Thursday, November 8, 2018 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

Thursday, November 8, 2018/ Safar 29, 1439 AH

Vol. 30 No. 015 N150

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The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Sultan urges dialogue, We’re reorganising Nigeria after PDP’s truth to end insecurity mind boggling mismanagement -Buhari >>>page 5

>>>page 14

Senate cuts budget of 30 MDAs to fund 2019 election >>>page 5

Power tops list with N25.5bn

L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and other traditional rulers, when Prince Charles meet with Traditional leaders to discuss peace, security, and education of the girl-child on Tuesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

FEC approves N1.83bn Uncertainty as commodity prices Reinstate sacked 77 district Abuja runway, pilot cutters fluctuate ahead Christmas heads, court orders El-Rufai pAGE 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News CONTENTS News 2-10,14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Health

Business Metro

19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

World News

Uncertainty as commodity prices fluctuate ahead Christmas By Hafsat Sani

ix weeks to Christmas, a market survey conducted by Peoples Daily has revealed that the prices of commodities in the market have remained unstable, as some items sampled recorded about forty per cent price increase. According to our correspondent who visited Utako market in Abuja, commodities like rice, beans, among others, have continued to maintain its original prices. However, she reports that other food items like pepper, tomato, onion, and yam recorded slight marginal increase in their respective prices, compared to last year Christmas season. Specifically, the price of rice per “mudu” between July and

August was N600, which is the same till date. Similarly, beans, which was sold at N500 for a “mudu” at the beginning of the year is now sold at N450 per “mudu”. Contrary to the above, onions, which was sold at N500 per basket during the last Christmas season has risen to N1500 per basket. Equally, tomato and pepper which was sold at N800 per basket between January and April is now sold at N1200 per basket. Furthermore, yam, which was sold at N400 per tuber as at the beginning of this year has risen to N700 and N1000 per tuber respectively. Speaking on the possibility of the prices increasing or decreasing before Christmas,

a tomato seller for eight years, who simply introduced himself as Mal. Bashir, stated that tomato is likely to have a slight change in prize in the near future. He said that the price is likely to reduce because this year’s harvest is very good, “we are expecting tomatoes to be cheaper by the end of the year”, he said. Similarly, Mrs Ngozi, who is a rice seller, revealed that the market situation is a bit harsh at the moment due to the fact that consumers usually prefer foreign rice. “The government is supposed to do something about this border issue or improve the quality of our home made rice”, she said. Another onion seller, who identified herself as Mal. Shittu, while speaking on the market price variation, added that onion

is now hard for most people to purchase, even as he warned that it will get worse by Christmas. “Onions generally do not need too much rainfall, but since there was much rain this year, most of the onions got spoilt and rotten in the process”, he explained. Commenting on how the price fluctuation has affected the consumers, Miss Farida Usman, who frequents the market lamented that food items are getting expensive, especially in this Christmas season, adding that there is limited money in people’s hands. She pleaded with traders to reason with the buyers and also she called upon the government to invent new projects that will bring more money into people’s hands to improve their standard of living.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Reinstate sacked 77 district heads, court orders El-Rufai

High Court, sitting in Zaria, on Wednesday ordered the Kaduna state government to reinstate all the dethroned 77 district heads, pending the determination of a case filed by them. Delivering a ruling, Judge Kabir Dabo held that the governor had no constitutional rights to tamper with judicial matters pending in a court of law. Mr Dabo adjourned the matter until January 16, 2019 for the continuation of hearing. NAN reports that on June 13, 2017, the Kaduna State government sacked 4776 district and village heads as well as their staff as it began the implementation of the recommendations of the committee it set up to review the number of such personnel in the state.

According to the government, the essence of the sack was to shore up the finances of local government councils in the state. The judge said in spite of the served notice ordering that the issue of “district heads sack” was before the court, the governor went ahead to dethrone the 77 district heads. The judge described the action of the governor as a disrespect for court order which contravened section 6(6) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. He said the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognised three arms of government; the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Mr Dabo said each of arms of government has its constitutional role that should not be tampered

with by any other arm, adding; “there is a need for the governor to respect a court order”. He ordered that both parties maintain status-quo pending the determination of the case and adjourned the case to January 16, 2019 for the continuation of hearing. Commenting shortly after the ruling, counsel to plaintiff, Yemi Adekunle said: “I was the one who brought the application to set aside the appointment. “Because the appointment was made against lawful order of the same court. That order was served on the defendant, they are aware of it. “Notwithstanding the pendency of the suit, notwithstanding the order made by the court, they decided to act contrary to the terms of that

order. “Some people will ask why don’t we didn’t we file contempt proceedings but it is a choice. It is not all the time that you go for contempt proceedings, the law also permits the same court to set aside whatever was done against an order of a court,” he said. He said at the end of the day the court had done what it considered as most appropriate. When contacted for his comment, the state counsel, Abdurrahaman Suleiman-Haladu declined comment saying that he was not authorised to speak to reporters. NAN reports that district heads in 2017, filed a suit seeking an order of court stopping elRufa’i from dethroning them. The government had argued that apart from paying salaries,

the state government was providing official vehicles which had now been purchased for distribution to the third-class chiefs and the maintenance of palaces, 10 of which were recently renovated. One of the problems the government said it inherited was the “practical insolvency” of many local government councils. Some local government councils are unable to pay their bills, especially salaries, without support from the state government. The government said that the bloated wage bills of these councils indicate ”that they are carrying more than they can bear”. That is why it said, for two years, many local government councils were unable to pay their district and village heads. (NAN)

Buhari mourns Sunny Odogwu By Lawrence Olaoye

P FG to build capacity on Green Growth Technology -Minister Page 14

Entertainment 25 Interview 26 Sports 29-31 Back Page

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L-R: Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, representative of World Bank, Chief Bayo Awosemmsi and Executive Director of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Alh. Abdulateef Shittu, during the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) conference tagged, 2018 National peer leaning organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

FG to introduce professional exam for librarians By Usman Shuaibu

lans are underway by the Federal Government to introduce professional qualifying examination for all Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in the country, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) Professor Michael Afolabi has said. Afolabi, proclaimed this during the opening ceremony of the National Workshop on Database Design and Management for Academic and Research Libraries held on Tuesday at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to him, librarians can only be inducted when they are successful in the professional examination, saying that any applicant who has a degree in Library Information Science must sit for the professional examination before he or she would be inducted if successful in the professional examination. He said: “We will set standards that align with international best practices to ensure that librarians practicing in Nigeria is of the same standards being practised all over the world”. He explained that in the nearby future, the practitioners of library science profession who were not certified by the Council would no longer be

promoted at work, pointing out that fresh graduates who were not successful in the professional qualifying examination might not secure appointments in the library profession. He, therefore, charged all the Library and Information Service professionals to deem it fit to register with Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria for their own benefit. His words: “The registration of librarians and capacity building of the LIS professionals were meant to raise a team of seasoned librarians who would deliver optimal services in the sector”. Speaking on the training of librarians, he said the Council

deemed it necessary to train the librarians in the field of database design and management to update their knowledge. This, according to the professor, a database is a collection of data organized to be easily accessed, managed and updated, noting that apart from academic and research libraries, all organisations needed databases in one form or the other. The LRCN boss, however, cited that in the United Kingdom the data became an important source of information for analyzing as well comparing the current year data with that of the past years in order to determine key trends that took place.

resident Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Odogwu’s family on the death of Chief Sunny Odogwu, the Ide Ahaba of Asaba. The President, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, also extended his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Asaba and the Government of Delta State on the passage of their illustrious son and respected elder statesman. He joined them in honouring the memory of the versatile businessman, who remarkably contributed to the socio-economic development of his immediate community, state and the nation, drawing from his extensive experience as an accomplished industrialist, entrepreneur, publisher and philanthropist. The President affirmed that through his vast business networks, range of skills and perspectives, the late Chief Odogwu demonstrated deep understanding and commitment in empowering indigenous businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians. Buhari prayed almighty God to comfort the family, friends and business associates of the deceased, and grant his soul eternal rest.

L-R: Nigeria Army Brigade Commander; Ojimi Okapor; Kaduan state SSG Mr. Balarabe Abbas Kaduna State Security Service Director (SSS), Mr. Muhammed Tanko Ningi ; Kaduna Deputy Police Commissioner Sahabu Abubakar; and Commodor Dogon Yaro, during the displays of Notorious Kidnappers and Murder of Emir of Adara Dr Maiwada Galadima, yesterday in Kaduna Photo; BASHIR BELLO

Education will end early marriages -Aisha Buhari By Lawrence Olaoye

ife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, has said that education remains the solution to early marriages in Africa. Mrs Buhari said this while receiving female delegates of the Africa Parliamentary Union, at the State House, Abuja yesterday. According to a statement made available to newsmen by Suleiman Haruna,Director of Information, in her office, Mrs Buhari said girls need a healthy and safe transition to adulthood as well as a certain level of

maturity and understanding in order to make an informed decision on the choice of a life partner. Mrs. Buhari was represented by wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo. “Through my Future Assured Programme,” she said, “I have witnessed firsthand what interrupted childhood could do to the self-esteem of young girls, in some instances, thwarting promising careers.” She spoke of other challenges of marital relationships like complications of childbirth such as VVF, interruption of academic pursuit and curtailment of

economic opportunities. She called on the parliamentarians to use their position to articulate measures that will address the issue within cultural sensitivities of our different communities. She also urged them to consider what form of support and empowerment could be given to girls that are already in these marriages. “Their dreams do not have to end because of the circumstances they have found themselves in.” she said. Speaking earlier, head of the delegation and Senate President of Zimbabwe, Hon. Mabel Chinomona, said women

face numerous challenges like lack of political representation, violence, intimidation, early child marriages, and lack of equal opportunities in critical areas. It is therefore important that women meet and share experiences. “Against this background, women parliamentarians must unite and support each other in coming up with strategies and policies that address challenges faced by women together in order to make a difference as we drive for equal opportunities for all.” She said. “For us parliamentarians,” she said, “we have critical role to

play as we legislate and provide oversight on government activities, in doing so, we appreciate support from our mothers the first ladies for their activities that seek to empower women. The delegates are in Abuja for the 41st Conference and 73rd Executive Committee Session of Africa Parliamentary Union. Those that attended the event include Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Salamatu Bewa, and Chairman NACA, Mrs. Pauline Tallen.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News

Reps probe gunmen invasion on Ekweremadu’s house By Christiana Ekpa

he House of Representatives yesterday resolved to set up an Adhoc Committee to investigate the attack on the Deputy President of the Senate President and members of his family on Tuesday. The House also said it would during the probe unravel the circumstance regarding the late response by the Nigerian Police to the attack. This followed a motion on the “Armed Attack on the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and members of his family”, moved by Representative Toby Okechukwu from Enugu State. Recalling the incident while

moving the motion, Okechukwu said the House should urged the relevant security agencies to ensure increased security and surveillance around the Deputy President of the Senate as well as other leaders to the National Assembly. He said: “The House notes with severe concern the attempt on the life of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senate Prof. Ike Ekweremadu and his family “Further notes that on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at about 4am, some men armed with dangerous weapons and house breaking devices discreetly evaded the security at the Apo residence of the Deputy President and gained entry into his house. “Aware that the armed

men took hold of Senator Ekweremadu’s son and commanded him to lead them to his father’s bedroom “Further aware that it was at the Senator’s bedroom that a struggle ensued between the Deputy Senate President along with his son and the assailants, leading to the arrest of one of the armed men while the rest managed to escape “Aware of the poor response of the Nigerian Police Force in spite of several calls to various officers at the early stages of the attack “Cognisant of the need to ensure the security of lives and property if all Nigerians irrespective of class, tribe or religion”.

Contributing to the debate, Rep. Yakubu Barde from Kaduna State wondered where the security details of the Deputy President were during the attacks. He also underscored the need to make security a priority in Nigeria. “What were the security operatives doing? How do we expect the agencies to perform when we monies have not been released to them since January. We must make security a priority”, he said. For Rep. Abubakar Damburam from Kano State, the House should rise above observing one minute silence for the people killed as a result of insecurity. “Why do we always come here,

observe one minute silence, move motions and stop there? We need to do something as a parliament. For me, Hon. Speaker, colleagues, We should say enough is enough on this insecurity issue’, he said. On his part, Rep. Gabriel Onyewuife expressed fear that the ordinary Nigerian was not safe if the deputy senate president could be attacked in his own bedroom by armed men. “If the house of a deputy president can be invaded. What is the fate of ordinary. Members of the countries? We are talking of a very serious issue. Police said it is burglary. It is means that they have concluded investigation.” The committee which is yet to be inaugurated was given 2 weeks to conclude it’s assignment.

NUJ wants enabling environment to carry out duties From Ahmad Bauchi

L-R: Relationship Manager-PSG First Bank Plc, Mr. Edache Edache, Relationship Manager, Mr. Jeremiah Angai, Lecturer Economic Department, University of Abuja, Dr. Chukwuemeka Eke, Group HeadPublic Sector Group, First Bank Plc, Mr. Muazu Barau, Vice Chairman University Relation Committee, CFA Society Nigeria, Ethic Challenge, Mrs. Leah Sawa, and Lecturer Faculty of Finance, University of Ilorin, Mr. Ibrahim Wasiu, during the Firstbank CFA Society Nigeria Ethic Challenge University competition, yesterday in Abuja.

Mohammed,

auchi state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appealed to governments at all levels and security agencies in the country to consider journalists as partners in progress as well as give them the enabling environment to discharge their constitutional responsibility. The union made the appeal in a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary Kabiru Garba and issued to newsmen in commemoration of International Day to end impunity against journalists. He said the council reiterated its resolve to stand with all law abiding journalists in the state who have been practicing the profession according to its ethics. “ It was in recognition of the far-reaching consequences of impunity, especially of crimes against journalists, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution at its 68th session in 2003 which proclaimed 2nd November as the International Day to End Impunity for crimes against Journalists (IDEI). The Resolution urged member States to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity”. “ While assuring the determination of the council to stand by its members, journalists are therefore advised to strictly abide by the ethics in the course of their duty,” Council stated.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Army debunks ambush of troops in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ommander of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS Maj. Gen. Adeyemi Yekini has debunked reports in certain section of the media that some OPWS troops including Capt. Sani were ambushed somewhere in Benue. In a statement made available to Peoples Daily yesterday in Makurdi, the commander described

the story as ‘fake’, maintaining that the reporter made reference to a Defence Headquarter statement which he must have quoted out of context as source of the news item. “The story is fake and should therefore be disregarded in its entirety,” he said. He disclosed that Capt Sani was injured during an encounter with armed militia men at Barkin Kota in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in July

2018. The incident was given wide publicity at the time. it is therefore mischievous for the writer of the fake report to now link his injury to any current operation. “For the avoidance of doubt, HQ OPWS wishes to once again state that none of its personnel was ambushed in any part of Benue. Nasarawa or Taraba States in the past several months. Please be informed that OPWS has substantially achieved its

mandate of putting to an end the incessant killings by armed groups in the three(3) states which constitute its Joint Operation Area JOA. The force is now focused on destroying the remnants of armed militia camps that might still be in any part of Benue. Nasarawa and Taraba States, in addition to working for the return of more lDPs back to their ancestral homes in the three(3) States”, Maj. Gen. Yekini explained.

Abuja Earth tremors won’t lead to earthquake – Expert

he National President of the Association of Hydrologists, Ehidiamhen Charles, on Tuesday, said the two recent earth tremors in Abuja could not lead to earthquake. Mr Charles stated this Minna, Niger State while speaking with journalists. “The minor incidents should not cause panic among the

residents of the Federal Capital Territory. “These incidents are minor, they cannot cause any concern; there should be no cause for alarm.” Mr Charles described incidents as ‘‘mere earth movements”, which he said “are normal”, asserting that the tremors could not cause

damages to individuals and the community. ‘‘Tremor is a regular phenomenon, Nigeria is stable, we are not an earthquake zone; the nearest we have here is volcano, even the volcano is dormant.” He attributed the incidents to human activities saying, ‘‘so many construction works are

going on in Abuja. ‘‘So many mining activities are going on; if I use dynamite, the blasting can only cause accentuation, the tremors are not destructive.” The national president said there was no adequate consultation with the association before raising the alarm. “Nigerians should not be

made to panic, government should not be made to spend money unnecessarily,” he advised. He recalled that there had been similar incidents in Kaduna, Paiko in Niger State and Ijebu Ode in Ogun State in recent past, adding that since then nothing had happened in these areas. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Musa Adamu

enate yesterday diverted N25.5billion from N714.668billion appropriated for the Ministry of Power in the 2018 budget as part of monies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections. The education ministry also had N10.238billion diverted from its original budget of N651.226billion appropriated for it in the 2018 budget to complete the N242.2bn now budgeted for conduct of the 2019 general elections. Aside the two ministries, 28 other Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies (MDAs) also had parts of their 2018 budgetary allocations cut in addition to the N121.2bn vired from Service Wide Vote to make up for the N242bn 2019 elections budget. These were sequel to recommendations made to that effect by the Senate Committee on Appropriation. The Committee, in the report presented by its Chairman Senator Danjuma Goje (APC Gombe Central), explained that the earlier virement of N242bn for the elections budget entirely from service wide votes (Special Intervention Programme) should be rescinded and approve new sources recommended. The recommended new sources, as presented and approved by the Senate, are N121.2bn to be vired from service wide votes (Special Intervention Programme) and the remaining balance of N121bn to be vired from 2018 budgetary votes of affected 30 MDAs. Some of the MDAs affected are Federal Ministry of Water Resources which has N12.954bn vired from its N155.149bn 2018 budget, Federal Ministry of Agriculture where N11billion was vired from its N203bn 2018 budget. Others are: Ministry of Budget and National Planning N8.845bn, Ministry of Defence N2.636bn, Foreign Affairs N1.737bn and Federal Ministry of Health N8.059bn. Also affected in the virements are Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation N6.734bn, Office of the National Security Adviser N1.120bn, Ministry of Labour and Employment

Senate cuts budget of 30 MDAs to fund 2019 election Power tops list with N25.5bn

N2.727bn, Information and Culture N1.884bn, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs N1.199bn, Science and Technology N7.466bn , Industry, Trade and Investment N7.085bn etc. However, the committee, in the

report, retained the spread of the N242bn virement votes for conduct of the 2019 general elections across the six affected agencies as earlier approved by both chambers of the National Assembly with N189bn for

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), N27.3bn for the Nigeria Police Force and N9.481bn for the office of the National Security Adviser. Others are N10.213bn for the

Department of State Services (DSS), N3.573bn for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and N2.628bn for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), all totaling N242.245, 050, 100bn.

L-R: Benue State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olofu; his Sokoto State counterpart, Saidu Umar; Yobe State Commissioner for Finance, Muhammed Ismaila and others during Nigeria Governors Forum 2018 national peer learning event, yesterday in Abuja .Photo: Justin Imo-owo

We’re reorganising Nigeria after PDP’s mind boggling mismanagement -Buhari By Lawrence Olaoye

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration was only trying to reorganize the country after many years of mind boggling mismanagement by previous administration. The nation was administered for sixteen unbroken democratic years,1999-2015, before Buhari finally defeated President Goodluck Jonathan at the 2015 Presidential election. According to a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President made these comments

while receiving a group from the South-East part of the county under the aegis of One-onOne Nigeria, on Tuesday night. President Buhari said, “We are still trying to organize the country. The extent of mismanagement we met when we came was mindboggling. “Many times, I have spoken about the tremendous resources available to us between 1999 and 2014, and how it was frittered. If only they had used just 25% of it on infrastructure; road, rail, power, Nigerians would mind their own businesses, and not bother about whoever was in power. The casualty figure on our roads daily

is simply scandalous. No wonder they are in opposition now, despite all the power they thought they had.” The group, led by Chief Chido Obidiegwu, said it had keenly observed the strides of the Buhari administration nationwide, particularly in the South-East, “and it is now payback time.” According to Obidiegwu, “We have seen the work being done on the long-abandoned Second Niger Bridge; roads are being constructed in many parts of the region, and we believe there is every reason to support you for a second term.” Describing President Buhari as the “grandfather of war against

indiscipline and corruption, nightmare of insurgents, Mr. Food Security, consolation to pensioners, and Mr. Frugality,” the group said it was going to mobilize SouthEasterners to massively vote for him, believing that one good turn would then deserve another in 2023. The One-on-One Nigeria promised to mobilize youths groups, women, artisans, traders and religious groups to massively vote for President Buhari, adding that it had all it takes – “courage, drive, verve and vitality.” Seven men and two women represented One-on-One Nigeria during the visit.

FEC approves N1.83bn Abuja runway, pilot cutters

By Lawrence Olaoye

he Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sum of N628.1million for the variation in Abuja Second Runway project and N 1.21billion for procurement of Pilot-cutters in the Ministry of Transportation The Council, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, also approved the sum of N12.66 billion for procurements in the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Prisons Service. Briefing newsmen after the weekly FEC meeting, yesterday, Minister of Interior, Abdulraman Danbazzau, said he presented three memos to the Council. “The first memo has to do with procurement of fire trucks. I have informed this gathering before that when we came in 2015, I went round the fire stations within Abuja, and

what I found out was very awful; because as at that time there was only one rickety fire truck on ground. So we embarked on the procurement of fire fighting trucks, water tankers and so on, as part of the security sector reform efforts and also in order to reduce the loss and curtail the incidence of fire. “In 2016, we procured 21 fire fighting vehicles, plus other vehicles such as water tankers in 2017. The procurement was for 22 fire fighting trucks; and of course, 2018 is a repeat procurement of what we did in 2017 and also for this year to cost N3.952 billion for those fire trucks, water tankers and other related vehicles. “But the reform is not just about procurement of equipment; we are also focusing our attention on the issue of training and welfare of staff within the various services.” He continued, “The second memo has to do with the Nigeria Immigration Service. I remember that sometimes in

May, there was approval for Projects Consultants for the construction of what is termed as Technology Building, which is a data command control and communication centre. The whole idea is to bring together all the data used by Nigeria Immigration under one roof. For now, we have this data domiciled with the service providers, even though we are able to bring them there, but they are in piece meal. “So, within the command, the technology building, all these data will be brought together so that they can be able to interface with other institutions that have to do with internal security, border management and so on, including, for instance, the Customs - since the Immigrations and the Customs are always at the borders.” He explained that the idea of the project was to guarantee effective and efficient monitoring and management

of the data. “In this case, Julius Berger is going to construct this building, including the furnishing.” The minister added, “The third aspect is the Nigerian Prisons. That also has to do with procurement of operational and Green-maria vehicles - not black maria. We just changed the name to reflect the current thinking on rehabilitation and treatment of inmates. We are procuring 116 vehicles for this memo as presented, which will cost one billion, five hundred and eighty four million, sixty four thousand, five hundred and sixty naira.” Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said, “There are two memoranda that we presented from the Ministry of Transportation. One has to do with the Abuja runway variation of cost, which had earlier come this year and was stepped down for the ministry to liaise with the Ministry of Works, in terms of pricing.

That was done and brought back to cabinet. So, the work reviewed and the cabinet approved the increase of six hundred and twenty eight million, one hundred and twenty three thousand five hundred ninety naira six kobo, as variation on the job which then will bring the entire contract to N6.5 billion. “What we refer as variation is more or less additional work we ran into because of the construction and repair of the runway. “The next thing is we have what we call as Pilot-cutters, these are vessels that convey pilots, pilots are those who move the ships or vessels from point A to point B; and currently we have pilot cutters everywhere excluding Tincan and Apapa. Tin Can and Apapa constitute the Western port; so we came to cabinet to request that they award the contract in purchase of two pilot cutters to serve both Tincan and Apapa.”

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

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News Global Islamic scholars arrive Bauchi, pray for peaceful coexistence From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed,

auchi State Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has received Islamic Scholars from Morocco, Algeria, United State of America, Malaysia and Senegal to pray for peace and stability of the country. Receiving the scholars under the leadership of Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyya Sheikh Muhammadul Kabir, yesterday at the Ramat House Bauchi, Governor Abubakar thanked the delegation for the visit and called on the scholars and Nigerians to continue to pray for peace and stability in Bauchi and the country at large. He said since he assumed duty as the State Governor he gave equal treatment to all religions in the state and pledged that government would continue to promote religious tolerance among its citizens Governor Abubakar said the state has recorded remarkable success in different Quranic recitation competitions and asked the scholars to pray for him and the leadership of the country to succeed. Earlier, Sheikh Mahiy Nyass from Senegal commended the governor for exhibiting exemplary leadership style and expressed their appreciation for the warm reception accorded to them. He said its traditions of Nigerian leaders they always carry scholars in high esteem,welcome them and pray for the governor to deliver his mandate peacefully and successfully. Introducing the scholars to the Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi said the Scholars were in Bauchi to thanks A reknown Islamic Scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi whose Foundation organized the International Maulud in Gombe to honour a servant of Allah great Islamic Scholar Grand Son of Prophet Muhammad SAW Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani who dedicated all his life towards the services of Islam, and whoever did a Good things he should be commended and remembered Shehu Tijjani lives an exemplary life filled with fear of God and noble character. Ibrahim said the event shows the light and strength of Islam, and improved relationship among followers of Tijjaniyyah across the globe. He said, the essence of the celebration is to further cement the existing mutual relationship of the adherents of Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani all over the world, to immortalize and commemorate the legacy and teachings of the Sheikh and to pray for peaceful co-existence of the entire nation. Alhaji Ibrahim , said that prominent Islamic, clerics from Morocco, Algeria ,Mauritania, United States of America, Mali Egypt Senegal Sudan Ghana, Cameroon, Niger and other Europe and African countries graced the occasion . The Grand Khalifa of Tijjaniyyah Sheikh Muhammadul Kabir offered special prayers to the governor, the state and the country at large.

Gombe govt. threatens to shut down Fidelity Bank over N200m debt From David Hassan, Gombe

he authority of Gombe state Internal Revenue Service yesterday said they may likely shutdown the activities of Fidelity bank if they refuse to pay their tax. Addressing journalists shortly after giving notice of noncompliance to the bank’s the Executive Director, tax operations Gombe state Internal Revenue

Service, Mohammed Musa said the board found it necessary to issue noncompliance notice to the bank for failure to remit it’s tax to the board. “After giving the bank series of notice to settle its debt yet they failed to comply with us we have no option than to seal the bank if they refuse to pay their tax,” he said. According to him, this notice given to them is sign of warning,

if it persists, we would head to court and collect court order to enable us seal the bank properly. He said the bank is owing the state revenue service a tune of N200,000,000 as tax and we will not fold our hands and watch this happen. Speaking further, the executive director tax operations who did not hide his feelings told reporters that they will do everything they could to ensure

that the bank is sealed if it refused to settle its tax payment. Our correspondent reports that the operations was carry in line with armed policemen, the media and other relevant bodies to ensure justice. The Gombe state Internal Revenue Service has earlier written to the bank to settle its outstanding tax otherwise decisive action will be taking against them.

Suspected Notorious Kidnappers and Murder of Emir of Adara Dr Maiwada Galadima, during their parade by securities operatives, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: Bashir Bello

How renewable energy can solve housing deficit, by NGO By Musa Adamu

Non-goverental organisatio, Developmental Association for Renewable Energy (DARE), has explained how using used plastic bottles for housing construction can solve housing deficit in Nigeria. The group also explained that apart frim riding the environment of the menace of plastic pollution, using it for housing construction had proven to be far cheaper and resistant. Speaking to the Media after giving a tour of building and fish pond constructed using plastic bottles to participants at the Biannual Meeting of the Friends of Earth International (FoEI), Chairman of DARE, Dr Yahaya Ahmed, said his group was into training the youth on the art of using plastic bottles for housing construction. He said: “Over the years, we only burn the plastic as a way of discarding them or leave them on the environment and they blcok

our drainages and cause flooding. So what we are doing differently here is to get the plastic bottles out of the environment and use them to construct houses.” He since Nigeria was already faced with housing deficit and indiscriminate dumpling of plastic bottles, it was only reasonable to deploy one challenge to solve another. “ We thought since we are faced with shortage of housing in excess of millions why don’t we juts take advantage of the avalanche of plastic bottles that litters every where and provide these houses instead of concentrating on the use of concrete and cement blocks. “By so doing, we would also be cleaning our environment hence, solving two major challenges. We should not ban the use of plastic but recycle it for other cleaner usage.” Explaining further that it coats less to construct houses with plastic bottles, he said ‘The cost of using the plastic is ratio

1:3 in favour of the plastic. It is also stronger and more resistant to any hazards.” Dr Ahmed said his organization had already trained about 60 Nigerians,mostly from the street, in the science of using plastic bottles for housing construction. “And since this has to do with some sort of technology we have taken it upon ourselves to train people and most of the beneficiaries are the street people who thought they had no future. By this we have saved them from being misused by politicians. We have trained about 60 Nigerians already on this and some of the are already trainers themselves. Appealing to the government at all levels to render some assistance, he said “if we must scale it up we must get the support. We used to get some support from some organizations. If we get support from the government we can scale up our activities here.” He advised Nigerians to realise that “we have alot out

there and that we don’t have to fold our hands and wait for government to do everything for us.” One of the tourists to the site, Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigerian (ERA/FoEn), dwacribed the initiative of the geoup as pleaseing that needed to be encouraged. He said: “Our environment has been saturated with millions if plastic especially from bottled water. This initiative is helping to remove the plastic from the environment and being put to productive uses by suing it to build houses. “Therefore, this is highly laudable. We are very pleased with this community resource centre initiated by private individual which civil society groups are supporting.” He said there was the need to invest more in the youth and that one of the ways to this was through this intitiative.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

UN condemns kidnap of students, staff in Cameroon

he United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has condemned Monday’s reported kidnapping of students and staff of a secondary school in Bamenda, North-West region of Cameroon. Guterres called for their immediate release and return to their homes and families, in a statement by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. “There can be no justification for these crimes against civilians, particularly minors,” the UN chief added. No fewer than 79 students were reportedly abducted on Monday morning with their teacher, the principal and a driver. The abduction has prompted a massive search operation involving the Cameroonian army. One student who hid under a bed said that events unfolded quickly as the kidnappers threatened to shoot, rounding up the older boys and leaving the smaller ones behind. While no group has taken responsibility for the kidnappings, some journalists report that separatists complain that the Cameroon school system suppresses the Englishspeaking system inherited from the British. The Secretary-General reiterated the need for a peaceful solution to the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon through an inclusive dialogue process. According to him, the UN stands ready to assist in this regard. (NAN)

CRIME News El-Zakzaky’s trial continues as police restate ban on procession

he Kaduna State Police Command on Tuesday said the ban on all forms of processions/demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in force. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Yakubu Sabo, gave the warning in a press statement issued in Kaduna. Mr Sabo said members of the public should note that the ban on all forms of processions/ demonstrations in Kaduna State is still in force.

According to him, the police will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group of persons who deliberately attempt to violate the ban. “In view of the court trial of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky on Wednesday November 7, the peace loving and law abiding people of Kaduna State are to note that adequate security has been put in place for a hitch-free court appearance. “Therefore, members of the

public are advised to remain calm and not to be apprehensive where they observe unusual number of security personnel in town. “As part of the strategy put in place for a smooth process of the court trial, there will be traffic diversion in the following areas during the court session: “Independence Way, Bida Road and all other roads leading to Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna. “The command wishes to notify the general public to exercise

more security consciousness as they go about their daily chores and other lawful businesses,” Mr Sabo said He appealed to the general public to report suspicious activities or persons around them to the nearest security agency. “In this regard, police emergency numbers: 07039675856 and 08075391105, can be reached in case of any distress/emergency,’’ he added (NAN)

Zamfara to spend N1.5bn on civilian JTF

amfara State Government said it would spend N1.53 billion annually on 8,500 youths to be engaged as members of civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) to fight crime in the state. The Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Dankande, made this known at a news conference in Gusau, the state capital on Tuesday.

He said the amount constituted the allowance to be paid to members of the JTF. According to Mr Dankande, the allowance will be drawn directly from the state government’s security vote. He explained that selected youths would undergo paramilitary training in crime fighting and intelligence gathering and dissemination. The commissioner said the

youth were picked from the rural areas, stating that the measure was deliberately conceived by the state government “because they know those who reside among them. “They also know the bushes where the bandits may be hiding and it will now be easier for the conventional security to trace the bandits or their hideouts.’’ The News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN) recalls that the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, had last week said that 500 youths would be selected from 17 emirate council in the state to join the conventional security operatives to fight crime. Mr Yari told journalists that each of the youths would receive monthly allowance of N15, 000. (NAN)

L-R: CEO Of Wise World Consultant Convener, Bar. Christy Dagogo George ; AIG Of Police, Emmanuel Inyan; DIG Of Police, Sani Mohammed, Police Commissioner of Abia State Emma Nwosu, during the Training on Utilization of Technology in Tackling Nigeria Security Challenges, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Release of gang leader, Teshaku worries Benue govt From Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

enue State Government has expressed worry over the release of Aliyu Teshaku, former Commander of Livestock Guards by the Department of State Services, DSS. Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Col.

Paul Hemba rtd, said yesterday during an interview with newsmen in his office that he had been informed by one of the security agencies that Teshaku has been released on bail and investigation into his case is still ongoing. He said the release of Teshaku was discussed at the State Security Council which

led to the dissolution of the Livestock Guard which hitherto, was coordinated by him. The security adviser explained that the livestock guard has not been disbanded as speculated in some quarters, stressing that the Security Council approved its dissolution to enable the state government reconstitute the security outfit

which is established by an act of legislation with a view to fishing out bad eggs especially those who may be loyal to the former coordinator. “I wish to use this opportunity to clear the air that government did not disband the Benue State Livestock Guards as been speculated in some quarters. The governor is been cautious that

they be some bad eggs especially with the release of Teshaku. The structure he put in place which the government feels is criminal should be dismantled’, Col. Hemba stated. It should be noted that Teshaku was arrested and charged to court by the DSS on allegation that he was mobilizing to attack Benue with his gang.

NSCDC, NAYES partner to curb vandalism in Nasarawa From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

n order to curtail the incessant cases of vandalism and other related crimes in Nasarawa, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp Nasarawa State Command has engaged the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme, NAYES, personnel on a capacity building training of NAYES marshal on security rudiments to enable them tackle

and thrash out the incessant cases of vandalism and other crimes across the state. Nasarawa state Commandant of the NSCDC Mohammed Fari who affirmed this yesterday during the ongoing training exercise of the NAYES Marshal at the Command Headquarters Lafia, the state capital. The commandant added that the capacity training was aimed at inculcating the NAYES personnel

with security tips in order to aid them assist security operatives in the state with useful information as according to him “This will go a long way curtailing the rampant cases of crime especially vandalism in the state”. Also speaking in an interview with Newsmen in Lafia, the Acting General Manager of NAYES Abdullahi Labaran Maina applauded Governor Tanko Almakura for initiating and the

establishment of NAYES which according to him “The scheme has engaged thousands of youths in the state on various discipline.” According to him “The youth empowerment scheme has drastically reduced unemployment as well as our youths in Nasarawa today have something to take home every month”. Abdullahi continues “NAYES personnel have received various

training ranging from security, environmental traffic and information gathering. This will add value in the area of combating crime across the state. We are doing our best as community watchers in collaboration with the conventional security operative.” “I call on the general public to co-operate with NAYES personnel by reporting any suspicious movement/persons in their respective locations,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

PAGE 8

News

Coalition berates Amnesty Int’l over Shi’ite protests By Stanley Onyekwere

he Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has berated Amnesty International for insisting that Nigeria security forces be held accountable for killing members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiittes while carrying out protests. The Coalition was reacting to a recent report released by the agency where it alleged that they have obtained footage of a shocking and unconscionable use of deadly force by soldiers and police against members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN. CATE’s National Coordinator, Gabriel Onoja, at a Press conference yesterday, said the recent assertion by Amnesty International was a campaign of incitement against the Nigerian state. He said: “Members of the IMN group, under the pretext of protesting for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakyzaky, obstruct the roads and harass other commuters. “We wonder if Amnesty International is aware that among the road users that are trapped in the gridlocks created by these protests are patients being rushed to hospital for life saving medical intervention. “Amnesty International is suggesting that stones, slingshots, sticks and fused bottles filled with petrol do not qualify as weapons; it is practically saying that we should allow members of the group attack security personnel with these items since they are not considered to be lethal weapons. “They deface public infrastructure, destroyed cars belonging to other Nigerians and there is multimedia evidence of the police car they burnt and the other vehicles belonging to security agencies that were smashed. Had the Police and Military not stepped in to put a stop to the IMN madness they would have definitely killed scores of Nigerians. “Amnesty International engaged the same tactic when it repeatedly used lies about human rights abuses to obstruct Nigeria’s war on terrorism. The implication is that the terror group now uses the NGO as a shield each time it wants to regroup after being defeated.” The group further called on the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) to urgently take practical step of sanctioning Amnesty International especially by way of distancing itself from the questionable group as its work around the globe have added to human misery instead of the converse.

Zamfara throws curtain open to investors on devt. programmes By Usman Shuaibu

amfara state Government has expressed its readiness to partner with any organisation wishing to come and associate itself with any developmental programmes in the state. The disclosure was made by Governor of Zamfara State, Alh Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar while inaugurating members of the Technical Committee of a project called, REACH,

Reaching and Empowering Adolescents tô make informed choices of their health under the Save Children International at City King Hotel in zamfara. According to him, the project is timely in view of the current challenges facing youths and young children in Nigeria and Zamfara in particular. The Governor who was represented by the Parmanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Habib Yelwa tasked

the inaugurated members of the Technical Committee to use their vast knowledge for the success of the project at the same time seek for the support of the host communities. While delivering his speech, the state Programme Manager Dr Abdullahi Maiwada Mon of the REACH project said the Reaching and Empowering Adolescents programme is to cover Gombe, Katsina and Zamfara states with at least one hundred thousand adolescents

married and unmarried and it’s to last for three years. Highlighting more, he said the target adolescents is between age ten to nineteen years and its aim is positive behaviour changes among youths especially on health related issues. Modupe Taiwo, the Country Director of the REACH project Abuja sought for the support and cooperation of government and stakeholder to ensure success of the project. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu (2nd right), Director Environmental Science and Technology Mr. Peter Ekweozoh (right), Director Finance and Account Mr. Ibrahim Yusufu (2nd left), Professor in Environment and Development University of Reading, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke (3rd left) DirectorGeneral Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology Dr. Eucharia Okpara (left), during the Collaborative Workshop for Capacity Assessment for Green Economy Transition Organized by University of Reading and Federal Ministry of Science and Technology held in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Work towards credible 2019 polls, NYSC urges corps members From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed,

he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has charged Corps Members that will per take in the exercise to help the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting credible elections ahead of the upcoming 2019 general elections, Director General of the scheme

Brigadier General Suleiman Kazaure gave this advice yesterday when he visited Corps members currently undergoing orientation at Wailo camp in Bauchi. The Director General represented by the director general services in the NYSC headquarters Habibu Kurawa, Kazaure said the Corps members should remain nonpartisan throughout their service year as they were mobilized

by the NYSC to render patriotic services to all citizens. He said that the management has concluded all arrangements with security agencies to protect the Corps members during election, Kazaure warned them against being induced with money by politicians to commit electoral malpractices just as he also advised them to stay from trouble zones and report chaos at their

polling units. The State Coordinator of the scheme Mr Afolayan James who thanked the DG for the visit explained that the Corps members had exhibited high level of discipline and were participating fully in camp activities. He urged them to carry out community development Services in the state which is one of the cardinal objectives of the scheme

Gov. Bello presents N159.5bn 2019 budget to assembly From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has presented the sum of N159,529,728,377.00 as the total budget for 2019 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. While presenting the budget yesterday in Minna, Governor Bello said that the total anticipated revenue to the state in 2019 is N159,529,728,377.00 which is higher than the 2018 Appropriation by 5.43%. “The 2019 budget estimate which is christened Budget of Sustenance and Continuity will focus mainly on the completion of all on-going projects that have direct bearing on the lives

of Nigerlites in addition to some critical new ones” he said. According to him, “We will ensure priority attention on completing of on-going projects in the areas of infrastructure, education, water resources, agriculture and social development to stimulate economic growth through investment inflows. Water Resources got the large chunk of the budget with over N13.7 billion as N2.4bn is expected from intervention and another sum of N3.752bn and N7.625billion has been proposed for the rehabilitation and the expansion of water schemes across the state. This is followed by Health sector which has N11.037billion.

He explained the proposal comprises of a recurrent expenditure N63,324,292,994.00 or 39.69%, while capital expenditure is N96,205,435,383.00 or 60.31% Governor Bello said the budget would be generated through Statutory Allocation of N61, 676,145,300.00, Value Added Tax of N12,024,221,257.00, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N15,174,243,716.00, Paris Club Refund of N12, 273,897,415.00,dividends from North-South power of N300, 000,000.00. A refund from National Electricity Liability Co. (NELCO) of N3,825,000,000.00, Refund from Pension Fund Administrators of N4,000,000,000.00

and Capital Receipts of N50,256,220,689.00 making the total N159,529,728,377.00. He added that the total projected capital expenditure for the year 2019 is N89, 543,981,070 which has the following sectorial breakdown of Administrative Sector with N8, 7555,893,739.00 or 8.2%, Economic sector of N56, 032,763,590.00 or 57.45%, Law and Justice Sector of N1,540,000,000.00 or 1.72%, Social Sector of N29, 876,778,054.00 or 32.60% making a of N96,205,435,383.00 In his remarks the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Marafa Guni, said the lawmakers will ensure the passage of the bill in a shortest possible and record time.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News

Court dismisses bail application for El- Zakzaky

Why I killed my mother, raped her corpse -Teenager confesses

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

From Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

aduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna has dismissed the bail application of detained leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky. One of the lawyers to Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Barrister Haruna Magashi disclosed this to newsmen after the court sitting in Kaduna yesterday Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzakky and his wife, Malama Zeenat are being charged for murder, culpable homicide and unlawful assembly among others. Haruna Magashi explained that, the preceding judge , Justice Gideon Kurada said he is going to continue with the case even in the absence of the third and the forth accused as there were no records before him showing that they have received any summons from the court. He further said that, the team will study the court’s decision dismissing the bail application with the Sheikh to determine what step to take next. In his response, Barrister Dari Bayero, the Counsel to the state government, said the Sheikh has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and the court has asked them to bring their evidences to prove the charges against him. In a swift reaction to the refusal of the court to grant bail to the Sheikh, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, President Media Forum of the Islamic Movement said, “We are disappointed with the courts’ decision, because it should have considered his failing health. “Secondly it shows that the government is not ready to listen to us, well-meaning Nigerians as well as the international community that our leader should be set free as ordered by the Federal High Court. “Therefore we will keep on with our protests in Abuja and other cities Insha Allah.” The court announced January 22nd 2019 as the date for the next sitting.

Page 9

8-year-old teenager, Akpobome Samuel, has been arrested by police in Benin for allegedly hacking his mother, Mrs. Gift Samuel to death and had a sexual intercourse with her corpse for money making ritual purposes which ended in a fiasco. He spoke to newsmen when he was being paraded by the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City. Akpobome was paraded alongside other 87 other suspects

by the police for various crimes ranging from cultism, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, murder and burglary in Benin City. He said he was only acting on the instructions of the native doctor whom he consulted at Ologbo Community in IkpobaOkha Local Government Area of the State. He explained that the native doctor told him that after killing his mother, he should sleep with her corpse in order to get rich and that he willing complied with his instruction and killed her and copulate with her lifeless body.

Akpobome who claimed to have worked at a sachet water factory in Ologbo said he was caught by his grandmother who came to knock at his door having waited patiently for her (the deceased) to accompany her to a prayer session in church. Akpobome who said he had only slept with the corpse once, said his grandmother raised the alarm that attracted the attention of the people in the neighbourhood when she saw the lifeless body of his mother on the floor. “The native doctor told me to kill my mother and sleep with her

corpse but he did not tell me the number of days to sleep with her. He told me to keep her dead body inside the room for two days but I was caught when I could no longer keep it. “As I was about coming out, I did not know that my grandmother was sitting outside. “When I opened the door, my grandmother sighted the corpse inside the room and raised the alarm that drew the attention of the public. “My mother did not offend me. I killed her because of the money,” he said.

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, SGF, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Chief of staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, during the federal Executive council (FEC) meeting held at the Council Chamber, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Lagos Police Command dismisses drunk officer

Police provost, Inspector Kadima Useni, attached to Police Mobile Force, Squadron 22 Base, Ikeja, Lagos State, was on Wednesday dismissed by the Police for getting drunk on duty. Lagos State Police Command’s Spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, said that the dismissed policeman was apprehended following a

viral video which showed the policeman drunk in Dopemu area of Lagos. “The attention of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, has been drawn to a video of a Lagos policeman who got drunk at Akowonjo, Dopemu area of Lagos State. “He, therefore, directed the state Commissioner of Police, CP

Imohimi Edgal, to fish out the erring policeman for appropriate disciplinary action. “The policeman, who was stupefied after guzzling large quantity of alcoholic beverage, was located and apprehended today 07/11/2018 at Police Mobile Force Squadron 22 Base, Ikeja, where he served as the Command Provost.

“He was identified as Inspector Kadima Useni with appointment number 176219. “During interrogation, the officer affirmed that he was the one in the video; he was therefore tried in orderly room and summarily dismissed to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said. (NAN)

South-East govs want alleged assassination attempt on Ekweremadu probed

he South-East Governors’ Forum has called for a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged assassination attempt on Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

The forum also rejected what it described as “hasty conclusion’’ by the investigating security agency that the attack was a case of burglary. Director-General of the

forum, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, made the call on Wednesday in Enugu while briefing newsmen on the governors’ position on the issue. Ortuanya said that the careful and methodical

execution of the plot as reported pointed to something more sinister than burglary. According to him, if the mission was mere burglary, the so-called burglars would not have prevailed on the son

to take them to his father’s bedroom. He said that the alleged attempted attack on Ekweremadu had cast a dark shadow on the security of lives and property in Nigeria.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

PAGE 10

News

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

Strike: Senate backs ASUU, asks FG to pay

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Musa Adamu

enate yesterday backed the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in their agitation for better funding of the Nigerian universities, even as it asked the federal government to pay the striking university lectures the fund they are currently demanding. It called on the Federal government to engage the striking university lecturers on the implementation of past agreements reached with their umbrella body on proper funding of public universities. It also pleaded with the striking lecturers to call off its three- day long industrial action. These were sequel to a motion moved to that effect by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND , Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North). Senators including Shehu Sani and Mao Ohuabunwa in their contributions, expressed concerns over the crisis in public universities especially the industrial action embarked upon by ASUU and the need for Senate to intervene before it degenerated into another thing. Meanwhile the Senate

President, Bukola Saraki yesterday announced reshufflement of the leadership of four standing committees of the Senate. In the reshufflement, Senator

Ali Ndume (Borno South) takes over as Chairman of Establishment Committee from Emmanuel Paulker (Bayelsa Central) who replaced Olujinmi as Deputy

Minority Whip. Senator Tijani Kaura (Zamfara North) replaced Senator Abu Ibrahim (Katsina South) as Police Committee Chairman, while

Senator Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi North) who chairs INEC and Labour Committees will relinquish Chairmanship of Labour committee to Senator Abu Ibrahim

Traffic gridlock, after a suspected motorcycle thief entered a commercial bank to escape lynching by Okada riders, yesterday in Mararaba Nasarawa. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Suspected motorcycle thief runs into bank to escape jungle justice By Mahmud Isa

here was pandemonium yesterday at the popular Mararaba area of Nasarawa state, as a suspected motorcycle thief ran into a nearby bank to escape being lynched by angry mob. Our correspondent who was at the scene of the incident, reported that the event happened around 10:00am in the morning, when business activities were at its peak. According to him, the thief who made frantic efforts to escape jungle justice by the Okada riders, bolted into a nearby commercial bank in the area, The event which took place opposite building materials market in Mararaba, resulted into a pandemonium as the Okada riders pursued the suspected thief into the commercial bank, forcing customers to scamper in panic, running helter-skelter, our reporter said. He narrated that the security personnel at the bank who were on ground were not enough to contain the crowd to avoid damages in the bank, hence they immediately contacted the police. However, when the police arrived the scene and prevented the crowd from gaining access into the banking hall, the Okada riders resorted to protest, burning tyres on the express way. This, according to our reporter, caused serious gridlock. Consequently, when the commuters saw the fire burning,

most of them alighted from their vehicles and took to their heels. Meanwhile, the suspect

has been arrested and taken to the police station for further investigation.

Efforts to get reactions from the bank Managing Director and the Divisional Police Officer in

the area proved abortive, as they claimed indisposed to talk to our correspondent.

Nigerian Navy hosts Prince of Wales in Lagos T

he Nigerian Navy has hosted the Prince of Wales in Lagos on Wednesday in continuation of his three-day business and cultural tour of Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prince, who arrived the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island at 1:46 p.m., was received by the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas. After being ceremonially received by the Naval chief, the prince was taken on a tour around

Lagos waters on the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) EKULU. The prince was piped onboard by the Commanding Officer NNS EKULU, Andrew Zidon. Speaking with journalists after the departure of the prince, Mr Ibas said that the visit was an encouragement for the navy. “The Nigerian Navy is an offshoot of the Royal Navy and he is also here to see by himself the progress being made with the cooperative support the royal navy has been giving Nigeria,” he

said. NAN reports that Prince Charles and his entourage had earlier arrived Lagos aboard a B737 aircraft with registration number CS-TFY, which landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport at 12.08 p.m. He was received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Idiat Adebule, officials of the United Kingdom Consulate and security chiefs. The prince’s three-day

business and cultural tour of Nigeria is also to mark the 75th Anniversary of the British Council in Nigeria. Mr Charles had arrived Nigeria on Tuesday alongside his wife, Camilla and were received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja. The prince also met with notable traditional rulers as part of efforts to build peace in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.(NAN)

Minimum wage: Buhari’ll consider recommendation, make views public -Lai Muhammed Bu Usman Shuaibu

he Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that, the N30,000 minimum wage proposal contained in the report of the tripartite committee set up by the Federal Government would be considered by President Muhammadu Buhari who will make his views public. Recall that the was on Tuesday

presented to him by the chairman of the committee, Amal Pepple. Pepple had while presenting the report to the President disclosed that the committee recommended that the national minimum wage be increased from N18,000 monthly to N30,000. She added that her committee also drafted a bill that the Federal Government would send to the National Assembly to effect the change.

While it was widely reported that the president had endorsed the committee’s recommendations, reports emerged yesterday that a presidential source that spoke under anonymity said President Buhari was yet to endorse the N30,000 minimum wage recommended by the committee. Mohammed, said Buhari would only take a decision and make his view known after considering the

report. “I think it (N30,000) was a recommendation. Mr. President will consider it and will make his views known in due course,” the minister said. When pressed further, Mohammed said, “I said a recommendation was submitted. Mr. President will get back to the committee after he has studied the recommendation.”

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL Reward for courage and patience

he coast is nearly clear for a new national minimum wage to emerge. The fog that hung over it in the form of resistance by state governors and two strikes by workers’ unions has been lifted. Now President Muhammadu Buhari, the man to make it all happen, has endorsed N30, 000 as the new minimum wage. It is a benchmark requiring employers not to pay a wage less than that. The current benchmark is N18, 000, enacted in 2011. The President, in his comments after receiving a report submitted to him by the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Ama Pepple, assured that his government would find a way to implement the new wage bill regardless of the nation’s economic challenges. According to him, the welfare of the workers is of “paramount importance”. He assured that a new Minimum Wage Bill would be forwarded to the National Assembly for passage into law. Recall that On 27th November 2017, Buhari inaugurated the National Minimum Wage Committee with a mandate to recommend a new minimum wage. “This exercise became necessary for many reasons”, he said. “The last review took place in 2011. We all know since then, the prices of key consumables have increased and the most vulnerable of our workers are struggling to make ends meet. Since 2011, many changes have taken place. Nigeria rebased its GDP to become the largest economy in Africa. We reported very strong GDP growth rates and exceptional performance of our capital markets. However, these reported successes did not flow into the pockets and homes of majority of Nigerians. “In the last three years, we focused on correcting this deficiency. We are working to create a diversified and inclusive economy. We are pushing to clear pension arrears owed to our retired workers with the limited resources available to us. We supported State Governments to pay workers salary. And of course, we set up a committee in order to review the minimum wage of workers. “In constituting this committee, we took into account the need for all stakeholders to be adequately represented – the government, the private sector and most importantly the workers. Our goal was to get an outcome that was consensual. From the onset, we knew the committee had a difficult task ahead of it. But at the same time, we were also confident that the patriotic and professional background of its members would produce realistic, fair and implementable recommendations that will be considered by both the executive and legislative arms of government.” In truth, the discussions were without rancor. Once, the minister of labour and productivity stopped the talks without offering any explanation. That led to a strike

by workers under the aegis of NLC and TUC. It was called off after two days when the talks were resumed. A N30, 000 benchmark proposed by the federal government was opposed by state governors. Again, workers threatened a nationwide strike on Tuesday Nov. 6. It was averted only after the committee was hastily recalled to send a recommendation to President Buhari. This was done on Monday. “I am not surprised that the committee has worked for close to one year. I am also not surprised that on a few occasions, the debates got heated and sometimes, these differences came out. Buhari, recalling the difficulties that surrounded the talks, said “What is truly inspiring is that, in almost all instances of disagreements, the committee members always came back to the negotiating table with a common goal of improving the welfare of Nigerian workers. On behalf of all Nigerians today, I want to thank you for your commitment and sacrifice in getting us to where we are today. In the past few days, I have been receiving regular updates on your deliberations. And today, I am pleased that you have completed your work in a peaceful and non-confrontational manner. The entire nation is grateful to you all. “The Committee Chairman highlighted some of the challenges encountered during your deliberations, especially as it relates to having a consensus position acceptable by all parties. I understand, on the government side, the concerns raised were around affordability – that today many states struggle to meet their existing salary requirements. On the side of labour, the points raised focused on the need for any increase to be meaningful. “In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas. Our plan is to transmit the Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time. I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future. Let me use this opportunity to recognise the leadership of the organized labour and private sector as well as representatives of State and Federal Governments for all your hard work. The fact that we are here today, is a notable achievement.” An achievement, indeed. It is the result of courage, persistence and sometimes even threat. However, a final hurdle has to be scaled. The National Assembly has to turn the proposed new NMW into a piece of legislation. This, we urge it to do expeditiously.

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We all know since then, the prices of key consumables have increased and the most vulnerable of our workers are struggling to make ends meet

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Letter to the Editor

KEDCO@ Five: Achievements, Challenges and the Future plans By Kamalu Sani

uccess that is ordained by transformation and reformation is not accidental. I can tell you that reformation is not and will never be a child of accidents because it is a product of meticulous and purposedriven leadership and the desire to turn the tides against the negatives for humanity to have a taste of what it feels to have the right man at the helm who is committed to putting the round peg in round hole to minimize inefficiency, while piloting their organization to stardom. That has been the story of Kano State Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) under the transforming MD/ CEO, Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the Sardaunan Gombe. Time may not permit one to give a historical excursion into how KEDCO was birth but in as succinctly as possible, the story of the new phase of KEDCO is that that calls for celebrations as the five years under the able leadership of Dr. Gwamna and his highly energized team have turned the fortunes of KEDCO around and currently driving the company to greatness in the nearest possible future. This is not to say there are no challenges but the team in KEDCO are highly inspired in their ingenious ability to make challenges the raw materials for the series of successes recorded so far. Hence this piece has its main aim in reeling out the achievements of KEDCO, challenges and its plan for the future. For a country like ours where diversification is highly sought to boost the economy and fasten growth from all sides, one needs not de-emphasize the relevance of the power sector as it has that capacity to propel industrialization which in turns will create employment for the teeming youths. Constant power supply is the hallmark of a developed economy in contemporary times as it has a way of boosting investments and attracting investors from around the globe. Presently, the reforms of KEDCO have in recent times under the undaunting leadership of Sardaunan Gombe been yielding the needed success story for which such reforms were intended. The achievements of KEDCO have been enveloped in different packages: distribution, improved customer service and employment for youths. Despite challenges in power generation in the country, Kano State Electricity Distribution Company’s Chief Technical Officer Engineer, David Omoloye disclosed that KEDCO marked Five years of existence that the company has been able to improve its power distribution capacity to customers from 220MW it inherited to 344MW within four years. This has really helped in improving the power supply in most parts of the states concerned: Kano, Katsina and Jigawa. Today, industries are springing up and the cost of manufacturing has been drastically reduced because the environment conducive for manufacturing is being created by KEDCO. The power sector reforms by KEDCO has boosted investment and created a healthy co-operative industrial outfit in the concerned states. He also revealed that about 65, 000 prepaid meters out of 500,000 targets have so far been distributed to customers with a view to addressing difficulties in collecting electricity consumption bills. As far as a revolution in the power sector is concerned, KEDCO has proven that it’s on course to addressing the challenges in

the sector in the nearest future. Furthermore, KEDCO has created reasonable employment opportunities for Nigerians especially in the area of building the capacities of youths to securing jobs by related power outfit in any part of the world. It is on record that from inception to date, KEDCO has employed over 2,000 new staff members which were deployed to its regional offices in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states. The employment according to KEDCO was done to expand efforts and shore up service delivery in the regions. By this employment, KEDCO made tremendous impact in assisting the Nigerian government by taking many graduate engineers and technologists roaming the streets in search of unavailable jobs to heave a sigh of relief as they have been absorbed through the reforms in KEDCO. As part of the reforms within the last four years, KEDCO has been able to reform the customer service rendered to their numerous customers across the three states. Its online application which works 24 hours has made it easy for customers to make payments at their comfort using their mobile phones through various online payment modes. This has reduced the avalanche complaints by customers in time past. In spite of these achievements, the company still has some challenges that are bedeviling its operations in recent times. Mr. David Omoloye identified as a major concern that people are always reluctant to pay for power consumption saying ``it is government’s property’’. ‘’We have challenge in collecting payment for power consumption in terms of revenue; That has been the major challenge we’ve been having in the sense that we are not been able to collect all that we are able to spend out and there is too much deficit which we are trying to bridge the gap through metering. This year we have pushed out almost 65,000 meters and we are going to do more until we meet our target of 500, 000 this year”. In a similar vein, power generation has been a major issue when it comes to our capacity to supply power to cater for the needs of the people. This was aptly captured by the Chief Customer Relations Officer of the company Malam Abubakar Yusuf. He attributed reported cases of outages in some areas to low level of power generation from the generating company, noting that the company only distributes what it receives from the generating company. Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the MD/ CEO of KEDCO has in different media platforms, reassuringly reiterated the commitment of KEDCO to meeting the energy demand projections as the company matures with time by building more distribution networks and improving the billing systems through the distribution of meters, which will snowball into improving the revenue collection for power consumed in the regions. Gwamna also assured that more reforms were on the way to promote efficiency and growth in the power sector to lead improved electricity services which is a key factor to driving the economies of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states in the realization of the economic visions of these states. It could be recalled that KEDCO came into being following unbundling of National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to serve three states including Jigawa, Kano and Katsina. Kamalu Sani a media practitioner writes from kano and can be reached via kamalusani@yahoo.com

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

What does IMN want really?

By Philip Agbese

hey continue to say that we are armed. This is a blatant lie. If we are armed, Nigeria Army cannot face us. If we have weapons with us, Nigeria Army is too small to face us. With our courage, braveness and bare hands, they are running away, talk more of when we have arms… - Abdullahi Zango, IMN Leader, November 5, 2018 The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is buoyed by a misreading of the situation surrounding its running confrontations with the military and police without reading between the lines to appreciate the enormity of the suicide mission on which its members have embarked. Abdullahi Zango, IMN leader, held a press briefing on Monday to harangue the military and police. The drift of that event is that his group is seeking weapons to defeat Nigeria’s security forces – IMN does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Nigerian state. During the briefing, Zango attempted to perpetrate the myth that stones, slingshots, catapults and petrol bombs do not qualify as weapons. These to him are merely the “courage, braveness and bare hands” from which military and security are running. The disinformation that these items do not constitute weapons is being promoted by neocon establishments like Amnesty International, nanny western countries, an opposition that is in need of political capital and a section of the media that have an axe to grind with the government of the day and yet another section that is out to milk any sensational value that will rivet the audience. If it should have its wish of becoming a full blown terror group, which would be the case if its members lay their hands on more sophisticated weapons of their dream, the IMN would end up the greatest loser. First, even if it should succeed in using security containment

of the Shiite group to blackmail the incumbent government out of office, the present day opposition will have no option but to clamp down on an IMN that is armed and certainly the intention will be to crush the group as quickly as possible so that whoever is the opposition at that future date does not get to use the group as leverage. Even the paid critics of today would have gotten higher offer from elsewhere and they will paint IMN into a pariah same way they are currently painting it into victimhood. The western nations that are presently all about criticizing the Nigerian state for not allowing IMN members run riot will protect their own interests. They will not even need to declare IMN a terror group. All they have to do is to keep a database of its members and refuse them visas under any pretext possible. No one willfully brings an ants infested firewood home for that is what allowing members of a radicalized group like IMN would mean for these countries. From the trends monitored informally, several countries are already implementing this unspoken policy by not allowing IMN members visas to visit especially with their touted link to Iran. Zango will perhaps want to find out how these countries that are speaking for his group view those that throw stones at their security agents. The only factor that would be left to support an armed IMN would be the likes of Amnesty International, which has such track record of humanizing killer groups and placing their interests and rights over those of victims. But any support from Amnesty International would not be worth much given its declining credibility across the globe on account of its penchant for peddling falsehood. It claimed for instance that the military was “firing live ammunition to disperse a peaceful gathering without warning.” It is interesting how a stone throwing mob of IMN members qualified

as “peaceful gathering”. It is a tragedy that Zango and his followers do not realize from such bared face lies that they are no more than a means to an end in Amnesty International’s obsession with playing whack-a-mole with the military. A detached observer will see a pattern of Amnesty International manipulating IMN members into confrontation with the military so that it has something to accuse the military about violating human rights. The only problem? IMN members kill themselves while Amnesty International’s staffers get paid their bonuses. The fact is that Zango and IMN have to face the reality as one must necessarily burst their bubble. Sorry guys, stones and petrol bombs are weapons, at least in countries that take the safety of their citizens seriously. Israel takes things serious on such level, it has in place a harsh law, passed in 2015, that criminalizes stone throwing. As reported by TheNewArab, “The bill allows for a sentence of up to 20 years in jail for throwing stones or other objects at a civilian vehicle in motion, with the intent of causing harm, and 10 years in prison if intent to endanger was not proven. Stonethrowers who target police vehicles face five years in prison.” Besides Israel, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Turkey and Vietnam have legislation that criminalize stone throwing with sentences as high as 20 years jail term with fines. According to spiveylaw.com, “Under Florida State Law, Statute Section 790:19, shooting or throwing a deadly missile, hurling or projecting a stone or other hard substance which would produce death or great bodily harm at a public or private vehicle is a second degree felony. The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.” IMN members will therefore be wise to realize that the fact there is no permit required to carry stones and slingshots,

unlike guns, does not mean they will not be classified and treated as weapons when the chips are down. They are welcome to extrapolate for the petrol bombs they have added to the equation. IMN members should further note the number of laws they will be breaking if they ever embrace the glaring madness of adding guns and explosives to their already lethal cache of crude weaponry. It is doubtful there is any nation on earth that will accept that level of provocation tepidly. Those urging on members of the group to break the law must realize they are not helping them by misleading them to break the law and place themselves in harm’s way. If at all these people, organizations or countries love IMN as much as they claim they should invest their efforts rehabilitating those that have been radicalized by the group’s teaching perchance they can be re-oriented to fit into the contemporary secular Nigeria. The bigger responsibility is for the Nigerian security circle. Now that IMN has officially made it known that it is desirous of defeating the military “If we (they) have weapons” it is expedient that the necessary steps are taken to prevent the birth of another terrorist group by ensuring that no shipment of weapons arrive from Iran for the group to use. Efforts must similarly continue to mop up illegal firearms across the country. The federal Government must on it part explore how to deal with the IMN aggression with legislation that give military and law enforcement agencies the legal framework to deal with the menace once and for all time. Lines must be drawn since there are peaceful protests, violent stone throwing protests and terrorist acquisition of firearms. Agbese is a researcher in Human Rights Law based in the United Kingdom.

Peter Obi and the South-Eastern Twitter By Jonah Obajeun

lassical historians are quick to point to the heartbeat of politics when spins are thrown up for political discourse. It is a settled fact, politics is organic with biological growth pattern – stunted, normal or stagnant. The dimensions in Nigeria which has grown into the Twitter space, is making fair political appraisal somewhat skewed depending on what feeds into timelines. Only a constricted, narrow-minded witness to political awakening in Nigeria today would argue that there is no other Nigeria apart from the one he lives in. There is a new Nigeria, and it is on Twitter. This is where the new crop of politicians, especially the presidential aspirants are popular. This is their domain, their polling unit, yet they don’t win twitter polls. Let’s leave this for another day. Twitter, as always, has politically come alive. The excitement this time is not about political wizardry or a masterstroke spin, it is about Peter Obi, the golden Igbo man whose time for a comeback into mainstream politics has come. Perhaps, the much-awaited rallying point that has been elusive to the Ndigbo has come. At least this is the feel from South-eastern Twitter. How this translates to actual cult following on the streets, not on twitter, is what must

not be joked with. The baptism of ‘consultation’ and ‘anti-consultation’ that greeted Obi’s nomination gives some concerns for worry. More concerning is that this may well be reduced to Igbo politics and that very Ndigbo political ascendancy may be elusive again. But Obi should be careful as you never know how dangerously toxic political gambling has become until it fatally ensnares you with its tantalising possibilities. That is where and when the cheering twittering audience becomes a howling mob. Ask Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who just ‘resurrected’! Nnamdi Azikiwe’s brand of politics was a truly national one, bottoms-up and with programmatic programming. Perhaps, a learning reference for the Ndigbo so as not to squander the happenstances that threw up Obi. Herbert Macaulay founded Nigeria’s first political party, Nigeria National Democratic Party [NNDP] in 1923. The party won all the seats in the elections of 1923, 1928 and 1933. The dominance of the NNDP was challenged by the National Youth Movement [NYM] which was founded in 1933 by Professor Eyo Ita. Other members of the NYM were Zik, H O Davies, Samuel Akinsanya, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli, Samuel Akintola and others. It was a truly national platform which

fought and won elections to the Lagos Town Council in 1938, ending the dominance of the NNDP. The NYM split over irreconcilable differences of its members and Zik left the party and teamed with Herbert Macaulay to form the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons [NCNC]. Macaulay was elected the President while Zik was elected the Secretary General. At the death of Macaulay two years after, Zik took over as the President of the party. Zik effectively led the struggle against colonial rule. He became the Leader of Government Business in Eastern Nigeria and later Premier of Eastern Nigeria and finally the Governor-General and later the President of the Republic in 1963. Zik’s political achievement is yet to be matched by any other Igbo and it was achieved within the context of national politics not Igbo politics. Peter Obi is in a political bout, he would now need to make more friends than enemies across regions. He is not the presidential candidate but Atiku/Obi ticket is an Ndigbo ticket as far as South-eastern Twitter is concerned. Obi is going to be the centre of PDP campaigns especially when APC throws corruption salvos. The caveat is that he must not be seen to be too Igbo as Ndigbo votes alone cannot do the magic Twitter is excited for. The ghost of the lost Biafra war must be consigned to history, bringing the lessons

of the war to bear on the morass of the moment. The Biafra war cannot be wished away but the Igbo cannot continue to move forward with their heads slightly inclined backwards. You will either trip or not move fast enough. Ndigbo should realize that it is in a race with the Yorubas that have an appreciable level of cultural oligarchy, which instils rhythm and pattern in their political posturing and with the North; where a combination of feudalism and common language have helped to hoist an acceptable uniform identity. Biafra emotions don’t win votes on the streets. It has never won and it will still not win. For the dispassionate ones, there is an alternative reality on the streets, another route to realize the Ndigbo political ascendancy. These ones are weighing options, making friends across party lines and crossing artificial boundaries to negotiate the Ndigbo ascendancy. For these ones, the street is their primary home, twitter is just a relaxation resort for them. Peter Obi and his twitter nation must embrace reality, put emotions behind, connect with real people and ruthlessly take the Ndigbo project as a national project. Otherwise, the Ndigbo dream may well be in perpetual aspiration than reality. Jonah Ayodele Obajeun writes from Lagos.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

Comment

Student as victims of escalated incidences on campuses By Agidike Abdul Onu

t is no longer news that quite a number of corporate bodies and organizations now seek to employ only candidates who are less than 26 years of age. This will naturally exclude persons who did not gain admission to tertiary institutions early, as well as those who stayed longer in their institutions due to industrial actions or some other factors beyond their control. Consequently, as a student in public school where strikes have become prevalent, there is every tendency that his mate in a private school will graduate before him and by implication become his boss in the office. The trauma and psychological effect of this on the student is quite unimaginable. It was in view of the above concern that the Department of Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja invited Presidents and Secretaries of Students’ Union in public tertiary institutions in the country to a workshop where they were roundly reminded that students are indeed the real victims of escalated incidences on campuses. The workshop with the theme “Towards a Win-Win Conflict Resolution to Prevent Escalation, Shut-Down and Disruption of Academic Calendar in Tertiary Institutions,” drew participants from public universities, colleges of education and polytechnic and provided a robust opportunity for rubbing minds on how to achieve harmony in the school system. The founder and president of Mediation Training Institute Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunyannwo who was one of the resource persons at the workshop restated the tripartite role the institutions play, which include teaching, research and community services. “They are suppose to impart high

level skills to a reasonable proportion of the workforce, developing intellectual capability of individuals and engaging in training of competent and responsible professionals needed virtually in all aspects of human endeavour,”he said. However, Mr. Segun in his presentation noted that a number of challenges faced students of higher institution in Nigeria including limited access, increasing cost and decreasing quality occasioned by out dated equipment and obsolete organizational structure. These according to him are some of the obstacle militating against achieving the objectives for which tertiary institution were established. Various speakers at the workshop dwelt extensively on the need for the students to join forces with their school management and to be in one accord towards enhancing harmonious relationship, rather than engage

in actions that could disrupt academic activities on campus. A lecturer at the Department of Law, Baze University Abuja, Barr. Effiong Esu, highlighted the legal and regulating framework for student’s unionism in Nigeria, tracing the history of unionism in Nigeria to the time when the University of Ibadan was established in 1948. He noted with regret that “over the years, tertiary institutions in Nigeria have witnessed students’ demonstrations and unrest, often leading to destruction of lives and properties with attendant consequences of shut-down of the institutions, disruption of academic calendar, and elongation of duration of courses, little time for teaching and learning and examination without adequate preparation. The plight of students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna readily came

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He noted with regret that “over the years, tertiary institutions in Nigeria have witnessed students’ demonstrations and unrest, often leading to destruction of lives and properties with attendant consequences of shut-down of the institutions, disruption of academic calendar, and elongation of duration of courses, little time for teaching and learning and examination without adequate preparation.

to mind in the circumstance. For instance, the 300 level students in the institution who have been at home will return to school on April 18, 2017, after over two months forced vacation and are expected to commence semester examination two days after resumption. Dr. Louis Ogbeifun in his presentation “Creating a Peaceful and Harmonious Environment for Students in various Federal Tertiary Institutions” said that union and management are but two sides of the same coin, required for the purchase of industrial peace and engendering optimum productivity in an organization. Dr. Ogbeifun blamed lack of effective communication and confidence building between management and the student union as responsible for most conflict situations in the campuses. Deputy Director, Institutional support at the Federal Ministry of Education Mrs. Ann Haruna assured that such workshop would be organized regularly, to allow for interaction with leaders at various levels in tertiary institutions which in turn can guarantee sustainable harmonious relationship on the campuses. The students’ union presidents and secretaries on their part commended Federal Ministry of Education for organizing the workshop and urged school managements to carry them along when taking decisions that affect the students. The students also called on the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to revisit its decision on payment of N10, 000 as regularization fee as against N5, 500 as well as the introduction of N2, 500 screening fee by some institutions. Agidike Abdul Onu is of the Press Unit of Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

The Buhari certificate saga and its needless controversies Charles Onunaiju

cademic certificate is a simple receipt of the attainment of specific academic accomplishment and is however, narrowly focused on the outcome of specific examinations for which the holder is marked and graded according to his or her performance. Certificates reflect instance of the holder’s performance in a particular context of academic training over a specific period of time. Academic training whether primary, secondary or at tertiary levels essentially dwell on the specific outlines of study and focuses on the reward of student’s output which certificates are the holder’s receipt. What academic training does, for which certificates are testimonials is to prepare the mind for autonomous and independent development. The most important outcome academic training is not mere certificates but in the development of a sound mind driven by original and critical thinking that exposes one to innovations, imaginations and creativity. The aggregate performance of academic training receipted in the award of certificate, are in most cases not reflective of the rigour of learning. However, while certificate remain and would remain for the foreseeable future, the measure of the holder’s academic output for the specific grade attained, but certainly in the narrow sense of academic training, the broad development of the mind, which reflects in the depth of

thought, acute sensibilities and complex and consistent knowledge production cannot be certificated. Restless minds turned-innovators sometimes could not adapt themselves to the routine of formal schooling and drop out to explode their talents and deep thinking into critical innovations. Facebook founder, Mark Zukerberg, Bill Gate of Microsoft and even the late Steve Job of Apple were exemplary restless minds who could not find accommodation to the routine of formal school. Even the deeply philosophical and politically charged international singer, the late Robert Nesta Marley once said that if he had been to any formal school, he would have come out a damned fool. The Russian revolutionary and the founder of the defunct Soviet red army, Leon Trotsky, prolific writer of unparallel depth could not reconcile the rottenness of Russian Tsarism of his time and his revolutionary instinct to upend it, to the then prevailing formal education. He shunned formal schooling to pursue revolutionary career along which he consumed and produced knowledge than any certificated professor of any discipline. Trotsky’s works to this day remain a fountain spring that illuminates the challenges of contemporary society. The recent controversy over President Buhari’s certificate, which though, politically motivated is not necessary. A former military head of state, enrolled in the army during colonial rule would not have risen to the officer corp of colonial army if he was

not qualified. Even now and throughout the odyssey of his struggle partisan politics, his wit at public banters does not betray a dull mind. Even a secondary school certificate is by far lower than the aggregate exposure of President Buhari through experience gained in all critical sectors of our national life, which includes security, economy, governance etc. The noisy demand for his school certificate as evidence for his qualification for the political office he aspires to, does more to expose the little minds of his traducers and the unintelligent strategem to expose him to ridicule. While certificate is receipt of academic performance accomplished, to fetishize it as the ultimate expression of intelligence is itself, unintelligent. In recent times, the obsession of certificates, including those awarded for no academic performance except for merely been around, like the NYSC discharge certificate for which a competent finance minister was hounded out of office, has become a brutal political tool, on which prospective victims are viciously hacked. The impact of the current pastime in the political obsession of academic certificates is to deepen the national malady, where certificate-worship over competence and performance is rife among youths. Today, students in universities, other tertiary institutions and even secondary schools deploy all kind of shenanigans including bribery, threat and blackmail of teachers to obtain high marks leading

to award of certificates. The current obsession of certificates, through used as political tool, is most likely to exacerbate the desperation to acquire certificates among youths without the commensurate academic inputs, even narrowly defined. While it is clearly admitted that certificates are necessary, because it is the concrete testimonial for a certain academic attainment it is a foundation to improve learning and grow. The emphasis on certificate may pose the danger about certificates been the end of learning. Learning is life-long process because it is through learning that perspectives are refined, sharpened and deepened. It is actually an error for those who referred their professional colleagues as “learned friends.” It should rather be “learning friends” because the permanent hunger and taste for knowledge is the real stuff of scholarship. The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates was proclaimed by the Greek oracle of Delphi as the wisest man on earth but the ever modest Socrates retorted that the only thing he knows is that knows nothing. For any society in desperate need to develop; knowledge acquisition and production, the handmaid for innovation and creativity are encouraged to roam free and wide, without the inhibitions of intrusive formalism. Mr. Onunaiju is director at the Centre for China Studies, (CCS) Utako, Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

News Sultan urges dialogue, truth to end insecurity By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

he Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on Wednesday identified dialogue and truth as a major panacea to the security challenges currently facing the country. This is even as former presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention, NRC, during the 1993 general elections, Alhaji Bashir Tofa decried the rate of bloodletting in the country. Both Abubakar and Tofa spoke in Abuja at the public presentation of the biography of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin

Luther Agwai, which was also part of the activities to mark his 70th birthday. The Sultan of Sokoto counseled Nigerians not to be tired of talking to themselves, saying it is the best resolving every problem. According to him, “There are problems facing us left, right and centre; insecurity problems everywhere. But we shall overcome them. “Let keep on talking to ourselves, let us never get tired of dialogue. Let us never get tired of telling ourselves the truth because as you all know, the truth can set us free,” he said.

The Sultan of Sokoto, who noted Gen. Agwai’s role in peacekeeping operations in West Africa, expressed the belief that with people like the retired general, peace would return to the country. In his wires, “There is hope, as long as there are good people like Gen. Agwai who are struggling to put things together and bring us together in such a forum, and that is what we need in this country,”. He commended the book, which he said, was attempt to look back at history. Gen. Agwai, on his part, cautioned against blame game by leaders, adviding them, instead, to

focus on how to tackle the security challenges. According to him, the way to go is to look forward, adding, “if we continue talking about the past, the past will continue to hunt us.” He called for forgiveness so as to build a solid new Nigeria. Speaking on the alleged politicisation of security challenge in the country, Gen. Agwai, said Nigerians should not allow politicians to use them. “How many of us will see fire and go there? But a lot of us, because of what I hear today of stomach infrastructure, we stop thinking with our brains. We forget that any temporary gain

Chairman, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola (M); his Vice, Mrs. Lynda Onefeli, (L) and Publicity Secretary, APBN, Mr. Olusegun McMedal during a press briefing on the 3rd annual professionals, yesterday in Lagos.

Arrest of suspected killers of Agom Adara excites Kaduna govt From: kaduna

Femi

Oyelola,

aduna State Government has applauded the arrest of the suspected killers of Agom Adara, Paramount ruler Dr. Maiwada Galadima. This was contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistance to Governor Nasir Ell Rufai Samuel Aruwam and made available to the

media in Kaduna yesterday The statement said that what must swiftly follow is the conclusion of the investigation and the diligent prosecution of the arrested suspects. “The Kaduna State Government welcomes the arrest of suspects in the kidnap and murder of HRH Agom Adara, Dr. Maiwada Galadima. The government commends the security agencies for this

breakthrough, and urges that all agencies must do their utmost to conclude investigations, arraign the suspects before a competent court and ensure that justice is done. “Diligent prosecution of criminal suspects is vital to the social order, assuring victims that they will get justice and signaling to criminals the inevitability of punishment. This reassures citizens and duly

increases confidence in the law enforcement agencies. “Government appeals to all residents to keep the state calm, and to their utmost to preserve and uphold harmony in their communities. It is important to stand together as a law-abiding community to defeat criminal elements and deny them any succour, be it tribe, tongue or religion.” The statement reads.

FG to build capacity on Green Growth Technology -Minister By Usman Shuaibu

he Federal government has restated its commitment to facilitate the process of Green Growth Technology and Capacity Gap Assessment to promote environmental sustainability and stimulate economic growth in the country. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnayu said this while declaring open the collaborative workshop for capacity Assessment for Green Economy Transition during the week in

Abuja. Dr Onu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu said that the objective of the workshop is to highlight to the global impacts of climate Change with its environmental degradation. According to Minister, the gradual drying up of lake Chard basin, desert encroachment, loss of ecosystems, and reduced agricultural yield are effect of climate change. Others, he continued are rising sea level, flooding in the south,

marine erosion and landslide in the south East. Earlier, in his opening remarks. The permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu said the Ministry is pivotal to the achievement of Green Economy for Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary who was represented the Director Environmental Science and Technology (ECN) added that this transition when fully implemented will help place our nation on proper perspective to mitigate and adopt to the scourge of climate Change and re-enforce the place of Science,

Technology and innovation as a veritable tool for economic development of the country. A statement by Edet E. Etuk, Assistant Chief Information Officer For DD (PRESS) yesterday, said Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, of Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading identified four critical areas of focus capacity development for green economy transition in Africa as environmental resources management, mainstreaming, monitoring and evaluation and financial resources.

today, we are actually mortgaging our future,” he said. The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, decried bloodletting in the country. “If I may ask, how is it that we have sunk so low, destroying one another because of how the almighty intended us? Why is it that we are friends as individuals, but enemies as a community? Why is it that most of our people are so desperately poor and our active and intelligent youths, so left behind?” he asked. The book: “How a Congress of Baboons Made a General,” was written by Rebecca Agwai, Gen. Agwai’s daughter.

Why we can’t trust FG with agreements - ASUU

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

he Academic Staff union of Universities (ASUU) has said it cannot take the federal government seriously on any agreement. The chairman of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Chapter of ASUU, Dr. Monday Igbafen, cited the alleged hard line posture of the federal government of not implementing the past agreements the union had entered with the government as the major reasons for the strike. He said this in a statement after a crucial congress meeting yesterday in Benin City, Edo State Capital. He assured that ASUU has unanimously resolved to fully comply with the resolution of (NEC) of ASUU to resume a total and comprehensive indefinite strike nationwide. Dr. Igbafen, accused government of deliberate systematic destruction of education sector and particular reference to public universities in the country through adoption and implementation of neo-Libral policies. He said the government must not be allowed to continue on this part of annilation of public Universities in the country through the promotion of a regime of commercialization of education. He outlined inadequate funding, fragrant disregard for agreement and promotion of impunity as some of the reasons that led to the strike which they have vowed to comply with. According to Dr. Igbafen, the goal of the strike is to compel government to address the issues of (1) funding for revitalization of public universities based on D the FGN, ASUU MOU of 2012/2013. Others are the MOA of 2017, (2) the reconstitution of the current government team to allow for a leader and chairman of the Federal Government and ASUU renegotiating team that has the interest of the nation and its people at heart.

Shake-up in Senate as Saraki reshuffles 4 committees after rowdy session T he President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday announced minor changes in the leadership of four standing committees. By this development, Sen. Lawal Gumau (APC-Bauchi), who was elected into the Senate in August, is now the Chairman of the Committee on Federal Character. Gumau took over from Sen. Tijani

Kaura (APC-Zamfara North), who has been moved to the Police Affairs Committee as Chairman. Kaura replaces Sen. Abu Ibrahim (APC-Katsina South), who now heads the Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity. Former Majority Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) is now the Chairman of the Committee on

Establishment and Public Service, formerly headed by Sen Paulker Emmanuel (PDP-Bayelsa Centra). Earlier in the day, the Senate plenary turned rowdy when the Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi alleged that the Social Intervention Programme of the Federal Government, which was introduced by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration

has been politicized. Olujimi alleged that beneficiaries of the programme were being asked to provide details of their Permanent Voter Card in the application form. While presenting a copy of the form, she further alleged that ‘I Stand with Buhari’ was written on it. Before the Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who defended the

Buhari-led administration and the programme could speak, the chamber had become noisy as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party exchanged words across the divide. The APC lawmakers also forced the Senate to resolve that the SURE-P policy of the immediate past PDP government led by former President Goodluck Jonathan be probed. (NAN)

Shehu Sani disowns posters of President Buhari and himself together From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

hehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central, has denied authorising the production of a joint posters of President Mohammadu Buhari and himself which is currently circulating in Kaduna State. In a press statement signed by the senator’s Special Assistant on Media, Abdulsamad Chima Amadi and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday, Senator Sani said the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, he now belongs to has no presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections and they have not declared support for anyone. “My attention has been drawn to the existence of some political campaign materials having the pictures of Senator Shehu Sani (PRP) and President Mohammadu Buhari (APC) together. “The office of Senator Shehu Sani wishes to inform the general public and at the same time make it categorically clear that we were not consulted, nether did we sanction the production of such political campaign materials. “Few weeks ago, Senator Shehu Sani resigned his membership of the APC and along with his numerous supporters joined the Peoples Redemption Party PRP. “Though we still hold President Mohammadu Buhari and the office he occupies in very high esteem, it is a known fact, however, that at the moment our political party, the PRP, nether has a presidential candidate nor has the party adopted the presidential candidate of another political party. “Our preliminary investigations revealed that the said materials were the handiwork of one Alhaji Aminu Aminci, who is a staunch supporter of both Sen Shehu Sani and President

Mohammadu Buhari. “Much as we very much appreciate the support Senator Shehu Sani enjoys from individuals and groups, it is still important to clarify issues like this to avert any form of confusion and misinformation. “We thank the good people of Kaduna central for keeping faith with Senator Shehu Sani and giving him their unflinching support. The Senator has answered their clarion call to continue representing them at the red chamber and he has chosen the real Political party for the masses, the People’s Redemption Party PRP as the platform under which he will be contesting for the Kaduna central senatorial seat in 2019.”

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with, Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Theodore Hart, Others are Ambassador Kabir Ahmed, Ambassador Sulaiman Dahiru, Ambassador W. Olusegun Akinsanya, Ambassador Emmanuel Obiako during an audience by the former Permanent Secretaries and Retired Career Ambassadors with the President at the State House, recently in Abuja. Photo: State House

Reps place MDAs on red alert over Abuja earth tremors Urge for urgent measures to protect 4 States from earthquakes By Christiana Ekpa

n view of the recent earth tremors experienced in Abuja, the House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Environment to interface with the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies and parastatals to ascertain the levels of monitoring and compliance with world global standards in blasting, mining and borehole drilling in Nigeria. Alerting the federal government of possible earthquakes in four States of the federation, the House agreed that mining activities and borehole drilling have been identified by experts to be the latent cause of the seismic movement experienced

underground. The resolution of the House followed a motion titled “The Need to Forestall Impending Earthquake in Nigeria”, brought under matter of urgent public importance by Hon. Johnson Oghuma from Edo State. Oghuma while moving the motion opined that the subject matter which he referred as an “imminent catastrophe” requires the House intervention to avert. He said: “The House notes with concern the recent cases of earth tremor experienced in the months of September and October, 2018, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT around Mpape and Maitama axis, raising fears of imminent earthquake; “Also notes that earth tremor is a form of seismic movement within the

earth which occurs at a small scale but can lead to earthquakes if preventive measures are not taken to reduce the stress; “Aware that reports by Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicates that the incidence was likely caused by stress in underground rocks resulting from human activities which include blasting band mining of rocks; “Further aware that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), had reported that communities in four States and Abuja may likely witness earthquakes if necessary preventive and monitoring devices are not employed immediately; “Determined to ensure preventive measures are taken to stop the

catastrophe from happening”. Contributing to the debate, Rep. Johnson Agbonianyima from Edo State said the matter “is an urgent matter of public importance. I am appealing to the government to do something.” This was as Rep Awanje Abiante from Rivers State called for a holistic approach to issues of environment in the country “What this calls for is that there should be a holistic approach to issues. If people don’t drill borehole, how will they survive? Government has failed to provide water. We need to rise up to these issues”, he said. The Committee was given 6 weeks within which to conclude its assignment and report back to the House.

Social intervention scheme: We’ll be vindicated, says Senate Leader As Senate probes program

By Musa Adamu and Ikechukwu Okaforadi

eader of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal, has declared that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) had nothing to hide on the manner it was carrying out its Social Intervention Scheme. Lawal was reacting to the allegation by the Senate Minority Leader, Abiodun

Olujumi, of partisan consideration in the running of the scheme in Ekiti state against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She alleged that her party faithful were being discriminated against, adding that the ruling APC was using the scheme for campaign. But, in his reaction, Sen Ahmed said it was not possible to manipulate the scheme in favour of any party since it was programmed

to accept any applicant irrespective of one’s political leaning. He said the scheme was headed by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibnajo, whom he described as “ incorruptible, transparent and trusted by all.” He said that for the first time in the history of the country, the country now had a social welfare scheme that every Nigerian was being touched positively. Citing the now defunct SURE-P which

he said was targeted at Nigerians who were already well off, Sen Ahmed argued that the scheme which had already gulped the sum of N24 billion, had performed more than any social scheme in the past. He alleged that in 1999 in one fell swoop N10 billion was released to alleviate poverty but that nothing concrete came out of it. He said, unlike the past, only N500 million was being used by this government to pay about 300, 000 graduates through

N-Power and more number of Nigerians through conditional cash transfer. He said he had no doubt that the Committee set up by the Senate to investigate the scheme would vindicate scheme. Sen. Ahmed who said he could understand that in election period any allegation against the government in power was possible, he added that some successes were too obvious to be “over looked.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

POLITICS

Reps move to abolish age discrimination against job seekers By Umar Muhammad Puma and Christiana Ekpan

he House of Representatives has passed for a second reading a bill seeking to abolish the age discrimination against job seekers in federal government agencies. The bill seeks to provide a regulatory framework that eradicates age discrimination against job seekers in federal government owned agencies and organizations and ensure that no

one is discriminated against on account of his/her age or the circumstances surrounding his/her birth. It will allow for vibrant Nigerian youths to gain employment into the the institutions and agencies of the federal government of Nigeria. The Bill sponsored by Rep Sergius Oguns (PDP, Edo) explained that the rationale for the bill is to ensure that no artificial barrier is allowed to preponderate over merit which rarely has anything to do with age.

“I think it is criminal for the federal government to have age discrimination in job employment. Even if there is age discrimination in securing job, the federal government job is not supposed to be a part of this,” said Mr. Oguns. According to Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), this discrimination have hindered the Nigerian youths to apply for the civil service job which should not be. “This bill is a very important one particularly with the situation of

unemployment the country is facing. The only area I disagree is the aspect of military and paramilitary recruitment. Here, we need young and able men to carry out this work”, said Mr. Datti Garba. Also in support of the bill, Mr. Johnson Oguma (APC, Edo) said, “This discrimination is targeted at people in the villages. Most people in the village before graduation they end up being above the age of employment, thereby making them do series of age

declaration in order to suit the job they are applying for.” On his part, Rep Istifanus Gyang (PDP, Plateau) called for the need to put a stiffer penalty on Ministries, Departments and Agencies that fail to comply with the law when assented. The bill was unanimously adopted when it was put to vote by the Speaker Yakubu Dogara and was referred to the House committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity for further legislative inputs.

By Umar Muhammad Puma and Christiana Ekpan

he House of Representatives plenary was yesterday, abrupt brought to an end due to poor audio output of the microphones in the chambers. This development left the visitors, including students on excursion to the green chambers as well as journalists have to listen

to members’ debates with strained ears from the gallery. Deputy Speaker, Rep Lasun Yussuff who was presiding made several unsuccessful attempts at using different microphone points, as he wanted to make contribution to debate on a general principles of a Bill seeking to stop age discrimination in employment exercises in Nigeria. It was after Yussuff’s terrible

Senator Faseyi harps on unity, peace among Ekiti PDP members

From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

ebbi State All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally inaugurated a reconciliation committee. The inauguration which took place yesterday at the Presidential Lodge Birnin Kebbi, is aimed at reconciling all the aggrieved members of the party. Delivery his speech, the State party chairman, Arc. Bala Kangiwa said the references of the committee is to reconcile all the aspirants who contested for the any elected positions during the party primaries across the State. “We urge you people to

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

R-L; Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of State Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika,Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Sulieman Adamu and Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar during the federal Executive council (FEC) meeting held at the Council Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung and Minister of State Mines and Steels, Alhaji Bawa Bwari Chamber, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

INEC deploys 1, 825 staff for Kwara by-election From Oluseyi Dasilva

he Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara, on Wednesday, said it was deploying a total of 1, 825 electoral staffs for the scheduled Nov.17 House of Representative By-election in the state. Malam Garuba Madami, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed the figure in his remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state. The meeting that took place at

Government Secondary School, OmuAran Hall of Fame, was at the instance of INEC to interact with stakeholders ahead of the election. The By-election is in respect of Ekiti, Isin, Irepodun and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency following the death of the last occupant of the slot under the All Progressive Congress Party (APC), late Rep. Funke Adedoyin. According to Madami, 1, 532 of the ad hock staff would be Corps members while the rest are officials of the commission and other categories of workers.

Madami, while giving the breakdown of the election statistics across the four local government areas said the councils consist of 42 Registration Areas (RAs), 330 Voting Units and 383 Voting Points. He gave the total number of already collected Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) across the councils as 122, 656 leaving a balance of 46, 700 yet to be collected. The INEC boss, who expressed disappointment at the low level of PVC collection in the state, urged party leaders, traditional rulers and other

stakeholders to rise up to the occasion. He described the bye-election as a litmus test for both the Commission and the contending parties ahead of the 2019 general elections, saying all eyes are on all stakeholders to deliver accordingly. Madami also expressed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible, free and fair election that would meet the aspirations of all stakeholders including the international community. “Please do not exercise fear, let us conduct ourselves peacefully before,

during and after the election in order to achieve the desired aims and objectives,” he said. Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, represented by Chief Jide Adebayo, the Eesa of OmuAran, on his part, appealed to the stakeholders to join hands with the commission and security agencies in achieving the desired success. Present at the meeting were party leaders, party supporters, security agents, traditional rulers, market women and men as well as transport union members.

APDA sure of capturing Kano State with Abacha -Chairman

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

he chairman of the All Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) has reiterated that his party will surely capture Kano State with its governorship candidate, Alhaji Mohammed Abacha. The APDA National Chairman and Presidential candidate, Alhaji Shitu

Mohammed made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen yesterday in Suleja, Niger state. He said that the party’s candidate would deliver a purposeful leadership to the people of Kano State if elected as governor in the 2019 general elections. Mohammed added that Kano deserves a better deal in the democratic

space of the country, saying Kano is too strategic to continue with the current slow development. “The state has very large population in both the rural and urban areas. This is a tool that can be exploited to make the state a centre of commerce which the state is known for. “We will change the high rate of out

of school children, especially the girlchild, across the state. With it wealth of resources and vast land, Kano has no business having poverty in its midst,’’ he stated. Mohammed further said that new economic horizons would be opened for the enterprising people of the state with APDA in power.

‘’No doubt, the people of Kano are known for their enterprising spirit across the country and outside the shores of Nigeria. This is the talent we intend to invest in. ‘’All financial opportunities will be fully exploited to benefit the people. We will develop the state to become the envy of all Nigerians,’’ he concluded.

AMAC/Bwari constituency: APC Chieftain tackles NWC over Lamorde’s emergence By Stanley Onyekwere

arely a month after the declaration of Lamorde Halilu as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the National Working Committee (NWC) for AMAC/ Bwari Federal Constituency, an aspirant, Hon Yakubu Mohammed Adamu, has accused the party of manipulating the process. Adamu, who is one of the APC chieftains in the FCT, said the candidate declared by NWC as winner

of the seat was lagging behind in all areas that supposed to qualify him as the winner. Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, in October, published the forms and particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates of political parties submitted for the 2019 general elections. Adamu noted that Lamorde had not seek waiver, neither fulfilled any condition that would have qualified him as the flag bearer; but was still declared winner through backdoor.

He warned that he was going to approach court for justice into the matter, since the APC national working committee failed to do the right thing. According to him, out of the eleven aspirants that contested for the position, the committee earlier declared Amanda Pam as winner and graded him second, which he said was not in line with the results from wards. He said since the election was held over a month there was no official response from the committee regarding the primary that was engulfed by crisis.

He, however, called on his supporters to be calm and law abiding as well as work for the success of APC, especially to deliver president Muhammau Buhari in 2019. “This is a party that preaches fairness and justice, this injustice and impunity will not be allowed to continue definitely as a group we have decided to work for the party, but we are going to challenge the position of the party by taking someone who has not contributed to the development of the party. “We will contest the decision of the

National Working Committee of the party by bringing on board someone that is barely one month in the party and knowing well the guidelines of the primaries and constitution of the party and that he has not sought for a waiver but the party went ahead to give him the ticket to be the flag bearer of the party. “I have not had any party leaders invite me as an aspirant to explain the decision of the NWC, so we have decided to challenge the outcome of this decision,” he said while addressing journalists in Abuja.

POLITICS

Faulty mics force Reps to adjourn plenary

Kebbi APC inaugurates reconciliation committee invite all our members who are not happy with the party, most especially on the recent primaries election, so that we can have a smooth and good relationship, and move the party forward,” he appealed. In his response, the chairman of the committee and the former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Mohammadu Mogoro assured the party that they are going to be fair and just in discharging their responsibility. “We are going to reconcile all aggrieved members to ensure that the party wins next election in the state and Nigeria. We are going to spend only three to four days and finished our work,” he said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

he member representing Ekiti North in Senate, Senator Duro Faseyi has harped on the need for all stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state to focus on issues that will engender unity and cohesiveness of the party rather than selfish interest. This is even as Senator Faseyi challenged his colleague representing Ekiti South in the Senate, Senator Biodun Olujimi to come out openly to tell the whole world her role in crisis rocking the PDP in the state popularly known as Fountain of Knowledge. Senator Faseyi spoke in reaction to a recent unauthorized stakeholders’ meeting of some few PDP members in Ekiti State, who claimed to have found some leaders of the party in the state guilty. Faseyi, who was a two-term member of the House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate, pointed out that it was important for members of the PDP in Ekiti State to put their house in order and work as one big family,

particularly at this critical period that the general elections are around the corner. While faulting the so called PDP stakeholders’ meeting, which is unknown to the Constitution of the PDP, the Senator said, “the decisions taken at the said stakeholders’ meeting are laughable and stand logic on its head”. He challenged Senator Olujimi, who was instrumental to the said meeting, to “come out openly to tell the whole world her role in the division within the PDP members in the Ekiti State House of Assembly and the subsequent events that happened when the lawmakers were invited to Abuja for reconciliation, during which she (Olujimi) made sure that no members of the National Assembly from Ekiti State saw the eleven members who impeached the Speaker of the Assembly recently, before they returned”. The senator said that the party’s constitution has made it clear as to who the leader of the party in the state is, warning those parading themselves as such to desist forthwith.

experience that Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who was presiding called for suspension of the sitting for this morning. The Speaker after putting question for voice votes to approve second reading of the Bill under consideration, said it was obvious that it would be challenging for the proceeding to continue, adding that it would however take at least three weeks for replacement equipment

to arrive form Germany, from where the one in use was procured. He said it was understandable because the system was installed since 1999, and has worn out, but advised members that since more of the microphones picking up were in the front rows, they would have to swap their personal allocated seats for the front ones as they resume sitting today. “I was told the equipment

will take three weeks to arrive from Germany. Since most of the microphones working are in the front, members are advised to move foreword tomorrow”, the Speaker said, and subsequently directed Chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Edward Pwajok to move a motion to the effect that the remaining items on the day’s Order Paper be stepped down by leave of the House.

INEC officials at the verification center for the document submitted to commission recently in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

2019: NASS Christian legislators fellowship seeks God’s intervention on good governance

By Christiana Ekpa and Umar Muhammad Puma

s the 2019 Elections draw closer, the National Assembly Christian Legislators Fellowship yesterday says it’s organizing the Fellowship 9th National Breakfast Prayer to seek God’s intervention for Truth, passionate and good governance for the Country. The group equally stressed that, this year’s theme was borne out of the reflection on the

different challenges confronting the Country and the need to seek the atmosphere of grace for the leaders to function as the primary agents of accomplishing God’s desire for Nigerians Spokesperson of the Fellowship, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf (Kogi West PDP), who addressed newsmen on behalf of the President, Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue SDP), said the Country will change if the leaders will summit to God for grace for quality leadership. “We must seize the atmosphere

of grace that was freely bestowed on us to function as primary agents of accomplishing God’s desire to prosper His people and fulfil His purpose. “What quality do we want most in our leaders? God desires all who rule under him to be righteous and just. Think how the world will change if the leaders would commit themselves to good qualities “Moreover, how greatly God values honesty! Without honesty, a relationship with God

is impossible. If we lie to others, we will begin to deceive ourselves. God cannot hear us or speak to us if we are building a wall of selfdeception, therefore we must pray to God to help our leaders rule the nation truthfully, justly and wisely. “God cares for the needy, the afflicted and the weak because they are precious to him. If God feels so strongly about these needy ones and loves deeply, can we ignore their plight? We must examine what we are doing to reach out with God’s love .”

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari will be the special guest of honor, while Apostle Emmanuel Nuhu Kure will serve as the prayer leader, as the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House shall lead the legislators to the Breakfast Prayer at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Part of the fellowship programme also includes National Workshop on Entrepreneurship as a tool for good governance.

2019 election: Why we ‘ll withdraw our support for PDP – Abia community

esidents of ‘Aba Ngwa’ community in Aba North/ South Federal Constituency of Abia have threatened to withdraw their support for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, if their grievances emanating from the just-concluded party primaries were not addressed. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday, the President of Aba Ngwa Youth Congress, Greg Obi, said that the community was ready to forfeit rents for tenants to ensure total withdrawal of support for the party. Obi alleged that there was a case of over-voting at the primaries conducted for the House of Representatives seat in the constituency as the number of votes counted exceeded the

number of accredited voters. According to him, the election was rigged in favour of Mr Uzo Azubuike as against the interest of the people and preferred candidate, Dr Blessing Nwagba. He said that they had been dominated by non-indigenes over the years as only people from neighbouring Local Government Areas occupied the seat. The president said the community supported two of its indigenes to contest in the justconcluded PDP primary election but one died mysteriously after purchasing the form. According to him, the community then threw its weight behind Nwagba, a serving member of the Abia State House of Assembly to clinch the ticket but that the primaries were rigged. In a separate interview with

NAN, Nwagba alleged that she was being marginalised by the party because she is a woman. Nwagba said that she had reported the irregularities at the primaries to the appeal panel and to the party’s leadership. She said that she had not been invited neither by the members of the appeal panel or party leadership and that the report of the panel had not been made public. The aspirant said neither her grievances nor those of Aba-Ngwa community had been addressed by the party and that no explanation whatsoever had been given for the silence. Reacting, the PDP Chairman in Abia, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, told newsmen that he was aware of Nwagba’s complaint. He said Nwagba submitted her

complaint and had met with the appeal panel which was saddled with the responsibility to listen to aggrieved aspirants and resolve issues. According to him, Nwagba was interviewed by the panel in the state office of the Deputy Chairman of the party. According to him, if Nwagba has won the election, she would not be protesting and challenging the process. The chairman said that it would be very unfair for the residents of Aba-Ngwa community to withdraw their support for the party. According to him, the PDP made Nwagba, and that she cannot win everyday. He said that Nwagba losing this time did not mean she should turn against the party, “that is not

the spirit of sportsmanship”. According to him, while we agree on morals grounds that every community gets an indigenous rep, this is a struggle for power in line with the Constitution. He said no law stops anybody from contesting for a seat at the National Assembly as many times as the people allowed him or her to do so. “We cannot as a party say it is your turn since no law bars a lawmaker from seeking reelection just because we want power to go round. “We have to look at the law, legally speaking, it is unfair to do so, we do not dash it, we cannot say it is your turn, take it. “If they do not get it now, next time they may; there is always another chance,” the chairman added. (NAN)

Health PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Stakeholders urged govt to invest in Family Planing By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

takeholders in the health sector have urged government at all levels to invest in the health sector to ensure every citizen access family planing facilities. Stakeholders who spoke on Tuesday During a media round table on 5th Nigeria Family Planing conference expressed worry about negligence and ineffectiveness of the system in the country. The round table was organized by Mamaye Evidence for Action. Specifically, the Chairman, Technical/ Management

Committee, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, Dr, Ejike Oji said state governments have not invested enough in family planing. “We want more investment in states and LGA’s to meet up with the rest of the world”. While emphasizing on the need for investment, Oji said Nigeria has one of the fastest growing population in the world and there is need for everyone to access family planing in the country so as to slow population growth. He said the conference coming up in December themed; investments,

innovations and inclusiveness will bring all stakeholders and partners to chart a way forward on how to better address the issues of family planing and ensure success. “The meeting will focus on family planning and provide better solutions to addressing it”. Oji said the current population of the country which stands at 198 million will add with about 58million if nothing is done to control the population of the country. He added that education of the population must also be given high regard by the government so as to

ensure a sane society. He further said that job creation and other basic amenities should be provided by the government. Also speaking, Dr. Mojisola Odeku of the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programmes (CCP)- NURHI2, said the existing policies were not structured to address The complexities and sensitivities of family planning. “There is need for improving access and service quality through the novel, widely acclaimed 74hours clinic. There is also need to upgrade clinics to recommended performance standard”.

How donors contribute 95% of Nigeria’s HIV funding

he Federal Ministry of Health has said that donors contributed 95 per cent of HIV funding in Nigeria. Dr Olugbenga Ijaodola, Assistant Director, Prevention of MotherTo-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Head, National AIDS and STI Programme of the Ministry (NASCP), disclosed this at a media dialogue on PMTCT in Calabar. The dialogue is organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau of the Federal Ministry of Information (CRIB). Ijaodola specifically noted that the U.S. Government was responsible for 75.5 per cent of treatment interventions, while Global Fund accounted for 17.4 per cent, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) 1.2 per cent and Nigerian Government 5.4 per cent. ”At the moment, 95 per cent of the national HIV response is supported by partners, this includes PMTCT and Paediatric treatment.

“This is a challenge because if donor funding dwindles or it is withdrawn, the burden will increase.” He emphasised that donors had been playing leading roles or supporting the government in the area of HIV prevention and treatment for over 18 years. He, however, explained that government must take ownership of the fight to avoid relapse when donor funds dwindle. Ijaodola, who noted that about 40 per cent of people living with HIV/ AIDS are currently on treatment, urged that states should scale up interventions in the area of funds to ensure adequate coverage. He tasked the media to improve reportage on HIV issues and hold government at all levels accountable to ensure they live up to their responsibilities to fund prevention and treatment of the virus. Mr Geoffrey Njoku, UNICEF Communication Specialist, said the media dialogue was aimed at reinvigorating media reportage on PMTCT as well as scale up duty

bearers toward increased funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Njoku further said it was geared toward updating media with latest information, data and thrust of PMTCT and as well as create visibility for HIV interventions. He noted that the dialogue was to heighten media advocacy and support for government actions at addressing PMTCT. Njoku identified Nigeria as having the highest burden of maternal and child mortality and HIV/AIDS among other countries of the world. He emphasised that everything possible must be done to ensure that these high indicators are addressed promptly. According to him, the high indicators will continue to grow if we do not get it right for our children, and may not be able to ensure better future for them. Similarly, Mr Olumide Osanyinpeju, Deputy Director/ Head, CRIB, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, decried the large number of Nigerian children,

who were still at risk of contacting HIV, with a host of them living in communities under emergency and insurgencies. He, however, said all hands must be on deck to ensure an HIV/AIDS free nation, especially for children.

Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole.

Female genital mutilation causes sexual problems -Expert

omen who are victims of the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) may develop sexual problems like pain during intercourse, reduced satisfaction and potential challenges with orgasm. A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Tomi Imarah, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. Imarah runs an online Mental Health Counselling Service, called “Dr Tomi’s Haven’’ via her facebook page, @drtomihaven. “Orgasm is a feeling of intense sexual pleasure that happens during sexual activity. “FGM affects the sexual life of victims; the clitoris is the female erogenous organ that is capable of erection under sexual stimulation. “It is not that victims of FGM are incapable of enjoying sex; it is just that it may take more efforts. “Women should not have to struggle because some people decided their genital organs should be excised for no good reason. Ignorance is not an excuse, “ she said. The consultant psychiatrist said

that men could help their partners who were victims of FGM to enjoy sex better in a number of ways. According to her, first of all, men should be more loving and show more understanding in such a situation. “The deleterious impact of FGM go beyond physical injuries; there can be serious psychological effects. “Moreso, repeated challenges during sexual activities may make women withdraw emotionally. “It is important to have honest conversations about their feelings regarding their sexuality and specific measures the man can take to make things better. “Another thing is that couples should consider exploring other erogenous zones; these are body parts with heightened sensitivity, which elicit sexual responses when stimulated. “Some specific zones are lips, nipples, glans, penis for male and clitoris and rest of the vulva for the female. “All the erogenous zones are capable of eliciting varying degrees of pleasure; so, they can be explored and accentuated by loving partners,“

Imarah said. She called on stakeholders to join efforts to prevent women from becoming victims of FGM and also, law enforcement strategies should be a priority. Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), she said that FGM were procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. Imarah said these procedures had no health benefits whatsoever, but were actually harmful to women physically, psychologically and socially. “FGM is a human rights violation and should be treated as such. “The procedure is irreversible for the 200 million girls and women in the world; however, we should work toward preventing the next 200 million victims. “Many organisations and government agencies have been mounting awareness and advocacy efforts over the years; it is time we all joined the efforts. “News and social media platforms can be utilised in the awareness efforts.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

“Let us have conversations about FGM in family meetings, hangouts, Town Hall meetings, Whatsapp groups, religious events and so on. “Gradually, the next generation will find the idea of clitoridectomy strange and unpardonable. “Also, law enforcement strategies should be a priority; if we have a law in place and no one is prosecuted, it is rendered impotent. “Let us have a few well-publicised FGM prosecution cases and you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that FGM will decline pretty fast, “ she said. NAN reports that According to the 2013 Nigeria Demographics and Health Survey (NDHS) findings, 25 per cent of Nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 49 have been circumcised. “Osun has the highest prevalence of circumcised women with 77 per cent, followed by Ebonyi- 74 per cent, and Ekiti-72 per cent. “Female circumcision occurs mostly during infancy; that is, four in five women and about 82 per cent, who had been circumcised had their circumcision before their fifth birthday,’’ NDHS shows.

UNICEF applauded over support for children

he Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its efforts at ensuring that the rights of Nigerian child are realised. The Minister of Information, Mr Lai Mohammed, made the commendation at a media dialogue on Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the ministry on Tuesday in Calabar. Mohammed, who was represented by Mr Olumide Osanyinpeju, Deputy Director and Head CRIB, noted that UNICEF had been in the forefront of ensuring the health and well-being of the child. He also commended the organisation for collaborating with government to implement programmes geared towards ensuring adequate and standard health care as well as preservation of social amenities. “The need to bring basic health services to every Nigerian child cannot be over emphasised. “This is an issue we must continue to pursue until we attain that level where we can confidently say that every Nigerian child has access to basic health care services. “It has been a difficult task ensuring that children’s rights to issues affecting them are not infringed, they have the right to live free from diseases and HIV/AIDS. “We must continuously redouble our efforts to achieve a nation free from HIV/AIDS, especially for our children,” he noted. The minister urged the media to focus on championing the course for the realisation of the rights of children to live free from the virus. He, however, said that the child must live free from HIV/AIDS. Mohammed urged the media to improve their reportage on the low level of awareness that exists among the people, to ensure the realisation of health needs of children within the framework of child’s rights. He urged them to use their reportage to influence community and religious leaders to support health service utilisation through constant sensitisation to their communities and congregation that PMTCT would improve the health of pregnant women and greatly benefit the community. “I urge you to engage community mobilisers and volunteers, to educate women of reproductive age on the benefits of Antenatal Care (ANC) and PMTCT services through facilitated community dialogues. “Use your ingenuity to increase the knowledge among spouses, partners and family members and address HIV related stigma and deep gender inequalities in decision making,” Mohammed said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the media dialogue is to improve media advocacy for PMTCT and provide a suitable platform for harnessing new journalistic thrusts as well as develop a work plan of action that will guide future media engagements in PMTCT.

NCC earmarks over N50m Grants for 2018 Research Proposals ...inaugurates Inter-Agency Committee

By Etuka Sunday

he Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta yesterday disclosed that this year’s Research Grants would exceed the N50million of the previous years. Prof. Danbatta said: “last year, you recall, we gave a little over N50million, therefore, going by our commitment to consider more, I am sure the figure will well exceed that N50million this year, 2018”. Addressing newsmen shortly after the Inauguration of the InterAgency Committee for the evaluation of 2018 Research Proposals from the Academia at the Commissions Headquarters in Abuja, Prof. Danbatta said, the research was intended to find local solutions to the challenges of the industry. Recall, in May, 2018, the Commission offered research grants worth N54, 755, 846 to the winners of the 2016 and 2017 Research Proposals from nine (9) Universities for the development of the telecommunication industry. The NCC boss said, ”for an industry that has recorded globally appreciable growth over the years and a major contributor to the country’s GDP, it has capacity to contribute to the expansion of knowledge in the academia and consequently benefit from such contributions”. On the 2018 proposals, he said: “We have received a very good number of proposals from the Academia about 60 to 70 research proposals this year. This is below the number we received last year. Last year, we received about 94 proposals, but you had me say that it is not the number that is important, it is the quality that is contained in the research proposals that is most important. “NCC will even consider more proposals than we considered last year. The committee has been empowered to go a little bit higher

to recommend research proposals that are qualitative, that in the end add value to the telecommunication sector of the economy and by extension create that social transformation that all of us talk about. “We will like to see this happen in practical terms. We will like to see the quality of life of the citizens of this country improve and that is why we are leveraging on the research experience domicile in the Nigerian University system to ensure the attainment of this important objective of transforming the lives of Nigerians,” he said. The EVC who said that the research activities now attract priority attention, said, “telecommunications has become

a major catalyst and facilitator of growth and development of other industries. Our goal is to be able to use this intervention to address industry problems as well as some other societal issues that need urgent attention. To achieve this objective, the Committee members are challenged to go through ever document in order to achieve a ver fair assessment of every submission”. Also speaking, the Chairman, Inter-Agency Committee, Prof. Muhammed Bashir Mua’zu said, “the committee would commence pre-liminary assessment of the proposals to see whether they meet the basic requirements. Those that are cleared would be taken for four (4) or five (5) weeks to consider them.

We will resume with reports may be sometime in December and then will harmonise our reports and make proposals on the selected proposals to the NCC for consideration and final approval. “OBasically, the proposals are supposed to focus on the things that are supposed to either improve on what exist in telecommunication industry or to leverage on the telecommunication industry on things will actually add value to the telecom industry and address our local issues. We will also consider proposals that actually have local contents in them”. Meanwhile, the Head, Research and Development, NCC, Bashir Ayodeji Idris expressed hope that the exercise would be completed

before the Christmas and New Year breaks, so that the committee would meet the target to deliver qualified proposals for the year without spillover to next year. Bashir said, “notwithstanding the very successful completion of the 2017 edition of the request for research proposal from the Academia, the EVC observed the impact of the absence of female assessors in the Committee, and considering his ample knowledge of the very high caliber of women in the Academia, the EVC advised on the need to enrich the 2018 Committe with the inclusion of women; hence the presence of our erudite female personalities in persons of Professor Adenike Osofisan and Dr. Nafisat Surajudeen Bakinde”. L R: Engr. Nazmat Bakinde, University of Ilorin, Prof. Muhammed Bashir,Chairman Inter-Agency Committee, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Idris Bashir, Head Research and Development NCC, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, University of Ibadan, Usman Malah Chief of Staff to the EVC NCC during the Inauguration of Inter-Agency Committee by NCC, at the Commission Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

SAHCO: BPE facilitates first IPO in 4yrs By Etuka Sunday

he Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has facilitated the first Initial Public Offer (IPO) in four years with the public offering of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc for the sale of 406,074,000 ordinary shares. The public offer opens on Monday, November 12, 2018 and closes on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Speaking at the occasion which held in Lagos on Monday, November 5, 2018, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex A. Okoh said it was a great a milestone for the Bureau and the privatisation

programme in Nigeria; and urged the investing public to take advantage of the offer. The Head, Public Communication, BPE, Amina Tukur Othman in a statement quoted Okoh to have said that the shares being offered for sale would be allotted on the basis of equality between the 360 federal constituencies in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and advised the prospective investors to consult their Stockbrokers and Financial Advisers for subscription. He said the move is in fulfillment of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE)’s commitment towards deepening Nigeria’s Capital Market through

the provisions of opportunities for investment on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE). The Director General reiterated the commitment of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to ensuring that “privatisation transactions, especially reforms geared towards economic recovery for a buoyant Nigerian economy are done in line with international best practices” and that the present administration was poised to partnering with the Nigerian public and international investors in order to explore the opportunities available in the nation’s Capital Market. According to him, SAHCO Plc (formerly Skyway Aviation Handling

Company Limited-SAHCOL) was incorporated in March 1996 as a 100% fully-owned federal government enterprise but was privatised and handed over to the core-investor (SIFAX Group) on December 23, 2009 after being carved out of the liquidated Nigeria Airways Limited. He added that the company is 100% owned by the SIFAX Group. He noted that SAHCO is one of the success stories of privatisation in Nigeria and pledged the determination of the present administration to ensure that all privatised enterprises are run efficiently and for the benefit of all Nigerians. Also Speaking, Chairman of

SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi said the company has grown from 21% to 40% since take over in 2009 with 100% growth in revenue. While enjoining the general public to take advantage of the public offer, he said 41% of the shares on sale will go to the investing public while 10% was reserved for staff of the company as statutorily required by the privatisation Act. On why SAHCO had to wait nine years after take over before going public, he said the company wanted to procure state- of the- art equipment and have in place the necessary logistics before doing that; and that the investing climate was not ripe then.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

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ENERGY

TCN pledges speedy restoration of power supply in Sokoto, Birnin-Kebbi, Gusau

By Stanley Onyekwere

Community leader advocates for improved security Stanley Onyekwere

By Etuka Sunday

rozo Community has called on Police to increase personnel to the Police out post in the area, to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has apologized for the current power supply limitation within Sokoto, TalataMafara and Gusau, resulting from transmission capacity constraints on its Birnin-KebbiSokoto-Talata-Mafara-Gusau transmission line, which was caused by the collapse of 132kV tower between Funtua and Gusau. According to the statement signed by the GM Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN said that the situation was caused by the collapse of Tower No 307 on Funtua-Gusau Transmission line route which cut off bulk electricity supply to Gusau. As remedial measure however, the company has started backfeeding distribution load centres in Gusau through its 80MW capacity Birnin Kebbi-SokotoTalata-Mafara Transmission line. The combined capacity of Sokoto, Talata-Mafara and Gusau is much higher than the maximum capacity the line is built to carry, resulting in overload of the line and consequently, reduced bulk electricity to Sokoto, BirninKebbi and Gusau. TCN said that it had already mobilized a contractor to site has started erecting a new tower which would be completed in two weeks. It further revealed that investigations into the cause of the collapse is on-going and would soon be concluded. The company further stated that under the on-going Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program (TREP), procurement for the KainjiBirnin Kebbi-Sokoto 330kV transmission Line and a 330kV substation in Sokoto will soon commence. The procurement of high capacity conductors for the re-conductoring Birnin Kebbi-Sokoto and KadunaZaria-Funtua-Gusau 132kV Transmission lines that will double the current capacity of the lines has also reached advanced stage. TCN appealed to the governments and good people of Sokoto and Zamfara States for patience, and assured that the tower would be completed as scheduled and normal power transmission restored to electricity consumers in the states.

Metro

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In an interview with the media, Chief of Orozo Musa Adoga, noted that despite the effort of the community in employing vigilante to support security personnel in the area there is need for bigger policeoutpost.

Adoga said the only one out-post in the community has not helped enough in combating insecurity in the area. According to Adoga, only three police personnel is been posted in Orozo adding that the community has grown big as a

community. Recall recently, Jina in Orozo community experienced breach of security which resulted to the death of a Fulani man that generated to people running for safety in the area.

Nigeria’s crude oil pipe line

NNPC records Crude Oil, Gas Export Sale of $470m in August By Etuka Sunday

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that crude oil and gas export sale by the corporation in August 2018 was $470million, indicating an upsurge of about $78million in relation to July oil and gas export figures of $391.91million. NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations report for August 2018 released yesterday in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, indicated that crude oil export sales contributed $337.62 million which represents 71.83 per cent of the dollar transactions compared with $283.43million contribution in the previous month. The release said export gas sales during the period amounted

to $132.38million, adding that the August 2017 to August 2018 crude oil and gas transactions involved crude oil and gas export worth $5.26billion. It further explained that based on the above sales figures, a total export receipt of $450.24 million was recorded in August 2018 as receipt against $382.65million in July 2018. Contribution from crude oil during the period, it stated, amounted to $336.43 million, while gas and miscellaneous receipt stood at $101.33million and $12.48million respectively. A further breakdown of the figures showed that out of the export receipts, $142.31million was remitted to the Federation Account, while $307.93 million was remitted to fund the JV cost recovery for the month of August, 2018 to guarantee current and

future production. Total export crude oil & gas receipt for the period August 2017 to August 2018 stood at $5.23billion out of which $3.74 billion was transferred to JV Cash Call as first line charge and the balance of $1.49 billion paid into the Federation Account. On Naira payments to the Federation Account, the report informed that NNPC transferredN128.40billion into Account for the month under review. It was also explained that from August 2017 to August 2018, the Federation and JV receivedN879.02billion and N651.4billion respectively. Providing insight into the corporation’s remittances to the national treasury, the NNPC explained that the Federation Crude Oil & Gas Revenue, Federation Crude Oil and Gas

lifting, are broadly classified into Equity Export and Domestic crude which are lifted and marketed by corporation and the proceeds remitted into the Federation Account. It informed that Equity Export receipts, after adjusting for Joint Venture (JV) Cash Calls, are paid directly into the Federation Account domiciled in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The corporation explained that domestic crude oil of 445,000bopd was allocated for refining to meet domestic products supply, and payments were effected to the Federation Account by NNPC after adjusting crude & product losses and pipeline repairs & management costs incurred during the period. The August 2018 NNPC Financial and Operations Report is the 37th in the series.

Oil rebounds to $73 ahead of Russia, Saudi discussion on possible output cut

il rebounded to $73 a barrel on Wednesday after falling to its lowest since August, supported by a report that Russia and Saudi Arabia are discussing whether to cut crude output next year. Russia’s TASS news agency, citing an unnamed source, reported that the two countries, the biggest producers in an OPEC-led alliance that has been limiting supply since 2017, had started bilateral talks on the issue. “I think this is a little bit of verbal intervention, trying to get some speculative length back into the market,” said analyst Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix.

“The global supply and demand balance does not look very tight next year.” Brent crude LCOc1, the global benchmark, rose 76 cents to$72.89 a barrel by 1430 GMT. The contract hit $71.18 on Tuesday, its lowest since Aug. 16. U.S. crude CLc1 rose 30 cents to$62.51. While Iranian oil exports are expected to fall because of U.S. sanctions that took effect on Monday, reports from OPEC and other forecasters have indicated that the global market could have a supply surplus in 2019 as demand slows. A ministerial committee comprising some members of the

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies meets on Sunday in Abu Dhabi to discuss the market and the outlook for 2019. Any return to limiting supply would follow a June decision by the OPEC-led group to relax output curbs in place since 2017, after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to cool prices and make up for losses from Iran. Supply from countries such as Saudi Arabia has risen sharply since June. In addition, having initially talked of cutting Iranian oil shipments to zero, Washington gave waivers to eight customers, raising the prospect of more Iranian oil in the market than

expected. Earlier on Wednesday, oil traded lower as rising U.S. inventories and the sanction waivers reinforced an outlook for ample supplies. “The market continues to shift from worrying about tightening supplies to acknowledging upside supply risks and weakening demand growth,” analysts at JBC Energy wrote in a report. The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, said on Tuesday U.S. crude stocks rose by 7.8 million barrels last week, more than analysts had forecast. The government’s official supply report is due at 1530 GMT. (Reuters)

Beneficiaries of Federal Government Scholarship programme and the official s of the Federal Ministry of Education, during the orientation ceremony for the 2018 bilateral Education Agreement Scholars departing to Russia and Algeria, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Garki: Igbo community leader tasks stakeholders on peace By Stanley Onyekwere

he eze Igbo-elect in Garki village of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Ruben Ndubisi has advocated for the promotion of peaceful atmosphere by stakeholders, as it’s needed for rapid development of the society. Ndubisi, who made the appeal immediately after he met the FCT chapter of Ohaneze Assembly, at Wuse in Abuja, particularly admonished politicians and

electorate to ensure peace in whatever they do. The community leader said that if peace is embraced, the forthcoming 2019 general election will be free and fair, adding that peace would go a long way to promote unity among the people. The Eze Igbo-elect urged to any contestant who lost during the election to accept that in good faith, just as he advised anyone who wins to accommodate the losers in order to promote unity of

purpose. “We should abide by peace, which if done would go a long way to enhance free and fair elections. “I appeal to anyone who loses to accept it in good faith and any one who wins to accommodate the losers in order to enhance unity of purpose,” he stressed. Ndubisi therefore called on Ndigbo in Garki village and Abuja in general to actively participate in politics to enable them join hands in the governance of the

FCT where they reside, have properties and families. He however added that he has forgiven those who were against him during his contest that saw him as the eze Igbo-elect in the area. He commended the indigenes and residents for peaceful cohabitation, just he disclosed that he has been residing in the area since 1976 and has been able to find out that the indigenes were very hospitable and urged them to keep it up.

Gov’t assures residents of improved FHIS benefits By Stanley Onyekwere

esidents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been assured of enjoyment of more benefits from the services of FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), following increased sensitisation. This assurance was given by Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS), Malam Adamu Bappah. According to Bappah, more FCT residents are to benefit from health

Insurance Services Scheme (FHIS) especially residents in the rural communities which are considered as the more demanding areas for health services. Bappah spoke while receiving briefing from departmental heads and agencies under the Health and Human service’s Secretariat. Bappah, observed that more sensitization needs to be done through the mass media and flier translated to the local languages spoken in the communities,

in order to have more enrollee into the scheme in the Territory. He urged the programme manager, Dr. Ahmed Danfulani to ensure that workers in both public and private sectors enjoys the scheme in a more subsidized health services mode, as provided in the health insurance guide lines. In a related development, the FCT Health Secretary also commended the Agency for the Control of Aids (FACA) for working hard to reduce the prevelling

scourge of HIV /AIDS in the Territory, through intensive treatment and counseling of patients. He stressed that Agency should sustain the efforts and FCTA shall continue to provide free drugs to all patients irrespective of their status in the FCT. Our correspondent recalls that the routine briefing is part of the strategy to acquaint the new secretary on the workings of all parastatel, departments and agencies under his purview.

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

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world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Mid-term elections: Trump hails ‘big victory’ despite House losses

resident Donald Trump has hailed a “big victory” in US mid-term elections after Democrats seized the House of Representatives but Republicans consolidated their grip on the Senate. The Democratic majority in the lower chamber will be in a position to block Mr Trump’s legislative programme. But control of the Senate ensures Mr Trump can still make key appointments. The vote was seen as a referendum on the president, even though he is not up for re-election till 2020. The result confirms a historical trend for the party that is not in the White House to make gains in the mid-terms. The Republicans’ control of the Senate is arguably more significant, says the BBC’s Aleem Maqbool in Washington, because Mr Trump focused his campaigning on Senate races, and candidates he backed clearly benefited. Mr Trump will now feel that his base has endorsed his actions over the past two years, our correspondent says. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi promised that her party would serve as a counterweight to the White House. Ms Pelosi - who is set to become speaker, a position she held from 2007 to 2011 - told supporters: “Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans. It’s about restoring the Constitution’s checks and balances to the Trump administration.” Meanwhile the Florida Senate race is heading for a recount after Republican Rick Scott got 50.21% and incumbent Bill Nelson 49.79% of the vote. A margin of less than half a percentage point automatically triggers a recount. What difference will the new Congress make?

New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (C) is the youngest woman ever elected to the US House at 29 years old The Democrats gained more than the 23 seats they needed for a majority in the 435-seat lower chamber. They could now launch investigations into Mr Trump’s administration and business affairs, from tax returns to potential conflicts of interest. The Democrats could also more effectively block his legislative plans, notably his signature promise to build a wall along the border with Mexico. In the Senate, Democrats were facing an uphill battle because they were defending 26 races, while just nine Republican seats were up for grabs. The Republicans are on course to increase their representation from 51 to 54 in the 100-seat Senate

upper chamber. Mr Trump has threatened to retaliate for any Democratic investigations with his own probes in the Senate into alleged “leaks of classified information”. Silver linings Even handing over power to Democrats in the House may have a bit of a silver lining for the president. Now he will have someone to blame if the economy takes a turn for the worse (and, given business cycle realities, it might). He’s got a readymade explanation for why he can’t get anything done in the next two years - and a pitch for what needs to change in the next election.

Day in and day out, he’ll have a set of clear political opponents to contrast himself with. Both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama lost control of the House in their first term in office and went on to win re-election. History, serving as a guide, predicted this would probably be a bad night for the president. History also indicates that while the road may be rocky, better days could be ahead. Who are the new faces in Congress? Female candidates fared particularly well in an election cycle that had been billed as the Year of the Woman. Two 29-year-old Democrats - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Abby Finkenauer - are due to be the youngest women ever to win House seats. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib are the first Muslim women and Sharice Davids and Debra Haaland the first Native American women to be elected to Congress. All are Democrats. Ayanna Pressley was elected as Massachusetts’ first black congresswoman. What’s happening in governors’ races? Governors - who head the executive branch in state governments - have been chosen in 36 out of 50 states. In Florida, a progressive Democrat conceded after an ugly battle against Trumpist conservative Ron DeSantis. But in Georgia, Democrat Stacey Abrams - who was hoping to become the first black female governor in the US - refused to concede as her Republican opponent Brian Kemp took a commanding lead after a bitter campaign. Democrats also captured governorships in Michigan, Illinois and Kansas. New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo - sometimes spoken of as a 2020 presidential contender - cruised to a third term.

US mid-terms: Drugs, abortion and voting rights on the ballot

hile the focus of the US mid-terms has been on elections to both houses of Congress, as well as governor posts and state legislatures, Americans were also voting on a number of other issues hugely important to their neighbourhoods. In Florida, residents who had served time in prison regained the right to vote; in San Francisco, a controversial tax on businesses was passed to help the homeless. Abortion, marijuana and transgender rights were also on the ballot. Here’s some of the highlights: San Francisco’s tax on tech Voters in the Californian city have voted in favour of Proposition C - a controversial measure supporters say will greatly help the city solve its crippling homelessness crisis. It will bring in an estimated $250m-$300m (£190m-£228m) a year in added taxes from around 400 of the city’s biggest companies, to be spent specifically on the problem. Naturally, this means the measure has been seen as a tax on the tech giants which dominate this part of the world - firms that are often blamed for driving up living costs, pushing thousands onto the streets. More than $7m was spent on campaigning; the majority ($5.7m) backed the measure. Prop C’s biggest supporter was Marc Benioff, the charismatic chief executive of Salesforce - a firm which would be among those taxed. Benioff, who most suspect has political ambitions of his own, backed the campaign with around $1m of his own money. Those against the bill included Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, who engaged in very public debates with Benioff about the merits of the plan on, where else, Twitter. Perhaps surprisingly, one critic of the tax was the city’s mayor, London Breed. She cited a lack of adequate accountability for existing funds to fight homelessness as a reason not to gather even more. But, it passed. The money will go to things like rent subsidies, permanent housing help, hygiene

measures and more. It won’t solve homelessness overnight, but as far as a majority of San Francisco voters are concerned - it’s a start. Abortion on the ballot Initiatives that rights groups say have the potential to prevent a woman’s right to an abortion were on the ballot in Alabama, Oregon and West Virginia. Voters in Alabama and West Virginia approved amendments to their state constitutions that could restrict access to abortions for women. With most votes returned, people in Alabama approved by a clear margin an amendment that makes it state policy to “recognise and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children”. The margin was narrower in West Virginia, where people approved an amendment that says “nothing in this constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion”. The measure prevents federal money being used to fund abortions, and could impact women in low incomes. Voters in Oregon appear to have rejected a similar measure to restrict state funds for abortions,

according to partial returns. Women’s rights groups say the measures approved by Alabama and West Virginia could lead to a full ban on abortions in those states if the conservative-majority Supreme Court overturns the 1973 ruling that legalised abortion. Voting rights for Florida’s ex-convicts An estimated 1.2 million Florida residents who served time in prison have regained the right to vote, thanks to passage of a new state constitutional amendment. Amendment 4 received 65% of the vote, according to the Miami Herald, changing 150-yearold language in the state’s constitution. Previously, Florida was one of just four states in the US that automatically and permanently revoked voting rights from anyone who had been convicted of a felony-level crime. They could seek clemency, but needed to wait five years until after their release and then apply to the governor’s office. Since 2011, Republican Governor Rick Scott has only given the vote back to about 2,000 people. To be eligible now, former prisoners must have completed their sentences and all the terms of their release, including probation. The language of the

amendment excludes those convicted of murder and serious sexual offenses, but supporters still estimate that more than 1 million Floridians who have served time in prison will become newly eligible to vote. A cross-party, grassroots coalition gathered about 800,000 signatures to get the amendment on the 6 November ballot. The measure needed 60% to pass. Language stripping the vote from felons was written into the state constitution 150 years ago, during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era, as a means to prevent African Americans from voting. Supporters of the amendment argued for months that preventing former inmates from voting unfairly disenfranchised men and women who had repaid their debt to society, and prevented them from fully integrating back into society. They also argued that such laws disproportionately impact African Americans. It had powerful backing, including from celebrities such as singer John Legend and Orange is the New Black author Piper Kerman. Transgender rights in Massachusetts Voters in Massachusetts approved a measure that provides protections for transgender and nonbinary people - making it the first state in the US to do so. They agreed to uphold a law, first signed in 2016, that forbids discrimination on the basis of gender in public places. If the result is confirmed, Michigan becomes the first US Midwest state to allow adults over the age of 21 to both possess and grow small amounts of marijuana. It will also levy a 10% sales tax on businesses selling the drug. Utah’s measure allows privately-owned chemists to sell cannabis to people with qualifying illnesses while in Missouri, patients have been given permission to grow their own cannabis for medicinal use. Thirty-one US states have now legalised cannabis for medicinal use, while nine states have approved it for recreational use. Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

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N e w s F r o m A f r i c a Cameroon kidnap: Bamenda students freed

choolchildren kidnapped from a boarding school in Cameroon’s North-West region are meeting the regional governor after being freed. The 78 students and three others were seized early on Sunday in the region’s capital, Bamenda. A driver was also released, but the school’s principal and a teacher are still being held. The government has accused separatists in the English-speaking region of being behind the kidnapping. The Anglophone separatists have denied they were involved. The secessionist movement took up arms last year to demand independence for the NorthWest and South-West regions - the two Englishspeaking regions in a country where French is the most widely spoken official language. The kidnapped students, aged between 1117 years old, are “frightened and traumatised but in good shape”, Rev Fonki Samuel, Presbyterian Church Moderator in Cameroon, told the BBC Focus on Africa programme. He said that they were being given food and being checked by the doctors before being released to their parents. He added that Bamenda’s Presbyterian Secondary School - where they were seized - had been closed. How were the children freed? According to the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon, the students were abandoned in one of their buildings in the town of Bafut, about 24km (15 miles) from Bamenda. “The release was done peacefully... by unidentified gunmen. They [students] were brought into the church premises,” Rev Samuel said. “The first information we got from them [kidnappers] is their call and they were telling us they intended to release the children yesterday [Tuesday] morning... but unfortunately it rained so heavily that could not happen. “So [on] the evening of yesterday, surprisingly and by God’s grace, the children were brought back to us.”

The pupils were taken from the Presbyterian Secondary School in Bamenda

Parents gathered at the Presbyterian Secondary School in Bamenda after getting news their children had been kidnapped Rev Samuel told the BBC that 78 students, not 79 as earlier reported, had been released. He also revealed that Sunday’s kidnapping was the second such case at the school in less than a week. In the earlier 31 October incident, 11 boys were taken and then released. It is unclear who the kidnappers were but the church paid a ransom of $4,000 (£3,000) to secure their release, he said.

The army had been deployed to try and find the children taken on Sunday. Who was behind the kidnap? Rev Samuel told the BBC he was not concerned about who was behind the kidnapping, only “overwhelmed and happy” that the schoolchildren had been freed. He said, “armed groups, gangsters and thieves” could be taking advantage of the insecurity in

nation to hold huge rallies. President Hery Rajaonarimampianina and his two main rivals, former Presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina, are all wealthy men, fuelling claims by civil society groups that they used their time in office to enrich themselves. Something which they all deny. But they are believed to have spent large amounts of money on their campaigns, as the electoral law sets a very high spending limit, reports BBC Monitoring. There are more than nine million registered voters out of a population of nearly 25 million

people. In order to win in the first round of voting a candidate needs more than 50% of the votes cast. Otherwise the top two candidates go through to a second round on 19 December. There have been reports of long queues of voters and the European Union observer team says that no anomalies have been detected so far, Reuters news agency says. A history of instability At the end of 2001, self-made millionaire Mr Ravalomanana won a disputed poll, which led to a seven-month crisis, with the defeated candidate

the region to kidnap people, and blame it on the government and separatists. Cameroon’s authorities have blamed the kidnap on Anglophone separatist militias - who have called for schools in English-speaking regions to be closed. They want to create an independent state called Ambazonia. Anxious parents had gathered on Tuesday at the Presbyterian Secondary School to try to get information about their children. A video of the hostages released on Monday showed one of the captives saying they had been seized by “Amba Boys” - the widely-used term to describe the separatist rebels. An Anglophone group, the Ambazonia International Policy Commission (AIPC), has however denied that the separatists were behind the kidnapping, noting that the person recording the video appears to have a poor grasp of PidginEnglish, the language spoken widely in the Anglophone area of the country. One of the kidnappers was also apparently heard speaking French. What is happening in English-speaking parts of Cameroon? English-speakers in Cameroon have long complained that they face discrimination from Cameroon’s Francophone majority. They say that they are excluded from top civil service jobs and that government documents are often only published in French, even though English is also an official language. Cameroon - still divided along colonial lines • Colonised by Germany in 1884 • British and French troops force Germans to leave in 1916 • Cameroon is split three years later 80% goes to the French and 20% to the British • French-run Cameroon becomes independent in 1960 • Following a referendum, the (British) Southern Cameroons join Cameroon, while Northern Cameroons join English-speaking Nigeria

Madagascar elections: Rivals vie for presidency

eople in Madagascar are voting in a presidential election that sees the incumbent president battling against two of his predecessors. There are 36 candidates in all to lead the Indian Ocean island, which in recent years has been hit by periods of political instability. In May, the army threatened to take over amid huge street protests. The main candidates promised to boost the economy in a country where 80% of the population live in poverty. The front-runners have criss-crossed the

Didier Ratsiraka refusing to step down. In 2009, after weeks of protests, media mogul Mr Rajoelina, ousted Mr Ravalomanana in a power grab that was backed by the army. This year, President Rajaonarimampianina faced protests over an electoral law that was said to favour him. The issue sparked protests that quickly escalated to political paralysis which ended in a compromise after the military threatened a takeover. A unity government took over to pave way for the elections.

Northern white rhino: New hopes for IVF rescue

new study raises hopes of saving one of the last animals of its kind. A victim of poaching, the northern white rhino population has been reduced to just two females, which are both unable to breed. DNA evidence shows the rhino is more closely related than previously thought to its southern white cousin. Creating rhino hybrids using IVF is likely to have a positive outcome, say scientists, although this option is considered a last resort. The white rhino split into two divided populations living in the north and south of Africa around one million years ago. But an extensive analysis of DNA from living rhinos and museum specimens shows the northern and southern populations mixed and bred at times after this date, perhaps as recently as 14,000 years ago. “Despite the fact that they started to diverge one million years ago, we show that they have been exchanging genes during that period,

possibly as recently as the last ice age, when the African savannah expanded and reconnected the two populations,” lead researcher Dr Michael Bruford of Cardiff University told BBC News. “So, if they have been exchanging genes recently, this may imply that they could do so now.” Cross breeding using assisted reproductive technology could potentially act to rescue the northern white rhino from its current predicament, he said. The northern white rhino was once common throughout the north of the African continent, including Uganda, South Sudan, the DRC and Chad. Illegal hunting to meet demand for rhino horn caused a rapid decline in the wild, and the rhino sub-species was declared extinct on the wild in 2008. Earlier this year, Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, died at the age of 45. Two females are left - his daughter

and granddaughter, who live in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where they are guarded around the clock. However, both have health problems of their own and cannot breed naturally. The southern white rhino is found in southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Numbers dropped to a few hundred individuals around a century ago, but conservation efforts led to a recovery. About 20,000 exist in protected areas and private game reserves. What would it take to save the northern white rhino? The survival of the northern white rhino looks bleak, and relies on last-ditch hotlydebated conservation efforts, which involve IVF and cloning. A priceless store of frozen sperm from male northern white rhinos still exists, but conservationists are divided about how it should

be used. In July, one team took eggs from female southern rhinos - which number around 20,000 in the wild - and fertilised them with frozen sperm from a male northern white rhino, to create hybrid embryos. The new study suggests this sort of approach might pay off, given that the two rhinos are closer genetically than once thought. “We think it improves the chances,” said Prof Bruford. “It is difficult to predict what might happen if we cross the two subspecies but given the current options for the northern white rhino it becomes a more viable option, should other approaches fail.” Other options include using frozen tissue from a wider pool of northern white rhinos to generate stem cells that have the capacity to develop into eggs and sperm. This would avoid diluting the gene pool, but is more challenging to achieve. Source: BBC

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e w s Eleven children found in refrigerated lorry in Newhaven

wenty-one people, including children as young as 12, have been found inside a refrigerated lorry entering the UK. The group, thought to be from Vietnam, was concealed among a load of sparkling water at the port of Newhaven in Sussex on Thursday. Details of the Border Force operation have only just emerged, but a criminal investigation is under way. A Romanian man, believed to be the driver, has been charged with assisting unlawful entry into the UK. It had earlier been reported 15 children had been found in the lorry, but the figure was later revised by the Home Office. A spokesman said the group included 17 people claiming to be aged between 12 and 17 who “presented themselves as Vietnamese”. “A total of 11 were later confirmed to be minors. They were passed into the care of social services,” he said. A spokesman for East Sussex County Council added: “Age assessments were carried out... and concluded that five were in fact adults aged over 18.” He said the children were placed with foster carers or in supported housing. One of the children had since absconded from council care, he said. The lorry was stopped on its arrival from Dieppe in France. The children did not require medical treatment. The adults - five women and five men - were interviewed by immigration officials, the Home Office said. An 18-year-old man and a woman aged 27 have been removed from the UK. The eight other adults, aged between 21 and 28, have been told they must report regularly to the Home Office while their cases are assessed. Andrut Duma, 29, appeared before magistrates on Saturday accused of immigration offences and has been remanded in custody until a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on 26 November. Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

Yemen war: Battle for vital port of Hudaydah intensifies

he battle for the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah has intensified, as government forces backed by Saudi-led coalition air strikes advance on rebel positions. More than 150 people are reported to have been killed since troops and militiamen stepped up a ground assault on the city’s outskirts last Thursday. The UN and charities say the fighting is also endangering medical facilities and hundreds of thousands of civilians. Hudaydah’s port is a lifeline for millions of Yemenis at risk of famine. Up to 80% of the humanitarian supplies, fuel and commercial goods on which they depend are delivered through the facility, and UN officials have warned that the toll in lives could be catastrophic if it is damaged, destroyed or blocked. Yemen has been devastated by a conflict that escalated in 2015, when Arab states intervened after the rebel Houthi movement seized control of much of the west of the country and forced President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to flee abroad. At least 6,660 civilians have been killed and 10,560 injured in the war, according to the UN. The fighting and a partial blockade by the coalition have also left 22 million people in need of humanitarian aid, created the world’s largest food security emergency, and led to a cholera outbreak that has affected 1.1 million people. The offensive on Hudaydah, which led by the United Arab Emirates, began in June. Pro-government soldiers and militiamen made swift progress initially, capturing the city’s southern suburbs and airport. But they did not push into the city centre, where rebel fighters set up sniper positions, dug trenches in streets and laid landmines. The escalation in fighting last

Environment PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

70% Nigerians depend on fuel wood for energy -ERA boss By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action (ERA)/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Ojo has said that about 70% of Nigerians depend largely on fuel woods for energy. Ojo made this revelation at the weekend in Abuja, while speaking during international conference on Just Energy Transition (JET). He added that the number of people using fuel wood in the country indicated that “Nigeria is one of the world’s highest deforestation rate of 3.5 percent. “Globally, in spite of the rising energy demand, more than 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity and about 2.4 billion

Pro-government forces have made limited advances on the outskirts of Hudaydah week came after the US - which has provided logistical and intelligence support to the coalition along with the UK and France - called for a cessation of hostilities and the start of peace talks by late November. Two hundred air strikes were reported in an around Hudaydah on Saturday alone, and aid workers say there have been intense clashes around the airport, to the east of the city, and near a university to the west. On Wednesday, Save the Children said a health facility it supports in Hudaydah had come under attack, damaging a pharmacy supplying desperately-needed medicine. Artillery shells had also hit residential areas and temporary roadblocks had prevented people from leaving or entering the city overnight, in effect trapping them in an active conflict zone, it added. The UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) warned on Tuesday that the fighting was “dangerously close” to the Al-Thawra hospital in

southern Hudaydah, putting the lives of 59 children, including 25 in intensive care, at imminent risk of death. “Medical staff and patients in the hospital have confirmed hearing heavy bombing and gunfire. Access to and from the hospital, the only functioning one in the area, is now imperilled,” executive director Henrietta Fore said. “Children in particular cannot afford for Al-Thawra to be caught up in the fighting. Hudaydah and the neighbouring governorates account for 40% of the 400,000 children in the country who suffer from severe acute malnutrition. Some of the sickest are taken to the hospital for urgent care,” she added. The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) also expressed concern about the fighting near the Al-Thawra hospital and called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure. Earlier, there were unconfirmed reports that Houthi fighters had

been stationed inside or near medical facilities in an apparent attempt to avoid coalition air and artillery strikes. One resident told the Guardian newspaper that on Tuesday rebels raided the 22 May hospital, which is just north of the main road to the capital Sanaa, and set up sniper positions on its roof. The Houthi-run human rights ministry meanwhile accused the coalition of targeting grain silos in Hudaydah, where tens of thousands of tonnes of wheat and flour are stored, along with local roads, bridges, factories and markets. The coalition has said it does not intend to capture Hudaydah city or the port, but its forces may attempt to encircle them and impose a siege before the end of the month, when UN special envoy Martin Griffiths hopes peace talks will resume. The coalition has accused the Houthis of using Hudaydah to smuggle in weapons from their ally Iran. Both Iran and the rebels have denied this.

PAGE 25

depend solely on fuel wood. The rising energy demand is is also leading to increasing violent resources conflicts at the sites of extraction. Nigeria is nowhere near meeting its nationally determined commitment to addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. “We draw attention to carbon economy that is running the world. It is leading to environmental degradation, increasing social inequalities and exclusion. While overconsumption continues unabated in rich and industrialized countries, less endowed face energy poverty on daily basis. Energy colonialism is killing Africa and replicating already existing inequalities in renewable energy access hence the need for Energy

Democracy”. To effectively address the problems, the ERA boss said there is need for energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable sources of energy that is pro people. Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun expressed worry over the damage fossil fuel caused to most communities. “It is unfortunate the level of damage fossil fuel caused to most communities where oil is being extracted. Those people are suffering on daily basis because their land cannot produce anything. We should also know that some of these communities will disappear if we keep on like this”. He said there is an urgent need for a

paradigm shift to just energy transition which must be democratized to ensure that everybody is a partner. “We must change policies to concentrate on the common people. This transition should not be hijacked by the rich but should be for all Nigerians”. Speaking earlier, Chairperson Friends of the Earth Nigeria, Karin Nansen expressed worry over the high level of fossil use in Africa, which she said affects the environment. She said people must realized the damage and move to just energy which is more friendly to the environment. Nansen further called on all Nigerians to work towards protecting the environment.

Ozone layer is healing, new UN report says

Indonesian plane grounded after passengers complain about stinky durian

n Indonesian plane was temporarily grounded after passengers complained about an overwhelming smell of durian in the cabin. Around two tonnes of durian, the world’s stinkiest fruit, was in the cargo hold of the Sriwijaya Air flight, bound for Jakarta from Bengkulu. Passengers demanded that the fruit be removed, with some almost coming to blows with crew members. The airline eventually relented and unloaded sacks of the durian fruit. The flight eventually took off around 11:40am local time

(04:40 GMT), an hour later than scheduled. Sriwajiya Air later said the airline was well within its rights to carry the stinky fruit in cargo. “It’s not illegal to carry durian in a flight as long as it is wrapped properly in accordance with flight regulations - carried inside the hold. Many airlines do this,” senior corporate communications manager Retri Maya said in a statement to the Jakarta Post. The thorny durian is a delicacy in much of Asia but also controversial - you either love it or hate it. Its potent stench means

it’s banned from public transportation, hotels and even planes in certain countries. ‘Who on this plane wants to fly?’ A passenger onboard the plane detailed the incident, which took place on Monday, in a Facebook post. “When I entered the plane, I could already smell the scent of durian. I complained to the stewardess but they told me to just fill up a complaint form,” said Amir Zidane. Crew members assured him the smell would vanish as soon as the plane was in the air. Unsatisfied, Amir rallied his other fellow passengers

“I yelled at the other passengers ‘Who on this plane wants to fly?’. They all chanted back ‘not us!!’” He added that other passengers started complaining and some even almost “physically clashed with crew members”. Eventually, they were all asked to leave the plane while the crew unloaded the durian. Mr Anies Wardhana said there had been around 2,025kg of durian onboard the plane, and that the airport would “evaluate” future packing situations so that they would “not cause passenger discomfort”.

New UN report shows that Ozone Layer is healing

here is an ongoing healing of the ozone layer, findings of a new UN-backed report released on Monday, have shown. The study, ‘Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2018’, is the latest in a series of reports, released every four years, which monitor the recovery of ozone in the stratosphere. Ozone is a layer that protects life on Earth from harmful layers of ultraviolet rays from the sun. The study shows that the concentration of ozone-depleting substances continues to decrease, leading to an improvement in the layer since the previous assessment carried out in 2014. The findings are being hailed as a demonstration of what global agreements can

achieve, and an inspiration for more ambitious climate action to halt a catastrophic rise in world temperatures. Ozone in parts of the stratosphere has recovered at a rate of one to three per cent since 2000 and, at projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone is scheduled to heal completely by the 2030s, followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050s and Polar Regions by 2060. This is due to internationally agreed actions carried out under the historic Montreal Protocol, which came into being over 30 years ago. The Protocol was in response to the revelation that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances – used in aerosols, cooling and refrigeration systems, and

many other items – were tearing a hole in the ozone layer and allowing dangerous ultraviolet radiation to flood through. The Protocol is set to be strengthened in 2019 with the ratification of the Kigali Amendment which calls for the future use of powerful climate-warming gases in refrigerators, air conditioners and related products to be slashed. Erik Solheim, Head of UN Environment Programme said: “The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful multilateral agreements in history for a reason. “The careful mix of authoritative science and collaborative action that has defined the Protocol for more than 30 years and was set to heal our ozone layer is precisely why the Kigali Amendment holds such promise for climate

action in future.” The findings provide a ray of hope, less than a month after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released a watershed report. The report described the devastating effects of a 2°C temperature rise compared to pre-industrial levels, which UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres described as an “earsplitting wake-up call”. The writers of the report found that, if the Kigali Amendment was fully implemented, the world could avoid up to 0.4 per cent of global warming this century, meaning that it will play a major role in keeping the global temperature rise below 2°C. Source: NAN

PEOPLES DAILY, thurSDAY, november 8, 2018

INTERVIEW

CLASSIFIED

We brought sanity and professionalism into journalism in Kebbi -NUJ State Chair

Kebbi State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) recently made records by embarking on a drive to tackle Fake News in the state. The Council also conducted elections for seven positions in the NUJ State Council. Out of the seven positions contested for, six were returned unopposed; only the position of the Chairman was keenly contested, for Allah Jajirma Kanya emerged winner to serve a 2nd term, with landslide victory. Our correspondent, Ahmadu Baba Idris spoke with the Chairman of the State Council on how they sanitize the profession in Kebbi State, among other issues. Excerpt.

ood day Sir. Our readers will no doubt want you to introduce yourself. I am Aliyu Jajirma Kanya, a staff of the Ministry of Information and Culture, and now the incumbent Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kebbi State Council. Mr. Chairman how were you able to tackle the issue of fake news, most especially on the social media in your state? Good question my brother. You see, we thank God in Kebbi State chapter of the NUJ, and also have a list of members who know the job very well. Last term, what I did was to setup a committee headed by my vice chairman to go round the 21 local governments and meet with the Chairmen, information officers, traditional rulers and security agencies to fish out any fake journalist, as well as to tackle anybody found writing fake news. I was able to work with so many agencies, and called on some social media people and addressed them on the dangers or implications of fake news in the society. I also called on the correspondents’ chapel leadership on how important it is to balance any story before it goes on air or for publication. All what I told you now was during my second terms. While by God’s grace, we have served our first term in office, and the members in appreciation of our commitments to the Union and what we were about to achieve, have returned us into office for the second term in office. How is the Union doing in the state, in terms of professionalism? Alhamdulillah, we are improving by the day. As I told you earlier on the way I was able to tackle the fake news in the state. The entire Exco and the Union as a whole remain united; and the spirit of camaraderie amongst us is flawless; and also we do checkmate some irregularities

Allah Jajirma Kanya in the union in order to have a formidable membership. What do you consider as your achievement in your first tenure, apart from enhancing professionalism?

In fact, this is a good question. I must thank Almighty Allah for giving me the wisdom to transform our Union from the verge of collapse to glory. Within the 3 years in office, we had initiated so many things; such as welfare packages for families of our late colleagues, which had helped in bringing succor to these families. For the first time, NUJ Kebbi State organized the Zonal meeting in 2016. The first Council to purchase a Toyota Avensus for the Union; the first Council to organize a press week in 2017, in which, sons and daughters of the state were given award, including our Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. What is the relationship between the Union and the state government? Our relationship with the Kebbi State Government is so cordial; and as such, all achievements we recorded were through the support of many stakeholders, including the state government. In fact, to put it in a better way, it is excellent. As a journalist, how would you rate the government’s performance in the state? That is a beautiful question. Let me put it on record here that Kebbi State people have never had it so good. This administration has brought into the state what could be safely referred to as the Golden era, because the existing infrastructural decay in the state has been given a face lift. The present administration of Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has reactivated, redefined and remolded the state. Efficiency and effectiveness have been brought to bear in the state. The state has recorded so many feats in diverse areas. The governor has unparalleled accomplishment in education, health, electricity supply and even security. We are all living witnesses to the role of the present

administration in bailing the country from rice importation. Today, our state, Kebbi, needs to be contacted for a solution for a stable supply of electricity. No state, I repeat, no state, in the entire Nigeria enjoys stable electricity supply compared to what we have in the state. Should I continue? The state is the most peaceful state in Nigeria. This is achieved courtesy of the synergy between His Excellency and the experience of his Deputy Col. Sama’ila Yombe Dabai (Rtd) which has succeeded in putting an end to crime, criminalities and avoiding skirmishes. The synergy between the duo is ably complemented by the commitment of the Nigeria Police under the leadership of State Commissioner of Police Kabiru Ibrahim. How does NUJ intend to compliment these laudable achievements? You are obviously reading my thoughts. As part of our council’s (NUJ) social responsibility to the state, we have resolved to document the achievements of the present administration via a publication (a book) titled “Raising the bar of governance in Kebbi State”. To get this done, we have contracted a Media Consultant from Ibadan, Oyo State, in person of Mr. Kaream Olajide who owns merit foundation, for the project. Due to time constraints, we have decided to select about five ministries and one or two parastatals as reference areas and parameter to x-ray the giant stride of this administration. The project is a product of collaboration between the Ministry of Information and the NUJ. It would be, Insha Allah, presented during our press week slated for December 2018. Specifically, how has the Governor assisted the Council? He had been assisting the Council in diverse ways. He has always been there for us. He has always supported the families of our deceased colleagues through financial intervention, etc.

CLASSIFIED LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R of O) WITH NO FCT/ABU/PL373. BELONGING TO ALHAJI IBRAHIM ABBA GOT MISSING.WHILE ON TRANSIT FROM WUSE ZONE 1, TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ABUJA. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVE ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

MBAM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY (R of O) IN PLOT NO. FCT/B2TP/LA/TR/2006/267. LOCATED AT BWARI AREA COUNCIL. BELONG TO MRS. AMARA O.N. THE SAID DOCUMENTS GOT MISSING WHILE ON TRANSIT FROM GOMBE TO ABUJA. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NWOGHA NDUBUISI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MBAM DAVID NDUBUISI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. FATIMA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZARA MOHAMMED JAJERE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS FATIMA MOHAMMED JAJERE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Ewah

bilkisu

VICTOR

I, formerly known as oweh patrick obi now wish to be known and addresed as ewah thomas prosper. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as bilkisu mu’azu abubakar now wish to be known and addresed as bilkisu mu’azu. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, Formerly known as VICTOR TAVERSHIMA IWAMBE now wish to be known and addresed as VICTOR NUMERO IWAMBE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLICE SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHRISTY

BINTA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHRISTIANA YAKUBU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHRISTY YAKUBU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS BINTA BINTA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BINTA AL’AMIN SULAIMAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

VICTOR

I, Formerly known as atiku babaalinow wish to be known and addresed as atiku haruna baba-ali ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLICE SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

JOSEPH AND MERCY CROSS FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION 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. AJIBOYE ADEOLA - CHAIRMAN 2. MERCY AJIBOYE - SECRETARY 3. BALA BEKONG- TRUSTEE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG MENBERS OF THE ORGANIZATION. 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

CELEBRATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL

LEGAL NOTICE

AKARAKA CARE 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. CHIEF GIBSON CHUKS CHIGBU- CHAIRMAN 2. DR. FLORENCE NWOBIARA CHIGBU- SECRETARY 3. ATTORNEY KRYSTAL IJEOMA CHIGBU 4. GIBSON CHUKS CHIGBU (JNR) 5. IHEME JAPHET AMECHI

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JAJA IBIWARI MORDECIA 2. KOLA-PRAISEWORTH OLUDAMILOLA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO ESTABLISH COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMES FOR WIDOWS AND ASSIST IN GIVING THEM GRANTS TO START SMALL SCALE BUSINESSES. 2. HIV/AIDS ENLIGHTENMENT IN RURAL AREARS IN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE FACT THAT WITHOUT HEALTH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE PRODUCTIVE YOUTHS. 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BARAZAHI LIFE 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 OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AKINOLA BENJAMIN ADEKEYE- REMOVED 2. ETUK-IREN OLUBUNMI- RETAINED 3. ALFRED ADETUNJI ADEKEYE - REMOVED 4. FEMI ADUNBI - REMOVED 5. CHIOMA AKIN-ADEKEYE- REMOVED

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) LINDA EFEYINWA PRIDDY 2) SANDRA CHIMUYA FEMI-SOLEBO.

FACT OF LOSS: THE CERTIFICATE GOT LOST ON TRANSIT FROM LAGOS TO ABUJA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Christian Youths Leadership Initiative

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. Adhekegba Obaro Great- President 2. Omashola Emmanuel Sweet- secretary 3. Oburoh Tuoyo Emmanuel- PRO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To unit Christian Youths politically by standing together under one umbrella for justice, peace, development and sustainable future. 2. To teach and raise godly generations of intellectual youths, skillful Christian political leaders and also to reshape their mind set on politics, purpose and good success.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : a) To help those in need of life saving surgery especially emergencies. b)To pay particular attention to teenagers. 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

GODSWILL VOICE FOUNDATION

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

MPAPE CENTRAL MOSQUE 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. MUSA S. PADA 2. AHMAD ZUBAIRU 3. SHEIKH TIJJANI MUHAMMED 4. MANSUR ABDULLAHI 5. ALI NUHU IBRAHIM 6. BALA USMAN 7. MOHAMMED DAHIRU 8. MUHAMMED ALHASSAN 9. ALH. MOHAMMED ISIAKA 10. ALH. YUSUF SAMINU 11. NUHU SANI 12. ALH. IDRIS ABDULRAHMAN

(CHAIRMAN) (SECRETARY)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To propagate islam in line with the teaching of sunnah. 2. To create awareness on conflict resolution. 3. To assist the needy and create a common platform for community development. 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 : BY Barr. Paschal

PUBLIC NOTICE

FABIAN AJOGWU 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.Eveng. Echor Catherine Okpabi o) - CHAIRMAN 2.Echor Gabriel Okpabi - SECRETARY 3. Rev Adoga T. 4.Okwoche f Okwe 5.Echor obed. 6. Echor oga. 7. Echor faith

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PROFESSOR FABIAN AGOWU SAN- RETAINED 2. ALHAJI MUNIR JA’AFARU- RETAINED 3. MRS. AUDREY AJOGWU - RETAINED 4. MR. PETER BAMKOLE - RETAINED 5. MS. OLUDOLAPO MAKINDE- REMOVED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To cater for the less privileged I the society 2.To care for persons with mental health challenges.

SIGNED : by: J. E. Obasuyi Esq. Legal practitioner 08024729418.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

KENNA FOUNDATION

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAMMES TO FASTER QUALITY EDUCATION IN AFRICA. 2. TO PROMOTE AND ADVOCATE FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE GIRL CHILD IN AFRICA 3. TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING STANDARDS IN UNDERSERVED AFRICAN SCHOOLS.

SIGNED : IHEME JAPHET AMECHI 08036695222

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE (CTC) AND CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES & ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO 1, 1990

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IREN LAJU 2. ADEKUNLE AYODELE OSILAJA 3. CHUKWUEMEKA MBA 4. AJAYI OLUDOLAPO OLUWAKEMI

PUBLIC NOTICE

EDUCATION FOR AFRICA FOUNDATION

JUSTICE OCHIKRY IDAGBO FOUNDATION

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1.PROFESSOR FABIAN AGOWU SAN- RETAINED 2. ALHAJI MUNIR JA’AFARU- RETAINED 3. MRS. AUDREY AJOGWU - RETAINED 4. MR. PETER BAMKOLE - RETAINED ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THE ABOVE PROPOSED CHANGED SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGUSTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PUBLIC NOTICE

BORNO YOUTH ASSOCIATION ABUJA

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 OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PROFESSOR FABIAN AGOWU SAN- RETAINED 2. ALHAJI MUNIR JA’AFARU-RETAINED 3. MR. CHINEME ONUOMA- REMOVED 4. MS. TITILAYO AROGUNDADE - RETAINED 5. MS. OLUDOLAPO MAKINDE- REMOVED

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PIATABUCHY IDAGBO. 2. VINCENT EGEDE. 3. MRS BERNADETTE IDAGBO. 4. HON. OCHIGLEGOR IDAGBO.

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1.PROFESSOR FABIAN AGOWU SAN- RETAINED 2. ALHAJI MUNIR JA’AFARU-RETAINED 3. MS. TITILAYO AROGUNDADE - RETAINED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.To Assist the less privilege and mentor the youths in the society .

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1-yusuf jibrin usman 2-idiris shehu 3-Abdulkadir mohammed 4-Dahiru ma’azu 5-Abdulrahaman yusuf

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION OF THE ABOVE PROPOSED CHANGED SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGUSTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To protect and strengthen unionism among it’s members. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GOD THAT CONSUMETH BY FIRE CHARISMATIC MINISTRY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED ATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. UWADIEGU NDUKA JONAH GENERAL OVERSEER 2. DEACONESS ANTHONIA UWADIEGU MEMBER 3. DEACONESS FELICIA EGBUNA MEMBER 4. ELDER CYRIL MBAKWE MEMBER 5. DEACON STANLEY EDEOGHO MEMBER 6. DEACON MERSHACK ITIVIE MEMBER 7. BARR. ANDREW OBODOUKU OYEMIKE SECRETARY MAIN OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH AND TEACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B. 198, ABUJA. SIGNED: BARR. ANDREW OBODOUKU OYEMIKE NO. 40 KWALE/OZORO ROAD UTAGBA-OGBE, KWALE DELTA STATE, NIGERIA. E-MAIL: ANDREWOYEMIKE5@GMAIL.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

Early years for internally displaced persons maple 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.Mr.Ndubuisi Nwigwe 2.Mrs. Ifedinma Nwigwe 3.Chukwuneme Nwigwe 4.Amarachi Nwigw 5.Chimdi Nwigwe THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To provide humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria especially in the North East.

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column. Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property. Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

SANIWANDE EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) Engr. ROTIMI OLUFADE AUGUSTINE -- Chairman: 2) MR. SAMKELO MOKHINE ROBERT -- Secretary 3) NOBAZA LWAZI BRUCE 4) MS REFILWE LEHOBO MOSELA ROSE-ANN 5) MR. MPHO KHAMBULE JOSEPH 6) MR. EDMUND OSIKOMAYA SEUN 7) MR. SAMUEL SELEBELENG MOKHUTLE 8) STAFFORD BISONG JEDIDAH 9) MR OLUFADE OLUMUYIWA JOHN 10) MR. GBEMINIYI OLADIMEJI JAMES

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OLAITAN OLATUNDE USMAN. 2.EZUMA CHIGOZIE JAMES. 3.OWOSENI KEHINDE TOPE. 4.JOY OJONE OJO. 5.SUNDAY KOLAWOLE OREBE. 6.OLUMIDE AKINJIDE ADEYANJU. 7.BOBMICHAEL OKWUDIRI NNAM.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Mamuda Faruk Usman 2.Yahadi Yusuf Faruk 3.Yunusa Faruk Usman 4.Sani Faruk Usman THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To unite, assist and educate 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOVELTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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.OLAITAN OLATUNDE USMAN. 2.EZUMA CHIGOZIE JAMES. 3.OWOSENI KEHINDE TOPE. 4.JOY OJONE OJO. 5.SUNDAY KOLAWOLE OREBE. 6.OLUMIDE AKINJIDE ADEYANJU. 7.BOBMICHAEL OKWUDIRI NNAM.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ENLIGHTEN NIGERIA INITIATIVE 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.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

BORNO YOUTH ASSOCIATION ABUJA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Mamuda Faruk Usman 2.Yahadi Yusuf Faruk 3.Yunusa Faruk Usman 4.Sani Faruk Usman

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1-yusuf jibrin usman 2-idiris shehu 3-Abdulkadir mohammed 4-Dahiru ma’azu 5-Abdulrahaman yusuf

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : joy omoruan ivagba Esquire

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To Provide insight into Nigeria history, geography, culture, resources, reality and potential. Creating awareness and inspiring solutions for a healthy and sustainable Nigeria.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mr. Akinade Bonibade Obayemi- Chairman 2. Mrs Oluwatomi Obayemi - Secretary 3. Mrs Felicia Obayemi 4. Mr. Femi Obayemi 5. Mr. David Obayemi

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

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To unite, assist and educate members.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To generate in youth a sense of responsibility and ownership for the action they take in the community. 2.To foster and develop increase learning and development opportunity for the youth.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

WURO-FULBE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

NOVELTY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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.

WURO-FULBE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROVIDE CAPACITY IN ECONOMIC GROWTH INITIATIVES IN NIGERIA AND ITS REGION.

Page

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

FCT did not come to rescue National Sports Festival -Hauwa

MOHAMMED ADAMU YELDU Probate Registrar

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sports

thursday, november 8, 2018

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address AP/NO. 205509 INSP. AUDU OMOCHOKO PETER AUDU NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, BADARIYA AREA 36 PMF KEBBI BIRNIN KEBBI KEBBI STATE. KEBBI STATE Who died on the 7TH MAY, 2018 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on 05ND day of NOVEMBER, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

PAGE 28

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Early years for internally displaced persons maple 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.Mr.Ndubuisi Nwigwe 2.Mrs. Ifedinma Nwigwe 3.Chukwuneme Nwigwe 4.Amarachi Nwigw 5.Chimdi Nwigwe THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To provide humanitarian services to Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria especially in the North East.

By Amaechi Agbo ecretary, Main Organising Committee for the 19th edition of the National Festival, NSF, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi has stated that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, did not act as a rescuer by hosting this year’s edition of the NSF. Mrs Kulu-Akinyemi, a Director in charge of Planning in the ministry of youth and sports development, said that contrary to the story that the FCT came for a rescue mission to host the NSF, the true story was that the decision to award the federal capital the hosting right was unanimously arrived at by the National Council on Sports after they met early this year. Kulu-Akinyemi who spoke in an interview said “FCT did not come as a rescuer to host the festival. That is not the correct story. The correct story is that we had a National Council on Sports meeting and it was the council that decided that this festival should hold this year. And because they said the federal government should host, and federal government is in Abuja, it became obvious that FCT Sports will be the host. We are not hosting as rescuer city, all of us came together as stakeholders in sports sector in Nigeria to rescue the National Sports Festival from extinction. “And at this point, I want to give kudos to management, the honourable minister and the permanent secretary of the ministry for their support, corporation and determination to see that the festival holds. If not their efforts, we would not have been where we are now,” she said. Meanwhile, the host of 20th edition of the National Sports Festival, NSF, will be announced during the 19th edition of the festival which will commence in the federal capital on 6th of next month. According to information gathered, the organising committee of the 19th edition of the festival have sent out expression of interest letters to states to declare their interest to host the next edition. It is expected that states would use the period to assess their readiness to host the biannual event so as to ensure that the sports festival runs seamlessly without hitches or hiatus as witnessed from 2012 when the festival went on unplanned break after Lagos State hosted the last edition that year. “We are sending out letters of expression of interest to states this week and that is the normal process. When we send it out to states, normally we get four or five states that are willing to host it. Then we set up a bidding committee that will go to those various states to look at the sports facilities they have and now come out with their reports. We have commenced the process and hopefully before the closing ceremony we will get a host,” the main organising committee secretary, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi, stated in an interview.

She also explained that sponsors of the festival are doing their best and debunked rumour making rounds that they have not shown concerted efforts in the festival. “The sponsors are ready and they are doing their bits. There are so many things in the pipeline that I cannot say here now but don’t forget that there a lot of things to be done during the festival. They have started work in their own way. For instance, I saw one billboard in Lagos about the NSF recently and it was beautiful. “They are also working on the tracksuit and the going around of the Touch of Unity across the country. We just finished North

Central and we are moving to North East and from there we will move to South East. They are contributing and we hope that they do more. “We signed an agreement with them to partner with us to drive these games. And don’t forget that we plan for festival for two years but they came in few months ago and this is a trial moment for them to feel the environment and also look at the economic implication in terms of expenses. So it is a learning process for them. However, it is too early to do a final assessment of their efforts,” she said. FCT was announced as host of the

19th edition of the National Sports Festival in February this year following the withdrawal of the hosting rights from Cross River State. The National Sports Festival was last held in Lagos in 2012. The right to host the 19th edition of the NSF was initially granted to Cross River State but was withdrawn in February this year. The decision to withdraw the hosting right from Cross Rivers was taken by the National Council on Sports who resolved that continued delay of hosting the festival was detrimental to the growth of sports in Nigeria. The 19th edition of the NSF will commence from December 6 through 16, 2018.

FCT is ready to host National Sports Festival -Perm. Sec.

>>pg 30

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

Sports

CLASSIFIED

FCT is ready to host National Sports Festival -Perm. Sec.

Abuja national stadium will host the 19th edition of the NSF By Amaechi Agbo

he Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, Chinyeaka Ohaa has stated that the FCT is ready to host the 19th edition of the National Sports Festival, NSF. Mr Ohaa who stated this during the inauguration of the FCT Sports

Association said that arrangements are on top gear to ensure a hitch-free festival. “Preparation is on top gear. We launched the programme few weeks ago with the honourable minister of sports. So the arrangement is on top gear. First and foremost, Abuja has the facilities to host the festival. So we are ready,” the Permanent

Secretary said. Earlier while speaking on the importance of the inauguration of the FCT Sports Association, Mr Ohaa said it was needful in order to ensure that all the stakeholders closed ranks in discovering and nurturing young athletes in the federal capital. “The inauguration is to empower the sports associations because that is where we can now tap the talents and the potentials of sports men and women in different fields of human endeavour as far as sports is concerned in the FCT. “What is expected is that henceforth we have a very strong viral association for men and women in sports who will now develop the talents in the various fields in the sports sector. To make sure we are able to bring them up to speed to both national competition and international fora. “There is nothing that unites a nation like sports. It does not know religion neither does it know ethnicity. For instance, when we are watching football, even the Boko Haram watch football. They will cease fire during the time of any football event. That is the power of sports and we want to harness it. It is based on this that we inaugurated the FCT Sports Association,” he concluded.

Gov. Al-makura to construct indoor sports hall in Lafia.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOBLE GENT’S FRIENDS CLUB

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

Volleyball League: NSCDC survive Nigeria Police scare, Customs beat Immigration

igeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) survived a scare from Nigeria Police Force as they won 3-2 in the men’s category of ongoing Nigeria Volleyball League in Abuja. NSCDC had taken the lead in the first set winning 25-21 but a stubborn Police Force won the second set by 2520. The best setter in Nigeria, playing for NSCDC inspired his team to win 25-22 in the third and fourth set. The match of the day in the men’s category was between Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service. The highly tensed match saw Nigeria Customs take the first set and second sets, 25-23 and 25-20 as the third set ending in favor of Nigeria Immigration, 25-16. The dream of Nigeria Immigration was shattered as they lost the fourth set to Nigeria Customs, 25-20. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars annihilated Plateau Stars 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 27-25)

“But with our meeting today with the consultant and contractors, we seem to have found a way forward in completing the stadium works in the next fourty five(45) days. “We have sorted out all the grey areas, and I want to assure all sports enthusiasts in the state that our stadium will soon be ready for any kind of events in the next two months, by the time the tartans are replaced”, the Governor optimistically assured. Reacting, Mr. Michael Adamu, CEO of Reform Sports, West Africa, the contractors handling the project, said his organization will deliver the works at the speculated time, pleading with the State Government to hasten up in doing the needful.

in a dramatic match In the female category, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) stamped their authority by beating Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) by 3-2 in a five set thriller. NSCDC ran away with 25-21 victory in the first set but the NIS leveled the score in the second set with a result of 14-25. A well composed civil defense team took crucial points in the third set winning 25-16 but a determined NIS took the fourth set by 25-25. The fifth set which is the decider was won by NSCDC 15-6. Experienced Nigeria Customs pummeled Kada Emeralds who were dominated by the U20 National players, 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-11) in a one sided match. Nigeria Army won their first match after beating Benue Queens 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20)

Plateau United signs eight new players, drops four

Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura, middle, during the tour overnor Umar Tanko Al-Makura Salihu, the Governor said that “We are of Nasarawa State, has approved going to construct a modern Indoor the immediate construction of Sports Hall for all indoor games and a new state-of-the-art Indoor Sports other facilities that will upgrade the Hall within the Lafia City Stadium status of the stadium. “When I came on board, sport was to beautify, rebrand, enhance and one of my administration’s topmost upgrade the status of the stadium. Governor Al-Makura was speaking priorities. “My plan was to have a state-of-theduring an inspection tour of the stadium on Monday, to assess the state art stadium by the time am leaving as a of the stadium and the long overdue parting gift to sports enthusiasts in the laying of athletic tartan tracks as well State”, Al-Makura stated. On the long-awaited laying of tracks as general maintenance of the sport round the playing turf, the Governor facilities. Accompanied by some members of further stressed: “We are on our way to achieving the State’s Executive Council, including the Deputy Governor, Silas Ali Agara, that. However, we met some hiccups and management of the Nasarawa while laying the tartan tracks initially, State Ministry of Youth and Sports which was as a result of some structural Development headed by Mallam Jibrin problems we encountered on the site.

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PEOPLES DAILY, thursday, november 8, 2018

he management of 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League Champions. Plateau United Football Club of Jos, has signed eight new players as they intensify preparations for the kick-off of the 2018/2019 NPFL season next month. According to a statement by the Media Officer of the Club, Albert Dakup, the decision is aimed at fortifying the team as Plateau United coach, Maikaba addressing well as plugging areas the players during training. contracts terminated based on that need to be fixed in the team so as to mount a challenge mutual consent has been paid all their entitlements including last for the league title Dakup explained that the new month’s (October) salary. Four other players have also been acquisitions who have started training with their new teammates giving warning letters to improve include defenders, midfielders and their performance and discipline or face the exit door. a striker. The four players, which include a He noted that the new players were recommended by the club goalkeeper, have been warned by the scouts and the new Technical management of the club that a repeat of such unprofessional behaviour Adviser, Abdul Isah Maikaba. Meantime, four players have will lead to outright termination of been dropped from the team due to their contracts. Plateau United, who recently various reasons ranging from low productivity, gross misconduct and appointed former Akwa United head coach Abdul Maikaba as their new undiscipline. The Media Officer who noted gaffer, are targeting the NPFL title that the four players who had their and the Aiteo Cup next season.

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thursday, november 8, 2018

SPORTS latest

John Mikel Obi

uper Eagles captain Mikel John Obi has been ruled out for the remainder of the Chinese Super League, CSL, season after picking up a muscle injury in training. The Super Eagles skipper did not participate in full training on Tuesday but jogged on the sidelines, fueling speculation that he is not in good physical condition. The injury will come as a big blow for Tianjin coach Uli Stielike who will no doubt miss the services of the experienced midfielder with Tianjin Teda desperately looking for a win having gone their last 11 matches without a win. Mikel has featured in 18 league matches this season, scoring two goals and also setting up another 2. He has, however, had physical and fitness issues since returning from the World Cup and has been limited to just 7 appearances compared to the 11 he featured in before the World Cup. Tianjin is currently 15th on the 16 log table with 29 points from 28 points, level on points with Chongqing who currently occupy the 14th position on the table.

AFCON 2019: Baxter risks sack if Bafana Bafana fails to qualify

tuart Baxter will be sacked as Bafana Bafana head coach should the men’s national team of South Africa fail to qualify for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament. Should Baxter fail to secure qualification, it would bring to an end a turbulent second spell in charge for the Englishman – after just 17 matches. South African outfit Sport24 revealed that Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt is being widely tipped to take over as Bafana Bafana head coach. Sources also claim that Baxter and Hunt would swap positions with Baxter going the other way to assume the role of head coach at the Taiwo Clever Boys. Taye and Oduamadi

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Matters miscellaneous (ii) By Mohammed Adamu

Mikel Obi ruled out of CSL season with muscle injury

“I think it is criminal for the federal government to have age discrimination in job employment. Even if there is age discrimination in securing job, the federal government job is not supposed to be a part of this.” Rep Sergius Oguns (PDP, Edo) presenting a bill seeking to abolish age discrimination against job seekers in FG agencies

was wondering last week, from the potpourri of the many PDP cabinets, made up usually of internationally-sourced economic ‘experts’ –ministers, advisers and all- whether we actually got any economic benefit in all the sixteen years of that prodigal party in office. I was wondering whether, because of the Okonjo Iwealas, the Obi Ezekwesilis, the Charles Soludos “and all the other gray-mattered economic boffins” we had celebrated as touchstone, Nigeria was able to make it to the Seventh Heaven, or at the very least keep out of the woods that all capitalist economies would otherwise have been lost in if they did not have men of such highfalutin economic savvy to tend them. And I wondered too why, in spite of the unprecedented, mindnumbing earnings from oil, in the sixteen years of PDP, we still had to go into an over draught and, ironically, had to be helped out of a recession by a man of moral character, rather than by men with so called ‘economic brains’. Our Ivy leagued economic experts fed from the doctrinaire fountain of micro and macro economics, so called economic gurus trained in the complex voodoo terrains of fiscal and monetary policies, rather than keep us away from the woods, had taken us deeper into denser forests. For sixteen years it had always been one economic talkshop after another, midwifing policies and counter policies that did nothing but erase the middleclass to entrench the gulf between a continuously constricting club of the ‘haves’ and a burgeoning class of the ‘have-nots’. We had been held spellbound for sixteen years by the riveting sleight of hand of Houdinis from the World Bank who have perfected the art of ‘movement’ always without ‘motion’ and dynamism without activity. In the days of the Iwealas, the Soludos and the Ezekwesilis, the province of economic savvyness had arrogated to itself such divine station we would almost have had to remove our shoes whenever we approached its hallowed ambience –like Moses did, to God before receiving the Ten Commandments. And did not even Jesus warn that “there shall arise many false Christs and false prophets”? – and that ‘if it were possible’, they could even ‘deceive the very elect’? Or were we not deceived

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THURSDAY Column WITH Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com by false economic prophesies of a certain ‘golden future time’? We were guaranteed the ‘healing hands’ of Economic Teams that claimed to urn the candle at both ends. And we were told not to worry –that soon the two raging fires from both ends of the economic candle, would meet at our long hoped-for Eldorado. We did not heed the Shakespearean warning that “when two raging fires meet, together they do consume the thing that feeds their fury”. But who would not have believed in the efficacy of their Economic Teams, especially with such assuring doctrinaire banners all around them, from the cautionary: ‘Geniuses At Work, Do Not Disturb!’ to the promissory: ‘For Your Tomorrow, We Give Our Today!’, and even to the warning: ‘No Admittance to Insanity Beyond This Gate!’ And so for sixteen solid years we all patiently and respectfully kept our insanities away from the hallowed ambience of these experts, in the hope that we did not disturb ‘geniuses’ who were busy figuring out how to give their ‘today’ for the sake of our ‘tomorrow’. Until soon we found out, rather belatedly, that these were the ‘false Christs and false prophets’! And now look where they have brought us -into the doldrums of Magnus Kpakol’s economic ‘ditch’! Yes, the ditch beyond which a fallen person fears no more fall; because it is already the ground below ground zero. By the turn of PDP’s sixteen years of divine quackery we had gone off the race tracks, away from the open fields and had slipped tragically into the bottommost gorge. And now that the true Messiah is cometh battling to

“

reverse our ‘rot’ to ‘growth’ and guiding our once aimless ‘movements’ in the direction of ‘development’, our stiff-necked and rebellious Pharisees and Sadducees would not give him credit. Now they argue over when to measure ‘growth’ and when to reckon with ‘decay’. They say that ‘growth’ begins not with every effort the fallen man in the ditch makes to come out of it, but only when he returns fully on the track to continue the race. But truth is, ‘growth’ is location-blind. It does not matter if a crop shoots up from the bottom of a valley or that it does so from the plain of a hill. Growth is growth, long as it is recorded in the opposite direction of rot. Every effort the man in the ditch makes to come out of it, is ‘growth’, notwithstanding he has not resumed his place on the race track. The proof of growth is not necessarily in visible development. It is in the fact that there is a movement in the opposite direction of rot. And so although there cannot be ‘development’ without ‘growth’, there can be ‘growth’ without visible ‘development’. We got out of a recession even though we still face basic challenges. Meaning that although the absence of economic crunch can be proof that a nation is not in recession, yet the proof that a nation has exited a recession is not necessarily the absence of economic crunch. But it could have been worse! And so if you do not appreciate the fact that we are out of a recession, at least you recognize the fact that we have managed to keep away from depression. Because we have sinned enough economically by now to have been in a depression.

The tragedy of our situation is that every effort we make to come out of the ditch is countered desperately by subversives whose misgovernance was what had brought us here in the first place.

But here we are, not even in a recession. Yet, the tragedy of our situation is not that we had fallen off the economic race tracks, or that we had slipped into a ditch. The tragedy of our situation is that every effort we make to come out of the ditch is countered desperately by subversives whose misgovernance was what had brought us here in the first place. Buhari’s economy is growing at great odds with monumental factors –both natural and maninduced- that diminish or threaten to diminish its impact on human development. Our economy has suffered extreme ‘wear and tear’ for sixteen unbroken years. It was virtually brought to a standstill from sheer thieving by conscienceless and unconscionable politicians with appetite for wealth accumulation that is practically unassuageable. And now that a painstaking –even if sluggish- Buhari is gradually unfastening and replacing worn and torn parts, a gang up of these looters and their beneficiaries is still arming up to reverse every little growth back in the direction of rot. They are all over the perimeters of the ditch, clubs and cudgels at hand, ready always to frustrate every effort at lifting the economy out from the deep. A battalion of them just met in Dubai. This is about the only country you will ever know on the face of the earth, where organized efforts to harm the State is made the hallmark of partisan political opposition. When Labor announced that it would no longer shut the economy by going on strike, they said that it amounted to a betrayal of the ‘people’ –who wanted the strike to score partisan points. To be concluded

DAN GAYE

Police sack drunk officer, orders closure of beer parlours in Lagos

-Kai-Kai and monkeytail joints nko?

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