Monday, March 05, 2018 Edition

Monday, March 5, 2018/ Jimada Thani 17, 1439, 1439 AH

Special report: Scarce resources and Senate’s unending, fruitless probes

Vol. 28 No. 042 N150

1418 Days after

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

NNPC decries proliferation of fuel stations in border towns

NASS, AGF, INEC dragged to court over election sequence >>>page 4

>>>page 5

page 5

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Father of the Bride/Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano; Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Father of the Groom/Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajomobi and other dignitaries at the Wedding Fatiha between the daughter of Kano State Governor, Fatima Ganduje and Son of Oyo State Governor, Idris Ajimobi on Saturday in Kano.

Photo: NAN

Buhari addresses Ghanaians on 61th anniversary

APC sweeps Edo LG polls, as PDP, others boycott

March 9 date for UTME sacrosanct -JAMB

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

News

CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Feature Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

Buhari tasks Ulamas on true teaching of Islam Page 6

Education

25

Sports 29-31 Back Page

32

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You can send your news and pictures to: adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com

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Buhari addresses Ghanaians on 61st independence anniversary

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari will today depart for Accra, Ghana to attend the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations holding at the Independence Square tomorrow.

According to a statement made

available to newsmen yesterday, his Spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari is the only foreign leader invited to the historic event as the Special Guest of Honour.

Similarly, other than his host, President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Nigerian leader is the only foreign guest scheduled to address the august gathering.

Buhari will use the unique opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding warm relations between the peoples and governments of both brotherly nations.

He will also underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties in furtherance of democracy, good governance and overall

development not only in the West African sub-region, but also the African continent.

The President and his delegation which includes, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, will return to Abuja after the celebrations on tomorrow.

NGO calls for end to violence against women, children

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

A

nongovernmental organization, The Amazon Healing For Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AHWOCEI), has called for an end to violence against women and children in the country.

The Executive Director of the NGO, Esther Gwamna made the call yesterday during the flag off of the AHWOCEI, in Keffi, Nasarawa state.

She expressed worry that cases of abuse against women and children in the country are on the increase, calling on all parties to partner towards ending the menace.

“As we sit here, and as each day passes by, army of rapist and pedophiles are on the march.

A hot and hungry catastrophic March which leaves several abused women and children on the path they follow.

Those who are lucky to survive are nicknamed victims by the society.

While those who are not lucky will be six feet below - aside those forced in to the family way at the early stage.

“Distinguished guests, time is against us to safe many. It was against us yesterday. It is today. The moment compels us to unclench our fists and stretch a hand to lift those people who no longer trusts anyone or feel loved by the society which did not protect them.

“It will interest you to know that all of us are sitting at the

door step to the larger room where these dastardly acts have become common place, and even sometimes awarded medals, owing to the conspiracies of silence in high places. Cases of rape and child abuse in Keffi and environs need urgent action by well-meaning Nigerians to

address it”.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy and Development (SDDD), Abdullahi Omaki, called on parents to discipline their children and teach them right values.

He said women and children

need protection from all and should not be turn into objects of abuse.

“This country need good people. We must team up with government and make it a better place. All of us have a role to play and we must start contributing now”.

Recently released Lecturers from University of Maiduguri by insurgent (from left), Haruna Dashe, Yusuf Ibrahim and Solomon Yusuf, during their visit to the Federal Ministry of Education on Friday in Abuja.

Fashola assures new board members of non-interference

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has inaugurated the governing boards of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) yesterday in Abuja.

This followed a directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to ministers to inaugurate the boards of the various parastatals under their supervision on or before Friday.

Fashola said the inauguration will enable the appointees participate in the decision making process that will affect the lives

of millions of Nigerians, who will partake and benefit of the prosperity that a housing economy offers.

“It is an opportunity whose importance is not to be viewed lightly. This is the opportunity to participate by rendering service, and it is the hallmark of liberal democracy.

“On behalf of President Buhari, the Government and People of Nigeria, I thank you for accepting and for the service you will render to our people,” he said.

He said that the board members will individually and collectively be the conscience of these agencies for implementing the policies of government, with

respect to public housing and mortgage financing in Nigeria.

“Some of the programmes and projects of these agencies will come to you for approvals, and it will be your duty to decide whether to approve or not.

“In doing so, you will have to decide whether the proposals are consistent with Law, whether they advance public good, whether they will bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people.”

He said it is now the responsibility of the boards to provide guidance for the managing directors and management teams of FHA and FMBN to enable them deliver service to Nigerians.”

The Minister assured the

boards that the Ministry would continue to supervise and would not interfere in their operations .

Responding, the Chairman of FHA Governing Board Sen. Lawal Shuaibu thanked President Buhari for giving them the opportunity to partake in the key decision making of the country while pleading their collective commitment of personal experiences to reposition the sector and lasting legacy.

Meanwhile, the Chairman FMBN Governing Board Dr. Adewale Adesanjo also pledged their commitment in ensuring that the board makes a lasting impact in the living standards of Nigerians through housing financing.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

March 9 date for UTME sacrosanct - JAMB

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

T

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that arrangements had been concluded for the successful conduct of the 2018 UTME exam scheduled to hold from March 9 to March 17.

This is even as it has directed candidates for the 2018 UTME to start printing their examination notification slip from Tuesday, March 6.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, the board’s Head of Media and Information Department, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said in Lagos on Sunday that “We have successfully conducted the Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, February 26, and based on that, we can confidently say, we are good to go.

“The mock UTME was to

expose the candidates to the process as well as test the level of preparedness of the various centres.

“Candidates can now go ahead and print their examination notification slips from Tuesday.

“These candidates must

ensure that these slips are printed before Friday, March 9, in order to familiarise themselves with the examination schedules as no form of excuse for missing the examination will be entertained.

“We want to warn that the board will not reschedule any

examination for anybody and so any candidate that fails to adhere strictly to the examination schedule as stated in their slips should have himself or herself to blame.”

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that Benjamin, however,

warned candidates not to go to their respective centres with prohibited items such as telephones, wristwatches, pens, and other devices.

Over 1.6 million candidates are expected to write the examination in 602 centres across the country.

Buhari congratulates ex-Super Eagles' Technical Adviser, Onigbinde, at 80

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari joined all sportsmen and sports loving Nigerians to congratulate former Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Adegboye Onigbinde, on his 80th birthday today.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his

Spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President felicitated with the highly respected football coach and administrator, his family, friends and teeming fans, on the landmark of turning an octogenarian, with all the retinue of awards, recognitions and achievements to celebrate at national, continental and global levels.

The President believed Onigbinde’s feat as a coach, which

included leading the national team to the FIFA World Cup in 2002, and his strides at taking teams to continental tournaments like the African Nations Cup and the African Clubs Champions Cup, will always be cherished and remembered as milestone attainments for the nation.

At 80, the President affirmed that the wealth of experience garnered over the years by the

former national team adviser, the leadership skills acquired, will be most useful in inspiring the national team, upcoming footballers and the local league in the country to greater heights.

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will grant Onigbinde longer years on earth, more strength and wisdom to keep serving the country.

Commission for Refugees condemns killing of UN aid workers in Borno

By Ochiaka Ugwu The Federal Commissioner for National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq has condemned in strong terms the killing of United Nations humanitarian workers in Rann, Kalabalge local Government area of Borno State.

This was made known in a statement released by the commission in Abuja yesterday and signed by the Special Assistant, Media To the Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Halima Musa.

According to the statement, “The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of United Nations humanitarian workers in Rann, Kalabalge local Government area of Borno State”.

It noted that the Federal Commissioner, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq condemned the heinous act as callous bearing in mind the sacrifices aid workers make to serve humanity.

Hajia Farouq also stressed that on no account should humanitarian personnel be targets of any sort of attack.

“Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq condoles with the United Nations, the International Organisation for Migration, IOM and the Nigerian Government over the loss describing it as irreplaceable.

“The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons remains resolute in discharging its responsibilities in providing assistance and support for its Persons Of Concern” the statement concluded.

L-R: Board Chairman, News Agency of Nigeria NAN, Alh. Wada Maida, Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Gekpe and the Managing Director NAN, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, during the Inauguration of the Newly Constituted Boards of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture on Friday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Kano: NDLEA arrests suspect with N50m worth of hard drugs From Mustapha Adamu Kano

T

he operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) have arrested two suspected drug traffickers with hard drug worth over N50 million.

The MAKIA, NDLEA Commander, Mr Ambrose Umoru disclosed this while presenting the suspects before newsmen in Kano.

He said the duo were nabbed on February 17, by the ‘Eagle Eye’ operatives of the command, during Routine Inward Screening

of passengers of Ethiopian Airlines flight number ET 941 with the substances suspected to be narcotic drugs.

He said one of the suspects, Nweke Emmanuel, 49, and native of Ire in Indemili South Local Government area of Anambra State, was apprehended with 2.180kg of ingested heroin.

He said the quantity is the single largest drug ingestion seizure ever recorded in the country in recent time.

“A businessman and barber who is based in Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo, the suspect

travelled to Bujumbura, Burundi where he ingested a total of 127 wraps of heroin.

“He transited Addis Ababa to Kano and was to board a night luxury bus to Onisha where he was expected to excrete the substance,” he said He added that the suspect was, however, unlucky when the operatives of the NDLEA Airport Command Kano promptly arrested him on arrival.

He explained that, the second suspect, Ms Olunwabusor Gloria Dumebi, 32, from Ibuse in Oshimili local government area of Delta State, is a stylist by profession was arrested on the same flight with

three kg whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.

“She had concealed the substance in a false bottom packing in a large brown travelling bag.

“Gloria had travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to convey the substance to Nigeria before she was arrested by the Eagle-Eye operatives of the command, “he said.

He said that Nigerian youths have again been saved from the devastating effect this dangerous narcotic substance would have caused if it had successfully been smuggled into the country and distributed locally.

Rescue Dapchi school girls now -NCWS urges FG

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has urged the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to urgently rescue the abducted Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi, Yobe state by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

President of NCWS, Mrs Gloria Laraba Shoda, in a statement said that the abduction of the schools girls was a national embarrassment to the country.

She advised President Muhammadu Buhari to act quickly to avoid a repeat of what happened to the Chibok School girls.

It will be recall that on February 19, 110 School girls of Government

Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi, Yobe state were abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

According to her; “We are pained as mothers to see another group of our children been abducted by the sect. it is most unfortunate that it is happening again after the Chibok experience.

Shoda also urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise

security of schools in the country to stem further attacks on them by insurgents.

The president said that it has become imperative that government at all levels should take special interest in securing schools.

Shoda called on all Nigerian women and mother to pray for the save return of the girls to their parents.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

page 4 report

Scarce resources and Senate’s endless, fruitless probes

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

ince June 2015, the Senate has empanelled over twenty ad hoc committees to probe different misconducts, crisis and criminal activities in the polity, including those affecting the economy. However no tangible result has been achieved in most of the investigations which have become winding or endless.

Some of these committees are Ad Hoc committee that investigated the reinstatement and promotion of former Chairman of Presidential Taskforce on Pension Reform, Abdulrasheed Maina, by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Another is the Senate Ad Hoc committee that investigated the shootout between the operatives of Department for State Services (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over aborted arrest of ex DSS Director General, Ayo Oke. Senate also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged absconding of Senator Hamman Misau (Bauchi north) from the Nigeria Police Force. Also, Ad hoc committee was set up, headed by Dino Melaye, to probe the alleged economic waste in the Nigerian Customs warehouses.

Another ad hoc committee was set up to probe the counter allegation by Senator Misau that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, had diverted about N120 billion generated from special security cover for international oil companies, multinational business moguls, and big hotel conglomerates in the country.

Similarly, an ad hoc committee was set up by the Senate to investigate the factors behind the recurrent strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), while another was set up to investigate the lingering fuel scarcity and allegations of corruption against NNPC, just to mention a few.

A good number of investigative hearings were also referred to the Senate standing committees.

Examples are: Communication Committee which probed the sale of Etisalat, Committee on Local Content, which probed the abuse of Local Content Act in Egina oil field contract.

There were also Labour and Employment Committee which investigated the Minimum Wage crisis between the Labour Union and federal government, as well as under remittances by customs which was assigned to Senate Customs Committee, control and regulation of livestock which was referred to Senate Agric Committee, and many others.

A number of other panels had been assigned to investigate issues bordering on corruption and misconduct involving federal government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as public officials.

Unfortunately, majority of the panels have been on the assignments for between six months and one year now without any result. Also, a few others have only managed to submit interim reports since they were set up by the Senate President many months ago.

Our correspondent observed that the excitement which most often herald the motions calling for the investigations inexplicably end abruptly contrary to expectations, following the inability of the committees to turn in their reports months after they were set up; even when such report comes, it is found wanting in aim and vigor.

Few of the investigative committees inaugurated by the Senate President, of which not much is heard about their report are: committee on Power which probed the privatization of power sector, the Senate committee on Customs which probed revenue leakages in revenue generating agencies.

Others are: Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Southern Kaduna Crisis and Other Parts of the Country, the Killing of Shi’ite members in Kaduna by the military, Senate ad hoc committee which investigated the importation of six hundred and sixty one fire arms into the country, Senate ad hoc committee which investigated alleged N10trillion

Senator Bukola Saraki

Senator Dino Malaye

Senator Kabiru Marafa

scam in NNPC, among others.

Investigations by Peoples Daily correspondent revealed that most of the ad hoc committees set up by the Senate leadership are only repeating the works already done by similar committees set up by the Senate in the 6th and 7th sessions.

Also, our correspondent on visiting the clerical office of the Senate, which houses the archive reports, discovered that the recommendations made by these previous committees lay in the shelves without any hope of implementation.

However, contrary to expectations, the present Senate, rather than dust up the existing reports and push for their implementation, prefers to set up fresh ad hoc committees to repeat same works, thereby incurring avoidable expenses and waste of resources on the already receded treasury of the country.

For instance, recall that in the 7th Senate, following a motion moved by the incumbent Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over alleged scam in the fuel subsidy payment by NNPC, an investigative hearing was done, which confirmed the allegation.

Sequel to the motion moved by Saraki then, David Mark, who was Senate President, set up an ad hoc committee headed by Senator Magnus Abe, the then chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), to unravel the veracity of the allegation and he submitted his report to the Senate.

The job was successfully done by Senator Abe, who laid the report in the chamber then, but unfortunately, the far reaching recommendations in that report till today rots away in the Senate archives.

There was also the probe of under remittances, wastage in the Nigerian Customs, as well as abuse of waivers by the same Customs in the 7th Senate, which was probed by the then Committee on Finance and the report is also there today.

Surprisingly, rather than calling up the existing report of the past probe which is laid in the Senate library, the leadership rather set up an entirely new ad hoc committee led by Senator Dino Melaye, to repeat the same job. This time, it is called as hoc committee on economic waste in Nigerian Customs.

Observers have argued that since government is a continuum, and given that the reports of investigations carried out by subsequent sessions of the Senate abound in the records and archives of the Senate, there is no need to set up fresh committees to repeat same probes, but the reverse is the case.

Checks by our correspondent further revealed startling revelations on how expensive investigative hearings can be, even as Nigerians do not get the desired service for the money at the end of the exercise.

Our correspondent also discovered how huge funds belonging to Nigerians are usually frittered away in the sponsorship of such endless and fruitless hearings.

A source in the National Assembly who does not want to be mentioned, confided in Peoples Daily that an average investigative hearing costs not less than five million naira, while a public

hearing costs four million naira and above. The source said the fund can be increased depending on the scope and terms of reference given to the committee.

Another source who does not want to be named told our Correspondent that a committee work in the Senate, aside investigative hearing, costs not less than two million naira, while such works involving traveling across the country costs up to ten million and above for both flight and accommodation of the lawmakers.

Meanwhile, when our correspondent sought the opinion of observers of the activities in the parliament on why the lawmakers present reports that are not inspiring particularly where such reports eventually comes, some of the respondents accused some of the lawmakers of having compromised.

According to Breakforth Onwubuya, who is the chairman of Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), there is corruption in the National Assembly, adding that a lot of the senators are not patriotic.

He said the lawmakers know the right thing but choose to do what is wrong.

Onwubuya who is also the interim chairman of Coalition of Concerned Political Parties (CCPP), said a lot of the senators and House of Representatives members go there for business and to enrich themselves, adding that they are mostly concerned about how to recover the money they spent during elections.

Another respondent, a staff of the National Assembly, who does not want to be named for fear of witch-hunt, alleged that most of the senate investigative committee members use the opportunity to extort money from the agencies they are probing, especially when the probe involves a revenue yielding agency of government, oil companies, or top business entities like telecom operators, etc.

Although aggressive interrogation is a strategy for extracting information during investigation, he is howver of the opinion that this is why the lawmakers in both chambers adopt a confrontational approach during the hearing, but end up submitting a diluted report in the chamber. He alleged that such agencies usually “greased their palms” in follow up meetings behind closed doors.

According to him, in most cases; the media, both broadcast and print are involved in good

numbers during the investigations, as a measure to blackmail and intimidate such agencies or oil companies to part with sums of money for the lawmakers.

He disagreed that such hearings are meant to serve the interest of Nigerians, but the selfish interests of the lawmakers.

Speaking also, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of Human Right Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), said the lawmakers most times lack the required expertise and in-house training to successfully conduct the probes.

He further said that a lot of them have not been able to appreciate the enormity of the responsibility entrusted on them as lawmakers, regretting that there are many of them who hardly stay in Abuja to settle down to do their jobs.

Our correspondent reports that in one of such investigate hearings involving a multinational oil company, over an Oil Field, being a local content development project awarded in breach of the law, after the Senate ad hoc committee quizzed the oil companies, the expatriates scampered about in the senate new building, seeking the offices of the senators.

However, after they eventually located their offices and held a private meeting with them, the next adjourned day for the hearing was characterized by cordial interactions, contrary to hitherto confrontation and aggressiveness that characterized the beginning of the investigative hearing.

This was also witnessed in the case of Fuel Scarcity probe headed by Senator Kabiru Marafa.

In Marafa’s case, while he addressed journalists, he had threatened that the senate will deal decisively with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for reintroducing subsidy regime after it was terminated by the APC government.

Marafa said the NNPC GMD must explain before the Senate who authorized the payment of subsidy since it was not approved by the National Assembly in the 2017 budget, even as he warned that if care is not taken, the Senate will compel the federal oil company to refund all the money it paid as subsidy without approval of the National Assembly.

However, during the investigative hearing, as the chairman of the investigative ad hoc committee, he practically prevented his colleagues from asking any question regarding the subsidy payment and the reintroduction of subsidy regime by NNPC without approval by the parliament.

“My distinguished colleagues, please let us leave out all issues regarding to subsidy payment for now”, Marafa told his colleagues at the first day of the probe.

This created mixed impression among participants and even senators who were present during the probe that the senator might be on the same page with NNPC management.

This suspicion later snowballed into the Senate chambers, where the senators unanimously rejected the report submitted by the ad hoc committee led by Senator Marafa, as they accused him of allegedly submitting a report handed over to him by NNPC.

“

Although aggressive interrogation is a strategy for extracting information during investigation, he is howver of the opinion that this is why the lawmakers in both chambers adopt a confrontational approach during the hearing

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

News

NASS, AGF, INEC dragged to court over election sequence

By Vivian Okejeme and Ali Alkali with Agency report, Abuja

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Assembly (NASS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) have been sued over adoption of new dates scheduled for the 2019 general elections.

The Plaintiff, Hope Democratic Party (HDP), is praying the federal high court in Abuja to set aside the scheduled staggered elections recently announced by the electoral body. The party premised their application on Sections 76, 116, 132 and 178 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2010.

Besides, the party also prayed the court to set aside the letter of AGF and INEC dated January 11, 2018, notifying political parties in the country of the staggered elections for 2019 on the ground that the letters and staggered elections are unconstitutional, oppressive, abuse of power and ultra vires.

In the suit number FHC/ ABJ/207/2018, the party wants the court to determine whether by virtue of the provision of the amendment Electoral Act, 2010, the INEC, NASS and AGF are not under a duty and obligation to electronically hold and conduct the scheduled 2019 general elections into the offices of the president, National Assembly, governorship and state Houses of Assembly, the same day, in any order or sequence they may choose to conduct the elections on the appointed date.

The legal action which was dated February 26, is praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the three defendants, their agents, servants and privies from engaging, planning or conducting any form of staggered general election under any guise in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

Counsel to the Plaintiff, Mr. Raphael Nweke Ekene, also sought order of the court directing the defendants to undertake and ensure the holding of all elections in 2019 by electronic devices, including card readers. This, according to the party, is to allow equal participation, certainty of planning and ease of

results and to eliminate and reduce costs, logistics and unnecessary expenses within the limits of election expenses provided by law.

The party also prayed the court to set aside the letter of AGF and INEC dated January 11, 2018, notifying political parties in the country of the staggered elections for 2019 on the ground that the letters and staggered elections are unconstitutional, oppressive, abuse of power and ultra vires.

In a 20- paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons, the plaintiff claimed to be a registered political party and had participated in the previous staggered general elections outside the proposed general elections and that it has interest in the conduct of a free and fair general election within the ambit of international best practices at the upcoming 2019 general election.

The affidavit deposed to by a lawyer, Ipinu Emmanuel averred that the defendants have since 1999 been inconsistent in adhering strictly to and holding any proper general elections, but resulted to a form of staggered general elections at different dates and shifting order and sequence of elections at will and

to their advantages.

The affidavit indicated that the present day reality and harsh economic situation and limited resources of participating political parties and their sponsored candidates favoured the conduct of all the elections into various offices in one appointed date to save costs, curtail election expenses and to make elections affordable to parties.

The affidavit further stated that apart from saving costs, a one day election in any sequence would ensure victory and emergence of good candidates for good governance.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

Similarly, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Anike Nwoga, has asked the Federal High Court Enugu, to stop the National Assembly from changing the sequence of the 2019 elections.

Nwoga, the Zonal Vice Chairman of APC in Enugu East senatorial district, filed the suit on Friday, March 2, 2018 through his lawyer, Godwin Onwusi Esq. In a motion on notice, supported by 25-paragraph affidavit, he is praying the court for an interlocutory injunction, restraining the President

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from assenting to the bill passed by the National Assembly, changing the sequence of the 2019 elections, when it is presented to him for assent, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The motion on notice was brought pursuant to orders 26 and 28 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Honourable court, Aside the National Assembly, which was listed as the 1stdefendant/ respondent, others listed as 2nd to 4th defendants/respondents in the suit numbered: FHC/EN/ CS/28/2018 and commenced through an originating summons, are INEC, the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Apart from the prayer for interlocutory injunction restraining the President, 3rddefendant, from assenting to the bill re-ordering the election sequence, Nwoga is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the NASS, 1st defendant, from overriding the President’s veto, should he decide

to veto the bill, reordering the sequence of the elections, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The plaintiff equally asked for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining INEC, 2nddefendant, from complying with the sequence of elections contained in the bill passed by the National Assembly and for such further orders as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstance, pending the deterrmination of the substantive suit.

Specifically, the plaintiff, Nwoga, is asking the court to among other things determine “Whether the National Assembly in exercise of its lawmaking powers can make laws to compel INEC to exercise the powers to organize, undertake and supervise elections conferred on it by the constitution in a particular sequence.”

“Whether the National Assembly in exercise of her law making powers can make a law to change the sequence of elections, already adopted and published by INEC, pursuant to the powers conferred on it by the constitution.”

A date is yet to be fixed for the hearing of the suit.

L-R: Imam, National Mosque Abuja, Prof, Ibrahim Makari, Chairman, organizing Committee of the Conference, Nasir Hamisu Tahir and the representative from the Sharia court of Appeal, Alh. Mohammed Munir, during the Conference on “marriage counselling a key to sustainable marriage life», held on Saturday at the National Mosque, Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NNPC decries proliferation of fuel stations in border towns

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has decried the proliferation of fuel stations in communities with international land and coastal borders across the country.

NNPC lamented that the development has energized unprecedented cross-border smuggling of petrol to neighboring

countries, making it difficult to sanitize the fuel supply and distribution matrix in the country.

Leading a top Management team of the corporation on a visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (Retd), the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, revealed that detailed study conducted

by NNPC indicated strong correlation between the presence

of the frontier stations and the activities of fuel smuggling syndicates.

He said that the activities of the smugglers had led to recent observed abnormal surge in the evacuation of petrol from less than 35 million litres per day to more than 60 million litres per day, which is in sharp contrast with established national consumption pattern.

NNPC spokesman, Ndu

Ughamadu in a statement quoted Dr. Baru to have explained that because of the obvious differential in petrol price between Nigeria and other neighboring countries, it had become lucrative for the smugglers to use the frontier stations as a veritable conduit for the smuggling of products across the border, saying this had resulted in a thriving market for Nigerian petrol in all the neighouring countries of Niger

Republic, Benin Republic, Cameroun, Chad and Togo and even Ghana which has no direct borders with Nigeria.

“NNPC is concerned that continued cross-border smuggling of petrol will deny Nigerians the benefit of the Federal Government’s benevolence of keeping a fix retail price of N145 per litre despite the increase in PMS open market price above N171 per litre,’’ he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

PAGE 6

News FG spends N2.8bn on Gbongan-IwoOyo road

T

he federal government says it has spent N2.8 billion on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gbongan-IwoOyo Road in the South-west of Nigeria.

Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, disclosed this on Saturday in Gbongan, Osun State, while inspecting the project.

Mr. Fashola said that the road was awarded to Kopek Construction Company by the previous administration in 2011 at the cost of N6.9 billion.

Represented by Adetunji Adeoye, the South-West Director of the Ministry, Mr. Fashola said government was committed to the speedy completion of the road.

He said that the contract, with 18 months completion period, was delayed for three years due to delay in release of funds.

The minister said the current administration had been providing funds to the construction company.

He said the government was reviewing the contact rate to accommodate changes in prices of materials.

Earlier, Wasiu Atitebi, the Federal Controller of Works in Osun, said that the 32.2 Kilometre road links Gbongan, Iwo in Osun state and Ibadan in Oyo state.

Mr. Atitebi said the contractor was mobilised back to the site in January 2017 after three years delay, adding that the project was in its fifth extension.

Pascal Harfouch, the Kopek contractor, said that some parts of the road were for rehabilitation while other parts were total reconstruction.

Mr. Harfouch, who confirmed that government did not owe them for now, said the company was working on a review of the contract sum due to changes in prices.

He added that local people in the area were employed in executing the project in line with federal government’s local content policy.

The contractor said the project was at 61.6 per cent completion.

Buhari tasks Ulama’a on true teaching of Islam From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua Katsina

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has urged Islamic scholars and parents to inculcate in their children the true teachings of Islam, which centres around peace and piety.

He said this will guard them against extremist views which have given rise to insurgency and violence.

The President was speaking at the closing of ceremony of this year’s National Quranic Recitation Competition held in Katsina.

Represented by the Minister of State for Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, the President noted that doctrines being preached by extremist groups do not represent the Islamic faith.

The President urged Islamic preachers and Imams to always preach the right set of Islamic

values in children.

In his speech, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar the third, urged the federal and northern state governments to redouble efforts at stamping out insurgency particularly in the north-east.

The Sultan also urged leaders at all levels to fear Allah and discharge their duties according to the oath of office they have sworn.

Aminu Yunus from Bauchi State and Amina Aliyu from Borno State emerged overall best in male and female categories of the Qur’anic recitation competition.

Winners in the competition will represent Nigeria at the global Quranic Recitation Competition to hold in Saudi Arabia later in the year.

Army disburses N19m to 95 widows of fallen heroes The Nigerian Army has disbursed

N19 million to 95 widows of fallen heroes residing in Abakpa and Awkunanaw Barracks in Enugu State to ameliorate the hardship being faced by the women.

The money was donated by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi of Enugu state. Adamu Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this in a statement issued by Sagir Musa, Deputy Director of Army Public Relations of the Division on Saturday in Enugu.

Mr. Musa, a colonel, who explained that each of the widows received N200, 000, said that the money was presented to the widows at the division’s auditorium in Enugu on Friday.

He said that Mr. Abubakar, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, urged the beneficiaries to make use of the

money judiciously.

Mr. Musa also said that the GOC thanked Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his continued support to the widows and the Division.

Mr. Ugwuanyi had during the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration pledged to empower the widows of fallen heroes of the Division.

The governor on Feb. 17, during the 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA) held in Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu, redeemed the pledge with a cheque of N19.6 million, which he presented to the GOC. Mr. Musa also said that the Garrison Commander of the Division, Brig.-Gen. Lasisi Adegboye, and representatives from the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 82 Division Chapter attended the occasion.

(NAN)

R-L; President of KADCCIMA, Hajiya Muhibba Farida Dankaka, Governor of Kaduna State; Nasiru El-Rufai, his wife Ummi, past president of KADCCIMA, Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu and past President of KADCCIMA Alhaji Abidu Yazid at the concluded of the 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair yesterday Photo: BASHIR BELLO

School feeding: Kaduna govt cautions vendors against low quality food From Femi Oyelola kaduna with agency report

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he Kaduna State Government has warned vendors supplying food to pupils under the Federal Government School Feeding Programme to desist from supplying low quality food or face prosecution.

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Ja’afaru Sani, gave the warning when he visited some primary schools in Rigassa, Kaduna metropolis to inspect on-going

construction projects.

Sani, who inspected the quality of food being supplied to the pupils at LEA Bilyaminu Street Primary School, expressed displeasure over the low nutritional value of the food.

He also complained of the quantity of the food, “which seems to be just a mouthful’’.

“How can you cook rice with no vegetables and nothing except palm oil and give it to our children. We cannot accept this.

“The Federal Government is paying you to supply quality

nutritional food not shaft. This must change or we will be force to take action’’, he told one of the vendors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 10,000 pupils of primary one to three in more than 300 primary schools in the state were being fed under the Federal Government Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

On the school constructions, the commissioner said that the projects were awarded to provide conducive learning environment and increased access to quality education in

the state.

The projects included; one storey building of 30 classrooms with two offices, and 15 toilets at LEA Primary School Lokoja Road, Rigassa.

There was another one storey building of 30 classrooms, 15 toilets with an office at LEA Bilyaminu street also in Rigassa.

Others are one storey building of 20 classrooms, 12 toilets with an office at LEA Shawai, LEA Mashi Gwari and LEA Hayin Danmani respectively, all in Rigassa.

Sani expressed satisfaction

with the speed and quality of the works and commended the contractors for keeping their promise to deliver the projects within the six months’ time frame and agreed specification.

“I am sure in no distant time the classes will be ready even before the six months period,’’ he said.

The contractor, Malam Abubakar Aliyu, assured the state Government that the projects, which included fencing and provision of solar powered boreholes, would be completed before the deadline.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

CRIME News Northern govs to FG: Declare state of emergency on drug abuse From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

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orried by the increased rate of drug abuse in the north and other parts of the country, the Northern States Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse in order to curtail the menace.

The Chairman of the Forum, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting held in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, the state of emergency becomes necessary in order to renew effort to deal with the scourge.

He called on the FG to provide all necessary funds to relevant agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA in their unrelenting fight against drug abuse.

“The meeting also called on State Governments to set up High Powered Enforcement Committees under the chairmanship of either the Deputy Governor o Secretary to the State Government, to ensure that all the relevant laws and statutory provisions in respect of drug abuse are fully and effectively implemented at all times.

“It further enjoined State Ministries of Women and Youth to intensify sensitization and enlightenment programmes on the dangers of drug abuse.

“It also resolved to come up with appropriate legislation by the various Houses of Assembly in the Northern States.

“The Forum was particularly disturbed that the phenomenon of drug abuse seems to be escalating with its attendant physical and psychological consequences, notwithstanding

the various measures initiated by governments at various levels to stem the tide,” he said.

Speaking on the conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, Governor Shettima said the Forum will render full and unequivocal support to the FG in its unwavering commitment and dogged determination to address the multifarious security challenges in all parts of the nation.

“The Forum particularly extends its support to the Federal Government for the measures so far put in place to resolve the lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen; “Implementable and viable strategic measures should be initiated by governments at all levels, to forestall future occurrence of any form of communal crisis; “Articulate a comprehensive plan for intervention to those states affected by the lingering crisis; and “Strongly admonish political, religious and ethnic jingoist to avoid imputing religious, ethnic and political coloration to such conflict,” he stressed.

Governor Shettima also briefed the media that the Forum was presented with an Interim Report of the NSGF Committee on Restructuring of the country which was mandated to collate views and opinions of individuals, groups and organizations in the North and come up with a northern position on the national clamour for restructuring.

The Forum noted the presentation of the report and commended the Committee for its relentless efforts towards ensuring comprehensive conduct of the exercise.

It assured the Committee of its full support towards executing its mandate successfully.

Police confirm 5 dead in fresh Mambilla Plateau attacks

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olice in Taraba have confirmed that five people were killed and several others injured in fresh attacks on communities in Sardauna local government area of the state.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), David Misal, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the crisis erupted in Nyiwa and Yerimaru areas on Thursday as a result of a misunderstanding between a farmer and a herder.

He said units of mobile policemen and soldiers from the 20 battalion in Serti have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.

Mr. Misal added that the situation, which led to the burning of several homes and killing of many cows, has been brought under control.

A victim of the attack, Abubakar Ardo, who escaped with his family, told NAN in Gembu that the attacks started at midday on Thursday and most of the killings occurred in the night.

He said almost all houses in about 15 Fulani communities were torched by the assailants.

Mr. Ardo said the timely arrival of soldiers and police prevented further killings and destruction of property.

He said about 15 people were killed during the violence on Thursday evening, adding that five of those killed were buried in Gembu on Friday.

Mr. Ardo also confirmed that security personnel have been drafted to the trouble areas leading to restoration of peace.

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

KANO STATE GOVERNMENT

APPRECIATION I, the Executive Governor of Kano Mohammed Ketso and the Minister of state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR, Interior, General Idris Bello Dambazau on behalf of my family, the government (rtd) and the Governor Maradi in Niger and the good people of Kano state Republic, El Hajj Zakari Oumarou wishes to express my profound gratitude The royalty added to the joyful to MUHAMMADU BUHARI, President spirit of the event by the Emir of of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II attending the Wedding Fatiha of our who equally formalized the marriage son and daughter, Idris and Fatima, contract; the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi which took place on Saturday, March Olayiwola Adeyemi III; representative 3, 2018 in Kano, Your presence really of the Sultan of Sokoto; representative of made the event special by serving as the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim; Waliy (representative of the groom). representative of Sultan of Damagaran; We appreciate you for the time and representatives of the Emirs of Gwandu, The Executive Governor of Kano state, Katsina, Daura, Zazzau, Hadejia, Gumel, thoughtful wishes.

Our sincere appreciation also goes Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR Dutse,ingim and Kazaure as well as to APC Chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed other royal fathers from different parts Tinubu, who represented the bride; Senate President, of the country and neigbouring Niger Republic is equally Bukola Saraki; Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate, appreciated.

Senator Ahmed Lawan and other distinguished My sincere gratitude also goes to the Wife of the Vice Senators; pioneer Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; APC President, Mrs Oludalopo Osinbajo, who led a delegation National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni; Secretary to the of 15 wives of state governors to come and share this Government of the Federation, Mustapha Boss; Chief joyous moment with us. We are grateful. of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Director General I also appreciated the honour done to me by the former of the State Security Service, Lawal Musa Daura; First Lady, Hajiya (Dr.) Maryam Abacha and the Wife of Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed the former Vice President, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo Idris and members of the House of Representatives, the We were also happy to be surrounded by the likes Speaker of Kano state House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata; the richest man Abdullahi Ata and members of the Kano State House of in Africa and Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Assembly.

Dangote; renowned business mogul, Alhaji Muhammad I equally say a big thank you to these friends and Ali Indimi, Alhaji Abdussamad Isyaka Rabi’u, Chairman, colleagues who have all filled our hearts with joy and BUA Group; Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal. gratitude; Your Excellencies the Chairman Nigerian I am also indebted to members of the diplomatic corps, Governor’s Forum, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara party elders, members of the business community, captain state; Chairman Progressive Governors’, Owelle Rochas of industry, the Ulama that included among others, Okorocha of Imo state; Chairman Northern Governors’ leader of Qadiriyya in West Africa, Sheikh Qariballah Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shetima of Borno state; Alhaji Sheikh Nasiru Kabara; and the representative of leader Badaru Abubakar, Jigawa state, Ibukunle Amosun of of Tijjaniyya, Sheikh Rabiu Isyaka Rabiu representatives Ogun state; Yahaya Bello, Kogi state; Malam Nasir Non Governmental Organisations, youth and women El-Rufa’i of Kaduna state; Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi groups as well as people from all walks of life numerous state; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state; Akinwumi to be mention here.

Ambode of Lagos state; father of the groom, Governor I pray Allah, the Almighty to reward you bountifully.

Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state; former governors of Sokoto Allah Ya bar Zumunci. state, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakrda Wammako, Jigawa state, Alhaji saminu Turaki; Alao Akala, Oyo state; DR. ABDULLAHI UMAR GANDUJE, OFR representative of Niger state governor, his deputy, Alhaji Executive Governor, Kano State

Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

News

From Ahmed Kebbi

Idris

Birnin

T

hirty six cases of outbreak of yellow fever have been recorded in eight local governments area of Kebbi state.

Confirming the outbreak to our correspondent, weekend, Hon. Commissioner of Health Alhaji Umar Usman Kannaza said that only 36 people have been confirmed with the diseases a result of the yellow fever outbreak.

The Commissioner said over 500 health personnel would be drafted to the affected

Kebbi records 36 cases of yellow fever -Commissioner areas for vaccination of people between the ages of 9 months and 45 years irrespective of their vaccinator’s status to curb spread of the disease to other local government areas.

“So far, 879 suspected cases have been reported from 21 states of the Federation. Kebbi State has also reported 36 cases of Yellow

fever from 8 Local Government namely: Bagudo, Fakai, Koko/ Base,Maiyama,Ngaski, Shanga ,Suru and Yauri.

“To counter the spread of the disease and prevent risk of epidemics in the 8 LGAs and the state, a yellow fever reactive vaccinator campaign has been schedule in the 8 LGAS”.

Kambaza who said that there was no record of death disclosed that international developing partners like WHO, UNICEF and others would participated in the vaccination campaign in all the 85 political wards in the affected areas which will kick off 10th March,2018 and end on 19th of the same month.

“Kebbi State is expected to vaccinate about one million, six hundred thousand individual within the disease target age group of 9 months to 45 years in the 8 LGAs.” He urged all the stakeholders in the state to mobilise the people of the affected areas for the exercise.

Appeal Court bars CCT chair from Customs boss trial

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

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he Court of Appeal has ruled that the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr. Danladi Umar, should not participate in the trial of a former Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS), Mr. Rasheed Taiwo Owolabi, over false asset declaration charges.

The court ordered that the charge brought against the NCS boss by the federal government should be revived only when the tribunal has been re-constituted.

Owolabi had accused the tribunal boss of demanding N10million bribe to pervert the Court of Justice and asked him to disqualifies self from the trial.

In his ruling, Danladi Umar discountenance the application which prompted the appellant to approached the apex court challenging Umar’s ruling not to disqualify himself from the trial.

Delivering judgment, Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson held that there was no way the excustoms chief can get fair hearing from CCT under Umar having written a petition against him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on demand for bribe.

The judge held that Umar having been thoroughly investigated by EFCC and partly indicted in the finding will naturally create a real likelihood of bias against his accuser in the minds of right thinking people.

Justice Akomolafe-Wilson held that the fear of denial of fair hearing raised by Owolabi was justifiable while the issue of fair treatment was fundamental that it cannot be waived aside.

The court further held that

although the EFCC did not arraign Umar on the strength of Owolabi’s petition, it cannot be doubted that the petition has caused some humiliation against the CCT chairman, hence the likelihood of bias against the defendant.

“The fact that the chairman was absolved from prosecution over the allegation of bribery made against him by appellant does not justify the refusal of the tribunal to recuse Umar from the trial of the appellant.

“No matter how strong the character of Judex might be, he should not sit as a judge over the case of an accuser.

“It is even noteworthy that the chairman was not completely absolved of blame in the petition filed against him to the EFCC. Though, the EFCC after investigation could not get sufficient fact to prosecute the chairman, yet he was vilified for a most unethical and highly suspicious conduct on his part.

“Let me state here that having regards to the investigating report of EFCC, the bias cannot by any stretch of imagination said to have been intestinally instigated by the appellant as a play to escape prosecution as being contested by counsel to the respondent.

“It is settled that justice must not only be done, it must manifest and be seen to have been done. A court must never place itself in a situation where the confidence reposed in it by

the public to do justice to all parties before it in all circumstances in eroded.

“The stream of justice must be kept clean and clear without any suspicion of pollution.

“I hereby set aside the decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal delivered on 20th October, 2016 and strike out the charge against the appellant pending when the tribunal is reconstituted with another chairman.”

R--L, Secretary General Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria, Malam Nafiu BabaAhmed, Director of Programme of Sultan Foundation, Malam Aminu Inuwa Mohammed and Sheikh Mohammed Bello Dan-malam ,at the closing ceremony of Majalisu Tajdidi Tadhamunil Muslimeen (MTTM) IN Kaduna yesterday.

Photo; BASHIR BELLO

Enelamah, others charge board members on ethical performance

By Abba-Eku Onyeka

Abuja

T

he Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Dr Okechukwu Enelamah has advised the newly inaugurated board chairmen and members of parastatals and agencies under the ministry to ensure they play their roles in line with the ethics and

targets of the Federal Government .

The Minister of state, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar and the Senate Committee Chairman for Industry and Investment, Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf charged them similarly.

This was contained in statement from the ministry at the weekend, co-signed by Josephine

Ademu and Funmilayo Olayinde from the Press Unit of the ministry.

Still charging them for delivery, he urged that they ensure that they work tirelessly toward achieving the change mantra of the present government.

Hailing President Muhammad Buhari for appointing people of credibility, he also urged them to deliver as expected.

The Chairman, Senate Committee advised the board chairmen and members to liaise with the legislative committee in order to achieve a common goal.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the Chairman, Sugar Company, Bolaji Abdulahi assured Nigerians of the appointees’ willingness to deliver.

NGO seeks measures to check impact of climate change By Osaigbovo Benin

A

Iguobaro

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Initiative for Climate Education and Energy Awareness, ICEEA, has urged Edo state government to articulate a policy to ensure effective adaptation of resources like water to check the impact of climate change.

The Founder of the

Organization, Mr. Ofure Osehobo disclosed this at the weekend in Benin City, the Edo state Capital.

He explained that such measure which is in line with global standard, should be domesticated in Africa at large and Nigeria in particular, including Edo state where the level of vulnerability of climate change is palpable.

Osehobo, a journalist said the group came to the conclusion based on the findings of recent

survey in the state.

He said the survey was a capacity needs assessment in the area of climate change awareness and how it relates to Edo state of Nigeria.

On what informed the survey he said ICEEA among others wanted to know how important the issue of climate change is at the state level.

He clarified that it was also to determine how much is communicated about climate

change and assess the current level of accurate information and positive attitudes “We also wanted to decide who should be targeted in priority in a Climate Awareness Programme”.

“This was in fulfillment of our obligation to create and promote public awareness and participation in addressing the challenges of climate change”.

On the approach used by the ICEEA for the survey which was concluded last month, he said

20 individuals each from among government officials, community based organizations, civic leaders, journalists and Business persons were made to answer a questionnaire.

The other findings of the survey he added are human activities and natural variability are both believed to be causes of climate change.

But human activity is solely responsible for recent changes in climate.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

PAGE 10

News

Minister seeks stronger ties with India on industrial park devt

By Abba-Eku Onyeka

Abuja

T

he Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah has underscored the need to involve Machindra Auto Makers of India on the proposed Nigerian Centre of Indian Institute of Technology as well as the Auto Industrial Park in Nnewi Anambra state.

He said that, this could be realised if the two countries have closer ties.

The Minister said this when the Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria, B.N. Reddy accompanied by his deputy, Subhash Chand came to his office to request for collaboration between the two countries in the areas of Joint Trade Committee (JTC) between the two countries and Chief Executive Officers Forum (CEOF) for interested CROs from Nigeria and India who are also interested in bilateral trade between the countries.

The Minister in response said that trade relationship between the countries were significant, especially with the private sector, even as he expressed desire for the two countries to collaborate on specialised industrial zones which he informed that Nigeria was working on.

It would be recalled that the minister recently launched and presented to the public the first edition of Nigerian Annual Trade Policy Report (NATPR) in his conference room in Abuja.

The document, a yearly publication by the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) has revealed that transactions in exportation and importation of goods and services had given employment to about 14 percent of Nigerian workforce, an equivalent of about 10.8 million and it also accounts for about 18 percent of the GDP., while agriculture seconded by accounting for about 29.1 percent of the GDP.

Sokoto to construct 1000 tube wells to boost farming

By Ese Awhotu

S

okoto government said it will construct 1000 tube wells so as to provide enough water to farm lands for the 2018 irrigation season in the state.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this over the weekend in Sokoto.

“The water levels in our dams

are very low and will not be enough to serve the needs of our farmers for the dry season farming. To overcome that challenge, experts suggested we seek for alternative ways of watering our farm lands.

“In that regard, we decided to construct 1000 tube wells in different locations across the state. This effort will enable us meet our target for the 2018

cropping season,” he added.

Tambuwal further revealed that the state government has procured five supper tiller machines, fifty tomato grinding machines, 40 rice handheld harvesters and five mini tractors at the cost of N64 million to support farming activities in the state.

On the FADAMA III agric

project in the state, the Governor said Sokoto farmers have implemented a total of 1,786 business plans for rice, sorghum and tomato value chains, the largest of such plans in the country.

“The total number of participating farmers stands at 24,546, made up of 21,631 male and 2,915 female,” he added.

Members of LG Rhythms 2018 Charity Walk Against Inflammation of the Liver, during a visit to Asokoro General Hospital, Yesterday in Abuja.

Why we need youth empowerment –Hon Heinz

By Ochiaka Ugwu

T

he Chairman/Chief Executive of New Nyanya Group of Companies, the operators of New Nyanya Transport Company Limited and other business concerns, Hon. Ambassador, Chief Samuel Heinz Onah has stressed the need for youth empowerment in the nation saying that it will ensure stability and all round development in the country.

Hon. Heinz while addressing a gathering of egg heads last week in Ecuador Embassy Abuja which included the Ambassador of Ecuador, His Excellency, Leopoldo Rovayo

Verdesoto said the youth need empowerment to enhance their God given potentials.

The event was the monthly Young Journalists Forum with the Embassy of the Ecuador with the topic: “Role of Youths in Peace Building in Africa”.

Heinz who has more than 2000 people in his employ said that he will continue to create jobs to compliment President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of repositioning and transforming the economy through job creation.

The Abuja based business mogul noted with pleasure that job creation should be the priority of everyone as it

will reduce the pressure posed by high unemployment rate which often time make youth to adopt the “Man must wakk” mantra.

Heinz who thanked the Ambassador for inviting him promised to work with the ambassador towards making maximum use of the potentials and opportunities that abound in his country.

He however, urged the youth to be of good behavior and conduct themselves in a manner that will always show them as a good ambassador of the country.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf

Aregbesola, who was represented

by Hon. Idia Babalola, the Commissioner for Federal Matters in Osun State discussed in depth the role of youths in building peace in the continent of Africa.

Amb. Verdesoto said that Ecuador and Nigeria have a lot in common and should always strive to get the youths engaged so as to be able to build a better nation.

Deputy Director, Currency Operation Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria-CBN, Dr. Vincent Wuranti stated that the absence of peace is unpalatable, adding that there are reasons why young people react.

NUJ, MURIC demand Tony Ezimakor’s unconditionally release From Ayodele Samuel Lagos

T

he Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the unconditional release of detained Journalist Tony Ezimakor, the Abuja Bureau Chief of The Independent Newspapers.

He has been in the custody of the Department of State Security Service for four days now.

The NUJ and other well-meaning stakeholders had earlier engaged some highly placed government officials to secure the release of the journalist who is suffering from hypertension but to no avail.

NUJ National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman in a statement said the groups are

worried that his health will continue to deteriorate under the condition that he is being held.

“We insist that the authorities must immediately release Tony Ezimakor and permit journalists to operate without fear of arrest . The Muhammad Buhari Government should seize the opportunity to end such blatant attempts to intimidate journalists and make press freedom a priority for the administration.” Usman said.

Also MURIC considers the continued detention of Tony Ezimakor without arraigning him in a competent court of law as draconian, tyrannical, illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

MURIC Director Professor Ishaq Akintola, said section 23 of the Police Act

stipulates that suspects cannot be detained beyond 24 hours after which the person should be charged to court in conformity with the basic constitutional rights of citizens.

“As a security agency, the DSS should not consider itself excluded from this provision. To do otherwise will amount to impunity and an encroachment on Allahgiven fundamental rights of a Nigerian citizen.

Section 36 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees right to fair hearing and only a court of competent jurisdiction can establish the judicial principle of audi alterem partem.

We therefore demand that Ezeakor be brought to court if the DSS has anything

against him.”

MURIC reminds the DSS of the stipulations of Article 4, Clause 1 & 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which guarantees the integrity of every Homo sapiens: “Human beings are inviolable.

Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and the integrity of his person.”

MURIC warned that Tony Ezeakor has a health condition as an hypertensive individual and further detention is most likely to worsen his condition.

It also cautioned the DSS not to do anything likely to damage the good name of the Buhari administration particularly in international circles.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, march 5, 2018

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

ano and Lagos state governments, over the weekend in Lagos, concluded a successful joint economic summit with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), outlining their intrerest in economic partnership to “facilitate growth and development”. The governors of the two states (Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for Kano and Akinwunmi Ambode for Lagos) personally signed the document to underscore their earnestness.

The MoU “seeks to create a common platform for exploring, expanding and developing areas of economic development and Investment”.

The two states agreed to expand the current level of economic and investment cooperation between them “especially in key areas of governance, security, internally generated revenue (IGR), agricultural value chain, tourism, education, information and communication technology (ICT) and skills development.”

This ‘ north-south’ cooperation began in the late 1990s when a former civilian governor of Kano visited Lagos to learn first hand the secret of Lagos state’s vast economic fortunes. It is only one of few states that can afford not to wait for statutory allocations from Abuja. It brings in a huge IGR that can finance its annual budget running into over a trillion naira.

Other areas of cooperation covered in the MoU include commerce with “specific focus on ease of doing business and infrastructure in power, transportation and urban waste management”. The

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

“specific objectives” of the MoU “are to governors are telling the world that establish a formal and flexible framework collaboration, cooperation, partnership to expand trade and investment can work to bring about economic cooperation, foster scientific and sufficiency in our states and off course technological collaboration for business the entire nation.” development in emerging key sectors, strengthen communication, enhance We, at Peoples Daily, welcome this “wind trust, boost economic development of change” in inter-state relations in our and create jobs”. Under the agreement, country. Before now, state governments the two governments have set up a saw themselves more as rivals than Technical Working Group to oversee the collaborators. Take, for example, the infamous court case involving Cross River and Akwa Ibom over oil wells. A more recent case brought the governors of Benue and Nasarawa to a war of words over the raging herders/farmers We urge the other violent conflict in the former. This is not states to emulate the healthy at all.

“

K

Kano-Lagos partnership initiative

Kano/Lagos strategic partnership initiative.

There are lots of positives to take from it. Apart from the immediate economic gains that it signals, there are also cultural advantages.

We urge the other states to emulate the Kano/Lagos strategic partnership initiative. There are lots of positives to take from it. Apart from the immediate economic gains that it signals, there are also cultural advantages. Much of the social tension in the country today arises from our unwiilingness to get to know our commonness. We prefer to dwell more on our negatives than the positives. Also we tend to undermine the very institutions set up to consolidate national unity. Take the NYSC as an example. It has not wotked as it should because parents are resisting the posting implementation of the objectives of the of their sons and daughters to do the MoU. one of compulsory national service after university graduation in states other While officially closing the summit, Lagos than theirs. state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said the signing bceremony was “a clear testament of the commitment of Let us come together to make our country work for our collective good. It is in our both states to collaborate in the overall hands to make it happen. best interest of their peoples. The two

OUR PEOPLE Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Chief Operating Officer (Ag) Editor, Daily

Hameed M. Bello Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

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PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Change of election timetable and NASS dictatorial acts

By Mansir Lawal Kaware

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emocracy is supposed to be different from monarchy or military system of Government. That is why it is built on the three pillars of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary to ensure checks and balances such that excesses from any of the three arms could be curtailed. By tradition, the legislature and the judiciary are the ones responsible for checking the excesses of the executive to avoid letting it loose to the extent of going into dictatorial tendencies.

However, the turn of events in Nigeria has proved that the legislature at the National level is taking over this role of Dictatorship especially the eighth Senate by forcing its members to toe the line of interest of their leadership. Contrary opinion to their interest had always been met with decisive action as the military would put it in the event of taking over power from another Government. The Senate and House of Representatives have rules that deal with disciplinary action against its members but surprisingly in Nigeria such rules are only applied when the principal officers are affected especially the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives. By this action, the NASS Leaderships are gagging the members not to express their opinions provided such opinions contradict the interest of the leaders or that of their errand boys. The last time Senator Ndume was suspended for calling the attention of the Senate over publications against Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye while a Kano House of Representatives Member Abdulmumini Jibrin was suspended for having an imbrogolio with Dogara over budget padding, today, ten Senators tagged Pro-Buhari Senators are under threat for opposing the interest of Bukola Saraki and what was considered the position of the NASS on reversing INEC Election Time Table arrangement.

What is unclear to Nigerians is the rationale behind the changes and the benefit derivable from that change. Senators who voiced their opinions against it are now being punished in the name of rule twenty this, this and thirty that, that as a cover to the ill motive of the National Assembly Leaders. Dino Melaye the alleged third hand of Saraki and the self appointed discipline master of the Senate has taken the Senators to task, forgetting that he begged their support during his recall threat for opposing the interest of his boss. One wonders whether Bukola Saraki was elected Senate President from Ilorin and not by the Senators at the Senate Chambers. When Dino Melaye threatened to pounce on Senator Oluremi Tinubu the Senate rules escaped the memory of the Senate President and other Senators, instead Saraki swiftly acted and douse the tension without suspending Dino Melaye for disgracing the Senate and Nigeria by his action, because whatever Dino Melaye did at the Senate could be viewed to have the tacit approval of the Senate President of the eighth Senate.

If the claim of Dino Melaye is true, that their action was not targeted at Buhari then let him give reason for it. The point is this, some of them are nursing the ambition of cross carpeting

to PDP or the Obasanjo Third Force, and they want to give advantage to Atiku or a PDP candidate or Third Force candidate as the case may be otherwise of which benefit will the charge be to the National Assembly members? If they entertain fear that the executive or the President Specifically may not support them to return, the change of Time Table will not solve the problem because it could only affect Secondary elections. Whoever is to be stopped would meet that fence at Primary election, because the President could not afford to risk the defeat of his party candidates at the general elections. More so, if they want Nigerians to believe that they are not being selfish, they could have placed the State Assembly elections first followed by that of the Governors, then theirs as National Assembly members and the Presidential, that is assuming what they did is right and with good intention.

All these acts of the National Assembly are still subject to debate because lawyers and other stakeholders are still of the view that the responsibility of giving chronology to election scheduled dates is that of the Electoral body. The Senators are surprisingly afraid of the trio of Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye and Ike Ekweremadu as if they were not equally elected into the upper chamber from their various constituencies. It is odd on how magical the Senators kept prostrating kissing the ground before the feet of Dino Melaye to satisfy the interest of Saraki and Ekweremadu. This behavior will subject the Senators to persecution one after the other by the Senate leadership.

The same Dino Melaye went ahead to announce the removal of Abdullahi Adamu from heading the Northern Senators Caucus and replacing him with Wammako all within minutes, this action looks childish coming from the Nigerian Senate. The fact that they found themselves in the Senate does not mean the remaining Nigerians are fools such that Dino Melaye and co. can take them for a ride. When last have we heard the NASS presenting a motion and passing a concurred bill on it within a period of two weeks or thereabout? The recent statement by the Emir of Kano that the change from this Government is incomplete because Senators are still receiving 36 million naira as monthly salary apart from other privileges might have been the reason for the rush, they view their representation on the basis of the money that accrued into their pockets other than their contributions to the well being of Nigerians they claimed to represent. Little wonder therefore that they view the other senators who wanted the upper chamber to act with decorum as their enemies who must be crushed.

Their action as Senate leader will be making the task of Ahmed Bola Tinubu of reconciling aggrieved APC members much more difficult. While efforts are being made to reconcile the APC members the Senators are widening the cracks for him. More so, his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu had a statement credited to her saying that Buhari dumped her husband after 2015 this may have been influenced by Dino Melaye and his Boss since as a Senator, they have access to her. If this is so, it means they are uniting to fight a common enemy, because Oluremi and her husband are not

Appreciating VSF interventions in Adamawa

By Yakubu Uba

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e so good that no one can ignore you. That’s what the Nigeria Foundation for the support of victims of terrorism, popularly known as Victims Support Fund (VSF) represent in Boko Haram ravaged areas of North East, particularly in Adamawa State.

When VSF was established in 2014 the time was ripe and the need so dear for such visionary organisation that would work with other stakeholders to deliver on its mandate of supporting the victims of terrorism and insurgency.

The story of VSF started during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan under the abled leadership of its chairman, Gen. T.Y Danjuma. The fund represented one of the many positive sides of President Buhari administration commitment to continuity of government laudable programmes.

Among other intervention agencies, the fund occupies a special place in its impact on the lives of victims in Adamawa, particularly in the Boko haram worst affected seven local government areas of Madagali, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Hong, Gombi and Michika Local Government areas of Adamawa.

It’s heart warming to see education in the lead as the key component in VSF support to victims in Adamawa and other affected states. There is this saying that with gun you can kill a terrorist but with education you can kill terrorism. VSF has indeed took the right step forward and so far about a 100,000 children are benefitting from its educational interventions in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states..The beneficiaries include both victims and children of host communities.

While handing over some newly reconstructed classrooms

in Michika to Adamawa authorities, the Executive Director of the fund, Prof. Sunday Ochoche explained that the fund is currently reconstructing about 25 schools in the three states. Out of the number, nine are in Adamawa comprising six in Madagali and three in Hong local government areas respectively.

The wonderful jobs by VSF are being done in partnership with credible indigenous NGOs who have proven their commitment to selfless service.

One of such NGOs is the Education Must Continue Initiative (EMCI) which concentrated specifically on children directly affected by insurgents- including orphans in both Adamawa and Borno states. The NGO has set up schools in Yola the headquarters of Adamawa and Lassa town in Askira/Uba Local Government area of Borno state.

Founder of EMCI, Mrs Palmata Edward who is the first female graduate from North East noted that the school which cater for the education of about 2,000 children displaced from villages neigbouring Sambisa forest depended solely on VSF for support. All its classroom tents, desks, text books as well as other teaching and learning facilities were provided by the fund which is also looking into the possibility of providing its volunteer teachers with monthly stipend to boost their morale.

Ochoche who was impressed by the performance of the NGO school during his latest visit promised to provide uniform to the students, while the orphans among them would be considered for further support under the Foster Care Programme of VSF. So far about 2,500 children are benefiting from the foster care programme of VSF in Adamawa. Under the programme, foster parents were being supported with monthly stipend of N14,000 for feeding, education and healthcare of of each orphans under

in the good books of Bukola and his men. For Ike Ekweremadu and his PDP colleagues, this may be to their advantage as they have nothing to lose. The complaints from Tinubu against APC National Chairman over the reconciliation Saga is coming too early from him, as his cry for help by distributing his letter of complaints is a sign that he might not have the sagacity to handle the assignment as he was thought to be by the President. One wonders the freedom, he was given to select his members yet he began with complaints even before he gets half way into the job.

It could be recalled that when he was appointed, some people said Bola Tinubu is himself an aggrieved member and not much could be expected from him. With his wife saying he was dumped this may be raising more questions than answers.

However, this statement from Oluremi Tinubu and other allies of her who are saying Tinubu has not been treated well need to expatiate on their claims. What is it that they wanted Buhari to do for Tinubu which the President has not done for him? It is Tinubu that gave the Vice President, he gave a number of Ministers, and he gave Chief Executives of some federal Parastatals. Even his attempt to give Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives was not opposed by Buhari and he still succeeded in making Gbajbiamila the House Leader. Naja’atu Bala Mohammed has severally accused Tinubu of creating problem at the National Assembly, while Buhari did not act to the contrary, yet his loyalists are saying Buhari sidelined him. What then do they want to Buhari to do for or give to Tinubu for them to be contented that Tinubu has been compensated?

Let them not forget that the likes of Obasanjo, Atiku, Bukola Saraki, Ogbannaya Onu, Rochas Okorocha and other PDP Governors that crossed to APC have contributed to the success of the party. Whoever supports Buhari has made his contribution, but Buhari in himself is also a material worth winning elections in Nigeria. It is therefore important for Bola Tinubu to call his wife and his people to order, because with these kind of statements coming from his close associates, his attempt to call on others to listen to him for his reconciliation mission may not be taken seriously.

On the whole, the reconciliation committee headed by Tinubu should find inroads towards solving the problems and not to turn into sending letters to those in authority to solve the problem, otherwise he wouldn’t have been appointed. As for the senate, let them know that re-ordering election sequence will not be the best way of stopping Buhari, they have taken for themselves a task that could not be realized by them. The re-ordering and the postponement of election by Jonathan administration couldn’t stopped Buhari even with Jonathan and majority PDP Governors in control of the power machineries. Buhari has to re-write the wrongs in Nigeria. The important thing is to start somewhere which he has done and let them know that Nigerian electorates are with him.

Mansir Lawal Kaware writes in from Katsina. their care. This laudable Programme identified orphans and vulnerable children and provide them a structure of protection.

Another Midas touch by VSF is in the area of enhancing small scale enterprises for women victims of the insurgency which has resulted in empowering 5000 women with the needed capital and guidance to be self reliant as normalcy returns to their respective communities.

Peace building among returnee communities is another vital aspect of the intervention by VSF in Adamawa where tensed relationship existing among the diverse people of the state-which has over 70 tribes was hightened by the insurgency that creating more suspicious among communities.

The peace building project involving clerics, community leaders and indigenous Civil Society Organizations is now in place. No wonder the latest sectarian violence in the state involving herdsmen and farmers has not been recorded in communities that are part of the fund peace building project.

A Japanese proverb says, You can’t see the whole sky through a bamboo tube. In fact, a short write up like this cannot capture the whole positive impact the VSF has made and is still making in the north east and Adamawa in particular. However, the good people of the sub-region particularly those affected by the insurgency will continue to pray for more wisdom and God’s guidance for government and officials of VSF as they continue the good and onerous take of assisting those struggling to pick up their lives once again.

As we awaits the take off of the much talked about North East Development Commission, VSF remains one of major facelift to many of us in the North East who experienced the Boko Haram face-off.

Yakubu Uba writes from Yolde-Pate Ward in Yola South LGA of Adamawa State.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Comment

2019: Let Buhari be

By Ignatius Arinze

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igerians are becoming too excited because of the forthcoming 2019 elections. The frenzy this time around appears capable to dwarf that of the 2015 polls that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power.

The election indeed promises to be a thriller when it comes because Nigerians have all worked themselves up because of the varied interests at play, the most important being the ongoing rebranding of the former ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which is working hard and hoping that Nigeria would give it a chance to return to power after it lost the 2015 polls to corruption and maladministration.

On the other hand, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which is being buffeted on all sides for not keeping faith with most of its campaign promises, tells everyone who is ready to listen that it has not done badly and needs a second term to wrap up many of the laudable things it has ongoing arguing further that as a party, its candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot possibly rebuild in a space of four years what took the PDP and all its majestic big men and women, 16 long years to bring to ruin.

In between these two tendencies, undue attention is being placed on the ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari and whether or not he will contest for a second term. The PDP particularly and most of its failed former leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo have made it a sing-song that Buhari should not go for a second term, as if their life depend on it. In fact, recently, in faraway Yenagoa, while carrying out one of his usual deceptive theatrics, former President

Obasanjo threatened to commit suicide if all hope was lost with Nigeria. A friend of this writer asked, why the former Head of State and President did not commit suicide many years ago, when much of his life was still ahead of him. This friend, who incidentally hails from Obasanjo’s Ogun State argued that committing suicide at the ripe age of close to ninety would not amount to a big deal, in view of the role played by Obasanjo in bringing Nigeria to its present predicament.

It should be stated from the outset that all those who are having sleepless nights over the 2019 presidential ambition of Muhammadu Buhari, are idle people who do not wish Nigeria well. This writer and many Nigerians wish to state and let it be put on record that Buhari is not Nigeria’s problem and he has all the right in the world to contest again for a second term, if he so wishes.

Those canvassing for a Mandela option for Buhari are self- serving and are not doing so for the good of the country. President Muhammadu Buhari is an elderly man and a wise one at that. He can very well gauge the state of his health and ability to continue in office for another four years from 2019, if Nigerians were to return him to office.

The point is really that while many of his detractors and others jealous of his achievements are worrying themselves sick about whether he should contest again or not, the gentle and soft- spoken former military General has not yet uttered a word about his political ambition and future as 2019 approaches.

The current distracting debate on the political future of President Muhammadu Buhari championed by letter writers like former President Obasanjo and former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, show the two

former leaders and their misguided supporters as power hungry and power mongers. No wonder the period of their stewardship as national leaders were wasted years. While Buhari or PMB as he is fondly called by his supporters is busy worrying and working hard to improve the country, these power mongers are busy worrying about the next election.

In the usual Nigeria way, President Buhari should have been the one fretting over the 2019 polls and not these other busy- bodies because he is an incumbent and has the right to contest on the ticket of his party, before any other candidate. Being a patient and wise man, he is not perturbed. Rather he busies himself with his team monitoring and fine-tuning his policies on the economy, employment generation, infrastructure and amenities and attracting more foreign investment and capital. Being a democrat, Buhari is not parading himself as presidential candidate of the ruling APC as the party and even Buhari acknowledge that the party candidate would be chosen by free and fair voting by party delegates at a national convention whose date is yet unknown.

On the contrary, those who have declared themselves Buhari’s opponents in the 2019 polls, namely Obasanjo and IBB are shouting themselves hoarse with concern. Even for the opposition PDP, where the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have signaled interest, the date for presidential primaries at which a presidential candidate would emerge have not been agreed on. This means that the people who will not contest both in the primaries of political parties towards 2019, and in the 2019 elections proper, are the ones becoming unduly worried by the prospects of a Buhari re-run, and possibly victory!

The level of concern of OBJ in the entire

2019 project has led him into plotting against the Constitution and the party system, by seeking to impose an alternative political platform known as Third Force on our political system. One hereby declares that Obasanjo’s Third Force, is doomed and dead on arrival.

No Nigerian who can reflect on his failure in eight years in office to provide at least electric power for which he spent a whopping $ 16 billion would give Obasanjo a hearing. The man should rather be in jail in more ordered societies where accountability is the watch word. Former President Obasanjo spent much of his eight years in power fighting imaginary enemies and scheming for tenure elongation and was only prevented from becoming a Nigerian Mobutu by the alliance of honest democrats and a few men of goodwill in our land.

Second, as he is scheming to do now, Obasanjo imposed all the Presidents after him and in alliance with them, brought Nigeria to the current sorry pass. He was in Bayelsa State recently at the country home of one of the worst of the imposed leaders!

President Buhari, in spite of any shortcomings of his stewardship is sincere and has integrity and would not fritter away opportunities to make Nigeria great, the way Obasanjo did. Buhari’s problem as he has often acknowledged is age having lost election three times before victory came his way in 2015.

Buhari deserves a break from do- gooders in our midst who could not improve the country when they were in charge and all Nigerians viewed and treated them with awe.

Whether PMB will contest in 2019 or not, is a decision for his party and its members, the APC, and himself to make.

Ignatius Arinze wrote from Abuja.

Strong institutions: Panacea to sustained development

By Buwa Meldrick Memeh

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recisely October 1st2015, at the annual event tagged “Platform” organised

by Pastor Poju Oyemade’s Covenant Christian Centre, Bishop Kukah stated that if the worst President that ever ruled Nigeria had the opportunity to be the President of the United States of America, it would be difficult to steal from their treasury and in all sincerity, this is one assertion I completely agree with.

In the same vein, you will agree with me when I say that if President Barak Obama became the President of Nigeria or the President of his ancestral home, Kenya, there is every possibility that he would have ended up like the average corrupt and selfish African leader whose only focus was to amass wealth at the expense of the masses.The statement made by Bishop Kukah further stresses the argument put forward by President Barak Obama that Africans should concentrate on building stronger institutions rather than strong men. Even though I might slightly differ with President Obama, it is important to stress that the existence of strong institutions can only be made possible by the availability of strong men.

The reality of present day happenings indicate that those morals and values that clearly distinguished us from peoples of other countries have been exchanged for the ills that come along with globalization.While growing up, I remember my mother constantly reminded me that in her days, people display their goods outside the compound and the buyer didn’t have to see the trader to purchase these items and it was certain that the trader will meet her money in tact whenever she came back. Nowadays this will practically be impossible astraders are at the mercy of

hoodlums and armed robbers.

The display of the latest cars and flamboyant lifestyle of Hollywood stars as seen on television sets have completely altered our values and orientation which has consequently led to the desperation and craving of a new lease of life from both the old and young.

Africans have successfully adapted to the lifestyle of their Hollywood idols but unlike developed countries, African nations have weak institutions and structures to tackle the ills and fallout of such contagious lifestyle.

Societal standards have been set so high and it no longer takes a religious person but one with high moral standards to avoid the influence of society. Today even the clergy men have been caught in the web of affluence as they have successfully reduced the worth of private jets to that of mere taxis.

Institutions set up by the government to fight against financial crimes have severally been caught in a mess of their own financial crimes and institutions set up to deliver judgements can no longer be relied upon since corruption has built a safe haven in the hearts of some judges. Today, everyone is out to make money at the expense of someone else and while some blame the situation on the untold hardship faced in the country, we must not fail to identify greed which has eaten the heart of the average Nigerian.

If we must fix the issues at hand, we must see Nigeria as an electronic DVD player programmed to play CD plates. This electronic gadget plays any CD plates but there is a loud scratch when it identifies a faulty or scratched CD plate and it refuses to recognize it or play it any further. Unfortunately, Nigeria as an electronic DVD player has not been programmed to select its CD plates and this explains why every junk that passes

through the device is successfully played and consequently inflicts its own damage on the device and regrettably like a virus crashes a computer, every sector of the Nigerian economy is heading for a crash except for the intervention of a quick fix.

President Muhammadu Buhari must understand that the only remedy to this impending disaster is to ensure the institution of harsh laws and capital punishments to deter public officials and other Nigerians from engaging in practices that are capable of crashing Nigeria.

Countries like China and Indonesia have been successful in the implementation of these punishments. In 2014, the former deputy chief engineer of China’s disbanded railways, Zhang Shuguang was found guilty of taking bribes of more than 47m yuan over 11 years. The courts sentenced him to death. In Indonesia, the drug laws are so strict that parents who fail to notify the authorities of their children’s narcotics use could face criminal charges. Recently several Nigerians have been executed in Indonesia due to drug related offences and these countries understand the fact that if these laws are not instituted, the country would pay the ugly price.

President Muhammadu Buhari has the opportunity to put his name in gold by being the strong man to create an environment that abhors corrupt practises such that when he leaves office, we have a system that is incompatible with corruption. Today it is difficult for any corrupt man to survive as United States President because he would be impeached and thrown in jail but in Nigeria we are not sure of the National Assembly members who will impeach any corrupt President. The onus lies on President Buhari to make the business of governance less lucrative. Those

who occupy public office must be those willing to serve and not those interested in jumbo allowances. If the salaries and allowances of National Assembly members are reduced to the present wages received by school teachers, a lot of our legislators would tender their resignation and Nigerians willing to serve would be happy to replace them. Unfortunately the cost of governance has become a burden on Nigerians and a few are carting away with the wealth of the country.

While Nigerians embrace the present administration’s anti-corruption stance, President Buhari must understand that it will be regarded as no different from what we have seen under previous administrations if stolen funds are not recovered and no one is made to account for years of misrule. It will also be a waste of time if corrupt persons are not tried and sent to jail. Nigerians are used to hearing huge figures stolen but unfortunately our judiciary are yet to convict corrupt leaders.

The same judiciary cleared James Ibori an innocent man but it took the UK courts only a short while before Ibori pleaded guilty to corrupt charges and today we have an exgovernor serving 13 year jail sentence for financial fraud. Unfortunately the Nigerian prisons are built for thieves who steal Maggie cubes while the treasury looters enjoy ex-parte injunctions.

We must admit we have work on our hands which include ridding the judiciary, the police and other public institutions of corrupt elements. If we must get it right we must strengthen our institutions but until then Nigeria remains at the mercy of corrupt leaders.

Buwa Meldrick Memeh is Public Affairs Analyst and Social Commentator on national issues.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

PAGE 14

News Group wants NAHCON to extend hajj payment deadline Mohammad Kaduna

Ibrahim,

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ndependent Hajj Reporters has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to extend the March deadline for the registration of pilgrims for 2018 hajj.

Nigeria was allocated 95, 000 slots for the year; with 70, 000 distributed to states pilgrims and 20, 000 to independent tour operators.

A statement by the civil society’s National Coordinator Ibrahim Muhammad and Publicity Secretary Abubakar Mahmoud said: “less than 30 days to the deadline, states pilgrims’ boards are yet to register 40 percent of the allocations given to Nigeria.”

Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, had earlier announced during a meeting with the chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Agencies, in Abuja that the Saudi authority had fixed end of May 2018 as the dateline for the closure of all hajj registration and closing of Saudi hajj registration portal.

He said it was in view of the that that NAHCON after meeting with the states pilgrims’ boards set March 31, 2018, deadline for the registration of Nigeria pilgrims to enable Nigeria meets its obligations and to avoid unnecessary delays that could affect smooth hajj operation.

Independent Hajj Reporters said granting extension will give intending pilgrims enough time to pay for the hajj seats.

The civil society is worried that failure to utilize 95, 000 hajj seat quota might lead to further reduction of Nigeria’s seats allocation by Saudi Arabia.

“Though we understand that the deadline set by NAHCON was at the instance of Saudi Arabia 2018 hajj plan of concluding all hajj preparations before the commencement of Ramadan, part of the Saudi 2018 hajj guideline mandated hajj missions to meet its financial obligations to hajj service providers for numbers of allocation given to them to enable the kingdom perfect plans for 2018 hajj,” the statement said.

CAN urges security agencies on early release of Dapchi girls

By Albert Akota

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he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed dismay over the security lapses in Nigeria, which it said led to the abduction of 110 Dapchi schoolgirls.

CAN stated that, the incident in Dapchi has exposed the dark sides of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

CAN condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls by Boko Haram

terrorists, describing it a national disgrace with the international attention it has rapidly generated.

In a statement issued on the abduction of Dapchi school girls signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the Special Assistant to the CAN President, his eminence, Rev Dr Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, CAN said it was consternated and disappointed that despite repeated claims of victory by the Federal Government over Boko Haram, the insurgents have continued to

muster strength with effrontery to dare the same government in different ways including the latest Dapchi incident.

It said the Dapchi incident has put Nigerian in deeper mourning about the unsecured future of Nigerian school children, most especially the females, given the failure of the government to ensure the rescue of all the Chibok girls who had earlier been kidnaped.

CAN added that the abduction of Dapchi school girls by Boko

Haram, almost unchallenged has offered the Federal Government a window of opportunity to look inward and to probing the incident to unravel the myth and invincibility around the Boko Haram terrorists.

It also called on the Federal government to interrogate the entire security apparatus in Nigeria with intent to detect moles and possible collaborators among the officers who, it stressed must face severe sanctions if found wanting.

Standing: Hon. Amb. Chief Samuel Heinz addressing a group of journalists and Ambassador of Ecuador on the “Role of Youths in Peace Building in Africa” recently in Abuja

Adamawa attacks: UNICEF, UNFPA, others support victims with relief materials From Umar Dankano Yola

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he United Nations Population Fund,United Nations Children’s Education Funds,and the United Nations Office for coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,OCHA have provided relief materials to victims of the unknown gunmen attack in some villages of Demsa Local Government Area in Adamawa state.

It could be recalled that last week about six communities were attacked

in the early morning hours of Tuesday where thirty seven villagers including Former Commissioner and PDP,State spokesman,Mr.Sam Zadok were killed by the attackers.

Delivering the materials to the state government on Friday in Yola,Representative of the United Nations Populations Fund, Dr. Idrissa Danladi said the support was mainly to cushion the hardship caused by the attack.

Earlier speaking, the Deputy

Governor of Adamawa state, Engineer Martins Babale appreciated the humanitarian community for the relief material they have given in other to ease the victims of the hardship.

He urged the Adamawa state Emergency (ADSEMA) to immediately distribute the relief material to the affected villages who are said to be in need of desperate help.

The chairperson of Demsa local

government, Mrs Wale Fwa while speaking to journalists during the occasion said the situation is very pathetic as women and children have been lying in open fields and classrooms of a primary school.

She commended the humanitarian actors in rendering help to the affected communities. She also thanked the security agencies for their timely response which has helped in minimizing the number of casualties.

Boko Haram: COAS lauded for prompt payment of troops allowance From Umar Dankano Yola

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he Federal Government has been lauded for putting mechanism of ensuring prompt payment of salaries and allowances of the military troops undertaking the fight against insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai made the commendation in Yola weekend stressing that the troops remain grateful with the development pledging to do more in maintaining peace and security in the zone and country at large.

Represented by the Brigade Commander of 23 Brigade, Yola , Brig.

Gen. Bello Muhammad during the

celebration of the annual West African Social Activities (WASA) organized by the brigade,Buratai charged troops to reciprocate by giving fruitful results in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

The commander said that the brigades had succeeded in clearing Boko haram in its Areas of Responsibilities

(AOR) comprising Mubi, Gombi, Garkida, Hong and other neigbouring communities.

In his remark, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale lauded the army for organizing the social event to interact with other members of the public.

Court dismisses suit against IGP, claimant to pay cost

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

High Court Sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Presided over by Justice Jude Okeke, of Court 15 has dismissed a suit instituted by one Alhaji Nuhu Anaja against the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, Commissioner of Police FCT,

and Commissioner of Police (PSFU) Area 10, as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondents respectively, seeking an order for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

Nuhu was seeking an order restraining the respondents and their agents from further arresting, detaining harassing, intimidating, inviting, molesting

and or interfering with his rights on grounds of any allegation of criminal conspiracy, threat to life and forgery in a petition written by one Fortune Chinemerem to the police, until the determination of suit No: FCT/ CV/28877/17, before the High Court of the FCT. He was also seeking an order of

the court against the respondents jointly and severally to pay him the sum of N10, 000, 000:00 only as general and specific damages for wrongful arrest, illegal detention and breach of his fundamental rights.

Challenging the suit, counsel to the, IGP, Barr Clement Oji Chinaka argued that the Police have

statutory duties outlined both in the constitution and Police Act and quoted relevant sections to buttress his contention.

Justice Okeke, after listening to the arguments dismissed the application with suit No: CV/0191/ 2017, and awarded a cost against the claimant to the tune of N30,000 .00.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

APC sweeps Edo LG Polls, as PDP boycotts 192 wards results postponed

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do state Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has postponed the results for 192 Councilors in last Saturday Local Government election the state indefinitely.

The chairman of the commission, Professor Stanley Orobator, on Sunday declared the 18 Chairmanship Candidates of All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of last Saturday contest.

The Commission (EDSIEC) said ten political parties excluding the main opposition party - Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that boycotted the exercise, fielded Candidates for the election.

The participating political parties are All Progressives Congress (APC), Democratic Alternative Party (DAP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Green Party of Nigeria (PGPN) Labour Party (LP).Others include

National Conscience Party (NCP), Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Peoples For Democratic Change (PDC).

Professor Orobator who briefed the media at the Commission’s headquarters on Sunday afternoon in Benin City, said the election was rancor free and that there was no reported cases of violence across the state. He announced Mr. Victor Emuanhagbon (APC) as the elected chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Area, haven scored the highest valid votes of 34, 765, ahead of the ADP which polled 120, NCP 52 and LP 78 votes.

In Esan North East, Augustine Okoibkole (APC) won the elections with 24,127 votes beating ADP which scored 411 and DA and GPN who scored 30 and15 votes respectively. Mr. Musa Yakubu (APC) merged the chairman elect of

Etsako West Local Government Area with 69,998 votes, while, Mr. Eric Osayande (APC) was also declared winner with a total of 68,296 to emerge the winner in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area ahead of ADP who scored 327, LP 506, NCP 256 and SDP which polled 214 votes.

Professor Orobator also declared Mr. Waziri Idemudia (APC) was elected as chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area with 28,387 ahead of ADP that polled 159 votes. The state former Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Patrick Aguinede (APC) won the chairmanship seat in Esan West Local Government Area of the state haven Polled a total of 34,854 valid votes cast in the election.

Similarly, Mr. Ogedengbe Odia was also elected chairman of Igueben Local Government Atea after securing 25, 861 votes at the Polls, while, Mr. Sylvester

Okoro (APC) became the chairman of Orihonmwon Local Government for polling 47,442 votes ahead of ADP and LP that scored 329 and 297 votes respectively. Mr. John Akhigbe (APC) was elected as the chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area with 22,235 votes, while, Mr. Evbareke Osunde also swept Oredo with 53,381 votes. In Etsako East, Mr. Aremiyau Momoh (APC) won the chairman with 32,906 to become the elected chairman of Esan East Local Government Area ahead of ADP (372) and LP who scored 15 votes.

Other results announced by EDSIEC chairman, on Saturday night after the elections showed that APC’s Oteh Omoru was elected the chairman of Akoko-Edo with 42,471 votes, in Ovia South West, Mr. Destiny Enabulele (APC) triumphed over ADP (360), NCP (9), PPA (5) and PDP (1) with 56,664 votes. Ovia North East elected

APC’s Ogbemudia Osaze with 41,303 votes ahead of ADP that scored 256.A former Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Mr. Napoleon Agbama (APC) secured the seat with 32,292 votes ahead of ADP that polled 83 votes. In Owan East Local Government Area, Mr. Andrew Osigwe (APC) won with 34,579 votes while Eghe Ogbemudia, also swept Egor Local Government Atea with 15,348 votes, becoming the lowest votes recorded on the ruling party score sheet.

Frank Ilaboya easily trounced all other contenders for the chairmanship of Owan West as he won with 28,406 votes, while ADP got 252 votes ahead of AD who came behind the tear with 100 votes.

The chairman of the Commission, Professor Stanley Robator, said certificate of return will be presented to those already declared winners on Monday.

Worst days of PDP in Edo over - Ize-Iyamu

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he 2016 Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has declared that the worst days of the main opposition party is over.

He stressed that internal crises rocking the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strengthened the foundation of PDP and repositioned the PDP to win the 2019 general elections.

Ize-Iyamu spoke at Edo PDP Youth Conference with the theme “Waking Up The Sleeping Giant” held at the Weekend in Benin City.

The event was held in line with the sidelines of a successful sit-at-home order by the state Chairman of PDP, Dan Orbih.

Recall that the main opposition party had urged its members and supporters to boycott the state Local Government elections held on Saturday on ground that the Polls did not comply with electoral laws.

According to Ize-Iyamu, “the worst days of PDP is over, it has come and gone. I want to tell you that in the next few days, the worst days will mark the fall of APC February 2019 is around the corner.

“By the trace if God, PDP will win and wins at the Federal, Edo State 2020 governorship election will be a piece of cake,” he said.

On his part, the state Chairman of PDP, Dan Orbih, described the 1.2 million votes promised by the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 Presidential election if he seeks re-election as a mere wish that cannot be actualized.

“I listened to governor Obaseki promising Buhari 1.2 million votes in Edo State in the next presidential election. Let me use this opportunity

to say the statement by Godwin Obaseki is an empty promise.

Godwin Obaseki is a man with a very short memory. In the last presidential election where Buhari was the presidential candidate, in Edo State, Edo PDP delivered 56 percent of the votes to Goodluck Jonathan while APC deliver only 45 percent to Buhari and this was under Adams Oshiomhole spending the state funds and they did not defeat us during the Presidential election.

“So, I begin to wonder where Godwin Obaseki is bringing the 1.2 million votes from?” he asked.

L-R: Director-General Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, All progressive Congress (APC) Enugu State Governorship Aspirant, Mr Ken Okonkwo, APC Enugu State Secretary, Chief Robert Eze, Chairman, APC Enugu State Dr. Ben Nwoye and former Governor of Enugu State, Mr Sullivan Chime during APC Enugu State stakeholders meeting on Saturday in Enugu.

Photo: NAN

APC, PDP trade words over voter apathy in Edo LG Polls

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

A

ll Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged in verbal war over low turnout of eligible voters in Saturday Local Government election in Edo state.

Edo state Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) said to include, All Progressives Congress (APC), Democratic Alternative Party (DAP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and Green Party of Nigeria (PGPN) Labour Party (LP).

Others are: National Conscience Party (NCP), Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Peoples For Democratic Change (PDC).

The delay in arrival of voting materials at most polling units and other logistics challenges also cast doubt in the credibility of the exercise.

National Chairman of the All progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, described withdrawal of the main opposition as the worse thing a party could do to its supporters.

He made his observation known after

he voted at exactly 11:08 at ward 2, unit 2, at Staff training school, Government Reservation Area in Benin City.

According to him, “It is silly for a political party to boycott an election, especially Local Government Polls. The consequence is colossal. We hope that they will continue to boycott subsequent elections in the country”.

Oyegun admitted to the fact, but clarified, that what matters was for the APC party to have the majority votes cast in its favour. “There is always apathy with the local government elections. It cannot be compared with the general elections where there is high motivation and large turnout. But all the same, it is very important for the number of voters to increase and hope our members have the highest votesm” he said.

But, the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, Dan Orbih has described the elections as shame. He said Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was entitled to his own opinion for alleging that the PDP boycott of the election was the worse decision to have been taken by the party against its supporters.

Orbih said the outcome of electoral

process was already pre-determined and the low turnout was not in compliance with electoral laws.

“I will not blame chief Oyegun for saying that it was a worse thing for PDP to have boycotted the elections. He is entitled to his own opinion. But I felt disappointed that he should have come out and condemned the government when it was clear that the issue is in the court of law.

“An issue that is pending in court should be respected by a responsible government to have done that. The turnout of voters at the elections was absolute zero. This shows that Edo people hold PDP in high esteem,” he said.

The member representing IkpobaOkha/Egor Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbinayinma, said there was no cause for alarm over delay in arrival of electoral materials.

Ehiozuwa. who performed his franchise at Itohan Secondary School, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, said though the turnout was low, however, predicted landslide victory for APC. The lawmaker expressed hope that the withdrawal of his former party goes

to show that members of the opposition party has nothing to command goodwill of electorate.

“It is a low turnout, we have to be sincere. People have been coming and going out of the voting venue. There is a reason why they did not participate is that they have nothing to sell. They have nothing to tell the people”, he said.

Chris Okaeben, member representing Oredo West Constituency, Edo state House of Assembly, described the non participation of PDP in the election as unfortunate. He said the move negates the value of democracy, adding that the leadership of PDP action, has dashed the hopes of its members and followers.

“Like some people are already canvassing, Civil society groups and organized labour, said legal action should be taken against PDP for boycotting the election ahead of the general elections. You do not live on assumption and there is no harm in trying,” he said.

Edo state APC secretary, Mr. Henry Oka and APC Councillorship Candidate Ward 9 in Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Okungbowa Reliance, decried the exercise as peaceful and credible.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

POLITICS

Niger Gov, Bello charges Nigerians to pressure Buhari to declare for 2019 From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has urged all well meaning Nigerians to join hands with APC governors and others stakeholders in the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari and calling him to declare for 2019, because his resistance will draw the country backward in an effort to revive the nation’s economic development.

Bello made the disclosure at the weekend when he received on solidarity visit the people

2019: Why I dumped PDP for SDP – Prof.

Adeniran

A

former Minister of Education, Tunde Adeniran, has explained why he left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with his supporters to join the Social Democratic Party, SDP. Adeniran also said Prof. Jerry Gana had agreed to join him in the SDP. Both Adeniran and Gana were members of the Board of Trustees of the main opposition party before their defection to the SDP. Adeniran was a PDP national chairmanship candidate in the December 9 convention of the party, and Prof Gana was one of his staunch supporters.

Speaking with Punch in Abuja on Saturday, Adeniran said he decided to dump PDP because of impunity and imposition of candidates.

Adeniran said, “I have left the PDP for the SDP with my supporters . I left because there is no internal democracy in the PDP. It may interest you to know that Prof. Jerry Gana has also left the PDP.” When asked if Gana would fly the presidential ticket of the SDP in 2019 as being speculated, Adeniran said, “Whoever will be the presidential candidate will emerge from our convention.”

of his home town Kontagora at government house Minna, saying that Nigerians will not regret if Buhari is elected for the second term to govern the country.

He said that the All Progressives Congress APC governors declared support for Buhari was aimed at continuity and sustainability of his good work of reviving the country from its economic woos and fighting corruption to appreciable manner.

“If President Muhammadu Buhari resists to contest in 2019, there will be problem in solving the enormous challenges

facing the country, because he is truthful, fair and just in administering the nation.”

Governor Bello appreciated the visit by his people and calling on him to re-contest come 2019. He added that this has strengthened his desire to provide more dividend of democracy to the electorates.

He however assured to complete all the ongoing projects in Kontagora town within this year, which includes the Dam for the water board, Nursing School Kontagora, Civil Defense School and renovation of schools, as well as creating jobs and assisting

businesses.

He charged on the people to be united in giving their maximum support to the state and Federal government, and assured the visitors that despite the financial challenges he was able to manage the state resources judiciously to achieve development; and will do more when re elected come 2019.

The Coordinator, Alhaji Muazu Bawa Rijau in his remarks stated that the people were satisfied with the achievements of Governor Bello in the last three years, hence the call for his recontest because of his prudence management.

Rijau explained that other two zones of Zone A and B had their two tenure of 8 years each, and, therefore, zone C will not be exceptional from the state zonal arrangement put in place for peaceful coexistence of all.

The spokesman of the delegation, General S.D Saidu and the elder of the group, Alhaji Mahmud Najume, in their separate remarks, said that they were impressed with the governor’s performance and the zone has endorsed him for second term and charged him to do more in times of development in Kontagora.

: L-R: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; National Commissioners of INEC, Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine; Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, and AVM. Ahmad Tijjani Mu’azu (rtd), at the INEC Regular Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Security Agencies Under the Auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

We don’t recognise expulsion of Kogi APC chairman – Abdullahi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that Haddy Ametuo, remains the recognised chairman of its Kogi State Working Committee, saying that only a convention can expel any of its member.

Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the party, made the clarification in a

statement on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to reports that Mr. Ametuo had been expelled from the party.

“APC wishes to clarify that neither state nor zonal executives, constituted in whatever name or form, can expel anyone from the party, only convention can do so.

“We restate that the Kogi State Working Committee

of APC led by the chairman, Haddy Ametuo remains the only recognised executive committee of the party in the state,” he said.

He added that any disciplinary action being contemplated must be referred to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), as stated in the party´s constitution.

He enjoined all party

members at all levels to desist from taking unilateral actions that were likely to further jeopardise its on-going peace process.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on Friday, a faction of the party announced the expulsion of Mr. Ametuo along with some members of the executive of the party. (NAN)

Gov. Dickson appeals to Jerry Gana, Adeniran to return to party

T

he Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to woo back its former leaders, Prof Jerry Gana and Tunde Adeniran who just decamped to another party, the SDP. Dickson described both Gana, a founding father and Adeniran as “icons of democracy and leaders of progressives politics in the PDP and the country.”

The Governor in a press

statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, said PDP is a national asset owned by all Nigerians, and not by any individual.

Dickson who is also the Chairman of PDP Reconciliation Committee believed, while the leaders of the party are important stakeholders in the scheme of things, the the real stakeholders of PDP are the ordinary Nigerians in whom sovereignty lies.

The Governor said the

most rational thing for all PDP stakeholders to do now is to start a process of building consensus and reaching out to players across party lines with the PDP leading the coalition to wrest power from APC in 2019.

The statement reads:”No one Governor, no one Lawmaker or leader of PDP can own PDP or singlehandedly produce a presidential candidate.

“Therefore, what is required of PDP leaders now is to work with all parties including those

who have left the PDP to produce a credible candidate that is acceptable to the generality of Nigerians on the platform of PDP to defeat the APC in 2019.”

The Governor said his Reconciliation Committee will continuously engage aggrieved party members including those who have left PDP to return to the party, stressing that “we must be together to save our party and country from collapse. ” He said with less than one

year to the 2019 general election, time is of essence and the right thing to do now is for all men of good will to come together to challenge the APC. The Governor also called on PDP members not to lose faith in the party. He said the next election is critical to the survival of democracy and the nation, stressing that history will be unkind to PDP leaders if they fail to lead a coalition to unseat the APC-led Federal Government.

(DAILY POST)

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Dapchi girls: Ex Benue gov, Suswam lambasts APC Govt From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

F

ormer Governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam has taken a swipe on the All Progressives Congress, APC, government for its failure to protect the lives of Nigerians.

Suswam made the condemnation against the backdrop of abduction of over 110 Dapchi girls

by Boko Haram terrorist group.

He averred that the primary responsibility of any government is security of lives of it citizenry, adding too, improvement in the economy.

According to him, the present administration has failed in these two (2) vital areas.

According to him: “Failure of Government are in two (2) areas, security and economy. The two(2) are linked together. Once a country has economic issue such as we are experiencing, I hear they say we are out of recession but that has not reflected on per capita income.

Economic failure leads to insecurity.

“So, when there was security issues under the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP administration then, the APC criticized us as been incapable of handling them. This is the basis the party was voted for as they boasted of having the capability to handle the security issues confronting the nation.

But, Nigerians can now judge if they have been able to solve the security problems of the country.

My personal view is that, security of the nation has worsened than it was under Jonathan’s government.

Suswam described as ‘unthinkable and’ unbelievable’ how over 110 school girls of Dapchi could be kidnapped and the government is playing politics and propaganda with such serious issue.

“APC emerged on grounds of propaganda and they are still doing that. They told us that Boko Haram has been decimated but up till now, they are still operating to the extent of abducting 110 Dapchi school girls. Sadly, the government does not have a clue about where to girls have been taken to”, Suswam frowned.

He boasted that PDP remains the only platform that can guarantee security of Nigerians and urged them to use their voters card wisely in 2019.

POLITICS

Makarfi denies voting for APC in 2015

By Ali Alkali

F

ormer Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has denied voting for the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and displaying ballot paper, an allegation made by former militant leader, Asari Dokubo.

Makarfi in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mukhtar Sirajo in Abuja on Sunday, noted that all reports were false.

He said that while Asari Dokubo, like any other person, had the rights to pursue any legitimate undertaking, political or otherwise, “including

pitching his tent with any politician or tendency” those rights do not include the fabrication and peddling of lies to impugn the integrity of others.

The statement said: “Ordinarily, this is a statement we shouldn’t dignify with a response, but realising that sometimes uncontroverted falsehoods have a way of taking a life of their own and also knowing that it is not beyond some unscrupulous politicians to splash mud on the integrity of others in order to gain undue advantage.

“Infact given that Makarfi is not an obscure politician, having been Governor of Kaduna State for eight years and following that up with another eight at the Senate and capping those up

leading the PDP at a very tumultuous period which was characterised by acrimonious leadership struggle; isn’t it amazing that this could happen in 2015 and be buried till now?

“Moreover, from 1999 to 2015, Senator Makarfi, never skipped voting in any election; yet he has never been reported by any medium to have ever displayed his ballot paper to advertise his preference. We leave this judgment to the people.

“Senator Makarfi has remained a PDP man to the core, sticking with the party through thick and thin and maintaining his faith in it even at a time when defection was the easy way out.

“He has never hidden his gratitude

to the PDP for the platform and opportunity it has afforded him to become what he has become and has never, for a second, on account of any slight he felt he suffered or for any other reason, even toyed with the idea of abandoning it let alone teaming up with others to bring it to ruination.”

Makarfi further called on all PDP leaders, members and supporters to “maintain their eyes on the ball, by refusing to be distracted from the returning to power in 2019.

“This we can do only by ensuring that we play politics of issues and forging a united front, without compromising decency, respect and love for our party and country,” he added.

.Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Mr Mohammed Garba; Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Sen. Hope Uzodinma; and Coordinator of Zone A, NCS, Mr Aminu Dahiru, during the committee’s oversight visit to NCS Zone A Office, at the weekend in Ikeja, Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Why Wike, PDP will be defeated in 2019 – APC

R

ivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Governor Nyesom Wike and his party, the PDP, will be voted out in 2019.

APC said they will be defeated because the party has resolved to embark on a rescue mission to salvage Rivers and her people before Wike makes the state a laughing stock and bankrupt.

The party in a statement on Sunday by Chukwuemeka Eze, spokesman to state chairman, Dr Ibiamu Ikanya, said as long as “any right thinking Rivers State is concerned, Wike is a disaster as exemplified by many

of his misguided steps that he took to decimate most of the feats of Amaechi which if he had assisted to build upon would have turned the fortunes of the State around.”

“Today, both the Due Process Unit, the unit responsible for ensuring transparency in Public Procurement; the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), the agency responsible for the training of present and future manpower needs of the State and the Rivers State Scholarship Board another important agency all have completely failed since Wike’s assumption of office.

“Our ducational system under the watch of Governor Nyesom Wike is nothing to write home about as most of our students now study under deplorable situation while locking model schools constructed by Amaechi’s administration.

“Wike’s administration stands out as the only administration since the creation of the State in 1967 that has refused to provide Scholarships for Rivers youths despite receiving billions of naira exposing his hatred for the future of our youths.”

The party further stated that under Wike, Rivers state

stands out as the worst in areas of unemployment with highest unemployment rate of 41.82 per cent in the country in the third quarter of 2017 according to the latest data released in Abuja by the National Bureau of Statistics.

“This implies that for every 10 persons in Rivers 4 are without anything doing”, the statement added.

“Under Wike’s evil administration, no Rivers State Indigene have been employed into the Civil Service instead those employed like the 13,200 Teachers employed by Amaechi were sacked. What a shameful feat?” (DAILY POST)

Niger Assembly assures of legislation for rapid socio-economic devt From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he Niger State House of Assembly has reiterated its determination to partner with the executive and other stakeholders in the state to ensure the transformation for the rapid socio- economic development of the state.

This would be enhanced through appropriate legislative appropriation of the State annual financial resources, the assembly said.

The Chairman house committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Mohammed Bako (Rafi) made the disclosure at the ongoing 2018 budget screening exercise for the Executive/ MDAs led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who appeared before the committee to defend their budget proposals.

Bako further applauded the executive arm for its prudence, accountability and transparency in the management of available resources allocated for its annual budgetary allocation for both

recurrent and capital expenditure.

He however reassured the citizens that the important capital projects will be completed in the current financial year.

The SSG Hon. Ibrahim Isah Ladan in his submission then highlighted the major activities of his office for the 2018 capital expenditure at the estimated sum of N1,455,528,708.00 while the recurrent estimate of N2,585,727,197.44.

Ladan stated that being the engine room of government mandated for synergizing and

coordinating with security agencies in the prevention and protecting of crimes, compensation for the land acquired for the new Ketso community, purchase of five vehicles for state fire service among others.

Also the Chief of Staff (COS), Hon. Mikail Bmitosahi also highlighted some of the capital projects completed by the executive in 2017, capital expenditure of government house that includes the rebuilding of government house fence, Governor’s lodge, presidential suit and guest houses

renovation.

Bmitosahi stated that the 2018 budge proposal has the capital estimate of N1,527,194,417.00 while the recurrent expenditure has a sum of N2,788,566,966.00.

In same vein, the two key government officials in their separate conclusion of their submission however appreciated the unique role of the legislature and assured for greater working relationship to achieve and realized the vision and mission of the present administration in the state.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

FEATURE CAR: Turning mourning to oil of joy

By Tawey Zakka

C

entral African Republic is a landlocked country, depending on neighbouring nations, like Cameroon, with seaports to bring in imports and take out exports.

Depending on someone’s goodwill can be frustrating, at best and very risky at worst.

President Faustin Archange Touadera, a professor of Mathematics, intends to change all that for the better.

Leader of a landlocked nation he may be, but Touadera does have a vision of his potentially rich country that he does not want also locked up in his head. No, he not only wants to share it with the outside world but also is desperately seeking out genuine investors to help make the vision come true. That was what brought him to the Lake Chad Basin Commission conference that held on February 26-28 in Abuja, Nigeria. Touadera flew in late afternoon of Feb. 27 and left the next day after attending two sessions of the Summit of Heads of state and government of the Commission.

Having set the tone, he left matters in the hands CAR’s ambassador to Nigeria and his team of technocrats to deal with. One of them is Mr. Tochil Nwaneri, Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria.

Nwaneri told journalists the night of the last day of the conference, the CAR president was “invited” to the conference, his country having joined the Lake Chad Basin Commission in 1996. He also was in Nigeria to “show appreciation for the support” CAR received from Nigeria in the heady years of that country’s civil war. Incidentally, Nigeria’ President Muhammadu Buhari and his CAR counterpart came into office about the same; Buhari was elected in March 2015 and Touadera, a former prime minister, won a presidential election on February 14, 2016.

However, principally, professor Touadera was in Nigeria to woo international investors.

“Mr. President really spoke on this while addressing the conferees. He spoke about the enormous investment opportunities that exist in Central African Republic and urged Nigerians to invest in the country”, Nwaneri explained. Besides, Nigeria is “very organised and packages things better.” According to him, CAR embassy officials led by the Ambassador, met with many top Nigerian industrialists on the sidelines of the conference. According to him, their response was enthusiastic.

He said though CAR is a former colony of France, the country is keen to diversify its sources of foreign direct investment to include Anglophone countries. But why Nigeria in particular? Nwaneri answered: “Nigeria is a beautiful country with beautiful people and great potentials. We will like to replicate

Centre: President Faustin Archange Touadera with his entourage at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. everything from their agricultural practice, road and rail projects, ICT, hospitals and other things of interest which are too numerous to mention”.

Directing this search for international investors is a firm, Centrafrique Investment Group. It is a private/public sector platform that has the mandate of the government to “woo investors that have the capacity to carry on developmental projects in the country, “Nwaneri said. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to that effect.

CIG has gone into an agreement with the government to develop an industrial zone. It is about 1000 hectares of land and we are looking for investors to develop it. This industrial zone comprises a warehouse, a hotel, schools, hospitals and many other social amenities. It is an export-oriented industrial zone that will contribute significantly to the improvement of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and strengthen the credibility of the CAR at the international level. A skilled workforce with a direct impact on beneficiary families should also be developed.”

For the development of this industrial zone, the government has received a grant-in-aid

“

worth 2.95 billion Euros from the European Union. “It is a grant, not a loan”, Nwaneri emphasized. The government is keen to award contracts for construction projects in several sectors of the CAR economy. For these, the CIG has signed memoranda of understanding with the relevant government ministries.

The MoU with the Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Civil Aviation, for example, is about building two additional international airports at Berberati and Bambari. At present, the country has only one international airport.

On the railway sub-sector, the focus is on building “three major rail lines” to transport goods and people. They are the Bangui-M’baïkiBelabo, covering 898 Km; Bangui-PissaCongo (193Km); and Bangui-Amdafoc-Nyala (1153 Km). The road component comprises the Bangui-Bambari artery which is 200Km long, Baoro-Carnot-Berberati (200Km) and Mongoumba-Bossangoa (700Km). The industrial plan also covers CAR’s deep water port at Kribi in Cameroon, the port at Douala also in Cameroon and the platform river ports of Mongoumba and Zinga (Lobaye).

The plan also has room for the “dredging, desensitization, maintenance of the Bangui /

Brazzaville corridor to optimize the transit of goods and passengers”.

No doubt, getting security conscious international investors to put their hard earned money in CAR that is just coming out of decades of sectarian violence will be an uphill task. The government recognizes this is a high hurdle. To be able to jump over it, according to Nwaneri, the government, through CIG, has prepared a package of incentives that are mouth watering.

These include free slots of land, tax waivers, flexible profit repatriation conditions, adequate security cover etc. On the political front, Nwaneri said the government in Bangui today is stable. “It is an all inclusive government. All sections of the population and all interests are accommodated as much as possible”, This assurance should spur international confidence in the CAR economy, shouldn’t it?

If the positive response President Touadera got from his discussions with Nigerian industrialists is anything to go by, it can be said that things are finally looking up his country.

Nwaneri himself asked this rhetorical question: “Can we live in a rich country and have a poor population? ‘’

Directing this search for international investors is a firm, Centrafrique Investment Group. It is a private/ public sector platform that has the mandate of the government to “woo investors that have the capacity to carry on developmental projects in the country, “Nwaneri said. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to that effect. CIG has gone into an agreement with the government to develop an industrial zone. It is about 1000 hectares of land and we are looking for investors to develop it.

This industrial zone comprises a warehouse, a hotel, schools, hospitals and many other social amenities.

Right: President Faustin Archange Touadera being welcomed by the embassy officials in Abuja

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

NSE: investors wealth grows by 0.82% From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

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riven by activity in the financial services sector, transaction at the nation’s bourse last week, ended on a positive note as the twin market indicators closed red.

Specifically, the NSE AllShare Index depreciated by 0.72% to close at 42,876.23 basis from 42,570.89 basis points it opened with while the Market Capitalization equally decreased by 0.82% to closed at N15.403 trillion from N15.277 trillion recorded the previous week.

Similarly, all other indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE ASeM, NSE Banking and NSE Pension Indices that depreciated by 1.14%, 0.59% and 0.09% respectively Meanwhile, a total turnover of 2.170 billion shares worth N39.087 billion in 24,657 deals were traded in contrast to a total of 2.018 billion shares valued at N21.740 billion that exchanged hands in 25,496 deals previous week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.534 billion shares valued at N17.670 billion traded in 15,208 deals; thus contributing 70.69% and 45.21% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Industrial Goods Industry followed with 200.405 million shares worth N6.436 billion in 1,097 deals. The third place was occupied by Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 188.097 million shares worth N489.453 million in 998 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – FCMB Group Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Cement

Company of Northern Nigeria Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 617.511 million shares worth N4.086 billion in 2,090 deals, contributing 28.46% and 10.45% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Review of activity in the market showed that Thirty-eight (38) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than twenty-three (23) of the previous week. Forty-five (45) equities depreciated in price, lower than fifty-four (54) equities of the previous week, while eighty-

nine (89) equities remained unchanged lower than ninetyfive (95) equities recorded in the preceding week.

Japaul and Maritime Services Plc led gainers table for the week, gaining 50.0 per cent or N0. 21 kobo to close at N0.63 kobo, Unity Bank Plc followed with a gain of 18.79 per cent or N0.28 kobo to close at N1.77 kobo, while N. E. M Insurance Company Nigeria Plc appreciated by 18.42 per cent or N0.35 kobo to close at N2.25 kobo.

Other companies recorded price appreciation were Cement

Company of Northern Nigeria Plc 17.80 per cent, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc 16 per cent, Nascon Allied Industries Plc 15.82 per cent, First Aluminium Nigeria Plc 15.82 per cent, Cutix Plc 11.36 per cent, Conoil Plc 9.81 per cent, Continental Reinsurance Plc 9.27 per cent.

On the other hand, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc topped losers chart for the week, declining by 20.83 per cent or N0.10 kobo to close at N0.38 kobo, Unic Diversified Holdings Plc trailed with a loss of 18.52 per cent or

N0.05 kobo to close at N0.22 kobo, Mutiverse Mining and Exploration Plc down by 17.65 per cent or N0.06 kobo to close at N0.28 kobo.

Other companies depreciated in price were FTN Cocoa Processors Plc 15.91 per cent, African Alliance Insurance Company Plc 14.29 per cent, DN Tyre and Rubber Plc 13.64 per cent, Diamond Bank Plc 12.16 per cent, Royal Exchange Plc 11.43 per cent, Courterviller Business Solutions Plc 9.38 per cent, Standard Alliance Insurance Plc 8.33 per cent.

Co-Chairman Security KADCCIMA, Col Jibril Muhammad Hassan Rtd, (center) presenting gift to Director Insurance and Department NDIC, Abuja, Alhaji Muhammed Y. Umar (left) during the NDIC, special day at the ongoing 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair, at the weekend in Kaduna Photo; Bashir Bello

Power: 111 electrocuted in 2017 - NERC From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

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o fewer than one hundred and eleven persons have lost their lives through electrocution across Nigeria, in 2017, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

This was revealed by the NERC’s official, Engineer Abdulrasheed Busari, at a Town Hall Meeting on Promoting Electricity Consumer Awareness in the Power Sector, held in Kano State, yesterday.

Abdulrasheed, while making a

presentation titled; Health and Safety Issues: The dangers of building under DISCO’s Power lines/right of way, also disclosed that 17 fatal incidences of electricity were recorded in the year under review.

He added that 321 electricity incidences were recorded across the country, last year, adding that the electricity regulator and the Distribution Companies (DISCO’s) must rise up to check the trend.

He explained that there was electricity health and safety codes which stipulate tje standard of using electricity in

Nigeria, urging the DISCO’s to ensure that consumers comply with the codes.

“The codes include, ensuring that there must be at least 3.5 metre gap between a house and a power line. If it is heavy line, there should be at least 5.3 metres. In the case of 3KV Lines, there should be 6.5 metre distance from a house.

“I urge DISCO’s to ensure the dissemination of this Information in a bid to tame the rampant electricity accidents in this country. I advise you to be organising enlightenment programmes frequently until all the citizens are

enlightened.

“Let me also advised people to be mindful of maintaining and replacing electricity appliances at homes as at when due. This would help a great deal in saving our lives and properties,” he advised.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner Cosumer Affairs, NERC, Moses Arigu, said the meeting was convened in order to edjcate the consumers on their rights and obligations, health and safety, customer complaints redress mechanism, energy conservation and other lingering issues that consumers may be facing.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

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B u s i n e s s

Reps decry poor funding of Petroleum ministry

By Umar Muhammad Puma & Christiana Ekpa

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embers of the House of Representatives joint committee on petroleum upstream, downstream and Gas resources yesterday decried poor funding for the ministry of petroleum resources.

The chairman petroleum down stream, Joseph Akinlaja made this known while reacting to the ministry’s 2017 budget of 2 billion naira for capital expenditure said for a ministry as large as petroleum to be given 2 billion for capital expenditure calls for serious concern.

He said something has to be done in order to make the ministry functional in the petroleum sector.

Also speaking on the issue, the chairman, committee on Gas resources, Fredrike Agbedi said that if the ministry is been underfunded, the national assembly needs to act fast.

“If the reason why the ministry of petroleum, a ministry that oversees major sector of our economy is going around begging, because they are underfunded, then we the National Assembly need to come to their aid or else we will suffer as a nation,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the minister of state for

Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu, while presenting the ministry’s budget for 2018 and defending the 2017 budget said the entire ministry’s budget for the year 2018 was 74 billion naira with an increase of 4 billion naira against 70 billion naira for 2017.

“Out of the 74 billion naira proposed budget for 2018, 64 billion is for personnel cost, 1.9 billion would go to parastatals under the ministry, 7 billion would be for recurrent, 2 billion for over head.

Speaking also on the refineries, the minister stated that the ministry expects to conclude the process of privatization in March.

He added that if concluded, the country will begin to produce 1.2 million barrel of oil in a day which will transform the country from been an importer to export of oil.

Speaking on Gas, he further said “a lot of stranded gas is found in the south not getting to the north, adding that the major problem in the gas industry was infrastructure that requires 30 Million dollars.

However, the chairman of the committee on up stream, Victor Nwokolo asked that the ministry give the committees time to study its budget presentation and get back to the minister if need be.

Dangote pledges to end rice importation

By Etuka Sunday

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he Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme in Jigawa State reached a turning point when the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote laid a foundation stone for the construction of a multi-billion Naira rice processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa state.

The mill with capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa at market rate.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Hadin, Kaugama local government area, Dangote said the commencement of the construction of the integrated rice processing plant was the culmination of series of events which began with the signing of a $1billion agreement with the federal government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa.

“We have continued to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrowers programme thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers.

Also, creating access to finance, mechanization and irrigation services so as to enhance agricultural productivity.”, he stated Recalling that the Dangote Rice limited started the outgrowers scheme in 2016 with thousands of hectares of land in Hadejia, Jigawa state, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers, the business mogul said with the new ultra modern mill enough paddy rice will be grown and harvested for processing.

According to him, the mill which will take only months for installation and commissioning is the first in the series of five other mills coming up in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States in the first phase, while in the second phase, other mills will be built in Nasarawa, Kogi, and other states.

Said he: When these planned six mills come fully on stream, we will achieve a capacity of seven hundred thousand metric tons per annum of Par boiled rice, which

will make Dangote Rice the largest rice producer in Africa and will make a bold step in making Nigeria self-sufficient in Rice production, stop importation Nduka save the nation foreign exchange ” Dangote stated further that towards cocreating value for all stakeholders,

the company has engaged about 20,000 out growers who are expected to produce an average of 180,000 tons of paddy rice on about 30,000 hectares of land.

“We are focused on engaging in the region of 300,000 farmers in the next 12 months when our

rice mills are all functional and we achieve steady state.

“We will continue to launch massive agricultural projects across the country in rice and dairy farming. Our push for backward integration in providing our own raw materials on a massive scale

has led to the planned investment of $4.6 billion over the next three years in sugar, rice and dairy production alone. That will eliminate the country’s reliance on imported materials, and the foreign exchange headaches that comes with it.”

L-R: Project Coordinator, Dr. Adebola Odunsi, a newly kitted local miner, John Akinlolu; with Chairman, Artisanal and Small Scale Miner’s Association, Chief Friday Mmecha; during the Safer Mining Project organised by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for the training and equipping of local gold miners in Ibodi, Ilesha axis , Osun State recently.

Customs boss warns against sabotage From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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ew Customs Area Comptroller at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos have warned officers of the command and agents operating there against sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government in generating revenues for the country.

Allegations abound of ground handling companies staff at the tarmac area of the airport accused of conniving with customs agents to steal cargo at the airport, thereby leading to massive loss of revenues for the government.

Mrs. Jayne Shoboiki, the new Customs Area Comptroller, Lagos Airport Command reiterated the need for a fresh approach at a meeting with

stakeholders.

She affirmed the e Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would no longer tolerate diversion of government revenues by some unscrupulous elements in the system especially among the cargo agents.

She explained that within a week of her redeployment to the command, she had noticed some loopholes in the system, which she intended to plug, stressing that the command would no longer tolerate any act of indiscipline by any of the agents and other stakeholders in the system.

She also alleged that some of the ground handling staff at the tarmac not only connive with the agents to short change government of deserving revenues, but also actively participate

in stealing cargo at the tarmac.

She vowed that henceforth, such dastardly attitude would be checkmated by the system already put in place by the organisation.

She explained that the attitude of some of the staff had been a major challenge to the command in the past, but insisted such attitudes would be relegated to the background.

She said: “We seem to have a lot of challenges with the ground handling staff at this airport especially at the tarmac. They are not only conniving with the agents, but are also aiding and abetting in stealing of cargo at the tarmac.

One of the ground handling agents visited me yesterday (Wednesday) and when I came out with a lot of evidences, they didn’t know what to say.

Lagos, Kano sign pact on economic partnership, investment From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Lagos and Kano State Governments on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for economic partnership and to jointly explore investment opportunities aimed at creating jobs and facilitating growth and development.

The MoU, which was signed by Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Lagos and Kano States respectively, at the closing ceremony of the inaugural Lagos-Kano Economic

and Investment Summit held at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe, seeks to create a common platform for exploring, expanding and developing areas of economic development and Investment.

According to the MoU, the two States agreed to expand the current level of economic and investment cooperation between them especially in key areas of Governance, Security, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Agricultural Value Chain, Tourism, Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Skills Development.

Other areas include Commerce with specific focus

on ease of doing business and Infrastructure in Power, Transportation and Urban Waste Management.

The objectives of the MoU, among others, are to establish a formal and flexible framework between the two States to expand trade and investment cooperation, foster scientific and technological collaboration for business development in emerging key sectors, strengthen communication, enhance trust, boost economic development and create jobs.

Under the agreement, the two States have also set up a Technical Working Group to oversee the implementation of the objectives of the MoU.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Statutory Allocation: FCTA, Area Councils share N2.4bn for January Stories by Onyekwere

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Stanley

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders shared the sum of N2.419,771.26 as statutory allocation from the federation accounts for the month of January.

The figure shows that January allocation is higher

than last month allocation by over N100m and the highest so far since 2015, in the wake of the sudden slump in oil price in the international market.

A statement signed by Press Secretary, FCTA Permanent Secretary’s Office, Tony Odey, said the Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa disclosed the funds disbursement, during the Joint Area Councils

Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting for the month of January.

A breakdown of the allocation shows that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) got N216million, while Gwagwalada Area Council received N195million and Kuje got N166million, respectively.

Similarly, Kwali received N162million, while Abaji and

Bwari got N151million each.

Furthermore, statutory deductions from the release include: Primary School Teachers’ salaries which gulped N1billion.

Others are 15% Pension Funds N226million,1% Training Fund N24million and 10% Employer Pension Contribution N58million, respectively.

The statement said Ohaa,

who is the Chairman of JAAC charged the six Area Council Chairmen in the Territory to ensure judicious use of the funds.

It added that, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, who is also the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the FCT, Hon.Joseph Shazin described the distribution of the funds as fair and equitable.

R-L: Former Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar presenting the Honourary Doctorate Degree to member Representing Yamaltu Deba Federal Constituency from Gombe state, Hon Yunusa Abubakar Ahmed and His Hajiya Bara’atu Yunusa, during the get-together award ceremony organised by Nyimalti Development Association Abuja Branchi on Saturday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Unlawful posters: Again, AMMC threatens offenders with N1m fines

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or the umpteenth time, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has warned that it would soon commence imposition of fines on organizations and individuals who continue to deface Abuja with indiscriminate pasting of posters.

In particular, AMMC revealed that indiscriminate pasting of posters in public places in Abuja –on directional signs, bridges and buildings, among others, was an offence liable to the fine of N100,000 for individuals, and N1 million for organizations.

MMC Coordinator, Umar Shuiabu, handed this warning last week, while addressing journalists on the ongoing sensitization against unlawful pasting of posters in the City.

Shuiabu spoke after a second visit to the headquarters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he had led a strong FCTA team in

continuation of the reinvigorated campaign against the menace.

The Coordinator reiterated that offenders will also be made to pay for removing the posters, adding that the amount payable for removal was dependent on the amount of posters.

He said: “We have been visiting political party leadership in order to sensitize them on the need to keep Abuja clean.

“And you know, we are nearing campaign period for 2019 general elections when a lot of posters will likely be pasted in public places, so our visit to them is to get them to sensitize their members accordingly.

“We want all the FCT residents to know that pasting of posters defaces the city.

“The message is not only for political parties, but it is to all the public, including the religious

organizations such as the Churches and the Mosques, among others.

“There is nowhere in the world where this indecent practice is done.

“We will start imposition of relevant fines on all offenders very soon, but before that, we wish to, first of all, sensitize adequately so as to carry the people along.

“Our team first visited Labour Party (LP) recently, and last month, we were at the All Progressives Congress (APC) party with the same message.”

Meanwhile, responding on the inability to meet with PDP Chairman or his representative on two consecutive visits to the party headquarters at Wadata Plaza, the AMMC boss said that the “most important thing was for everyone in the FCT to get the message and keep Abuja clean”.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Page 22

world news

Brexit: Dublin casts doubt on UK’s latest NI border plan

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he EU is unlikely to accept the UK’s latest proposal for avoiding a “hard border” on the island of Ireland after Brexit, the Irish government has said.

Theresa May has said 80% of firms would face no new customs checks between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and others would be simplified.

But Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said he was not sure it would adequately protect the EU’s market.

The proposal, he said, was a “starting point” for talks not a solution.

The “backstop” option agreed by the two sides in December is for Northern Ireland to remain fully aligned with the rules of the customs union - which eliminates tariffs between its members and the single market, in areas of existing NorthSouth co-operation.

This is unacceptable to the Democratic Unionist Party, on which Theresa May relies on for votes in the House of Commons, and to many Conservatives MPs who say it would create a new border in the Irish Sea and amount to Northern Ireland being “annexed”.

‘British mistake’ But Mr Coveney told the BBC’s Andrew Marr show this remained the default outcome unless both sides could agree other workable solutions to keep goods and people crossing over a “largely invisible” border.

“Our responsibility is to work positively with Britain to explore solutions but if we can’t agree solutions then what we have, of course, is the backstop which is a commitment by the British government to maintain full alignment with the rules of customs union and the single market,” he said.

Asked about Theresa May’s proposal, in a major speech on Friday, to waive customs checks for 80% of firms doing business across the border, he said it could not be taken for granted.

“This is the mistake that is made in Britain all the time,” he said.

“When someone definitively says something will be the case from the British government, people assume that is the negotiated outcome. Of course it is not.

Mr Coveney said Dublin wanted to avoid a hard border with Northern Ireland as much as London did.

But he insisted that for a single market to function “if goods move from one customs union to another there needs to be some checks” unless some mechanism was negotiated to prevent them.

In Friday’s speech, Mrs May said the vast majority of north-south trade was carried out by small and medium-sized business whose economic contribution was not “systemically significant” to the EU market but which would be most affected by custom checks and other red tape.

“We would allow them to continue to operate as they do currently, with no new restrictions,” she said.

The DUP said the “sensible” idea should be the basis for negotiations currently going on in Brussels.

Speaking on Sunday, Mrs May said she was pleased that Irish PM Leo Varadkar agreed to sit down alongside the European Commission and UK to look at her proposals in more detail.

“We’ve got proposals as to how we’re going to achieve that, now we’re going to be able to sit down and talk with others about how we’re going to do that,” she told Andrew Marr.

But Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who wants the whole of the UK to remain in the customs union, said the PM was relying on “technological solutions that perhaps do not even exist”.

“One of the most shameful features of the whole Brexit process has been the negligent way that the interests of Ireland have just been cast aside,” she told ITV’s Peston on Sunday.

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Italy election: Voters cast ballots in unpredictable contest

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talians are voting after a divisive campaign dominated by concerns over immigration and the economy.

Correspondents say it is hard to say who will come out on top in an unpredictable contest.

The anti-establishment Five Star Movement, ruling Democratic Party and ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi’s right-wing coalition have all predicted victory.

But Mr Berlusconi, 81, cannot himself hold public office until next year due to a tax fraud conviction.

The four-time prime minister - who has allied himself with the anti-immigrant League party - has backed European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his choice to lead the country.

Opinion polls were banned in the last two weeks of the campaign but surveys before that suggested Mr Berlusconi’s alliance was in front but would not win a majority.

Five Star is widely expected by pollsters to emerge as the single biggest party.

What are the key issues?

Immigration More than 600,000 migrants have made the treacherous journey from Libya across the Mediterranean to reach Italy since 2013.

The huge number of arrivals has upset many Italians - with politicians, including from the mainstream, toughening their rhetoric as a result.

Mr Berlusconi has called the presence of illegal migrants a “social time-bomb” and pledges mass deportations.

The campaign has seen violent clashes between far-right supporters and antifascist protesters The economy Italy’s economy has started to expand once again but nearly 10 years on from the Global Financial Crisis, Italy’s gross domestic product - or total economic output - remains 5.7% lower than pre-crisis levels.

Pollsters do not expect any party to win an outright majority In 2016, some 18 million people were at risk of poverty, and unemployment is at 11%.

Economic policy has been a key battleground but observers say they have heard more from parties about pensioners than youths, which could be due to young voters’ high vote abstention rates.

Why is this election important?

Italy is the EU’s fourth-largest economy and the potential gains by populist and farright parties is a major concern in some European capitals and in Brussels.

Contenders have lined up to blame EU budget rules for hampering economic recovery. Five Star and the League had promised to hold a referendum to leave the euro but dropped that rhetoric.

Steve Bannon - who helped Donald Trump win the White House - told the New York Times that Italy’s election was “pure populism”.

Who’s running?

• The anti-establishment Five Star party was founded in 2009 by comedian

Beppe Grillo, who denounced cronyism in Italian politics. Current leader Luigi Di Maio has pledged a universal basic income scheme • Silvio Berlusconi has brought his centre-right Forza Italia into alliance with the anti-immigrant League and far-right Brothers of Italy. Although Mr Berlusconi has backed Mr Tajani, League leader Matteo Salvini also has prime ministerial ambitions • Matteo Renzi’s Democratic Party has partnered with three smaller parties to form a centre-left, pro-EU bloc that has staked its campaign on proposals to revive the economy. Mr Renzi resigned as PM in December 2016 When will we know the result?

Voting is being held from 07:00 to 23:00 (0600-2200 GMT) on Sunday, with exit polls to follow when polling stations close.

Official results are expect in the early hours of Monday.

The handbag that costs as much as a house

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ow much is a handbag worth? Say £100?

Maybe £500? Perhaps even £1,000?

How about handing over $380,000 (£279,000) for one bag - and a second-hand one at that?

For that price, you could buy a house in the UK (where the average dwelling costs £223,285, according to the Halifax) and still have plenty left over.

Yet astonishingly last year someone did pay that amount of money for a rare 2014 Himalaya Birkin - a matte white handbag by Hermes.

It was fashioned from Nilo crocodile hide and adorned with 18-carat white gold and diamondencrusted details.

While £279,000 is a record breaking price tag for this “holy grail” of handbags, it is a drop in the ocean when it comes to the increasingly lucrative market for buying and selling pre-owned luxury “arm furniture”.

High-end bags have come a long way from the days when Princess Grace of Monaco used an Hermes Sac a depeches to hide her growing baby bump from the paparazzi. It was subsequently renamed the Kelly bag after the former Hollywood star.

Expensive handbags are now ubiquitous among celebrities such as reality TV personalities Kim Kardashian West and her mother Kris Jenner.

However, these bags are no frivolous trinkets.

Auction house Christie’s says the global preowned luxury handbag market has jumped from being worth £5.1m in 2011 to £26m in 2016.

Rachel Koffsky, a specialist in handbags and accessories at Christie’s, says Hermes handbags “have been crafted in the same way, in the same materials for decades, whereas many other brands have been inconsistent in production over the past 100 years”.

She adds that the three best-known bags - the Kelly, the Birkin, made for the singer and actress Jane Birkin, and the Constance, named after the fifth child of Hermes designer Catherine Chaillet “have remained virtually unchanged since they were designed”.

However, Jefferies says: “Over the past 10 to 20 years, luxury brands have increasingly been able to raise the prices of their handbags and use more premium materials so in the future the top of the market is likely to become less dominated by Hermès.”

Heritage Auctions says that as well as Hermes, Chanel’s iconic flap bags “are always favourites for the paparazzi to catch on the celebrity arms of the world’s most famous”.

Ms Koffsky adds that, in the 1990s, two designers in particular were responsible for ushering in the “era of the It-bag” - Tom Ford at Gucci and

Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton.

These, along with the characters in the TV series Sex and the City, “brought collectable handbags into the mainstream”.

It also means that the somewhat intimidating world of auction houses is opening up to a different kind of clientele.

Ms Koffsky says: “Handbags have a very wide appeal and is a category most consumers are more comfortable with when compared to traditional flat or even decorative art.”

Jefferies says that handbags are the “most accessible category” at Christie’s because of the lower cost of the lots, adding that 40% of the 712 buyers in that category were new to the auction house.

Heritage Auctions says that there is no typical buyer. They can range from people who want to add to their existing handbag collection - or those who would like to start one.

Ms Koffsky says quite often buyers become sellers and vice versa.

She says: “At the top end of the buyer spectrum, we have collectors who count their handbags among their most valuable assets. On the other end, we have young and savvy shoppers looking for a vintage piece that will stand out from current trends, oftentimes it is significantly less than retail.

“Perhaps it is their first time buying at auction.”

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

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e w s

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Egypt arrests mother of woman at centre of BBC report

Page 23

A f r i c a Burkina Faso attack: French embassy targeted in Ouagadougou r o m

Zubeida’s mother told the BBC her daughter vanished in April 2017

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n Egyptian woman who spoke to the BBC about the torture and forced disappearance of her daughter has been arrested by Egyptian authorities on suspicion of spreading false news.

She has been detained for 15 days for questioning, officials said.

Last week the BBC reported on the disappearance of her daughter, Zubeida, who has not been seen since April 2017.

But on Monday, Zubeida appeared on an Egyptian talk show denying she had been detained or mistreated in any way.

Egypt’s State Information Service has demanded the BBC apologise over the report, which it said was an “absolute falsification and fabrication”.

The BBC said that it “stands by the integrity of its reporting teams and that it will be discussing the complaint with Egyptian authorities in the coming days”.

Egyptian state-owned newspaper AlAhram said Zubeida’s mother is accused of “publishing and broadcasting false news that could harm the country’s national interests” and joining an illegal group, which it does not identify.

On Tuesday, after Zubeida’s appearance on television, her mother told a pro-Muslim Brotherhood TV channel based in Turkey that her daughter had been “forced under torture” to appear.

“I insist on what I said to the BBC; this is the truth,” she said.

Separately, human rights activists in Egypt said that a lawyer familiar with Zubeida’s case named Ezzat Ghoneim had failed to return home from work yesterday.

But there has been no indication from authorities that he was detained.

Amnesty International said it was “deeply concerned that Ezzat Ghonim may have been forcibly disappeared”.

It called on Egyptian authorities to release any information they have about the lawyer, “and release him immediately if he is in state custody”.

The arrest of Zubeida’s mother comes a day after Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said any insult made towards the country’s security forces was “high treason”.

“If someone insults the army or police they’re defaming all Egyptians and that’s not freedom of opinion,” he said.

Mr Sisi led the military’s overthrow in 2013 of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi following mass protests against his rule.

Human rights groups say there has been a crackdown on opposition ahead of a presidential election later this month.

Potential opponents of Mr Sisi have been arrested, attacked, or have dropped out - he will now stand virtually unopposed.

Source: BBC

Men were seen escaping from the military HQ after it came under attack

G

unmen have launched twin attacks in the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, against the French embassy and army headquarters.

Eight security personnel and eight attackers were killed in the fighting while 80 people including civilians, were wounded, officials say.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian said there was no doubt it was an act of terrorism.

It is was not immediately clear who had carried out the attack.

Burkina Faso Security Minister Clement Sawadogo said there had also been a suicide car bomb attack at the military HQ that may have intended to target a regional anti-terrorism meeting.

A room was destroyed by the blast, he said, but the meeting had been moved to another location.

Burkina Faso police said in a statement that units had fanned out across the city to increase security and urged people to remain vigilant.

Concentrating minds?

There have been rumours of an attack in Burkina Faso for some time, and these even prompted a recent security forces reshuffle.

But this is far bigger than what most people had expected. An attack on the military headquarters strikes at the heart of Burkina Faso’s security establishment, while the French embassy is normally one of the safest places in the capital.

Since Emmanuel Macron came to power, France has been trying to mobilise its former colonies in West Africa, and the United Nations, to tackle the Islamist militant groups which operate in the Sahel region south of the Sahara. But, so far, progress has been slow.

This attack may concentrate some people’s minds.

What happened?

Early pictures from the scene showed a cloud of black smoke rising into the sky.

Witnesses reported seeing armed men getting out of a car and opening fire before heading towards the embassy.

Ouagadougou Mayor Armand Béouindé told France’s Le Monde newspaper that the attackers had shot at the town hall and his office windows were shattered. “Apparently, it is a jihadist attack,” he said, but gave no further details.

One witness, Omar Zombre, told local TV: “We saw four people who were trying to enter the embassy on the east side. They were in civilian attire, with a kind of vest and backpacks with Kalashnikovs which were clearly visible.

“So they tried, but they didn’t manage it and so they tried to enter from the west side.

We saw that they had set a car on fire. When we went up [to the roof] we heard gunshots from an automatic weapon, [it was] very intense.”

Why is France involved?

The country maintains strong ties with its former colony.

It appears there were no French casualties

as a result of Friday’s attack, Mr Le Drian said “Burkina Faso was the victim of an attack by terrorist groups,” he added.

“It targeted both the institutions of Burkina Faso - because the Burkinabe army headquarters were targeted - and it also targeted France, which is Burkina Faso’s ally in its fight against terrorism.”

French President Emmanuel Macron urged French nationals in the country to follow the embassy’s advice and stay away from troubled areas.

French forces based in the country were also deployed.

Who was behind previous attacks?

This is the third major attack Ouagadougou has seen in the past two years. Islamist militants said they had carried out the other two.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb said it was behind an attack on a restaurant and hotel in Ouagadougou in January 2016 that killed 30 people.

France intervened to stop that group taking control of neighbouring Mali in 2013.

But there are numerous other Islamist groups based in the region and militants have carried out attacks in several major West African cities in the past few years.

Burkina Faso also saw a failed coup in 2015.

The trial for dozens of the alleged perpetrators began earlier this week but was suspended after defence lawyers walked out in protest against the military court.

DR Congo violence: Dozens killed in Ituri province

M

ore than 33 people have been killed in a fresh outbreak of ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities say.

Unrest broke out between the Hema and Lendu communities in the northeastern province of Ituri.

A UN-sponsored broadcaster said the assailants were eventually forced back by security forces.

More than 100 people have been killed by violence in the province since midDecember.

The unrest between the Hema cattle herders and Lendu farmers of the Ituri region is one of several conflicts in DR Congo which have produced a huge amount of refugees and internally displaced people

over the past two years.

Some 200,000 people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence in Ituri alone.

Local army spokesman Jules Ngongo told Reuters news agency that state forces had separated the two sides.

“It was a case of reprisals by the two communities. According to our information, there were cases of people being decapitated,” he said. Some charities put the death toll at 49 or more.

A BBC reporter recently saw burnt and abandoned villages in Ituri, where the Hema and Lendu have been fighting for control of land.

Thousands died in fighting between the two groups between 1997 and 2003, a time

when DR Congo was at the centre of what some observers call “Africa’s world war”, as several other countries were involved.

Fighting was fuelled by DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth.

The war claimed up to six million lives in total, either as a direct result of fighting or because of disease and malnutrition.

Aid agencies are warning about the cost of violence in Ituri.

The United Nations children’s agency, Unicef, says more than 46,000 children are on the run.

According to the Norwegian Refugee Council, a humanitarian NGO, 4.5m people across the country need humanitarian assistance.

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Trump trade war: China vows retaliation if tariffs bite

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Syria war: Residents flee Eastern Ghouta bombardment

C

hina has warned that it does not want a trade war with the US, but will not sit idly by if its economy is hurt.

Zhang Yesui, spokesperson for China’s National People’s Congress, made the comments amid controversy over Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

The US president has also threatened to impose a tax on EU-made cars, and earlier said “trade wars are good”.

US trading partners, the IMF and the WTO have strongly criticised his moves.

What does Trump want to do and why?

Mr Trump has decried the “$800 Billion Dollar Yearly Trade Deficit because of our ‘very stupid’ trade deals and policies”, and vowed to end it.

On Thursday, he said steel imports would face a 25% tariff and aluminium 10%.

Then came Saturday’s threat on EUmade cars.

In January, he had already announced tariffs on solar panels and washing machines.

What are US trading partners making of this?

China’s Zhang Yesui said it was natural that “some friction will exist” between the US and China, given the volume of trade between them surpassed $580bn (£420bn) last year.

But he said China would take “necessary measures” if its interests were hurt.

Canada said tariffs would cause disruption on both sides of the border.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “confident we’re going to continue to be able to defend Canadian industry”.

EU trade chiefs have reportedly been considering slapping 25% tariffs on around $3.5bn of imports from the US - targeting iconic US exports including Levi’s jeans, Harley-Davidson motorbikes and Bourbon whisky.

Brazil, Mexico and Japan, that have said they will consider retaliatory steps if the president presses ahead with his plan next week.

Has Trump got political support for a trade war?

A number of Republicans have questioned the wisdom of the tariff proposal and have been urging the president to reconsider.

Senator Orrin Hatch said American citizens would be made to pay.

Senator Ben Sasse agreed that “kooky 18th Century protectionism will jack up prices on American families”.

Industry bodies like the US Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association have expressed deep concern.

But steelworkers in Pennsylvania and Indiana will welcome Mr Trump’s comments.

Is Trump right about the trade imbalance?

The US imports steel from more than 100 nations and brings in four times more steel from abroad than it exports.

Since 2000, the US steel industry has suffered, with production dropping and the number of employees in steel work falling.

The US is the largest export market for EU cars - making up 25% of the €192bn (£171bn; $237bn) worth of motor vehicles the bloc exported in 2016 (China was second with 16%).

Source: BBC

More than 600 people have been killed in the past week in the Eastern Ghouta

R

esidents are reported to be fleeing the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta enclave in Syria as the situation there was described as “beyond critical”.

Syria’s military appears to be increasing pressure on several fronts to try to retake the enclave just to the east of the capital, Damascus.

Government forces have taken 10% of the area, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitors say.

A UN aid convoy planned for Sunday has not been able to enter the enclave.

The fighting since 18 February has left more than 600 people dead, many of them children.

How bad is the humanitarian situation?

Neither a daily five-hour truce ordered by the Russians - Syria’s main backers nor the ordering of a nationwide ceasefire by the UN Security Council have led to any humanitarian relief for the enclave.

The UN says that the “collective

punishment of civilians is simply unacceptable”.

The organisation said it had failed to obtain permission from Syrian officials to allow 40 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies to enter the key town of Douma.

“Instead of a much-needed reprieve, we continue to see more fighting, more death, and more disturbing reports of hunger and hospitals being bombed,” UN regional humanitarian co-ordinator Panos Moumtzis said.

Some 393,000 people are trapped in the besieged enclave.

Where are people fleeing to?

Opposition sources and journalists on the ground say that hundreds of people have been fleeing the bombardment of Beit Sawa, south of Douma and on the eastern edge of the densely populated centre of the Eastern Ghouta. The enclave is an agricultural region about the size of Manchester in the UK.

Residents, many of them women and children, are reported to have fled into the centre of the enclave to seek shelter.

Fighting has intensified in Beit Sawa between government forces and Jaish alIslam, one of three main rebel groups.

A resident speaking to the BBC described the situation in the Eastern Ghouta as “beyond critical”.

What is the Syrian government’s aim?

Several reports suggest government forces are attempting to cut the region in two.

Syrian state media say the army has advanced on several fronts, and has taken control of villages and farms while attacking from the eastern side of the enclave.

The military has been accused of targeting civilians, but it says it is trying to liberate the region, one of the last rebel strongholds, from those it terms terrorists.

Papua New Guinea earthquake: Tens of thousands need urgent aid

T

ens of thousands of people in Papua New Guinea are in urgent need of supplies after last Monday’s powerful earthquake, aid agencies say.

Landslides and damaged roads have made it impossible to reach the worst-affected communities in isolated areas.

Many people are thought to be living under canvas roofs in the rubble of damaged buildings.

The 7.5-magnitude quake rattled villages and a large gold mine in the country’s Enga province.

US seismologists said it struck 90km (56 miles) south of Porgera at 03:45 local time on Monday (17:45 GMT on Sunday).

There have been dozens of aftershocks, including a 5.7 quake on Tuesday afternoon.

Local reports say dozens of people have been killed but there has been no official confirmation.

“The challenge is road access; it’s still not accessible to trucks and four-wheel drives,” Udaya Regmi, of the International Red Cross, told Reuters news agency.

“Big trucks cannot go there. It’s one of the reasons the food is becoming less and less.

There are no fears of starvation yet but we’ve not got the full picture.”

Mr Regmi - who is based in the country said that 147,000 people were in severe need of food, water and sanitation.

A state of emergency has been declared but

The 7.5-magnitude quake damaged rural villages the full scale of the damage will not be clear until relief workers can complete a full assessment.

In a statement, Darian Clark, of the Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, described the extent of the damage.

“This was the biggest earthquake in 100 years and it spread 150km across the fault line,” he said.

“A number of urban settlements, as well as villages, have been affected, many in the form of landslides and landslips, which means that roads have been cut off, water contaminated and power knocked out.”

The governor of Hela province, Philip

Undialu, told local media the damage was “extensive”.

“Our police station, courthouse, hospital... even private houses have been ripped apart or sunk into the ground,” Mr Undialu said from the country’s capital, Port Moresby.

Earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity.

Part of the country’s northern coast was destroyed by a tsunami in 1998, caused by a 7.0 earthquake.

Some 2,200 people were killed.

PAGE 25

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

Education Minister tasks UNIMAID Council to support lecturers released by insurgents

T

he Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah has called the Council and Management of University of Maiduguri to cushion the trauma of the staff of the University of Maiduguri who recently regained their freedom after over seven months of adoption by insurgents.

Professor Anwukah received the released staff and top officials of the University led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibrahim Abukakar Njodi in his office at the weekend, appealing that the oil company involved in the exploration drive should also consider appropriate palliative measures for the affected staff including the families of the six that lost their lives in the attack.

According to a statement by, Mrs C.P Ihuoma, mni Director (Press &PR) , the Minister described the attack on the lecturers as a rude shock and urged the survivors to put the ordeal behind and forge ahead.

Addressing the Minister of State earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi recalled that the insurgents struck in July, 2017 when the team of nine staff of the University was on sample collection mission in respect of oil exploration.

The Vice Chancellor who was in tears as he reflected on the traumatic incident, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed all the organs of government that made the release of the three officers possible.

The released officers are: Dr Solomon Yusuf a Senior Lecturer in Geo-Physics, Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim a Graduate- Assistant and Haruna Dashe, a Technical Officer in the institution.

Students of Queen Amina College want clean water, security From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

S

ome students of Queen Amina College, Kaduna, have appealed to the Kaduna State Government to increase access to clean water and other basic amenities in the school.

The students made the appeal when the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Malam Ja’afaru Sani visited the college to inspect the state of facilities in the school after its renovation.

The students also asked for increase in the quantity of food given to them as breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as improve security to stop thieves from entering the schools to steal form them.

One of them, Vivian Adzento, SSI student, told the commissioner that the school need additional boreholes, as the one serving the school was not enough given the huge student population in the

school.

Fatima Ibrahim, also in SSI said, “The quantity of food given to us is very small.

We want the quantity to be increase so that we will be filled and concentrate well.”

The students nonetheless commended their teachers and the school management for their dedication and quality of teaching to prepare them for future endeavours.

Responding, Sani explained that the essence of his visit was to find out what has been done and what needs to be improved to make the students comfortable.

He promised that all critical facilities, particularly water and security would be address in no distant time.

“Generally I am very happy with the school environment. I am equally delighted that the students scored the teachers and non-teaching staff high.

“This was demonstrated, by a JSS I student, Lauretta Naricah who eloquently

read a passage from a text book.

“I am particularly impressed that the presence of the principal did not deter them from telling us their mind. This shows that the students can effectively expressed themselves.

“This is a good sign of quality teaching and learning. So we will go back to the ministry and articulate what are required to address their concerns, “Sani said.

The commissioner said that the ongoing schools renovation and expansion across the state was designed to address deficit of facilities to provide conducive learning environment.

The commissioner also assured the state resolve to equip all school laboratories, and teachers’ welfare.

He equally directed that the names of all casual staff in the school to be compiled and forwarded to the ministry for consideration for permanent and pensionable appointment.

Official commissioning of Internet Library, by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of education, Arc. Sunny Ochonu at Federal Government Girl College Bwari, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

UBEB pledges commitment to teachers welfare

By Paul Efiong

T

he Director Training, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Alhaji Abubakar Dantsoho has pledged his board’s readiness to compliment and support programme that would improve the quality and quantity of teachers in FCT. The director who disclosed this during an induction/award ceremony for teachers who have shown professionalism while in service also stressed his board’s readiness to engage teachers in regular training. and retraining.

The event was organised by a NonGovernmental Organization known as the Education Development Academy (EDA) in Abuja.

Speaking earlier, Alhaji Dantasoho also identified lack of professionalism among teachers as a major problem maintained that teachers who give in their best to teach students also produce quality persons

which have contributed to nation building and development..

“Industrialized nations pay teachers high. There only the best go for teaching; only the best go to the class’’.

“Teachers provide professionals.

Teachers are key in all spheres of life.

Teachers should play their role very well.

You hold the key sector that determines the best in the society.

He also drill his audience when he observed that teachers supposed to prepare the children for a successful life, noting that those who flog children with can are not doing their job well because teachers should have the ability to teach and inculcate knowledge on children even those that most people consider as lazy ones.

He explained further that “children believe teachers than they believe in their parents. Adding that teachers who teach well are asset not just for the school but for the whole country as what they taught children could also be transferred into a

larger society to make a decent nation and community.

While congratulating teachers for their success story reminded them of a need to always observe the ethics of teaching profession adding that children can only learn when they are emotionally stable.

In his remarks, the national coordinator and the Registrar of Education Development Academy(EDA)techr Uwem Bassey explained that his organization is the only body now in the country that promote and project teachers training and retraining to achieving professionalism.

Uwem noted with happiness the success story of his establishment since inception pointing out that teachers performance has improved tremendously throughout the territory and beyond because of his group passion for teachers to achieve professionalism.

According to EDA registrar, ‘the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria(TRCN) and the Nigerian Union

of Teachers(NUT) have approved regular training and retraining of all teachers in both private and public schools in Nigeria to be carry out by his organization.

In her own remarks at the event, Teacher Adebisi Tokunbo who us the Director Quality Assurance EDA charged teachers to be passionate in their job despite the environment. “Let us do our best regardless of motivation. We will receive our rewards here in the earth and in Heaven.

She urged them to work hard to regain respect teachers commanded in the past.

Teachers development is very important.

I cannot spend six months without undergoing training. Don’t wait for the government develop yourself because things are changing.

The High point of the event was an election for the position of EDA President in the FCT, where teacher Rita Bearnad emerged. Other the Public Relation Officer as well as, the Financial Secretary.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march, 2018

PAGE 26

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

HARMONY CITY ASSEMBLY

OASIS FRIENDS CLUB

LIFELINE INITIATIVES AGAINST DRUG ABUSE & OTHER SOCIAL VICES

This is to notify the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ARASAH IBRAHIM ABAYOMI 2. IBRAHIM-ARASAH SUSAN THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE ARE: 1. To proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, make disciples of all nations, raising leaders and give hope to all.

2. To raise man and women who will live the fullest of life that God has planned for them.

3. To establish branches for the expansion of the Gospel, organize crusades, seminars etc.

Any objection to the registration must reach the Registrar Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SOLS LEGAL. Legal Practitioners and Consultants.

08065867429, 08051285529.

This is to notify the general public that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Kene Molokwu - Chairman 2. Molokwu Ugochukwu - Secretary 3. Nwobu Joseph - Member 4. Orji Emmanuel - Member 5. Osinoiki Adebajo Adeoluwa - Member AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote the interest of it’s members Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

This is to notify the general public that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Onu Nwakaego Christiana 2. Obi Gabriel Uzomma 3. Barr. Francisca Akaniro 4. Onu Aroh John THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To educate the youths on the menance of drug abuse and other social vices in the society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

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ESUT 2004 LAW CLASS ASSOCIATION

ALL IGBO TOWN UNION PRESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION OF ABA TENANTS

This is to notify the general public that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Bright Nda Owhor 2. Agbara Ekwunife William 3. Blessing Chielozonam Ene 4. Chidiebere Nwabueze Udekwe 5. Chizoba Onyia Ijioma The aim and objective : 1. To protect the interest of members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

This is to notify the general public that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr. Agbai Eke Agbai 2. Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde 3. Mr. Lovepet Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe 4. Mr. Chuks Marcellinus Mbata AIM AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To promote peaceful coexistence among the towns in igboland, in order to attain more even development for all the parts of igboland 2. To improve interaction among the leaders of the various towns and cities in igboland for the Purpose of ensuring cultural harmony 3. To create minimum standard for the running of the affairs of the town unions and provide platform for the exchange of notes amongst leaders on compliance of best standards of organization of the affairs of towns in Igboland 4. To create a standard for the sustenance of igbo culture, customs and ethos among the towns in Igboland 5. To ensure proper inculcation of lgbo culture and values into the consciousness of the igbo children in diaspora Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

This is to inform the public that the above named church has applied to the CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA for registration under PART C of COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) IKECHUKWU MIKE GEORGE, CHAIRMAN 2) CHIEF SIR DENNIS NNADOZIE NWANKPA, SECRETARY 3) MRS LOVETH MIKE GEORGE 4) MS CHINOMNSO GLADYS NWANKPA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE WELFARE OF TENANTS IN ABA

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

A8 LIMITED [RC. 929396] SUITE A41 MAITAMA SHOPPING COMPLEX MAITAMA ABUJA-FCT, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF A8 LIMITED RC. 929396 PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of A8 LIMITED held at Suite A41 Maitama shopping complex Maitama AbujaFCT, on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

ARRIVAL & SATISFACTION LTD (RC 906647) SUITE A41 MAITAMA SHOPPING COMPLEX MAITAMA ABUJA-FCT, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF ARRIVAL & SATISFACTION LTD (RC 906647) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of ARRIVAL & SATISFACTION LTD held at Suite A41 Maitama shopping complex Maitama Abuja-FCT, on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

FULFILLED-GENERATION LTD (RC NO 906711) Plot 959 Ahmadu Bello way,Wuse 2 Abuja-FC THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF FULFILLED-GENERATION LTD (RC NO 906711) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of FULFILLEDGENERATION LTD held at Plot 959 Ahmadu Bello way,Wuse 2 Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

Director Director

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

FLY HIGH & SAFE WATCH LTD (RC NO 905899) Suite A3 Emab Plaza Wuse 2 Abuja-FCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF FLY HIGH & SAFE WATCH LTD (RC NO 905899) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of FLY HIGH & SAFE WATCH LTD Held at Suite A3 Emab Plaza Wuse 2 Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

BIG NATURE & CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED (RC NO 905897) Plot 960 Ahmadu Bello Way,Wuse 2 ABUJA-FCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF BIG NATURE & CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED (RC NO 905897) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of BIG NATURE & CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED held at , Plot 960 Ahmadu Bello Way, Wuse 2 ABUJA-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

SELECT SYSTEMS MULTI-CONCEPTS LTD (RC NO 906723) SUITE A41 MAITAMA SHOPPING COMPLEX MAITAMA ABUJA-FCT, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF SELECT SYSTEMS MULTI-CONCEPTS LTD (RC NO 906723) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of SELECT SYSTEMS MULTI-CONCEPTS LTD held at Suite A41 Maitama shopping complex Maitama Abuja-FCT, on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Director Director

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

Director Director

Director Director

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

PAGE 27

PUBLIC NOTICE

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CHRIST DELIGHT ASSEMBLY

JESUS OUR STRONGHOLD CHURCH

TRADITIONAL CHURCH OF GOD

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROCLAIM CHRIST AS THE ONLY HOPE OF HUMANITY, HERE ON EARTH AND THEREAFTER. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : I, PRIEST OKWUDILI EZEIFE 2 CHIEF ADINUBA ANUNOBI 3,NNAEMEKA NGONADI 4 , IBENEGBU NNOLUKA 5 , OFOMATA ODUMODU 6, ANIJI OKAFO 7, CHIEF DR ANIEROBI ADIREKWUO 8 , IKECHUKWU CHUKWUJEKWU 9 ,CHIEF TOBENNA MBACHUKWU I0.NWAFO OGUEJIOFO , THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UMUOTI DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

HOBA ELDERS FORUM

JESUS OUTREACH PENTECOSTAL FELLOWSHIP

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PST. EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI SAMUEL - General Oversea 2. EMMANUEL TOYIN OMOTOLANI - Church Secretary.

3. OKOLI OKECHUKWU DANIEL - Member THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROCLAIM CHRIST AS THE ONLY HOPE OF HUMANITY, HERE ON EARTH AND THEREAFTER. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AYENI ADEYEMO OLUWATOSIN - General Oversea 2. AYENI VICTORIA FUNKE - member 3. ABIDOYE BABATUNDE ELIJAH - member 4. EGBEYEMI TAIYELOLU JOSEPH - member 5. DANIEL DEBORAH - Church Secretary 6. ATTEH JOSEPH OLORUNJUWON - member 7. AJIBOYE SAMUEL INIOLUWA - member

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) MAZI FERDINAND OKOROAFOR 2). MAZI (SIR) GODWIN IVI (CHAIRMAN).

3). MAZI JAMES UKPABI. 4). MAZI NNANNA NWAUWA. 5. BARR. CHARLES ONWUMERE. 6).MAZI LINUS NDIONYE 7). DR DONATUS NWOSU 8). MAZI OKORONKWO OKORO 9). MAZI FRIDAY OKORO. 10). BARR. (SIR) EUSTACE NJAKA ( SECRETARY) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED. BARR. CHRIS OKPALA. OKPALA CHRIS & CO. SUITE A5, AWMAR PLAZA GUDU DISTRICT. ABUJA. 08033158531, 08055836771

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHARISLIFE CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

CITIZENS NETWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE & DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) Mr. Amasa Gnashilti Shall-Holma(chairman) 2) Engr. Wilson Dzigu Gundiri 3) Mr. Ethan Yusuf.

4) Barr. Alheri Bulus Nyako(secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To foster unity, brotherhood and to inculcate and promote discipline as well as cultural norms and values among the Hoba people.

2. To promote and develop talent of members.

3. To promote and enhance socio-economic and human development in the Hoba community.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR. Tapji Lengs

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) CHRISTIAN DANLUKE EWOH (2)EZECHI CHIEJINE THOMPSON (3)OLUGOLODHI GIDEON CHRISTIAN. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. TO ASSIST THE POOR AND THE VULNERABLE IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR .C.N UDENGWU. TEL:08039302589.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CENTRE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Happiness Okoka, 2. Cole Michaels Idowu, 3. Chinedu Richard, 4. Victor Oshoke Audu, 5. Solomon Ochedi, 6. Alfred Ojile, 7. Abdullahi Salisu, 8. Mike Odeh Akatu James, 9. Chukwuebuka Mbakogu Valentine, 10. Ifeanyi Okafor.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Solicitor 08038714302

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IDEAL GREEN CARE FOUNDATION

HOLINESS AND POWER MISSION CAC/IT/RC/ NO: 83721.

LADY BRIDGET NWAOZOMUDOH HELPING HANDS FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.REV.EDWIN HEZRON NZOME 2.PASTOR. ROSE EDWIN NZOME 3.PASTOR. HAJARA BALA JAFIYA 4.PASTOR. AYUBA KWADA VANDI 5.PASTOR. STEPHEN HEZRON THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BAR NGOZI ANNIE OKWUONYECHIE ESQ

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MRS. CHIGEBI ADA NWAMAKA OBUMNEME-MARTINS 2. MR. MARTINS BATALHA RICARDO GORGE 3. MR. AYOTALUCHI IFEANYI 4. MRS. CARO NONYE IWUCHUKWU. 5. MR TOCHUKWU OBUMNEME

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal of Trustee under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR CHIGBOA KELECHI 2. MRS. CHIGBOA CHINONYE 3. PASTOR NWAOPITA GIDEON

- RETAINED - RETAINED - REMOVED

The aims and objectives remains the same

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To unite the member and care for the Less privilege.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja – FCT, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

Signed: Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OCHENEHI, DOMINIC SUNDAY ( Chairman) 2. Abah, Friday Sunday 3. OCHENEHI ,Nkechi Solange (Secretary) 4. Jonah, Ezekiel Akuson.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To provide public education and legal assistance on issues.

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

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JUDITH AMALONYE NWAOBI 2. LINDA IFEOMA MORGAN-OKEUDO 3. MARK OSEMEDUA NWAOZOMUDOH 4. NICOLE NWAMAKA NWAOZOMUDOH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To lend a helping hand to vulnerable and underprivileged children and women in society.

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

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

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PURE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES LTD (RC NO 901736) Block A4,Suite 12 Commerce Plaza Area 1, Garki Abuja-FCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF PURE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES LTD (RC NO 901736) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of PURE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES LTD held at , Block A4,Suite 12 Commerce Plaza Area 1, Garki Abuja-FCT, on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

TECHSOL-APEX MULTI SERVICES LIMITED (RC NO 906873) SUITE A41 MAITAMA SHOPPING COMPLEX MAITAMA ABUJA-FCT, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF TECHSOL-APEX MULTI SERVICES LIMITED (RC NO 906873) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of TECHSOL-APEX MULTI SERVICES LIMITED held at Suite A41 Maitama shopping complex Maitama Abuja-FCT, on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2.That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

QUIKSILVER ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION LTD (RC NO 854160) 1, Lumsar street,Ibrahim Abacha Estate,Wuse zone 4 AbujaFCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF QUIKSILVER ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION LTD (RC NO 854160) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of QUIKSILVER ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION LTD held at , 1, Lumsar street,Ibrahim Abacha Estate, Wuse zone 4 Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1.That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2.That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3.That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

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WINDING UP

TREETOP INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD (RC NO 902632) Plot 959 Ahmadu Bello Way Wuse 2 Abuja-FCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF TREETOP INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD (RC NO 902632) PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of TREETOP INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD held at , Plot 959 Ahmadu Bello Way Wuse 2 Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street, Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

SLYWORK NIGERIA LIMITED (RC NO 1111346) 2, Igoli Road, Okuku-Yala LGA Cross River State THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF SLYWORK NIGERIA LIMITED PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of SLYWORK NIGERIA LIMITED held at , 2, Igoli Road, Okuku-Yala LGA Cross River state on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

Director Director

WORKNATURE NIGERIA LIMITED (RC NO 1111192) House 162 Zone E. Apo Resettlement Centre Apo Garki Abuja-FCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF WORKNATURE NIGERIA LIMITED PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of WORKNATURE NIGERIA LIMITED held at House 162 Zone E. Apo Resettlement Centre Apo Garki Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

WINDING UP

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PUBLIC NOTICE

LONDON FOCUS SERVICES LIMITED (RC NO 854461) 1, Lumsar street,Ibrahim Abacha Estate Wuse zone 4, AbujaFCT THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF LONDON FOCUS SERVICES LIMITED PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of LONDON FOCUS SERVICES LIMITED held at , 1, Lumsar street,Ibrahim Abacha Estate Wuse Zone 4,Abuja-FCT on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street,Wuse zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

AKTECH MULTI-LINK SERVICES LTD (RC NO 1125101) 13,Timmy time hotel Road, Okuku-Yala LGA Cross River state THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF AKTECH MULTI-LINK SERVICES LTD PURSUANT TO SECTION 459 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 At an Extra-ordinary General Meeting of AKTECH MULTILINK SERVICES LTD held at , 13,Timmy time hotel Road,Okuku-Yala LGA Cross River state on the 2nd day of March 2018, the following special resolutions were proposed and unanimously passed: 1. That the company be wound up voluntarily by its members.

2. That Mrs.Emilia Okonji Esq of No.11 Nouakchott street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja-FCT be and is hereby appointed liquidator for the purpose of such winding up.”

3. That this resolution and other necessary documents be filed at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja.

Dated, this 2nd day of March, 2018.

GOSHEN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Director Director

PUBLIC NOTICE

Foundation for the Women and Children of hope in Nigeria THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1- DR MUSA TITILAYO Monsurat 2- Dr Rasaq Azeez 3- Dr Folorunso Sakinat Oluwabukonla 4- Mr Musa Muhammed 5- Miss Musa Ummul- Khayr THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To promote and protect the reproductive right of various voiceless groups notably women, youths advancement and other individuals.

2. To alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people in capacity building towards service and productivity.

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

Director Director

Director Director

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE. 1. OLUWANIYI GBENGA FRANCIS 2. MRS. OLUWAYEMISI BENJAMIN 3. BRODICK EMMANUEL 4. RUTH JIBRINAIMS AND OBJECTIVES AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Skills acquisition, development and empowerment.

2. To assist in the care and welfare of the poor, orphans, aged and the needy.

3. To offer and promote capacity building, mindset development, enhancement and entrepreneurial seminars.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: secretary

change of name

lsmaila

space for sale

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS lsmaila ZAKARI bashir. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS lsmaila bashir. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

JUSTINA DAN AMOS FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OBIOHA EMEKA MBAKWE - CHAIRMAN 2. ROY CHUKWUEMEKA MBAKWE 3. ALPHONSUS ENWEREKE INNOMACKSON 4. AUSTIN OGBONNAYA MBAKWE - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To aid those in need through the provision of money, food, time and other 2. To organize at least one fundraiser per year to solicit funds to support our scholarship awards ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

umar

CHRIST DEVOTIONAL ASSEMBLY WORLDWIDE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS umar farouk yakubu.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS umar farouk sani.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR EMMANUEL ORJI 2. CHRISTIAN AROH 3. MRS CHINYERE UGWU

NAJA’ATU

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IDEAL GREEN CARE FOUNDATION

HOLINESS AND POWER MISSION CAC/IT/RC/ NO: 83721.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MRS. CHIGEBI ADA NWAMAKA OBUMNEME-MARTINS 2. MR. MARTINS BATALHA RICARDO GORGE 3. MR. AYOTALUCHI IFEANYI 4. MRS. CARO NONYE IWUCHUKWU. 5. MR TOCHUKWU OBUMNEME THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To unite the member and care for the Less privilege.

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Mission has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Removal of Trustee under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR CHIGBOA KELECHI 2. MRS. CHIGBOA CHINONYE 3. PASTOR NWAOPITA GIDEON

- RETAINED - RETAINED - REMOVED

The aims and objectives remains the same Any objection to the application should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja – FCT, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LADY BRIDGET NWAOZOMUDOH HELPING HANDS FOUNDATION

JUSTINA DAN AMOS FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JUDITH AMALONYE NWAOBI 2. LINDA IFEOMA MORGAN-OKEUDO 3. MARK OSEMEDUA NWAOZOMUDOH 4. NICOLE NWAMAKA NWAOZOMUDOH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To lend a helping hand to vulnerable and underprivileged children and women in society.

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

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OBIOHA EMEKA MBAKWE - CHAIRMAN 2. ROY CHUKWUEMEKA MBAKWE 3. ALPHONSUS ENWEREKE INNOMACKSON 4. AUSTIN OGBONNAYA MBAKWE - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To aid those in need through the provision of money, food, time and other 2. To organize at least one fundraiser per year to solicit funds to support our scholarship awards ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

yakubu

CHRIST DEVOTIONAL ASSEMBLY WORLDWIDE

I, formerly known as Ahmad kyauta yakubu now wish to be known and addressed as yakubu Amadu. All former documents remain valid. fiedility bank the general public should please take note.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

MUHAMMED

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PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

monday, march 5, 2018

Page

30

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Minister apologises for non-hosting of National Sports Festival in 6 years

Athletes at Eko national sports festival

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he Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung has apologised to Nigerians, especially sportsmen and women over the ministry’s inability to host the National Sports Festival since 2012.

Dalung, speaking in an interview with newsmen in Benin, said “it is regrettable that in six years young people were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents.

“Indeed those affected deserve a national apology and I proceed to apologise’’, he said.

The Minister said the importance of the National Sports Festival in promoting sporting activities in the country could not be overemphasised saying “the talents we lost during the six years were many’’.

He assured that the ministry would be able to host the festival

in 2018 as the Federal Government had taken over hosting rights from Cross Rivers.

“The hosting rights were given to Cross Rivers and for six years they were unable to host the game.

“The singular act of the federal government owning up the game is enough commitment that the game will hold this year.

“We have also budgeted for the game to hold this year because we

foresaw a situation where we might be boxed to a corner again if we take the hosting rights to another state.

“The issue with the states has been we don’t have funds and we are aware that many states cannot pay salaries.

“So we have decided to own the game and give young Nigerians the opportunity to showcase their talents,”Dalung said.

Minister rallies support for golf to boost tournaments in Nigeria

>>pg 31

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, march 5, 2018

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Dikko inducted into FIFA committee

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Minister rallies support for golf to boost tournaments in Nigeria

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T Shehu Dikko

By Albert Akota

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he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko has been inducted into the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee, after attending his first meeting of the panel at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday, 28 February.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino performed the induction alongside the Chairman of the committee, Victor Montagliani, who is also President of CONCACAF and also a FIFA Vice President.

Infantino presented Dikko, also the Chairman of Marketing, Sponsorship and TV Rights Committee and Strategic Studies Committee of the NFF, with the special FIFA pin before the 3rd meeting of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.

Dikko was named into the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee in November 2017. He is also a Member of the CAF Committee for Club Competitions and Club Licensing System.

he Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on the private sector and philanthropists to support the game of golf in order to raise the prize money and attract internationally-acclaimed golfers to play in Nigerian tournaments.

The Minister, who made the call at the opening of the 2018 West African Golf Tour at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on Thursday, observed that the current prize money of $50,000 for both Lagos and Abuja tours will not attract top class professional golfers to Nigeria.

He said countries stand to benefit greatly from sporting activities, hence the need for the government and the private sector to tap into the enormous opportunities that golf presents, and to support the West Africa Golf Tour in developing the game.

Alhaji Mohammed stressed the need to leverage on golf and other sporting activities to promote tourism and showcase Nigeria to the rest of the world.

“The West Africa Golf Tour speaks for the commitment that I hold, as the Minister of Information and Culture, for the promotion of Nigeria’s rich tourism potentials.

It showcases Nigeria to the world our golf courses, natural surroundings and cities as well as our culture, thereby putting Nigeria, West Africa and Africa in the limelight and helping to advance the efforts to improve our image and economy,” he said.

The Minister encouraged the golfers to

Alhaji Lai Mohammed go beyond the competition and consider the tournament as another platform to further strengthen the bond of unity that exists among the people of the West African sub-region and the continent in general.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I would like to welcome you all to our great country.

Certainly, each of you will pit your skills and talents against your opponents. But I

encourage you to go beyond competition to also showcase talent and to come closer to each other.

This initiative is a clear example of how sports also contribute to integrating people within Nigeria, West Africa and across the continent,” he said.

The ongoing West African Tour has attracted golfers from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal, Germany, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Moses delights of AITEO-NFF Football Awards Player of the Year

Eagles coach buoy Musa’s spirit

By Albert Akota

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uper Eagles and Chelsea ace Victor Moses has spoken of his delight after he was presented with his AITEO-NFF Football Awards Player of the Year gong by NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko.

Dikko made the presentation to the versatile player at the Chelsea Football Club grounds in South West London during the week, and the player showed genuine excitement.

“I am simply over the moon with this award. It means that the country and the people really appreciate the little we are doing for the National Team.

“I am looking forward to doing much more for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia,” said Moses, who was named winner at the Awards ceremony on 19th February.

Moses was top scorer with three goals for the Super Eagles as Nigeria made light work of a so –called ‘Group of Death’ in the African qualifying series to make sure of a trip to Russia with a match to spare.

By Albert Akota uper Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has visited flying winger Ahmed Musa at his club, CSKA Moscow, telling him to keep working hard ahead of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup star Musa retraced his steps to former club CSKA in January as he was no longer getting playing time at English Premiership club Leicester, and was welcomed back to Russia with open arms.

Musa became the first Nigerian player to score two goals against two –time world champions Argentina in a FIFA World Cup match with his brace against the Albiceleste inside the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil on 25th June 2014.

Argentina is once more in the same group with Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, and both teams trade tackles in Saint Petersburg on 26th June 2018.

QUOTABLE QUOTE

“If President Muhammadu Buhari resists to contest in 2019, there will be problem in solving the enormous challenges facing the country, because he is truthful, fair and just in administering the nation.”

. . . putting the people first

MONDAY, march 5, 2018

—Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, urging Nigerians to put more pressure on PMB to declare for 2nd term in office

SPORTS Between a national disaster latest

Italian, Florentina captain defender dies

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here is shock, disbelief, and mourning in Italian football circles following the death of Davide Astori, Florentina captain and Italy international.

The 31-year-old centreback had been capped 14 times

by Italy and had enjoyed a professional career spanning 12 years.

It is understood that Astori and his team-mates were preparing to face Udinese in a Serie A fixture yesterday before Fiorentina announced the tragic news ahead of the game, which has now been cancelled.

Astori started out at AC Milan, where he never played a Serie A match, before moving to Cagliari, the club where he made his big breakthrough.

He turned out 174 times for the Sardinians in a six-year spell, during which he made his national team debut with the Azzurri.

Manchester City add to Chelsea woes

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unaway Premier League leaders Manchester City beat champions Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium yesterday to extend their lead to 18 points and leave the London side further adrift from the Champions League qualification spots.

After Chelsea’s defensive approach resulted in a first-half stalemate, City went ahead 33 seconds into the second period when Bernardo Silva turned in a low cross from David Silva.

Chelsea have now lost four of their last five Premier League games and are in fifth place, five points behind Tottenham Hotspur who occupy the fourth Taye TaiwoLeague and Oduamadi Champions spot.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

and a national disgrace I Monday t is a “National Disaster”, declared President Muhammadu Buhari. But the delectable CNN journalist Aisha Sesay disagreed saying it is a “National Disgrace.” Both were reacting to yet another abduction of school girls from Nigeria’s troubled North East Region.

When Buhari was declared the winner of the 2015 Presidential election, some of us were excited because given his military background, we thought he would find a solution to a problem that had evidently overwhelmed his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan.

I remember sending frantic messages to Ahmed Salkida the journalist with extensive knowledge of Boko Haram who had been unfairly bullied into exile by Jonathan’s security goons to come back home. A more responsible government has come to town - I told him - he should come back to help find a solution to the menace.

Ahmed Salkida did come back home. After a series of meetings with security chiefs, he gave me a very cold and discouraging report: “Oga, nothing has changed”. He had held several such meetings with top security men during the Jonathan era and believed their approach was wrong headed. Now that a government that advertised itself as an agent of change was in town, it was rather disheartening for me to accept his report that “nothing has changed.”

But the worst was yet to come.

Our security agents woke up one day and whimsically issued a press statement declaring Ahmed Salkida a wanted terrorist. The statement received wide national and international coverage. For a man who was working with them and had not refused to honor any invitation extended to him, nothing could be more mean and despicable.

We keep hearing governments spokesmen declaring that Boko Haram has been “degraded and or technically defeated” – whatever that means. But then the reality, a different reality, stares us in the face. I visited Maiduguri two times last year as a private citizen; I also took a risky journey to the large expanse of land in Adamawa that Abubakar Shekau declared as his Caliphate, going as far as Michika. What I saw on

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Emmanuel Yawe royawe@yahoo.com 08024565402

ground did not convince me that Boko Haram has been defeated or even degraded.

I have said it before that the President of Nigeria is a very lonely man. What he gets to know about his country is entirely dependent on what his close aides feed him with. Again, this is not the first time I will say it; this President like his predecessor is very poorly served. He came into office with very high personal credibility. But after he serves his four-year term and goes on for an additional four years as I know he will contest next year and may even win, his personal credulity will be in tatters.

I wish I could gloat and say “good for him” since he assembled the people who are leading him blindly to his demystification.

But I cannot do that. This is not about the man Muhammadu Buhari. It is about a country, the only country that I can call my own. It is about the Chibok girls, it is about the Dapchi girls and thousands of other Nigerians who are being held as slaves in their own country under very frightening conditions. It is about me. It is about you. It is about the men around Buhari who enjoy the trappings of power without the inconvenience of responsibility.

It is good PR for the President to take a flight to Maiduguri and inspect an organized parade of smartly dressed soldiers in freshly issued uniforms on an independence day. But does that tell the whole story? No. The President who does that and comes back contented has

“

been deceived. The country has been deceived. Between Buhari’s “National disaster” and Sesay’s “National disgrace”, I see a Grand National deception.

A few days before the captivity of the Dapchi girls, the military issued a statement that Abubakar Shekau had fled Nigeria to Cameroon disguised as woman.

For a man who has given the Nigerian military a good run for their money on the battle field all these years, this description of him as a fleeing feminine coward was almost humorous. Funny enough, the same military that saw him running away, disguised as woman failed to arrest him.

Instead they urged unarmed members of the public to capture that ruthless fighter and get a handsome monetary reward.

We have gone back to the Jonathan days when all kinds of stories were concocted and dished out to the President and the rest of us. Shekau himself was reported killed many, many times by the military and yet he lives on.

Is he the proverbial cat with nine lives?

The Grand National deception continues unabated.

Last year, in open contempt of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which vests appropriation of funds from the Federation Account in the National Assembly, some Nigerian Governors announced a donation of 1 billion dollars sourced from the Excess Crude Account to aid the President fight the Boko Haram. In the days of Goodluck Jonathan, the

What Sambo Dasuki and his battalion of ‘Ali Baba Generals’ allegedly did was bad. If the allegations against them are proven, they deserve very harsh punishment for their gluttony and inhumanity to fellow Nigerians

insurgency in the North East was treated as a honey pot for some pot-bellied and rosy cheeked generals. As the election of 2015 drew nearer, some politicians also dipped their fingers into the mess of pottage to lubricate their fat stomachs. The alleged distributorin-chief of this national largesse, Col Sambo Dasuki has been held in detention for almost two years now for playing Father Christmas with the funds that were meant to fight Boko Haram.

What Sambo Dasuki and his battalion of ‘Ali Baba Generals’ allegedly did was bad. If the allegations against them are proven, they deserve very harsh punishment for their gluttony and inhumanity to fellow Nigerians.

But getting to the root of the Dasuki scandal has become a big problem for this government and the investigations have become inconclusive because I understand some untouchables in today’s government are deeply involved in the comprehensive mess.

The difference between our leaders and the Boko Haram people is that they are deeply committed to their cause – whatever that cause is and are ready to die for it. On our side, our leader’s commitment to the fight does not go deeper than their pockets. Whereas the Boko Haram people rely on intelligence gathering to spring a surprise, we rely on contracts to buy massive arms and armaments for reasons that are very obvious.

And so between our National disaster and our National disgrace, our leaders continue to delude and deceive us.

DAN GAYE

Worst days of PDP in Edo over - Ize-Iyamu

After losing all LG seats to APC?

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