Thursday, June 6, 2019 Edition

Thursday, June 6, 2019/ Shawwal 3, 1440 AH

Vol. 31 No. 078 N150

1872 Days after

Boko Haram’s bomb supplier arrested in Borno pAGE 7

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

N/Delta govs accused of diverting 13% oil derivation funds

>>>page 5

I have never been convicted, Gbajabiamila dares opponents

>>>page 5

Don’t elect speaker with criminal record - Lagos lawyer

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving President of Ghana, H.E Nana Akufo-Addo on a private visit at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

2019 UTME: JAMB yet to fix cut off mark - Spokesman pAGE 6

IGP calls for tougher legislation against kidnapping, others pAGE 2

Photo: State House

Nigeria records 1,618 road accidents in 3 months - FRSC pAGE 3

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

News CONTENTS News 2-10,14 Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Business

19-20

Metro

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

IGP calls for tougher legislation against kidnapping, other crimes

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Inspector General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu has called for tougher legislations against kidnapping and banditry including possible state seizure of assets linked to illicit proceeds from kidnapping and other heinous crimes.

This, the IGP believes will act as a strong disincentive to potential kidnappers and other violent criminals.

A statement issued yesterday by police spokesperson Frank Mba said the IGP made the call on while addressing a delegation of the Association of

Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State Chapter, led by Alhaji. Aminu Muazu Maifata who paid him the traditional Salah visit in his official quarters in Abuja.

He noted that the call has become necessary against the increasingly daring resort to these forms of crimes by criminal elements in the society.

“The IGP also seized the opportunity of the visit to apprise the visitors on the successes recorded by “Operation Puff Adder” in the ongoing fight against criminal elements across the country.”

He stated that since the launch of Operation Puff Adder

on 5th April 2019, till date, a total number of Sixty-Three (63) Kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt by Police Operatives.

“In a similar vein, Two Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-Five (*2,175) suspects were arrested for the following offences: Kidnapping – Eight Hundred and Fifty Two (852), Armed Rubbery – Eight Hundred and Sixty Five (865), Murder – Three Hundred and Fifty Nine (359) and Cultism – Ninety Nine (99). With respect to arms recovery, the IGP noted that * *Eight “Hundred and Thirty Four (834) Arms, including Two (2) – rocket Launchers, Nineteen Thousand and Nine

(19,009) live ammunition were recovered with Oyo State recording the highest number of Nine thousand, Five Hundred (9,500) live ammunition . The IGP stated that the Police are rejigging their strategies to ensure proactive interception of illicit weapons destined to our country and at the same time mop up un- authorized weapons in circulation.”

According to the IGP, while a good number of the cases are already being prosecuted in courts across the country, many of the cases are still under active investigation owing largely to the complexity of investigating and managing organized crimes.

Christian Forum gives CAN President, Ayokunle 7-day ultimatum to resign Page 9

Environment 25

L-R: Member House of Representatives, Mr. Abdulmumin Jubrin; Mr. Samuel Adejare; Mr. James Faleke; and Mr. Muniru Hakeem during a press conference to react to the alleged conviction of femi Gbajabiamila by the US court, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Feature 26

Fire destroys relief materials meant for IDPs in Borno

Sports 29-30 Back Page

32

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A

n early morning inferno on Wednesday destroyed relief materials worth millions of Naira at the Presidential Committee on Northeast Initiative’s (PCNI) warehouse, Baga Road in Maiduguri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fire which started at about 6.00 a.m, destroyed about 400 mattresses, a vehicle and other items in the

warehouse.

Personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), police, fire service and residents in the area quickly rushed to the scene of the incident and assisted in putting out the fire.

The Public Relation’s Officer of the Borno State Fire Service, Ambursa Pindar, confirming the incident, said a fire truck was deployed to the scene.

Mr Pindar said the fire destroyed some property including a jeep that was abandoned in the warehouse, stressing that no life was lost, neither did any one sustain injury.

“We could not ascertain the cause of the fire because nobody was present at the time of the incident. No security men, nobody was present,” he said.

He said machines and

equipment belonging to the Maiduguri Flour Mills, owners of the warehouse, were also not affected, saying that only the part being utilised by PCNI was affected by the fire.

Head of Media and Communications, PCNI, Alkasim Abdulkadir, when contacted said he was yet to be briefed on the incident by its office in Maiduguri.

(NAN)

Edo Varsity gets ICAN accreditation

By Osaigbovo Benin

E

Iguobaro,

do University Iyamho has been accredited by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. The approval was presented to the management of the ivory tower in Lagos State.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Emmanuel Aluyor received

the honour on behalf of the University. presenting the certificate and other authorisation documents to the Vice Chancellor, for meeting all the requirements The school is now qualified to run certificate courses in line with the mandate of the professional body.

The President of the Institute, Alhaji Razaq Adeleke

Jaiyeola, presented the certificate to the VC, saying that honour was well-deserved.

He said they have been found worthy and certified fit for the programmes.

Alhaji Jaiyeola, the 54th President of the Institute, also presented accreditation certificates to 23 other Universities.

14 polytechnics, three

colleges of education and 19 tuition centres, also made the list.

He also noted that, holding of ICAN accredited certificate is a distinguished hallmark, and an endorsement of the institution.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) was established by an act of parliament in 1965.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

News

FG committed to achieving zero land degradation Minister

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has put adequate measures in place towards achieving land degradation neutrality in the country through the establishment of specialized Agency and Departments such as the Great Green Wall (GGW) and the Drought and Desertification Department (DDA).

The Permanent Secretary stated this when she received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Mr. Melih Ulueren in her office to discuss measures of combating the menace of desertification ahead of the global annual celebration of the World Day to combat Desertification and the Celebration of the 25thAnniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which will hold on the 17th June, 2019 in Ankara-Turkey.

According to her, “government is aware that by scaling up sustainable land management and accelerating restoration initiatives, it can readily attain a greater resilience and security for all.”

Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary stated that government of Nigeria will continue to strengthen existing bilateral relationship with the government of the Republic of Turkey so that both countries can grow the future together.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Mr. Melih Ulueren had said that he was in the Environment Ministry to extend his country’s invitation to the Ministry to participate in the 2019 World Day to Combat Desertification and the celebration of the 25thAnniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

The Ambassador stated that it has become imperative for nations to come together to proffer solutions to combating desertification noting that the world was rapidly losing the soil necessary for human existence.

At the global event, the Ministry is expected to share Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality and other experiences.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Let’s grow our future together”.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Police arrest 64 suspected criminals in Bauchi From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

B

auchi State Police Command has arrested four armed robbery suspects, 60 Sara Suka thugs and recovered robbed vehicle.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Kamal Datti Abubakar told reporters in Bauchi yesterday that “ the Command tactical team of Operations Puff Adder, acting on credible intelligence, arrested the duo of Audu Daniel ‘m’ 29yrs of Gboko LGA, Benue State and John Samuel ‘m’ 22yrs of Olu LGA, Imo State at Kofar Gombe

area of Bauchi metropolis and recovered one motor vehicle, Lexus Jeep RX 350, model 2007, ash in color, with chassis number 2T2GK31U37100 and registration number EPE 734 EU valued at (four million Naira) N4,000,000.”

Kamal said “The suspects freely confessed to have robbed the vehicle along with three others on 2nd June 2019 from a woman, at Forest, along Abuja - Jos highway. After search on the vehicle, and they recovered: Infinix phone belonging to the robbed victim, Photocopy of the vehicle invoice bearing one Linda Onyinye Anakwe

of No. 51 Rukuba Jos Plateau State, Pair of clothes, Seven (7) Necklaces and other documents.”

Police spokesman said , “discreet investigation led to the arrest of two more suspects on 03/06/2019 in Bauchi metropolis IKENNA OKORONKO 8yrs of Janta Adamu Jos plataue state and SOLOMON IJIKA m 32yrs of federal lowcost Kamal said “ between 2nd and 4th June, 2019 Intelligence- led raids were carried out by combined efforts of the Command’s Puff Adder team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti Kidnapping

Unit (AKU), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), ‘A’ Division and Volunteer Members in identified criminal hotspots in Bauchi metropolis. A total number of sixty (60) notorious Sara-Suka thugs were arrested during the raids” He said exhibits recovered from them include: 2 knives, 11 machetes, 8 sachets of assorted illicit drugs.

Spokesman of the Police said all the cases are under investigation after which the suspects will be charged to court and assured that the effort will be sustained to ensure hitch free Sallah celebrations.

Gov. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state in a warm handshake with the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, shortly before commencement of the Eid al –Fitr prayers to mark the end of the Hoy month of Ramadan, on Tuesday at the Kofar Mata Eid ground in Kano city.

Photo: Kano Govt House

Nigeria records 1,618 deaths from road accidents in 3 months

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps says that at least 1,618 people have lost their lives through road accidents between December 2018 and February 2019.

The information, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is contained in the Report of Road Traffic Crash for December, 2018, January and December, 2019, released by the FRSC. According to the report, over 21,577 people were

involved in road crashes involving cars, minibuses, motorcycles, trucks, tankers and trailers.

Further analysis shows that the top five causes of road accidents were speed violation, wrongful overtaking, dangerous driving, tyre burst and brake failure.

The FRSC report identified Kaduna-Abuja road as the most prevalent route in cases of accident fatality within the

period under review.

Similarly, the LagosIbadan, Abuja-Lokoja and Kaduna-Zaria were also identified as routes with high record of road crashes.

The report called for the intensification of patrol and rescue operations along routes with high crash records to further reduce casualties.

“There is need to conduct workshop on vehicles safety education as well as safe usage

due to high involvement of cars, minibuses and motorcycles in crashes.

“As a matter of fact, the Corps needs to step up enforcement on over speeding or initiate a high powered technology to detect and stem the tide of over speeding as part of operational activities,’’ the report added.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

N EWS

Photo: State House

From: Femi Oyelola Kaduna

F

ollowing the recent outburst by the first lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari that so many Nigerians did not benefit from the ,Nigerian Social Investment Programme (NSIP),a group, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the issues.

The Executive Director of the group, Rev. David stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to the statement, recent outburst between the first lady and the Special Adviser to the President on Nigerian Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Maryam Uwais, that few Nigerians benefited from the project should not be swept under the carpet.

The statement added that, the renewed interest of the First Lady in the programme was a welcome development that requires stakeholders’ summit to design ways to strengthen the programme.

The civil society organisation, which is currently monitoring the disbursement of the $322 million Abacha loot to the poor, said: “President Muhammadu Buhari must personally intervene in the face-off between the First Lady and Uwais in the interest of poor Nigerians who are targeted with the scheme.” The statement reads

News

I have never been convicted, Gbajabiamila challenges opponents President Muhammadu Buhari receives the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele during the Sallah Homage at the Residence, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Group urges Buhari to intervene in Social Investment Programme

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Owner-occupiers with energy efficiency compliant building plans to get rebate-FG

By Mash Umaru Gwamna

T

he Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing , Mohammed Bukar has disclosed that, government would give rebate to owner- occupier that their building plan drawings are energy efficiency compliant in Nigeria.

He made this disclosure at the meeting of Inter-Ministerial Team on Renewable Energy Efficiency buildings in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by Grace Osuji ,SIO For : Director Information, said the Permanent Secretary, who also doubles as the chairman of the team, said that the rebate would be given to ensure that all buildings in Nigeria are energy efficiency compliant .

He further directed that all building projects in the ministry must be in accordance with the specification under the Building

Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC).

Mr Bukar added that with the launch of BEEC in June 2017 by the immediate past minister, Babatunde Fashola, it was agreed that the BEEC would run for a two-year voluntary stage, with the aim that awareness creation would be on going, during which the acceptability of the code and its implementation will be assessed.

The permanent secretary urged the stakeholders to brain storm and come up with measures that will promote an alternative means of energy that would result in job creation, business opportunities and economic growth.

He commended the effort of stakeholders and the technical partner, the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP)/ German Agency for International Cooperation(GIZ) in the journey of ensuring implementation of BEEC in Nigeria, noting that it

would be of enormous benefit to Nigerians.

According to him, “this puts the programme of energy efficiency in buildings at an advantage in making a paradigm shifting in our mode of design and construction method in building and construction industries. “As we fully embrace the implementation of BEEC in our new building projects design and construction, it will no doubt result in 40% reduction in energy consumed by these buildings if properly implemented.”

The permanent secretary encouraged financial mechanism in making loans available with low interest rate and tax relief for those energy efficient related products which are required for energy efficient buildings, like water heaters, Solar PV, air-conditioners and others which would in no small measure aid the penetration of energy efficiency advocacy and

PFN rejoices with Muslims at Sallah

By Osaigbovo Benin

T

Iguobaro,

he Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has rejoiced with the Nigerian Muslims on this year’s eid-el fitr Celebration.

The National President of

PFN, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, in a press statement in Benin City, congratulated the Muslims on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, which is one of five major pillars of Islam.

He called on them to justify the purpose of the spiritual exercise toward the promotion

of peace, love, harmony and unity in the country for a better Nigeria.

“The PFN rejoices with our Muslim brothers and sisters in Nigeria. We wish them the blessing of the almighty God, as they Celebrate.”

“The PFN is fully aware that

implementation.

The Director of Engineering Services in the Ministry, Engr.

Julius Olurinola, urged the private sector in collaboration with the professional bodies, to take a shot at sponsoring a bill to add BEEC to the National Building Code, now that the programme is at the voluntary stage.

The GIZ support partners expressed satisfaction at the level of awareness the programme has reached judging by the enthusiasm shown by the stakeholders in the implementation of the programme.

The ministry in collaboration with the technical partners have come up with the adoption of BEEC in the three pilot states out of the 36 states of the federation, namely Lagos, Kaduna and Plateau states to kick start the process of making buildings in the country energy efficient.

no development can take place in any place or country devoid of peace, harmony, love and unity. “ Therefore, the PFN expects the Muslims to practise the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fasting period which also included love, forgiveness and sacrifices,” he said.

Don’t elect speaker with criminal record-Lagos lawyer

By Christiana Ekpa Lawrence Olaoye

and L-R: .Hon Ahmed Sani, Chief Imam Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society Alhaji Fuad Adeyemi Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Alhaji Babangana Kingibe, and Ambassador Goni Mudo at the Al-Habibiyyah Central Mosque prayer ground to celebrate Eld-Fitri, on Tuesday in Abuja .

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) endorsed candidate for the Speakership position of the House of Representatives has denied that he was ever an ex convict as alleged by his political opponents.

Gbajabiamila who spoke through Abdulmumin Jibrin, Director-General, Femi/Wase campaign organisation at a press conference in Abuja, said he has never been convicted for any crime in the United States of America, Nigeria or any other country around the world for that matter and has never been accused of corruption and has no corruption case hanging on his neck in Nigeria or anywhere around the world.

He lamented that, “in the last few weeks, the media has been awash with once again what has become a reoccurring fabrication of false accusations and outright lies against the person of the Leader House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The latest was a live press conference addressed yesterday by someone claiming to be speaking on behalf of Coalition of United Political Party CUPP. But for the publicity the press conference attracted, we would have simply ignored the baseless and unfounded allegations.

“For the benefit of doubt, we wish to once again state emphatically clear that Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has never been convicted for any crime in the United States of America, Nigeria or any other country around the world for that matter. He has never been accused of corruption and has no corruption case hanging on his neck in Nigeria or anywhere around the world.

“He has not committed Perjury and has never committed perjury

Photo; Justin Imo-owo

in Nigeria or any country of the world. He was eligible to contest in all previous elections he won and indeed eligible and qualified to contest for the office of Speaker House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly.

“Hon Femi has severally and comprehensively responded to these allegations, provided clarifications and set records straight. The allegations have also been tested and struck out in our court of law.

The State Bar of Georgia has also written and categorically stated that “there is no criminal conviction in the matter relating to Hon Femi and he is currently an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia” All these facts are in the public domain.

“We further wish to state that Hon Femi has not been served any summons by a magistrate court neither has he been notified by the

Clerk. We are worried that those behind this antics are trying to drag the Judiciary and our revered judges to what is clearly a hatched Job. The Judiciary must not allow itself to be mixed in such cocktail of dirts.”

Gbajabiamila said “this campaign of calumny is orchestrated to poison the minds of our leaders against Hon Femi which has failed woefully.

Now the agenda is to smear his reputation through creation of illusion of truth”. An idea of repeated lying until people are forcedto believe. We urge the general public to disregard the falsehoods being peddled around.

It is also very strange that a private citizen or organization will be filing criminal charges against an individual.

“Whatever they choose to do and how ever, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and Hon Ahmed Idris

Wase will be on the floor on the 11th live and direct to be elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively to take over from Speaker Dogara who ceases to be Speaker from tomorrow Thursday 6th June 2019 after our valedictory session,” he said.

Meanwhile, ahead of the inauguration of the Ninth House, a Lagos based social crusader and anti-corruption lawyer, Deji Fasusi, has warned the members-elect not to make a mistake of electing any member with criminal records as the Speaker.

In an interaction with newsmen yesterday in Lagos, Fasusi said information available to the public so far indicated that two of the aspirants for the exalted position are alleged to be having criminal vrecords.

According to him, the purportedly endorsed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Gbajabiamila, has

been facing allegation of perjury for so long a time.

He also noted that another aspirant, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has recently been dragged to court over allegation of fraud he allegedly committed while working in the defunct Afribank, now Polaris Bank.

He suggested that the House should rather elect a member with no criminal baggage as its leader to work with President Muhammadu Buhari who has zero tolerance for corruption in order to move the country forward.

Fasusi said “That corruption has been the bane of our national development is incontrovertible.

We must try not to enthrone anyone with allegations of criminality hanging on his neck. In this matter, perception is key and having someone with dented image will send a dangerous signal to the international community.”

N/Delta govs accused of diverting 13% oil derivation funds

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

A

s Nigeria joined the world in celebrating the 2019 World Environmental Day (WED), renowned environmentalists, Nnimmo Bassey and Alagoa Morris, have accused Niger Delta governors of diverting the 13 percent oil derivation funds.

This is even as they frowned at the neglect of oil community environment

by Niger Delta governors.

The environmentalists, in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN, yesterday on the 2019 World Environmental, alleged that the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to oil-producing states were being diverted by Niger Delta governors.

Available data shows that oilproducing states in Nigeria received N7.006 trillion as payments under

the 13 per cent Derivation principle over a period of 18 years, from 1999 to 2016.

The oil producing states are Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Ondo, Imo, Anambra, and of recent, Lagos State.

A breakdown of the proceeds indicate that from 1999 to 2003, N360.4 billion was paid to oilproducing states; N1.338 trillion were paid to the states between from 2004 and 2007; 2008 to 2011 saw the states receiving N2.36 trillion, while from 2012 to 2016, the states received N2.947 trillion. Ironically, the 2017 budget of all the states, inclusive of Lagos, stood at N3.165 trillion, about half of the amount received by the states from the Federation Account under the 13 per cent derivation principle.

According to them, the funds meant to ameliorate the adverse effect of oil exploration and production

was being spent on frivolities to the detriment of the oil communities and the environment.

Mr Bassey, an environmental activist, alleged that governors of the Niger Delta states were not deploying the oil derivation revenue for the benefit of the environment and the people.

He noted that if the funds allocated to the states were judiciously used, the region would have regenerated or at least, begun to return to its historically biodiverse self.

“The squandering or wastage of resources is a self-inflicted injury because it allows oil companies and other exploiters to act irresponsibly, seeing that leaders do not have the moral grounds to demand good behaviour.

“As we mark world environment day focusing on kicking out air pollution, we need to look at our faces

in the ecological mirror and declare truthfully what we see.

“How can we have soot blanketing a city like Port Harcourt for years and yet we behave as though everything is alright?

“How can it be justified that the region that produces the wealth of the nation is one of the top 10 most polluted places on earth and also one with extremely low life expectancy?

“With gas flares eating up our people, destroying agriculture and the general environment, we should hang our heads in shame.

“There is no life and no enjoyment of rights in the midst of pollution,” Mr Bassey said.

Mr Morris, another environmentalist, said that the 2019 WED focusing on air pollution and being hosted by China drew attention to the unrestrained gas flaring at oilfields within the Niger Delta with a massive release of greenhouse gases

that trigger climate change.

He noted that individuals, families, religious bodies, corporate entities, NGOs and governments had roles to play to preserve the ecosystem, adding that the stakeholders were failing in their responsibility to the environment.

According to him, Nigerians merely pay lip service on WED without meditating on how to follow up with implementable policies to achieve desired results in the common interest.

Mr Morris, Head of Field Operations at Environmental Rights Action, noted that over the years, ‘we have not been any policy formulation or implementation relating to past World Environment Day theme or focus.

“The World Environment Days are carefully selected to address critical world issues and they may not be easily repeated.”

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

PAGE 6

News

2019 UTME: JAMB yet to fix cut-off marks – Spokesperson

T

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it has not published the national and general minimum cut-off marks for placement of candidates into the nation’s tertiary institutions as being speculated in some quarters.

The board’s Head, Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to him, there is no truth behind such speculations, adding that some persons, whom he described as fraudulent elements were behind the development with a ploy to defraud innocent Nigerians especially the candidates.

Mr Benjamin said the cutoff marks could only be arrived at with the inputs of critical stakeholders in the education sector scheduled for days ahead.

“We want to seize this opportunity to caution the public especially candidates, not to allow themselves to be swindled by these desperate individuals that are peddling this rumour.

“The board is yet to come up with any cut-off mark for placements into the various tertiary institutions across the country.

“The cut-off marks cannot be decided upon without the input of critical stakeholders of the education sector at an elaborate policy meeting,” he said.

Mr Benjamin explained that the next policy meeting would be holding on June 11 at Gbongan in Osun State.

The spokesperson noted that already, preparations for the meeting had been concluded, adding that officials of the Ministry of Education were expected to attend.

According to him, other key stakeholders were also expected to grace the occasion, to determine the national cut-off mark.

He said it was only after this had been achieved that the candidates would be availed of the cut-off marks of the various tertiary institutions across the country.

“The cut-off marks are the minimum expectation for every institution and that does not mean by attaining such cut-off mark, it therefore means an automatic placement into schools of first choice.

“We therefore want to appeal to the general public, especially the candidates not to fall prey to fraudsters.

“The board will continue to provide information to the public on its processes and activities at every stage,” Mr Benjamin assured.

Over 1.8 million candidates had registered for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).(NAN)

Govs Okowa, Obaseki brainstorm on economy, social ties

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

D

elta state Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his Edo State counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki cut short their Salah holiday Wednesday to brainstorm on how to deepen economic ties and improve on the security situation in the two states Goverrnor Obaseki arrived Government House, Asaba with members of his executive council at about 1.06 pm and was received

by Governor Okowa and his team.

The meeting went into closeddoor and lasted for about 45 minutes before they were joined by journalists.

Governor Okowa said, “it was a meeting between brothers, friends who are now Governors and more interesting is that, our states belonged to the old Bendel and he came with ideas that will

move the two states forward.”

While clarifying that it was not the first time the two Governors were meeting to discuss in a convivial atmosphere, Governor Okowa asserted.

“We want to leverage on our strong ties as members of old Bendel State to better the lot of our people.”

Edo State Governor in a brief speech, stated that it was important for the Governors of two states to discuss the issues of common interests such as economy, security, energy, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), among others bearing in mind that both states share the longest boundary and their historical background.

According to him, “I am here to congratulate my friend and brother for his victory at the polls and successful inauguration for a

second term; we came from the legacy Bendel State; we discussed economic cooperation between our two states.”

“Today, Edo and Delta States could be the main power house of the country giving our energy and agricultural potentials; we looked into how to strenghten our economic ties and our participation in Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission,” he said, disclosing, “We looked at insecurity in our common borders, especially, communal clashes and general insecurity and we have agreed to ask the Assistant Inspector-Gerneral of Police and the Commissioners of Police to come up with a plan to restore security in our states,” He continued, “we also agreed to ask for the inauguration of

the NDDC advisory committee of Governors and also, to work with our colleagues to improve governance in the Commission; we are of the view that based on the resources the Commission receives, there is need for improvement in project conception, siting and execution because, nothing stops the Commission from using 50 per cent of its resources to solve the energy problem of the region.”

“Also, a regional Master Plan is necessary for implementation by the NDDC and we also looked at the area of energy as Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti States are major stakeholders in BEDEC, so, we need to be proactive to strenghten BEDEC to provide electricity to our people and restructure the company so as to make it work efficiently for the region,” Mr Obaseki said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Nigeria ‘II overcome security challenges Benin monarch By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

T

he Benin monarch, HRM. Oba Ewuare II, has declared that Nigeria will surmount its economic and security soon.

He made this known in his goodwill message to mark the 2019 Eid el Fitri Celebrations where he wished all Muslims a happy and violent free Eid el Fitri Celebrations.

Oba Ewuare II in a press statement which was issued his Chief Press Secretary, Desmond Agbama, charged Muslims to use the moment to dedicate the nation to Almighty Allah for guidance.

He also implored “every Nigerian irrespective of religious or political background to support the government of the day in order to make the desired progress”.

Congratulating Muslim Clerics and entire Muslim faithful for the successful completion of Ramadhan and the Celebration of Eid el Fitri, the monarch, reminded them to always abide by the teachings of Prophet Mohammed concerning Ramadhan, which lay emphasis on arms giving, piety, forgiveness and righteousness.

“We should to allow the spirit of love and togetherness envelop them during Ramadhan and beyond, and should endeavour to pray for the nation’s political, religious and traditional leaders for Allah to grant them wisdom and knowledge to lead the Country and her people on the path of peace, unity, progress and development”, he said.

CRIME News

Boko Haram bomb materials supplier arrested in Borno, says NSCDC

O

peratives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Borno on Wednesday announced the arrest of one Aliyu Muhammed, a 24-year-old suspected Boko Haram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials supplier in Maiduguri.

The Commandant of the corps, Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Maiduguri.

Mr Abdullahi said that the suspect was nabbed by men of the command on April 25, following intelligence report while he was on his way to supply bomb materials for Boko Haram terrorists.

He said that preliminary investigation conducted by the command revealed that the suspect supplied mobile phones battery, wrist watches as well as laptop computers used for setting off IEDs designed to inflict massive casualties.

“The suspect who pretends to be a tricycle operator in the town has executed many missions for the insurgents.

“He also operates several bank accounts, where he receives funds for Boko Haram in the last six months.

“He usually receives large sums of money from the Republic of Chad, through a third party account number to avoid being

detected.

“We have so far tracked dozens of his transactions especially at commercial money transfer centres within Maiduguri,” he said.

The NSCDC commandant said Mr Mohammed and his colleagues have played different roles in masterminding various attacks, in worship centres, market places in Maiduguri and environs.

Mr Abdullahi reiterated the commitment of the command toward complimenting efforts of the army, police and other sister agencies in the counter-terrorism campaign in the Northeast.

“The command had within the past two years arrest more

than 25 Boko Haram insurgents, comprising of female suicide bombers, commanders and collaborators in Maiduguri.

“The command had, through the dispute resolution department encouraged more than 40 terrorists to lay down their arms and accepted meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration through the Operation Safe Corridor window opportunity provided by the government,” he said.

He added that the suspect would be handed over to the 7 Division Garrison of the army for further interrogation and profiling.(NAN)

Bauchi Police Command’s Puff Adder team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Anti Kidnapping Unit (AKU), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), ‘A’ Division arrest and Parade, suspected robbery gang, yesterday in Bauchi

Plateau: Construction worker in police net over alleged murder of ‘call girl’

O President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo , Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari and Children during the Sallah Homage at the Residence, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: State house

IDPs canvass for Gaya as Deputy Senate President

By Usman Shuaibu

S

ome International Displaced Persons (IDPs) in different camps in Abuja have called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and senators elect from other parties to support Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya for deputy Senate president of the 9th Senate.

When journalists visited the IDP camp at Lugbe FCT, many

people in the camp from the North-east, said that they are nostalgic of their home and called on 9th Senate to help them to return to their homes by electing the Kano South senator as the deputy senate president in the new dispensation.

Malam Goni Bulama, who spoke on behalf others in the camp said that the call became necessary because the senator as a member of the Senate proposed

North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and have tendency and capabilities of doing more if given for ensuring that the North-east is secured for the indegines to return home without further delay. He added that if the federal government is as serious as Senator Gaya in looking into their plight, they could have returned home since.

Bulama pleaded with the parties and politicians not to play

politics with the issue but elect the Senate Committee chairman on Works as deputy senate president for speedy implementation of policies for a brighter future of the displaced people. He called on the NWC of the ruling party, President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire senators of the 9th Senate to bring development to the country by electing experienced people as officials of the assembly this time around.

ladipo Oyefemi, 33, a construction worker and graduate of Geology and Minning from the University of Jos, has been arrested by the police in Jos for allegedly killing a 24-year-old woman, Patience Musa.

Mr Oyefemi, a resident of Millionaires Quarters, Jos, was said to have picked the 24-yearold Ms Musa at the West of Mines area of Jos, around midnight on Friday, May 31, allegedly for a night of fun.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) investigation revealed that the duo had agreed on a fee of N3,000 for the night.

Mr Oyefemi, however, allegedly killed the woman while she was at his house and tried to dump her body but was apprehended by a vigilante group keeping watch around the quarters.

The father of the deceased, Mr Musa, a resident of Tudun Wada, told NAN that he received

a distress call from his daughter (deceased)’s phone from someone who flatly told him to go to the Nasarawa Gwom Police station.

“I was at home (Saturday morning), June 1, when I received a call from my daughter’s phone but heard a man’s voice at the other end asking me to proceed to the Nasarawa Gwom Police station.

“I thought she was involved in a fight or some kind of trouble with someone and got arrested, but when I arrived at the station, the policemen told me that my daughter was killed and her body dumped somewhere. They asked me to follow them to the hospital to identify her body.

“At the Jos University Teaching Hospital Mortuary, I discovered that the body was actually my daughter’s, even though she had already changed in appearance.

She had stab wounds all over her body and her tongue was sticking out.

“I want the authorities to investigate this matter to its logical conclusion and find out why my daughter was killed. This is too painful for all of us to bear.

She was killed in cold blood, all I want is justice,” he said.

Ralph Nwoye, the family lawyer, who also spoke on behalf of the family, added that the body showed that she was stabbed on her two breasts, heart area, neck, and other parts, and had marks on her neck, which suggests she was also strangled.

Mr Nwoye said the police informed the family that after Mr Oyefemi committed the crime, he proceeded to call his security man, Nasir, to help him dispose of the body. The two men were, however, apprehended by vigilante members, who were keeping watch.

“While inspecting her body at the mortuary, we found that Oyefemi killed her in a very brutal manner. He stabbed her

on both breasts, aiming directly on both nipples with precision, then directly at her heart, then in the neck region and other parts, before strangling her.

“The police told us that Oyefemi and his security man went to dump her body in a nearby bush but were apprehended by a vigilante group who promptly called the police.

“The police also informed us that after he killed her, he cleaned everywhere in his room and dressed his bed so perfectly that no one could even imagine that such gruesome murder happened in the same room.”

Mr Nwoye said when he (suspect) was led by the police to his house for inspection, they discovered a neatly cleaned room, adding that it took them hours before retrieving the deceased’s phone and bag from him as he hid them and refused to hand them over.

The suspect, who spoke

with NAN at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he is being held, confirmed to NAN that he was being held on alleged murder and was transferred from the Nasarawa Gwom police station on Monday, June 3, to the state CID. Mr Oyefemi added that he was arrested alongside his security guard, Nasir, but declined to comment further.

NAN gathered that the suspect works at Moulds Nigeria Limited, a Jos-based construction company engaged in major highway and civil engineering construction projects.

Tyopev Terna, spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, confirmed the incident.

“The case of culpable homicide involving one Patience Musa was yesterday, June 3, transferred from Nasarawa Gwom police station to the state CID for discreet investigation. That is all I can tell you now,” he said.

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

News FG urged to probe Amnesty Int’l over ‘plot’ to destabilise Nigeria

By Stanley Onyekwere

S

ome concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) have alerted the Federal Government and her citizens about the purported impending plot by Amnesty International (AI) to destabilise the country.

The group noted that humanitarian element of AI, a London-based non-governmental organization appears to have diminished in recent times as it has rather embraced controversy, deceit and falsehood.

Making this assertion in a

communique jointly signed by President Dr. Agwu Onyeke and 11 other leaders, the Association alleged that Amnesty International is out to disintegrate the nation hence should be treated as a criminal organisation.

The Communique reads: “Amnesty International going by recent crisis rocking its headquarters in London, is indeed an organization that is defective in ethics and morals.

Its workplace is filled with people with diverse interest and bullying managers. “ There were also reports of managers belittling staff in meetings and making demeaning and menacing comments like ‘You should quit. If you stay in this position, your life will

be a misery.’

“There were also multiple accounts of discrimination based on race and gender, and in which women, staff of colour, and LGBT employees were allegedly targeted or maltreated. “ The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe states that Amnesty International is an organization that engages in psychological terrorism in all of the countries over time.”

It continued: “The Nigerian government must, as a matter of urgency take the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria seriously if it is desirous of remaining united as a country. “ The Association of Nigerian

Professionals in Europe also wishes to advise the authorities in Nigeria to do all within its powers to ensure that the activities of Amnesty International in Nigeria are curtailed. “ Amnesty International has not only struggled with its core mandate, but it has also systematically introduced concepts aimed at creating relevance for its self in the light of its dwindling reputation of churning out inaccurate reports often devoid of verifiable facts, instead, on rumours and assumptions. “ Amnesty International has also exhibited political inclinations that in a way, present its self as a parallel government or a threat to the political stability of countries where it

operates, including Nigeria. “ The government of Nigeria must, therefore, act swiftly by realizing that Amnesty International as an organization is out to cause disintegrating Nigeria.

“They must continue to educate and sanitize Nigerians on the atrocious activities of Amnesty International and the plot to create the break-up of Nigeria like in other countries where it has operated. “ The Nigerian Government must henceforth treat Amnesty International as a criminal gang consisting of people with despicable motives aimed at causing disaffection among the various ethnic and religious groups in Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s Muhammad-Bande emerges UNGA President

N

igeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Tijjani MuhammadBande, has emerged president of the 74th UN General Assembly.

Mr Muhammad-Bande, the sole candidate for the position, was elected through acclamation at the 87th plenary

meeting of the Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

He is the second Nigerian to hold the office after Joseph Garba, a retired military officer and diplomat, who led the organ between 1989 and 1990.

He will be inaugurated in September. (NAN)

Buhari comdoles with This Day MD over loss of wife

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Managing Director of This Day, Mr Eniola Bello, over the passing of his wife, Helen Eniola-Bello on Tuesday.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President joined family, friends and professional colleagues of the columnist

in mourning Helen, whose motherly love and kindness will be sorely missed by the family.

President Buhari urged family and loved ones to find solace in God and the seeds of goodness and charity sown in many lives by Bello’s wife, believing she lived and stood for virtues that will continue to resonate.

The President prayed that the almighty God will grant Helen’s soul eternal rest, and comfort her family.

L R: Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar and Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje during the Eid el-fitr prayer, on Tuesday at the Gombe Eid ground.

Senator Omo-Agege felicitates with Muslims at Eid-el-Filtr 2019

By Usman Shuaibu

A

s Muslims in Nigeria and around the world come together in celebration of the end of Ramadan, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has I extended his heartiest felicitations to the nation and wished all Muslims a blessed and joyful celebration of Eid el-Fitr 2019.

After a month-long self-

restraint, spiritual renewal and recommitment to the values of gratitude, charity and compassion, Omo-Agege expressed hope that the experience of Ramadan will provide renewed strength, greater commitment and increased blessings to our people, communities and further unite our country.

“Let us remember that

throughout history, nations that have come together to work for a common goal have succeeded in developing their people and communities. It is therefore only through unity that we will be able to successfully overcome the challenges of our time that have prevented us from achieving our potentials as a truly great nation.

“Eid el-Fitr, with its focus on harmony, mutual respect

and understanding, is a fitting occasion to re-affirm our commitment to our shared values and the common bonds that tie us together.

“So as we mark this year’s Eid el-Fitr, I enjoin all Nigerians to embrace and also celebrate the values that unite us to enable work together to tackle the developmental issues of insecurity, corruption and

employment deficit (ICE) that confront our nation.

“Once again, on behalf of the people of Delta Central Senatorial District and my family, I wish all Muslims a happy Eid el-Fitr, and all the peace and fulfilment it may bring,” the senator said in a statement yesterday signed

by Godwin Anaughe his SSA, Communications & Strategy

Adamawa gov raises concern over 2019 hajj preparations

G

overnor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has raised concern over poor preparations for this year’s Muslim pilgrimage by the last administration.

Receiving officials of Muslim Council in the state who paid him Sallah homage at Government House, Yola, on Tuesday, the governor said the out-gone regime should be held responsible should pilgrims from the state miss the exercise “If there is any problem with hajj exercise this year, blame the

past administration; they did not do anything about preparations and you know hajj issue is being handled by Saudi Arabia, which does not tolerate foot-dragging.

“The last administration did not do what it ought to do and we now have serious problem on ground.

“We are trying to see if we can have any opening, no matter how little, for us to do the needful and save the situation,” Mr Fintiri said.

He said the Secretary to the State Government, Bashir

Ahmad, was already making contacts with relevant authorities for an opening.

The governor lauded the Muslim Council for its role in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state, and urged it to sustain the tempo.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the Council, Sahabo Magaji, said they were at government House to pay homage and celebrate with the new governor.

Mr Magaji lauded him for paying two months salary to workers, adding that the measure

had enabled workers to celebrate Eid el Fitr in good mood.

“This is a good beginning and the people of Adamawa will continue to look forward to more goodies as promised by your administration,” Mr Magaji said.

He promised the support and cooperation of the council to the administration to enable it succeed.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Adamawa Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Ibrahim Bilal, said as far as he was concerned, all necessary arrangements for

hitch-free pilgrimage had been made.

Responding to the complaints of the governor when contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Bilal, an appointee of the out-gone regime, said adequate accommodation arrangements had been made, just as all self-sponsored intending pilgrims had settled their fares.

He said only the fares of government-sponsored pilgrims had not been settled.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Page 9

News

Delta: 6 injured as NURTW leadership tussle worsens in Bomadi

By Owen Akenzua, Asaba.

C

risis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Bomadi branch in Delta State has worsened.

Leadership of the union had in the last six months been consumed in tussle and its related activities, leaving six persons fatally injured after a fracas last Tuesday in the area.

In the early hours of Wednesday, reports said residents, especially traders in Bomadi community have expressed serious concern over the escalating crisis within the union following a free for all fight that ensued as they scampered for safety.

It was gathered that the leadership tussle had allegedly wreaked destruction of properties in the community and business market activities completely paralyzed.

“The constitution of the union stipulated that the state executive should conduct branch elections, not carried out.

“We want the election to hold without further delay.But the politicians harrass the drivers with armed thugs on daily basis.

“We are disappointed at those political leaders who secured our votes just of recent and are now taking side with a faction in the union against us in our union election,” Amaebi Titus a member of the union alleged.

A unit trustee of the union, Jacobs Kampou who spoke to journalists in the area said that the matter was currently before the Industrial Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. “ The court had earlier decided that the elected executive should be allowed to complete Its four year tenure which would have elapse January next year.

“The tenure of one Stephen Eniekezimene led executive is yet to expire, it will expire January next year but he tendered a letter of leave of office and handed over to his vice, Ebikemebo Gborogboro because he had another assignment at hand.

“On Tuesday at the council security meeting, the council chairman, William Angadi directed all parties to adhere strictly to the court order in a bid to settle issues amicably, but the drivers who protested said Gborogboro was not a driver,” Kampou explained.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onovuwakpoyeya Onome who confirmed the incident said six persons were injured a fight which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday , assuring that the police will continue to protect the lives and properties of the people.

Christian Forum gives CAN President, Ayokunle 7-day ultimatum to resign

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here seems no end to the controversies trailing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as clergymen under the umbrella of Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria (CCFN) has asked Samson Olasupo Ayokunle to step aside from his role as CAN President.

In particular, the Forum gave the embattled CAN President seven days to tender his resignation or face a backlash from the church.

CCFN, a group of over 500 pastors in Nigeria decried that CAN is fast drifting into something of a chortle device, a tool in the hands of politicians and champion for ethnic-sectarian bigots.

Making this known through

its leader Rev. Prince Thompson, the group argued that Ayokunle underwhelmed, falling short of the massive expectations on his shoulder when he took charge, hence the charge for him to walk away with dignity rather than seek re-election.

According to the group, “CAN’s leadership under the current President, Reverend Supo Ayokunle, was highly anticipated to be reformists enough to return the association to its lost glory, for it to carry out a practically cleansing of CAN to free it of the dirt clinging to it from wallowing in the mire with swine.

“A situation where President of CAN has become a tool in the hands of politicians and champion for ethnic-sectarian bigots in the country is a border that should

never have been crossed but that is precisely where Christianity in Nigeria is now camped.

“The situation is so bad that there are so many allegations about the Reverend and his associates have been collecting money from politicians and keeping same for personal gains in exchange to speaking according to scripts given to them by these politicians. “ We have come to the realization that the violence to the body of Christ cannot be allowed to continue for longer lest there will be more atheist and agnostics than Christians by the time Reverend Ayokunle’s leadership of CAN completes its tenure.”

It continued: “The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria therefore demands the immediate

resignation of Reverend Supo Ayokunle as CAN President. Our demand entails that the entire CAN Executive resigns with the President to allow the association replace them with a leadership that will chart a course that conforms with the ideology upon which CAN was founded.

“Had CAN pursued the agenda of uniting Christians across the various sects, denominations and persuasions, we would not have need to form this group pressure the leaders into the doing the needful.

“We give the Reverend Ayokunle executive seven days from today (Tuesday) hand over the affairs of the association to an interim committee to run its affairs pending when a new election will be conducted.”

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), when Speaker visited him in Minna, Niger State recently.

Photo : Speaker’s Media Office.

Gov. Bagudu urges security agencies to do more in securing lives, properties From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

T

he Kebbi State Governor Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu has urged all the security agencies in the state to intensify their efforts in safeguarding lives and properties of the people.

Addressing all the

security chiefs on Tuesday at Government House Birnin Kebbi ,when paid they him Sallah homage, the governor said it was their responsibility to protect the lives of the citizen.

He commended their efforts in making the state crime free, appealing to them to put more efforts in arresting the bandits

from their hideouts.

“You people have been trying in terms of security challenges which am ready to support you in all ramifications in order to ensured your success” he added.

“I also want to you this opportunity to thank you people for making the just concluded 2019 General election violence

free, I really appreciate that efforts, May God protect you people throughout your primary assignments,” he said.

Responding, the leader of the visiting team t, and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Mohammed Danjuma thanked the Governor for his support and cooperation towards achieving their aimed.

FCT NSCDC reads riot act to vandals, trouble makers

By Paul Efiong

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT, Command has reiterated its readiness to deal ruthlessly with trouble makers,arm rubbers and those who vandalize public utilities.

Speaking with our corespondent in his office while sounding the advice

yesterday,the NSCDC Commandant Patrick Ukpan also warned his personnels against all act of compromise.

Ukpan further said ‘ his command is working harder to ensuring a violence free Shallah holiday in the territory.

According to him’ all ‘personnels have been deployed to every nooks and cranny of the FCT, we have also identified

some flashpoints considered notorious and volatile by many within our jurisdiction’.

While assuring all FCT residents of their safety urged all to cooperate with his personnels along with other sister agencies in order to ensure Violence-free Sallah celebration.

It would be recalled that the FCT Command under Commandant Ukpan had made

several arrest of some notorious vandals in recent times.

He used the opportunity to warn criminals still hiding in the FCT to look for legitimate livelihood or be prepared to face the long arms of the law.

In his Sallah message, Ukpan urge all to celebrate within the law and imbibe the principles of Holy Prophet as enshrine in Holy book.

News

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

PAGE 10

Eid-el-Fitr: 2 dead, 8 injured in Ogun crash

T

wo persons were confirmed dead in separate accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State on Eidel-Fitri day.

Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Mr Oladele said that the first crash occurred around 4:52 a.m. on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at AP petrol station at Sagamu.

He said the accident, which

involved an Iveco truck marked KTU 565 XW, was as a result of excessive speeding which led to loss of control.

Mr Oladele said the accident involved three male adults, adding that two persons sustained injuries while one person died.

The FRSC boss explained that the injured and the dead were taken to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.

Mr Oladele stated that the second crash occurred at about 3:54 p.m. on the same expressway

at Ogumankin. It involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number LND 626 XR .

He said the accident was caused by reckless driving and wrongful overtaking, adding that the bus hit the barrier and somersaulted.

Mr Oladele explained that the crash involved 17 persons, six males, eight females and three children.

Six persons, he said, were injured while one female adult died in the accident.

He said that the injured victims were taken to Idera Hospital,

Sagamu, while the corpse of the dead victim was deposited at FOS Morgue, Ipara.

Mr Oladele advised motorists to drive cautiously, especially on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

“Motorists should therefore expect traffic to build up on the Lagos – Ibadan expressway and other corridors following the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri and with several motorists returning back to resume work,” he said.

(NAN)

Chairman, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Branch, Salahudeen Ustaz Yunus, during the MURIC Eid feeding for the needy at the Karu Eid praying ground, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

Okowa hails ex-Delta gov, Utuama at 72 From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

D

elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, as he turns 72 years yesterday, describing him as a committed patriot, astute administrator and a leader of impeccable disposition.

In a statement on Wednesday in Asaba, Okowa eulogised Prof. Amos Utuama as a loyal

and committed patriot whose invaluable service to Deltans will remain indelible in their hearts.

According to the Governor: “It is with profound joy that I write on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, to express my very warm felicitations to you as you turn 72 years today.

“In the last 72 years, you have touched a lot of lives, from impacting knowledge as a law teacher, to serving as the Chief

Law Officer and later as Deputy Governor of our dear state, you have indeed shown that you are born to serve and you served the state and the nation passionately, he said, adding “Your humility and commitment to service is unassailable and this is so evident even as a former Deputy Governor, you led our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli South Local Government Area to a resounding victory in the 2019 general elections.

‘’Your charisma, exemplary life, and commitment to the growth and development of our dear state have been acknowledged by Deltans of all walks of life.

“I join your family, friends, political associates and wellwishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 72 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which He has blessed you.”

E

mir of Gwandu and the Chairman Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar has blamed the high level of insecurity being experienced

in the country on lack of indiscipline and greediness.

He stated this Tuesday in his Sallah message shortly after the two prayers of the Edi-el-Fitri, adding that illiteracy and some others are some of the major factors responsible for insecurity in

the country.

The two rakaat prayers at the Eid praying ground in Birnin Kebbi was lead by Imam Ahmad Rufai , the Chief Imam of Wala Mosque in Birnin Kebbi.

He said most of the criminality being perpetrated

in the society could be traced to indiscipline and greediness.

Bashar who admonished Muslims to imbibe lessons learnt in the holy month of Ramadan fast, lamented absence discipline amongst children and too much greed amongst people as responsible

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

IBB backs Buhari on tackling insecurity From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

F

ormer military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari will surely fulfill his campaign promise of providing adequate security for Nigerians.

The former president stated this in his Hill Top Mansion in Minna while answering questions from journalists on Tuesday.

General Babangida said what is required now is for Nigerians to rally round the President to succeed in the task ahead.

IBB emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain peaceful and pray for peace to reign in the country.

General Babangida reminded them that peace is the pre requisite for any meaningful development and advised them to eschew bitterness.

Meanwhile, the Niger state Government has reiterated its willingness to continue to initiate policies and programmes that are geared towards enhancing and protecting the lives and properties of its people.

State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello stated this after performing the two rakaats prayer for Eid el fitr at Minna central prayer ground.

Represented by his Deputy Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso who implored the people of the state to be security conscious and report any suspicious move in their midst to relevant authorities for prompt action.

The Governor also appealed to Nigerlites to continue to pray for peace and stability of the state and Nigeria stressing that without peace there could be no meaningful development.

Bello would also wants Muslims faithful to keep to the ethics of Islamic injunctions beyond the period of Ramadan fast to achieve the desired objective.

The two rakaats prayer which was led by the Chief Imam of Minna Central mosque Sheikh Isa Fari has been peaceful and orderly throughout the state.

Emir of Gwandu: Illiteracy, greed fuelling insecurity From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

for rising cases of insecurity.

He called on parents to always monitor their children and inculcate good family and societal values in order to maintain peace and unity in the society.

He prayed for restoration of peace and unity in Nigeria.

T

Still on the U.S. visa palaver more tolerable. “We have engaged with the U.S. government over it.

We are just trying to work through them and they are looking at various alternatives and solutions and to make it less difficult for genuine visitors… Things like you have to have a guarantor or surety and the like, all those things are what they are trying to apply to really address this issue,” he said. “We are doing what we can; they (U.S. Embassy) told me that notwithstanding the suspension of the drop-box mechanism would be Onyeama said there expedited interviews most of the for certain people. unfavourable And there would be that flexibility in decisions taken treating requests for against legal interviews to make easier for those immigrants by itseeking visas.”

he Federal Government has rightly, and promptly too, intervened in the mater of U.S, visa overstay over which Washington has taken a tough action against Nigerians bound for the United States. Part of that punitive action is the suspension of the Drop-box renewal of visas. This mechanism does not require an applicant to appear in person. He need only apply online.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, penultimate week admitted that visa overstay by Nigerian travellers to America was a real problem. According to a report published by the U. S, Department of Homeland Security, an estimated 29,723 Nigerian immigrants overstayed their visas between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018.

It said 195,785 Nigerians that were given visas into the U.S. were expected to leave “within a specified window.” The minister expressed concern that one of the consequences of the visa overstay was the recent suspension of `Dropbox’ for visa renewal for Nigerians.

“

some countries were triggered by the negative perceptions about few Nigerians who did not obey the rules of those countries

Onyeama said most of the unfavourable decisions taken against legal immigrants by some countries were triggered by the negative perceptions about few Nigerians who did not obey the rules of those countries. “The issue of migration is a challenge and such a sensitive one”, he said. “And a lot of it is that they released statistics to show that 10 per cent of people who overstayed their visas globally are Nigerians.

Those who do not obey the rules of other countries have a more negative impact on those who obey.” He said there had been those who were denied visas not because they were not qualified but because of a perception created by those who disobeyed the rules.

He was optimistic though the hurdles put up to bar U.S.-bound Nigerians would not be removed altogether they would be made

OUR MISSION

We commend the intervention of the federal government in the matter. It has not been so for a long, long while. Punitive actions taken against Nigerians abroad, including killings, have often gone unresponded by Abuja.

We expect to see our government take a more combative position on the ill-treatment of our compatriots living legally overseas.

This said, we cannot, in all honesty, blame those nations who have invoked their laws against Nigerians that have conducted themselves unbecomingly. It is regrettable that the innocent are often touched by the sweep of the broad-brush.

As a way to deal with issue of visa overstay, we suggest collaboration between our foreign affairs ministry and the U.S Embassy in Abuja. The ministry should require U.S. visa applicants to appear for an interview by its relevant officials. Only those whose cases are established to be genuine should be recommended to the Embassy. That way those who will overstay their visas will be stopped from travelling in the first place. To be sure, some persons may still beat the trap, they won’t be in their thousands.

OUR PEOPLE

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Letter to the Editor

As Gov. Fintiri begins a difficult journey

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damawa state Governor Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has begun a very difficult journey. As a man who came to power via intricate politicking, strange political alliances and strong support from common people, Fintiri will be up against high-wired politics of Adamawa and at the same time laden with expectations from the common man. How he manages these will either further endear him to the people or relegate him to a political loner.

For Fintiri to succeed in the Adamawa’s murky politics, mired in self-seeking interests of political bigwigs, he must balance policies and politics. No governor in Adamawa state succeeds without understanding the balancing of development with playing local politics.

Adamawa’s ‘bigwigs’ will naturally want to have government patronage and political relevance, especially those who feel they pressed some buttions or ere instrumental in Fintiri’s victory over former governor Muhammad UmaruJibrilla Bindow.

Governor Fintiri has five interest groups to accommodate in his government. First, the Adamawa Minority Forum – which is Fintiri’s primary constituency; second, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which has the likes of Professor Jibrin Aminu, Dr Umar Ardo, Chief Joel Madaki, Wilberforce Juta, party executives and others. The third is the Mahmood Halilu Modi group which comprises of Babachir Lawal, Markus Gunduri and the ‘iron lady’, this group is made up of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but they played a very vital role in the victory of Fintiri over Bindow; then the Atiku group, the Nyako group and lastly, the Fulani ethnic group- which is the largest single tribe in Adamawa state.

These groups have differing and sometimes conflicting political and economic interests and this will create huge dilemmas for Fintiri. For instance, the appointment of a Chief of Staff (COS), which still lingers is one of the many dilemmas. It was reported that Fintiri had conceded the position to the PDP; a party very eager to taste power after four years of being in the opposition.

Insiders said that the PDP has nominated its state secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Prambe but a particular interest group reportedly kicked against it. With the appointment of Ahmed Bashir, a non-politician and a technocrat as his Secretary to the state government, Fintiri knows that his Chief of Staff (COS)

must be thorough-bred politician who will serve as link between his administration and politicians.

The Adamawa Minority Forum and the Christian populationFintiri’s political base will feel betrayed if they are not factored into calculations.

The Nyako group has unique power– its over 100,000 cult-like followers; which broke Bindow’s backbone in the 2019 election make the group indispensable. The Atiku group has unrivaled political structures and large warchest. The Mahmoud Halilu Modi group has the ears of ‘Abuja’; they can, with ease, frustrate a sitting governor in Adamawa. The Adamawa Hausa-Fulani oligarchythe Kautal Pulaku, controls nearly 85% of the state’s wealth and resources, with the support of their northwest ‘cousins’ they can create a political havoc. Above all, the Adamawa people are still angry with the Bindow’s government’s onelegged development and one-man show. Fintiri will not ignore these frayed nerves; he has to pacify them.

Apart from politics, another challenge Fintiri faces is the mess former governor Bindow left behind- the massive last minute employment into the civil service.

This is a tough call for Governor Fintiri. If he blindly sacks the employed youths, he will create a social problem; leaves them, it is economically infeasible and unsustainable for the government.

Fintiri will have to use his political intuition to solve the problem.

As a Governor with good education and a future ahead of him, Fintiri needs to define how he wants to be perceived politically by politicians and economically by the common man. To succeed, apart from his regular Special Advisers and Assistants -Fintiri should have three groups of what this writer terms ‘Sideline Advisers’ made up of three to six individuals, who will work on key areas- politics, social investment and infrastructure, while giving a special focus and attention on local government autonomy, education, agriculture, civil service welfare and youth development. These groups will assess their respective portfolios and work together to initiate policies in a balanced way such that implementation places the governor in the good books of both politicians and the masses. This is huge task.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, JImeta, Adamawa State, zayyad.com.ng

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Unending ‘War’ Between Nigerian Politicians And Judges, Where We Are

By Jide Ojo

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here are three arms of government, no doubt: the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. They are very pivotal to sustainability of any democracy. Other institutions of democracy include the Election Management Bodies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission and State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Society Organisations, the media and the political parties. Members of political parties are called politicians. They elect among themselves leaders to run their party offices.

Some of the organs of political parties to which people are appointed or elected to occupy include the Board of Trustees, National and State Executive Committees, National and State Working Committees among others. Part of the functions of political parties include leadership recruitment and political socialisation.

Leadership recruitment function of political parties includes sponsorship of candidates for elections into both the executive and legislative positions. Critical to party nomination process is what is generally known as party primaries which is an intra-party election. When a party wins election, it gets to form government. Out of the three arms of government, politicians populate two of them, that is the Executive and the Legislative arms. But for the doctrine of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances, the politicians would have taken over the control of the judiciary as well.

However, judges in Nigeria do not stand for elections as members of the two other arms do.

Politicians across party lines are inclined to act with impunity. Many of them prefer to jettison conventional rules for rules of the thumbs. Whether in power or in the opposition, they prefer shortcuts to due process. The rule of law counts for little in their reckoning. A Friday, May 24, 2019 Supreme Court judgment had

stripped the All Progressives Congress of its electoral victories in Zamfara State due to the fact that the party conducted invalid primaries.

This means the primaries were not in tandem with provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

Ahead of the 2019 General Election, the same apex court had barred the ruling party from contesting over 50 elective positions – Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly positions in Rivers State. This unprecedented act by the Nigerian judiciary has drawn the ire of politicians in the ruling APC who condemned the judgment of the Supreme Court.

It was like the judges are on a war path with the ruling APC as over 20 out of about 27 Certificates of Return earlier issued by INEC to newly elected individuals under the platform of the party were withdrawn on the orders of the courts. I bear witness to the fact that the judges of different courts who have ruled against the APC may not have anything personal against those candidates. I said this because several other political parties including the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party have also suffered a similar fate as did some of the APC members. Recall that Nigerian judges had ruled against the PDP in Rivers State when the party withdrew the nomination of Chibuike Amaechi in 2006 then as a governorship aspirant, without cogent and verifiable reason, as stipulated in the Electoral Act 2006.

Nigerian judges in a rare demonstration of courage have also upturned the electoral victories of the PDP in a number of governorship cases. Examples that readily come to mind are those of former Governors Peter Obi of Anambra, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun. These gentlemen might never have been governors if not for the judiciary who assisted to retrieve their stolen

Onwubiko’s Dalliance with Shame

By Charles Ibekwe

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hen Christian clerics engage in acts deemed to be exploitative of their flock or they are found wanting in ways that do not conform to their calling, the response from their followers and sympathizers is usually to throw Psalms 105: 15 at perceived detractors. The verse is “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” (ESV). It is a veritable blackmail that has made near impossible to hold anyone that goes by the title of “man of God” to account, even in face of glaring shortcomings.

Unlike the man of God who dined with King Jeroboam in 1 Kings 13 and got mauled by a lion, the clergy in Nigeria are getting away with worse. The prophet in 1 Kings 13 still performed his duty of speaking out against the excesses of King Jeroboam but contemporary clergy have become inured to the point of being incapable of self-correction neither do they possess the capacity to call erring colleagues, fellow clergymen, to order.

The fallen clerics are however attractive to the national coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, self-styled comrade, Emmanuel Onwubiko, who made the wrong call of cursing God’s true prophet in the person of Pastor Williams F. Kumuyi, who is the General Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church. Pastor Kumuyi’s crime in the eyes of Onwubiko was that he dared advise Nigerians against attacking President Muhammadu Buhari.

Interestingly, Pastor Kumuyi does not need defending from Onwubiko or for those who sent him on a self-destructive errand. It is up to God to decide if an urchin should escape divine punishment for cursing his prophet, whose only crime is guiding Nigerians from sin consistent with the injuction in 1 Timothy 2:2 that enjoined

us to pray for our leaders. There are at least nine citations in the Bible that caution against curses and as many as ten that advise civil disposition towards and praying for leaders. So the wise counsel from Pastor Kumuyi, which appears aimed at saving some Nigerians from calling down divine curses upon themselves because of their bitterness against President Buhari, is not misplaced.

What is misplaced is Onwubiko’s sense of appropriateness, which leaves one worrying if the divine curse is not already visiting him.

His outbursts in matters concerning President Buhari have become alarming to a point that he may soon be frothing at the mouth whenever the President’s name is mentioned. His loved ones would have to act fast to ensure matters do not get to the point where he would have to be committed. At this stage, therapy may still be useful for him.

Shortly before he launched his attack on the clergyman, he had made so much noise about the President attending the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia. His grouse, like others uninformed persons that criticised the development, was that attending the OIC meeting was the same as Islamizing Nigeria.

This is stretching the imagination beyond what is tenable considering that the immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan attended the same meeting in his time when Onwubiko was possibly too deeply asleep to be aware that a Christian president had been Islamized. He had nothing against this same Jonathan practically allowing the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) run the country at the time, to an extent that he even went to cry at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.

The statement Onwubiko issued to insult the man of God exposed his troubled state of mind and removed all doubts about his penchant for double standards. He admitted as much that he

mandates from the PDP. But for the judiciary which came to the rescue of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, he would not have served out his tenure as Vice President neither would he have contested the 2007 presidential election under the Action Congress. It was another ‘locus classicus’ when the Supreme Court ruled that joint candidacy of contestants and their running mates ends at the polls and does not extend to government. Hence, in 2007, we witnessed a divided presidency with the President (Olusegun Obasanjo) being in the PDP and his deputy being in the AC. When some governors were trying to elongate their tenures through the backdoor by misinterpreting Section 180 (2) of 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended in 2010 to say that their tenures start to count from the day they were sworn in after winning re-run elections, it was the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court who in a landmark judgment on January 27, 2012 that correctly interpreted that section of the law that any governor whose election is annulled and is asked to be re-conducted, should he win the re-run, his tenure will start to count from when he was initially sworn in and not the time he wins the re-run. This position was later reflected in the 2010 constitution amendment. It was through judicial activism that Nigeria now has staggered elections in which case governorship elections in Anambra, Kogi, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Edo, Ondo, and Osun states now hold on different dates.

Beyond elections, the Nigerian judiciary has been redressing executive recklessness and legislative rascality. It was members of Bench, judges, who have been nullifying many of the rash and unconstitutional impeachments of many deputy governors and indeed governors by the state Houses of Assembly. Among them was the nullification of the impeachments of former Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State as well as those of the ex-deputy governors

Sunday Onyebuchi of Enugu State, Mohammed Garba Gadi of Bauchi State, and Ali Olanusi of Ondo State.

I dare say that if not for the steadfastness and activism of some of the judges and justices of our courts, politicians would have rail-roaded Nigeria’s democracy into autocracy with the likelihood of military intervention. Rather than lampoon judges who demonstrate courage by righting the wrongs committed by politicians, we should rather laud their yeoman’s effort and encourage them to do more. Even though in electoral matters it is the politicians that win and lose, they should learn the right lessons from their electoral misfortunes.

Judges are not after the job of politicians but give these landmark judgments in order to promote democratic ethos in our political parties. I know for a fact that every judgment a judge gives wins him or her friends and enemies alike, be they in civil or criminal cases including election petitions. It is most unfortunate that politicians from the other two arms of government have been relentless in compromising the integrity of many judges by offering some of them hefty bribes that are irresistible. The political elite should desist from this ignoble practice and allow members of the bench to carry out their functions without let or hindrance; fear or favour.

Party administrators, seeing what the judiciary has done in the aforementioned election petitions cases, should be committed to due process in the management of their party affairs. It should be clear from the electoral misfortunes of the APC in Rivers and Zamfara that party constitution is subordinate to the country’s constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of the elections. Will they heed this noble advice? Time will tell.

is not just a wannabe religious fanatic but also an incurable bigot, who is apparently beyond redemption. He is shallow to the point where he wants the clergyman to abandon his calling to become adviser to Mr President on ethnic relations and security matters.

Still on his penchant for double standards, rather than situate his argument on whether the pastor erred in the application of the scripture he resorted to quoting the constitution. Quoting the constitution is not bad except that Onwubiko does not believe in Nigeria’s grand norm. He is a known vocal supporter of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a designated terrorist group, which does not recognize Nigeria and its constitution. So what constitution is Onwubiko citing? His support for IPOB is echoed in the statement he issued since some of his lines were taken straight out of IPOB’s a seeming propaganda handbook.

Digging down into his double standard, the same man alleging killer herdsmen and other inanities like Islamization agenda happens to be a strong supporter of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, another outlawed group with a history of tactically imposing its street marches on others as a way of creating the impression that not belonging to their sect is futile. Extremists of this sect have been known to attack, injure and some instances kill the security personnel drafted to keep their provocative activities under control. Because they are his clients, there is nothing wrong in the crimes of IMN. It should naturally leave one wondering how a man that is this conflicted has the gut to judge others to the point of telling someone, whose achievements he can never best, to cover his face in shame. Those who know Onwubiko up close understand that his outburst was not driven by conviction but by anger and that anger has nothing to do with a sense of right or wrong. It has everything to do with Onwubiko’s

transactional tendencies, except for his ethnic bigotry, nothing about his activism comes free. He must be shown the money before he converts his poison into press statements or broadcast media appearances. Even some of the people in his circuit have had cause to fall out with him in instances when sharing formulas were not mutually agreeable.

He must have therefore projected his own behaviour onto others to conclude that anyone asking people not to attack President Buhari must have received a nine digit payoff. What he then did was to switch to the automatic mode when he thinks he has been cut out of a deal, whereby he launched his attack in the belief that he would be invited to share in the loot or be offered an engagement to become a talking head for the Buhari administration. That strategy was dead on arrival. Having previously worked in the Jonathan years when Onwubiko got endless speaking engagements on behalf of that government at broadcast stations in Abuja, it appears he does not possess intellectual capacity that can communicate the complex achievements of the incumbent government.

The HURIWA chieftain will do well to note that his tantrums over his depleted reserves from the Jonathan years will evolve into full blown psychotic episodes in the additional four years that President Buhari has to pilot the affairs of Nigeria. He is thus advised to seek other productive means of livelihood as opposed to selling himself out as a quote-forhire hitman. The unspeakable penury that could be his portion in the course of the next four years may just be his deserved punishment for cursing God’s anointed. That is when he will know shame.

Follow me on twitter @jideojong

Ibekwe is a public affairs analyst and wrote from Enugu.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Kano Emirs Law, Why It Is Invalid

By Abubakar D. Sani

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he controversy over the amendment to the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law 1984 appears to have focused more on its motives than its substance.

Before proceeding further, however, a word of caution: the alleged non-compliance of the amendment with the age-old tradition of a single Emir appointed on the recommendation of kingmakers as well as the rules of the state House of Assembly is presently the subject of litigation at the Kano High Court.

Accordingly, it would be inappropriate to comment on the merits or otherwise of those suits.

This intervention will, therefore, strictly be limited to other reasons which, in my view, make the validity of the law suspect. I intend to demonstrate this presently, starting with . ..

This legislation was enacted as a military edict in 1984. The 1999 Constitution recognises such laws only to the extent to which they are consistent with it (vide Section 315). Of the 12-odd clauses of the Emirs Law, Section 11(1)(a) is particularly problematic. It provides that: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, no court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any civil cause or matter instituted for the determination of any question relating to the selection, appointment, installation, deposition or abdication, of an Emir”.

This ouster clause obviously flies in the face of Section 272(1) of the 1999 Constitution which provides, inter alia that, “the High Court of a State shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil proceedings in which the existence or extent of a legal right, power, duty, liability, privilege, interest, obligation or claim is in issue”.

To the extent that the Emirs Law is a state law,the Kano State High Court ordinarily ought to have jurisdiction to entertain any civil action arising from or relating to anything done or purported to have been done pursuant to it. Alas, the said ouster clause precludes such an inquiry.

Is it valid? That is the question. In LEMBOYE vs.

OGUNSIJI (1990) 6 NWLR pt. 155 pg. 210 @ 225, the Court of Appeal struck down a similar provision in Section 47 of the Land Use Act which purported

to oust the jurisdiction of the court to inquire into any question concerning the amount or adequacy of compensation payable under the Act.There is no reason why the same fate should not befall this provision of the Law. Beyond this, however, I believe that the entire law suffers from a more profound and fundamental defect in the sense that it violates the right of fair hearing under Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution. This clause provides, inter alia; “A law shall not be invalidated by reason only that it confers an any government or authority power to determine questions arising in the administration of a law that affects or may affect the civil rights and obligations of any person of such law (a) provides for an opportunity for the person whose rights and obligations may be affected to make representations to the administering authority before that authority makes the decision affecting that person; and (b)contains no provision making the determination of the administering authority final and conclusive”.

In BAKARE vs. L.S.C.S.C. (1992) 10 S.C.N.J. 173, the Supreme Court held that identical provisions in the 1979 Constitution were in the alternative and not cumulative. In relation to the law under review, I submit that none of its clauses meets the requirements of this constitutional provision. I believe that this is particularly the case with Sections 3 and 4 of the Law, which were the subject of the amendment effected by the Kano State House of Assembly on May 8, 2019. We shall presently review them.

Section 3 declares, inter alia, the area of authority of the Council of Chiefs and confers it with legal personality. The most significant and controversial innovations are the provisions of Section 3(3) & (4) which establish five separate Emirates for the State where hitherto there was only one. They are Kano, Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye. Section 4 of the amended law sets out the composition of the Council of Chiefs, which, apart from the Emirs themselves, include the Chairmen of all the Local Governments in the State and 16 other members, some of whom are ex-officio.

Another controversial innovation made by

Comment

Section 4(2) of the Law, as amended, which provides for a rotational chairmanship of the Council “who, shall serve for a period of two (2) years, sequence of which (sic) is to be determined by the Governor”. The law is silent on which of the Council members is eligible to be its Chairman. Is it restricted to only the five Emirs, or is it open to all its 21-odd members? This appears to be a lacuna or omission, because it is inconceivable that any of the “common” members of the Council will preside over their Royal Highnesses in any meetings of the Council.

The amended law may legitimately be questioned on a numberof fronts. None of them is more compelling than the absence of any obligation on the part of the government to consult those directly affected by the law. Foremost in this regard (apart from the kingmakers), is the erstwhile sole Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II, whose hitherto exclusive dominion over the entire state (all 44 Local Governments thereof) has now been whittled down to just eight Local Governments.

To make matters worse, His Highness must now endure the indignity of sharing the Chairmanship of the Council with people who, hitherto, were his subjects. However, this is not all about Emir Sanusi, as even the ordinary talakawa (or more correctly, Kanawa) in the streets was not consulted (there was no public hearing) prior to the creation of the new Emirates. Admittedly, this was the position under the principal law and the amendment merely maintains the status quo.

The absolute prerogative of the state governor over the appointment of an Emir is reiterated in Section 4(4) of the law, as amended, which maintains that “all selections by the Kingmakers in the respected (sic)Emirates are subject to” his approval.

The same, presumably, applies to the deposition of an Emir: the law denies his subjects a say in the process. I believe that not only does this violate the provisions of Section 36(2) of the Constitution, it breaches the principle of natural justice. See ADIGUN vs. ATT-GEN. OF OYO STATE (1987) 1 NWLR pt. 53 pg. 678 where the Supreme Court held that where a person’s legal right and/or obligations are called in question, he should be accorded full opportunity of being heard

before any adverse decision is taken in relation to those rights or obligations.

See also FRN vs. ABIOLA (1995) SCNJ 283.

The foregoing is amplified by the said ouster clause in Section 11(1)(a) of the law. The practical effect of this provision is simply that any decision made by the governor under the law (appointment or deposition of an Emir) is final and cannot be challenged in a court of law. It is obvious that this a blatant violation of the right of fair hearing of both the affected Emir in any given case, and his subjects at large. As previously stated, this right is not merely a common law principle or based on natural justice; it is codified in Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution. In GLOBAL EXCELLENCE vs. DUKE (2007) 16 NWLR pt. 1059 pg. 22 @ 48, the Supreme Court held that access to court is a constitutional right which can only be taken away by a provision in the Constitution.

Finally, yet another flaw in the law is the inclusion of Local Government Chairmen in the membership of both the Council of Chiefs at the state level and the Emirate Council in each of the five emirates vide Sections 3(1), 4(1)(v) (d) and 4(5)(i)(b), respectively, of the law as amended. In ATT-GEN. OF BENDEL STATE vs.

ATT-GEN. OF THE FED. (1983) NSCC 181 @ 201, the Supreme Court held that the National Assembly cannot unilaterally confer functions or impose duties on a state functionary. A fortiori, I submit that a state House of Assembly cannot unilaterally confer a function on a local government functionary, in this case, its chairman.

The flaws in the Kano State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, transcend the perceived animosity between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and HRH Emir Sanusi, which supposedly motivated its recent amendment. I believe that, for the foregoing reasons, the law is incurably defective and ought to be jettisoned and replaced with a new one which respects civil liberties, particularly the rights of fair hearing (consultation of relevant stakeholders) and access to the courts.

Sani, a lawyer, wrote in from Kano viaxl4sure@gmail.com

9th Assembly Speaker: Who The Cap Fit

By Abba Dukawa

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s Nigerians count down to the proclamation of the 9th National Assembly on 11 June, 2019, there are heightened tensions, intrigues and suspense on who, among the contending gladiators, would emerge as the presiding officers of the two chambers.

In the House of Representatives, the Speakership contenders include Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos State), Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger State) and Nkiru Onyejeocha (Abia State). The only known aspirant for Deputy Speaker is Hon Ahmed Wase from Plateau State. Barring any unforeseen development, these aspirants would be testing their popularity amongst their colleagues as the National Assembly is inaugurated in the next coming days.

Nigerians interest is, on the House of Representatives which is seen as the heartbeat of the National Assembly, considering the wider diversity of the Federal Constituencies and the relatively younger population of house members compared to the Senate. The vibrancy and constructiveness of its membership has earned the House of Representatives the sobriquet: House of Nigerian people. The House is indeed truly representative of the Nigerian people by virtue of its composition and reach. Whoever seeks to lead the House must be a leader whose profile and character resonate well with the vast majority of the members.

Given the previous history of fractiousness, recriminations and mistrust associated with successive leaderships in the House, whoever that would be installed as the Speaker must be someone who commands the acceptance of a wider spectrum of the members. He or she must be a person of unimpeachable integrity, a nation builder and a tactician that is devoid of bigotry and clannishness. The House needs a fearless leader who is balanced in his views and fairminded in his approach to national issues.

Of all the contenders, the man that fits the cap is Femi Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila and Wase project for speakership have come up with different approach toward getting require numbers of lawmakers that will vote them base on capable of bringing the needed reform to the National Assembly. The duo projects has nothing to do with ethno-religeous , as some peoples want to be drawn project into.

Nigerians need a speaker of the 9th assembly that will restore the lost confidence of citizens on the National Assembly. In every democratic dispensation, the leadership of the legislature chambers should be entrusted on the shoulders of the persons who has possess much needed qualities of moving the legislative body forward.

Gbajabiamila and Ahmad Wase has demonstrated true passion for issues concerning Nigeria through bills, motions and debates in the house. Pairs quest for assembly leadership are best suited for the position as many describing them as “a true believer in

qualitative representation.

Nation Legislatives House are dire needs of strong persons and a party loyal that will have the far reaching positive impact on the lives of Nigerians when 9th assembly speaker emerge.

More than ever the assembly and the nation at large need new speaker that will deepen democratic rule, delivery of good governance as well as strengthening democratic stability for the country in the next four years.

If that is the kind of leaders Nigerians wants Gbajabiamila and Wase can be entrusted with such a challenging responsibilities of becoming the speaker and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. Both aspirants had of legislative experience; Femi had 16 years of legislative experience was the deputy minority leader in the 6th assembly and emerged as the minority leader with the 7th assembly and majority leader in the 8th assembly.

Going by duo legislative experience in the green chamber will give them leverage to run an all-inclusive chamber that will accommodate all shade of opinions and had enjoyed overwhelming support of returning and member elect not from APC even from opposition parties member elect. As part of Gbajabiamila, Wase lobbied strategics campaign team they toured nation’s Geopolitical Zones and visit is part of the NATION BUILDING JOINT TASKS for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, ahead of the inauguration of 9th Assembly.

Femi Gbajabiamila, (Baban Jamila) and Ahmad Idris Wase (Maje) promised opposition

parties serving and newly elected lawmakers to be inclusive and really need them. To prove they readiness to run inclusive for the 9th National Assembly NATION BUILDING JOINT TASKS campaign logo embodies the logos of all political parties represented in the House (9th Assembly).

In his declaration to seek for the office of the speaker of the house of Representatives said the project invites serving and member elects in the green chambers in respect of party affiliations to Joint Task projects. As a beacon of hope and faith and a testimony to the endless possibilities that abound in this great country. That you can be whatever and whoever you want and with focus, hardwork and perseverance, the sky can sometimes be the beginning”.

A desire to take the legislature to the next level standing tall and shoulder to shoulder with the most advanced legislatures world over.

They possesses the priceless acumen needed to take up this task and another pivotal point that cannot be taken away is they political worth to party and Nigeria. They has manifested a sophisticated political capacity of which only a few can boast Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and Ahmad has remained for the enthronement of rule of law and due process in the conduct of governmental activities and operations.

Dukawa can be abbahydukawa@gmail.com

reached

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

PAGE 14

NEWS Insurgency: ISWAP taking over Nigerian territory false, says group

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he Coalition Against Terrorism in Nigeria (CATE) has described as false some reports that the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) has taken control of some territory in the country.

Recall that the media was awash with news that the sect known as ‘Group of the People of Sunnah for Preaching and Jihad’ defeated the Nigerian military and captured some areas in the northeast.

CATE in a statement signed

by National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, on Monday, noted that the reports revealed that the group is in full control of Marte, headquarters of Marte local government area of Borno state, western coast of Lake Chad.

It added that like other fake news, there was no detailed explanation of what exactly transpired on Sunday as the report was based on mere speculation.

While urging a section of the media and others in the business of spreading falsehood to retrace their steps, CATE, however, enjoined the Nigerian troops not to be deterred by the propaganda.

“Based on facts obtained from on the ground assessment, the story of the purported capture of Marte was found to be aimed at derailing the war against terrorism with intent to demoralize government troops that are carrying out the operation with selfless sacrifices that have earned the country respite from the scourge of Boko Haram.

“The publication of the misleading story is a red flag that a new propaganda offensive has been launched against the Nigerian Armed Froces with a view to boosting the morale of Boko Haram terrorists.

“We urge the professional media organizations to continue adhering to the time-tested tenets of journalism that is built around objectivity, fairness balance and due consideration for national interest and the general public good.

“We urge the Nigerian military to keep up its punishing onslaught against the terrorists that had thought they could make life unbearable for Nigerians.

“The recourse to lies by supporters of the terrorists is not enough to invalidate the divine mandate that the Niegrian Armed Forces have to liberate the country from its enemies,” the statement added.

Kano commission recommends Emir Sanusi’s sack over alleged N3.4bn fraud

T

he Kano state public complaints and anticorruption commission has recommended the sack of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II. A preliminary report of the investigation conducted by the commission and signed by its Chairman, Mr Muhuyi Magaji, said the sack recommendation followed the a N3.4bn fraud perpetrated by the emir.

It said that, the alleged amount was said to have been misappropriated between 2014 and 2017.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the investigation was in respect of a petition of financial misappropriation levelled against Kano Emirate Council under the

present Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II. It added that the interim report raised four cardinal issues bordering on indictments, amount involved, obstruction of investigation and recommendations. It also indicated that the Kano emirate council had spent over N1.4 billion in various expenditures believed to be fraudulent and unappropriated.

It further accused the emirate council of spending over N1.9 billion unappropriated on seemingly personal expenditures, making the total sum of the questionable amount. The report said the expenditures contravened the provisions of section 120 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)

and section 8 of the Kano state emirate council special fund law 2004. Also, the expenditures, according to the report, had violated section 314 of penal code as well as provisions of section 26 of the Kano state public complaints and anti-corruption commission law 2008 (as amended). “It is also the opinion of this commission, based on the available evidence, that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II continued to undermine the investigation through various means which include giving instruction to all officers invited for clarification to shun the commission’s invitation. “The act is seriously affecting the process of our statutory responsibility and offends the provisions of section 25 of the commission’s enabling law 2008 (as amended),” the

report said. Thus, the report recommended that the principal suspect, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and all others connected with the case be suspended, pending the final outcome of the investigations. “This is a necessary administrative disciplinary action aimed at preventing the suspects from further interfering with the commission’s investigations. “The commission further recommends that the contract awarded to Tri-C Nigeria Limited for renovation of Babban Daki, Kofar Kudu and Gidan Sarki Dorayi should be revoked as the company belongs to one of the suspects in person of Alhaji Mannir Sanusi, (the chief of staff in the emirate),” it said.

As at press time on Tuesday, the Kano emir was yet to respond to the allegations.

Children catching funs during Eid-ElFitr celebration holiday, yesterday at the Millennium park, Abuja.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Sign the “Proceeds of Crime (POCA) bill”, Group urges Buhari From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

T

he Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari “to sign two bills before him: the Proceeds of Crime (POCA) bill and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters bill.”

The POCA bill, passed in April was transmitted to the president by the National Assembly, and the second bill had been by the Senate since May 2017.

ANEEJ, in a press release made public on yesterday said both bills when assented to will strengthen the anti-corruption fight of the administration.

“We urge the resident to assent to both bills to strengthen the asset recovery architecture in Nigeria and also institutionalise the enabling frameworks for the effective implementation of the London anti-corruption and the

Global Forum for Asset Recovery (GFAR) commitments which the president signed unto in 2016,” ANEEJ’s executive director, David Ugolor, said.

“We commend the National Assembly for transmitting both bills after painstaking negotiations. While we note that the POCA cannot be perfect as passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, if assented to by the president, it will help send a strong message to other jurisdictions withholding our stolen funds,” he added.

“We also want to place on record the excellent support offered by the senate committee chairman on the judiciary, human rights and legal matters, David Umaru, leading to the passage of this all important bill.

“We equally appreciate the leading role of the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

(SAN) and his team in the Federal Ministry of Justice as well as Civil Society Organisations for their relentless efforts towards the passage of the bills over the years.”

Non-governmental organisations partnering with ANEEJ, under its Monitoring of Recovered Returned Assets Through Transparency and Accountability (MANTRA) project, have also lent their voice to the recommendation.

Zikirulahi Ibrahim, executive director of the Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), described the passing of the bills as a significant milestone for all of the country’s anti-corruption activities and said it is a big leap in implementing the government’s anti-corruption strategy.

“We must ensure that looters of the nation’s treasury are not allowed to keep proceeds of their criminality,” he said. “When

assented by the president, POCA will make our campaign for the recovery and management of looted assets a lot more easier.”

The Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC) through its executive director, Ralph Ndigwe, said the transmission of both bills to the president signals a significant milestone in the war against corruption in Nigeria.

He added that Utazi Godfrey Chukwuka, senator representing Enugu North and chairman of the Senate committee on anticorruption and financial crimes, “has written his name in gold in the struggle to rid Nigeria of corruption by this development”.

“We are happy with this development and we call on the President to assent to both Bills and use it as a template to firm up assets recovery institutional framework in the country,” said Abiodun Oyeleye, executive

director of the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), another MANTRA partner.

“It will surely give the needed teeth to anti-corruption activists to bite treasury looters.

Unexplained wealth can be seized and the onus placed on the owner to showcase why the government will not seize such suspicious assets with POCA,” he added.

The bill on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters has been touted to have the capacity to assist in the repatriation of looted funds in foreign countries. It will also enable Nigeria obtain evidence, identify witnesses, and transfer suspects in other countries.

Like this instrument, the Proceeds of Crime bill is also crucial in tackling corruption.

It provides for the confiscation, forfeiture, and management of property derived from unlawful activities.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

R-L: Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, his Deputy Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, Secretary to the Katsina State Government Dr. Mustafa Muhammed Inuwa and State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Shitu S. Shitu during the Eid-el-Fitri prayer, on Tuesday at the Usman Bin Fodio Mosque, Modoji,

Kwara govt spends N2.2bn on workers’ May salary

C

ivil Servants in Kwara State have started receiving their May salaries, following the directives of the state governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

A statement signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Agboola Olanrewaju, said the directives covered payments to workers in the Civil Service, Teaching Service, pensioners, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including the

three state owned media houses.

Mr Olanrewaju also said the members of staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), teachers, Local Government workers and pensioners were also paid their May salary.

He added that the Abdulrazaqled administration was committed to run an open and transparent government and promised to fulfill his campaign promises to the

people of the state.

Mr Olanrewaju said a total sum of N3.2billion statutory allocation was received by the Kwara Government as federal allocation for the month of May. He said out of this amount, N2.2billion went into payment of state workers and pensioners, all of who got their full remuneration for the month.

The press secretary said the entire money that came for various

local governments also went directly into paying workers’ salaries, which covered only 85 per cent of their salaries.

He explained that Kwara Government did not take anything from the local government funds in line with the new directive separating state funds from that of local governments.

“Kwara State will observe this regulation to the letter,” he said.

(NAN)

Gov. Makinde appoints CPS

G

overnor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Taiwo Adisa, an editor with the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, as his Chief Press Secretary.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was confirmed in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff of the governor, Bisi Ilaka, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday evening.

Until his appointment, Mr Adisa was the Group Politics Editor and Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune Newspapers.

“He had earlier served as Special Assistant (Media Relations) to former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara between 2003 and May 2005.

“He was educated at the University of Ibadan where he

earned BA and MA degrees in Communication and Language Arts. ”He had an illustrious career in Journalism spanning The News Tempo Magazines, The Punch Newspapers and lately Tribune which he joined in July 2005.

“Apart from serving as the Group Politics Editor and Abuja Bureau Chief of Tribune, he also

runs a weekly column in the Sunday Tribune called The Lynx-Eye, which he uses to dissect political developments across the country.

“Adisa, who hails from Ogbomoso South Local Government of the state, is currently undertaking a Ph.D programme in Media Arts at the University of Abuja,” the statement said.(NAN)

Saraki Commiserates with THISDAY’s MD over Wife’s Death

P

resident of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday commiserated with the Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello, over the death of his wife, Helen, after a brief illness in London on

Tuesday.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the untimely passage of Mrs. Helen EniolaBello as a very painful loss.

He said: “Mrs. Helen Eniola-

Bello was a dutiful mother and a pillar of support to her husband.

Her humility and selflessness endeared her to all. I am deeply saddened that we lost her to illness so soon. We shall all miss her.”

Dr. Saraki condoled with

Eni B, his immediate family, the THISDAY Group and the Nigerian media over the irreparable loss.

He urged Eni B to take solace in the fact that God has a reason for everything, this unexplainable circumstance

notwithstanding.

“God gives and God takes. We cannot query God,” he stated.

He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and her family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

POLITICS

Presidential election: A/Court asked to disqualify Buhari over alleged lying under oath

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

T

he Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has been asked to invoke its original jurisdiction to determine whether President Muhammadu Buhari supplied false information about his educational qualification and certificates.

Buhari was accused of supplied a false information in the Form CF001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before the 2019 general elections In an appeal marked CA/A/436/2019, the appeal court was asked to determine whether the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is competent to file processes to defend the allegation that President Buhari lied on oath about his qualifications.

The appellates, Kalu Agu, Labaran Ismail and Hassy El-Kuris, challenging the dismissal of a suit they filed against President Buhari, prior to the February 23 presidential election.

Trial Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja had in a judgment on May 2, dismissed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1310/2018, on the premise that it was statute barred.

They had among other things, prayed the high court to determine; “Whether having regard to the information in the Affidavit contained in the 1st Defendant’s INEC FORM CF001 regarding his educational qualifications/ certificates, the Defendant has submitted false information to the 3rd Defendant.

“Whether from the facts and exhibits contained in the affidavit in support of this Originating Summons, and having regard to section 31(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010 ( as amended ), the 1st Defendant is disqualified from running for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2019 General Elections.

Whether the 1st Defendant having submitted false information to the 3rd Defendant, the 2nd Defendant can validly present the

1st Defendant as its Candidate for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the 2019 General Elections.

“Whether the 3rd Defendant can validly receive, accept or act upon the false information in the Affidavit and documents submitted by the 1st as Candidate of the 2nd Defendant for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the 2019 General Elections.

As well as, “Whether the 3rd Defendant ought to have rejected the said false information and documents submitted by the 2nd Defendant for the 1st Defendant”.

The litigants prayed the court to hold that President Buhari was ineligible to contest the presidential election.

Meanwhile, in their four grounds of appeal, the appellant contended that the high court judge erred by relying on a preliminary objection that was filed on behalf of President Buhari by the AGF, to dismiss the suit. Citing several decided cases, the appellants argued that, “The Attorney General or a

lawyer in his office cannot appear or file processes for the 1st Defendant”.

Besides, they urged the Court of Appeal to determine, “Whether the Learned Trial Judge was right in holding that the suit was statute-barred by computing the number of days from the 28th day of September, 2018 when the 2nd Respondent held its primary election wherein the 1st Respondent was elected as a candidate of the 2ndRespondent?

“Arising from the foregoing it is our submission that the Learned Trial Judge was, with respect, wrong to have held that the objection to the representation by the Attorney General and ipso facto the processes was belated in that there was no objection to the appearance of the law officers and that the Appellants reacted to the processes filed.

A court must be guided by the process before it: “It is evident from the processes and proceedings before the court that there was a frontal challenge by the Appellants to the processes filed on behalf of the 1st Respondent by the law

officers. The court was bound to rule on this issue and not sweep it under the carpet.

“Howbeit, it is further submitted that it is settled law that the issue of competence of a proceedings or a process cannot be waived when the challenge goes to the fundamental nature of the process and not merely on a procedural aspect of the process: “In the circumstances of the foregoing we urge Your Lordship to hold that the reliance of the Court on the processes and the refusal to strike them out was wrong. “Further, we urge Your Lordship to reverse the decision of the Court, assume original jurisdiction on the matter and strike out all the processes filed by the 1st Respondent’s Counsel. “By Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act, it is the information given by the 1st Respondent, the candidate to the 3rd Respondent that is the subject matter of this suit.’’

President Buhari, All Progressives Congress, APC, and INEC are mentioned as defendants in the matter.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

POLITICS Korean Deputy Speaker tells President Moon to visit Nigeria

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Deputy Speaker of Republic of Korea National Assembly, Ju-young Lee, has called on President Moon Jaein of the country to visit Nigeria, expressing believe that the partnership between Nigeria and Korea will be the foundation for economic development between both countries.

In a chat with journalists at the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria in Abuja, Ju-young Lee, who led a three-man delegation to Nigeria on an official visit, also enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Republic of Korea soon as a measure to strengthen their bilateral relations.

“The First Lady Aisha Buhari

has visited Korea twice in the last four years. When I get back to Korea, I will suggest President Moon to visit Nigeria. I also want the Nigerian government to advise President Buhari to consider visiting Korea”, according to him.

He said that African continent is very large with potential for a huge market, even as he stressed the importance of exchange visits between President Buhari and President Moon Jae-in, which according to him, will enhance the mutual cooperation between both economies.

Lee is the head of the Korean three-man delegation whose visit to Abuja coincided with President Buhari’s second term inauguration on May 29. Also in the delegation were Jaehyun Baek

and Joo Gwangdeok.

He also added that while discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relationship, the prospect of exchange visit was one of the issues which the delegation explored with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo when both met at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking further, Mr. Lee recalled that when Buhari and the immediate past Korean President, Park Geun-hye, met at the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2015, Park emphasized the importance of Nigeria sharing experience with Korea on economic development.

“Increased investment will be a win-win situation for both countries,” Lee, who is also the Chairman of the Association of

Korean Nigerian Parliamentary Association, added.

While pointing out that culture is one of the aspects through which the ties between Nigeria and Korea Republic will be promote, the lawmaker said that there is a prospect of Nigerian K-Pop team being invited to Korea for the World K-Pop competition in October. The Nigerian K-Pop dance competition holds in July and the overall winner of that competition stands a chance to be invited to Korea.

He explained that his country wants to promote Korean drama on Nigerian televisions, as well as introduce the Nigerian traditional choreography and dance to the Korean public.

While commending the

L-R: APC Chairman in Lagos State, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun; former Minister of State for Defence, Musliu Obanikoro; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and Head of Service, Lagos State, Akeem MuriOkunola, during the prayers to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr , on Tuesday in Lagos .

We didn’t endorse Gbajabiamila or others Aspirants - PDP Caucus

Says propagandists are behind mischievous Twistie

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus of the House of Representatives has alleged that Propagandists are behind mischievous Twisties of goodwill message to imply support for one of its Speakership aspirants.

The Caucus in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, by the Party Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor emphasized that while the caucus has directed its members to participate in meetings and strategy sessions of the APC Speakership aspirants, they never directed them to consider voting for any of the aspirants.

According to the Minority Leader, “even though some confused elements in the ruling party are claiming to be talking to one part of the PDP House caucus before talking to the other’, the PDP House caucus remains resolutely united, with decisive plans for strengthening democratic growth while patriotically exerting influence on the Speakership election process” He stated that the PDP’s national leadership and members of the PDP caucus will consider the national interest and take a collective decision on whom to vote for on June 11 when the House is scheduled to be inaugurated.

“In the Eid el Fitri message issued on Tuesday, we felicitated with all our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria, we emphasized the significance of worthy virtues and also stated that our members may participate in meetings, strategy sessions and other activities of Speakership aspirants so as to come back to the caucus with coonvincing asssessments.

“While some publications including PUNCH newspaper have disseminated accurate and objective report, few others fabricated a completely new angle with one even using a deliberately fictitious and grossly erroneous headline in a

manner that suggests being used for the ruling party’s usual misinformation and propaganda.

“Contrary to what has been sensationally reported by some, at no time did we give our members a directive to vote for any APC speakership aspirant; I hereby categorically dissociate myself and the PDP House Caucus from the false comments being attributed to us as participation in meetings should not be deliberately misinterpreted as a directive on voting,” Honourable Ogor stated.

According to Ogor, the PDP House Caucus has remain solidly united, even as it continues to grant audience to various Speakership aspirants.

“Of the three arms of government, the legislature is the first when it comes to the ethos and praxis of democracy; hence, our willingness to further facilitate democratic values and legislative camaraderie - values that are lacking in the ruling party - up till that day when our great party, the PDP, will take a decision.

“Indeed, on May 22 and again, on June 4, all the House Speakership aspirants of note came one after another, to meet and discuss their plans with the leadership of the PDP House Caucus.

“While we have taken the decision to enable all individual members to interact and exchange perspectives, the PDP House Caucus shall - with the input and advice of our party’s national leadership – take a final decision soon, in the interest of Nigeria and we will communicate our formal position to the public.

“Our unflinching commitment to the principles and ethos of democracy, our keenness for dialogue and our willingness to make sacrifice for the national interest should not be unduly exaggerated as a tacit endorsement or assurance of vote for any candidate of the ruling party,” he stated.

government of President Muhammadu Buhari for his tough disposition against corruption, Mr. Lee said Nigeria must solve its corruption problem by itself, cautioning that corruption remains a huge impediment to both social growth and economic development especially in developing countries.

“I hope the corruption problem in Nigeria will be solved by the people of Nigeria by themselves and I have introduced the Korean experience of getting rid of corruption and I hope Nigeria will soon arrive at that place where corruption is no longer a major issue. We parliamentarians should try to tackle corruption through cooperation and exchange of experiences,” he said.

Photo; NAN

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representative Leader, Hon Femi Gabajabialla, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and other Muslim faithful at the Mabilla Prayer ground for the Eld-El fitr to mark the Sallah, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

PDP upbraids Buhari over “necessary evil” Comment

…Seeks apology to Nigerians

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thumbed down President Muhammadu Buhari for branding residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as “necessary evil” because they did not vote for him in the February 23 Presidential election.The PDP said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.The party noted that such resort to branding of Nigerians for rightly exercising their rights is completely unpresidential and must be condemned by all.

The PDP maintained that the statement of Mr. President was inciting, divisive and capable of demonizing

innocent compatriots and setting them up for victimization by overzealous agencies.

According to the statement, “Moreover, President Buhari should note that he was not only rejected by FCT residents but also by an overwhelming majority of Nigerians across the states of the federation, who voted massively for the PDP, only for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to subvert the will of the people in his favour; consequent upon which our party and presidential candidate have headed for the retrieval of this stolen mandate at the tribunal”.Furthermore, the PDP criticized President Buhari for stating that “to make FCT secure is to make myself secure and the Vice President”.

It added, “The party holds that it is the duty of the President to provide security

for all parts of the country, irrespective of where he and the Vice President reside or how Nigerians cast their votes.

“The PDP maintains that the security of lives of all Nigerians, ought to have been paramount to the President and not determined by inessential factors, if indeed he has the interest of the people at heart.

“The PDP therefore calls on President Buhari to apologize to Nigerians for this divisive comment”, it said.

The party also urged Nigerians to continue in their determination to retrieve the stolen Presidential mandate at the tribunal, so as to have an administration that truly cares for the citizens, in line with the provisions of our laws.

Former CPC leader blames Obaseki for APC crises By Osaigbovo Benin

F

Iguobaro,

ormer chairman of Congress of the defunct Progressive Change (CPC) in Edo State, Godwin Erhahon, has asked governor Godwin Obaseki to take responsibility for the internal crises in All Progressives.

He stated that the crises in APC, would have abated if Obaseki did not alienate party leaders who gave him the platform to run for governorship election in 2016.

Erhahon who is a Chieftain of APC, said this yesterday in Benin while speaking with journalists in Benin City where he explained that the governor’s action was causing tension in the State.

He however said it is too early for the party chieftains to fight over who gets the party ticket for the 2020 governorship election in the State.

He also said since Governor Obaseki assumed office as governor of the state, the party has been run in a manner that does not encourage the sustainance and promotion of the original foundation of the party.

“Whether Obaseki will contest or not is too early to generate the kind of heat that is generating now in Edo. But, unfortunately Obaseki is responsible for the tension because he has been able to established himself as a man with hatred and egoistic,” “After the 2016

governorshipprimary election , Obaseki has been hostile to those who contested the primary with and those who did not support him during the primary.

He (Obaseki) has also refused to recognised any of his cocontestant as a leader of the party in the state,”.

According to him, “a good politician, once you emerged as winner from the primary, you do away with all the acrimony during the campaign and bring everybody on board but when you relegated stakeholders and leaders that contested with you there is no way they will not fight for relevance”.

“If Obaseki has not be hostile to too many people the battle would

not have been this hot “It is not absolutely true that all those who are against him are doing in solidarity with former governor Adams Oshiomole but because Obaseki has done everything desperately to suppress party leaders, and we going for another primary, they also want to prove a point that they are relevant,”.

He said because of the governor political naivety, he believe that he can do it with out the party leaders supporting him because the people are clapping that he is doing magic. “ Even if he has the support of the people, he would only get become the governorship candidate if party leader nominated him”.

Speaking further Erhahon attributed the crisis to some party members accused of misleading the governor to be hostile to others who they perceived as enemy.

He adding the good thing now is that those who mislead and encourage him to be hostile to others are also victims of his hostility.

He lamented that the development persit this long because there is no one to intervene in the matter because he has abandoned the leaders and stakeholders to their fate, describing the campaign by some group that people are against Obaseki because he has refused to share public fund to politicians as a cheap blackmail.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

YADAH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Owuze Nwuche 2. Emmanuel Halim (Chairman) 3. Catherine Halim (Secretary) 4. Ebikela Rita Cocodia THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To create a dynamic environment for research on thematic issues as regards the locality.

2. To sensitize the communities on capacity building and to promote development of the communities. Signed by Chairman.

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8. To promote good norms of a good citizenship and to inculcate ideals of national unity.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV. EKPOKPOBE PATRICK EGBETUSI. 2. PASTOR (MRS) ABOLOKO ROSELINE OCHUKO. 3. BRO. OLADUNMOYE ELIJAH OLUDARE 4. SIS. OBARE LILIAN EMUOBOME

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THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

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and

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MAGH KUMA TIMOTHY 2. Nnamdi Emerenini 3. Kalu Kingsley kalu.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OGAH EMMANUEL EDEOJA 2. AJUH BLESSING

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Lexy Uyi Osunde (President) 2.Skimmy Yah (General Secretary) 3.Destiny Ebagua THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To provide political, social, economic and moral assistance to all Edo State indigene both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

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After MTN, NCC expects Airtel, Glo, 9mobile to List on NSE

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T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that after the listing of telecom giant, MTN on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the other three are expected to follow suit as the commission will set a time line for them to do so.

Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Mr. Sunday Dare made this disclosure while speaking to ICT correspondents under the auspices of the Nigerian

Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) at the commission’s cooperate headquarters in Abuja.

Mr. Sunday Dare has disclosed that though Airtel has plans to list on the London Stock Exchange ((LSE), he thinks the operator would also list on NSE, saying that the commission will give a time line for them all to list on the NSE. “After MTN, Airtel has announced that they are going to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and I think part of their plan is get listed on the LSE and

perhaps come. The moment MTN has did it (got listed on the NSE); it is expected that other operators will also and I think they are working on it. We will set a time line (for the others to get listed); Airtel is talking to SEC though I know it is a process actually and and we expect that the big four (Glo, Airtel and 9mobile will also be listed with MTN that has already been listed)”, he said.

He recalled that, “the Federal Executive Council (FEC), late last year gave a directive that all data collecting agencies such as NCC and FRSC should

submit all their data collected to National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to create a national citizens database. That is the bases of any nation’s national security.”

He continued by saying, “the NCC worked with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) 2017/2018 to agree on four different kinds of identity cards that will be accepted as the minimum every Nigerian should have one them; the PVC, the Drivers license, the national ID or the international passport such that whichever one you present

can be queried in a citizens database.”

According to him, the biggest development however, is that “towards creating a citizens database, we are moving to a regime in which we would need ten fingerprints for biometrics.

What we had in the past was five finger but the one one that is being developed for the citizens database being put together by NIMC is ten. There is a committee working on it. As this will also server as a boast to national security, planning and development,” he said.

Group tackles Magazine over state

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Buhari Media Organisation has accused “The Economist” magazine of engaging in specious and moribund analysis from an unabashed partisan point of view.

BMO in dismissing the latest of The Economist’s analysis of the state of poverty in Nigeria, observed that the International magazine merely immersed itself in aggregating common-place and ill-sourced data even as the group recalled that engaging in frivolous election outcomes prediction, in which it had continued to fail, had also become a major pastime of the magazine.

“This is in the light of “The Economist” sensational off-the-mark prediction that incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari would lose the 2019 Presidential election to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, a serial presidential elections loser”, said the group.

In the statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Maduekwe, the group described The Economist as a shameless inquisitor with unveiled stakeholder interest in Nigerian affairs, but masquerading as objective analysts.

“The Economist’s latest report on the state of poverty in Nigeria is a sheer agglomeration of ill-thought and no reference sources of both primary and secondary data, merely targeted at deriding the present administration in a vicious bid to serve its predetermined agenda.

There’s absolutely no way that agglomeration of jaundiced submissions glorifying unverifiable data will pass the test of objectivity and professional analysis “Viewed against the background of its obvious efforts to cause disaffection against the person and administration of the Buhari government through its various rabble-rousing analyses and reports, it is no surprise that the international news medium has joined the bandwagon of motor-park analysts.”

According to the group, “the only

L-R: Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana, Rev. Daniel Tetteh; Director General, West African Monetary Institute Ghana, Dr Ngozi Egbuna; Commissioner, Industry and Private Sector Promotion ECOWAS Commission, Mr Mamado Traore; Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Mary Uduk and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema, during an experts meeting to validate West Africa Securities Regulatory Agency (WASRA) and West Africa Capital Market Integration Council Rules and Regulations(WACMICRR), recently in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Afreximbank President visits Eswatini, Signs Credit Facility pact of $140m

By Etuka Sunday

T

he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will provide a credit facility valued at up to two billion Rands (about $140 million) to the Kingdom of Eswatini to enable the Kingdom achieve required funding to meet trade and strategic economic goals, Bank President Prof. Benedict Oramah, has announced in Mbabane.

Prof. Oramah, who was addressing King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini on 31 May when he led an Afreximbank delegation to visit the King during a two-day state visit to the Kingdom, was briefing him on a joint declaration which Afreximbank signed earlier in the day with officials of the Kingdom.

He said that the facility would also enable the Kingdom to leverage its future financial flows as a tool for economic development.

King Mswati III commended

Afreximbank for the assistance and services it was committing to the country and welcomed the signing of the joint declaration as a key contribution toward the development of the Kingdom.

Earlier, during the signing ceremony, Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Finance of Eswatini, who signed the Joint Declaration on behalf of the government, said that the facility, when finally effective would help to address development opportunities before the kingdom.

Mr. Rijkenberg said that Eswatini could use Afreximbank’s assistance for advisory services in converting Eswatini’s agro-processing potential into a leading export driver. He also invited the bank to explore opportunities in the tourism and manufacturing sectors.

The delegation also met with Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini who commended the Bank’s commitment and dedication to Eswatini since it became a member of the Bank

and said that the Bank’s support was invaluable to the Kingdom’s economic growth and expansion. ”Prof. Oramah identified the timber industry as a sector where Afreximbank could provide support. He noted that Eswatini had a large supply of timber and recommended that the government should develop a policy for the processing.

The delegation also attended a breakfast meeting hosted by the Prime Minster and attended by Mr. Rijkenberg; Senator Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Commerce; Dr Tambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning; and Andrew Le Roux, CEO of Montigny, the largest timber company in Eswatini.

The delegation was accompanied on the visit by representatives of Elsewedy Electric, an Afreximbank Intra-African Trade Champion. The Intra-African Trade Champions programme supports companies with proven intra-African trade experience, operations, and with

value chains spanning across countries, with interventions, which include financing, market access and technical assistance.

The Afreximbank delegation also participated in the launch of the End Malaria Fund hosted by King Mswati III. The initiative seeks to end malaria in Eswatini and Africa by 2020. King Mswati III is the Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, a coalition of 49 African heads of state and government working across countries and regional borders to eliminate malaria by 2030.

The Afreximbank delegation also included Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations; Ekene Uzor, Special Assistant to the President on Banking and Strategy; Humphrey Nwugo, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Southern Africa; Ayman El-Zoghby, of the Intra-African Trade Initiative; Adaeze Anyaoku of the Communications and Events Department; and Yikilah Ndahne of the Office of the President

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

ENERGY

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

60,000 Candidates participate in NNPC Computer Base Test

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has conducted Computer Based Test (CBT) for about 60,000 candidates in 94 centres who applied for various vacant positions in the corporation.

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Corporate Services of the NNPC, Mr. Isa Inuwa, made this disclosure after visiting some CBT centres along with the NNPC

Recruitment Steering Committee in Abuja.

A release in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, quoted Mr. Inuwa, as saying that the 2019 NNPC recruitment exercise was for the Corporation to replace some of its retiring staff and to refresh the system with fresh hands.

“The recruitment exercise by the NNPC is driven by the corporation’s manpower

needs. There are about 60,000 candidates who have been shortlisted and you cannot allow the CBT to run for many days because we have enough facilities to accommodate those shortlisted and they are batched into three groups to avoid every form of impairment,” he stated.

Mr. Ughamadu explained that the recruitment exercise was conducted in the public glare as part of the corporation’s business culture of running its processes with integrity and accountable to

the people, stressing that NNPC as a public corporation would always set the pace for other public institutions to follow.

The release quoted some of the candidates as commending the NNPC for conducting a seamless and transparent computer based recruitment test that offered them employment opportunity.

NNPC, an equal opportunity employer in the Oil and Gas Industry value chain, including exploration, refining, transportation and marketing

of petroleum products, recently placed advertisements to recruit some categories of new hands to buoy its operations nationwide.

The ongoing recruitment exercise by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) kicked off via nationwide advertisements in the national dailies and online media on Wednesday, 13 March, 2019, followed by shortlisting of qualified candidates who sat for the CBT today, 1st June, 2019.

METRO

Page 21

Children Enjoying their Picnic at the National Children Park and Zoo Asokoro to mark Eld-el- Fitri celebration, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Oil companies ready for Angola’s new licensing rounds to stem production decline

A

ngola is at the centre of global energy deals this week as its capital Luanda hosts a plethora of global CEOs and energy investors, and over 1,000 oil industry stakeholders at the Angola Oil & Gas 2019 Conference, organized by Africa Oil & Power. The summit was open by President João Lourenço, who highlighted the various reforms made by his administration to revitalize the industry and insisted on the role of gas monetization to spur industrialization and economic growth.

The spotlight was given to exploration on an exciting panel sponsored by Schlumberger and moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and CEO of the Centurion Law Group. The “Restructuring and Remodeling of Upstream Angola” panel gave the opportunity for leading Angolan and international executives to look at the status of current exploration efforts globally amidst reduced spending and decreasing production across most African oil producing nations.

Joining state-owned Sonangol E&P’s CEO Ricardo Van-Deste on the panel were Stephen Willis, Regional President, BP Angola & President ACEPA; Guido Brusco, Executive VP sub-Saharan Africa at ENI; Carri Lockhart, Senior VP at Equinor; Derek Magness, Executive Manager at Chevron; Pedro Ribeiro, Deputy General Manager at Total Angola; and ExxonMobil Angola General Manager André Kostelnik.

As he highlighted the reduced exploration spending from $7bn in 2013 to a current $2bn, Steven Willis insisted that reduced exploration is not only an ‘Angola effect’ but a global one.

He also reminded the audience that Angola has a very high exploration success rate.

“Despite reduced exploration, Angola’s success rate is over 50%, against a global average of 30%,” he explained.

Proof that exploration in Angola is a rewarding venture,

ENI’s Executive Vice President talked about finding close to 2 billion barrels of oil in the country over the past 12 months with two major discoveries. “Continuous belief in exploration and its ability to create and transform industries really matters,” Guido Brusco said.

“Our recent discovery in Block 15/06 is a testament to the potential Angola has to yield world-class discoveries in the coming years.”

The series of reforms enacted by the Angolan administration since 2017 has also been lauded as the result of a purpose-driven government focused on restoring investors’ trust. “What the Angolan government has done over the past years is nothing short of a revolution,” declared Stephen Willis.

“We are witnessing a complete revitalization of the contractual and governmental framework which will show up in the form of increased market activity.”

Equinor’s comments on the importance of competitive tenders, attractive acreages and well-negotiated contracts echoed previous statements from Angolan Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister H.E. Diamantino Azevedo, who highlighted the landmark reforms made by his government to boost exploration. These notably include a new oil-licensing strategy until 2025, new fiscal terms for the exploration and exploitation of marginal fields, and the establishment of the National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) as the country’s new concessionaire.

Exploration has overall remained a key theme throughout the day.

“Angola has generated tremendous excitement for upstream opportunities,” said Africa Oil & Power CEO Guillaume Doane. “New entrants are looking at acquiring licenses and existing operators have renewed their commitment to the country. These are concrete first steps in Angola’s quest to reverse oil production decline.”

Members of Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) Festac Town. protesting against the unlawful hijack of their land where they have been occupying for over 25years by the Local Government Chairman of Amuwo Odofin and some car dealers in that environ, recently in Lagos

KEDCO appoints new head of corporate communications

T

he management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Shawai, as its new Head of Corporate Communication unit as it plans to reposition the image of the company to galvanize strategies aimed at giving maximum satisfaction to all KEDCO stakeholders.

Shawai, a member of five professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Advertising practitioner’s council of Nigeria (APCON) Society of professional Journalist was appointed through a letter signed by Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the Managing Director of the company and made available on Monday June 2, 2019.

In a congratulatory message, the KEDCO boss, Dr. Gwamna tasked Shawai as the new head of the Corporate Communication unit to map out strategies to rebirth the image and identity of the company for the benefit of all KEDCO stakeholders.

A quick background check shows that Shawai, who was born on Feb 26, 1974, graduated from the prestigious Bayero University, Kano where he studied Mass Communication in 1999 and later proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for a master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy in 2010. He was also trained at the DW Radio Academy, Germany where he obtained

an International Certificate for Journalism in 2002.

The renowned media consultant who is also a political analyst, has worked with several world class organizations both at the National and International levels with avalanche experience from different quotas that could be harnessed to better the image of any organization.

Prior to his appointment, Shawai who was a Principal Consultant with various organizations, had served in the following capacities: as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kano State Government on Societal Re-orientation Programme; Gombe State Correspondent, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); Information Officer, Kano State Ministry of Information; News Editor, Programme Producer/ Presenter, DW Radio Bonn, Germany; Senior Manager, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Executive Assistant, Dantata Foods and Allied Products Ltd; Media Consultant with Compass Media and Communication Consult.

Shawai who has undertaken several leadership training courses and attended quite a handful of local and international conferences on image making, peace and development, Radio and Television productions, good governance told newsmen while reacting to his appointment that he was happy with the management

of KEDCO for deeming him worth of such a position, while pledging to leverage his experience to better the image of KEDCO through clearly visible image re-branding measures.

He said `` The future of every company in contemporary times rests on Public Relation and effective communication channel. This is often the reason why management consult media experts to manage the image of their companies and I assure you all I will not disappoint. ``Having been a believer of team work for years, I hope to work with everyone in a team-like manner to achieve the objectives of the company and mandate as expected. So, I look forward to working with highly motivated and team-oriented individuals to energize our efforts of growing KEDCO’s revenue through good communicative means. ``In an ever-changing world like ours, we would strive as a team to maintain the credible reputation of KEDCO as well as create a favorable working environment for the company to grow its potential according to the company’s set vision and objectives.

Shawai therefore, appealed to workers in the unit to give him the necessary support with a view to building the company’s respect and capacity to contribute to the power sector, as a refutable distribution company.

Residents groan under overflowing ‘hazardous’ wastes bins in Gwarinpa

By Stanley Onyekwere

S

ome residents of Gwarinpa, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed serous concern over swelling hazardous materials from mega wastes bins, notorious for overflowing into the major roads in the area.

In particular, the concerned residents claimed that the situation has subjected most residents to nightmarish experience especially those living and traversing the ever busy 3rd Avenue of Gwarinpa Estate on a daily basis.

While attributing the situation to the ineffective and epileptic wastes evacuation mechanism, residents called for urgent intervention of the relevant agencies of FCT Administration to end the seemingly reoccurring menace, which portends serious mortal dangers to people in the

area.

They are concerned that the unattended to decaying wastes bins contaminate not just the air but also block drainage system there, which portends mortal danger to the survival of residents in the area.

Checks revealed that huge garbage accumulated and kept inside two roll-n-roll bins (serving as Central wastes collection point) for residents in the area almost always are usually filled to the brim, especially at weekends with overflowing dirt taking over a portion of the road.

For a cross section of residents in separate interviews in the area, who bitterly complained that if nothing is done now before the full rainy season, the area will not only become an eyesore to behold, but hazardous to them.

They however, made a passionate appeal to the government at various levels to

urgently come to their aide, before it’s too late to handle the situation.

They also called on nongovernmental organizations to help provide wastes containers not just there area but other areas that have cases like theirs.

Narrating the almost hopeless situation, a resident in the area, Chinedu James, said the situation daily subjects people in the area to nightmarish experiences especially during weekends and public holidays, when heaps of refuse are allowed to swell and litter the public space.

The visibly disturbed resident, revealed that during rainy season, smell from the overflowing wastes bins increases and because the dump area is surrounded by market and shanties off the main link road within the estate.

He opined that although most residents are responsible for generating the garbage that are scattered all over the road, it

was not entirely their making, as wastes evacuation seems to be epileptic.

Another resident, Ayodele Mark, was of the view that the fact that wastes collection point is situated by major entrance to Gwarinpa village and very close to the road and drainage channel linking the Estate itself is bad, thereby making the sight very irritating.

“Garbage smells are generated by growth of bacteria, because of obvious high concentration of bacteria and bugs in this area inhaling air can be harmful to the public health.

“This, can cause ailments like; respiratory infection, allergies, induced nausea and vomiting.

Also, its negative effect has a bearing on our physical, social and outlook of the nation’s capital city.”

Similar, a trader who resides inside Gwarinpa village, who

simply identified herself as Mama Chichi said there is always unpleasant feeling waiting to board a cab at a buststop near the wastes collection point, as many are forced to hold breathe, so as not to inhale the terrible smell oozing from there.

By and large, the residents therefore made a passionate appeal to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and other relevant environmental authorities to swiftly fix the problem, by earmarking more centre wastes collection points within the estate, to meet the increasing wastes generation in the area.

They also suggested making available more roll-roll bins for wastes to disposed and evacuated promptly and regularly, thereby reducing the chance of the wastes encroaching on the roads and causing untold discomfort to people in the area.

Ayokunle, CAN President gets 7-Day ultimatum to resign

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here seems no end to the controversies trailing the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN), as clergymen under the umbrella of Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria (CCFN) has asked Samson Olasupo Ayokunle to step aside from his role as CAN President.

In particular, the Forum gave the embattled CAN President seven days to tender his resignation or face a backlash from the church.

CCFN, a group of over 500 pastors in Nigeria decried that CAN is fast drifting into something

of a chortle device, a tool in the hands of politicians and champion for ethnic-sectarian bigots.

Making this known through its leader Rev. Prince Thompson, the group argued that Ayokunle underwhelmed, falling short of the massive expectations on his shoulder when he took charge, hence the charge for him to walk away with dignity rather than seek re-election.

According to the group, “CAN’s leadership under the current President, Reverend Supo Ayokunle, was highly anticipated to be reformists enough to return the association to its lost glory,

for it to carry out a practically cleansing of CAN to free it of the dirt clinging to it from wallowing in the mire with swine.

“A situation where President of CAN has become a tool in the hands of politicians and champion for ethnic-sectarian bigots in the country is a border that should never have been crossed but that is precisely where Christianity in Nigeria is now camped. “ The situation is so bad that there are so many allegations about the Reverend and his associates have been collecting money from politicians and keeping same for personal gains in exchange to

speaking according to scripts given to them by these politicians.

“We have come to the realization that the violence to the body of Christ cannot be allowed to continue for longer lest there will be more atheist and agnostics than Christians by the time Reverend Ayokunle’s leadership of CAN completes its tenure.”

It continued: “The Concerned Christian Forum of Nigeria therefore demands the immediate resignation of Reverend Supo Ayokunle as CAN President. Our demand entails that the entire CAN Executive resigns with the President to allow the association

replace them with a leadership that will chart a course that conforms with the ideology upon which CAN was founded.

“Had CAN pursued the agenda of uniting Christians across the various sects, denominations and persuasions, we would not have need to form this group pressure the leaders into the doing the needful.

“We give the Reverend Ayokunle executive seven days from today (Tuesday) hand over the affairs of the association to an interim committee to run its affairs pending when a new election will be conducted.”

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

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Mother campaigns for new Swahili word for Down’s syndrome

Why No Challenge Will Hold Back China’s Development Zhou Pingjian

W

hich side will win out in the ongoing trade war, China or the US? That was a question I was asked the other day, when I had the honour and pleasure to address hundreds of students in the prestigious University of Abuja on China’s development and its foreign relations.

No one will emerge as the winner in a trade war. China wants trade, not war. Honestly.

Since it took office in 2017, the new US administration has threatened additional tariffs and other measures and provoked frequent economic and trade friction with its major trading partners. In response to the economic and trade friction unilaterally initiated by the US since March 2018, China has had to take forceful measures to defend the interests of the nation and its people. At the same time, committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, China has engaged in multiple rounds of economic and trade consultations with the US in an effort to stabilize the bilateral commercial relationship. China’s position has been consistent and clear -- that cooperation serves the interests of the two countries, that conflict can only hurt both, and that cooperation is the only correct choice for both sides.

Concerning their differences and frictions on the economic and trade front, China is willing to work together with the US to find solutions, and to reach a mutually beneficial and winwin agreement. However, cooperation has to be based on principles. There are bottom lines in consultations.

“China will not compromise on major issues of principle,” the newlyissued white paper by China, namely China’s Position on the China-US Economic and Trade Consultations, reaffirms, “ China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one and it will fight one if necessary. China’s position on this has never changed. ” Besides a preface and a conclusion, the 8,300-character white paper issued on June 2 by State Council Information Office devotes three sections to elaborate on the damages of the trade frictions provoked by the United States, the U.S. backtracking on its commitment in the consultations, and China’s commitment to credible consultations based on equality and mutual benefit. It offers a complete and accurate account of the whole process of consultations and presents the facts and truth.

As it clearly states, every setback in the trade talks was caused because the US side was flip-flopping and breaking commitments. Its accusation on China’s “backpedaling” is merely an attempt to distort the facts and blame the innocent party for its own wrongdoing.

You may also recall, on September 24 last year, in response to the US accusation on China’s “unfair trade practices”, China issued the white paper, namely The Facts and China’s

View of a section of China at night

A Chinese city in the day time Position on China-US Trade Friction, which was an authoritative response and refutation to the baseless blames by the US on trade deficit, intellectual property rights and technology transfer.

The two white papers provide a comprehensive picture of the ChinaUS economic and trade consultations, and present China’s policy position on these consultations.

I didn’t talk much on the white papers while I was in UniAbuja, though.

My response to that big question kept a focus on some fundamentals of China.

My argument was, people could draw their own conclusions on any big issue concerning China, such as the outcome of the China-US economic and trade consultations, once they truly understand China as it is.

I mentioned the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Founded in 1921, came to power in 1949, the CPC has always been the backbone of the Chinese people. From a extremely humble beginning, the CPC is now the largest and strongest ruling party in the world. Over the past 98 years, whether in times of weakness or strength, whether in times of adversity or smooth sailing, the CPC has never forgotten its founding mission, nor wavered in its pursuit. It has united the Chinese people and led them in conquering countless challenges, making enormous sacrifices, meeting setbacks squarely, and courageously righting wrongs. Thus the Chinese people have, time and again, overcome the seemingly insurmountable and created miracle upon miracle.

China’s development may not be all smooth sailing. Difficulties or even perils are inevitable. Whatever the future might bring, China, under the

leadership of CPC Central Committee with President Xi Jinping as its core, is confident of meeting challenges head on, turning risks into opportunities, and opening new chapters. No challenge will hold back China’s development.

I mentioned the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

With a history of more than 5000 yeas, the Chinese nation created a splendid civilization, made remarkable contributions to mankind, and became one of the world’s great nations. But with the Opium War of 1840, China was plunged into the darkness of domestic turmoil and foreign aggression; its people were ravaged by wars, saw their homeland torn, and lived in poverty and despair.

Foreign bullying and domination persisted. All those unequal treaties imposed on China. No sovereignty

and dignity to speak of. Humiliation diplomacy was the norm for China for over a hundred years, until the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

The People’s Republic of China has been pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace since its founding 70 years ago. The new China advocates the five principles of peaceful coexistence. It has not and will never give ground on issues of principle.

China is committed to credible consultation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. However, China will not bow under pressure and will rise to any challenge coming its way. China is open to negotiation, but will also fight to the end if needed.

I also mentioned China’s commitment to reform and opening up. Openness brings progress, while self-seclusion leaves one behind.

China will not close its door to the world; we will only become more and more open.

President Xi Jinping announced in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China would adopt a number of major reform and opening-up measures, strengthen institutional and structural arrangements, and promote opening up at a higher level. Measures to be taken include expanding market access for foreign investment in broader areas, strengthening international cooperation on intellectual property protection, increasing imports of goods and services, implementing more effective international coordination on macro-economic policies, and putting more focus on the implementation of opening-up policies. A more open China will have more positive interactions with the world, which in turn will advance the development and prosperity of both China and the world.

“Cooperation is the only correct choice for China and the US and winwin is the only path to a better future,” concludes China’s newly-issued white paper, “As to where the China-US economic and trade consultations are heading, China is looking forward, not backward. Disputes and conflicts on the trade and economic front, at the end of the day, need to be solved through dialogue and consultation.

Striking a mutually beneficial and winwin agreement serves the interests of China and the US and meets the expectations of the world. It is hoped that the US can pull in the same direction with China and, in a spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, manage economic and trade differences, strengthen trade and economic cooperation, and jointly advance China-US relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability for the well-being of both nations and the world. ” (Zhou Ambassador Nigeria)

Pingjian of China

is to

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Tanzanian mother of a four-year-old with Down’s syndrome has written to the arbiters of the Swahili language to urge them to create a new word for the condition.

The word for it in the Swahili Dictionary for Disabilities is “mlimbuko dalili dumazi” but Elly Kitaly told the BBC it needs to change because “Dumazi” translates as dwarf and she suspects that is because that is a translation of the word down - as in down low or short.

She says this would be a mistranslation because, while one of the symptoms can be short stature, Down’s syndrome actually gets its name from the doctor who first observed all its characteristics together - John Langdon Down.

Mr Down noted the combination of features including that short stature, round face, almond-shaped and up-slanting eyes, along with physical and

intellectual delays from birth.

Ms Kitaly told the BBC that she never hears anyone use the term either - instead choosing a variety of offensive terms instead.

One such term being “ndondocha” which loosely means zombie, as in someone who has been possessed. It refers to the belief that witch doctors can cast spells to make people mentally disabled.

She wants to change this culture by first changing the language.

She has suggested a new term to Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa - the Tanzanian institution responsible with regulating the Swahili language – who she says have promised to look into the issue.

Her suggestion is “Traisomi ishirini na moja” which is a direct translation of trisomy 21 - which refers to the extra chromosome that causes the genetic disorder.

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A f r i c a Sudan crisis: ‘Paramilitary unit’ puts Khartoum under lockdown

Security forces, seen here on Monday, moved against protesters after a long stand-off

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udanese paramilitary forces are pushing deeper into Khartoum, witnesses say, after a crackdown on protesters killed at least 30 people on Monday.

Heavily armed members of the Rapid Support Forces are said to be fanning out across the capital and the neighbouring city of Omdurman, clearing barricades and firing into the air.

The military has faced international condemnation for the deadly crackdown.

It has ended a pact with the

‘Kurd hackers’ took no Kenyan data

protesters over a transition to civilian rule.

The two sides had initially agreed a three-year transition, culminating in elections. On Monday, however, the Transitional Military Council (TMC) said polls would be held within nine months.

The demonstrators had argued that a longer period was needed in order to guarantee fair elections and dismantle the political network associated with the former government of President Omar al-Bashir.

After 30 years in power, Mr

Vineyard owner killed in South Africa

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our armed men are understood to have entered the home of Stefan Smit in Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape’s wine-producing region.

Police told the BBC they could not “give the finer details of the case” but added that two women, one of whom was his wife “escaped unharmed”.

Spokesman Col Andre Traut said the suspects entered the home through an unlocked door while the family were having dinner, killed Mr Smit, then fled.

“The investigation is ongoing and the suspects are yet to be arrested,” he added.

Stefan Smit’s wine estate Louisenhof Wines - had been under the media spotlight in recent months after hundreds of residents from a nearby settlement illegally moved onto the site

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yber-security experts in Kenya have yet to regain control of all the government websites attacked on Monday. Fifteen of the 18 are now back to normal, but three are still down.

No personal information was compromised in the attack, the government says.

When the hackers struck they

plastered a logo on numerous web pages identifying themselves as “W4r10k Kurd Electronic Team”.

Among the websites targeted were the Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (Ifmis), which is used to process all government payments, and the Kenya Revenue Authority.

It is not clear what the aim of

the attackers was.

It comes in the wake of a controversial mass bio-metric registration system that the government plans to introduce.

Campaigners are challenging it in the country’s High Court.

Kenyan cyber-security firm Serianu estimates that cyber threats cost the country $295m (£233m) in 2018.

Bashir was overthrown by the military in April, amid pressure from the protesters.

The demonstrators had been occupying the square in front of the military headquarters since 6 April, five days before Mr Bashir was overthrown.

Many Khartoum residents blamed the Rapid Support Forces for the crackdown. The paramilitary unit - formerly known as the Janjaweed - gained notoriety in the Darfur conflict in western Sudan, which began in 2003.

and erected shacks.

It comes at a time of uncertainty for farmers concerned about the possibility of having their land expropriation without compensation - something President Cyril Ramaphosa promised last year.

Farmers’ groups have expressed sadness at the killing and called on the government to protect farmers against what they described as “lawlessness”.

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world – more than 20,000 people are killed every year.

But there is no reliable data to back up the claim that farmers are more likely to be murdered than the average South African.

Read more: Is the South African government seizing farmers’ land?

Tanzania’s president goes to market with humble bag

I

n a move to back the recent plastic bag ban, Tanzanian President John Magufuli made a surprise visit to a fish market in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, brandishing a reed basket.

He said that he wanted to

prove that the fishmongers and buyers no longer need to use plastic bags.

A local journalist has shared pictures on Twitter saying that the president was choosing which fish to buy: Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

s i a

Lebanon attack: Gunman kills four security personnel in Tripoli A

lone gunman killed four members of Lebanon’s security forces in the city of Tripoli on Monday night before blowing himself up, state media report.

Two police officers and two soldiers died after the man fired at a bank, a police station and an army vehicle.

He detonated an explosive vest after being surrounded in a flat by troops.

No group has said it was behind the attack, but the gunman is reported to have been a member of the jihadist group Islamic State (IS).

The army identified him as Abdul Rahman Mabsout, who LBC television said was detained when he returned from Syria in 2016 and was freed the following year.

Security had earlier been increased across the country in preparation for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Interior Minister Raya Haffar al-Hassan tweeted her condolences to the victims’ families, saying: “The first night of Eid in Tripoli was very painful, but it’s over now. The security forces and the army paid a heavy price to maintain security of the city... May God have mercy on our martyrs.”

At a news conference on Tuesday, Ms Hassan described the shootings as a “lone wolf attack” and a “new form of terrorism”, Reuters news agency reported.

“Can I tell you we can curb it 100%? We can’t curb it. Countries that are perhaps more advanced than us have not been able to,” she added.

Tripoli has in the past been affected by deadly violence linked to the eight-year civil war in Syria, with clashes erupting between groups who support or oppose President Bashar al-Assad.

The city has also seen fighting between the army and Islamist militants.

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observer force.

But they remained technically in a state of war.

In 1981, Israel’s parliament passed legislation applying Israeli “law, jurisdiction, and administration” to the Golan.

But the international community did not recognise the move and maintained that the Golan was occupied Syrian territory. UN Security Council Resolution 497 declared the Israeli decision “null and void and without international legal effect”.

Three years ago, under thenPresident Barack Obama, the US voted in favour of a Security Council statement expressing deep concern that Mr Netanyahu had declared Israel would never relinquish the Golan.

In March, President Donald Trump officially recognised Israeli sovereignty over the area, overturning decades of US policy. In response, Syria has vowed to recover the area “through all available means”.

Syria has always insisted that it will not agree a peace deal with Israel unless it withdraws from the whole of the Golan. The last US-brokered direct peace talks broke down in 2000, while Turkey mediated in indirect talks in 2008.

There are more than 30 Israeli settlements in the Golan, which are home to an estimated 20,000 people. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.

The settlers live alongside some 20,000 Syrians, most of them Druze Arabs, who did not flee when the Golan was captured.

Anti-tobacco activists ,FG march to sensitise public on tobacco laws

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ivil societies organisations, federal ministry of Health recently carried out a public sensitisation rally on the streets of Abuja from beger to wuse Market to commemorate World Tobacco day which was usually marked 31st of May. The group said they took the sensitivization on the streets with a message that any one who violates the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act will face fines or jail terms.

The march which was organised by the ministry in conjunction with the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) and others anti -tobacco organisation stated that the rally was part of activities to mark the 2019 World No Tobacco Day which has as theme: “Tobacco and Lung Health”.

Two soldiers and two police officers were killed by a gunman in the Lebanese city of Tripoli

They group had various Leaflets handed out with information of the Tobacco Act and the campaigners were carrying placards with different inscription such as Tobacco is a threat to develop ment, tobacco kills among many other all to educate traders on the effect of tobacco and the Tobacco Regulations that were approved by the National Assembly on 28 May 2019.

Consequently,speaking at the really Abraham Agbons of the Federal Ministry of Health explained that the sensitisation walk was planned immediately after the passage of the Tobacco Regulations to bring the message nearer to the grassroots and ensure they understand the text of the law and penalty for violators.

Earlier, Programme Coordinator of the NTCA, Oluseun Esan said that the benefits of the law include safer air to breathe and protection of non smokers from secondhand smoke which kills

about 600,000 people annually.

He pointed out that the approved Regulations would now make it possible for the Federal Ministry of Health and the relevant agencies of government to fully implement the NTC Act, which was signed into law by former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Also, Philip Japkor Head Public Relations ERA said “as you know the tobacco regulations has been passed last week by the national assembly that’s good news so at this stage what must commence immediately is what we have key in to the sensitivization inorder to create awareness for the public to known that smoking in public places is prohibited ,it was now illegal to sell cigarettes in sticks and to under-aged persons, adding also, that smoking in public places such as viewing centers was an offence punishable by fine or prison term.

Syria will not agree a peace deal with Israel unless it withdraws from the whole of the Golan

Adding that ,the Regulations, which were approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, address the licensing of tobacco products, duration of the license, and the sizes of pictographs and graphic health warnings on tobacco packs, among others.

The pictographs and health warnings which will cover 50% of the display area of tobacco packs replace the message,.“ He said what we need now, is for the Buhari’s second term administration to act swiftly to implement this laws.

Meanwhile,groups that participated in the march were the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), Environmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Cedars Foundation, University of Abuja Smokefree Club, and the Nigeria Medical Association, among others.

FG comitted to achieving land degradation neutrality-Odusote

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Oil spillage in parts of Niger Delta

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Israeli aircraft have struck Syrian army targets after rockets were fired at the occupied Golan Heights, the Israeli military says.

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By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Israel strikes Syrian targets near Golan Heights

hree Syrian soldiers were killed in the overnight strike, Syrian state media said on Sunday.

Israel seized the Golan from Syria in 1967 and later in effect annexed it, in a move not recognised internationally.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel “would not tolerate” any firing into its territory.

In a tweet, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) gave details of the latest strike - which targeted Syrian positions in the Mount Hermon area, which borders the Golan Heights.

A spokeswoman for the Israeli military said it was unclear who had fired the rockets but added that the Syrian army was responsible for attacks launched from the territory it controls.

On Monday, IDF said it had attacked a Syrian anti-aircraft system that fired on one of its warplanes. Syrian state media said one soldier had been killed in that incident.

What are the Golan Heights?

The region is located about 60km (40 miles) south-west of the Syrian capital, Damascus, and covers about 1,000 sq km (400 sq miles).

Israel seized most of the Golan from Syria in the closing stages of the 1967 Middle East war, and thwarted a Syrian attempt to retake the region during the 1973 war The two countries agreed a disengagement plan the following year that involved the creation of a 70km-long (44-mile) demilitarised zone patrolled by a United Nations

ENVIRONMENT PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

he Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has put adequate measures in place towards achieving land degradation neutrality in the Country through the establishment of specialized Agency and Departments such as the Great Green Wall (GGW) and the Drought and Desertification Department (DDA).

The Permanent Secretary stated this recently when she received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Nigeria, Mr. Melih Ulueren in her office to discuss measures of combating the menace of desertification ahead of the global annual celebration of the World Day to combat Desertification and the Celebration of the 25thAnniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which will hold on the 17th June, 2019 in AnkaraTurkey.

According to her, “government is aware that by scaling up sustainable land management and accelerating restoration initiatives, it can readily attain a greater resilience and security for all.”

Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary stated that government of Nigeria will continue to strengthen existing bilateral relationship with the government of the Republic of Turkey so that both countries can grow the future together.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Mr. Melih Ulueren had said that he was in the Environment Ministry to extend his country’s invitation to the Ministry to participate in the 2019 World Day to Combat Desertification and the celebration of the 25thAnniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

The Ambassador stated that it has become imperative for nations to come together to proffer solutions to combating desertification noting that the world was rapidly losing the soil necessary for human existence.

At the global event, the Ministry is expected to share Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Land Degradation Neutrality and other experiences.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Let’s grow our future together”

Do not sign water sector Bill labour civil rights groups urge plateau governor

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (AUPCTRE) have asked Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State not to sign the Plateau State water sector law which was passed by the Plateau State Assembly on Thursday May 30, 2019.

In a statement issued yesterday, the groups said that the hurried passage of the law in spite of popular aversion to its Public Private Partnership (PPP) provisions, smacks of respect for the people of Plateau who have overwhelmingly rejected water privatization in any form, and want democratic control of water instead.

Article three sub-section 1 (p) of the bill seeks to promote PPP principles in the development and management of water resources in Plateau State.

The bill was passed last week following a report of the House Standing Committee on Parastatals.

Honorable Godfrey Langdip who read the report, said it had been subject to deep scrutiny, including the involvement of critical stakeholders at the public hearing on April 16, 2019.

But AUPCTRE and ERA/FoEN countered this in a joint statement, describing the passage as a betrayal of the trust that Plateau citizens reposed on the lawmakers to defend them against oppressive forces. They urged Governor Lalong not to append his signature to the bill.

AUPCTRE National President, Comrade Benjamin Anthony said: “We are not only dismayed with this news; we feel the Plateau State House of Assembly just gifted the citizens of the state a bad law that will mortgage their future and tie them to the loins of for-profit only entities. We reject the PPP in its entirety” Comrade Anthony insisted that the solution to the Plateau State waster crisis, just like that of other states of the federation, requires the prioritizing of the rights of the people far above private interests.

“The PPP privatization model in the water sector has failed in virtually all countries of the globe where it was introduced. Remunicipalisation is the solution and it is happening now. What we want the state government to do is to avoid worsening the already tensed security situation in the state through a denial of their fundamental right to a free gift of nature.

ERA/FoEN Deputy Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi said: “It is the height of insensitivity for the lawmakers to go ahead and shove an anti-people law before the faces of the people they are supposed to serve and protect.

The Governor must side with the people by not appending his signature” “The PPP experiment that the Plateau State government is planning to embark on will only lead to poor water quality, job losses, hike in water prices and poor service. It has happened elsewhere and will not be different here”, Oluwafemi pointed out.

“We made our position clear at the Public

Hearing on April 16. Now it is clear that the exercise was conducted only to deceive the people to think their input matters. We reiterate our position that the solution to the water crisis in the state is a high-quality, publicly- funded, and democraticallycontrolled water sector. The governor must realize this and withhold his assent to this anti-people bill” It will be recalled that at the April 16, 2019 Public Hearing on a Bill for a law to provide for the Plateau State water sector law and for other matters connected, ERA/FoEN, AUPCTRE, the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance and a host of grassroots groups canvassed support for public control and sustainable budgetary allocation to the water sector. The groups also criticized section of the draft law that empowers the Plateau State Water Corporation to enter into any commitments, agreements, joint venture, performance contracts, PPP agreements in respect of the provision, distribution, supply or sale of water and sewage management services.

The groups want the Plateau government to fully uphold the human right to water as an obligation of the government, representing the people and integrate broad public participation in developing plans to achieve universal access to clean water.

“The Plateau State government must build the political will to prioritize water for the people by investing in the water infrastructure necessary to provide universal water access. This which will create jobs, improve public health, and invigorate the Plateau economy”, they insisted.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE OLD NAME: ISLAMIC YOUTH LEAGUE OF NIGERIA NEW NAME: ANWARU-L-HUDA LEAGUE OF NIGERIA

The Strong Woman And Pace Setters Foundation

The general public is hereby notified that the above named LEAGUE has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for change of name under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ABUDA RASAKI LARAFE RETAINED 2. DR ABDUL-LATEEF ADEGBITE (CON) RETAINED 3. BRO RAFIU ADISA BELLO RETAINED 4. IMAM ABDULLAHI ABDUL HAMEED RETAINED 5. ALHAJI JIMOH A LAWAL RETAINED 6. HAJIYA MARIO V. BELLO GARKO RETAINED PURSUANT TO THE NAME CHANGE OF THE ABOVE LEAGUE, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE LEAGUE IS TO BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THE NEW NAME

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Agev Msendoo Patience 2. Okogie Benjamin 3. Remilekun Makinde 4. Dorcas Asande 5. Diana Patience Dangaru 6. Solomon Joseph

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Alhaji Muhammad Karaye 2. Hajia Lawal Gambo Zuwaira.

3. Dr. Tunde Lakoju 4. Prince Emeka Obasi THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To promote the unity of Nigeria and it’s individuality 2. To change the current narrative of regional conflicts, ethnic tensions, religious intolerance and structural incompatibility to that of a unified Nigeria.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mrs. Saadatu Bawa Abubakar.

2. Mr. Musab Muhammad Isah.

3. Mrs Nadia Bawa Abubakar.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To install love in them, by making them feel loved by the society and also to pave way for a better life and hereafter for us.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Umar Ishaku - President 2.Atuke Meshach Ganga Vice President 3.Dauda Madaki - Secretary THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To cater for the general welfare of its members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mr. Michael Tochukwu Iwu- President/Founder 2. Mrs. Chisom Odionye- Co-founder 3. Mr. Salaudeen Abdulwaheed Bayonle - Chief Executive Officer 4. Mr. Blessyn Okpowo- Vice President 5. Simeon Ayoade Sunbola- National Program Secretary 6. Mr. Ajiferuke Samson Owolabi- National Program Coordinator 7. Mr. Orobosa H. Igbu- Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor 8. Alhaji Kabiru Audu- National Program Advisor THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO ENCOURAGE AND FOSTER THE IDEA OF GLOBAL WARMING AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Oloriegbe ibrahim yahaya- Chairman 2. Oloriegbe ibrahim Maimunat- Vice Chairman 3.Abdulraheem O. Hafsat- Secretary 4. Oloriegbe yahaya Hassan5. Oyewo khadijat 6. AbdulBaqi jimoh.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. SUNDAY ATSON ATU - CHAIRMAN 2. MS AMARA UZOAMAKA FLORENCE - FOUNDER 3. MR. MACMILLIAN CHINEDU Ogbolhe 4. MRS. MBAKA FRANCISCA 5. MRS. OWA MIRABEL 6. MRS. ANOKE UZOAMAKA REBECCA - SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROVIDE SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 2. TO SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AND PROVIDE FOR THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN NEED, MORE PARTICULARLY, (a) CHILDREN EXPOSED TO ANY FORM OF ABUSE, (b) CHILDREN DEPRIVED OF EDUCATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BAR. BOLANLE ERNEST-EGBE

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OKIGWE ZONAL PROGRESSIVE WOMEN ASSOCIATION

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IlECHUKWU Cosmas Chukwunyelum - Chairman 2. Rt. Rev. Oparaojiaku Chidi Collins - - Vice Chairman 3. Ahuama Godson Chinwe - Secretary 4. Geoffrey Nwokedirioha Chukwunenye - Member 5. Bishop Nwaogu Stafford Sibige - Member.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ajoge Victoria Onyinozah 2. Ajoge Collins Job Okatewun 3. Obioha Chinasa Jane

THE AIMS OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To Foster peace Unity, love and understanding among members.

2. To promote the spirit of fairness, justice, equity and friendliness among christain.

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2. To empower the poor and vulnerable in the society to live a meaningful life through skill acquisition.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1, To sensitize the public and create awareness on the rights of women and the means of enforcing such rights for the achievement of equality, development and peace

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

- Chairman - Vice Chairman - Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mrs. Nkemdi Onyirimba 2. Princess Oby Ojukwu 3. Dr. Chinyere Omeogu 4. Mrs. Blessing Mbonu

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer

2. To organize trainings/ workshop on issues that affect women.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

IAAF Missing $130, 000: I am available for EFCC, ICPC Investigations – Gusau

…We have resolved this matter – Dalung

By Amaechi Agbo

T

he war of words going on between the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development over the ‘missing’ $130, 000 appears not to be over yet despite reports that the matter has been amicably resolved.

Following reports that the embattled AFN President, Ibrahim Gusau ‘mismanaged’ the sum of N39 million released by the ministry as part payment of the $130, 000, Mr Gusau had come out to debunk the report claiming the money was judiciously utilised.

Speaking with journalists recently, Mr Gusau said that the N39 million released by the ministry was used to purchase kits for 86 nigeria athletes during the 2018 Warri Africa Senior Athletics Championship hled in Delta state adding that he got approval to use N30 million part of the money to buy the kits and then used the remaining balance to offset 50% of the athletes and officials’ allowances.

“The N39 million was never given to me.

I can tell you the incident that happened in Asaba 2018. It pains me to tell you that Asaba 2018 was a loss for me because the AFN was not officially involved in the championship.

The Delta state government took over the responsibility to host 54 African countries for the Senior All Africa Championship in the state. it was supposed to be Lagos State but it failed and Delta came in. There was an agreement between the Confederation of Africa Athletics and AFN; at that time the federation donated its powers to the LOC which we were not on board then. Therefore, there were no duties for AFN. “The event took place from August 1st to 5th, 2018 and we had 86 athletes who are going to contest for Nigeria. I almost had a demonstration on my hand because the Nigeria athletes almost abstained from competing for Nigeria. Two things came up; their kits and allowances. These issues came up and the Permanent Secretary confirmed the approval of N30 million for the kits. I have the record where they agreed that N30 million should be used to purchase kits for the 86 athletes and officials. Now there was N9 million left. The kits were delivered to some of the athletes who were already in the venue and they started wearing the kits on the tracks.

“On the allowances for 86 athletes and officials, we had to plead again to avoid the embarrassment. Don’t forget we had embarrassing issues at the arrival of athletes in the airports and after averting that, we now have allowances issues in our hands.

“The N9 million balance of the N39 million was only able to pay 50% of the athletes’ allowances. And that 50% I have been writing and writing. Athletes have been asking me every now and then about the balance of their allowances.

“For those who know me and for the

AFN President, Ibrahim Gusau benefit of those who do not know me, N39 million is nothing to Ibrahim Gusau. My integrity is better than the money being discussed. I have been a sports activist and sponsor for more than two decades and a half.

I have over 15 events that we have held. I went to Ghana for ECOWAS Junior championship and I had to transport the boys on road after pleading for them to release fund. Nigeria won the championship with about 17 gold medals.

“In Abidjan we also went by road. From transportation, feeding to payment at borders, I found way of offsetting them to make things works. We presented about 92 athletes in that event.

“I have no skeleton in my cupboard therefore I am making myself available and inviting all the investigative agents in Nigeria – ICPC, Police, EFCC – to investigate the Ministry and the AFN to determine if I have been found wanting in this issue. My name have been battered everywhere. I have my evidences; I do not approve any payment or schedules. The two people in charge of accounting in the federation are from the ministry and of course, you know that their loyalty is with the ministry.

“I am a progressive and I don’t like to fight. It took me long to come out because as I thought it was a bad joke. But it got to this stage that my name is being tarnished for a meagre amount that means nothing to me, I felt I need to come out with the facts. I have

challenged the EFCC or any other person to come because I know that I am home and dry.

I have all the evidences and papers that would prove my innocence which will exonerate me.

Yes, I invite the organisations to come, either the EFCC, police, ICPC to come,” he said Meanwhile, the immediate past minister of Youth and Sorts, Barrister Solomon Dalung has disclosed that issues surrounding the ‘missing’ $130, 000 have been amicably resolved between the federation and the International Associations Athletics Federations, IAAF. “On the issue of IAAF, I think it was mismanaged and so many interpretations have been made to it, the former minister said.

“But the position about it today is that the issue has been resolved amicably between the federation and the IAAF leadership. The issue of stealing is an exaggeration of facts by some persons for their hatred for personality.

The intention of using the word “stealing” is to try to demean the person of the minister but nothing was stolen. Nothing was even spent out of context. The amount was meant for Warri Golden Relay which was effectively hosted. IAAF was even in Warri. The point of departure was that when the money was released to Nigeria on the 11th May, 2017, the account of AFN was credited. On the 19th, the director of finance and administration of IAAF wrote the federation to say ‘we have credited your account with $150, 000 grant to support the Warri Relay.’

Paragraph two of the letter stated that ‘this amount corresponds with the grant approved for you.’

Two months later, an unsigned document was sent to the federation and paragraph one said ‘we were informed by CAA that we mistakenly transferred $150, 000 to your account instead of $20, 000. Therefore, can you ask your bankers to try to resolve the issue?’

“When this issue came to the attention of the ministry, we met with the leadership of IAAF and we agreed that government will pay 50 per cent of that amount. The ministry approved more than 60% of the money because N39 million is about $124, 000.

Which was given to the federation to refund it to IAAF. Unfortunately, the federation, in its own wisdom felt that the money should be diverted to something else. So that is the basis of this crisis that has misled so many people to write and write. If the commitment of the ministry were met by the federation, we would have not been in this problem.

“But of course, in our discussion with President Sebastian Coe, (IAAF President) these were made clear to him and he understood, and appreciated that as a partner, there is no need to ruffle the relationship therefore, let us take it up from there and see how we will remedy it. We have taken steps to ensure that the issue is resolved amicably,” the former minister said.

NFF debunks bribery allegations against Flying Eagles Coach, Aigbogun

>>pg 30

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

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Senegal, Mali NFF debunks bribery allegations against battle Korea, Flying Eagles Coach, Aigbogun Italy in U-20 T World Cup quarter-finals

T

wo Africa representatives, Senegal and Mali will face tough opponents as the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup enters quarter-finals, Bestchoicesports. com.ng can report.

In the pairing made after the Round 16 was concluded Wednesday, Senegal will battle South Korea while Mali will slug it out with Italy.

To reach this stage, Senegal defeated fellow Africans, Nigeria 2-1 in the Round 16 while Mali overcame favourite Argentina 5-4 on penalties to scale through.

Full quarter-final fixtures Colombia v Ukraine Italy v Mali United States v Ecuador South Korea v Senegal The quarter-finals will be played on Friday and Saturday this week. Columbia v Ukraine will be played by 2:30pm Nigeria time on Friday and will be followed by Italy v Mali by 5:30pm.

On Saturday, USA and Ecuador will trade tackles by 4:30pm while South Korea will face Senegal by 7:30pm later in the day.

he Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has debunked rumour that Flying Eagles coach, Paul Aigbodgun collected bribe in order to select the U-20 team which caused out of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

The federation while acknowledging that the nations is not happy with the ouster of the team at the Round of 16, said that the coach never accepted bribe to sleep or play players in the championship adding that nobody imposed players on the coach at any time.

“It has come to the notice of the Nigeria Football Federation that a spurious message has been doing the rounds on social media with the aim of denting the image of the Flying Eagles coach Mr Paul Aigbogun and by extension the Federation.

“The post, apparently emanating from a blog that is known to constantly spew lies suggested that coach Paul accused members of his backroom staff of conspiring against him as well as maliciously insinuating players paid monies to get called up.

“In as much as the NFF understands Nigerians are not happy about the exit of the Flying Eagles from the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland, it is imperative that the Federation clear the air on the rumours.

“At no time did Paul Aigbogun give such an interview to anyone -formal or informal and for anyone to suggest such, it can only the wild imaginations of the writer who

despite quoting an imaginary source, never attributed same to anyone.

“The coach and his backroom staff are in unison and worked together in peace.

“Allegations of bribery, forcing of players on the coach and others are a mere fabrication, a figment of the author’s imagination and should not be taken seriously.

“Despite the disappointment of the exit of the Flying Eagles from the tournament in Poland, the NFF still remains unwavering in her commitment to developing youth football in Nigeria.

“That has been one of the core pillars of the Federation and will continue in the same path,” the federation said in a series of tweets Wednesday.

France World Cup: Fame Foundation Launches #FlySuperFalcons Campaign

By Our Correspondent

A

head of Super Falcons of Nigeria Clash with Norway this Saturday, an Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation, FAME Foundation, has launched the #FlySuperFalcons campaign in support of the team as they begin their eighth FIFA world cup appearance in France.

The initiative is to take a side with the Reigning African Champion, the Super Falcons of Nigeria in their quest to conquer the world.

Speaking in Abuja Tuesday, Founder of the Foundation, Aderonke Bello, said the organisation launched the campaign to create awareness and visibility for Women’s Football in Nigeria and to also gather support from Nigerians.

She noted that the campaign will provide Nigerians the opportunity to lend their voices in support of the team, and also showcase the power in a unified voice and action for the Nigerian female footballers.

The award-winning journalist/activist urged Nigerians to contact the organisation to pick up

G

ianni Infantino was on Wednesday reelected president of FIFA, global football’s governing body, in Paris.

The Swiss-Italian, 49, was re-elected until 2023 without opposition at FIFA’s annual congress in Paris.

He succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016 and has increased the number of teams at the 2026 World Cup and proposed key changes to the Club World

their own postcard and share across the social media in support of the team.

According to her, “The campaign is launched to show support for the girls who have been consistent in bringing honour to Nigeria through

their passion, combined talent and energy.

“The most decorated African female football team need the support of Nigerians, every individual, men and women alike.

“Super Falcons is the reigning African

Champion after winning the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations Tournament in Ghana.

“The idea is to get every man and woman to put their picture in a customised postcard designed by the organisation and share across social media with the hashtag #FlySuperFalcons, and to get yours, you need to simply send your name and photograph across to the foundation via Whatsapp 08189015120.”

“However, FAME Foundation has been able to carry out several projects across Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and The Gambia through its several initiatives making positive impacts in the lives of Women and Girls.

“The #FlySuperFalcons will serve to reach a broader range of men and women; keeping the spotlight on Super Falcons, and Nigeria as a whole during and after the tournament.”

The Super Falcons will play their first match against Norway on Saturday, June 8, 2019 by 8pm Nigeria time.

Gianni Infantino re-elected FIFA President for second term Cup. Infantino’s re-election was marked by a round of applause, after rules were changed earlier in the day to no longer require a vote from FIFA’s 211 members if only one candidate was standing.

In a lengthy speech at the congress, Infantino

focussed on the relative calm of his first term in charge compared to the situation he inherited.

“Nobody talks about crisis at FIFA any more or rebuilding it from scratch,” he said.

“Nobody talks about scandals or corruption, we talk about football. We can say that we’ve

turned the situation around.

“This organisation has gone from being toxic, almost criminal, to being what it should be - an organisation that develops football and is now synonymous with transparency, integrity.”

Poland World Cup: Nigerians Bemoan Flying Eagles’ Performance, Call For Overhaul

By Our Correspondent

A

cross section of Nigeria football followers including seasoned sports journalists have bemoaned the lacklustre performance of the Flying Eagles at the ongoing Poland U-20 World Cup and called for a revamp of the team and its technical crew The followers who expressed their views in various social media platforms including Whatsapp and Twitter, questioned the commitment of the players and the capacity of the coaching crew in the overall performance of the team at the championship.

Flying Eagles yesterday lost to fellow Africans, Senegal by 2-1 to crash out of the championship at the round of 16.

This is the 6th time the team is crashing out at the knockout stage of the competition out of 7th qualifications in recent times. Hence the views expressed by these Nigerians reflect the lacuna within the team.

Reacting to the results on the @thenff Twitter handle, Anthony Ade said “To be honest Nigeria never got it right at the u20 level. Since 2005 final appearance.

We just cant find the right quality set of players to execute that age range.”

Abijo Segun said “We actually played way better in the second half.wasn’t a bad game just lacked the cutting edge and finish. Heads up for Okon and Makanjuola for me Ajey IK @Ik_of_today “Nff should be blamed for giving coach Paul this job. That man is not technical at all.

This is the worst U20 ever.”

The reactions on Whatsapp groups are not overtly different.

According to Moomeen Tourshaw “This clueless Paul Aigbogun is the reason Manu Garba was sacked.

What difference did he make? NFF is too political these day (days). I keep saying it that our grassroots teams should be led by grassroot coaches Jerry Odung warned about the same fate visiting the Olympic team and advised “Another disaster waiting to happen is the under 23 team coached by Imama. Nigerian teams do well with coaches who were renown (renowned) in their playing days. Bring in siasia now for Olympics before it’s too late. This local coaches with no

experience have nothing to offer “Flying Eagles class of 2019 is the worst ever U20 team I have ever seen.

“It was a disgrace seeing the old men paraded as U20 dent the nation’s football status “What hurts most is that we have a set standard at this level of FIFA World Cup and if we could not surpass the standard we should at least maintain the standard,” Prince Told Atoba said Adewale Ajayi who is known for his outspokenness concerning Nigeria football was sarcastic in his view “Nigeria men, Russia 2018 we went out in second round.

Poland 2019 we went out (in) second Round “Now see what jedijedi is doing to our men. They cant go more than two rounds.

PEOPLES DAILY, ThurSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019

Health

31

Open defecation: 763 Nigeria LGA’s risk disease outbreak

Open space where people defecate in Yammawar Jedawa.

A grown up man defecating in the open

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Y

ammawar Jadawa is a community in Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano state.

The community is located at the outskirt of Kano city,bordering Daura, hometown of Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina state.

The community currently engage in open defecation, with no toilet for the inhabitants of that village; joining the 47million Nigerians who engage in open defecation.

When the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), recently took journalists there, its neighbouring community, Yammawar Kafawa, was enjoying an intervention by UNICEF, European Union (EU), The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) and the government, through their Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria (SHAWN 11) project.

But the inhabitants of Yammawar Jedawa community build houses without toilets and are always vulnerable to diseases.

“We defecate in the open any time we want. It is easy to use the farm or any place to defecate. We didn’t really think it was important to build house with toilet, since we could use open space for that purpose”, Muhammed Hassan, a resident of the community said.

Asked if children in the community suffer illnesses as a result, he said Diarrhea and typhoid have become common place for their children, adding that there is no hospital nearby to provide medical care for their children.

He said many have died in the past with women being attacked and raped

because they want to defecate where no one could see them. “We want help so that we can be like our neighbouring community”.

Unfortunately, it is not only that community that defecate in the open.

In fact, a total of 763 local government area in Nigeria, out of 774 defecate in the open, according to UNICEF. This means that only 11 Local Government Areas (LGA’s), out of 774 that are Open Defecation Free (ODF).

These LGA’s are; Birnin Kudu and Buji, in Jigawa state; Logo in Benue State and Obanliku, Yakurr, Boki, Yala, Bekwarra and Ikom in Cross River state.

This means that the remaining 763 LGA’s, accounting for 47 million people who engage in open defecation in the country are vulnerable to diseases and the inhabitants could be in great danger if nothing serious is done to reverse the current trend in the country.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has provided 1.7 million access to improved water facilities and 2.2 million people have access to improved toilets”.

“1,227 schools and 599 primary healthcare centers have been equipped with WASH services. 3,908 communities supported to become certified open defecation free through community approach. 2.4million have benefited from UNICEF’s hygiene promotion improved distribution of hygiene supplies.”

Despite these achievements, the lackadaisical attitude of government at all levels kept the project at a snail pace, leaving the burden of ensuring ODF Nigeria on the international organisations.

Speaking during a media workshop organized for journalists, broadcasters

in Kano recently by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information & Culture in collaboration with UNICEF, the agency’s WASH Specialist, Bioye Ogunjobi, said the best way to achieve ODF was for everyone to build toilet in his/her house.

“We are calling on Nigerians to ensure that every house has a toilet. People should stop building houses without toilets, they should take it as a priority to ensure the safety of their families and the cleanliness of their environments.

“When people build toilets in their houses, there will be rapid reduction of diseases in those places and no smell in those areas. It also means that the people have improved on their dignity as human beings and will be most healthier than areas without toilets.”

Speaking on the current project of the agency in the state, Ogunjobi said, “We are working in 6 LGA’s in Kano state.

We believe that the successes in those 6 LGA’s will motivate others to do more.

We are encouraging the government to take the lead and ensure the safety of its people. But if nothing is done to change the current situation on ground, there will be disease outbreak in those areas and many people will die.

In his analysis of the situation in Nigeria, he said aside the 47 million people in the country who defecate in the open, 33 million more also use unimproved toilets.

Giving the breakdown according to regions, Ogunjobi said, 53.9% of the people are in the North Central, while South West has 28%.

Others are; North East 21.8%, North West 10.3%, South East 22.4% and South

South 17.9%.

While querying the poor sanitation situation in the country, Ogunjobi said UNICEF is working to change a situation where 64% have access to basic drinking water services, and only 42% have access to basic sanitation.

He added that 20% have fix place for hand washing with soap and toilet, while only 6% of schools have basic gender sensitive WASH services.

He further said only 5% of the country’s health facilities have basic gender-WASH sensitive services.

“12% market and motor parks have basic WASH services. Also, 11% of people suffered diarrhea in the past six weeks, 76% are children under 5.”

Also speaking about the hazards of open defecation, a health expert, Lengnan Ambros said Nigeria needs to pass a low against open defecation.

She expressed worry that the rate of fesses in the open has a lot of effects on especially women and children.

“Some health hazards that are likely to destroy the lives of our children include; cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, intestinal infections, malnutrition and stunted growth; because at this stage their immunity is low thereby increasing the risk of diseases.

“Women are not also left out as they are at the risk of contacting Urinary Transmitted Infections (UTI’s) because of the use of polluted open spaces. They are also vulnerable to violence, rape and sexual molestation as they look for secluded places to defecate. Also,drinking water from sources which are polluted with human waste can also cause various health complications to the woman such as; cholera and diarrhea.”

QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

Thursday, JUNE 6, 2019

“Relations between the Executive and the Legislature were not the best in the 8th National Assembly. I sincerely hope each one of us will do his utmost to ensure there is a better working relationship between these two arms of government in the 9th Assembly so that we can serve the people better."

-President Muhammadu Buhari

SPORTS Lessons from Suleja’s royal gladiators (III) latest

By Mohammed Adamu

AFCON 2019: Uganda plan to stop Egypt’s Salah

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ganda coach Sebastien Desabre says his team will have a plan to stop the danger posed by Egypt and Liverpool star winger, Mohamed Salah when both teams meet at the African Cup of Nations this summer, adding that the Pharaohs come second among the favourites for the prestigious title.

“I know the Egyptian team well, especially Mohamed Salah,” Desabre said on Monday.

“He is one of the players with wonderful individual skills and has the ability to be ranked among the best players in the world at the moment. We will have a plan to stop him in our match together,” he added.

“Playing against Egypt is a very wonderful moment because it is the host country and the presence of the fans is great in their game. They will place strong pressure on them, and we will try to snatch the points in the first two matches before the last game against them,” Desabre explained.

“I know Egypt well and the atmosphere there, I worked before in Ismaily and this will give me a chance to adapt. We camped in Egypt recently in order to give the players an opportunity to know the atmosphere,” the Frenchman added.

With Javier Aguirre at the helm, the Pharoahs are seeking to win the prestigious title for the first time since 2010, the last of their record seven victories.

Egypt reached the final of the 2017 edition, only to lose 2-1 to Cameroon.

Egypt will host the Nations Cup, which has been expanded to 24 teams, from 21 June to 19 July.

The record seven-time African champions Egypt will play in Group A along with DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Egypt will kick off the tournament by playing Zimbabwe on 21 June.

Egypt will meet Uganda in their final match of the group stage on 30 June.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: business: news: lagos:

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any lawyers said that Abuja’s High court judge, Justice Oyewo exceeded his bounds by declaring Bashir Barau the validly nominated emir of Suleja and by ordering his immediate appointment.

Reason being that the Kingmakers, in their prayers did not ask for such declaration or order. Many said technically therefore they were not entitled to such gratuitous exercise of judicial discretion by the judge. The court -not being Father Christmasgrants only that which has been prayed for. The Kingmakers did not ask for a declaration that Barau was the validly nominated emir and that he should immediately be installed.

They had only prayed the court to declare: 1, that the reconstitution of the Kingmakers’ Council which elected Awwal Ibrahim was illegal, 2, that the three additional kingmakers imposed on the Council were incompetent to perform the function of king-making; 3, that the Order which created the Electoral College was illegal, null and void and 4, that the nomination and subsequent approval of Awwal as Emir were equally illegal, null and void.

And although Awwal’s appeal at the Court of Appeal in Kaduna against that lower court’s judgment was dismissed by a majority of two to one, the same Court had earlier granted him an injunction restraining the Niger State Government from acting on that lower court’s orders pending the determination of the substantive appeal. But then you wonder ‘would Governor Musa Inuwa –who had gone through thick and thin to make Awwal king- have needed an order to restrain him from removing same and installing Barau? Or maybe the appropriate question should be: ‘what if suddenly there was another governor and not Musa Inuwa?’

Would he have felt equally obligated to be restrained by one order of court not to remove Awwal and not by another order of court to install Barau?

Because during the pendency of that Court of Appeal’s restraining order, a Military Administrator, Colonel Cletus Emein was soon posted to Niger State who now felt more obligated to obey the lower court’s ruling ordering the removal of Awwal and the installation of Barau than he thought he should obey the superior court’s orders that he maintained the status quo.

And so in September of 1995, Colonel Emein, in the typical military’s fire-brigade way of doing things, ignored the Court of Appeal’s restraining order, first by enacting an instrument, Edict No. 1 of 1995 revoking Awwal’s appointment, in line, he claimed, with the ‘Public Officers’ (Special Provision) Decree No. 17 of 1984, cap 381 which gave military governors power to so act because it had ousted the jurisdiction

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THURSDAY Column WITH Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com of the courts to enquire why. The order also revoked all other instruments for the appointment of Awwal as emir, so that by all conceivable implications he now stood technically deposed. And less than a month thereafter –precisely on the 23rd of October- Colonel Emein issued, in quick succession, a banishment order on the emir restricting him from the Emirate’s area of jurisdiction and its environs for a period of six months, and then an order which dissolved Governor Inuwa’s ‘Electoral College’ while reconstituting the original traditional Kingmakers’ Council which was now reconvened immediately to nominate Barau again. And on the 26th of October 1995 Colonel Emein enacted another instrument appointing Bashir Barau as the emir of Suleja with effect from the 20th of October -relying also, as he claimed, on the State’s ‘Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of 1993’.

So now Awwal Ibrahim had not only been deposed and banished, he had lost also the support and protection of the Niger State Government. Under Dr. Inuwa the State had not only fought to make him king, but it was also a corespondent with him before the courts.

But now no thanks to Colonel Emein, the State, ironically, had suddenly become Awwal’s adversary-in-Chief as he pulled a lone-ranging battle to the Supreme Court to reclaim his throne. And now also, the outcome of Awwal’s appeal at the apex Court which I am about to present, should be instructive both to the blue-blooded whenever they gladiate to hold on, or to ascend, to the thrones of their forefathers and even to giddy, mighty potentates whenever they dabble into the intrigues of royal succession or the politics of creation of emirates and chiefdoms. And it why one should say it is too early in the day for Sanusi to

“

grieve –in Kano where it seems he has lost primeval royal territories or for the Ganduje to rejoice –that his obviously-political gerrymandering of Kano’s royal borders has come to stay. Whenever a matter is before the courts, you never can say never. Or as the Hausas would say ‘ba’a sanin maci tuwo sai miya ta qare’. Meaning ‘it is not over until it is over’. The law is not concerned with who is right or who is wrong according to the morality or otherwise of a legal proposition. The courts are concerned with who is right according to law. And it is immaterial that the law is essentially an unjust law. What matters is that it is the law, validly enacted as such. The courts are concerned about legal and not necessarily moral justice.

Represented by Sofola SAN and Sodangi Danso, Awwal’s prayers at the Supreme Court were for 1, a declaration that the nomination of Bashir Barau by Colonel Emein’s reconstituted Kingmakers’ Council was wrongfully made since the council was not properly constituted in accordance with the native law and custom of the emirate(Besides, all the processes by which he was crowned were done in contempt of a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal); 2, a declaration that the law which brought him (Awwal) to the throne, namely the ‘Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Amendment Law’ NSLN No. 3 of 1993 was properly enacted having been passed by the House of Assembly of Niger State and assented to by the Governor (notwithstanding the State had to muscle its way through the legislative process to perfect); 3, that the lower Courts (namely the Abuja High Court and the Kaduna Court of Appeal) which upheld the appointment of Bashir were wrong in declaring as illegal the instruments upon which his (Awwal’s) appointment was made.

And although Awwal’s appeal at the Court of Appeal in Kaduna against that lower court’s judgment was dismissed by a majority of two to one, the same Court had earlier granted him an injunction restraining the Niger State Government

Although all three prayers were granted by a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court headed by the then Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Uwais, the apex Court acted with the utmost sense of discretion not to grant a consequent order about which no prayer was made by Awwal’s council, namely a declaration that Awwal Ibrahim remained the duly installed emir of Suleja and that he should be restored to the throne immediately. And now since there was no court order by which the sitting pro-Barau Military Administrator would be compelled to restore Awwal to the throne, and since the Supreme Court was the court of last instance, the entire judgment was now left prostrate without consequence and at the discretion of lawyers, the State and laymen to interpret: many lawyers said no matter what the State Government would do it had to first restore Awwal to the throne; the State said that its understanding of the judgment was that both Awwal and Barau stood deposed (the former by virtue of the Public Officers (Special Provisions) Decree which Colonel Emein invoked in revoking his appointment, and the latter, by the Supreme Court’s nullification of the instruments that brought him to the throne) and that therefore the State could commence a fresh process of nomination either involving or excluding the two royal gladiators.

It took the advent of a third Governor, the late Abdulkadir Kure, in the year 2000, to resolve this legal issue administratively by recalling -or should we say inviting– Awwal Ibrahim to resume the throne of Suleja Zazzau, ending the eight-year royal tussle once and for all. By then, Governor Inuwa who started it all in 1993 (when Kure himself was just an engineering Director in FCDA), was himself now a mere bystander like the rest of us. Now he could not have commanded the issuance of that simple administrative recall.

Concluded.

DAN GAYE Zamfara creates new emirate - News

Hope court won’t reverse it!

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