Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Edition

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 / Dhuʻl-Hijjah 22, 1441 AH

Vol. 34 No. 074 N150

2298 Days after

INEC to hold 12 bye-elections Oct 31 >>>page 5

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Politicians behind insecurity in Nigeria, says Zamfara gov

>>>page5

Russia approves first COVID-19 vaccine amid scientists' concern >>PG 5

•As Nigeria okays last evacuation flight from U.S.

L-R: Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Governor of Gombe state, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, His Excellency, Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Hon. Minister of State for Education, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mr. Musa Istafanus, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, during the Virtual Commissioning of Eleven projects executed across the Country by Agencies under the Ministry on Tuesday 11th August 2020 at the Digital Economy Complex Abuja

Court orders pasting of Stamp Duty: FG NCC, USPF, Others NECO to begin suit against Ize-Iyamu to support states Advance FG’s Digital October 5 at APC's Headquarters recover backlog Economy Agenda -Registrar pAGE 5

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pAGE 19

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

News CONTENTS News

2-10, 14

Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics

15-17

Health

18

Business

19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

UNGA President MuhammadBande urges support for Lebanon

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resident of the UN General Assembly, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, has urged the international community to stand by the people of Lebanon following the Aug. 4 deadly explosions in Beirut.

Muhammad-Bande made the call during a virtual briefing by high-level UN officials on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, on Monday.

According to the World Health Organisation, no fewer than 150 people have died following the massive explosions, which resulted from ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse at the city’s port.

The organisation said no fewer

than 6,000 others were injured and over 300,000 people rendered homeless by the incident.

“The images streaming in from Beirut shook our hearts.

“The devastating impact of last week’s tragedy makes it imperative for the international community to stand beside the people of Lebanon who have generously hosted thousands of refugees for years.

“We must respond by providing the necessary humanitarian assistance to alleviate the immediate suffering and to support the Lebanese people as they embark on the road to recovery.

“The needs are enormous and

great,’’ said the UNGA president, who is Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN. He noted that the tragedy had worsened the suffering of the Lebanese people already facing “multiple challenges in recent times, including economic hardship and the COVID-19 pandemic’’.

“We must mobilise all assistance we can to enable the country to wade through these difficult times and come out of the current crisis much stronger,’’ he added.

The Nigerian envoy expressed appreciation to the French government for hosting a virtual summit on Sunday to raise funds

in support of the Lebanese people.

International donors pledged 297 million dollars (N112.8 billion) at the event, according to the BBC. Muhammad-Bande also thanked other countries that have already responded with financial and medical assistance to Lebanon, urging others to “follow suit by funding the ongoing humanitarian response’’.

“I welcome the efforts by the World Bank, which in its recent announcement, promised to reprogram existing resources and explore additional financing to support rebuilding lives and livelihoods of people impacted by the crisis.

Reps accuse Ministry of Power over N7bn extra budgetary spending Page 4

Environment

25

Feature

26

Sports

30-31

Back Page

32

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Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo CON (2nd right), Minister of State, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum ( centre), Chairman Board of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Ademola Seriki (right), Registrar- General, Alh. Garba Abubakar (2nd left) and Director Registry, Haj. Saratu Shafi’i (left), during the meeting with the Board Chairman in Abuja.

EFCC’s failure to list witnesses stalls Adoke’s trial

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke SAN in the corruption changes brought against him by the federal government, was yesterday stalled.

This is following the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to supply names and particulars of witnesses they intend to call for prosecution.

The anti-graft action contravenes Section 379(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Adoke alongside Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar are standing trial on a 14- count amended criminal

charge bordering on money laundering alleged to involve about N4billion.

When the matter was called up yesterday, for trial, the prosecution counsel, Mr Bala Sanga sought for leave to call up his first prosecution witness(PW1)one Mr Clement Osagie, an official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who was on subpoena to the witness box.

However, counsel to the second defendant, Chief Olalekan Ojo, SAN, vehemently objected to the witness on the grounds that he was unknown to his client as a witness of the EFCC in the trial.

He drew the attention of the court to the charge and proof of evidence, adding that in breach of the enabling law, the prosecution did not list any of

its witnesses and also failed to attach summary of the witnesses statements as required by law.

Ojo cited section 379 of the ACJA in his argument, adding that in line with provision of the section, the EFCC ought to supply names and particulars of the witnesses to the defendants to enable them prepare their defence adequately.

He insisted that fair trial demanded that the defendants must know those that will testify against them in a criminal matter.

He therefore, urged the court to compel the prosecution to do the needful before the trial can commence.

Responding, Sanga, who informed the court that he got to know about the witness only Monday evening, conceded to

the argument and prayed the court for a short adjournment to comply with the law.

Other defendant however did not object to the request for a short adjournment following which the court in a short ruling adjourned trial to August 13, 2020.

Justice Inyang Ekwo in adjourning the trial ordered the prosecution to serve the defendants with all the particulars, processes that they are entitled to within 24 hours.

Recall that the prosecution agency, had on August 4, rearraigned Adoke and Abubakar before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 14 count amended charge bordering on alleged money laundering and corruption.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

News

Covid-19: Kaduna residents dump Face mask From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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espite the rising number in confirmed coronavirus cases in Kaduna state, most residents have developed indifference attitude towards face masks as they go about their businesses.

Investigation by People’s Daily revealed that residents along the popular Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna North Local Government Area are seen walking freely without face masks.

Similarly, at the Refinery Junction in Chikun Local Government Area people were also sighted walking freely without face masks.

Going by our Correspondent’s calculations it is only two out of ten residents wear face masks, and mostly are of elderly group.

A report from Samaru in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area, indicated that the scenario is the same as people seems to be gradually forgotten wearing of face masks.

More worrisome is that social distancing in public places is also fading as if the coronavirus pandemic has abruptly come to an end.

A Toyota Hiace public bus which supposed to carry two passengers per row, now carries four and hiked the fares.

Prior to the coronavius pandemic, a journey from the Shiekh Abubakar Gumi market to Sabo usually cost N100 but now is N200. It is the same scenario in all parts of the metropolis.

A resident, Aliyu Umar, when asked why he is not wearing a face mask said there is nothing like coronavirus, but a conduit pipe to siphons public funds by few individuals.

In the same vein, Hajya Hauwa Balarabe, who was one of passengers overloaded in a bus and not wearing face mask, said death will come whenever it is her time, so she can’t inconvenience herself with wearing mask or joined a long queue waiting for a bus.

However, a medical practitioner in a private hospital, Dr Amina Lukeman, expressed dismay over the sudden development, saying people without masks are endangering other people’s lives.

She lamented people flouting safety guidelines put in place to check the spread of covid-19.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Stamp Duty: FG pledges to support States to recover backlog

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Federal Government has expressed readiness to provide the much needed support to any of the States of the country, as may be required, in a bid to recover the backlog of Stamp Duty and generate more revenue to the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN, who gave the assurance in statement yesterday in Abuja.

The Minister of Justice also called for the support and cooperation of the AttorneyGenerals of the thirty-six states in country and the Joint Tax Board on the proposed audit and recovery of backlog of stamp duties from 15th January, 2016 to

39th June, 2020.

The AGF, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, said these during a virtual meeting with the States Attorney-Generals and the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue and the Members of the Joint Task Board.

The Minister cited Section 111 of the Stamp Duty Act which states that “all duties, fines, penalties and debts due to the Government of the Federation imposed by this Act shall be recoverable in a summarily manner in the name of the Attorney General of the Federation or the State”.

Malami noted that it is pertinent to note that by Paragraph 7, Item B of Part II of the Second Schedule to the Constitution and Section 4(2)

of Stamp Duty Act, the State Governments are empowered to collect stamp duties in respect of transactions between individuals residing in their respective States.

It would be recalled that Federal Government had set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Audit and Recovery of backlogs of stamp duties recently.

The Committee, chaired by the Minister of Justice;, was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha on Tuesday 30th June, 2020.

Members of the Committee were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation

and Fiscal Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Inland Revenue Serves.

The Stamp Duties was originally captured in the Stamp Duties Act 1939 (Ordinance 41 of the 1939) and amended by numerous Acts and various resolutions and contained in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Recently, the Finance Act 2019 amendment to the Stamp Duties Act, particularly Section 52-56 clearly defined the responsibilities for the administration of Stamp Duties in Nigeria and jurisdiction of participating taxing authorizes, as well as explained that the Federal Inland Revenue is the competent tax authority to administer, assess, collect, and account for stamp duty in the country.

R-L: Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state receiving the souvenir from Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, during the Governor’s visit to the Chief of Air Staff, at the Airforce headquarters, in Abuja, yesterday.

Deregistration of parties: INEC heads for Supreme court

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it will approach the Supreme court to challenge yesterdays judgement of the Court of Appeal which said that it (the commission) lacked the power to deregister political parties.

The Commission specifically declared that it will approach the nation’s apex court for a final resolution of the issues raised in the two conflicting judgements (of the Court of Appeal).

It would be recalled that on July 29, 2020, the Court Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division, in an appeal filed by the National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed the power of the Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet the constitutional

threshold in section 225A. The Commission, in a statement yesterday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, pointed out that it is faced with two conflicting judgements from the same Court and as such not in a position to pick and choose which one of them to obey.

The statement by Okoye reads, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is in receipt of the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered today, August 10, 2020 in an Appeal filed

by ACD and 22 others relating to their deregistration by the Commission.

“In the judgement, the Court of Appeal held that the deregistration of ACD & 22 others is ultra vires the powers of the

Commission and ordered the Commission to reinstate them.

“We recall that on July 29, 2020, the Court Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division in an appeal filed by the National Unity Party (NUP) affirmed the power of the Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet the constitutional threshold in section 225A. “Dissatisfied with the judgment the National Unity Party lodged an appeal which is presently pending before the Supreme Court.

“The Commission is therefore faced with two conflicting judgements from the Court of Appeal; one affirming the powers of the Commission to deregister political parties and the other setting aside the deregistration of ACD & 22 others.

“Faced with two conflicting judgements from the same

Court, the Commission is not in a position to pick and choose which one of them to obey.

“Consequently, the Commission will approach the Supreme Court for a final resolution of the issues raised in the two conflicting judgements.

“Meanwhile, the Commission is focused on preparations for the conduct of the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections scheduled to hold on September 19, 2020 and October 10, 2020 and is strictly and methodically following its timetable and schedule of activities derived from the Constitution and the Electoral Act. “We assure Nigerians and the people of Edo and Ondo States that the Commission is on course and will deliver on its mandate”, it said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

N EWS

News

Russia approves first COVID-19 vaccine amid scientists' concern

Edo/Ondo guber: Advise APC to avoid interfering in INEC duty, PDP tells Buhari

•As Nigeria okays last evacuation flight from U.S.

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

A

head of the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to advise his party (All Progressives Congress, APC) to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to carry out its responsibilities without interferences.

The PDP specifically reminded the President that Nigeria is standing before the global community on Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

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

According to the PDP, “Nigeria is standing before the global community on Edo and Ondo governorship elections and the President must advise his party to allow INEC to carry out its responsibilities without interferences”.

The party however observed that Nigerians have never witnessed the level of electoral impunity seen under the present administration.

According to the statement, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that it is a sad commentary for President Muhammadu Buhari, who won election on a free ballot in 2015 to contemplate or bemoan how he could have used security agencies to undermine the integrity of the electoral process in our country.

“Nigerians are aware that in the 2019 presidential election, such despotic and oppressive tactics were deployed to circumvent the electoral process and the wishes of Nigerians.

“As a party, the PDP hopes this is not a foreplay of what the APC and Buhari Presidency is planning to exert in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for September and October 2020 respectively.

“Nigerians witnessed the overrunning of Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Bayelsa and Kano states by the APC using compromised security officials and thugs.

“In Kogi State, a police helicopter was used to disperse the electorate, who were on the queue to perform their civic duties on Election Day. “Mrs. Salome Abuh, a frontline woman leader of the PDP, was burnt to death by members of the APC in the Kogi State election. Till date, no member of Mr. President’s party has been interrogated or arraigned for that murder.

“Contrary to Mr. President’s expressed concerns, Nigerians have never witnessed the level of electoral impunity seen under his administration.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

By our correspondent agency reports

with

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resident Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia had become the first country in the world to grant regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine after less than two months of human testing, a move hailed by Moscow as evidence of its scientific prowess.

The development paves the way for the mass inoculation of the Russian population, even as the final stage of clinical trials to test safety and efficacy continue.

The speed at which Russia is moving to roll out its vaccine highlights its determination to win

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN and SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha during a virtual meeting of governors Forum Security Committee held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. AUG 11 2020

Edo 2020: Court orders pasting of suit against Ize-Iyamu at APC’s Headquarters

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

J

ustice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, ordered the National Rescue Mission (NRM) to paste the court processes against Pastor Ize-Iyamu and running mate at the party’s No 40 National Headquarters located at No 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

The suit is seeking to disqualify the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his running mate Audu Ganiyu in the September 19, governorship election in Edo State The court gave the order in an ex parte application for substituted service filed by National Rescue Movement Party.

The part, through its counsel, Valatine Offia, is seeking the

exclusion of the APC and its candidate in the forthcoming governorship poll on alleged unlawful nomination.

In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/743/2020 and filed on August 6, 2020, the plaintiffs claimed that the letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) containing the names of Ize-iyamu and his deputy was signed by the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the APC instead of the party’s National Chairman and Secretary.

Defendants in the suit are the All Progressives Congress, Independent National Electoral Commission, Osagie Ize-iyamu and Audu Ganiyu as 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

The APC’s National Executive Committee had on June 25, dissolved the Oshiomhole led National Working Committee (NWC) and appointed a Caretaker

Committee headed by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

At last week’s sitting, the plaintiff had accused Ize-iyamu and his deputy, Honourable Audu Ganiyu of evading service and prayed court to order service on them through the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja.

Justice Mohammed, in his ruling ordered that the originating processes and hearing notice be served on them through the APC headquarters in Abuja.

“Having listened to the applicant counsel and carefully looked at the ten paragraphs affidavit, and an exhibit attached to the application, I am satisfied that the prayer should be granted and hereby grant the prayers”, the judge held.

The matter is adjourned still August 18 for further mention.

The plaintiff, (NRM) in the suit claimed that the list of candidates of the APC for the Edo State gubernatorial election jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the APC was not received by INEC and as such INEC lacks powers to receive the list of candidates of APC for the Edo State gubernatorial election to be held on September 19, 2020 from the Governor of Yobe State.

The plaintiff urged the court to declare that the APC has no candidates for the Edo State gubernatorial election to beheld on September 19, 2020 by virtue of the non – submission of her list of candidates before the deadline on June 29, 2020.

The party therefore prayed for an order voiding the decision of INEC to include APC, Ize-Iyamu and Ganiyu as candidates in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

COVID-19: Censors Board seals off illegal drive-in Cinemas in FCT

M

rs Bola Athar, Director of Operations of the NFVCB, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

A drive-in cinema or theater is a cinema structure consisting of a large outdoor movie screen, and a parking area where customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars.

According to Arthar, the illegal drive-in cinemas are operated by some showbiz promoters and

recreational spots owners.

“Through our intelligence gathering efforts, we understand that films are being exhibited to the public for commercial purposes in these centres as drive-in cinemas.

“These recreational centres and their promoters are not licensed exhibitors and the venue they are using are not approved by the board for exhibition, which is a contravention of relevant sections of the NFVCB Act .

“As regulator of the motion

picture industry, we have sealed off some drive-in cinemas in the FCT within this week , including the one at the Central Park, until the right thing is done,” she said.

Athar explained that, for a film to be allowed for exhibition in Nigeria, it must be censored, classified and the exhibitor as well as the premises for its exhibition licensed.

NAN reports that the NFVCB is a Federal Government body that regulates the films and video

industry, and is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.

It also register all films and videos outlet across the country and keep record of all registered outlets, among other functions NAN reports that a drive-in cinema is now a growing trend in the entertainment industry globally, as traditional movie theatres remain closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.(NAN)

the global race for an effective product but has stirred concerns that it may be putting national prestige before sound science and safety.

Speaking at a government meeting on state television, Putin said the vaccine, developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, was safe and that it had even been administered to one of his daughters.

“I know that it works quite effectively, forms strong immunity, and I repeat, it has passed all the needed checks,” said Putin.

He said he hoped the country would soon start mass producing the vaccine.

Its approval by the health ministry foreshadows the start of a larger trial

involving thousands of participants, commonly known as a Phase III trial.

Such trials, which require a certain rate of participants catching the virus to observe the vaccine’s effect, are normally considered essential precursors for a vaccine to receive regulatory approval.

Regulators around the world have insisted that the rush to develop COVID-19 vaccines will not compromise safety.

But recent surveys show growing public distrust in governments’ efforts to rapidly produce such a vaccine.

Russian health workers treating COVID-19 patients will be offered the chance of volunteering to be vaccinated soon after the vaccine’s

approval, a source told Reuters last month.

More than 100 possible vaccines are being developed around the world to try to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.

At least four are in final Phase III human trials, according to WHO data.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has approved the ninth and last evacuation flight for Nigerians stranded in the United States due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The Consul General of Nigeria in New York, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen, announced this in a statement dated Aug. 10, 2020, on behalf of the country’s missions in the U.S. According to the statement, the

Politicians behind insecurity in Nigeria, says Zamfara gov From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna & Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, has accused politicians of being behind insecurity in different parts of the country.

This is as Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State pledged more support for the Sahel Sanity Operations.

The Zamfara governor made this allegation yesterday while speaking at the Special Army Super Camp 4 in Faskari town.

He alleged that politicians were exploiting the challenges posed by insecurity for their individual and personal gains.

Matawalle said, “We, the politicians, are to be blamed for the intractable security challenges bedevilling our communities. It is evident that some politicians exploit insecurity for political gains.

These unscrupulous politicians would hardly commend the military for their successes at the battlefronts.

“However, they would be eager to rush to the media to report attacks by bandits or other miscreants.

“For these crop of politicians, politics is not about genuine commitment to the wellbeing of the people; it is all about power and nothing more.”

The Zamfara governor also insisted that safeguarding and ensuring security was not just the responsibility of President Muhammadu Buhari, the governors, and the service chiefs, but also that of every patriotic citizen.

President Buhari met with the representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and security chiefs inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting was aimed at tackling the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, especially in the North-West and the North-East regions.

Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State pledged more support for the Sahel Sanity Operations to continue ongoing fights against banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the zone.

Tambuwal urged local communities to continue to cooperate by giving credible information as they knew the faces of bandits, their hideouts and their informants, “Let’s expose them for total restoration of peace and tranquility once and for all.

Waziri, who expressed satisfaction with the level of successes recorded by the Nigerian Army in the zone, assured continue giving all the needed support to finish the lingering banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling. “And for the media, we solicit for your unreserved support so as to help achieve our targeted goals”.

“The issue of security should not be politicised, the security personnel been deployed by various security agencies were everywhere for the safety of innocent citizens, be it in bushes and cities, there were currently hitch-free movements at any given hour especially on our major roads across the zone”, Tambuwal has assured.

flight is scheduled to convey the evacuees from New Jersey on Aug. 20 to both Abuja and Lagos.

This would come after the seventh and eight evacuation flights scheduled for Aug. 15 and Aug. 19 respectively from Houston, Texas, to Lagos.

The government had so far evacuated 1,739 stranded Nigerian citizens in six special flights from the U.S. which is witnessing a second wave of coronavirus infections.

That country’s COVID-19 tallies as at Monday stood at 5,044,864 infections with 162,938 deaths, according to data compiled by the John Hopkins University of Medicine.

From left: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Director, Administration and Human Resources, Mr Khalil Adi; Acting Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Dele Ojo and Acting Editor-in-Chief of NAN, Mr Idonije Obakhedo, during the Minister’s visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday (11/8/20).

Photo: NAN

INEC to hold 12 bye-elections Oct 31

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled all pending byeelections, made up of six senatorial districts and six states Assembly seats for Saturday, 31st October this year.

The Professor Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC confirmed this in a statement yesterday after its meeting in Abuja.

The affected bye elections, according to the statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, included; Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District, Obudu State Constituency, Cross River State, Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State The Commission said that by the harmonized Timetable, it will give

the Notice of Election on 17th August 2020, while Political Parties will conduct their primaries to nominate candidates between 24th August and 8th September 2020.

Submission of Forms and Personal Particulars of Candidates, the statement stressed, will commence on 9th September and close at 6pm on 13th September 2020.

The Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the bye-elections, it added, has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

The further said that its attention has been drawn to the existence of vacancies isi-Uzo State Constituency in Enugu State and Bakori State Constituency in Katsina State.

It however stated that the vacancies have not been formally declared by the Speakers of the affected State Assemblies.

The Commission implores concerned stakeholders, particularly political parties, to take note of the timelines in the schedule and strictly adhere to them.

The statement reads in part, “The Commission met today 11th August 2020 and reviewed preparations for Edo and Ondo States Governorship

elections, the conduct of the Nasarawa Central State Constituency election held on Saturday 8th August as well as all outstanding bye-elections.

“Several vacancies have occurred in both Federal and State Legislative Houses as a result of resignation or death of members, affecting 12 constituencies across 8 States of the Federation.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission decided earlier to suspend the conduct of all bye-elections until it is satisfied that the elections can be conducted in a safe and conducive environment.

“Since then, the Commission has developed its Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic, revised its Regulations and Guidelines and engaged with health authorities and stakeholders on conducting elections in an environment that guarantees both credibility and public safety.

“The Commission has also successfully conducted the byeelection to fill the vacancy in the Nasarawa Central State Constituency and is going ahead with the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States on the 19th September and 10th October respectively”, the statement said.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

PAGE 6

News

Covid-19: As Jigawa records 23 days no new case, gov Badaru flag-off distribution of palliatives From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

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he Jigawa state Governor Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru said, as of yesterday Tuesday Jigawa recorded 23 days without single case of Covid19 in the state.

Governor Badaru dropped the hint yesterday while flagging up of

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has described Monday”s judgement of the Court of Appeal Abuja, which set aside the deregistration of twenty-two political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a victory for democracy and a giant step forward in consolidating the nation’s constitutional governance.

The CUPP stated that the landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal has further reinforced Nigerians confidence in the judiciary, rule of law and due process.

The coalition said this in a statement yesterday by its Chairman, Contact and Mobilization and Member, Steering Committee, Rev. Olusegun Peters in Abuja.

The judgement, the CUPP said, has proved that the judiciary is indeed the last hope of all aggrieved people in the quest for a strong, virile, progressive and egalitarian democratic nation.

The statement reads, “The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) congratulates its members among the 22 political parties that the Court of Appeal Abuja set aside their deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday 10th August 2020.

“It is victory for democracy and a giant step forward in consolidating the nation’s constitutional governance.

“The landmark judgment of the Court of Appeal has further reinforced Nigerians confidence in the judiciary, rule of law and due process.

“It has proved that the judiciary is indeed the last hope of all aggrieved people in the quest for a strong, virile, progressive and egalitarian democratic nation.

“It is obvious that INEC erred by hastily deregistering political parties in flagrant violation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and the Electoral Act as amended.

“Nigeria is a nation governed by the rule of law, not rule of might that breeds dictatorship and autocracy.

“With this judgment of the Court of Appeal, affected political parties look forward to participating in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

“The judgment is sweet music in the ears of all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.

the distribution of palliatives to all the deserving beneficiaries across the entire 27 local government areas in the state held at Tahir guest palace hotel Dutse.

According to him, there will be no discrimination in the sharing Covid19 palliatives currently stored in Dutse the state capital.

He explained that the paliatives

distribution is timely considering the fact that people are in dear need of assistance, especially the less privileged members of the society.

The Governor explained that these items were donated by individuals, Federal government and other organizations among others to the needies in the state.

He said among the Items distributed there were Suger, Salt, Rice, Indonies and Pasta to mention but few. Adding that the greater percentage of the items are going to be distributed to over 49,000 beneficiaries across the state.

He said “the remaining paliatives are going to be

distributed to other people with special cases.

Also the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria who was represented by Lawal Ado manager of the United Bank for Africa said the distribution of paliatives is timely, therefore the beneficiaries should make use of it accordingly.

CUPP says court reversal of deregistration of 22 parties is victory for democracy “Nigerians demand widening of the political horizon not stifling it results to do-or-die politics as being

witnessed in Edo State governorship poll.

“CUPP will continue to

champion good governance, social justice and restoration of genuine democracy in Nigeria. It is a task

that must be done in the interest of the nation. We are all in it together”, it said.

Successfully refitted locally… The nation’s foremost warship, NNS ARADU, being undocked after undergoing successful repair and maintenance at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, ,recently in Lagos…DINFO

Society of Engineers partner Kaduna Roads Agency From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna Branch of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is to collaborate with kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA) to ensure that the road construction and rehabilitation embark on by Nasir El Rufai adminstration is successful.

The Branch Chairman of the Society Engr Nasiru Dallatu Chawai made the assertion when he hosted the National president of the NSE Engr. Babagana Mohammed FNSE in kaduna yesterday The NSE Chairman said the road construction and rehabilitation is opening up kaduna metropolis and the society will not stand by just watching.

‘As Engineers we are proud of the supervision role kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA) is playing in ensuring that best standard is adhere to “ We have independently monitored the the projects and the filler we are getting is encouraging especially as KADRA is been headed by one of our own “The Society will work

together with the Road Agency professionally via suggestions and advised” he said In his own remarks the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of KADRA Engr, Mohammed Lawal Magaji lauded the support his Agency is receiving from Kaduna State Chapter of KADRA since inception.

KADRA according to him was established with the mandate to construct, upgrade, rehabilitate and maintain roads within the state.

He said as Engineers they can attest to the fact that Road infrastructure is one of the greatest challenges of development with the the adverse effects manifesting in Road mishap and lack of accessibility to economic activities.

The KADRA MD/CEO added that this prompted kaduna State Goverment under the leadership of Mallam Nasir El Rufai to unequivocally determined to deliver on Road infrastructure in the state . “ Kaduna State Goverment has embarked on urban Renewal project across the state which

shall see to the construction of new roads and upgrade of existing roads under the supervision of KADRA. “The kaduna Urban Renewal projects (Road components) consisit of 26 roads and Bridges; now 19 of the roads are will be dualized and the rest will be expanded “ The road components will also includes the construction of five Bridges (Flyover and underpass) at strategic points/ locations “The progress made on this project is obvious in the metropolis and all this efforts are attributed to Mallam Nasir El Rufai promises to make kaduna great again “ Our achievement as an Agency is a manifestion of an aggregated knowledge and skills put together by the team of professional Engineers supported by the administrators “I am proud to say that we have put together a team professional Engineers who have made it possible through their dedication to ensure we deliver on our mandate”He said Similarly the president of

the Society, Engr. Babagana Mohammed FNSE expressed satisfaction with the ongoing urban renewal projects The NSE president said ElRufa’i giant strides towards giving the state a new face lift through his urban renewal projects is a step in the right direction.

He stressed that the urban Renewal projects is a demonstration of focus leadership that brings dividends of democracy to the people According to him engineering profession is about making things better for the improved living condition of the people and the road projects is part of it.

He added that Nigerians Society of Engineers is excited by the numbers of engineers who are working for the unban Renewal Road projects to be successful.

He commended the Agency for ensuring that the stardard set are adhered to in the construction of roads in kaduna state.

Engr Babagana assured kaduna State of continuous support of the society in order to ensure that the Agency headed by one of their own excel.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

News

Flood: Cleric tasks FCT minister on relief materials to victims

By Usman Shuaibu

F

ollowing the heavy downpour in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about two weeks ago, the cleric at the God our Refuge Ministry residing in Gwagwalada, pastor Joy Iroagwu, has appealed to the FCT minister, Mallam Muhammadu Musa Bello to provide relief materials to the affected victims in the area.

Iroagwu, who made the appeal in an interview with our reporter in Gwagwalada on Sunday, also urged the minister to construct a deep drainage in order to arrest the problem of over-flooding in Gwagwalada and its environs.

Her words: “If the FCT Minister comes to Gwagwalada to see what the flood had done to the people, the minister will know what to do. It just requires drainage, deep one because if the FCT Administration constructs the drainage, the water will not cause havoc” She noted that every year the people lost their lives and other valuables to the water, urging the minister to come to the aid of the affected victims so as to alleviate their suffering.

Iroagwu, however, pleaded with the FCT Administration to deem it necessary to give the desired attention to Gwagwalada over- flooding in order to save lives and properties.

On his reaction, a victim residing in anguwan Tiv in Gwagwalada, Mr. Segun Atere, charged the government of the day to provide accommodations for those whose houses were destroyed by water.

Atere disclosed that about twenty rooms were collapsed at anguwan Tiv community, saying that some of his belongings were taken away by the flood, and called for help.

NECO to begin October 5 -Registrar From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

N

ational Examinations Council (NECO) has released its time table for the conduct of 2020 examinations for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) begins from Monday 5th October, to Wednesday 18th November, 2020.

The Registrar/ Chief Executive, Professor Godswil Obiama made the disclosure yesterday in a press conference at NECO headquarters in Minna, saying that Basic Education Certificate Examination BECE will start on Monday 24th August to Monday 7th September 2020 and further

compressed it to terminate on 4th September, 2020.

He revealed that NECO has taken into cognisance other examination bodies to avoid conflicts noted that its National Common Entrance Examination NCEE for JSS1 students into Federal Unity Colleges was slated for 17th October, 2020.

Prof. Obiama explained that manual on the guidelines for the conduct of the 2020 NECO Examination in this Covid -19 was also unveiled to ensure a hitch free exams.

He stated that the guidelines cover roles, responsibility and expectations of various stakeholders that include;

school proprietors, principals, managers, parents/guardians, exam candidates, supervisors, invigilators, exam monitors and security officials the covered critical issues and Covid -19 protocols.

He pointed out that the council has zero tolerance for examination malpractices and is considering special CCTV cameras for all its exam centers in the future charging on candidates to be hard working and avoid cheating temptation.

Obiama said that some measures were put in place to ensure the credibility and standard during and after its exams to include; daily

distribution of sensitive materials, biometric capturing of candidates and customized answer booklets as well as deployment of security to exam centres, most importantly examination officials are now mandatorily required to sign an Oath of Allegiance in preparation for their respective roles and responsibilities.

He disclosed that a total of 343,595 candidates has registered for the three examination thus far, adding that the registration is still opened for candidates who are interested.

The statistics revealed that SSCE has 169,144 candidates, BECE has 104, 341 candidates and NCEE has 80,110 candidates.

A cross-section of food and relief materials ready for distribution during the inauguration of Gov. Abubakar Bagudu’s relief program to cover over 1.6 million families across the country, i yesterday n Kebbi State.

Photo, Kebbi State Govt House.

FCTA accused of abandoning hospital Project in Gwagwalada

By Usman Shuaibu

A

businessman based in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr John Emmanuel, has accused the FCT Administration of abandoning the General Hospital Project which was initiated by the former

minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Emmanuel, who made the accusation in an interview with Peoples Daily correspondent in Gwagwalada on Monday, saying that the General Hospital Project is situated in Kuntuku community along Jeremiah Hussaini road in Gwagwalada.

He revealed that the General Hospital was surrounded by bushes, while the glasses fixed into the widows were removed by thieves, as the FCTA had refused to summon the contractors to complete the project.

He then said if the General Hospital is completed by the present government of the FCT

Administration, it would assist the residents of the area to meet up with their medical treatment.

He, however, tongue-lashed the FCT minister of state, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu of failing to visit the site of the hospital project when she embarked on a tour to Gwagwalada last year.

13 NSCDC commands get new complexes

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he Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Abdullahi Gana, said that 13 state commands of the corps have moved out of rented apartments into new permanent structures built by the Corps.

Gana disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that on assumption of office in 2015, he discovered many of the state commands were operating from rented apartments and had issues with tenancy agreements.

Gana added that the corps had to source for fund to build office complexes in Edo, Delta, Ogun, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Anambra, Gombe, Sokoto, Niger, Ondo, Kebbi, Osun

and Yobe states.

“When I assumed office, I discovered a lot of our commands were operating from rented apartments.

“This had its implications. We could not redesign the buildings to look like security structures and the premises also had limited spaces.

“Another issue was, we had issues with some children of the

landlords who wanted to alter the tenancy agreements we had with their fathers.

“So, we had no choice than to cry to the Federal Government for budgetary provision for the building of our own permanent structures.

“Since that 2015 till now, we have built about 13 new state commands while at the headquarters in Sauka

(here in Abuja), we have built more classrooms for the NSCDC. “We completed the Academy, the medical centre and erected new office structures,” he said.

The CG pledged the loyalty and commitment of the NSCDC personnel to President Muhammadu Buhari for his interest in the activities of the corps.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

PAGE 8

News NIESV Abuja Branch gets new Chairman

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Nigerian Institution Of Estate Surveyors & Valuers Abuja Branch has elected Ikenna Lansar Aghaji as its new Chairman for 2020 / 2022 tenure.

Lansar was the former Publicity Secretary in 2016, after which he rose to become the Vice Chairman in 2018.

The body in a statement issued yesterday said after proving himself with outstanding service delivery and found worthy of the elevation, he was allowed to run unopposed for the post of the Chairman.

He is the Principal Partner of Lansar Aghaji & Co. A firm of Estate Surveyors & Valuers with branches in different parts of the country.

He is an erudite and hard working young man with vast professional experiences and good leadership skills.

Lansar, hails from Umudim, in Nnewi LGA of Anambra State.

In his acceptance speech, he promised to rebrand and repackage NIESV Abuja branch, saying he would ensure laudable projects to improve the well being of the members and the branch in general.

UNICEF tasks Kaduna govt on nutrition implementation

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday called on the Kaduna State Government to strengthen implementation of nutrition interventions to ensure child growth, development and survival.

Mrs Chinwe Ezeife, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, made that call in Zaria, at a two-day Review Meeting on allocation, releases and utilisation of nutrition budget.

The meeting was organised

by Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), in partnership with the Planning and Budget Commission (PBC) and Save the Children International (SCI).

Ezeife described good nutrition as the “bedrock” of a child’s growth, survival, good

health and development, which would equally unlocks children’s potential in the future.

According to her, wellnourished children are better positioned to grow and learn, participate in and contribute to the development of their communities.

“Good nutrition also makes children resilient in the face of disease, disasters and other global crises.”

She commended the state government for providing the enabling environment and partnerships with development partners and relevant stakeholders to implement highimpact, low-cost interventions to address the scourge of malnutrition.

Ezeife, however, noted that in spite of the developed nutrition

policies and strategic plans, investment in the sector had remained very low.

The nutrition specialist pointed out that the low investment in the sector was among major factors responsible for the high burden of malnutrition in the state.

“The state government should, therefore, increase funding of the sector and ensure cash backing of allocated funds for relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to effectively implement nutrition programmes.

“This will significantly reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among children under five years and increase the children’s chances of survival to adulthood.

“UNICEF will continue to provide technical and

financial support to strengthen nutrition programming and implementation of resultoriented interventions that will improve the quality of life of children,” she said.

Mr Kunle Ishola, Project Assistant, CS-SUNN, Abuja, said that the objective of the meeting was for stakeholders to ascertain the level of nutrition investment and performance in the state.

“We also want to understand the current malnutrition situation in the state and the need for prompt action.

“The meeting will also help stakeholders to secure state commitments toward improving domestic investment in highimpact, low-cost interventions as captured in the state multisectoral strategic plans of action for nutrition” he said.

Gov Sule commends Covid:19 effort in Nasarawa From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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asarawa state Governor Engr.

Abdullahi Sule has commended the tremendous contribution of the Coalition Against Covid-19 Cacovid 19 in the provision of relief materials to the less privilege in Nasarawa State, assuring that the food items will be shared to the targeted individuals across the 13 local government councils of the state.

Gov. Sule who sounded the applauds Tuesday during the flag off ceremony of Cacovid 19 food relief programme held at the central store UAC Road Lafia the State capital.

According to him “1st July 2020, we gathered at the government house and distributed over 35 trucks of different food items to every unit to share to the less privilege individuals in order to curtail the hardship of the global Covid 19 pandemic. Today mark the II phase of distribution of food items to our dear people who cannot afford to cater for themselves as a result of Covid 19 pandemic”.

He continued “These food items to be distributed to the 1,495 units across the state and to be shared among the less privilege persons in the society as earmarked. Salary earners, politicians, business men and women are exempted in the process.”

L-R: Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami and Governor of Imo state, Mr. Hope Uzodunma and Minister of state for Education, during the commissioning of bartual of projects by the ministry of communication and digital economy, in Abuja yesterday

Gov. Bello commiserates with family of Rtd Niger CJ Jibrin Ndajiwo From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has commiserated with the Government and people of Niger State, the judiciary and immediate family of the former Chief Judge of the State, Justice Jibrin Ndatsu Ndajiwo over his demise.

Governor Bello in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, described the death as a loss not only to Niger State, but to the country as a whole.

The Governor while sympathizing with his family and the legal luminaries in the State, urged all to take solace in Almighty Allah as “He is the one that gives and takes

life, adding that the late jurist lived a fulfilled and peaceful life, promoting the development and growth of the State and the legal Profession.

“Though his wise counsel and elderly advice would be greatly missed, the Governor prayed Allah to forgive the deceased his shortcomings on earth and reward him with Aljannatu Firdausi as

well as give the family, friends well wishers, and professional colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He was Born 1948 in Doko, Lavun local government area of Niger State, Late Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo was the Sixth Chief Judge of the State and Magajin Garin Nupe.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

News

Gbajabiamila sad over Kashamu’s death

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed shock over the demise of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

The Speaker, in a condolence message to Ogun State Government and the family of the deceased, said Kashamu’s contributions to the development of his community and the country would be greatly missed.

He said: “It is with great shock that I received the news of the death of Senator Buruji Kashamu, who served as a Senator representing Ogun East in the 8th National Assembly.

“A politician reputed for his

large-heartedness and love for his constituents and his State, Kashamu’s determination to impact people’s lives and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian state saw him move to the National Assembly as a Senator.

“His contributions would be greatly missed by his constituents and the country as a whole.

“My thoughts are with the family and other loved ones he left behind at this trying times as I pray for the repose of his soul.”

Kaduna schools uphold COVID-19 guidelines as students resume

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any schools in Kaduna have resumed academic activities in full compliance with the state’s directive on COVID-19 guidelines.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visit to some of the schools in Kaduna, showed that there were provisions for hand-washing facilities, observance of social distancing and wearing of face masks.

NAN also reports that thermometers were used to test the temperature of students and visitors at the gates before allowed entry into the schools premises.

The Kaduna State Government had directed students to resume on Aug. 10 to prepare for West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WAEC) which would begin on Aug. 17 and other examinations respectively.

At St. Michael Anglican College, Bidda road, Kaduna, the school had put in place necessary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as students and teachers resume classes.

From the gate, students, parents and visitors’ temperature were checked by the security officers with infrared thermometers, asked to put on their face masks and use hand sanitizers before entering the school premises.

The security officer at the school told NAN that the schools had also been decontaminated prior to the students’ resumption.

“We have water and wash hand basins at the entrance of the school and classrooms for people to wash their hands,” he said.

The school principal, Mrs Femi Elijah, said the school had long been preparing ahead for the resumption in order to avoid issues.

Also, speaking, a senior class student, Master Favour Akinpelu, a WAEC candidate, told NAN that he was happy to resume ahead of the examinations.

“We thought it will reach 2021 before reopening of schools, we are glad to be back at least we will refresh out memories and have the opportunity to discuss and revise in group,” he said.

At 2nd ECWA nursery, primary and secondary school, Taiwo road, Kaduna, wash basins were installed at the entrance of the school, with soap and sanitisers at the entrance of each class.

Already, the students have commenced mock examinations in preparation for the main WAEC

examinations beginning Aug.17, and were seated in compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

The Vice Principal of the school, Ms Farombi Yetunde, said the school was fumigated in preparation for the students resumption.

NAN also observed that the

school cleaners had tidied up the environment and an official was at the entrance ensuring that everyone used face mask and adhere to the hand-washing protocol.

At Government Girls Secondary School Maimuna Gwarzo, Unguwan Sunusi, it

was observed that COVID-19 protocols were adhered to.

The Principal of the school, Malama Hassana Usman said the Kaduna Government gave schools in the state four hours to operate.

She also said that the turn out of their students was encouraging as 15 classes were enmarked for

285 students who would sit for the forthcoming WAEC examinations.

“We divided the number of students by the 15 classes which equals 19 students per class and under strict observation of the COVID-19 protocols,” she said.

(NAN)

Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Eteng Jonah-Williams (M) and other state assembly officials during a walk against rape, cultism and kidnapping organised by National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River state chapter, yesterday in Calabar .Photo: NAN

Kebbi to treat, rehabilitate Jibril Aliyu chained by Father, foster mother From Ahmed Idris,Birnin Kebbi

K

ebbi State Government has order the immediate investigation of the 18 years old boy Jibir Aliyu that was chained by his foster Father and

mother in Birnin Kebbi Confirming the incident to our correspondent shortly after the visit to the scene yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development

Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata stated that, the manner in which the family treated the child was not only barbaric but inhuman to the eyes of people and God. She said that despite the

conditions of the boy the government has promised to take the medical bills of the boy and other responsibilities in order to rehabilitate it’s health challenges and give him sense of belonging.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

PAGE 10

News

Edo guber: Adamawa PDP stalwart backs withdrawal of forms from corrupt officials From Umar Dankano, Yola

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eoples Democratic Party,PDP stalwart in Adamawa state,Umar Ardo has expressed his support with the recent position of the presidency over withdrawal of nomination given to any person contesting any political office and standing trial on criminal charges of corruption.

Ardo,a former governorship aspirant under the same party in his response through a statement cautioned that “My position on PDP’s accusative criticism and Buhari’s response issued via his whatsApp account Monday said it is clear now that a person remains innocent till proven guilty is not enough to entrust public office to such people.

Ardo opined that to give both credible leadership and credible opposition it is incumbent on all political parties and all public practitioners to put in all elective offices credible people or the parties,and the system will continue to suffer moral deficiency syndrome before the general public.

“Any party that fields in persons with questionable integrity,either in its executive organs or for elective public office will not only have such person as a source of discredit to itself and to the society,as the current response of the presidency to an otherwise germane criticism from the PDP has proven.

“But it will also lose all moral and ethical high ground before the public as I therefore wholeheartedly support the position of the presidency on this matter.”

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Oghiadomen hits back at Obaseki critics, says unintelligent students can’t study Classics in UI

By Osaigbovo Benin

C

Iguobaro,

hief Mike Oghiadomen, former Chief of Staff to former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has hit back at the critics of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, declaring that unintelligent people were not offered admission to study Classics in the University of Ibadan.

Oghiadomen who is a former deputy Governor of Edo State disclosed this when the State PDP Governorship Campaign berthed at Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government

Area of the State ahead of the September 19, 2020 Governorship election in the State.

His comment comes months after Mr Jonathan Ayuba-led All Progressives Congress (APC) screening Committee for Edo State Governorship election, disqualified the Mr Godwin Obaseki from seeking reelection on the platform of the party in June 2020 before he resigned his membership from the party and declared for PDP. Oghiadomen said, “Obaseki and I graduated from the University of Ibadan almost at the same time. Obaseki read Classics, and anybody with half-

baked knowledge cannot study Classics in UI; That is why when they toss him here, they will jam rock and when they toss him there, they will jam rock. “...That is Obaseki is the way”, he said.

The former presidential aide, maintained that he and the incumbent Governor of Edo State graduated almost the same time from UI several years ago.

Responding, the PDP Candidate in the September 19, 2020 Governorship poll, Governor Godwin Obaseki, said he will construct the Nazareth hospital road in Etsako Central to Weppa-Wano where the federal Railway station is

located in Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.

Obaseki also promised to establish a tertiary institution within the next four years if he is returned elected.

He also expressed shock at the high turn-out of PDP and supporters, adding that the forthcoming “election is about you (the people) at the rally”.

According to Oghiadomen and the late Admiral Mike Akhigbe who served as de facto Vice President of Nigeria (as Chief of General Staff) under military head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar, have laid the foundation for development in Fugar.

Guest Speaker, Dr Sheriff Ghali-Ibrahim (3rd L); Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche (5th R); Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Nigeria, Francisco Edu Ngua Mangue (M); Sierra Leonean High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Solomon Gembeh (4th L); Editor-in-Chief, Diplomatic Extra Magazine, Mr Raphael Oni (R) and other participants, during a 2-day workshop for journalists at the NUJ Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday (11/8/20). Photo: NAN

FG inaugurates Gas Network Code to deepen gas market

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

he Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Gas Transportation Network Code to deepen the growth of gas market in the country.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Slyva, disclosed this at the Virtual launch of The Go-Live of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network code, in Abuja on Monday.

He said that following the declaration of 2020 as a year of gas, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was driving key policy and regulatory initiatives that would enhance gas reserves growth to support domestic and export project.

Sylva said that other focus was to expand domestic gas supply and address the perennial challenges of gas flaring, with its attendant waste and environmental impact.

He said that the aggregate impact hangs on three anchor programme on gas, namely the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC), National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

This, he said, would help the sector achieve the presidential mandate of gas penetration, gas-based industrialisation, and economic diversification

“Specifically, it is my firm belief that the implementation of the network code, which is a set of rules and principles, guiding the use and operations of gas transportation network system, would deepen the domestic gas market.

“It will also unleash the potentials of accelerated growth and economic development for our nation.

“In the coming months, this code together with related interventions, would enable improved gas supply to power, growth of gasbased industries, domestic LNG, LPG and CNG penetration, as well as enhance revenue to the government and create investment opportunities for our people,” he said .

Sylvia, said the DPR had developed the Network Code Electronic Licensing and Administrative System (NCELAS), which would be used by the regulator to receive process and issue all applicable licenses to all network players as well as administer all regulatory roles required to ensure the optimal market impact.

“The NCELAS is a secured online environment that would provide optimum value for all stakeholders that would be operating under the network code.

“With the unveiling of the NCELAS and the execution of the network code framework

agreement, the regime of gas transportation through a world class network code would have been firmly established in Nigeria for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he said He said that the portal address for NCELAS is https://ncela. support@dpr. go.NG and www.dpr.gov.ng. and urged all stakeholders to effectively make use of the code to enhance their businesses.

In his remarks, the Group Managing to Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyar said that the code was an opportunity to widen the income source of gas in Nigeria.

He noted that the development was the beginning of progress in the gas sector.

In his remarks, Sarki Auwalu, the Director Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), said that the gas code will address gas flaring, grow infrastructure and expand utilisation of gas in the country.

He said that the code would help to achieve the mandate of the year of gas as declared by the minister of state for Petroleum Resources.

“The code will guide the rules that governs gas transporation system, secure gas transmission and ensure cost effective tariff for the pipeline management.

“The code will also help boost growth in

the sector and six months from now, we will witness a lot of achievement,” he said.

He noted that the portal for licensing will ensure enterprise structure and will serve as a one-stop shop for network administration.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Nigeria Gas Hub signed a framework agreement on the transportation of gas.

Mr Sheyin Omotola signed for the NGC, while Mr Mansur Ahmed signed for Dangote Fertiliser and Mr David IGE signed for the Gas Hub ltd.

Ahmed of Dangote fertiliser limited said the development had shown Nigeria’s seriousness on gas matters, adding that establishing rules for utilistation, sellimg and transportational of gas was crucial.

He commended the effort of the government in ensuring that the code was in place and urged all stakeholders to key in for effective gas development in the country.

Also, he said that the code was a major milestone to drive the gas sector to the next level.

He said that establishment of the code was a step in the right direction, adding that it would be impossible to bring innovations without guideline. NAN

AfDB: Our Adesina vindicated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Letter to the Editor

Nigerian Army as agent of development

By Hyacinth Ogbu

W

orldwide, the army traditionally plays the role of securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a nation.

Excitingly, in Nigeria, the Army has gone a notch higher by establishing its imprimatur as a strong agent of development through the provision of awful and charming infrastructural facilities and social amenities to various communities in the country which play host to them.

Never in the recent history of Nigeria has the country been troubled by multifaceted insecurities than what it is experiencing at the moment. To say, civil security has been overwhelmed by these orchestrated insecurities is stating the obvious. However, the Nigerian Army has never belched each time it is called for intervention; but rescues the endangered Nigerians.

And almost always, the Nigerian Army has been the last resort and proved its mettle as the guardian angel of the Nigerian people. In the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and North Central, the Army has shadowed as great and admirable emancipators of a people trapped by a vicious circle of violence and bloodbath.

Even with the resurgent insecurities, the Army has risen to task, especially in containing the acts of armed banditry and other criminalities troubling the Northwest.

The launch of “Operation Sahel Sanity” by the COAS and leader of the counter-insurgency operations, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai has landed with resounding success; restoring peace and security.

President Muhammadu Buhari has never flinched on his responsibility of deploying the Army to assist civil security to provide security and to ensure that there is peace in every part of Nigeria.

But sometimes, appreciation from beneficiaries of an effort or project is difficult and rare. It is normal with human beings.

In any case, one part of Nigeria that deeply appreciatives and excited with the Nigerian Army is the Southeast. This is a region once held captive in their fatherland by armed criminal elements.

These evil men masterminded gruesome murders, violence, constantly sealed up the Southeast unlawfully and recklessly in exercise of barbaric might. Citizens were subjected to untold hardships in the region. Innocent and law-abiding Nigerians became targets of molestations, harassments and intimidations by the criminal elements assembled into various gangs. Many Ndi’gbo and our visitors were even afraid to travel home to celebrate yuletide and new yam festivities because these elements laced the killings with armed robbery and kidnappings.

Nonetheless, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai launched the first military exercise code named “Operation Python Dance I” (Egwu Eke I), spanning from November 27 to December 27, 2016. The one-month military exercise crushed the season of armed robberies, kidnappings, cultism, inter-communal clashes, herdsmen-farmers clashes and associated violence in Nigeria’s Southeast region. The Army patrols, road blocks and checkpoints restored instant peace, tranquility and security to a people immensely troubled by bands of armed criminals, ethnic militias, miscreants and hoodlums.

Similarly, a repeat edition of the “Operation Python Dance II” (Egwu Eke II) was also conducted in the Southeast a year later, in 2017. It recorded similar positive impacts in securing the lives and property of law-abiding Nigerians in the region. Largely, the Nigerian Army has been able to rescue a region once in the jaws of armed men, tormentors and killers.

Every part of Nigeria has experienced the saving interventions of the Army.

But apart from performing its natural and

constitutional obligations, the Nigerian Army has marketed itself uniquely under the Buhari Presidency and its leadership by Gen. Buratai for introducing a third mandate in its operations.

The Nigerian Army today is vigorously pursuing the agenda of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in various sectors in host communities across Nigeria.

Anywhere there is the presence of the Nigerian Army, the host communities have had the special privilege of benefitting from water, road, electricity projects or health services. It is a deliberate strategy by Gen. Buratai to win the heart and minds of host communities as well as endear them to the Army. These critical capital projects have immensely supported civilian populations.

Therefore in 2017 in the Southeast, the 82 Division, Nigerian Army built an over N200 million water plant at its Abakpa Cantonment Enugu. It was personally commissioned by Gen. Buratai. The water treatment plant with a capacity of over one million litres per day was conceptualized to serve the military personnel of the Abakpa cantonment and the members of the host community of Abakpa.

Strikingly, though, the primary source of the water plant is the Ekulu River, but the efforts of the Nigerian Army in constructing the water treatment plant is the first time the Abakpa community accessed treated, portable and hygienic water in the history of their existence.

The residents were faced with the severe problem of availability of water. The natives usually go to distant places in search of water to perform domestic chores. But the Army had ended the era of suffering over water.

And the Army has not rested on its oars in pursuing the agenda of repositioning the Army as well as consolidating on CSR gestures and benevolence to host communities. A few days ago, Gen. Buratai performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital at Nkwagu Cantonment, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.

The Army Reference Hospital is conceptualized as a world class and state-of-theart hospital designed to serve both the Nigerian Army personnel and the civil populace in the South-East region of the country generally.

Access to quality healthcare has been a major problem in most communities in Nigeria. This is where the excitement over the project is derived.

Therefore, the decision of the Nigerian Army to avail the people of the Southeast this rare health facility is commendable and a legacy the people will enjoy for generations. It is an indication that the Army leadership, does not only think about security of the people, but also the health and physical wellbeing of Nigerians.

An elated Ebonyi state Governor David Umahi was full of eulogies for the Nigerian Army. The action of the Army leadership in establishing the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Abakaliki has for the umpteenth time confirmed to the Governor that the Service Chiefs are indeed committed to defending the territorial integrity of the country and fond of the Nigerian people.

This latest action by the Army has compelled Gov. Umahi to stoutly dispute the National Assembly (NASS)on sack of the Service Chiefs.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Gov. Umahi hotly disputed the position of the NASS demanding for the sack of the Service Chiefs in the wake of resurgent insecurities.

The Governor rather canvassed for more support and funding to security agencies.

Particularly, Umahi echoed that the Nigerian Army is not only appreciated in the region, but a blessing to the Southeast.

Ogbu, PhD sent in this piece from Ebonyi State University,

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Thoughts on Nigeria’s educational system

By Segun Ogunlade

T

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

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

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

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

You cannot solve complex problems without first questioning your environment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Segun Ogunlade is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Watch political thugs in Edo, please!

By Isaac Asabor

A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

PAGE 13

Comment

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

By Omar Muaz

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indisputably, it is high time we got

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Omar Muaz is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Immunity clause and the unfolding controversies in Nigeria

By Binzak Azeez

I

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

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

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

Nigeria attained her political liberty as a

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

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

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

public interest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Immunity clause greatly abhors corruption.

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

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

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

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

NEWS

COVID-19: Bua group donates 3 ambulances to Delta Govt

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

The groom, Alhaji Abubakar Musa (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar during the Wedding Fatiha of Abubakar Musa and Zainab Shehu Fadio in Sokoto at the weekend.

B

ua Group on Monday donated three ambulances to Delta Government to support the fight against the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, who received the donation in Asaba thanked the group and called for collective effort to check the spread of the virus.

He said that defeating COVID-19 would not be an impossible task if all Nigerians obeyed set health protocols with commitment.

He added that “it is important that we work together to beat the virus, because nothing can progress if people continue to disobey the guidelines put forth.

“If such continues, then all the battles we are fighting against the virus will just be a waste.

“I want to appeal to Deltans and Nigerians in general that we should try to put on face masks in public; it’s important and it will help a lot in the fight against COVID-19.

“You should also learn to wash your hands and make sure that as much as possible, you keep a safe distance from others.”

According to him, the virus will continue to fight back if the right thing is not done.

He urged Deltans to obey the rules and ensure that all hands were on deck to fight the battle together.

The governor, who specially thanked the Chairman of Bua Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, for the donation, added that “it is a privileged honour that the state has received such a gesture from him.

“One very good thing that I must put on note is that we did not make a request; the gesture is how you know those who are philanthropic.

“That is how you know people who genuinely from their heart, want to be of assistance to the people, and I am very much aware that the Chairman of BUA Group has done quite a lot.

“He is part of the private group leading the Coalition for COVID-19 (CACOVID) and they have done a lot in terms of providing palliatives, in terms of providing equipment, in terms of providing other logistics,” he said.

According to him, it is a good gesture; we appreciate this and believe that if Nigeria continues to have more men like him, the country will be a better place.

“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has come to affect the world in a very unexpected wayr.(NAN)

Corruption: Group calls for arrest, prosecution of Ladi Balogun

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

G

ood Governance and Accountability Monitors Group has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of First City Monument Bank, FCMB, Ladi Balogun.

The group in a statement issued yesterday by its Coordinator, Opeolumi Adeniyi and Secretary, Isaiah Moses, alleged that the chairman allowed his bank to be a platform that is used in aiding and abetting corruption especially in our banking sector.

The group’s demand was necessitated by revelations in the ongoing investigation of the embattled former anti corruption czar, Ibrahim Magu of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where the bank was caught in the middle of shoddy transaction.

The Executive officer of the First City

Monument Bank, Ahmed Nuru, during his appearance before the Justice Ayo Salami Presidential panel, said his bank ‘mistakenly paid the sum of #473m into the account of pastor Omale’.

The group said the fact that somebody of the position of Ibrahim Magu, who before his disgraceful fall, was head of the nation’s anti-corruption agency can be found wanting for financial malfeasance, speaks volumes.

“As Nigerians and stakeholders in the drive to rescue our beloved country from the precipice it is being pushed into, we are worried that Mr. Ladi Balogun would shamelessly and without considerations to the fight against corruption, expose the FCMB to such ridicule and then claim that his bank mistakenly credited an account with such humungous amount of money and, only realized after four years that such an amount was paid into the wrong

account.

“We are therefore, compelled to demand from the Nigerian Government; especially the Presidency that it compels Mr. Ahmed Nuru that he provides answers to these questions.

“Who provided the account details that the said #573m (five hundred and seventy three million) was paid into and, who approved the transaction?

“Who was the officer that verified the account?

“Is Ladi Balogun telling Nigerians that his bank did not carry out internal and external audit of its accounts and banks since 2016?

“Why did it take Ladi Balogun and his board, four years to realize that his organization credited a wrong account with such a huge sum?

“Whose bank account was the amount debited and how is it that the owner of the

said account failed to notice such a huge withdrawal and transaction?

“Is this not a self-indictment of the management of the capabilities of the Ladi Balogun owned FCMB that it is involved in money laundering and financial crimes?”

The group further called on President Muhammadu Buhari to protect the banking sector by ensuring that funds are protected.

He should immediately direct the EFCC, NFIU, DSS to instigate an immediate probe of Mr. Ahmed Nuru.

“We also call on both Houses of the National Assembly; the Senate and the House of Representatives to immediately, on resumption hold a Public Hearing to look into this criminality against the collective well-being of Nigerians as it affects the sacredness of our financial institutions that have now been turned into a conduit pipe for the laundering of our resources, the Ladi Balogun run FCMB.

Idjerhe kingship tussle: 3 High Chiefs insist on inauguration From: Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

F

ollowing the aged long kingship tussle in Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, three High Chiefs of the Kingdom mandated to select a 13-man Committee member to pick a new king for the people on Tuesday made a U- turn from their earlier decision to back out of the Committee, insisting that inuaguration must go on.

The trio, Chiefs: Williams Atiti, Godwin Ofishe and Solomon Odemero Ojariefe of Oyonbru, Boboroku and Jesse Central sub clans , respectively, who were due to swear-in Committee members had to put the inguaration on hold when nine out of the 13 Committee members refused to turn up with one opting the out of the Kingship tussle, said what happened on August 6, 2020 was orchestrated by those who

do not mean well for the kingdom.

Speaking to Journalists in Jesse, the Central Chief, Ojariefe Benjamin who reaffirmed his position as the Unugbrogodo of Jesse Central, said”we want to set the record straight, so that our Kingdom can move forward. I want to state that I am still the Unugbrogodo of Idjerhe Central Oguedion, and I have not resigned from this position, what happened some days

ago was orchestrated by those who don’t mean well for the kingdom, however, as law abiding citizen and as Unugbrogodo of the Kingdom, We have consulted our team of lawyers. We have been advised and properly guided, so we have resolved to continue the process of inuaguration of the new Committee and the subsequent screening of the aspirants to the exalted throne of Idjerhe Kingdom”.

Over 40,000 environmental health volunteers to monitor 19,000 WAEC centers nation wide

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Acting Registrar of the Environmental Health Officer’s Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), Dr Baba Yakubu Muhammed said over 40,000 environmental health volunteers will be activated and deployed to monitor 19,000 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) nation wide.

Muhammed made the disclosure during a discontaminated exercise at Federal Science and Technical College Orozo, Abuja recently.

He said the exercise was the directives of the minister of environment to mountain surveillance desk in all the schools in Nigeria .

Speaking further, the Registrar

explained that “this exercise is a follow up of the minister’s pronouncements in Kaduna,that the federal ministry of environment is deploying the team of license environmental health officers to contaminate and disinfect 104 federal government schools across the nation.

He added that “the surveillance desk officers were going to enforce the issues of social distancing, compulsory wearing of face mask and ensuring that, provision are made for hand sanitizers and wash stations in schools“.

Moreso, he said “the minister has also directed the federal ministry of environment and the environmental council that regulates environmental health, to set up a monitoring

committee where they will deploy use of technology called ATP machines,that can dictate the efficiency of the contaminated chemicals that has been use in the schools .

He stated that the ministry has already put in a place a mechanism for the involvement of private sector participation to decontamination and disinfection exercise .

“All this, is the effort of the ministry in contributing their quota towards the protection of our children as they resume schools to pursue their career”.

Meanwhile, the contribution of the ministry was a directive by presidential task force of Covid -19.

In her responses,the Principal of Federal Science and Technical

college Orozo,Mrs. Kenneth Rose said “Iam very impressed and delighted seeing what is happening here today.

We are really happy the ministry of environment is decontaminating the entire school environment”.

She said, “this is so good because it will make the environment conducive for learning for our students“.

Kenneth maintained that, the college was very prepared to welcome their students. ”We have ensured that all the directives from the ministry of environment and education were adhered to.

The rules of staying safe is applied very strictly and monitored from the classes, dinner hall , hostels among others. We really appreciate the ministry for coming to us.”

Former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa (left), Sen. Rochas Okorocha (2nd left), Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar (4th left), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN (5th left) Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigadi Dangyadi (4th right), Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (3rd right), and the groom Alhaji Abubakar Musa (right) at the Wedding Fatiha of Abubakar Musa and Zainab Shehu Fadio in Sokoto at the weekend.

IPAC insists INEC must not shift Edo, Ondo elections, warns against attendant crisis

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must not shift the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship election, warning that crisis may escalate in the country is the Commission tempers with the original dates.

Briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja over the development in the Edo and Ondo elections, the IPAC chairman, Leonard Nzenwa, said the Council is already aware of the clamour for the September 19 and October 10, 2020 Edo and Ondo States Governorship Elections respectively to be postponed.

“Council insists that the elections MUST HOLD as

scheduled pursuant to the provisions of section 178(1) and (2) of the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and section 25(7) and (8), section 99 (1), section 31 (1), (3), section 32 (1), 34, 35, 46 etc among others.

“As we are aware, all Elections in the country as organized by INEC has a clear schedule with timeline that has been sanctioned and legitimized by the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended) and calling for the postponement of the polls is winding the clock backward in addition to waste of taxpayers’ money and other negative impact on the polity”, IPAC chairman said.

He distanced IPAC from the call by some political parties who he said are trying to stampede the commission to hurriedly re-list the

deregistered political parties to participate in the Edo and Ondo elections.

“For an election that has gone 95 percent cycle, we see this call for postponement of Edo and Ondo State Governorship as act by unpatriotic Nigerians who resolved to throw into a Political Armageddon.

“The Council urges INEC not to be distracted by actions and inaction of some politicians who are inflaming the polity with incendiary statements and clear intent to cause crisis in these states. The Council is aware of plots to use this same disgruntled individuals and groups in the country to promote the stoppage of Edo and Ondo polls.

“We restate that for the growth and development of our democracy, all elections MUST HOLD as

millions of tax payers funds have been spent in preparing for them.

The electoral process should not be derailed by ill-informed Nigerians and retrogressive forces.

“IPAC urges Nigerians particularly Edo and Ondo States indigenes to remain calm, law abiding and be prepared to go to the polls on 19th September and 10th October 2020, to vote their preferred candidate.

“We commend pro-active response of INEC to approach the Supreme Court to determine the resolution of this conflicting Court of Appeal Judgment(s) on deregistered political parties.

“The Council is aware of the Court of Appeal Judgment of July 29, 2020, which affirmed power of INEC to deregister political parties in an appeal filed by the National Unity Party (NUP) which is now

pending at the Supreme Court.

On 10th August 2020, the Court of Appeal in an appeal filed by Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD and 22 others nullified their deregistration by INEC. Nigerians await the final resolution of the issues raised in the two conflicting judgments. As a stakeholder, IPAC will abide by the decision of the Apex Court.

“IPAC reiterate that it has only one leadership as currently constituted in Nigeria and is working with all stakeholders in the Electoral System including the core stakeholder, INEC and this leadership will always support and work with all stakeholders to ensure that the Edo and Ondo elections are held as scheduled”, IPAC chairman said while briefing journalists at the Secretariat of the party.

You can’t steal electoral mandates in Edo, Ondo - APC tells PDP

By Musa Adamu

T

he All Progressive Congress (APC) has warned the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to note that with President Muhammadu Buhari leading the government, the era of procuring or stealing electoral mandates is over and cannot be done in Edo and Ondo State election.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, which is titled

‘APC to PDP, Obaseki, Wike: Emulate President Buhari on Free, Fair Elections’, the party said “We must all support the independence of our state institutions to deepen our democracy and improve our electioneering system.”

According to the ruling party, the critical state institutions such as the Judiciary, INEC, security services have been the ultimate beneficiaries of the President’s impartiality and noninterference.

It said ahead of the Edo State

Governorship election, the PDP candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki, continually spins puerile conspiracies on the role of ‘federal might’, while using his so called “Obaseki Boys” and state apparatus under his control to harass the State House of Assembly and APC members in the state.

“On his part, Governor Nyesom Wike as head of the PDP campaign council threatens violence.

“While we understand the panic and distress in the camp of the PDP and Governor Obaseki following the

massive and widespread support given by the Edo electorate to the APC Governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC invites the PDP to join us in issue-based campaigns and at least attempt to sell to the Edo electorate the merit of their candidate, if any”, the statement said.

It said the APC’s people-focused development records across the country forms the basis of Osagie IzeIyamu’s six-point ‘SIMPLE agenda’ for the good people of Edo State which it said stands for Security, Infrastructural

development, Manpower development, Public Private Partnership, Leadership and Employment creation.

“We call on partisans, particularly the PDP to purge themselves of their agelong undemocratic habits of election rigging, vote buying, violence, abuse of state institutions for political ends and address themselves to new realities that under the President Buhari-led APC administration, power now belongs to the people and during elections, votes count”, the statement pointed out.

PAGE 16

POLITICS IPOB, Gov Uzodinma at crossfire over 2023 ‘Igbo president’ agenda

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A

Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor (political), Batos Nwadike has described the apex Igbo sociopolitical body, Ohaneze Ndigbo, as lacking the vision and strategy to influence a president of Igbo extraction come 2023.

In a sharp criticism, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, slammed the Imo Governor over the comment, saying he is pushing for his Vice President ambition, hence he is courting the attention of the north.

Nwadike, who spoke to journalists, accused Ohaneze of speaking from both sides of the mouth when it earlier said that Igbos will be reluctant to participate fully in Nigerian affairs until it is restructured.

The same Ohaneze, he said is now calling on Igbo politicians to brace up for 2023 Igbo presidency, describing it as ‘double speaking’ without focus.

“When Nnia Nwodo said in a conference at Chatham House London sometime in 2019 that the country will be restructured or lose the Igbos participating fully in Nigeria’s political and economic affairs, up till now, the country has not been restructured and Muhammadu Buhari still remains the President. Unfortunately, the realization of Biafra has remained elusive.

“It is quite clear that no section or zone in Nigeria can ascend to the Nigerian presidency without the support of other zones. So, let us tune down our rhetorics of hate and separatism. The curses and shouts have not stopped Buhari from winning all the time.

“No country in the world that has gotten independence through demonstration of their autonomous wishes. It has always been through the whims and caprices of the colonial masters,” he said.

Nwadike who is a former presidential candidate of PMP noted that Igbo presidency will be feasible if the people will come together instead of chasing shadows.

However, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma of working towards the position of Vice President in 2023.

Kanu alleged that Uzodinma was working out to establish “Fulani game plan” in Imo State, and be returned for the position of the Vice President.

The IPOB leader made the allegation while lamenting over Fulani settlements in Imo and Abia States.

In a statement he signed,

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Ondo deputy Gov quits umbrella, joins ZLP, he squandered his career - PDP

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he embattled Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi has resigned his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), just six weeks after he left the All Progressive Congress (APC) and joined the PDP, but lost the governorship ticket to Ayitayo Jegede.

The deputy governor who came second during the July 22 governorship primaries of the PDP after losing to candidate of the party, Eyitayo Jegede, was said to have made the move in order to keep his governorship hope alive.

Agboola has perfected move to fly the flag of the Zenith Labour

Party (ZLP) at the forthcoming October 10, 2020 governorship election in the state.

According to an impeccable source, Ajayi will on Tuesday formally declare for ZLP. Confirming the deputy governor’s resignation from PDP, his Media Aide, Allen Sowore said that, “This decision is as a result of the call on the Deputy Governor by majority of the good people of Ondo State to give hope to the hopeless, provide credible and purposeful leadership in our dear State.

“The chairman of the PDP in Apoi Ward 2 of Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Festus Oboro acknowledged the receipt of the resignation letter on 9th of August

2020.”

The embattled deputy governor who has been having running battle with his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had insisted that he will not resign his position as deputy governor, stressing that his people advised him against the move.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday, insisted that the resignation of the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, would not affect their chances of victory in the October 10 governorship election.

In a statement signed by Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the State Publicity Secretary, the party said it was yet to receive Ajayi’s

resignation letter.

Peretei said Ajayi’s resignation proved that he (Ajayi) is desperate to become the Governor of Ondo State.

According to the statement, “In the days to come, it will dawn on him that he has squandered whatever was remaining in his goodwill with this decision.

“However, his exit from the PDP will not affect our prospects of winning the October Gubernatorial Elections this year.

The PDP remains solid, strong and more determined than ever before to win the forthcoming governorship elections with a credible and competent candidate in the person of Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).”

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

POLITICS

APC must rise above personality to win Edo election - DG PGF

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Director General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Lukman, has earned that if the All Progressive Congress (APC) must rise above personality if it wishes to win the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Salihu Lukman said to win the election, APC must do things that require that people get inspired to believe the party represents their interest for the future, pointing out that this is why he is concerned about the messages that are coming out of the campaign.

“It is basically almost about libellous statements and interestingly, the flagoff of the campaigns on Saturday, especially for those who watched it, several times, Comrade Adams was speaking, got interrupted by disclaimer messages from the TV station because the statements were too libellous.

“Now, that is not the kind of campaign that will inspire voters

to believe in our party. I think as a progressive party and I feel very strongly about it, and I will emphasize that I do not speak as the Director of the PGF, I am speaking as Salihu Lukman, who is a member of APC and a Nigerian, that is committed to the belief that this country and her politics can move forward and that we can have contest without conflicts and that is what is required and that is what APC should represent.

“I think we need to convey the message and I want to appeal to all our leaders and I want to convey the message through you; the campaigns in Edo must not be approached as a do-or-die affair. We must approach it based on the conviction that we want to earn the trust of the Edo people to vote for us and I don’t want to labour too much on that”, he said.

He expressed more worry that from all indications, they are having a situation whereby the politics of the party is becoming polluted by so many acts of blackmails and bullying, saying even the statements of Senate spokesman, Senator Bashiru, is a blackmail.

“Their approach is to get those of us who are critical to keep quiet.

If you don’t keep quiet, it means you are engaging in anti party activities.

I think we must summon the courage and say, no we are not doing anti party activities, but we cannot keep quiet and allow the party to be damaged.

“I believe President Muhammadu Buhari is giving the party the right leadership to get all the crisis resolved.

But for us to succeed and get the party crisis completely resolved, we need a situation whereby the old conflict should not continue to hunt us”, the PGF DG said.

He said the APC politics is no longer about comrade Adams Oshiomole, adding that the party should not be dragged back to a situation where members are either for Comrade Adams Oshiomole or they are against him, arguing that to win Edo should not be based on whether they are supporting Oshiomole or they are against him.

“We have passed that stage. This is the time we should work as a united body and to work towards the fact

that we are really ready to win the elections. And for that to happen, the caretaker committee under Mai Mala Buni must be left to work and that is why I thought we really need to put out some proposals and the proposals are there.

“In allowing it to work, I think we still need to appeal again that the situation that was obtained under Comrade Adams must not be allowed whereby the main business of the party must be all about Edo. If you remember especially under comrade Adams, for months immediately after the 2019 election, everything about the party was about Edo, the conflict between him and Gov. Obaseki.

“Now, we are facing the election and as far as I am concerned, it is not about Obaseki because he is out of the party. Our business is now to win elections. So, let us work as a body but while that is going on, the caretaker committee should be allowed to function without the distraction of what is going on in Edo since they have set up a campaign council, lit drive it.

“I have raised the issue that

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole should not be the face of the campaigns because we have a candidate. We already have a model and Lagos is a model and we can borrow from there”, he said.

“The last point I want to raise is that, you see now that blackmail has taken over and for whatever reason, Edo is taking precedence over every other problem we have in the party.

Our leaders have been blackmailed into adopting a campaign format that compromise the health and safety of the edo people. I think the appeal at this point is that if Comrade Adams and what he is doing in Edo compromises the health and safety of the people of Edo, our party should be able to correct that”, he said.

Couple appreciates Buhari for honouring their wedding ceremony

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas presenting a souvenir to the Niger State Governor, His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello during his courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters,recently in Abuja .

Photo:DINFO

Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Ganduje’ll bring calamity to Nigeria – Edo Deputy Gov

By Musa Adamu

T

he Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday warned that Bola Tinubu, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC; ex-APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje are working towards creating a great calamity in Nigeria.

The Deputy Governor warned Edo indigenes to stay away from the APC leaders because they will bring calamity to the state.

The Deputy Governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Benjamin Atu, also urged people of the state to

distance themselves from APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

He accused them of putting Nigeria’s unity, nascent democracy, security and economic wellbeing on the line.

In a statement, the Deputy Governor said: “the ’Former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and some members of the Edo State House of Assembly are inviting a far greater calamity on Nigeria. Their actions have sent wrong signals to members of the international community.

“The people of Edo State should distance themselves from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Oshiomhole, Bola Tinubu and Ganduje as symbols of impunity.”

He also berated Tinubu and Oshiomhole over their alleged undemocratic conduct over the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly.

“Oshiomhole, Tinubu and some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, the political ditch Oshiomhole plunged himself into, the creation of a polity with high public morality and the way Obaseki went

about meeting the people’s expectations,” he said.

Shaibu also emphasized the complete subservience of Oshiomhole and Ize-Iyamu to some alleged masters in Lagos, Kano and Imo States amounted to massive coercion, lies, hypocrisy and masquerading.

“Edo State cannot return to subservience. We must put an end to godfatherism. Governor Godwin Obaseki is an asset and knows the needs and interests of the common people. Governor Obaseki also understands the essential features of Edo State and he is acting on this understanding to change them and make them serve the common people,’’ he said.

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

Senators, Reps members boycott Ebonyi PDP congress

By Musa Adamu with agency report

T

he three senators from Ebonyi State and a member of the House of Representative were among prominent members who boycotted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress on Saturday.

New leaders were elected at the event to pilot the affairs of the state’s ruling party for the next four years.

But the three senators, Sam

Egwu (Ebonyi North), Ama Nnachi (Ebonyi South) and Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central), and the representative for Afikpo North/ South federal constituency, Iduma Igariwey, stayed away from the congress.

Four out of five House of Representatives members elected on the platform of PDP attended and participated at the congress which was held at the Abakaliki Township stadium.

Their absence may not be

unconnected with their alleged demand for new state party executives ahead of 2023. Instead, all the incumbents were reelected at the congress.

But Governor David Umahi at the congress called for peace in the party, saying there was no reason for tension in the polity.

On the absence of the federal lawmakers, he said: “I want to commend our National Assembly members. If anybody has angered you, please caucus leader we

will have a meeting on Thursday evening, tell the other senators and Reps who are not here. I am the father of the state and we have worked together 2015, 2019.

There is nothing that can divide us, whatever is any misgiving if any, let us discuss on Thursday and move forward. This is very important”.

The reelected state chairman of the party, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, assured that the state executives will continue to entrench internal democracy in the party.

ollowing a successful wedding ceremony held in Sokoto at the weekend, the newly wedded couple, Abubakar Musa and Zainab Shehu Fodio, yesterday, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support by President Muhammadu Buhari and other top dignitaries.

The appreciation which was contained in a statement signed by the couple also appreciated the huge attendance of people from all works of life who were part of their celebration.

It will be recalled that a Federal Government delegation led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, and other members of the delegation included Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi who were in Sokoto to grace the wedding ceremony of Alhaji Abubakar Musa and Zainab Shehu Fodio.

The delegation represented President Muhammadu Buhari and delivered his goodwill message to the families of Late Alhaji Musa Abubakar and that of Ambassador Shehu Malami, during the wedding fatiha of their children.

The wedding fatiha was held at the residence of Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto.

Meanwhile, leader of the presidential delegation, Malami SAN, during a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and said, “As rightly stated by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, and His Excellency, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt. Hon Waziri Aminu Tambuwal.

“His Excellency, Chairman APC Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, former Kebbi State Governor Sen. Adamu Aliero, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dangyadi, representatives, His Eminence, the Emir of Gwandu and other dignitaries

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

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2.80 1.15 0 1.94 1.94 0 3.27 0.27 0 1.64 0.64 0 4.60 4.60 0 57.00 48.30 0 5.79 2.21 0 9.65 40.05 0 31.50 64.00 0 1.90 1.92 0 18.45 18.45 0 1.72 1.84 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 0 6.10 6.10 0 1.75 1.75 0 186.00 186.00 0 6.00 6.65 0 14.60 14.55 0 1.80 2.00 0 3.37 3.37 0 4.30 4.70 0 14.00 14.00 0 7.35 7.80 0 1.62 1.65 0 1.91 1.96 0 4.95 4.95 99 0.33 0.33 0 21.85 21.85 0 29.60 30.70 0 0.20 0.20 0 12.20 13.05 0 32.60 32.95 0 72.00 72.00 0 1.18 1.18 0 1.53 1.53 0 31.50 31.50 0 0.51 0.54 0 0.20 0.20 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.44 0.44 0 0.30 0.30 0 1.36 1.36 0 0.72 0.72 0 0.52 0.49 0 1.83 1.83 0 2.45 2.45 0

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NCC, USPF, Others Advance FG’s Digital Economy Agenda

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and three other agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy have continued to implement people-oriented projects to advance the digital economy agenda of President Muhammad Buhari.

The other agencies are the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Galaxy Backbone and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).

Their commitment in this direction was, once again, demonstrated during the virtual commissioning of 11 new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) projects implemented by the agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by the Minister, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in Abuja at the Digital Economy Complex on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

The projects, which were commissioned virtually across the country by the Minister include the Emergency Communication Centres (ECC’s) in Ilorin, Kwara State and Calabar, Cross River.

Other projects commissioned include the e-Health/Data Sharing Centre, Medical College, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; and Virtual Examination Centre, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, all implemented by the NCC. Two projects executed by the USPF were also commissioned; they include, the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC), Delta State and School Knowledge Centre

...As Minister commissions 11 new IT projects (SKC) located at Government Day Secondary School, Hassan Central, Gombe State. NITDA implemented three projects: the Information Technology (IT) and Incubation Park, University of Ayangba, Kogi State, ICT Capacity Building Centres at the College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State and Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.

Also commissioned were the new Neighborhood Post Office/ NIRSAL Microfinance bank branch, Delta State and the Remodeled National Mail Exchange Centre (Mbiama), Ahoada West Local Government Area of River State executed by NIPOST.

Speaking at the commissioning, Pantami, who noted that over 500 projects have been executed by agencies under the ministry in the past five years, said the projects are connected to the tripartite agenda of the President focusing on enhancing national security, diversification of the economy and curbing corruption.

Pantami stated that the 11 projects are in sync with seven of the eight pillars of the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President last year. He thanked the President for being supportive of the Ministry’s initiative towards addressing extant

challenges of vandalism of telecom infrastructure, Right of Way (RoW) issues, among others in order to accelerate broadband penetration to 70 per cent as envisaged by the National Broadband Plan (20202025).

Chairman, NCC Governing Board, Prof. Adeolu Akande thanked the Minister for the visibility he is giving the projects being executed by the agencies under the Ministry. While the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, reiterated the commitment of the Commission towards implementing policies and programmes aimed at fast-tracking the advancement

of digital economy vision of the Federal Government.

The event was well attended by governors and ministers, who were special guests among whom were the Governor of Imo, who was Chairman of the occasion, Governor of Gombe State, Minister of Interior, Minister of State for Education, Minister of State for Mines and Power, as well as the staff of the Ministry, board members and heads of agencies under the ministry, among others.

The special guests commended the Minister for commissioning the important projects and for enhancing synergy between the Ministry and its agencies.

Gov. Nasir El-Rufia of Kaduna State (M), the commissioner representing Kaduna State in the Federal Character Commission, Hadiza Muazu (3rd, L) and other state officials at a reception for Muazu in Kaduna on Tuesday (11/8/20). Photo: NAN

NNPC Launches Gas Transportation Code, To Enhance Gas Delivery

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has restated its commitment to working with relevant partners and stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Sector to boost delivery of gas to the domestic market.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, made the commitment Monday at the launch of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC) which is designed to enhance the use of gas as a catalyst for national economic development.

In a goodwill message at the event, the NNPC GMD said the corporation was at the centre of gas delivery to the domestic market, stressing that it was

involved in all the available gas delivery infrastructure in the country either directly or indirectly through joint venture partnership.

He said the inauguration of the Network Code was an opportunity to enhance gas delivery and utilization in furtherance of the Federal Government’s objective of transforming gas into a key component of the nation’s energy mix and revenue sources.

“We will continue to give our support to this process to ensure that the full delivery of this process is achieved. We commit to working closely with the DPR to ensure that the target of the government is attained. This opportunity has provided the right framework for the transportation of gas from the source to the end user in order to get value. We are happy to have

this framework on ground and we are ready to collaborate with all our partners, the gas off-takers, gas producers, transportation companies, shippers, and all those involved in the gas value chain,” Mallam Kyari enthused.

Speaking on the significance of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC), the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said it would help to grow gas infrastructure, expand gas utilization, curb gas flaring, and provide codes to standardize the gas value chain in line with global best practices.

The Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Dr. Kennie Obateru in a statement quoted, the Minister to have said that the NGTNC was part of the key reforms instituted

by the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration to expand domestic gas-to-power, gas-toIndustry, gas-to-manufacturing and mitigate the challenge associated with gas flaring in the country.

He noted that the gas codes would go a long way in deepening economic development, improve gas supply, boost Liquefied Petroleum Gas supply, and attract more investment opportunities in the nation’s gas value chain.

Chief Sylva commended NNPC and its gas subsidiary, the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), for partnering with the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to meet the six-month target to bring the Network Code to life.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director of DPR, Engr. Saraki Auwalu, noted that

the Department has emplaced the network code platform and would continue to work with all Industry players for the success of the NGTNC. The highpoint of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Network Code Electronic Licensing and Administrative System (NCELAS) portal and the supervision of the signing of framework agreements between NGC, Gas Hub, and Dangote Fertilizer Limited by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

The Nigerian Gas Company will serve as the transporter while Gas Hub and Dangote Fertilizer Limited will serve as the shippers, with the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria Limited (GACN) in the role of agent as provided by the framework.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Page 20

BU$IN€SS

LG OLED: Creating Reality Of Stadiums From The Living Room

By Etuka Sunday

T

he triumphant return of major sporting activities across countries, after several months of lockdown came as a big relief to all anxious sport lovers, who have had to face the unpleasant reality the cancellation caused.

Korean baseball was the first to return to action in June, followed by the English Premier League (EPL), Spain’s La Liga, Brazil and Mexico’s top football leagues, among others that followed suit.

Upon the return of the games, one thing that was so conspicuous was the emptiness of stadiums. Though the development was considered as part of the ‘new normal’ but it is strange and unreal, creating a huge gap that needs to be filled in the mind of the fans. So what better way to recapture the excitement of a match than upgrading one’s living room setup? As you know, not all televisions are designed with sports in mind but definitely not LG TVs. Through its innovations, LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics has come to fill the vacuum, to prove a point through the LG OLED’s self-emitting pixels that empty stands don’t mean games have to be silent.

LG Electronics has proved beyond reasonable doubt that a larger TV will always do the job of watching action played across giant fields better, by displaying zoomedout footage in amazing details, as the sporting events slowly makes their returns to the TV. Bigger displays also deliver wider viewing angles so family and friends can watch the big game together without huddling on the sofa, says the General Manager, Home Entertainment Division at LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Vanjamin Kim. “OLED delivers the widest viewing angles in the game, the 88inch LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K TV is the pinnacle of home spectating, while its smaller 48-inch sibling

delivers the same wide viewing angle to smaller rooms.

With LG OLED’s self-emitting pixels in 4K and 8K, viewers have the prospect of seeing every feature, down to each blade of grass, while decreasing motion blur and flickering as every pixel illuminates independently.

The TVs possesses AI Sound Pro and up-mix game audio for realistic sport sounds, they are also Bluetooth Surround Ready for easy connection with LG’s powerful XBOOM speakers or wide selection of sound bars.

“For sports, gray uniformity is everything. Staring at the same color for hours means a TV must maintain a single block of color at a realistic brightness and without distracting dark patches. LG OLED TVs has continued to garner rave reviews for best-in-class uniformity,” Kim said.

It is interesting to note that sports lovers the world over were curiously awaiting the arrival of the 8K to the 2020 summer games before it was postponed. Even with the games delayed until 2021, LG OLED owners are assured of experiencing superior 8K via LG’s upscaling technology, which uses deep learning to deliver vivid and accurate 8K images to near perfection.

“It’s obvious a TV was designed with fans in mind. If it features Sports Alert notifications! New to LG TVs, users are updated on their team’s latest news and kickoff times, so not even a second of exciting play is missed. And with all the technology in today’s TVs, setting up a TV correctly for a big match would normally be a chore.

“However, with LG OLED TVs’ α9 Gen3 AI Processor, the TV does most of the hard work for you by cleverly detecting when you’re watching sports and then optimizing picture quality accordingly via Auto Genre Selection. Basketball and its fast-paced action can make motion blur and flickering more pronounced on a regular TV,” Kim said.

LG’s new OLED Motion Pro and

TruMotion, on top of light-speed 120Hz response time, was made to ensure heightened image accuracy and precision for viewers to easily follow small objects, catching every basket, goal and score.

From the testimonies of owners, with the TVs, empty stands don’t mean that games have to be silent, because the LG’s TVs not only boast AI Sound Pro and up-mix game audio for realistic sport sounds, they’re also Bluetooth Surround Ready for easy connection with LG’s powerful XBOOM speakers or wide selection of sound bars.

Interestingly, LG products can be found behind the scenes of sports as well. For instance, the enormous displays located in Spanish giant Atléticode Madrid’s expansive Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, which give fans perfect, crystal-clear replays of every tackle and goal.

The brand’s unique tech also found its way to North London where Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Burnley was filmed in glorious 8K to capture super high-quality football footage and

captivate customers watching the content play out on LG’s range of OLED and NanoCell 8K televisions.

Mr. Kim explained that LG OLED is even taking some sports virtual, with an all-new take on competitive racing. “Pro racing drivers are using OLED-powered simulators to compete in Australia’s BP Supercars All Stars Eseries, LG partnering with Kelly Racing to give their drivers the best chance to claim its inaugural title. Using LG OLED TVs, the impressive racing simulator achieves realistic racing experiences that every racer can easily relate to.

“Esports’ incredible rise to mainstream has young and old alike searching for the best gaming arsenal to gain the competitive edge online. And with next-generation game consoles due by the end of the year, the epic battle between PlayStation and Xbox fans is set to hit new heights.

“LG’s 4K Ultra HD OLED 48CX not only offers 4K resolution and 120 frames per second, it also features auto low latency mode

(ALLM), enhanced audio return channel (eARC) and variable refresh rate (VRR) for the serious gamer.”

Being the first TV in the world to be NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, graphics of these TVs are rendered perfectly, increasing players’ sense of immersion by adapting the TV’s refresh rate to the frame rate of the connected hardware. OLED preserves a game’s highest quality imagery with HDR settings; amazing black levels and superb contrast all without sacrificing crucial latency performance for games rewarding instant reactions like Call of Duty and Overwatch.

For esport professionals, there’s UltraGear. LG UltraGear 4K monitors feature technology engineered for the otherworldly experience of 4K gaming. With exceptional response times and 1ms Nano IPS screens that cover the professional film industry’s 98 percent of DCI-P3 color space standard, online battlefields have never been more vibrant and freer of unpleasant blur and ghosting that ruin the gaming experience.

LG OLED 8K TV

Kano Gezawa Commodity Market, Exchange To Boost FG Diversification Effort

T

he Federal Government’s effort to diversify the economy using agriculture as one of the key vehicles has received a boost in the form of a sophisticated commodity market and exchange.

It is the Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange (GCMX) Ltd, which is located in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Just 24 kilometers East of Kano metropolis, it is easily accessible. It is distinctly modern. And it is fully equipped to give real-time world prices for a number of traded agricultural commodities.

An informational document on the Market says: “The market is positioned to be the largest

commercial one-stop hub for both domestic and export market for international-standard agricultural commodities in Nigeria.”

The privately-owned market sits on 250 hectares of land. It is so vast that, one can safely testify that, so far it does not have peers in Nigeria, if not Africa, in terms of equipment, scope and structure.

The informational document emphasised: “The GCMX Ltd remains one of the best strategies for actualising our national goal of self-reliance, diversification and economic development.”

This is consistent with the present administration’s policy of promoting agricultural value chain.

The market’s vast, aethestically landscaped ground is paved with smooth, asphalted roads and concrete pathways.

It has fire fighting trucks and personnel; a clinic and a water treatment plant, among others.

It is in the centre of Nigeria’s grains production belt, thus appropriately positioned to link producers and buyers of Rice, Millet, Gum Arabic, Tamarind, Cowpea and Soya beans for business.

Other tradeable commodities on the floor of the exchange are Groundnuts, Ginger, Sesame seeds, Cotton, Hibiscus flower and Wheat.

Transactions in these commodities will be effortlessly conducted in the same way it is

done in Chicago, London, Hanoi and other world class commodity markets and exchanges.

Everything will be displayed on a large screen.

The GCMX will be “driven by modern technology and ICT solutions to ensure efficiency, transparency and viability in trading in Nigeria’s endowed agricultural commodities and value chains,” the informational document assured.

Asia is reportedly the top importing continent of agricultural commodities from Nigeria. It accounts for nearly 60 percent of total exports in 2018.

Europe is the second leading market for Nigerian agricultural products, buying 35 percent of

those exports in 2018.

Records at the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicate that the export value of agricultural commodities to Asia in 2018 was N179.6 billion. And it is growing due to demands

by China, India and Japan. The Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange is equipped to play a leading role facilitating the expansion and deepening of the exportation of Nigerian goods to the Asian market and elsewhere around the world.

To this end, Livestock may be added to meet an expressed Middle Eastern demand for mutton, lamb and hogget. This is because one or more Arab countries have expressed interest

METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Page 21

Fire Service saves N2.35 billion property in 7 months

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

total of N2.5 billion worth property have been saved from fire outbreaks in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, from January to date, according to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service.

This is just as properties worth millions were destroyed by 325 fire incidents in the FCT, during the period under review.

Making this disclosure yesterday, Director, FCT Fire Services, Julius Opetunsin, noted that the FCT Administration has expended a lot of money to buy equipment for fighting fire incidences.

Opetunsin, who spoke at the inauguration of a Fire Station in Zuba Town, Gwagwalada Area of the Territory, stressed the need for stakeholders to protect fire fighting equipment, so as to ensure the protection of lives and property.

He said the establishment of Zuba fire station was to bring about quick response to fire incidence any time it occurs within the area which has heavy traffic is prone to fire outbreak from petrol tankers.

He implored the residents to protect the equipment which comprised 2500 liters Water Tender, 10,000 liters Water Tanker and Ambulance.

“It is the time that will determine the kind of response. If the distance is far, before our men will reach the scene the situation would be out of control. Fire does not wait for anyone, before we come from the main office to put it off, the fire will consume everything.

“We are not spirit but with the establishment of this Zuba office, it will curb the disaster. The

residents have to cooperate with us any time there is fire outbreak.

There was a time we came into Zuba from our Asokoro office to put off fire, but reaching here our van was vandalized.

“When you go to salvage people, property and people now vandalize those vehicles, they are not encouraging the FCT Minister’s effort. I want to implore them that once there is

fire they should just call us and within two to three minutes we are there. They should protect our equipment so that we will protect lives and property”, Opetunsin stressed.

In his remarks, the Director of Legal Services, Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Isah Abdullahi, who spoke on behalf of the FCT Administration reiterated that the Administration

will not fail in its responsibility of providing all the necessary interventions in fire fighting.

According to him: “The job of a Fire Service Officer is a very important one to the community.

In Zuba the station comissoned today is a welcome development.

“The Honourable Minister intervention in this regard cannot be overemphasized. If you look at the equipment provided for Zuba

Station is much more beyond what is provided in other stations.

“The sister organisations like the Police, the NSCDC, the Road Safety Corps also have their own support here. We want to thank you and whatever needs to be done should be done well. The protection of these equipment should also be done. If you protect them well other areas will also get the same services”.

From left: Minister of State, Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Minister of State, Power, Mr Goddy Jedy Agba; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Patami; Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development Dr Uchechukwu Ogah; and Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the virtual commissioning of eleven (11) completed projects for the digital economy sector, in Abuja on Tuesday (11/8/20). The Projects commissioned include: Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) and New Neighborhood Post Office in Delta; and Remodeled National Mail Exchange Centre in Rivers. Photo: NAN

NGO ups awareness on Climate Change with choral performance

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n order to intensify awareness on the devastating effects of Climate Change on humanity, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Josie Adokuru Mudasiru Intervention For Vulnerable Children And Climate Change Initiative, popularly known as JAM-Initiative organised a Choral performance of a group made up of Blind Students in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Our correspondent reports that aside the choral

performance staged by the group to the admiration of the audience, there was a brief talk about COVID-19 and the visually impaired can cope with the pandemic delivered by a retired Public Servant, Princess Fapounda.

Also palliatives were distributed to the blind children, who graced the occasion, to help cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on them.

Speaking after the students’ performance at JSS Area 11, Garki-Abuja, President of JAMInitiative, Mrs. Josie Mudasiru noted that the event aimed at

increasing the consciousness of Nigerians on the need to engage themselves on the subject of Climate Change.

Mudasiru said there is need to step up campaigns against the devastating effects of Climate change, which according to her poses more existential threat to the whole of mankind than the combined effects of COVID-19.

She therefore called on corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to support her NGO to be able to reach out to several of the vulnerable children who have been abandoned to their fate.

According to her, “JAM initiative is looking at training of people to make them change agents in safeguarding and protecting their environments to be able to reverse its catastrophic effects which spells doom for humanity.

“There is a conversation going on in the Western world but in Nigeria it seems it is business as usual. People don’t care. Nobody thinks of planting trees. Nobody cleans even their homes they are waiting for government to come and clean. “ We dump waste in the drainages. I think it is high time we do something about

this so in my little way I am contributing my own quota through JAM initiative.”

Also speaking, one of the Choristers, Miss Blessing Ofem, a Primary Six Pupil called on the Government to come to the aide of the Choral Group in securing the visually impaired especially the females against rape and sexual harassment of their gender.

Ofem however expressed fears over rising violence against women and minors in the society, as it has constrained their (blind students) abilities to clearly exhibit and showcase their talents.

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Page 22

world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Trump escorted out of briefing as man shot near White House U S President Donald Trump was escorted out of a news conference after Secret Service agents shot and wounded a man who claimed to be armed outside the White House.

The Secret Service said the incident happened one block from the compound, when an officer fired on the suspect who had run “aggressively” towards him.

An agent then walked on stage as Mr Trump was speaking and led him away.

The president returned minutes later to say the situation was under control.

The US Secret Service said the incident happened on Monday on the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave - outside the White House perimeter.

It said a 51-year-old man, who has not been identified, approached the officer, told him he had weapons and assumed a “shooter’s stance”, whereupon the officer shot him in the torso.

President Trump being rushed out of news conference The Secret Service did not say whether the man was armed. It added that “both the officer and

the suspect were then taken to hospital”, and that “at no time during this incident was the White

House complex breached”.

After Mr Trump and his staff left, doors to the briefing room were locked with the journalists

inside.

When the president returned nine minutes later, he said: “Law enforcement shot someone, it seems to be the suspect.”

He said he did not know if the person harboured any ill intentions towards him.

“It might not have had anything to do with me,” the president said.

A journalist asked Mr Trump if he was rattled by the events. He replied: “Do I seem rattled?”

The president added: “It’s unfortunate that this is the world, but the world’s always been a dangerous place. It’s not something that’s unique.”

The District of Columbia fire department said a man suffered serious or possibly critical injuries, according to the Associated Press.

The news agency also reported that authorities were looking into whether the individual has a background of mental illness.

Coronavirus: Putin says vaccine has been approved for use

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ussian President Vladimir Putin has said a locally developed vaccine for Covid-19 has been given regulatory approval after less than two months of testing on humans.

Mr Putin said the vaccine had passed all the required checks, adding that his daughter had already been given it.

Officials have said they plan to start mass vaccination in October.

Experts have raised concerns about the speed of Russia’s work, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners.

Amid fears that safety could have been compromised, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged Russia last week to follow international guidelines for producing a vaccine against Covid-19.

On Tuesday, the WHO said it had been in talks with Russian authorities about undertaking a review of the vaccine.

Currently, the Russian vaccine is not among the WHO’s list of six vaccines that have reached phase three clinical trials, which involve more widespread testing in humans.

Coronavirus vaccine: When will we have one?

More than 100 vaccines around the world are in early development, with some of those being tested on people in clinical trials.

Despite rapid progress, most experts think any vaccine would

not become widely available until mid-2021.

What did President Putin say about the vaccine?

Calling it a world first, President Putin said the vaccine, developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute, offered “sustainable immunity” against the coronavirus.

He said he knew the vaccine was “quite effective”, without giving further details, and stressed that it had passed “all needed checks”.

Mr Putin also said the vaccine had been given to one of his daughters, who was feeling fine despite a brief temperature increase.

“I think in this sense she took part in the experiment,” Mr Putin said.

He did not specify which of his two daughters had received the vaccine. It is rare for President Putin to talk publicly about his daughters. The lives of his daughters, named Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova in media reports, have been shrouded in secrecy.

What do we know about the vaccine?

Last week, the Russian government announced it was preparing to begin mass vaccinations against coronavirus in October.

Russian scientists said earlystage trials of the vaccine had been completed and the results

President Putin said one of his daughters had been vaccinated against the virus were a success.

The Russian vaccine uses adapted strains of the adenovirus, a virus that usually causes the common cold, to trigger an immune response.

But the vaccine’s approval by Russian regulators comes before the completion of a larger study involving thousands of people, known as a phase-three trial.

Experts consider these trials an essential part of the testing process.

Despite this, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday the vaccine had

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

“proven to be highly effective and safe”, hailing it as a big step towards “humankind’s victory” over Covid-19.

Russia is fast-tracking its Covid-19 vaccine at an extraordinary pace. It began the first clinical trials on 1 June, months after teams in China, the US and Europe.

Unlike other groups, the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow has not released any safety or immunity data from its studies.

This makes it impossible for independent scientists to make an assessment.

President Putin is keen to send a clear message to the world regarding the prowess of Russian science. But simply being first is not enough.

No Covid-19 vaccine being developed has yet been shown to offer protection against coronavirus. That central question remains unanswered.

What reaction has there been to Russia’s vaccine efforts?

The progress Russia says it has made on a coronavirus vaccine has been met with scepticism by health officials and media outlets in the US and Europe.

They fear Russia may be cutting corners in its attempts to win what some officials have likened to the space race contested by the Soviet Union and the US during the Cold War. Last month, America’s leading infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci expressed doubts about the rigour of the testing process in fast-track vaccine efforts in Russia and China.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier has echoed those sentiments, telling reporters on 4 August: “Sometimes individual researchers claim they have found something, which is of course, as such, great news.

“But between finding or having a clue of maybe having a vaccine that works, and having gone through all the stages, is a big difference.”

Source: BBC

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Al-Shabab militants in shoot-out in Somalia prison

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t least 10 people have been killed in a shootout between jailed militant Islamists and security officers at a prison in Somalia, government spokesman Ismail Mukhtar has said.

The al-Shabab militants had attempted to escape from the heavily guarded prison in the capital, Mogadishu.

An investigation is under way into how the militants obtained weapons.

Some reports suggested that an inmate managed to disarm a warden and then a group of them raided the armoury.

The BBC’s Bella Sheegow in Mogadishu says Monday’s incident is highly embarrassing for the government as the prison, the second biggest in Somalia, is guarded by elite forces.

The attack was repelled after reinforcements were called in.

‘No prisoners escaped’ The most dangerous alShabab militants are kept in the prison, including those serving life sentences or awaiting execution after being sentenced to death.

Inmates had also attempted to break out of the prison in 2017, and the government was under pressure to prevent further such incidents, our reporter adds.

“We will not leave anything to chance. The government is investigating how this happened and who was responsible for what happened as well as who facilitated the inmates to get the weapons,” Acting Justice Minister Hassan Hussein Haji said.

Mr Mukhtar said none of the prisoners had managed to escape.

He said four militants were killed in the shoot-out.

He did not give details on who the other six were, except

Al-Shabab is seeking to overthrow Somalia’s government

to say that the prison guards had also suffered casualties.

Al-Shabab, which is linked

to al-Qaeda, has been waging a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than a decade.

It has been pushed out of Mogadishu by government and African Union troops,

but the group still carries out bombings and assassinations in the city.

Leak stops but Mauritius clean-up continues

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he authorities in Mauritius have deployed helicopters and boats in an effort to remove the remaining oil from a cargo ship that ran aground last month.

Although the leak has now

been stopped, close to 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil is still believed to be inside the MV Wakashio.

Thousands of volunteers are back on the shore of the Indian Ocean island cleaning up the thick, toxic sludge with buckets

and spades.

They have also been using absorbent booms made of leaves and freshly cut hair to try to stop the oil spreading.

Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth has warned

that the ship could “break in two”.

Onlookers have reported hearing creaking noises from the vessel.

Tonnes of equipment have been sent over from the nearby French territory of Réunion to help with the clean-up operation.

Rwandan man ‘badly beaten by police’ dies

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Rwandan man died in hospital after being badly assaulted by a police officer who was enforcing a night-time curfew on the outskirts of the capital, Kigali, a member of his family has told the BBC. Flavien Ngaboyamahina, who would have turned 30 on Wednesday, had visited a friend in

Karenge, east of Kigali.

They were both arrested on 1 August for being outdoors after 21:00 local time, when the curfew starts, the family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“They were on the road near his friend’s home... Suddenly he [the friend] heard Flavien

groaning that he’s been badly hit in the belly. It was a policeman, who then arrested them both,” the family member said.

Mr Ngaboyamahina died in hospital three days later, the family member added. On Monday, Rwandan police spokesperson John Bosco Kabera told the BBC he would comment later.

The police sent a representative to Mr Ngaboyamahina’s burial last Thursday, according to the family member.

Rwanda was recently praised

by World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Ghebreyesus as among countries that “are doing well in managing the coronavirus pandemic”.

Backlash against Malawi’s new Covid-19 restrictions

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ew Covid-19 measures announced in Malawi over the weekend have met with a backlash, with at least one civil society organisation threatening to take the government to court.

In the new restrictions, public gatherings of more than 10 people have been banned, except for funerals which can have up to 50 people in attendance.

Wearing of face masks is mandatory

in all public spaces and offenders could be fined up to $13 (£10). Places of worship have been closed. Bars can operate for six hours a day, between 14:00 to 20:00 local time, but only sell takeaways.

The new measures were prompted by a recent increase in coronavirus cases in the country, the ministry of health said.

Similar measures announced by the previous administration of President

Peter Mutharika - which also included a 21-day lockdown - were blocked by a court pending determination. No verdict has been made on the matter.

Church leaders have voiced concern over the new government restrictions on public gatherings. The influential Catholic Church said it was never consulted.

A local civil society organisation, Centre for Democracy and Economic

Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has said it will take the government to court for ignoring the court order.

Health Minister Khumbize Chiponda has since issued a statement promising to engage religious leaders "in further consultation".

More than 4,600 Malawians have tested positive for Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University, and at least 146 have died.

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

N e w s Trump: Apple Daily: The Hong Kong newspaper Tech giants that pushed the boundary challenge US I foreign worker crackdown

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ome of America’s biggest tech firms on Monday backed a challenge to President Donald Trump’s restrictions on foreign workers.

Amazon, Apple and Facebook are among the companies arguing that the temporary visa bans will damage US firms.

Mr Trump imposed restrictions on some foreign workers to safeguard jobs for Americans during the virus pandemic.

Many of those affected by the measures are technology workers from India.

Microsoft, Netflix, Twitter and other big technology companies also backed the lawsuit, which was filed last month by major US business associations.

Those industry groups included the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents 14,000 firms, and America’s biggest business association, the US Chamber of Commerce.

The brief argued that the visa restrictions, which were announced in June, will hurt US businesses.

The companies said Mr Trump’s proclamation was based on a “false assumption” that it would protect American jobs as it would mean they may now have to employ people in other countries.

The brief said: “Global competitors in Canada, China, and India, among others, are pouncing at the opportunity to attract welltrained, innovative individuals.

“And American businesses are scrambling to adjust, hiring needed talent to work in locations outside our nation’s borders,” it continued.

They also contended that it could do irreparable damage to American businesses, workers and further hurt the already struggling US economy.

Mr Trump’s proclamation suspended the entry of a range of foreign workers until the end of this year.

Shortly after the announcement in June some of America’s biggest technology companies condemned the move.

Facebook said the order “uses the Covid-19 pandemic as justification for limiting immigration” and warned: “In reality, the move to keep highly skilled talent out of the US will make our country’s recovery even more difficult”.

Apple boss Tim Cook wrote on Twitter that he was “deeply disappointed” by the new proclamation, while Sundar Pichai, head of Alphabet - the parent company of Google and YouTube - said immigration was critical to the success of his company and the country.

Amazon, which received more than 3,000 H-1B visas last year - more than any other firm called the order “short-sighted”.

Who is affected?

The Trump administration said the freeze would impact about 525,000 people.

That included an estimated 170,000 people blocked by the decision to extend a ban on some new green cards - which grants permanent residence to foreigners.

The White House first announced it was halting those visas in April. Existing visa holders are not expected to be affected under the new restrictions.

The order also applies to H-1B visas, many of which are granted to Indian technology workers.

Critics say those visas have allowed Silicon Valley companies to outsource American jobs to lower-paid foreign employees.

t started off as a local Hong Kong tabloid, known for its sometimes sensational headlines and paparazzi photographs.

But over its 25 years in print, the Apple Daily has become something rarer - a newspaper unafraid to be openly critical of the Chinese state and a standard bearer for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

And now, a little over a month since China imposed a new national security law on Hong Kong, the Apple Daily has become a target.

Police raided the paper’s offices on Monday and arrested its owner, Jimmy Lai, and nine others on charges including colluding with foreign forces.

The raid on the newspaper has raised fears of a broader crackdown on media freedom in Hong Kong - and for the future of one of the few papers unafraid to push the boundaries.

Apple Daily was established in 1995 by Mr Lai, reportedly named after the forbidden fruit in the Bible.

“If Eve hadn’t bitten the forbidden fruit, there would be no sin, no right and wrong, and of course - no news,” Mr Lai told news site the Lianhe Evening News in an earlier interview.

The paper established itself as a tabloid and became known for its sensationalist articles and bold catchy headlines, focusing on crime and entertainment news.

It strayed sometimes into unethical territory. In 1998 it published a report about a Hong Kong man who was photographed soliciting prostitutes on the Chinese mainland shortly after his wife committed suicide.

It was later revealed that a reporter from Apple Daily had paid the man money to pose

T The Apple Daily paper has become a symbol for protesters for the photograph.

But over the years the paper evolved and started to cover more political news.

Hong Kong began experiencing a series of social movements in the early 2000s which saw people resisting integration with the mainland.

That resistance opened up the market of political news for Apple Daily, according to Dr Joyce Nip, a senior lecturer in Chinese media studies at the University of Sydney, and gave the paper a unique advantage when

other mainstream news outlets began “toeing the line of [one country, two systems]”.

“Apple Daily generally disapproves of the Beijing political system, mainland China and its appointed administration in Hong Kong, both in its news agenda and in its [framing] of the news,” said Dr Nip. And while the paper continued to cover soft news and entertainment, it increasingly produced political pieces and cemented its position as an unapologetically prodemocracy paper.

he Nigerian Institution Of Estate Surveyors & Valuers Abuja Branch has elected Ikenna Lansar Aghaji as its new Chairman for 2020 / 2022 tenure.

Lansar was the former Publicity Secretary in 2016, after which he rose to become the Vice Chairman in 2018.

The body in a statement issued yesterday said after proving himself with outstanding service delivery and found worthy of the elevation, he was allowed to run unopposed for the post of the Chairman.

He is the Principal Partner of Lansar Aghaji & Co. A firm of Estate Surveyors & Valuers with branches in different parts of the country.

He is an erudite and hard working young man with vast professional experiences and good leadership skills.

Lansar, hails from Umudim, in Nnewi LGA of Anambra State.

In his acceptance speech, he promised to rebrand and repackage NIESV Abuja branch, saying he would ensure laudable projects to improve the well being of the members and the branch in general.

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Supporters of the paper bought copies in bulk in the early hours Nations about heightened attacks on the city’s freedoms.

“I’m deeply troubled by reports of the arrest of @JimmyLaiApple under Hong Kong’s draconian National Security Law,” tweeted US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“Further proof that the CCP has eviscerated Hong Kong’s freedoms and eroded the rights of its people,” he wrote.

Similar sentiments were expressed in Britain, which has already said it will suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and offer a pathway to citizenship for many of the city’s residents, in the light of the new law.

“This is further evidence that the national security law is being used as a pretext to silence opposition,” a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Reuters. “The Hong Kong authorities must uphold the rights and freedoms of its people.”

The controversial security law introduced to Hong Kong in June had already prompted some of the city’s highest-profile activists to flee overseas in anticipation of a broader clampdown on the city’s freedoms.

Speaking from London, pro-democracy activist Nathan Law told the BBC the arrests were “definitely a retaliation towards the sanctioning from the US on Hong Kong officials”.

The US had earlier sanctioned 11 Chinese officials and allies in Hong Kong - including Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam for curtailing political freedoms.

Days later Beijing responded with sanctions against 11 US citizens.

Mr Law also described it as the latest step “to quash the freedom of Hong Kong”, silence Hong Kongers and create a larger “politics of fear”.

Source: BBC

Newly elected chairman, Nigerian Institution Of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) Abuja Branch Ikenna Lansar Aghaji

Coronavirus may affect property Federal market in Nigeria - ESV.Ugorji science technical A principal wants FG to revamp infrastructure

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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NIESV Abuja Branch gets new Chairman

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Apple Daily: Hong Kong newspaper defiant after crackdown ong Kong’s Apple Daily newspaper has vowed to “fight on” after the arrest of owner Jimmy Lai under a controversial security law imposed by Beijing.

In extraordinary scenes streamed by the paper on Monday a handcuffed Mr Lai was led through his newsroom as nearly 200 police officers raided the building.

The pro-democracy activist was among 10 people arrested on charges including colluding with foreign forces.

The move sparked global condemnation of the escalating crackdown on dissent.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China had “eviscerated Hong Kong’s freedoms”.

On Tuesday, Apple Daily’s front page showed an image of Mr Lai in handcuffs with the headline: “Apple Daily must fight on.”

In some parts of the city Hong Kongers were seen queuing for a copy as early as 02:30 as vendors reported selling out of the popular tabloid founded by Mr Lai. The paper, which offers a rare and unvarnished take on Hong Kong and China’s leadership, said more than 500,000 copies were printed, up from the usual 100,000.

Mr Lai, who is viewed as a hero by many in Hong Kong for his direct criticism of Beijing’s top leadership, is the highestprofile detainee under use of the new legislation so far.

But on the mainland, he has long been labelled a traitor.

Hours after his arrest prominent youth activist Agnes Chow and Wilson Li, a freelance journalist, were also arrested under the same law.

The arrests renewed criticism from Washington, London and the United

property

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

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he Principal of Federal Science and Technical college Orozo,Mrs. Kenneth Rose has appealed to the federal government to intervene in the college old dilapidated infrastructure.

Kenneth said this in Abuja recently, during a disinfection exercise of the school.

She said “we will really appreciate if the government will renovate those dilapidated buildings for us.

“We know that the federal government has done much and the ministry of education has been doing great job of executing a lot of projects in the school“.

“We will also appreciate if the government can provide a solar panel in the school. For the time being, we have been using diesel. We believe that the solar will go a long way to reduce cost” The Principal explained that there is no adequate housing facility for the staff.

She further appealed to the federal government to provide a befitting accommodation for the staff.

n Estate Surveyor and Valuer, ESV Mark Ugorji has said that the coronavirus with the attendant lockdown on both the movement of people and the economies of nations will change the way people feel about property.

Ugorji, told our property reporter yesterday in Abuja that the pandemic has the capacity to have a huge impact on the property markets all over the world.

“It is glaring and obvious that with massive job losses, wage cuts, glout in business activities leading to business failures and several other uncertainties, a lot of people will be extremely careful over making colossal investment of their lives which is buying homes.

“From the above assertions, it implies that house prices will fall as it has been during any global recession and economic crunch. The effect of coronavirus is global, Nigeria is not exempted from it, for instance in the UK, the National house price index for month of May showed that prices fell by 1.7% from the previous month, the target decline for 11 years.

“We can see that with the lifting of lockdown restrictions, housing, businesses and economies are recuperating gradually.”

“Nigeria is a special case, as other countries are giving palliatives to mitigate the effect and impact of Coronavirus pandemic by giving moratorium on evictions and defraying rents owed as a result of the pandemic, Nigeria is a totally different scenario. The interest and wellbeing of the people are left in their hands though the government is doing their best but it appears the problem of Nigeria is hydra headed and too complex to handle.”

He said, putting moratorium on evictions transfers all the burden to the Landlord and banks, which doesn’t imply that there won’t be issues further down the line.

He added that the upsurge of the unemployment (loss of jobs) and people realising they can work from home and avoid travelling and office will ultimately have impact

on the market. “With the Coronavirus pandemic people are now considering about how and where they work and live.

“Industrial and commercial properties are the worse hit because people are frightened by the rising number of Coronavirus positive patients in the country, the lockdown restrictions on international flight to and from Nigeria is affecting these types of properties adversely.

By experience, major people patronizing the industrial estates and commercial are expatriates. Statistics show that most of the industrialists can’t even renew their rents now, no new entrants into the industrial sector, some of the expatriates that travelled out can’t find their way back to the country to do business and some that had concluded plans to establish in Nigeria are trapped in their various countries.”

The expert said that commercial properties may be decaying soon if care is not taken as coronavirus is promoting online marketing.

He noted that people now shop online to avoid contact with COVID 19 infected people in the course of onsite buying. “The trend is towards fewer shops and more service centres for other things you can’t get online. Rental property market is possible to experience a long term fall when existing and prospective tenants find it difficult to pay or renew rents.

Rental parks, discotheques, multipurpose halls are on the verge of total abandonment if they are not making money and cost of maintenance increases. These are the dangers of coronavirus and if it continues to wreck havoc as speculated the property market will die naturally.”

Also, he said in Nigeria people are living as though COVID 19 is not real and non-existent markets are usually filled with people shopping, “majority of the people are not observing the COVID 19 control measures put by the National Centre for Disease Control NCDC, at least to wear face or nose masks, regularly washing one’s hands and keeping hygienic distance from others.

“Inspite of the negative impact of COVID 19, the inflationary rate is skyrocketing and leaving

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer, ESV. Mark Ugorji the masses in abject poverty.

However, the property market has two pronged possibilities at work notwithstanding the rapidly changing times. Firstly is that though price of property may fall, it will always be wise to invest in it. Though this may sound absurd but property is a long term investment and it is more secured than any other investment. The reward is highly futuristic and rewarding.

“Secondly, the property market is highly flexible. The use of land and buildings can change overtime and most times it does that rapidly. We have seen very old properties renovated and given face lift that causes it to command very high prices due to remarkable changes within the location the property is sited.

The COVID 19 may deal a heavy blow on the property markets, but it will only accelerate changes that are already taking place.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Coronavirus: How it turned the tables on Ghana’s diaspora

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n our series of letters from African writers, journalist and former Ghana government minister Elizabeth Ohene writes about how the prospect of living abroad has lost its attraction in the time of coronavirus.

We used to say here in Ghana, half in jest, half in truth, that you can find a Ghanaian in every country in the world.

I’ve heard of Ghanaians in Greenland, Iceland and Papua New Guinea. I admit, I haven’t heard about a Ghanaian in the Faroe Islands, which is my idea of the most exotic and faraway place, but I wouldn’t be surprised if one of us is there.

From the middle of the 1970s through to the end of the 1990s, circumstances had conspired to turn us into a travelling people.

Over the past 20 years we have continued to do it, not because the things that used to drive us away still exist, but simply because it has become a habit and our minds are tuned that way.

The middle classes now try to send their pregnant wives to deliver babies in the United States. They beg, borrow and steal to send their children to universities in the US and UK and encourage the children to stay on after completing school.

Then there are the adventurers among us who have always taken off to go and try their luck and seek fortunes wherever is said to be the current land of gold.

‘Under the radar’ Ghanaians No credible statistics exist on exactly how many Ghanaians there are in various countries around the world, never mind what they are doing there.

Some of them, of course, are thriving where they are, and making Ghana proud. But there are many of them who, it is widely understood, are living “under the radar” and trying to “regularise” their paperwork and so do not advertise the fact they are Ghanaians.

They might be trying to live unnoticed, but we know they are there.

Through holding down two or three jobs, they send the odd $100 to help with a mother’s food bills.

It is a badge of honour to say you have a relation abroad and we bend over backwards to accommodate their wishes when it comes to making arrangements for funerals and attendant ceremonies.

Those among them who can travel, that is those who have “regularised” their visa situations, usually plan and make the 10-day or two-week trip to Ghana to catch up with friends and family, typically over the Christmas period.

BBC The places that young people had been willing to give an arm and a leg to

Ghanaians abroad are happy to turn out to support the nation’s sports teams when they travel

go to, were no longer attractive” Elizabeth Ohene Ghanaian journalist When they are here, they behave as one does on holidays and splash money around; no-one hears about them having a hard life over there, and we see them as success stories. They are an inspiration for other young people to try and escape from Ghana and go abroad.

Then coronavirus arrived.

The places that young people had been willing to give an arm and a leg to go to were no longer attractive, as China, Europe and America were hit hard by the virus. The talk turned to bringing Ghanaians home from abroad.

Suddenly Ghana became an attractive place.

The Ghanaians abroad were anxious and they showed it.

“Please don’t let what is happening in Europe and America happen in our country” was the constant refrain.

As the crisis has continued, the perception of Ghanaians abroad being the lucky ones has slowly been changing.

It was not just the report back in May that 33 Ghanaians had died from Covid-19 in New York that

shook everybody, it was the growing desperation from Ghanaians abroad who wanted to come back home.

If we discovered during the lockdown that in Ghana’s big cities it was difficult for many people to survive without the daily hustle, then we got to realise that it was impossible to survive at all abroad as a hustler in the time of coronavirus.

People could no longer live “under the radar” and undocumented migrants

who, up until then had been welcome for doing jobs for half the normal wages, became unwelcome and possible candidates for being blamed as the source of the disease.

Landlords who used to rent rooms and apartments to people living in the shadows now wanted to make sure they had a valid visa.

With businesses shutting down and everybody wanting to cut down on expenditure, many of our people discovered they had become surplus to requirements.

Grass is not greener We have been looking on in dismay as the realities of the lives of many of those who are abroad have been exposed.

It turns out that many of the young women who went abroad to be nannies and maids in Lebanon and other Arab countries lead intolerable lives that noone would accept in Ghana.

It turns out that in spite of the skyscrapers and 10-lane highways, the sleeping arrangements for many of our young people in China and some European countries are no different from our local slums.

Coronavirus has made all of us look at things from a different perspective.

People want to come home but the borders are closed.

You may want to watch: The Ghanaians at home feel the virus was brought into the country by travellers from Europe and China, and are therefore not enthusiastic about letting in even more people.

There are some evacuation flights taking place, but with most airlines not flying, they are expensive. Equally expensive are the protocols for entering Ghana, which demand that on arrival you go into a 14-day quarantine in a hotel monitored by the security services.

Abroad seems to have lost its lustre.

For the moment, it appears the place to be is right here in Ghana.

Source: BBC

Factories in Ghana are mass producing face masks

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

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Sports

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PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Why Spain turning major destination for Nigerian women footballers

By Albert Akota with agency report

style before putting pen to paper.

Sadly enough, only a few African footballers put such factors into consideration.

Few weeks into her arrival in Barcelona, she took time out to study how Luis Suarez fit into the Catalonia side because she was bent on replicating what the Uruguayan is doing with the male team.

She has not looked back since then. Her versatility and hard work eventually paid off after Barca offered Oshoala full transfer and extension till 2022.

Ordinarily, any female player will nod with envy when Barca goal machine, Jennifer Hermos, tears through watertight defences

O

n July 23, 2014, the New York Times reported how more than 1,000 African migrants rushed towards the high fences topped with razor wire.

They were met by the Moroccan police, who, with the support of the Spanish military police and a Spanish helicopter thwarted their plan to scale the fences and enter Europe through this tiny Spanish enclave that clings to Northern Morocco.

It was the second mass crossing to fail that week and one of the largest during that period when hundreds of migrants launched themselves at the fences on three separate occasions.

But for Nili Onana, a basketball player from Cameroon, who made it over in a wave on May 28 and was interviewed in a short-stay centre for immigrants in Melilla, getting to Spain was a matter of life and death.

He was one of about 2,500 migrants who made it over the fence in the first five months of that year.

Some Nigerian female footballers, however, did not need to jump the fence to seek greener pastures in Spain, rather, they chose the talent route.

Talents, they say, gets you what willpower can’t.

Moving abroad is many players’ dream, especially if you are from Africa. In a continent where women football is far less publicised like that of men, it takes guts and lots of hard work to get out of the woods. The game itself has been pushed to the backseat, compared to its European and American counterparts.

Having conquered Africa on several occasions, the next destination is Europe for Nigerian female footballers.

Many of the Nigerian women have since secured contracts in Spanish clubs.

Since Francisca Ordega paved the way with a loan move in 2017 to Atletico Madrid, Spain has become a big gain for Nigerian female football stars, who seem to have found new homes and equally eased their pains with mouth-watering moves to Spain.

Here are some worthy Nigerian ambassadors that have made their mark in Spain and

Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona) others who are still lighting up the Spanish Primera Iberdrola and inadvertently, paving the way for others This lanky striker is arguably Nigeria’s best export to Spanish Primera Iberdrola. Until her arrival in Spain in January 2019, virtually none of her new teammates were conscious of her success story for both club and country. However, at Barca, Oshoala has clearly shown she is one of the best female centre forwards in the world today.

Ideally, one of the secrets

Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF) of success is to study those who succeed in their craft and imitate them. Oshoala knows this too well. A source close to her revealed that the former Rivers Angel goal machine had to watch videos of Barca matches to ascertain if she can fit into their

Toni Payne ( Sevilla FC) and decimates defenders with ease, but Oshoala was not intimidated, rather she pushed herself beyond limit; scoring 20 goals last season.

The four-time Africa Women Footballer of The Year Award winner also won the Golden Ball at both 2014 U–20 World Cup and Women’s AFCON. This midfield generalissimo joined the ever-increasing numbers of Nigerian and African players in the Primera Iberdrola, after signing six months loan deal with Madrid CFF. Having spent a decade in Sweden with UMEA IK and Kristianstad where she banged in 60 goals, she admitted that her decision to move to Spain stems from her hunger to be more competitive at 31.

“This is a different and competitive league, as a footballer you want to test yourself around the best players,” she told BBC Sport.

“The Spanish league is an interesting place for African players and I believe this will continue to help develop our players’ game and their profile.”

The two times Africa Women Cup of Nation champions hit the ground running barely two weeks after her arrival by scoring a goal on debut for Madrid Femenino in their 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

She scored a total of four goals from seven appearances.

As Sevilla FC players celebrated their survival from the drop, one of the happy Sevilla Femini players could be excused for celebrating far into the night.

With the club struggling to make up the numbers in the league, Sevilla had their American-Nigerian import to thank for helping them to Liga Iberdrola safety.

Payne was later rewarded for her effort with a year deal extension. The former Concacaf Women’s U-17 winner with the USA joined Sevilla after ending her two-year sojourn with Netherlands Eredivisie women’s champions Ajax in July 2018.

Payne is adored by club fans and officials alike following an impressive debut season where she scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances.

Many are waiting patiently to see if Nigeria football officials will step up efforts to win her over as invitation from USA beckons.

Running with the ball at pace,

Peace Efih Huelva)

(Sporting

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providing a good service and cutting in to carry a goal threat, her wealth of expertise and experience will be valuable if she eventually achieves her dream of playing for Nigeria.

This 19-year old defender has been tipped to be the next big thing in Nigeria female football, given her exploits in Spanish Women League with Madrid CFF. The former FC Robo captain moved to Spain last summer after her no-nonsense defending ensured Falconets reach the U20 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in France.

Her ability to convert defence into attack stood her out in France last year when her tailored pass set Asisat Oshoala up for Nigeria’s opening goal in the 2-0 win over Korea.

A product of principal cup, Chidinma featured seven times for Madrid CFF with no goal account yet before Covid-19 lockdown, but she is back and better from a knee injury she suffered last November.

The 19 years old former Rivers Angel midfielder became the second African to join the Huelva-based outfit on a year deal after the club signed on a Ghanaian striker, Princella Adebea, in July 2019.

A product of Nigeria U-20 side in France, Efih inspired Sporting Club de Huelva to a 3-1 win over San Roque Cadete on her unofficial debut.

In June this year, she announced her departure from Spanish Liga Iberdrola side Sporting de Huelva after just a season with the club but contract renewal is possible following the suspension of several female leagues in Europe.

The midfielder who made just 18 appearances in just concluded season with the club is one of Nigeria’s promising midfielders that will take the baton from Rita Chikwelu.

Apart from the fantastic five randomly highlighted, some other players have come and gone from Spain while negotiations are even ongoing to bring in more Nigerian players to Spain.

The latest is goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi and midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku who are close to officially completing moves to Reto Iberdrola side CD Pozoalbense.

Sporting activities to return soon, says Aare

>>PG 30

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

PAGE 30

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p

NFF sets up caretaker committee for Anambra State FA

r

t

Sporting activities to return soon, says Aare

By Albert Akota

T Dr Ifeanyi Ubah

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has set up a Caretaker Committee for the running of the affairs of the Anambra State Football Association, following the expiration of the tenure of the Dr Ifeanyi Ubah-led executive team, and pending the conduct of fresh elections.

The tenure of the Caretarker Committee, which will be inaugurated in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Wednesday, 5th August 2020 will be for a period of three months.

In a letter sent to the Anambra State Football Association on Monday, the NFF referred to earlier correspondences from the Anambra State FA on 28th April, 2020, 27th May 2020 and 3rd August 2020, in which the expiration of the tenure of the Dr. Ubah-board, the extension of the life of the board by three months as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the expiration of the grace of three months, as well as the inability of the Electoral Committee to conduct fresh elections as scheduled were comprehensively articulated.

“Recall that the tenure of the Board of Anambra State Football Association and the Anambra State Local Football Councils elapsed by effuxion of time on 30th April 2020 and 2nd May 2020 respectively.

Arising from the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and the general lockdown, including football activities, the Anambra State Football Association Congress was

convened on 28th April 20202 leading to the extension of tenure of the Board and the Local Football Councils, for another three (3) months, which again expired on 2nd August 2020.

“The Electoral Committee was unable to conduct elections into the Board of the State Football Association and the State Local Football Councils on 27th July 2020 in view of the Anambra State Government’s letter to the Electoral Committee complaining of the violation of the COVID-19 protocols of the State.

“Art. 85 of the NFF Statutes 2010 provides that ‘the Executive Committee shall have the final decision on any matter not provided for in the Statutes or in cases of force majeure.’ Consequently, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, in its wisdom, and in order not to create a vacuum do hereby constitute a Caretaker Committee for Anambra State Football Association as follows, Mr. Emmanuel Okeke Chairman. Mr. Victor Nwangwu vice Chairman, Mr. Nonso Philip member, Mrs Charity Ebere Okonkwo Member, Mrs Onyeabo Chimezie Success Member, Mr Onyedika Chijioke secretary “The Caretaker Committee is to administer the activities of the Anambra State Football Association and also conduct elections into the Board of Anambra State Football Association and the Anambra State Local Football Councils within three months, effective from Tuesday, 4th August 2020 to 2nd November 2020. Precisely, the tenure of the Caretaker Committee expires on 2nd November 2020.”

he Director of Grassroots Development in the Sports Ministry, Dr Ademola Aare has assured that activities in the sports sectors will soon return to the sector.

The Director who spoke on the FCT Football Update segment said the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare is working hard with other stakeholders to ensure the return of sporting activities in the country.

“Sports, like every aspect of our national life, is affected by the COVID and we are all witnesses to the efforts by the ministry, especially the Minister who initiated that we should actually stay action because of the possible effect of Covid-19 on the youths of this country and right now, we are witnessing his effort in ensuring that we synergize with all necessary authorities who are involved in eradicating COVID-18 in our land and am sure when it is very visible that we can do this, I am sure the ministry will go ahead and do the needful” he stated.

He added that the Minister is now interfacing with other stakeholders like the PTF and the

Dr Ademola Aare Ministry of Health for sports to resume.

“They are doing all that and I can tell you that we shall all smile

very very soon. We are working hard to ensure that this is done so let’s keep our fingers crossed” he stressed

African Champions League final to be played in October

T

he Confederation of African Football (CAF) has abandoned plans to play the semi-final and final matches of the 2019/2020 African Champions League in a single venue.

The continental football ruling body has now set a date

of October 16 and 17 for the continental decider.

Cameroon had been earmarked to host the final stages of the competition.

But, following their withdrawal, CAF confirmed the semi-finals will be played over two legs on a home and away

basis, with the final potentially at a neutral venue.

Both semi-finals feature Moroccan clubs against Egyptian opposition as Raja Casablanca take on Zamalek, while Wydad Casablanca meet Al Ahly.

The first legs of both ties will be played in Morocco on Sept.

25 and Sept. 26, with the return legs in Egypt on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3.

Should the two winners be from the same nation then the final will be in that country in mid-October.

But, if not, CAF has asked member associations to bid to host the decider at a neutral venue, setting a deadline of Aug. 17 for interested parties.

Turkish Club Trabzonspor knee on Omeruo

K

enneth Omeruo is a subject of interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Omeruo is expected to leave Spanish club Leganes this summer following the Cucumber Growers relegation to the Segunda Division.

The versatile defender only joined Leganes on a permanent deal from Premier League club Chelsea last summer after impressing on loan in the previous campaign.

He scored once in 23 league appearances for Leganes in the 2019/20 season.

Leganes , according to reports in Turkey , are not willing to accept less than the €5m they paid Chelsea for Omeruo.

Trabzonspor finished in second position in the Turkish Super Lig last season but won the FA Cup title.

They are looking to bring in new players to improve the squad ahead of the new campaign.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, WednesDay AUGUST 12, 2020

Images, relics of corruption from NDDC Continued from back page continuous massive allocations and investment in the region.

The reality is that less than little of the capital allocation to the region via NDDC is actually spent on genuine, viable and visible developmental projects; the more money is released to the region, the more impoverished the region becomes and the richer the few who are referred to as the leader of the region become. Shame on them! NDDC by default appears to be excluded from control, oversight and financial auditing since its creation; a revelation that begs for question as per how that could be.

NDDC began full operation in 2001 with an initial annual budgetary allocation of N10 billion. By the end of 2009, the commission had collected and spent a total of N426 billion in total from the federal government.

NDDC has become synonymous with awarding contracts that are not meant to be done or at best, abandoned midway, without benefit to the citizens while the contractors become stupendously rich by the day. Sometimes in 2015, a contract worth billions of naira was awarded for a three months twin certification program; a fibre Optics/Telecom and Oil spill management training for the youth in the region. About two weeks into the commencement of the training, the two programs were abandoned by the contractors, leaving the 200 trainees stranded in various hotels in Owerri and Portharcourt, and till today, nothing is heard of the contract or the full payment made for jobs not delivered.

The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) reports that from 2007 to 2016, the NDDC revenue stood at N1.413 trillion, with a receipt of a sum of N593.96 billion from mineral and non-mineral sources in the period from 2007 to 2011 and N819.81 billion from 2012 to 2016. Over the same period of time, the Commission’s expenditure was reported as N961.94 billion from 2007 to 2011 and N932.632 billion and $6.107 billion from 2012 to 2016; totaling N3.03 trillion, using the prevailing exchange rate of N181/$1. These homonguous allocations were made to NDDC to cover expenditures on projects to reverse the genuine claim of projects deficit in the region as a result of years of government neglect and environmental degradation as a result of decade-long oil exploration and production. Today, the development crisis of the region is as it was before the establishment of NDDC and the huge capital commitments.

In the ten years period, the expenditure of the Commission surpasses its revenue as it is still happening till now; an unbelievable negative balance of N1.6168 trillion was recorded.

The implication of this negative balance is that NDDC always has claims of debts to some phantom contractors without evidence of completed contracts to justify the spending. That was the same scenario that presented itself in 2019 when the Commission awarded over N1 trillion contracts in 7 months against a budget of N400 billion and yet no projects to show.

The drama began with the order for a forensic audit of the Commission’s entire existence by the President. For the first time it became public knowledge that NDDC has over 12,000 awarded and abandoned projects spread across the entire Niger Delta region since inception, with payment mostly fully settled.

It has since been reported that Senator James Manager, a bonafide son of the region single handedly got 300 contracts from the Commission without executing a single one; whereas, accordingly, he has received full payment for 120 projects.

It then became news how N3.7 billion was paid by the Commission for the supply of “plastic chairs” and the few chairs that were delivered were delivered to a warehouse belonging to the same company that got the contract. Interestingly, the company and the warehouse belong to the current chairman Senate Committee on NDDC; the same man chairing the National Assembly investigation of the Commission.

Then, the acting chairman of the Commission, Kemebradikumo Pondei suddenly slumped to evade answering questions at the House of Representatives’ public hearing on corruption in NDDC. And that was it, he is no more to appear before the investigative Committee; since our representatives were satisfied despite not answering pertinent questions.

And then, the bombshell from the Honourable Minister, another son of the region that over 60 percent of all NDDC contracts were taken by members of the National Assembly. Then, it begins to make sense why Mr. Pondei apparently fainted and was given an perpetual relief from appearing before the House. Why the Minister was prevented from continuing his testimony by the same; and why as we speak, the NDDC case is becoming a stale issue as the National Assembly seem to deliberately make it so, begs for answers.

How do we explain 30 members of the House of Representatives alone receiving contracts worth over N100 billion from only NDDC without implementation?

These are individuals who are already draining the country without remorse and care for the rest of the citizens; collecting humongous allowances for doing exactly nothing for the country beyond their selfish aspirations.

These people still abuse their position by taking contracts that could have enabled the private

sector to function and provide jobs for the common man on the street, and the macroeconomic multiplier effect.

How do we explain the atrocities being committed against the people of the Niger Delta region by the same people who are supposed to be looking out for their welfare? While the region continues to groan under the weight of poverty and total lack of basic infrastructures, their leaders and elders of the same region are daily feeding on the commonwealth of the entire region. As the practice has been since 2001, these mind blowing revelations take the man inhumanity to man perpetrated by these men to a completely new level. The interim management of the Commission spent N81.5 billion as sundry expenses, inclusive of graduation ceremonies abroad at a time the nation was under lockdown, when no such activities could ever take place. Then, they spent N3.14 billion on Covid-19 palliatives, not for the citizens of the region but for themselves, while the citizens are totally ignored; then you have the N1.3 billion of nonexisting community relations, whatever that may be; N85.6 million for travels during the lockdown; N122.9 million on condolences between February and May, 2020; N23.8 million on consultancies; N790 .9 million as imprest; N2.6 billion on medicals; N1.9 billion on Lassa fever without any recorded cases of Lassa fever in the region; N706 million on legal services; N1.121 billion on public communication.

In all these, there was not a single record of what was spent for the people of the region, for whose purpose the Commission was set up.

And how do we respond to these as a people? Who are those who should speak out against the grim rape of the region and the continuous dwindling of the chances of survival of the over 50 million Nigerians inhabiting the region? The Nigerian youths in their number would rather enjoy Big Brother Nigeria and spend their time and money participating in cheering and voting participants in the non-benefiting venture than expending their energy in taking a stand against a system ravaging their chances at survival as a people.

When the Acting Managing Director of NDDC listed the contracts that members of the National Assembly forced on the Commission’s annual budget before they would agree to pass its budget, and subsequently arm twisted the Commission to pay upfront for all the phantoms projects even when there are no plans to execute any of them, the expectation and of course the normal is that Nigerians and most especially the youths would get angry and demand both explanations and reparations from their representatives at the National Assembly, but no,

nothing of such is happening; rather, we kept mute as we rather accuse and abuse the same government and President who is making efforts to unravel these gruesome atrocities and rid the nation of these continuous perpetration. These projects we are referring to here are necessary infrastructural projects that are needed by communities where they are deceitfully placed and unplaced by non-execution, and by implication, may never have it again because by record, they already have it.

The elders and leaders of the country especially those from the Niger Delta region who should be the focal point of response to these atrocities and its correction have also gone so quiet. Suddenly, it becomes that these elders are not interested any longer in issues of national relevancies.

But that is not true, their previous disposition doesn’t match their current silence. They have always been in the forefront of all attacks against the President’s handling of the nation’s anti-corruption fight, insecurity and every other topic that could present an opportunity to insult the President until now, when they suddenly chose the convenient silent response. Why? These same elders and leaders - or dealers? are also partly responsible for the atrocities we are witnessing across the nation’s economic and security problemspaces.

Imagine the likes of TY Danjuma, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, the self-acclaimed leader, Edwin Clark and many in their calibers are in the country but chose to pretend not to be aware of the ongoing corruption explosions in the Niger Delta region. They wouldn’t talk because they are most likely part of the rots and inclusive among the names that took the unexecuted contracts from NDDC and other agencies and ministries of government. I once read an alleged statement credited to a one time Niger Delta Minister, of how he gave Edwin Clark a contract to develop the region, how he took the job and the money but didn’t do the job. I also recall a petition on a failed contract submitted to EFCC against the same Edwin Clark and his company, Panama Construction Limited in 2013. The company was awarded a 10.3 km Aladja- Isaba road project in Delta state in 2006 for N595 million.

Seven years later, the job was not executed and the company was asking for a variation that would drag the value of the project to over N1 billion so they could collect more money while the job remained abandoned. Till today, the contract has not been executed nor delivered.

This is the reason why the likes of Edwin Clark would support the militants waging war against the rest of the country and why the supposed elder statesman will not condemn or even make a statement on the massive explosion of corruption at NDDC.

Believe me, Edwin Clark is just but a case study. The region boasts the richest governors in the history of Nigeria. Their political leaders are stupendously rich fellows; yet the population of the region has never looked inward when they want to air their grievances.

However, this rot is not limited to elders from that region alone, it is a phenomena evenly spread across the nation. Corruption, an untamed monster tramples the nation from all angles. It is in our country that a bank mistakenly paid a huge sum of N573 million into a bank account of a pastor connected to the head of the anticorruption agency of the country only to realise the error after four years after being summoned before an investigation panel to account for the transfer.

TY Danjuma has been busy shouting poverty and insecurity in the country, yet as a respected elder in his state and region, there exist no evidence of any action he has taken in the past or is currently undertaken to resolve the perennial Tiv-Jukun clashes that is ravaging his own people; though there have been various allegation of his sponsoring of the same feud. Shouting poverty, yet his company operates in the country, benefiting from the country without paying its dues to the country. Pan Ocean Nigeria, his company reportedly owes the country N240 billion.

Recently, the government had to terminate OML 98 license held by the company while AMCON won a case to sell off all assets of his company to recover the N240 billion.

The country is in a dilemma.

The hope of reparation is dim.

Corruption seems to keep having the upper hand regardless of sincerity of the fight against it; those who ought to support the Administration in the fight are as much interested in the regime of corruption and are only sabotaging the efforts. We already know how the NDDC investigation and probes would end. The National Assembly and the power blocks involved in the control of the wealth of the Niger Delta region would very soon began the blackmail game to stop the executive from proceeding with the investigation; the House and Senate Committees would naturally drag its feet until the investigation is overtaking by events and naturally died as the norms have been with all other before it. And Nigerians would as usual remain the perpetual losers.

I would restate the fact that to win the war against corruption, this country needs not just a president willing to fight corruption but a citizen population that wants to fight and end corruption. Until we get that needed combination, we would continue to breed corruption and corrupt elements who would continue to take us all and our commonwealth for a graft ride.

God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!

. . . putting the people first

Wednesday AUGUST 12, 2020

SPORTS latest

Turkish Club Trabzonspor knee on Omeruo

K

enneth Omeruo is a subject of interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Omeruo is expected to leave Spanish club Leganes this summer following the Cucumber Growers relegation to the Segunda Division.

The versatile defender only joined Leganes on a permanent deal from Premier League club Chelsea last summer after impressing on loan in the previous campaign.

He scored once in 23 league appearances for Leganes in the 2019/20 season.

Leganes , according to reports in Turkey , are not willing to accept less than the €5m they paid Chelsea for Omeruo.

Trabzonspor finished in second position in the Turkish Super Lig last season but won the FA Cup title.

They are looking to bring in new players to improve the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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Images, relics of corruption from NDDC

For 60 years, the Nigerian state has been having the misfortune of being maltreated by its citizens.

Whether in government or out of government it has been their unbridled appetite for dismantling state structures, monumental stealing of resources, demeaning state capacity for growth and development, and watching her groping for life.

I have over time pondered the possibility of a nation like Nigeria, developing in the midst of colossal daily atrocities perpetrated by Nigerians - without end - against the country from all corners of the country - without remorse. It is impossible for any nation, ours inclusive to develop in the real sense of developing when the sole concern of majority of its citizens is constantly how to personally benefit from the country; a consideration that obviously has resulted in a scenario where, without doubt, over 90 percent of the nation’s permanent and recurring resources are either directly owned by few individuals or are positioned to be continuously siphoning to them at an unbearable high cost to Nigeria and the masses.

2015 was supposed to be the defining year for Nigeria; the commencement of a new era of healing and redemption for the country, but no, it is not.

Nothing much has changed in the treatment Nigeria gets from its citizens, particularly the highly corrupt ones. The nation, though began a similitude of what is ideally expected of a sane and patriotic system but it couldn’t sustain it for the singular reason that we mistook the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari for all that is needed to transform the country. It is certain now that we need more than the President to start the new Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari is a single individual with an impeccable track record of a corrupt-free reputation, hatred for corruption and unmatched desire to fight corruption. But ours is a crooked system as everyone can not deny. At a point in the history of Nigeria, certain men came to the realisation that they could become the owners of the country by controlling its resources and by implication the people. That was when the concept of usurping the position of power and authority to become

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USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com rich without consideration for the effects on the nation and the rest of its citizens became a popular idea among politicians. Since then, the concept has grown in monstrosity.

Since then the demarcation of the Nigeria population along access to the nation’s wealth has produced two distinct groups. The first group constituted less than 2 percent of the entire population of the country but controlled over 90 percent of the entire wealth of the nation, just by being in the corridor of power or close to it.

In this group, you have almost all the politicians in the country; and it is easier for them to be multibillionaires without any business that adds value to the nation - just by being politicians, and if you like, with the title, ‘honourable.’

They flaunt the wealth with reckless abandon and make hard work undesirable among the population who see them become rich without sweat. The other group constitutes the rest of Nigerians that are either living in penury or barely surviving.

The population of these few men and women impoverishing the entire nation is what constitutes the system ruling the country. And the reason why the President is not winning the war against corruption and most likely would not win it, or be able to achieve his noble dreams for the country is because as the leopard does not change his color, so also are the bulk of the people working with him not willing to let go of the perennial culture of corruption. The President is mostly alone in this fight, along

“

with a few appointees; while the rest, just like the men of the Jonathanian administration are busy strategising to continue the perpetration of their atrocities against the country.

For them, just as ever, allocated resources for national developments must be cornered and shared among them while projects either remain paper works or abandoned across the nation. Contracts are awarded and paid fully for when the job is either not done at all or abandoned halfway on rare occasions.

The last few weeks has been monumental in huge and odd revelations of certain citizens’ unpatriotic dealings with the commonwealth of the Nigerian nation. The NDDC age-long financial misappropriations and bastardisation of the region by the same few Nigerians who chose to elope with all resources earmarked for the development of the region as contained in the founding objectives of NDDC. The drama in the National Assembly investigation of the alleged corruptions in the corporation; the ongoing attempts and counter attempts to cover up and tactically end the investigations like every other ones before it; and the unbecoming silence of leaders of the Niger Delta region who are hitherto known for their unsolicited vulgarity and outspokenness on national issues, especially when it has to do with maligning the President and his fight against corruption. Much more, is the worrisome disposition of Nigerians to the issue; who are expected to arise unanimously and

The last few weeks has been monumental in huge and odd revelations of certain citizens’ unpatriotic dealings with the commonwealth of the Nigerian nation.

speak against the clear incident of abuse of power and positions by these rogue leaders. Alas, Nigerians were more preoccupied with mundane issues such as Big Brother Nigeria. We spend time crying against non-development of regions in the country, and castigate the President for nonperformance but keep mum when reality of what transpires and who and who are responsible for the ruts of the nation is laid bare for all to see.

I have had the opportunity to visit and see firsthand the underdevelopment of the states of the Niger Delta region; from Bayelsa to Ogoni in River state; I saw the inhuman treatment the populace has been subjected to because of lack of necessary amenities and bastardisation of the environment despite huge provisions for the same by the federal government on a number of interventions. Today, focus might be on NDDC, but the reality is that the region is provided for - with allocations - on much more platforms. The 13 percent derivation allocation and the Ministry of Niger Delta have always been there; and are as infected, infested and corrupt as NDDC. From the beginning and right from the metamorphosis of OMPADEC to NDDC, the goal of the federal government has been the prioritisation of the development of the Niger Delta region of the country.

Unfortunately, since then and till now, there has not been any significant improvement in the region to justify the Continued on page 31

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