Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Edition

Wednesday, August 5, 2020 / DhuĘťl-Hijjah 15, 1441 AH

Vol. 34 No. 066 N150

2284 Days after

TUC planned strike ill-advised -Presidency

>>>page 2

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

We remain committed to ending violence in Kaduna - El Rufai

>>>page 3

NCDC: We’ll ensure Nigerians have access to coronavirus vaccines >>PG 5

An exit class of Government Senior Secondary School Tudunwada during their resumption of in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20)

Alleged $3m Bribe: You have case to answer, A/Court tells Farouk Lawan pAGE 5

Edo guber: Stop overheating the polity, PDP tells Oshiomhole pAGE 3

Two female nurses, one other arrested for stealing baby in Katsina pAGE 8

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

News CONTENTS News

2-10, 14

Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Health

18

Business

19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

TUC planned strike illadvised -Presidency

By Egena Sunday Ode

T

he Presidency has described as ill-advised and uncalled for, reported plan by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on a nationwide protest over the alleged President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘inaction’ over alleged high level of corruption uncovered in some agencies of government.

The affected agencies are Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to a statement

by the Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said there are ongoing investigations in the cases by both the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

The statement read: “These processes must be allowed to run their full courses.

It is against the norm in a democratic society as well as the natural laws of justice to seek “action,” meaning punishment against offenders before proper investigation, trial and conviction.

The President has made it clear that the allegations that have surfaced clearly “constitute a breach of trust” and as the

investigations take hold and close out, all those found wanting will face the wrath of the law.

The TUC, as an enlightened group of labour Unionists, should indeed voice their indignation whenever such acts are being unearthed.

However the expectation will be for it to also raise the bar higher, in terms of the debate concerning the impact of such allegations on our ability, to create and retain employment, attract investment, improve the living conditions of its members and citizens, and how a preponderance of these heinous crimes decimates any gains being made in other spheres.

The world is confronted with a global public health crisis, decline in economic growth, and expanding areas of conflict by non-state actors.

All these ills in their singular or combined form are consuming every nation. Nigeria is no exception; we must hold the line and lock arms that way we rid ourselves of these existential issues whilst we grapple with those that are our own homegrown problems.

This administration is committed to doing just that, and organizations like the TUC should be extending a hand in supporting such a fight that is in our collective interest.”

EFCC rearraigns Adoke on amended money laundering charges Page 7

Environment

25

Feature

26

Sports

30-31

Back Page

32

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A cross-section of an exit class at Fau-ad Lababidi Islamic Academy, during their resumption of in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20).

BEDC assures improve power supply in Edo Communities By Osaigbovo Benin

T

Iguobaro,

he Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has assured improve power supply to Igarra town and other Communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The intervention which is expected to bring about a

significant improvement in power supply upon completion of the design, following the award of contract for the construction of a 33KV line from Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the State to Igarra.

Head Public Affairs Department, BEDC, Mr Adekunle Tayo in a statement on Tuesday assured that the project once completed will

change the source of supply to the recently completed 60MVA Power Transformer at Okpella TS and cut off the existing source from Okene TS under Abuja Electricity Distribution Company which has not been reliable because of the lengthy feeder and the fact that it’s not within BEDC’s control.

The new source which will be under the BEDC’s network will

guarantee adequate, quality and reliable power supply to Igarra, Ibilo, Ososo and Communities in in the Local Government Area.

The source, according to him, will also boost the business of the quarries and other Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Area due to the quality and reliable power supply expected from the project once completed.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

News

NCPC to establish peace desk to resolve issues of peace among Christians – Rev. Pam

By Albert Akota

T

he Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian pilgrim Commission NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam has stated the need to establish a peace desk in NCPC to resolve issues of peace among Christians.

He disclosed this recently in Abuja while playing host to the members of the organization of Africa Instituted Churches (OAIC) led by the International President, most Rev. D. Okoh who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

According to the NCPC boss, “we need a peace desk for Christians in NCPC to resolve issues of peace”.

Rev. Pam affirmed that Christians and the church must be united, adding that in heaven there is no denomination.

He admonished that the time had come for the church to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give God what belongs to God. He called on the church to remain firm, adding that “without God we will do nothing”.

The NCPC helmsman charged the leaders of the church to always put President Muhammadu Buhari in prayer, the Vice President and the entire government. His words, “lets awaken the consciousness of our people to pray for leaders in government” The No 1 Christian Pilgrim Officer of the Federation further affirmed that Nigeria remains the pride of Africa and as such “we are nation builders”.

He tasked the church leaders to ensure they play key roles in national development and contribute to the growth of the economy.

Rev. Pam extolled the virtues of his guest whom he said have been Vice President of the Christian Association of Nigeria to two Presidents of CAN and served very well without blemish.

He described him as a unifier and a man of humble disposition who understands leadership.

He explained that the Organization of Africa Instituted Churches OAIC has been one of the five families of CAN which has different denominations, yet united.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

NCDC: We’re working to ensure Nigerians have access to coronavirus vaccines

T

he Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says it is working hard to ensure that Nigerians have access to the coronavirus vaccines when available.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of NCDC, gave the assurance during the Presidential Task Force (PTF) briefing on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja.

Ihekweazu said that the centre was working with the global community to ensure this access.

He informed that data on research and development of a vaccine against COVID-19 by the global scientific community showed that results on a possible vaccine were expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The DG, while noting that a vaccine was the best weapon in taming the virus, however,

stressed that equitable access was key.

He added that the health agency was working together with other colleagues around the continent, through the Africa CDC, to start advocating for some of the trials to be done with African institutions in the short term.

“To do this, we have to build capacity, gather sufficient data and include African institutions in these efforts.

“We have to start preparing Nigerian population for vaccine delivery when it becomes available.

“Access is a very key issue when it comes to vaccines; that a vaccine is developed do not necessarily translate to being available to those that need it the most.

“So, through the Access

to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is working with GAVI to ensure that vaccines are available to countries regardless of their ability to pay.

Newsmen reports that GAVI is an international organisation – a global Vaccine Alliance, bringing together public and private sectors with the shared goal of creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries.

“It’s a work in progress and we are all working with Africa CDC and GAVI to ensure that when a vaccine becomes available, Nigeria’s can have access to it,’’ NCDC boss said.

He also said that it was important to involve the private sector and academia in vaccination manufacturing.

Ihekweazu hinted that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) would lead the distribution and planning.

The DG pointed out that campaign to enlighten Nigerians on the benefit of the vaccine was important.

This, according to him, is because a small part of the population resisted vaccines for different reasons.

“So, the time to start the risk communication about the benefits of the vaccine is now.

“As soon as a vaccine becomes available, it’s our collective responsibility to prepare Nigerians for the implementation of the vaccination campaign for whatever form they take.

“So, it’s important that we start thinking about this,’’ the DG said.(NAN)

A student of Government Senior Secondary School Tudunwada has his temperature checked during the resumption of exit classes in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20).

FCT High Court judge, Okeke, is dead

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he High Court of the A Federal Capital Territory High Court Judge, Justice Jude Okeke, yesterday, died at the National Hospital Abuja at age 64.

Some court officials, who asked not to be named because they had no authorisation to

speak on it, said the deceased had complained of chest pain some days ago after which his condition deteriorated.

The spokesperson for the National Hospital, Dr Tayo Haastrup, confirmed to our correspondent that Justice Okeke died on Tuesday.

Justice Okeke, who until his demise occupied the ninth

position in the hierarchy of the FCT High Court judges, handled the corruption case instituted against a retired judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, along with his wife, Olubolade, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Joe Agi. Justice Okeke hails from Idemili North Local Government Area of Onitsha, Anambra State,

was called to Bar in 1985 and completed his National Youth Service the following year.

He was in active private practice of Law until he was appointed as a Judge in the FCT High Court in 2007.

He is married with children.

His death reduces the number of FCT High Court judges from 34 to 33.

Edo guber: Stop overheating the polity, PDP tells Oshiomhole

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja Ahead of the September 19 governorship election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has strongly cautioned the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to stop overheating the polity of the state and the nation.

This is even as the PDP called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call Oshiomhole to order regarding how he has been going about the governorship campaign in Edo State.

The Secretary, Publicity SubCommittee, PDP National Campaign Council for Edo Governorship Election, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan said this while addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan, who is also the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, declared that the party’s campaign has noted the trend and propensity by the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Ize Iyamu and Oshiomhole campaign to entrench violence in Edo state.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary said, “We strongly

....Urges Buhari to call him to order

caution Adams Oshiomhole to stop overheating the polity of Edo and the nation just because he and his candidate have no agenda to market to the people of Edo state.

“Oshiomhole should remember that Edo state is called the heartbeat of the nation and he should not create a crisis that would have a spiral effect to other parts of our country.

“We hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in Oshiomhole, whom his party had

summarily dismissed and now hovering around Edo state seeking for where to perch.

The PDP National Campaign Council for Edo governorship election pointed out that the declaration by the APC governorship candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, that he will follow the footprint of the former APC National Chairman, Oshiomhole, has “destroyed his own campaign in his pipe dream of becoming the governor of Edo state”.

The PDP Campaign Council

asserted that such comment from Ize-Iyamu is a direct insult to the sensibilities of the people of Edo state.

Continuing, the PDP national campaign council said, “It is laughable that after much orchestration, Ize-Iyamu has abandoned his plagiarized SIMPLE Agenda, (which, in any case, he had no capacity to execute) to follow Oshiomhole’s detestable “go and die” policy.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

N EWS

K

aduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El Rufai has said his administration is committed to ending the legacy of violence that has blighted the state for 40 years which has needlessly taken many lives and curtailed the life chances of residents.

He expressed this at the meeting of the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, held in Kaduna, yesterday.

El Rufai said the upsurge in violence and wanton killings in parts of the state, is a source of profound sadness for him. saying he mourn the dead, commiserate with their families and wish the wounded speedy recovery.

According to him as governor,his first official action was to convene an emergency security meeting on 30 May 2015.

“This was prompted by reports of killings in Sanga LGA the previous day. The outcome of that meeting was the setting up of a committee chaired

From left: Director General, State Security Services, Yusuf Bichi; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and National Security Adviser, retired Major.-Gen Babagana Monguno after the National Security Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/2020)

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he former deputy Inspector general of police DIG Uba Bala Ringim has promised to use his experiences as ex-DIG and improve local government services in Jigawa state.

The former DIG who was now appointed and resumed office as new chairman Jigawa state local government service commission, dropped the hint while speaking to news men in Dutse. “ I served for 32 years as police officer right from ASP up to DIG where I gathered a lot of experiences and by God grace I will use it to promote my dear state” Ringim who said, he accepted the appointment with aims to give his quota toward developing a modern and better Jigawa state said, “it is a better chance for me to served my people at grassroot”.

The former DIG who also promised to promote discipline in local government services, threaten to deal with anybody discovered doing wrong in discharging his duties.

He then commended governor Badaru for appointing him to serve his people and called for cooperation from local governments workers and entire people in the state.

News

We remain committed to ending violence in Kaduna state - El Rufai

From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

Former DIG Ringim vows to boost LG services in Jigawa

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

FG unveils new broadcasting code

T

he Federal Government on Tuesday unveiled the new amendment to the 6th Edition of the Broadcasting Code, stressing that it will not yield to blackmail by a segment of the stakeholders opposed to the new code.

Performing the ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the amended code was in the national interest and government would kickstart its implementation.

“As it currently stands, the 6th edition and the amendments, which we are unveiling today, remain the regulations for broadcasting in Nigeria.

“What I have observed in the reactions to the amendment are interests who believe that their singular business interest is superior to the national interest.

“Therefore, they have resorted

to all kinds of blackmail, using hack writers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we remain unperturbed, because we are acting in the national interest,” he said.

The minister reiterated that the intentions of government in effecting the amendment was to catalyze the growth of the local industry and create jobs for the teeming creative youths.

“The opportunities must be created and we believe that effective regulatory interventions are a sure way of attaining this.

That is why we will not waver” he said.

Mohammed noted that the broadcasting code is not a static document, therefore those who have misgivings about the amended code should meet with the regulator and present their views for considerations in subsequent amendment.

“As I said, there are opportunities for constant review of the Code, but please note that this latest amendment is signed, sealed and delivered, and we are committed to making it work for the good of the country,” he said.

The minister recalled that the amendments were necessitated by a Presidential directive, for inquiry into the unwholesome conduct of some broadcast stations in the wake of the 2019 general elections.

He said that government equally saw the need to strengthen the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to effectively perform it’s regulatory roles.

Mohammed said the amendments are mostly in the areas of political broadcasting, local content, coverage of emergencies, advertising and anti-competitive behaviour.

He explained that provisions

relating to exclusivity and monopoly in the code would boost local content and local industry as well as encourage open access to premium contents.

“Sub-licensing and Rights sharing create opportunities for local operators to also gain traction and raise revenue for their services.

“The law prohibiting backlog of advertising debts will definitely promote sustainability for the station owners and producers of content.

“The law on registration of Web Broadcasting grants the country the opportunity to regulate negative foreign broadcasts that can harm us as a nation.

“Such harms could be in the area of security, protection for minors, protection of human dignity, economic fraud, privacy,” he said. (NAN)

Lawmaker laments unabated killings in southern Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

member of the kaduna State House of Assembly, representing Jaba Constituency, Honourable Samson Dikko Monday has lamented the unabated killings in the southern kaduna,which resulted in killing Innocent people saying it is time to stop the violence.

He stated this while speaking to the media in kaduna yesterday.

He therefore called on

government at all level to release funds to security agencies, sack the service Chief and inject new blood, investigate the killings in zone.

The Lawmaker said Government silence and non visits to the affected villages, communities shows neglect of their people, saying that the security agencies have not been able to protect people from the raging killings in Southern kaduna.

“I Suspect Conspiracy of silence from both kaduna State Government and Federal Government, what have

they done to curtail these killings?

“We elected them and they should do the needful, if the Government continue this way, we will have no other option than to defend ourselves from home, “We have no other option than to defend ourselves and avert certain death in the hands of jihadists,” He said “Government has failed to adequately prosecute offenders or restitute victims, In the space of a week, the people

of Southern Kaduna experienced a devastating series of attacks, despite the imposed curfew, the Fulani militia returned and wreak more havoc on the community still in shock and mourning from the previous day’s massacre.

He urged both the federal government and state government to stop the needless killings.

He expressed his sympathy for the families of those who had lost loved ones, and said he prayed God would comfort them.

by General Martin Luther Agwai to study and proffer solutions to the incessant killings in southern Kaduna which had intensified since the violent aftermath of the 2011 elections.

“That emergency security meeting also decided to prepare a White Paper on the report of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee that had been established by the government of late Sir Patrick Yakowa.6.

“In 2015, we took action against the urban rascality of sarasuka gangs and began to address the widespread problem of cattle rustling and other acts of rural banditry that were menacing many of our communities.

“We initiated contacts with other states in the Northwest and Niger State to discuss joint action in the Kuyambana forest range that straddles the concerned states.

“This resulted in a collaboration where the states funded military action against bandits in the BirninGwari axis “In southern Kaduna, we

supported the process of the Kafanchan Peace Declaration as a community-led effort for sustainable peace. On Saturday, 12 November 2016, it was with optimism that we unveiled the Peace Apology billboard in Samaru-Kataf and presenting the staff of office to the new Agwatyap, His Highness Dominic Gambo Yahaya.

“The tenet of the Peace Apology was a call for mutual forgiveness and a dedication to peaceful means of resolving differences.8. However, that optimism proved to be short-lived.

“The outbreak of sustained peace that we expected was soon shattered by a spiral of violence a few days later.

“We pushed for more security deployment and took the meeting of the State Security Council to Kafanchan on 20 December 2016 in a practical effort at solidarity with the people in a time of peril.9.

“By early 2017, the Kaduna State Government, working with the Federal Government had answered the decades-old demand

for expanded, permanent security presence in southern Kaduna. “ The army established a base in Kafanchan while the Kaduna State Government bought an estate to accommodate a mobile police squadron.

“The Federal Government also extended the mandate of Operation Safe Haven, based in neighbouring Plateau State, to southern Kaduna and appointed a commander of the rank of colonel to lead it.10.

“Amidst all our exertions to extend and strengthen security presence in the state, the Kaduna State Government continues to insist that beyond boots on the ground, the best guarantee of peace is the willingness of communities to live in peace and harmony.

“Therefore, in September 2017, we established the Kaduna State Peace Commission to help encourage communities in our state to adopt peaceful means of resolving their differences. The commission is

Alleged $3m Bribe: ‘’You have a case to answer, A/ Court tells Farouk Lawan

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Court of Appeal, Abuja, has dismissed the appeal of no case submission filed by former Kano State House of Representatives member, Farouk Lawan.

The Appellate court held that Lawan has a case to answer in a $3 million bribery charges brought against him by the federal government.

In a unanimous decision, the court held that a prima facie case was well established against Lawan.

Justice Olabisi Ige led panel in its judgement held that the decision of the lower court was well founded, adding that contrary to the argument of Lawan, the prosecution evidence at the high court was not in anyway discredited.

He therefore, ordered him to enter his defense in the three counts charges brought against him since 2013.

The appellate court also held that the language of the trial judge, Justice Angela Otaluka which Lawan complained about did not place Lawan in any disadvantage position or was in anyway inimical to his trial.

Justice Ige who quoted copiously from the records of proceedings of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, especially the testimonies of the five witnesses called by the federal government, upheld the findings of Justice Otaluka that there were sufficient evidence linking Lawan to the offences.

“I am of the firm view and I have no doubt that the oral and documentary evidence presented by the prosecution sufficiently linked the appellant to the charges against him and to warrant his being called upon to make his defense.

“Prosecution evidence was not slanted in favour of the prosecution.

In all, all the four issues raised in this appeal are hereby resolved against the appellant. His appeal, being unmeritorios is hereby dismissed”, he

said.

Justice Otaluka had last year dismissed the no-case-submission filed by Lawan who was then Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Oil and Gas in his alleged $3 miillion dollars bribery trial.

After the prosecution closed its case after calling five witnesses, Lawan, through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome SAN, had filed a no-case submission on the grounds that the evidence and testimonies did not link Lawan to the crime.

According to Ozekhome, the prosecution’s witnesses gave conflicting statements about the amount Lawan was alleged to have collected from the fifth prosecution witness, Mr Femi Otedola, who offered the alleged bribe to Lawan.

In addition, Ozekhome argued that the video evidence showing how Lawan collected bribe from Otedola was blurry and does not necessarily prove that the content of the envelope Otedola gave to Lawan was money but could have been anything else.

Ozekhome further submitted that if the Department of State Services (DSS) had any evidence they would have arrested Lawan immediately at the scene of the bribery which they claimed they set up.

Responding, prosecution lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, urged the court to dismiss the nocase submission and ordered the defendant enter his defense because the prosecution had established sufficient evidence through video and oral testimonies which linked Lawan to the alleged offences.

In her ruling Justice Otaluka agreed with the submission of Awomolo and ordered Lawan to open his defense.

Consequent to the decision, Lawan had approached the appellate court to set aside the decision of Justice Otaluka and free him from the charges.

chaired by Most Revd. Dr. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, former Anglican Archbishop of Kaduna and current Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion.11.

“Given the sad episodes of violence that have occurred in Zangon-Kataf, especially in 1992 and 2011, it is especially saddening that the current outbreak of violence in parts of southern Kaduna was triggered by a clash over a farmland in Zangon-Kataf on 5 June 2020. The clashes recurred on 11 June 2020 and it has brought avoidable casualties across all sides of a communal conflict that complicates the criminal actions of bandits.

“As part of the solution to this problem, the government has initiated a White Paper process on the reports of the 1992 Justice Rahila Cudjoe Commission of Inquiry and the 1995 AVM Usman Muazu Peace and Reconciliation Committee. We expect the committee drafting the White Paper to submit it shortly.12.

From left: Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Buratai; Director General, State Security Services, Yusuf Bichi; Minister of Defence, retired Major.-Gen Bashi Magashi and Director General, National Intellegence Agency, Ahmed Rufai after the National Security Council Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/2020)

No member of Edo Assembly endorse Ize-Iyamu — Speaker

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State House of Assembly has declared that no member of the State house of Assembly endorsed the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

He accused dissident memberselect of impersonating the leadership of the legislative arm which was proclaimed by the State Governor on June 17, 2019.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Frank Okiye disclosed this on Tuesday during the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) campaign rally for the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in Edo State at Ward 3 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State.

The clarification was in response to sponsored reports that Edo Assembly Deputy speaker, Hon Yekini Idiaye on Monday led four other legislators, to endorse Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Candidate who is yet to officially flag-off his Governorship election campaign in the State.

But, the House Leader, Hon. Rowland Asoro who represented the Speaker at the rally, said that there is no cause for alarm, adding that the house of Assembly is intact.

He however expressed regret for Mr. Emmanuel Agbaje (APC Akoko-

Edo II Constituency) who recently followed to the path of perfidy by accepting bribe to do the bidding of a political godfather in the State.

According to him, “For those of us in Edo State House of Assembly, comprising 10 members have resolved not to collect money and do the bidding of anyone.

He lauded the State Governor Godwin Obaseki for his productiveness in fighting the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in the State.

Addressing party faithful in Ward 3, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki, said that his perception about the people of Akoko-Edo has not change despite ignoble motives of two Citizens from the locality who recently breached the trust of their Constituents.

According to him, “In the past 30 years or more, I am the Governor that has supported the people of Akoko-Edo more, even in terms of appointments, according to available records.

“When I came, they said AkokoEdo had been marginalised. They said Akoko-Edo is one of the most underdeveloped Local Government Area in Edo State. What did I do?

I said, I am a man who fears God; When I came, I gave Akoko-Edo

Managing Director of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDTMA). I also made sure that Akoko-Edo person becomes the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. Before now, has Akoko-Edo person ever held such position? No! Have I not done well for you?”, he declared.

The Governor thereafter announced the award of that Imogan, Ibilo-Ikiru road construction in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

He disclosed that his administration plan to construct IbiloIgarra-Auchi federal Government road which had been in deplorable condition for years, if he is re-elected for a second term in office.

The Chairman of PDP Campaign Council for Edo Governorship election, Chief Dan Orbih, berated the dissident members-elect for parading themselves as Lawmakers haven failed to present themselves for inauguration, describing the purported endorsement of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by the absentee members-elect as “shameful and unlawful”.

He praised the Governor for restoring sanity on the corridor of power in Edo State and for rescuing the State from oppressors.

On his part, the State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the former Governor of the State, Adams Oshiomhole.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

PAGE 6

News

China loan: Amaechi, Malami correct NASS on Sovereign immunity

By Albert Akota

M

inister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami yesterday and Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi have set the records straight on Nigeria’s sovereignty not being at risk in the country’s loan agreements with China.

There is a difference between international diplomatic immunity ‘which has to do with a nation’s sovereignty, independent existence’ and commercial immunity which has to do with a commitment to ensure repayment of loans’, Malami explained while answering questions alongside Amaechi on TV programme, yesterday.

He said the misconception is that

the National Assembly is looking at the diplomatic immunity as against the commercial immunity of a country when it has to do with loans, adding that there is no concession whatsoever made as it concerns Nigeria’s diplomatic immunity.

“If you talk of immunity within the context of diplomatic immunity which has the implication of the independence of a state and its institutions in its own right, there is no concession whatsoever made by Nigeria as it relates to diplomatic immunity that has to do with its independent existence as a nation, neither was any concession made as related to institutional diplomatic immunity of the Nigerian institutions.

“But when you talk of immunity within the context of commercial

sense, that is where I think we need to clarify issues with particular reference to the loans and commercial transactions among nations.

“Concessions relating to immunity for the purpose of provision of commercial guarantee are a normal, traditional ritual.

Nations enter into respective interstate agreements and in the course of so doing, surrendering their jurisdictional immunity.

It is on account of that for example that you see Nigeria signing an agreement with other institutions or nations and agreeing to a choice of territorial jurisdiction for the purpose of determining disputes when they arise.

So that is how eventually you see Nigeria submitting to jurisdiction

for determination of a trade dispute in UK, in Paris and in other international fora or jurisdiction even when Nigeria as a nation has diplomatic immunity.

“And now that brings you to commercial immunity. The context and the implication of a commercial immunity or sobriety. It’s indeed embedded in an appreciation that country A requests for a loan facility from country B and then country B is entitled as a matter of right to extract a commitment, an understanding that at the end of the day, the loan advance will eventually be paid.

So it is indeed a concession and sobriety, giving an undertaking, providing a guarantee for repayment of the facility when the need arises.

“So commercial immunity is in essence a mere guarantee that allows

SOKAPU President calls for all hands on deck to halt southern kaduna killings

an advancing state an opportunity, right and power to claim back the financial advances made to a party state and that in its own right is indeed to an asset for the purpose of repayment of the loan.

It is in no way extended to perhaps concession to diplomatic immunity by which you now surrender the rights, privileges and independence of a nation state.

But it is a commercial term that is restrictive, exclusive to an asset, a commercial asset for that matter in the event of default,” Malami said.

The AGF added that the clause is a mere guarantee, a commitment that allows an advancing state (the lender) the powers to claim back an asset for the purpose of repayment of a loan and is in no way connected to the sovereignty of a country.

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (R), with his Counsel Mike Ozekhome SAN, during the continuation of Adoke’s trial at Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20).

From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

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he President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) Hon. Jonathan Asake, has called on all indigenes and residents of Kaduna state to join hands and seek for a solution to the violence in the state.

He made the assertion while receiving the former Senator representing kaduna Central in the upper Chamber Shehu Sani at the Union Headquarters in kaduna yesterday.

Hon. Jonathan Asake, expressed his pleasure with the visit of the former Senator, said Sen. Sani’s voice before he went into the Senate, while in the red chamber and now out of it, had been consistent on speaking for the suppressed and for justice and fairness “You are one of the few voices that have refused to betray the course of Justice even when you ascended into governance,” he said.

Hon. Asake lamented that Kaduna state had never been so divided at any time like under the present government Governor Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of using the religious and ethnic fault lines for political gains.

Speaking earlier Sen. Shehu Sani,affirmed his support for SOKAPU against the killings in Southern Kaduna.

According to him whenever people face cruelty, genocide, massacre and all kinds of atrocities it is the moral duty of every man of conscience to lend his voice.

“I have spoken for the people of Zamfara very elaborately. I did so for Sokoto, Katsina, Niger , Taraba State and for Birnin Gwari in Kaduna and Borno, Benue states and host of others who are facing similar evils.

Masari inaugurates project completion committee From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state has inaugurated a Projects Completion Committee urging it to ensure speedy execution and completion of ongoing projects awarded before the end of 2022.

Masari, while inaugurating the committee yesterday at Government House Katsina, urged the members to ensure the timely completion of all projects in critical sectors, such as health,

education, water supply, works and agriculture.

He said the committee would also monitor the implementation of government directives on completion of the projects awarded and taken over as well provide periodic reports.

“The term of reference of the committee is to identify and document all ongoing projects in the state, especially those under the Ministries of Education, Water Resources, Health and works”.

Similarly, he said the committee would determine

the status level of progress in outstanding works to be carry out and their cost; roll out projects completion strategies to be broken down into small, medium and long terms.

Other terms of reference he said, the committee is also expected to draw the attention of government on any other modalities; to recommend for hiring of any relevant professionals that might be required in the course of the work; to monitor the implementation of government directives on

completion of the projects and provide periodic reports.

“Whatever small resources we have at the end of every month will be allocated to the committee.

The committee will advise and recommend those projects to be completed stage-by-stage before the end of 2022”, he maintained.

He however reiterated his administration resolve to make sure that all uncompleted projects in the state were completed despite the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic and banditry bedeviling the state.

NCPC to collaborate with Catholic secretariat of Nigeria on pilgrimage

By Albert Akota

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he Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam has promised that NCPC would collaborate with the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in order to advance the cause of Christian pilgrimage.

He disclosed this in Abuja while playing host to the members of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria led by the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Sam Jimi in his office. His words, “By the special grace of God, we will work with

you and give you the rapport you need” He commended the Catholic Church for their long history of pilgrimage. He explained that most of the Holy Sites in Israel and Rome are preserved by the Catholics.

The NCPC boss therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the Catholic Church example.

He further expatiated that the Catholic Church gives government what belongs to government and gives God what belongs to God. Rev. Pam also affirmed that his working relationship with the

Catholic Church over the years has been very cordial and would strive to strengthen the relationship.

He stressed that the essence of the coming of Christ to the world is reconciliation and as such there was need to ensure that peace reign in the church and in the nation.

According to him “without peace no government will succeed and no development will take place in an atmosphere of violence”.

He recalled with nostalgia the role he and the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama played in building peace in the plateau while he was still serving as the Archbishop of Jos Dioceses.

He affirmed that he would join hands with him to continue in building peace in our nation.

Rev. Pam assured his guest that he would be fair to all, “adding that NCPC is non-denominational as it belongs to all Christians”.

He urged them to intensify in their prayers to put an end to the menace of COVID 19 as prayer is the key to every problem.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

News

Gov Tambuwal frees 17 inmates in Sokoto

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ov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has granted pardon to 17 inmates in the Sokoto Central Custodial centre.

Malam Muhammad Bello, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media And Public Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Bello said the gesture was part of government’s thrust as encapsulated in its committee on prerogative of mercy protocols.

He said three inmates out of the 17 were serving terms for federal offences while the remaining were held for state offences.

He added that the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Suleiman Usman, SAN, facilitated the processes.

“The pardon takes cognisance of the executive powers vested in the governor to offer mercy to inmates by the 1999 Constitution as amended. ” The gesture is also aimed at enabling the ex-prisoners to reunite with their family members and become decent citizens. ”It was also intended to decongest the prison and protect the inmates from being affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. ” Bello said.

He called on the pardoned inmates to shun vices and engage in viable ventures that would uplift their living standards.

He said: “This exercise is carried out on a routine basis to deserving inmates in order to offer mercy to them.”

He said the Attorney General also presented N50,000 cash assistance to each of the pardoned inmates from the state government during the exercise.

Bello noted that the cash is to enable them set up useful ventures as they start new life out of prison.

The governor’s spokesman explained that the state Controller of Correctional Service, Mr Sama Tsafe, who was represented by the Deputy Controller in charge of the Prison, Mallam Idris Muhammad, thanked the state government for its continued support and encouragement to the prison. (NAN)

EFCC rearraigns Adoke on amended money laundering charges

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) yesterday, re-arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), on amended money laundering charges.

Adoke, alongside a business man, Aliyu Abubakar, was before the Federal High Court Abuja and pleaded not guilty for charges in respect of the controversial Malabu Oil deal, OPL 245.

The re-arraignment is following the amendment of the old charges that saw the number of counts increase from seven to 14.

The prosecuting counsel, Bala Sanga, also said the amount

involved in the new charges had increased from the previous N400million.

In the previous charges, six of the seven counts related to Adoke while only one related to Abubakar, however, the amended charges have seven counts relating to Adoke and seven relating to Abubakar.

Meantime, Justice Inyang Ekwo on Tuesday adjourned trial till August 11.

Some of the amended charge read; ‘’That you Mohammed Bella Adoke. sometime in August 2013. in Abuja. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, accepted a cash payment of a sum of United States Dollars, equivalent to N300,000,000.00 (Three

hundred million Naira), from Aliyu Abubakar. and you thereby committed an offence contrary to the combined effect of section 16 (1) (d) and of section 1(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 16 (2) (b) of the same Act. ‘’That you Mohammed Bella Adoke, sometime in September 2013. in Abuja. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, made a cash payment of the sum of $2,267,400.00 (Two million, two hundred and sixty seven thousand. four hundred United States Dollars) to one Rislanudeen Muhammed. and you thereby committed an offence contrary to the combined effect of section 16 (1) (d) and of section

1(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 16 (2)(b) of the same Act. ‘’That you Mohammed Bello Adoke, sometime in September 2013, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, used the total sum of N300,000,000.00 (Three hundred million Naira) when you knew that the said funds formed part of your unlawful activities to wit: acceptance of an amount exceeding stated threshold amounts outside a financial Institution, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (2) (d) and punishable under section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended).’’

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (R), with his Counsel Mike Ozekhome SAN, during the continuation of Adoke’s trial at Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20).

Police in Jigawa record low crime rate in 6 months

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he Police Command in Jigawa on Tuesday attributed the successes recorded in the low crime rate in six months to crime preventive strategies adopted and efficient service delivery.

SP Abdul Jinjiri, the Command’s Spokesman, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.

Jinjiri noted that rape which recorded 35 reported cases

between January and June had the highest figure in the command’s crime statistics.

The spokesman said that armed robbery had the second highest crime recorded with 21 suspected armed robbers arrested within the period under review.

Jinjiri said that homicide recorded 18 reported cases within the period while 13 unnatural offences and five kidnappings were also recorded.

He was optimistic that with the combined support from members of the public and the command’s commitment toward curtailing crime and criminality, the state would be more peaceful for the remaining year.

NAN reports that the command had in 2019 recorded 61 reported cases of rape and indecent assaults, 32 armed robbery cases, 52 homicide cases, 13 unnatural offences and four kidnappings.

NAN reports that the command had in its 2019 projection and plan for 2020, promised to adopt community policing as one of the most effective way of crime control.

According to the plan, part of the strategies was to embark on robust enlightenment by engaging the communities in dialogue to resolve their problems, using policing process toward achieving crime control.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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News KCCN screens first artificial intelligence dance performance in Abuja

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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orean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has disclosed that it will organise a video screening of first Korea’s artificial intelligence dance performance.

According to a statement issued by the Director of KCCN, Lee Jin Su, the artificial intelligence dance performance would be streamed online (https: www.youtube.com/c/ KCCNigeria) on July 29 by 3pm and on August 1, by 1pm.

The Centre explained that viewers can actively participate by dropping comments on the thread. It could be recalled that the National Contemporary Dance Company of Korea premiered its new work titled “Beyond Black” in June this year.

The show is an Artificial intelligence (AI) dance performance by “Madi”.

KCCN explained that in Nigeria, “Beyond Black” will be available on the YouTube channel of Korean Cultural Centre on July 29th and August 1st.

“Beyond Black” was originally scheduled for the “Spring Festival” at the Seoul Arts Center from April 17-19, but it was postponed in the aftermath of COVID 19.

“Since then, the show, which was filmed without audience between June 10 and 13, has been edited in such a way to optimize video screening. “‘Beyond Black’ is a new work in 2020 by choreographer Shin Chang-ho, who has been steadily exploring the relationship between humans and technology.

In this work, he experimented with the new possibilities of choreography using artificial intelligence and achieved visible results.

Two female nurses, one other arrested for stealing baby in Katsina From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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he Police in Katsina state has arrested two nurses for alleged trafficking of a new born baby girl.

SP Gambo Isah, the state command’s spokesperson disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in katsina.

Isah said on 28/07/2020 based on a tip off, the Command succeeded in arresting three female suspects who conspired and sold away a newly born baby girl.

“On 25/07/2020, at about 10:00hrs, one Shamsiya Sani, aged 25yrs of Dandagoro Quarters, Katsina was delivered of a baby girl at Okomos Clinic,

Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina”.

“She later abandoned the child at the hospital with a hand written note stating that it was born out of wedlock hence the abandonment”.

However he said two nurses of a private hospital, Misira S. Tijjani, aged 35yrs of Filin Canada Quarters, Katsina and Grace Ejigu, aged 43yrs of Shagari Low

Cost, Katsina conspired and sold the child to one Eucharia Onyema, aged 45yrs of Sabuwar Kasuwa Quarters, Katsina.

He added that, nemesis caught up with them when they were arrested on their way from the hospital to their houses with the child through the help of a Keke Napep rider who suspected them of stealing of the child.

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News NASS silence over corruption allegations against Malami, Magu unpleasant- Frank

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has accused the leadership of the Minority Caucus of the National Assembly of unnecessary silence and indifference amid allegations of corruption against top government officials and some heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government.

Frank specifically said that the recent allegations of corruption against the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu and stolen crude worth

$2.5billion from the nation’s oil giant ought to have caught the attention of the minority caucus if nothing was fishing.

He noted that Magu now suspended and being investigated, had levelled multiple accusations of alleged corruption against the AGF, Malami, over recovered assets and called on the presidential panel and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the AGF. One of Magu’s lawyers, Tosin Ojaomo, had reportedly referred to a media report linking Malami to the alleged illegal sale of recovered assets, the sale of vessels, among others for which he (Malami) had threatened legal action against the news medium that reported his alleged complicity.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Fank revealed that a motion expected to be read before the Eid-el-Kabir festivities was submitted to the minority caucus of the National Assembly but no action was taken by the members.

Frank said he is in possession of reliable intelligence that the AGF had prevailed on the leadership of the National Assembly minority caucus, especially in the House of Representatives, to drop a motion ought to have been moved on the need to probe his (Malami) activities since 2015.

The Bayelsa-born political activist, however demanded that the minority caucus under Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, should break its silence and quickly act like a vibrant opposition voice in the National Assembly.

Frank said: “We have watched keenly the performances of the opposition caucus in the National Assembly and it has been nothing to write home about.

“Opposition lawmakers are the voice of the voiceless but the supposed voices in the National Assembly appear to have lost their voice to intimidation, fear and personal gains.

“I hereby call on the Hon. Elumelu not to compromise the trust reposed in him as the leader of opposition in the House of Representatives.

“Now that Ndudi’s party (PDP) has pardoned him and recognized his minority leadership of the House, it is a responsibility he must justify.

“Opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly should know that Nigerians are watching them on how they will distinguish

themselves among the rubber stamp members of the hallowed chamber.

“The emerging corruption allegations especially as they affect the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, must be brought to the limelight by the opposition lawmakers, the stolen fund in the NNPC should not also be swept under the carpet, among other allegations of corruption rocking the APC’s administration.”

The outspoken activist asked the Elumelu minority caucus’ leadership to immediately call for a Public Hearing and propel the National Assembly to embark on thorough investigation of all the allegations against some top members of the President, General Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Gov Matawalle condoles worldwide Tijjaniyya group From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Gov Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State (L) with the Managing Director, Messrs Triacta Nigeria Ltd., Mr Elie Abu-Farhat and others, during the inauguration for the construction of two flyovers in Yola on Tuesday (4/8/20)

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Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Sabiu Zakari (L), presenting a souvenir to Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, during the graduation lecture for Course 28 participants of NDC, in Abuja on Tuesday (4/8/20). With them is Commandant of the National Defence College (NDE), Rear Adm. Mackson Kadiri.

Asaba film village, leisure park will boost economy, create jobs – Okowa

overnor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, says Asaba Film Village and Leisure Park when completed, will boost the state’s economy and create jobs for unemployed youths.

Okowa gave the assurance after an inspection tour of some ongoing projects in the state, including the film village, leisure park and the new technical college in Asaba.

He said that the state government would continue to give priority attention to projects that would boost the economy and enhance the living conditions of the people.

“The twin-project of film village and leisure park would serve as a

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

community where people would go for entertainment, relaxation and watch movies.

“The project, will on completion, also create employment opportunities for many persons, especially, during this period where the number of the unemployed is increasing,” he said.

The governor said that Asaba had always been a “movie town’’, saying that the film village would positively impact on the economy of the state.

Okowa, however, said that the project was billed for completion in 2021 given the circumstances of the nation.

“The leisure park is of great

importance to us because whatever you do, there is need for relaxation and we believe that the park will provide that relaxation for both our children and adults.

“People need somewhere to go and relax in a fast-growing city like Asaba and I believe that the leisure park is going to be of great value to our people. It is going to be a project that will generate quite a lot of funds with good management,” he said.

The governor noted that the state, particularly Asaba, had been the hub of Nollywood actors and after, he had met with them, they made a request and “we find out that it was important to

encourage them’’.

“At the film village, we are going to have a lot of facilities that will encourage more and more of our Guild of Actors to come to Asaba to shoot their movies.

“The village which is properly sited, will create a lot of economic activities and also create a recreation for our people,” Okowa said.

The governor, who was impressed with the level work done at the new technical college, commended the contractor handling the project and urged him to sustain the pace of work to ensure timely delivery.

He said that the state government was committed

to building nine new technical colleges, which currently were at various levels of execution.

“It was a proactive step to give the people opportunity to acquire technical education aimed at turning the youth into an army of entrepreneurs,” he said.

Okowa promised to also visit the sites of the other eight technical colleges to ensure a steady progress on the projects.

NAN reports that the governor and his team were conducted round the film village, leisure park and others by the Project Consultant, Mr Kester Ifeadi, who pledged the company’s commitment to deliver the project in 2021.

overnor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has registered and sent his condolence to the famous Islamic Tijjaniyya sect over the loss of its leader worldwide, Sheikh (Khalifa) Ahmad Tijjani Niasse.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communication, Malam Zailani Bappa, Niasse, the son of late leader of Tijjaniyya group, Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse Kaulaha died in his country Senegal on the 2nd of August, 2020, which was reported in the country’s national daily, ‘The Dakar News’.

Governor Matawalle, expressed his shock over the demise of the revered scholar, said the Muslim Ummah has yet lost a pillar among its respected leaders in Africa and the followers across the globe.

“Our solace here is that he has lived a life worthy of emulation and his contributions to Islamic knowledge will continue to guide the good attitude of our youth in the society”, Matawalle observed.

Late Sheikh Niasse took over the services left behind by his father in Madinatu-Baye at Kaulakh, Senegal. He was respected and revered Islamic scholar who contributed to the development of knowledge and the promotion of peace in the society.

He has written many Islamic books including “Zajrul Ikhwan” and “Alaqatul Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass bi Nijeriya”.

Sheikh Ahmad was knowledgeable in both Islamic and Western education and has been an educator for many decades. He died at a Dakar Hospital at the age of 88 leaving behind wives and children.

Fintiri flags off N5.8b flyover in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

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s a step to join the global urbanisation stride, the Adamawa state government yesterday flagged off a first ever construction of central flyover and underpass in the state capital worth N5.8 billion.

Launching the official groundbreaking ceremony of the project,Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri announced that the event marks a milestone in the administration commitment to actualizing its key campaign promises.

Governor Fintiri stated that towards this direction, government is vigorously undertaking an urban renewal that will make Jimeta, Yola and other towns in the state befitting models to showcase. “in keeping with these obligations, government has already commenced the construction of roads in Michika and Madagali towns, while the provision of roads and health infrastructure in Yola South, Numan, Fufore and other Local government officials Areas will follow same.

“In addition to the construction of these flyovers and underpass, which are the flagship of our urban renewal agenda, works will continue on the Weekly Scope road among other township already earmarked for construction “,Fintiri added.

He reiterated that apart from the aesthetics, the construction of the flyover and the great inter change in the heart of Jimeta is an anticipation of the capital ever expanding population and attendance explosion in urban traffic.

Governor Fintiri observed that to those who have been counseling that government is biting more than it can chew with this project, government assures of total commitment to delivering this project and will not concede any inch to failure.

Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Adamu Atiku Abubakar said the project which is expected to commence immediately is scheduled to be completed in twelve calendar months according to the contractual agreement.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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News

New National Forest policy’ll address various climate change challenges -Minister

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar has said that the new National Forest Policy (NFP), recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) will boost the current efforts of addressing various Climate Change challenges in the country.

He said it will greatly assist the country in the sustainable management of its vast forest resource and also help to preserve Nigeria’s rich ecosystems .

This was contained in statement signed by Saghir el Mohammed, Director Press.

Dr. Abubakar, said that the policy, which was approved last Wednesday by FEC, had earlier been subjected to reviews by various stakeholders before it was endorsed and adopted by the National Council on Environment (NCE) in November 2019, after assessing its diverse benefits.

According to him, the new policy is anchored on the need for continuous socio-economic development that provides optimal benefits to the people and government of Nigeria in a sustainably managed environment that would contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It is guided by a vision of sustainable management of forest ecosystems, socioeconomic growth, environmental sustainability and provision of goods and services for domestic and export purposes, all for the nation’s benefit,” he stated.

Dr. Mahmood Abubakar regretted that the country’s forest area has been on a continuous decline since 1970, having dropped from 10% to 6% presently, noting that its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is increasing, as revenue is being generated through controlled export of wood and other forest products.

He stated that “unsustainable exploitation, deforestation, extensive agriculture, population growth, infrastructural development, fuel wood extraction, forest fires, and obsolete National Forest Policy, are some of the factors responsible for the decline in the country’s forest resources.”

He noted that the forestry sector remains an important natural capital asset in the attainment of national development objectives, particularly in boosting economic activities, employment creation, income generation, provision of goods and services, poverty reduction, environmental security and sustainability.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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EDITORIAL

PCN seals 808 illegal pharmaceutical premises — Registrar

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r Elijah Mohammed, Registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) says the council has sealed 808 illegal pharmaceutical premises during the month of July.

Mohammed made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, while giving an update of the council’s activities in July.

He said that out of the 1,179 pharmaceutical premises inspected by the council’s enforcement team, 740 illegal medicines shops and 68 illegal pharmacies were sealed.

“In the month of July, the enforcement team of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria visited Kwara and Ogun states in line with its mandate to sanitise

the healthcare environment of our dear country.

“A total of 1,179 pharmaceutical premises were inspected during the visits and at the end of the visit, 808 premises were sealed including 740 illegal medicines shops and 68 illegal pharmacies,” Mohammed said.

The registrar expressed dismay over the uncontrolled proliferation of online pharmacies in the country.

He, however, cautioned people who engaged in the sales and promotion of medicines online to visit their PCN state offices to register the online pharmacies latest Aug. 31.

According to him, the minimum requirement for an online pharmacy is its direct

affiliation to a registered physical brick and mortar pharmacy.

“Failure to do so will lead to the pulling down of such portals and subsequent prosecution.

“These include full-fledged online pharmacy websites, stores hosted on all purpose e-commerce sites and also those practiced on social media handles.

“Colleagues are encouraged to report erring online pharmacies to this email address pcnig@yahoo. ca.,’’ he said.

Mohammed promised that the council was poised to deliver its full mandate especially as it concerned investigation and discipline of professional misconduct among players in the pharmaceutical.

The registrar also encouraged

all frontline pharmacists to adhere to the strictest guideline for selfprotection in a bid to eradicate COVID-19 virus in the shortest possible time.

He urged pharmacists not to let down their guards, noting that the virus infection rate was still on the increase.

“As lockdowns and restrictions are gradually relaxed across the country, I implore all colleagues not to let down their guards as we know that the virus infection rate is not slowing down.

“We commiserate with the families of colleagues who have died in the line of duty while we pray for the quick recovery of colleagues who are currently undergoing treatment,” he added.

(NAN)

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the National Security Council meeting presided over by President Buhari. Photos; Tolani Alli

Edo, Ondo elections: Labour leader calls on stakeholders to maintain best democratic practices From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

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he Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2019 election in Kwara state Comrade Issa Aremu has called on stakeholders in the forthcoming Gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo state to maintain the best of democratic practices so as to compliment the efforts of INEC in conducting free and fair.

He made the assertion while speaking to the media in kaduna yesterday.

According to him the two elections slated for September and October is the litmus/ acid tests for the country democracy.

Aremu advised that the campaign should be issue based and depersonalized, saying elections are between brothers

and sisters of the same states not with unknown aliens.

He added Whoever wins, whatever party wins will not have indivisible water supply or road networks. All of us are winners once there is a good governance.

“In the case of EDO state, the burden for peaceful and free elections lies on the statesmanship of both the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“The responsibility is on Comrade Oshiomhole, two term Governor , former chairman of the ruling APC and a member of National Institute whose motto is towards a better society.

“The sound bites from EDO are not encouraging. In fact the languages of Campaign too dangerously personalized and

unhelpful too. “ Political opponents are what they are: NOT “snakes” to be hounded. Candidates are NOT commodities but candidates whether they win or lose are still friends and brothers. Not all is fair in politics.

“Certainly hate speech, hate innuendoes and remarks that promote violence and belated apologies are unacceptable.

Comrade Adams is permanently hunted by unsavory remarks about Pastor Ize Iyamo which as political irony had it turned to be the flag bearer of the APC today. Democracy is about being measured, being serious so that we can be serious again.

“No politician is absolutely bad or absolutely good but good governance is Indivisible and desirable.

“And that is what we must work for. As somebody who has been involved in Edo project since 2006/ 2008, I bear witness that Oshmhole who campaigned on the mantra of one man, one vote should not in unnecessary desperation slide into one man should go , no peace mantra.

“Conversely Godwin Obaseki has the singular responsibility to be fair to all as contestantincumbent!

“He should avoid the pitfalls of “conflicts of interest and interest in conflicts”. It’s bad enough that this election takes place under a pandemic that has no cure “But this is why all actors in Edo and Ondo elections must be measured and sober in the knowledge that only those alive will vote and be voted for”he said.

AfDB: Our Adesina vindicated

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resident of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has been absolved of all allegations of corruption brought against him by 16 whistleblowers. Their 15-page report claimed that, under his watch, the bank had been tarred by poor governance, impunity, personal enrichment and favouritism. His clearance by a team of independent investigators last week was the second time he would be declared blameless after the ethics committee of the bank’s governing board did so in April. The independent panel of experts is headed by former Irish President Mary Robinson. The other two members The Gambia’s Chief Justice Hassan Jallow and the World Bank’s integrity vice president Leonard McCarthy.

to Adesina’s reelection will let a sleeping dog lie. But will they?

At this juncture, we want to recall our position on the matter in a June 18 editorial “Africa should support its own”. The comment said inter alia: “It is no secret that the U.S. does not want a Nigerian to head the AfDB. For years it has used its vote and those of its European allies to stop candidates put up by Nigeria for the bank’s president.

Adesina, however, broke the jinx in 2015 and America did not like that. This is why it is pulling all the strings to stop Adesina’s reelection.”

However, we warned that “the United States is sure to lose face again, given the solid support Adesina has received from President Muhammadu Adesina, 60, was first Buhari and his 52 elected in 2015 and is seeking colleagues in the African a second term during the (AU).

Africa AfDB’s meeting in August. The report of the Union welcomes America’s He is the sole candidate. independent partnership, but this is The whistle blowing against him is being seen as an panel, published not to say it will always have its way. A second attempt to stop stop him last week, wave of colonialism is winning. His vindication by out of the question.” the bank’s ethics committee quoted by Another reason we gave did not impress the United AFP (Agence was Adesina’s sterling States, the biggest external performance so far investor in the bank, which said the committee did not France Presse), in that position. “The AfDB is Africa’s biggest do a good job and demanded has again multilateral lender and, an independent inquiry. vindicated under Adesina, it has “Considering the scope, seriousness, and detail of Adesina. The an AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s these allegations against panel agreed Investors Service and the sole candidate for bank leadership over the next five with the AfDB’s S&P Global Ratings.

Its shareholders are years, we believe that further committee in Africa’s 54 nations inquiry is necessary to ensure 27 countries in that the AfDB’s president has its findings in and the Americas, Europe, broad support, confidence, respect of all Middle East and Asia. In and a clear mandate from the lender issued shareholders,” said Treasury the allegations. March, a $3 billion social bond Secretary Steven Mnuchin, in a letter dated May 22 and It found them to to help African countries deal with the fallout addressed to Niale Kaba, chairwoman of the bank’s be completely from the coronavirus pandemic.

Bids for board of governors. “Instead, false. the securities on the we urge you to initiate an London money market in-depth investigation of the allegations using the services of an exceeded $4.6 billion. The bank also independent outside investigator of high launched a $10 billion crisis-response facility for African nations. These are no professional standing.” small achievements. It is a shame that The report of the independent rather commendation, Adesina is being panel, published last week, quoted by rubbished by Washington’s hangmen AFP (Agence France Presse), has again or moles in the bank. If he is the devil vindicated Adesina. The panel agreed that he is being made to be, why is it that with the AfDB’s committee in its findings nobody is running against him in next in respect of all the allegations. It found month’s presidential election?” them to be completely false. The former That was our position then and still Nigerian agriculture minister had always stated he was “innocent” of the charges. is now. Adesina, go ahead and “fight the Now that he is in the clear, we hope that good fight”. The crown is certainly yours, the United States and its allies opposed especially now that the coast is clear.

“

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Chairman “To be the market Malam Wada Maida, place of ideas and Oon, Fnge the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Chief Operating Officer Editor, Daily truth, maintaining the Hameed M. Bello, PhD highest professional and ethical standards while Manager, administration delivering value to Hassan Hammanyaji our stakeholders”

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Letter to the Editor

On PMB’s Twitter followers

BY Musa Ilallah Dear EDITOR,

A

ifģ South Africa came third with 1, 386,849 followers. He has shown significant growth of followers over the last one year.

The report showed that President Donald Trumph of the United States of America was the most widely followed world leader on Twitter with 81.1 million followers.

Other world leaders with significant Twitter followership included India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi; France’s Emmanuel Macron; Pope Francis and Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez among others.

It is interesting that BCW’s Twiplomacy also noted that Coronavirus, aka Covid 19 was the most tweeted topic by world leaders in 2020.

Even in Nigeria the traditional, print, electronic and social media among other means of communication have been dominated by stories, commentaries, analysis, discussions, updates and protocols by all manner people and professionals about Covid 19 for the past 6 months.

It is therefore gratifying that under PMB, Nigeria is not only enjoying support from the international community to put it back on track after a wasted 16 years of mal administration by the last PDP government but also recognising its leader’s visible presence for good in Twitter.

recent report conducted

by Burson Cohn and Wolfe, BCW, a global communicatios agency and published by the reputable online news medium Premium times revealed a very positive report of the number of friends President Muhammadu Buhari has in Twitter.

The report Titled “Buhari most followed sub-saharan African leader on TwitterReport” did not come to most Nigerians as a suprise for two strategic reasons.

Firstly, president Buhari’s credentials as a selfless, transparent, patriotic and accountable leader.

Secondly, President Buhari’s media team ably led by two terms each as Presidents of the Nigeria Guild of editors, NGE in the persons of Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu.

The dual reasons have no doubt put President Buhari at an advanged position that easily made him the African leader with the most followers in twitter.

It is therefore not a matter for debate why and how President Buhari is leading his colleagues in having more twitter friends.

According to the study by BCW in its bewly released 2020 Twiplomacy findings president Buhari, with 3, 121, 169 is ahead of the President of Rwanda, Ilallah wrote in from Paul Kigame with 1, 910, 159 EMEKA ANYAOKU twittet followers.

STREET, ABUJA President Cyril Pamaohosa musahk123@yahoo.com

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Thoughts on Nigeria’s educational system

By Segun Ogunlade

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rue education is supposed to help us experience our environment, question it deeply to find the different options that exist in it, and then choose the ones to embrace as a matter of urgency. But we don’t do any of these. To be educated in an ideal world means to upgrade one’s capability to solve complex problems. You cannot solve complex problems without first questioning your environment.

Many things have been said about many Nigerian students knowing the theoretical solutions to problem but never the practical solution. Yet, the latter supersedes the former in the order of importance. You could know all the theories and laws in the whole wide world but if you cannot demonstrate what you know by using it to solve real-life problems, your knowledge is as good as useless. You could know 2x plus 2x to be 4x, but if you cannot use that answer to solve any problem in your environment, that in itself is problematic.

Unfortunately, what the Nigerian educational system is best suited for is to make us know the theory of everything but rarely use those theory to solve the myriads of problems besetting our nation.

The educational system that produces us is one that is based on what is and not what can be. We were trained, not to question things, but to accept them the way they are. But that is not the true essence of education. True education is supposed to help us experience our environment, question it deeply to find the different options that exist in it, and then choose the ones to embrace as a matter of urgency. But we don’t do any of these. To be educated in an ideal world means to upgrade one’s capability to solve complex problems.

You cannot solve complex problems without first questioning your environment.

Being educated also means availability to different options and not limiting oneself to only one option. Imagine you need a new phone and your prayer to God or whatever you believe in is to give you money so you could buy it. By praying that way, you have unintentionally locked yourself out of other options that exist.

It means if you don’t make enough money, you will never buy a new phone. But buying is

not the only way to possess. The end purpose of purchase is ownership but it is not the only way. That is why a truly educated person would have prayed instead that he needs a new phone and keeps options open.

Whether he buys the phone with his money or someone buys it for him, the end result is the same – he has a new phone. That is the mistake we often make. We all believe the only way to own is to buy what other people have made.

What if we produce for ourselves the things that we need? Nature has given us enough resources to make that happen, we just fail to see it.

As you would have also noticed, our academic training is tilted towards getting a certificate and using it to get a job. That is why there are many unemployed graduates who still think the only way to live is to get a job. We were not trained to solve problems in our society but to buy our way over the problem without ever fixing it. That is why we are busy making money just so we could buy the products of inventions from other climes whereas they are busy using the products of their invention to take our money away. While we save money to buy the next big gadget in the market, they are thinking of how to make money by taking the next big gadget to the market for sale.

By being good buyers in the world market, our money goes to solve some of the economic problems of the countries we buy from while our economy suffers a perpetual lack of money.

If we had been producers, we would have retained a lot of money in our economy and that would have gone a long way in helping our economy develop. I am confident that when we start many of the things we need locally, we will also retain a large chunk of money in our economy and the federal government wouldn’t gave to always pump money into the economy to sustain it.

Our inability to question things, including the activities of our leaders, has made us people that produce what we couldn’t consume and consume what we couldn’t produce. When people gather in academic boardroom in advanced countries, they are thinking of how to make. But when they gather in our country, they are thinking of how to buy. That culture has made us the best buyers in the world. That

inability has also eliminated our choices and we are left to think that the only way to be civilised is to be like the Europeans and the Americans.

But the fact is that a man without options is like a slave. The two of them don’t control what happens to them, thereby lacking control over their necessary human experiences. By not experiencing and questioning our environment, we have locked ourselves out of options. That is why we have failed at everything people in other climes are successful in because we want to copy the options they exploited. That inability to understand what works best for us in relation to our peculiar problems is why we don’t seem like people that could ever grow beyond our problems.

It is not as if the Europeans or the Americans are better than we are. If the circumstances surrounding us as Nigerians change, we could do the unthinkable. That is why many Nigerians thrive outside the shores of the country and become success at what they fail at back at home. Average kids in a public school in the U.K. or the U.S. where we like to copy things from learn in the best possible environment.

His lessons are held in a classroom that is suited for learning and well ventilated. His desks and chairs are strong and not rickety. He has a school councillor that could guide him in some of his decision. All these are not enjoyed by an average kid in a public school in Nigeria.

Yet, we expect the same kid to compete with the kid from the U.K or the U.S. The fault of in our educational system is that of systemic failure that we are all victims of by being born as Nigerians. By being born a Nigerian, one is naturally disadvantaged because of the unavailability of some of the things that could aid his mental development.

We suffer from lack of things that should have been made available to use by the government.

We have to provide for ourselves what people in other countries get from their government.

All these factors combine to affect our mental concentration that when we finally made little success, all we think about is to show people that we have left the struggling class by rushing off to buy things that we thought could make life easy for us. But we never sit down to think about producing some of those things so as to ease our struggle. The few amongst us that try

to produce some of those things we buy from other countries are not supported because we are used to everything that is not produced within our borders.

The problem is with the government as is it with the governed. We could blame the government for spending too little on education but that could raise the question of what has been achieved with the little that have been made available to stakeholders in the sector.

Many countries that don’t have the resources we have in Nigeria have better educational system. That shows our problem is selfinflicted. The choices we make regarding the management of our resources will determine the type of our country we will have.

The difference between thriving countries and struggling countries is the management of resources. If with all our education we couldn’t manage our resources, it is as good as not being educated at all. Education is supposed to help us solve our complex problem and to help us live our lives better. Anything contrary to this is an abuse of its purpose.

We need to design a curriculum that is suitable to answering some of the questions we have. We need an educational system that would make us think as producers and not being contented with being buyers.

We need an educational system that is aimed at promoting Science, Technology and Engineering because that it is the direction the world is tilting towards now. Very few countries still groom its citizens to take up jobs in government ministries and agencies before they could live a good life. To compete with the rest of the world, we need to design a new curriculum that is made for producers and not buyers by being scientific and technologicalminded.

The government has a lot to do in this regard by providing enough funds to conduct research in universities and other institutes. All our resources shouldn’t be used to service political offices and offsetting foreign debts. Stakeholders in the sector even have more work to do in redesigning the educational curriculum in line with modern requirements.

Segun Ogunlade is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Watch political thugs in Edo, please!

By Isaac Asabor

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ccording to an African proverb, “If the keg of palm-wine is not quickly snatched from the hands of an exuberant drunk, he may drink himself to stupor.” A similar proverb also says “If an overzealous child is not assisted by his elders when roasting yams in the farm, he may innocently set the farm and the hut ablaze”.

There is no denying the fact that prior to the uncultured and unhistorical display of crass act of thuggery by political party supporters at the palace of the Oba of Benin on Saturday last week that there have been allegations and counterallegations that bordered on the use of thugs and cultists in the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State. The allegations and counter-allegations were unarguably traded by the two major political parties in the State; which are the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While the APC has for the umpteenth time accused the State government of recruiting cultists of notorious history and origin ahead of the upcoming election, the State government or rather the PDP has, in turn, alleged that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Captain Hosa Okunbo, a Benin Billionaire, were the ones that had concluded plans to sponsor thugs in the State with a view to undermine the will of the people in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Countering the allegations leveled against the leadership of the APC, the Publicity Secretary of the party in the State, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, at a press conference in Benin-City said Governor Obaseki had since his emergence as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the PDP embarked on “massive recruitment of thugs and criminals, but this time officially into government.”

At this juncture, it suffices to reiterate, as earlier mentioned, that a non-partisan and dispassionate view shows that there have been allegations and counter-allegations from both major parties in the State, prior to the macabre dance that took place on Saturday last week at the Oba Palace. Against the backdrop of the foregoing view, it can be concluded that what happened unarguably finds expression in an African proverb that says, “An owl cried last night, a baby died in the morning.”

At this juncture, it cannot be said to be specious to say that the question that is proverbially been asked by many political observers and watchers alike is “From which political camp did the owl cried from on Saturday?” I think we should in this context leave the foregoing conundrum for the responsible security agency to unravel.

To my view, it is high time thugs are called to order by politicians from both political camps for the sake of our dear State; Edo, and for the fact that the world at large is watching us.

According to an African proverb, “If the keg of palm-wine is not quickly snatched from the hands of an exuberant drunk, he may drink himself to stupor.” A similar proverb also says “If an overzealous child is not assisted by his elders when roasting yams in the farm, he may innocently set the farm and the hut ablaze”.

There is no denying the fact that the foregoing African proverbs succinctly illustrate the repercussion of the future activities of political thugs and cultists in the State if not kept under watch, particularly now that electioneering is ongoing.

If these thugs that are literarily rampaging ahead of the election are not in a timely manner brought under searchlight and called to order, it may create a hydra-headed security challenge that may make the results of the forthcoming gubernatorial election to be neck-deep in the

quagmire of controversy and undue litigations. It is possible for some unscrupulous politicians to resort to fomenting trouble instead of bravely and in the spirit of sportsmanship wait for the D-Day to show the stuff they are politically made of. To me, resorting to the use of thugs is an act of cowardice, and undemocratic.

Apart from the need for every Edolites, irrespective of the party he or she is affiliated to, to closely be watching the activities of thugs in the State, and reporting such to relevant authorities there is need to caution against the abuse of power, particularly that of power of incumbency as already being witnessed by non-partisan Edolites. Policy and laws should not be selfishly and obnoxiously made to unjustly checkmate aspirants that are affiliated to other parties that the governor is not affiliated to. In this case, it is expedient for traditional rulers, political leaders, and even opinion leaders in various parts of the State to bring the power that is inherent in their different positions to bear by calling all stakeholders in the forthcoming election to order.

If these political thugs that have no doubt blighted the ongoing electioneering in the State are not called to order by their unknown sponsors, they may create a hydra-headed security challenge that may mar the gains that are expected from the gubernatorial elections. It is hard to grapple the fact that some unscrupulous elements in the State have resorted to fomenting trouble instead of them to wait for a free and fair election come September 19, 2020.

Ruminating over how belligerent the thugs were, it will dawn on anyone that it is just a matter of time before they would turn the State upside down even as they are boisterous enough to leave disastrous consequences ahead of the election, particularly on the D-Day. There is no denying the fact that if these thugs are not tamed as they

have the predilection of becoming tribal warlords, particularly at post-election period in the State, that they will pose a hyra-headed security challenge.

Politicians that are sponsoring thugs in Edo State should realize that no man would decide to rear snakes and expect not to have sleepless nights.

At this juncture, it is germane to say that there is a need for all Edolites to ensure that the forthcoming election and other political processes are peaceful as they are pivotal to the quality of governance that would be of betterment to all of us.

Again, we should have at the back of our mind that our contributions to the ongoing political processes will, to a great extent, determine how greatly Edo State will progress or retrogress in its long-term democratic development.

We should not forget that the most fundamental principle defining credible elections is that they must reflect the free expression of the will of the people, and this can never be attained through the act of thuggery.

To me, for this election to be successful, there should be transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability, and there must be equitable opportunities to compete in the elections. No politician or supporter deserves to be denied participation in the election by any thug of whatever hues. These broad principles are buttressed by several electoral process-related obligations, as well as a number of key rights and freedoms, each of which derives from public international law.

The electoral cycle approach depicts elections as a continuous, integrated process made up of building blocks that interact with and influence each other, rather than as a series of isolated events. Never should we allow thugs and their sponsors to thwart our efforts in ensuring that Edo is highly reckoned within Nigeria’s political equation.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

PAGE 13

Comment

The brouhaha of whether a Facebook wower is an encouraging audience or not

By Omar Muaz

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he Mark Zukerberg’s blue-painted house, Facebook, had contributed immensely towards the success of so many writers, poets, activists et cetera.

There were many people who started writing on this cyberspace and today, there are numerous books in libraries authored by them. Halt, I always say this whenever I write about success; I am no one but an infant, when it comes to writing. Drearily, Facebook today has more wowers, likers and carers than criticizers, mentors and counsellors.

Praise do more harm to budding writers than a pandemic. I know, I may sound weird and perhaps stupid by uttering such a rum statement, but that’s the fact. I am not a psychologist, but I know how praise drastically kills one’s intensity to learn new things or encounter challenges.

I have been asking myself whether I, as a budding writer, have encouraging audience or not. While answering this question, I always find myself in a state of discombobulation. Until two days ago when a friend of mine, Safwan Suhaib Ibrahim, wrote a poem to his beloved, Simbiat Adegbite Aliyu, I have been in confusion.

The first two lines of the poem read: “Halt, O dear Sultanet! Tell that withy wind to hark.” Of course, whether you are a poet or not, the meaning of the lines is clear.

Sultanet, in that poem, is a messenger sent to “withy wind.” And withy wind refers to Safwan’s beloved—Simbiat.

Well, fortunate enough, I happened to be the first to comment on that post. I wrote, “Boss! Hope Simbiat Adegbite Aliyu is blocked before you posted this.” The actual intent behind my comment was that, Safwan didn’t indicate in his glossary that the poem was directly written to Simbiat, so I called his attention. After some few minutes, people started to mention Simbiat as if Safwan was cheating on her that he wrote a poem to Sultanet, the messenger as signaled the second line. There, I discovered that people (some) comment without even reading a post. Had it been otherwise, they wouldn’t be drawing Simbiat’s attention by mentioning her name.

It can be seen that Facebook has turned out to be a wowing street. It has happened not for once where someone would post about death or sad stories and hundreds of WOWs and love reactions could be spotted. That’s a clear indication that most of Facebook users, if not all, are becoming lazier than they were before. The truth is that, Facebook wower isn’t an encouraging audience to a budding writer. Then, tell me, how can you have lazy audience and still grow, not specifically talking about literature but courses of humanity in general. Let’s not persist to put ourselves into this scale of deception that we are good simply because we record hundreds of reactions, comments and shares on Facebook. For such pseudo-praises halt us to attain our dream of becoming good writers.

Indisputably, it is high time we got

ourselves out of this cage of pompousness and faced the reality that we need mentors and encouraging audience. The brouhaha of who to mentor us is coming to an end.

For we have serious students who are willing to give all they have to mould us.

For Facebook wowers, as said my Queen, are disastrous, they could even ruin one’s plight of becoming a poet with bad mouthing. Now, in the comment box, one may question me of how and where can he or she get a mentor and the encouraging audience I have been talking about. This, I will discuss it in the following four paragraphs.

The guidelines of getting a mentor and encouraging audience, acording to me, are easier than eating banana as some people used to say. In the first place, analyze your friends’ submissions critically to know who are better than you per se, and start following their submissions to learn how they construct sentences and generally, their styles of writing. Technically, a mentor isn’t just a person who directly teaches you something but a wise and trusted counselor whom you indirectly learn from.

After the critical analysis of the methodologies they adopt in writing, then you officially propose to them to be your guider. Although, they’ve been guiding you indirectly, you still need them to always review your work. At this juncture, there is one thing I will like to clarify. As a student, you must in most cases, if not in all, be humble in order to sip from the ocean of knowledge you’ve been crawling to towards.

To shorten the piece, this will be the last guideline I will give, although there are many guidelines beside the ones given in this article. There are a lot of mentorship websites or projects which help assiduously in mentoring students online and offline.

Unfortunately, I know few of such sites and projects. For now, keep the discussed guidelines and follow Education Achievers Project [EAP], for they’ll come with a lot of mentorship programs.

Facebook wowers, on the other hand, encourage writers and poets to write more.

So, I am not putting all of them into a Jeopardy of condemnation but rather trying to mitigate the praises. Your mentors, grammar-conscious, critics and your friends in that field are the encouraging audience you should have, not only on this blue cyberspace, Facebook, but everywhere around the world.

To conclude, I will like to remind you once again that too much of praises do more harm to a budding writer or a poet than a pandemic. And, to grow in writing, on this platform as a budding writer, one needs to shun wowers. To clear myself, I am not saying they are completely discouraging, but it’s good to keep it on top of your mind that they don’t determine your goodness in writing. Having mentors and critics as your audience will surely help you to become a great writer.

Omar Muaz is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Immunity clause and the unfolding controversies in Nigeria

By Binzak Azeez

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mmunity clause is unethical for the Nigerian political system. All political leaders must be strictly held accountable for their brazen actions to resuscitate the country from wreckage.

The doctrine of sovereign immunity is of immemorial antiquity. The exact origin of the concept has been a nebulous long-term debate. Nevertheless, it is a prominent purview among the legal historians that sovereign immunity stemmed from the English common law system. This anachronous principle is established on rex non potest peccare maxim (the king can do no king). The body solely responsible for law-making and adjudication was the king or his representatives. The king was the most superior being and therefore exempted from legal proceedings, obligations and liability which might occur while discharging some onuses singlehandedly or by proxy.

Nigeria is a creation of the 1914 Constitution fashioned out by Lord Frederick Lugard, a British imperialist. Prior to the colonial arrangement of the fragmented territories that summed up Nigeria, each territory had its distinct unwritten constitution. English Law (common law) was incorporated into the Nigeria’s political sphere alongside the territorial unification arrangement. Subsequently, the country witnessed constitutional developments which are classified into two historical epochs; colonial and post – colonial constitutional amendments. The constitutions promulgated by the colonialists include; Lord Frederick Lugard 1914-1922, Sir Clifford 19221946, Arthur Richard 1946-1951, Sir John Macpherson 1951-1954 and Oliver Lyttleton 1954 constitution which laid down the transition template towards the 1960 independence constitution.

Nigeria attained her political liberty as a

sovereign state under the 1960 independence constitution. In this light, the second phrase of her constitutional development began. There were vestiges of colonial blueprints in the 1960 independence constitution. Despite that the 1963 republican constitution granted full political autonomy to the country, numerous colonially induced master plans were retained and incorporated into the 1963 constitution likewise the subsequent constitutional amendments. The colonialists maintained outright dominance with the legislation of draconian and repressive laws such as Seditious Offences Ordinance, Immunity Clause, etc.

So far, the post independence constitutional amendments have been shielding the Nigerian political elite from proper accountability. The constitutions enacted and promulgated by both the civilian and military administrators respectively hampered the combative tones of average Nigerians against unfavorable and tyrannical policy of government.

The political institutions are being manipulated to safeguard the colonial heritage of repression. Immunity clause among other constitutional provisions that were incorporated into the post-independence constitutions protects a category of Nigerian political leaders from legal suits. A hodgepodge promotion of institutionalized injustice, outright impunity and unbridled corruption. The Crown Proceedings Act 1947 has embraced a cause of action against the Crown in English common law. According to section 2(1) of the Act(supra), “Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Crown shall be subject to all those liabilities in tort to which, if it were a private person of full age and capacity…” The recognition of the Crown’s liability in torts promotes public interest though the enforcement of the legal liability is limited. Unfortunately, the Nigerian constitution which imported immunity clause from the Crown (common law) has failed to place an equilibrium between the clause and

public interest.

The crime committed by various Nigerian governments since independence is immeasurable. Both the military and civilian governments have successfully organised extra judicial killings, genocide, illegal importation of arms, sponsoring militant groups and other grievous offenses against countless and defenseless Nigerians without facing trials.

Similarly, both governments shared a common trait in flouting court orders and siphoning the country’s resources. The democratic dispensation is infamous for organising discreditable elections. Virtually every election is characterized with violence, arson, massive rigging in favour of the incumbent government or their anointed candidates. The state apparatus becomes a repressive instrument against dissenting voices, the public treasure turns to private assets and the nation with a groaning and dying people.

The fundamental purpose of enshrining the immunity clause under Section 308 of the 1999 constitution as amended, was elucidated by the Supreme Court in the case of Bola Tinubu vs. IMB Securities Plc (2001) “The immunity clause is meant to provide a shield for the person of the President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor from frivolous or vexatious litigation in respect of personal or criminal proceedings that would distract him from the serious business of governance.”

However, this purpose has been manipulated to promote injustice, impunity and corruption.

Therefore, the clause should be reviewed to checkmate the spate of anomalies being perpetrated under the guise of immunity clause.

In tandem with rising contemporary realities, the Nigerian judicial system has been debased utterly. The floating of court orders by the persons who are immune to legal suits is alarming. Judicial institution must be protected for democracy and good governance to thrive. Immunity clause at the detriment of

judicial contempt nullifies the sanctity of the rule of law. Moreover, immunity clause is a sharp contrast against natural law and equity.

All are equal before the law and the law must be equal to everyone. No individual should be privileged or discriminated against all extant laws. Also, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

An injunction or a relief can be granted to prevent a travesty of justice in some peculiar cases. While the law recognises an instant relief in certain peculiar legal suits, justice is raped if the defendant is protected from legal suits.

Immunity clause greatly abhors corruption.

The immunes have turned the national treasury into private pockets. Corruption hampers the country from progress. The fight against looting is exigent and should not be selective or obstructed under any excuse.

In conclusion, immunity clause is unethical for Nigerian political system. All political leaders must be strictly held accountable for their brazen actions to resuscitate the country from wreckage. The National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly have failed woefully in exercising their constitutional roles of curbing executive excess, rascality and gross misconducts. It was posited in the case of Gani Fawehinmi v. IGP (2002) 8 SCM 77 that “although a governor enjoys immunity from arrest and prosecution, he doesn’t enjoy immunity from investigation.” It is evident that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) which are empowered to investigate the persons conferred with immunity clause take instructions from the Nigerian president. The institutions have failed to make giant strides in impartial investigations pending the time that the persons covered by immunity lose the clause.

Binzak Azeez writes from the faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

NEWS

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

President Buhari presides over The National SecurityCouncil Meeting. In attendance are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN, SGF Boss Mustapha, COS Prof. Gambari, NSA Babagana Monguno and Service Chiefs. Photos; Tolani Alli

29,581 students to write WASSCE in Delta From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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total of 29,581 Students are to write West African Senior School Certificate Examination ( WASSCE) in Delta state with 466 Public Schools.

Delta state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Patrick Ukah who confirmed this to our Correspondent on Tuesday on telephone in Asaba.

He said that classes for the Senior Secondary Students had resumed on Tuesday after four months vacation due to the Covid-19 Pandemic disease.

Ukah explained that modalities had been emplaced to ensure the wellbeing of students and teachers.

He added that only 20 students would be accommodated per class to ensure the physical distancing protocol as stipulated by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) while 5,697 personnel had been trained to ensure compliance.

He said that the state government had made arrangements for the provision of functional water facilities, body thermometers, Sanitizers, and Sickbays across all the schools as well as the establishment of rapid response Centers in 25 Local Government Area in cases of distress.

Group calls for improved investment to promote breastfeeding From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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s Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2020 World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has called for improved investments at all levels of governance to promote breastfeeding in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the group Beatrice Eluaka stated this in a statement to mark the 2020 World Breastfeeding Week and made available to media in kaduna yesterday.

The statement added that the theme for this year’s WBW, “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet” draws attention

to the fact that breastmilk, is a natural renewable food that is environmentally safe for infants because it is produced and delivered to infants without pollution, packaging and waste.

“According to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action WABA; Breastfeeding is a prime example of the deep connections between human health and natures eco system. “ WABA also reinstates that protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding addresses inequalities that stand in the way of sustainable development.

“The Alliance further notes that artificial feeding leaves a major environmental footprint

that contributes to the depletion of natural resources, environment degradation and green-house emissions that cause global warming and climate change.

Nigeria’s Exclusive breastfeeding rate had remained abysmally low with only a marginal increase from 2% in 1990 to 17% in 2013 (NNHS). It then jumped to 29% as reported in the 2018 NDHS. Although some minimal progress has been made in this regard, CS-SUNN questions what impact this 26-year long custom, (the WBW celebration) has had on breastfeeding in Nigeria. “ The alliance is further concerned about how Nigeria will meet the global targets of 50%

Exclusive Breastfeeding rate by 2025.

“With the country’s current childhood under-nutrition indicator put at 37% stunting, 7% wasting and 23% underweight (NDHS, 2018) and about 2.6 million children under the age of five threatened by malnutrition (2018 NNHS), a lot still needs to be done to eradicate the country’s challenge of malnutrition”the statement reads.

The Executive Secretary stressed the need for Nigerians to become better informed about the links between breastfeeding and the environment/climate change.

She further explained that Breastfeeding to be anchored as a climate-smart decision.

FG, firms may lose 1m barrel daily to agitation in Delta community From: Asaba

Nosa

Akenzua,

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here are strong indications that the people of Ogulagha Kingdom in Delta state have concluded plans to suddenly shutdown oil and gas facilities, Forcados Export Terminal in

the Kingdom which will cut the country’s production by one million barrels daily.

The leadership of Ogulagha Kingdom, last Monday had threatened in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently address the marginalization of Ogulagha Kingdom by

Federal Government or risk the shutdown of oil facilities including Forcados Export Terminal in Ogulagha Kingdom.

But on Tuesday, One Chief Williams Igere , Bolouwei of Ogulagha Kingdom who spoke to Journalists in the area, insisted that the threat

by Ogulagha Kingdom to

shutdown oil facilities and Forcados Export Terminal was unstoppable.

Igere warned” the Federal Government should be ready to lose 1Million barrels daily in Ogulagha Kingdom because we have collectively resolved as a people to take our destiny into our hands”.

NNPC mourns former GMD, Dawha

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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced the death of Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha, who was its 16th Group Managing Director (GMD).

The corporation disclosed in a statement issued by its Spokesman, Dr kennie Obateru, in Abuja, on Monday, that Dawha died after a brief illness.

The GMD, Malam Mele

Kyari, expressed shock over the sudden death of Dawha.

Kyari said that the NNPC family gravely mourned Dawha’s death as he provided astute leadership and made immense contributions to the

progress of corporation.

He described his death as a great loss to not only NNPC but also Nigeria as a whole.

Dawha was GMD of NNPC between August 2014 and August 2015.(NAN)

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, middle, the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Tasi’u Musa Maigari, 2nd left, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Muntari Lawal, right and other members of the Projects Completion Committee, which the Governor chairs, shortly after the inauguration at the Council Chamber of the Government House, yesterday.

Edo: APC accuses Obaseki of plagiarizing Trump’s campaign slogan

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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he All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, yesterday slammed the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for adopting President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan of ‘I will make America Great Again’, in flagging off his campaign last Saturday.

During his campaign flagoff, Obaseki had declared that if he is reelected, he will make Edo State great again.

In a reaction to the political line which was famous with Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential election campaign in the United States of America, Prince John Mayaki, who is the Chairman of Edo State APC Media Campaign Council, said the rehash

by Obaseki of Trump’s mantra lacks originality and thought.

It is “Devoid of thought, originality, and foresight, Obaseki’s campaign mantra hit the stands and screens, blaring itself in poorly colored letters: ‘Make Edo Great Again.’

“As it appeared and formed in the eyes and minds of the readers and viewers, only one thing came to mind: Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again. But in Obaseki’s copying of this idea, we find a man who is ignorant and dumb to the bones and marrows.

“For Donald Trump, the antecedents and preceding narratives warrants and justifies such mantra. For Obaseki, it doesn’t.

“Donald Trump was a conservative republican coming against a liberal democratic who, in Trump’s view, was complicit in the failure, incompetence, inefficiency, and corruption that

afflicts America at the time of the campaign. Trump intended to come and change the existing norm and order, to drain the swamp.

“But here is Obaseki, the incumbent governor seeking to make Edo State, a constituency under his care and leadership for four years, great again.

“Two implications follow: first, it is a clear concession of failure, an admittance that his first term was nothing but an abominable misadventure; secondly, the adoption reveals the depth of Obaseki’s ignorance, dullness, and intellectual blindness. How, exactly, can a man make such a mistake? What swamp is he going to drain—the pool of his own mess?

“The fact remains that the PDP, right from their shameful acceptance and automatic

adoption of Obaseki and his band of failures as gubernatorial candidates, went into the campaign without strategy and initiative.

“The latest plagiarist mantra was produced in a hurry and under the influence of mounting pressures coming from the popular criticisms that while Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is leading an issue-based campaign with the SIMPLE AGENDA, Obaseki goes about seeking whom to devour with childish propagandas characterized by glaring falsehood.

“Perhaps it becomes imperative at this juncture, to ask an already biting and relevant question: If Obaseki is just setting to make Edo great, what has he been doing in the past four years?

“Sleeping and dozing through governance while supervising a

looting spree? Enabling violence and honoring thuggery?

“Closing down tertiary institutions and diverting state funds to his private company, AfrInvest? Going on an all-out war of opposition and dissenters?— which is the true legacy of Obaseki’s tenure.

“Obaseki, judging from the ongoings, is simply a rudderless child on a declining slope. Every attempt he makes reveals just what he wishes to conceal: that he is not deserving to lead, that he is thoughtless, and that he is insufficient.

“Admittedly, Obaseki has tried a lot, testing deep waters and making effort to clothe his weaknesses; but it remains one thing to try, which is the only true remedy to his plight: to give up politics and leadership. It doesn’t suit him.”

Gov Wike tasks INEC, security agencies on neutrality in Edo election

By Christiana Ekpa

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overnor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, yesterday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and men of the security agencies that will handle the forthcoming Edo state governorship election, to be apolitical in their conducts.

He made this plea while speaking on the expectations of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the election, where he charged the electoral umpire to use the Edo election to correct its previous mistakes, saying Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, should model free and fair poll for other nations.

Wike, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council for Edo governorship election, said the poll would be a walk-over for Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The governor, in a statement

by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the success of the Edo election would be determined by the roles played by security agencies and INEC, saying, “This is so because they often interfere with electoral processes, which manifests as scuttling of the will of the electorate.”

He added, “I do not know if I have one hundred per cent confidence in INEC for now but

maybe, as the days go on, what we will see may give us hope.

“Nigeria prides itself to be the giant of Africa and we go to other countries to observe elections and adjudge them as free and fair. But we find it difficult to do the same here.

We must show one good thing people can learn from us.

“We want a free and fair election. INEC should not be partial. They should use this election to correct the mistakes

that have been done in the past. We want to see what was done under President Goodluck Jonathan when Adams Oshiomhole went to Aso rock to thank him for allowing free and fair election in Edo State then.

“We are appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to direct that democracy be protected in the Edo election so that one man one vote will count. We will also go to Aso rock to thank him.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

POLITICS

AAC disowns Sowore’s revolution now movement

By Musa Adamu

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frican Action Congress (AAC) has dissociated itself from the activities and planned protest by the Revolution Now movement, saying he is no longer a member of the party, while members who worked with him had been expelled from the party.

In a statement issued by the national chairman of the party, Leonard Nzenwa, AAC said “The attention of the national leadership of African Action Congress (AAC) has been drawn to activities and planned protest by an outlawed group that called itself Revolution Now, led by one

Omoleye Sowore, a long expelled member of the party.

“AAC dissociates itself from the so-called Revolution Now and its nefarious activities. The identified ring leader, Omoleye Steven Sowore who is facing treasonable felony and other sundry charges bordering on inciting the people against the Federal Government was suspended by the party on 13th May 2019 and later expelled by the National Convention of the party on 9th August 2019.”

The party said his suspension and expulsion from the party was upheld by the Federal High Court Abuja, presided over by Justice I. E. Ekwo in his landmark judgment delivered in Suit No. FCT/ABJ/

CS/512/2019, between Leonard Nzenwa and Sowore Omoleye, Malcolm Fabiyi and INEC on 12th July 2019.

It said the judgment also affirmed Leonard Nzenwa as the authentic national chairman of AAC, adding that it is obvious that the said Revolution Now kingpin has nothing to do with the party.

“AAC had long notified all security agencies, INEC and relevant stakeholders of his expulsion and delisting from the party with other identified co-travelers across the country.

The party is alarmed that the Revolution Now kingpin who was arrested, ducked, tried and released on bail have continued to

undermine and broke all the bail conditions handed down to him without any consequences, even as the party had sanctioned all those who relate with him.

“AAC demands that Omoyele Steven Sowore be re-arrested and prosecuted promptly for attempting to incite the public the second time after his botched attempt the last time to do same was nipped in the bud by DSS. “His renewed gambit of parading himself as the party’s member and purported 2023 presidential aspirant on social media with intendment to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public has also been exposed by the party.

“AAC restates that it has nothing to do with Omoyele Sowore and have expelled others identified with him as we are aware that any entanglement in whatever form will bring our great party to ridicule and disrepute.

“AAC is a registered, lawabiding political party and operates within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, promoting peace, unity, good governance and democratic change of leadership at all levels of governments through credible elections which is the beauty of constitutional governance. And this has guided its activities since its registration”, statement said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

POLITICS NDDC saga: Kalu replies Akpabio, says agency has not paid for contracts he facilitated

By Musa Baba Adamu

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he Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has clarified his position on the ongoing contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Reacting yesterday to allegation

by Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godwill Akpabio, Sen Kalu accused the agency of not paying for contracts of roads he facilitated.

Sen Akpabio had listed ex governors Emmanuel Uduaghan, James Ibori , Senator Ifeanyi Ararume , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and others as personalities who benefitted from the NDDC contracts.

Kalu said he believes the issues at stake in the NDDC had to do with missing funds and not works done , adding that he was becoming worried over his name being used indiscriminately to sell newspapers without verifications .

According to the Chief Whip , the road projects mentioned by the Honourable Minister are the interventions he facilitated for the communities as a private citizen before he became a Senator.

He said his name was mentioned “because he used his letter headed paper to write a sympathetic letter to the NDDC in 2016 requesting and pleading with the body to rescue roads in Abia.”

He also noted his relationship with Sen Akpabio “dates years back and long before he (Kalu) became a Governor, adding that he would still request for more road interventions from Akpabio.

“I was Governor of Abia State between 1999-2007 and never held any public office until June 11, 2019 when I was sworn in as a Senator.

Between 2016- 2018 during my tour to several communities; leaders and welfare unions of most communities pleaded for urgent intervention on some dilapidated roads . I wrote to the NDDC informing the body of the conditions of these roads and the need for their attention since Abia is an NDDC state .

“The NDDC in their consideration which I am very grateful to, awarded the roads to companies that duly tendered for the projects and not myself. Whatever link I have with the projects is because it was considered due to my intervention.”

He also noted that the NDDC that awarded these projects were not any of the interim management in controversy but the fully constituted body of NDDC with its board.

“The roads I requested for intervention as mentioned by the Honourable Minister were repairs of Ezere-Acha-Ndiokoukwu Road ;Amaubiri-Eluama-Uru Ring Road, Lokpaukwu, Umuchieze ; Ndi Oji Abam-Atan Road ; the Okafia-

COVID-19: Tambuwal frees 17 prisoners in Sokoto

APC celebrates Ovie OmoAgege at 57

By Musa Adamu

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total of seventeen inmates in the Sokoto Central Custodial centre were granted pardon on Tuesday by Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

Malam Muhammad Bello, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media And Public Affairs made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

According to him, the pardon was part of the government’s executive powers to decongest prisons and protect inmates from the coronavirus pandemic.

Bello said three inmates out of the 17 were serving terms for federal offences while others were held for state offences.

The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Suleiman Usman, SAN, facilitated the processes.

The statement read in part: “The pardon takes cognisance of the executive powers vested in the governor to offer mercy to inmates by the 1999 Constitution as amended. ”The gesture is also aimed at enabling the ex-prisoners to reunite with their family members and become decent citizens. ”Their release was also intended to decongest the prison and protect the inmates from being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ” The governor advised the pardoned inmates to shun vices and engage in viable ventures that would uplift their living standards.

The Attorney General also presented N50,000 cash assistance to each of the pardoned inmates from the state government to set up useful ventures.

Ozuitem-Bende road and OzuAmuru-Abam Road .

“The contractors have completed and delivered these roads long time ago except Abam-Atani road which I learnt from the contractors was slowed down due to rain but still ongoing.

“Meanwhile, it would interest Nigerians to know that the contractors who built these roads have not been paid any dime . It has not been easy with the contractors but because it’s a community project they have only but kept hope alive on the NDDC.”

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( L) presenting title document of 230 hectares of land to Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo ( R) allocated to the Nigerian Airforce for the establishment of NAF Forward Operational Base in Gombe, yesterday.

‘Ondo Deputy Gov may defect to ZLP’

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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trong indications emerged yesterday that the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, may defect from the People Democratic Party (PDP) to the

Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) to enable him contest for the October 10th governorship election in the state.

Recall that Ajayi, had earlier resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress

(APC) in June and defected to the PDP, where he hoped to secure the party’s ticket to contest the Ondo State governorship election, but lost to Eyitayo Jegede, who is now the candidate of PDP for the election.

At the moment, sources close to the Deputy Governor, said he is set to leave the main opposition party for ZLP where he has been assured of the party ticket to contest the Ondo governorship election.

PDP asks Oshiomhole to present Primary Six certificate

By Lateef Ibrahim agency report

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with

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to present his Primary School Leaving Certificate

if he actually went to school.

The Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election, Dan Orbih, made the demand while addressing party members and supporters in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

Orbih also urged Oshiomhole to tell Nigerians the cause of his quarrel with his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he described as a worthy alumnus of the University of Ibadan.

“They said Governor Godwin Obaseki, who graduated from the University of Ibadan, has no

certificate. I challenge Adams Oshiomhole to show us his Primary 6 certificate,” Orbih stated.

He urged Oshiomhole to “allow Edo people to decide who governs them. In four years, Godwin Obaseki has done more than what Oshiomhole did in eight years.”

Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers receiving the revised 2020 Appropriation Bill from the Majority Leader, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule in Port Harcourt on Monday (3/8/2020).

PDP should account for failed $460m Abuja CCTV project, $2bn China loan - APC

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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ll Progressive Congress (APC) has asked the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to account for the failed $460 million Abuja CCTV project and $2 billion China loan.

APC said the statement issued by the Media Office of former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, on the standard sovereign guarantee and sovereign immunity clause embedded in Nigeria’s loan agreements with China to fund the ongoing national railway projects can be best described as unresearched, unintelligent and pedestrian.

According to a statement

issued by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, APC said the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has explained the guarantee/ clause in the loan deals is standard irrespective of the the country granting the loan.

“Perhaps, Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could redirect their energies to explaining to Nigerians the status of the failed $460 million Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) awarded in August 2010 by the immediate-past PDP administration.

“Also, they should explain the over $2billion China loan the PDP administration took between 2010 and 2013 alone; $16billion spent on power with no electricity;

fuel subsidy rackets; counterinsurgency funds that were diverted and shared to political cronies among other shocking heists.

“Recall that the failed CCTV installation project was initiated by late President Umaru Yar’Adua and awarded in August 2010 by former President, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to help security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory check the growing insecurity.

“Since the agreement became signed, Nigeria has been servicing this loan to China while Nigerians are yet to attest to the visibility of CCTV project and unable to explain the status of the video surveillance project. The matter is subject to a legislative probe.

“In all of these we are starkly reminded that the PDP remains a corrupted and damaged product.

Nigerians must continue to reject the party at all levels of government.

“In the area of fiscal discipline, prudence, curbing leakages, are we currently getting it right?

An emphatic yes! Every kobo expended on infrastructure counts.

Verifiable evidence abound in the fast expanding national railway projects, airport remodelling among other critical infrastructure projects being undertaken by the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

“The days of phoney contracts as institutionalised by successive PDP administrations are fast fading”, APC said in the statement.

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the Deputy Senate President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agehe, as he marks 57-year birthday.

In a statement issued by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, APC said “Undoubtedly, Senator Omo-Agege has been exemplary and has distinguished himself in his private practice and public life. His doggedness, courage and sincerity of purpose in pursuing patriotic causes should be emulated by all, particularly the younger generations.

“As Deputy Senate President, the Party notes with pride the team play and cooperation Senator Omo-Agege has exhibited in joining hands with the Senate President Ahmed Lawan as well as other principal Officers to steer the affairs of the 9th Senate.

“This partnership and synergy has resulted in the Senate leadership enjoying cross-partisan support which has equally translated to a long-sought cordial and functional Legislative-Executive relations.

Nigerians are the ultimate beneficiaries with both arms of government working in tandem to execute the Legislative Agenda of the 9th Assembly, achieve good governance and deliver dividends of democracy to the citizenry.

“As the leader of the APC in the South-South region, the distinguished Senator Omo-Agege has continued to entrench the party in the region by carrying party stakeholders along, marketing and endearing the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration to the good people of the South South.

“The Party prays the Almighty God continue to grant the Obarisi of Urhobo Land good health and wisdom in dedicated service to the Party and Nation.”

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H E A LT H

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Analyzing implications of Nigeria’s health budget cut

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he fear that many Nigerians nursed about a potential cut in the country’s health budget has finally come to realization when President Muhammadu Buhari officially signed a budget that has no regard for the health sector struggling in the middle of a pandemic.

At first when the rumours of the cut were heard, many Nigerians were quick to dismiss it, saying that the government will prioritize the health sector at a time when ‘billions were flying in the air’ to address the coronavirus and cushion the effect it had on many Nigerians.

But recently when the revised budget was finally submitted, signed and delivered, Buhari shocked the world. His government damned every consequences and slashed the health budget by 40 percent in the midst of coronavirus outbreak.

Judging the events, it was hard to draw a line in the sand, considering the enormity of the pandemic and the number of daily confirmed cases and deaths President Muhammadu Buhari recorded by the Nigeria Centre For Desease Control (NCDC). only 28% are using a Also, the cut came when Civil modern method. The unmet Society Organisations (CSOs), needs for family planning is as were worried about the increase high as 20% in some parts of in cases of malnutrition and the country. The implication of maternal mortality worsened by limited access to commodities Covid 19. They warned that the and services includes higher level cut will have a dire consequences of STIS due to unprotected sex, on an already weakened health unwanted pregnancies, unsafe facilities operating like morgues. abortions, maternal mortality and “Nutrition is among the causes unwanted pregnancies.” of anemia, and anemia is a major It is unfortunate that despite concern among women, leading to these challenges, the revised increased maternal mortality and budget recently signed by the poor birth outcomes as well as President falls short of addressing reductions in work productivity. the woes of many Nigerians, Over half (58%) of women age 15- especially women and children.

49 have some degree of anaemia.

In the proposed revised Twenty- eight percent each are budget, while the National mildly anaemic and moderately Assembly complex renovation anaemic, and 2% are severely budget was reduced to N27.7bn anaemic (NPC and ICF, 2019)” (a reduction of 25.1 per cent), the Also, the acting Chairman of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, National Population Commission which is meant to cater for all the (NPC) Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji while primary healthcare centres across speaking to mark the World the 774 local government areas Population Day, said COVID-19 in the country, was significantly may have led to higher proportion reduced by N44.4bn to N25.5bn, of malnourished women, giris a decrease of more than 42.5 per and children. “COVID 19 did not cent. make it easy for women to access The BHCPF is made up of one and utilize reproductive health per cent of the Federal Government facilities especially as the logistics Consolidated Revenue from of getting to health facilities were international partners such as negatively impacted. the World Bank, Bill and Melinda “This situation could have Gates Foundation and the United worsened the already high maternal mortality rate of 556 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The likely effect of the COVID 19 pandemic on the delivery of contraceptives is better imagined.

“Already Nigeria is experiencing low contraceptive prevalence rate and unmet needs.

The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) for modern method is 12% for married women, while for sexually active unmarried women,

“

States Agency for International Development.

It is the fundamental funding provision under the National Health Act and was appropriated for the first time in the 2018 budget since the Act was signed in 2014.

With the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, an increase in budget share to the health sector is expected to address the emergencies, but the same government that was begging Nigerians to contribute money to fight the pandemic is allocating billions for National Assembly renovation and fumigation of farms to kill grasshopper.

As the misplaced priority remains significant in the midst of pandemic, the Executive Chairman, Centre for AntiCorruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, said it was unfortunate that Nigeria, which is the poverty capital of the world, would relegate the health and education sectors.

Adeniran said Nigeria had one of the highest maternal and mortality rates in the world as well as out of school children and the government ought to give priority to health and education.

He said, “Why should we waste

N27bn on building that is not showing any sign of distress? It is a misplaced priority and a total waste. The National Assembly doesn’t need repainting let alone renovation.

“Nigeria is the poverty capital in the world despite being one of the most endowed countries. It is the misplacement of priorities that brought us to this sorry state we found ourselves.

“Nigerians are dying from treatable and preventable diseases and the government thinks it is right to slash the health budget while maintaining the N27bn for renovation? It is a shame.”

Also, the Executive Director of Human and Development Agenda, Lanre Suraj, said Buhari could not claim not to be aware of the injustice being done to Nigerians.

Suraj said reducing the health budget showed that the government had not learnt any lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said, “It will be very difficult to absolve the President of the blame. This is a disservice to young people and Nigerians in general. It is obvious the government doesn’t have the interest of the masses at heart.

It is unfortunate that despite these challenges, the revised budget recently signed by the President falls short of addressing the woes of many Nigerians, especially women and children.

The pandemic has exposed the poor state of the public health centres as they have failed to meet up to standard in the pandemic.

To reduce the basic health care fund by almost 50 per cent and then maintain the budget for National Assembly complex renovation which has no bearing on the people is a betrayal of trust and all citizens must reject it.”

According to Prof Innocent Ujah, the head of the Nigerian medical association, the cuts have come just as more investment in health is needed.

“Our budget for health is unacceptably low, under 5%.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, it becomes even more serious,” he said. “It will have an impact on our response to the virus.”

Ujah said he was shocked at the announcement of the cuts, as it had been assumed health budgets would be ringfenced during the pandemic.

Fuelling criticisms of the healthcare cuts has been the 37bn naira (£75m) set aside for renovations to Nigeria’s National Assembly buildings.

Speaking further on the implications of the budget cut, the Board Chairman of the Community Health and Research (CHR) Initiative, Aminu Magashi, said the health sector will not have enough money to finance the basic health care provision fund.

Magashi, who is also the Coordinator of the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), expressed worry that there won’t be enough money for distribution to Primary Health Care Development Agency, National Insurance Scheme and emergency services.

“Also, there wont be enough money to procure vaccine for immunization. The immunization money which is usually in partnership with global partners to procure drugs in the international market will be grossly affected by this cut.”

Magashi added that drug for family planing, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, life saving drugs, cancer and many more will be affected by this budget cut.

As a way out, Magashi called on the government to prioritize health sector alongside defence.

“If defence has the highest budget, health should be number two or they should be side by side.

This is because the security of every country must be policed by people who are healthy. If they are not healthy, they cannot deliver; so we need to provide more money for health to address that.”

He argued that in saner climes, health and defence are considered tops in the budget to promote both security and health of the people at the same time.

He called on the media to champion the advocacy and prevail on the government to to pay more attention to the health sector.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

FIRS Replies NIPOST, Vows to recover Unremitted Stamp Duties

By Etuka Sunday

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ederal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said it is determined to not only ensure that all monies collected by NIPOST into its illegally operated Stamp Duties Account are fully remitted into the Federation Account but also make sure that any kobo not accounted for in that account is legally recovered in line with the charge of President Muhammadu Buhari to the recently inaugurated Interministerial committee on the recovery of stamp duties from 2016 till date.

FIRS made the clarification in response to a tweet by Mrs. Maimuna Abubakar, Chairperson of the Board of NIPOST. The Director Communication and Liaison, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad in a statement said, her indecorous tweet would not have deserved any response but for the sensitive nature of the issue at stake, which if not sensibly treated and promptly corrected would likely mislead the public.

The statement said, “to be sure, NIPOST is a government parastatal established by Decree 41 of 1992 with the function to “develop, promote, and provide adequate and efficiently coordinated postal services at reasonable rates” . This function is clearly contrary to the claim by NIPOST over the administration of stamp duties in Nigeria.

“On the other hand, the FIRS is the sole agency of government charged with the responsibility

of “assessing, collecting, and accounting for all tax types including Stamp Duties.”

“It is therefore shocking to us at the FIRS that such a privileged young lady who happened to be appointed to high office would throw all caution to the air to cast aspersions on reputable public institutions like the National Assembly and the FIRS, which she accused of stealing NIPOST idea. This, to say the least, is a preposterous claim and great

disservice to the government and people of Nigeria.

“We wish to state categorically that, as an agency which operates within the armbit of the law, the FIRS is determined to not only ensure that all monies collected by NIPOST into its illegally operated Stamp Duties Account are fully remitted into the Federation Account but also make sure that any kobo not accounted for in that account is legally recovered in line with the

charge of President Muhammadu Buhari to the recently inaugurated Inter-ministerial committee on the recovery of stamp duties from 2016 till date.

“In addition, anyone found culpable of misappropriating the funds in the said illegal NIPOST Stamp Duties Account would be made to face the law as provisioned by the country’s statute books.

“The public is hereby reminded that we at the FIRS are resolute in

our resolve to safeguard national interests and not any personal ego or interest as NIPOST officials appear to carry on lately.

“We therefore call on right-thinking Nigerians to disregard that ill-advised tweet by Mrs. Maimuna Abubakar and allied misinformation being disseminated by NIPOST in relation to Stamp Duties collection, which by law is the responsibility of the FIRS,” the statement said.

Director special duties state operations, National Orientation Agency, Mette Edekobi(left); President, Hepatitis zero Nigerian commission, Dr. Mike Omotosho and National coordinator, National AIDS and STDs Control Programme(NASCP), Dr. Akudo Ikpeazu during a press conference to mark the World Hepatitis day 2020, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Prevail on NERC to stop Competition Transmission Charge, Group urges FG, NASS

By Etuka Sunday

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he federal government has been urged to urgently prevail on the authority of Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission, NERC to reverse its newly approved guidelines on filing applications for competition transition charge by electricity distribution and trading licensees.

This was contained in a letter of protest signed by the National Coordinator of the Transparency Awareness Group, TANGO, Mallam Ibrahim Isah on Tuesday.

According to him, “Following the release of Regulation No NERC-R-111 issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC on the 1st November, 2017 for the Nigerian Electricity Service Industry NESI, the Eligibility Customer Status came into existence to facilitate the off-take of the stranded 2,000 megawatts of electricity that the Distribution Companies

Discos were not able to distribute and give Life to the Generating company GENCo as a source of other Income without Depending on DISCOs.” The letter reads: “A few of our members went through harrowing obstacles such as providing, amongst other things, the needed infrastructures like the 132/33kVa Transmission Dedicated Lines to their plants, the intake and the outlet substations to access power under the scheme without any contribution(s) from DISCOs. This gave a new lease of life to their production and has simultaneously evacuated part of the 2,000 stranded power with bulk-income accruing to the Gencos and the TCN. ‘Whilst the Industrialists in the organized private sector, the Generating Companies Gencos and the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN were jubilating over the successful commencement of the scheme, the cartel of Discos

ganged up together with myriads of excuses not to allow the scheme to work and vowed to torpedo the scheme.

“Now that the chief proponent and supporter of the scheme, the former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Barrister Raji Babatunde Fashola, did not retain the portfolio of Power Ministry in his second coming and consequent Removal of the Managing Director of TCN, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, the cartel of Discos went to work clandestinely hoping to hike rate of electricity to a level that being an Eligible Customer would become unattractive and meaningless.

They managed to convince the Federal Ministry of Finance, CBN and NERC to allow the introduction of what they call Competition Transmission Charge CTC. The CTC is to be paid to DISCO WITHOUT ANY Justification for the Service rendered.

“The CTC is to be paid in addition to the Transmission charges being paid to TCN whom is a Custodian of the 132/33kVa dedicated Transmission Lines.

As usual, they excluded the major stakeholders; neither do they seek their input or opinion on the matter without representing their interests.”

TANGO therefore appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, to urgently recall the guidelines and adopt transparent legislative process that will afford all relevant Stakeholders the right to make input and contributions to the process in the collective interest of the nation.

The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan to wade-in into the matter in a bid to salvage the lives of hundreds of

thousands of Nigerian Investors.

TANGO noted that the decision was taken hastily without due consultation with relevant stakeholders in the society stressing that the process lack proper legislative backing with the sole aim of aiding and abetting illegality in the system.

NERC had on Monday 27 July 2020 issued new guidelines capable of generating serious setback to the national industrial growth as against the laudable government’s initiative aimed at ameliorating the debilitating impact of inadequate power supply to industries.

In paragraphs 4.1(i), 4.2(g) 4.3(f) 4.4(f) and 4.5(d) of the NERC’s guidelines, the agency failed to demonstrate transparency and genuine nationalistic approach in its operations by creating avenues aimed at affording DISCOs the right to charge seamlessly at Eligible Customers.

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METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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Gwagwalada flood: FCTA demolishes 102 houses, shops at Giri

By Stanley Onyekwere

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ollowing last week’s flood incident that claimed a family of 5 in GiriKpasere, along Airport Road, in Gwagwalada Area Council , the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday commenced demolition of about 102 houses built along water channels and flood plains in the area.

Most of the affected buildings including makeshift structures for trading and recreational activities were either soaked with flood water or situated on flood plains in the area.

According to the Officials of the FCT Department of Development Control said the structures mostly built without approval have been marked more than one year ago, and that government had given the residents enough time to move out of the flood prone areas.

Speaking during the exercise, Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Department of Department Control, Garba Kwamkur, noted that government could not spare the houses anymore, following the recent forecast of more rains and consequential flooding that will affect the area.

Kwamkur explained that the community is part of the land covering about 260 hectares allocated within the Abuja Master Plan for the development of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, but some indigenous people and other squatters are staying there temporarily.

“The university has written to us about the encroachment issue.

The settlement here that’s due for resettlement has grown beyond it’s boundary. And we have issue of flood some time last week, where five persons, who were

carried away by the flood, were confirmed dead.

“We actually had to discuss it with the village leaders on the need to move away from the flood plain area. FEMA has also predicted that there would be heavy flood this year, so we are doing something like a precautionary measure, that’s why all the buildings along the flood plains will have to go. “ And all contravention notices

have been given as far back as last year (2019). No government will sit down and do nothing when the lives of its citizens are being threatened by either flood or any other thing”, he stressed.

He adds: “e counted the houses are to be affected , roughly they are about hundred and two (102) houses are going down.

“In general, the law in Abuja, you can only build with an approved planning permit, but

these houses pull down don’t have permit, so we are enforcing the law.”

On his part, Chief of the Community, Mr. Isah Egari who said he is not opposing the demolition of the houses built on the water channels, however, pleaded with government to give the residents more time to move out from the affected places.

Egari also called on the

demolition team to restrict the bulldozers to the areas close to the water channels, so as to not impose undue hardship on other residents who were not affected.

On the notion that the land belongs to University of Abuja, the Community leader insists: “This land doesn’t belong to the University of Abuja, and if it’s their land they should report to the court of the law, we will be there, and we will see who will win.”

Debris from structures pulled down by the FCT Development Control Department yesterday, in Giri-Kpasere, along Airport Road, in Gwagwalada Area Council , Abuja. Photos: Stanley Onyekwere.

Govt fumigates schools, distributes facemasks, sanitisers

By Stanley Onyekwere

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s part of the arrangements for the gradual reopening of schools, the Federal Capital Territory Administrations (FCTA) has commenced intensive fumigation of Secondary schools, a well as distribution facemasks, hand sanitisers and infrared thermometers for use in schools.

The items made available include 770 infrared thermometers, 1,200 surgical face masks, 14,000 pieces of various types of fabric face

masks, 18,000 500ml hand sanitisers.

The Administration explained that the exercise is in compliance with the NCDC guidelines on the reopening of schools as well as the protocols set by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.

Briefing newsmen, the Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, Hon. Yahaya Musa Muhammad, said appointed representatives of the FCTA, alongside the principals of these schools are to ensure adequate compliance with all the health protocols, including the use of face

masks, observance of social distancing as well as regular hand washing.

Muhammad, noted that only the terminal classes of Senior Secondary three (SS3) as well as Junior Secondary three (JSS 3) would be resuming for lectures in the schools, in preparation for their upcoming examinations.

He also disclosed that the Department of Quality Assurance in the Education Secretariat would be visiting the private primary and secondary schools in the FCT to ensure that they comply with all the necessary protocols

before they are allowed to reopen.

“I’m going personally to visit the schools to ensure that all the things that are supposed to be there are there and those that are not there, we will force them to comply before going on with the students.

He explained that isolation rooms have been made available in each of the secondary schools as well as clinics in compliance with the NCDC protocols on the resumption of schools.

He assured that the issue of social distancing in the schools would not constitute a major

problem, in view of the fact that only the terminal classes would be resuming.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Secretary, FCT Health Secretariat, Dr. Muhammad Kawu commended the FCT Administration for making available Personal Protective Equipment to all the areas that deserve them, including the schools.

He added that the Health and Human Services Secretariat is also collaborating with the Education Secretariat for the training of teachers on the non-pharmaceutical means of preventing COVID-19.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Beirut blast: Dozens dead and thousands injured, health minister says A large blast in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, has killed at least 27 people and injured more than 2,500 others, the health minister says.

It is not yet clear what caused the explosion in the port region.

Videos posted online showed a column of smoke followed by a large mushroom cloud.

Hospitals are said to be overwhelmed and many buildings have been destroyed.

Lebanon’s internal security chief said the blast happened in an area housing highly explosive materials.

A BBC journalist at the scene reported dead bodies and severe damage, enough to put the port out of action.

The explosion comes at a sensitive time for Lebanon, with an economic crisis reigniting old divisions. Tensions are also high ahead of Friday’s verdict in a trial over the killing of ex-Prime

Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.

Some reports suggest the explosion may have been an accident.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported a fire breaking out at what

it called an explosives depot at the port before the explosion.

Local media showed people trapped beneath rubble. A witness described the first explosion as deafening, and video footage showed wrecked cars and blastdamaged buildings.

President Michel Aoun called for an emergency meeting of the Supreme Defence Council, the presidency said on Twitter.

Wednesday has been declared a day of mourning, the prime minister said.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the government was “ready to offer help and support” while French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said France was also ready to offer assistance.

‘Glass going down from all over the building’ Hadi Nasrallah, eyewitness speaking to the BBC I saw the fire, but I didn’t yet know there was going to be

an explosion. We went inside.

Suddenly I lost my hearing because apparently I was too close. I lost my hearing for a few seconds, I knew something was wrong.

And then suddenly the glass just shattered all over the car, the cars around us, the shops, the stores, the buildings. Just glass going down from all over the building.

Literally all over Beirut, people were calling each other from different areas kilometres away and they were experiencing the same thing: broken glass, buildings shaking, a loud explosion.

Actually we were shocked because usually when it happens, just one area will experience those happenings after an explosion, but this time it was all of Beirut, even areas outside of Beirut.

Source: bbc

Abdelhamid Salhi: The story of an Algerian footballer who was never cautioned

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oday’s world class players are often praised in the media for their outstanding technical abilities.

Many also hit the headlines the wrong reasons with shameful diving, horrific tackles and even biting seemingly more common place in today’s football.

One man who fits into both categories is Spain and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos - a World Cup winner who has 26 red cards to his name.

Although that is not the world record which belongs to Colombian Gerardo Bedoya with 45 red cards during a 20-year playing career - which ended in 2015 - with a further two dismissals arriving from the dugout since.

At the opposite end of the scale is Algeria’s Abdelhamid Salhi, who enjoyed at 22-year career as a player and a coach and did not ever get a yellow card let alone a red one. for which he received an international award.

The 72-year-old was a one-club player, spending his entire career at Entente Sportive Setif (ESS), and also played internationally for Algeria, he estimates he played more than a 1,000 matches.

He began as a youth player with the club based in the city of Setif in the east of Algeria in 1963 and was with them as a player until 1977.

He explains that respect was the key to his ability to keep calm and avoid being show and a card.

“One has to respect himself, respect the opponent and respect the referee,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“You will never get into trouble if you put respect first, that’s the golden rule for fair play and clean football.

“I have always observed the rules

religiously. I have never contested the decision made by the referee or argued with him about anything even when I am victim a bad tackle or another offence.”

In fact he recalls with humour how his teammates ended up being booked as they contested and argued with the referee over fouls committed on him by opposition defenders.

“I never contested a decision and as a captain I also prevented my teammates from doing that,” he explained.

He admitted that refereeing decisions during his career were often less stringent.

“In our time if a player touched the ball with his hand the referee would give a foul to the opponent team but would not show a yellow card to the offender,” he offered as an example.

A fan of VAR Salhi is a strong supporter of the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology because it is helping to stop some of the elements of the modern game that he does not like such as the harsher tackles and cheating.

“It (VAR) helps serve justice and establish fairness,” he insisted “How many teams were denied promotion or were relegated because of a goal that was not a goal. VAR is here to stay and that is fantastic for the game.”

He also rejected that playing as a number 10 or an attacking midfielder meant he was less likely to commit bookable offences.

“The role of number 10 is not restricted to attacking,” he pointed out.

“In my position I had to defend and make tackles to stop a counter-attack or slow it down but I never cheated.

“There are rules which I have never

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Algeria international Abdelhamid Salhi played his entire career for his local club Entente Setif broken in my life. That is what it is all the youth of former East Germany in 1965 in Oran in a match that was a about.”

In 2002 he won a World Fair Play curtain-raiser to the senior team losing Award from the International Fair Play to Pele’s Brazil in a friendly.

After just a few games with the Committee, which is recognised by the ESS youth side he was creating a International Olympic Committee.

He is one of just two Algerians to tremendous impression and showing have been honoured with the award, that he was too good for his age which were first handed out in 1965 category.

The coaching staff decided to get along with former basketball player, coach, referee and administrator Rene the necessary medical authorisation needed for a 17-year-old to play adult Amrouche.

A one-club player and continental football.

The ESS coach at the time Mokhtar star Not only was Salhi a gentleman on Aribi caused an immediate stir in the the pitch he was also a very good player dressing room ahead of a top-flight match against USMA in Algiers by for both club and country.

Born in 1947 in Setif he first began handing ‘little’ Salhi the number 10 to impress playing for his school, Lycee shirt for his debut.

“He is only a kid. He is too young Kirouani, which soon led to teams for such a role. The coach must be trying to recruit him.

Aged just 16 he decided to join crazy,” one of the senior regulars said.

ESS won the game 1-0 with a goal ESS, already on of the biggest clubs in Algeria, and was soon representing from Messaoud Koussim but the assist his nation and playing for the under-19 went to Salhi, prompting Aribi to say after the final whistle: “The kid is too side.

Among his highlights are beating young... nonsense.”

One of the more extraordinary

things about Salhi was that despite not being the tallest player he was exceptionally good in the air.

With the ball at his feet he was blessed with a magical touch that made it hard for defenders to predict his intentions all combined with a dizzying turn of pace and the ability to produce tailored passes.

In 1967 French coach Lucien Leduc took over in charge of the Algerian national team in 1967 and he immediately called up the ESS star, handing him a debut before his 20th birthday against Upper Volta, today’s Burkina Faso.

1968 was a bitter-sweet year for Salhi that saw not only the biggest disappointment of his career but also some of the highlights too.

Injury robbed Salhi of the chance of playing at the 1968 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, just as he was near the top of his game.

That disappointment was tempered by his achievements at club level as he won the league and cup double in 1968, with Salhi scoring the extra-time winner in the cup final against NA Hussein Dey. His feats that season saw him named as the Algerian Player of the Year.

Salhi’s talent and reputation spread across the continent and he was twice picked in ‘African’ teams to play in friendly events.

In 1972 he was in a squad invited to play in Brazil to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the South American country’s independence.

That team included the likes of his Algerian team-mate Taher Benferhat, Tunisia goalkeeper Sadok Saci Attouga, Egypt’s Hasan Ali, Ghana’s Edward Acquah, Laurent Pokou of Ivory Coast and Guinea’s Ibrahima Sory Keita.

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Shoprite employs at least 2,000 people in Nigeria

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frica’s biggest supermarket chain, South Africanowned Shoprite, says it is considering pulling out of Nigeria.

It said it was looking at selling all “or a majority stake” of its operations in Africa’s mostpopulous country.

Shoprite is the latest South African retailer to look at leaving Nigeria - clothing firm Mr Price announced its exit in June, and Woolworths in 2014.

Shoprite’s decision comes at a time when Nigeria’s economy is struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Economists from the World Bank have warned that the oil-rich country could be on the brink of its worst recession since the 1980s because of “the collapse in oil prices coupled with the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Shoprite said lockdown restrictions because of coronavirus had affected its operations in 14 African countries, with sales declining by 1.4% in those markets.

Its South African operations on the other hand witnessed “significant growth”.

The retailer has also been battling currency-induced inflation surges - especially in Nigeria, where it has been hit hardest.

Shoprite employs at least 2,000 people in Nigeria.

The retailer’s stores in the capital, Abuja, and the commercial hub, Lagos, became a flashpoint for outrage in 2019, following violent attacks in South Africa on other migrants from elsewhere in the continent.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (Nans) - which represents university students at campuses across the country - picketed branches of Shoprite and South African telecoms giant MTN, turning away staff and customers.

The student body demanded that all South African-owned businesses leave the West African state.

Why Shoprite has struggled in Nigeria Analysis by Nduka Orjinmo, BBC News, Lagos Shoprite’s failure in Nigeria is not surprising, the shiny shopping malls with escalators where its outlets are located are more popular for taking pictures than actual shopping.

Though it is regarded as a working-class supermarket in South Africa, most here consider it as catering to the upper classes.

Tens of millions of Nigerians are poor or unemployed - and the

Shoprite is one of the biggest South African businesses operating in Nigeria

minority who have the spending power to shop at Shoprite have seen their finances take a battering

because of the coronavirus pandemic.

These are hard times for

businesses, but the slow growth at Shoprite Nigeria predates the pandemic.

Consumers here want quality services, but they want it on the cheap.

Hopewell Chin’ono: Whistle-blowing Zimbabwean journalist arrested

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Zimbabwean journalist who recently exposed alleged government corruption involving coronavirus supplies has been charged with inciting public violence.

Hopewell Chin’ono livestreamed his arrest before being told to put his phone down.

An opposition politician, Jacob Ngarivhume, has also been arrested in Harare on the same charges.

In a statement, Zimbabwe’s police appeared to confirm that the two arrests were connected.

The US embassy called Mr Chin’ono’s arrest deeply concerning, while his lawyer called it an abduction.

“We’re not sure where he has been taken. His helper says they did not produce any warrant when they came to his house,” human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said in a video statement.

Motioning to a smashed patio door at Mr Chin’ono’s home, Ms Mtetwa said eight or so security agents were involved in the raid.

Campaign group Amnesty accused Zimbabwean authorities of “misusing the criminal justice system to persecute journalists and activists” and said “the arrests

of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume are designed to intimidate”.

This video streamed on Facebook appears to show the moment the investigative journalist was confronted inside his home: What did Mr Chin’ono report about?

Mr Chin’ono’s reporting on alleged Covid-19 procurement fraud within the health ministry led to the arrest and sacking of Health Minister Obadiah Moyo.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Mr Moyo earlier this month for “inappropriate conduct” over the $60m (£47.5m) medicines supply scandal.

Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party said the state was persecuting a journalist for exposing government corruption.

A government official later responded by tweeting that journalists were not above the law.

Who was the arrested politician?

Jacob Ngarivhume leads a tiny opposition party called Transform Zimbabwe.

But he appeared to be organising plans for an antigovernment protest on 31 July.

Hopewell Chin’ono has embarrassed the government with a string of exposés Like Hopewell Chin’ono, the opposition politician was detained in the capital, Harare, on Monday in what critics said was a concerted move to stifle criticism of the government.

What’s happening in Zimbabwe?

BBC Africa correspondent Andrew Harding says the incident comes at a time of rising tensions in Zimbabwe, with hyperinflation strangling the economy, and talk

of a new round of mass protests against Zanu-PF, the party that has run the country since independence.

Zimbabwe’s government promised reforms and economic growth after former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power three years ago.

But critics say it has reverted to its old habits of repression and corruption.

Source: BBC

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Dreamworld accident: Operator charged over Australian theme park deaths

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he operator of Australia’s Dreamworld theme park has been charged with safety breaches over a water ride malfunction that killed four people in 2016.

Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozbeh Araghi and Cindy Low died almost instantly when their raft collided with another and overturned, crushing them.

A coroner’s inquiry later found there were “unfathomable” errors with safety at the park on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Authorities have filed three charges against parent company Ardent Leisure.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of A$1.5m (£800,000; $1m) under Queensland’s Workplace Health and Safety Act. How did the accident happen?

The collision took place at the end of the Thunder River Rapids ride, an attraction that simulated the experience of white-water rafting.

The malfunction happened about 15 seconds after a pump stopped working and caused water levels to drop, the coroner was told in 2018.

(L-R) Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozbeh Araghi and Cindy Low were killed in the Dreamworld accident in October 2016 Two children were also thrown from the raft but survived.

Coroner James McDougall found a “systemic failure by Dreamworld in relation to all aspects of safety”, ruling the accident had been “only a matter of time”.

What’s been the reaction to the charges?

Prosecutor Aaron Guilfoyle said the three charges alleged that Dreamworld failed in its duty of care. They would be the only charges brought, he added.

Queensland Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said: “They are the maximum charges in the act, and the prosecutor is independent and we respect his decision and await the outcome from the courts.”

In a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Ardent Leisure again expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the victims’ loved ones.

“There has been considerable change at Dreamworld over the last few years as was acknowledged by the coroner in his report,” the company said.

A court will hear the matter on 29 July.

What else happened after the tragedy?

Queensland introduced industrial manslaughter laws following the accident and other unrelated workplace deaths. They will not be applied retroactively.

Last year, police recommended that no Dreamworld employees should face criminal charges.

The park closed for six weeks after the accident, and the Thunder River Rapids ride was demolished. Other rides have shut since.

No relatives took the stand at the coroner’s inquiry, but many tributes were paid to the victims after the accident.

Among them were Mr Araghi’s brother, Simon, who described his sibling as an intelligent and “amazing kid”.

Ms Low’s mother-in-law, Dianne Bond, told the New Zealand Herald: “We lost the most wonderful daughter-in-law - she was far too young.”

The accident in 2016 caused national shock

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

India coronavirus: Nearly one in four in Delhi had Covid-19, study says

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early one in four residents in India’s capital, Delhi, has been exposed to coronavirus infection, antibody tests on a random sample of people suggest.

The government survey said 23.48% of the 21,387 people whose blood samples were tested had Covid-19 antibodies.

It suggests that infections in the city are much more widespread than the number of confirmed cases indicates.

Delhi has so far recorded 123,747 cases, equivalent to less than 1% of its population of 19.8 million.

At 23.44%, the number of infections would be 4.65 million in a city that size.

A government press release says the difference shows that “a large number of infected persons remain asymptomatic”.

It even says the figure of 23.48% may be too low because Delhi has several pockets of dense population. But it adds that “a significant proportion of the population is still vulnerable” and all safety measures must be strictly followed.

Experts say the study, the first of its kind in India, is crucial because it will help authorities understand the spread of the virus better.

It will guide them towards better distribution of testing facilities and also help in coming up with area-specific containment policies.

Delhi has been one of the worst-hit cities in India and saw a chronic shortage

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Delhi has scaled up testing in recent weeks of hospital beds in the first two weeks of June.

But hospital infrastructure has been improved since then and the number of daily cases has also fallen.

The capital has recorded 1,200 to 1,600 new cases a day in the past two weeks - about half of its daily count in the

last week of June.

And on Monday, the city recorded only 954 cases.

The sharp fall in the number of cases can be attributed to increased testing, tracing, containment and isolation.

The city has also registered a fall in the number of fatalities.

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Estate Surveyors,Valuers necessary in FCT land administration - ESV Egbulefu

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

China sees activism in Hong Kong as “separatist” and gave security forces more power popular mobile game has been taken offline in mainland China for “rectification work”, after netizens discovered its musical director had written a song containing Morse code with a hidden Hong Kong pro-democracy message.

According to China’s Global Times newspaper, the Cytus II musical rhythm game, produced by Taiwan’s Rayark Games, has been removed from China’s mainland app stores.

This was done after netizens discovered a controversial song by Hong Kong musical director ICE, real name Wilson Lam, on his Soundcloud account.

The piece, Telegraph 1344 7609 2575, was actually posted on his page in March, but after netizens discovered it contained in Morse code the phrase “Liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times”, many in the mainland called for him to be sacked.

China’s online ‘Great Wall’ It is unclear who was able to decipher the hidden message, and it is unlikely that anyone within the mainland themselves was able to, given that Soundcloud and YouTube are blocked in China.

Nevertheless, the discovery has ignited lively conversation on popular Chinese microblog, Sina Weibo.

“The person who discovered this is really amazing,” one user says, receiving more than 200 likes. Others applaud the “cleverness” and “skill” of someone being able to decipher Morse code.

Many users outside the mainland have also commented on Mr Lam’s Facebook page, thanking him for his supporting Hong Kong’s activists.

In mainland China, pro-democracy messages in support of Hong Kong activists are heavily frowned upon and there has

property

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

n Estate Surveyor ESV. Festus Chidozie Egbulefu, has said that the Estate Surveyor and Valuer has a key role to play in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), land administration.

Speaking in a chat with Peoples Daily reporter yesterday in Abuja, ESV. Egbulefu disclosed that it is very important that FCT Administration employs more Estate Surveyors to resolve all outstanding land administration problems in the Federal Capital Territory. The existing number is not enough to carry out the current duties effectively.

He said; the expertise of the Estate Surveyor is required in unresolved land allocation issues such as; replacement and re-allocation, which were as a result of road widening and lack of proper planning.

Speaking further, he explained that lack of

Estate Surveyor ESV. Festus Chidozie Egbulefu.

provision of infrastructures and completion of abandoned infrastructural projects due

to lack of funds within the metropolis and satellite towns has affected the speedy

development of FCT. ESV. Egbulefu lamented the need for FCT administration to partner with The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers in a bid to resolve most of the problems and all outstanding land administration issues which will in turn enhance the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of Federal Capital Territory.

“The use of professionals in whatever we do is very key”.

He also suggested that the Estate Surveyors who are in practice should be involved to profer workable ideas that will help trigger the much needed synergy to develop the FCTA. Meanwhile, the Estate expert appreciated the FCTA administrations for having done pretty well so far, saying that a lot more can still be done with the input of the Estate Surveyor & Valuers as a professional saddled with the responsibility of ensuring proper land administration system.

Could 2020 somehow see year over year growth in home sales?

LASG warns Seasonality has kicked with this data line in Remember, our best monthly sales prints his week, the National Association of residents on Realtors reported the most significant in the last 12 years have come in winter, not the terms of volumes but we still want to see flat to positive year over year trends. month-to-month increase in existing heat months of spring or summer. fraudster selling Regarding Prices This week’s Mortgage Banking Association home sales ever recorded.

The NAR report showed that the median While this has to be taken in the context of purchase application data showed 19% yeargovernment houses the COVID-19-induced depression, the housing over-year growth. sales price for homes grew at 3.5% year over year.

T

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T been active censorship of them. The central Chinese government has criticised activism in Hong Kong as “separatist” behaviour that is often “violent” and has the potential to cause damage to China as a country.

Mr Lam has since announced his resignation on Facebook. In his statement, he said that his song had “created controversy resulting in a wide discussion among netizens”.

He said that the song was his “private activity” and “has nothing to do with Rayark Games” and had offered his resignation “with immediate effect”.

Rayark Games’ mainland agent company, Dragonest Games, have also issued a statement saying that “further collaboration with the artist will be stopped.

We apologise for any impact from the incident and strongly condemn the action of the composer”.

Mr Lam’s piece has also been removed from Soundcloud but versions exist on YouTube.

Inspecting Morse Morse code was a method of telecommunications invented in 1837 using a series of dots and dashes. It played a key role in early transatlantic communications, and was crucial during World War One. Some popular British TV series programmes have used Morse code in their opening themes.

Barrington Pheloung’s Inspector Morse theme included a motif based on the letters M.O.R.S.E; while composer Ronnie Hazlehurst wrote the name of the 1970’s comedy starring Michael Crawford into the theme of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, a memorable musical joke which reportedly earned him £30.

Source: BBC

he Lagos state government(LASG) has warned residents against some swindlers who parade themselves as agents engaged by the State Government to sell housing units in the state-owned Housing Estates to unsuspecting people.

The State Commissioner of Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the warning during a monthly review of the activities of the ministry on recently.

“The general public should be wary of some individuals or organizations who parade themselves as appointed agents empowered by the State Government to put up for sale housing units built by the Ministry of Housing,” he said.

He said his office has received reports of innocent people being scammed by these fraudsters in the past month.

According to him, LASG has not hired any individual or group to sell, lease, or rent out Housing units on its behalf.

Also speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Housing, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, said “We are also tracking down the suspected persons and any individual or organization caught engaging in the criminal act of this deception shall be brought to book.”

market has been in for the last month, the increase confirms that V-shaped recovery in housing is legit.

Further to that, it is my opinion that sales still have legs to move higher.

According to NAR, total existing-home sales completed transactions that include singlefamily homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, jumped 20.7% from May to a seasonallyadjusted annual rate of 4.72 million in June.

Sales overall, however, dipped year-over-year, down 11.3% from a year ago (5.32 million in June 2019).

Existing home sales are still down year over year by 11.3%, but as crazy as this might sound, we have a shot at getting positive year-over-year growth.

If the double-digit year-over-year growth in purchase application data continues, we may see an existing home sales print of 5,510,000 in 2020.

This continues the upward trend of the last four weeks, which had year-over-year growth of +19% +16% +33% +15%. Purchase application data has had a quintessential V-shaped recovery.

If purchase applications stay flat to positive, year over year, we will maintain the recovery gains.

In February, we had a yearly high of 5,760,000 existing home sales, so we should have existing home sales over 5 million soon, and even get one home sales print to 5,510,000 if this high double-digit year-over-year growth continues.

I caution people that these high levels of growth can’t be sustained, but for now, it’s still here. What a year this has been!

Purchase application data had nine weeks of negative year-over-year data due to COVID-19, but now we have had nine weeks of positive yearover-year data, all being double-digit growth.

When we see these levels of growth in application data it looks good for sales 30-90 days out.

Earlier in the year, we had 7% to 8% increases in prices year over year, which was too hot to be sustainable. I am hoping that real home prices go negative year over year basis to keep housing prices at a sustainable level.

My biggest fear for housing for the years 2020-2024 is that real home prices can grow over 4.6% due to the favorable housing demographics, the longer housing tenure reducing inventory, and lower mortgage rates.

So far, prices have remained relatively stable, and this is bullish for housing overall. When the U.S. housing market showed negative real home price growth last year, I cheered that as being a good data line.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about some things to watch for that could reverse the strong recovery in housing, but for now, the housing V-shaped recovery stands on solid ground.

Source : Housingwire

LASG warns residents on fraudster selling government houses

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Lagos state government(LASG) has warned residents against some swindlers who parade themselves as agents engaged by the State Government to sell housing units in the state-owned Housing Estates to unsuspecting people.

The State Commissioner of Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the

warning during a monthly review of the activities of the ministry on recently.

“The general public should be wary of some individuals or organizations who parade themselves as appointed agents empowered by the State Government to put up for sale housing units built by the Ministry of Housing,” he said.

He said his office has received reports of innocent people being scammed by these fraudsters in the past month.

According to him, LASG has not hired any individual or group to sell, lease, or rent out Housing units on its behalf.

Also speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Housing, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, said “We are also tracking down the suspected persons and any individual or organization caught engaging in the criminal act of this deception shall be brought to book.”

feature PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Coronavirus: How it turned the tables on Ghana’s diaspora

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n our series of letters from African writers, journalist and former Ghana government minister Elizabeth Ohene writes about how the prospect of living abroad has lost its attraction in the time of coronavirus.

We used to say here in Ghana, half in jest, half in truth, that you can find a Ghanaian in every country in the world.

I’ve heard of Ghanaians in Greenland, Iceland and Papua New Guinea. I admit, I haven’t heard about a Ghanaian in the Faroe Islands, which is my idea of the most exotic and faraway place, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of us is there.

From the middle of the 1970s through to the end of the 1990s, circumstances had conspired to turn us into a travelling people.

Over the past 20 years we have continued to do it, not because the things that used to drive us away still exist, but simply because it has become a habit and our minds are tuned that way.

The middle classes now try to send their pregnant wives to deliver babies in the United States. They beg, borrow and steal to send their children to universities in the US and UK and encourage the children to stay on after completing school.

Then there are the adventurers among us who have always taken off to go and try their luck and seek fortunes wherever is said to be the current land of gold.

‘Under the radar’ Ghanaians No credible statistics exist on exactly how many Ghanaians there are in various countries around the world, never mind what they are doing there.

Some of them, of course, are thriving where they are, and making Ghana proud. But there are many of them who, it is widely understood, are living “under the radar” and trying to “regularise” their paperwork and so do not advertise the fact they are Ghanaians.

They might be trying to live unnoticed, but we know they are there.

Through holding down two or three jobs, they send the odd $100 to help with a mother’s food bills.

It is a badge of honour to say you have a relation abroad and we bend over backwards to accommodate their wishes when it comes to making arrangements for funerals and attendant ceremonies.

Those among them who can travel, that is those who have “regularised” their visa situations, usually plan and make the 10-day or two-week trip to Ghana to catch up with friends and family, typically over the Christmas period.

BBC The places that young people had been willing to give an arm and a leg to

Ghanaians abroad are happy to turn out to support the nation’s sports teams when they travel

go to, were no longer attractive” Elizabeth Ohene Ghanaian journalist When they are here, they behave as one does on holidays and splash money around; no-one hears about them having a hard life over there, and we see them as success stories. They are an inspiration for other young people to try and escape from Ghana and go abroad.

Then coronavirus arrived.

The places that young people had been willing to give an arm and a leg to go to were no longer attractive, as China, Europe and America were hit hard by the virus. The talk turned to bringing Ghanaians home from abroad.

Suddenly Ghana became an attractive place.

The Ghanaians abroad were anxious and they showed it.

“Please don’t let what is happening in Europe and America happen in our country” was the constant refrain.

As the crisis has continued, the perception of Ghanaians abroad being the lucky ones has slowly been changing.

It was not just the report back in May that 33 Ghanaians had died from Covid-19 in New York that

shook everybody, it was the growing desperation from Ghanaians abroad who wanted to come back home.

If we discovered during the lockdown that in Ghana’s big cities it was difficult for many people to survive without the daily hustle, then we got to realise that it was impossible to survive at all abroad as a hustler in the time of coronavirus.

People could no longer live “under the radar” and undocumented migrants

who, up until then had been welcome for doing jobs for half the normal wages, became unwelcome and possible candidates for being blamed as the source of the disease.

Landlords who used to rent rooms and apartments to people living in the shadows now wanted to make sure they had a valid visa.

With businesses shutting down and everybody wanting to cut down on expenditure, many of our people discovered they had become surplus to requirements.

Grass is not greener We have been looking on in dismay as the realities of the lives of many of those who are abroad have been exposed.

It turns out that many of the young women who went abroad to be nannies and maids in Lebanon and other Arab countries lead intolerable lives that noone would accept in Ghana.

It turns out that in spite of the skyscrapers and 10-lane highways, the sleeping arrangements for many of our young people in China and some European countries are no different from our local slums.

Coronavirus has made all of us look at things from a different perspective.

People want to come home but the borders are closed.

You may want to watch: The Ghanaians at home feel the virus was brought into the country by travellers from Europe and China, and are therefore not enthusiastic about letting in even more people.

There are some evacuation flights taking place, but with most airlines not flying, they are expensive. Equally expensive are the protocols for entering Ghana, which demand that on arrival you go into a 14-day quarantine in a hotel monitored by the security services.

Abroad seems to have lost its lustre.

For the moment, it appears the place to be is right here in Ghana.

Source: BBC

Factories in Ghana are mass producing face masks

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Why Spain turning major destination for Nigerian women footballers

By Albert Akota with agency report

style before putting pen to paper.

Sadly enough, only a few African footballers put such factors into consideration.

Few weeks into her arrival in Barcelona, she took time out to study how Luis Suarez fit into the Catalonia side because she was bent on replicating what the Uruguayan is doing with the male team.

She has not looked back since then. Her versatility and hard work eventually paid off after Barca offered Oshoala full transfer and extension till 2022.

Ordinarily, any female player will nod with envy when Barca goal machine, Jennifer Hermos, tears through watertight defences

O

n July 23, 2014, the New York Times reported how more than 1,000 African migrants rushed towards the high fences topped with razor wire.

They were met by the Moroccan police, who, with the support of the Spanish military police and a Spanish helicopter thwarted their plan to scale the fences and enter Europe through this tiny Spanish enclave that clings to Northern Morocco.

It was the second mass crossing to fail that week and one of the largest during that period when hundreds of migrants launched themselves at the fences on three separate occasions.

But for Nili Onana, a basketball player from Cameroon, who made it over in a wave on May 28 and was interviewed in a short-stay centre for immigrants in Melilla, getting to Spain was a matter of life and death.

He was one of about 2,500 migrants who made it over the fence in the first five months of that year.

Some Nigerian female footballers, however, did not need to jump the fence to seek greener pastures in Spain, rather, they chose the talent route.

Talents, they say, gets you what willpower can’t.

Moving abroad is many players’ dream, especially if you are from Africa. In a continent where women football is far less publicised like that of men, it takes guts and lots of hard work to get out of the woods. The game itself has been pushed to the backseat, compared to its European and American counterparts.

Having conquered Africa on several occasions, the next destination is Europe for Nigerian female footballers.

Many of the Nigerian women have since secured contracts in Spanish clubs.

Since Francisca Ordega paved the way with a loan move in 2017 to Atletico Madrid, Spain has become a big gain for Nigerian female football stars, who seem to have found new homes and equally eased their pains with mouth-watering moves to Spain.

Here are some worthy Nigerian ambassadors that have made their mark in Spain and

Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona) others who are still lighting up the Spanish Primera Iberdrola and inadvertently, paving the way for others This lanky striker is arguably Nigeria’s best export to Spanish Primera Iberdrola. Until her arrival in Spain in January 2019, virtually none of her new teammates were conscious of her success story for both club and country. However, at Barca, Oshoala has clearly shown she is one of the best female centre forwards in the world today.

Ideally, one of the secrets

Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF) of success is to study those who succeed in their craft and imitate them. Oshoala knows this too well. A source close to her revealed that the former Rivers Angel goal machine had to watch videos of Barca matches to ascertain if she can fit into their

Toni Payne ( Sevilla FC) and decimates defenders with ease, but Oshoala was not intimidated, rather she pushed herself beyond limit; scoring 20 goals last season.

The four-time Africa Women Footballer of The Year Award winner also won the Golden Ball at both 2014 U–20 World Cup and Women’s AFCON. This midfield generalissimo joined the ever-increasing numbers of Nigerian and African players in the Primera Iberdrola, after signing six months loan deal with Madrid CFF. Having spent a decade in Sweden with UMEA IK and Kristianstad where she banged in 60 goals, she admitted that her decision to move to Spain stems from her hunger to be more competitive at 31.

“This is a different and competitive league, as a footballer you want to test yourself around the best players,” she told BBC Sport.

“The Spanish league is an interesting place for African players and I believe this will continue to help develop our players’ game and their profile.”

The two times Africa Women Cup of Nation champions hit the ground running barely two weeks after her arrival by scoring a goal on debut for Madrid Femenino in their 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

She scored a total of four goals from seven appearances.

As Sevilla FC players celebrated their survival from the drop, one of the happy Sevilla Femini players could be excused for celebrating far into the night.

With the club struggling to make up the numbers in the league, Sevilla had their American-Nigerian import to thank for helping them to Liga Iberdrola safety.

Payne was later rewarded for her effort with a year deal extension. The former Concacaf Women’s U-17 winner with the USA joined Sevilla after ending her two-year sojourn with Netherlands Eredivisie women’s champions Ajax in July 2018.

Payne is adored by club fans and officials alike following an impressive debut season where she scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances.

Many are waiting patiently to see if Nigeria football officials will step up efforts to win her over as invitation from USA beckons.

Running with the ball at pace,

Peace Efih Huelva)

(Sporting

de

providing a good service and cutting in to carry a goal threat, her wealth of expertise and experience will be valuable if she eventually achieves her dream of playing for Nigeria.

This 19-year old defender has been tipped to be the next big thing in Nigeria female football, given her exploits in Spanish Women League with Madrid CFF. The former FC Robo captain moved to Spain last summer after her no-nonsense defending ensured Falconets reach the U20 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in France.

Her ability to convert defence into attack stood her out in France last year when her tailored pass set Asisat Oshoala up for Nigeria’s opening goal in the 2-0 win over Korea.

A product of principal cup, Chidinma featured seven times for Madrid CFF with no goal account yet before Covid-19 lockdown, but she is back and better from a knee injury she suffered last November.

The 19 years old former Rivers Angel midfielder became the second African to join the Huelva-based outfit on a year deal after the club signed on a Ghanaian striker, Princella Adebea, in July 2019.

A product of Nigeria U-20 side in France, Efih inspired Sporting Club de Huelva to a 3-1 win over San Roque Cadete on her unofficial debut.

In June this year, she announced her departure from Spanish Liga Iberdrola side Sporting de Huelva after just a season with the club but contract renewal is possible following the suspension of several female leagues in Europe.

The midfielder who made just 18 appearances in just concluded season with the club is one of Nigeria’s promising midfielders that will take the baton from Rita Chikwelu.

Apart from the fantastic five randomly highlighted, some other players have come and gone from Spain while negotiations are even ongoing to bring in more Nigerian players to Spain.

The latest is goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi and midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku who are close to officially completing moves to Reto Iberdrola side CD Pozoalbense.

Sporting activities to return soon, says Aare

>>PG 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

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NFF sets up caretaker committee for Anambra State FA

r

t

Sporting activities to return soon, says Aare

By Albert Akota

T Dr Ifeanyi Ubah

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has set up a Caretaker Committee for the running of the affairs of the Anambra State Football Association, following the expiration of the tenure of the Dr Ifeanyi Ubah-led executive team, and pending the conduct of fresh elections.

The tenure of the Caretarker Committee, which will be inaugurated in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Wednesday, 5th August 2020 will be for a period of three months.

In a letter sent to the Anambra State Football Association on Monday, the NFF referred to earlier correspondences from the Anambra State FA on 28th April, 2020, 27th May 2020 and 3rd August 2020, in which the expiration of the tenure of the Dr. Ubah-board, the extension of the life of the board by three months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the expiration of the grace of three months, as well as the inability of the Electoral Committee to conduct fresh elections as scheduled were comprehensively articulated.

“Recall that the tenure of the Board of Anambra State Football Association and the Anambra State Local Football Councils elapsed by effuxion of time on 30th April 2020 and 2nd May 2020 respectively.

Arising from the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and the general lockdown, including football activities, the Anambra State Football Association Congress was

convened on 28th April 20202 leading to the extension of tenure of the Board and the Local Football Councils, for another three (3) months, which again expired on 2nd August 2020.

“The Electoral Committee was unable to conduct elections into the Board of the State Football Association and the State Local Football Councils on 27th July 2020 in view of the Anambra State Government’s letter to the Electoral Committee complaining of the violation of the COVID-19 protocols of the State.

“Art. 85 of the NFF Statutes 2010 provides that ‘the Executive Committee shall have the final decision on any matter not provided for in the Statutes or in cases of force majeure.’ Consequently, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, in its wisdom, and in order not to create a vacuum do hereby constitute a Caretaker Committee for Anambra State Football Association as follows, Mr. Emmanuel Okeke Chairman. Mr. Victor Nwangwu vice Chairman, Mr. Nonso Philip member, Mrs Charity Ebere Okonkwo Member, Mrs Onyeabo Chimezie Success Member, Mr Onyedika Chijioke secretary “The Caretaker Committee is to administer the activities of the Anambra State Football Association and also conduct elections into the Board of Anambra State Football Association and the Anambra State Local Football Councils within three months, effective from Tuesday, 4th August 2020 to 2nd November 2020. Precisely, the tenure of the Caretaker Committee expires on 2nd November 2020.”

he Director of Grassroots Development in the Sports Ministry, Dr Ademola Aare has assured that activities in the sports sectors will soon return to the sector.

The Director who spoke on the FCT Football Update segment said the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare is working hard with other stakeholders to ensure the return of sporting activities in the country.

“Sports, like every aspect of our national life, is affected by the COVID and we are all witnesses to the efforts by the ministry, especially the Minister who initiated that we should actually stay action because of the possible effect of Covid-19 on the youths of this country and right now, we are witnessing his effort in ensuring that we synergize with all necessary authorities who are involved in eradicating COVID-18 in our land and am sure when it is very visible that we can do this, I am sure the ministry will go ahead and do the needful” he stated.

He added that the Minister is now interfacing with other stakeholders like the PTF and the

Dr Ademola Aare Ministry of Health for sports to resume.

“They are doing all that and I can tell you that we shall all smile

very very soon. We are working hard to ensure that this is done so let’s keep our fingers crossed” he stressed

African Champions League final to be played in October

T

he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has abandoned plans to play the semi-final and final matches of the 2019/2020 African Champions League in a single venue.

The continental football ruling body has now set a date

of October 16 and 17 for the continental decider.

Cameroon had been earmarked to host the final stages of the competition.

But, following their withdrawal, CAF confirmed the semi-finals will be played over two legs on a home and away

basis, with the final potentially at a neutral venue.

Both semi-finals feature Moroccan clubs against Egyptian opposition as Raja Casablanca take on Zamalek, while Wydad Casablanca meet Al Ahly.

The first legs of both ties will be played in Morocco on Sept.

25 and Sept. 26, with the return legs in Egypt on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.

Should the two winners be from the same nation then the final will be in that country in mid-October.

But, if not, CAF has asked member associations to bid to host the decider at a neutral venue, setting a deadline of Aug. 17 for interested parties.

Turkish Club Trabzonspor knee on Omeruo

K

enneth Omeruo is a subject of interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Omeruo is expected to leave Spanish club Leganes this summer following the Cucumber Growers relegation to the Segunda Division.

The versatile defender only joined Leganes on a permanent deal from Premier League club Chelsea last summer after impressing on loan in the previous campaign.

He scored once in 23 league appearances for Leganes in the 2019/20 season.

Leganes , according to reports in Turkey , are not willing to accept less than the €5m they paid Chelsea for Omeruo.

Trabzonspor finished in second position in the Turkish Super Lig last season but won the FA Cup title.

They are looking to bring in new players to improve the squad ahead of the new campaign.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 5, 2020

Commercial bank oversight: A rescue call to CBN, NASS Continued from back page overlooked.

We are a nation governed by laid down rules and regulations; hence, our systems and functioning units cannot be allowed to run wildly. The Central Bank of Nigeria is empowered to control and perform oversight that prevents excesses of the institution. As it regards electronic Banking system, it remains a great innovation and a welcome advancement as we move farther into the implementation of cashless policy in the country, but the need to effectively protect consumers interests against the rapacious desires of banks should not be allowed to prevail.

Section 2(d) and 47(2) of the CBN Act, 2007, while promoting Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and facilitating the development and effective systems for the - that is, the victims.

Yet the unholy practice hasn’t settlement of transactions via electronic payment systems, abated. The ATM card holders issue a number of sacrosanct are being charged N65 per guidelines on the operations of transaction and yet still charged all electronic payment channels for maintenance at the end of the in the country. Unfortunately, the month without fail. That is clearly Act was silent on certain salient a fraud; a case of double charges, issues that affect protection of considering the fact that the first bank customers including ATM was equally in error, the Banks (and other electronic channel) go ahead to double charge their users. Such issues bothering customers because the oversight on withdrawal ceiling per system is not functioning and transaction at almost all ATM no one is truly checking their points and the indiscriminate excesses.

The CBN is aware of this multiple charges and deductions on ATM cards by the banks have illegality. The National Assembly is equally aware. In January become the norm.

As at today, as against the CBN 2018, the National Assembly 2017 published guidelines on resolved to probe the regime of operation of electronic payment illegal charges and deductions channels in Nigeria, which from accounts of customers by categorically states that “No the banks in the country, yet Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) till now, the practice has only or acquirer shall discriminate expanded in magnitude and against any card scheme or severity. No one is really and issuer;” yet, virtually all Nigeria truly proactively protecting the Banks force customers holding customers’ rights as it affects ATM cards of Banks other than their banking relationships.

So, left without enforced theirs to maximum withdrawal the banks, with of N10, 000 per transaction while control, charging the card N65 per each impunity, have evolved and transaction. So, if a customer entrenched the culture of had to make a withdrawal excess and arbitrary charges on of N100, 000, that would their customers under sundry require ten transactions and a names such as account turnover payment of N65 per transaction, charges, stamp duties, SMS alert culminating at N650, when the charge, interest on deposits, etc. same transactions could have maintenance charges been done, at most, three times at Suffice to say, taking effect from N40, 000 twice and a N20, 000 January 2020, CBN introduced withdrawal at a total charge of a refreshed regime of allowable charges by banks and applicable N185.

Sometimes back in 2017 the to Bank accounts, electronic CBN claimed it refunded N65 transfers and ATM. It was stated billion in wrong bank charges and that all electronic transfer below deductions back to customers and N5, 000 will attract a maximum subsequently on May 1st, 2017 of N10; transfer between N5001 effected a guideline for charges and N50, 000 would be charged expected to be followed by banks N25 and all transfers above N50, and other financial institutions in 000 would be charged N50. The new guideline peg ATM card the country.

Again, in February 2020, maintenance fee for all savings the CBN spokesperson, Isaac accounts at N50 per quarter Okoroafor said the apex Bank and not monthly as it has been had discovered illegal deductions and totally zero charge for all and bank charges of over $165 current account holders. ATM million from 13, 000 customers withdrawal charges are reduced by commercial Banks in the to N35 after third withdrawal country. Calling the deductions within the same month as against illegal, excessive, unapproved the N65 the banks were charging. and arbitrary, he claimed the SMS mandatory alert fees are to apex Bank had returned the be on cost recovery from previous amount to the affected customers maximum charge of N4.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele That was laudable, but unfortunately while CBN indicated that the new guidelines on accountability, responsibility and sanctions regime is to address instances of excess, unapproved and arbitrary charges and deductions by the banks, the impunity by the latter has only increased. It is easy for me to tell the story of the bank’s abuse of their customers; having repeatedly and even recently been a victim of such a calculated fraud regime.

In the last 30 days I have had a series of unpleasant experiences with Access Bank where I operated a savings account. The first abnormality I recognised began earlier in that period of time; I had tried to credit an account with N5, 000 and I had to do it twice unsuccessfully while I was debited on both attempts including charges. While that uncompleted transactions were still pending, I made another transfer of N15, 000 to another account which experienced the same fate. Two day later, the N15, 000 was reverted as my account was re-credited with N15, 000 but not the charges that were debited along with it. The Bank failed to complete the transaction it offered, yet it charged me for such non-performance over its system.

Till date, I am still waiting for reversals of the double N5, 000 I transferred earlier.

Strangely, on the 31st July 2020, I got a debit alert of N9,333.12 on my Access Bank account labeled as monthly turnover charges; and I was like do I have to pay Access Bank a monthly turnover charge of N9, 333.12 on a saving deposit below N250, 000 asides the charges on each withdrawal they never fail to take? While I was contemplating how to respond to the unacceptable deduction, I received yet another debit alert on the same account; this time N699.98 for tax deduction at source. This is an account that I had received as many debit alerts as many transfer transactions I made during the months.

This is unacceptable. We cannot continue to allow the banks perpetrate this regime of

absolute fraud without rising up to challenge the system. It is a fact that CBN has lost the will to effect deciding policies that would protect the integrity of customer deposits from continuous pilfering by the system created by the banks.

It gets more worrisome when citizens and bank customers are not properly guided on how to channel their complaints when they feel they have received substandard services from their bankers. It is absurd that the only available and accessible option is to go back to the same bank to complain about acts they willingly perpetrated against the customer. What reparation could come out of that; of course none!

CBN assured bank customers they could send their complaints via cpd@cbn.gov.ng or file a complaint through an online form provided by the apex Bank through www.cenBank.org/ Contacts/Complaints/, yet the apex Bank does not provide any timeline for dealing with the complaints which in most cases require urgent attention and responses. It does not even acknowledge receipt of complaints through its official email. This is not proactive, not acceptable, as much as it does not represent responsibility on the part of CBN. It is rather disappointing.

It is equally necessary as an alternate route to getting justice and remediation from bank excessiveness that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission be legally empowered to checkmate the banks as it regards their dealings with customer and services delivery agreements. This will accord customers choices of options for airing their grievances and getting reparations when unduly served by the banks.

The CBN owes it to all Nigerians and the bank customers in the country to make public its regulation on charges and allowable deduction on all forms of banking transactions. Every banking service consumer would be able to consult the document and know absolutely exactly what debit alert they would receive

from their bankers at designated period. If we can get to this point in bank customer interaction, then it would become possible to get the banks to explain the origins of unexpected charges.

Then the impunity of most of these banks making arbitrary decisions on deposit money without the consent of depositors would no longer suffice.

It is high time Nigerians and bank customers come together to form a national association of bank customers and form a pressure group that protects the interest of their members nationwide. It is absolutely necessary that representatives of the bank customers must sit on the nation’s bankers’ committee for the same purpose of speaking on behalf of bank customers.

At this point, the need to embed a forensic auditing mechanism into the banks’ operating system to access and investigate the structure of the actual charging and deduction system effectively operated by the banks in line with the national guideline and sacrosanct allowable rules on the same is highly necessary and needed.

This, the customers should individually or in group demand for to expose the illegal practices by the banks and return sanity to the nation’s financial institution.

The CBN’s perpetual reluctant posture to effect its own rules and regulations as it affects the deposit money banks’ relationships with their customers that mostly is responsible for the ongoing discourses must also be reviewed and resolved. The question needs to be asked. If CBN would intentionally close its eyes to such critical malfunctioning of the commercial banking system considering the massive negative impact the below par functioning of many a bank on the nation’s economy, then something must both be wrong and fishy. I think the time to stop appointing bankers as CBN governors has finally come. This is because the loyalty of such apex Bank governor has always been more tilted towards the profit maximisation drives of the banks because in a lot of ways, they are critical shareholders of the banks on a personal level. Looking in the direction of the academia to fill the position might just create the needed neutrality that is required of the holders of that office.

The banking institution in Nigeria needs to be exposed to a thorough restructuring both in their capacity to deliver quality services that could potentially impact the nation’s economy as expected. This is a wholesale responsibility of CBN, and I expect that the apex bank would find the will to do the needful for the country; or as a last resort, that NASS would go beyond the threshold of wishful agenda to fix the rot in the sector - in the interest of the nation and the Nigeria citizens.

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!

. . . putting the people first

Wednesday AUGUST 5, 2020

SPORTS latest

Turkish Club Trabzonspor knee on Omeruo

K

enneth Omeruo is a subject of interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Omeruo is expected to leave Spanish club Leganes this summer following the Cucumber Growers relegation to the Segunda Division.

The versatile defender only joined Leganes on a permanent deal from Premier League club Chelsea last summer after impressing on loan in the previous campaign.

He scored once in 23 league appearances for Leganes in the 2019/20 season.

Leganes , according to reports in Turkey , are not willing to accept less than the €5m they paid Chelsea for Omeruo.

Trabzonspor finished in second position in the Turkish Super Lig last season but won the FA Cup title.

They are looking to bring in new players to improve the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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Commercial bank oversight: A rescue call to CBN, NASS

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ometimes ago I did a piece on the monumental failure of the Nigerian banking sector. What drives me to write and continue writing on the sector is the unquestioned fact that the much desired development of Nigeria is hugely connected with its functioning. Improved savings culture and access to loan facilities leads to flow of cash, attracts more investment and mass productive capacity which is a recognised index of national growth and development. It is until the Nigerian banking sector, citizens and corporate bodies relationships culminate to yield the preceding state that we will, in the real sense of growth, begin to grow economically as a nation.

And this however will forever remain a function of customer trust in the banks and the latter’s desire to affirm genuine banking etiquette as it recognises the supremacy of customers and the continuous need for customer satisfaction as an anchor of services rendering policies.

I had stated earlier that the economic development of Nigeria and Nigerians would always depend on the infrastructural facilities available in the country.

In the absence of key industries and mass eruption of small scale enterprises, national development will continue to elude the nation. This is where the banking institution comes in; rendering financial services and playing the crucial role of providing funds for the growth of businesses, industries and infrastructure. Globally, without adequate and necessary financing sources, businesses and the private sector will find it difficult to raise the capital needed for setting up and maintaining their ventures as well as developing infrastructure.

We would have expected the Nigeria banks to rise up to the occasion of rendering this much needed services to the nation in the light of the fact that the sector’s indices all portray the banks as being generally solvent and doing well. This much is revealing from the regular, celebratory profit declaration of all the banks without exception.

The reality however is that there are two ventures that are booming and continue to enjoy consistent growth; and these are corruption and the banking industry.

0806 564 8620 0814 292 9046 0803 587 5846 08074420617

WEDNESDAY COLUMN By

USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com Despite declaring these monumental yearly profits decade long with a doubtful sense of corporate responsibility to Nigeria and its citizens who are their customers and the reason they are in business, the failures of the sector and the constituting banks to creating flow of funds for real time investment; both small scale, short term investments and large scale, long term investments at bearable interest rates has in irony become a liability to Nigeria preventing meaningful industrialisation that is needed to drive a sustainable economy.

The correlation between corruption and the Nigeria banks is a cause for worry. Rather than functioning in its capacity to modulate liquid capital that drives a strong economy, the banks have become a conduit for corruption and accessory to financial crimes in the country and beyond. There is no way an individual would successfully move any suspicious cash around without the knowledge of a bank. Yet, cash in millions and billions are being misappropriated and moved illegally into private accounts on a daily basis without the banks raising the red light. This is a nation where there are regulations and extant laws mandating banks to report deposits in excess of a ceiling to appropriate bodies, but apparently some are exempted; otherwise, someone will not illegally move billions without interruption and stoppages. It has become so, that the banks are not only permitting the continuous perpetration of such evil against the nation, but they are actually

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directly involved and are profiting from the system. The alleged story of how a bank supervised the movement of the former governor Ayodele Fayose tons of billions in cash years back is still fresh in our memories. Was it reported to NFIU? Didn’t they know it was criminal? Of course they do; then the pertinent question should be what was in it for the bank and its handlers?

The NDDC saga is another, like every other, about Nigeria’s resources stolen in trillions of naira and putting the nation and the bulk of its citizens in eternal penury and poverty of both mind and resources that create crimes and vices that further jeopardise the nation’s chances of rejuvenation. Yet, these all would not be possible without the banks. I listened to the testimony of a former lawmaker a few days ago, and it was revealing what the banks contribute to the corruption regime in the country. Imagine the banks, according to the testimony, unilaterally opening accounts for political office holders including tens of millions as initial gift and unsolicited loans to the tunes of hundreds of millions; giving politicians the impression that paying back loans and amassing wealth is as easy as willing to follow their manual that obviously teaches how to steal and hide the proceeds.

How do the ‘yahoo boys’ perpetrate their trades and get millions dropped in their bank accounts without Nigeria banks reporting nor questioning the sources of the funds they manage on their behalf?

Of course,

I had stated earlier that the economic development of Nigeria and Nigerians would always depend on the infrastructural facilities available in the country

that would not be possible and sustained without certain collaborations. There have been rumours that banks even go to the extent of history of certain accounts to protect the owners who are alleged fraudsters. That is an indication of how bad and down south Nigeria Banks have drifted.

It is not a strange rhetoric in Nigeria to discuss kickbacks when the discussion is about government contracts as it is rather the accepted anomaly in our system - a norm we have come to live with. But the banks demanding kickbacks before approving a loan facility which was unheard of is now happening.

I recently spoke to a largescale agro dealer dealing in rare seedlings. He needed a facility from his bank and they were just willing to speedily process his application if only he was willing to wet their palms; they directly asked for a bribe to offer a loan facility which he would bear the full liabilities of the administrative charges, repayment and interest on the loan. Such an unbelievable degradation of the institution.

That is a glimpse of how bad the banks have become and unrepentantly drowning the nation by participating fully in every corruption that hit the nation since time immemorial.

But my major worry as at today is that the banks are not just satisfied with colluding with the politicians and government office holders to defraud the nation, but have gone all the way to defrauding their common customers with reckless abandons that cannot be Continued on page 31

DAN Dan GAYE gaYE

Africa’s COVID-19 cases surpass 600, 000 – WHO - News

Whatever goes up must come down!

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