be useful to yourself when you finally travel the right way to the country of your choice. I have staff who are training people on various skills to make them useful. It is important for people to know how to do something, instead of selling their organs for money.”

While speaking about the challenges faced by emigrants, SORENID boss said Nigerians faced various challenges while traveling through the deserts.

“There are stories we do hear of those who travelled through the desert. We learnt that many of them died as a result of the stress, lack of water and different unbearable things they encountered in the desert. The stories are not pleasant that is why we always adviced our young people to travel the right way. But for those Nigerians I met in the places I served, many of them had psychological illnesses, psycho somatic I called it. There are many parents who sent their children out when they still need parental care.

These children when they get there, the society rejects them because of cultural differences; and when that rejection gets whole of them, they ended up becoming deviants, checking in to hotels and later become problem to the society. But as

SORENID’s staff and some beneficiaries of items in 2019 someone handling students, I was able to help some of them. There were some who would come requesting for identification card that showed they were above 18, so that they could attend clubs and other things which they thought were the necessary things of life. In this process, I would sit them and advice them on what to do, telling them that the time was not right for the life style they wanted to embark on. Some ended up graduating while some dropped out of school. They would deceive their parents that they were in school, but they were busy pursuing something else with their friends.

Speaking on why he set up the NGO, the diplomatic said “By nature, I was called to help people. When I was serving, I used to help those people with challenges and victims of crisis that I came across.

The NGO which I founded, Society for the Reconciliation of Nigerians in Diaspora (SORENID), was meant to assist some of these victims and help them to be better people in the society. When I came back, I started the NGO proper with skills acquisition Centre. I also have an institute where I teach them business ideas so that they can help themselves. I believe a lot in giving out to those in need. Whenever I see young ones wasting, I try to create something to help them. I have seen a lot in the countries where I served and I want to help our people at home to get the best that life can offer.

“We are working on an acronym known as ITEM: We identify these Nigerians and arrange various talent hunt programmes in various fields. We search to get the best

comedian, best musician best artist and best in other fields. We also train, empower and mentor them. We follow closely their activities and improve in areas they need to work on. We also have skills acquisition programme for youths. Recently we spent over 500 thousand Naira to empower youths after training them.

“The beneficiaries were people in dire need of help. We had over 20 beneficiaries who were trained by this NGO with different skills. We will continue to assist as many people as we can.The selected beneficiaries were in need of help. They have no one to cater for them. We took them in because of our desire to help the society and give people a sense of belonging, and make them feel important in the larger society. It has always been my passion to help other people and I am very happy doing it.

“We know that if we hand over the money to them, they might not use it effectively; that is why we gave them these machines to enable them start their own various businesses and expand as time goes on. It is always important to have a skill especially now that there is no job. We are also encouraging graduates to ensure that they have one or two skills that could assist them in life incase the job they are looking for is hard to come by. We believe in giving them a brighter future that is why we design these programmes for them.

Speaking on the challenges facing the NGO, he said “It has not been easy because I have been using my personal money to run the programmes. I just retired and it is not easy working with people who

“

The beneficiaries were people in dire need of help. We had over 20 beneficiaries who were trained by this NGO with different skills. We will continue to assist as many people as we can.

believe they can get money immediately they start. Most Nigerians are not patient enough; they want quick money and you can’t get the best under this atmosphere.

However, there are some who are helping me to make this a reality. I am happy with the few people on ground who believe in what we are doing. Also, once in a while when people come around and see what we are doing, they used to assist us.”

He called on government to allow NGOs to go in to the villages because these are where the recruitments are being done; school, NYSC camps and other places must be targeted by NGO’s.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of SORENID, Oliver Nwodoh, who was also a victim of illegal migration, said, “We are not stopping people from traveling. We are educating them on what they must do to travel the right way. We are against them traveling by road to Europe. It is always to have a skill so that you can be useful to yourself when you finally travel the right way to the country of your choice.

“I have staff who are training people on various skills to make them useful. It is important for people to know how to do something, instead of selling their organs for money.”

He called on young Nigerians to be useful to themselves instead of traveling to be slaves in other countries.

On her part, V.P Academics Government Secondary School Airport, Mrs. Onwuka S. Ngozi, harps on the need for education.

She said education is important because young Nigerians are deceived on daily basis to travel abroad.

“It is unfortunate that some of our youths are interested in quick money. It is this quest for quick money that usually forces them to embark on the perilous journey.

Let’s be patient and pray to God for His Will to be done in our lives.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

2019: Eguavoen, Onigbinde others differ on score card of various national teams

“AUCTION SALES”

PUBLIC AUCTION: The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that, in order to decongest the Command of found, recovered, abandoned and unclaimed properties which have overstayed in Police custody and are due for public auction in accordance with section 31, CAP 2 Vol. 13 Police Act and Regulations LRN, 2014, approval was obtained for the disposal by the way of public auction the under listed properties to interested members of the public as follows: S/N: Description of items Reg No. 1. One Boxer Motorcycle Unregistered 2. One Haojue Motorcycle Unregistered 3. One Opel Vectra Motor Vehicle Reg no. AZ 864 JJN 4. One Haojue Robber Motorcycle KWM 479 QS Member of the public are here by invited for claims of the above listed items within period of thirty days (30) from the date of publication of this notice. If no claims are received within the period prescribed above the items would be disposed off to the members of the public by way of public auction.

Venue: The Nigeria Police Force, Divisional Headquarters, Mainamaji, Alkaleri L.G.A Bauchi State.

Time: 11:00am Interested members of the public to note, please.

DSP Kamal Datti Abubakar Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Police Command.

Eguavoen

Flying Eagles

Super Falcons

Golden Eaglets

By Albert Akota with agency report

F

ormer Super Eagles players and coach gave assessment of Nigerian football in the outgoing year.

While some were impressed, others were not satisfied with the way things turned out for football this year.

Atlanta 1996 gold medal winner and two-time World Cup star, Garba Lawal, described 2019 as a good one for Nigerian football.

Lawal however said the performance of the junior teams (Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles at this year’s U-17 and U-20 World Cups respectively), though not encouraging, should be an eye opener for the NFF. “For me it was a fantastic year for Nigerian football except for the junior teams who did not do well.

“That’s football for you, it is always full of ups and downs and I know the Nigeria Football Federation is not happy with what happened.

“Like I said, that’s football, if you don’t lose you wouldn’t know that there are problems just like what we saw with the junior teams.

“Let’s hope things will be good for our football in 2020.”

Super Falcons Austin Eguavoen a member of the Super Eagles AFCON 1994 winning squad and 1994 and 1998 World Cup defender, scored

the country’s football high.

“I will score Nigerian football 60 per cent in 2019,” he said.

“The score would have been more than that but the Super Falcons and the junior teams did not do too well this year.

“If they had performed well maybe I would have scored the country’s performance 90 per cent.

“But I think 60 per cent is a good score because the Super Eagles did well at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, they are already doing well in the qualifiers.

“Then Enyimba and Rangers are still on the continent.

“So when you look at all these, you will see that it has been a good year for our football.”

The former Super Eagles coach expressed hope that there will be more successes come 2020.

“Looking at expectations for our football next year, everyone knows our expectations are always high. So let’s hope we will achieve more than what we achieved this year.”

Flying Eagles However former Super Eagles midfield star, Friday Ekpo, says it was not that a good year for Nigeria football.

The 1992 AFCON bronze medal winner said: “Well, I will say it has not been too good for our football in 2019 especially when you watch what happened to our junior teams.

“And also the clubs that represented us

on the continent, we saw how some didn’t go far especially in the CAF Champions League.

“But we have Rangers and Enyimba in the Confederation Cup and hopefully they will do well.

“But the Super Eagles did well when you look at their performance at the last AFCON. “All in all we didn’t do too well and I pray the new year will be better for our football.

We need to place our football very well in 2020 so that we can go back to when we are always feared.”

Ekpo who was part of the now defunct Iwuanyanwu Nationale ( now Heartland) side that lost in the final of the CAF Champions League, harped on a proper structure for Nigerian football.

“Another thing is that we need to structure our football starting from the grassroot up to the Super Eagles.

“We must focus on getting the right age of players both at the local level and those from abroad. It is important we get this right so that we wouldn’t experience a situation where someone who is expected to stay long in the senior national team just fade away.

Also it is important to note that the home front must not be neglected, I’m talking of the home-based players.

“There should be a camp for homebased players where after league games, the best will be selected and they will train

together and be ready ahead of national assignments.”

Golden Eaglets And in his words, Super Eagles coach to the 1984 AFCON and 2002 World Cup, Adegboye Onigbinde, stated that there are still a lot of things wrong about the country’s football.

“For the year 2019, we won some and we lost some. But the truth is that we have not improved the game in Nigeria.

“Where are the developmental programmes, which will push our football forward? The other day (Gernot) Rohr said there are no more star players in the Super Eagles, are you surprised?

“There are two functions of a coach and they are identifying a talent and turning that talent into a star. But are we doing that anymore, the answer is no.

“We have refused to conduct CAF and FIFA developmental programmes so how can we move our football forward.”

Onigbinde who was in charge of Shooting Stars of Ibadan when they lost in the final of the 1984 CAF Champions League to Zamalek, added: “You see, football is a simple thing to do if the right things are put in place and until we do the right thing, we will remain the way we are.

“I wish the country all the best in 2020 and hope all what we have been preaching, about the development and progress of Nigerian football are put in place.”

Rooney sets for Derby debut against Barnsley

>>>32

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

S Pogba to remain, if Manchester United can fight for titles – Agent

p

r

t

NFF to focus more on qualifiers, youth programs in 2020 - Pinnick

By Albert Akota

T Paul Pogba

F

rance international Paul Pogba could still be a Manchester United player in one year from today provided that the club bolster their squad and match the midfielder’s ambition by competing strongly to win the Premier League and the Champions League, his agent Mino Raiola has stated.

Raiola who claimed in July that he was packaging a move away from Manchester United for Pogba, has told Sky Sports News that his player respects the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s setup as much as the club respect him and is convinces he won’t leave in January.

Solskjaer also recently stated that he still needs Pogba and that there is no plan to listen to offers on him in the January transfer window.

“Paul has always respected Manchester United, as long as Manchester United has respected Paul,” Raiola told Sky Sports News

he hard focus of the Nigeria Football Federation in the year 2020 will be on the various qualifying matches for major competitions as well as youth and grassroots development programs, according to President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Pinnick made it known on Tuesday that the football – governing body will set much store by the qualifying campaigns of the Super Eagles for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the qualifiers of the Super Falcons for the 12th edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations, and those of the U17 girls and U20 girls for their different FIFA World Cup finals.

“We are also determined to concentrate much effort and resources on youth development programmes, including but not limited to the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Programme.

It is important that we continue to churn out quality talents and work hard to nurture them to excellent products who will then fit into the age-grade National Teams and bring honour to the nation at various championships.

“As we have made known, teams representing Nigeria in international matches and competitions will be told in no uncertain terms that they are expected to win, not just participate. The era of simply

Eagles being there to participate is long gone.”

The draw for the qualifying campaign of the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals will be conducted in Egypt in January 2020, with 10 groups of four teams each that will produce only the winner from each group advancing to a fierce, five home-and-away battles which will eventually produce Africa’s flagbearers in Qatar.

Already, the Super Eagles are in command of their pool in the qualifying race for the 33rd Africa

Cup of Nations finals in year 2021, with two wins out of two against Benin Republic and Lesotho last month. Second –placed Benin Republic are three points adrift, with the race set to resume in August 2020.

Nigeria took the bronze medals after finishing third among the 24 participating teams in the biggest –ever Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt this year summer.

Nine –time African champions, Super Falcons also have a qualifying round to

negotiate before heading to the finals of the Women Africa Cup of Nations to defend the crown they taken consecutively between 2014 and 2018.

The U20 girls, Falconets and the U17 girls, Flamingos have qualifying matches for their different FIFA World Cup competitions already set.

The 2020 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be co-hosted

by Costa Rica and Panama, while India will host the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

Sharapova handed wildcard Sheffield United plot January move for Eze in Brisbane International

S

R

ussia’s Maria Sharapova will compete at the Brisbane International in January after receiving a wildcard.

The 32-year-old former world number one played just 15 matches in 2019 because of a long-term shoulder injury.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova last played a competitive match in the first round of the US Open in August.

Also set to compete at the event, which runs from 6 to 12 January, is defending champion Karolina Pliskova, world number one Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka and Venus Williams.

The tournament is seen as a warm-up for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open in Melbourne, which starts on 20 January.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova entered just eight WTA tournaments in 2019

heffield United is keen on Queens Park Rangers playmaker Eberechi Eze, with a fee of around £12million suggested.

The Sun claimed that Chris Wilder wants more attacking options in January, and has picked out Eze as a player who can provide goals and creativity.

The report also notes that Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are especially keen on Eze, so Wilder wants the Blades to move quickly in order to beat the competition.

Ollie Watkins of Brentford is another target, but Eze is the top target for United, and a £12million move could be made during next month’s transfer window.

That may see Ravel Morrison leave the club on loan, with the Blades seemingly ready to make their move for Eze as their new exciting playmaker.

Eze, 21, has starred for QPR this season, racking up nine goals and four assists for the Championship side whilst producing dazzling displays.

Sheffield United Quick and incredibly skilful, Eze is already an exciting talent, but he

has huge potential to become an absolute star in the Premier League.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay january 1, 2020

2019 in retrospect (II) Cont. from page 32 experience in Nigeria.

We all remember his open visit to a fugitive from the Nigeria authority, Nnamdi Kanu in London; he posted a photo of himself with Kanu and categorically stated that he had come into agreement with his brother on how to win the war in Nigeria. Till now, I don’t know how we interpret that singular action; that development alone represented enough security concern for the country, one that no nation would treat lightly.

We all also remember how he returned back to the country, making incendiary speeches using his privileged position and platform and mobilising his assumed army to truncate a constitutional order by removing a constitutionally elected president. It becomes more worrisome imagining a possible agreement among the duo of Sowore and Kanu. Emboldened by the meetings, he rebuffed those who were persuading him to tread carefully.

One of his incendiary statements that is on record was that which he said “I am not talking of protest. I’m embarking on revolution. 85% of Nigerians are in support.

Don’t tell me about the legal implications or what a judge will say. I don’t care.” Unlike his few but exaggerated followers and defenders, he knew there are consequences for his actions.

The rest is story; his arrest, re-arrest and the drama at the court. But what caught my attention most in all the saga is the hypocritical responses, analyses and conjectures of the Sowore issue by a section of the international community and the self-appointed human rights groups within the country.

A country like the USA that would not condone any form of attack on the sanity and sanctity of its constituted government had some of its lawmakers at the forefront of the fight for Sowore’s release because they claim he is their citizen; whereas, a Louisiana man, Friedrich Ishola has been held in prison custody since November 6, 2019 for threatening the president of the United States of America via social media. The US takes social media threats against its president very serious but threatened Nigeria to thread softly on another who was ready to take to the street to uproot its own democratically elected President; what an hypocrisy! I think the entire blame should go to the judiciary that falls to the cheap blackmail of those benefiting from every inconvenience and granted him bail in the first instance.

Despite the fact that we all very well understand the demarcation between a protest and a revolution, and understand fully well the full import of the later to a country that is currently just wading off the Boko haram insurgency and has seen a lot of other secessionist movements responsible for the death of a few innocent Nigerians in the last few months in the East where a police ACP lost his life in the incident; either hearing directly or read the bolded “I am not talking of protest. I’m embarking on revolution. 85% of Nigerians are in support. Don’t tell me about the legal implications or what a judge will say. I don’t care. We must bundle Buhari out of that place…the DSS shall seize to exist,” a section of Nigerians and some compromised USA lawmakers still hypocritically chose to label Sowore a prisoner of conscience; a journalist who is being persecuted for doing his work. They all chose to believe the lie acted in the court room even when they all know it was a lie; they sing abuse of human rights even when they all know the sanctity and integrity of a nation is being threatened.

Their hypocrisy becomes more exposed when they all sentimentally became incensed at crucifying the Federal Government and Mr. President for the Sowore travails but ignore the plight of another journalist, Agba Jalingo, who has been incarcerated for months by the PDP-led government of Cross River state. He spent the Christmas in the prison custody; those USA lawmakers are not bothered by his plight; the agitators of human rights in the country too were not perturbed; he wasn’t a prisoner of conscience because President Muhammadu Buhari is not involved. In fact, Governor Ben Ayade is right to have incarcerated him.

Another defining factor of the year 2019 was the Federal government’s commitment to infrastructural development - to be funded by loan acquisitions. The government in the course of the year, once again, listed some notable developmental projects it requires a $30 Billion loan to finance. Even when the loans are pre-attached to projects, the opposition still has a field day. Atiku Abubakar came out to say, if we borrow $1 trillion today, we will not still achieve anything and he was partially right; seeing the economic management of the country from the way he and his Party managed it from 1999- 2015, he was sure the money would probably be shared at a roundtable and

mismanaged much more like he handled the Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria and many others which were eventually privatized or as many believed, were sold to themselves; but, he refused to acknowledge the glaring change and the new open financial dispensation we are now. He refused to acknowledge the unprecedented magnitude of projects, completed and ongoing in the country.

It was equally amazing that ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo would consider the well thought out plan to borrow, a national risk that could bankrupt the country.

Obasanjo said Nigeria risks bankruptcy with its penchant for loans under the Administration of President Buhari; the same Buhari he praised to heaven in his book. In his word “As Minister of Petroleum and member of the Supreme Military Council, Buhari is one officer that is diligent in his duties, who carried out whatever assignments that is given to him, with high sense of responsibility, patriotism and prudence”; now suddenly makes a U-turn because he is not having his way with the president and his Administration.

Attesting to Obasanjo submission on Buhari, the level of prudency under Buhari’s government is unprecedented as he operates a leadership style where accountability is the norm and every borrowing is attached to a project before it is taking. In the course of the year 2019, the same prudency earned the country a place in the World Bank list of Most Improved Economies of the World; a list in which the country is in number six ahead of several major world economic powers including the USA and UK. Perhaps, Obasanjo is becoming jittery over the coming accountability to the $16 billion power wastage which represented a bulk cause of debt burden on the nation.

Someone wrote that “Obasanjo is expanding his farm into Benue and employing over a 1000 new workers.

Atiku is planning to diversify into rice farming. both men are telling you that Nigeria is not working, lamenting the border closure, while nicodemously actively positioning themselves to get richer over the border closure.”

If a country as developed as the USA will operate a $1trillion budget deficit consecutively in 2018 and 2019 to accelerate infrastructural development, why will Nigeria not borrow and develop its infrastructure because your party laid an antecedent of borrowing and stealing.

Another major event that took the year 2019 by surprise was the Attorney General of Federation (AGF) order for the immediate release of Dasuki and Sowore.

Unexpected and surprisingly, the AGF ordered the release of the duo days to Christmas celebration by exercising his Constitutional powers under Section 174(1) b & c and Subsection 2 and 3 respectively. Unfortunately, instead of recognising the position and contribution of the AGF in the release of the duo and appreciate the same, the same elements who would always find a way to ridicule every good actions and projects of the Administration were only able to conjure that the AGF was only bowing to pressure from the international community in releasing the duo. This assertion, premised on a letter written by three members of the United States legislature, which we all know did not carry the intention of the United States Government, as the open line - a well established and recognised protocol - to communicate such intention

is through the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, if it were to originate from the government of the United States.

As per our usual attribute of celebrating corruptions and criminality, we had taken to the streets and the media to celebrate the duo without recourse to the high criminal charges against them. We all chose to ignore the magnitude and implication of the devastation caused by the excessive corruption perpetuated by Dasuki to the nation and the north-east specifically.

When the likes of Femi Fani-Kayode would come out with praises of the same man, allegedly responsible for the death of thousands of Nigerians who either were killed by the insurgents or are still in captivity of the Boko Haram, because he chose to divert money meant for prosecuting the war into personal, private, partisan purses, we should know that we had lost our connection with righteousness.

When a man who is alleged to be responsible singlehandedly - for the death of hundreds of our military men at the war front and many others who are currently languishing in various jails for abandoning their duty posts because it was not worth staying at the battle front when money meant for war gears has been swallowed by the devils, is been celebrated, then we have lost our rectitude for what is just as a people.

Crimes against the nation are crimes against each and everyone of us. We all have a responsibility to rise in unison and condemn that which is tantamount to a slight - if not an attack - on our common heritage.

Another high point of the year 2019 has been the stress-free, fear-free celebrations we have so far enjoyed even as we are about to witness the end of the year. Once again, we must all remember how we have all enjoyed another consecutive yuletide without bomb blasts and fuel scarcity. Someone said our children would have grown up believing annual fuel scarcity is part of our culture if not for President Muhammadu Buhari. Unfortunately, a section of Nigeria chose to know the truth, see the truth, but still believe the lies.

Has the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari done well in 2019 is a question that would receive different answers from different camps. I presume that the camp of retired and retiring politicians, those who were benefiting from the annual ritual of fuel scarcity during yuletide period, fuel and expired rice importers, the benefactors of Dasuki largesse who are currently not having peace, the Mainas’ and brown envelops media houses; the answer will be no, Buhari performed woefully!

Another camp of the abandoned former BIAFRA Police , Nigeria Airways Pensioners and many others whose pensions and gratuities have been paid; the farmers who are smiling to the bank every day because of the improved, favourable business environment; the thousands of families who have returned home and to normalcy after years as IDPs in some parts of the northeast; the N-Power beneficiaries and their likes would all definitely say yes.

Yes because they chose not to be blind to the realities of change that abound all over the country.

God Bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria!

. . . putting the people first

Wednesay january 1, 2020

SPORTS latest

Rooney sets for Derby debut against Barnsley

W

ayne Rooney could start on his Derby County debut on Thursday when they host Championship strugglers Barnsley.

England’s all-time record goalscorer signed an 18-month player-coach deal with the Rams in August, but has been ineligible to play until January.

Derby’s poor form, coupled with suspensions, means manager Phillip Cocu could call on the 34-year-old from the start against the Tykes.

“Expectation will be high when he starts playing but we have to give him a few games to build up his minutes and get in the team.”

New West Ham captain urges fans to support Moyes

C

aptain Mark Noble has urged West Ham supporters to “get behind” new manager David Moyes, adding he is the “best person for the job”.

In an open letter to fans, midfielder Noble, 32, said Moyes was “really liked and respected”

by Hammers players who had worked with him during his first spell in charge at the club.

Noble added that he often blames himself for the club’s misfortunes.

In his previous spell in charge, from November 2017-May 2018, the Scot recorded nine wins and 10 draws from 31 games and led the club to Premier League safety.

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SPACE FOR SALE

2019 in retrospect (II) 2

019, an election year, was shrouded in intricacies. We saw the calculations of the Third Force, the amalgamation of some political parties that almost saw to the name change of PDP, to take up its structure as a common front to slug it out with the ruling APC; to the emergence of personalities like Omoyele Sowore and Kinsley Moghalu as presidential candidates are unique points of the year.

The Not-Too-Young-ToRun agitation and the eventual passage/ assent of the alteration of Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution may not have produced the expected result in 2019. But it is a vision birthed already and its time would come.

Year 2019 did expose a large section of Nigerians as empty noise makers and social media agitators who lack the ball to back their agitations with actions. Sowore’s 33,000 votes in the presidential election is an attestation to that.

Those Nigerians who had claimed they would all line up behind a youth presidential candidate, all ended up giving a combined votes of almost 26 million to the duo of Atiku Abubakar and President Muhammadu Buhari, who are both well above 70 years.

Gross abuse of the media was one of the defining characteristics of the Election Year 2019 and unfortunately, it is also one malady most Nigerians prefer should be left unfettered. Efforts to control the negative use of the unfettered media - most especially unregulated social media, which has obviously deepened division and hatred among Nigerians, and is being used in tarnishing the images of a number of personalities and institutions had met a strong opposition to it as a huge population consisting mainly of the opposition and those benefiting from the inconveniences insist that the citizens must be allowed to roam freely and say whatever they desire to say regardless of the effects of such utterances could create thereafter.

We all remember when Deji Adeyanju took the unchecked social media (via his Twitter handle) to cast aspersions on the President and his supporters; when he said “Only bastards support Buhari. Only cursed people support Buhari. Only people that will not end well in life support Buhari. People like Buratai. ” A simple Google search of the first statement would even yield more derogatory comments of his and some reactions trailing them.

Also, we all remember when Farooq Kperogi, unbelievably,

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

WEDNESDAY COLUMN By

USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com a professor of journalism, who ought to know more than any other the implications of disseminating unverified information and falsehood on the media, stormed the social media earlier in the year and insisted that from reliable source, he got the information that Buhari had murdered Sambo Dasuki in detention. He told the country then that the man had died and the president and his cabal insisted the news of his death must be concealed till after the elections. He went ahead to declare that what was more worrisome was the cause of his death as he narrated how the president instructed that he (Dasuki) be denied his lifesustaining drugs. He went ahead to make more sinister statements against the person and integrity of the president.

We all remember, again, how Farooq Kperogi shared a particular photo of how Boko Haram militants killed some military officers; a photo he apparently picked from a Kannywood movie set to propagate his deception or rather, to sustain his delusion.

Attached to the misleading photo he sent was his heart wrenching message: “this photo broke my heart! It bespoke profound anguish and helplessness. Boko Haram is on a murdering spree of our soldiers, but all that the presidency cares about is the 2019 election. The president’s aides are tweeting about empty endorsements and about GEJ’s book. Incredible” A section of Nigerians responded by believing him; the president lost a number of votes probably due to that particular misleading tweets of Farooq Kperogi asides the overall

“

negative influence that fake news had had on the president, his Administration and party at that time. Yet, we believe he was just exercising his fundamental right of speech and should be allowed unchecked to spit whatever he chooses for whatever end he wants.

The list is endless. It seems every Nigerian now hits the media - not limited to the social media but also mobile media ( WhatsApp and the likes) - and drop fabricated and hate comments at will for daily consumption of the people who are becoming more willing to swallow hook, line and sinker without checking the authenticity of such fake publications. Some weeks ago, we woke up to hear the news about the death of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

It is surprising that we are all more concerned with the relief that it was a fake news without bothering to ask necessary questions on the originators of such fake news.

Few months ago, the news of the president’s marriage to one of his ministers littered the social media; detailed of schedules was given but it all ended that it was yet another fake news. Because we did not do anything about this growing menace in the past when the likes of Fayose broke the news of the death of the president in a UK hospital, the menace has only grown in sophistication and magnitude and if nothing corrective is done about it now, tomorrow, the victims will shift from individuals and institution to the sanctity of the nation itself.

This is the reason why we must all, to a great extent, support the evolution of the Fake News Media Regulation Bill like in other developing nations, India,

Funny enough, those statements credited to Obasanjo and his support for Atiku also became the major downfall of Atiku. Obasanjo coming out to openly declare his love and trust for Atiku only prompted Nigerians to returned back to Obasanjo’s book “My Watch” and reminded him and all who cares to listen, all that he had personally and irrevocably says, on printed pages of newspapers and his book read globally said about the same Atiku

Malaysia and the South-East Asian Countries.

Discussing 2019 without recognising the contributions of Sowore to developments during the year would be a gross error.

The significant contributions of Omoyele Sowore to the events of 2019 is a major focal point of discussion; the in-house commotion, the internationally undue and hypocritical interference as well as the general politicisation and biases that summarised the responses to the Sowore saga from most quarters are worth remembering and to be documented for posterity.

We all remember how the Sowore story began as an account of a certain young man who rode on the back of the “Not- TooYoung-To-Run” Act to contest the prime seat of government in the 2019 presidential election; a very welcomed development across quarters but did not pan out as expected as he got a meager 33, 000 votes (approximately 0.1% of total votes cast) in the presidential election; a result that cast aspersion on the hypocrisy of social media activists and their support in the country.

We all remember how Sowore was among the first set of contestants to accept defeat and congratulated Mr. President after the declaration of the final result.

Amazingly, we all remember how in less than two months into the inauguration of the new government, Mr. Sowore began his unscrupulous opposition to the Administration; how he claimed that a two months old Administration had failed woefully. We all remember how four months later, he constituted his “#RevolutionNow” movement with the singular objective of repeating the Venezuela

Cont. on page 31

DAN Dan GAYE gaYE

Adoke’s bail application suffers setback - News

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