Friday, July 9, 2021 Edition

Friday, July 9, 2021/ Dhuʻl-Qiʻdah 29, 1442 AH

Vol. 36 No. 099 N200

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The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

PSC confirms 3 DIGs, promotes 24 CPs, 35 DCPs, 52 ACPs, drops Magu

>>>Page 4

Youths block Kaduna-Kachia highway over kidnap of 15 >>PAGE 3

The remains of the Late Col.Husseini Samaila Sankara who died in front-line while fighting insurgents being laid to rest at the Military Cemetery, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Reps to address fall in naira, inflation, unemployment FG demands unconditional return of looted artifacts from Germany -Lai pAGE 5

Reps set Nov. as national appreciation month for Army, Police, others pAGE 6

Kano targets 3.1m children for malaria campaign pAGE 3

>>PG 5

NDLEA arrests 89 drug dealers in Kebbi pAGE 7

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

News CONTENTS News

6-18

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-21 24

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

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PDP releases official timetable for 2021 congresses in 9 States

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

T

he National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the timetable and schedule of activities for year 2021 party congresses in nine states.

The concerned congresses have been scheduled to be conducted in Lagos, Oyo, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Kogi, Osun, Kwara and Ebonyi states respectively.

This was confirmed in a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The main opposition party explained that in the case of Lagos, Oyo, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Kogi, Osun and Kwara states, the tenure of the Excos by Section 47(1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended) would be expiring, having been elected in 2017.

It added, “For clarity, in Kogi state congresses are to hold only in

.....Appoints caretaker committee for Zamfara chapter

Wards and Local Governments, while in Osun, congresses are to hold in some respective wards only “However, in the case of Ebonyi, congress would be conducted to elect new EXCOs following the dissolution of the state structure due to political realignments occasioned by the defection of the state governors and others to another party.

“According to the time table, the sale of nomination forms, including ad-hoc delegates forms has been scheduled for July 26 to August 27, 2021 while the last day for the submission of forms has been fixed for September 6, 2021. Sale of all forms are from the National Secretariat.

“By the timetable, Ward Congresses to elect Ward Excos and three ad-hoc delegates have been scheduled for Saturday, September 25, Local Government Congresses to elect Local Government Excos and National Delegates have been

fixed for Tuesday, October 5, 2021 while the State Congresses have been scheduled for Saturday, October 16, 2021”, it said.

The NWC of the party has this urged all members of the party and teeming supporters across the country, particularly in the affected states, to be guided by the official timetable and schedule of events and disregard any other document reported to have being earlier circulated by unauthorized persons.

In a related development, the NWC of the PDP, in pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of the party’s constitution 2017 (as amended), has approved the appointment of a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the party in Zamfara State.

Members of the Zamfara State Caretaker Committee, according to another statement by Ologbondiyan are; Capt. Umar Bature, Chairman,

Yusuf L. Dambazzau, Secretary with Farouk Shettima Rijiya, Alh. Barmo Abdullahi Kanoma, Alh. Muhammadu Dan Gwamna Gummi and Alh. Usamatu Maharazu Marafa as members.

Others members include; Bala Mohammed Zurmi, Sani Ahmed Kaura, Medinah Shehu (Woman) and Abba Bello Oando (Youth) The caretaker committee, according to the statement, is to oversee the affairs of the party in Zamfara state for a period of not more than 90 days or “until when a new state Exco is elected in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended)”.

“All party leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our party in Zamfara state are urged to remain united as we collectively reclaim our stolen governorship mandate and move Zamfara State forward”, it said.

HOS promises speedy Presidential assent to HND/BSC dichotomy law Digest

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Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Mr Joseph Ari (L), receiving the Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) Mr Ahmed Nagode, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both organisations in Jos on Thursday (8/7/21).

Support FCT IDP - Reps ask Buhari

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives asked the Federal Government to support the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) at the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Ihonvbere on Thursday at the plenary in Abuja said the conditions under which women and children displaced by

insecurity mostly in the North-East, who now reside in Abuja was deplorable.

He said that the population of the displaced persons were between 4,000 in the Durumi Camp and 6,000 in the NewKuchingoro Camp He said that the displaced persons, many of whom are nursing mothers live in squalid surroundings, with no water and rickety accommodation.

He said that despite concerted and commendable efforts of Dr Olatunji Sanwo-David and other philanthropists to cater for

the welfare of the women and children in the camps, more still needed to be done.

This he added was in a bid to mitigate the harsh conditions under which they live.

According to him, if the displaced persons living in Durumi and New-Kuchingoro in the FCT are not urgently and adequately catered to, it could degenerate to massive loss of lives.

He added that it would also lead to increase in the numbers of out of school children, unbridled violence and total break-down of social order.

The House therefore, urged

the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, recognise Durumi and New-Kuchingoro camps as camps for IDPs in Abuja.

The House said that they should be provide with all entitlements and support.

It also urges the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), under its interventionist programmes to come to the aid of the displaced Nigerians currently living in squalor in FCT. The House also mandates the committee on Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees to ensure compliance.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

News

Our policy is to deliver affordable housing acceptable to NigeriansFashola

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said the policy of the federal government is to deliver affordable housing, acceptable to Nigerians.

He said that the agencies are the implementing arms “for housing delivery through FHA”.

He said one of the priorities of the government is building of infrastructure which has helped in creating jobs for the teeming population in both the formal and informal sector.

Fashola spoke in Abuja shortly after he inaugurated the newly reconstituted Board of Directors of the Federal Housing Authority, (FHA) under the chairmanship of Senator Lawal Shaibu.

He said, “This board has a very strong media present, grassroot representation, legal and very strong professionals that are proven in real estate capacity.

“They will all bring their diversity together for economic growth of the nation”.

The minister emphasized that, the inauguration will enable the appointees participate in the decision making process that will affect the lives of millions of Nigerians, who will partake and benefit from the prosperity that a housing economy offers.

While disputing the 17million housing deficits’ figure, the minister said the claim could not be justified because of huge numbers of empty houses that are scattered around the country.

“There are housing deficits in urban areas no doubt but there are empty houses in the rural areas and even in the urban centres where there is deficit. There are many empty houses across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Lagos, Port Harcourt , Onitsha, Asaba.

There are empty houses all over the major urban centres of Nigeria,” Fashola said.

He charged the new board to build more federal housing estates like the one they built in Gwarimpa , Lagos and others to accommodate many Nigerians.

He also charged the new 13-board member to explore the ongoing development agenda of the present administration, especially in the area of job creation.

News Editor, Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Youths block Kaduna-Kachia highway over kidnap of 15 persons From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

F

ollowing the abduction of 15 persons early hours of yesterday in Ungwan Gimbiya, Sabon Tasha in Chikun Local Goverment Area of Kaduna State, youths of the area have blocked the ever busy KadunaKachia Highway, preventing free flow of traffic.

Peoples Daily reporter observed that the angry youths

in their numbers, stormed the highway at about12 Noon and erected a blockade preventing commuters from plying both sides of the dual carriageway.

The actions of irate youths forced market and business premises around the area to hurriedly close.

However as of the time of filling in this report, troops have dispersed the angry youths and the road open to traffic. But the

Youths promised to continue protest until justice is done on the incessant kidnappings in the area.

The kidnapping incidents occurred in the wee hours of yesterday at U/Gimbiya area of Sabon Tasha in Kaduna suburb, 15 people were allegedly whisked away by the kidnappers and unconfirmed report stated that a mother and her two kids were killed by the kidnappers.

The incidents happened as the

Inspector General of Police IGP Usman Baba paid a working visit to Kaduna command to rub minds with men and officers on the way forward.

Speaking shortly after meeting with Kaduna state governor, IGP Baba acknowledged that though there are challenges facing the policing of the country, but that the police will make te best use of resources at its disposal to protect law and order.

From left:. Member ,Senate committee on INEC, Senator Lawan Gumau, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya and a member, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during her screening by the Senate committee on INEC, at the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kano targets 3.1m children for malaria campaign From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

K

ano state government said it is targeting a total of 3,108,050 children for this year’s free Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign, scheduled to commence on Thursday, July 8.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, made the disclosure at the press briefing for the flag off of the campaign, held at his office yesterday.

Tsanyawa said the targeted children are 3 to 59 months old, adding that the exercise, which is mass drug administration over a four-month period of rainy season, would be for four days only.

The Commissioner therefore called on parents to avail their children for the exercise, which according to him, the drug would provide protection against malaria, especially during the ongoing rainy season.

According to Tsanyawa, Kano, being the most populous

state in Nigeria, is one of the four high-malaria-burden states, disclosing that “last year, malaria is responsible for about 60% of the 3.7 million hospital outpatient visits, with attendant morbidity and mortality.”

He explained that “as part of strategies to address these challenges, the World Health Organization recommended Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) as a strategy for malaria prevention in areas with high seasonal malaria transmission

with 60% of clinical malaria cases occurring within 4 months of raining season,” The intervention, according to Tsanyawa, was found to avert more than 75 percent of both complicated and severe malaria among children under the age of five years.

He therefore commend the state government, under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for its commitment to fight malaria through the SMC.

Ganduje donates bus to Kano Correspondents’ Chapel From Kano

G

Mustapha

Adamu,

overnor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has donated a brandnew 18-seater bus to Kano Correspondents’ Chapel.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the government house yesterday, Ganduje said the donation of the bus became necessary as it will enhance movement of the members in the processes of gathering and dessemination of information to the public.

According to him, the gesture came to fruition following a research conducted by his administration on how to support journalists in the state enhance their job.

“Upon our research, we

discovered that the donation of the bus became necessary because the last time the Council and the Correspondents Chapel witness this type of occasion was 11 years ago.”

“Sometimes when you have the need to go round and do your work, as we learnt, the bus you have at hand is not in good condition. Now that you have a new bus you can now continue to effectively do your work,” said the governor.

In his “ thank you” remark, Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, expressed gratitude to the governor for what he described as a “gigantic gesture.”

According to Shuaibu, Ganduje had promised to donate a new vehicle to the chapel after discovering that the existing one

has got old, adding the governor had now fulfilled his pledge.

“We’re saying thank you Sir. We will surely use this vehicle judiciously as it will ease our job.

We have for long wanted to get a new vehicle as the one we have has gotten old. Now our dream has become true. We are greatful,” Shuaibu said.

Governor Ganduje also urged the Nigeria Union of Journlaists, NUJ to be at the forefront of ensuring Nigeria’s unity.

The Governor, who also donated a vehicle to the NUJ, said at a time like this when Nigeria is facing challenges of national unity and security, journalists should be at the forefront of promoting peaceful co-existence for national unity as well as ensure that challenges are turned into opportunities.

“You should ensure unity in your write-ups and whatever you push out to the public because you are at the forefront and core part of the nation building process.”

“You should ensure that the differences we have among ourselves are turned into opportunities for a greater Nigeria,” advised Ganduje.

The state Commissioner of Information, comrade Mohammed Garba commended the Governor for comming to the aid of the NUJ Council and the Correspondent Chappel by donating the busses.

He said that Governor Ganduje is one among many Governors that “holds journalists in high esteem and always doing everything possible to enhance their work.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

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News Reps Kebbi Caucus disagree with Agric Minister over farmers data

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives Kebbi Caucus on Thursday, disagreed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development over data of farmers in the state released by the ministry.

The Caucus led by Rep. Shehu Koko (APC-Kebbi) while addressing newsmen said that the data released by the ministry showed that they are 95,000 registered farmers in the state.

The Lawmaker said that the Federal Government is registering farmers ahead of its programme aimed at subsidising fertiliser for farmers across the country.

According to him, they are more than one million active farmers in Kebbi, 80 to 85 per cent of our people are farmers and that is our main stay.

“We are the major producer of rice and other crops like millet, guinea corn; how can you say the number of farmers in the state is 95,000.

“We are contesting the figure, the data from the ministry is not acceptable to us, it is not realistic, it is fake. We are here because of the complaint from our constituents and as their representatives, we are taking this matter up with the ministry so that our people are not shortchanged,’’ he said.

Earlier, following a motion

by Koko on the floor, the house urged the ministry to send the enumerators to Kebbi for the purpose of registering the farmers in the state.

The house mandated the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to inspect the data centre where the registration of farmers is being processed.

The green chamber also mandated the committee to interface with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to ascertain the criterion used to appoint the enumerators that registered the farmers.

PSC promotes 24 CPs, 35 DCPs, 52 ACPs, 50 CSPs, drops Magu

T

he Police Service Commission has confirmed the acting appointments of three Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

The Commission in a statement issued yesterday by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations said, twenty four Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. The Commission however declined the promotion of CP, Ibrahim Magu, former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

• Confirms 3 DIGs

The statement said the decisions were the highpoints of the Commission’s 12th Plenary Meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6th and 7th of July, 2021 and presided over by Commission’s Chairman, Musiliu Smith, a retired Inspector General of Police.

Similarly the Commission approved the promotion of 35

Deputy Commissioners of Police, to the rank of Commissioners, 52 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners and 46 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners.

It also considered and approved the promotion of 10 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents, 17 Deputy Superintendents of Police

to Superintendents, 139 Assistant Superintendents of Police, whose names were skipped during the last promotion, to Deputy Superintendents and nine Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents of Police.

Meanwhile, the Commission declined the promotion of CP Magu pending clearance from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General of Police.

Head of Legal, Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Barr.Chuku Chijioke, Director General, Nigeria Governrs’Forum Asishana Okauru,Prof.I.O Mbachu of Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state, Chairman,Nigeria Governors’Forum and Ekiti state Governor, Dr.Kayode Fayemi, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese,Rev.Father Matthew Kukah, Secretary to Katsina Government, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, Deputy Governor,Nasarawa state, Agbadu Akabe, Representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Umar Bindir and Nnamdi Obassi during the Launching of Nigeria Governors’Forum(NGF) maiden Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative, Yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps frown at award of $3.2bn Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri rail project

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives yesterday frowned at the award for the $3.2 billion Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow gauge railway project, as well as N72 billion rehabilitation project on the same rail line still subsisted.

This followed public hearing organized by the House Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the N72 billion project awarded since 2011, led

by Abubakar Nalaraba, began hearing on Thursday.

The committee members queried why the project was being abandoned after substantial payments had been made and the contracts were yet to be completed, adding that it amount to wastage of scarce resources.

Invited to the hearing were the three companies who were awarded the contract namely CGGC Global Projects Nigeria Limited, Lingo Nigeria Limited and Eser Contracting and Industry Company Incorporation.

Also invited was the Nigeria

Railway Corporation (NRC) as well as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The BPP was absent at the hearing.

The lawmakers also queried disparities in the reports submitted by the contractors and the NRC over the project.

Director of Operations, NRC, Niyi Ali, said the first segment of the project from Port Harcourt to Makurdi was awarded to Eser Contracting Industry company incorporated for a sum of N19.63 billion for a duration of 10 months.

The second segment was from Makurdi to Kuru, with a support line to Jos and also a support line from Kafanchan to Kaduna was awarded to CGGC Global Projects Nigeria Limited at the sum of N24.4 billion for a 10 month period also.

The third segment was from Kuru to Maiduguri and this was awarded to Lingo Nigeria Limited at the sum of N23.7 billion for 10 months also.

He said for Eser, the percentage of work completion is 88 percent from

2011 till date while 82 percent of the payment had been made. For CGGC he said the percentage of work completed is 90.4 per cent and payment percentage is 90. 35 percent.

For Lingo, he said, the percentage of work completion is 42.10 percent, which was due to security issues. He said the company has gotten 42 percent of their payment.

He said the project had to be abandoned and they adopted an exit plan in 2020 following the award for the reconstruction, with additional lines, of the entire railway project by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He said as part of the exit plans they went into negotiations with each of the contractors and arrived at a settlement with CGGC and Eser.

However, he said Lingo did not agree to the exit plan and they are presently in arbitration over the matter.

However when asked to give a breakdown of the sum so far paid to Eser, Ali said the sum of N18 billion had been paid before the exit plan and N425 million paid after. He said there was still

an outstanding payment of N1.1 billion.

The figures did not add up to the percentage he gave earlier, which prompted the committee to direct that the NRC bring a comprehensive record of all payments concerning the projects to the next sitting.

The companies were also directed to do the same for the purpose of reconciliation.

Ali said the last payments to the companies were in 2020, except Lingo that was last paid in 2019.

Earlier the Marketing Manager of CGGC, Gift Etuk, said they were paid 75 percent of the contract sum contradicting the submission of the NRC. Legal Adviser of Lingo Nigeria Limited, Ndubuisi Augustine, also contradicted the NRC saying their last payment was in 2014.

Mr Emmanuel Offordile represented the Managing Director of Eser, who he said was stuck in Turkey, due to restrictions as a result of the COVID-19.

CAN begs Buhari to rescue abducted Pastor Popoola David, save nation from collapsing

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

T

he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to immediately order the military and the Police to rescue Rev Popoola David Kayode of Calvary Baptist Church, Kurmin Mashi in Kaduna State, who was abducted by some unknown gunmen on Tuesday (6th July, 2021).

Pastor Kayode, according to a statement yesterday by the National Secretary of CAN, Daramola Joseph, Esq, was abducted 24 hours after the abduction of 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School, Damishin, Chukun Local Government also in Kaduna State.

The statement explained that although the abducted students were about 140, but some of them reportedly escaped from their captors.

The Christians’ Association pointed

out that the criminals who forced their way into the school about 1:00am, shooting sporadically, are said to be demanding for a whooping sum of Eight Hundred Millions naira and foodstuffs.

According to the CAN’s statement, “Our appeal to the President, the military, the Police and the Kaduna State government is to ensure Rev Popoola is not murdered like the district Chairman of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN) and CAN Chairman of Michika Local Government in Adamawa State, Rev Lawan Andimi.

‘To us in CAN, we believe that the freedom of the Pastor is a litmus test for the Service Chiefs, especially the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Yahaya Farouk and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba and the whole world is watching whether they will live up to the expectations or not.

“If the then American President, Donald Trump, could put his acts together from far away America and ordered his military to rescue only one kidnapped American in Nigeria, then, our President has no excuse not to act decisively and rescue this Servant of God. “Why should the government leave Nigerians to be at the mercy of the insurgents, bandits and kidnappers?

“What is the essence of having a government in place?

“The government that did everything to ensure that the leader of IPOBs, Nnamdi Kanu, was brought back to the country is strong enough to stop these criminalities if the political will is there.

“Mr. President, where shall we go from here? Have the criminals taken over where there is legitimate government? “Though we are praying

earnestly continuously, we know faith without hard work from the side of government is vain.

“While we are aware that you may be doing your best, your best is not good enough to Nigerians and in the eyes of the whole world. The bitter truth is that no place is safe again in this country.

“It is high time your government rose up to this menace of insecurity challenges occasioned by some criminals who are operating with impunity as terrorists, killer-herdsmen, bandits and armed robbers.

“The impression that is being created in the mind of the people is that the government knows these criminals but only refuses to bring them to book but rather, treats them with kids gloves.

“For example, Sheik Ahmad Gumi has been having unholy romance with them publicly and making unguarded remarks about them yet the government

is not bold enough to call him to order.

“All the grave allegations against Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy over his alleged relationship with some notorious religious extremist organisations like Al Qaeda were swept under the carpet by the government that wants the people to believe that it is fighting terrorism.

“We recall how Apostle Johnson Suleiman, Obadiah Mailafia, Prophet Isa El-Buba and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah’s statements were handled by security operatives and equally reacted to by the government. Do we truly have sacred cows in the country now?

“We are curious to know how Gumi was able to locate the whereabouts of the bandits when our security agencies are giving us the impression that they are invincible.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

PDP to Onochie: Stop this denial, you are APC member By Folorunso Abuja

Alagbede,

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has derided All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, Lauretta Onochie, for denying her life in a desperation to be appointed as a National Commissioner in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The PDP noted that with such proclivity to desperate denials in the face of the truth, allowing Lauretta Onochie, anywhere near INEC, would pollute the commission as well as the conduct of elections by the commission.

According to the statement by the main opposition party, “Nigerians were amused to watch Lauretta Onochie, a nationally known APC front runner, as she spewed falsehood before the Senator Kabiru Gaya-led Senate Committee on INEC in denial of her membership of the APC. “With her lies, Lauretta Onochie, a die in the wool APC member, whose name appears as number 2 on the ward 4 register of the APC in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta state, has further demonstrated her lack of integrity to be trusted with the position of a national commissioner in INEC. “Lauretta Onochie in her escapade in the Senate, may have forgotten that the lawmakers and Nigerians in general are aware of her subsisting oath filed in a pending suit in court affirming her membership of the APC, which she further reinforced and adopted under cross examination in the same matter very recently.

News

Reps to address fall in naira, inflation, unemployment

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives yesterday disclosed that it has resolved to address the fall of the naira and the worsening rate of Inflation in the country.

The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Shehu Kakale (PDP-Sokoto) at the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

Kakale while presenting the motion said that the economic situation in the country was deteriorating at a worrisome rate.

He added that insecurity, hyperinflation, massive unemployment and underemployment pervaded all sectors of the economy.

According to him, the inflation had promoted social pressures and general dissatisfaction.

He stated that with the everrecurring policy challenges, corruption and the over-reliance on crude oil, if not urgently addressed might lead to a dangerous cauldron of ethnic tension.

He said it could also lead to youth discontent and criminality, which could spread more poverty and violence in the country.

The lawmaker noted that insecurity was a major impediment to economic growth, which had cost Nigeria. over $10.3 billion in 2020, an amount more than the Federal government’s total revenue for the

same year.

He stated that the growing case of insecurity had affected agricultural production as farmers could no longer go to the farm, while traders could no longer travel for fear of being kidnapped, abducted or outrightly killed.

He said that unless urgent steps were taken to ameliorate the situation, it might degenerate into social decay and crises in homes that could increase the suicidal tendencies and statistics in Nigeria.

He said that the rise in inflation rate in the country had led to astronomical rise in food prices, taking them virtually out of the reach of the middle and lower classes The House therefore, urged the

Federal Government to convoke a special economic roundtable to proffer holistic and workable solutions to the situation.

The House also urge the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to come up with urgent emergency plans to expand the economy especially in the areas of entrepreneurial and agricultural training.

The House further urge the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment to deploy intervention strategies to ameliorate the current economic situation and checkmate the food crises in the country It also mandated the Committee on Finance and Commerce to ensure implementation.

Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Mr Joseph Ari (L) with the Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) Mr Ahmed Nagode, during the signing of Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both organisations in Jos on Thursday (8/7/21).

Reps want establishment of equipped medical clinics at Airports

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives on Thursday called for the establishment of well equipped medical clinics at all the Airports in the country.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep Emeka Chinedu (Imo-PDP) at the plenary on Thursday in Abuja.

In his motion, Chinedu, said that the Airports were designated to function with full packaged of medical facilities and standby medical practitioners for the purpose of healthcare and medical emergencies.

Chinedu recalled the death, in Dec 2019, of a young traveler identified as Mr. Chukwuma Eze, 47, who slumped and died under questionable circumstances at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said that a transit friendly environment such as an Airport was expected to be equipped with adequate medical facilities and personnel to tackle emergency situations.

He added that such medical personnel should be able to treat sick passengers as well as vaccinate those who might be travelling to

countries that were susceptible to pandemic disease.

He said that having such medical facilities at the country’s Airports would bestow confidence in the country’s system by people who might want to engage in business at the Airport.

He stated that despite the initial designation for full packaged medical facilities, the Airports were yet to go beyond the ordinary “First Aid”, as a solution for healthcare and emergencies.

He expressed worried that the absence of substantially equipped medical clinics and medical practitioners in Airports might be

a recipe for more avoidable deaths at the Airports, thereby eroding travellers confidence.

This he said could also jeopardize the country’s chances of commensurate interaction with the global world.

The House therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Aviation to partner with the Federal Ministry of Health and other related agencies to establish well equipped Medical Clinics at all the Airports in the Country.

The House mandated the committees on Aviation, and Health Institutions to ensure implementation.

FG demands unconditional return of looted Artifacts from Germany -Lai

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Federal Government has demanded a full and unconditional return of the 1,130 Benin Bronzes that were looted from the African nation in the 19th century and domiciled in German museums.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made the demand in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, during separate meetings with the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof. Monika Grutters, and the German Foreign Minister, Mr. Heiko Maas.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Special Assistant To The President (Media) Office of the Minister of

Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi.

Reacting to comments by Prof. Grutters that Germany was ready to make ‘substantial return’ of the 1,130 looted artefacts,Mohammed, who led the Nigerian delegation to the talks, said the return should be whole rather than substantial.

He also said the issue of provenance, which has to do with the place of origin of the artefacts, should not be allowed to unduly delay the repatriation of the art works, adding: ‘’That they are known as Benin Bronzes is already a confirmation of their source of origin (which is Benin).’’

Later, at a meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Alhaji Mohammed said there should

be ‘’absolutely no conditions attached’’ to the return of the artefacts, which he described as an idea whose time has come.

Saying there was the need for the parties to commit to definite timelines for the return of the Benin Bronzes, the Minister of Information and Culture said it was necessary to conclude all necessary negotiations in a very short term.

He said the ongoing discussion between Nigeria and Germany on the return of the art works is not just the end of an era but the beginning of a new vista of stronger relations, pivoted by cultural diplomacy, between both countries.

Alhaji Mohammed thanked the Government of Germany for

taking the lead in the global efforts to repatriate all artefacts that were looted from Nigeria and indeed from the African continent. ‘’We see Germany as a leader in the efforts to take practical steps to repatriate our stolen artefacts, and we hope Germany will sustain that lead,’’ he said.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who is also a member of the Nigerian delegation, said a ‘’transformational’’ museum is being built in Benin city to house the artefacts upon their return, as part of a new cultural district in the city.

The Governor said he was attending the talks to demonstrate the strong partnership involving the Federal Government of

Nigeria, the (Benin) royal family and the people of Edo State..

For his part, the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, said the issue of the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes should be seen as an opportunity to take the cooperation between Nigeria and Germany to a greater height. ‘’This is an opportunity that must not be missed. Minor issues should not delay the repatriation,’’ he said, commending the government of Germany for taking the lead in the repatriation process.

Earlier, the German Minister of State for Culture, Prof.

Grutters, said ‘’the way we deal with the issue of Benin Bronzes is important to addressing our

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

PAGE 6

News

Igbo Reps set Nov. as national appreciation Presidency month for Army, Police, others in 2023 will ....As bill scale second reading be good for Nigerians Ortom

By Christiana Ekpa

T

From: Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom has stressed that an Igbo Presidency will do well for the country in 2023.

Governor Ortom who said this yesterday during an interview with newsmen on his return from Uyo where he had gone to hold a private meeting with his Akwa Ibom counterpart Governor Emmanuel Udom, maintained that there are several people in Iboland that can perform well as President.

He, however, noted that he lacks the power to actualize this because he is not a southerner.

“I cannot decide for the Southerners. I am a Northerner. We are in a democracy, whatever the people decide in the South, is what I will support. All that I am saying is that, let there be a Southern President for this country. The North has gotten eight years and what have we seen; injustice, unfairness and inequity in our land. No security, the economy is in shambles. As I talk to you, the Federal Government has borrowed over 27 trillion naira and we don’t know what they have done with it”.

he House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill through second reading to designate November of every year as the national appreciation month for all security agencies to recognise their sacrifices and services to the nation.

The bill sponsored by Rep Bamidele Salam and titled: “A Bill for an Act to Designate the month of November as the National Appreciation for Security Agencies Month, to Preserve and Promote Honour, Respect and Greater Recognition for Nigerian Security Agencies for their Sacrifices, Tireless and Crucial Services to the People of Nigeria in Preserving the Security, Freedom and Liberties of the Citizenry; and

for Related Matters (HB. 1222).”

Leading debate on the bill, Rep Salam said there was no amount of compensation that is enough for the sacrifices and services of all security agencies in the country undertake in protecting the country.

He said, “It is my conviction that this initiative needs to be formally integrated into our conscious acts of gratitude to those men and women who have decided to lay down their lives for the peace, security and wellbeing of fellow citizens.

“Airlines, Banks, Supermarkets, Eateries, Transport Companies, Telecommunication Service Companies and all others will be encouraged through various means that will be designed by the board of the fund to be established under this Act to

show appreciation to personnel of our Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“Mr. Speaker, Hon Colleagues, this Bill if passed by this Hon House and assented to by the President it will generate more positive energy for our security Agencies and show us as a country that truly cares for the virtues of courage and sacrifice.

“The choice of November as the National Appreciation month for security agencies is in view of the fact that it is closer to the end of the year when most families, government organizations and businesses are winding down on annual activities. It will therefore be a good time to reflect on the sacrifices of our security agencies especially in the course of the year and celebrate them accordingly.

“It is important to know that

the gallantry of our patriotic security agencies have been with a very huge cost. Some have paid the supreme price and many young families have been thrown into sorrow of widowhood/ orphanhood.

“Some have lost their limbs and permanently incapacitated because, they volunteered to defend all of us. We need to show our gratitude to boost their morale.”

He said it was common practice in other parts of the world for governments to recognise the heroic deeds and services of their security agencies through various programmes, arguing that designating a whole month for the security agencies in the country was not too much.

The wife of Late Col. Husseini Sankara, Mrs Joy Sankara performing the Dust to Dust function, during the burial of the Gallant officer who died in the Front-line while fighting insurgency being laid to rest at the Military cemetery, yesterday in Abuja..

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Have change of attitude to work- IGP tasks police officers From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba has encouraged officers to have a

change of attitude to work and ensure they are on their best behaviour at all times.

He stated this when he visited the kaduna police command yesterday.

Baba also charged the officers to commit themselves to ensuing the protection of human rights while carrying out the duties “I know you have some

challenges, but don’t allow the challenges to bring you down.

There must be challenges.

Challenges are welcome, but they are surmountable,” he said.

“Let us commit ourselves to policing job. Let us act professionally.

Let us change our attitude towards work so that we will achieve what we want.

Alleged N900m fraud: Court grants Prof Ojerinde N200m bail

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

J

ustice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja, has granted bail to Prof.

Lawrence Adedibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in the sum of N200million.

The court ordered that Ojerinde must bring two sureties, who must be resident in Abuja, and show evidence of tax payment in the last 3years.

Justice Egwuatu held that one of the sureties must be a University Professor, while the other must resident within Abuja,

as well as tender verifiable resident addresses. abail, the accused must tender his international passport with the Federal High Court.

The court said a certified true copy of the international passport must be collected from the High Court Minna and submitted to the Federal High Court Abuja.

Ojerinde was remanded in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (Prison) Suleja, after his arraignment on Tuesday.

The prosecuting agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences

Commission (ICPC), alleged that Prof Ojerinde committed multiple frauds to the tune of N900million while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).

He was arrested in Abuja, on March 15, 2021, by operatives of ICPC and was arraigned before Justice Egwuatu on 18 counts charge.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/ CR/97/2021, preferred against him by the Federal Government.

The prosecution counsel had on Tuesday, informed the court before Ojerinde took plea that

concerted effort by the former JAMB and NECO boss to secure plea bargain had failed.

At a resumed sitting, yesterday, defence counsel Peter Olorunnisola, SAN, informed the court of his client’s bail application dated and filed on June 29.

He said the application was brought pursuant to sections, 35 and 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended as well as section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015; and urged the court to grant the applicant bail.

Opposing the application, the prosecution counsel, Ebenezer

Shogunle said he has filed a 7-paragraph counter affidavit as well as a written address in support and exhibits to tendered during the course of trial.

Although Shogunle admitted the prosecution agency earlier granted administrative bail to the accused, he however, urged the court to refused the application.

Shogunle submitted that Prof Ojerinde violated the administrative bail condition granted him.

In addition, he told the court that if released on bail, Ojerinde has the tendency to jeopardize investigation.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Crime News

Operation NDLEA arrests 89 drug dealers in Kebbi Show Your Driver’s Licence T campaign yielding result in Bauchi – FRSC NDE begins training in Niger From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi he Kebbi State Comand of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested 89 suspected drug dealers and seized 2.800 tones of illicit drugs and psychotropic substance

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), says its Operation Show Your Driver’s Licence which began on July 5, is yielding positive results in Bauchi state.

Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, Sector Commander of FRSC in Bauchi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bauchi.

NAN recalls that the sector commander had on July 2, said that over 780 processed National Drivers’ Licences were unclaimed at different Motor Licensing Offices in the state.

Abdullahi had announced that the corps would embark on a week-long special operation from July 5, to clamp down on all unlicensed drivers and impound their vehicles.

He told NAN that over 70 of the unclaimed processed National Drivers’ Licences in the state have been collected as a result of the exercise.

“Operation show your driver’s licence is going on smoothly and is yielding positive results in all the local government areas of the state.

“As at Wednesday, I was informed by the Board of Internal Revenue that over 70 out of the over 780 unclaimed processed National Drivers’ Licenses have been claimed now.

“As the Operation Show Your Driver’s License goes on, we will have a cumulative at the end of the exercise.

“At the end of the exercise, the people will be informed about the total number of processed National Driver’s Licenses that have been claimed.

“They will also get to know the total number of motorists who have commenced the process of acquiring the driver’s license and the total number of those that have been sanctioned.

“The exercise is for a period of one week and it will end on July 11, 2021,” he said.

He however, urged all motorists whose driver’s license had expired and those without one, to go for it.

Yusuf said that the exercise would improve good driving culture in the state.

“Acquiring a driver’s license has a lot of processes and procedures, and having gone through those processes, it is assumed that you will be better informed on how to use the road.

“This will go a long way in mitigating road traffic crashes to some extent in the state,” the commander said.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

N

ational Directorate of Employment (NDE), has commenced training of beneficiaries of the just paid federal government Special

within six months in the state.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the state Commander of the agency, Peter Onche Odaudu, said that the suspects were arrested between January and July 7, 2021.

“The command counternarcotic efforts in the just outgoing year 2021 were

all geared towards policing Kebbi State and checking the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, with a view to reducing same to the barest minimum and strengthen security in the state.

He said that from January to July 7, this year, a total of 89 suspects were arrested.

“Of those arrested, 87 were males while only two were females, while in the same vein, a whopping 2.800 tones of drugs, were seized and taken out of circulation, and some of these had been transfered to us by the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) and Nigeria Police Force in the state.

Public Works on Basic Business Training (BBT) to enable them make use of their 3 months stipends judiciously.

The Director General of the agency, Malam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo at the official commencement of a 2 day

workshop for the participants in Minna said, it was an exit strategy for the Extended Special Public Works (ESPW).

Represented by the director ESPW, Mrs Roseline Olawumi appealed to President Muhammadu

Buhari to again approve another set of beneficiaries for next year.

He advised participants to take the training with all seriousness to enable them become employers of labour and urged them to invest wisely

A cross-section of female soldiers at the Sensitisation programme on Human Right Sexual Based Violence and Human Trafficking organized by Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday (8/7/21).

Alleged N544m fraud: Court adjourns until Oct. 6

A

n FCT High Court in Jabi on Thursday adjourned until Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.

Babachir is charged with 10 counts bordering on on fraud, criminal conspiracy to diversion of over N544 million belonging to the Federal Government, in the award of contract in removal of evasive plant species in the North -East.

The EFCC also charged Hamidu, the former SGF’s younger brother, Suleiman Abubakar, Apeh Monday and two companies – Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited.

At the resumed sitting on Thursday slated for crossexamination before Justice Charles Agbaza, the prosecution’s third witness, Fatima Umar, a Deputy Director, Head of Digital Forensic Laboratory, EFCC, took to the stand, to be cross examined by Babchir’s counsel, Akin Olujinmi, SAN. During cross examination, Umar confirmed that as a digital expert, she knew that the internet offered various possibilities in terms of use.

In addition, she admitted being aware of the activities of hackers on

the internet and their ability to take over a third party’s device without physically touching nor without the consent or authorisation of the owner.

Umar however said that before a device is hacked into and data get transferred using Bluetooth facility, pairing of devices must be done first before transfer of data can be enabled, which ultimately meant the owner of the device will have knowledge of the transfer.

Olujimi on his part asked Umar to confirm that there was a possibility that if the phone was in possession of another person apart from the owner, such pairing and subsequent transfer of data could be done without his knowledge.

In her response, she said yes, but she however said that was not the case in the extant suit.

According to Olujimi, he said that there was possibility that the phone which was taken from one Musa Bulani by one Ibrahim Ahmad, an EFCC’s operative in Nov. 2017 did not get to Umar until March 9, 2018.

He therefore asked Umar to confirm the chain of custody within that period and the possibility that

the phone was not tampered with and incriminating evidence planted in She confirmed that the phone was in perfect working condition when it was brought for data to be extracted from it and analysed, accompanied by consent, specific analysis and chain of custody forms.

Umar said she had to interact with the owner of the phone as he needed to be brought to the laboratory because the phone had a pass code. ” He was brought to the lab because in the consent form which was supposed to know the state and information of the device, whether it had a password or not and in this case. ” In filling the form, he included a password that was wrong, so I requested for him to be brought to give the correct password,” she explained.

Olujimi in response to her answer stated that evidence from exhibit eight which was a letter sent to Umar to extract and analyse information from the phone was just the consent form.

He also pointed out that the evidence about the phone being

password was not in any document before the court.

In concluding his evidence, he asked Umar if she could haçk into another person’s phone with her knowledge as a digital forensic expert.

She answered in the affirmative, but added “not in this case”.

Justice Agbaza at the end of Olujimi’s cross examination adjourned the matter until Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 for the continuation of cross examination of the witness by the remaining four defence counsel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the last adjourned date, the court had delivered a ruling on the objection raised by counsel to the former SGF, Olujimi, concerning some documents prosecution sought to tender.

The court in its ruling rejected the documents on the ground that conditions for their admissibility were not met by the prosecution.

The offence, the EFCC alleged the defendants committed during the time Lawal was the SGF and that he allegedly awarded contracts to these companies in which he had interests.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them. (NAN) (www.nannews.org)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

PAGE 8

News

NIWA wants President Buhari appoints new operators to expand chancellors of 42 Federal Universities opportunities T P

By Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

resident Muhammdu Buhari has approved the appointment and reassignment of Chancellors to forty-two (42) Federal Universities.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu while announcing the appointment in a press briefing in Abuja said that the exercise is intended to also replace deceased Chancellors of some Federal Universities.

He noted that the Chancellors who doubled as royal fathers are expected to

be the moral compass of the various universities to which they are assigned.

According to the Minister, the Chancellor shall in relation to the university, take precedence before all other members of the university, and shall preside at all the meetings of convocation held for conferring degrees. ‘’The objective of today’s briefing is in line with the resolve of the Federal Government to continuously keep the nation abreast of developments in each sector.

Mr. President has, following the establishment of additional

Universities, approved the appointment and/or reassignment of Chancellors to forty-two (42) Federal Universities.

The exercise is intended to also replace deceased Chancellors of some Federal Universities ‘’As Royal Fathers, these Chancellors are expected to be the moral compass of the various universities to which they are assigned. They have been taken from their kingdoms and primary constituencies to other kingdoms and these appointments are expected to play a role in cementing relationships between

communities in the country. ‘’Let me reiterate that the Chancellors shall be presented to the University Community at an investiture ceremony to be organized by the university for the purpose; or during the next convocation ceremony when the investiture will precede the conferment of degrees at convocation. The Chancellor shall in relation to the university take precedence before all other members of the university, and when he is present shall preside at all the meetings of convocation held for conferring degrees.”

from left: INEC National Commissioner nominee , Lauretta Onochie with Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly matters Senator Jide Omoworare during her screening by the Senate committee on INEC, at the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kwara APC faction accuses governor of anti-party activities

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faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara has accused Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of engaging in antiparty activities.

The Legal Adviser of the APC Caretaker Committee in the state, Oladimeji Mustapha, alleged in Ilorin that the governor’s antiparty activities had thrown the APC in the state into a crisis.

Mustapha, who spoke with newsmen at the party’s factional secretariat on Reservation Road, said the APC may have no option than to invoke the provisions of Article 21 of its constitution on him.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s cup of injustice to party members and his antiparty activities are overflowing and have reached an anticlimax that has torn the party to rags,” he said.

He alleged that the governor’s anti-party activities included factionalisation of the party by floating a group called ” AA.” Mustapha also accused the governor of preventing many residents of the state from participating in the registration and revalidation exercise.

“Governor AbdulRazaq’s actions, inactions and body language that are encapsulated

in taciturnity are loaded with aggressive hostility and insults to party elders and his imaginary adversaries.

“You will recall that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq seized the occasion of a book launch to throw verbal missiles and scurrilous language against the person and the office of the Honourabe Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

“He made a wild and slanderous allegation of mismanagement of campaign funds for 2019 elections that was fought and won, fair and square by our party.

“Here is a complainant who had publicly admitted that he contributed not a dime to the electioneering campaign funds nor ever assisted in the day-today running of the party in the state.

“We are put out of countenance by the governor’s display of incivility and the exposure of our party to public odium and disrepute by not exploring the party’s internal mechanism to address whatever issues are in contention.

“We would not hesitate to keep the public posted as we make progress on the disciplinary exercise,” he said. (NAN)

he National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has urged organised boat operators and water transporters in Nigeria to use the navigable channels to expand opportunities for water transportation economy.

NIWA’s Managing Director, Dr George Moghalu, made the observation at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Moghalu’s advice is contained in a statement signed by NIWA’s Public Relations Consultant, Mr Frank Meke, on Thursday in Lagos.

He noted that there was still the national question on what the Nigerian Boat Operators had done with the 3,500 navigable channels across the country, promising to assist them to find their bearings.

According to the managing director, the agency is determined to get containers bearing heavy duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters, to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.

“It is sad to see the damage done to our roads by containers bearing heavy duty vehicles, and which ordinarily can be moved easily through our Inland Waterways.

“We shall continue to advocate that such trucks should be kept off the highway and containers, including heavy equipment, be transported through the waters,” he said.

Moghalu stated that a contract for the construction of a jetty in illa, Delta, would be awarded soon, commending ATBOWATON members for the long years of dedication and sacrifice for the growth of water transportation business in Nigeria.

“No doubt ATBOWATON is our partner in progress and deserves our support.

“We at NIWA are happy to see the huge turn-out of members of the association from over 20 states, an indication that its future and water transportation is bright.”

Moghalu presented an ATBOWATON branded face cap and inducted Frank Meke, an accomplished maritime and cultural tourism development journalist, as a Member, Board Of Trustees of ATBOWATON. He commended the selfless service and passion Meke brought to bear on the reporting and advocacy on marine transportation and tourism.

Earlier, the President of ATBOWATON, Mr Gani Balogun, praised the efforts of NIWA to change the narratives of water transportation in Nigeria and for also carrying the association along in its programmes across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews. ng

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Media urged to avoid stigmaztization on GBV survivors

From Umar Dankano, Yola

A

damawa state commissioner for women affairs,Hajiya Lami Ahmad has urged media practitioners in the state to avoid reports that promote stigmatization of victims of violence against women and child.

He stressed that such reports usually exposed the survivors to discriminations capable of basterdizing the ongoing efforts to bring the menace to an end.

The commissioner who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Soso Benco Ali made this appeal yerterday while opening a 4 day workshop for journalists in the state.

Page 9

News

Nude photos: Court rules on AGF, Police feud over Ex- gov Ohakim, Sept 27

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Federal High Court Abuja, will on September 27, 2021 rule on an application by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to take over the case against former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.

Ohakim is facing trial over a five-count charge of threatening to release a nude photograph of an Abuja based woman, Mrs Chinyere Amuchienwa brought against him by the Police.

Police alleged that Ohakim and one Chinedu Okpareke,

knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication through a computer system to harass and bully Amuchienwa.

In a suit marked, FHC/ABJ/ CS/287/2020, the defendants were alleged to have threatened to release a nude photograph of Amuchienwa, if she fails to drop charges of attempted kidnap against them.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015.

However, at the last adjourned date, Police informed the court of the intention to discontinue with the case.

At the resumed trial yesterday, counsel from the AGF Office, Bagudu Sani, told the court that the Police, had transferred the case file to the office of the AGF, adding that the AGF had filed an affidavit of compliance on July 2, 2021.

Reacting, Police lawyer, Rufus Dimka said the Police filed a 24 paragraphs complainant/ applicant’s counter affidavit, deposed to by Insp. Joshua Yohana, on March 30, 2021.

Adopting the affidavit, Dimka urged the court to grant the notice of discontinuance and strike out the charge filed by the police.

However, counsel to the former governor, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), opposed the application by the AGF to take over the matter.

Asking the court to dismiss the application by the AGF, Etiaba submitted that the content of the affidavit of compliance by the office of the AGF, do not, in anyway affects the consequence of the notice of withdrawal of the charge against the former governor and urged the court to strike out the charge.

After listening to submissions by parties, Justice Taiwo Taiwo adjourned till September 27, 2021 for ruling.

Group sets to empowers 2m Nigerians

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

group under the auspices of African Investors in Diaspora Association said it is set to empower 1% of the nation’s population through a program called; Nigeria Poverty Alleviation Stipends (N-PAS).

The President of the group, Dr. Philemon Ibrahim Gora made the declaration in kaduna yesterday.

Gora also suggested ways he intends to turn the country’s economy around if given the opportunity and needed support.

The ways according to him include sRe- establishment of the cotton factories, saying Cotton production with the aim for use in the country and also prohibiting exportation of any form or sort.

Members House Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the 19.2 Billion Rehabilitation Contract Awarded to Eser Contracting industry Company incorporated, Hon. James Adisa Owolabi; Hon. Tajudeen Adefisayo and chairman of the committee, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba at the formal inauguration investigative hearing of the committee at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023: Okowa not opposed to zoning in Delta - Ifeajika

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

C

hief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, has said that the governor was not averse to zoning of governorship of the state contrary to insinuations in some quarters.

Speaking to journalists at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday, Ifeajika said that it was also not true that the governor came to power through zoning consensus as being canvassed by some highlyplaced Deltans.

He said that it was imperative to put the records straight in order not to mislead Deltans and

other Nigerians.

According to him, there is an insinuation making the rounds; ordinarily one wouldn’t have bothered to talk about it but because it’s coming from very highly-placed persons, there is need to put the records straight.

“It’s not true that the Governor of this state, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, is opposed to zoning, particularly for the governorship of this state.

“The times he spoke, it was loud and clear. He said that God will help Deltans to determine who will take over from him.

“But even at that, he told Deltans that at the right time, the leadership of the PDP will sit down to decide who the governor

will be and after that, leave it to God to decide ultimately as he cannot play the role of God. “That has been his position; so, it’s not true that the governor is opposed to power moving to Delta Central or any other senatorial district for that matter,” Ifeajika said.

He further said that the insinuations making the rounds that the governor came to power through zoning were wrong because people from other senatorial districts participated in the primaries that brought him to power.

He said that there was no time in the history of the state that any primary for governorship was allowed as

an exclusive preserve of any senatorial district.

“The insinuation that it was through zoning that Okowa became governor is also wrong.

We are all witnesses to the primaries that brought him to power, persons from the other senatorial districts in the state other than Delta North, participated in the exercise.

“There was no time in the state, particularly in this present dispensation that any primary for governorship has been allowed to be for only one particular senatorial district.

“In all the records we have, primaries had been for all comers; people from all the senatorial districts always

participated in all of that.

“For the one that brought Okowa to power in 2015, we are aware that aspirants from Central and South Senatorial Districts participated, including a former minister who has become an apostle of zoning and saying that zoning consensus brought Governor Okowa to power. ``Indeed, former Chief of Staff, Olorogun David Edevbie, came second in that race, meaning that if he had come first, there was no way they would have asked him to stay away and allow Okowa to grab the ticket on the grounds that it was the turn of Delta North to produce the governor.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

PAGE 10

News

Rivers CJTF intelligence visits FCT command, tasks members on dedication

By Usaman Shuaibu

T

he Intelligence officer in charge of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Rivers State, Mr. Ojobah Emmanuel on Monday visited the commander of CJTF in the FCT command, Mr. Musa Ahmadu, while calling on the members of the task force to remain dedicated to their duties.

In an interview during the visit, Emmanuel charged the entire members of CJTF in Abuja to be loyal to their commander.

He also urged the men of the task force to shun any act capable of tarnishing the image of CJTF in Abuja and Nigeria at large.

He said he would continue to boost the morale of the members so as to combat crimes gallantly.

He pointed out that the leadership of CJTF across the country would continue to work hand in hand with the security agencies for the sake of security fight in Nigeria.

He therefore, appreciated the commander of CJTF in the FCT for the efforts put in to fight criminals in the area.

Emmanuel donated fifteen pairs of uniforms to CJTF members in the FCT during the visit.

M

r Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has described the governor as an iconic political pathfinder.

Ifeajika stated this in a statement on Thursday in Asaba, to celebrate the governor’s 62nd

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

This has been our fear

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igeria has sought the support of the United Nations (UN) to persuade developed countries to redeem 100 billion dollars pledges made in favour of developing countries to attain Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target under the Paris 2020 Climate Change Agreement. Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, Minister of Environment, said that on Tuesday when the UN Deputy Secretary General, Hajiya Amina Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

LR-The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA)Dr. Babayo Ardo, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Secretary General, UN, Hajia Amina Mohammed and the Minister of State, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen.Tayo Alasoadura in a group photograph during the courtesy visit by UN Deputy Secretary to the Ministry, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Electoral Act Amendment: Women support inclusion of electronic transmission of results

T

he League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOW) has declared support for the inclusion of electronic transmission of results in the ongoing review of the Electoral Act, 2010.

The Founder and President of the league, Dame Esther Uduehi, made the declaration at a news conference on the amendment of the electoral act, on Thursday in Abuja.

She said that transmission of election results by electronic means was not only sacrosanct but a sine qua non to credible elections.

She emphasised that inclusion of electronic transmission of

results in the electoral act would in clear terms rid collation process of the manipulations, juggling of figures and the outright fraud.

Uduehi said the deployment of the Z-PAD and the election result viewing portal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the 2020 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states demonstrated the effectiveness of technology.

“The results from those elections were adjudged by most stakeholders as true reflection of the will of the people,’’ she said.

She, therefore, called on the National Assembly to pass an electoral bill that conformed to

global best practices and reflect the wish of the masses.

Uduehi also appealed to NASS to make special provision and waivers for women to encourage women’s participation generally in politics.

She noted that women were critical stakeholders in the electoral value chain and had contributed immensely toward the growth of the nation’s democracy.

She said that the humongous amount stipulated for campaign funds were not only outrageous but unfriendly for women.

“Jacking up the figure stipulated for campaigns

from President to other elective offices has already disenfranchised majority of women, who have aspirations to political offices because they might not be able to meet the huge financial obligations.

“Our mission is to educate and mobilise Nigerian women to able them play a larger role in governance, public matters, public affairs to defend and perfect Nigeria’s democracy,” she said.

The president of the league of women voters advocated for also inclusion of independent candidates in the Constitutional and Electoral Act Amendment.

(NAN)

Medical students take child spacing campaign to Kaduna community

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

M

edical students under the auspices of department of health education and promotion of the Islamic medical foundation of Nigeria, school of health technology Tudun Wada, Kaduna, advocated the use of friendly family planning methods.

In a communique made

available to press in kaduna, the representatives of the group, Maryam Muhammad Zakari 019, Aisha Umar Inuwa 022, and Hairat Umar 038 defined family planning according to WHO, as the program that allows individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births.

Focusing on findings at kakuri, where more than half of the women interviewed rejected family planning based on suspicion that it interferes with their religion, the group said natural methods are not against religion.

The communique highlighted the importance of the methods that did not contradict the

Islamic injunctions.

While distancing from the use of contraceptives, the group advocated for the use of natural method saying, “It helps provide the highest quality of maternal and child care. It reduces the rate of infertility.

It also promotes a caring and responsible attitude to sexual behaviour.”

Okowa, an iconicpolitical pathfinder - Spokesman

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

birth anniversary.

He said that the governor was a distinguished patriot and man of legendary fidelity, who had through his nationallyacknowledged integrity and strong drive for an equitable, just and egalitarian society, become a respectable voice in Nigeria’s polity.

He extolled the governor for

his remarkable resourcefulness and discernable contributions to the growth and development of Delta and Nigeria.

The CPS particularly remarked that the National Health Act, a piece of legislation pioneered by Governor Okowa as a Senator, had revolutionalised Universal Health Coverage in the country, with Delta as pathfinder,

having already, no fewer than one million enrollees in its Contributory Health Insurance scheme.

According to him, Governor Okowa is celebrating 62 years of outstanding accomplishments and I urge him to remain steadfast in his benevolence, which is his sobriquet, to humanity, and in pursuing the course of building a

Stronger Delta for its citizens.

“On behalf of my colleagues in your media team, I congratulate you, our father and principal, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on your 62nd birth anniversary. ``It’s indeed a celebration of many years of God’s faithfulness and a potpourri of distinguished achievements.”

have made, to know what we can give to continue our support to Nigeria in its bid for the climate transitions,’’ she said. She said that environment sector was paramount in the United Nations agenda for 2030.

We share Abubakar’s suspicion of the West’s pledges in support of the developing world. This doubt is reasonable in the sense that similar pleges made in the past had gone unfulfilled, leaving the would be beneficiaries to go back begging. The disappointment of an unredeemed pledge and the shame of begging! We have come to realize that such pledges of financial support are more of ego boosting than genuine help offer.

The NDC embodies efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Abubakar said that Nigeria’s NDC was projected based on a five per cent annual Gross Domestic Product We made our position very (GDP) increase. Unfortunately, the clear in a June 17 editorial “Thank country was not able to attain up to you but....” It was the West’s a 2.5 percent steady GDP Development Finance increase annually because Institutes’ offer to of the COVID-19 pandemic, support Africa’s covid he said. “We also seek for 19 management effort. more support through UN The editorial reads in agencies in implementing part: “We at Peoples environmental activities We share Abubakar’s Daily welcome this in the country. We are idea of the suspicion of the nouvelle seeking for support DFIs. We like it not West’s pledges only because the fund to the United Nations Environment Programme in support of the promised is huge and to address Ogoni cleanup Africa desperately projects which President developing world. needs it, but also Muhammadu Buhari is because the benefit This doubt is working on.” be mutual. The reasonable in the will developed economies Abubakar added, sense that similar will reap from an “The United Nations strong pleges made in economically Educational, Scientific African continent in and Cultural Organisation the past had gone terms of stopping should put more effort into migration from unfulfilled, leaving illegal supporting the activities Africa to the West. the would be of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. The beneficiaries to go “However, we fear support will enable the that the sheer novelty back begging of this partnership country implement our activities and projects may also be its Achilles effectively. We are hoping that at the heel. The fact that our AfDB is in it is end, there will be qualitative support only cold comfort. The paternalistic in terms of finance and technology tone of the representatives of the transfer to support Nigeria’s energy DFIs is another worry. Africa is not a transition.” partner but a pauper that needs help from big brother. Hardly the right In her speech, the UN under way to start.” secretary General urged Nigeria’s environment ministry to ensure We are afraid that the climate that women, children and youths change support pledged by the should always be put at the centre Western world to developing nations of programmes as they needed to be may never come. It will be just given adequate attention. “I also hope another fraud. Time to stop taking to hear from you, honorable minister them seriously. and the team, on the progress that you

“

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OUR PEOPLE

“To be the market Chief Operating Officer place of ideas and /Editor, the leading player Hameed M. Bello, PhD in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while HEAD, ADVERT delivering value to patrick UGAMA our stakeholders”

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Outdoor advertising challenges in the FCT

By Mohammad Gana

H

umans have been creating wall art since the time we lived in caves. The wall art at a certain point crossed from artistic display to marketing for a business called outdoor advertising.

Out of Home (OOH) or Outdoor Advertising includes any type of marketing done outdoors to grab people’s attention. The most popular format is billboard advertising.

We spend a great deal of our lives outside our homes hence the competition among advertisers fighting to stand out amidst the glut of ads on analog and digital devices.

There is therefore the need for a less-cluttered environment to deliver their message. Enter Outdoor Advertising.

Outdoor advertising can deliver a relevant message to the mass/targeted audience with ease and efficiency and this medium offers consistency as well as stability when it comes to delivering brand awareness.

Of the benefits of outdoor advertising is that it is able to provide more clarity regarding the focus of the brand. With the help of outdoor advertising, you will be able to strategically place the brand message.

Today, Out of Home (OOH) advertising has gone beyond rusty poles signage in Nigeria.

The major turnaround featured segmented scrolling billboards, Unipoles, Ultra waves, crossway billboards (Gantries) Backlit, Hexa signs and the latest of them is the Light Emitting Diodes LED screen Billboards. These evolutionary billboards designs are meant to make the outdoor advertising functions more effective, less stressful yet delivering value for money.

In 2006, there was massive demolition of Billboards in Abuja. The exercise was aimed at sanitizing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but the resultant effect was the agony it caused some outdoor agencies, some even filed for bankruptcy.

In 2013 the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) approved a new Outdoor Advertising and Signage System for the FCT, the Department of Outdoors Advertisement & Signage (DOAS) which is expected to reverse the past haphazard state of affairs and restore beauty, legality and orderliness to the sector.

To this end, the revenue collected from outdoor advertisement and signage, all Area Councils collect 60% of the collection, FCTA collects 20% and DOAS collects 20%. Out of the 60% that goes to the Area Councils, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) gets 40%, and the rest is shared by the remaining 5 Area Councils. AMAC collects the lion share.

AMAC delegated the responsibility of collecting this revenue based on a decision with the FCT Administration and their own voluntary agreement to cede the responsibility to DOAS, this was in 2012 when an MoU with all six area councils and FCTA was signed and by laws came into effect.

It was in line with this that the DOAS in 2013 de-registered many outdoor advertising agencies operating in Abuja, due to N2.1b debts owed the FCT administration by pulling down of Signages and Signposts across the Territory.

With the approval, DOAS was created to ensure a successful and sustainable implementation of the system, and the system is to be implemented by the FCTA in collaboration with the six area councils of the FCT and reputable advertising consultants.

The aim of the new advertisement regulatory policy was to standardize all matters concerning outdoor advertising and signage, improve the aesthetic beauty of the Federal Capital Territory and sanitize the territory’s environment.

It is also intended to improve the internally generated revenue (IGR) profile of the FCT

Administration. In consequence of this approval, all outdoor advertising practitioners, formal/informal businesses and the general public should note that enforcement shall commence three (months from the date of the publishing of the FCT Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) Guidelines.

Dr. Baba Gana Adam, Director, FCT DOAS, giving further insight into the function of his department, said strategically they are three.

One is to control, regulate and standardize outdoor advertisements, i. e. the billboards you see on the streets, the signages so you see on hotels, restaurants, filling stations etc. are to be controlled, standardized and regulated so that it is safe for humans and properties.

Number two is to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the city; number three is to ensure the environment is protected and billboards don’t come in substandard form like the proliferation of illegal and substandard structures and finally through this process also generate some revenue so that DOAS can function properly without debilitating government resources that are meant for social welfare.

DOAS collects all outdoor advertisement and signage system whether it is a first party, this is a collection from shops, malls, restaurants, clinics, schools, filling stations, hotels, etc., you pay directly after registering.

That is first party, it is supposed to be DOAS responsibility according to the by law.

The second party is directional signs and warning signs or caution signs for which there is no payment except registration, it is free and consists of government offices, road signs etc.

The third one is the third party, which is the big Billboards, Hoardings, along the major roads of the FCT, there is the outreaches, people who market products on the street, like food products, electronics etc., they would be drumming along the streets and putting banners promoting several brands etc.

The ones on the streetlights are called lampposts, it is also part of third party, signages, hoardings, billboards, these are all third party, the small ones are first party. The outreach is a temporary activity, if you want to dance around to promote a product, we charge you for that on a daily basis. Or you brand a hotel on its fence temporary, we charge on a daily basis. Those that paint building, that is first party, but they pay as branded building.

Following a lingering dispute between DOAS and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on who has the legal rights to collect advertisement and signage taxes and levies, an amiable agreement was reached on January 18, 2021.

All issues were laid to rest with the declaration that henceforth “All collections with regards to outdoor advertisements and signages, including mobile, 1st party and 3rd party advertisements, be carried out by DOAS on behalf of AMAC”.

Thus, FCT through DOAS is always on its toes to keep up with modern technology in the field of outdoor advertising.

Outdoor advertising has its challenges among which are conflicting regulations and multiple taxation, huge debts and demolition of their billboards. In the face of all these, the practitioners are undaunted because outdoor advertising business is still booming in Nigeria.

The icing on the cake will be when the National Assembly (NASS) finally completes the constitutional mandate of passing the Bill before the NASS into an ACT transforming the specialized department into a modern-day Agency like the famous Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA). The Bill is sponsored by the Chairman, FCT House Committee Hon. Idris Abdullahi Garba, the Jagaban of Kontagora and eleven other Principal Officers of the National Assembly.

Mohammad Gana, a public affair analyst, wrote from Jahi, Abuja

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Sowore’s failed attempts to rope the church in #Buhari Must Go protest

Missing link in the restructure Nigeria argument

By Otuedon Vincent

W

hile we advocate unequivocally for restructuring as the only way out of national catastrophe, it is most disheartening that many, among others, are clamouring for restructuring out of sheer ignorance and greed. It is important therefore to state what restructuring is not and what it is.

First and foremost, it is not some engineering or structural adjustment on the landscape of the nation rather it is a call for constitutional overhauling particularly with respect to devolution of power between the federal and the state government.

It is an inevitable event that is expected to reposition our nation to its old glory and unpeg the wings of our great eagle to soar as the giant of Africa Secondly, restructuring is not to enable some states gain undue advantage over others in terms of take home; because no state in the federation currently has exceptionally justified the need for more funds to necessitate such a bias call for restructuring. It is not about robbing Peter to pay Paul or to break anybody`s wings but to enhance our collective wings of the symbolic eagle. After all, there is no proof that some of the regions clamouring for the restructuring have unparalleled

economic advantage over others.

Thirdly, restructuring is not an end in itself but simply a means to an end. To think that a restructured Nigeria is a corruption, oppression and sentiment free Nigeria is ridiculous and erroneous. Rather, it may compound our woes and make the Federal Government a victim of idleness. Without a national vision, restructuring will be another voyage in futility. No doubt, our future was altered when our structure was ruptured. The question is; what was that future/ vision?

Fourthly, restructured Nigeria is not this generation`s ideology.

It was the dream and aspiration of our founding fathers and colonial masters. That was the amalgamated and the independent Nigeria; the fulcrum of our agitation for the sovereign state that recognized the freedom for all individual entities and united our dreams and aspirations. All the Constitutions and Commissions of Enquiry before 1963 speak volumes in this regard.

Fifthly, restructured Nigeria is not a call by Nigerians who are insensitive to the plight of other states or regions that may be challenged at the initial state of the restructuring, rather, a ubiquitous call by patriotic and visionary Nigerians for a Nigeria that will cater for and to all individuals, tribes, religions and

our united freedom. It is not a retaliatory move to abandon some groups on any sentiment, whether economic, ethnic or religion. But to be strategically positioned and deal with these sentiments and generic fears that have bedeviled our national development, note that national development is not measured in part but in the whole. Therefore, every interest must be adequately presented and represented in the structure to ensure even development.

Lastly, a restructured Nigeria is not a call by disgruntled politicians to satisfy their ravenous and vaulting ambition, particularly, in view of the thirteen per cent derivation fund that has enriched the politicians and turned few of those states into sponsors of political parties rather than a selfless and committed service to the people but a germane call of the people of Nigeria.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA? The conceptualized term ‘‘Restructure’’, according to the Oxford Advanced Learner`s Dictionary (International Student`s Edition), is to organize something such as a system or a company in a new and a different way.

The ‘‘Federal System’’ of government is defined by the dictionary (supra) as a system of government in which the individual

states of a country have control over their own affairs but are controlled by a central government for national decision.

Therefore a call to restructure Nigeria is a call for a federal system of government where power devolves more on the states than on the federal government.

Consequently, the state shall control and take over most of the current affairs and functions of the federal government.

The missing link in the restructured Nigeria argument is first a Nigeria with a clear and definite agenda; a visionary Nigeria that has succeeded in galvanizing, unifying and encapsulating our collective dreams and aspirations into a single and common national vision/dream. Imperatively and emphatically, all leaders across board must be ideologically refined and purpose-oriented—rather than lock horns over marginal and conflicting selfish interest—to focus on setting an agenda for this nation and restructuring will become ideally consequential.

For instance, we as a nation must conceive a vision that will be so reflective enough that every Nigerian anywhere, whether a farmer or fisherman across the globe can see his relevance in the national vision/dream to the extent that the defense of the nation becomes an integral concern not

to withhold his sacrificial support of it, by and large, enhancing his personal values and vision of a Nigeria where everyone matters, and is heard. Patriotism becomes a system that, naturally, works for you much more than you can do for yourself. So you are bound to protect the system even at the expense of your life—bid your love ones farewell because you are sure the system will cater for and to your liabilities. It is such a vision that will birth a collective sense of mission and passion for the nation that will eventually slaughter the vices of corruption, and redefining corruption in the ordinary-man-of-the-street sense as anti-social; the enemy of the individual person rather than just a crime against the state.

Only clear vision can birth the mission and passion that can arrest corruption and make restructuring consequential. We really do not have to stay together if we have nothing to pursue together.

Who are Nigerians, what have they to offer the world, what hope can Nigeria give to the black race, what is the role of Nigeria in the leadership of Africa and how can Nigeria play these roles effectively?

Answers to these questions will make restructuring consequential without splitting of blood.

Otuedon Vincent is the President, Liberty Harbingers

Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges and Lee Kuan Yew’s antidotes

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

T

o move this nation forward both politically and socioeconomically, there are reasons for our leaders to visit Singapore as Nigeria has a lot of lessons to draw from the documented evidence of performance in the following areas; economy, infrastructure, job creation, electoral practices and fight against corruption, by Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, the pioneer Prime Minister of Singapore. A man that understood clearly that; public order, personal and national security, economic and social programmes, and prosperity is not the natural order of things but depends on the ceaseless efforts and attentions from an honest and effective government that the people elect and recognizes that it takes a prolonged effort to administer a country well and change the backward habits of the people.

Separate from the fact that Singapore as a country had in the past met with challenges Nigeria currently battles with, of which learning how they tackled and succeeded would be an important lesson for the nation at this critical moment, there exists yet another reason and it stems from the fact that “any personality who wants to grow in leadership must almost always scale and be open to learning. They must be molded by new experiences and to improve their leadership selves. In fact, leaders who scale do so regardless of background, skill and talent. Rather,

they scale because they take deliberate steps to confront their shortcomings and become the leaders their organizations or nations need them to be. Instead of floundering, they learn to fly”.

Beginning with effective resource management, Singapore, under Lee’s administration was a country with a GDP of $3billion in 1965 which grew to $46billion in 1997, making it the 8th highest per capital GNP in the world according to the World Bank, In fact, it’s progress, is a reflection of the advances of the industrial countries-their inventions, technology, enterprise and drive, a united and a determined group of leaders, backed by practical and hard-working people who trust them made it possible, It is part of the story of a leader’s search for new fields to increase the wealth and well being of his people.

In the words of the Prime Minister Lee (as he then was), the country had no natural resources for MNCs to exploit. All it had were hard-working people, good basic infrastructure, and a government that was determined to be honest and competent. Our duty was to create livelihood for 2 million Singaporeans. The second part was to create a First World oasis in a Third World region. This was something Israel could not do because it was at war with its neighbours.

If Singapore could establish first world standards in public and personal security, health, education,

telecommunications, transportation and services, it would become a base camp for entrepreneurs, engineers, managers and other professionals who had business to do in the region.

This meant we had to train our people and equip them to provide First World standards of service. I believed this was possible, that we could reeducate and orientate our people with the help of schools, trade unions, community centres and social organisations. If the communists in China could eradicate all flies and sparrows, surely we could get our people to change their Third World habits.

‘We had one simple guiding principle for survival that Singapore had to be more rugged, better organised, and more efficient than others in the region. If we were only as good as our neighbours, there was no reason for businesses to be based here. We had to make it possible for investors to operate successfully and profitably in Singapore despite our lack of a domestic market and natural resources’.

Essentially, the crux of this piece is to use Singapore’s experience under Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew to analyze and understand the essential ingredients of foresight in leadership and draw a lesson on how leadership decision making process involves judgment about uncertain elements, and differs from the pure mathematical probability process.

Another profound lesson was Lee’s

explanation that; after grappling with the problems of unemployment in the country, he came to the recognition that the only way to survive was to industrialize. And just immediately, he concentrated on getting factories started. ‘Despite their small domestic market of 2 million, he protected locally assembled cars, refrigerator, air conditioners, radios, television sets, and tape-recorder, in the hope that they would later be partly manufactured locally.

There is certainly an ingrain lesson for the nation Nigeria to draw from this second position.

Considering the slow growing economy but scary unemployment levels in the country, the current administration in my opinion will continue to find itself faced with difficulty accelerating the economic life cycle of the nation until they contemplate industrialization, or productive collaboration with private organizations that has surplus capital to create employment.

On fight against corruption, he has this to say; we made sure from the day we took office that every dollar in revenue would be properly accounted for and would reach the beneficiaries at the grass root as one dollar, without being siphoned off along the way. So from the very beginning we gave special attention to the areas where discretionary powers had been exploited for personal gains and sharpened the instruments that

Comment PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

could prevent, detect or deter such practices’.

We decided to concentrate on the big takers in the higher echelons and directed the CPIB on our priorities. But for the small fish, we set out to simplify procedures and remove discretion by having clear published guidelines, even doing away with the needs for permits and approvals in less important areas.

As we ran into problems in securing convictions in prosecutions, we tighten the laws in stages. Brief and Simple!

To win, he advised that nations must recognize that ‘a precondition for an honest government is that a candidate must not need large sums to get elected, or it must trigger off the circle of corruption. Having spent a lot of money to get elected, winners must recover their costs and possibly accumulate funds for the next election as the system is self-perpetuating’.

In the face of these realities, I suggest in the interim that even if the managers of the political space called Nigeria refuses to make this trip, they should at the very least read Lee Kuan Yew’s leadership account contained in his book, entitled; From Third World To First, the Singapore’s Story; 19652010.

Utomi is the Programme Coordinator (Media and Policy), Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He could be reached via;jeromeutomi@yahoo. com/08032725374.

By Kingsley Madaki

I

t is no longer news that some youths purportedly sent by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore entered the Dunamis International Gospel Center last Sunday service, wearing a customized T- shirt with the inscription, “Buhuri Must Go”, with a suspicion that they were there to lure the Church of God into the sponsorship of his agenda.

When the news first broke on the social media, many Nigerians were not surprised, because they are aware of Sowore’s long history of seizing every opportunity to attack politically elected leaders, mostly President Muhammad Buhari.

However, the Holy Bible, in Romans 13: 1, started that let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established, that the authorities that exist have been established by God. Also, in James 1:20, it stated that for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. It can be recalled that on 3 August 2019, Sowore was arrested by the Nigerian State Security Service (SSS) for alleged treason, after calling for a protest tagged RevolutionNow and was arrested

again during a protest in Abuja on January 1, 2021, when he led a protest calling for revolution on the believe that the 2019 Nigeria’s elections that followed the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari were not credible.

His word, “All that is needed for a #Revolution is for the oppressed to choose a date they desire for liberty, not subjected to the approval of the oppressor,” he tweeted on 2 August.

Nigeria’s ‘new broom’ president in profile One day later, on 3 August, he sent another tweet: “DSS invades Sowore’s.”

He has since been charged to court for treason, money laundering and “cyber stalking” for allegedly sharing false and insulting information about President Buhari.

He denies all the charges.

Despite the granting of bail, Sowore had recruited youths followers, sponsors them on a continuous protest against the State at any slight opportunity and fed them lies coloured to favor his agenda.

For those who may stick to supporting him may not forsee the consequences of his actions now or how his continues stage managed protest against a constituted authorities, may encourage his frenzied followers to toe a violence way against state officials and

institutions, and also against other ethnic groups, that lead to loss of lives and properties.

The failed attempt to rope God’s servant Dr Paul Enenche into a political set up by activist Omoleye Sowore at Dunamis International Gospel Center, headquarters, Abuja, Sunday in an event that almost turned rowdy with the security team of the church, will always be seen as a bad day for secessionists. But honestly, I was clearly bowled over.

I did not know that this Church of God is capable of this kind of a can-do action were about ten boys had attended the church service on a customized T shirt bearing #Buharimustgo and marched out for altar call with a few video clip allegedly taken during the service ostensibly to portray the congregation as a protest ground with Dr Paul Enenche as the patron.

Sowore was desperate to hijack a whole church meeting for cheap political score against the government and conscript Dunamis church into political theatre.

However, upon discovering, they were intercepted by the security men around the gate area of the church attempting to flee church with the incriminating clips for Sowore depicting Dunamis as a protest ground. The guys were detained by the security team and later handed to the DSS for further interrogation.

It is on record and widely reported that Sowore had taken to the Twitter handle earlier accusing the pastor of highhandedness and insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, just for refusing to be used.

Nevertheless, I guessed many Nigerians could still recall that during the End SARS, SWAT saga: Dunamis Pastor, Paul Enenche in a strong term attributed the protest by Nigerian youths to the loud impunity, nepotism, tribalism, oppression and subjugation across Nigeria. ”The Way of Peace,” Enenche said: “There is no peace where there is massive injustice, unfairness and lack of equity. There can be no peace in the face of oppression, suppression and subjugation of one people by another. There can be no peace in the face of nepotism, tribalism, regionalism, religionism and every form of such prejudice.

There can be no peace in the midst of deprivation, poverty and hunger.”

The clergyman also pointed out that equity, fairness and justice remained the panacea to the crisis.

He added, “People have clamoured for restructuring. It is the devolution of power; otherwise, there may be dissolution of union.

It happened in other places and we pray and trust God it doesn’t happen in our nation.

Nipping excessive alcohol use in the bud

By Isaac Asabor

A

ccording to WHO, which reported that alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year, more than AIDS, violence and road accidents put together, it was stated that men, who are more often than not bread winners in this part of the world, are particularly at risk.

The issue of alcoholism and its debilitating consequences on vital organs in the body of individuals on the one hand, and its negative socioeconomic impact on communities has once again been brought to the fore. As gathered from Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, “It is long known that alcohol can pose a significant risk to human health. However, alcohol is consumed worldwide in large amounts, with Seychelles and Uganda reporting the highest alcohol consumption per capita.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 3 million deaths are related to harmful use of alcohol worldwide per year – that is over 5 percent of all deaths worldwide. Alcohol consumption is associated with many diseases, such as several types of cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, and cardiovascular diseases.

It should be kept in mind that behind all these facts stands a large and established industry. In addition, governments around the world collect billions of dollars in alcohol tax revenues”.

According to WHO, which reported that alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year, more than AIDS, violence and road accidents put together, it was stated that men, who are more often than not bread winners in this part of the world, are particularly at risk.

According to the WHO, Nigeria ranks second on the list of African countries for heavy episodic drinking.

Scholarly sources have backed this claim.

Nigerians consumed over 13 liters of alcohol per capita in 2019, making it the leading country in terms of alcohol consumption per capita that year. In fact, the Kingdom of Eswatini and South Africa trailed Nigeria behind as they ranked second and third respectively, with just under ten liters per person.

According to the WHO, alcohol causes more than one in 20 deaths globally each year, including drunk driving, alcoholinduced violence and abuse and a multitude of diseases and disorders. Men account for more than three quarters of alcohol-

related deaths.

The report explains that alcohol drinking is linked to more than 200 health conditions, including liver cirrhosis and some cancers. Alcohol abuse also makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV and pneumonia.

For young people, the numbers are even more alarming, with a full 13.5 per cent of all deaths among 20-29-year-olds considered to be alcohol-related, the study found. In comparison, HIV/AIDS was responsible for 1.8 per cent of global deaths in 2016, road injuries accounted for 2.5 per cent and violence for 0.8 per cent.

Globally, an estimated 237 million men and 46 million women suffer from alcohol use disorders, WHO said.

Here in Nigeria, particularly within shanty communities, there are many social ills affecting citizens, and alcohol abuse is seen as one of the contributing factors.

Considering the unhealthy level of the dangers that are inherent in alcohol, which is unarguably quite high, it is not a misnomer to say that urgent action must be taken to further reduce the risk.

Due to poor lifestyle choice, alcohol abuse has resulted in large numbers of our young people dying. Another significant

number have also fallen ill and therefore cannot contribute to their families or the development of their communities in any way.

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was quoted in the media as saying that far too many people, their families and communities suffer the consequences of the harmful use of alcohol through violence, injuries, mental health problems and diseases like cancer and stroke.

According to experts who have meticulously and studiously carried out research on the menace, alcohol is a trigger for abuse, especially gender based, child and sexual abuse. They had for the umpteenth time reiterated; based on their findings, that some abusers rely on substance use (and abuse) as an excuse for becoming violent, and that alcohol allows the abuser to justify his abusive behavior as a result of the alcohol.

Alcohol affects the user’s ability to perceive, integrate and process information. They had in the same vein noted that other substantial costs to society include property damage, job loss and health service costs.

To ameliorate the situation before getting out of hand, WHO has consistently been

“It is not time to play the ostrich and hide the under. What is not confronted cannot be conquered. In medicine we called something the debridement of wound, you expose wounds in order to repair them.

“It is time to tell the truth because people have been suppressed, subdued, subjugated and treated as if they don’t reason.

“Nigeria is one of the most intelligent nations in the world. Our doctors and our professionals are the most intelligent in the world. It is time for us to sit up and say these things must be corrected.”

“As for every protest going on, two wrongs cannot make a right.

Protests are encouraged to be peaceful and calm. No destruction of lives and properties in any form. Let lives not flow because of abnormalities in the land.”

Meanwhile, Even when services were not on, Sowore was able to lead his zealous followers in a compulsory march with same T-shirt on Monday at the premises of the Dunamis International Gospel to address journalists, over the arrest of five of his followers who were rebuffed for wearing #BuhariMustGo T-shirts on Sunday.

Kingsley Madaki is a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from

urging countries to do more to counter harmful drinking and to reach a goal of cutting global consumption by 10 percent before the year, 2025. It is also urging countries to tax alcohol and ban advertising of such beverages to reduce consumption. However, this is not enough, there is need to push for a change in attitude and lifestyle changes in general, especially amongst the younger segment of our population.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant programmes and policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by other stakeholders too; such as religious groups, the private sector and other NonGovernmental Organizations (NGO) etc.

It is hoped that the Government, international development partners and other stakeholders will use all the authoritative warnings WHO has been sounding on alcohol as a wakeup call to take urgent action aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol in Nigeria.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

News

Jigawa gov commissions township roads, as UNICEF declares 14 LGs ODF From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he Jigawa state governor Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Badaru yesterday commissioned multimillion township roads in Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, governor Badaru said, the project is part of his administration’s effort

to improve the lives of Jigawa citizens by providing social infrastructures in the state.

According to him, the Sule Tankarkar township roads with a distance of 5.6 km consume N909 million before its completion in the last two years.

He maintained that, the project was completed since last two years but due to COVID - 19 pandemic the state government couldn’t commission the project.

Meanwhile, the governor also joined millions of Jigawa people and celebrate 14 local government of the state that were declared Open Defication Free (ODF) by United Nations Children (UNICEF).

The governor identified the local government as Dutse, Guri, Buji, Jahun, Sule Tankarkar, Auyo and Gwiwa local government.

Others include Birnin Kudu,

Kiyawa,Taura, Ringim, Birniwa, Gagarawa and Kafin Hausa local governments areas in the state.

Governor Badaru who added that, Jigawa state emerged second to the best in provision of portable water and sanitation in the country.

He said, this was achieved with support of president Buhari, partners and tireless cooperation of the good people of Jigawa.

NDE charges 13,000 SPW beneficiaries on entrepreneurship

N

ational Directorate of Employment (NDE), has charged beneficiaries of the Special Public Works( SPW) in Nasarawa State to embrace entrepreneurship for the overall development of the country.

The Acting State Coordinator of NDE Mr Rotgak Goden- Go’ar, gave the charge in Lafia while speaking with newsmen during the opening ceremony of the Basic Skills Training (BBT) for the extended SPW participants.

He added that embracing entrepreneurship by the participants would not only make them to be self-reliant but would enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

Mr Goden- Go’ar further maintained that the training workshop was organised to inculcate the participants with the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity and self-reliance, with a view to assisting them set up their business.

He also opined that the training was to equip them with topics such as sources of funds, marketing plan, legal responsibilities, cash management among others to enable beneficiaries succeed in their business.

According to him, Nasarawa State fully participated and benefitted from the intervention in all the 13 local government areas where 1,000 participants were recruited per local government.

L-R: Minister of Environment Dr Mohammad M. Abubakar, Minister Works & Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Representative of the President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Deputy Secretary General of United Nation, Amina Mohammed, Minister of State Works & Housing Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of works and Housing Alh Babangida Hussaini, during the official commissioning of the 1.52 MWp/2.28MWh Solar Microgrid System & Energy Retrofitting of the Federal Ministry’ of Works and Housing Headquarters Mabushi, held recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo.

PDP crisis: Gwagwalada Vice-chairman not our candidate- Party members

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday said the Vice-chairman of the Area Council, Alhaji Mohammed Kasim Ikwa is not the candidate of the party in respect of the dispute rocking the

party in the area.

Some of the party members who made this known while speaking during a meeting at the party secretariat in Gwagwalada, pointing out that the Vicechairman is not a member of PDP from onset.

They said that the present Chairman of the Area Council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze

and his Vice were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They explained that the Honorable Rabiu Saba who was duely elected as the Chairmanship candidate of PDP did not collect #50 million as a bribe from anybody as was alleged by the Vice-chairman supporters.

Addressing the party members/supporters during the meeting, the flag bearer of PDP, Hon. Rabiu Saba, said he had already filed a case against the acclaimed PDP candidate in the court.

Saba, however, advised party members/supporters to remain calm pending the outcome of the case in the court of law.

Skills: Xploits consulting trains 53 widows in FCT

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

X

APC issues timetable for Lere House of Representatives by-election in Kaduna

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

ploits consulting ltd in partnership with Access Bank organized a 2-day skills acquisition training for 53 widows in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Principal partner of the firm, Mrs.

Grace Taiwo, said the widows were trained on soapmaking, wig making, bead making and make up artistry.

She said the widows were drawn from Dutse bokuma, Dutse Alhaji and Dawaki in Bwari Area Council of FCT. She added that the essence of the training was to enhance the employability

and income generation of the participants and make them self reliant.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs Esther Adoyi thanked Xploits consulting ltd for facilitating the training and Access Bank ltd for the support.

Another participant, Mrs Mariam Ibrahim called on government to look into

the plight of widows and come to their aid by granting them enabling trading environment.

Also speaking, Mr Bulus Diko youth leader Dutse Bokuma, thanked the facilitators, Xploits consulting ltd for bringing the training to the community and Access Bank ltd for supporting the project.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the House of Representatives by-election for the Lere Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

This is contained in a notice issued by the APC Director of Organisation, Professor Al-Mustapha Ussiju Medaner, in Abuja.

The party took the measure in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

The schedule of activities start with Notice of Election to the State Chapter the APC on Thursday 8th July, 2021 while sales of Forms at the APC National Secretariat will start on Friday 9th and end on Monday 12th July, 2021.

The schedule indicate that the last day for submission of completed Forms and accompanying documents at the APC National Secretariat is Monday 12th July, 2021 before close of office at 5.00 pm.

Screening of Aspirants is scheduled to be conducted on Tuesday, 13th July, 2021 while the publication of claims and objections is fixed for Thursday 15th July, 2021.

Screening Appeals would be conducted on Friday, 16th July, 2021 and Primary Election will hold on Sunday 18th July, 2021, to be followed

by Election Appeal on Thursday, 22nd July, 2021.

The Expression of Interest form costs N350,000 and the nomination form costs N3, 500, 000, totaling N3, 850, 000. Female aspirants and Physically Challenged Aspirants are to pay only 50 per cent of the prescribed fees.

Primaries: Obiano constitutes APGA Peace/Reconciliation Committee

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

G

overnor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, in his Capacity as the National leader and Chairman of Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has constituted a twelve man peace/ reconciliation and national outreach committee for the party.

The Committee which has former national Chairman of the Party, Sen. Victor Umeh, as Chairman, is to reconcile aggrieved members of the party and resolve any lingering problems in the party in any local

government area, so that (APGA) can approach the November 6 Governorship election as a strong and united party.

The Committee will also engage in wide stakeholders outreach to build a formidable coalition across the state for the party, as well as engage other measures that will help the party to succeed.

Addressing members of the press after their inaugural meeting, Sen. Umeh thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and assured that they will carry out the assignment given to them with utmost

sincerity, honesty and diligence to ensure that the party emerges victorious during the November 6 Anambra governorship election.

Sen. Victor Umeh appealed to all members of the party to give the Committee maximum cooperation to deliver on the job.

Earlier, the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Prof.

Solo Chukwulobelu, said they will do their job judiciously to ensure that no member of the party is left behind or aggrieved.

The Committee has former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Engineer Emeka Sibeudu, as Secretary.

Other members of the Committee are Dr. Mrs. Uju Okeke, former House of Representatives member for Awka North and South, Hon. Anayo Nnebe, Igwe Rowland Odegbo of Nteje, Speaker, Anambra state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Special Adviser to Governor Obiano on Political Matters, Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye.

Anambra State Chairman of APGA, Sir. Norbert Obi, APGA State Secretary, Barr.

Tony Ifeanya, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, as well as the Chief of Staff to Governor Obiano, Chief Primus Odili.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (right) exchanging pleasantries with Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan (left) while Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed looks on (middle), during the visit of North East Governors to the Senate President at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Guber primaries: Ohajimkpo receives certificate of return as NNPP candidate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate in the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, Leonard Emeka Ohajimkpo, has received his certificate of return from the National Chairman, Ambassador Agbo Major, at the party’s national secretariat Abuja on Wednesday 7th July 2021.

Presenting the certificate of return and the party’s flag to Ohajimkpo, Agbo Major expressed confidence that the party would win the governorship election and restore the people’s trust in their government and in the new Nigeria the party advocates.

He charged the candidate to work hard and carry the people along in his grassroots campaign

rooted in the party’s progressive manifesto.

Major noted that Anambra people were eager for a change of leadership in the affairs of the state which he said only NNPP would provide with its dynamic, visionary, purposeful and resourceful candidate, Ohajimkpo, urging the people to vote massively for the party in the November poll.

Responding, Leonard Emeka Ohajimkpo said he would run an issue-based campaign and would justify the confidence the party and Anambra people reposed in him. He said his campaign team had developed a blueprint for the transformation of Anambra State from what he called a service state to an industrial state.

The NNPP flag bearer said if he was voted into office in November

6, he would involve youths in government and empower them as future leaders which would keep them away from crimes and put to an end the insecurity in the state.

He said his campaign team had set up structures across the state and expressed delight at the number of Ndi Anambra that supported his candidacy.

Ohajimkpo said he would adopt the Chinese model of education and technology in reforming Anambra State schools and skills acquisitions which would make the state the industrial hub of Africa and attract foreign investors.

He expressed optimism that he would win the governorship election as the good people of Anambra State wanted a man of integrity to run the affairs

of the state in place of corrupt and recycled politicians with their overbearing godfathers whose actions impeded the developmental strides of the state.

He urged the people to reject them in the November poll.

Ohajimkpo said he would raise the standard of administration of the state with his progressive manifesto which is his social contract with the people. He urged INEC to provide a level playing field for all the political parties and their candidates participating in the election, promising to run an inclusive government if voted into office in November.

The Director General of his campaign, Hon. R.C.D. Nwadavid, who is also the President General of Umuigbo United Assembly said the New Nigeria People’s Party is the party to beat in the November

governorship election and urged the people to identify with the party and vote massively for NNPP for transformational governance.

He said the campaign team would move to every nook and cranny of the state to mobilize citizens to register in the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise and intensify campaign for its candidate, Sir Ohajimkpo who is fully prepared to govern the state and deliver dividends of democracy to the longsuffering people.

Members of the party’s National Working Committee and the campaign team were in attendance during the presentation of the certificate of return and the party’s flag to Ohajimkpo which the national chairman, Agbo Major called a mantle to function effectively in the campaign trails.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

POLITICS

Nigeria in dire need of people of conscience – Gov Makinde

By Christiana Ekpa

G

overnor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said that Nigeria as a country is in dire need of people of conscience to move her forward.

Makinde made this disclosure on Thursday when he received the report of a seven-man reconciliation committee, led by a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The committee was instituted to reconcile all aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West Zone.

Makinde while receiving the report in his office in Ibadan, declared that the country is in dire need of people of conscience to move it forward.

The Governor, who appreciated members of the committee, however, lamented the recent defection of some PDP governors and lawmakers who recently defected to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Makinde, while speaking further, said as a country, Nigeria at this time needed men and women of conscience, who are thinking progressively about this country.

He spoke further by saying that the PDP should get it right in order to serve as a good alternative to the APC. He added that Governors from the Southern part of the country recently met in Lagos to discuss some issues about the progress of the country.

He maintained that the discussions centred on fairness, equity and justice.

Makinde said “I want to thank the Reconciliation Committee for presenting the report. This is a confirmation that when elders are somewhere, they do not do their job halfway but they complete it.

Actually, we have quite a bit to learn from our elders and from how you have done things in the past.

“Between when this committee was set up and now, I believe two governors from the party’s platform have defected to the APC. A number of our lawmakers at the national level; senators, members of the House of Representatives are defecting.

“So, this report is coming at the right time for us to go ahead, look at it and still try to pull our people together irrespective of the outcome of the zonal congress.

The country, as a whole, is in dire need of men and women of conscience, who are thinking progressively about this country.

“That is why, a few days ago, the governors from the southern part of the country came together and, without thinking of party affiliations, we took far-reaching decisions in the interest of this country; in the interest of fairness, equity and justice for everybody in the country.”

I stopped being APC member after 2019 elections – Onochie tells Senate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

nominee for the Federal Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lauretta Onochie, on Thursday said her membership of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) ended after the 2019 general elections.

Onochie was nominated as a Federal Commissioner to represent the South-South Zone of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many Civil Society groups

and the opposition parties had kicked against the nomination of Onochie, who was the Senior Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari in his first tenure.

Aside allegations of being in partisan politics, it was also noted that Onochie hails from Delta State, whereas, a serving Federal Commissioner in INEC also hails from the same state, which negates the Federal Character principle of Nigeria’s Constitution.

During the screening by the Senate Committee on INEC on Thursday, Onochie, who was

drilled by the lawmakers, denied being a member of any political party in Nigeria at the moment.

When quizzed further by former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) and Senator Itsifanus Gyang (Plateau South); Onochie said she discontinued her membership of APC in 2019 and she did not partake in the revalidation of membership of the party held early 2021.

“Like I said, as from 2019, after President Muhammad Buhari was reelected, my duties in politics

ended and it stopped. And all my concern thereafter was to support Mr. President”, Onochie told the Committee.

She also could not refute the affidavit she swore to at a Federal High Court, after she returned from the United Kingdom, where she affirmed that she was an APC member and a member of the Buhari Support Group.

As at the time of filing this report, it was yet to be decided if the nominee should be placed on oath, as suggested by Senator Bamidele Opeyemi (Ekiti North).

APC sues for peace over suspension of six Imo lawmakers

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo has sued for peace following the suspension of six House of Assembly members in the state.

Cajetan Duke, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Imo, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Owerri on Thursday while reacting to the suspension.

Duke described the Assembly as “an independent organ of government”.

He called on the suspended lawmakers to desist from acts capable of jeopardizing their public image and the legislative House.

Duke noted that as law-abiding persons, the party would not only respect the independence of the Assembly but also align with any decisions taken by its leadership.

He said “APC respects the independence of the House of Assembly and supports any disciplinary measures that make for decorum. We urge the suspended lawmakers to resolve issues using internal resolution mechanism.”

He said the nature of the suspension was an indication that it was not a case of the political witchhunt against any political party.

Recall that six members of

the Imo House of Assembly were suspended by the Speaker, Paul Emeziem, for alleged unparliamentary conduct.

Of the six lawmakers, four are members of the ruling APC while the other two are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The suspension led to a rowdy session as the suspended lawmakers reacted violently over the action.

Imo Assembly suspends two PDP, four APC over unparliamentary activities

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Imo State House of Assembly has suspended six members over alleged unparliamentary activities.

The Assembly led by its Speaker, Paul Emeziem, had an emergency seating on Thursday during which the announcement was made.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Collins Osuji, who spoke to journàlists, said that, while the member representing Ideato-north state constituency, Arthur Egwim, was removed as the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Obinna Okwarra of Nkwerre state constituency was replaced.

According to the CPS, “six

members were suspended today during the emergency seating.

“They include two PDP members who are the Minority Leader of the House, Anyadike Nwosu of Ezinnihitte state constituency, Philips Ejiogu who represents Owerri-North state constituency, and four other APC members who are Uche Ogbuagu

of Ikeduru state constituency, Kennedy Ibeh of Obowo state constituency, Dominic Ezerioha of Oru-west state constituency and Onyemeachi Njoku of IhitteUboma state constituency.

“Their removal was announced by the speaker, Rt. Hon. Paul Emeziem during the plenary today.”

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

POLITICS

2023: Why Yahaya Bello is not qualified Senate passes bill to be Nigeria’s President – Adeyanju to amend A Psychiatric Hospitals Act

By Musa Baba Adamu

n Abuja-based activist, Deji Adeyanju, has disclosed why Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is not qualified to become Nigeria’s next president.

Adeyanju explained that Bello is the worst governor in Nigeria, hence is not qualified to become

the country’s next president.

In a tweet, the convener of Concerned Nigerian, also accused Bello of being an enemy of Nigeria’s democracy.

The activist maintained that the governor has severely violated citizens’ human rights in Kogi State, even as he further described the governor as a believer of violence.

According to Adeyanju, “Yahaya bello, not qualified to contest for President of Nigeria because he is the worst governor in Nigeria and an enemy of democracy.

“He has continuously violated citizen’s rights in Kogi by arresting and jailing critics. an advocate of ta ta ta which is why he’s on US visa ban.”

Bello is widely believed to be nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 general election.

The governor’s campaign posters have been sighted in some states of the country.

Reacting to the insinuations, Bello had said at the right time he would make his intentions known to Nigerians.

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate has passed a bill seeking to amend the Psychiatric Hospitals Management Board Act 2004 and to establish the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara state.

The passage of the bill provides a legal framework for already established psychiatric hospitals across the country, and would facilitate the training of specialist personnel.

The bill was passed by the upper chamber after it considered the report of the Health Committee (Secondary and Tertiary).

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe (APC, Kwara Central), in his presentation, recalled that the Psychiatric Hospitals Management Board Act was enacted under the military administration in 1979 with only three hospitals.

“Ever since, there have been some additional ones created in the South-West, South-East, South-South, North-East, NorthWest but without enabling laws to give them legal backing.

“To date, no Psychiatric Hospital is located in the NorthCentral. With the increase in our population in Nigeria, it is timely to establish adequate Psychiatric Hospitals to meet the challenges posed to the citizenry and the country”, Oloriegbe said.

He added that establishing a Federal Neuro-Psychiatric hospital in Budo-Egba, Kwara state, and ensuring that the already long established ones are backed by operating legal framework, would bring specialized healthcare service closer to residents of densely populated urban and rural communities.

L-R: Member representing Alero-Gandu/ Jega Federal Constituency of Kebbi state, Hon. Mohammed Umar Jega and his counterpart from Koko-Besse/ Maiyama of Kebbi state, Hon Shehu Mohammed Koko, briefing the House of Representatives press corps on incorrect figures of Kebbi state farmers to be benefited on Federal Government fertilizers subsidy, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Uzodinma weak, inferior to Southern Governors –Imo PDP

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has expressed worry on Governor Hope Uzodinma’s silence over the recent ban on open grazing by the Southern Governors Forum (SGF).

The opposition party in the state said that the Governor has betrayed his guilt and acute inferiority complex by consciously dissociating himself from the series of meetings held by the Southern Governors Forum.

The party, in a release signed by its Director General of New Media, Collins Opuruzor, accused the

Governor of saddling himself with worthless parties, expensive wines and champagnes while burning regional and national issues are being discussed by duly elected Governors of the Southern states.

According to him, “the Governor has shown his weakness and fear to associate with his fellow Governors.

If not, why has he consciously absent himself from the series of meetings held by the forum.

“When the forum recently held its meeting in Enugu, which is a shouting distance from Imo State, the Governor refused to come.

“Just yesterday, being the 5th of July, another meeting of the

southern Governors was held in Lagos where Jide Sanwo-Olu played host, Senator Hope Uzodinma again was nowhere to be found.

“It is perplexing that while Senator Uzodinma has maintained a suspicious distance from gatherings of duly elected Governors to brainstorm on burning regional and national issues with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges, he has instead saddled himself with parties with expensive wines and champagnes.

“Very recently, he has engaged in forgery, blackmail and propaganda against citizens of his own state. Hardly does a day pass

without his regime concocting fake press releases and photoshopped images of innocent citizens to frame their perceived political enemies.

“Our party considers the decision by Senator Hope Uzodinma never to participate in the affairs of Southern Nigeria, as a pointer to the depth he has sunk deeper in guilt and inferiority complex occasioned by insoluble legitimacy crisis.

“It is unfortunate that Imo state has fallen in the hands of the Governor who had betrayed his illiteracy and insensitivity to the importance of having a functional Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General.

Senate passes bill to allow FCT customary court undertake criminal trials

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Customary Court to undertake the trial of criminal matters.

The bill titled: Federal Capital Territory Customary Court Act, 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Chairman of the Committee, Opeyemi Bamidele, in his presentation, said the primary objective of the bill was to amend

the Federal Capital Territory Customary Court Act, 2007.

According to the lawmaker, the bill when signed into law by the President, seeks to, among other things, “expand the jurisdiction of the court to include the trial of criminal matters in order to Seck of the dockets of magistrate courts in the Federal Capital Territory.”

“On the whole, the amendment is intended to promote timely dispensation of justice”, the lawmaker added.

Bamidele recalled that stakeholders at the public hearing on the bill, supported its passage stating that its introduction is a welcome development that would reduce the quorum of the FCT Customary Court for

speedy trials.

He emphasised that the stakeholders were of the view that, “the criminal jurisdiction being sought through this bill, is appropriate and acceptable as all Judges of the Court are legal practitioners who are competent to sit over criminal matters and as well knowledgeable in customary law.”

The lawmaker observed that they further contended that the court, as presently constituted, has the capacity in terms of infrastructure and manpower to accommodate the proposed expansion of criminal jurisdiction, if the statutory constraint is removed by ensuring that one Judge, instead of three sits on a case.

“This will position the court for efficiency

in fulfilling the requirement of determination of matters within a reasonable period, as provided in section 36(1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.

Bamidele posited that the passage of the bill would translate to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) profile for the Government in view of the cosmopolitan nature of the Federal Capital Territory, which inevitably, would increase demand for efficient and effective justice delivery.

He stressed that the amendment of the Customary Court Act would have consequential effect of a deemed amendment to Section 494 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and Section 4 of the FCT High Court Act, Cap. 510.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

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Stock Close Gain UPL 1.14 0.13 LIVESTOCK 0.52 0.01 SOVRENINS 0.21 0.03 OKOMUOIL 60.00 1.80 GUARANTY 23.50 0.55

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0.11 0.21 0 0.21 0.21 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.43 0.43 0 0.43 0.43 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 1.05 2.05 261 2.05 2.05 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 124.80 184.80 0 184.80 184.80 MOBIL 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 970 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 3.50 3.50 0 3.50 3.50 NAHCO 0.00 0 18.00 18.00 0 18.00 18.00 NASCON 0.00 0 78.50 78.70 0 79.50 79.50 NB 0.80 0 0.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.78 NEIMETH 0.00 0 2.60 2.60 0 2.60 2.60 NEM 0.00 0 552.20 552.20 150 552.20 552.20 NESF 0.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 1.60 1.65 0 1.60 1.60 NPFMCRFBK -0.05 0 4.60 4.80 0 4.60 4.75 OANDO -0.20 0 80.00 76.20 0 80.00 80.00 OKOMUOIL 3.80 0 64.00 64.00 0 64.00 64.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 12.30 12.30 0 12.30 12.30 PZ 0.00 0 4.20 4.20 0 4.20 4.20 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.20 0.21 0 0.20 0.21 REGALINS -0.01 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 RESORTSAL 0.00 0 0.21 0.23 0 0.21 0.22 ROYALEX -0.02 0 640.00 640.00 405 640.00 640.00 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.21 0.21 SOVRENINS 0.01 0 46.50 46.00 0 46.50 46.50 STANBIC 0.50 0 102.00 102.00 122 102.00 102.00 STANBICETF30 0.00 0 1.97 1.96 0 1.97 1.97 STERLNBANK 0.01 0 203.00 203.00 0 203.00 203.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 6.10 6.10 632 6.10 6.10 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.15 1.21 0 1.16 1.18 TRANSCORP -0.05 0 9.60 9.60 0 9.60 9.60 UACN 0.00 0 1.74 1.92 0 1.74 1.74 UAC-PROP -0.18 0 7.60 7.80 0 7.90 7.95 UBA 0.10 0 6.00 6.05 0 6.00 6.05 UBN -0.05 0 2.89 2.94 0 2.89 2.91 UCAP -0.05 0 36.30 37.00 0 36.30 36.30 UNILEVER -0.70 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.27 0.27 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 1.00 0.99 0 1.00 1.00 UNITYBNK 0.01 0 2.04 1.97 0 2.14 2.14 UPL 0.17 0 0.23 0.23 0 0.23 0.23 VERITASKAP 0.00 0 4.50 4.99 0 4.50 4.50 VITAFOAM -0.49 0 11.30 11.50 0 11.30 11.65 WAPCO -0.20 0 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.40 WAPIC 0.00 0 0.59 0.61 0 0.59 0.61 WEMABANK -0.02 0 21.20 22.70 0 21.70 22.50 ZENITHBANK -1.00 0 Copyright © 2019 NgTradeOnline

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FIRS appoints Commercial Banks to freeze, recover N1.8trn from Multichoice

By Etuka Sunday

T

he FIRS has appointed some commercial banks as agents to recover the sum of N1.8 trillion from accounts of Messrs MultiChoice Nigeria Limited (MCN) And MultiChoice Africa (MCA).

This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami.

The statement confirmed that the decision to appoint the banks as agents and to freeze the accounts was as a result of the group’s continued refusal to grant FIRS access to its servers for audit.

It was discovered that the companies persistently breached all agreements and undertakings with the Service, they would not promptly respond to correspondences, they lack data integrity and are not transparent as they continually deny FIRS access to their records.

Particularly, MCN has avoided giving the FIRS accurate information on the number of its subscribers and income.

The companies are involved in the under-remittance of taxes which necessitated a critical review of the taxcompliance level of the company. e statement added that the group’s performance does not reflect in its tax obligations and compliance level in Nigeria. The level of non-compliance by Multi-Choice Africa (MCA), the parent Company of Multi-Choice Nigeria (MCN) is very alarming.

The parent company, which provides services to MCN has never paid Value Added Tax (VAT) since its inception.

The issue with Tax collection in Nigeria, especially from foreign-based Companies conducting businesses in Nigeria and making massive profits is frustrating and infuriating to the

NCC dismisses report of 3m New Lines in Q1 despite ban on SIM Card sale

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed an online media report alleging that mobile telephony subscriptions in Nigeria some how grew by 3,000,000 new subscribers in the first quarter of 2021, despite the suspension on the registration of new subscribers which took effect from December 9, 2020 and was only lifted in May, 2021.

NCC said, the Ericsson Mobility Report cited in the online publication was essentially a forecast of trends based on Ericsson’s analysis and does not refer to the NCC or any official channel as source for its data and/or projections.

“It is therefore inaccurate that Nigeria recorded 3million new lines in the 1st Quarter of 2021 as stated in the media report.

“We wish to use this opportunity to clarify that the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Bureau of Statistics are the only authoritative sources of authentic data

Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Regrettably, Companies come into Nigeria just to infringe on our tax laws by indulging in tax evasion.

There is no doubt that broadcasting, telecommunications and the cablesatellite industries have changed the face of communication in Nigeria.

However, when it comes to tax compliance, some companies are found wanting. They do with impunity in Nigeria what they dare not try in their countries of origin.

The statement further confirmed that Nigeria contributes 34% of total revenue for the Multi-Choice group.

The next to Nigeria from intelligence gathering is Kenya with 11%, and Zambia is in 3rd place with 10%. The rest of Africa where they have presence accounts for 45% of the group’s total revenue.

Information currently

at the disposal of FIRS has revealed a tax liability for relevant years of assessment for N1,822,923,909,313.94 (One trillion, eight hundred and twenty-two billion, nine hundred and twentythree million, nine hundred and nine thousand, three hundred and thirteen naira, ninety-four kobo only) and $342,531,206 (Three hundred and forty-two million, five hundred and thirty-one thousand, two hundred and six dollars only).

Under FIRS powers in Section 49 of the Companies Income Tax Act Cap C21 LFN 2004 as amended, Section 41 of the Value Added Tax Act Cap V1 LFN 2004 as amended and Section 31 of the FIRS (Establishment) Act No. 13 of 2007, all bankers to MCA & MCN in Nigeria were therefore appointed as Collecting Agents for the full recovery of the aforesaid tax debt.

In this regard, the affected banks

are required to sweep balances in each of the above-mentioned entities’ accounts and pay the same in full or part settlement of the companies’ respective tax debts until FULL recovery. This should be done before the execution of any transaction involving the companies or any of their subsidiaries.

It is further requested that the Federal Inland Revenue Service be informed of any transactions before EXECUTION on the account, especially transfers of funds to any of their subsidiaries.

The Executive Chairman, FIRS concluded that it is important that Nigeria puts a stop to all tax frauds that have been going on for too long.

All Companies must be held accountable and made to pay their fair share of relevant taxes including back duty taxes owed, especially VAT for which they are ordinarily agents of collection.

on the Nigerian telecommunications sector. Indeed, the Commission is well aware of the critical need to make accurate and up-to-date data available to all Stakeholders.

“Indeed, as a matter of corporate policy and consistent with international best practice, relevant data and statistics are transparently reported and regularly updated on the Commission’s website (< https://www.ncc.gov.ng/ statistics-reports/industry-overview >) for free use by interested Stakeholders.

“The Commission encourages all Stakeholders to visit its website for authentic data on the sector and to refer all doubts to its Public Affairs Department to avoid unnecessary controversy and/or inadvertently misleading other Stakeholders who may rely on such reports.

“The Commission also urges Stakeholders to disregard any information on subscriber data different from those presented in the Commission’s website”, the statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde said.

NCC, Judges brainstorm on ways to adjudicate rise in telecoms conflicts

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Judges from across the country converged on Abuja to brainstorm on legal and regulatory issues in the telecommunications industry.

Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta in his welcome address at the 2021 Annual Workshop for Judges said, the event would equip the Judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications.

“The aim of this forum is to further build the capacity of our distinguished Judges with practical insights into emerging issues in the field of telecommunications”, he said.

Recall, the Workshop, organised annually by NCC, was conceptualized long ago and has held for 18 consecutive years to bring the judiciary up to speed with emerging issues in telecommunications.

The objective is to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to dispense justice in telecommunications cases from an informed position oriented in appropriate and contemporary knowledge.

Ownership of online content and materials, digital presence and online identity are among the numerous legal issues to be deliberated upon at the workshop.

Flanked by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Dr. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad and Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Roseline Bozimo; Prof.

Danbatta expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to the development of telecommunications law in Nigeria.

He therefore, urged the Judges to freely make contributions and raise issues that would assist the Commission come up with adequate regulatory

measures that would enhance development in the Communications sector of the economy.

Declaring the Workshop open, Hon. Justice Dr. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad assured that the Nigerian Judiciary was committed to the development of the telecommunications sector and would spare no effort in ensuring transparent and speedy dispensation of justice.

Representated by Justice John Okoro, the CJN expressed confidence that the forum would further equip Judicial Officers with the legal and technical skills required for adjudicating disputes in this special area of the law, and in so doing, keep them abreast with global best practices.

“This workshop essentially avails the participants an opportunity to rub minds on current challenges confronting the telecom sector.

“I have no doubt that this forum will further equip Judicial Officers with the legal and technical skills required

for adjudicating disputes in this special area of the law, and in so doing, keep them abreast with global best practices.

“I must commend the Nigerian Communications Commission for rising up to the occasion in its bid to protect consumers from unfair practices by service providers.

“The Judiciary on its part will not rest on its oars, as we will continue to interpret the relevant laws in line with extant provisions of the Law. “Let me assure you that the Nigerian Judiciary is committed to the development of the telecommunications sector and will spare no effort in ensuring transparent and speedy dispensation of justice.

“In this light, investors and stakeholders in the sector will be assured that their assets and investments are secured”, he said.

Earlier, the Administrator, NJI, Hon. Justice Bozimo said, the Workshop, over the years has exposed Judicial Officers to the rudiments of legal issues and technical aspects of the

sector in order to keep them abreast of International Best Practices.

She said, the workshop will deliberate on such issues as: i. Developing Telecommunications Law. Jurisprudence and Judicial Precedents; ii. An X-ray of the Nigeria Communications Act 2003; iii. Adjudicating Conflicts in the Era of Digital Presence and Online Identity; iv. Liability and Attribution of Ownership of Online Content and Materials; v. Cyber Security and Safe Use of the Internet in Nigeria; vi. Social Media Platforms as Channels for Service of Court Processes and its Challenges; vii. Online Financial Fraud Gatekeeper: The Platform Owner or the Service Provider; viii. Data Harmonization and Integrity: Linkage of SIM and NIN Data.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Page 20

ICT

Durban announced as new host of Intra-African Trade Fair 2021

By Etuka Sunday

T

he second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021) has been rescheduled to take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 15 to 21 November 2021. The Trade Fair was previously due to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from 8 to 14 December 2021.

The decision to move the Trade Fair to Durban was made by the Advisory Council of IATF2021 at its 10th meeting held virtually on 25 May 2021. This decision was arrived at after formal consultations with the Government of Rwanda, who indicated that logistical constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic had adversely affected the progress of construction of a new facility to host the event.

Commenting on the decision, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, IATF2021 Advisory Council Chairman and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, commended the Government of Rwanda, Afreximbank, the AU, the AfCFTA Secretariat and

all IATF stakeholders for showing great resilience in adapting to the uncertain environment arising from the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

“We have once again been able to shoulder the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting all sectors worldwide and forcing Governments, corporates and individuals to take unprecedented measures to ensure public safety and keep economies running,” said Chief Obasanjo.

“Relocating IATF2021 to Durban saves us time on the calendar and will enable African countries and corporates, as part of their recovery strategy, to take full advantage of the Trade Fair, which is also an important component of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement under which trading commenced this year.

“Having undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the measures that are being taken by the AU and Afreximbank under the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) as well

as other initiatives to procure vaccines for the continent, we believe that a significant number of people would have been vaccinated by November and this will allow us to have a successful event.

We will continue working with the Government of South Africa to ensure that all the COVID-19 measures are complied with during the Trade Fair as the safety of both residents and visitors is paramount.

“We congratulate the Government of the Republic of South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and thank them for the swift efforts that are being made to ensure that IATF2021 safely accommodates the growing number of participating governments, exhibitors, buyers, conference delegates, and visitors that have confirmed their participation in the event,” added Chief Obasanjo.

Welcoming the conference, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Sihle Zikalala said: “As KwaZuluNatal, we are honoured to host this important gathering of the world as we implement our

own Economic Reconstruction, Recovery and Transformation Plan. Our approach is to carefully balance the protection of lives against promoting and sustaining livelihoods.

“Based on plans announced by our President Cyril Ramaphosa on rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination programme in South Africa, we will be ready in November to host our brothers and sisters in Durban for this Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021),” said Premier Zikalala.

“We look forward to welcoming the delegates to the Trade Fair. This gathering is one of the most significant strategic interventions to remind us of our interconnectedness, and of the urgent need to promote intra-Africa trade to reignite economic opportunities and create much-needed jobs for all our people. In this regard we applaud the IATF2021 Advisory Council under the leadership of former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for this bold decision as we soldier forward to a better Africa for all,” added Premier Zikalala.

Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, Executive Commissioner Legal & Enforcement Securities and Exchange Commission Mr Reginald Karawusa , Head Legal SEC Mrs Anastasia Braimoh and Head Registration Exchanges, Market Infrastructure and Innovation Department SEC Mr Emomotimi Agama during a Meeting between The SEC and APCON in Abuja yesterday.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

METRO

Page 21

Cholera outbreak: Health officers take sensitisation to FCT stakeholders

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s part of the proactive measures to tackle the sudden outbreak of Cholera in some suburb / urban slums communities in and around some of the area councils of the FCT, the Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) has commenced sanitisation/advocacy visit to the heads of key management agencies in the Territory.

In particular, HHSS officials identified and met with key stakeholders such as Abuja Environmental protection Board

(AEPB), FCT Water Board and the management of FCT Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), towards curtailing the outbreak in some affected rural communities in the FCT. Explaining the exercise, HHSS’s Acting Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Kawu said the purpose for the proactive team is to sensitise and have advocacy meeting with stakeholders AEPB, water Board and RUWSSA, in a collaborative effort as the Administration is interested in bringing to an end to the outbreak.

Kawu said the Secretariat intends to create an attitudinal change toward proper sanitation, hand wash and good food hygiene that will improve health and well being of citizens of the Territory.

He noted that Cholera is an acute diarrheal diseases that affect both children and adults, it courses nausea, vomiting, water stools and weakness and could lead to death from dehydration if not properly treated.

Giving the situation report, the Acting Director, FCT Public Health Department, Dr. Saddiq Abdulraheem said about six

suspected affected persons are confirmed cases, and thirty six deaths.

He however, the data keep changing, the Department and other relevant agencies are receiving reports on hourly and daily basis, from the Area councils.

According to him, “at the end of this segment he said the secretariat have received call from five area councils. Abaji is the only area council that is not yet reported, which may not be the true picture.”

Similarly, Dr. Theresa Nwachukwu of the Public

Health Department noted that Cholera kills about 80% of affected persons, if not properly managed.

It was learnt that some of the hot spots of the cholera outbreak indicate poor water supply communities and activities of open defecation are taking place, whereby bacterial can be washed into the stream water used by urban slums community.

The sensitisation team comprises the whole body of health representatives in FCT including the representative of World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Furera Muhammed.

SEC issues Interoperability Framework among CSDs

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an Interoperability/Financial Markets Infrastructure Link Framework among Central Securities Depositories to enhance the efficiency of trading and settlement functions as well as align the market with international best practices.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Management of the Commission in Abuja weekend.

Interoperability means the technical and/or legal compatibility that enables a system or mechanism to be used in conjunction with other systems or mechanisms.

According to the SEC, the Nigerian capital market has witnessed remarkable growth in the last few years in terms of size, market participants and tradable instruments. This has impacted the market structure in terms of composition and interconnectedness.

In the secondary market particularly, there are currently multiple trading platforms and Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs) which provide comparative services in depository,

trading, clearing and settlement activities.

“Consequently, Interoperability arrangement has become necessary in order to enhance the efficiency of trading and settlement functions as well as align the market with international best practices.

“According to the Committee on Payments & Market Infrastructures and International Organization of Securities Commissions (CPMIIOSCO) Principles on FMIs, FMI link is a set of contractual and operational arrangements between two or more FMIs that connect the FMIs directly or through an intermediary. The Interoperability arrangement will potentially liberalize trading and settlement activities, enhance efficient deployment of capital as well as cost effectiveness in the market.

The SEC stated that it is in this regard and the need to ensure the efficiency of the market and the protection of investors that the framework is being issued, adding that “in the Interoperability arrangement, as recommended by the CPMI-IOSCO Principles for FMIs, relevant provisions have been made for identification,

monitoring and management of interlink risks by the respective CSDs with the overall objective of reduction in systemic risks”.

“This framework is being issued in line with the mandate of the Commission to regulate the capital market with the objective of ensuring protection of investors, maintaining fair and efficient market as well as reduction of potential systemic risks in trading, clearing and settlement ecosystem.

In this regard, the Commission states that all Securities Exchanges and Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) are required to comply with the following: Take necessary steps to put in place requisite infrastructure and systems for implementation of the framework, including any amendments to the relevant rules and regulations; Bring to the attention of their members and Participants the provisions of this framework as well as publish the same on their websites; as well as communicate to the Commission, the status of implementation of the provisions of this framework within three months of the date of issuance of the framework; As part of the interoperability

Requirements CSDs shall: establish a peer-to-peer link to facilitate Interoperability with each other and put in place the required infrastructure, systems, processes and risk management for the effective operation of the interoperable arrangement and not subject each other to normal Participants (membership) rules; allow for fair and open access to their services based on reasonable risk related access requirements; and have adequate reconciliation procedures to ensure that their respective records are accurate and current; The Commission said the interoperable arrangement shall allow investors and Participants settle fixed income securities on a beneficial ownership basis through any CSD in which they maintain CSD account(s) irrespective of the Issuer CSD in which the securities are domiciled and/or the investor CSD account of the counterparty; Investors shall have the option to maintain any CSD account(s) in a single CSD of their choice or maintain any CSD account(s) in multiple CSDs of their choice or consolidate any existing CSD account(s) into a single CSD

of their choice and execute a trade across multiple Exchanges under the interoperable arrangement provided that the fixed income securities are listed on the respective multiple Exchanges. Consolidation of any CSD account(s) shall be subject to relevant KYC due diligence requirements and on the basis of beneficial owner authorization; Also, participants shall have the choice to maintain any CSD account(s)/ membership in a single CSD of their choice or maintain any CSD account(s)/membership in multiple CSDs of their choice or consolidate any existing CSD account(s)/membership on the basis of beneficial ownership into a single CSD of their choice and execute a trade across multiple Exchanges under the interoperable arrangement provided that the fixed income securities are listed on the respective multiple Exchanges; while investors and Participants shall under the interoperable arrangement settle their trades successfully irrespective of the Securities Exchange where the trade is executed provided that the fixed income securities are listed on the respective multiple Exchanges.

A cross-section of participants at the Sensitisation programme on Human Right Sexual Based Violence and Human Trafficking organized by Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday (8/7/21).

FCTA seeks partnership with Afreximbank to boost infrastructure, power

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged the African Export Import Bank, (Afreximbank), to support the FCT Administration in the provision of infrastructure, especially in the powering of street and traffic lights within the nation’s capital city.

Bello, said with support from the bank, the FCTA could explore possibility of electricity generation, noting that Nigerian laws made provisions for the Eligible Customer that consumes electricity in excess of 2 megawatts to independently source for electricity.

He made this known during

a recent visit by a delegation of the pan-African multilateral trade finance institution with its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, led by its President and Chairman, Board of Directors, Professor Benedict O. Oramah to the FCTA. The Minister, who received the delegation, expressed his excitement about the bank’s plans to construct an African Medical Center of Excellence, in Abuja.

He noted that establishment of the Medical Centre in Abuja, will not only attract people seeking medical attention within the African continent to the Center, but also reduce medical tourism from Nigeria.

Bello, who commended

Afreximbank for its various projects and investments in the FCT said, “We feel highly honoured with your tangible presence in respect of the projects you are doing here and we look forward to your investments either directly or as an enabler.

“Because as you know, Abuja itself is a city that started from scratch and it’s a work in progress. So, we want enablers like you.

“The power laws in Nigeria now allows for what we call Eligible Customer. Once your consumption is up to two megawatts and obviously the consumption of the city is far above two megawatts, that allows us to create a solution

that is off grid, and then of course we look at renewable options”.

Speaking earlier, Afreximbank’s President, Professor Benedict Oramah said the bank’s team was in the FCTA to brief the Minister on the progress made on the construction of the African Medical Center of Excellence and the African Trade Center in Abuja.

He also commended the FCT Minister for the tremendous support the bank has enjoyed from the FCTA, especially as it begins to implement some of its initiatives in Nigeria that are based in Abuja.

Similarly, the Bank’s Director Export Development and Ag.

Director Project and Asset Based Finance, Oluranti Doherty, said the bank was working closely with leading international medical, human resource and construction consultants and expressed optimism that the ground breaking ceremony will be carried out by November of 2021.

It was gathered that the FCT Minister, had in May last year presented the Certificate of Occupancy of the land for the African Medical Center of Excellence to be situated in the proposed Abuja Medical City Development Project, to Mr. Abdoulaye Kone, Afreximbank’s Regional Chief Operating Officer, Anglophone West Africa.

Page 22

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Tokyo Olympics: Fans largely barred as Covid emergency declared

T

he Olympic Games in Japan will be held without spectators at venues in and around the capital after a spike in coronavirus infections.

Olympics Minister Tamayo Marukawa made the announcement after talks with officials and organisers on Thursday.

A state of emergency in Tokyo will run throughout the Games, to combat coronavirus.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters it would run from 12 July and remain in place until 22 August.

Bars and restaurants will not be allowed to serve alcohol and must close by 20:00 (11:00 GMT).

Venues in Tokyo and other areas near the capital city will not be allowed to hold events with fans during the Games.

But stadiums in the regions of Fukushima, Miyagi and Shizuoka will be permitted to have spectators up to 50% of capacity and up to 10,000 people.

Coronavirus infections are rising in Tokyo as the 23 July opening ceremony edges closer.

There has been widespread opposition to the Games in Japan, with calls for them to be postponed or cancelled.

After meeting government officials, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said: “It is regrettable that we are delivering the Games in a very limited format, facing the spread of coronavirus infections.

The state of emergency will last until 22 August “I am sorry to those who purchased tickets and everyone in local areas.”

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said that holding Olympic events without spectators was “heart-breaking” for those who wanted to attend. It was not immediately clear if refunds will be made available to some or all ticketholders.

Mr Suga announced the state of emergency in Tokyo earlier in the

day.

“Taking into consideration the effect of coronavirus variants and not to let the infections spread again to the rest of the nation, we need to strengthen our countermeasures,” the prime minister said.

The state of emergency was announced after a meeting between the organising committee, the government and the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, who has just arrived

in Japan.

The Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in the Japanese capital between 23 July and 8 August. The Paralympic Games are between 24 August and 5 September.

What’s happening with Covid in Japan?

A new wave of infections began in April, but overall the country has had relatively low case numbers and a death toll of around 14,900.

On Wednesday, there were 2,180 new cases reported in the country. Some 920 of those were in Tokyo, up from 714 last week and its highest since 1,010 on 13 May. Japan’s vaccination rollout has been slow, and just over 15% of the country is fully vaccinated. There is rising concern over the threat of the Delta variant.

In Tokyo and Osaka, the two cities hit hardest by the recent surge, authorities hope over-65s will be fully vaccinated by the end of July.

Entry to Japan by foreigners from 159 countries - including the UK - is currently banned.

Do people in Japan want the Olympics?

There is lots of opposition to the Games, which have already been postponed by a year because of Covid-19 and have experienced setbacks, including massive budget overruns. media caption’If people are not feeling safe, then it’s a really big cause for concern’ A June poll in the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper suggested more than 80% of the population wanted the Games cancelled or postponed.

The paper also called for them to be cancelled.

Public spectator sites have been scrapped and companies have been hesitant about advertising related to the Olympics because of the widespread opposition to them.

Jovenel Moïse: Police kill four after Haiti’s president assassinated

A

deadly gun battle between police and the men suspected of assassinating Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse has been raging in Port-au-Prince.

Police chief Léon Charles said four suspects had been killed and two detained but some remained at large and a manhunt was still under way.

“They will be killed or captured,” the police chief said.

Mr Moïse, 53, was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday.

Police chief Charles described dramatic scenes as officers confronted the alleged assassins.

“We blocked [the suspects] en route as they left the scene of the crime,” he told a news conference.

“Since then, we have been battling with them.”

Officials say the suspects are well armed and took three police officers hostage. The three have since been freed.

Mr Charles urged residents to stay indoors for their own safety.

Haiti’s ambassador to the US, Bocchit Edmond, later said that more than 20 “mercenaries” had been arrested.

• 11 millioninhabitants • 59%percentage who live below the poverty line • 2004-2017years in which a UN peacekeeping force was present • 200,000number of people killed in the 2010 earthquake

Source: BBC Monitoring Brazen attack The acting prime minister, Claude Joseph, has described Haiti as being “in shock” after the killing of Mr Moïse.

Heavily armed assassins stormed the president’s home in the hills above Port-au-Prince at around 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Wednesday.

Mr Moïse died at the scene.

The president’s body had 12 bullet wounds, Magistrate Carl Henry Destin told Le Nouvelliste newspaper.

The president’s office and bedroom were ransacked and he was found lying on his back, covered in blood, the magistrate said.

First Lady Martine Moïse, 47, has been flown to Florida where she is said to be in a critical but stable condition.

The couple’s three children, Jomarlie, Jovenel Jr and Joverlein, are reportedly in a “safe location”, officials said.

Mr Destin said that Jomarlie had survived by hiding in her brother’s room, while two domestic staff members had been tied up by the attackers.

What do we know about the gunmen?

Police chief Charles gave no further details of the attackers or what their motive may have been.

Ambassador Edmond told the NTN24 channel: “They are

Jovenel Moïse was killed when Port-au-Prince mercenaries; they were paid for this job of coming to assassinate the president and we hope that they will reveal for whom it was they were working.”

He said he believed more than 20 people had been detained but added: “We’re continuing with the search so we get them all.”

Mr Joseph had earlier said the attackers were “foreigners who spoke English and Spanish”.

Haiti’s official languages are Creole and French. Haiti’s communications minister later said there were Haitians among the suspects.

Video released after the shooting purports to show heavily armed men dressed in black outside the residence shouting in English: “DEA [US Drug

attackers stormed his home in Enforcement Administration] operations, everybody stay down!”

Mr Edmond said that while the attackers had disguised themselves as US drugs agents, he believed there was “no way” they really were US agents.

Streets deserted amid fear Haitians mostly heeded the call by the interim prime minister to remain calm and stay indoors.

Mr Joseph has declared a two-week state of emergency, which allows for the banning of gatherings and use of the military for police roles, along with other extensions of executive powers.

The UN Security Council is set to hold a closed-door meeting later on Thursday. It has condemned the assassination, calling on all parties to remain calm and avoid

further instability.

World leaders also condemned the killing. Pope Francis said it was a “heinous murder”.

Rival claims Even before President Moïse’s assassination, the situation in Haiti was marked by instability and there had been widespread protests demanding his resignation.

Parliamentary elections should have been held in October 2019 but disputes delayed them, meaning Mr Moïse had been ruling by decree.

During his four years in office, the president had six prime ministers and on Monday, a day before he was killed, he had nominated a seventh, Ariel Henry.

But Mr Henry had not yet been sworn in, leaving his predecessor, Claude Joseph, in charge.

Uncertainty about who should now govern the country is rife.

Mr Joseph has said he will take control until elections can be held. But in an interview with Le Nouvelliste on Wednesday, Mr Henry insisted he and not Mr Joseph was the prime minister.

Haiti’s constitution says the president of the Supreme Court should take over in the event of a presidential vacancy. However, Chief Justice René Sylvestre died of Covid-19 weeks ago.

The US said it believed elections should go ahead this year, to bring about a peaceful transfer of power.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

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N EWS F R O M A F R I C A

River Nile dam: Why Ethiopia can’t stop it being filled

T

he long-running dispute between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over a massive hydroelectric dam being built on the River Nile shows no sign of being resolved. On Thursday, the UN Security Council is due to discuss it for the first time, as some fear it could lead to conflict.

Egypt and Sudan have both complained that Ethiopia has acted unilaterally for a second year and begun to fill up the reservoir behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd).

Egypt, which relies almost entirely on the Nile for its water supply, sees this as an existential issue. Last year, Sudan’s water supply was disrupted by the filling of the dam, while Ethiopia sees it as a way to bring electricity to millions of its citizens.

In a statement earlier this week Egypt and Sudan accused Ethiopia of acting unilaterally over the filling and having “bad intentions” suggesting the dam was being filled deliberately.

But this gives the false impression that filling up the dam is like filling up a bath - and that Ethiopia can turn a tap on and off at will.

Can’t it be stopped?

No. The reservoir behind the dam will fill naturally during the Blue Nile’s rainy season, which has already begun and lasts until September.

Given the stage that the construction is at, “engineeringwise, physics-wise there is no way to stop the filling now” until the water level reaches the top of the dam wall, Manchester University’s Mohammed Basheer, who has been studying the Gerd for the past decade, told the BBC. This is because more water is entering the dam site than the

This photo shows the dam at the end of the 2019 rainy season

From the start of the process in 2011, the dam has been built around the Blue Nile as it continued to flow through the enormous building site.

Builders worked on the vast structures on either side of the river without any problem. In the middle, during the dry season, the river was diverted through culverts, or pipes, to allow that section to be built up.

Much of the middle section is now complete and each year more will be added until about 2024 when it will be at 640m above sea level. The river bed at the dam site is around 509m above sea level.

What’s the next stage?

In the first year, the Gerd retained 4 billion cubic metres (bcm) of water, taking it up to the height of the lowest point on the dam wall at that time.

On average, the total annual flow of the Blue Nile at the Gerd site is 49bcm, but last year saw a 100year record for the peak daily flow of water, indicating that only a small fraction of that annual water volume was held back.

Although the dam engineering means the reservoir would have filled up last year anyway, Ethiopia sped up the process by closing three of the four diversion outlets at the bottom of the dam wall, Mr Basheer says.

This year the initial idea was to add a further 13.5bcm but satellite images analysed recently by Sudan suggest that the dam wall has not been built as high as first planned, which would mean more water

would pass through.

However, a note from Ethiopia’s water ministry to Sudan sent earlier this week indicated that the dam was still on course for holding back the same amount as originally planned.

In the dry season the reservoir will recede a bit, allowing for the dam wall to be built up and in the third year more water will be retained.

Ethiopia says it will take a further four to six years to fill up the reservoir to its maximum flood season capacity of 74bcm. At that point, the lake that will be created could stretch back some 250km (155 miles) upstream.

Between each subsequent flood season the reservoir will be lowered to 49.3bcm.

Why is Egypt unhappy?

Egypt sees the Gerd as having the potential to threaten its very existence. Its near-total reliance on the Nile for water means it is very

group’s total revenue comes from Nigeria, Multichoice, which is based in South Africa, has refused to grant it access to its servers to allow officials to carry out an audit, according to head of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Firs), Muhammed Nami.

In response, Multichoice said that while it had “not received

any notification from Firs, [the company] respects and is comfortable that it complies with the tax laws of Nigeria”.

“We have been and are currently in discussion with Firs regarding their concerns and believe that we will be able to resolve the matter amicably.”

Firs has directed banks in the

country to help it recover the money it believes the company owes the government.

Multichoice owns satellite company DStv and cable company GoTV, making it the most popular television service provider in Nigeria.

It is not the first time a South African company with a large

volume of water that can physically pass through the two open outlets in the dam wall (60-110 million cubic metres a day).

Explore the Nile with 360 video Alastair Leithead and his team travelled in 2018 from the Blue Nile’s source to the sea - through Ethiopia and Sudan into Egypt.

nervous about what could happen upstream.

Egypt wants a guarantee of a certain volume of water.

During the filling process, Egypt can compensate for a loss of water by releasing more from the High Aswan Dam, but the concern comes once the Gerd is fully operational.

When the filling stage is over, Ethiopia is reluctant to be tied to a figure of how much water to release.

Its priority will be to make sure there is enough water to operate what will become the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa.

In years of normal, or above average, rainfall that should not be a problem, but Egypt is nervous about what might happen during a prolonged drought that could last several years.

In that case, if Ethiopia holds back water in the Gerd then the levels in the High Aswan Dam will start to fall.

And there is also a question over the refilling schedules of the other dams on the Nile following a drought.

What about Sudan?

In the past 12 months Sudan’s rhetoric about the dam has moved from being broadly welcoming to being suspicious and belligerent.

Mr Basheer thinks it can be traced back to last year’s filling of the dam.

The Gerd, in theory, could help regulate the flow of the Blue Nile and make Sudan less prone to floods.

But last year, Sudan was taken by surprise when Ethiopia shut three of the four diversion outlets for the water.

This led to lower levels downstream which disrupted Sudan’s pumping stations for irrigation and municipal water supply.

Nigeria freezes Multichoice accounts over tax bill

T

he Nigerian government has frozen the accounts of Africa’s largest entertainment group, Multichoice, citing tax fraud and a lack of transparency about the number of its subscribers and income.

The country’s tax office wants to recover up to $4.4bn (£3.2bn).

It says even though 34% of the

operation in Nigeria has run into hot water here.

In 2015, the Nigerian subsidiary of South African telecommunications giant MTN was fined $5.2bn by the government for failure to disconnect 5.2 million unregistered SIM cards. A reduction was later negotiated to $3.4bn.

Source: bbc

Zuma hands self to police to begin 15-month jail sentence

By Paul Ejime

U

nder fire former South African President Jocab Zuma, finally surrendered himself to the police late Wednesday after failing in his legal and political attempts to delay serving the 15-month sentence imposed on him by the Constitutional Court last week.

The apex court found Zuma, 79, guilty of contempt for failing to appear to answer corruption charges during his time in office (2013-18).

In handing down the 15-month jail sentence last Friday, the court gave him three days to report himself to the police or be arrested

by mid-night Wednesday.

Defiant Zuma had rallied political support with his supporters forming a “human shield” in his home in Kwazulu Natal province. He also launched legal challenges at a High Court and the Constititional Court aimed at setting aside the prison sentence.

The High Court heard application on Tuesday haad reserved ruling until Friday, the same day that the Constititional Court is also expected to hear his appeal. aBut having anticipated failure from the attempts, the former anti-apartheid hero, changed his mind and decided to turn himself

over to the police.

Senior poilice officers were at his residence for several hours, apparently for negotiations of the modalities before he was driven off in a police vehicle to a nearby prison to begin his jail term.

It is unclear what prompted Zuma’s change of mind, but the development is seen as both a political humiliation for the once revered hero, and victory to judicial independence and democracy on South Africa.

Zuma still has other legal troubles with several corruption cases pending against him in courts, including arms deal dating from the 1990s and the infamous Former South African President Jocab Zuma Gupta “state capture” scandal.

PAGE 24

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The growing Gulf rivalry that’s pushing up oil prices

A

bitter public rift between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia over oil production quotas this week caused talks between the world’s biggest oil-producing nations to be abandoned and left energy markets in limbo, pushing oil prices to a six-year high.

The 23 nations in Opec+, which comprises the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries cartel and allied producers like Russia, had to postpone their negotiations indefinitely, raising fears about its stability of a group that has deftly handled supplies over the past 18 months to cope with the coronavirus-related global economic crisis.

The problem began last week, when the UAE rejected a proposal by Opec+ leaders Saudi Arabia and Russia to extend output curbs for another eight months.

The UAE wanted to renegotiate its current baseline - the level from which production cuts or increases are calculated - to give it freedom to pump out more oil. However, Saudi Arabia and Russia were against doing so.

The negotiations took an unusual turn when the energy ministers of the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are close allies, went public with their differences.

“The rift has come as a surprise, but perhaps the tussle was inevitable,” says Ben Cahill, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

“Abu Dhabi’s production capacity is at odds with its Opec quota. It has invested a lot of money to raise its production.

And now demand is picking up. That’s why the UAE has been frustrated over the last year at its inability to increase production,” he adds.

Two princes For several years, the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UAE has shaped the geopolitics of the Arab world.

The personal bond between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed has been instrumental in cementing this alliance.

Both men are seen as their country’s de facto ruler and have ambitious visions.

For several years there was deep co-operation on strategic issues. They formed an Arab military coalition in 2015 to fight a war against the Iran-aligned rebel Houthi movement in Yemen, and imposed a diplomatic, trade and travel embargo on Qatar in 2017.

But cracks in the relationship began to appear two years ago, when the UAE

Cracks have gradually appeared in the alliance forged by Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi’s crown princes

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have backed year civil war withdrew most of its troops from Yemen, leaving the Saudis displeased.

In January, the Emiratis reluctantly accepted a Saudi-led deal to end the Qatar embargo, even though they remain wary of trusting Doha. Similarly, Saudi Arabia was not enthused by the UAE’s decision to normalise relations with Israel last year.

The cracks started to deepen this February, when Saudi Arabia issued an ultimatum to multinational companies to relocate their regional headquarters to the kingdom by 2024 or lose out on government contracts. This was perceived as an implicit attack on Dubai (in the UAE), the commercial hub of the region.

After the Emiratis blocked the

pro-government forces in Yemen’s sixproposed Opec+ deal, the Saudis appeared to retaliate by suspending flights to the UAE. It cited concerns

about coronavirus variants, but the decision came just ahead of an Islamic holiday when many people head to Dubai for a break.

Saudi Arabia also announced that it would exclude imports from free zones or linked to Israel from a preferential tariff agreement with other Gulf states, delivering a blow to the UAE’s economy, which revolves around a free zone model.

Economic competition The tussle at Opec+ is underlined by a growing economic rivalry, with both countries trying to diversify their economies by reducing their dependence on hydrocarbon exports.

With Saudi Arabia adopting a more aggressive economic strategy under Mohammed bin Salman, they are now competing in sectors like tourism, financial services and technology.

“Saudi Arabia is the giant in the region which is now waking up. And at some level that’s a concern for the Emiratis,” says Neil Quilliam, an associate fellow at Chatham House in London.

“In 15 to 20 years’ time, if Saudi Arabia transforms into a dynamic economy, then that would be a threat for the Emirati economic model.”

It is still unclear whether Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be able to agree on a new Opec+ deal.

But Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the royal court, does not believe the rift will hamper their relationship in the long run, even though the Emiratis’ rigid stance came as a “shock” to the Saudis - especially given that they had worked very hard to achieve consensus.

“Both the sides have had much bigger disagreements in the past,” he says.

“Every relationship goes through ups and downs, including the US and the UK. But the fundamentals of this relationship are really [too] strong to cause any permanent damage to this alliance.”

OPEC and its allies are yet to set a date for their next meeting on oil production quotas

European powers warn Iran over enriched uranium metal production

I

ran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, it has told the global nuclear watchdog.

Tehran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the process was to develop fuel for a research reactor.

But uranium metal could also be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb.

European powers said Iran’s move breached a nuclear deal and threatened talks to revive it. The US called it an “unfortunate step backwards”.

Iran nuclear crisis: The basics • World powers don’t trust Iran: Some countries believe Iran wants nuclear power because it wants to build a nuclear bomb - it denies this.

• So a deal was struck: In 2015, Iran and six other countries reached a major agreement. Iran would stop some nuclear work in return for an end to harsh penalties,

or sanctions, hurting its economy.

• What is the problem now? Iran restarted banned nuclear work after former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal and re-imposed sanctions. Even though new leader Joe Biden wants to rejoin, both sides say the other must make the first move.

Under the nuclear deal, Iran agreed not to produce uranium metal or conduct research and development (R&D) on uranium metallurgy for 15 years.

But in December, Iran’s parliament passed a law requiring the government to bring the metallic uranium factory at the Isfahan Fuel Fabrication Plant on line within five months.

The law also called for the production of enriched uranium with a 20% concentration of the most suitable isotope for nuclear fission, called U-235. Uranium enriched to

that level can be used in research reactors, while weapons-grade uranium is 90% enriched or more.

Iran began producing 20%-enriched uranium in January and the following month it started making uranium metal.

Iranian officials said at the time that the uranium metal was needed to make an advanced fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor, which is devoted mainly to making radioisotopes for medical purposes.

On Tuesday, the IAEA said its Director General Rafael Grossi had informed member states that Iran intended to use 20%-enriched uranium in making fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor. “In doing so, as part of a multi-stage process, Iran will also produce uranium metal enriched up to 20% U-235,” it added.

The British, French and German foreign ministers said in a joint statement that they had “grave concerns” about Iran’s decision.

Human Angle

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

“Iran has no credible civilian need for uranium metal R&D and production, which are a key step in the development of a nuclear weapon.”

“With its latest steps, Iran is threatening a successful outcome to the Vienna talks despite the progress achieved in six rounds of negotiations,” they added.

Representatives of Iran and the five world powers still party to the deal have been meeting in the Austrian capital since April, with US envoys participating indirectly.

They are attempting to negotiate a compromise agreement that would see the US rejoin the accord and lift its sanctions, and Iran return to full compliance.

US state department spokesperson Ned Price said that although they were not setting a deadline for the talks, “as time proceeds Iran’s nuclear advances will have a bearing on our view of returning to the JCPOA”.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, juLY 25, 2021

Dame Pauline Tallen must read this story

By Usman Adams

T

his is a pathetic story of a 64 year old retired Civil Servant of the Plateau State Government named Esther Barde nee Tardok. She now lives lonely along Miango Road around the wild Life Park. She is a native of Langtang Local Government area of Plateau State I met her in 1971 when she was in her second year at Shendam Government Secondary School when I led the students of the then Provincial Secondary School Kuru, now Government Science School Kuru for a debate between the two schools. During the course of the debate, she was introduced to me by her classmate, Grace Agbaje and the acquaintance was kept green through my Higher School Certificate course which ended in December 1971 after which we lost contacts until many years later.

An intriguing part of Esther’s story is that Esther got married to a man whom she had never met by proxy.

Her uncle whom she was staying with was a friend of her primary school head master whom introduced Esther’s would be husband to his uncle while Esther was still a primary school student.

Throughout her secondary school days at Shendam she was always referred to as ‘madam’ by her classmates and even the teachers at the time when she had not yet set her eyes on the husband.

Esther formally got married to this man three years after she had finished her secondary education at the Shendam government secondary school.

She was aged 23, above the 18 year limit allowed by the child’s right act. The marriage was blessed with three children, all males.

About four years ago Esther retired from the state Civil Service after 35 years of meritorious service and I kept on asking her if she was receiving her pension regularly after her husband had died leaving her as a widow and the three children 20 years after.

I was happy when she always answered me in the affirmative and praised Governor Lalong whom she described as ‘Mr Alert’ for making the pensioners always happy by paying them regularly.

I am a great supporter of Gov. Lalong because I have a personal sentiment because my father had told me at an early age the Ankwai people of Shendam LGA and Agatu

people of Benue State were kith and kin of Kwararafa Empire. Because Esther was always telling me the full story of the man and Sir Joseph Ari director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), my contact with her was

“

always constant.

Then came this rude shock about two months ago, Esther called me early in the morning of that fateful day that she had just had one of her legs amputated above the knees.

I remained speechless for a

while I thought I had not heard her out very well as the phone went off. She later called me to reaffirm the story. Now she is left almost helpless with one leg which greatly inhibits her movement.

The story of Esther can be

Throughout her secondary school days at Shendam she was always referred to as ‘madam’ by her classmates and even the teachers at the time when she had not yet set her eyes on the husband.

replicated in several homes as far as the issue of gender is concerned. This is because Esther was married to a man whom she had little knowledge of.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development of which Mrs Dame Pauline Tallen is a Minister greatly frowns at a prearranged marriage at which women are lured to marry a man they have very little knowledge about.

The immediate need of Esther however, is the rehabilitation to put her life together in the new situation she has found herself.

Happily, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Dame Pauline Tallen is from Esther’s home State of Plateau and the Ministers sister Angelina Katem was also Esther’s classmate at the Shendam Secondary School a generous, kind hearted and compassionate lady, all eyes on her to come to the immediate assistance to rehabilitate this once vibrant and active lady.

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development headed by Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq should also come to the aid of this woman who has put her youthful age to the service of this nation and now needs all it takes to lift this great burden off her.

The number of visits that Esther has received since this unfortunate incident by sympathizers and well-wishers amply testifies to the fact that Esther is a good woman loved by all and this has also given her the strength to bear her set back with fortitude. It is expected that succour would soon come her way so that she can put this setback behind her.

The courage with which Esther has taken her present condition is typical of the resilience and the mental attitude of the average Plateau woman to the extent that some political watchers are saying that if Nigeria is to have a woman Vice President in the immediate future, that woman may come from Plateau State.

Finally, perhaps if Esther had had enough money to take care of her diabetes with good and appropriate food to nourish her, the situation she now finds herself may have been different. This is however not a time for lamentation but a time for all and sundry to rescue this lady from the grief associated with her present pathetic condition.

Usman Adams writes from Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, july 9, 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Feature

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South Africa’s Jacob Zuma: From freedom fighter to president to jail

H

is life as a free man - who enjoyed the perks of a former president - ended just before midnight local time, when in a dramatic scene he was escorted by a convoy of vehicles from his home in rural Nkandla to a prison in the small town of Estcourt.

His son, Edward Zuma, had warned that there would be “blood on the floor” if he was arrested, but in the end there was none.

The 79-year-old surrendered, knowing that he could not resist the might of the state, leaving behind his son who had earlier stood by the gate of their home with a stick.

Zuma was once a celebrated political figure.

He was imprisoned for 10 years in 1963 for fighting the racist system of apartheid in South Africa, then went into exile in 1975 to become the spymaster of the African National Congress (ANC), before returning to South Africa triumphantly in 1990, and rising to the presidency in 2009, though by then his reputation had been stained by a deluge of corruption allegations.

Humble roots He had also been charged with raping a family friend, but was acquitted in 2006 in a trial that deeply polarised the ANC, the former liberation movement which became the governing party in 1994 and of which Zuma has been a member since the age of 17.

Now, he has been imprisoned for being in contempt of a court made up of South Africa’s most senior judges - those who are the guardians of the democracy he fought for most of his life.

Earlier this month, the judges of the Constitutional Court sentenced him to 15 months in prison for ignoring an order to appear before an official inquiry investigating the corruption allegations he faced during his nine-year presidency - especially his relationship with the notorious Gupta brothers who fled South Africa in 2018 as the legal noose closed in on them.

They have all denied the allegations, and Zuma insists that his political enemies are using the courts to target him.

Having fought racial oppression in South Africa at the height of the Cold War between the US and the now-defunct Soviet Union, Zuma is still steeped in this mentality, casting himself as the victim of a political conspiracy hatched by Western powers - and their “puppets” in South Africa to thwart his attempts at ending the economic power of white people in the country.

For his critics, the former

inquiry into claims of state looting • 2018: The National Prosecuting Authority confirms Mr Zuma will face prosecution for 12 charges of fraud, one of racketeering, two of corruption, and one of money laundering, relating to the arms deal, which he denies • 2021: Begins a 15-month jail sentence after the Constitutional Court orders his arrest for refusing to testify at the commission into state looting Source: BBC

OBA-AKENZUA II SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 2001 SET

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

MAKAFIN DALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : HLPING THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY EMPOWERMENT FOR YOUTH, MEN AND WOMEN

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 J. E. OBASUYI (MRS.) LEGAL PRACTITIONER 08024729418

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Zuma’s legal woes: • 2005: Charged with raping family friend - acquitted in 2006 • 2005: Charged with corruption over multi-billion dollar 1999 arms deal - charges dropped shortly before he becomes president in 2009 • 2016: Court orders he should be charged with 18 counts of corruption over the deal - he appealed, but in 2017 lost a bid to overturn them • 2016: Court rules he breached his oath of office by using government money to upgrade private home in Nkandla - he has repaid the money • 2017: Public protector said he should appoint judgeled inquiry into allegations he profiteered from relationship with wealthy Gupta family - he denies allegations, as have the Guptas • 2018: Zuma approves

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJAFOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO FOSTER PEACE, UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG MEMBERS.

PUBLIC NOTICE

most high-profile prisoner?

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EKE STEPHEN CHINEDU ....CHAIRMAN 2. MBA CHRISTIANA UDEMMA.....SECRETARY. 3. OKEKE IFEOMA MARYANN

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

courts what became known as the Stalingrad strategy - fighting point-by-point every attempt to put him on trial for his alleged high crimes.

On Friday, a judge will rule on whether or not to revoke his arrest, and on Monday the highest court of the land will hear his request to overturn his conviction for contempt.

This is unprecedented in South Africa, and the months ahead are likely to be more dramatic as Zuma is tried, in a separate case, on charges of corruption related to a $5bn (£3bn) arms deal in the 1990s.

He is facing more than 15 counts of racketeering, corruption, fraud, tax evasion and money laundering - charges to which he pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in May. With Zuma fighting legal battles on various fronts, the big question is: Will he ultimately win and walk free, or will he gain even more notoriety as South Africa’s

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OGBOMO FRANK OSABUOHIEN- PRESIDENT 2. ORONSAYE ESTHER OYOMWAN 3. IZEDONMWEN PAUL- SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EGIELEYEMEH BALOGUN SUNDAY 2. BALOGUN SUNDAY STELLA O. 3. OLADIMEJI RICHARD SALEEU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO USE THE MEDIUM OF CHRISTIAN EVANGELISM TO PROVIDE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEDGED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO START A CHARITY TO AMELIORATE POVERTY IN THE NATION 3. TO USE THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO BOOST CHARITABLE GIVING AND DONATIONS 4. TO POSITIVELY IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND THE DISABLED. 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.

freedom fighter from a poor rural family became intoxicated by power once the liberation struggle was won and - along with his new business friends - looted the state’s wealth on a grand scale.

Where the truth lies is yet to be established but it is a tribute to South Africa’s 27-year-democracy that a former freedom fighter and president has been imprisoned for trying to evade accountability over his time in office.

It shows that South Africa’s democratic institutions - often battered by politicians - remain strong, and judges, policemen and government officials are still prepared to uphold the rule of law by jailing a man whom some of them personally know and with whom they were once in the trenches of the liberation struggle.

Most high-profile prisoner Moreover, judges have been scrupulously fair towards Zuma, giving him a hearing at every opportunity as he waged in the

PAGE 27

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ITIVEH DR KINGSLEY OFURIE.......CHAIRMAN 2. OLETU PIUS 3. OVADJE CLIFORD ONOME 4. TOKA EMORE 5. MEETINGS DAVID AKPOJOTOR. 6. AGBELE EFE KINGSLEY. 7. AKPOKINIOVO MAVWE. 8. ORAH STEPHEN ADAM 9. AKPOBOME SAMSON 10. AKPORE NEWMAN M.....SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO DEVELOP AND KEEP SOCIAL CONTACT, PROMOTE AND FOSTER UNITY ANDBROTHERHOOD AMONG MEMBERS; TO HARNESS TALENT AMONG MEMBERS FOR ALL ROUND DEVELOPMENT ANDGROWTH OF MEMBERS; TO WORK WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO DEVELOP OUR ALMA MALTA INPARTICULAR AND THE UROMI COMMUNITY AT LARGE. 4. TO POSITIVELY IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND THE DISABLED.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFFAGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1- RABIU LAWAN YA’U Chairman 2- MUHAMMAD LAWAN ABDU Trustee 3- BALARABE DANLAMI Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE : 1- TO POSTER PEACE, UNITYAND UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. 2- TO FACILITATE EDUCATIONAL TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ITS MEMBERS. 3- TO ORGANIZE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES OR EVENTS FOR PEOPLE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLOT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

UNIBEN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CLASS OF 2004

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) REV. AKPEDE OBED OLISADEBE (CHAIRMAN) (2) PASTOR (MRS) OBED JOSEPHINE AKPEDE (3) APOSTLE EDDO SYLVANUS OZIREGBE (4) BISHOP DR. ARIAJEGBE BARTHOLOMEW ODIANOSE (5) REV. DR. ARIBISALA GABRIEL AKIN (6) DR. IFEAKA SUNDAY (SECRETARY) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST .

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE CARE TO SHARE DEVELOPMENT 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 ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Ajayeoba Abiola Oluwafemi.

2.Faluyi Bibitayo Oluwaseun 3.Alatise Folasade Agnes.

4.Olaosun Adedayo Olugbenga 5.Adeoye Bayo Funsho THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To care for the less privileged in the society.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. HART ADONYE ANTHONY- PRESIDENT 2. OGUNKANMI ESEFERUO MOTUNRAYO 3. UMENDU UZOAMAKA LORETTA 4. ENEHIZENA OSATONMWENMU 5. OSUMAH KAYODE OLUYEDE- SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE : TO FOSTER PEACE, UNITY AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: J. E. OBASUYI (MRS.) LEGAL PRACTITIONER 08024729418

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OHUHU DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Dr Chijioke Lawrence Odimuko - Chairman 2 Barr. Okechukwu Ajunwa _ secretary 3. Prof Ajuruchukwu Obi 4. Mr Kingston Ezeugo Chikwendu 5. Prof Chukwuemeka Eze Onukaogu 6. Prof Anthony Ndubueze Nzeako THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE : To promote the socio- economic well beingandadvancement of Ohuhu, and Ohuhu sons and daughters ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMUNITY OF TRUE WORSHIPPERS

INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF GOD’S HERITAGE DELIVERANCE MINISTRY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF OLD GIRLS BABALOLA MEMORIAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ILESHA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1, ADEGBESAN IRENE OLUFUNKE- CHAIRPERSON, 2, EKEADE OLUFUNMILAYO ADEBUKOLA- VICE CHAIRPERSON, 3, ADEBAYO FOLUKE YETUNDE- SECRETARY, 4, ADEOYE CLARA BOLAJI-ASST. GEN SEC, 5, FOLORUNSO JANET OLANIKE- TREASURER, 6, AKINYEMI FLORENCE MOJISOLA-FINANCIAL SECRETARY, 7, JEGEDE GRACE EMIOLA- MATRON, 8, ADESIDA REMILEKUN FUNMILAYO-MATRON

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OGA ONYETE MOSES - CHAIRMAN 2. OKOH BONIFACE 3. OGA OKONU LOVETH 4. OGAH OTOR SILAS 5. JOSIAH AlAGI OJENYA ESQ - SECRETARY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : FOR THE WELFARE OF ALL GIRLS, LADIES AND WOMEN WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE SCHOOL, BABALOLA MEMORIAL GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, ILESHA, TO EXECUTE PROJECT FOR THE SCHOOL, COMRADESHIPAND OTHERACTIVITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SCHOOL, MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE PUBLIC, ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Ajala Sulami Abiodun (Charman).

2. Oladimeji Sola. Comfort.

3. Taiwo Titus Joel.

4. Titus Taiwo Adebanke.

5. Joseph Ebenezer. Adewale (Secretary).

6. Adigun Toyin Dupe.

7. Oke Ajibola Solomon.

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MAGWEN

AMANA FOUNDATION FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Magwen Thomas. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Magwen thomas Tuamko. Wrong Gender: Female. Correct Gender: Male. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.IBRAHIM AUWAL SHEHU - CHAIRMAN 2.HAUWA BALARABE - SECRETARY 3.AHMED TIJJANI DANMAIKOSAI - MEMBER 4.ZULYAYADAIN ABDULMAJID - MEMBER 5.AHMED ALI - MEMBER THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To Provide means of unity and peace/encouragement among vulnerable people in Nigeria 2. To encourage the participation of men and women in various entrepreneurship development programes through petty trading and production that will leads to peace and development in Nigeria.

3. Toaid youths through enlightening, sensitization,publicity,movies, education for peace and development in Nigeria.

4. To operate nursery, primary and secondary schools for orphanages(western education) 5. To operate Islamic education programs and schools in Muslim communities 6. To operate orphanage home for all 7. To operate hospital/maternity and primary health care services center for orphanage.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original document of CONVEYANCE OF PROVISIONAL APPROVAL OF Plot No 190 about 800sgm located at phase III, layout IV (Gwagwalada Town) issued in favour of HAUWA TUKUR IDRIS, dated 23rd August 2002 All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found please return it to the owner or the nearest police station.

Authorities concernedand the general public to take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

HALIMAT

This is to inform the general public of the loss of original document of TEMPORARYALLOCATION OF SPACE AT SHOP NO 49/50, ALIYU TURAKI ROAD, BY ISA KAITA ROAD, KADUNA issued in favor of Mrs AISHA LADAN dated 10th December, 2009

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HALIMAT OZOHU HARUNA SALIU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HALIMAT OZOHU ABU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

All efforts made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found please return it to the owner or the nearest police station.

Authorities concernedand the general public to take note.

MRS. ESTHER

PUBLIC NOTICE

GENEVIEVE

I, formally known and addressed as Esther Elias now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Gabriel. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

The above named Church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) for registration in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matter Act. 2021.

SUNSHINE MENTORSHIP INITIATIVE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Genevieve Ifeanyi Anyaegbunam. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS GENEVIEVE IFEANYI ARIMAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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.

OLADIPUPO I, formally known and addressed as OLADIPUPO TUNJI IBRAHIM now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO OLATUNJI IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

EKEBO I, formally known and addressed as RUTH CHIJIOKE EKEBOH now wish to be known and addressed as EKEBO RUTH CHIJIOKE. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authorities and general public to please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IFEANYI C. CHUKWU 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 ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. CHUKWU CHARLES IFEANYICHUKWU 2. CHUKWU NKECHI JUSTINA. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To support the less privilegedand disadvantaged children to acquire basic primary education and undertake other community development projects.

The Trustees Are: 1. JET BANKOLE 2. OLUWATODIMU AKOLADE BANKOLE 3. OLUWAJERIGBEMI AKOLAPO BANKOLE The Aims And Objectives: 1.To provide comprehensive and high quality mentorship to teens and early adults 2.To develop and equip the next generation to become great leaders through faith-based mentorship and discipleship.

3. To provide opportunities and exposure to teens and early adults which they would not have had access to otherwise, so as to propel their success.

Any objection therefore should be addressed to the Registrar-generalCorporateAffairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED : Omonuwa Ogiemudia Esq Solicitor.

MRS. NWAKEZE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Miss Ifeoma Racheal Ukeje. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Mrs. Nwakeze Ifeoma Rachel. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. PUBLIC NOTICE

EZIAMA ADAURE DAUGHTERS ASSOCIATION

SAVANNAH HUMANITARIAN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 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 ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1)ANIKE - NWEZE. CHINYEREM (2)EZEALA EDITH CHIOMA. (3)YADUA JOY CHINAKA (4) ONYEIWU UBAH UCHENNA FRIELLY (5)IJEOMA EKEMEZIE JOY .

(6 ECHEFU IFEYINWA (7)IWUOHA IJEOMA JOY. (SECRETARY) (8)GODWIN CHINONYE VICTORIA . ((9)CHUKWU IFEOMA CHINONYEREM (CHAIRMAN) (10) IKEKA CONFIDENCE IFEOMA .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO Promote welfare of the members and engage in charitable activities.

2.Enhance development of the Community and the State.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : Barr. JUDE O. IFEDI.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

TANGALE MUSLIM FORUM

MIND OF CHRIST OUTREACH INTERNATIONAL

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROPAGATE ISLAM. 2.TO PROMOTE PEACE AMONG MEMBERS AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : M.T.A. BADIRU ESQ 07039838769.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS IDIAKHOA OMONE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OMONE LORETTA IDIAKHOA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJAFOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MOHAMMED SAIDU AMB. - CHAIRMAN 2.KUMO MOHAMMED ISHIYAKY 3.ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR 4.SALIHU HARUNA 5.ADAMU ALIYU 6.GARBA MUAZU ABUBAKAR - SECRETARY 7.ADAMU AHMAD GALADIMA.

OMONE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AMUWOODOFIN OLUWASEUN OMOLABAKE 2. KOLEADE FOLASHADE M 3. AMUW-OODOFIN LATEEF ANUOLUWAPO 4. AFOLABI DEBORAH KOFOWORO 5. ADEGUNLE OLUKAYODE DAVID THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2.FOR CHARITY WORKS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. RINDAP INNOCENT TIMOTHY 2. ABDULRAHMAN YAHAYA LERE 3. BABADIDI ISA HAMISU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO ENHANCE SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF THE LESS PRIVILEGE THROUGH PROVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME GENERATION PROGRAMMES. 2.TOADVANCE CHARITABLE PURPOSES BY PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIP TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHOSE PARENTS CANNOT AFFORD THEIR TUITION FEES. 3.TO ENHANCE THE WELFARE OF THE DISPLACED AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN OUR SOCIETY. TO PROMOTE EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN COMMUNITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STALLIONS FIELD HOCKEY CLUB

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JAIYEOLA FOLARIN ADEYEMI - Chairman 2. MENYEI PETER OKWUDILICHUKWU - Secretary.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE AND ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR GENDER, CAN ENJOY THE SPORT. 2. TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT QUALITY COACHING TO OUR MEMBERS TO ALLOW THEM TO REACH THEIR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL AND TO FURTHER THEIR ENJOYMENT OF THE SPORT. 3. TO PROVIDE A STRUCTURED ORGANISATION TO THE COACHING AND SELECTION OF TEAMS TO ENABLE THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF ALL PLAYERS. 4. TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY BOTH COMPETITIVE AND SOCIAL HOCKEY AT A VARIETY OF LEVELS TO SUIT ALL MEMBERS’ REQUIREMENTS. 5. TO PROVIDE A CLEAR PATHWAY FOR JUNIOR SECTION MEMBERS TO PROGRESS FROM THE JUNIOR TEAMS TO THE HIGHEST ADULT TEAMS THEY ARE CAPABLE OF PLAYING FOR. 6. TO CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF JUNIOR HOCKEY PATHWAYS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF BOYS AND GIRLS TEAMS. 7. TO PROVIDE AN ARTIFICIAL OR ORIGINAL HOCKEY FIELD, CLUBROOMS, GRASS FIELDS AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURES FOR SUPPORT OF THE GAME. 8. TO PROMOTE AN EXPANSION OF THE TEAMS TO REFLECT A RANGE OF COMPETITIVE AND SOCIAL LEVELS. 9. TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 28

FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

Page

29

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Eagles land in America for clash with Mexico

By Albert Akota

T

he delegation of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team has arrived in Los Angeles, United States of America for Saturday’s international friendly match taking place at the imposing Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, simply known as LA Coliseum.

Organizers expect a full house at the 77,500- capacity LA Coliseum at Saturday’s match, which would make it the mostattended game globally since the restrictions that followed the coronavirus pandemic which broke out last year.

Nigeria’s delegation included 22 players and a number of officials, including the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who honoured an invite by the Government of the State of Maryland in Baltimore on Wednesday, will join up with the contingent in Los Angeles on Friday.

As a result of injury to goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, the NFF had to fast-track National Exempt papers for Tottenham Hotspur of England U23 goalkeeper, Joshua Oluwayemi.

He is expected in the team hotel in

Joshua Oluwayemi Los Angeles on Friday to beef up the goalkeeping department that has only Enyimba FC’s John Noble and Lobi Stars’ Stanley Nwabali.

NFF’s FIFAMatch Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport has now confirmed that the match will kick

off at 8pm LA time on Saturday (4am in Nigeria on Sunday). It will be the sixth confrontation between the senior teams of both countries, four of which have ended in draws.

The only win in the series has gone to Mexico who a US Gold

2021 Wimbledon: Serena in tears as injuries decimate rank, file

T

he All England Club witnessed a great slip on Tuesday as Serena Williams, chasing a 24th Grand Slam title sipped on the court and had to retire with an ankle injury in her first-round match with Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The slip happened with Serena leading 3-1 but she tried to battle on but at 3-3, she had to give up.

When she waved to the crowd, it looked like a long goodbye.

Will the seven-time Wimbledon champion be seen on the grass at SW-9 ever again?

Meanwhile, another Wimbledon and tennis icon, Roger Federer had an injury to thank as Adrian Mannarino withdrew after almost four sets, in which Mannarino had won the second and third sets but suffered a fall on the wet grass and then stopped playing in the first game of the deciding fifth set.

“I just slid down as it was really slippery,” Mannarino said afterward. “I heard a big crack and I knew straight away that I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore.”

Federer, reacting to Serena’s fall and withdrawal said, “This is

obviously terrible that it’s back-toback matches and it hits Serena as well. Oh, my God, I can’t believe it”.

The match between Mannarino and Federer took place just before Serena’s match with Sasnovich started. Federer added, “You do have to move very, very carefully out there. If you push too hard in the wrong moments, you do go down.”

The British player, Andy

Murray also joined the chorus of the slippy Wimbledon surface in his reaction on Twitter. “Brutal for @serenawilliams but centre court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there.”

There have been many highprofile withdrawals from the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, with many citing rehabilitation from physical and mental injuries.

Cup encounter in Dallas (State of Texas) 2-1 on 24th June 1995.

Close-fought confrontations include a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Intercontinental Tournament for the King Fahd Cup (now FIFA Confederations Cup) in Saudi

Arabia on 13th January 1995 (Mexico prevailed 5-4 on penalties in the quarter final match), and 0-0 draws in friendly matches in Houston and Atlanta the previous decade. A friendly game in Mexico also ended 2-2.

EAGLES IN AMERICA Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Lobi Stars); John Noble (Enyimba FC) Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Rangers International); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United); Imoh Obot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United) Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); Uche Onwuasonaya (Plateau United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rangers International); Anayo Iwuala (Enyimba FC) Forwards: Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Chinonso Ezekwe (Rangers International); Auwalu Ali Malam (Kano Pillars); Neurot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United); Mohammed Zulkifilu (Plateau United); Sunday Adetunji (Rivers United)

Rashford welcomes Sancho to Manchester United

M

anchester United striker, Marcus Rashford, has welcomed fellow English international Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford.

This follows confirmation by Manchester United on Thursday that an agreement in principle has been reached with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho.

United in a statement on their website said the signing is, subject to contractual terms and a medical, which will be completed

Rashford and Sancho

after Jadon’s involvement in the UEFA European Championship.

Rashford, while reacting to the report tweeted, “Family @ Sanchooo10, welcome brother.”

Rashford and Sancho are both international teammates with the England national team.

Both players are currently at the ongoing Euro 2020 with the Three Lions.

The 22-year-old is expected to wear Man United’s famous No.7 shirt next season after the deal is completed.

PAGE 30

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Ibrahim gets Eagles callup for Mexico friendly

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ajor League Soccer club Montreal Impact have confirmed the invitation of Sunusi Ibrahim for Nigeria’s friendly against Mexico on Saturday.

Ibrahim was top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League with 10 goals in 22 league appearances for Nasarawa United in 2019.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi was also added to the squad as replacement for Ikechukwu Ezenwa on Wednesday. ” CF Montréal forward Sunusi Ibrahim has been selected by Nigeria to take part in a friendly against Mexico, this Saturday, at the Memorial Coliseum, in Los Angeles.

“The Super Eagles will continue their preparation for the 2022 African Nations Championship, while Mexico is completing its preparation for the Concacaf Gold Cup, which begins on July 10, in the United States.

“In 2019, Ibrahim played three U23 Africa Cup of Nations matches with Nigeria, tallying one assist in 193 minutes of play.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

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t

PSG in advanced talks with Ramos over transfer

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aris Saint-Germain are in advanced talks with former Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos over a potential free transfer.

According to The Athletic PSG, after initially been unsure on a deal, have spoken to Ramos’ representatives during the last 10 days and talks have since accelerated.

Ramos is seeking a two-year deal — something Real were not willing to offer.

The World Cup winner is a free agent following his exit from Real after 16 years, and it is also understood that there is interest in the 35-year-old from the

Premier League and MLS. He is one of the most experienced defenders that PSG can sign and will replace the gap that has been left since Thiago Silva’s departure to Chelsea last summer.

In his time at Real, he lifted five La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two Copa del Reys and four Supercopa de Espanas.

Spain’s most-capped player also has an impressive goalscoring record for Real despite his position in central defence, having notched 101 goals in 671 appearances.

I

protocols.

USA footballer Alex Morgan says she is still unsure over the new guidance.

Olympic gold medallist Morgan, who has a one-yearold daughter, tweeted: “Still not sure what ‘when necessary’ even means.

“We are Olympic mothers

telling you, it is necessary. I have not been contacted about being able to bring my daughter with me to Japan and we leave in seven days.”

USA captain Megan Rapinoe backed her teammate, saying: “If a mother/father/parent says it’s necessary, it’s necessary.”

“NOCs [National Olympic

Committees] will be responsible for confirming to Tokyo 2020 that children who accompany athletes to Japan require nursing care.”

Gaucher will now be able to bring her daughter with her to Tokyo, and said she was “so relieved I don’t have to make this decision”.

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF MADRASAT I’ILAU-LISLAM KISHI THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 ALIU ARIMIYAU AJAO - CHAIRMAN 2 ABDULRASHEED ABDULWASIU 3 SAID MORUFF 4 MUHAMMAD-JAMIU MUHAMMAD 5 GASALI MUHAMMAD SOLIU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1 TO PROMOTE ARABIC AND ISLAMIC EDUCATION AT THE I’ILAU-L-ISLAM COLLEGE. 2 TO ENCOURAGE ITS MEMBERS AND THE ENTIRE PUPILS OF THE COLLEGE 3 TO PURSUE AND STRIVE FOR SOUND EDUCATION. 4 TO PROVIDE INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT FOR MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS IN KISHI AND NATIONWIDE, TARGETED TOWARDS ENSURING ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES AND VALUES ARE MAINTAINED. 5TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE WESTERN AND ARABIC EDUCATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY SECRETARY MUHAMMAD-JAMIU ABDULSEMIU AYINDE

PUBLIC NOTICE

OWOSHI I, Formerly known as Owoshi Daniel, now wish to be known and addressed as Owoshi Daniel .

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note victory I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OLUWAGBEMIGA ESTHER. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OLUWAGBEMIGA VICTORY OLUWATOYIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 30

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE ECOBARTER FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

AMOGE DYSLEXIA FOUNDATION

REALITY AID FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IDEHAI RITA OLUWAKEMI (CHAIRMAN) 2. ABIONA SAMUEL OLATIDE (SECRETARY)

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AMOGE LILLIAN OHIAGU (CHIARMAN) 2. MITCHELLE ONUGBOLU (SECRETARY) 3. CHIKE OJIDEH.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

ENVIRONMENTAL

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To create public awareness about dyslexia by public advocacy campaigns and seminars.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT420,TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AND

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Breastfeeding athletes now allowed to bring children to Olympics, say organisers t comes after Canadian basketball star Kim Gaucher, who has a three-month-old daughter, said she was being forced to choose between “being a breastfeeding mum or an Olympic athlete”.

Organisers have banned athletes’ families attending the Games due to Covid-19 safety

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HASAPPLIED TO THE CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC),ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. NELSON HARRY CHIBUZO (CHAIRMAN) 2. OVIAWE KERSTIN CHINYERE (SECRETARY) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE : 1. To carter for the welfare of women and children that are less-privileged and vulnerable.

2. To cater for widows, and abandoned children.

3. To assist the forgotten in need especially the aged widows and orphans.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : OJUKWU AMAECHI ANTHONY.

MUHAMMAD

MRS. HAKEEMAT

SHAIBU

I, Formerly known as Muhammad Bello With this Date 0101-1980, now wish to be known and addressed as Muhammad Murtala with this Date of Birth 06-05-1984,. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

I, Formerly known as Happiness Oghogho Isioro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Hakeemat Kolawole. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

I, Formerly known as shaibu Usman, now wish to be known and addressed as shaibu idowu Usman.

All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

UMMA

HADIZA

AGBUDUHUKE

I, Formerly known as UMMAH MOHAMMED DANZABUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as UMMA LAWAN ILIYASU. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

I, Formerly known as HADIZA AHMAD IBRAHIM, now wish to be known and addressed as HADIZA MUHAMMAD IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

I, Formerly known as Agbudhuke Monday Omokhagor, now wish to be known and addressed as Àgbuduhuke Monday Omokhagor. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

YAHWEH DIVINE OUTREACH CHURCH

FLIQPAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OKHALE GLADYS 2. MOHAMMED HADIZA 3. MOHAMMED RAMAT 4. MOHAMMED RABBI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: Secretary

WINDING UP

SPACE FOR SALE

RC: 1630424 NO. 1, ADEDEJI ADEKOLA, LEKKI PHASE 1, LAGOS. THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2020 LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES WRITTEN RESOLUTION OF FLIQPAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

We the undersigned, beingallthe members of FLIQPAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (the “Company”) who, at the date of this resolution would be entitled to attend and vote at the general meetings of the Company, hereby unanimously resolve upon the following resolutions and agree that these shall be as valid and effective as if these had been passed as special resolutions at the General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held.

1. THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily.

2. THAT OGHAYEI SUNDAY, ESQ be appointed as Liquidator of the Company with effect from the date of this resolution.

3. THAT the Liquidator appointed for this purpose of winding up should take all steps necessary to give effect to the winding up of the Company.

Dated this 8th day of JULY 2021 ................................. ...................................

MEIR ELOHIM JEWISH CONGREGATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ELIJAH GIFT SOLOMON - CHAIRMAN 2.OKU STEPHEN EMEKA 3.CHUKWUMA SAMUEL 4.ELIYAHU NATAN BOB 5.NNAH ISAAC ONWUKWE 6.DIKE MOSHEH MICHAEL - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF MEMBERS. 2.TO SPREAD TORAH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE 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

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THE HEAVEN’S MANDATE INTERNATIONAL GOSPEL CENTRE

EJIAMATU AGE GRADE NAMKPU MBAUKWU 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 ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PIUS GRACEFILLED OHEJI (chairman) 2. ANTHONY CALISTA IJEOMA (Secretary) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To reconcile Man back to God through the preaching of the gospel and to establish a strong consistent fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

2. To raise a generation of fire brand Christian who will stand the test of time.

3. To restore men to their original position in Christ and destiny through the instrumentality of the word, prayer and the demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATEAFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

GARBA

MRS. IWUESE

I, formerly known as Zainab Garba now wish to be known and addressed as Garba Zainab. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss IWUESE LINDA SENDE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. IWUESE LINDA ADAGA. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, ( CAMA 2020).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OZIGBO UGOCHUKWU ALEX 2. NEBECHUKWU AMAECHI MICHAEL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : TO FOSTER PEACE IN THE COMMUNITY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

KEMI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Kemi Oladunni Adeyemo.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Kemi Oladunni Adewale. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, july 9, 2021

SPORTS latest

World 400m champion to miss Olympics following twoyear ban

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orld 400m champion Salwa Eid Naser will miss the Tokyo Olympics after being banned for two years for breaching anti-doping rules.

The 23-year-old Bahraini was sanctioned after missing out-of-competition tests.

She ran 48.14 seconds to claim the world title in Doha in 2019.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) upheld an appeal against the decision by the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal to dismiss the charges in October 2020.

Her results from the World Championships - where she clocked the third-fastest time in history - will remain.

The ban runs from Wednesday to early 2023 with Naser having been provisionally suspended from 4 June to 14 October 2020.

Naser was originally charged with missing four anti-doping tests between 1 January 2019 and 24 January 2020.

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Politicians, political parties as enemies of democracy

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political party can be described as a political organization by politicians, who seek to influence government policy or the exercise of political power, usually by nominating candidates into political offices. The organization often espouses an ideology or vision through its manifesto with specific goals and in some cases works in a coalition of disparate interests.

While there are different forms of political parties such as the single dominant party, two-party and multiparty systems, there are also several hues of politicians as there are political environment and circumstances.

But with the gale of defections or “carpet crossing” by politicians from one party to the other in Africa, it is doubtful if many political parties on the continent fit the above definition.

America’s 34th President Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower, a five-star general-turned politician, was among those who thought that: “If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power.”

Many critics are so dismissive of politics they consider it “a dirty game,” but a more dispassionate analysis would identify the real problem as politicians themselves.

For his part, Eisenhower’s predecessor, John Adams, America’s second President, lamented: “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.”

However, the opposition which President Adams complained about is not limited to inter party squabbles.

Intra-party conflicts or the lack of internal democracy is among the most insidious malaise that poses the greatest threat to electoral processes and the consolidation of democracy in Africa.

Experience in the past decade with the poor quality of elections and even claim of democratic recession, make elections a major source of political violence/conflicts in Africa, with inter party and intraparty disputes constituting triggers and drivers of political instability, disruptions to electoral processes and the entrenchment of democracy on the continent.

From Benin to Niger, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, DR Congo, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda, among others, the experiences are similar.

Nigeria is no exception and could be used as a case study on this troubling trend given its position as Africa’s most populous nation with an estimated 200 million people including more than 84 million registered voters as of 2019.

The figure of registered voters in the country is expected to hit 100 million at the end of the on-going Continuous Registration exercise, which will be

0806 564 8620 0814 292 9046 0803 587 5846 08074420617

Guest columnist

By Paul Ejime more than the combined populations of several countries on the continent.

From its independence in 1960, Nigeria started with a multiparty parliamentary system of government, and then experimented with the twoparty executive presidential system during the failed third republic, before reverting to a multi-party system from 1999 marking the return to civilian government after prolonged military rule.

In Africa, including during the era of one-party system of government, political parties and voting patterns usually follow ethnic or tribal lines. In many cases, opposition parties and politicians are only so in name. There is little or no difference in principle or ideology. A popular joke is that opposition politicians oppose the government in front of the cameras during the day, but fraternize with the ruling party politicians at night!

And despite attempts at deepening political pluralism, politics remains a “do or die” affair in Africa, underpinned by personal gains/interests of politicians. Increasingly, the politicians’ greed and selfishness coupled with dangerous inordinate ambitions and desperation blind and overshadow their sense of reasoning and service.

For many of such politicians, politics is a means for self-enrichment and personal-aggrandisement.

But since election is a process covering an electoral cycle of pre, during and post-election period, the flaws in the electoral process including electoral violence could begin at any stage of the process and not necessarily on the Election Day. In Nigeria, as elsewhere, the political parties’ lack of internal democracy has become a major source of electoral disputes resulting in many court cases, and needless distractions of the activities of the electoral umpire during the electoral process.

Official records from the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria, show that the Commission was saddled with more than 800 court cases emanating from the primaries of political parties alone before the 2019 general elections.

Apart from the over-heating of the polity and the dissipation of time, energy and resources on the battery of litigation, another damaging consequence of this phenomenon in Nigeria and other parts of Africa is the outsourcing of electoral outcomes to the judiciary, which has not done itself much favour going by the inconsistencies in many electionrelated court decisions.

A candidate or political party that fancies their chance in the court room rather than with the ballot box can commit electoral frauds and simply tell their opponents to go to court, knowing that they could “buy” legal victory/ decision.

No Nigerian political party is spared the effects of this bug, going by the ever-growing number of flawed primaries. In the 2019 elections, this led to the disqualification of the ruling APC’s governorship candidates in the northern State of Zamfara and the southern State of Rivers.

And only recently in the southeastern State of Anambra, all three major political parties - the APC, PDP and APGA (the ruling party in the State), all had intra-party issues that generated factions during their primaries ahead of the gubernatorial vote coming up in July 2021.

Since it is said that “you cannot give what you do not have,” how can a political party which cannot successfully organize internal primaries deliver a credible election or democracy to a country?

No wonder the INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, an honorary President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), has been relentless in reminding political parties of their duties and obligations in conducting primaries with integrity.

“The Commission is not happy that candidates for elections are now being determined through litigation long after elections have been concluded and winners declared by INEC,” he told party leaders at a recent meeting in Abuja.

“The problem lies squarely with the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates by some political parties. We urge you to hold yourselves to the same high standard of free, fair and credible elections that you hold INEC in all elections,” the INEC Chief stressed.

Continuing: “You must ensure strict compliance with your party Constitutions, the law and the Commission’s regulations and guidelines on party primaries in particular and the management of party affairs in general,” Yakubu noted: “After all, Nigerians only exercise their democratic right to elect leaders from the candidates presented by political parties. We will do our part to ensure that our elections continue to improve,” he assured.

Part of the problem is that despite several reminders by the electoral umpire, on the imperative of complying

with the provisions of the law and the regulations governing the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates, politicians and their political parties still delay their statutory activities until the eleventh hour or observe the relevant laws in the breach.

But when the process goes wrong, they conveniently turn round to blame the electoral umpires.

INEC’s efforts to sanitize Nigeria’s electoral ecosystem include the reduction of political parties from 92 to 18, but this has not gone without legal challenges.

Meanwhile, the country’s muchawaited Electoral Reform Bill is still pending before the National Assembly, ahead of the crucial national elections in 2023. Under the protocol of the regional bloc, ECOWAS, no electoral reforms are permitted six months before a scheduled national election.

So, there is still the ample time for stakeholders, particularly non-state actors and civil society organizations to mobilize forces to strengthen the internal political party democracy, including curbing the unconscionable defections by politicians from one political party to another without consideration for the sensibilities of the electorate.

It is also urgent that the proposed electoral reform bill addresses the prompt prosecution of electoral offences such as thuggery, arson/vandalism, vote-buying and vote-selling. But a lot depends on the political will and commitment of the legislature and the executive arms of government.

Given their critical and indispensable roles in the success or failure of the electoral process, politicians and political parties must be held to the highest international standards of conduct.

Elections and political parties are fundamental to modern democratic governance and according to Prof Yakubu: “Electing good leaders begins with the quality of primaries conducted by political parties.”

Paul Ejime, an Author and former Diplomatic/War Correspondent, is a Consultant on Communications, Media, Elections and International Affairs.

DAN GAYE Dangai Reps to address fall in naira, inflation, unemployment

Address hunger too!

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