Friday, July 12, 2019 Edition

Friday, July 12, 2019/ Thul Hijjah 9, 1440 AH

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Buhari canvasses more commitment to the poor

Again, Shi’ites clash with police, 5 arrested page 5

No plan to hike fuel price -NNPC >>page 3

page 5

Asks Nigerians to disregard rumour

L-R: Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Acting Chairman Board of Trustee Tetfund/ Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed and Acting Director, Academic Staff and Development of TETFUND, Arc. Babajide Olatunde, during a meeting with the Head of Tertiary Institutions, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps minority leadership crisis: Ayu C’ttee grills Elumelu, Ikpeazu, others >>page 15

Flood sweeps away Army inaugurates Presidency commends pregnant woman, kills another court-martial to UK’s new focus on 2 in Plateau prosecute erring soldiers herder-farmer clashes pAGE 2

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

News CONTENTS News 2-10,14 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12-13 Politics 15-17 Business 19-20 Metro

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World News

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Africa News

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World News

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Flood sweeps away pregnant woman, kills two others in Plateau

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hree persons, including a pregnant woman, have been killed by flood that swept through some parts of Zinariya community in Jos, Plateau State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the flood, which resulted from days of downpour, also brought down nine houses.

“The incident resulted from narrow waterways; the victims were asleep when the rain started, but with the water soaking up the foundations of their buildings, the structures collapsed on them,” Sani Bello, a relation of the victims, told NAN on Thursday.

According to him, the water

washed the bodies of the three deceased away.

“My pregnant elder sister, who was on a visit from Naraguta, a nearby community, was among the people washed away by the flood.

“We have found her body and buried it. There is also a lady with a broken leg who has been taken to the hospital.

“Another victim, one Ibrahim, who is seven years old, also sustained injuries and has been taken to the hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Istifanus Gyang (PDP/Plateau North) has visited the area to commiserate

with the people.

Gyang, who was represented by an aide, Daniel Dem, promised to assist the area with resources to rebuild their homes and map out waterways.

He also offered financial assistance to the affected families and urged the community to stop building houses along waterways so as to avoid a recurrence.

The Ward Head of the community, Yahaya Abubakar, who received the items, commended the senator for his show of concern.

“You are the first government official to come to the aid of my

L-R: Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Representing the chief of army staff (COAS), Joel Omegbe, representing chief of Naval staff, Micheal Ebe, and president Nigeria Textile Manufacturer Association, Grace Adereti, during the meeting of the CBN Governor with Service Chiefs, Head of Uniformed Services in Nigeria at exhibition of local content on clothing, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

EFCC secures 51 convictions, recovers N46.6m in Edo Page 7

Health

community. May God continue to bless you for this kindness,” he said.

He regretted the damage caused by perennial flooding in the area, and urged government to take urgent measures to mitigate it.

One of the beneficiaries of Gyang’s gesture, Mohammed Kamilu, while appreciating the kindness, said the money would be of great assistance to the victims.

“Some of the victims lost practically everything.

This assistance will help them to restart life all over again,” he said.(NAN)

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Feature 26 Sports 29-31 Back Page

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ACFTA: Senators urge FG to tackle infrastructural deficit, others

By Musa Adamu Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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and

enators yesterday in the plenary urged the federal government to be the main driver of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) for the country to derive maximum benefits from the document.

This followed a motion sponsored by Sen Barau Jibril and 44 others.

Nigeria had declined to sign the agreement earlier on in Kigali, Rwanda, after the private sector opposed the idea and only signed it after a committee set up to look into the agreement came up with recommendations urging the government to sign it.

In the motion, Sen Jibril and others commended President Muhammadu Buhari for mustering the needed political will to sign the document, adding that government must enlighten Nigeria business community to leverage on the immense benefits in the agreement.

It urged government to continue its current policy of improving the infrastructure and other basic necessities to bring about reduction in the cost of production.

It further urged the federal government to be the main driver for the success of Nigeria’s membership by ensuring that policies and programmes were in large part consistent with the mission and vision of the agreement.

In his contribution to the motion, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu, said having signed the agreement Nigeria must move swiftly to strengthen its local manufacturers to produce at reduce cost.

He said: “Unless this is done I am afraid we may end up becoming the dumping ground if other African country.”

Sen Ibikunle Amosun on his part, said the membership of Nigeria in agreement meant the country now had access to about 1.2 billion population market, adding however, that “except

we get our acts together we will become a dumping ground.”

To avoid this, added, “we must strengthen our Small Medium Entrepreneur (SMEs) so as to compete favourably. We must agreement to lessen the cost of production. It is good that we finally sign the law. This means we will not fail to take advantage of the act as we did with AGOA.” Sen James Manager said he was sure the entire Africa was happy when Nigeria finally signed the Agreement.

He said: “We call therefore call on Mr President to appoint the next minister of trade who is smart enough to lead the way we can fully take advantage of this Agreement.”

Also contributing, Sen Albert Bassey Akpan, said: “Nigeria must now be serious about industrialising the country because as it is there is no way we can have an trade balance. Unless we do this China is coming.

“We want to also call in the President to forward the list of the

ministerial nominees with their portfolio so that we interrogate them and know what we they know about this act and others.”

Sen Kola Balogun said: “initially, the private sector opposed the signing of the agreement because they feared Nigeria would become a dumping ground. Why did they change their mind? For any nation to do well three things must be in place: labour, land and capital, all of these we have but capital.

We must know that unless we get our infrastructure right no foreign direct investment will flow into Nigeria.

“Therefore, we must work on our infrastructure in order to be competitive enough and created employment for our youth.”

Gabriel Suswam: for us to meaningfully contribute to the discussion on this agreement, it is important we avail with this document. Unless, we get I am afraid we may not be able to critically interrogate the documents.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Buhari canvasses more commitment to the poor

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has commended the Chanrai family for their commitment to the development of Nigeria through long-term investments, and humanitarian services in providing free health

Army inaugurates another court-martial to prosecute erring soldiers

services to the underprivileged.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Tulsi Chanrai Hospital, the President said the family’s investments in the country since Nigeria’s independence clearly shows a dedication to the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially by channelling resources into making life better for many, mostly the poor.

“I am very pleased to note their contribution to check and prevent avoidable blindness by restoring the vision of more than 120,000 Nigerians, free of charge. These

services will now be enhanced with this state of the art hospital in the heart of Nigeria,’’ he said.

He said the Chanrai family was initially involved in trading and industrial manufacturing, with plants in various parts of the country engaging in processing, and has branched into humanitarian activities.

“The vision of the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation is to ‘build a healthy Nigeria’. Since its inception, the Foundation has been instrumental in implementing several projects related to Primary Health Care,

Eye Care and Safe drinking water, throughout the country.

“In addition, I am informed that the foundation is engaged in rehabilitation of boreholes program across Nigeria, covering 32 states. So far, they have rehabilitated more than 7000 boreholes providing safe drinking water to more than 3 Million Nigerians,’’ the President added.

In his remarks, Mr Jagdish Chanrai, Chairman Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, said more than 60 per cent of services will be targeted at the poor, especially in restoring

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Tulsi Chanrai Foundation, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Permanent Secretary Ministry. of Health, Abdullahi Mashi, FCT, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ohaa Chinyeaka Christian, Chairman of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital, Mr Jogdish Chanrai and his wife and others, during the Commissioning of the Eye Hospital, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam with agency report

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he Commandant of the Nigerian Army’s unit fighting Boko Haram, Benson Akinroluyo, yesterday inaugurated another courtmartial to try soldiers who have committed various offences.

He said the court-martial is to try 21 different charges brought against erring soldiers fighting insurgency.

However, the commander failed to give details of the offences allegedly committed by the soldiers, but previous courtmartials had tried soldiers accused of rape, theft, sales of ammunition to armed robbers, torturing minors, absconding from duty posts, and several other unprofessional military conducts.

Mr Akinroluyo, a majorgeneral, said inaugurating the court is a normal command duty that he is empowered to discharge in “utmost good faith.

“It should be noted that this court does not have any special interest to serve other than the routine duties within the realm of regimentation,” said the theater commander.

He assured all parties in the court that they had no cause to fear “as the court will carry out its proceedings in accordance with the dictates of the extant rules and regulations.”

He called on the president and members of the military court-martial to discharge their duty justifiably.

Fielding questions from journalists, Mr Akinroluyo said: “I am aware that there are 21 cases bothering on administrative and operational matters that are brought before the court, but I cannot go into the details; I think the court will do that.”

He said the court is expected to conclude its proceedings in good time after which its judgment would be taken before the military council for final decision.

sight and correcting defects, noting that the hospital, which commenced services in January, had attended to 6, 400 patients and performed over 1000 eye surgeries, with 850 of them provided free.

He said the Chanrai family had touched the lives of about 7.5 million Nigerians with various humanitarian projects.

The hospital is managed

by Aravind Eye Care System of India and will be largely operated by a Nigerian team of 30 eye professionals who had been trained in India.

Nigeria demands probe into death of national in South Africa

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he Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has demanded a thorough investigation in the alleged murder of Elizabeth Ndubuisi-Chukwu, the Deputy Director-General of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria in South Africa.

The Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in an interview said the Consular General, Godwin Adama, had a staff working with the police and investigating authorities in South Africa.

Mrs Ndubuisi-Chukwu was in South Africa to attend the Conference of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO).

She was reportedly found dead in her room at Emperor’s Palace Casino Hotel and Convention Centre, Johannesburg on June 13.

“We must know what happened. If it means getting a private investigator we will, we should not be pushed to the edge We have reached a tipping point.

“Someone goes for a conference? And murdered? For

the sake of both countries and for closure for the families we must know what happened and we will, ” an irate Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said.

She further said she had faith in the assurances given by the Consular General adding that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and South Africa set up an early warning signal sometime ago.

“It is definitely not working and it has to be reviewed,” she said.

The chairman added that it can

only be done at a ministerial level.

“FG not treating with kids gloves though I believe we must be more assertive, which the commission will now demand. ”Eight policemen in South Africa are currently on trial for their involvement in killings of Nigerians and our mission is monitoring the cases. Mrs Ndubuisi must not die in vain.

It’s one death too many and we have demanded full cooperation from South Africa and we expect nothing less,” she said.(NAN)

Buhari asks Senate to confirm Acting CJN, 15 others as SA

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Musa Adamu

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded to the Senate, the name of acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad for screening and confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

In a letter read during plenary session in the Senate yesterday by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Buhari said this is in accordance with Section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which gives the president the power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The letter reads “In accordance with Section 231 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which gives the president the power to appoint a Chief Justice of Nigeria on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the Senate.

“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed for confirmation as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“It is my hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria.

“Please accept, Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

In a separate letter which he wrote to the Senate, President Buhari said he intends to appoint 15 special advisers.

“Pursuant to provision of Section 151 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which confers to the president powers to appoint special advisers to assist him in the performance of his functions, I write to request the kind consideration of the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to appoint 15 special advisers.

“While hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the distinguished Senate, please accept, Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the second letter reads.

Recall that Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad was appointed after the President Buhari suspended Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was accused of false declaration of asset.

Also on Wednesday, the National Judicial Council (NJC), in a statement said it has recommended to President Buhari the appointment of Justice Tanko as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, hence his nomination to the senate.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly12, 2019

News

with Lawrence Olaoye e-mail: lawrenceolaoye8@gmail.com Text: 08036236703 (SMS only)

Investments in human capital as panacea for insecurity

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uccessive governments in the country have paid lip service to the imperative need for human development as a sure cure for many social and life threatening challenges facing the nation.

Leaders from the lowest rung of government to the apex at the federal level seem to understand what the problems are with Nigeria but only a few are willing to address them using time tested approach that have helped elsewhere.

For instance, unemployment has been identified as one of the biggest cause of insecurity in the country. Successive governments have pretended to address this challenge with little or no results.

Even though the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has instituted official policy to address the challenge with its Social Investment Program (SIP), the effects have yet to manifest considering the realities on ground.

Experts have been able to find a nexus between the triangle of illiteracy, poverty and insecurity and have argued vehemently that the government must have to invest in human capital development to avert an impending doom.

Each time nabbed kidnappers, Internet fraudsters and others engaged in nefarious activities are interviewed by the Police, the preponderant reasons for their action have always been around unemployment.

But several captains of industry have consistently argued that most of the Nigerian youths blaming unemployment for sliding into criminality are unemployable.

They therefore urged the government to invest into their capacities for them to catch-up by acquiring modern skills.

It is perhaps with the realization of this that the President recently called on all

stakeholders to prioritize education for all children of school age in the country.

Buhari, at the inauguration of the new National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by his Vice,Yemi Osinbajo had reminded the governors that providing free and compulsory education is a constitutional provision.

He said “Section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended places on all of us here an obligation to eradicate illiteracy and provide free and compulsory education. ‘‘Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act provides that every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. ‘‘It is indeed a crime for any parent to keep his child out of school for this period.

In my view, when a government fails to provide the schools, teachers and teaching materials necessary for basic education, it is actually aiding and abetting that crime. ‘‘This is, therefore, a call to action. I would like to see every Governor rise from this meeting and rally his local Government Chairmen towards ensuring that our schools offer the right opportunities and provide the needed materials and teachers for basic education, at the minimum. If we are able to do this, the benefits will surely manifest themselves.”

The President told the them that successes in the four key areas of education, security, health and agriculture would go a long in lifting Nigerians out poverty, and securing the future for sustainable growth and development.

This is a real charge by the Buhari administration in its quest for national investment into human capital.

Demonstrating knowledge of the real issues at the heart of insecurity in the country, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, identified employment creation, reduction of poverty, halting the culture of impunity and provision of affordable education as real panaceas for the challenge of insecurity in the country.

Stressing the need for investment in human capital through education, Monguno told members at the last NEC the “we have a lot of children roaming around without any formal education. And as the president has mentioned earlier which he was inaugurating the National Economic Council, we need to make education compulsory and free for every child in the country because the problem we face today are rooted in the fact that a lot of people who have been denied the opportunity, basically the opportunity to get formal education end up over the years, there is accumulation of large mass of human beings who end up becoming criminals, drug addicts and so on and so forth. And they end up becoming tools to be used by elements in the wider society who have very dangerous intentions.

And therefore, it is very important to proscribe certain groups ultimately running around under the guise of maybe getting some kind of education that is not really formal and then begin to cause a lot of problems for society.”

But, a cursory look at the quantum of government investments into education at all levels leaves much more to be desired.

Though the government’s school feeding program attempts to provide an encourage to school age children roaming the streets to return to school, many more are still on

the streets.

A dispassionate look at the budgetary allocations to education, especially at the federal level falls short of the international benchmark for a developing country like Nigeria.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Education For All (EFA) 2000-2015 Achievement and Challenges Report recommended 15-20 percent allocation to the education sector in developing countries. Far back in 2006, the High Level Group on EFA proposed that governments should spend between 4-6 percent of Gross National Product (GNP) on education.

Conversely, successive governments’ investment in Nigeria hovers between 6-7.5 percent of their annual budgets.

Specifically, the federal government in its 2019 budget of N8.92 trillion allocated a miserable N620.5 billion to education. This represents about 7.05 percent of the total budget when UNESCO is recommending at least 15 percent. This is coming when other African countries, Ghana specifically, have been spending about 20 percent of their annual budget on education in the last ten years!

Considering the foregoing, one is tempted to conclude that the scourge of insecurity plaguing the country was self inflicted. It possibly came as a result of the refusal of past administration to invest in human capacity development. It therefore behoves on the present administration which has correctly diagnosed the ailment of insecurity to, as a matter of urgency, increase funding of the educational sector with a view to enhancing its investments in human capital development for peace to return into the country.

As FG moves to outlaw almajiri system ...NSA claims ignorance on release of $1 billion security funds ...recommends community policing

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he federal government has given an indication that the Almajiri system of education may soon be outlawed.

Briefing newsmen yesterday after the inaugural National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno, also claimed that he did not know whether the $1 billion approved for the procurement of military equipments to fight insecurity in the country was released to the Army or not.

Monguno told newsmen that he briefed the Council on the security situation in the country and have reasons why criminality is on the rise particularly in the north.

He said he briefed the Council on the drivers of insecurity which are unemployment, under-employment, poverty, drugs abuse, rising population.

Asked whether the $1 billion approved in 2017 following spiralling insecurity in the country, especially Boko Haram insurgency, herdsmen menace, kidnappings, banditry and armed robbery has been released, the NSA said “The $1billion I believe that you are talking about was actually earmarked for the

President Buhari military, not for security agencies, like the intelligence community and the paramilitary agencies.

It was earmarked for the military. As much as I know, whether it was given to them, I really don’t know.”

There has been apprehension however, over whether the finds had been released, when and for what specific purposes.

Amid the controversy, the Nigerian Army said the money was still being processed.

On the pervading insecurity in the North-east, The NSA said the problem still needed to be readdressed with collective effort of both intelligence and operations He disclosed that banditry is fast replacing insurgency in the area as it now constitutes a major threat to national security.

He added that he briefed the council on the activities of the herdsmen/farmers.

According to him, these are limited to only 16 states disclosing that the Council was developing a potent blueprint to address the challenge.

Monguno also said he briefed the Council on pipeline vandalism and illegal oil refinery in the Niger Delta adding that their activities ere also affecting the peace in Gulf of Guinea. He said the threat has an international dimension and it’s being addressed accordingly.

He sad “This situation in the Niger

Delta is also affecting security in the Gulf of Guinea and we have been collaborating with the secretariat in Rwanda to work to reduce the activities of these people.

So basically we need just domestic but international effort to deal with this situation. The federal government has invested much in setting up maritime domain monitoring facilities and hopefully not the next couple of months we should be able to set up all these structures to reduce the activities of these people.”

On national policing, he said “Finally, I also emphasized to council the need to conduct police reforms....Basically the society in today’s contest the issue of insecurity are not the traditional issues we know in the last century, those issues that were cut and dried and we could easily deal with these issues. Today, it is too complex to allow one organ of government to deal with these issues. Today, we need a whole of government, a whole of society approach right down to the lowest level in which individuals at local level are able to interface with the police and give them intelligence because dealing with asymmetric situation requires first and foremost human intelligence used to support technical intelligence so that these issues can be combated.”

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum/Ekitit state Governor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, New Group Managing Director NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari and Vice Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum/Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambwal, during the courtesy visit to New GMD,NNPC on Wednesday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

No plan to hike fuel price -NNPC *Asks Nigerians to disregard rumour

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has advised motorists and other petroleum products consumers to disregard trending rumour of a planned hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, saying the statement of the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, at the National Assembly yesterday did not suggest any plan to increase the price of the white product.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, clarified that what the NNPC GMD stated during his engagement with the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Ahmed Lawan, at the National Assembly yesterday was that the price of petrol was abysmally low in Nigeria compared to what is obtained in neighbouring West African countries.

Ughamadu noted that Mallam Kyari had observed at the event that the huge disparity in the pump price of petrol between Nigeria on the one hand and her neighbouring country on the other hand tended to encourage crossborder leakages, as he sought the support of the leadership of the National Assembly to curb the malaise of smuggling.

He advised Nigerians from all walks of

life to disregard the insinuation of a plan hike in the price of petrol by NNPC, saying statutorily, NNPC was not even in a position to regulate the price of petroleum products, advising that NNPC role as an operator must be differentiated from that of any of the Industry regulators.

The NNPC spokesperson stated that as directed by relevant agencies of the Government, the pump Price of petrol remains N145 per litre.

NNPC cautioned petroleum products marketers not to sell petrol aboveN145 per litre following the disclaimed rumour.

NNPC advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and volunteer information to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Industry regulator, or to any law enforcement agency around them, on any station which sells petrol beyond N145 per litre.

The NNPC had yesterday said the N145 pump price is too cheap, arguing that it is the least pump price in the West African region.

Briefing the Senate leadership Thursday on the revenue generation, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mele Kyari pointed out that the twin issues of low pump price and smuggling are the two things affecting the revenue generation capacity of the agency.

“The N145 per litre fuel price regime Nigeria runs against the N350 per litre most

of the other west African countries operate, encourages smuggling , which invariably affected revenue generation for the agency and by extension the country.

“It is even very difficult for us to make the Petroleum Product available at N145” he said.

While adding that Nigeria does not benefit on full capacity from gas production, Kyari however informed the Senate leadership that as far as projected daily production level is concerned, remarkable achievement has been made with the 2.3million barrel daily production being recorded as against 1.6m barrel recorded on daily basis in 2016.

He assure that before the year runs out, the corporation would meet the revenue projection of the appropriations act since according to him, the NNPC was working tirelessly with the customs and security agencies in controlling and containing cross border activities of the oil smugglers.

Speaking also, the Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Rufai Ahmed Ishaku, called on the National Assembly to speed up the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, saying that doing so will significantly transform the oil and gas industry and attract revenues.

Also speaking before the Senate leadership, Controller General of Custom, Hammeed Ali informed the lawmakers that Custom Service

has generated N653.3 billion by the end of June 2019 adding that N1.202 trillion in the 2018.

“We collected N1.202 trillion in 2018 and as at June this year, we have collected N653.3 billion. We will surpass 2018 revenue by the end of the year, he assured.

The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services ( FIRS), in his own submission, informed the Senate leadership that in the last 2 months, FIRS has generated about N6.5 billion.

He added that by the end of this quarter, the agency would have been able to generate about N500 billion from its aggressive revenue drive in meeting the projections made in the 2019 budget .

In his remarks , the President of the Senate , Ahmad Lawan told the executives of the revenue agencies that the purpose of the collaboration , was to gear them up in making more revenues for the government for effective and efficient budget implementation.

“It is very worrisome that the country within the last few years , have been resorting to borrowing from external lenders for implementation of capital components of the yearly budget .

“This is not good for the country economically when we have agencies that can assist in generating revenues at home for execution of such projects.

Again, Shi’ites clash with Police, 5 arrested

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

or the umpteenth time, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites, yesterday stormed Abuja streets, in continuation of their protest against

the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Our correspondent reports that the IMN members, who returned to the streets of the nation’s capital, also had serious confrontation with the Police at the Federal Secretariat, in the heart of Abuja.

It was gathered that trouble started when security operatives made a frantic attempt to control the protesters during their procession around the busy area.

Consequently, the Police fired tear gas canisters and gunshots to disperse the aggrieved IMN

members, while five Shi’ite members were apprehended by the security operatives.

However, the clash caused serous panic as passers-by, motorists and workers fled the scene to escape being caught in the fracas.

Recall that the recent round of protest against the continued detention of IMN leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zazakky, left no fewer than five Policemen injured, when Shi’ites took their protest to the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, in Abuja.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

CRIME News Alleged Compulsory Retirement: Ex-AIG Mbu, PSC explore out of court settlement R-L: SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha accompanied by the Executive Secretary PTDF, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau during a courtesy visit by the newly elected President of the UN, Ambassador Tijjani Mohammad Bande, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

KEDCO urges customers to pay bills for effective service delivery From Edwin Olofu, Kano

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he management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), has appealed to its customers to pay up their electricity bills as at when due, to enable the company improve its service delivery of providing uninterrupted electricity.

The electricity company said Paying the bills means a lot to them and it will make

them more responsible to their responsibilities as an organisation that prioritise the interest of its numerous customers.

We also like to commend them for being supportive in areas of patronage and other collaborative efforts toward the protection of KEDCO installations.

The appeal which was contained in a statement by the company’s Head, Corporate Communications Ibrahim Sani Shawai pleaded with the

customers for more supports in paying electricity bills in time and on time for the good of everyone.

Shawai said “KEDCO is working very hard to further strengthen the improvement the company is recording going into the future. We are improving the network of distribution also so that when there is an increase in network, we won’t have any issues.

“The expansion is on-going because our target is the future.

We are making fruitful efforts

toward securing more megawatts from the national grid and when such is achieved, strengthening our network for distribution won’t be any challenge because we are ready and good to go always. We have bought more transformers, distribution equipment and other items for installations” The MD reiterated the resolve of the company to give unquestionable satisfaction to customers of all levels from commercial to residential, adding

SEMA,NEMA distribute relief materials to flood victims in Delta

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

R

elief materials worth millions of naira were on Thursday distributed to the victims of 2018 flood disaster in Oleh Community, Isoko South Local Government area of Delta State.

Delta State Emergency Management Agency ( SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) officials who made the distribution on behalf of the state government in Oleh Community, said 200 knapsack sprayers, agricultural Chemicals

( insecticide and herbicides) were distributed to the victims, many of whom farmers.

Mrs Gladys Omoefe,NEMA head to the team who spoke to Journalists in the area, disclosed that the beneficiaries were mainly farmers whose farms crops were destroyed by flood menace, stressing that the relief Materials including cash of N100,000 each would alleviate the suffering of the affected persons if Judiciously managed.

The 2018 flood menace, She said, affected areas such as:Iyede, Ozoro Communities and some

part of Owghologbo where the Farmers’ Crops were completely destroyed.

Investigation revealed that Isoko South and North, Okpanam, Some Part of Agbor, Asaba Communities were heavily affected by the 2018 flood menace where several houses apart from the farm Crops, were swept away and destroyed.

Further investigation revealed that many of the victims who were rendered homeless by the flood disaster sought refuge in neighbouring communities were they have been staying before the

were given relief materials.

One of the beneficiaries, Ejiro Oghenevo thanked the state government through SEMA, NEMA, saying that the materials came timely when they were almost losing hopes of getting back their losses to the flood menace.

“We are grateful to Delta state government for the immense helps for us to get back to life after the destruction of our farm Crops and our houses and we were almost hopeless but thank God for using the state government”, Oghenevo said

Newspaper vendors woo support for 9th NASS

By Mashe Umar Gwamna

P

resident of Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria (NVAN) Abuja Chapter, Comrade Etim Iwara has urged Nigerians to support the leadership of the 9th National Assembly as it grapples with the challenges of taking Nigeria to the next level.

Comrade Iwara who also charged the Senate and House of Representatives on proper

representation, enjoined them to make laws that will sustain our democracy and enhance the rapid transformation of the country.

Speaking during a chat with newsmen in Abuja yesterday, Chief Iwara specifically appealed to the Senate President Senator Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, their deputes and other principal officers to use their wealth of experience to strengthen democracy, economic

growth, security, peace and unity of the nation.

He urged the lawmakers to eschew bitterness, close ranks and work in consonance with the mandate given them His words, “I call on all Nigerians to support the present National Assembly especially its leadership to move Nigeria to the next level. Our elected representatives should work in consonance with the mandate given them to ensure peace, unity

and rapid transformation of the country”, he said.

He paid glowing tribute to Senator Clifford Ordia whose election to the 9th Senate was informed by his humanitarian disposition, quality representation, team player administration, capacity building and enhancement of the socioeconomic well-being of his people.

According to NVAN Boss, “with people like senator Ordia this country will be better”.

he said we are not resting so we also want our customers to support us to continue to build for the future.

“If electricity bills are paid in time, we will get more financial encouragement to build for the future.”

Buhari hails victorious Super Eagles

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles for another spectacular outing that has confirmed Nigeria’s progress to the Next Level in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019.

With a well-deserved victory over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, President Buhari believes, like millions of other sportsloving Nigerians, that the mission of having the trophy in our hands for the fourth time is almost accomplished for the high flying Eagles.

The President urges the team and their handlers to remain focused, disciplined and scale the remaining two hurdles to glory.

He affirms that the crop of players in the national football team represent the resilient and indomitable Nigerian spirit, which must be reflected in all other areas of national life.

President Buhari assures the players that Nigerians are praying for them to fly higher and get to the peak of the tournament, knowing that the taste of victory is sweet and what they have achieved so far is pleasing to Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious or political inclination.

T

he Police Service Commission (PSC) and a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Joseph Mbu, have told the National Industrial Court that they are still discussing an out of court settlement in the suit filed against the commission by the retired officer.

Mr Mbu had filed the suit at the court against his compulsory retirement from the police.

At the resumed sitting for a Report of Settlement, the judge, Sanusi Kado, asked the claimant’s counsel, Bendo Hassan, on the position of the negotiation among the parties.

Mr Hassan in his response said that parties had explored an alternative of resolving the issue amicably out of court.

He explained that they had come up with settlement as agreed upon by parties.

Mr Hassan, however, said some directors of the commission, who were supposed to sign their part of the Terms of Settlement on behalf of the commission, travelled out of town for the ongoing police recruitment exercise.

Mr Kado, therefore, adjourned the case until November 6 for Report of Settlement or adoption of Terms of Settlement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retired AIG was the Commandant of Police Staff College until his retirement in 2016.

Mr Mbu dragged the Commission before the court over his alleged forceful retirement of July 1, 2016.

In his Statement of Facts, he stated that he was born April 10, 1958, and joined the

Nigeria Police Force in 1985 had not reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 nor had he spent 35 years in service before he was retired in 2016.

Hence, his approaching the

court to seek redress.

The claimant is seeking, an order of the court to invalidate his retirement, which he claimed was done via a press release as he was never served statutory notice

of retirement.

NAN reports also that he is seeking an order directing the defendant to pay him a compensation of N100 million and another N20 million as cost

of prosecuting the suit.

The claimant is also seeking an order of the court directing the commission to promote him to the rank of Deputy InspectorGeneral (DIG) of police.(NAN).

Deputy Commissioner of Police in Adamawa, Mr Ajani Omolabi (R) presenting micro loan package to one of the widows of policemen that benefitted from a National Directorate of Employment (NDE) loan programme in collaboration with Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), yesterday in Yola. Photo: NAN

NSCDC dismisses officer for alleged murder

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday announced the dismissal of one of its officers, Innocent Oshemi, who allegedly shot dead a colleague and a Korean national.

Abdullahi Gana, Commandant General of the Corps, said Mr Oshemi had been handed over to the police for prosecution.

Mr Gana said at a press briefing in Abuja, that the suspect allegedly killed Mamman Wuya,

a Senior Inspector of the Corps at the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL) and the Korean, Tea Kun Kara, who was an employee of Samsung Heavy Industries in Lagos.

Mr Gana, represented by Jonathan Iyogho, Assistant Commandant General in charge of Protection of Critical Infrastructure, said an internal inquiry had found Mr Oshemi culpable for the alleged murders.

“We visited the police when

they informed us of a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage of the incident.

“A staff committee was set up by the corps to look into the case after the CCTV inspection,” Mr Gana said.

According to him, the incident occurred on April 8, 2019 and the suspect had to be “disarmed by his colleagues in the office and was later handed over to the police.”

Mr Gana debunked the claim

by Mr Oshemi that the corps owed

him some money.

“We don’t pay our personnel directly, because we are registered under Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and they are in charge of salary payments.

“Our men working at LADOL are being paid stipends into their accounts,” he said.

Mr Gana described the incident as unfortunate and said measures are being taken by the corps to avoid a repeat.(NAN)

Court jails barber 15 months for stealing prepaid metres From Yemi Oyelola Kaduna

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Grade I Area Court Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday, sentenced a 21-year old man, Nura Suleiman, to 15 months in prison for stealing five Abuja Electricity Distribution Company prepaid metres from residents.

The convict, who resides at Karu Site, Abuja, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal trespass, mischief in relating to electricity and theft, but begged for leniency.

The judge, Sani Mohammed gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N45,000.

Mohammed who said there was no excuse for committing crimes warned the convict to change his ways.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Vincent Osuji, told the court that one Abdulsalam Bolaji of Cornershop, Karu, Abuja, reported the matter

at the Karu Police Station on July 5.

“The complainant alleged that on same date, the convict trespassed into his compound at the above-mentioned address,

deliberately damaged and stole his AEDC prepaid metre before he was caught and apprehended.

“After he was arrested, four additional prepaid meters were found in the convict’s possession,

which he confessed to have stolen from four different victims.

“However, the five AEDC prepaid metres were recovered from the convict, as he confessed to having committed the crime,”

Osuji said.

The offence contravened the provisions of sections 80, 348, 287, 319 and 306 of the Penal Code.

EFCC secures 51 convictions, recovers N46.6m in Edo

By Osaigbovo Benin

T

Iguobaro,

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured 51 convictions of persons involved in various kinds of fraud in the past six months.

The Benin Zonal Head of EFCC, Mr Muktar Suleiman Bello who disclosed this at an event to mark the 2019 African AntiCorruption Day on Wednesday in Benin City, the State Capital, stated that the Benin office of

Commission also recovered a lot of assets which were proceeds of corruption within the period.

“I want to declare it today that within the past six months of this year, we secured about 51 convictions, comprising different kinds of cases of corruption and fraud.

“And part from the conviction, we have also recovered about N46.6 million.

“Apart from the money and convictions, we have also recovered a lot of Asset and property that are considered as

proceeds of the crime.

“But, my major concern is not about fighting corruption. We keep on talking about corruption.

The event which is the 3rd in its series was tagged: “Towards a common African position on Asset recovery” while the theme for the road walk is “Walk towards asset recovery and return”.

He said: “The difference between this event and the previous one is is a declaration to the whole world to show that Africans have identified their

problems and have also taken steps to recover all the looted funds across the Continent.

According to him, “the struggle and fight win the fight against corruption through a collaborative efforts in order to win the war against corruption” He appealed to Nigerians particularly, parents and teachers to key into the catch them young Anti-Corruption Campaign initiative of the Commission under the leadership of the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

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NEWS

Buhari mandates Printing and Minting Plc to solely print E-Passports

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the production and personalization of all Nigerian E-passports and related documentation shall be the sole responsibility of the Nigerian Security Printing & Minting Company (NSPMC).

Popularly known as The Mint, the company was established in 1963 with the objective of producing the nation’s currency notes and coins for the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as security documents for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, banks and other blue chip companies.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesuna, with the new directive from the President, all existing memoranda of understanding and contracts on printing by other institutions/ companies will not be renewed.

The Mint is the largest banknote and security documents specialist printing company in West Africa.

However, its performance was rapidly dwindling in terms of both currency production and security documents prior to 2014.

Under the chairmanship of the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, new targets were set, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of The Mint, Mr Abbas Umar Masanawa recounts some of the achievements to include: zero importation of currency from 2014 to date, with attendant benefits of conservation of foreign reserve, revenue and employment generation, as well as safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Mr Masanawa counts the blessings further: “The Mint has returned to profitability. From a moribund organization with heavy losses, the company grew from a loss position of N14. 6 million in 2014 to a profit of N14. 3 billion in 2018. Turnover also grew from N17.8 billion in 2014 to N61. 4 billion in 2018.

“Other achievements include enhanced production capacity, revenue diversification, reduced cost of production, institutionalization of corporate governance, improved staff welfare and industrial harmony, among others.”

The Managing Direction pledged that The Mint would justify the renewed confidence reposed in it by the President, “as we are moving to the Next Level, and poised to boost national security and integrity, we will conserve scarce foreign exchange, improve revenue generation, create job opportunities, and boost acquisition/transfer of technology.”

Kebbi procures 6 dialysis machines to tackle kidney disease From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi State Government has purchased and installed 6 dialysis machines in the state owned hospital (Sahyaya General Hospital) Birnin Kebbi.

Briefing newsmen yesterday in his office, the newly appointed Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Aminu Haliru Bunza (MBBS) who is the chief consultant physician on Dertamentologit,

said that the machine will undergo patients with kidney cases and other related heart diseases.

He explained further that their charges is the cheapest across the country “we collected N22,000 for the first time while subsequently the patient will be paying N15,000 only, adding that people visited the hospital from other States for the test.

“Am just two months old in this hospital as MD but I have put the hospital in a proper shape,

I purchased more chairs, beds clothes, oxygen, equip A and E department, Amenities wards and other important health facilities in the hospital” he added.

Dr. Bunza who therefore, said that in collaboration with the MEDICAD Foundation The hospital has treated over thousands cancer patients across the State.

He added that the hospital have also registered about 5,000 NHIS patients while 3,900

people are undergoing HIV/AID treatment in hospital.

He then appealed to the state government to support them on manpower as the hospital need more medical and supporting staffs.

He also commended him on the recent upgrading of two health institutions in the State adding that it will also improve the quality of healthcare service delivery.

L-R: Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Catrina Liang; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; and Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Alkinson, during the British High Commissioner visit to the speaker, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

By Ese Awhotu

T

he stakeholders of Southern Taraba have called on the Governor of Taraba State, Arch Darius Dickson Ishaku to be alert to his responsibilities as Governor.

The stakeholders demanded that as a matter of urgency, the Governor should put in place machinery to quell the crises and security challenges that has bedevilled Taraba State particularly the Southern Zone where he comes from.

The APC stakeholders made the call after a meeting in Abuja, where they deliberated on a wide range of issues.

In a communiqué signed by the Communiqué Committee, the stakeholders therefore jointly called on the Governor to expedite action as follows: “The Governor of Taraba State, Arch.

Darius D. Ishaku should relocate to the southern Zone with a view to resolving the crises with immediate effect.

“A consultative meeting of all critical stake holders comprising of Security agencies, Traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, politicians from all

PAGE 9

NEWS

APC stakeholders to Gov. Ishaku: Put machinery in place to quell Taraba crisis political parties, women and youth and other opinion leaders should be convened immediately to proffer solutions that will bring about lasting peace in the Southern Zone.

“Government should with sincerity of purpose address issues of injustices across the various communities and divides that have continually precipitated the crises among the people of Southern Zone of Taraba.

“Put together measures to stop the

spate incessant of kidnappings, armed robberies and communal clashes that have engulfed the Southern Zone of Taraba State and; “Government should put in place measures to gainfully engage and empower people in order to keep them off from vices.”

The stakeholders said the communiqué is issued in good faith and in the best interest of all Nigerians living in Taraba State.

In attendance at the meeting were Hashim Usman Adam, Sulieman Danasabe Baaga Rueben F. Wunuji, Dr. Yakubu Tor-Agbidye, David Sabo Kente, Baba Ahmed Bako, Abdullahi S. Magaji, Daniel Tsokwa, Josiah Sabo Kente, Alexander Mamchika Atta, Ahijo Musa Yusuf, Joshua I. Sangari, Rimamnde Bitrus Nuhu, Zubairu Ismaila Ibbi, Sule Yakubu Ande and Shamaki Danladi Fanyan.

Presidency commends UK’s new focus on herder-farmer clashes

T EFCC secures 55 convictions, recovers N90 million in Gombe

T

he North East Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Gombe says it has secured 55 convictions and recovered over N90 million in six months.

The head of operations in the zone, Michael Wetkas, disclosed this on Thursday in Gombe during a community road walk against corruption to commemorate the 2019 African Anti-Corruption Day, with the theme: “Assets Recovery”.

Mr Wetkas said the

commission also secured the forfeiture of two houses to the federal government.

According to him, corruption has been the bane of underdevelopment, unemployment, decayed infrastructure and insecurity in Nigeria.

“Statistics has shown that in Africa, we lose 50 billion dollars yearly. In Nigeria, we have lost over 400 billion dollars between 1960 and 2012.

“Today, we are

commemorating the African Day to have one common position with other countries within the continent against corruption.

“We must take ownership of the anti-corruption fight. When you see something, let’s say something. We are always ready to do our job whenever we are called in that regard,” he said.

He added that the commission, acting on information from the public, was able to recover items meant for the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Gombe, which

were diverted.

Mr Wetkas also stressed that the commission had intervened, following useful information, in the allegations of corruption in the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme of the Federal Government and that some of the cases were already in court.

He warned that anybody engaging in illegal businesses should desist from such act, adding that the commission had stepped up its surveillance in the corruption fighting. (NAN)

Gov. Sule charges Nigerians to confront their leaders on corruption From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

G

ov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has implored residents of the state and Nigerians across the country to have the courage to confront their leaders on corruption so as to entrench accountability in the management of public resources and assets.

Governor Sule gave the charge at a rally organised by a Coalition of Unions against Corruption in Lafia yesterday.

July 11 is celebrated as the African Union Convention on Preventing and

Combating Corruption in Africa.This year’s theme is: ‘Towards a common African position on asset recovery’.

Sule who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe told the gathering that Nigerians must play a crucial role in reducing corruption in the country by summoning courage to confront their leaders to account for resources and assets in their care.

“Corruption is a very malignant cancer which if not properly tackled will kill the victim, in this case will kill Nigeria. We must therefore stand up and say no to corruption.

“Each and every of us must do

what we call shine our eyes. If you see me driving a Lamborghini, you are duty bound to ask me where I got the money to buy it. Have the courage to confront our leaders and ask questions.

“Let us ask questions. Let’s not remain docile. If you want to ask and they give N5000, reject it. If you collect it and hail the person, the man has cheated you.

“This is an eye opener and I urge you to go to all the nooks and cranny of the state and sensitize the citizenry on the dangers of corruption,” he said.

Sule then commended the Ibrahim Magu led Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the giant strides achieved in the fight against corruption in the country.

Speaking earlier, Hajiya Mariam Ibrahim-Osuza, Chairperson of the Coalition said the rally was organised to engage the citizenry on how best to ensure that those tristed with public resources and assets are prevented from stealing from the country and those who stole from the country are made to return the resources, assets and properties stolen.

he Presidency has welcomed the recent report to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, specifically the British Government’s new focus on herderfarmer clashes.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Shehu observed that engagement with various stakeholders is key to the dialogue and, most importantly, trust, to resolve this age-old conflict.

According to the presidential aide, as the report indicates, there are many causes to the conflict, from competition over land to climate change.

“The National Livestock Transformation Plan sets out to deal with these by preventing open grazing of cattle and, consequently, the destruction of crops.

“Enclosed ranching is a core component of the programme. For farmers, this guarantees their yield and livelihoods. For herders, all livestock produce more meat and milk in a ranch rather than being always on the move.

“These plans do not come at one or another’s expense. Instead, they shall make both farmers and herders richer.

“We must learn to live together because there isn’t another way. Our diversity should never be a cause for conflict, but a source of strength from which the nation can draw,’’ he said.(NAN)

L-R: Acting Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Alhaji Yusuf Anka; UNFPA Country Representative, Dr Eugene Kongnyuy; Federal Commissioners of NPC, Dr Ismaila Suleiman; Sen. Mudashiru Hussain and Chief Benedict Ukpong, during the commemoration of the 2019 World Population Day organized by NPC, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Kaduna: Sanga Council boss urges more security to check crime From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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hairman Sanga local government council of Kaduna State, a neighbouring council in Nasarawa border, Honourable Charles Danladi has appealed to the Inspector General of Police to deploy more security operatives to Sanga area council in order to checkmate criminal elements intimidating some towns and villages.

The council boss who made the plea in an interview with our reporter, following the killing of a police officer by armed bandits on July 2nd in Wasa Station area of Sanga

LGC, described the attack on the security operatives as barbaric act.

According to him, “This is the second incident in Wasa Station where unknown gunmen lodged attack on police. We have recorded the death of two officers of the Nigeria Police killed in Wasa town. One was last year and the recent one in 2019. I call on the relevant security authorities to take a proactive step in order to fish out criminal elements in the area”.

Charles further called on the communities in Sanga area to be watchful on the movement of people with questionable character to security operatives in their

areas for prompt intervention.

“Traditional institutions in Sanga LGC should also scrutinize visitors entering and exist in their respective domains. Never you accommodate people with suspicious movement.

“This incident is alarming and should be stopped. I need your co-operation in the area of security and the maintenance of peace.

Doing so, will bring rapid development to our council,” Charles said..

“I call on all communities in Sanga to remain calm as well as preach peace with one another irrespective of tribe or religion,” he added.

Senate C’ttee visits National Eye Centre Kaduna over 10 blind patients From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

F

ollowing the hullabaloo that trailed recent story of 10 patients of the National Eye Centre Kaduna who were alleged to have gone blind after being injected with Avastin (Bevacizumab) drug, an Adhoc Committee of the Senate yesterday visited the Centre to ascertain the fact of the matter.

The Committee led by its Chairman, Senator Matthew Urhoghide said they were in Kaduna based on a motion moved on the floor of the Senate that 10 patients of the Centre lost their sight when Injected with the said drug.

According to him, this is a very strong allegation that could not be swept under the carpet. That is why the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan constituted an Adhoc Committee with a time frame of two weeks to find out what transpired.

Welcoming the 7-man Senate Committee, the Chief Medical Director, (CMD), of the Centre, Dr. Mahmoud Alhassan said on May 27, 2019 eleven patients scheduled for intravitreal injection were examined.

He added that some of the patients had comorbid ocular conditions including glaucoma.

He said that they were either hypertensive,

diabetic or both.

Speaking on the drug, Dr. Alhassan is a drug that has been proven to be effective in management of several eye diseases in addition to its use as an anti-cancer drug.

“A day after the procedure, one of the patients returned complaining of pain and visual deterioration.

“The other ten (10) patients who had intravitreal injection were recalled, along with patients that had other procedures in the same theatre suite.

“All the patients who had intravitreal injection were admitted and had corrective

procedures and happily some have regained their vision while others are recuperating as they await Secondary procedures for visual restoration.

“One patient left against medical advice after he underwent a retinal procedure,” he said.

Some of the patients who spoke to our reporter said they have regained their sight but still under medication.

However, Mr. Isaac Yakubu who is a diabetic patient said he has not regained his sight. But the hospital management assured that hopefully he would regain his sight.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

PAGE 10

News Okowa mourns ex-Bendel Gov. Husaini Abdullahi From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday condoled with the government and people of Nassarawa State as well as the Nigerian Navy over the death of a former military governor of defunct Bendel State, retired Vice Admiral Husaini Abdullahi.

In a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with family and friends of the deceased and the people of Doma local government of Nassarawa state.

Okowa said the sacrifices and good-heartedness of the former governor would always be remembered, most remarkably in his contributions to the growth and development of the present-day Delta State.

He noted that Vice Admiral Abdullahi dedicated his life to the service of the nation which was exemplified by his exceptional career in the military and business world culminating in his emergence as Chairman of defunct Inland Bank upon retirement.

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing.

He was a remarkable officer and a man with strong will and character whose wise counsel will be sorely missed by those his life influenced tremendously.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the exit of a fine officer and elder statesman, Vice Admiral Husaini Abdullahi (rtd).

“My profound condolences to the family, the government and people of Nassarawa state as well as the Nigerian Navy where He had a brilliant career.”

Transparency Int’l rates police, parliament, judiciary most corrupt Nigerian institutions

By Ese Awhotu

T

ransparency International has rated the police, parliament and judiciary as the most corrupt institutions in Nigeria.

This is contained in a survey

by Transparency International released yesterday.

The survey is titled: “Global Corruption Barometer Africa 2019: Citizens Views and Experience on Corruption”. It is the 10th edition.

The survey revealed that, about 69 percent of those who participated in the survey ticked the police as the most corrupt institution, 60 per cent went for

members of the parliament, 51 per cent went for judges, while 43 per cent chose the executive arm of government.

Others are local government officials (55 per cent), government officials (54 per cent), NGOs (40 per cent), business executives (44 per cent), traditional leaders (35 per cent) and religious leaders (20 per cent). ”Also, 43 per cent think corruption increased in the previous 12 months, 44 per cent of public service users paid a bribe in the previous 12 months, 40 per cent think the government is doing a bad job at tackling corruption while 54 per cent think that ordinary citizens can

make a difference in the fight against corruption,” the survey highlighted.

Transparency International said corruption is a major barrier to economic growth, good governance and basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech or citizens’ right to hold governments to account.

The global corruption watch said corruption is hindering Africa’s economic, political and social development.

“More than this, corruption affects the well-being of individuals, families and communities. While it varies extensively across countries and public institutions, corruption

harms hundreds of millions of citizens by undermining their chances of a stable, prosperous future.

“This 10th edition of the Global Corruption Barometer – Africa shows that the range of corruption challenges that African citizens face is complex and multifaceted, requiring fundamental and systemic changes.”

Transparency International noted that the Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) is the largest, most detailed public opinion survey of citizen views on corruption and bribery in Africa ”with more than 47,000 citizens surveyed in 35 countries”.

L-R: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas receiving a souvenir from his Russian counterpart Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, during Admiral Ibas’ ongoing visit to Russia. PHOTO: DINFO

Man who accused wife of demanding bribe before sex secures divorce

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mother of four, Risikat Adegboyega, has lost her 16-year-old marriage as an Igando Customary Court in Lagos granted the request of her husband to dissolve the union because she allegedly demands a bribe before sex.

The court president, Adeniyi Koledoye, held on Thursday that since the petitioner insisted on divorce in spite of interventions, the court is left with no option other than to grant his wish.

“The court hereby dissolves the marriage between Pastor Abayomi Adegboyega and Mrs Risikat Adegboyega; you henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Each of you should go his or her separate ways unmolested. The court wishes both of you well in your future endeavours.

“The custody of the first and third children of the marriage are awarded to

the petitioner while that of the second and fourth children are awarded to the respondent, their mother.

“The petitioner must be paying N10, 000 monthly for the feeding of the two children in the woman’s custody and must be responsible for their education and general welfare,” he held.

Mr Koledoye also ordered that the petitioner should pay N200,000 to the woman for her to move on with her life.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 48-year-old Mr Adegboyega had sought divorce on grounds that his wife demands `bribe’ from him before sex.

“My wife starves me of sex, she will never allow me to sleep with her unless I give her money or buy her a gift,” he had told the court.

He vowed to kill himself if the court would not dissolve the union which

produced four children.

“Risikat should never come near me, I do not want to have anything to do with her again.

“She is irritating me, I will kill myself if the loveless marriage is not dissolved,” he said.

The embittered husband also alleged that his wife cooked his food late and tarnished his image in public.

“My wife wants my ministry to collapse, she defames my character before my members and others; people who want to help me refuse because of what they hear from her,” he said.

He added that his wife fought his church members.

However, 39-year-old Mrs Adegboyega, denied all the allegations and accused her husband of threatening her life with charms.

“My husband told me that he would use

charms to destroy my life; indeed, after few weeks, I was very sick; everywhere my family took me to, they said it was a spiritual attack,” the trader told the court.

She said she never denied her husband sex or cooked his food late.

She also denied fighting her husband or members of his church.

The respondent accused her husband of beating her at the slightest provocation.

She added that he chased her and the children out of her matrimonial home nine months ago, without sending money for their upkeep.

“He is just looking for an excuse to dump me. If he wants to marry another wife, he should go ahead instead of making false allegations against me,” she said.

She prayed the court not to dissolve the union, saying that she still loved him in spite of his misbehaviour.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Don’t over estimate!

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he Zamfara State Police bandits”.

Nagogo explained the form the Command has announced a drastic reduction in the dialogue took. It was either face crime rate in the state. The spate of to face or through phone calls or criminal activity consists of killings, proxies. “This has assisted me to kidnappings and cattle rustling. dictate the tone of the dialogue,” he What began in Zamfara has extended said. “The persuasion and energetic to neighbouring Katsina, Niger, pleading dug deep into their Kaduna, Sokoto and Kebbi states. nerves and facilitated actions that The banditry reached such a scale the have positive consequences. The federal government had to call in the governor_elect of the state, though military and other security forces to not yet inaugurated, has appointed complement the effort of the Nigeria me as chairman of the committee on reconciliation, disarmament and Police.

It appears this combined campaign amnesty.”

The people of against the well armed Zamfara who have and ubiquitous bandits is suffered untold paying off handsomely. hardships under the Speaking during the week terror unleashed in Gusau, the Zamfara by the bandits will capital, Commissioner of They will be welcome the cheering Police Usman Nagogo said encouraged to news coming from the the crime rate in Zamfara return to pick up police. They will be had been reduced by 98 percent and “peace is the pieces of their encouraged to return gradually returning to the shattered lives. Two to pick up the pieces of state following a series things to draw from their shattered lives.

Two things to draw of meetings held with leaders of Miyetti Allah, this success story of from this success story ‘Yansakai’, farmers and Mr. Nagogo: firstly, of Mr. Nagogo: firstly, representatives of bandits dialogue sometimes dialogue sometimes works better than organized by the police.” works better use of force because The dialogue led to the than use of force it builds confidence release of 51 Hausa and Fulani captives by both the because it builds instead of instilling bandits and ‘Yansakai’. confidence instead fear. Secondly, it means nobody is killed Mr. Nagogo explained: of instilling fear. and ensures a win-win “On the 4th of July 2019, I led a team to Dansadau Secondly, it means outcome.

However, much where twenty five Fulanis nobody is killed and who have been held captive ensures a win-win as we commend the security forces for for up to 4 months were outcome. what they are doing released unconditionally to in Zamfara and the me at the palace of the emir other states affected of Dansadau. This gesture by the bandits is phenomenal. On by banditry, we want to urge them July 5, I also led a team to Shinkafi to be slow to speak but quick to act. local government area where we Saying that the large scale banditry successfully negotiated the release of that consumed tens of thousands of 15 Hausas from captivity. They were human lives, livestock and destroyed also released without a dime paid to farmlands has been reduced by 98% is too good to be true. It is more so their abductors.”

Two days after, according to that the prisoner releases have been Nagogo, another 11 captives held at achieved through phone calls. All Gidan Dawa in Kaura Namoda and this is more like chests beating by Kamarawa in Shinkafi were released the police. They should learn from to him. “This brings the number of the blunder of the military that, at people that secured their freedom one time, said Boko Haram would through the committee headed by me be destroyed in three months. It to 51 men, women and children”, he took 3-4 years to reduce the violent said. Efforts were ongoing at freeing religious sect to what it is today, a 26 more captives, he said. “After smouldering ember, not a fiery fire that, the next of the dialogue will be that it once was. If the police are disarming and collection of all rifles doing such a fine job in Zamfara, let and other weapons that are in the people see the salutary result on the hands of both local militias and the ground. A gani a kasa, the Hausa say.

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Letter to the Editor

The Mele Kyari promises and the Buhari Government

M

ele Kolo Kyari, the new Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has promised to revive Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, bring to an end the recurrent fuel scarcity and fuel importation as well, before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2023. Can Mr. Kyari revive the four state-owned refineries as well as end fuel importation and the annoying fuel scarcity forever? Many Nigerians are skeptical, because many GMDs before Kyari have made similar promises, but couldn’t achieve 100 % result.

Nigeria imports most of its required refined petroleum products because the four state-owned refineries seldom meet their combined 445,000 bpd capacity due to nearly four decades of neglect, mismanagement, and periodic attacks on the oil pipelines.

Acute scarcity of petroleum products in Nigeria dates back to the early days of oil production in the country. It irritates most Nigerians and also puts any NNPC-GMD on the edge of his or her seat. It tends to be frustrating to know that many factors are responsible for the scarcity of petroleum products, however it placates that the solution is always simple- adequate supply of petroleum products to the nation’s fuel service stations, but often difficult to implement due to inefficient refining capacity, complicated logistics and sometimes political nature of the problem.

The solutions to fuel scarcity and meeting refining capacity are thorny: NNPC’s continued massive importation is unarguably expensive and unsustainable; re-introduction of the subsidy regime is corruption prone; complete liberalization or deregulation comes with high prices, public backlash and job losses, while construction of new refineries and rehabilitation of the existing ones are capital intensive and an extremely time consuming process.

The long term solution to fuel importation and the recurrent scarcity of petroleum products in Nigeria is what is critically needed. The long term is double-pronged; completely deregulate the industry and bring Nigeria’s refinery capacity to what oil refining experts call a high Nelson Complexity Index.

A Nelson Complexity Index of 10 or above is indicates a refinery has high potential in value addition and high value products.

Nevertheless, with the right approach, coupled with the available cheap and easily accessible crude oil; competent manpower and funds, Nigeria’s refineries would operate at near 100 per cent utilization with minimal downtime. What is that right approach? – effective management of Nigeria’s 5,120km pipelines network, efficient management of the nation’s four refineries and building of new refineries.

The biggest problem facing the oil pipelines in Nigeria are: incessant

illegal tapping by oil thieves, sabotage, right-of-way incursions, slow detection of leaks and in-line equipment failure due to inaccessible sites, including the old-fashioned method of managing the pipelines. However, there are advanced technologies that can successfully tackle these problems: SCADA- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) and Go-devils / scrapers or Smart pigs (also known as intelligent pigs). SCADA or FOC provide advanced warning in real time which helps pipelines companies to take quick action to protect longstretch of pipelines network, even if it is located in inaccessible areas where visual inspection might be difficult. The impressive aspect of the SCADA and FOC technologies is that they sense and locate interference before the pipelines damage takes place. Smart pigs are used for detecting anomalies in pipelines or other mechanical damages. As for right of ways incursion, experts argue that the best way to tackle it is via community involvement through sustainable CSR projects and programmes. In addition, a robust standby force is needed to effectively man the security of the pipelines.

Our refineries are not working because of poor management system.

Since government will not privatize them, let the government put up effective conditions for their operations: the four refineries should be granted full autonomy to cater for themselvespay their bills and dividends to the government. When the workers know that the refineries output will determine their take-home pay; things may change.

Since Mr. Kyari is very passionate about sustaining the reforms in the oil and gas sector as well as work within the tenets of President Buhari’s anticorruption war – cleanup the oil and gas; sustain the current level of transparency that Nigerians have never seen. It is also very commendable that Mr. Kyari also agrees that the Dangote refinery is essential to Nigeria in meeting her plan to triple her refining capacity to 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd). Apart from reviving the four refineries, Mr. Kyari should go modular, mini and mobile refineries: There are affordable 1,000 bpd – 30,000 bpd Modular refineries whose equipment units are prefabricated on skid-mounted structures prior to shipment to any location. If this is done, the new GMD has found one of the keys to fulfil his promises. However, For Mr. Kyari to achieve 100% success, he has to keep up and bring-out the benefits of the painstaking reforms, utilize his in-house experiences to put the right people and policies in the right position and time. Nevertheless, Kyari has some painstaking tasks ahead in the area of touching the life of every Nigerian – which is NNPC’s Unique Selling Point.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, write from Jimeta, Adamawa state zaymohd@yahoo.com 08036070980

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

Fuel importation and fraudulent subsidy, will Nigeria exit it?

By Jide Ojo

“In 2011, when I was the CBN governor, Nigeria made $16bn from petroleum sales, and we spent $8bn importing petroleum and spent another $8.2bn subsidising the product…and I asked, ‘Is this sustainable?’”

– Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II during the third national treasury workshop in Kano on June 26, 2019.

I

n 1988 the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida embarked on the importation of refined petroleum products while the country’s four refineries underwent the required Turn Around Maintenance. Because the cost of the imported products would be higher, the administration decided to introduce subsidy in order to make the products affordable to Nigerians. The entire package of fuel importation and subsidy was to last for six months. Incidentally, what should have been a temporary measure has become a permanent feature of our economic life. Thirty one years after its introduction, Nigeria still shamelessly imports refined petroleum products while the corruption-ridden subsidy regime continues.

Successive administrations, both military and civilians, promised and failed to make Nigeria self-sufficient in domestic refined petroleum products. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2002 approved 18 Licensed to Establish popularly known in industrial parlance as LTEs but only one of them has come on stream with just 1,000 barrels per day capacity. The refinery is operated by the Niger Delta Petroleum Resources which produces only automotive gas oil, better known as diesel.

There was a news report in the Vanguard newspaper of August 28, 2015 that President Muhammadu Buhari in June 2015 licensed 65 Nigerian companies to construct modular refineries. The companies were reportedly selected from about 285 applications that were

screened for the purpose. Modular refineries are mini-refineries with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 barrels per day, which can be assembled and separated easily for enhanced performance and efficiency. How many of these MRs have been constructed?

To the best of my knowledge, out of the whole lot of LTEs, only Aliko Dangote has braved the odds to commence construction of a 650,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery which is expected to commence production latest by 2022, according to an August 10, 2018 report in Reuters. Even Obasanjo sold off two out of the comatose refineries in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt, only for the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua to be forced to rescind that decision due to pressure mounted by some Nigerians. Since then, despite the millions of dollars pumped into their Turn Around Maintenance, none of the local refineries is working optimally.

Many of the entrepreneurs licensed to build refineries have refused to do so because of the guided deregulation policy of the petroleum sector. They are afraid that should they build, they are not guaranteed of cost recovery as government policy has put a cap on the amount they could sell the products not minding if they are going to be operating at a loss. This is what has happened to Nigeria’s electricity sector where government has forced Distribution Companies better known as DISCOs not to charge cost recovery tariff while at the same time defaulting in payment of the subsidy. Lack of full implementation of the Multi-Year Tariff Order, which is a tariff model meant to reduce commercial losses and leads to cost recovery in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, is at the centre of why privatisation has not worked in resolving Nigeria’s electricity challenge.

Before the recent call for subsidy removal by the Emir of Kano, the Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, had called on the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy. Addressing a press

conference on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the joint annual spring meetings with the World Bank in Washington DC, the IMF boss said with the low revenue mobilisation that existed in Nigeria in terms of tax to Gross Domestic Product, it was important for the country to remove fuel subsidy. Largarde said by so doing, the country would be able to move funds into improving health, education, and infrastructure Indeed, Nigeria is postponing the evil day by not fully deregulating the petroleum sector.

Running the economy on imported refined petroleum products and paying over a trillion naira in subsidy annually are not sustainable.

The subsidy regime has been grossly abused with many false and unverified claims being made by some petroleum importers. There have been insinuations that because this subsidy is the honey pot of some oil cartels operating within and outside of the shores of Nigeria, that is why there has not been the political will from the Federal Government to ensure local selfsufficiency in refined petroleum products.

Before coming to power in 2015, the All Progressives Congress had patently said that subsidy was a scam and indeed there was no subsidy on petroleum products. Four years into this administration, there is now a new song. They call theirs under-recovery. In a January 2018 interview, the then Minster of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, was asked who paid the differential between the N171 landing cost for the Premium Motor Spirit and the N145 pump price. She responded thus: “…technically, today, there is no subsidy but there is under-recovery.

Why that is so is because the NNPC is currently doing all the importation. They are importing at a higher price than they are selling, which means they are losing money. So, there is no subsidy payment in the way the old subsidy scheme used to work where they were paying the oil marketers, but there is an under-recovery, a loss on the importation of the PMS being borne by the NNPC and therefore indirectly being borne by everyone one of us.”

According to a Premium Times report of December 26, 2018, Nigeria incurred N623.17bn on petroleum products supply under-recovery cost between January and November 2018. It is also not true that there are no longer subsidy payments. On May 30, 2019, the Senate flayed the payment of N11tn to oil marketers as subsidy in the last six years, stressing that the development, if not halted, could kill the nation’s economy. The upper chamber took the decision while considering the report of its Committee on the Downstream Petroleum Sector. The Chairman of the committee, Kabir Marafa, had while presenting the report, told his colleagues that Nigeria spent over N11tn to pay outstanding subsidy claims in the last six years. The development came just as the upper chamber also approved the payment of additional N129bn subsidy claims to 67 petroleum marketers.

I am all for the removal of petroleum subsidy so that the trillions of naira being paid under this corruption-ridden scheme can stop.

However, for that to happen, the country needs to be self-sufficient in domestic refining capacity.

This needs private sector participation. Thus, I suggest that President Buhari should sponsor the Petroleum Industry Bill as an executive bill to the Ninth National Assembly and impress it on the leadership the imperative of a quick passage. There is a need to fully deregulate the downstream petroleum sector so that market forces are allowed to determine the price of refined petroleum products just like it is the case with the telecommunications sector. The cost of these products may initially be astronomic; however, competition will force the price down.

Full deregulation will incentivise the organised private sector to build private refineries like Dangote is doing.

With this done and subsidy removed, the resources being used to pay for subsidy can then be applied to provide social infrastructure. Follow me on Twitter @jideojong

Russia’s strategy in Libya, What is it?

By Yury Barmin

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he escalation of conflict in Libya has exposed a great deal of foreign meddling that outside powers, both regional and global, would have preferred to keep under the radar. Russia, which would normally end up in Libya-related headlines for all the wrong reasons, has tried to take a backseat on the Libyan issue ever since renegade general Khalifa Haftar launched his Tripoli offensive in April 2019.

Over the past three months, Russian diplomats have been making only vague statements on Haftar’s ongoing military operation against Tripoli. Two days after the launch of the offensive, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference in Cairo that Russia was against any attempts “to unilaterally pin the blame” on one side for the escalation in Tripoli. At the same time, when asked whether Moscow backs Haftar, he responded that Russia supports “all Libyan political forces so that they agree among themselves and so that no one imposes anything on them.”

The ambiguous statements, however, have been overshadowed by blunt diplomatic moves in support of Haftar: On April 7, Russia blocked a UN Security Council statement that would have condemned Haftar’s Tripoli offensive.

While privately Russian policymakers conceded that this operation was a poorly planned adventure that was doomed to fail, publicly the Kremlin was not prepared to burn the bridges with the renegade general and decided to extend diplomatic support to him.

Early on Haftar found a willing partner in the face of the Russian defence ministry which saw his Libyan National Army (LNA) militia as a proto-army that can be the backbone of governance in eastern Libya. There is a great deal of convergence on the issue of Libya between the Russian military and Haftar’s

leading backers in Cairo and Abu Dhabi. His operations in Benghazi and Derna supported by the two were lauded by the Russian authorities as successful counterterrorism efforts.

Russia also backed Haftar’s LNA earlier this year when it launched an operation to take over the oil-rich southern part of the country, known as Fezzan. According to some sources, the offensive to a large extent became possible due to an injection of cash printed in Russia in close coordination with Abu Dhabi and Cairo.

Parallel government structures in the east have had Libyan currency printed in Russia since 2016 due to disputes with Tripoli.

Haftar’s triumph in the south, particularly, the takeover of the Sharara and El Feel oil fields, became a game-changer for a lot of international actors, including Russia. Before his campaign to take over Fezzan, the LNA commander was promising Russia lucrative oil export contracts. According to sources in Moscow, he told the Russians in 2018 that once he gains full control over oil exports through the parallel office of the National Oil Company (NOC) in Benghazi, Russian companies would be allowed to collect oil at the terminals of the “oil crescent”, stretching from the city of Sirte to Ras Lanuf.

Once this idea fell through, he attempted to facilitate a deal between the Russians and the NOC CEO Mustafa Sanalla and also failed.

When Haftar took control of Sharara and El Feel in February 2019, Moscow became convinced that it was only a matter of time until he also took over the NOC and is able to discuss serious business. Thus, when the general launched his military assault on Tripoli, he had the support of the Kremlin.

As it became increasingly clear that Haftar’s campaign was not going to yield a quick victory, Russia’s position on Libya evolved to what may be described as strategic ambiguity. Seeing how a number of foreign countries got dragged

down into the conflict over Tripoli, including France, Turkey and the UAE, the Kremlin made a strategical decision not to get involved in a fight that is essentially a zero-sum game.

Unlike Egypt and the UAE, Russia has no interest in actively intervening in the Tripoli offensive on behalf of Haftar. At the same time, policymakers in Moscow still don’t see him as a liability for a number of considerations. First, Russia still sees that governing structures in the country’s east as well as the LNA as fully legitimate, unlike the Government of National Accord (GNA). Second, the Russian defence ministry prefers to deal with a military man, such as Haftar, in Libya. Third, in the event that Haftar eventually succeeds in relocating NOC operations to Benghazi or replaces Sanalla, with a loyal figure, Moscow would be able to reap the benefits of its long-term support for the general.

If that doesn’t happen, and the fight over Tripoli lasts long enough and bleeds both parties out, Moscow still sees itself as the potential winner of the situation. It hopes that Haftar’s snowballing failures in western Libya will make him more tame and cooperative and that a cornered Tripoli would take engagement with the Russian government more seriously.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, the Kremlin sees its relations with the GNA and General Haftar as purely transactional at the moment, meaning that it is willing to extend its support to the highest bidder. Both sides have made attempts to arrange high-level meetings with the Russian leadership, but so far, the Kremlin has kept a certain distance.

Haftar’s fixers in Moscow requested meetings with Foreign Minister Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu twice since April, but what they managed to secure was a low-key private visit for the general in late May. The GNA was even less fortunate in its attempts to win over Moscow. This may have

to do with the fact that relations between the two governments have been uneasy for a while. Sources reveal that during the Palermo conference on Libya in November 2018, GNA head Fayez Serraj expressed dissatisfaction to the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev over Russia’s continuing support for Haftar and the printing of Libyan dinars in Moscow, which destabilised Libya’s financial market.

Despite renewed interest of the GNA to reach out to Moscow, the Russian foreign ministry has not been too eager to receive GNA representatives. The parties cancelled two planned visits of Deputy PM Ahmed Maetig and Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala that were scheduled for May. The two sides have not been able to establish the terms of cooperation which impedes the kind of relationship that Moscow would expect to have with a central government.

Sources in Moscow lament that the two are still working out the details of long-discussed trade deals, as well as struggle to finalise the return of two Russian sailors who were sentenced to three years in prison in Tripoli in 2018, all of which needs to happen first before the Kremlin can discuss other political and security issues.

While Libya is not Russia’s top foreign policy priority at the moment, the Kremlin sees the need to remain relevant in the Libyan context. Haftar’s long-nurtured hope that Russia will intervene militarily in his support alongside the UAE is grossly misplaced.

Presently, a UNSC veto is the strongest weapon Moscow is willing to use in Haftar’s favour.

However, how long the Kremlin continues to back the general for will depend not so much on his failures, of which there have been many, but rather on what the GNA in Tripoli is ready to do to win its support.

Yury Barmin is a Public Affairs Analist.

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

Comment Reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria

By Ejeviome Eloho Oseloka H. Obaze

Otobo

and

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igeria suffers from democratic overload. Governance expenses are hugely disproportional to its developmental strides and democracy dividends. This is reflected in the high recurrent expenditure relative to the capital expenditure at the federal, state and local government levels. Since the return to civil rule in 1999, the share of recurrent expenditure in federal budget have hovered slightly above 70 percent and accounted for 78 percentage of 2018 federal revenue. It was not always thus. Nigeria had relatively lean governance structures under first civilian administration in the post-independence era as well as under the military regimes, which were marked by conspicuous absence of bloated parliamentary structures. Whilst military regimes are aberrations and cannot serve as a useful model for assessing governance costs, tackling the problem of high cost of governance requires a deep understanding of its genesis.

The prevailing high cost of governance in Nigeria is attributable to both structural and operational factors. The structural factors include a pervasive mentality of “national cake” sharing; the federalization of several standards, in particular as it relates to payment of wages, salaries and pension entitlements; constitutional principles mandating the application of federal character or ethnic balance; the high level of pensions for some elected officers codified into law; the huge number of institutions provided in the constitution and several national legislations; the inability of most states to meet their recurrent expenditures from internally generated revenue despite federal government bailout; and the

bourgeoning cost of campaign financing – a sectoral expense poised to outpace public administrative costs.

There is a myriad of operational factors in the high cost of governance. One such operational factor, especially at the federal level, is the large number of MDAs – ministries, departments, agencies, many with overlapping mandates. Another important operational factor is the huge expenditure arising from the opaque high salaries and benefits for members of the national assembly. Comparatively, Nigeria’s federal legislators earned more than their U.S., U.K., German, South African and Brazilian counterparts, as evidenced in The Economist in July, 2013 review of lawmakers’ pay in 29 countries.

Yet another major operational factor is the large size of the federal cabinet coupled with an equally large number of advisers and special assistants at the federal and state levels. In an effort to address this issue at the federal level, the Transitional Committee led by Ahmed Joda, which was appointed by then President-elect Buhari in March 2015, recommended the reduction in the number of federal ministries from twenty-eight to nineteen.

But this proposal was not adopted.

Still another operational factor is the significant duplication in the establishment of institutions at the federal and state levels with overlapping functions and with no unique added value at either level. This can be attributed partly to the constitutional design of concurrent list of items shared by the federal and state levels. Then, there is the factor of inflating and splitting of contracts as well as padding budgets as a means to siphon off public resources for private gain. This practice represents huge opportunity cost to the socio-economic development of

Nigeria.

It’s no surprise that Nigeria’s “democracy has been described as the most expensive in the world with minimal evidence in terms of infrastructure development, poverty level and pace of general economic growth.” The disconcerting paradox, is that despite the high cost being expended on Nigeria’s governance, she has earned the dubious distinction of being the poverty capital of the world. Indeed, fewer Nigerians are rising above the consumption poverty line, and it’s most unlikely that the newly introduced thirty thousand-naira minimum wage will help in cracking that ceiling. Whereas GDP growth and rising consumption are considered validating corollaries of high cost of governance, experts warn that “making GDP growth and rising consumption the central objective of public policy” amounts to “self-undermining concept of prosperity”.

While the number of members of the national Assembly and States’ Houses of Assembly may not be easily reduced, their salaries and perks can. This requires statesmanship and placing national interest above vested interest personal privilege. Whereas section 147 (3) of the 1999 Constitution provides for appointing a minister from each state of the 36 states, it does not stipulate the number of ministries. The constitution made no distinction between a Minister and Minister of State: an 18-member cabinet can satisfy the constitutional requirement by having a minister and minister of state appointed to each ministry. Significant cost savings can also come from abolishing the non-constitutional post of Chief of Staff in the presidency and the Governors’ office, with consolidation of the functions around the Secretary to the Government of

the Federation and Secretary to the State Government. This was the situation that prevailed during the first and second civil administrations as well as in a brief period of the Umaru Yar’Adua administration.

The current number of advisers and senior special assistants can also be reduced significantly both at the federal and state levels, with much of their tasks consolidated into relevant line ministries.

A thorough review of the current structure and functions of ministries, departments, commissions and parastatals at the federal and state level is required. At the federal level, such an effort has been made. This is reflected in the findings of The Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalising of Federal Governmental Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies.

The failure to act on the recommendations of this panel explains the persisting high cost of governance at the federal level.

Cognizant that constitutionally-created institutions will be difficult to fold up or merge, the same cannot be said of governance bodies created by decrees or executive fiat. What is needed is the political will and commitment to implement the recommendations in that report and initiate actions on other measures herein proposed. The growing resort to borrowing to cover the cost of recurrent expenditure and the increasing debt service burden are warning signals for the political leadership at all levels to act fast to ensure that Nigeria does not fall off the fiscal cliff and plunge into a debt peonage.

Otobo is a Non-Resident Senior Expert at the Global Governance Institute, Brussels.

Obaze is a public policy expert and MD/CEO Selonnes Consult, Ltd. Awka

Nigeria: Most prayerful nation on earth

By Reuben Rine

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t is a known fact that Nigeria is peopled with highly ‘religious’ adherents, who somewhat become bigotry and fanatical; marked by excessive enthusiasm and intense devotion. In every region of Nigeria, people competitively devout their time, energy and resources in advancing the cause of their religion. Gigantic places of worship are built with sophisticated architectural designs and finishing. In some localities, more funds are spent in erecting religious edifices than on basic amenities (including schools, electricity, potable municipal water supply and hospitals) for public good.

As good as our personal relationship with God is, manifesting the fruits of such intimacy with God supersedes. Every tree is known by its fruits and not by the leaves it bears. Our religiosity without good works, supposedly to be produced by it amounts to idolatry, hypocrisy and pretense.

A new report recently published by the Pew Research Centre revealed the prayer frequency of all countries of the world. The prayer survey was a compilation between 2008 to 2017. Nigeria emerged as the most prayerful nation of the world, with 95% of its people praying daily. Furthermore, Nigeria was closely followed by India, with 75%.

Nevertheless, highly industrialized, developed and economically buoyant nations including China, United Kingdom,

Germany and France had the least percentage of 1, 6, 9 and 10 respectively.

The report went a little further to determine the commitment level of Christians the world over. Ethiopian Christians were reportedly the most committed, with 98% praying more frequently and regularly attending religious services. Honduras (South America), Philippines (southeast Asia), Ghana and Nigeria (West Africa) had 94, 91, 89 and 82% of their Christians been more committed.

It is highly paradoxical, illogical and disheartening for the most prayerful nation to also be the most miserable country, one of the most hunger-stricken, with the least life expectancy rate the world over.

Truth be told, we as a nation have long abandoned the core pillars of our religion, which are genuine fear of God and love for humanity. We have long strayed away in pursuit of worldly and selfish gains that only last for a while.

How can we as a nation that lays claim to religion and prayer as our national pride still wallows in severe, dreadful and lifethreatening insecurity as never heard of in a once descend nation. Killings everywhere; blood-flows abound. The new business and occupation reigning in Nigeria after the oil sector is kidnapping as recently stated by the president.

Our morality has seriously degraded with very little or no value left. Human lives are not respected and valued anymore.

Sanity, decency and decorum are gradually eluding us. Unprecedented fraud reigns at all levels. Evils are invented and practiced daily in Nigeria. The entire country is becoming wild, untamed and feral, like lost sheep in disarray without a shepherd.

Libya, Somalia and Syria may be child’s play if nothing urgently is done about our present state.

Prayers are made for good fortunes, prosperity and growth. A prayerful nation should undoubtedly be a prosperous nation, where the fear of God, peace, unity and love reign. Conversely, developed nations that pay less attention to religion and prayers are blossoming in prosperity, wealth and health. The irony of our backwardness amidst our religiosity beats my imagination.

And the trend seems to be the same.

Poor, starving, unsafe and underdeveloped countries of the world are the most religious with high level of corruption, mismanagement of commonwealth, political treachery, educational backwardness, disease burdened, wars, terrorisms and insurgencies.

As the most prayerful nation, yet practically struggling on all fronts, one is bound to ask so many questions. What are the motives behind our prayers? How do we pray? To whom are our prayers offered?

What do we really pray for? For selfish gain? Or as occupation with handsome pay? Are our prayers with enticing words for mere competition and/or debate?

A prayerful nation that lives in disunity and hatred within its ranks cannot prosper.

A prayerful nation that ignores the plight of the helpless and poor masses will in no way progress. A prayerful nation that celebrate injustice will be bound to fail. A prayerful nation that celebrates and elevates failure, mediocracy and trivialize weightier matters bordering its growth and prosperity cannot stand.

In every of our official events, it is a common practice for adherents of the two major religions in Nigeria to both open and close such events with prayer. In fact, in 2012, the Federal Executive Council adopted the second stanza of the National Anthem as the official prayer at public functions. Severally, president Buhari asked Nigerian to pray for him and also the challenges bedeviling the nation. The opposition parties (as expected) chided the president for requesting for prayer and not rising to work.

So long as prayer is good, we as a nation also have a role to play to better our lot.

Scripture says “faith without work is dead”.

We are to rise up for godliness, love, justice, peace and truth. We must be holy and sincere in all our dealings. For he who trust in God MUST purity himself. We are to work out our unity progress and prosperity with much love and mutual respect for one another.

Nigeria, lets rise up; for we are ABLE! Reuben Rine can be reached at kalomovaah@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

PAGE 14

News Water contamination: DPR moves to end 4 years rift in Niger community From Yakubu Minna.

N

Mustapha,

iger State Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR ,has carried out integrity tests on the tanks of Jagaba filling station at Takogi in Diko community in Lavun local government of Niger State.

It however, established no linkage from the suspected source for the village water contamination.

The Department Operations Controller, Engr Abdullahi Isah Jankara after a stakeholders meeting in Minna stated that it has collaborated with relevant agencies to find a lasting solution to the matter that has been going on for over three years between the village and the filling station.

Jankara who was optimistic with the report ascertained by the DPR team led by its Head of Downstream Malam Ahmed Emimaru hence the station owner Mohammed Dan-Asebe Jagaba who used of DPR licensed consultant Helgatech Engineering Technology who carried out the integrity test.

According to Jankara, integrity test would enable them to ascertain whether or not the source of water contamination with petrol in the village was from the alleged source.

It however, certified that the tanks were good for business.

The Controller directed the state agency on environment NISEPA to take up the challenge for more discoveries of the problem hence the closed up of the matter as reached during their agreement at their several meetings.

Other agencies who were involved in the matter including; National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA), Public Complain Commission (PCC), Media, Civil Society and the Community Representative led by Mr Samuel Yisa Saidu.

In his remarks, Community representative, Mr Samuel Yisa Saidu lamented the danger on the health status of his people who have been drinking the contaminated water for years decried of possible outbreak of epidemic in the community, however said that the fingered suspected tank was removed by the station owner without integrity test carried out on it.

The representatives of the involved agencies in their separate remarks agreed that there is contamination especially now that the level of water on ground has increased then called on the quick intervention of the state government by doing the needful in that community.

Jigawa Assembly, UNICEF, others in pact to reduce acute malnutrition From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

F

ollowing the increase in malnutrition in Jigawa State, the House of Assembly in collaboration with UNICEF, Action Against Hunger, ISMPH and WINN has promised to work hard and the reduce the cases to the minimal level.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Alhaji Sulaiman Musa Kagara who confessed that the cases of malnutrition need an urgent attention in the state, dropped the hint yesterday at the advocacy and capacity building two- day workshop for Jigawa State House of Assembly lawmakers held at Tahir

Guest Palace in Kano.

He explained that, an improvement of nutrition issues to the child and pregnant women is just like an improvement of brighter future of Jigawa State.

While delivering his speech at workshop, the UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Chief Field Officer, Mr. Bhanu Pathak who was represented by the UNICEF Nutrition specialist Phelomena Irene said, the cases of stunted children in Jigawa State reached to 54% which means in every ten children five are stunted in the state.

“Recent smart survey revealed that Jigawa State still has a stunting rate of 54% which means in every 10

children at least 5 are in danger of brain not developing properly” she said.

UNICEF promised to continue partnership with Jigawa state government for a better future of the state.

Also making her remarks, the CGDP project manager in Jigawa State, Stella Esedunme who was represented by CGDP advocacy and communication officer Alhaji Sabi’u Sulaiman Shehu said, about 58,000 children have so far benefited from their programme of Child Grant Development prograamme in Jigawa State.

According to him, the Action Against Hunger through their

programme CGDP spent over N3.9 billion in six years across the three selected local government of Buji, Kiri-Kasamma and Gagarawa in the state.

He then assured continue collaboration in the second part of their programme (Masaki) and engage stakeholders an improve women and child health in Jigawa state.

However, the Executive Secretary Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Kabir Ibrahim said, the workshop will review the last four years achievement and challenges on malnutrition and strategies for the next four years.

L-R: Attache, Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, Kansantsin Siarheyeu , Third secretary, Consular and Migration Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Chukwunonso Ibe, Director, Education Support Services (ESS), Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Giginna Lydia, Second Secretary, High commission of India, Yogesh Singh, Deputy Director, National / Internal Partnership,, ESS Department . Mrs Anigbogu Oj , Assistant Director, Ministry of Education, MrsLawani Mopelola, Representative of the Chairman, Nigerians Diaspora Commission, Barr. Habibat Ehameh and Assistant Director, , Bilateral Agreement, Commonwealth and African ESS department, Mrs Chudoun Mary, during the forum of Education Stakeholders with Consular and Education Attaches, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo .

Edo Deputy Speaker tasks security agencies on highway crime By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

T

he Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye has tasked security agencies in the State to curb the rising spate of banditry on the Auchi - Igarra-Ibillo highway.

He made the call on Thursday when he received youths from Akoko-Edo in his office in Benin.

He decried the unwholesome activities of hoodlums on AuchiIgarra-Ibillo road adding that

urgent steps should be taken to address the ugly trend.

The deputy speaker said, “Let me use this opportunity to draw the attention of the public to incessant cases of robbery and kidnapping being perpetrated by men of the underworld on AuchiIgara-Ibillo highway.”

“Even yesterday I was told that one person was kidnapped at igarra.

Let’s see how we can join hands with the security agencies to proffer solutions to the security challenge.

“I am discussing with the DPO, Igarra. I spoke with the chairman of the local government on the matter.

“Let’s collaborate with law enforcement agencies to put an end to the ugly trend.” he said Idaiye expressed gratitude to members of the group for their unflinching support in his election into the State Assembly.

According to him, I want to say a big thank you for the visit.

Thank you for your support during the election that brought me here.

“I will not betray your trust in my person. the interest of AkokoEdo and Edo people as well as Okpameri people will not be taken for granted in the discharge of my legislative duties,”. He said.

The president of the group, Wisdom Agbaje assured the Deputy Speaker of the group’s support and prayers to enable him deliver on his new assignment.

Agbaje congratulated Idaiye on his election as the deputy speaker and promised to work with him to take the local government to the next level.

Taskforce destroys 144 makeshifts, illegal structures, criminal hideouts in Delta

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

S

anitation Taskforce in Delta State on Thursday destroyed 144 Makeshifts, illegal Structures and Criminal hideouts on Asaba Benin express way.

The state government through the Miniistry of Environment on Wednesday frowned at the indiscriminately ways which persons or organizations build illegal Structures and Caravans along the Streets and

highways thereby defacing the environment.

But a press statement issued and signed by Paul Osahor, the functioning Permeant Secretary, Ministry of Information, Asaba, Confirmed that the taskforce officials were mobilized along side with security agents who ensured offenders were brought to book and their Makeshifts and Illegal Structurs, Caravans destroyed.

Areas visited by the taskforce

officials included: Asaba Benin express way, Nnebisi road, Summit road, Okpanam road and Asaba Airport road where they destroyed suspected Criminal hideouts, and Illegal Structurs and Caravans.

Osahor said that the demolition exercise was in the ministry of Environment’s determination to create a Comfortable and safe environment for Citizens, regretting that illegal Structures and Caravans being built by

violators were against the Sanitation rules, especially as they Constituted serious menace to the state “We will not allow such anymore in Delta State, and those whose Illegal Structurs and Caravans were destroyed today will no longer bring them back as the taskforce officials will ensure they are handed over to the Police or other security agents, Delta State will be cleaned and all illegal Structures and Caravans no more as the exercise continues”, he said

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

Reps’ Minority Leadership crisis: Ayu committee grills Elumelu, Ikpeazu, others

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he latest crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over the emergence of Hon.Ndudi Elumelu as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives seems to abating as a committee chaired by former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu met with the suspended lawmakers in Abuja.

The meeting took place at the residence of Prof. Ayu in Abuja In a-close door.

Seven members of the PDP in the House of Representatives-Honourables Elumelu, Wole Oke, Linda Ikpeazu and others were suspended last week by the leadership of the party, were joined by their colleagues who came in three coaster buses and about 17 private cars.

The lawmakers numbering over 80 exchanged banters as they filled every available space in the expansive living room where they were hosted.

Before meeting with the suspended lawmakers, the Ayu Committee, set up by the PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, last week and made up of Senators Adolphus Wabara, David Mark, Ibrahim Mantu and Hon. Austin Opara, had met and resolved that regardless of the intrigues which culminated in the flouting of the party’s directive by the embattled lawmakers , the PDP would not take a decision capable of factionalizing its ranks.

In his brief remarks, Senator Ayu said, “Elders of the party are meeting and this is a family affair,” adding that his committee would take a decision in the best interest of the party.

Also speaking, a member of the committee who craved anonymity stressed the importance of peace, saying the party, having made a decent outing in the 2019 general elections, could not afford any form of crisis capable of endangering peace.

According to the member, “Before the meeting with our lawmakers, we met as a committee. We are planning reconciliation and I can assure you that any decision reached will ensure peace.

We will not factionalize the party.”Similarly, a member of the House who came to the meeting in solidarity with the suspended lawmakers told newsmen in confidence that they thronged Ayu’s residence because the issue at was not a problem for Elumelu alone, but the concern of all lawmakers elected on the platform of the PDP. “This issue is not about Elumelu alone but about all of us. So, we are here to show our support for all of us, believing that at the end of the day, the party would be stronger,” he said.

At the meeting were Senators David Mark, Adolphus Wabara, Ibrahim Mantu and Hon. Austin Okpara.

Others included Honourables Ndudi Elumelu, Linda Ikpeazu and Francis Agbo among others.

It would be recalled that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, penultimate Friday, announced the suspension of Hon. Elumelu and six others, accusing them of acting out a script against the directive of the party, which had earlier forwarded a list of its preferred choice of minority leadership to the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Gbajabiamila appoints Lasisi, Anofi, 4 others as media aides

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, has appointed six media aides, including Lanre Lasisi of Channels TV, who was appointed as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

The Speaker also appointed Daily Trust reporter, Musa Krishi (Chief Press Secretary); and The Nation, Dele Anofi (Special Assistant on Print Media) who was until his appointment, Secretary of the House of Representatives Press Corps.

The Speaker made the announcement in a statement he personally signed and issued on Thursday.

The statement reads, “I am pleased to inform the general public of the appointments of the following members of my media team. These appointments take immediate effect.

“Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Olanrewaju Lasisi. Until this

appointment, Olanrewaju Lasisi, 46, was the parliamentary correspondent of Channels Television with over 10 years’ experience reporting activities of the House of Representatives. He was also the producer and presenter of a weekly television programme, ‘The Gavel,’ which focuses on the Nigerian parliament.

“Lasisi holds a Masters Degree in Performing Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He has participated in media exchange programmes both in Nigeria and United States of America.

Until this appointment, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, 33, was Daily Trust newspaper correspondent in the National Assembly, with six years’ experience reporting activities of the House of Representatives and Senate.

He was Assistant Political Editor at Daily Trust between 2014 and 2015.

He joined Daily Trust newspaper in 2012 as part of the newspaper’s policy of automatic employment for best graduating students of Mass

Communication. Krishi hails from Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

“Special Assistant on Print Media - Dele Anofi Until this appointment, Dele Anofi, 52, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was The Nation Newspaper’s Politics Correspondent in the House of Representatives for 7 years. He was also a Public Relations Officer at the Federal Housing Authority 1996 2001.

“Anofi is an alumni of the United States (US) International Visitor Leadership Program, Washington DC. He hails from Ilorin, Kwara State “Special Assistant on New Media - Bukola Ogunyemi Until this appointment, Bukola Ogunyemi, 32, @Zebbook, was a social media specialist with World WildLife Fund in Washington DC, USA. He is a former social media manger for Chocolate City Group, where he influenced social engagement of eight labeled artists. He has managed

more than 100 social media accounts, digital campaigns for companies, businesses, governments, and nonprofit organisations.

“Special Assistant on Electronic and Broadcast Media - Kunle Somoye Kunle Somoye, 26, is a young media strategist, researcher, and communicator. Until this appointment, he was a member the Buhari Presidential Media team and also served the Election and Monitoring Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

“Somoye is a graduate of University of Abuja Special Assistant on Visual Communication/ Official Photographer - Ayo Adeagbo “Ayo Adeagbo, 25, a graduate of University of Ibadan was documentary photographer to former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly.

“Adeagbo also served as Assistant Chief Photographer to former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Dayo Apata who represented Vice President Yemi Osibanjo; representative of the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Obiora Igwedibia; and the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Prof. Isah Muhammed, during 2019 African Union AntiCorruption Day celebration organised by ICPC, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Reps to Establish Anti Fire Arms Proliferation National Commission

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives moved to establish an agency charged with the duty of mopping up small arms and light weapons, as the bill to that passed for second reading The bill titled, “a bill for an Act to establish the National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons to Coordinate and Implement activities to combat the Problem of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria in line with the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons; and for Related Matters” was sponsored by the chief Whip of the House, Hon. Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno), Presenting the lead debate on the bill, Monguno said “It’s a well known fact beyond the shores of Nigeria that the primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the citizens and any government that fails to exercise this responsibility is not worthy of the name government”.

“But as we have it today, there’s proliferation of small arms and light weapons to the effect that some people have occupied certain areas in Nigeria and declared their caliphate just

because they are in possession of small arms and light weapons.

He further said, “and for government to be seen discharging it’s responsibilities, to not only be seen to bark but also bite, it must device means of mopping up these small arms and light weapons from non state actors.

“And that’s why the establishment of a commission that will be tasked with the duty of mopping up these small arms and light weapons has become very important”, Monguno said.

He said that there’s need to institute a commission that would be charged with the mandate to check the proliferation of these weapons by non state actors not only in Nigeria but in collaboration with other West African countries.

Supporting the bill, the Deputy chief Whip, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (APC,Abia), said that everyone agrees to the menace of small arms and light weapons in the hands of non state actors, adding that the perennial insecurity being suffered by countries in the subregion was ocxassioned by such proliferation.

“Even in the 8th assembly, we had motions regarding this matter and everyday we are burdened with reoccurrence and my colleague, the

chief Whip is proffering solutions by way of a commission to take charge of taking these arms from non state actors”.

“We’re here today talking about this because the problem refused to go away. I moved a motion here two years ago about a container of arms brought into the country and the customs saying that they didn’t know who was responsible, and now we are saying that a commission be set up to mop up these arms, and I think it needs to be supported”, Onyejeocha added.

Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago (APC, Niger), begged to differ and instead moved for the empowerment of the police force to handle the job of mopping up small arms and light weapons, saying that as the parliament of the people, they should strive towards reducing the cost of governance.

Hon. Aminu Suleiman (APC, Kano), also agreed with Bago, saying that “in addressing the proliferation of small arms, we may be encouraging the proliferation of more commissions. So I think as members of parliament, we owe Nigerians the duty of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of existing agencies such as addressing the issue of manpower and inadequate funding, so that they

can perform optimally”.

Segun Odebunmi, (APC, Oyo), noted that “in the 8th assembly, a motion was moved by Hon. Chinda and we resolved that the police should go out and collect these arms and curb proliferation”.

“So I tend therefore to agree with those who are against a new commission because even then, the former IGP began the process of confiscating these weapons”, he said.

But Abdulrazak Namdas (APC, Adamawa) disagreed with them, saying that “if the police has been very effective,I don’t think the need for a commission would have been stated by this bill”.

“According to Monguno, the commission is to strictly identify the existence if illegal arms and light weapons and seize same”, Namdas said. “some of these weapons are so sophisticated and you’d discover that even some of the security agencies don’t have them in the armory. And in order to keep Nigerians safe and secured, there’s need to sanitize the use of fire arms by ensuring that they are only in the hands of authorized persons.

The bill scaled second reading by voice vote despite contrary argument.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

PAGE 16

Politics

Presidential Tribunal: Wrong figures were accredited to Buhari -Witness

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

A

witness, Major Yahaya Sikko, yesterday, told the Presidential Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja, that wrong figures were accredited to President Muhammad Buhari and All Progressive Congress in the 2019 Poll, in Kaduna State.

Adopting his statement on oath, as his evidence in chief, the witness maintained that in his presence results were doctored by APC agent’s with full backing of security personnel.

Sikko told the tribunal that the alleged election malpractices, made him to refuse to sign the result

sheet as required by law.

Under cross examination, by Wole Olanipekun SAN, the witness said that he protested against the wrong doings at the collation centre but was ignored but however admitted that accreditation was done by smart card reader.

The seven witnesses called at the instance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar yesterday testified against the return of President Buhari by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC as winner of the February 23 presidential election.

Specifically, seven witnesses who testified yesterday, against the

emergence of Buhari as the winner of the 2019 Presidential poll, insisted that the election was poorly conducted in North with massive cancellation and mutilation of election results in favour of the All Progressives Congress.

The witnesses testified that in Kaduna and Borno States wrong scores were fraudulently credited

by INEC officials to Buhari and APC prompting some of them to refuse to sign the result sheets at the polling units, wards, Local Government and State levels.

According to testifiers, movement restriction order on the election day was not obeyed as people were transported from one

place to another unchallenged to vote for the APC. They informed the five-man panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba that all their protest and complains lodged with security agents were ignored, making them to realise that the security agents have been compromised.

The witnesses are Major Yahaya Sikko, Jafari Abas Ibrahim, Dr abdulRaman Usman, Nicholas Msheila, John Makama, Khalid Yelwa Kugo and Adam Ali Sanni.

In his own evidence, Jafaru Abas Ibrahim, a senior lawyer informed the tribunal that strange people were transported to certain areas were they cast votes for APC

L-R: Former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie OmoAgege, and Political Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate, Elder Omeni Sobotie, during a courtesy visit to deputy president of the senate, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

inspite of the presence of security personnel.

The witness said that results were not correctly transmitted to form EC8C. Answering a question from Buhari’s counsel, Ibrahim admitted that he signed the result sheets but that his signature cannot authenticate the election malpractices.

He further said that he made complains to INEC Returning Officer but nothing was done to correct the anomaly especially the reduction of votes of the petitioners.

Dr abdulRaman Usman in his own testimony alleged that form EC8A were not made available to agents of the petitioners as required by law and thereby making him not to sign form EC8C being the result for Kaduna North Local Government because of his objection to the wrongful enteries made for the APC. Nicholas Msheila, the Borno State collation Officer for the petitioners informed the tribunal that he rejected most results in the 27 Local Government Areas in the state because they were fraudulent.

Also testifying, Adams Ali Sanni also admitted that he did not sign results sheets as agents of the petitioners because results were altered in his presence while votes cast for Atiku and PDP were reduced also in his presence.

Sanni told the tribunal that apart from unlawful cancellation of results, PDP agents were chased away by thugs of the APC to allow free falsification of results in favour of Buhari.

Another witness from Bauchi State, Yau Yusuf, in attesting to claim of rigging, harassment and intimidation of voters, said election results was torn by a particular agent of the APC in the presence of INEC officials at INEC headquarters and yet nothing was done.

Meantime, 28 witness have been called up by Atiku and PDP.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

POLITICS

Gbajabiamila seeks UK’s support on repatriation of stolen funds

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday appealed to the British Government to assist Nigeria in the repatriation of stolen funds stashed in their country by some Nigerians.

He equally called on the British Government to ease the process of acquiring travelling documents to the United Kingdom in order to assist in deepening the relationship between the two countries.

The Speaker made appeal when he received the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catrina Liang, and the Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Atkinson

in his office on Thursday.

The Speaker who emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries said the United Kingdom should assist in the Nigerian government’s anticorruption drive.

He said: “Our relationships are the ones we enjoy, which is of mutual benefits to both countries, which we hope will continue to be that way.

“Through our bilateral relationships, you’ve contributed in so many ways to our political and economic development: in the areas of anti-corruption, our electoral process, your contributions to our displaced persons and the situation in the North East must also be

commended.

“You have used your resources and manpower to assist us greatly.

We hope to continue to engage each other meaningfully.

“We also thank you for supporting us and helping us to deepen our democracy over the years, but there’s still a lot to be done between our two countries.

“The issue of repatriation of stolen funds. One of the main thrust of this administration is anti-corruption, and one of the ways you can assist us is to push for the repatriation of the stolen funds.

“I believe there’s so much of that lodged in the United Kingdom, not because the UK is a safe haven, but because there’s been that long standing relationship, and we

are just like brothers and sisters: Nigerians are more comfortable; it’s like a second home.

“But please we have to let them know that the second home is not a place to stash away slush or stolen funds,” the Speaker said.

Responding, the British High Commissioner Liang said Nigeria is a very important partner to Britain. She expressed the need to strengthen parliamentary relationships between the two countires and address the issue of anti-corruption and visa issuance.

She said: “We want Nigerians to come and visit, but if the funds were found to have been acquired illegally, then the process kicks in to try and retrieve these funds and the objectives is to return these

funds to Nigeria.

“On anti-corruption, the parliament has a huge role to play to tackle corruption and the Petroleum Industry Bill is one of the areas to collaborate on corruption.

“On the visa issue, we have a team working on it, but it is overwhelming at times. I think to some extent, they are trying to find some means to ease up the system for the majority that want to come legally to study and to work. But we have protective order.

“If we are to focus too much on security aspect, it can damage our economic relationships. This is one area well taken, but we will try and progress with in the UK,” she said.

L-R: Secretary General, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Blessing Akinlosotu; NYCN President, Comrade Almustapha Abdullahi; Vice President of the Council, Chibuke Echem and the Deputy President of NYCN, Innocent Nduanda, during a news conference to demand for an Ondo State indigene to be consider for the position of the next Managing-Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Bayelsa D-Gov, SSG, Chief of Staff join guber race, pick PDP nomination forms

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

D

eputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Jonan John, rtd,, the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff to the Governor yesterday stormed the PDP headquarters in Abuja to collect nomination and expression of interest forms.

The governorship elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States are billed to hold on Saturday, November 16 this year.The three aspirants all belong to the “restoration family “ group, headed by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of the state.

The Deputy Governor, after collecting his forms, told journalists that his years of tutelage in the restoration family, experience, passion for service and desire for infrastructural development places him above other aspirants for the Bayelsa government house come November 16.

Jonah promised that he would consolidate on the gains already recorded by the Governor Dickson and that will not bring any radical departure from the policies of the restoration administration which he is part of.

The Deputy Governor, who was accompanied by a large turnout of party supports, stated that his relationship with

the governor has remained cordial because as a ex-military officer, he was aware that there is only one captain at each time.

He said that he remained subservient and loyal to governor.He said, “The main driving force is passion for service, a very great passion for service in delivering development for our people and where necessary stand and speak for our people”.

Jonah however debunked the allegation of crack in the restoration family just as he disagreed that some external forces were sponsoring candidates in the restoration family to create rancour among members.

According to him, “There is no crack, if there is anything there is cohesion within the restoration family. People were expecting that by this time the governor will bring one candidate and say this is my candidate, and in fact they are speculating that others would not be allowed to show interest and they will be forced to just withdraw.

“That could have brought cracks, but in the thinking of the administration collectively and we have to note that it is not just the governor, we felt that those that have interest and with capacity to administer the state should show interest and we proceed from there.

“Secondly if somebody is sponsoring from outside to destabilize the cohesion

within the restoration administration I don’t think those of us are aware of that. That hasn’t come to our notice. We have a way of resolving differences within the restoration administration in-house, that is very very unlikely.

“But know that we must have different ways of solving the situation.

Certainly you don’t expect everybody to be happy even if we are brothers, we may have separate ambition and we have different ways to go about it but for now that isn’t to my knowledge”.

He said that he was not expecting the governor to handover to him unilaterally stressing that his endorsement will come from Bayelsans.

He added, “Governor Dickson will not hand over to me, things will happen.

It is not a book that someone will say I have handed over this book to you, no.

That is why we are here. If it is as simple as that, we wouldn’t be here and we will go for primary’s. “If it pleases God that it is my turn, I have the capacity to carry out this functions, I have the passion for it and I have the experience for it and luckily for me, I have the opportunity to understudy somebody.

“So I think, if it pleases the people of Bayelsa, it is Bayelsans that will decide and

if given the responsibility I am very prepared for that job”.

On his relationship with the governor, he responded: “As a military man, you have only one command at a time. There is no ship that will have two captains but some deputy governors may not know that by virtue of their upbringing and training.

“I have done the work of deputy several times before coming to this state and I know how my deputies reacted to me and that is the conduct I brought to this place and that is why you have not heard of any friction.

If you don’t want to be a deputy then you leave”.

He said that he will consolidate on the gains of the Dickson administration if elected.

“I will not do something different but there must be a way of fine tuning thing here and there because however perfect you think you are there are something to be done.

“If you love the state you will not change the vision, we will develop infrastructure.

We have set all the basic foundation there, all we will do is to start building from there”.

The SSG, Barr. Kemela Okara and Chief of Staff, Mr Talford Ongolo also promised to consolidate on the achievement of Governor Dickson if they are elected to succeed the governor.

Don’t hike fuel price, PDP cautions presidency, APC

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perish any contemplation of increasing pump price of fuel from the already excruciating N145 per liter.

The PDP gave the warning yesterday in a statement by its National Publicity’s Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The party insisted that the price comparison being contemplated by the APC-controlled Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to warrant an increase, is untenable and further demonstrates that the APC is a party of selfish, unfeeling and insensitive individuals, who relish in inflicting pain and anguish on

Nigerians for their selfish desires.

According to the leading opposition party, “Our position is predicated on our unwavering stand, as a party committed to the welfare of Nigerians, that any increase in fuel price will result in upsurge in cost of goods and services and worsen the biting hardship being faced

by Nigerians, who are already overburdened by the APC in the last four years.

“The PDP firmly holds that, at a time like this, rather than musing an increase in the price of such an essential commodity, a responsive leadership ought to be engaging stakeholders and seeking ways to achieve a reduction in the interest of the people.

“Our party insists that the price comparison being contemplated

by the APC-controlled Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to warrant an increase, is untenable and further demonstrates that the APC is a party of selfish, unfeeling and insensitive individuals, who relish in inflicting pain and anguish on Nigerians for their selfish desires.

“Moreover, in arguing that petrol price is cheap in Nigeria without also comparing our market and production variables as well as social and economic infrastructure, with those obtainable in other countries, the APC-controlled NNPC is trying to play on the intelligence of Nigerians to pave way for further fleecing of our citizens.

“Such anti-people position can only come from leaders who do not have the mandate of the people and as such think that they

are not answerable or accountable to the citizenry “This is the same APC, which, in 2015, promised to reduce fuel pump price, only for it to jerk it up from N87 per liter, stabilized by the PDP, to an exorbitant N145, from which it now seeks a further increase.

“Moreover, the APC-led Federal Government has no justification whatsoever to contemplate any increase in pump price of fuel, when President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to recover the N9 trillion ($25 billion) oil money stolen under his watch, through sleazy contracts, as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo.

“President Buhari had also failed to recover the N1.1 trillion worth of crude oil allegedly

stolen, using 18 unregistered companies, reportedly linked to APC interests.

“It is therefore unacceptable that rather than recovering the over N10 trillion stolen oil money and channeling same to our domestic energy needs, the APC-led Federal Government is seeking to shift the burden of the humongous corruption in the NNPC, as confirmed by the new Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, on our already deprived and impoverished compatriots.

“It is saddening that at a time Nigerians should have been enjoying the benefits of Atiku Abubakar’s economic recovery plan, they are still being faced with apprehensions of more economic hardship under the hypocritical and unfeeling APC”, it said.

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Feature

Would you drink camel milk?

W

ould you switch to drinking camel milk? Australia’s growing number of camel farmers are hoping to persuade you.

It’s not unusual for the owners of a small, close-knit business to treat their workers as an extension of their family.

Of course those members of staff aren’t usually of the four-legged, one-humped variety.

Lauren Brisbane is the owner of QCamel, Australia’s only certified organic commercial camel milk dairy.

Camel milk production has become one of Australia’s emerging agricultural industries, as demand for the product grows both locally and internationally. However, Lauren says her family-owned and run operation isn’t driven by commercial influences - it’s motivated by love.

“We have a different philosophy in how we run our dairy,” she says of the Queenslandbased farm.

“It is paramount when running a happy and healthy camel dairy to really understand and respect the camels. We see them as our family members and fellow members of staff, rather than just stock or machinery.

“They’re like people, they’ve all got a different personality. They’re gentle souls, kind and loving, and just so intelligent. You can sit and talk to them about what’s going on, and they completely understand.

“They’re a huge animal… but if you respect that kindness and intelligence, they’re easy to work with.”

Increasing numbers of Australian farmers are choosing to keep the country’s prolific “ships of the desert”. The camel was first introduced to Australia in the 1840s to assist in the exploration of the country’s vast interior or outback.

There are now thought to be more than 1.2 million in the wild, which is considered to be the world’s largest feral population. They are mostly the dromedary or Arabian camel, which has one hump, and is the species chosen for milk production. Australia also has a much smaller wild population of the two humped Bactrian camel.

Australia’s first camel dairies opened in 2014, and since then the industry has grown considerably, with dairies now operating in almost every state and territory.

While global camel milk production is dominated by countries in North and East Africa, and the Middle East, a 2016 report by the Australian government predicted that “the five years to 2021 are expected to see a major increase in Australian camel milk production”.

Back in 2016 the country produced 50,000 litres of camel milk, compared with 180,000 litres per annum today.

Megan Williams has certainly helped drive that growth. She and her husband Chris set up a dairy in northern Victoria towards the end of 2014, with just three camels from the wild, which they subsequently had to train to be milked.

Five years later their business - The Camel Milk Co Australia - has moved to a property more than twice the size. They now have a herd of more than 300 camels, with around 60 currently being milked.

The farm averages around six litres of milk per camel per day. One third of that is sent overseas to customers in Singapore, with shipments of both fresh and powdered milk about to expand into Thailand and Malaysia.

China and the US are on the list of potential future markets for Megan, while other camel milk producers across Australia are exporting to destinations including New Zealand, Papua

New Guinea and Hong Kong.

“We’re probably doing a couple of hundred litres for export each week, but with Thailand coming on board, that’s set to really increase,” says Megan.

“More often than not, we are approached by international buyers and their markets. One thing Australia has over any other country in the world is our camels are disease-free.”

The disease Megan is referring to is the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which can break out in camel populations in the Middle East. The virus can spread to humans from contact with camels, or by consuming raw camel milk, and is potentially fatal.

While camel milk has been consumed by humans for more than 6,000 years, worldwide demand has grown markedly in recent years, despite its expensive nature. One litre of pasteurised camel milk retails for about A$15 ($10; £8) in Australia, making it 12 times more expensive than cow’s milk.

The recent increase in interest in camel milk has been led by consumers seeking the milk’s supposed health benefits. On a nutritional level, camel milk is richer than cow’s milk in vitamin C, vitamin B, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Other properties attributed to camel milk, according to the 2016 Australian Government market assessment, include its “attributed” capacity to “alleviate food and seasonal allergies, usefulness in reducing insulin dependency and the treatment of diabetes, [and] ease of digestion”.

“

The recent increase in interest in camel milk has been led by consumers seeking the milk’s supposed health benefits. On a nutritional level, camel milk is richer than cow’s milk in vitamin C, vitamin B, iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Other properties attributed to camel milk, according to the 2016 Australian Government market assessment, include its “attributed” capacity to “alleviate food and seasonal allergies, usefulness in reducing insulin dependency and the treatment of diabetes, [and] ease of digestion”.

Rebecca Forwood has been importing Australian camel milk into Singapore for almost two years and believes in its benefits.

“I hate the term ‘superfood’, but this really is up there as one of the best,” she says.

“Since selling it ourselves we average about 160-200 one litre bottles a month, and the numbers are growing as more people are discovering its healing benefits.”

Charlene Grosse, accredited practising dietician and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, says that while camel milk is certainly nutritionally valuable, more research is needed to put some of the other claims to the test.

NCC alerts Telecom Consumers in Lafia on rising wave of Cybercrimes

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta yesterday urged telecommunications consumers in Nasarawa State to be alert to the rising wave of Cybercrimes in the country.

Prof. Danbatta spoke at the 107th Edition of the Consumer Outreach Programme (COP) in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital.

Represented by the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Danbatta said, is one of the for a initiated by the commission to bring together telecoms consumers in the Urban and Suburban areas with the service providers as well as the Regulator for a face-to-face interactions on telecoms issues affecting the consumers.

The NCC boss said, the various programme have been put in place based on the commission’s understanding that telecom consumers group is one of the important stakeholders in the telecommunications industry.

He said, the need to continuously keep them informed on new developments and issues of concern in the industry is, therefore, held in high esteem by the commission.

The Telecoms guru said, the theme of the event: “Mitigating Effects of Cybercrimes: The Roles of Telecom Consumers” was carefully chosen in order to sensitise telecoms consumers on the rising wave of Cybercrime in its various forms, the dangers it poses and the role which telecoms consumers are expected to play in reducing the impacts of Cybercrimes on them.

The NCC CEO said, realising that liberalization of the telecoms industry has led to an unprecedented increase in the usage of internet-based solutions and services, the commission has initiated a process to establish an Internet Industry Code of Practice for Internet Service providers in the country.

The Internet Code is a regulatory intervention expected to secure the country’s cyber space against imminent threats from cyber attackers as well as addressing issues such as online child protection, privacy and data protection among others.

“Let me emphasize at this juncture that while the regulatory intervention and other initiatives are on-going to sanitize our internet space, telecoms consumers must play their role. Thus, the need for you all to take this meeting seriously as we

Camels are now increasingly being farmed in Australia for their milk

Lauren Brisbane is evangelical about camels and their milk

Camels are said to be intelligent animals Rebecca Forwood has been importing Australian camel milk into Singapore for almost two years and believes in its benefits.

“I hate the term ‘superfood’, but this really is up there as one of the best,” she says.

“Since selling it ourselves we average about 160-200 one litre bottles a month, and the numbers are growing as more people are discovering its healing benefits.”

Charlene Grosse, accredited practising dietician and spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, says that while camel milk is certainly nutritionally valuable, more research is needed to put some of the other claims to the test.

“When you look at camel milk it’s just like cow’s milk, it is very nutritious,” she says.

“It’s low in cholesterol and it’s low sugar,

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

so it can be a healthy substitute [to cow’s milk], but what we do need to be aware of is there’s not enough research at the moment to back up some of the claims being made about camel’s milk.”

Regardless of the need for more studies Megan says one thing is certain - the future for this unexpected Australian export industry is certainly bright. In addition to milk, the sector is also starting to make cheeses, skincare products, and chocolate made with camel milk.

“Every week we get a new contact or a new inquiry, and it just keeps growing.”

But what is camel milk like? It is said to be similar in colour and texture to cow’s milk, but with a slightly saltier taste.

Source: BBC

educate you on what your roles should be in minimizing the effect of Cybercrime.

“I urge you to come up with useful suggestions and observations you may have on how we can jointly play roles towards reducing the effects of

Cybercrimes on telecoms consumers in this Broardband era,” he said.

He said, “to eliminate Cybercrimes is a tall dream and it is nearly impossible.

But we can sensitise consumers on how to protect themselves from the attacks.

Cybercrimes will continue to exist as long as there is human existance.”

He therefore, urged the over 1000 participants to educate others in their respective locality since NCC would not be everywhere.

L-R: Managing Director, Abuja Enterprise Agency, Dr Muhammed Tukur; Acting Registrar, General Corporate Affairs Commission, Lady Azuka Azinge; Statistician General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Sunday Edet; Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Dr Dikko Radda and President, National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, Orimadegun Agboade, at the Public Presentation of 2017 NBS-SMEDAN National survey of MSMEs, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

NITDA assures Data Privacy Rights of Nigerians

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Management of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) yesterday brought to the notice of the general public of on-going investigation of alleged breach of the data privacy rights of Nigerians by some Data Controllers.

It may be recalled that NITDA issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) on 25th January, 2019 with the aim of stemming the tide of wanton abuse of data privacy, improving the global image of the Nigerian business environment and to stimulate a data economy which would lead to the creation of 300,000 jobs by 2022.

The agency said, an effort to sensitise

the general public and create the requisite awareness on the NDPR, series of publications were made in electronic, print and new media.

The Agency has also written articles, made paper presentations and facilitated public and privately organised fora for the purpose of deepening compliance with the NDPR. A statement by the Director General/ CEO, NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) in Abuja said, “we are happy to say that Nigerians and non-Nigerians have taken note of the NDPR as evidenced by over 400 phones calls and numerous email enquiries being received and treated daily.

“The Agency has gone further to prepare a detailed Draft Data Protection Implementation Framework and made

available on the Agency’s website, www. nitda.gov.ng, for inputs from the general public. The Framework details expectations from every stakeholder. Furthermore, a sample Privacy Policy is attached to guide government agencies and the private sector on compliance with the NDPR. “NITDA is currently investigating some entities including Banks, Fintechs, Telcos etc. who are in alleged breach of the NDPR. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is also under investigation for alleged violation of Article 2.1(2, 3) of the NDPR. We therefore wish to assure all Nigerians that NITDA is willing, able and ready to implement the NDPR with the ultimate aim of ensuring compliance and making businesses and government work better for every Nigerian,” the statement said.

TCN recovers 775 containers out of 800 stranded at various ports

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday disclosed that it has recovered a total number of 775 power equipment containers out of 800 abandoned at ports due to tariff related issues.

TCN said, out of the 800 containers, 775 were recovered, two were declared missing, while two were empty.

The Managing Director of TCN, Usman Mohammed who disclosed this at the quarterly media briefing in Abuja

could not tell the contents or the value of the missing containers, but pledged to work with his team to recover them.

Recall, in a statement in August last year (2018), Mr Mohammed revealed that some of the containers had been stranded at various ports for 15 years before the company was able to recover about 693 of them.

We were able to recover 693 containers as of last week, out of a total of 800 containers that have been in the ports.

Some of these containers have been there for 15 years. Others have been auctioned

and we had to trace the auctioneers to get the containers, “ he said.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that the company has received $1.6661 billion dollars from multi-lateral donors to boost transmission infrastructure in the country.

Mohammed said that TCN had raised significant amount to reinforce the system under the critical investment in line and sub-station. ``As at today, the amount we have raised from multi-lateral donors has risen to $1.661 billion dollars to execute some

power projects in the country. ``These projects include the Abuja Wheeling Scheme that will bring five substations and bring a new supply route to the territory. ``The new route will be from Lafia to Abuja with 330 Kilo Volt (KV) line and two 330KV sub-stations in Abuja and put addition three numbers 132 KV substation in the territory, ‘’he said.

He said that the contract for the project had been signed and divided into six slots adding that 10 contractors had been prequalified.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Friday, JUly 12, 2019

Tribute

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

As My Mother Goes Home Tomorrow

By Senator Dino melaye

M

y mother, Comfort Oni Melaye, my first teacher, my first confidant, my first guide, my first everything.

To the world, you might have been just one person but to me you were more than that - you were everything to me.

Mummy, you did not build houses, factories or palaces but you built me and my siblings - Samuel, Timothy, Moses, Paul and Elizabeth.

Nobody can dispute the fact that you were a virtuous wife and mother. Who does not know of your legendary patience and enduring spirit? You were a godly mother and a prayer warrior. You not only taught me the way of the Lord, you also led me in the way by your examples. You taught me and others to love the Lord, pray, study the Bible, and be committed to fellowship. What more could I have asked for? Certainly none.

I have searched for explicate words to define your demise at this time of my existence but I lack the authentic words to describe same. This exit has been traumatic!

During your time on earth till your passing unto glory, you were my greatest cheerleader, prayer warrior and good friend. You saw beyond my flaws and always believed in my eminence and illustrious nature. Your words of encouragement, endless prayers, subtle cheers and advice

Comfort Oni Melaye have seen me through thus far. I’m grateful dearest mother!

Like a chandelier dripping with glass

lusters, I remember how you stood tall and firm for all your children and how that has rubbed off on us in the most positive and impactful ways. Mother, I’m still basking in denial and hoping this is merely a dream. I miss you!

Throughout my secondary education and subsequent university education at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria you were a pillar to me. You supported me in every way you could.

However, I take solace in the fact that you’re in a better place, the most peaceful of places and at the bosom of the Allknowing Father, God Almighty.

Your health, happiness and wellbeing were uppermost in my heart all the time. Although you were within my sight most of the times and not for once were you out of my mind until that fateful Thursday evening of May 2, 2019 when you succumbed to the cold hands of death.

While I have been mourning your departure with uncontrollable and invisible tears, I’m much more comforted by the good news that you are now resting with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the King whose vicarious death has secured eternal life for all who believe in Him. For the umpteenth time, I aksed myself again, “Is it true?” With sorrow in my heart but gratitude to God for a life well spent, I say adieu mummy.

In the words of Edwin Hubbell Chaplin, “No language can express the power, and

beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother’s love. It shrinks not where man cowers, grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star.”

You repeatedly assured me all the time that nothing will happen to me, mummy don’t sleep in heaven. The cloud is so dark without form, birds are no longer singing like birds, dogs now crow instead of barking, the moon is absent and the sun is dim but I rejoice in the fact that we shall see again and we will recognise ourselves.

I will hug you again and call you mummy.

Born in February, 1949 to the prominent family of Johnson Kolawole Ologun of Takete Idde in Mopa Amuro local government area of present-day Kogi State. She was the third child of the seven children of her parents. She was a lover of God and a selfless worker in the Lord’s vineyard, who took of all who crossed her path.

Mummy as you are being committed to mother earth tomorrow, I reflected on the times and moments we shared together and I concluded that you were more than a mother to me, you were my best friend.

I will not disappoint you Mama. Iya oninu ire good night. See you at the other side my love and friend. Adieu Mama Dino.

METRO

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Lokogoma: At last, FCTA begins demolition of 120 buildings

By Stanley Onyekwere

N

o fewer than one hundred and twenty buildings are going to be removed in Lokogoma District during the ongoing massive demolition exercise in the area.

Our correspondent reports that officials of the Development Control Department of the Federal

Capital Territory Administration (DCD) yesterday stormed and commenced the demolition of structures, allegedly obstructing waterways and road corridors in the area.

It was gathered that DCD officials accompanied by a joint security team for actual removal, had mobilised the previous night and positioned their bulldozers to

remind residents to evacuate their marked buildings.

Recall that the exercise followed the expiration of a twoweek ultimatum served on owners and occupiers of buildings on waterways and flood plains, causing seemingly endless flash flood in the mass housing settlement.

It was gathered that over three hundred structures may have been

marked for demolition for violating building rules and regulations.

Speaking during the exercise, Director, Development Control Department, Muktar Galadima said the affected structures are emolished, because they are located on waterways crisscrossing different estates within Lokogoma District, resulting in flooding in the area.

On how long the exercise will last, the Director said: “As long as it will take us to finish our assignment.”

However, as demolition is still ongoing, some observers are calling for the prosecution of the estate developers, who sold homes and lands to unsuspecting offtakers, who invested in erecting the affected structures in the area.

--- Senator Melaye represents Kogi West in the Senate.

Porous Southern border does little to stop deported immigrants from trying again

T

ECUN Uman, Guatemala—Boris, who declined to give his last name, was waiting by the Guatemala–Mexico border for his mother to wire some money from California.

He had four quetzales on him (54 cents), and the extra money wouldn’t arrive until the next morning, so he was stuck without the 10 quetzale ($1.35) fare across the Suchiate River to Mexico.

The 38-year-old had just been deported back to El Salvador, but he immediately restarted the trek north.

“I was almost to Tijuana,” he said on June 25, adding that he was “going to try one more time” to get into the United States, illegally.

Boris said he was deported from the United States on Feb. 4 after being picked up at the California restaurant where he worked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I stayed a little bit working in my country to make a couple of bucks and then tried to come back—and I got deported from Mexico,” he said. border security Boris from El Salvador is in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, trying to get back to the United States after being deported, on June 25, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) He said he previously lived with his mother in Ventura County, California. She cleans houses for a living and is in the U.S. legally.

Boris said, this time, if he makes it back undetected, he will look for a job in landscaping or construction. He’s not concerned about being deported from the United States again. “I’m not worried about it. I’ll just be more careful with working.”

President Donald Trump has recently threatened to increase deportations of

illegal immigrants.

“After July 4th, a lot of people are going to be brought back out. So people that come up may be here for a short while, but they’re going to be back to their countries,” he said during a bill signing in the Oval Office on July 1.

At the behest of Democrats, Trump had given deportations a two-week reprieve after announcing on June 17 that ICE would start deporting “millions” of illegal aliens who had already been ordered to leave the country.

20 Years in Idaho Honduran Juan Mendez had made it across to Mexico already and was waiting in Tapachula for his legal documents from Mexico’s National Migration Institute.

He said he crossed into the United States illegally in 1999 and was deported two months ago after living in Idaho for 20 years. His wife is from Mexico, but she is a U.S. citizen, along with his two children, aged 7 and 18 months.

Mendez said he was deported after being stopped for driving without a license. ICE was waiting at the police station. He said he is unable to go back to the United States for 20 years. border security Honduran Juan Mendez, who was deported from the United States two months ago, is waiting outside a visa processing center in Tapachula, Mexico, on June 24, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) He said he was going to stay in Mexico and get a job, so that his family can visit, but the allure of the United States may prove stronger once he gets closer.

Border Patrol agents have apprehended thousands of illegal aliens re-entering the country after being deported—many of whom have criminal convictions.

More Than 19,000 Criminals Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has arrested more than 19,000 convicted criminals since the beginning of 2019, according to data released by ICE on July 1.

In the month of June, CBP issued news releases about 10 convicted criminals who were trying to re-enter the United States.

Convicted felons who re-enter the United States after deportation, face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

On June 1, a Mexican national was arrested by San Diego Border Patrol agents.

The 41-year-old man had multiple prior convictions, including for aggravated sex abuse of a child in the state of Utah in 2000, according to CBP. He was deported in January 2001.

The next day, in the same sector, a 33-year-old Mexican national was arrested.

Records showed he had a previous conviction of sexual intercourse with a minor in Los Angeles in 2004. The man was sentenced to 27 days in jail and subsequently deported to Mexico in April 2005.

A convicted murderer from Mexico was arrested after illegally entering California on June 4. Mario Sagasta Rodriguez, 59, had served more than 30 years in prison for the murder and was deported in February 2017.

A child molester was arrested by Yuma agents on June 19 after he illegally entered the United States with a group of family units. Juan Rojas-Rodriguez, 41, a previously deported Mexican national, was convicted of sex with a minor under 14 years of age in California in 1996. RojasRodriguez was last deported in 2008.

In El Paso, Border Patrol agents arrested a previously deported sex offender as he attempted to enter the United States illegally on June 20. Juan Carlos Bustamante-Pena, 30, previously served

two years in a Colorado youth corrections facility for a 2005 felony sexual assault. He was deported in January 2009, and then arrested again four years later for illegal reentry.

ICE agent arrests illegal alien An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent detains an illegal immigrant in Los Angeles on Oct. 14, 2015.

(John Moore/Getty Images) Eagle Pass Border Patrol agents arrested 45-year-old Mexican national Pedro Tiempo-Garcia on June 20. Tiempo-Garcia was arrested in Rocksprings for murder in 2001, subsequently convicted of attempted capital murder, and sentenced to 22 years incarceration. He was deported in February 2019 after serving 18 years of his sentence.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a 29-year-old Ecuadorian national after he entered the country illegally in Nogales on June 21. The previously deported man, Walter Patricio Juela-Pinancela, has a violent criminal history, including an aggravated felony conviction in New York for a 2016 statutory rape.

A Mexican national with a previous conviction for attempted murder was arrested for illegal entry on June 23. He had been deported in 2011 and has an extensive criminal history, according to CBP. Eagle Pass Border Patrol arrested a Mexican national on June 24 with a 2004 conviction for aggravated criminal sex abuse. He was previously deported to Mexico in April 2012.

Several hours later, in the same sector, agents arrested a Honduran national who was arrested for sexual assault in 2010, and convicted of that crime and subsequently deported in 2011.

Follow Charlotte on Twitter: @ charlottecuthbo

Police officers arrested some the members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shi’ite group) that has been terrorizing Federal Secretariat and National Assembly, in Abuja

How DOAS lost N18bn in 6 yrs- FCTA Director

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS) has revealed that the agency lost 18 billion naira in six years from clients and business owners involved in outdoor advertisement and signage activities.

The Director, DOAS of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Babagana Adam made this

known in an interview with newsmen immediately after a meeting with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman on how to synergize to stop the leakages by centralizing and controlling signage activities in Abuja.

According to him, “ We have lost about 3 billion naira each year and when you multiply it times six years its 18 billion naira have been lost.

“Imagine how many schools,

roads, poutry farms, live stock farms and ICT centres, that would have been built with this money. So we have lost quite alot of money.

“With this new development now, I don’t want to look at what we are lossing, I will rather love that we strategize and synergize to put a stop to the money leakages.”

Earlier, AMAC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido said the collaboration is overdue by the two organs of the

government FCTA and AMAC, in order to use the available resources to provide services to the people.

Candido said: “In the last three years , it has not been too good, because we all lost out, the reasons why we must collaborate and have a new begining to cement the relationship. we must harmonized to stop double payment by the clients.”

He also noted that, the constitution guarantees local

government to operate, “if you don’t have the capacity, you contract it out have collect your share so that services can be provided .

“But where Area Councils are undermined are areas that we are frowning at, that we are working together now , I believe it will be understood.”

The AMAC boss therefore reiterated the resolve of the council to support DOAS to achieve its objective.

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world news

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

T

British warship HMS Montrose positioned herself between Iranian vessels ondon said Thursday that armed Iranian boats tried to “impede” a UK supertanker before being warned off by a British warship in a dramatic escalation in the Gulf that jeopardises attempts to salvage a landmark nuclear accord.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied involvement but also cautioned both the United States and Britain that they would “strongly regret” the UK Royal Marines’ detention of one of the Islamic republic’s own tankers off Gibraltar last week.

The Gibraltar police brushed aside the warning and announced the arrest on Thursday of both the Indian captain and officer of the seized Iranian tanker.

And President Donald Trump raised the US pressure by tweeting on Wednesday that sanctions against Iran over its stepped-up nuclear activities would be “increased substantially” soon.

The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies’ efforts to salvage a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran from which Washington pulled out more than a year ago.

The UK defence ministry said three Iranian boats tried to “impede the passage” a commercial vessel called British Heritage. The 274-metre (899foot) tanker is owned by the British energy giant BP and can carry a million barrels of oil.

“We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region,” a Downing Street spokesman said.

The Times newspaper reported that Britain is now considering whether to send other naval resources to the Gulf.

Sky News said the transport ministry had issued new guidance to all Britishflagged commercial ships in recent days to go to a heightened state of security in the area.

- ‘Turned away’ The UK defence ministry said that “three Iranian vessels attempted to impede the passage of a commercial vessel, British Heritage, through the Strait of Hormuz”.

“HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away,” the ministry statement said.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards -- a vast and powerful security organisation that the United States blames for staging several tanker attacks since May -- denied trying to seize or impede the UK tanker.

L

Relatives of drugs war victims call for a UN investigation Credit: Ted Aljibe/AFP Local activists and the national Commission on Human Rights place the figure at more than 27,000.

Thursday’s resolution expresses concern at the allegations of killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and the intimidation of or violence against human rights workers, journalists, lawyers and the political opposition.

It stresses that “the right to life must be respected and protected by all law enforcement agencies in their efforts to address drug-related crimes,” calling for “fair trials and due process.”

The 2020 report could form the basis of further action if the situation does not improve, and was welcomed by both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, who have produced extensive reports on violations.

“The Human Rights Council resolution on the Philippines is a modest but vital measure,” said Laila Matar, deputy Geneva director at Human Rights Watch.

town of Potidea, authorities said.

Streets in the area were dotted with uprooted pine trees and overturned motorcycles, and wooden rooftops had

“It signals the start of accountability for thousands of ‘drug war’-related killings and other abuses, and will provide hope to countless survivors and families of victims.”

Amnesty, which in a new report earlier this week revealed that extrajudicial killings remained rampant, called the decision “a crucial step towards justice and accountability.”

Nicholas Bequelin, regional director for East and Southeast Asia said: “This vote provides hope for thousands of bereaved families in the Philippines, and countless more Filipinos bravely challenging the Duterte administration’s murderous ‘war on drugs’.”

He urged the Philippine government to cooperate with investigators. “The Human Rights Council resolution sends a clear message that the international community will not look the other way as extrajudicial executions and other serious violations continue to be committed with impunity,” he said.

been torn off and dumped on beaches. A Reuters correspondent saw sun loungers strewn in mangled heaps with other debris across Nea Plagia’s golden beaches.

France passes tax on tech giants despite US threats

T

HENS/NEA PLAYIA, Greece—Six foreigners including two children were killed and more than 100 other people injured when a violent, short-lived storm lashed northern Greece overnight, felling trees and ripping off rooftops.

Witnesses reported the storm had come and gone in a matter of minutes.

Winds of over 100 kph (60 mph) were reported on the Halkidiki peninsula, popular with tourists in the summer.

Two elderly Czech tourists were killed when strong winds and water overturned their travel trailer, police said.

A woman and an 8-year-old boy from Romania were killed when a roof collapsed on a restaurant in the beach resort of Nea Plagia. And a man and a young boy, both Russians, died when a tree fell near their hotel in the seaside

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enya’s interior ministry has said it has not renewed the licenses of 27 betting companies including the country’s biggest, SportPesa.

In a letter to telecoms company Safaricom, the government says that the companies have not met the “outstanding renewal requirements”. But, correspondents say, it is not clear what exactly these requirements are.

SportPesa is known worldwide as a sponsor of English Premier League clubs. The company’s name currently appears on Everton shirts.

Most people in Kenya who want to gamble use their mobile phones to place bets. The government has asked Safaricom to suspend the betting companies’ telephone short codes.

In a response through its lawyer, Safaricom

says its estimated 12 million clients should still have access to the funds they have deposited in their betting accounts. It has asked for permission to keep the short codes to allow people to withdraw the money.

In addition, it points out that SportPesa has an outstanding court case with the authorities on a previous ruling.

It has also asked the government to make a public announcement about the ruling on the licenses.

Gambling has become big business in the country in recent years as companies have taken advantage of technology that makes it easier to sell their services. Some have expressed concern that a growing number of young people are spending their money on gambling.

pay Sh10m for partially undressing staff

Four killed as car bomb targets funeral in Libya’s Benghazi: sources

Violent Storm Kills Six Foreigners in Northern Greek Resorts

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Kenya orders halt to online betting payments Ex-KQ boss Titus Naikuni ordered to

UK warship fends United Nations to launch probe into Philippine drugs war he United Nations’ top human rights off Iran bid to body on Thursday voted to launch an investigation into thousands of killings ‘impede’ its in the Philippines’ brutal war on drugs.

The narrow vote of 18 to 14 countries, with tanker in Gulf 15 abstentions, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva was immediately hailed as a victory by human rights groups who have long called for international intervention over the rising death toll of President Rodrigo Duterte’s three year anti-drugs campaign.

However, the Philippines immediately denounced the decision, which was backed mainly by European countries including the UK, and which requests Manila to comply with a year-long probe by the high commissioner for human rights, as a “travesty.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary, Teodoro Locsin Jr, tweeted: “such resolutions especially those passed by a tiny minority can and will be ignored. No consequences. On the other hand, the initiative to insult the Philippines with the assumption without proof that it commits gross abuses there will be far reaching consequences.”

The UN resolution, which was drafted by Iceland, marks the first time the UNHCR has been asked to address the staggering crisis.

The Philippine police have admitted to killing more than 6,600 people during antidrug operations, often justifying the death on the grounds that the suspects resisted arrest and fought back, despite witness statements to the contrary.

The shooting of three-year-old Myka Ulpina during a sting operation last month shocked the nation, with Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief, incensing public opinion further by claiming that “s**t happens during operations.”

According to Human Rights Watch, the body count of the merciless drugs war, where suspected users and dealers have allegedly been killed extrajudicially both by police and masked assassins, is much higher than official estimates.

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

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rance has approved a digital services tax despite threats of retaliation by the US, which argues that it unfairly targets American tech giants.

The 3% tax will be levied on sales generated in France by multinational firms like Google and Facebook.

The French government has argued that such firms headquartered outside the country pay little or no tax.

The US administration has ordered an inquiry into the move - which could result in retaliatory tariffs.

The new tax was approved by the French senate on Thursday, a week after it was passed by the lower house, the National Assembly.

Any digital company with revenue of more than €750m ($850m; £670m) - of which at least €25m is generated in France - would be subject to the levy.

It will be retroactively applied from early 2019, and is expected to raise about €400m this year.

The French tech tax upsetting the US

Facebook quizzed in court on EU-US data transfersTrade wars, Trump tariffs and protectionism explained Media captionFrench Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire criticised US threats of retaliation Why target tech giants?

At present, they are able to pay little or no corporate tax in countries where they do not have a large physical presence. They declare most of their profits where they are headquartered.

The European Commission estimates that on average traditional businesses face a 23% tax rate on their profits within the EU, while internet companies typically pay 8% or 9%.

France has long argued that taxes should be based on digital, not just physical presence. It announced its own tax on big technology firms last year after EU-wide efforts stalled.

An EU levy would require consensus among members, but Ireland, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland raised objections.

France’s new 3% tax will be based on sales made in the country, rather than on profits.

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ENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - At least four people were killed and 33 wounded when a car bomb hit a funeral of a former senior military commander in the east Libyan city of Benghazi, a spokesman for the eastern administration’s interior ministry said.

The funeral at Benghazi’s Huwari cemetery was for Khalifa Mismari, the assistant commander of Libya’s special forces under former leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was toppled in 2011, a military source said.

A Reuters witness saw two burned out cars at the scene of the blast.

According to the military source, the current head of the special forces, Wanis Bukhamada, was attending the funeral but was unharmed.

Since 2014, Libya has been divided between rival political and military factions based in Tripoli and the eastern part of the country.

The special forces have become a key unit aligned with Khalifa Haftar, the military commander who controls eastern Libya.

Since early April, Haftar has been waging an offensive to try to take the capital Tripoli, in the west of the country, though his campaign has stalled.

Tanzania denies death of investigative journalist

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wananchi Publications Limited/ CPJCopyright: Mwananchi Publications Limited/CPJ Azory Gwanda went missing in 2017 after investigating a spate of murdersImage caption: Azory Gwanda went missing in 2017 after investigating a spate of murders Tanzania’s government spokesman has posted a series of tweets denying that the foreign minister had said in a BBC interview that a missing journalist was dead.

Spokesman Hassan Abbas tweets that the minister was speaking “contextually”, the Tanzanian government still has no confirmation whether the journalist is dead or alive and that the issue is still being investigated: In his interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, Foreign Minister Palamagamba Kabudi appeared to refer to investigative journalist Azory Gwanda as dead three times: Quote Message: “In the Rufiji area, [it] is not only Azory Gwanda, Azory who has disappeared and died...

Quote Message: The state is dealing with all those who have unfortunately died and disappeared in Rufiji... it was very painful for someone who was doing his job to pass on The state is dealing with all those who

have unfortunately died and disappeared in Rufiji... it was very painful for someone who was doing his job to pass on Mr Kabudi was attending a conference on media freedom in London when the BBC’s Peter Okwoche asked him about Mr Gwanda: Video caption: Tanzania minister hints missing journalist may be deadTanzania minister hints missing journalist may be dead Mr Gwanda’s wife, Anna Pinon, told the BBC’s Esther Namuhisa that the authorities have not contacted her for a year and a half and she believes he is still alive.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has been campaigning for the authorities to investigate the case properly.

“For a year and a half, Azory Gwanda’s family and the Tanzanian media have pleaded with the government to explain what happened to their loved one and colleague. Then suddenly the foreign minister mentions, almost in passing, that the journalist is apparently dead. This is wholly inadequate and distressing.”

His wife says the last time she saw him was when he left their farm in a white Land Cruiser with four men she did not recognise, the CPJ adds.

France courts African diaspora with Elysée invite

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tudents, entrepreneurs and sports stars are among some 400 representatives of the African diaspora invited to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris today as part of an “interactive debate” on Franco-African relations.

France is often accused of perpetuating “Françafrique”, a term which refers to an exploitative, neo-colonial relationship with its former colonies. But Paris hopes to show with the Elysée Palace event that it is ready to embrace a more modern approach in its dealings with the continent.

In March, France said it would invest $2.8bn (£2.2bn) in the African continent by 2022, to fund start-ups as well as small and medium businesses.

The French Development Agency and its private sector arm expected to raise the money to support about 10,000 enterprises on the continent.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is on an official visit to France, will also attend today’s event, alongside dozens of French politicians. It follows a similar session Mr Macron held in Burkina Faso in 2017.

Kenya Airways boss Titus Naikuni

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AIROBI, KENYA: Former Kenya Airways boss Titus Naikuni will pay a former corporate manager Sh10 million for sacking him in a t-shirt tiff.

Labour Court judge Nelson Abuodha ordered Naikuni to personally pay Kepha Bosire the amount in addition to which factors in Sh1.8 million being three months’ salary in lieu of notice, Sh 7.2 million for unfair dismissal and Sh1 million for compensation for undignified treatment.

“The court is of the view that this is a proper case for award of full compensation under section 49 of the Employment Act and also issues order against the first respondent ( Naikuni) personally compensate the claimant for subjecting him to undignified treatment since his actions went outside his role as the second respondent( KQ) CEO,” the judge ruled.

In the case, Bosire narrated that sometime in October 2013, he attended a marathon event organized by KQ at Lemek Conservancy.

He claimed that the event that started at 10.00 am going on well until 9.30pm when he alleges that Naikuni stripped him an Arsenal team t-shirt labelled Fly Emirates.

Fly emirates is the sponsor of the English club and a KQ’s competitor.

According to Bosire, he was having his leisure time on the dance floor within an entertainment spot when Naikuni allegedly descended on him and forcibly removed his blazer and stripped him the t-shirt.

Bosire testified that initially, he thought it was a joke when Naikuni allegedly held him by his blazer. He claimed that Naikuni removed his blazer, held on to his t-shirt and pulled it off.

The CEO allegedly then handed him back the jacket and walked away with the t-shirt.

He was then allegedly forced to resign around November 6 of the same year.

Naikuni and KQ gave a differing account on what happened.

According to the two, the event which Bosire was referring to was at Maasai Mara. The judge was told that there was a dinner dance which had been organized for guests and corporate clients.

It emerged that Bosire was allegedly expected to have been donned in KQ’s brand clothes.

According to Naikuni, he noticed a gentleman who was wearing a t-shirt bearing a fly Emirate’s logo. He said that he calmly approached him and requested him to either change or leave the premises.

He narrated that the stranger told him that he was not the only one who was wearing a t-shirt with foreign branding; his own employees were wearing the same brand.

On resignation, the Naikuni and KQ argued that Bosire elected to resign on October 7, 2013 The former KQ boss told the court that he walked over to Bosire in a bid to have a similar conversation with him. He said he found him trying to conceal the writing on his t-shirt.

He was of the view that it was very offensive for a communications manager to be wearing an attire promoting KQ’s competitors.

While denying that he stripped his junior, Naikuni claimed that it was Bosire who removed his jacket, proceeded to remove the t-shirt as well on the dance floor, and handed it to him voluntarily.

He admitted that he walked away with it but denied that it took good Samaritans to help Bosire with something to wear.

While faulting Naikuni, Justice Abuodha observed that there were other ways of dealing with his junior other than humiliating him.

The judge wondered why Naikuni did not use his personal security to escort Bosire away to have the t-short removed. “ It is therefore inconceivable that the claimant opted to remove his t-shirt in the presence of his colleagues and guests. In the court’s view it was probable than not the first respondent ( Naikuni) used his position as the CEO of the respondent to intimidate and coerce the claimant to engage in such undignified act in the presence of his colleagues and guests,” the judge ruled.

He continued, “The court does not believe that the claimant voluntarily removed his t-shirt. The same applied to his resignation.”

Naikuni and KQ intend to appeal the decision by the court.

Egypt opens New International Airport for Trial Period

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gypt has opened a new international airport on a one-month trial basis to service the city which will become the country’s new capital from mid-2020.

The Capital International Airport is located some 70 kilometers (44 miles) to the east of Cairo and is intended to relieve pressure on Cairo International Airport. A third airport, near the Giza Pyramids west of Cairo, the Sphinx International Airport, also opened in January.

“The importance of the Capital Airport is that it partially eases the pressure on Cairo International Airport and Sphinx Airport,” Aviation Minister Younis Al-Masry told reporters at a ceremony on Tuesday, after a flight left Cairo and landed at the new airport.

“It will be a new outlet for Cairo specifically,” he said, adding that the airport would serve areas east of the capital including cities along the Suez Canal.

President Bashar al-Assad’s assault in the northwest has been met with a painful rebel counterpunch that underlines Turkish resolve to...

Workers are rushing to build core areas of the new capital city that will be the seat of Egypt’s government, away from bustling Cairo on the Nile that has become a traffic-clogged, urban sprawl of more than 20 million people.

The Capital International Airport will operate with an hourly capacity of 300 passengers during the trial phase that is expected to last a month, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sameh al-Hefni, said.

The two new airports, built at opposite ends of Cairo, are aimed at helping to boost tourism, a key sector in Egypt and a major source of foreign revenue.

The sector has been gradually recovering from the political turmoil and security problems that followed the “Arab Spring” civil unrest of 2011.

While the Capital International Airport will service areas east of Cairo, the Sphinx International Airport provides access to the west, where the new Grand Egyptian Museum is due to open next year.

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Floods kill three, maroon 400,000 in NE India

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UWAHATI, INDIA (AFP) - Floods from monsoon rains in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam have killed three people and marooned more than 400,000, officials said on Thursday (July 11).

“A total of three people, including two in flood-related incidents and one in a landslide, have been killed in Assam so far,” an Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) official said.

More than 250 villages have been inundated in the last 24 hours, with 16,370 hectares of paddy fields submerged, the senior official said.

The government has pressed into service the National Disaster Response force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to help rescue those cut off.

The annual monsoon, which barrels up the subcontinent at this time of year, last week caused traffic misery in Mumbai as roads, railways and the airport runway were flooded.

In Bangladesh, aid groups were providing rations to Rohingya refugees in the south-east of the country with a “severe” weather warning in place for the coming days, the UN World Food Programme said on Wednesday.

Officials there said on Sunday that landslides triggered by monsoon rains had killed one person and left more than 4,500 homeless in the vast refugee camps home to around a million people.

Chinese billionaire reportedly arrested over child molestation

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EIJING—Prosecutors in Shanghai have formally arrested two people over child molestation allegations, with state media identifying one as a prominent real estate developer.

The case has received prominent coverage in state media, including on national broadcaster CCTV on July 11, highlighting what is believed to be a widespread but underreported crime affecting millions of children in China.

A brief notice on the Shanghai prosecutor’s office’s microblog said the Putuo district branch had ordered the formal arrest on Wednesday of two people, identified only by their surnames, Wang and Zhou.

The official Communist Party newspaper Global Times identified Wang as Wang Zhenhua, formerly chairman of Seazen, one of China’s largest developers.

The company announced that Wang’s son, Wang Xiaosong, had been appointed chairman in his place after the father resigned “for personal reasons.”

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

F r o m A s i a Britain Says Iranian Vessels Tried to Block Tanker in Gulf

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UBAI, United Arab Emirates— The British navy said it prevented three Iranian paramilitary vessels from impeding the passage of a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Thursday, July 11, a day after Iran’s president warned of repercussions for the seizure of its own supertanker.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied the allegations, saying if it had received orders to seize any ships it would have done so immediately.

A U.S. aircraft was in the area at the time and the military has video imagery, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss security matters.

The incident came at a time of heightened tensions over Iran’s unraveling nuclear agreement with world powers, signed in 2015. Iran recently began breaching uranium enrichment limits in response to the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the agreement last year and its imposition of sweeping sanctions.

In recent months, the United States has sent thousands of additional troops, an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and advanced fighter jets to the region. Washington has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on oil tankers— charges that have been denied by Tehran—and said it shot down an American military surveillance drone in international airspace. Iran said it downed the drone after it veered into its own airspace.

The U.K. said in a statement that the British naval vessel HMS Montrose had been accompanying the commercial ship, British Heritage, through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy shipments.

“HMS Montrose was forced to position herself between the Iranian vessels and British Heritage and issue verbal warnings to the Iranian vessels, which then turned away,” the statement said.

“We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the

e n t e r t a i n m e n t ‘Willy Wonka’ Actress Denise Nickerson Dies at Age 62, Family Says

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Mr Sigley arrived in Beijing on Thursday situation in the region,” it added.

Russia and China, both signatories to the nuclear agreement along with Britain, France and Germany, called for restraint. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “freedom of navigation should be ensured in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.”

The U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain declined to comment on the incident.

U.S. Central Command

spokesman Capt. Bill Urban said CENTCOM was aware of reports of “harassment and attempts to interfere with” the passage of the British Heritage near the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces.

Maritime security risk firm Dryad Global described the British Heritage as an oil tanker operated by BP and registered in the Isle of Man. Lloyd’s List, a publication specializing in

maritime affairs, said Shell had chartered the ship from BP. Lloyd’s List said the British Heritage had diverted from its route to load its 140,000-ton cargo of crude at Basra, Iraq, as planned on July 4, the same day an Iranian supertanker was intercepted off Gibraltar, a British overseas territory. It said the vessel instead headed to Saudi waters where it had remained for several days.

Violent Storm Kills Six Foreigners in Northern Greek Resorts

An uprooted tree fell on a vehicle in Greece after a violent storm hit on

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HENS/NEA PLAYIA, Greece—Six foreigners including two children were killed and more than 100 other people injured when a violent,

short-lived storm lashed northern Greece overnight, felling trees and ripping off rooftops.

Witnesses reported the storm had come and gone in a matter of minutes. Winds of over 100 kph (60 mph) were reported on the Halkidiki peninsula, popular with tourists in the summer.

Two elderly Czech tourists were killed when strong winds and water overturned their travel trailer, police said.

A woman and an 8-yearold boy from Romania were killed when a roof collapsed

on a restaurant in the beach resort of Nea Plagia. And a man and a young boy, both Russians, died when a tree fell near their hotel in the seaside town of Potidea, authorities said.

Streets in the area were dotted with uprooted pine trees and overturned motorcycles, and wooden rooftops had been torn off and dumped on beaches.

A Reuters correspondent saw sun loungers strewn in mangled heaps with other debris across Nea Plagia’s golden beaches.

he actress who played gumchewing character Violet Beauregard in 1971’s “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” died.

Denise Nickerson was 62, according to her family’s Facebook page.

Her son and daughter-in-law have stated on Facebook and GoFundMe that she suffered a stroke a year ago and wasn’t able to recover.

“It’s been a very long day. I have avoided posting updates until we had updates to provide. Denise is still here. The doctors, nurses, and we are surprised that this is the case as it was expected her respiratory system would’ve shut down hours and hours ago. She’s still not going to improve at all, she’s just going very slowly,” wrote her family on Facebook before they announced her death.

The family also said that she was never taken off life support because she was never placed on life support.

“She has a DNR in place. She was never ON life support. She simply had basic machines running like the IV drip with antibiotics and anti seizure meds, and a very strong oxygen pump (not a ventilator which is a life support device). We stopped the use of those at 4 am because it wasn’t helping her,” the page wrote.

They added: “She was declining just as fast with the machines running as she has without them

running. They were just making her uncomfortable and were unnecessary to stop or fix the problems she’s having. She’s surviving at a base level, while much longer than anticipated, she’s not suffering but also not being ‘rushed’ along.”

In a 2016 interview with People magazine, Nickerson reflected on her experience working on “Willy Wonka.”

“He created an iconic character,” Nickerson told People about being in the film with star Gene Wilder. “He did the majority of that himself, his little idiosyncrasies [in character], kicking the ball, whipping the cane, stuff like that, that was all him.”

“Gene was a very, very quiet, tender-hearted, calm reflective individual,” she added. “He was not out on the forefront introducing himself, telling jokes, he kind of stayed to himself.”

Nickerson told the magazine: “I remember sitting on the bleachers waiting for him to come out of the [chocolate] factory and rumor had gone around set that he was going to do the somersault—and he did and we all clapped. We got to know him a little more when we went in the room that got smaller and smaller [in the film], and when we sign the contract, but when we filmed in the chocolate room and he sang ‘Pure Imagination’ that just, he stole my heart.”

Israel kills Hamas member in Gaza; Palestinians vow revenge

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he Israeli military says its troops have opened fire at two members of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement near the besieged Gaza Strip’s fence, killing one of them.

According to a military statement, Israeli troops observed the two armed men approaching the fence separating the Hamas-run enclave and the occupied territories on Thursday and “fired in order to drive them away.”

The health ministry in Gaza identified the Hamas officer as 28-year-old Mahmoud al-Adham, who was killed east of Beit Hanoun in the northern strip.

Adham appeared to have been shot as he was trying to stop two youths from approaching the fence.

The Israeli military confirmed that the Hamas officer “approached the border fence area following two Palestinians who were moving close to the fence.”

The Ezzedine al-Qassam

Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, said in a statement that the Israeli troops had deliberately opened fire to “hurt one of our fighters who was carrying out his job in preventing [Palestinians] from breaching the border fence.”

The brigades pledged not to let Adham’s death go “unpunished” and that Israel “would bear the consequences of this criminal act”.

The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades has observation points close to the fence.

Israeli forces injure 40 Palestinians taking part in protests near the border fence separating the besieged Gaza Strip from the occupied territories.

The Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement also strongly condemned the killing and called it a “grave escalation” and threatened to retaliate.

The incident comes amid a relatively calm period along the fence after a ceasefire brokered

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Actress Rashida Jones (C) poses with her father Quincy Jones and her mother Peggy Lipton, at the premiere of “Celeste and Jesse Forever” at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on Jan. 20, 2012. Lipton died of cancer at age 72. (Danny Moloshok/AP Photo, File)

(L): Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, at a conference in New York City in a file photo. (Mario Tama/Getty Images); (C): Woody Allen at the French premiere of “Blue Jasmine,” in Paris, on Aug. 27, 2013. (Christophe Ena/AP Photo); (R): George Stephanopoulos at an event at the Hilton New York on Nov. 11, 2017. (Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

Katie Couric, Woody Allen, and George Stephanopoulos Attended Party With Epstein After 2008 Conviction

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op media figures dined with Jeffrey Epstein after he served 13 months in jail following a plea that saw him plead guilty to two counts of prostitution in 2008. He had been accused of molesting dozens of girls.

Epstein was arrested on July 6 and charged with sex trafficking; authorities said nude photographs underage girls were found in his New York mansion after he was arrested.

Katie Couric, George Stephanopoulos, Woody Allen, and Chelsea Handler were among the media and Hollywood figures who dined with Epstein at the house in New York City in 2010, reported the Daily Beast in 2011. The event? A party for Epstein’s friend Prince Andrew, at the time the fourth in line for the throne in Britain.

The pair was pictured a week later walking in Central Park.

A source close to Couric, a former CBS anchor who recently worked for Yahoo!, told The Hollywood Reporter that it was Couric’s first time meeting Epstein. It was also the last time she was with him, the source said.

Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, at a conference in New York

City in a file photo. (Mario Tama/ Getty Images) A source close to Stephanopoulos told The Mercury News that he was never friends with Epstein, claiming he only attended the dinner after it was pushed by a publicist as an opportunity to meet Prince Andrew.

Stephanapolous, a current anchor for ABC News who worked in the Clinton administration, mentioned the fresh charges against Epstein on July 9 without noting his link to either Epstein or Clinton, reported Newsbusters, a media watchdog.

The dinner also reportedly included Charlie Rose, the longtime PBS anchor.

Allen, Handler, and Rose have not appeared to comment, officially or unofficially, on attending the dinner.

Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Sarah Ferguson said that her former husband’s office arranged for Epstein to give £15,000 to her ex-personal assistant, telling The Telegraph it was a “gigantic error of judgment.”

U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in court where he pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges in West Palm Beach Jeffrey Epstein appears in court

where he pleaded guilty to two prostitution charges in West Palm Beach, Florida on July 30, 2008.

(Uma Sanghvi/Palm Beach Post via Reuters) “I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me.

I abhor pedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf,” she said. “I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can I will repay the money and will have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.”

Sources told The Reporter that the 2010 dinner was arranged by Peggy Siegal, described as a “society doyenne.”

Siegal has not commented recently but previously told the Beast in 2011 about Epstein: “I and many others that know him describe him as brilliant. His unique mind is what attracts the world’s smartest people to his home.”

Epstein spent time in recent years at industry events, including the Gotham Awards in 2017 and the premiere of “Batman v. Superman” in New York in 2016.

Wimbledon 2019: David Beckham and Claire Foy head to the Royal Box on day 10 of tennis tournament

Gaza border

by Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations came into force between the Israeli regime and Hamas in May. At least 295 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip since massive anti-occupation protests began along the restive fence area in March 2018. Most lost their lives during weekly rallies but others were killed by Israeli

airstrikes or tank fire.

Over 16,000 Palestinians have also sustained injuries.

The Gaza Strip has been under an inhumane Israeli siege since 2007 and witnessed three wars since 2008. The blockade has caused a decline in the standard of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty.

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avid Beckham and Claire Foy made an appearance in the Royal Box on the tenth day of Wimbledon.

Beckham looked characteristically stylish in a tan coloured jacket and tweed trousers paired with a striped shirt and gingham pocket square.

The former footballer looked in good spirits as he shared a joke with Richard Branson and his daughter Holly while watching the women’s semi finals on Centre Court.

He brought mother Sandra along as his special guest to round off a week packed with family events, after marking his 20th wedding anniversary with wife Victoria in Versailles on July 4 and celebrating daughter Harper’s eighth birthday yesterday.

The Crown star Foy channelled her famous role as she made her debut in the Royal Box. The Golden Globe winner dressed for the occasion in a white halterneck

dress with floral detailing, teamed with a blue and white striped bucket bag.

The actress was photographed chatting with Beckham and his mother and generously offered them some sweets during the match.

Model Jodie Kidd and acting legend Dame Maggie Smith also were also in attendance on day ten of the annual sporting event.

Kidd wore an off-the-shoulder dress in light pink with a snakeskin

belt, tying her hair back in a ponytail.

Smith, who is set to reprise her much-loved role as the acerbic Dowager Countess in the forthcoming Downton Abbey movie, smiled for the cameras as she arrived at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, wearing a smart blue jacket and matching trousers.

Lily Allen, Suki Waterhouse, Daisy Lowe, Zara Larsson and Mark Strong were among the stars who attended the evian Live Young suite.

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CLASSIFIED WINDING UP RC: 645214

GLOBAL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Registered Address: Suite BS 109, Banex Plaza, Plot 750, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja-FCT Tel: 08022903889, 07041095806 THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF GLOBAL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Rc: 645214 MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 457(B) & 461(1) At the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of the above-named Company held on ……. day of ………., 2019, at its registered office, the following resolutions were proposed and duly passed: 1.

That GLOBAL TRAINING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED be wound up.

2. That Barrister (Mr.) Emeka Onohwakpor of Thompson Chambers, Barristers & Solicitors of 20, Adebola Street, Off Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos with phone Number 08022903889, 07041095806 be appointed as Liquidator until the company is wound up.

Dated this ………………………….Day of …………………………………………2019.

WINDING UP

WINDING UP

UHABIA OJIKE

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2004 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF OJF GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LIMITED RC 949072 MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP

5TH FLOOR,18 OBA AKRAN AVENUE, IKEJA,LAGOS 8TH JULY 2019 THE REGISTRAR--GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA DEAR SIR, RE:OJF GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LIMITED RC 949072-NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT AS LIQUIDATOR I, UHABIA OJIKE, OF 5TH FLOOR, OBA AKRAN AVENUE, IKEJA,LAGOS,HEREBY NOTIFY THE COMMISSION OF MY APPOINTMENT AS THE LIQUIDATOR IN RESPECT OF THE MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF OJF GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LIMITED RC 949072 BY VIRTUAL OF A SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE COMPANY PASSED ON 5TH JULY 2019.

YOURS FAITHFULLY,

(PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 457(B) AND 464(1) OF CAMA 2004) AT AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF OJF GENERAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LIMITED, HELD AT ITS REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS, ON THE 5TH DAY OF JULY,2019,THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS WERE DULY PASSED : 1.”THAT THE COMPANY BE WOUND UP VOLUNTARILY, 2.THAT MR.UHABIA OJIKE OF 18 OBA AKRAN AVENUE, IKEJA,LAGOS,NIGERIA TO BE APPOINTED lIQUIDATOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH WINDING UP”.

DATED THIS 5TH DAY OF JULY 2019.

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

HAJIYA BABBA FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ALHAJI NASIRU DANTATA 2.ABDULKADIR NASIRU DANTATA 3.MARIYA NASIRU DANTATA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROVIDE HELP FOR THE NEEDY. 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 REINFORCE PEACE INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.DR. ABDULLAHI BASHIR IDRIS - CHAIRMAN 2.ALH. BASHIR MOHAMMED ABDULLAHI - SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE PEACE AND CULTURAL INTEGRATION IN NIGERIA. 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 KEBBI BUTCHERS ASSOCIATION LAGOS CAC/IT/NO. 67701

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF THE LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RE-CERTIFICATION AND RE-ISSUANCE OF (C OF O) AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 1467, FILE NO. MISC 51165 BEARING SUNDAY ADEDAYO ADEWUSI . BELONGING TO DEANSHANGER LIMITED. GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LETTER OF OFFER/CONVEYANCE NO. 010823 IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 340 OF ABOUT 3,071SQM LOCATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE B19 KATAMPE EXTENSION WITH FILE NO. MFCT/LA/02/KG2955 DATED 17/11/2002. BEARING ABDUL MOHAMMED. GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE IGBO PATHWAY FOUNDATION

OUR TOMORROW MATTERS INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1)NZE AKACHUKWU SULLIVAN NWANKPO. (2) MR. JOSEPH ELIJAH CHUKWUKELU. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : (1)TO PROMOTE CONTINUOUS RESEARCH INTO SUSTAINABLE MODERNIZATION OF IGBO CIVILIZATION, CULTURE AND ECONOMY. (2)TO PROPAGATE UNITY OF PURPOSE AMONGST IGBO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LEADERS AND INFLUENCERS IN THE PURSUIT OF RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF IGBO LAND. (3)TO HONOUR, CELEBRATE AND HOLD UP FOR EMULATION THOSE IGBOS WHOSE LIVES PROMOTE IGBO UNITY AND PROGRESS. 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 : NWANKPO OBIAGELI (MRS) SECRETARY.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ENGR. SUNDAY OLUDARE FALAE 2. AKINGBADE ADEGOKE JOHN 3. MR. OLUMIDE ORIGUNLOYE 4. MR DAYO AWUDE 5. PROF. ABIODUN AYODELE

-- CHAIRMAN -- SECRETARY.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : A. To effect change in our society through sociopolitical engagements.

B. To sensitize the citizens about their political rights and the need and importance of exercising their franchise.

C. To raise great leaders who can help in building a country we can all be proud of.

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 : OTOKPA OGBA ESQ.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MUSLIM COMMUNITY FORUM, GBOKO

STARDOM INT’L MINISTRY

Amalgamated Traders Association Kontagora Chapter

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

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MAMMAN BALA JAGABA --RETAINED 2. USMAN MUHAMMAD CHINDO -- RETAINED 3. GARBA MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR --RETAINED 4. SHERIFF ABDULLAHI BABA -- RETAINED 5. YAKUBU SHARUBUTU --RETAINED 6. IBRAHIM YAKUBU BALA -- RETAINED 7. MUHAMMED SANI ABUBAKAR -- RETAINED

8. SHAIBU DANJUMA -- RETAINED 9. USMAN MUSA -- RETAINED 10. MUSA YAHAYA MOYI -- RETAINED 11. ABDULKADIR AHMED -- RETAINED 12. JIBRIN USMAN MADUGU -- RETAINED 13. SULAIMAN ABDULRAHMAN -- REMOVED 14. AMADU ABDULLAHI ISIAKA -- REMOVED

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Anthony Samson 2. Oru lucky 3. Ejerhuvwuphia Oghenerukevwe Ghe 4. Oru Abigail.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Chief Imavah Haruna Igoligo 2. Alhaji Taiwo Yusuf 3. Ezesinachi Festus 4. Alhaji Yakuba Abubakar

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ABUBAKAR MOHAMMED -- APPOINTED 2. ABDULLAHI UBA -- APPPINTED

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY .

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLASS 20 ROYAL FRIENDS CLUB OF NIGERIA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) NGENEGBO CHIBUZOR IKECHUKWU----CHAIRMAN. 2) OZOEMENE CHINWUBA----SECRETARY. 3)ANENE CHINEDU DENNIS---;MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1 .TO FOSTER THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOUNT SINAI DIVINE SALVATION POWER CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP (DR) ANGELINA JAMES UDOKA - PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR CLEMENT GABRIEL ISONGUYO - SECRETARY 3. SUNDAY JAMES UDOKA 4. SAVIOUR JAMES UDOKA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR. TOBE LORDLY

PUBLIC NOTICE

WOMEN PRAYER SQUAD MINISTRY

This is to inform the public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.1. To promote the welfare of traders in general, culturally, morally, socially, economically.

The Trustees are : . Barr. Mrs Ugonna Nnanna Uzor Kalu . Dr Nnanna Uzor Kalu . Mrs Nwosu Chidinma Ozioma Objectives: . Prayers . Discipleship . Ministry . Fellowship . Prophesy . Evangelism

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 directed to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the date of this publication.

SIGNED : Barr. Chief Peter Dokpesi.

SIGNED SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

AFRICAN ANIMAL ARK FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ini St-Patrick 2.Doria Ayinla.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To protect and preserve endangered African animals and wild lifes.

2. To preach and advocate for non cruel acts on animals.

ANY OBJECTION TO FORWARDED TO THE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

God’s salvation fruitfullness assembly of all nation

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1)Chika nwaeze (2,) Blessing Nwaeze (3,) Chidiebere Eze (4 ) Emenike Anthonia. Ogechukwu (5) Inedu Simon Ogbada.

(6,)Onyeka Nonso stephen.

(7) Asogwa Sarah (8) Ozokolie Oluchi Constance (9)Ernest Anozie (10) Happiness Chijioke .

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. RAYMOND OBIDIKE 2. IKECHUKWU EMMANUEL UGWUANYI 3. MAXWELL CHIKEZIE 4. NZUBECHI PAUL 5. CHIJIOKE OLINYA 6. OGOCHUKWU ASOGWU 7. ODAMA JOHN 8. IFEANYI EDEH. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To protect the interes of the members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

STARCITY EMPOWERMENT AND LEADERSHIP FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ASINI LYDIA OKPELIDAH - PRESIDENT 2. GODWIN NANCY NWOZUKE - SECRETARY 3. EZE HAPPINESS 4. JAMES-OSUAGWU CHRISTIANA MMA THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN/ GIRLCHILD 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.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : BARR. OPAOLA OLUWAGBEMIGA .

PUBLIC NOTICE

BWATIYE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

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

THE OLD NAME IS: BWATIYE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THE NEW NAME IS: GWAHA COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. BILLY EDWIN FILIBUS- RETAINED 2. TAHULA LOFTY TIMOTHY - RETAINED 3. BAFFO JIMONA - RETAINED 4. YAKUBU ABRAHAM - RETAINED 5. TAHUMMA DANJUMA APWALE - RETAINED 6. ALFRED MADAKAPWA THEOPHILUS - RETAINED 7. ABBO NANCY ROSHIYA- RETAINED 8. ALBERT COMFORT - RETAINED 9. EMMANUEL DOMINIC- NEWLY APPOINTED 10. MAMUNO PWANABESHI BETU - NEWLY APPOINTED 11. KEIVN RUTH MALUBA - NEWLY APPOINTED 12. ENAM BONIFACE - NEWLY APPOINTED AiM TO ALTER ARTICLE 1 TO REFLECT NEW NAME ARTICLE 2 TO READ NEW REGISTERED ADDRESS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION 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

Imam Na’ibi Wali Educational Foundation

This is to inform the public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

NAME OF TRUTEES: 1). Alh. Salahudeen Nai’bi Wali, 2). Haj. Zubaida Mahey Rasheed 3). Haj. Aisha Ahmadu Katagum 4). Mal. Ahmad Nai’bi Wali 5). Dr. Nafisah Nai’bi Wali-Omar 6). Haj. Jamila Mujtaba Galadanci, Aim: To foster unity among members.

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B, 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication Signed by: Barr. Franklin Aliuna

PUBLIC NOTICE

ONOME OMOBOLAJI OBADA FOUNDATION

This is to inform the public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

The Trustees are : 1. REFFELL ABIOLA JEMILIA - CHAIRPERSON 2. VOTU-OBADA OLAMIDOTUN OPEYEMI – SECRETARY AIM: To alleviate poverty through the development of sports and music Any objection to this registration should be directed to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the date of this publication.

SIGNED secretary.

PUBLIC NOTICE

WORLD UNITED CONSUMER ORGANIZATION

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

The Trustees are : 1. CLEMENT IGHODARHO OSUYA 2. AGUAZIA UDOKA KISMET AIMS 1. To unite and protect the interest of consumers Globally.

2. To promote the rights of consumers Globally.

3. To ensure proper implementation of the legal framework protecting the rights of consumers including but not limited to seeking redress in and out of the Court room.

4. To organize symposiums, training and conferences within and outside Nigeria on consumer related matters.

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED WILSON F. OKOI ESQ. LEGAL PRACTITIONER

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE I, chief Robert Nnaemeka Akonobi (col.Rtd), hereby notify the general public as follows: That my residence at no.26 Ibusa Avenue, Independent Layout, Enugu, Enugu state was gutted out by fire on 12/02/2008 at about 2030hrs That the fire service and police report have been obtained.

That several documents pertaining to my landed property and those of companies I am director in were destroyed by the fire.

That my shares certificate, army identification card, bank documents amongst others not listed were also destroyed by fire.

That the documents of the following properties were completely lost with the destruction by the fire: No.1 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja. Prince and Princess Estate No.589 Amadu Abubakar Close, wuye District, Abuja.

Bornak International Ltd, plot No.CP57, Sector Centre B Layout, Kuje, Abuja.

Plot No.4525, bwari f02 District, abuja Plot No.4, Block 12, Kuje West (DO2), District Area Council, Kuje Abuja Plot No. B968, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

Plot No. B973, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

Plot No. B974, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

Plot No. B975, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

Plot No. B970, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

Plot No. B969, Area Council AMAC, Karu District, Abuja.

And other documents not listed above, that belong to me, my wife, my children and other dependents who were living with me as at the time of the incident. Ministries of land, FCDA/FCTA, AGIS, AMAC, KUJE AREA COUNCIL, and the general public to please take note.

Signed: Robert Nnaemeka Akonobi (col.Rtd).

PUBLIC NOTICE Society for Science, Technology and Innovation Management Professionals

This is to inform the public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

The Trustees are : 1. Dr Olawale Adejuwon (Chairman) 2. Dr Ibikunle Ogundari (Secretary) 3. Dr Gbonjubola Binuyo (Member) 4. Dr Yusuf Akinwale (Member) 5. Dr Adeyemi Adepoju (Member) 6. Mr. Babatunde Asenuga (Member) 7. Mr. Michael Odunmorayo (Member) Aim To be at the vanguard of utilising science, technology and innovation to solve global developmental challenges Objectives 1) To proffer, in partnership with various stakeholders, solutions to global developmental challenges 2) To provide evidence-based policy inputs to the development of mechanisms for global sustainable development 3) To undertake training programs to create a legion of personnel skilled in utilising STI to proffer solutions to global developmental challenges Any objection to this registration should be directed to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28 days of the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

IZZI YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION This is to inform the public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 as amended.

The Trustees are : (1) ANIGOR SUNDAY-CHAIRMAN (2) CHIBUEZE NWEDE-SECRETARY (3) UGURU SUNDAY MIRACLE-VICE-CHAIRMAN (4) EZE JEROME OKWUDILI-TREASURER.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column.

Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column.

Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address ISPR. ISIYAKU UMAR UBAIDA ISIYAKU UMAR NIGERIA POLICE FORCE U/GWAZA AREA ZAMFARA STATE COMMAND GUSAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT ZAMFARA STATE

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address ASP UMAR GARBA NURA UMAR NIGERIA POLICE FORCE U/GWAZA AREA ZAMFARA STATE COMMAND GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE

Who died on the 12th OCTOBER, 2017 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on 3RD day of JULY, 2019

Who died on the 08th JANUARY, 2019 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on 3RD day of JULY, 2019

MOHAMMED ADAMU YELDU Probate Registrar

MOHAMMED ADAMU YELDU Probate Registrar

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column.

Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column.

Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address SGT. SHUAIBU MUSA MANIR SHUIABU NIGERIA POLICE FORCE OPPOSITE NEW MARKET AREA ZAMFARA STATE COMMAND GUSAU ZAMFARA STATE

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address CPL. IBRAHIM SAN SHAMSIYAH ABDULLAHI NIGERIA POLICE FORCE GADAR BERGET AREA ZAMFARA STATE COMMAND GUSAU

ZAMFARA STATE

Who died on the 08th MARCH, 2019 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on 3RD day of JULY, 2019

Who died on the 08th MAY, 2018 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on 3RD day of JULY, 2019

MOHAMMED ADAMU YELDU Probate Registrar

MOHAMMED ADAMU YELDU Probate Registrar

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Dangote, Otedola pledge $75, 000 per goal as Egyptian fans mob Kanu

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Eagles

By Albert Akota

B

usiness moguls, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola have promised the Super Eagles mouth-watering bonus for each goal scored in their remaining games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Dangote has promised to dole out $50,000 per goal scored by the team, while Otedola pledged to give out $25,000 for each goal too.

The day after their exquisite and efficient performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa (conquerors of seven –time champions and host nation Egypt) that saw them reach the semi finals of AFCON 2019, the Super Eagles received pledges of more dollar rain from two of Africa’s richest businessmen.

On a visit to the team’s Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel on Thursday morning,

during which he urged the players to even redouble their efforts in order to cross the semi final stage on Sunday.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick put a call through to the two well -known philanthropists and tasked them to commit to supporting the team.

While Dangote made a pledge of $50,000 to the team for every goal in their remaining two matches at the championship, Otedola pledged the sum of $25,000 for every goal.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who holds Nigeria’s second highest national honour (GCON) is the President of Dangote Group and is ranked as the richest person of African descent in the world.

The Dangote Group has interests in various commodities in Nigeria and other African countries.

Oil baron Femi Otedola has recently been involved in a number of commendable

interventions for ailing former Nigerian international players, including 1980 AFCON winning team Captain Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu and goalkeeper Peter Fregene.

Further words of encouragement came from His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) following Wednesday night’s victory, with the President urging “the team and their handlers to be focused, disciplined and scale the remaining two hurdles to glory.”

It would be recalled that following their Round of 16 defeat of Cup holders Cameroon in Alexandria on Saturday, businessman Captain Hosea Wells Okunbo pledged the sum of $20,000 for every player, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu came good with $5,000 for every player.

NFF’s Official Optimum Partner AITEO also weighed in with the sum of $75,000, being $25,000 for each of the three goals

scored by the team against the Indomitable Lions.

Meanwhile former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu was mobbed by an excited Egyptian fans following the Super Eagles 2-1 win against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their quarterfinal clash at the Cairo International Stadium.

Kanu, who is one of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ambassadors for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, was in joyous mood after the Super Eagles secured their passage into the semifinal of the competition.

The former African Footballer of the Year left his sit in the VIP stand to celebrate with the Super Eagles on the pitch after Moroccan referee, Redouane Jiyed blew the final whistle, He was massively hugged by the Egyptian fans majority of whom supported the Super Eagles in the game

Why we lost to Nigeria, says South African coach

>>>PG30

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PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

S p

Okagbare Chases Africa’s first 200m Sub-22 Second in Monaco

Blessing Okagbare

B

lessing Okagbare will be seeking another piece of history as the first Nigerian nay African woman to break 22 seconds when she lines up for the 200m event on Friday at the Stade Louis 11 Stadium in Monaco for the ninth leg of the money-spinning IAAF Diamond League meeting.

The Nigerian has competed in the half lap race thrice this season, starting with an uninspiring 23.14 seconds run at the opening leg of the Diamond League meetings in Doha last May and improved to 22.58 seconds 18 days later at the 2019 Nanjing World Challenge in Nanjing, China.

Okagbare blew away the field late last month at Stanford in California where she ran 22.05 seconds to win the Pre-Fontaine Classics ahead of 2016 double Olympic sprints champion, Elaine

Thompson of Jamaica and British wonder, Dina AsherSmith.

The time is Okagbare’s second fastest after the 22.04 seconds she ran in Abilene,Texas, USA last year March to set a new African record in the event.

Today, the elegant and beautifully built Okagbare will seek to become the first African woman and 29th in the world to break the barrier.

She will be bouyed by her incredible run in Stanford on June 30 and will be pushed by the quality field assembled for the race in Monaco.

Only three athletes have broken 22 seconds amongst the eight that will compete against the Nigerian on Friday and they are led by Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers (21.63). Others are Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo (21.88) and Thompson (21.66).

Okagbare is joint third with 14 points in the 200m Diamond League standing and victory on Friday will ensure she qualifies for the final of the event on August 29 at the Weltklasse Diamond League meeting in Zurich.

r

t

By Albert Akota

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Chuckwueze dangerous on the flanks.

“Nigeria was always dangerous. They were really well organised and had good players and we didn’t defend as well as we could.

“We were trying to press higher and left some spaces, especially in the flanks where their good players could attack, while we didn’t have support to get there.

“But then, you make your

HAUWA

choices as a coach. You go defensive and try to take them one-on-one and force the game to extra-time and win the game.

“So, we tried to win the game but we lost it in the dying minutes, which are very difficult to take.

“But congratulations to Gernot and his team. I am sure they’ll be one of the teams that will be competing to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament,” he said.

Rohr urges full commitment ahead semi final clash

Eagles

S

uper Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr gave his players the opportunity to spend time with their families and friends on Wednesday night after their AFCON 2019 quaterfinal 2-1 win against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Rohr announced the news to the players after dinner at the team’s Le Merdien Hotel, while informing them that all the 23 players must also report for breakfast yesterday morning.

The news was greeted with loud uproar from the players who were still reeling with excitement

following the win against the South Africans.

The players, after a light training session on Thursday morning, were expected to begin full preparation for their semifinal game at the Chams Sports Centre, Cairo, on Thursday.

The three-time champions will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between the Desert Foxes of Algeria and the Elephants of Cote d’l voire in the semifinal.

The semifinal match which will hold at the Cairo International Stadium will kick off at 8pm Nigerian time.

E

ven before knowing the identity of their AFCON 2019 semi final opponent, Super Eagles’ technical adviser Gernot Rohr yesterday morning charged his wards to be focused and fully committed to the task at hand as they countenance another tough session on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium.

“The next match in a championship is always the toughest, so it is always important to approach it that way. That is why we must now forget what we achieved against South Africa in our quarter final match and start

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Rohr permits players see families, friends after Bafana win

Eagles

CLASSIFIED

Why we lost to Nigeria, says South African coach oach Stuart Baxter of South Africa said it is difficult to find positives after one has lost a game.

The Super Eagles on Wednesday defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-1 in the quarterfinal of AFCON 2019 in Egypt.

Baxter told reporters in a post match interview that his boys played according to instructions and gave their best.

“It’s difficult when you’ve lost a game in the dying minutes. It’s difficult to find positives.

“I am sure that in one week’s time, I will find some positives. At this moment, I am finding it very difficult.

“But we were brave enough to get on the ball in tight spaces in the first half and brave enough to press higher and we tried to do that better in the second half.

“We tried to get a better more mobile possession which gave Nigeria more problems but we still couldn’t find that last strike on goal to get there.”

He noted that his team lost to “a better and more organised Super Eagles who were very

Page 31

PEOPLES DAILY, FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

to build up towards the semi final.

“There is no time to rest on our oars. We must make all the sacrifices we can now to achieve our objectives at this tournament.

We must stay focused and be fully committed.”

The three –time champions were back at the Aerosport pitch inside the Cairo Airport yesterday morning to begin training for Sunday’s encounter, which would be against the winner of the Algeria/Cote d’Ivoire fixture.

Also on Thursday morning, the management of the Le Meridien Cairo Airport hotel

presented a big cake to the Super Eagles for the 2-1 win over South Africa on Wednesday that has taken Nigeria into the last four of Africa’s biggest and most prestigious football championship.

The hotel manager, Atef Wilson, on behalf of the management presented the cake to Coach Gernot Rohr and forward Odion Ighalo, who received on behalf of the team.

Victory over South Africa took Franco –German Gernot Rohr’s record with Nigeria to 20 wins in 34 matches, of which he has drawn five and lost nine.

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. . . putting the people first

FRIDAY, JUly 12, 2019

SPORTS latest

Williams beats Strycova to reach Wimbledon final

S

erena Williams made light work of Barbora Strycova to reach the Wimbledon final and stand one win away from a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

The American was just too powerful for the Czech in a 6-1 6-2 win that set up a final against Romania’s Simona Halep.

Williams, chasing an eighth singles title here, dominated throughout against Strycova, who at 33 was the oldest Grand Slam semi-final debutant.

The American, 37, wrapped up victory with just 59 minutes on the clock.

Origi signs longterm contract with Liverpool

S

triker Divock Origi has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool.

The Belgium international, 24, signed from Lille in 2014 on a five-year deal, only to spend two seasons out on loan.

But he returned to have a big impact with the Reds last term, scoring twice against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals before sealing the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the final.

Over the following two seasons he scored 21 goals for Liverpool in all competitions but struggled to overcome an ankle injury and was loaned out to German side Wolfsburg for 2017-18.

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Oshiomhole as an enigma S omehow and, understandably, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national chair of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has become an issue in the ever-increasing conversations around leadership and reforms in our party. He has also become the issue in the calculated attempts by desperate forces to insinuate him into everything negative that has happened to anyone in the party on account of the new deal and pristine approach to party administration.

Pigeonholing him for denunciation by those who have lost either entirely or partly their pseudo-political empires in their respective states is the essential burden that the comrade chair has stoically borne in the task of cleansing the Augean stables of pestilential indiscipline and monumental disrespect for party supremacy.

While some forces, especially those who lost control of party structures in their states, have sworn to a life and time of revenge, those that the new leadership style has liberated are in a celebratory mood and would remain eternally grateful to Oshiomhole’s single-minded leadership in helping to redefine their essences in APC’s political enclave such that members have taken ownership of the party.

Indeed, Oshiomhole’s role in bringing that about is a throwback to his many years of active struggles as a peripatetic labour unionist in the circumference of the Textile Unions, which he led at different times and in different capacities and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over which he would later preside from 1999 to 2006 or thereaout. On that pedestal, he had led a series of protests against perceived anti-people policies of the Federal Government.

In September 2004, for instance, the NLC under his leadership gave the Federal Government an ultimatum to reverse the decision to reintroduce the controversial fuel tax or face a nationwide protest and strike. His inimitable spirit was not shy of galvanizing the strike despite a ruling by a Federal High Court in an earlier dispute that the NLC lacked legal power to call a general strike over government policies.

He was arrested on October 9, 2004 at a protest at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and later released after a “chat” with officials of the State Security Services (SSS). He had many confrontations with the state in the course of discharging his onerous responsibility of providing proactive leadership to the labour movement. For a man who was burnished in the blistering furnace of labour unionism, he defined his eon by deploying his stentorian voice in ceaseless articulations of pro-workers, pro-people issues.

Oshiomhole’s luminous epoch in socio-economic and political crusading and the legacy of commitment to good causes that he left behind in the labour tradition of struggles would recommend him highly for appropriation and endorsement by the political elite in Edo state in their search for a new leadership in a great moment of anxiety over the future of the state.

To upend the business-as-usual

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Patrick Obahiagbon

Oshiomhole approach to governance in the state that was under the overbearing influence of some obdurate godfathers, Oshiomhole was summoned by providence to become a battle axe in the hands of politicians with whom he was in consensus ad idem to dismantle the conservative culture of executive genuflection at the table of godfathers.

Stepping in the saddle as governor following his victory at the Court of Appeal, he invested all that was at his disposal to overwhelm the tribe of godfathers in the state. For eight years as governor, Oshiomhole provided leadership that reset the politics of Edo and ensured that the people decided who their governor would be and not the godfathers in the old-fashioned style of obligated imposition of candidates.

Today, as much as I have always contended that godfatherism is an ecumenical concept and a cosmopolitan reality, Oshiomhole’s attitude to politicking and succession politics in Edo explicates his republican spirit that drove the choice of leaders through utilitarian engagements, catholic conversations and coruscating selection processes that placed the people above the leaders and thereby put the party in their hands.

And, as national chair of the APC, he is replicating that exemplar. Indeed, at the intersection at which he accepted the challenge to step in the saddle of leadership in June last year, it was clear to Oshiomhole that the political voyage was not going to be jollity. One, he must have realised that Edo state is just a microcosm of the Nigerian nation-state.

Therefore, he was prepped to deploy his vast knowledge and experience acquired in the labour struggles and governance of Edo state in dealing with problems confronting the APC.

He identified indiscipline among party leaders and members as one problem. The significant other was contempt for party supremacy.

Basking in a vaudeville of countrywide approbation that culminated in his emergence as a consensus candidate, he knew much would be expected from him by the powerful forces that rallied support for him in the spirit of quid pro quo.

But as one who is not given to such mundane considerations that discount the place of the people in the leadership of the party (and to be sure, while in Edo, he promoted the mantra of ‘let the people lead’ and the philosophy of “oneman;one vote”), Oshiomhole knew from the outset that human nature would always resist changes; and on that score, he was going to have problems with many of his associates.

Regardless, he was in that context, and acting in pari materia with the zeitgeist that recommended him for the assignment, committed to take both the credit and the blame for actions and inactions of the party leadership on his watch. And, expectedly, he has been getting both commendations and condemnations. He has taken both in his strides and he remains sharplyfocused on consolidating the party on the trajectory of finding anchorage in members who are in the majority rather than in the minuscule leadership.

This explicates his dignified silence in the face of a carefully-composed symphony by some aggrieved leaders about his alleged actions and inactions that led to losses by the party in some states. Specifically, the court decisions that stymied the participation of the APC in all the state-based elections in Rivers and Zamfara states were beyond the contemplation of Oshiomhole.

The denouements in both states were products of the pigheadedness of local political warlords who were inebriated by power and would not sheathe their sword in a debilitating supremacy battle for the souls of the party. Had they been reasonable and respected the supreme decision of the party on the method of electing candidates, perhaps, the law would not have foisted the faits acomplis that paved the way for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ride to power seamlessly in the affected states.

But Oshiomhole realizes that in any battle that involves attitudinal changes, getting people’s buy-in is not always easy. He has thus put his nose to the grindstone and become more surefooted in driving the regime of reforms that is unsettling some leaders who do not believe in it. In the face of pockets of protest and resistance, underpinned, perhaps, by a grand conspiratorial alliance calculated to project him as incorrigible narcissist, the Iyamhoborn labour activist turned politician continues to fix his eyes on the ball in an epistemological and enigmatic fashion.

Very knowledgeable and nimble in the milieu of the nation’s cloak and dagger politics; and, carrying on amid airs of inscrutability, the atomic Oshiomhole, like an atomic bomb, has become a veritable bugaboo to those baying for his blood, or asking for his head on a charger. Oshiomhole is enjoying well-deserved presidential approbation and support by critical stakeholders of the APC countrywide.

With these providential gestures, he is primed for total victory.

Indeed, to God be the glory, the coast to the next level remains clear for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He has taken the opportunity to etch his name in gold. It would be said of him by posterity and as Julius Caesar said of himself after he had achieved a quick victory in his short war against Pharnacles 11 of Pontius at the Battle of Zela: “veni vidi, vici”; that he came, he saw and he conquered. · Hon. Obahiagbon, a former Chief of Staff to Oshiomhole, contributed this piece from Benin City.

DAN GAYE

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