Monday, October 14, 2019 Edition

Monday, October 14, 2019/ Safar 14, 1441 AH

2012 Days after

APC, PDP bicker over one party state >>>page 9

Vol. 32 No. 070 N150

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Why I stayed away for so long -Aisha Buhari

>>page 5

Minimum wage:

Prepare for strike, NLC orders workers

>>>page 5

The First Lady, Hajia Aishat Buhari speaking with journalists while her associates from the left, Barr. Mary Eta; Mrs. Joy Nunieh; Dr. Mairo Almakura and others watch on her arrival aboard a British Airways flight from her vacation at the Nnamdi Azikiwa International Airport, yesterday in Abuja.

How Eagles held Brazil to an entertaining 1-1 draw

>>page 29

Ex-VP Sambo not our shareholder, says Kaduna Electric

Nigerian embassy in Benin not attacked – Ambassador

PDP rejects FG moves to gag press

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

News

CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Feature Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

2020 budget: Kaduna govt. takes draft copy to citizens for inputs Page 6

Digest

25

Feature

26

Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

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Ex-VP Sambo not our shareholder, says Kaduna Electric From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has said the former Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo is not a shareholder in the company neither is anyone holding shares for him by proxy.

Head, Corporate

Communication Abdulazeez Abdullahi Stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday The statement added that, the clarification has become necessary in the light of a recent report by an online news medium which made a baseless and unfounded allegation linking the former vice president to Kaduna Electricity

Distribution Company.

“We wish to state that the bidding for Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company was won through an open, competitive process by North West Power which comprises reputable business entities whose ownership is public knowledge and can be verified from the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant government

entities.

“We therefore appeal to media practitioners to be circumspect and always make the effort to verify information before going to press. The implications of not doing so has the potential to cause severe damage to not only people’s hard earned reputation but to businesses as well.” the statement said.

ABU to host first Universities SDGs Summit From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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s part of the mandate of the Centre for Development and Advanced Learning (CENDAL) to promote educational excellence in and around the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, CENDAL would in collaboration with Connected Development host the first Universities SDGs Summit in Ahmadu Bello University.

This was contained in a statement signed by Suleiman Muhammad Murkthar and Hamzat B Lawal Director: CENDAL NIGERIAandChief Executive: Connected Development respectively.

According to the statement, the summit which is scheduled to hold from February 27th – 1st March 2020 seeks to host students and professionals from different institutions in Nigeria to drive more awareness around the United Nations Global Goals for sustainable development.

“The Summit would be featuring Panel Discussions and Paper Presentations from VCs and other key individuals from the academia and other institutions.

“Awards would also be issued to students and other institutions for their active contribution to the Global Goals.

With just ten years 2020 until the next review for the SDGs, the pertinence of collaboration cannot be overemphasized.

“The summit is to hold annually in different universities around the country leading up to the next review of the United Nations and every year a compendium of the summit detailing students concerns,

communiqués from the summit panels and suggestions on how the government and the United Nations itself can further advance better achievement of the goals would be published.

“This compendium is to

serve as a referral document for public consumption. The Centre invites Universities, Organizations and other promoters of the SDGs to join in on the summit,” the statement added.

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News

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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ollowing the submission of the list of commissioner nominees to the Niger State House of Assembly last week, the people of Agaie Local Government Area have staged a protest to Government House Minna rejecting the governor’s nominee, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf who was “2019 Governor Bello Campaign” Director General.

The protesters in their numbers who stormed Government House gate last Thursday explained that they have better candidates in Agaie to represent them at the state cabinet who are more competent, reliable, acceptable and knowledgeable that can carry everybody along.

They described the present nominee as “a selfish individual who never cares about his people or domain and unacceptable by 80% of the local council population” hence the need to reject one who cannot bring progress to the entire state.

Accordingly, the gate of the Government House was barricaded by security agents against the

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Protests trail list of commissioner nominees in Niger protesters who intended to go in to complain officially to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to immediately make a reversal of who to represent them in his cabinet.

It was reliably gathered that security was quickly beefed up to stop the aggrieved youths from gaining access to the Government House and urged them to remain calm.

However, two of the protesters vehicles were arrested and detained at Police Command headquarters in Minna for carrying local weapons found in their possession.

An APC stakeholder in Agaie, Hon. Aliyu Abdulmalik said that major stakeholders in the area were in full support of the nominee because of his transparency and openness.

He noted that some of the protesters doesn’t know what they were brought to do as many

retrieved from the action against the nominee.

Also, the member representing Gurara Constituency in the Niger state House of Assembly, Hon. Binta Mamman has said that the women in the state were not happy with the list of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello to the state assembly for screening and confirmation.

Speaking to some journalists after plenary in Minna on Thursday, however regretted how out of 17 nominees sent only two were women and threatened to protest, noted that the Governor didn’t keep to his promise that his administration would be women friendly noted that the list is not good enough.

The legislator warned that if the remaining names being expected do not have women to compensate

for the first list, the women in Niger State would protest as they await the three other nominees from the governor.

In same vein, the State Chairman of Niger state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bar. Tanko Beji has expressed shock and raised concern over the calibre of people contained in the list of commissioner nominees submitted to the assembly for approval as embarrassing.

In a statement issued in Minna, he stated that “The list which is coming 5 good months after Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s second term inauguration, is rather a list of below average men and women, this also include mostly persons, Governor Bello himself scored as “failures” in his first term of fours years that ended without commissioning of any single project yet several billions of Naira

were expended.”

The chairman added that “The PDP is most appalled that the same men and women who superintendent over the construction of a N2 billion wasteful fence around the Government House, N3 billion on “Maintenance” of the N1.7 billion (built and equipped by the PDP) Jummai Babangida Aliyu Neonatal Hospital Extension Minna, wasted N4.7billion for the damaged Minna - Abuja, Tegina- Birnin Gwari Road maintenance, wasteful investment summit that yielded zero investment but cost the state hundreds of millions.

He expressed worry over the names of the same failed characters as nominees in the recently released list of nominees to the state assembly indicating “no step forward and 20 step backwards” for the state.

Sex-for-marks: Rights commission reads riot act to perpetrators

By Albert Akota

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Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Isaac Akinmoyede (L) presenting a trophy to the overall winner of the competition/Commander, Operation Safe Haven Plateau State, Maj.-Gen Augustine Agundu (R) during the Operation Safe Haven Inter-combat Proficiency Competition, ywestedaty in Jebu-Miango village of Bassa LGA, Plateau State

Nigerian embassy in Benin not attacked – Ambassador mb. Kayode Oguntuase, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin has said that Nigeria’s embassy in that country was never attacked.

Oguntuase debunked the rumours in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

“My office has been inundated with telephone calls regarding an attack on Nigerian embassy in Cotonou.

“There have been insinuations arising from a video clip now in circulation, claiming that the embassy was attacked by hoodlums,’’ he said.

The ambassador described the video clip as false and fake, saying, “the embassy is not under any form of attack’’.

He also stated that Nigeria’s embassy and its diplomatic personnel were safe and free from any form of danger.

“The Embassy wishes to state

that this news is fake; the embassy of Nigeria in Cotonou was never attacked and the embassy is not under any form of attack.

“The Embassy premises and its personnel are currently safe, well protected and free from any form of threat or danger,’’ Oguntuase said.(NAN)

he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in its strongest terms the prevalence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in the country, especially the several allegations of sex for marks being perpetrated by lecturers in institutions of higher learning.

Reacting to the media report making the rounds on the alleged case of “sex for mark by a UNILAG lecturer, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu Esq said until stringent measures are taken and perpetrators of these heinous acts adequately prosecuted, the menace may continue to linger.”

He observed that the Commission has recorded several complaints of sexual and gender-based violence in recent times which he described as endemic and must be dealt with as a matter of urgent national concern.

He said as part of measures to curb this crime against humanity, the Commission is set to hold a public hearing on the matter and “we will also seriously monitor the prosecution of the case involving the Lecture with the University of Lagos to the

later. This particular case must not be swept under the carpet, we will direct our Lagos office to follow this case and ensure the perpetrator is brought to book, so as to serve as deterrent to others” he added.

Speaking further, Ojukwu said due to the nature of complaints on the prevalence of SGBV in

institutions of higher learning, “the Commission is planning on establishing a human right desk to deal with general issues of human rights violations especially as it relates to that of SGBV in our tertiary institutions, the desk will collaborate with the Commission to promptly report all cases of sexual and gender based violence

tertiary institutions,” he stressed.

While urging members of the public especially family members to desist from interfering with the process of investigating and prosecuting SGBV cases by way of withdrawing the matter during investigations, the Executive Secretary is using this medium to inform the public that victims

protection mechanism has been put in place by the Commission.

He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and other relevant authorities to ensure a speedy prosecution of various cases of sexual assaults that have been reported in the past.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (middle) Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono ( left) and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid (right), during an inspection visit to Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve in Dukku local Government area, at the weekend in Gombe state.

Refugees Commission sensitizes IDPs on sexual violence

By Ese Awhotu

H

on.

Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed has advised IDPs to engage in economic activities and sustainable livelihood as a

means of preventing Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGVB).

Speaking at a sensitization programme organized for the Abuja IDPs at Durumi, the Commissioner who was represented by his Special Adviser, Alwan Hassan noted that lack of financial independence was partly responsible for the challenge.

A statement by Abdul A. Onu, Head of Press &PR in the Commission, said the Commissioner stressed that women, children boys and girls are all at risk, even as he advised against child marriage.

Speaking, Deputy Director in charge of IDPs in the Commission, Fatima Mamman Daura said that everything

possible would be done to improve the welfare of IDPs and other Persons of Concern.

Norwegian Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) made presentations to sensitive the

IDPs, while the Federal Capital Territory Cultural Group presented a drama sketch to send the message.

The IDPs, however, called for improved interventions from government and other wellmeaning groups and individuals, especially in the areas of accommodation, empowerment and medical care.

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News

NATOR boss blames high rate of accidents on bad roads From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

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he leadership of Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NATOR) has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to urgently repair the nation’s roads.

Addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi weekend, the state chairman in charge of Niger State chapter, Alhaji Hassan Shiroro said that the major causes of the accidents in Nigeria is as a result of the bad roads been experienced across the country.

He explained further that there is need by the federal Government to reconsider the roads in the country most especially in some parts of the north.

“For example if you look at the roads that are bad in Niger State they are federal roads, which I commended the efforts of the Niger State Governor for his efforts in reducing the suffering of the motorists across the state,” he added.

Alhaji Hassan who was a newly elected state chairman commended the efforts of the National President of the association for maintaining peace among the Union, assuring him of promoting peace and unity among their members while promising to carried each and every member along irrespective of the ethnicity and religion difference.

“You see if the Nigeria roads are in good condition the accident will reduced but our roads are facing serious challenges and the drivers are suffering too much, “ he said.

He explained further with dismay that if the urgent attention failed to be taking before the end of year 2020 then some Nigerians car users cannot travel far.

He then admonished the commercial vehicles drivers not to take law into their hands, called on them to be law abiding citizen.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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Nigerian intending passenger aboard Air France Mr. Jude Oladapo

News

Why we organise in-theater training for soldiers -Army

Minimum wage: Prepare for strike, NLC orders workers

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By Ese Awhotu

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos he Operation Safe Haven, (OPSH), the multi-security task force maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi states, has explained why the operation is engaging its personnel in an in-theatre training.

According to the commander of the operation, Major General Augustine Agundu, the in-theatre training which includes weapon handling, casualty evacuation, combat run and map reading was meant to increase the troops combat proficiency and dominate the area of Operation with

intensive military activities.

General Agundu disclosed this over the weekend during the closing ceremony of Intersector/Forward Operation Base In-theatre Combat Proficiency Competition held in Jebu-Miango of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The army general added that, the training would also foster greater “espirit-de-corps”, improve the combat fitness of troops and maintain the tempo that would further consolidate on the successes achieved by the operation in its area of operations.

He said, “ Operation Safe Haven(OPSH) organised this

in-theatre Combat Proficiency Competition on some aspects of its kinetic and non-kinetic activities. These activities include weapon handling, combat run, map reading, casualty evacuation and First Aid in the field. The aim of this competition is to increase the troops combat proficiency and dominate the Area of Operation with intensive military activities. “ The training would also foster greater espirit-de-corps, improve the combat fitness of troops and most importantly dominate all the identified trouble spots with series of military activities and afford the command to bolster the important roles of female personnel in

internal security operations. “ He further said that the exercise was in line with this initiative to conform with the Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) Operational Directives which would provide the avenue for the command to improve the troops’ professionalism and responsiveness within the Joint Operation Area through proactive measures.

Our correspondent reports that the training ended with Intersector/forward operation base competition of 13 groups where the headquarters of the operation declared the overall winner of all categories.

L-R: Komta Community Leader of Baliri LGA, Gombe State, Dr. David Maddo, Community Leader, Royal Highness, Kilang Mala and the Executive Director, Centre for Community Excellence, Mr. Adamu Kotorkohi, during the Inaugural meeting of the Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Community, organize by Global Right organization, held at the weekend in Abuja

Minister, KGIS boss, others advocate free, compulsory education for girls

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and the convener of the Keep Girls In School Initiative (KGIS) Dr. Mairo Mandara have advocated free and compulsory education for girls in the country.

The two prominent advocates spoke at the weekend during a march to mark the 2019 International Day of the girl child.

The march which started from Abia House to Eagle Square in Abuja, saw young girls from various schools and mothers.

Specifically, the minister said the issue of free and compulsory education for girls from primary to senior secondary school is nonnegotiable.

“We are here to make a statement to ensure free and compulsory education for girls at all levels. Our young girls must be allowed to go to school. We are also here to condemn early marriage. Girls should be given opportunities to explore and pursue their education so as be useful to themselves”.

Speaking on the Child Right Act, she said the federal government has

been engaging states, saying that 24 states had domesticated the act.

“So far, 24 states have domesticated the Child Right Act and we are talking with all the state governments and the state Houses of Assembly and very soon the 36 states will key in.

“Mr President is fully committed to this cause; the girl child education is key to Mr President and this administration. We are therefore calling on leaders at different levels to support this campaign.

“Educating the girl child is educating the nation. We are therefore appealing to our

religious and traditional leaders, community leaders and parents to back this campaign to ensure that the girl child is given a space to be educated.”

On her part, convener of the KGIS Dr. Mairo Mandara said there is also need for girls to be taught market relevant skills in schools.

“We are also asking for various skills to be taught in schools so that the girls who can’t go to higher institutions can practice those skills. Some of them want to be beauticians, caterers and other skills that will help them to be usefully life.”

Passenger slumps, dies at Lagos airport From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

is now at the Nigerian Air Force Hospital Mortuary facility following his death on Saturday at the Lagos airport. reports confirmed yesterday.

Authorities explained that the 44 years old slumped and died upon receiving news of his wife demise while undergoing boarding formalities at the

International wing of the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Joseph Alabi, the spokesperson for the MMIA

Police Command told reporters the incident occurred at about 5.30p.m and was confirmed by Dr Ajayi Olamide of the MMIA Medical Clinic .

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he Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has ordered its state chapters to get prepared for a nationwide strike over delayed implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.

General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugbiaja, who signed the circular sent to state councils, said workers would commence industrial action should no agreement be reached

by Wednesday.

The directive follows the expiration of the ultimatum issued by labour unions over the minimum wage implementation.

Recall that , the unions had issued a communiqué, warning that economic activities would be grounded on October 16 if the federal government failed to reconvene a meeting of the committee on consequential adjustments of workers’ salaries based on the new minimum wage.

NLC has however, now formally written a letter to state councils of the union to get set for an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to accept its demands on the consequential adjustment of salaries as a result of the new minimum wage by October 16, 2019.

The letter stated, “ You will recall that a joint communiqué was issued by the leadership of the NLC. Trade Union Congress and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council stating that after two weeks from the date of the said communiqué, industrial harmony could not be guaranteed in the country should an agreement not be reached with the Federal Government on the consequential adjustment of salaries as a result of the new minimum wage of N30,000.

“You are hereby directed to coordinate preparations with TUC and JPSNC in your state for necessary industrial action should the time expire without an agreement as contained in the communiqué.”

The General Secretary of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Alade Lawal, had last week hinted that mobilisation of workers for a possible industrial action after October 16 had reached an advanced stage.

According to him, the partial implementation of the minimum wage for levels one to six was a ‘divide and rule’ system that would be vehemently opposed by labour.

The Federal Government had

said that the major reason for the delay in the full implementation of the minimum wage was the percentage salary increase for certain categories of workers.

While the federal government had presented a proposal of 11 per cent salary increase for officers on grade level 07 to14 and 6.5 per cent

adjustment for workers of grade level 15 to 17, labour is demanding 29 per cent salary increase for officers on salary level 07 to 14 and 24 per cent adjustment for officers on salary grade level 15 to 17 .

However, there is no disagreement over the minimum wage to federal workers on

grade 1-6 as that is already being implemented On May 14, the Federal Government inaugurated the relativity and consequential adjustment committee, which in turn set up a technical subcommittee to work out a template for the adjustment of salaries of

public service employees.

However, government and labour have failed to reach an agreement over relativity and consequential adjustments for the implementation of the new minimum wage more than six months after it was signed into law.

L-R: FCT 11 Chairman, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Mr. Agbo Emmanuel, Representative of the family of Agonoh, Engr Suleiman Nasir Agonoh , the Assistant Registrar, Corporate Affairs ANAN, Mr. Rahman Bello and the Secretary FCT 11 Branch of ANAN, Comrade Daniel Dogara . during the Valedictory session in Honour of the Late Pioneer Branch Chairman of ANAN FCT 11, Late Dr. Nasir Agonoh Akwh, organized by FCT Branch, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Why I stayed away for so long -Aisha Buhari

By Lawrence Olaoye

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he wife of the President, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Aisha Buhari has explained that her long stay outside the country was to spend her long vacation with her family.

Mrs. Buhari gave the explanation yesterday in a statement made available to newsmen by her Special Assistant on Media, Adebisi Olumide Ajayi, in Abuja.

The rumour of her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, getting married to one of his cabinet members went viral on the social media till last Friday when the purported wedding

was to take place at the Central Mosque in Abuja.

Social media had it that unconfirmed source in the Villa disclosed that the President was to marry the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and social development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq last Friday.

Perhaps to confirm the veracity of the rumour, last Friday’s jummat prayer was well attended at the State House Mosque by Muslims.

This was notwithstanding the disclaimer made by Mr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity.

According to the statement

from Mrs. Buhari’s media aide, she returned to the country at approximately 4.30am Nigerian time on a British Airways flight yesterday.

Speaking on why she stayed away for so long, Dr Buhari said before the advent of this administration it had always been the custom for her to take a long vacation with her children, but since the president was elected and due to exigencies of duty it has not been possible, however this year she decided to break the jinx and spend time with them, especially since Mr President has graciously appointed Special Advisers and Personal assistants to her.

Mrs Buhari further thanked

all Nigerians for their support and encouragement and said she was ready to continue her work with women and children Present at the airport to meet her were the First lady of Kogi state, Mrs Rasheedat Bello, Wife of former Governor of Nassarawa state, Mrs Mairo Al Makura. Chairperson of National centre for Women Development Joy Gene Nunieh, wife of Minister for Niger Delta Affairs Mrs Ekaetae Unoma Godswill Akpabio, D.G. Womens development centre, Mrs Mary Etta, and Senior Special Assistant office of the wife of the President, Dr Hajo Sani.

She returned home to the villa to meet Family and friends

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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News

FG endorses modernization of grazing reserves in Bauchi

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

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he Federal Government has said that it will support Bauchi State government to modernize its grazing reserves in line with international best practice.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji

Muhammad Sabo Nanono gave the assurance while interacting with stakeholders in the sector in Bauchi.

Nanono said the Livestock Transformation Plan initiated by the Buhari’s administration is to cater the needs of the beneficiaries.

He said the Ministry would sensitize farmers and other

critical stakeholders on the need to key into the policy as already foreign investors have agreed to invest in the sector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development who assured of the federal government support for effective implementation of the policy in the state, attributed the high rate of

unemployment in the country to the collapsed of industries.

The State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said if properly utilized, the grazing reserves in the state would contribute positively towards the reduction of poverty and unemployment.

Represented by his

Deputy, Senator Baba Tela, the Governor said already the state government has keyed into the federal government livestock transformation Plan.

Governor Bala Mohammed expressed the readiness of his administration to modernize its grazing reserves for the socioeconomic development of the state.

RTEAN leadership, unity drive excites Niger chapter From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

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he National President of Road Transport Employee’s Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Osakpamwan Eriyo has been commended for his leadership style and consistent relentless in his support to the Association in the 36 states of the country.

The Acting Chairman, Niger State RTEAN, Alhaji Garba Paiko made the commendation in an interview at the weekend in Minna, described him as a God fearing person that have the association at heart who will surely move them to greater heights.

He added that the president is a trust worthy individual who deserved to be emulated for matching his words with action just as he is one that strictly abide by the laws and the constitution of the association in piloting his affairs.

“When Mr Eriyo, came on board he arranged on how the National Headquarters of RTEAN will be appreciating the efforts made by their past principle officers of the association which he succeeded in doing and the effort is ongoing.” he stated.

“He always create good working relationship between the government and the association, as well advise his subordinate to eschewing bitterness and animosity so as to achieve the aims and objectives of the Association (RTEAN),” he added.

Paiko reiterated the determination of the president who is working tirelessly to ensured that the National office is moved from its present location to its permanent site with a befitting structure they would be proud of noted that the project was ongoing that will be commission in no distance time.

He appreciated the President, Mr Eriyo for his resolute by intervening and settlement of the crises within themselves in Niger state Branch of RTEAN as well nominating some group of people to pilot the affairs of RTEAN in acting capacity to ensure peace.

News

Security beefed up at Oshiomhole’s Edo residence, after failed attack From Benin

Osaigbovo

Iguobaro,

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ecurity operatives on Friday repelled an attack by hoodlums at the residence of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Okorotun Street, Government Reservation Area, Benin City.

An inside source, said security repelled the hoodlums who attempted to block the entrance to the residence.

The source said Oshiomhole, former governor of the State was away to a function in Benin when the hoodlums blocked the entrance of his residence came.

There was no casualty recorded in the alleged attack.

It was gathered that the hoodlums who chanted war songs, were conveyed to the area in a Nissan Vanette buses.

According to him, “Oshiomhole came for the purpose of a function that took place in Protea hotel which was his aim of coming to Benin City from Abuja.

“While he was away on the function, some thugs believed to be in the other camp, blocked the entrance to his residence, fanning the embers of war.

“Security men on ground dislodge the hoodlums from gaining entrance into the residence.

There were a lot of gunshots on

Friday night. Their aim is not yet established.

Addressing some youths who later converged on his residence in solidarity , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged residents of the State to be calm.

He urged them to embrace peace, he alleged that the motive of “ those beating the drum of war” is to plunge Edo State into avoidable crisis.

“In a moment like this, it is not madness for madness because many of you I see here in 2007, you were already strong. During my second in 2012, you were already strong; Even at 2016, some of you were already deployed as party agent.

“These people want to create what has not happen for a very long time. They want war and want to cause crisis. They are boasting that they want to crush and crush people.

Go and buy crushing machine.

“No man born of a woman that can change what God has said. And if God says No, who can say yes? My own is don’t let them drag you out of the bathroom like Igbo man says and be running after them like the tow naked mad men because we are not mad.

“If it comes to the ruffle ruffle that he wants, they don’t have the number. You know that when you start to tell lies, you will have to lie many times to sustain one lie. So, when I hear

“We will not condescend to their level.

“But, let me say this. It is clear, Nigeria is a free country.

There is freedom of association.

Thee is freedom of worship. There is freedom of religion. There is freedom of expression. So, nobody in Nigeria can harass you. Just be the good guys that you are. “ In the meantime, Security has been beefed up around the residence apparently to forestall breakdown of law and order.

On Sunday morning, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operation), Edo Command, Mr Tunde Sunmonu led a high level of security operatives to Oshiomhole’s residence.

Nasarawa police arrest man for allegedly killing stepmum

T Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, left with the recuperating octogenarian Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, who has recently been indisposed. The Governor was at the traditional ruler›s Kurfi palace

2020 budget: Kaduna govt. takes draft copy to citizens for inputs From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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aduna State Government yesterday took the draft copy of its 2020 budget estimate to citizens for inputs , observations and necessary amendments .

In her remarks during the Town Hall meeting held at General Usman Katsina House , Kaduna the Deputy Governor,Dr. Balarabe Hadiza said the decision to always put the draft budget in public domain is part of government’s commitment to entrench a culture of political responsiveness in our democratic culture.

Balarabe Hadiz,who represented the State Governor ,Malam Nasir ElRufai that it is the fifth draft budget to be discussed at a town hall meeting.

According to her , the government consider it important to obtain citizens views, comments and input before the draft budget estimates

are transmitted to the Kaduna State House of Assembly. ”The draft 2020 Budget reflects the Putting People First priorities of the Kaduna State Government. These were first outlined in the Restoration Programme, the Kaduna State specific iteration of the APC manifesto.

“We committed ourselves to the following: “Invest in education, healthcare and social welfare foster the security of lives and property institute a good governance system that is founded on a competent and responsive public service with zero tolerance for corruption.

“Maintain, rebuild and expand Infrastructure (water supply, electricity and road networks) to accelerate economic growth that will create jobs, jobs and more jobs; Promote agriculture and food security and reform of land administration as a basis for wealth creation and capital formation, while preserving

and enhancing environmental management.

“As the first full-year budget of the second term of this government, the 2020 budget is conceived to accelerate the attainment of our governance agenda. We propose a budget size of N245.4bn.

“The capital component is N177.29bn, an unprecedented figure in absolute and percentage terms in the fiscal history of the state. With recurrent expenses set at N62.9bn, the 2020 budget, when approved, is projected to have a capital to recurrent ratio of 72%:28%.

“As you are aware, we are implementing an urban renewal programme in Kaduna. This includes the construction of seven new roads and the upgrade of 14 others to improve connections within Kaduna metropolis. Similar projects are envisaged for our two other main cities, Kafanchan and Zaria.

“Capital expenditure on Education and Health are proposed at N33.9bn and N23.3bn, respectively.

In the first term, this government doubled primary school enrolment, recruited 25,000 primary school teachers and began a programme of school renovation and rebuilding.

But enormous challenges remain in upgrading 4,250 public primary schools and about 500 secondary schools. ” We inherited these schools in largely decrepit conditions. Many schools have no classroom furniture, and lack water and sanitation facilities.

We will continue the patient work required to fix thousands of schools.

“In the Health sector, investments in primary health care will continue to be central to our programme to tackle maternal and infant mortality. We will also fast track the implementation of the Contributory Health Insurance Scheme.’

Okowa mourns Prof. Emmanuel Edozien From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

elta State Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of renowned academic and former Presidential Economic Adviser, Prof. Emmanuel Edozien.

Edozien, who died in Lagos at 82 on Saturday, is a sibling of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien.

The deceased was a Professor of International and Development Economics and former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ibadan.

He served as Economic Adviser to the

late former President Shehu Shagari and was Chairman, Governing Council, Bells University of Technology, Ota. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the Edozien royal family and people of Asaba over the demise of the astute scholar and

economist of repute.

He said that the contributions of departed Edozien to nation-building were outstanding and would long be remembered.

He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

he Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Ahmed Abdullahi, for allegedly stabbing his stepmother to death.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the suspect allegedly committed the act on Friday at about 11pm at Ungwan-Yakubu in Agyaragu village, Obi Local Government Area of the state.

NAN quoted the police command’s spokesperson, Mr Ramhan Nansel, as saying the suspect went into hiding after committing the crime but was arrested on Saturday morning.

Nansel said the suspect was about to be lynched by residents of the village before the police intervened and took him into custody.

He said the police had launched an investigation to ascertain the motive behind the act.

Kidnapp victim, Hon. Gambo Sam›ila Yarliyau, a Councillor representing Barkiya Ward in Kurfi local government, Katsina State, his wife and one-year old daughter were yesterday released (to Governor Aminu Bello Masari) after nine days in captivity.

Nigerian Army captures 10 Boko Haram commanders

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he Nigerian Army says it has captured 10 suspected key Boko Haram members at Bitta in Gwoza LGA of Borno, trying to escape the troops’ sustained onslaught on them.

The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Aminu Iliyasu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that a successful sting operation conducted on October 9 by troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade led to the arrest of the suspects.

According to him, many of those arrested have been identified to have operated combat vehicles during the infamous Boko Haram attack on Gwoza in 2014.

“The arrested suspects include Shettima Mustapha Umar, Abba Buji, Alhaji Bukar Madu-(KAHID – a Boko Haram Terrorists’ equivalent of a Brigadier General), Ali Hassan (Boko Haram Terrorist Imam) and Alkali Laminu.

“Others are Bukur Mustapha, Buba Umaru (Alias Black Uhuru) also a KAHID, Madu Nosobe, Mustapha Hussaine and Umar Jeddum all from Bama LGA of Borno State.

“It is gratifying to note that

one of the arrested suspects, Alhaji Bukar Modu is Serial 89 on the high profile Boko Haram leaders wanted list published by the authorities of the Nigerian Army,’’ he said.

Mr Iliyasu, a colonel, said the troops of the Nigerian Army had

stepped up operations nationwide to checkmate the activities of criminal, adding that various operations had yielded results.

He also said that troops of 1 Division Garrison Tactical Headquarters, Kaduna, intercepted

suspected cattle rustlers and recovered 23 rustled cows in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

According to him, efforts are on to identify the owners of the stolen livestock for eventual release to them..(NAN)

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

women.

It was gathered that these fraudster taskforce members under the guise of working for the state government had ripped off unsuspecting travellers, especially haulage business women and men at the head bridge linking Asaba and Onitsha where they allegedly collect between N1,000 and N2,000 on each vehicle including drivers of big trucks , long vehicles traveling with their goods to the eastern states , others.

Their modus operandi, further investigation revealed, is to clad in fake Delta state taskforce designed

Jackets with bold inscription” Delta Taskforce” and position themselves within the Head bridge, before Asaba International Airport on the Asaba Onitsha express way where they often mar road block for long vehicles and trucks for specific payment of money ranging between N2,000 and N3,000 in most cases with issued receipts.

But the state government through the Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Mr Chika Ossai who spoke to journalists in Asaba on Friday, said that Delta State government had put mercenaries in place to arrest and prosecute

criminals who pose as haulage taskforce members in the state to extort money from motorists, adding that the state government would also collaborate with security agents such as the Police and members of the Civil Defence Corps to ensure those involved in the illegal activities are brought to book.

He said:” we are working very hard to ensure that the illegal activities do not thrive anymore in the state, and the taskforce that are always extorting unsuspecting travellers and motorists are brought to book”

Delta govt. cracks down illegal taskforce on major roads

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n its determined efforts to block all financial leakages, Delta State government has taken steps to arrest fake haulage taskforce members to end their illegal activities in the state.

Investigation revealed that fake haulage taskforce members have turned the state into mecca of sorts in illegal activities, especially within the head bridge in Asaba and Onitsha where they extort money from unsuspecting members of the public including haulage business men and

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

News

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

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By Ochiaka Ugwu

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Gov. Obaseki to speak at Correspondents’ Chapel forum

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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do State governor, Godwin Obaseki will on Tuesday speak at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), mandatory training programme.

The 2019 event which is billed for 10am at Edo State NUJ Press Centre, Benin City, according to the organizing Committee Chairman, Don Ofure Osehobo is entitled: “Fake News as a Menace to Nigeria’s democracy”.

He said in a statement that the former General Manager of the Edo Broadcasting Service, Revd. Tunde Ebozogie from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, will deliver a paper on Contemporary definitions and Concepts of Fake News as well as sources while a former Insider Magazine Correspondents, Dr Felix Oriakhi from Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, will speak on impact of Fake News on National development and Nigeria’s Democratic Experiment.

Correspondents’ Chapel, comprises journalists from National Dailies, Magazines and television stations whose head offices are located outside Edo State but were deployed to work in the State

News

APC, PDP bicker over one party state

Abia Varsity Abuja alumni set to elect new exco he Abia State University Alumni Association, ABSUAA, Abuja Chapter will on Sunday 27 October 2019 elect a new set of officials to pilot the affairs of the Association.

According to a statement issued by the President, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, “Elections shall be held into all the offices of the Association as provided in its constitution/byelaws.

“All financial members of the association who are in good standing for at least 12 months, shall be eligible tovote and be voted for, and every such member is qualified to be elected into any position in the Association’s Executive committee.

A release issued by the branch President Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje – who’s handing over after completing the maximum two terms in office, indicates that the newly elected officers shall be inaugurated during the Association’s annual dinner in December, while formal handover of reports, materials, records and properties to the new Exco shall be done at the January meeting to be presided over by the new Exco.

The following positions are due to be contested for; President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Public relations Officers.

Already, an Elections committee chaired by the immediatepast President of the Association Mr. Uzoma Nwosu, was inaugurated during the last meeting in accordance with the constitution, to conduct the elections.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

L-R: Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, during an inspection tour of the National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and the Onikan Stadium at the weekend in Lagos,.

PCN seals 565 medicine stores, 6 pharmacies in Bauchi From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed,

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he Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, PCN, have sealed 565 patent and medicine stores and six pharmacies for violating laid down rules and regulations of their operations in Bauchi State PCN said the enforcement activity in Bauchi was in fulfillment of the council mandate in PCN ACT Cap 17, LFN, 2005 and also in line with the National Drugs Distribution of the Federal

Government (NDDG) The Council’s Director, Inspection and Monitoring, Mrs Antonia Aruya, stated this at a press conference held at its Zonal Office, Bauchi.

She explained that the patent medicines stores and pharmacies were sealed when the council carried out enforcement exercise in the state.

Aruya said that 13 premises were issued compliance directive for various offences ranging from poor poor handling of controlled substances, sales

and dispensing of ethical or prescription drugs without supervision of pharmacists, unhygienic environment, poor documentation among others.

“A good number of stakeholders were found to have started operating without following laid down guidelines for those intending or engage in handling of pharmaceuticals or sale of medicines to the public,” she said.

“Others could not read or write in English, a situation that portends great danger to tell

patient” “Any premises found selling above their scope of operation such as sale of dispensing of ethical products without the presence of superintendent pharmacists or handling of controlled medicines by none pharmacists is operating in violation of the law,” she said.

The Director advised members of the public to always ask for the registration status of facilities where they access their medicines by requesting for current licenses issued by the council.

Minister calls for state of emergency on erosion

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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inister of State for Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor has called for the immediate declaration of a state of emergency on erosion ravaging several parts of the country so as to comprehensively tackle the menace.

This, according to her, is urgently required in view of the devastating effects of flood and gully erosion to lives, property and the ecosystem across the country.

This was contained in a statement signed by Saghir el Mohammed,Director Press, said the Minister who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke on inspection of some erosion sites recently in Anambra State, avowed that: “We are coming in with renewed vigour, and every sense of urgency to make sure that remediation is carried out on erosion sites in Nigeria. From

what I have seen, there is need for a state of emergency to be declared on gully erosion in the country.

“Anambra State is losing its landmass. People are losing their lives, and means of livelihood to erosion. I want to assure you that work is starting immediately, hence this inspection. All contractors will be put on their toes, as we work with both the State Government and host communities in this regards,” she said.

Speaking on the role of the citizenry in erosion prevention and management, the Minister, emphasized the need for continued public sensitization and awareness creation on waste management, afforestation and reduction in green gas emission.

She said: “We need to educate our people, because a larger percentage of the environmental challenges we are suffering today are man-made. We cannot blame

everything on nature. What is happening to the climate today was caused by man.

During the inspection of Community Secondary School Obosi erosion site, Mrs Ikeazor bemoaned the devastating impact of gully erosion on the school and assured that urgent steps must be taking to address the situation, saying that its disruption of education should not be tolerated.

In his remark, Dr. Okeke, expressed the readiness of their State Government to partner with FG in its renewed efforts at remediating erosion sites in the state.

“The State is always ready to partner with the Federal Government. Anambra is really suffering from gully erosion. We are the second smallest state in the federation. While Lagos is gaining landmass through reclamation from the sea, we are losing lands

to gully erosion. Something needs to be done fast,” he said.

The Deputy Governor went further to appreciate the efforts of the federal governmnt through NEWMAP World Bank assisted projects in the state, while expressing delight over the onthe-spot assessment of erosion sites in the State by the Minister.

He called on the federal government to do more because erosion has not only affected Anambra’s land mass, but has also affected the people who are daily losing properties and means of their livelihood to erosion.

The Traditional Ruler of Obosi kingdom, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, while speaking on behalf of Obosi Community, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for finding an indigene of their community worthy of appointment as a Minister of State, Environment.

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has declared that no individual, no matter how highly placed, can succeed in reducing Nigeria to a nation of cowards, stressing that such will forever be unacceptable.

The party equally vowed that it will continue to play its opposition role, play it successfully and ensure that Nigeria is not turned to a oneparty state.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan made these declarations yesterday in response to a statement from his counterpart in the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mallam Lanre IsaOnilu, wherein he said “Nigeria deserves a strong, vibrant opposition to play its conventional role in the polity to deepen democracy. Sadly, Nigeria is becoming a one-party state. As a party that believes in democracy and progressive politics, we cannot pretend any longer.

“Democracy cannot be said to be fully operational in a situation where the supposed ‘main’ opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has become a joke, irresponsible and rudderless”, Onilu said.

While addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Ologbondiyan said that PDP is not made up of certificate forgers and people of questionable characters.

According to the National Publicity Secretary of the leading opposition party, “The PDP does not contain certificate forgers, it is not party of people who are contrivers.

“Our political party is relating directly with Nigerians people and we are working assiduously to make sure that democratic tenets of our nation is not only entrenched but seen to be entrenched in our nation.

“As we do not have space to respond to the gimmicks of former democrats who went around the nation and brought in a despot into a democratic order, neither do we have space to engage in verbal discussion with characters who are known to be pillaging and stealing directly from the patrimony of our nation. As such we are not going to respond to the innuendos of such characters are banding.

“The PDP remains the bastion of democracy in our nation. PDP is in the Supreme Court to ensure that the mandate, which was given to Atiku and has been stolen is restored to us.

“When the PDP took a decision to ensure that we create alternative government, ours was to make suggestion on how good governance was to be entrenched on our country. PDP has been carrying out that responsibility.

“As far as APC needs to know, our nation has survived dictators.

We have succeeded as a people to ensure that those who seek to rule us without our consent do not succeed and as such, it is strange and totally unacceptable that the APC and the Buhari presidency will, within its whimsical thinking, claim that Nigeria will become a one party state.

“This country is a resilient

nation and no individual, no matter how highly placed in the past, has succeeded in reducing us to a nation of cowards.

“Even today, it will be unacceptable to Nigerians to be so reduced.

So PDP will continue to play its opposition role and we will play it

successfully”, he said.

Continuing, Ologbondiyan stressed, “The Buhari presidency came out to claim that there are agitators for a third term. We quickly pointed it out to them that there are no agitators, rather if there is anything, it is the Buhari Presidency who is bringing the third term to the

issue of national discourse.

“From there, they have moved to the issue of one party state and bringing it to national discourse. Even at that, it is totally unacceptable to us and I want those who are advising the president on this issue to back of, “The APC also came out to claim

that the major opposition party is dead. We want to state clearly that our party is the consensus political party of the majority of Nigerians and our party, after a long journey of overhauling, has become the centre for seeking for power and good governance in our nation”, he maintained.

Intn’l Day of the Girl Child: Experts harp on girls as change agents From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

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group, Toes to Heels Initiative has said the girls can be powerful agents of change, and nothing should keep them from participating fully in all areas of life The Executive Secretary of the Group Amina Lawal Oriawo made the assertion during the a seminar to mark the International Day of the Girl Child held in Kaduna yesterday.

Speaking on the theme Girl Force: Unscripted Unstoppable, she said day aims to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls’ empowerment and

the fulfillment of their human rights.

“GirlForce: Unscripted and Unstoppable Nearly 25 years ago, some 30,000 women and men from nearly 200 countries arrived in Beijing, China for the Fourth World Conference on Women, determined to recognize the rights of women and girls as human rights.

“The conference culminated in the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: the most comprehensive policy agenda for the empowerment of women.

“We need to uphold the equal rights, voices and influence of girls in our families, communities and

nations and I called on the Queens in this hall to be unstoppable and unscripted, “She said In her remark, Safiyya Umar Ambursa tasked the students of Queen Amina College, the venue of the program to look inward and do whatever they have passion for, saying gone are the era of white collar Job. Ambursa who is a graduate of Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University said even though she is not from a rich family today she is successful and comfortable because of her tailoring business.

She promised that her academy

will give free training to any of the students who are interested in tailoring.

Similarly, the first female officer to receive Sword of Honour (Army ) 66 Regular Course and Gold Medal (Army) 66 Regular Course of Nigeria Defence Acedemy NDA, 2nd Lt. Oluwaseun Ruth Oyetunde said girl child should have a mindset that they can achieve what their male counterpart can achieve.

2nd Lt. Oyetunde encouraged them that there may be obstacles and challenges on the road to success but determination and positive mind set will get the to their destination.

L-R: Vice President, Norland Africa, Kenny Chen; Founder, Lagos Norland, Mrs Success Amaka; Vice President, Norland Group, Chen Shihao; First Registered Norland in Nigeria, Mrs Anthonia Ibekwe; First Red Diamond and Highest Earner in Africa, Mr Romeo Oko and First Female Red Damond in Africa, Mrs Asi Emmanuel during the Norland Nigerian 2nd Anniversary Celebration and Car Award, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Varsity don: 360,000 people die annually from non-communicable diseases From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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he Dean, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Professor Dominic Osayande Osaghae has said that, 360, 000 people in Nigeria die annually from Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) adding that the NCDs were mainly cardiovascular diseases (.CVDs) cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and Mental Health Disorder which were the world’s biggest killers and have at present been termed “ Silent epidemic” Professor Osaghae who spoke to journalists in Asaba at the weekend on the road block on the highway to survival of Children, the intervention of a paediatrician, said that over the past years, the need for specialization has grown with paediatricians specializing in their

area of interest, consequently to ensure the care of more importantly under aged, others in the growing society, adding that childhood as a period of life begins at birth and ends at 18 years.

According to him, an active period with each stage being characterized by it’s joys, worries,challenges and difficulties as intervention would be measures taken to remedy identenfied problems, especially during health challenges among under aged, others, adding that Children in Nigeria and other tropical countries are prone to frequent morbidities and mortalities from highly treatable and preventable condition such as infections and infectious parastic diseases and conditions affecting the new born and Children generally On disparity in mortality rates; Professor Osaghae explained that the disparity in U5MR between

developing and developed countries had remained wider and significant as it shows that 80percent of deaths occur in SSA and South Asia, adding that five countries in the world with the highest number of deaths and least chances of survival of Children as in Nigeria including India and Democratic Republic of Congo , Pakistan and China, moreover,1 in 3 deaths in Children aged and 5 years in the world occurs in India and Nigeria.

He said that the high morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries are symptoms of wide spread challenges of the tropical regions of the world with low percentages of GDP being allocated to social services such as health , education, water, sanitation and hygiene as the countries are also indebted to creditors and thus spend percentage of national income on international debt payments.

On sickle cell disease; The

University Don said that the disease causes high morbidities and mortalities in Children during all stages of Childhood adding that it estimated to affect 12 million people worldwide and 4million people (2pecent) in Nigeria while 25percent of Nigerians are carriers of the gene as it contributes up to 5percent of the under 5 deaths in Africa and 9percent of such deaths in West Africa and up to 16percent of under 5 deaths in individuals West African Countries.

Speaking further, Professor Osaghae explained that the Nigeria was facing an increase in the burden of NCDs with premature mortality from NCDs estimated at 22 percent, adding” according to the 2018 WHO Country profile,NCD accounted for all deaths in Nigeria with cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of NCDs related deaths 11 percent while cancers 4percent and diabetes 1percent.”

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News

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ilitary retirees in the country have urged the Federal Government to upgrade the Veterans Affairs Division in the Ministry of Defence to a full fledge ministry to cater for their welfare.

The retirees made the call in a communiqué issued to reporters on Saturday in Abuja at the end of a 3-day retreat on “Unification of Military Veterans Associations”.

They also called on governments at all levels to exploit the untapped resources that abound in them.

The veterans said they had resolved to operate under one umbrella body known as ‘Veterans

Nigerian military retirees demand own ministry Federation of Nigeria’.

They pledged loyalty to the government and readiness to contribute to national security and development and called on the ministry of defence and Defence Headquarters to develop

a database for them.

They said such database should detail their strength, areas of specialisation and experience for the purpose re-engagement.

At the opening of the retreat on Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff,

Abayomi Olonisakin stressed the need to have a unified veterans’ body in the country.

Mr Olonisakin had noted that the “proliferations of veteran associations have not yielded desired results hence the need to

explore platform that can unify such associations.”

He charged the retreat to come up with an ad hoc committee to begin the unification process and establishment of the Veterans Association of Nigeria. (NAN)

APC berates Gov. Makinde, Speaker over N7.6b loan

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he All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has berated Governor Seyi Makinde and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, over what it called hasty approval of a fresh N7.6 billion loan.

This is contained in a statement issued by the party’s state Assistant Publicity Secretary, Ayobami Adejumo, and made available to journalists on Friday, in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Assembly had, on Thursday, approved the request of the governor to take the loan for the upgrade of two farm settlements located in Akufo and Eruwa areas of the state.

The state government had claimed that the loan was borrowed from the CBN by the immediate past administration and that it was not a fresh one.

But, the APC, in the statement, described the action as ‘conspiracy of bad governance’ between the governor and the speaker, adding that the administration had borrowed a total of N17.6 billion in three months.

It wondered why the Assembly gave another express approval for the governor’s request to again borrow the quoted sum three months after a similar request to obtain a N10 billion infrastructural loan was granted.

The party condemned Mr Ogundoyin’s alleged disrespect for the opinions of majority of his colleagues, who had questioned the rationale behind the fresh loan request at the plenary on Thursday.

“The current governor has succeeded in bringing the whole machinery of local government administration to a halt completely and to further demonstrate his

resolve to drag the state backward by many years within the shortest period of time.

“We have again been made to see the need for the concerned citizens to beam their searchlight on the PDP administration of Makinde, as financial indiscipline is now the order of the day in the business of government,” it said.

The party said it would not dwell on the futile attempt by Mr Makinde’s aides to change the narratives on the controversial fresh loan, adding the world had realized that the present administration was here to mismanage the state resources and enmesh it debt crisis.

“Without a clear cut action plan, the Makinde administration has

made itself a good customer to many financial institutions, as it gets all forms of loans.

“Unfortunately again, most of these loan transactions are done covertly and to the disadvantage of the people of the state,” the party said.

It added that tongues were already wagging on what had become of the whopping N17 billion which came into government’s treasury in the month of June alone.

“Apart from the statutory payment of salaries to government workers, nothing concrete has been done by the PDP government since May 29.

“The orchestrated ‘Light-Up Ibadan City’ project and purchase of 100 security cars have not come to any

fruition, even when bogus amount of state funds had been expended on them without any due process,” it said.

The APC said the state now had a governor who would always singlehandedly design capital projects and approve funds for their execution without any recourse to the state executive council.

It also alleged that the governor had found an ally in the speaker who “overrules his colleagues at will only to dance to his tune.

“It is on record that no significant programme was put in place for the celebration of the nation’s 59th independence anniversary this year because the governor was nowhere to be found,” it said.

The party alleged that Mr Makinde had, in the past three weeks, ruled the state from an unknown destination and that he had commissioned the speaker to approve fresh loan, aimed at revamping two farm settlements closely located in the same federal constituency.

The party urged the state legislature to revisit the matter and act in the overall interest of the entire citizens of the state.

Meanwhile, the state government had, in a separate statement issued by Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, described the approval of the loan as a victory for the people in their pursuit of agricultural sustainability and emancipation.

(NAN)

L-R: Representative of the Minister of information, Mrs Ndidi Aimienwauu; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe and Minister of State for Environment Sharon Ikeazor at the 2019 Ofala Cultural Day Celebration on Saturday in Onitsha.

Photo: NAN

Varsity don seeks amendment of NBC code

By Osaigbovo Benin

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Iguobaro,

University don, Dr Daniel Ekhearofe on Thursday, urged the federal government to amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code.

The measure, according to the lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University Benin (UNIBEN), will help to regulate and accommodate social Media

content in broadcast Media operations in Nigeria.

He made the call while delivering a lecture entitled “Social Media: Content Platform for Journalism and Good Governance” at the 2019 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo Broadcasting Service Chapel in Benin.

He said the society would become a better place when government gives people opportunity to express

themselves freely adding that, freedom of speech was critical to national development.

“Government can use the social Media to galvanise public support instead of placing restrictions on social media contents being used by broadcast stations,” he said.

He charged journalists in broadcast stations to take advantage of the social Media in dissemination of information to the public.

The Chairman on the

occasion, the Prelate of the United Baptist church, Benin, Appostle Osama Usuanlele, described the Media was critical to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

He advised the media to be careful with content they put out to the public adding that, they should ensure that it was always balanced and objective.

Usuanlele, called on the State government to upgrade the Edo Broadcasting Service in terms of equipment in order to meet with

the digital age.

The acting General Manager of EBS, Ransley Abu-Osagie harped on the need for Media practitioners to strive for improvement by training on the job to meet up with the digital broadcasting.

Mr Oliver Ijiogbe, Chairman of the EBS Chapel, said the forum was to appraise the performance of the Media and take a retrospective look at the performance of the Media and fashion ways to perform better.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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EDITORIAL

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Return of toll gates

ome cynics have derided Now what has changed to President Muhammadu necessitate the return of what Buhari’s ‘next level’ second Fashola calls toll plazas? Not much term administration as one that but he is insistent. He said recently will tax citizens out of their pockets. that “There is no reason why we Yes, since starting his second term can’t toll. There was a policy of the on May 29, 2019, President Buhari government to abolish tolls or as has approved one form of tax after it were, dismantle toll plazas. But another. First were new bank there is no law that prohibits tolling charges on individual and corporate in Nigeria today.” What is new is deposits and withdrawals, followed that the plazas will be managed by a hefty increase in the value by the private sector, unlike in the added tax, from 5% to 7.2%. Now past it was an all government affair. the government has Another is that no resolved to bring back the cash will change highway toll abolished in hands. “We want to 2003. limit significantly, if Minister of Works and totally eliminate, Yet another not Housing, Mr. Babatunde cash at the plazas Fashola, speaking on positive is that while ensuring that October 2 about the tolling will not electronic devices planned return of tolling that are being used be immediate. do not impede rapid on 51 federal highways, According movement. We are said: “We expect to return toll plazas. We have to Fashola, now faced with the concluded the designs of need to acquire more what they will look like, “We are only lands to establish what materials they will waiting for the the width of the be rebuilt with, and what completion of toll plazas. We are new considerations must looking at a 10-lane those roads plaza so that there go into them. What we are looking at now and can be more outlets before we trying to conclude is how introduce the and they then merge; the back end runs”. so we need to acquire toll gates In 2003, President more lands.” Yet Olusegun Obasanjo, who another positive is was rounding off his first term, that tolling will not be immediate. considered the toll gates spread According to Fashola, “We are only across the country something of a waiting for the completion of those nuisance and ordered that they be roads before we introduce the toll dismantled. His position was that gates.” roads should be maintained with We at Peoples Daily the revenue derived from the hike in understand why many citizens the pump price of petrol at the time. are uncomfortable with the He also argued that the N63 million reintroduction of the highway toll. earned daily from tolling was It is asking them take from their insignificant in the larger scheme already lean pockets to pay for road of things and contributed very maintenance. However, the reality little to the nation’s fiscal budget. today is that the government is no Besides, toll gates compounded longer in a position to build and traffic gridlock on highways, were maintain roads. We, as citizens and a source of pain for motorists and users of the roads, should do our encouraged corruption. A large small part to contribute to their chunk of the revenue earned from maintenance. It is our civic duty. tolling ended up in private pockets As for the fear of corruption, we and in the bank accounts of law believe cashless payment of the toll enforcement syndicates. will prevent that.

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Letter to the Editor

Nigeria’s opposition is missing

By Garba Shehu

L

ast week, the Nigeria’s Senate majority leader reintroduced anti-sexual harassment legislation to parliament, following a serious exposé by the BBC of a sex for grades scandal at the University of Lagos.

The bill had been tabled before – in 2016 – but it was not passed: some members of our party, working with the opposition, then stronger in numbers than today, blocked it.

This time around, there has been no such attempt by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to scupper the legislation. We cannot tell whether they remain opposed to it, for they have been too busy to let the 200 million citizens of Nigeria know. Instead, last week – whilst this matter was in the Senate, and the first Federal Budget following our February General Election, was being tabled before the House - the opposition’s full attention was elsewhere: on the affairs of the President, who we were told by the internet, was planning to marry in secret to one of his cabinet ministers.

The interminable nonsense of fake news is hardly unique to Nigeria. In the United States, Britain – indeed across much of the democratic world - we see waves of falsehoods and untruths peddled across digital and mainstream media.

It has led to journalists and the press to become less trusted than almost any other profession or estate. Yet elsewhere, whether the fake facts emanate from governments or oppositions, neither have sought to abdicate their unique responsibilities in the act of governance.

In Nigeria, the opposition is close to reneging completely on the compact it holds with the voters. Every modern democracy exists for its checks and balances. Voters may elect a government to govern but they also elect an opposition – to oppose, to scrutinise, and to hold the majority to account. In the absence of either weight or counterweight, the scales of democracy become imbalanced. This cannot continue for long without the full functioning of governance being affected.

Whether citizens voted for President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), or for the opposition’s presidential candidate and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP), no one voted for failure. They may have voted differently on policy and personality, but regardless of a voter’s choice of candidate and party, for their vote they expect responsibility. No voter expected, nor wanted, the opposition somehow to simply go missing. But that, effectively, is what they have done.

Immediately after the February election that saw President Buhari re-elected to a second four-year term, and his APC secure a workable

majority both in the Senate and House, the PDP went to court to challenge the result.

The world over election losers tend towards “lawfare” once they have lost the campaign battle in the field. None can begrudge the PDP their day in court: yet it was never in doubt that they would fail to persuade the judiciary to overturn President Buhari’s 4 million votes and 14 percent margin of victory over his opponent.

“Biased judges!” screamed the opposition.

Perhaps. Judges do tend to be biased - towards the facts. Yet those, it would seem, matter no longer to the opposition at all – for last week they opened their next salvo in lawfare by taking their exact same, fatally flawed case to Nigeria’s Supreme Court. We must sincerely hope the opposition have the wherewithal to appreciate they will fail once more, given the facts and the math remain the same.

The opposition’s over-excretions are leaving a mess for the elected government to clean up.

These do not just extend to the fact that even the most serious, and well-intentioned antisexual harassment legislation needs scrutiny, or the fact that the opposition yelled “corruption, padding!” at the Federal Budget – even before it had been tabled. More importantly, it leaves a stain on the terms of acceptable debate.

The median age of our 200 million population is 18 years old. Over 100 million Nigerians have access to the internet, and to cell phones. Many will, of course, see the opposition’s fake news and failure to hold the government to account fully and sanely for what it is: dereliction of duty. But there will be those who do not.

Nigeria is leading the fight in Africa against terrorists claiming to be adherents of Islam.

This battle is being won - but not without cost.

Our fight matters not just to our country, or West Africa - but to the whole world. We are defeating the terrorists both through military and through educative means. We hold up to the terrorists the inalienable truth that society is better when there is reasoned debate, the exchange of views, argument without harm – and that it is through this process of consent which leads to unity.

Without that process working as it should, not only is good governance threatened but it imperils the principle of our system of governance – based on scrutiny of the executive based on facts – and makes it out to be a sham. It imperils the principle of governance by consent which is the firewall against impressionable young people being swayed towards terrorists, whom it emboldens. Nigeria’s opposition is missing. We need them back.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity)

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

PAGE 13

COMMENT

Reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria: The ayes have it

America could have prevented Turkey’s military action on Syria

By Ayo Olukotun

By Abdulla Hawez

R

educing the high cost of governance has been a constant item in public discourse in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Almost every administration has mooted the idea, or articulated policy around it, but none has had the courage to implement it. Remember the Steve Orosanye Panel of 2012? Set up by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, it made far-reaching recommendations such as merging some ministries, cutting redundant ones, and generally bringing down the cost of governance.

Of course, we all know what happened to that report. Like several reports that never saw the light of day, the suggestions of the Orosanye panel are gathering dust somewhere in the archives of government. Even the 2020 budget read to the National Assembly, on Wednesday,

by President Muhammadu Buhari contains some motivational words about trimming public expenditure, by rewarding Ministries, Departments and Agencies, which are able to reduce cost and expenditure relative to performance.

Before the budget was read, advocacy for tackling the high cost of governance came from an unlikely source; the immediate past governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, who advocated that instead of three senators per state, Nigeria should make do with just one senator per state. An unlikely source, because the former governor is still battling with allegations of extensive property acquisition and profligacy, with sanctions imposed on him by the

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

That, of course, does not mean that Okorocha cannot make credible suggestions. It is just that our memories of his own governmental record play trick on us, even tempting us to throw away the baby with the bath water. One former governor who is reputed for cost efficiency, and for haggling about the cost of projects to the very last kobo, is Peter Obi, who, it was often narrated, offered to be the only person to go for a conference, along with his security aide, because the ministry had drawn up a hefty budget, replete with overnight allowances, out-ofstation allowances for something like 30 people, which greatly astonished him. Obi reportedly threw the estimate into the waste paper basket, and announced that he would attend the conference alone, and he would come back to brief the relevant ministry on what new things he had learnt. These anecdotes are bought up to underscore that we are dealing with a systemic weakness in the structure and processes, even day-to-day routines of government.

There is a problem broached at, by our incapacity to retrench the escalating cost of governance, even while admitting that it is a major problem, after almost 20 years of return to democracy. Have you noticed that Italy, a European country beset by soaring debts, has recently reduced the size of its parliament? It was done in a fit of self-discipline and an effort to save the country from looming bankruptcy, by the parliamentarians themselves. The Lower House was reduced from 650 to 400 while the Senate was reduced in numbers from 315 to

200, saving thereby 1,000,000 Euros, in one year and 10,000,000 Euros in ten years. It did not require long speeches, endless seminars, and workshops to get to that point. Why should a drowning man need to be talked into taking, or cooperating with steps, and initiatives that will throw him a life line? But here, is a very different terrain. Responding to criticisms, and public outcry regarding the N5.5bn budgeted for the purchase of SUVs for senators, one of the Senate leaders from Kebbi North, Yahya Abdullahi, bristled at a press conference that “what is the problem there, it is an insult to say that a Senator of the Federal Republic cannot ride a jeep in Nigeria. It is an insult. I was Permanent Secretary; I know what ministers get; we cannot even compare ourselves to ministers because we are higher than the ministers”. It is this kind of mindset and refusal to take cognisance of the hard facts, of our ‘borrow borrow’ status, that had made it extremely difficult to make progress on this issue.

Still on the legislators, recall that a former senator, Shehu Sani, let the cat out of the bag, last year, when he revealed that the running cost of a Nigerian senator is about N13.5 per month. This, presumably, does not include their monthly salaries which is around N1m a month, their constituency allowances, and other hidden benefits. That is why, when citizens are admonished to tighten their belts further, by paying more tax, they wonder whether prudence has been the guiding principle in the disbursement of various taxes paid. There is overspending, redundancies, and waste in

other sectors as well. In contrast to the United States, where the size of the cabinet is about 20 members, we are asked to bear the cost of a cabinet, consisting of at least 40 memebers, not counting Special Advisers and Advisers to these Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and an entourage, noted more for visibility, than for carrying out assigned duties. This arithmetic of obesity reproduces itself in the 36 states around the country, where commissioners, Special Advisers and Local Government officials constitute a distinct debit on the payroll. When these issues are raised, we are told that this is what the 1999 Constitution prescribes. True, but how long does it take, with the right quantum of political will to revise the constitution? If the constitution, to employ an illustration, has prescribed death or long years of incarceration for every Nigerian that reaches a certain age, will it be cited as an excuse for carrying out that stipulation? Or would it have been amended the very moment it was noticed?

The prodigal culture of office holding in Nigeria includes big and self-awarded pensions for office holders, not only by the Federal Government, but also the states and local governments. Sometimes, these pensions are still being paid while the public official is still enjoying perquisites in another public office. It took the intervention of a Non-Governmental Organisation, for the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to drop pensions being paid to him by the Kwara State Government, where he had ruled for eight years as governor.

Ayo Olukotun is a Public Affairs Analyst.

SADC setting a very low bar for democracy in Southern Africa

By Tafi Mhaka

F

ollowing a decision made in August by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat, the body’s 16 member states are expected to organise simultaneous activities on October 25 to show solidarity with Zimbabwe and demonstrate their disapproval of sanctions imposed on the country by the European Union and the United States.

Zimbabwe is still subject to sanctions that date back to the reign of former President Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in late 2017 after 38 years in power. The EU sanctions consist of an arms embargo and targeted asset freezes and travel bans, while the US has imposed financial restrictions and travel sanctions against selected individuals and entities.

Following Mugabe’s ousting, a swift return to democracy and consequent lifting of sanctions were expected. Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, however, proved to be a far more brutal leader than him. Under his watch, antigovernment protests stemming from an everdeepening economic crisis have been repressed with unprecedented force. In August 2018 and January 2019, for example, soldiers reportedly killed and raped scores of unarmed civilians participating in peaceful anti-government demonstrations.

In response, the US and the EU extended the sanctions they previously imposed on the country and vowed to keep all sanctions in place until Mnangagwa’s government allows protests and changes laws that restrict media freedoms.

SADC, nevertheless, claims the “illegal sanctions” have “an adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large”, and calls for their immediate lifting to facilitate “socioeconomic recovery in the country”. Were it genuine, SADC’s public concern for the wellbeing of ordinary Zimbabweans would be welcome and much appreciated. However, SADC is lobbying against sanctions not to help Zimbabwe’s democratic and economic progression, but to whitewash the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front’s (ZANU-PF) repressive tactics and policy failures.

SADC has not only failed to censure Harare for violently stifling dissent and ignoring Zimbabweans’ core constitutional rights, but also claimed that “internal groups, in particular, NGOs, supported by external forces” are the ones that are destabilising the country.

The SADC leadership’s shocking reaction to repeated incidents of state-sanctioned violence in Zimbabwe and insistence that any opposition to ZANU-PF is a product of foreign intervention show that they believe Zimbabwean citizens cannot possibly embrace progressive ideals and make simple democratic choices for themselves.

To label democratic dissent a form of foreignfunded destabilisation is to create a polarising political binary and deny Zimbabweans the right to enjoy the full measure of liberal and constitutional freedoms. Furthermore, SADC is being extremely disingenuous about the source and nature of Zimbabwe’s intricate challenges.

The ebb and flows of Zimbabwe’s multifaceted problems always match its ever-soaring political temperature. But SADC has never adopted a robust and dynamic approach to either monitoring or resolving Zimbabwe’s long-standing political and economic challenges. It only feigns dogmatic, obligatory interest in Zimbabwe’s affairs mainly before and after mostly disputed elections.

Why has SADC been reluctant to condemn repressive tendencies and the recurring use of excessive, deadly force against unarmed, peaceful demonstrators in recent times? Human rights defender Tatenda Mombeyarara, MDC youth leader Blessing Kanotunga, comedian Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya and President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association Dr

“

Peter Magombeyi were reportedly abducted and tortured earlier this year. SADC has not explicitly condemned any of these politically motivated abductions or other crimes committed against unarmed, peaceful individuals.

By openly and unreservedly siding with an increasingly authoritarian government masquerading as a reformed and progressive “Second Republic”, SADC is making light of a pressing and ever-expansive need to enact serious political, media and security reforms in Zimbabwe out of “brotherly” love.

And it is undermining a substantial need for ZANU-PF to belatedly take straightforward stock of its countless failures, public sector corruption and gross inefficiency.

Various reports published by Auditor-General Mildred Chiri in June have detailed flagrant accounting malpractices as well as excessive and unauthorised expenditure amounting to billions of dollars at state entities, ministries and local authorities.

SADC, though, continues to relentlessly beat the anti-sanctions drum without paying appropriate, consistent attention to the multidimensional threat of corruption, political unaccountability, dodgy elections and rampant impunity manufactured by ZANU-PF since President Mnangagwa’s inauguration in November 2017.

By supporting the ZANU-PF-led government and disregarding the credible cries of longsuffering Zimbabwean citizens, SADC runs the risk of setting an incredibly low bar for democracy in southern Africa and continually watering a growing trend of political denialism among

To label democratic dissent a form of foreignfunded destabilisation is to create a polarising political binary and deny Zimbabweans the right to enjoy the full measure of liberal and constitutional freedoms. Furthermore, SADC is being extremely disingenuous about the source and nature of Zimbabwe’s intricate challenges

former liberation war parties.

The undeclared slide to authoritarian populist rule favoured by ZANU-PF has created an economic quagmire and political survival, not Western sanctions or economic revival, seemingly occupies the top of the government’s agenda.

It’s a political strategy that SADC is awfully comfortable with, because the organisation has failed to transform into a strong, progressivethinking political outfit.

It’s a fallacy to believe that a postindependence failure by a former liberation war party could possibly vindicate colonial rule or diminish past achievements. As things stand, ZANU-PF certainly helped to liberate Zimbabwe, but it has failed to build the Zimbabwe it promised before and just after independence.

Still, this should not compromise or diminish the democratic ideals cherished by progressiveminded Zimbabweans and residents of southern Africa.

SADC must in fact create a solid and effective political surveillance system to closely monitor democratic developments within the region, a facility that will lead the charge against enduringly delinquent administrations such as Zimbabwe’s. Undeniably, SADC should not have to wait for Western nations to point out glaringly obvious constitutional transgressions or human rights abuses. Besides, a still-murderous “new dispensation” cannot be persuaded to freely adopt democracy without establishing measures that proactively punish repressive deeds.

A distorted brand of pan-Africanism, where the voluntary, self-gratifying need to maintain old, wartime relationships trumps people-centred necessities and expressions, will obviously fail and simply cause further widespread social, economic and political instability in southern Africa.

To be sure, what Western powers demand of Zimbabwe’s government does not really matter in the greater scheme of life, but the humanitarian needs, liberal freedoms and democratic choices of Zimbabweans always will. So, if anybody should rebuke Zimbabwe’s government, it should be SADC. Tafi Mhaka is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

O

n October 6, during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, United States President Donald Trump agreed to move American troops out of northeast Syria to clear the way for a Turkish military operation to overthrow the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) from the area.

Trump’s decision led to a wave of criticism at home and abroad, with many accusing the president of abandoning America’s Kurdish allies. The move undoubtedly left the YPG, which played the leading role in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group in Syria, in a vulnerable position.

However, much of the chaos and suffering we are witnessing today cannot be blamed on Trump’s impulsiveness alone. The ongoing Turkish offensive is, essentially, a by-product of the Obama administration’s incoherent and unsustainable policy concerning the conflict in Syria.

The YPG is the Syrian affiliate of the Turkish Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish movement that has been waging an armed campaign against the Turkish state since the 1980s. Consequently, Turkey views the presence of any YPG controlled entity at its southern border as a major threat to its national security and territorial integrity. So,for Ankara, its ongoing incursion into northern Syria is an inevitable act of self-defence.

However, all this could have been avoided if the US had possessed a coherent strategy to prepare the region politically for its eventual withdrawal.

In 2012, in the wake of the Syrian uprising, YPG’s political wing, the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and the Kurdish National Council (KNC), backed by the President of Iraqi Kurdistan Masoud Barzani, signed a cooperation

agreement and formed the Kurdish Supreme Committee (KSC) to fill the power vacuum left behind by the retreating Syrian Army and to jointly administer Kurdish inhabited regions of northern Syria.

However, over time, the PYD became emboldened by the growing power and clout of its military wing and started to administer the region unilaterally. This, and the lack of a third party to oversee and enforce the conditions of the cooperation agreement, led the KNC to withdraw from the committee in 2013.

The PYD then established the Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) coalition and, in January 2014, three areas under TEVDEM rule declared autonomy. A few months later, ISIL laid siege to the TEV-DEM ruled autonomous canton of Kobane. The canton’s televised resistance and eventual victory against ISIL established the YPG fighters as the undisputed heroes of the conflict in the eyes of the international community.

However, the YPG did not win that struggle alone. Iraqi Kurds also supported the canton’s fight against ISIL, and Ankara allowed around 150 Iraqi Peshmerga fighters to cross from Turkey into Kobane. The US, meanwhile, supported the fight against ISIL with air raids.

Once Kobane was cleared of ISIL forces, given the support Iraqi Kurdistan and the Syrian Kurdish Pesmergha, allied with Barzani, offered to the canton, there was ample opportunity for the US to force the PYD to revive its agreement with the KNC. Barzani has been an ally of Turkey for most of his time in power, and the KNC’s military wing, known as Roj Peshmerga, was trained by Turkey as part of Iraqi Kurdish Zeravani forces back in 2014.

A revival of the agreement between the PYD and the KNC back then would have made it extremely difficult for Turkey to justify an

incursion into the region under the pretext of fighting terrorism now.

The US had enough leverage to enforce such an agreement given that both Iraqi and Syrian Kurds are US allies. Instead of paving the way for more cooperation between the PYD and the KNC, however, US policymakers such as Brett McGurk, the former special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, chose to work only with the YPG. Such a power-sharing agreement would not only have discouraged Turkey from moving into Syria, but it would have also positively affected Turkey’s ongoing conflict with the PKK. Given the YPG’s affiliation with the PKK, the developments in northern Syria have a direct impact on Turkey’s internal politics.

Back in 2013, the Turkish government was in negotiations with the PKK to settle their decades-long conflict. At the time, the leaders of the PYD met with Turkish officials in Ankara twice. However, following the collapse of the negotiations in 2015, relations between the two deteriorated. Although the main reason behind the end of the talks was the politicisation of the negotiations by Erdogan for electoral gains, another reason was the PKK’s growing power in Syria.

The gains made by the YPG in Syria made any deal between Turkey and the PKK meaningless, as a Kurdish statelet openly controlled by groups closely aligned with the PKK was quietly being built along Turkey’s southern frontier.

It is important to note that the PKK’s expansion in Syria gave the PKK leaders based in the Qandil Mountains in Iraqi Kurdistan an upper hand over the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, with whom Turkey was negotiating during the siege of Kobane. Having said that, if the PKK’s role within the administration of northern Syria was contained by sharing power with the KNC, it could have convinced both

Erdogan and the Qandil faction of the PKK to go ahead with a settlement.

Lastly, as the international anti-ISIL coalition’s boots on the ground, the YPG had overstretched its zone of influence into the majority Sunni-Arab areas of Syria, such as Deir Az Zor. Populations in these areas would never accept to live under Kurdish rule once the US troops leave Syria. This impending problem, however, could have been turned into an opportunity. The Kurds could have used their de-facto authority over majority Arab areas as a negotiating card with the Assad regime and their Russian backers to guarantee autonomy for the Kurdish areas after the US exit from Syria.

In short, simply by pressuring the PYD into a power-sharing agreement with the KNC, and encouraging it to use its influence in Arab-majority regions of Syria as leverage for autonomy, the US could have guaranteed the stability of northern Syria for years to come, and please Turkey, Iraqi Kurds and Syrian Kurds simultaneously.

Only a few years ago Obama left Iraq prematurely, without making political preparations to guarantee the country’s stability. This colossal mistake led to the rise of ISIL. Trump is now repeating his predecessor’s mistake in Syria. But his mistake risks not only paving the way for forces like Bashar alAssad, Iran and Russia to fill the vacuum the US’s departure will undoubtedly leave, but also destroying Washington’s reputation as a reliable ally for years to come.

Trump is right. US troops cannot stay in the Middle East forever. But a premature departure is likely to be more destructive than any other scenario.

By Abdulla Hawez is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Our new ministers and the two burning issues facing them

By Eric Teniola

W

hen President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated his cabinet on August 21, two burning issues were omitted in his speech. I am sure the issues must have been discussed at the ministerial retreat organised by the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the President felt it was no longer necessary to reopen discussions on the two issues during the cabinet inauguration. The issues are relationships between ministers and ministers of state and the relationship between ministers and the National Assembly. Let us discuss the latter first.

Deep down in the heart of every minister is how to cope with the insatiable demands of the members of the National Assembly especially the committee chairmen. And these demands keep increasing daily to the extent that ministers prefer to send their Permanent Secretaries or top officials to the National Assembly.

It is not only ministers that are worried but heads of parastatals and agencies of the Federal Government. And because the members of the National Assembly have the powers to approve or disapprove the budgets of the ministries, they now hold the ministers and heads of parastatals, hostage. The ministers are under severe and constant harassment.

Section 88 of the Constitution defines the powers of the legislature to investigate.

It provides as follows: 88 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into: (a) any matter or thing with respect to which it has powers to make laws; and (b) the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged or intended to be charged with the

duty of or responsibility for—(i) executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly; disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly. (2) The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to—(a) make laws with respect to any matter within its legislative competence and correct any defects in existing laws; and expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within it legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it.”

Judging by actions of the members of the National Assembly in recent years, they have exceeded their boundaries and they now want to run the ministries as if they are part of the executives like ministers. They attend functions and events of various ministries. They want to be involved in employment and promotion of personnel in the various ministries and agencies. They also want to be involved in the execution of the various contracts in the ministries and agencies. In short, they want to be involved in the complete running of the ministries and agencies and there is no end to their demands. They have forgotten that their primary duty is to make laws and not to enforce the laws made.

I have read and reread Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, I do not see absolute investigative powers given to the National Assembly. The former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, an accomplished lawyer of repute, in a paper he presented in Jos on January 23, 2001, was worried about the abuse of power by the National Assembly.

He said “wide as these powers are, limits have been set to them by the constitution limits which we appear to honour more in the breach than in the observance. Can the legislature order investigation of the executive or any of its

parastatals? If it suspects, even on reasonable grounds, that an individual or organisation is guilty of fraud, can it order investigation of such an individual or organisation? Can it, by motion or even by law, prohibit the payment of pensions or any other emoluments authorised to be paid by the constitution to any person, however bad? When, for any reason at all, the executive has ordered the removal of any of its members can the legislature compel the reinstatement of such persons? Can it command or order the executive to institute action in court for enforcement of its rights whenever the legislature considers that those rights have been infringed? And if it is not satisfied with the conduct of the President, can it pass a vote of no confidence on him? Can it propose expenditure on its own initiative or must such a proposal be sanctioned by government recommendation?

Can it, on its own initiative, allocate funds to various government departments, agencies, projects and programmes or must it do so only on the basis of proposal put forward exclusively by the government? What remedies, are available to the legislature if in the event that the Executive withholds from it the machinery for enforcement of its decisions? Can it investigate the past even when such an investigation is not incidental to legislation or can it give directives to the government as to its future policies and programmes? These are the matters to which we seek answers. There can be no better place to go for answers to these questions than to the constitution itself which is the source of the powers of the legislature. The Legislature derives its authority from the constitution.

Its powers do not reside in the members but only in the constitution. Those powers do not derive from expediency or discretion and do not depend on urgency or need. Only the constitution is supreme.”

The Legislature has claimed for itself a monitoring or investigative role but in doing so

it has exceeded the limit set by the constitution.

The constitution has, indeed, conferred upon the legislature some investigative powers but only for a certain purpose. That purpose, given the functions of the legislature, can only be one incidental to legislation. Against that background, the question may be asked: To what end is the legislature empowered to investigate?

The answer is obvious. To achieve the ends of legislation. It cannot, for instance, be to achieve the ends which the police strive to achieve when they conduct a criminal investigation or the ends of justice which a court strives to achieve when it conducts a trial. If the legislature were to strive to achieve the ends of justice, it would be taking upon itself the duties of a court. And if its objective were to prosecute, it would be taking upon itself the duties of the executive. As it is not permissible for the judges to legislate, so it is not permissible for the legislature to adjudicate. And that is why the judges are compelled to enforce the law as it is and they are never allowed to inject into it their own notions of what it ought to be.

The legislature must therefore limit itself to the powers conferred upon it by the constitution not withstanding that by exercising other powers not conferred upon it by law it can aid, facilitate or enhance the efficiency of the government.

The other issue is the relationship between ministers and ministers of state. We are being told daily that there are no junior ministers.

Even the constitution does not recognise junior ministers but in reality there are junior ministers. Appointment of ministers of state was more pronounced during the civilian governments than during the military. Maybe, because the civilians have a larger political constituency than the military Teniola, a former director at The Presidency, lives in Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

PAGE 14

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Group to NAHCON: Commence two years hajj registration policy From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

civil society organisation with interest in Nigeria Hajj and Umrah activities, Independent Hajj Reporters, has said a two years registration formalities for intending pilgrims will aid a hassle free exercise and work load of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

It urged NAHCON to as a matter of urgency adopt the twoyear hajj registration exercise and commence registration of intending pilgrims for Hajj 2021 alongside the ongoing Hajj 2020 registration exercise.

A joint statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud said the current policy of annual registration exercise is no longer conducive following recent tourism

guidelines and visa regimes adopted by the Saudi government.

“While we commend NAHCON for issuing a timely directive to states Muslim pilgrims welfare boards to commence pilgrims registration, the current yearly registration of intending pilgrims in Nigeria often creates serious challenges on the delivery of consistent services to intending pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the document noted.

It explained that, “the newly introduction of tourist visa has opened the door for a large number of tourists to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Given this development, securing a standard accommodation close to the vicinity of the Holy Mosque in Makkah will be a tough task unless NAHCON and States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards device ways of contracting pilgrims’ accommodations beyond the one

year as being done by countries like Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia”.

“Allowing those who wish to perform hajj in 2021 to commence payment now will ease the process of pilgrim’s registration. “Services like transport, accommodation, catering can be hired for two years as opposed to the current practice of securing services very close-tohajj arrangements”.

Given the above, IHR urges NAHCON to work towards the possibility of commencing registration for hajj 2021 along with that of 2020.

The civil society said early payment will benefit intending pilgrims in the areas of pilgrims’ enlightenment and education, documentation and provision of other logistics as states Muslim pilgrims welfare boards will have ample time for such exercise.

“75-80% of Nigerian pilgrims are middle class and 80-90% of

those numbers are farmers. They, therefore, may lack the financial muzzle to pay for hajj seat at a go.

As such majority of the intending pilgrims will prefer a system that allows payment in a segment. “ IHR further advise NAHCON to urgently adopt a governance framework that is based on contractual deposits and fund investment mechanisms for pilgrims’ registration in the country.

“Hajj operation has now been digitalised with breathtaking innovations that have made it easy for countries to secure the best services for their pilgrims. “ People can now apply online for Hajj 2020 and countries such as India recently introduced a mobile application that made it possible for intending pilgrims to stay at the comfort of their houses and register.

“Adopting a two-year

registration policy will assist hajj air carriers, caterers, accommodation providers and transport companies to engage in long term planning and also reduce the pressure on the part of intending pilgrims.

“For example, the Pakistan Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony recently said it is preparing a threeyear Hajj policy on the pattern of other countries in which accommodation, building, catering and transport arrangements are under consideration on a longterm basis to ensure the best facilities at low cost.

“Intending pilgrims who wish to perform hajj in the year 2021 can be allowed to commence registration with their respective states. Pilgrims will now have enough time and escape the associated pressure of the fire brigade approach,” the group explained.

Neuro Psychiatric Hospital declares war on suicide From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna has resolved to tackle mental health illness resulting to suicide.

The Medical Director of the Hospital Professor Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf stated this during a rally to mark the World Mental Health Day in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, in line with this year’s theme “Suicide Prevention” the Hospital is prepared to tackle mentally related suicide.

Yusuf also maintained that “ mental illness is like any other sickness and we don’t have mad people, discriminatory acts worsen such situations” “We must all agree to work together to fight drug abuse which is now so pronounced especially in the North West here, young boys and girls are into substance taking, even married women are now doing it and about have of our bed spaces are occupied by patience who at one point were taking substance the resultant effects leading to mental illness “ Yusuf stated.

On government role in ending mentally related suicide, he stressed

that “the Government over the years paid lip services to mental illness stressing that with just 120 bed

space the hospital cannot handle mental cases.

Yusuf however expressed hope

and satisfaction in the Leadership style of President Mohammadu Buhari stressing that with increased

budgetary provisions the hospital can effectively man its catchment area.

L-R: Members, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Rep. Mani Maishinko; Rep. Abubakar Idris; and Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Nnolim Nnaji, during the committee’s meeting at the National Assembly, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

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ational Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies NBAIS has released the results of theJune, July 2019 Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary Certificates Examination SAISSCE nationwide.

The Board’s Aching Registrar, Professor Mohammed Shafiu Abdullahi

Omo-Agege condemns attack on Oshiomhole, sues for peace

By Musa Adamu

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he Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie OmoAgege has condemned the attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City, Edo State.

Omo-Agege said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yomi Odunuga, in Abuja on Sunday.

Describing the development as callous, cowardly, inhumane and totally unacceptable that should be condemned by all, he noted that political practice in the country should not be allowed to degenerate to a situation where violence becomes the language of activism by both politicians and their supporters no matter how disgruntled such persons may be.

Oshiomhole was reported to have escaped a major attempt on his life by armed thugs who swooped on his Benin residence in Okorotun Street, GRA, on Saturday. The thugs were said to have shot sporadically into the air.

The lawmaker called on the police to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

This, he noted, will serve as a deterrent to others that political violence is not the best way to resolve conflicts, if any.

“Such criminal attack, remains utterly condemnable and illegal.

Whatever their grievances, they should learn to explore dialogue rather than resort to violence. “ I call on the police to get to the root of the matter by prosecuting those involved in the act. It is my belief that the fine principles and ethos of democratic practice do have inbuilt mechanisms through which internal wranglings can

be resolved without recourse to violence as it was the case in Edo State on Saturday.

“I would like to call on the parties involved to explore those

options that would strengthen the party as entrenched in the constitution of the APC as that is the best way to move the state and the nation to the Next Level

in which all citizens are expected to reap the dividends of the trust they reposed in the government led by President Muhammadu Buhari”, he stated.

Omo-Agege also called on parents to warn their wards against political violence, adding that the attack negated democratic principles.

Politician faults plan to deregister parties

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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founding member of Young Democratic Party (YDP), Arch. Ezekiel Nya Etuk has in strong terms rejected the planned deregistration of political parties as proposed by the Nigerian Senate.

Arch. Nya Etuk who made this known in Abuja Sunday in a press conference noted that the decision of the Nigerian Senate to reduce the number of political parties participating in elections in the country from the current 91 to five through legislation is not good for our nascent democracy.

It should be known that the Red-Carpet-Chamber not long ago expressed dissatisfaction over the huge number of political parties in the country, especially the upsurge of parties fielding candidates in the forthcoming governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States.

Nya Etuk, who is also the Director General of Nigeria First Project said for the good of the nation growing democracy, it might not be wise to deregister political parties.

His words, “For legal considerations, and for the good of democracy, it might not be wise to deregister parties.

“However, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can introduce measures that ensure only serious parties are on the ballot.

“I therefore, propose that 20 parties be screened to be on the ballot through the following process. Every party will be mandated and obligated to have a register of membership in three categories: active voting members, active nominal members, and nominal members”.

Nya Etuk said that INEC should provide a platform were these members with PVCs synchronize with the INEC platform to ensure

that no person registers with two parties, as the registration will carry the PVC details of the party members and such PVCs can only be registered to one party.

“The top 20 parties will be the parties that will be allowed to field candidates for the elections while others continue on membership drive so as to qualify in the next election cycle. If a party is unable to come among the top 20, putting them on the ballot is unwise” he said.

He concluded by saying that parties that are not among the top 20 should wait for the next electoral process.

. L-R: National Organising Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Emma Ibediro; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Speaker of the House Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former speaker Hon. Gahli Na’Aba; Representative of the President Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar and Senate President, Ahmed Lawan during the official presentation of the 9th House of Representative Legislative Agenda at the National Assembly, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

PDP rejects moves by FG to gag media, freedom of speech

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies releases 2019 results From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

disclosed this during a press conference held in kaduna yesterday.

Acccording to him said 36,239 candidates sat for the SAISSCE examination out of which 28,645 passed.

Abdullahi explained that the students sat for the core subjects which include Arabic, English, Islamic Studies, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

“28,645 candidates out of

the total candidates that sat for the examination passed all their papers.

“Those who failed some papers we don’t regards them as failures because they equally passed some of their papers.

Which means they can still further their education with five credits,” he said.

Professor Abdullahi also added that with the outcome of the results the board has

recorded success in this year examination because there are improvement with regards to number of students that passed Arabic studies, English language in Nigeria.

He also said good number of their candidates have gained admission in major Universities in the country and abroad in various field that include sciences departments “What we are doing now

is to sensitize institutions to correct the wrong perception out there that shows somebody who graduated from Arabic and Islamic institutions cannot read science subjects. “’The essence of establishing Arabic and Islamic institutions is to have integrated syllabus which was the one we are using and to also have integrated students who can reads Arabic and English,” he Said.

T

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the decision by federal government to impose stringent regulations on online media and broadcast organisations, as recently announced by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is completely obnoxious and antidemocratic The PDP further described the action as a direct violation of statutory rules governing media practice and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

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

The PDP also rejected the presidential declaration of political comments as “Class A” offence, insisting that such is designed to undermine the nation’s constitutional democracy, exterminate the rights of citizens to dissenting public opinion, emasculate the opposition and foist a dictatorship and one party system on our nation.

According to the statement, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejects the moves by the President Muhammadu Buhariled All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government to further gag the media, subjugate Nigerians and curtail their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression.

“The party says the decision

by President Buhari to impose stringent regulations on online media and broadcast organisations as recently announced by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is completely obnoxious, anti-democratic and a direct violation of statutory rules governing media practice and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

“The PDP also rejects the Presidential declaration of political comments as “Class A” offence, insisting that such is designed to undermine the nation’s constitutional democracy, exterminate the rights of citizens to dissenting public opinion, emasculate the opposition and foist a dictatorship

and one party system on our nation.

“Our party alerts that such moves amount to an attempt to amend our constitution to take away the rights of citizens and undermine our democratic institutions; a development that has the capacity to destabilize our dear nation.

“The PDP invites Nigerians to note that this dictatorial pathways which the Buhari Presidency seeks to impose, if allowed, will herald the gradual emasculation of freedom of expression, repression of free press, infringements on the rights of citizens and foisting of siege mentality on the people.

“Nigerians are already apprehensive that the directive is geared towards clearing the

ground for the introduction of certain harsh policies in our country.

“The party insists that our constitution has made enough provisions to guide media practice as well as the exercise of freedom of expression, adding that the foisting of unconstitutional and suppressive regulations is not acceptable under any guise” it said.

The PDP therefore called on the members of the National Assembly, as the representatives of the people, to reject this Presidential directive in the interest of our nation.

It also cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari and his advisers not to derail the nation with such undemocratic policies.

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

politics Detention: Ugwuonye drags police to NASS over fabricated murder charges

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lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye has dragged the Nigerian Police to National Assembly over false and fabricated murder and armed robbery charges which led to his detention in Kuje Medium Prison for eleven months.

Emeka in Petition written through Due Process Advocate International dated October 9, and signed by Kelvin Asekome said police charged him with Armed Robbery and Murder because he was the verge of exposing a N5 billion (annual revenue) of illegal prison racketeering and other illegal operations allegedly by some police officers in Abuja (alone).

DPA was founded by Barr.

Emeka , which is an international human eight and Humanitarian

Organization registered under Under the law of State of Maryland , United States and Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Petition reads, in part” On November 14, 2018 , a police officer from the office of the Commissioner of Police , FCT Abuja Command , CP Bala Ciroma served on Barrister Emeka Ugwuonye (hereinafter “Emeka”) summons, charging him with armed robbery and murder, offences the police knew that Emeka could not have committed and absolutely did not commit.

“The charges were purely an effort to use the prosecutorial power of the Police to silence Emeka, who was in the process of exposing a 5 billion naira (annual revenue) of illegal prison racketeering and other illegal

operations run by Mr. Ciroma and some other police officers in Abuja alone. “ Upon serving Emeka with the summon the Police officer said to him : “You better go back to the US now”. Mr Ciroma expected Emeka to leave Nigeria upon being served with summons. Hence he said not try to arrest Emeka for murder upon serving him with the court processes that charged him with murder and armed robbery.

But as Emeka remained defiant and refused to leave Nigeria as expected by the police e , he was arrested on November 26, 2018 on those charges.

“After sixteen days in cell, Emeka was arraigned before Justice Module Osho-Adebiyu of Court 30, FCT High Court, Gudu on December 14, 2018, and he has

been remanded in Kuje prison then.”

The Petitioner explained that he got into trouble because of continuous criticism of the Police for the poor handling of Charity Aiyedegbon who was missing in 2016 adding that he was arrested by the Police on July 6, 2018 and detained at Abattoir detention center where he met with Jekwu and Emmanuel Adogah were arrested for the missing of Ayiedogbon.

He added that was the first time in his life to meet the two people arrested for the missing of Ayiedogbon .

The Petition reads, “ Emeka spent July 6 to July 10 , 2018 in Abattoir detention center. During his stay in Abattoir, he saw and heard about extreme atrocities

and crimes against humanity by the Police in Abattoir.

“After Emeka’s release from custody , DPA began to make a documentary film to expose the police activities in Abattoir. On October 16, 2018, Commissioner Cora ordered his to arrest Emeka again and detain him.at Garki station for two days. They charged him to court on October 18, 2018 for various offences including impersonation by practicing law without license. He again granted bail.

“Determined to totally silence Emeka and DPA, Police Commissioner Bala Ciroma on November 14, 2018, charged Emeka along with Jekwu and Emmanuel Adogah with armed robbery and murder of Charity Ayiedogbon.

APC Owan West denies Obaseki endorsement

By Albert Akota

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he leadership of All Progressives Congress in Owan west local government at the weekend denied media report of endorsement of the Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Eleven ward chairmen who spoke to newsmen in Abuja yesterday through their coordinating ward three chairman, Hon Raymond Osumah Said there was no time the APC leadership in the locality held a meeting where the purported endorsement of Mr Governor for second term was agreed upon .

Osumah said it was rather unfortunate that the council chairman, Hon Frank Ilaboya deceived some of the ward chairmen to a meeting held in his office at the council Secretariat, were issues relating to unsettled stipends for three months were discussed.

He said they were later surprised to read on social media as posted by the council chairman media aide that they were in the council to endorse Governor Godwin Obaseki for second term.

“We want to made it clear that, nothing like that happened.

The council chairman is be mischievous. We believed he is afraid of Obaseki suspension,

because, rumour has it that any local government council chairman that fail to support his second bill will be suspended.

“Anyway, has the Governor told us that he need second term?.

What has the Governor done for us in Owan west?, that our

honourable members we voted are home because of the governor attitude to have it all. Or will Frank Ilaboya tell us if he was swore in as council chairman in the midnight?.

“My brother, what we are demanding from Mr Governor is to obey the directives of the

National Working Committee of APC and National Assembly.

APC leadership in Owan west are strong with the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. Nothing more.”

“Hon Osumah said it was too belittled of the governor to have

instructed the council chairman to stop the stipends pay to them on monthly basic on the order that those who are not supporting his second term bill should not benefit anymore, saying that, “ Frank Ilaboya is even owning the eleven ward chairmen three months.”

L-R: National Chairman, Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), Chief Sam Eke; Chairman, Advance Congress of Democrat, Mr. Musa Adamu; Spokesperson, Coalition of United Political parties (CUPP), Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Chairman, National Action Alliance (NAA), Bar. Kenneth Udeze, during the meeting by CUPP to oppose the alleged plot to alter the aged-long tradition of Supreme Court processes on election matters, recently in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Toll gates: SERG urges Buhari not to approve proposal

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he South East Revival Group (SERG) has described as “shameful and insensitive for the federal government of Nigeria to even contemplate a reintroduction of toll gates on any Nigerian road, let alone announcing it”, advising President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow himself to be hoodwinked by some interested individuals who do not mean well for the country.

This was contained in a statement issued after its meeting in Abuja on Sunday by its National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, even as the SERG warned that “the federal government may be provoking the South East region, in particular, if that part of the country is included in such an unthinkable adventure like toll collecting from citizens in such a neglected region.”

The statement maintained that “in a country where the welfare of citizens is a top priority, such proposal would have been considered a taboo.

“At the moment, there are several unofficial toll gates across the south east region at roadblocks mounted by the police, customs and other security agencies and they are currently extorting motorists day and night with impunity.

“We believe that some interested individuals are trying very hard to deceive Mr. President into their toll gate business. Toll collection concession has always been a big business for looters who have used the guise of raising money for road maintenance to corner resources of the country.

“It is unfortunate that after increasing fuel pump price of by

near 100 percent in 2015, virtually every federal roads in the country, particularly in southern Nigeria, is in gross disrepair.

“The south east has highest number of dilapidated federal roads. States within the south east region are so literarily disconnected from each due to the poor conditions of federal roads in the region that toll gates would be the highest level of provocation of

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

politics

Kogi poll: INEC warns against violence From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

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he Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday raised concerns over the level of violence ahead of the forthcoming November 16 governorship election in Kogi State.

The chairman of the commission, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud who spoke in Lokoja at a one day interactive session with critical stakeholders, pointed out that the utterances and positions of the political players was heating up the polity in the state.

He said electoral umpire has put all necessary steps in place towards a peaceful, credible and conclusive election, adding however that the political class is undermining their

preparations.

“Kogi and Bayelsa governorship poll is a major election in Nigeria.

There will be more eyes and more ears on Kogi/Bayelsa poll. The election is very important for everybody. INEC as a body is ready and we can deliver a free, fair, credible and conclusive election even on the first day of voting”, Prof. Mahmood stressed.

According to him, election materials are already with the Central Bank, saying their only concerns at the moment are the political parties, who have to exercise restraint so as to reduce tension.

“INEC is not interested in any candidates. Our interest is a fair processes. Political parties should chance the image of trepidations

that is already on ground for the election.”

Mahmoud said the 2015 general elections saw two of their offices in Adavi and Bassa local governments burnt down, noting that every pointer that resulted to such ugly past developments was already showing.

“We urged the political players to guide their utterances during campaigns, voting and collation of results. We also warned against voters inducement as occurred in time past. The inducement in time past was a sad occurrence as it happened both in cash and kinds.

Inducement undermined democratic ethos and we shall enforce the law against voters inducement”, he

emphasized.

The chairman equally urged the civil society organizations to partner with the electoral umpire in the area of voters education, even as he warned that they would not tolerate harassment or manhandling of their staffs.

He said the recruited ad-hoc staffs will be well remunerated as their welfare is already taking care of, and n that the commission would not give room for substitution of ad hoc staff by political parties.

He however assured that INEC is committed to the process and would maintain its integrity as electoral umpires, saying”m materials are already bagged and marked polling unit by polling unit. INEC is ready to

deliver credible elections.”

The Inspector General of Police, Adamu Muhammed in a remark, disclosed that security operatives have gathered credible intelligence, that some political class has mapped out plan to sew police and military uniforms for members during the election.

The IG, who was represented by DIG Operation, Abdulmajib Ali also warned parties against rallies in same town same day, so as to avoid crisis in the build up to the election.

He however said the security apparatus are ready for the poll, disclosing that 25,000 policemen would be available for the election, as they were poised to ensure a credible and peaceful exercise.

Ekweremadu Okowa advises political office holders on service delivery Charges The governor congratulated people, you have rendered service to not because you have worked so much Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Akpowowo for knowing that his God, because what matters is your for it, it is as a result of divine favour, overnor of Delta, Senator appointment as a Commissioner was relationship with the Lord your God,” so, give Him thanks.”

Environmental The cleric said that all had he said.

(Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, said not by human, but by God. He stated that political appointees sinned and urged that people should “I thank God that Akpowowo rendering of selfless service MDAs on was paramount to every political realised that his appointment came would be free to assist others, render always seek for forgiveness and avoid from God and has come to give Him selfless service to humanity if guided condemning others, because Jesus holder.

Early Budget officeOkowa by the principles of God “by loving shed His blood for sinners. stated thus at a thanks.

“God is saying that we should “Power comes from God, not others as they love themselves”. thanksgiving service of Chief Arthur In a sermon, Rev. Akpotor Eboh, avoid committing sin and if we believe Akpowowo, Commissioner for Urban man; I do not take any glory for Approval Renewal in the state at First Baptist any appointment we have made, all said that Christians must always have in God, He will heal us,” he stressed.

G

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged agencies in the Federal Ministry of Environment to cooperate with the National Assembly to ensure early approval of the 2020 budget.

Ekweremadu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, gave the charge at the National Assembly, Abuja, during an interactive session with MDAs and stakeholders in the environment sector.

“The parliament has given Mr. President and Nigerians their words on early approval of the 2020 budget. Let me, therefore, urge the Honourable Ministers, Chief Executives of the Agencies, and key stakeholders to be adequately prepared for interactive sessions on the budget proposal to enable the National Assembly pass it early” he said.

The Senator, who described the environment as life itself, regretted that Nigeria was not measuring up to the required standards to guarantee a safe and sustainable environment, charged the Ministry and its agencies to work harder to mitigate the huge environmental challenges in the country.

In their various contributions, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmoud, and heads of various agencies under the Ministry, decried poor funding as major setback in the discharge of their mandates.

Other stakeholders at the interactive session include State Commissioners of Environment, oil majors, the Nigerian Environmental Society, NonGovernmental Organisations, among others.

Church, Eku, on Sunday.

According to him, the essence of holding political office is to use it to serve the people.

that matters is for the holder of the position to use it to render service to the people.

“When you render service to the

reasons to thank God. He said “whatever you have is as a result of providence; whatever position that you are occupying, it is

The thanksgiving service was attended by political office holders and leaders, community leaders and traditional rulers.

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde; Elder of Ajia community, Chief Solomon Ladipo and Chief Theophilus Akinyele and his wife Chief (Mrs) Akinyele during the hosting of Gov Makinde by Ajia and it›s Environs Descendants Union held at Ajia town, Inukan local council development area, yesterday in Ibadan

Korean Ambassador cheers up beneficiaries of free cataract eye surgery at LASUTH

T

he Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Lee Intae was at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Lagos where he interacted and cheered up beneficiaries of the free Cataract eye treatment and surgeries conducted

by Vision Care.

Vision Care is an international relief organization affiliated to the World Health Organization

dedicated to the prevention of blindness through global projects initiatives-in collaboration with LASUTH and sponsored by Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria LTD. A statement issued by the Director of Korean Cultural Center Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja, Lee Jin Su, said the 5th edition of this Vision eye camp took place from September 30 ~ October 04, 2019, where a total of

115 persons underwent free cataract surgeries while 224 persons had eye treatments.

The Ambassador expressed happiness with the outcome of the Vision Care Eye Camp 2019 and remarked that such medical outreach was meaningful to the good health of Nigerians.

It said the Ambassador encouraged the beneficiaries and

wished them good health, adding that one of the highlights of the event was the Ambassador assisting some of the beneficiaries to open their eyes for the first time after their surgeries.

Many of the beneficiaries who came from different parts of Nigeria also met with the Ambassador and were filled with joy at the restoration of their eye sights.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba has said the recent decision by federal government to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.5% was in the best interest of Nigerians adding that even with the 2.5% increment; Nigeria has the lowest tax rate in the world.

He said the increment will cater for the development of needed infrastructure and other social amenities in dire state across the country even as he urged Nigerians to urgently embrace agriculture so as to help

By Miriam Humbe

T

he Federal Government through the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum has disclosed that over 392,000 businesses have benefited from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) clinics as par of the present administration’s policy on ease of doing business in the country.

According to a statement signed

by Assistant Director, Information, Mrs.Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the Minister made the disclosure in her goodwill message at the 1st International Conference of Faculty of Management Sciences of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN- ICOMS,2019).

Themed: “Entrepreneurship, Strategic Leadership and Sustainable Development in Emerging Economics” in Abuja today, Katagum said: “Most recently, through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises clinics another strategy of the current administration to make it easier to do business in Nigeria, so far over 392,000 businesses have benefited from the MSMEs clinics”.

She maintained that President Buhari-led administration through the Ministry was working proactively to improve the ease of doing business by developing and implementing more pro-market policies and making the entire business environment more suitable and attractive to investors.

She explained that one of such policies of government is the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which was designed to diversify the economy, restore economic growth, create jobs, empower the youth, develop human capital and infrastructure, improve business environment and bring about technological development.

She said the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) that was launched by the present administration has also helped in collaboration with and coordination of the Public and Private sectors in the implementation of sound policies to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

The Minister added that the government through several social investment initiatives such as the N- Power Volunteer Corps Scheme, the Government Enterprise and

‘Nigeria has the lowest tax rate in the world’ the country attain self sufficiency in food production so as to save it foreign revenue.

Prince Agba reiterated that the Muhammadu Buhari administration will not willfully put in place policies that emasculate economically and explained that the proposed new tax system “does not affect the common man because all the staple food, medication, education that has to do with the common man are VAT exempt.”

The Minister, who spoke at

the 2019 Etsako Day celebration in Lagos at the weekend on the theme “ Showcasing the Cultural Heritage and Investment Opportunities of Etsako” advise Nigerians to begin to identify natural resources located in their geographical areas and draw attention to them in order to attract investment into those areas.

Agba said “Nigerians are not complaining about the recent decision to increase VAT and government is merely increasing

VAT by 2 and a half percent to make it 7.5 percent and if you don’t know Nigeria has the lowest VAT rate in the world, even in our West Africa coast, a lot of people talk about Ghana, that it has reduce their VAT recently and why are we increasing? Ghana has only reduced it tax from 15 to 12 while we are going from 5 to 7.5%.”

“I am a farmer myself but people still see agriculture as a thing that is local, that it is for local people but l tells you it is not. If we are self sufficient

in agriculture then we will be able to feed ourselves, that is where it all begins and if we can’t feed ourselves, then we will have problem with our foreign exchange that we keep talking about, we will start to use what we have earned from other sources to bring in food which is not good.”

He added that if you go to the market and buy yam, potatoes, vegetable and others, you will not pay VAT but if you choose to go to Eko hotel and eat, you pay VAT because you can afford it.”

Over 392,000 businesses benefit from MSMEs Clinics-Industry Minister Empowerment Programme, Youth Enterprise Support Project among others had helped to promote and encourage entrepreneurship, skill acquisition and boost existing MSMEs spread across the country.

While urging all stakeholders to support government’s efforts, she stated that the Federal Ministry

of Education through its tertiary regulatory bodies was redesigning curricula to create opportunities for the training and development of students in practical entrepreneurial skills, adding that, courses in entrepreneurship development are now mandatory for all Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.

She commended the National Open University of Nigeria for its giant strides and expressed government’s commitment in ensuring that fair policies are put in place to encourage youth involvement in entrepreneurship for economic growth and development.

In his welcome address, the Vice

Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Abdalla Uba Adamu said the Conference would among others provide a platform for exchange of practical lessons and intellectual ideas, solve entrepreneurial problems, develop skills and knowledge needed for economic progress.

Kaduna Electric rounded off the Customer Service Week activities with a visit to the Al-IHSAN orphanage in Kaduna where food items and clothing were donated. The Kaduna Electric team was led by the Chief Marketing and Revenue Assurance Officer, Abubakar Jimeta (centre).

AEDC, NERC to negotiate over licence cancellation notice

By Etuka Sunday

A

buja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) are to further negotiation over the recent notice of licence cancellation.

Recall, power sector regulator, NERC on Wednesday last week notified eight (8) power distribution Companies (DisCos) on its intent to cancel their licences in 60 days after they accumulated N30.1billion energy invoice debts for July 2019.

The companies are Abuja DisCo, Enugu DisCo, Benin DisCo, Ikeja DisCo, Kano DisCo,

Kaduna DisCo, P/Harcourt DisCo and Yola DisCo. A noticed by the NERC’s Commissioner for Legal, Licencing and Compliance directed the eight companies to justify why their licences should not be withdrawn in two months.

The analysis of the July 2019 Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) shows that AEDC was supposed to remit 45 per cent of N7.2 billion, but remitted 30 per cent, which was N2.152 billion.

Nevertheless, the Managing Director, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) Africa, the core investor in AEDC, Engr.

Emmanuel Katepa said, AEDC and NERC would return to

negotiation table in order to address the concerns.

Speaking to Peoples Daily in an exclusive chart, Engr.

Katepa who expressed shock over the notice said, the parties were already in the process of negotiating the issues before the letter came He however assured that effort would be intensified to permanently resolve the issues.

“Yes, we did receive a letter from NERC earlier in the week, it is just a bit of a surprise because we are right now in the process of negotiating the few of the issues in the order that was given so we will continue that negotiation although the letter is already

out, but we will engage with the commission to deal with some of the matters that we have communicated previously with them,” he said.

On Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), he said, “we are also in the process of getting ours ready, I believe within the next week we should have submitted it to the commission. It is currently undergoing review at Executive Management level.

“We are making sure it reflects the current reality and not work on the basis of the conditions in 2013 and the parameters that were set then. It is important that we update those parameters to today conditions,” he said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

Page 20

BU$IN€SS NNPC, NLNG seal $2.5bn Gas Supply Deal

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has challenged shareholders of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to work very quickly towards expanding the production capacity of the company beyond Train 7 to take advantage of developments in the global LNG market.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, gave the charge in Abuja, during the signing ceremony of a $2.5bn pre-payment agreement between NNPC and NLNG for Upstream gas development projects to supply gas to NLNG Trains 1 – 6.

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the GMD said it would help to resolve the issues around gas supply to Trains 1 – 6, stressing that there was need to fast-track action on the process of bringing more trains on stream.

“Here at NNPC, we are thinking beyond Train 7; if your ambition is Train 7”, Kyari challenged the shareholders.

He noted that though NLNG has been a huge success as a company, it must go beyond its current achievements and initiate other viable projects capable of generating better return on investment.

“Actually, our thinking should be on what else we can do or what other projects we can work on as quickly as possible to take advantage of the enormous potential in-country.

There is also the need for us to take advantage of what is happening in the global market and do things very differently. There are opportunities there and our company must move into those locations and we must move fast,”

By Miriam Humbe

A

new set of 128 Nigeria Industrial Standards, (NIS) have been approved for publication, dissemination and use by Stakeholders in Nigeria to drive economic advancement

by Manufacturers, Processors, Assemblers and Importers of products and services.

The new standards were approved by the Nigerian Standards Council at its 5th meeting held at the SON Operational Headquarters, Lekki, Lagos recently, a statement from the office of the Director General, Osita Aboloma Esq revealed.

Speaking after the meeting, the Director General posited that

he declared.

The NNPC helmsman said the pre-payment gas supply agreement was a milestone which aligned with the Federal Government’s aspirations of monetizing the nation’s enormous gas resources, protecting the Federation’s investment in the NLNG, ensuring full capacity

utilization (22mtpa LNG and 5mtpa NGLs) of Trains 1-6 plants, generating employment, and providing new vistas of growth opportunities in the nation’s LNG sector.

Earlier in his address, the Managing Director of NLNG, Engr.

Tony Attah, noted that the signing of the gas supply pre-payment

agreement was a significant step towards ensuring the company’s business sustainability and competitiveness.

He called for support to ensure that the Final Investment Decision on the Train 7 Project is taken this year without fail, adding that the project was no longer an ambitious one in the

light of developments in the global LNG market.

Highpoint of the occasion was the signing of the gas supply pre-payment agreement which was witnessed by the Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, and representatives of Total, Eni/ NAOC, amongst others.

A

L-R: Minister of State for Budget and National Planning/Nigeria’s Open Government Partnership (OGP) co-chair (State Actor), Prince Clem Ikanade Agba; Director & MBNP OGP Focal Person, Dr Anne Nzegwu; and, OGP Global Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sanjay Pradhan, during a courtesy visit to the Minister recently in Abuja.

SON Council approves 128 new standards for economic advancement the approval by the SON Council will further boost industrial and commercial activities in the country in view of the imminent implementation of the African Continent Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Aboloma said the agreement has further necessitated rapid development and harmonisation of standards, conformity assessment procedures as well as mutual recognition of quality marks, to cover all sectors

and facilitate trade across the continent through the elimination of technical barriers.

He enumerated areas covered by the approved standards as including civil/building technology, chemical technology, electrical and electronics, food/ codex, petroleum products as well as liquefied petroleum cylinders among others.

In his opening remarks, Council Chairman, Mr. Edet Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Federal

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment congratulated the SON Management for its promptness in dealing with staff promotions and disciplinary matters.

He enjoined the Council members to continue to bring their rich knowledge and experiences to bear in assisting SON deliver on its mandate, stressing that quality was a moving target that requires continual improvement in service delivery by the Organisation.

The Standards Council is an

18-member body recognised by law to provide policy direction in carrying out the organisation’s mandate of standards development, conformity assessment and Metrology assurance amongst others.

Its members are drawn from ministries, department and agencies of government, the organised private sector and professional associations, including the Director General, SON.

T

The Head, Corporate Communications, Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi in a statement said, the clarification was necessary in the light of a recent report by an online news medium which made a baseless and unfounded allegation linking

the former vice president to Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.

We wish to state that the bidding for Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company was won through an open, competitive process by North West Power

which comprises reputable business entities whose ownership is public knowledge and can be verified from the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant government entities.

We therefore appeal to media

practitioners to be circumspect and always make the effort to verify information before going to press. The implications of not doing so has the potential to cause severe damage to not only people’s hard earned reputation but to businesses as well.

METRO

Page 21

Stakeholders pledge support for girl-child dev’t in Abuja

By Stanley Onyekwere

Kaduna Electric denies having links with Former Vice President, Sambo

he Management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company wishes to state for the record that former Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo is not a shareholder in the company neither is anyone holding shares for him by proxy.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

s Abuja residents joined to mark this year’s international Day for the Girl-child, stakeholders have declared resolve to redouble efforts at ensuring improved well-being of the girl child in the nation’s capital city.

Our correspondent reports that various stakeholders from all walks of life made this point at weekend, during an event organised by Abuja based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Helpline Foundation for the Needy, in collaboration with Make A Difference for the Needy Foundation, as part of activities to commemorate the 2019 International Day for the Girl Child, with the theme; “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow”.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, reinforced the commitment of the FCT Administration to create an enabling environment for the girl child to thrive.

Aliyu stressed the need for government at all levels to come up with policies and programmes that would encourage the girl child to realise her potential in society.

The Minister, who identified mentorship as key to growth and development of the girl child, also called on parents especially mothers to always monitor the emotional growth of the girl child, noting that mothers are closer to the girl child.

According to her, it is important for the girl child to realize her potential, which can only be done through mentoring.

She urged the girls to seek out

role models in their society and not necessarily public figures they may not have access to, stressing that every woman is special so “there must be one mentor in your neighborhood.”

“Mentorship and mentoring is fundamental to the development of the girl child, starting from parenting to successful women in all endeavors of life.

“The girls must be taught by their parents to identify a role model from their teachers or neighbourhoods.

“The girl child has suffered all kinds of oppression from tradition, to religion and the believe that the girl child should not be heard, for she is a weaker sex.

“FCT Administration has already taken the bold step of

increasing the enrolment rate of girl child in schools. As it is, we are almost recording 50/50 participation rate in schools.

“The girl child is given a large space and encouraged to realise her potential. We are going a step further through sensitisation and getting them to know that they are special. Packages will soon come and everyone will know that the girl child is in the heart of the FCT Minister”. She stressed.

Also speaking, President of Helpline Foundation for the Needy Abuja, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said the event was aimed at amplifying the voices of the girl child and to ensure that they stand for their rights, adding that in nearly 25 years of Beijing Declaration, the girl child has moved from

dreaming to achieving.

“More girls today are attending and completing school, fewer are getting married or becoming mothers while still children, and more are gaining the skills they need to excel in the future world or work.

“Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities,” she affirmed.

Ahmadu added that Helpline Foundation has already started mentoring young girls through its Leadership Development Centre for Women, where identified mentors are paired with them for effective mentoring experience.

Similarly, the Founder of Make A Difference for the Needy Foundation, Mrs. Maria Ogbonnaya-Ngwu, opined that the essence of the programme was borne out of the believe that every girl has the potential to transform her life regardless of her background and also teach them to be confident to push on and pursue their dreams in any field of endeavour.

Ogbonnaya-Ngwu said, “Educate a girl child, you educate a nation, and empower a girl child for a brighter tomorrow.”

The highpoint of the event was a novelty football match between girls from youth Parliamentarians and selected public schools within the FCT, aimed at showcasing the strength of the girl child.

L-R: Country Programme Director, Aid Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Dr Echey Ijezie; representative of the Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Adebayo Duru; Gender and Human Rights Programme Officer, National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Mercy Egemba; and representative of the Minister of Women Affairs, Joseph Ozungwe, during the commemoration of the 2019 International Girl-Child Day organised by AHF, recently in Abuja. Photo: NAN

FCT, Nasarawa gov’t ups partnership for accelerated infrastructural development

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here is strong indication that plans are underway for more collaborations between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Nasarawa State Government for rapid and inclusive development across communities in both domains.

This was disclosed when the Nasarawa state governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule led a delegation from his state on a courtesy and technical visit to the

FCT Administration.

While the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello stressed the need for a joint development commission to harmonize plans the Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule called for improved collaborative effort for the overall development of Nasarawa and the FCT. According to the FCT Minister, He said if necessary, such plans should include joint funding of projects in areas of security, rail transport, road linkages and expansion to make for free flow

of traffic and consequently, more investments opportunities for both parties.

He called on the Nasarawa State Government to partner with the FCT Administration in the on-going move to decongest traffic along the Abuja/Keffi road, explaining that the task team mandated to carry out the exercise needed the support of the Nasarawa State Government to extend the work to the state.

The Minister stressed the need to end illegal car parks and roadside trading, as it would

bring down travel time between the FCT and Nasarawa state, increase productivity in workers traversing both areas to get to work as well as bring about economic development.

Earlier, the Nasarawa state governor who had described boosting partnership between his state and FCTA as a necessity, said it will be beneficial to both areas and the peoples.

He solicited collaboration with the FCT for a mega terminal to house all the 22 motor parks in his state, which would ease off the

traffic gridlock along the Abuja/ Keffi road, bring down crime rate and reduce man hour wasted on the road.

The governor lamented that amenities are over stretched in his state as a result of the increasing number of FCT workers who reside in Nasarawa state.

He therefore urged the FCT Minister to Partner with the state for the construction of the Apo/Uke road as well as other link roads between the state and the FCT as part of efforts to ease gridlock on the express way.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

Page 22

world news

Brexit: Boris Johnson says ‘significant’ work still to do

B

oris Johnson has said he can see “a way forward” to reaching a deal with the EU in “all our interests” before Brexit is due to happen on 31 October.

But the prime minister warned the cabinet there was still a “significant amount of work” to do, as EU and UK officials continue to hold talks.

Parliament will meet on Saturday and vote on any deal achieved by Mr Johnson at a Brussels summit this week.

Labour said it would “wait and see” but would oppose anything “damaging”.

Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show: “We don’t think the Tories have moved too far on their deal.”

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon told the same programme: “We will not vote for the kind of deal specified by Boris Johnson.”

Talks in Brussels between UK and EU officials - described as “intense technical discussions” continued on Sunday.

House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leading Brexiteer, told Sky News that “compromise” would be inevitable during negotiations.

He added: “I trust Boris Johnson to ensure the relationship the United Kingdom has with the

European Union is one where we are not a vassal state.”

Mr Rees-Mogg also said he might have to “eat my words” and support a plan close to the one put forward by former Prime Minister Theresa May, which MPs rejected three times.

Analysis

By Nick Eardley, BBC political correspondent Is there going to be a deal then?

Forgive me a politician’s answer, but the truth is nobody knows for sure. Not yet.

Both sides are being tightlipped on the exact discussions happening behind closed doors in Brussels.

Indeed the cabinet were given very little detail about what exactly is being discussed.

Some might see that as a positive sign; nobody is going public on the concerns they have.

That doesn’t mean they don’t have them, but it suggests there is serious work going in to try to solve them.

I’m told Boris Johnson sounded genuinely confident in the cabinet conference call that a deal can be done.

Others in Westminster are filling up the coldest water they can find to pour all over reports a deal could be coming.

One opposition source told me they have war-gamed six potential outcomes for this mammoth political week.

They didn’t give any of them more than a 50 per cent chance.

Ambassadors to the EU from 27 member countries are scheduled to meet on Sunday evening and Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, is expected to brief them on the talks.

The summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday is seen as the final chance to get a Brexit deal agreed ahead of the deadline of 23:00 GMT on 31 October.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister updated cabinet on the current progress being made in ongoing Brexit negotiations, reiterating that a pathway to a deal could be seen but that there is still a significant

Black woman shot dead by Texas police through bedroom window

A

black woman was shot dead by police through her own bedroom window in the early hours of Saturday morning, after a request to check on her welfare.

Atatiana Jefferson, 28, had been living at the residence in Fort Worth, Texas with her eight-yearold nephew.

A neighbour had called a nonemergency police number after growing concerned that her front door was open at night.

Police have released body cam footage of the incident, which shows an officer shooting within seconds of seeing her.

The clip shows police searching the perimeter of the residential property, before noticing a figure at the window. After demanding the person put their hands up, an officer then fired a shot through the glass.

The Fort Worth Police Department said in a statement that the officer, who is a white man, had “perceived a threat” when he drew his weapon.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, officials added.

The shooting happened at about 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on Saturday morning.

Although it is edited, the body cam footage does not appear to show the officers identifying themselves as police.

It does not show footage from inside the property but includes

images of a weapon that police say they found inside the bedroom.

It is unclear if Ms Jefferson was holding a weapon at the time, but firearm possession is legal for people aged over 18 in Texas.

Police said officers provided emergency medical care to Ms Jefferson at the scene, but she was declared dead at the property.

‘Playing video games’ The 28-year-old had been playing video games with her nephew before she went to investigate the noise outside the window, according to a lawyer representing her family.

“Her mom had recently gotten very sick, so she was home taking care of the house and loving her life,” lawyer Lee Merritt said on Facebook. “There was no reason for her to be murdered. None. We must have justice.”

Ms Jefferson was a university graduate who was working in pharmaceutical equipment sales, he added.

The shooting comes less than two weeks after an off-duty police officer was jailed for shooting a black man, Bothan Jean, dead in his own Dallas apartment less than 35 miles (55km) from Saturday’s incident.

Police released images of a weapon found inside the bedroom Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke, himself from Texas, has spoken out about Ms Jefferson’s death.

A lawyer for Ms Jefferson’s family said she was “very close” to her family “As we mourn with Atatiana’s loved ones, we must demand accountability and promise to fight until no family has to face a tragedy like this again,” he posted on Twitter.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) labelled Ms Jefferson’s death “unacceptable”.

Neighbour James Smith, 62,

said he had checked the property himself before calling police, but failed to spot movement inside.

“I’m shaken. I’m mad. I’m upset.

And I feel it’s partly my fault,” Mr Smith told the Star Telegram newspaper about requesting the welfare check. “If I had never dialled the police department, she’d still be alive.”

Source: BBC

amount of work to get there and we must remain prepared to leave on 31 October.”

The spokesman said Mr Johnson believed a deal could “respect the Good Friday Agreement”, signed in 1998 in an effort to end the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

It could also “get rid of” the backstop - the plan to prevent the return of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic - which the government says threatens the future of the UK. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson told Sky News that any agreement reached by Mr Johnson should “be put to the public so they can have the final say”.

But asked whether more MPs would be likely to support a deal, if the Commons first voted in favour of putting it to a referendum, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I think many in Parliament, not necessarily Labour MPs - others - might be inclined to support it because they don’t really agree with the deal.

“I would caution them on this.”

Asked about Labour’s stance, Home Secretary Priti Patel replied: “They are clearly playing politics.

The British public want to ensure that we get Brexit done.”

Mr Johnson’s revised proposals - designed to avoid concerns about the backstop - were criticised by EU leaders at the start of last week.

However, on Thursday, Mr Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar held talks and said they could “see a pathway to a possible deal”.

The Benn Act, passed by Parliament last month, requires Mr Johnson to ask EU leaders for a delay to Brexit if a deal has not been reached and agreed to by MPs by 19 October.

The first Queen’s Speech of Mr Johnson’s premiership, delivered during the State Opening of Parliament on Monday, will see the government highlight its priorities, including on Brexit.

Timeline: What’s happening ahead of Brexit deadline?

Monday 14 October - The Commons is due to return, and the government will use the Queen’s Speech to set out its legislative agenda. The speech will then be debated by MPs throughout the week.

Thursday 17 October - Crucial two-day summit of EU leaders begins in Brussels. This is the last such meeting currently scheduled before the Brexit deadline.

Saturday 19 October - Special sitting of Parliament and the date by which the PM must ask the EU for another delay to Brexit under the Benn Act, if no Brexit deal has been approved by Parliament and they have not agreed to the UK leaving with no-deal.

Thursday 31 October - Date by which the UK is due to leave the EU, with or without a withdrawal agreement.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

Page 23

News From Africa

K

enya’s Brigid Kosgei eclipsed the 16-year-old women’s marathon world record held by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe as she retained her Chicago title.

The 25-year-old recorded a time of two hours 14 minutes 04 seconds, easily inside Radcliffe’s mark of 2:15:25 set at the London Marathon in 2003.

It adds to the Kenyan’s win in London this year when she clocked 2:18:20 and became the youngest winner of the race.

Ethiopa’s Ababel Yeshaneh

Brigid Kosgei breaks Paula Radcliffe’s women’s marathon record was second in Chicago, six minutes 47 seconds behind.

Only 22 runners in the men’s race finished faster than Kosgei, whose time would have been a men’s world record in 1964.

The Kenyan, who won last year in 2:18:35, admitted: “I

was not expecting to run like this.”

Radcliffe’s 2003 time was the longest-standing marathon world record by either men or women in the post-war era.

The former world champion was at the finish line in Chicago

to witness Kosgei’s remarkable performance and was among the first to congratulate her.

“When I saw how fast Brigid was running in the first half I knew it was going to be broken,” said Radcliffe.

Ethiopa’s Gelete Burka

completed the top three in Chicago on Sunday with a time of 2:20:51.

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Manuela Schar retained her wheelchair title, finishing 30 seconds faster than last year in 1:41.08.

Tunisia election: Nabil Karoui and Kais Saied vie for presidency

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unisians are voting to choose a new president, in a decisive final-round vote between two political newcomers: a flamboyant media mogul and a conservative law professor.

Tycoon Nabil Karoui and retired academic Kais Saied swept aside a host of establishment candidates in the first round of voting last month.

Mr Karoui, 56, has campaigned from prison after being arrested on charges of money laundering and tax fraud.

He denies the charges.

Voter turnout was at 17.8% by midday on Sunday, up from 12% at the same time in the first round, the election commission said.

Polls are set to close at 18:00 (17:00 GMT), and official results are expected on Tuesday.

Najwa Salmi, 21, cast her vote at a polling station in northern Tunis, and said she was hoping for “a president who respects his powers”.

“Today I vote to support a candidate who will be president of all Tunisians and be fair,” she told Reuters, without saying who she meant.

Mr Karoui, who was freed by a court order just four days ago, came second in the first round of voting, with 15.6% of the vote to Mr Saied’s 18.4%.

Tunisia’s electoral commission has said that if Mr Karoui loses the run-off he could appeal the result, as he has not been allowed a fair campaign.

What are the two candidates offering?

A 61-year-old law professor nicknamed “the robot”, Mr Saied has run a shrewd and hard campaign, with almost no advertising, on a message of integrity and anticorruption targeted at young Tunisian voters.

In the week before the polls, he announced that he would not campaign while his rival was in

Tunisians are voting for their second democratically elected president prison.

Mr Kais Saied says his wife will not hold the title of first lady if he becomes president He has promised electoral reforms, including changes to local elections for regional representatives.

Critics have attacked his conservative social views, however.

In an interview with a local newspaper, he accused foreign powers of encouraging homosexuality in the country.

He is in favour of restoring the death penalty, suspended since 1994 in Tunisia, and has said that if

he wins the presidency, his wife will not be the country’s first lady.

As for Mr Karoui, he is dubbed Nabil “Makrouna” (pasta) for his charity’s distribution of money and bags of the staple food.

Supporters view him as a selfmade businessman, and praise his philanthropy in a country facing rising living costs and youth unemployment.

He founded the charity to fight poverty - a central theme of his campaign.

Opponents have accused Mr Karoui of using his popular TV station, Nessma, to further his

political ambitions.

He was arrested in August on charges of tax evasion and moneylaundering shortly before the campaign opened.

The charges have not been dropped, despite his release from prison.

His supporters say powerful forces in Tunisia have conspired to scuttle his candidacy, but authorities say his arrest was based on a threeyear-old investigation.

What is the significance of the poll?

The election was brought forward after the death in July

of Tunisia’s first democratically elected president, Beji Caid Essebsi.

He took office in 2014, three years after a popular uprising that led to the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, and sparked the Arab Spring.

Correspondents says that while the Arab Spring gave Tunisia democracy eight years ago, many believe it brought little else.

And Djordje Todorovic, a foreign observer at the poll, said he was concerned that Tunisia “probably won’t have a strong or stable government after this election”.

Burkina Faso mosque attack kills 15 worshippers

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t least 15 people have been killed and two seriously injured in an attack on a mosque in northern Burkina Faso.

Gunmen entered the Grand Mosque in the village of Salmossi on Friday evening as those inside were praying.

The attack prompted many locals to flee the village which is

close to the Malian border.

Hundreds of people have been killed in the country over the past few years, mostly by jihadist groups.

One resident from the nearby town of Gorom-Gorom told AFP news agency: “Since this morning, people have started to flee the area.”

He added that there was a “climate of panic despite military reinforcements” put in place following the attack.

No group has admitted carrying out the attack.

Jihadist attacks have increased in Burkina Faso since 2015, forcing thousands of schools to close down.

The conflict spread across the

border from neighbouring Mali where Islamist militants took over the north of the country in 2012 before French troops pushed them out.

The UN Refugee agency says more than a quarter of a million people in Burkina Faso have been forced to flee their homes over the past three months.

Last week, 20 people were killed in an attack on a gold-mining site in the north.

On Saturday, about 1,000 people protested in the capital Ouagadougou to denounce violence in their country and the presence of foreign military forces in the region.

Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

Turkey-Syria offensive: ‘Hundreds’ of IS relatives escape camp

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undreds of foreigners affiliated with the Islamic State group (IS) have escaped from a camp in northern Syria amid a Turkish offensive, Kurdish officials say.

They say detainees attacked gates at the Ain Issa displacement camp as fighting raged nearby.

Turkey launched an assault last week aimed at driving Kurdish-led forces from the region.

The UN says 130,000 people have fled their homes, and the figure may rise.

Turkey accuses the Kurds of being terrorists and says it wants to force them away from a “safe zone” reaching some 30km into Syria.

It also plans to resettle more than three million Syrian refugees currently in Turkey - many of whom are not Kurds - inside the zone, which critics say could lead to ethnic cleansing of the local Kurdish population there.

President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops from the area effectively triggered the Turkish incursion against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - the main Western allies in the fight against IS. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told CBS News on Sunday that the US was now preparing to evacuate about 1,000 troops who remained in northern Syria.

What happened at Ain Issa?

Details of the escape are still emerging - a monitoring group put the number who fled at 100, but Kurdish authorities say almost 800 relatives of foreign IS members have escaped.

Ain Issa holds about 12,000 displaced people, previously including nearly 1,000 foreign women and children with jihadist links.

It is reportedly now empty of foreign women, according to charity Save the Children, which says “foreign masked men on motorbikes are circling the camp”.

BBC Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher says it’s unclear where the detainees might have gone, if their escape is confirmed.

But it gives new force to the Kurds’ exasperated threat that they cannot guarantee the security of the thousands of IS suspects they hold in the face of the Turkish offensive, our correspondent adds.

“Whoever cares about the secure detention of the prisoners, they are welcome to come and find a solution,” senior official Redur Xelil said, warning the Turkish operation was opening the way for IS to regroup.

The SDF says it is currently holding more than 12,000 suspected IS members in seven prisons, and at least 4,000 of them are foreign nationals. The exact locations have not been revealed, but some are reportedly close to the Turkish border.

IS has claimed recent car bombings and on Saturday declared a new campaign in Syria, which it said was to avenge its members’ detention in Kurdish-run prisons.

Turkey says it will take responsibility for IS prisoners it finds during its offensive.

How is the offensive developing?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that his

NECT remodels schools to boost orphans education Maryam Abeeb Abuja

T Ain Issa camp has been host to hundreds of children of suspected IS members military forces and allied Syrian rebels had seized control of the key border town of Ras al-Ain and besieged the town of Tal Abyad, some 120km (75 miles) away.

However, SDF officials said they had pushed Turkish forces back to the outskirts of Ras al-Ain. They also reported fierce clashes around Tal Abyad, and the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitoring group said Turkey was in almost complete control there.

Both areas are key goals in the Turkish offensive against the

Kurdish-led SDF forces.

There also appears to be a battle for control of a key motorway - called M4 - some 30-35km south of the border, with Turkey claiming its allied forces had already seized it.

What are the casualty figures?

They’re rising, with civilians killed on both sides of the border: • More than 50 civilians and over 100 Kurdish fighters killed in north-eastern Syria, SOHR says • SDF says the Kurdish forces’ death toll is 56 and Turkey gives a higher figure of 440 • Eighteen civilians killed

in southern Turkey, according to Turkish reports • Four Turkish soldiers and 16 pro-Turkish Syrian fighters killed in Syria, Turkey says A female Kurdish politician and women’s rights activist was among nine civilians killed on a road in northern Syria on Saturday, the SOHR said.

Hervin Khalaf, secretary general of the Future Syria Party, was ambushed and shot dead along with a driver and an aide after returning from a meeting in Hassakeh, her party said.

Saudi Arabia oil attacks: US to deploy thousands of extra troops

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he Pentagon has announced the deployment of thousands of additional troops to “enhance the defence of Saudi Arabia”.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper says he has authorised the deployment of additional forces, including fighter jets and a defence system.

He said it was in response to “threats in the region”, amid efforts to protect the kingdom from “Iranian aggression”.

The move comes after an attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities in September.

“Taken together with other deployments, this constitutes an additional 3,000 forces that have been extended or authorised within the last month,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said.

The US has increased the deployment of forces in the region by 14,000 since May, according to CNN. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested additional support, Mr Esper said.

The attack on Saudi oil facilities knocked out 5% of global oil supply and sent oil prices soaring. Both Saudi Arabia and the US blame Iran for the incident.

Mohammed bin Salman said: “If the world does not take a strong and firm action to deter Iran, we will see further escalations that will threaten

world interests.”

Iran has denied allegations it was behind the attack.

However the leaders of France, Germany and the UK said in a joint statement that there was no other plausible explanation for the attacks.

Mr Esper told reporters at the Pentagon on Friday that the evidence from other recent attacks in the region proved Iran was to blame.

He said the “malign behaviour” was a part of the country’s “larger campaign to destabilise the Middle East and disrupt the global economy”.

“Iran’s attempts to use terror, intimidation and military force to advance its interests are inconsistent with international norms,” Mr Esper added.

“Saudi Arabia is a longstanding security partner in the Middle East and has asked for addition support to supplement their own defences and defend the international rulesbased order.”

Always on the verge of coming home Analysis by Gary O’Donoghue, BBC Washington correspondent You would be forgiven for feeling confused about President Trump’s attitude to US military deployments in the Middle East.

At one point in the past few days he was tweeting about the “trillions

Education

of dollars” that America had wasted on “endless wars” in the region and vowing that the US would “back out” of Middle East conflicts.

Yet here we are with a further 3,000 service personnel and a bunch of hardware heading for Saudi Arabia and the region - making a net 17,000 increase in troop numbers since May. So unquestionably the rhetoric and the reality are in conflict.

President Trump is not the first incumbent of the White House to face these contradictory pressures.

President Barack Obama had to reverse his pledge in 2015 to bring all American troops, bar a handful, home from Afghanistan. There are 14,000 of them there to this day.

And the 2011 withdrawal of troops from Iraq had to be revisited when the vacuum left created space for al-Qaeda and then the Islamic State group.

The truth is that as a world superpower, America’s national interest cannot be contained within the bounds of the two shining seas that many of the early political pioneers thought would protect it from foreign entanglements.

Yet the president, in similar fashion to some of his predecessors, has to persist in the assertion that troops are always on the verge of coming home. He and they do it for sound political reasons: that’s what the American people, in general,

The deployment aims to enhance the defence of Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon says want to hear.

President Donald Trump has often defended the US relationship with Saudi Arabia and its leader, calling the kingdom a vital ally with a record amount of investments in the US. But lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have cast a critical eye over the kingdom since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi involvement in the civil war in Yemen.

In June, the Republicancontrolled Senate voted to block the sale of billions of dollars’ worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia in a rebuke of Mr Trump.

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that Saudi-led forces would use the weapons against civilians in Yemen.

As the US prepares to send more support to the kingdom, Mr Trump has also faced pushback from Congress on his decision to pull troops from Syria.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham both criticised the withdrawal as irresponsible, saying it risks allowing terrorist organisations to regroup.

On Monday, Mr Trump defended the move, saying: “We want to bring our soldiers back home. These are endless wars.”

The president has been vocal about the matter on Twitter this week, calling US involvement in the Middle East the “worst decision ever made in the history of our country”.

Source: BBC

he education of orphans and most vulnerable children affected by the conflicts in the North East region of Nigeria has received a further boost with the unveiling of the upgraded and remodeled Maiduguri International School by the North East Children’s Trust.

The school, which has over 600 pupils and comprises nursery, primary and secondary sections, was established as a co-educational institution in 1981.

It is owned and managed by the Borno community to enhance access to quality education in the state.

The Vice-Chairman of NECT, Prof Hauwa , said at the unveiling of the project on Tuesday in Maiduguri, that the Trust executed viable interventions to support provision of quality education to children affected by the conflict in the northeast.

Biu added that the projects were designed to upgrade the existing infrastructure, provision of learning resources and teacher capacity development programmes.

She listed the projects to include completion of 10 block of classrooms; renovation of 44 classrooms, auditorium and staff room as well as construction of a dining hall.

Other projects are the rehabilitation and equipping of physics, chemistry and biology laboratories and construction of 30-student capacity Information and Communication Technology centre with wireless connections.

Biu listed other projects, which include construction of a vocational centre, upgrading and equipping of Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories, resource rooms with computers, remodeling of a makeshift mosque, Junior Primary & Senior Primary Schools, nursery Blocks 1 and 2, electrification of the entire premises and offsetting of outstanding electricity bill as well as construction of drive ways and installation of solar powered overhead tank.

Dr. Masha said the Maiduguri International School, which was set up for non-profit goals, should see the assistance as an opportunity to open its door for more vulnerable children to have access to quality education, which is the bedrock of meaningful development in all societies.

Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur, commended NECT for its huge support aimed at reinvigorating the education sector ravaged by the decade-long insurgency in the region.

Kadafur also said that the state government accorded priority to the improvement of the education sector through the establishment of new schools and improvement of teacher service and welfare scheme.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, october 14, 2019

25

Foreign countries offer 313 Nigerians Scholarship -FG Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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he Federal Ministry of Eduation has disclosed that Russia, China, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Mexico and Hungary have offered 313 scholarship slots to Nigerian pupils under the Bilateral Educational Agreement so far in the 2019/2020 academic session.

According to the breakdown, Morocco leads with 100 scholarship slots, Russia had 86 and Hungary, 47 slots.

Meanwhile, China offered 34 slots, Algeria 33, Egypt 12 and Mexico offered one.

The Minister of State for

Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, stated this at a three-day workshop on federal scholarship process and implementation in Abuja on Tuesday, saying 94 scholars were already about to leave for Russia, while 21 were headed for Algeria.

The minister noted that the donor countries had the responsibilities of providing accommodation, paying the tuition fees as well as some pocket allowance for the scholars.

He added that the Federal Government would provide a supplementary allowance of $6,000 yearly to support the feeding, local transportation, maintenance and

equipment to them, while also putting in place a health insurance of $200 annually to the scholars.

“In spite of the global economic meltdown, the number of our development partners has increased and many of them now offer scholarship to Nigerians. To be eligible for this award, the candidate must have obtained distinctions, that is A and B in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics at one sitting, not older than two years,” the minister added.

The Director, Federal Scholarship Board, Mrs. Asta Ndajiwo, noted that the Federal

Government had so far in 2019 offered about 1000 scholarships to Nigerians in public tertiary institutions under the Bilateral Educational Agreement and local scholarships to pursue their education.

Ndajiwo added that the government had cleared the allowances of foreign scholars studying in BEA countries up to December 2019.

She said, “We have issued more than 1000 scholarships to Nigerians in public tertiary institutions, about 200 for the Bilateral Educational Agreement to Nigerians that applied to go to countries we

L-R: Executive Secretary, NERDC, Prof.Ismail Junaidu, National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina and the Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) , Prof.

Josiah Ajiboye, during the world Teachers day celebration, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin imo-owo

Group disburses N20m materials to schools Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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social development club, Etsako Club 81 said it is set to distribute instructional materials worth over N20 million to secondary schools in three Local Government Areas in Edo state.

The LGAs are Etsako Central, Etsako East and Etsako West while the materials include sets of laboratory equipment, textbooks, charts and maps among others.

The social club also said 15 students from underprivileged families from the 15 clans in

councils will benefit from the 2019 N100, 000 scholarship scheme bursary awards for indigent students.

President of Etsako Club 81, Prince Asamah Yusuf Kadiri who spoke at a press conference ahead of the Etsako 2019 Day in Lagos said the gesture was aimed at supporting government efforts in uplifting the standard of education in the state as well ensure that brilliant students from poor background are not deny the opportunities to attain their destiny in life.

He said the scholarship awards

will see beneficiaries receive an annual sum of N100, 000 each from the club for a period of four years while they study in approved universities, polytechnic and the Nigeria Defense Academy.

Speaking on the Etsako Day 2019 schedule for Saturday, October 12th, Prince Kadiri told journalists that the theme “Showcasing the Cultural Heritage and Investment Opportunities of Etsako” is aim at drawing investors interest into the abundant mineral resources scattered across the landscape of Etsako land.

Prince Kadiri said, “The

primary objectives of the club is to serve humanity, make contribution to nation building through community development as well social and economic development initiatives in various spheres of human endeavour” The club President added,“Showcasing our heritage outside the shores of our fatherland is a way of drawing our kith and kin in the Diaspora together and also to woo investment into the rich hospitalities and tourism opportunities, mineral resources and others that abound in Etsako land.”

Pupils advised FG on adequate infrastruction to enhance learning Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

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upils of some public secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have called on the Federal Government to intensify the provision of adequate infrastructure, books and other facilities to improve the teaching and learning environment in the country The pupils gave this advice during the Korea-Nigeria Quiz Competition, which brought together about 60 pupils from 12 public schools in the FCT.

The competition was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre of Nigeria.

A pupil of Government Secondary School, Nyanya, Sandra Omomoh, told our correspondent at the event that the government must intensify the provision of facilities in schools at both the Federal and state levels.

She said, “I believe that our classrooms need to be more equipped so that pupils can learn in a suitable environment. This should be taken seriously by the government. If our schools do not have the adequate

facilities, pupils cannot assimilate anything.

“The quiz contest was based on a book on the Republic of Korea, which discussed the culture, traditions and history of Korea. We were given the book to study only on Wednesday and I am glad to have participated in the competition.”

Omomoh emerged as the winner of the contest and she went home going with a laptop computer.

Another pupil, Mabel Amodu, from Government Secondary School,

Gwagwalada, said, “The government needs to provide more books for us. We need the authorities to fund our clubs and encourage the reading culture.

“In my school, a lot of pupils don’t have this opportunity because they don’t have these books to read.”

The KCCN Director, Mr Lee Jin-Su, noted that the quiz competition was to celebrate the mutual cooperation and shared values that existed between the Korean and the Nigerian peoples, noting that it was to develop skills and knowledge of the participants.

PAGE 26

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Feature

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ast week, Thailand suffered one of its biggest ever single elephant tragedies, when 11 animals in one family died in a swollen river.

At first only six elephants were thought to have died - days later another five were spotted downstream.

The initial theory from park rangers in Khao Yai National Park was that they died in a rescue mission. As they crossed the treacherous 150m-tall Haew Narok - or Hell’s Falls - a baby slipped and the others fell trying to save it.

Though the loss of 11 elephants isn’t catastrophic to the species, there is something about them that draws us in, and this apparent self-sacrifice struck a chord around the world millions of you read our story alone.

But emotions aside, how plausible is it that elephants would have both the empathy and skill to risk their lives for a baby? And perhaps more importantly now, what does this mean for the survivors?

Dr Joshua Plotnik, assistant professor of psychology at Hunter College City University of New York, has been studying elephants in Thailand for more than a decade.

He told the BBC that with no witnesses, we can’t assume what happened. But he says it’s “certainly reasonable to suspect that when an elephant in a family group is in danger the other elephants might do everything they can to go help”.

There is well documented evidence of elephants recognising danger and coordinating their actions to stage a rescue.

But Dr Plotnik says it seems unlikely that they would “actively all go over a waterfall in a dangerous situation like that”.

It was more likely a terrible accident.

The elephants were spotted lying below the falls in the rushing water Dr Rachel Dale, an elephant behaviour specialist at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, agrees that elephants will unquestionably help an elephant in danger, “even if it’s at a cost to themselves”.

But they’re also “smart animals, really smart”, she says, so probably have the ability to carry out a kind of perfunctory risk assessment before rushing in.

Notoriously dangerous Bhichet Noonto leads the Thailand Human-Elephant Coexistence Project at the office of Thailand Science Research and Innovation, studying patterns of elephant behaviour.

He said conditions in the park were miserable at the time of the accident, and Haew Narok was already a known hazard to elephants in the monsoon season.

In 1992, eight elephants died after tumbling over the same falls - park officials have said they witnessed a mother on that occasion jump in after a baby. A calf is also suspected of having fallen off a cliff there in 1987.

To prevent further accidents, park officials constructed miles of concrete pillars to steer them away from hazardous places.

But they couldn’t cover everywhere, and the rangers have seen footsteps indicating this group had followed one fence all the way up the falls until they found a way through, right at the top.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) said the elephants may have been looking for a particular local plant, which only grows in that area once a year, and they may have taken a risk to reach it. Alternatively, they may have gone out of their way to avoid interacting with humans.

“There are many types of elephants: polite, naughty, and nice just like humans.

When some of them walk outside of the routes that they are used to, they have a high risk of falling,” said DNP director Songtham

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, october 14, 2019

27

Thai elephant deaths: Do elephants risk their lives to save each other?

Two survivors of the tragedy face an uncertain future in the jungle now

The elephants were spotted lying below the falls in the rushing water Suksawang.

‘Trauma’ of survivors In another emotional twist, two elephants are known to have survived the fall - a mother and calf. They were trapped by the slippery rocks at the bottom, but with the help of park officials made it to safety.

If elephants do indeed have the empathy and intelligence to understand when one of their kind is in danger and try to save them, what does that mean for these survivors?

“This is a large-brained, intelligent, social, empathetic animal,” says Dr Plotnik. “I would argue they would suffer the same kind of trauma we would suffer.”

“

The exact relationship between the family members is not yet known, but if their matriarchal leader was among the dead, they’ll have lost decades of vital knowledge about their jungle home.

Because elephant lives are about as long as ours and they rely on generational knowledge, Dr Dale explains, it could take a very long time to see the effect of this kind of loss and whether it changes their behaviour or traditional routes.

But park officials are confident the pair have the skills to survive and will learn from their experience to avoid the falls.

Mr Noonto says reports from the area

If elephants do indeed have the empathy and intelligence to understand when one of their kind is in danger and try to save them, what does that mean for these survivors?

suggest there may be more family members elsewhere that the two survivors can reunite with. Failing that, they may be taken in by another family group - studies of captive elephants being returned to the wild have shown this is possible, he says.

“They can survive, they can adapt,” he says. “Perhaps they will even encounter males to rebuild the family.”

‘The wild is not friendly’ There is undeniably an allure about elephants, an animal humans have built a relationship with over millennia. Despite their vast size, they are mostly gentle, live in families like us, appear to have fun, and we can watch them apparently mourn. It’s easy for us to empathise after a disaster like Khao Yai. Dr Dale argues that anthropomorphism doesn’t ultimately help the elephants, though.

“Humans are good at certain things that help us survive,” she says. “What helps us survive doesn’t always help other animals to survive. So seeing things always through the human lens doesn’t help us to understand other species and what other animals need to thrive.”

By setting emotion aside and dispassionately assessing what makes them think and act the way they do, scientists can better determine how to prevent disasters like this.

Cases like this might be rare, says Dr Plotnik, but they are a reminder that even for an animal as huge as the elephant, “the wild is not a friendly place”.

The bodies of this group will be recovered and examined, then buried at the park.

They will be remembered every year, in the park’s memorial services for its beloved lost elephants.

“It’s very sad for [park officials] because they didn’t want this to happen again,” says Mr Noonto. “This is very emotional for Thai people.”

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

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How players were rated against Brazil friendly

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Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Super Eagles

By Albert Akota

T

o stop five-time world champions Brazil from getting a victory, everyone knows you need a five-star performance.

The Super Eagles gave a semblance in the yesterday contest in Singapore that ended 1-1.

The three-time African champions raced into the lead in the first half before they were pegged back early in the second period.

Beyond the collective performance, players were ratings for yesterday’s international friendly.

Francis Uzoho: He was really massive against Brazil as he denied them a handful of scoring opportunities.

Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino both had clear chances but instead of scoring, they only brought out

the best in Uzoho. Aside from the saves he made, he also controlled his defense perfectly and kept his cool aerially. Sadly, what should have been a sweet day for Uzoho turned sour as the goalkeeper was substituted after landing badly during an aerial battle in Nigeria’s 18-yard box.

William Troost-Ekong, the Udinese defender was rock solid at the back for Nigeria. The stand-in captain helped in checkmating most of the movement of Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus and his other teammates. Though not totally flawless, Ekong had a brilliant game all in all.

Semi Ajayi, though he started quite slowly allowing the likes of Jesus and Arthur to dominate his position with ease, the West Brom defender did find his rhythm and registered an above-average performance.

Jamilu Collins as always, he showed a great level of confidence with the ball and made some overlap that threatened the

Brazil right-full back. But at some points, he started showing some signs of tiredness and his crosses where far from perfect.

Chidozie Awaziem played quite well in the defense; denying the duo of Firmino and Everton’s Richarlison a free day Wilfred Ndidi though he failed to marshal the midfield properly in the early part of the game thus giving the Brazilians initial undue advantage, the Leicester City ace regained himself thereafter as he helped puncture a handful of Brazil’s attacks. He was booked later in the game Alex Iwobi the Everton forward gave possession away on a few of occasions and hardly threatened the Brazil defense. By and large, the Eagles’ playmaker did not have a good game as such.

Moses Simon not the best of games for the Nantes forward who did little or nothing to threaten the Brazil defence despite his wealth of experience.

Samuel Chukwueze the Villarreal showed a glimpse of his pace and dribbles against Brazil but his final pass especially to strike partner Victor Osimhen left much to be desired. There is a lot still needed to work on for the youngster.

Joe Aribo already been nicknamed the new Okocha, he was one of the most outstanding players against Brazil and was rewarded with a beautiful goal. This is the second goal in as many games for the Rangers man.

Victor Osimhen though there was no goal to show for his hard work, the Lille striker was a thorn in the flesh of the Brazil defence with the duo of Marquinhos and Thiago Silva feeling the heat the most..

He could have scored in the 15th minute but Brazil goalkeeper, Ederson, parried the ball away.

Osimhen was substituted for Paul Onuachu in the 72nd minute.

Neymar limps in friendly against Nigeria

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PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

S p r

NBBF Clubs request 7 days registration extension

t

Neymar limps in friendly against Nigeria

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Basketball Federation has approved a 7-day shift of the 2019 Men’s Premier League to allow clubs complete their administrative processes.

In a letter signed by the Secretary General of the Federation Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, the deadline extension was at the instance of clubs intending to participate in the 2019 Men’s basketball league.

Consequently, the 2019 season will commence on Saturday, October 19th in the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences.

The venue for the Atlantic Conference has been relocated to Ilorin, Kwara State while the Savannah Conference will be held in Zaria.

Oluyole Warriors (Ibadan), Customs (Lagos), Rivers Hoopers (Port Harcourt) Kwara Falcons (Ilorin), Hoops and Read (Lagos), Delta Force (Asaba), Police Baton (Lagos) and Raptors (Lagos) are some of the teams that will be competing for honors in the Atlantic Conference.

Others include Dodan Warriors (Lagos), Islanders (Lagos) who hope to rekindle their rivalry alongside newly promoted Invaders (Ekiti), Coal

A

nother Brazil, Nigeria clash comes quickly as five - time world champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria tackle Sao Paulo FC in a friendly game today, as part of their preparations for this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup finals starting in Brazil on 26th October.

Having settled down in the city of Sao Paulo and gradually adapting to the high altitude weather, the Nigerian side will

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WHEREAS the person whose name is set out in the first column hereunder died intestate on the date place stated in the said in the column.

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SCHEDULE S/N NAME OF DECEASED PERSON 1 Badamasi Jibrinlate of Kanje, Died on the 23rdday of June,2019 at Kanje 2 Dauda Thomas Basina late of SaongoBarau, Died on the 28thday of September, 2018 at Garaku Sidi Sallau late of Keffi, Died on the 3rdday of September,2019 atKeffi 4 Iliyasu Abdullahi M. late of Lafia, Died on the 17th day of February,2018 atLafia 5 Jibrin Makamalate of Adogi, Died on the 1stday of January,2019 at Lafia 6 UnekeUgbonnnayalate of Lafia, Died on the 12thday of December,2018 at Alushi 7 Kaura D. John late of Makuse, Died on the 8thday of February,2019 at Nakuse 8 Catherine J. Harrylate of Gitata, Died on the 27th day of March,2019 at B/Ladi 9 Barnabas Audu Kodoslate of Akwanga, Died on the 7thday of September,2019 at Akwanga 10 Eggura Morondia late of Shinkafa, Died on the 20th day ofS eptember,2018 at Kaduna 11 Idris Abubakar late of Keffi, Died on the 10thday of May,2018 at Keffi 3

Neymar leaving the field in Singapore

P Basketballers in action City (Enugu), and Akure Raiders (Akure).

The Savannah Conference is made up of Kano Pillars (Kano), Bauchi Nets (Bauchi), Gombe Bulls (Gombe), Kada Stars (Kaduna), Defenders, (Abuja), Niger Potters (Minna), Mark

Mentors (Abuja), Plateau Peaks (Jos), Nigeria Army (Zaria) and Benue Braves (Makurdi).

The League champions will qualify to represent Nigeria in the inuagural Basketball Africa League to be organized by NBA in conjunction with FIBA Africa.

aris St-Germain forward Neymar limped off after 12 minutes as Brazil were held to a 1-1 friendly draw by Nigeria.

The 27-year-old walked off holding his left thigh and could be a doubt for the Champions League game against Club Bruges on 22 October.

Rangers’ Joe Aribo gave Nigeria the lead in the first half as he slotted past Manchester City’s Ederson.

Real Madrid’s Casemiro prodded in from close range to equalise just after half-time.

After the match Brazil manager Tite said Neymar “felt a muscle injury” and was substituted as a “precaution”.

Despite having 70% possession in Singapore, Brazil were unable

to find a winner to remain winless in this international break after drawing 1-1 with Senegal on Thursday.

Neymar, who was playing his 101st international, is now a doubt for PSG’s Champions League meeting with Club Brugge on October 22. He has missed the first two rounds because of a UEFA suspension.

He was injured while on national duty back in June when he hurt an ankle in a friendly against Qatar. It ruled him out of the Copa America which Brazil went on to win.

If the injury was bad for Neymar then the result was disappointing for Brazil it is their fourth successive match without a win.

Brazil, Nigeria clash again as Eaglets tackle Sao Paulo FC in

By Albert Akota

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, october 14, 2019

file out against Sao Paulo FC’s U17 team at the Saropoca Sports Complex at 3pm local time, which is 7pm Nigerian time.

Speaking in Sao Paulo after breakfast yesterday, Head Coach Manu Garba disclosed that the friendly game will be a good test for the players, to see how they are quickly settling down to the task ahead when the global championship kicks off in a fortnight.

“The team will play Sao Paulo FC and we want to see how they

are adapting to some of the things learnt in the training sessions since we came to Sao Paulo,” Manu Garba said.

“The friendly game against Sao Paulo FC is one of the friendly games we have lined up for the team. The team will play Japan next in another friendly game before the end of the week,” he added.

Nigeria will begin her quest for honours at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup with a game against Hungary on October 26.

Golden Eaglets

Kosgei breaks Radcliffe’s women’s marathon record in USA

K

Kosgei smashes Radcliffe’s marathon world record

enya’s Brigid Kosgei eclipsed the 16-year-old women’s marathon world record held

by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe as she retained her Chicago title.

The 25-year-old recorded a time of two hours 14 minutes 04 seconds, easily inside Radcliffe’s mark of 2:15:25 set at the London Marathon in 2003.

It adds to the Kenyan’s win in London this year when she clocked 2:18:20 and became the youngest winner of the race.

Ethiopa’s Ababel Yeshaneh was

second in Chicago, six minutes 47 seconds behind.

Only 22 runners in the men’s race finished faster than Kosgei, whose time would have been a men’s world record in 1964.

The Kenyan, who won last year in 2:18:35, admitted: “I was not expecting to run like this.”

Radcliffe’s 2003 time was the longest-standing marathon world record by either men or women in the post-war era.

The former world champion was at the finish line in Chicago

to witness Kosgei’s remarkable performance and was among the first to congratulate her.

“When I saw how fast Brigid was running in the first half I knew it was going to be broken,” said Radcliffe.

Ethiopa’s Gelete Burka completed the top three in Chicago on Sunday with a time of 2:20:51.

Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Manuela Schar retained her wheelchair title, finishing 30 seconds faster than last year in 1:41.08.

12 Emelda Okowgwu late of Lafia, Died on the 2ndday of September,2018 at Lafia 13 Amagbo Dogara Kpanalate of Lafia Died on the 4thday of March,2019 at Lafia 14 Mallam Umar Kwanaki late of Tudu Uku, Died on the 3rdday of August,2018 atNasarawa 15 Martha L. Tsaku late of Akwanga, Died on the 7th day of November,2017 at Lafia 16 Josiah Yohanna Esson late of BakinRijiya, Died on the 28th day of August,2019 at Lafia 17 Muhammed Zuwaira late of Doma, Died on the 30thday of September, 2016at Doma 18 Iliya Luka Zheko late of Agyaragu Died on the 16th day of April,2019 atLafia 19 Ose T. Abubakarlate of Assakio, Died on the 16th day of January, 2018 at Lafia 20 Hamidu Zulai late of Nassarawa Eggon, Died on the 28thday of August,2019 at Nassarawa Eggon 21 Christopher Ugwu late of Usha, Died on the 13thday of May, 2019 at Nasarawa 22 Ezemma Augustina late of Nasarawa, Died on the 2ndday of September,2019 at Nasarawa 23 Mustapha Wakili Abubakar late of Keana, Died on the 25thday of March,2019 at Keffi 24 Haruna S. Amushi late of Loko Died on the 27thday of May, 2019 at Loko 25 Alkali Keffi late of B.A.D Died on the 7thday of April, 2016 at Nassarawa Eggon 26 Tomen Felicia Assana late of Lafia, Died on the 15thday of March, 2013 at Lafia 27 Mohammed Sabolate of Awe, Died on the 30thday of April,2019 at Awe 28 Garba Amos Kum late of Lafia, Died on the 27th day of August, 2019 at Lafia * Mohammed Musa Nasiru late of Doma, Died on the 21stday of May,2019 at Doma

NAME(S) AND ADDRESS (ES) OF Musa Jibrin of Kanjethe lawfulSon of the saiddeceased Williams Thomas & Dorathy Tomas both of Songo Barauthe lawful Son & Daughter of the said deceased respectively Lawal Ahmad of Keffithe lawfulSon of the said deceased Usman Abdullahi Iliyasu of Lafiathe lawfulSon of the said deceased Moyi Jibrin &Isiaka Jibrinboth of Adogi the lawful Sonsof the said deceased.

Esther Uneke of Lafiathe lawfulWidowof the saiddeceased Julius Kaura of Nakusethe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Ishaya Jatau of Tattarathe lawfulBrotherof the saiddeceased Manga Barnabas Kodos of Akwangathe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased.

Jonah Morondia of Shinkafathe lawfulSon of the saiddeceased Maimunatu Idris & Farida Idrisboth of Keffithe lawfulWidow & Daughterof the saiddeceased respectively.

Okongwu Basil Ifeanyi of Lafiathe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Godiya Dogara of Lafiathe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Umar Jibrin Zakari & Umar Zakariboth of Tudu Ukuthe lawfulSonsof the saiddeceased Joyce Likita Tsaku of Lafiathe lawfulDaughterof the saiddeceased Adikomo Yohanna Esson & Lydia Philip Esson both of BakinRijiyathe lawfulSon& Daughterof the saiddeceased respectively Bilyaminu Mohammed of Lafiathe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Yarima Akwu of Agyaraguthe lawfulBrotherof the saiddeceased Hashimu O. Abubakar of Assakio,the lawfulSon of the saiddeceased Yusuf Hamidu of Nassarawa Eggonthe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Scholastica Ugwu of Ushathe lawfulWidowof the saiddeceased Agada Blessing of Nasarawa the lawfulDaughterof the saiddeceased Isa Mustapha of Keffithe lawfulSonof the saiddeceased Abubakar Haruna A. of Ingland Villagethe lawful Sonof the saiddeceased.

Wamba Ayiwulu of B.A.Dthe lawfulFatherof the saiddeceased Ezekiel Tomen Agu of Lafiathe lawfulSon of the saiddeceased Hassana Mohammed Sabo & Fatima both of Awethe lawfulWidowsof the saiddeceased Gideon Amos of Lafiathe lawfulSon of the saiddeceased Fatimo Mohammed ofDoma the lawfulMotherof the saiddeceased.

(Sunday B. Bawa Esq.) PROBATE REGISTRAR NASARAWA STATE OF NIGERIA, LAFIA public notice

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SPORTS latest

Gauff wins first WTA title in Linz Open final

T

eenager Coco Gauff has become the youngest player to win a WTA title in 15 years with victory in the Linz Open.

The 15-year-old American beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-3 1-6 6-2 and is projected to move inside the world’s top 75.

Gauff only qualified for the main draw as a lucky loser after losing in the final round of qualifying.

“It has been an amazing week, I hope to come back here again. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life,” said Atlanta-born Gauff.

Price wins gold after appeal in World Boxing Championships

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ales’ Lauren Price has won gold at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in Russia after a successful appeal.

The middleweight initially lost the final against the Netherlands’ Nouchka Fontijn on a split decision.

Three judges had given the fight to Fontijn (30-27, 30-27 and 29-28), while two had Price ahead 29-28, but GB Boxing appealed and the decision was overturned.

Price, 25, is the first Welsh boxer to win World Championship gold.

The Commonwealth Games champion won bronze in the same event at last year’s Championships.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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Anambra senatorial battle: Uba and Uba vs Ubah A

nambra State has been the stage on which the most bizarre political drama has played out since our return to democratic rule in 1999.

Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, a former journalist turned politician was that year elected Governor of Anambra on the ticket of the PDP. His four year tenure was very stormy because of internal squabbles in his party.

Those were the days of President Olusegun Obasanjo when he was the law both in PDP and the country at large. The President took sides in the internal political squabbles and ruled that the governor should be blocked from taking a second term. Thus Mbadinaju was the only PDP governor who did not get a second term ticket.

The ensuing political commotion in Anambra brought to public glare a hitherto obscure politician named Chris Uba. He took Anambra by storm and to his credit installed a State Governor, all members of the State House of Assembly and all members of the National Assembly from the state.

He became known as the godfather of Anambra politics.

But it did not take long before the bubble bust. Evidently before the election, Dr Chris Ngige an aspirant on the PDP ticket had followed godfather Chris Uba to the dreaded Okija forest where he was stripped half nude and subjected to a solemn voodoo oath ceremony where he promised to handover the treasury of the state to his godfather for his enjoyment once he was elected. Soon, on becoming Governor, Ngige reneged on the oath and decided to be his own man.

Enraged that Ngige had the guts to dare him, the godfather let loose his hit men. Kidnapped, taken to an obscure hotel, locked up in a toilet and thoroughly thrashed there, Ngige was made to resign his office at gunpoint.

Not done with that, they organized a mob which set ablaze prized government assets and offices in the state.

There was public outrage not only in Anambra but all over Nigeria that one man could have the gumption to appropriate a whole state and turn it into his personal

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Emmanuel Yawe royawe@yahoo.com 08024565402

turf. But to the Uba family, little known at the time, Anambra was not the personal property of Chris but a family holding company.

Dr. Ugochukwu Uba, the eldest of the three Uba brothers who is a physician, had ventured into politics under the failed Abacha transition programme. By the electoral heist organized by his junior brother, the godfather, he became a PDP senator from 2003- 2007. Already stationed in the Presidential villa was Nnanmdi (Andy) Uba who was resident in the United States before being recalled to serve as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs.

He later contested in the governorship elections in 2007 on the platform of PDP and won. He was sworn in as governor but holds the record of being the shortest serving governor in the history of the state and country. He was in office for 17 days before being sacked by the Supreme Court, which declared that impeached Governor Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance had not completed his term.

Andy took over the senatorial ticket from his elder brother, Ugochukwu, after the latter was defeated by Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah in 2007. Then came the godfather Chris who felt since his

“

two senior brothers had tasted the senatorial cake, it was now his turn.

He picked the PDP ticket while Andy his senior brother defected to the APC. In the race therefore were Andy Uba, APC, Chris Uba PDP and Ifeanyi Ubah, Young Progressives Pary, YPP. In other words, it was Uba and Uba Vs Ubah.

The performance of the two Uba brothers at the poll was rather woeful. Chris the godfather got 52,462 votes while Andy scored a paltry 13,245 votes; all trounced

by Ifeanyi Ubah who won by a landslide 87,081 votes. In the spirit of sportsmanship, one expected the humiliated Uba brothers to eat their humble pie and take a bow.

Not so with the haughty Uba brothers. They went ahead to file a petition at the National and State Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Awka. They were told to go away. In two separate unanimous judgments, the National Assembly/ Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal affirmed the election of the Chairman of Capital Oil, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, as Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District.

The three-member panel tribunal headed by Justice Okara Ebimie Thelma in the judgments it delivered on September 9, held that both petitions challenging the outcome of the Anambra

The performance of the two Uba brothers at the poll was rather woeful. Chris the godfather got 52,462 votes while Andy scored a paltry 13,245 votes; all trounced

by Ifeanyi Ubah who won by a landslide 87,081 votes

South Senatorial election, lacked competence, insisting that the petitioners, failed to establish why the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not be upheld.

But you can trust the Uba brothers: they never, never give up. Even as the odds are very glaring against them, they will keep on fighting.

Of the three political brothers, the most refined is Dr Ogochwuku Uba, a medical practitioner who once lived and practiced in Jos. One can see some decency in the doctor.

But both Andy and Chris Uba have suspicious academic careers.

Andy Uba’s earlier election into the Senate had been challenged by Senator Obiora of the Accord Party who claimed that Uba had forged his West African School Certificate (WASC) and had not obtained any of the university degrees that he claimed. The story of allegedly faked degrees dates back to a story written by two investigative reporters and published by The News in December 2006. They claim that both Concordia and California State University said that although Uba enrolled, he did not graduate from either university. The story of Chris is just as bad. He is said to have attended but dropped out of Uga boy’s secondary school.

Regardless of the odds, the Uba brothers may soon be heading to an appeal court for another round of acrobatic judicial display.

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