Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Edition

Tuesday, July 20, 2021/ Dhul-Hajj 3, 1442 AH

Vol. 37 No. 016 N200

2638 Days after Malam Wada Maida (1950-2020), founding Chairman, Board of the Peoples Media Limited

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Cholera kills 30 in Jigawa, 2000 hospitalised >>>page 5

Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari urges patience, says govt addressing food inflation pg 5

Warns middlemen who exploit citizens Urges prayers for Nigeria’s progress

Atiku harps on peaceful co-existence, tolerance pg 4 Gbajabiamila sues for prayers, unitypg 6

President Buhari with R-L: CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; CEO NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne and Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, as he commissioned the first National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Integrated Farm Estate in Katsina State yesterday.

Bandits kill 13 Police personnel in Zamfara

page 2

Alleged money laundering: Getting 100 million Gunmen kill 2 Zamfara: Court stops You have a case to aid workers, 6 Nigerians out of poverty House from impeaching villagers in Benue is doable, Says Buhari answer, court tells Nyako, Deputy Gov son, others pAGE 4

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

News CONTENTS

Bandits kill 13 Police personnel in Zamfara

News 2-14

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-20

Z

amfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 13 Police Personnel in an ambush by the armed bandits while on the move to respond to a distress call at Kurar Mota village under Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by the

Spokesperson of the Zamfara Police Command, SP Shehu Mohammed, said a distress call from Kurar Mota was given to the operatives deployed to the area that some recalcitrant bandits were on the plan to attack some nearby communities.

“The attack occurred on Sunday at about 1230hrs, when Police Mobile operatives deployed at Kurar Mota village in Bungudu LGA were responding to a distress

call with regards to an attempt by bandits to attack some nearby communities.

“The personnel who ran into the ambush exhibited resilience and gallantry by engaging the hoodlums, an effort that deterred the bandits from attacking the communities. Unfortunately, 13 personnel paid the supreme price.

However, the bandits on their part suffered heavy casualties.

“A special Anti - Banditry

Operations is currently ongoing with a view to track down the assailants. The Commissioner of Police, CP Hussaini Rabiu, while visiting the injured Police men at the hospital reaffirmed that, today’s unfortunate incident will not discourage the officers and men of the command from discharging their mandate of protecting lives and properties of the citizens”, the statement added.

21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

Ekweremadu optimistic about electronic transmission of results in 2023 Page 17

Digest

25

Feature 26 Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

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L-R: Former Senate president, Senator Ken Nnamani, Secretary, APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee Sen John James Akpanudoedehe and the representative of persons living with disabilities, Dr James Lulu during a meeting of the APC leadership with states party chairmen, recently in Abuja.

Sallah: Secondus bemoans state of the nation

....Urges Nigeria to intensify prayers for democracy

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

T

he National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has expressed concern over the state of affairs of the nation, saying that the worrisome situation calls for the intensification of prayers.

Prince Secondus has therefore asked Nigerian Muslims to use the solemn period of Sallah to present Nigeria’s discomforting situation to Allah for his prompt intervention and mercy.

The PDP National Chairman, who said this in a message to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities

by Muslims, lamented that poor leadership was threatening the nation, pointing out there is need to seek God’s intervention.

He said that the blood of thousands of innocent souls being wasted daily in the country at various troubled spots, particularly the stress of school children in the North, should be enough mitigation to plead to God to save this country from destruction.

Secondus, in a message from his media office, advised that Nigerians should also use the period to offer fervent prayers for the unity and stability of the

nation which is seriously under threat due to insecurity and biting economic hardship arising from poor leadership.

According to him, “An intense prayer for our dear country has become very necessary more than ever before as our nationhood is in dire need of divine intervention to survive.

“Our economy is already under severe stress, the currency is loosing value daily, unemployment and inflation rising and the APC leadership does not seem to possess the capacity to confront the challenges”, he said.

Prince Secondus noted that a solemn period like Sallah, coming at this critical time in our national life, provides us an opportunity to put aside every political, religious and ethnic sentiments and unite against the prevailing common challenges of insecurity.

He implored the people however not to despair and miss the essence and meaning of Eidel-Kabir festivity and the divine succor it brings, in assuring us that there is always a light at the end of every tunnel.

Prince Secondus finally wishes all Nigerians joyful and peaceful Sallah celebrations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

News

Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnam

Eid el Kabir: PDP tells Nigerians to strengthen their trust in God By Folorunso Abuja

Alagbede,

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday congratulated all Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid el Kabir, calling on citizens to use the occasion to strengthen their trust in God as the divine source of sustenance as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Ibrahim.

The party stressed that Eid el Kabir presents the nation and indeed humanity with boundless occasion to recommit to the virtues of selflessness, love and care for one another, especially in the face of economic, political and social challenges facing our nation.

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

The PDP Urged leaders at all levels of governance to use the occasion of the Eid el Kabir to show more sacrifices towards the people and pursue only those things that will improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

According the statement, “Our party is however troubled that most Nigerian families are celebrating the Eid el Kabir, under very serious economic despair but urged them not to surrender to despondency but to keep hope alive as we collectively work to rescue our nation.

“The PDP therefore calls on the citizens to reach out, share with and uplift one another so that the joy of the Eid el Kabir is spread among all. The party urges them to remain security conscious and observe COVID-19 protocols during the festivities”, it said.

The PDP felicitated with Nigerians and wish them a happy Eid el Kabir celebration.

Zamfara: Court stops House from impeaching Deputy Gov

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, stopped the Zamfara State House of Assembly from impeaching the Deputy Governor of the state, Mahdi Gusau.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his ruling ordered the defendants to maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on

notice.

The court also stopped the house from impeaching its other members who are still in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC),while his deputy, Gusau, remains with the PDP. Sequel to that, the lawmakers in the state threatened to impeach Gusau

over activities they considered to be a threat to the security in the state which they claimed he was involved in.

PDP, through its counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, in an exparte application marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/650/2021, prayed the court to stop the lawmakers from impeaching the deputy governor.

In its ruling, the court directed the plaintiff to serve all

Students of University of Lagos (UNILAG) vacating their hostel as the school authority gives directive, over the outbreak of the third wave of COVID 19 on the campus on

Ortom intervenes in PDP crisis

From: Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will continue to rebuild to earn the confidence of Nigerians in 2023.

the defendants in the suit before Friday and adjourned the matter until July 23 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Others mentioned as defendants in the matter are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, Speaker of Zamfara House of Assembly, Governor Matawalle and Chief Judge of Zamfara.

Towards this end, the Governor yesterday evening in Makurdi, Benue State capital at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, held a closed door meeting which lasted several hours between the National Chairman of PDP Uche Secondus and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

It should be noted that both parties have been at daggers recently with Wike calling on Secondus to resign for his inability to hold the party from disintegrating.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Governor Ortom said it is part of a process to sustain the

confidence Nigerians have in the PDP with a view to winning the forthcoming 2023 general election.

“This is a family meeting for us to reason together in order to make our party more vibrant because Nigerians are waiting for us to take over the mantle of leadership at the centre in

2023”, the Governor stated.

He explained that the realignment had been ongoing within the party with several meetings held in different states, stressing that more of such meetings would hold in the months to come.

Cervical cancer: Corps member screens 300 women in Lagos

A

corps member in Lagos State, Miss Oyinkansola Oneuchekwa, says passion to save women from suffering cervical and breast cancer informed her Community Development Service (CDS) project.

Oyinkansola, also known as KKC, with Lagos State

code: LA 20B/0310, made the disclosure at a one-day free cervical and breast cancer screening at Surulere Local Government, on Saturday.

“The aim of this initiative is to provide free cervical and breast cancer screening as well as welfare packages, such as food items, to 300 women.

“Precisely 10 years ago, my own mum was diagnosed with cervical cancer in a similar programme. I thank God for the early detection.

“It was because of free screening that the cancer was detected early and she was able to follow it up by way of treatment; today, she is free. ” After then, I told myself

that since my mum is now free because she had the opportunity of the early detection, I will do same,” the corps member said at the event.

The 23-year-old expressed sadness at high rate of death among women as a result of the disease.

She blamed it on late

detection.

According to her, cervical and breast cancers are common and claims lives everyday due to poor awareness and late detection.

“I told myself that I would like to give other people this opportunity of free screening so that they can be aware of this deadly desease,” she said.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

News

By Egena Sunday Ode

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari Monday in SudujeDaura, Katsina State, said the vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of the poverty cycle within ten years can be done, with more synergy between government and the people, and diligence in diversifying the economy, with agriculture as the backbone.

Eid-el-Kabir: Atiku harps on peaceful co-existence, tolerance among Nigerians

By Folorunso Abuja

F

Alagbede,

ormer Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has harped on peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance among Nigerians.

These, according to Atiku, are the virtues that Nigerians need to imbibe “as we seek to heal our country of all shades of mistrust”.

The former Vice President said this in his message to Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

The former Vice President, in a statement personally signed by him, said, “The season is here with us again to celebrate Eid-elKabir and most importantly, give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our lives as individuals and families to celebrate this significant festival of sacrifice.

“Eid-el-Kabir teaches and reminds us of the meaning of sacrifice, love and forbearance with God and in our relationships with one another.

“As Muslims more especially, Eid-el-Kabir and the stories of Prophets Ibrahim and Ishmael (Peace and Blessings of Allah be with them) that accompany it requires that we take the whole of humanity as one nation.

“The significance of the celebration today is rooted in peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance.

“These are the virtues that we, as Nigerians, need to imbibe as we seek to heal our country of all shades of mistrust.

“According to the teachings of Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the slaughtering of animals in celebration of this festival is to evoke and reinforce the consciousness of God in all our deeds and wishes.

“We would not be able to fully appreciate the love from God if we allow killing of the innocent souls and propagation of hateful rhetoric become a norm amongst us.

“As I congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on this year’s Eid el-Kabir, may I remind you of our beloved Prophet’s saying that, no nation is superior to the other. But the best amongst you is the one with the best piety to Allah”, he said.

Getting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty is doable, Says Buhari

Buhari, who commissioned the first National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Integrated Farm Estate in Suduje-Daura, noted that reliance on oil had turned a draw back on the economy over the years, with unpredictable and fluctuating global prices that made it more difficult to effectively plan budgets, implement and measure outcomes.

A statement by the Senior Spacial Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu quoted Buhari to have said that the mainstay of the Nigerian economy remains agriculture, where the country already commands a competitive advantage, with good weather conditions for crop and livestock farming, available manpower and willingness to learn new skills, and good soil types for all season farming.

“I wish to restate my commitment that getting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty is realisable. The country is robustly blessed with good weather conditions, good soil, human and material capacity, and a resilience to make a difference by all the hardworking youths.

“We can do it, and we will do

it. No excuse will be good enough to remain a mono-economy with all the challenges in oil production and fluctuating global prices when we have vast opportunities in crop and livestock production,’’ he said.

President Buhari, according to the statement, noted that a globalized world places more emphasis on competitive edge of the economy for relevance, and Nigeria would always play a leading role in the agricultural sector, with the vastness in experience, crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and more recently, a rising youth interest.

“As the world becomes more globalized, countries will continue to draw from their competitive advantage to remain relevant.

My belief, and it is also shared by many Nigerians, is that our country has a special advantage in food and livestock productions that we must harness and promote to feed ourselves, and build a firm structure for exportation.

“Our vision of a robust agricultural economy continues to provide amazing results. Across the country today, we are seeing rising public and private interests in agriculture, especially among the youth, and a steady migration from subsistence to commercial

farming.

“With the support of public institutions, like the Central Bank and Bank of Agriculture, old tools are giving way to more mechanized styles of farming, credit lines are becoming more accessible, and farming is becoming more acceptable and fashionable.

Indeed, we are witnessing a revolution in the agricultural sector,’’ the President added.

He said the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) was resuscitated to meet growing needs in the agricultural sector for exploring available potentials of job opportunities, entrepreneurship and marketing, home and abroad.

According to the President, “The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) was already moribund when we assumed office. We had to resuscitate it to meet the growing needs of the country. I am happy to see that the directive to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NALDA, Paul Ikonne, and his management team when I launched the National Young Farmers Scheme (NYFS) in November 2020, is gradually taking shape.

“At the launch of the National Young Farmers Scheme, I recall that I told the management that I have directed that all NALDA’s abandoned farm estates be retrieved to enable thousands of our young men and women to be engaged in farming.

“This Administration will be achieving agricultural mechanization through this scheme and I am confident that Nigeria under my watch, we will achieve food security in producing most of what we eat. In good harvest years we may even export our surpluses and earn foreign exchange.”

The President commended the zeal and patriotism of the NALDA team in achieving quick and sustainable results like the Integrated Farming Estate, which had pooled the strength of men, women and youths in 13 communities and channelled them into different kinds of farming in one location.

“The Integrated Farming scheme, again, opens up more opportunities for employment, and most importantly creates communal-based system that promotes food security, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.”

Executive Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, Yahaya Muhammad (L), assisted by Chairman and the Founder Domak Global Foundation, Dr Kingsley Azonobi (M) and the Principal, GSS, Tudunwada, Mr Akor Sunday(R) to inaugurate 13 Unit Toilet facilities, donated to Government Secondary School (GSS), Tudunwada, during the inauguration and handing over ceremony, recently in Abuja.

COVID-19: Kano cancels durbar, other Eidel-Kabir festivities From Kano

K

Mustapha

Adamu,

ano state government has said that it has cancelled durbar and other festivities Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Recall that the Presidential Taskforce Committee on COVID-19 has put six states in red alert following the outbreak

of third web of the pandemic, also known as Delta Variant.

A statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba on Monday said the decision was in compliance with the federal government placing of six states on red alert, including Kano.

The state commissioner however, said that the Eid Prayers

would be held in all the five Emirates and mosques across the state.

He said the development was part of measures adopted by Nigeria, like most parts of the African continent now facing a COVID-19 third wave after detecting the more transmissible Delta variant.

Mr Garba said the red alert allows authorities in the affected

states to restrict celebrations and gatherings to a minimum, particularly the traditional Durbar (Hawan Sallah) which is marked by colourful horse riding events watched by large gatherings.

The commissioner also urged the public to observe the safety protocols that involve use of face masks, hand washing, and distancing during Eid prayer.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

News

Cholera kills Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari urges patience 30 people as govt addresses food inflation in Jigawa, 2000 • Warns middlemen who exploit citizens hospitalised • Urges prayers for Nigeria’s progress

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

By Egena Sunday Ode

A

P

bout 30 people were confirmed dead as a result of infection suspected to be cholera outbreak in many parts of Jigawa state.

The permanent secretary ministry of health Jigawa state Dr. Salisu Mu’azu confirmed the death adding that, the death was from about 2,000 patients that were already confirmed to have contracted the disease.

According to him, the outbreak started in nine Local Government Areas of Ringim, Dutse, Hadejia, kirikasamma, Birnin kudu and some others.

He said the outbreak was more pronounced in Dutse and Hadejia local government areas which he said was as a result of flow of water from open spaces into wells and water outlets that the people use for domestic purposes.

The permanent secretary said the flow of water was as a result of early rainfall that washed away faeces into open wells and bursted water pipelines in Dutse which was also taken back into the water tank that supplied the area with water.

Dr Salisu Mu’azu said the state government has directed for the release of drugs at three centres of Hadejia, Dutse and Ringim local government areas to enable the victims have immediate medical attention free of charge.

He said other agencies such as UNICEF and Doctors without borders have indicated readiness to partner with the state in mitigating the scourge from further spreading.

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 task force in the state has briefed the press that the state will not allow any durbar celebration to hold during the sallah festivity.

resident Muhammadu Buhari has sent Eid greetings on the occasion of Eid El-Adha that is being celebrated across the world, pleading with Nigerians to exercise patience as the current food shortage in the country is being addressed by government.

A statement by the his Senior Spacial Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said, in his message marking the auspicious Muslim occasion, the President restated the determination of his administration to create a just, harmonious and prosperous country in which the safety of life and property is assured.

Reflecting on current challenges facing the country, according to the statement, the President stated that “COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the economies of all countries, including Nigeria, in addition to the fact that floods have caused large

scale destruction to agricultural farmlands, thereby impacting negatively on our efforts to boost local production in line with our policy to drastically reduce food importation.”

This, he explained, has led to food inflation which the government is working hard to address, Shehu said in the statement.

President Buhari was quoted to have said that, “no government in our recent history has invested as heavily as we are doing to promote local production of about 20 other commodities, through the provision of loans and several other forms of support to our farmers.”

He said, “apart from the destruction caused to rice farms by floods, middlemen have also taken advantage of the local rice production to exploit fellow Nigerians, thereby undermining our goal of supporting local food production at affordable prices.”

“As an elected president who enjoys the goodwill of the ordinary people that gave us their mandate, let me assure you that we are continuing with measures to bring relief to Nigerians, including making fertilizer available at affordable prices to our farmers.”

The President was also quotwd to have noted that the current insecurity in the country “has produced severe and adverse effects on agriculture because farmers are prevented from accessing their farms by bandits and terrorists.”

“Let me also use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians that we are taking measures to address our security challenges.

We have started taking delivery of fighter aircraft and other necessary military equipment and hardware to improve the capacity of our security forces to confront terrorism and banditry,” he added.

Speaking on the significance of the Eid El-Kabir celebration, the

President appealed to Muslims “to demonstrate the good virtues of Islam through personal examples and practices: “Taking advantage of the celebration to exploit fellow citizens through outrageous prices of food and rams is inconsistent with fine virtues of Islam.

“As practising believers, we shouldn’t seek obscene profits by making life difficult and miserable for others. We should not seek happiness at the expense of others.

Remember that Islam is a religion of charity that urges us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

“I urge all Muslims to continue to live in peace and harmony with their fellow Nigerians of other faiths in the spirit of peaceful coexistence. Let us pray for the progress of Nigeria at all times. Let us expose undesirable elements among us who are creating security problems for the country,” the statement said.

From left: The Spiritual Head, Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabit Olagoke; General Coordinator, Alhaji Yusuf Olayiwola and Director of Administration, Bilkis OlagokeAdediran, during a press briefing on state of the nation, recently in Ibadan

Zamfara: Don’t listen to political contractors, Yari cautions Matawalle From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

F

ormer Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has cautioned Governor Bello Matawalle to stop taking any advise and suggestions from former Senator Ahmad Sani Yarima, as he only embarks on destroying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Yari, who made the disclosure during a press conference at his Talata Mafara home town yesterday, has accused Senator

Yarima of being brain behind all the crises that bedeviled the APC in the state which include violations of the party constitution by the party national caretaker that involved illegal dissolution of the party leadership in the state.

Yari further explained that, part of the nasty aims of the former Senator Yarima, was to mount pressure on him and his teeming followers with a view to secure his defection to another party upon which to continue misleading Governor Matawalle to achieve selfish political goals.

“The dissolution of the entire APC leadership from wards to state levels in Zamfara state was absolutely illegal, because the party Constitution did not in any way empowers the national caretaker committee to dissolve the party leaders in any state of the federation, they could only be removed through the conduct of convention.

“With this constitutional position on the party leaders that assures protection against being dissolved by the caretaker committee, therefore, I am announcing to all leaders of APC

from wards to local government and state levels, that they should ignore any announcement of dissolving them in favour of Matawalle loyalists as you are still legitimate leaders of the party.

“Being the leader of the APC in Zamfara State and the entire party members across the state, we have welcomed Governor Matawalle’s defection into our party, and what we should do now for the development of the party, is to sit and share political views and experiences.

“I drew the attention of

Governor Matawalle to for the sake of continued peace and unity in the party, to block his listening ears against former Senator Yarima as he is only looking for where there is a crack so that he can go through to restore his lost political relevance in the state.

“Yarima should not even be considered as APC member one could relied upon because, he offered me an invitation in 2019 which I suddenly turned down, that we should go and visit former President Goodluck Jonathan with a view to decamp to the PDP.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

News

President Buhari Commissions the First National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) Integrated Farm Estate in Katsina State on 19th July 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

CRIME News

Gunmen kill 2 aid workers 6 villagers in Benue

From: Uche the, Makurdi

A

t least eight (8) persons were allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen in communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Chairman of the council Caleb Aba told newsmen in a telephone interview that four (4) persons were killed in

Mbaabai, three(3) in Nzorov and one in Uvir council ward on Sunday night.

According to him, there were no reported conflict between the villagers and the herders, adding, that the attack baffles him.

“I have directed that the deceased be buried immediately but corpses of the two(2) aid officials have been taken away by their organization. It is

members of Operation While Stroke that evacuated the corpses. The matter has been reported to security operatives in the state,” Aba said.

It was also, learnt that amongst those killed were 2 aid workers said to be volunteers for a non governmental organization known as 360HSCD who are engaged in HIV/AIDS testing and counselling.

The aid workers have been on routine weekend supervision at Tomanyiin village in the local government.

While OPWS media Officer, Flying officer Audu Katty outrightly denied the incident, Police Spokesperson DSP Catherine Anene confirmed that three persons were attacked and killed on their way to farm in Tomanyiin, Guma Local Government Area of Benue state.

Police rescue 4 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

From: Femi Kaduna

Oyelola,

T

he Kaduna Police Command said its operatives have rescued four kidnapped victims on July 18, 2021.

COVID-19 third wave: Jigawa suspends Durbar celebration moves eid prayer to mosques From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

F

ollowing a circular from Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, putting six States and FCT on red alert as part of preventive measures against a third wave of COVID-19, the Jigawa State Government has suspended all Durbar activities in all the five Emirate Councils in the State for safe Eid celebration in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Fanini.

Similarly, the Government has also directed for the decentralization of Eid Prayer to neighborhood Friday Prayer Mosques (outdoor) and observation of limitations on all indoors gathering.

“Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 under the leadership of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha advised all States of the Federation to heighten their state of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols put in place, given the renowned greater ease of spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19”, he said.

The statement further felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el- Kabir celebration and urged the general public and religious leaders in the State to be mindful of the potential for wider spread of the virus during large gatherings.

This was made known in a statement signed yesterday in Kaduna by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Muhammed Jalige.

The statement stated that a distress call indicated that some bandits attacked two

commuting vehicles around Bade forest in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State and abducted six occupants into the forest.

“On the strength of the information, Operatives were immediately mobilized to the area, trailed the

bandits into their enclaves, engaged them in a fierce shootout and succeeded in rescuing four (4) victims unhurt whereas the bandits, some with bullet wounds escaped deep into the forest,” it said.

Alleged money laundering: You have a case to answer, court tells Nyako, son, others

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, ordered Murtala Nyako (rtd) to enter his defence in the alleged N29 billion money laundering charge leveled against him by the federal government.

The trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, in the ruling on the nocase-submission filed by the former Adamawa governor, his son Abdul-Aziz and others, ordered the defendants to enter their defence in the matter.

The judge held that the no-case-

submission filed by the defendants lacked merit and he accordingly dismissed it.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), is prosecuting the former governor and his son, Abdul-Aziz, two companies, Sebore Farms and Extension Ltd and Pagado Fortunes Ltd, on a 37-count charge of money laundering, criminal conspiracy, stealing and abuse of office.

In his ruling the court held that he carefully considered the legal arguments of all the counsel for the defendants, their written and oral arguments and the argument of the

prosecution and the testimonials of all witnesses presented, in his ruling.

Aligning with the prosecution, Justice Abang maintained that the agency established a prima facie case against the defendants.

“I have calmly, carefully and painstakingly scrutinised the evidence adduced by the 21 witnesses in chief and under crossexamination including the oral and written arguments of all the defendants.

“I have again carefully and painstakingly considered the evidence of the 21 witnesses and the

massive documentary evidence and the extra judicial statements of the defendants.

“It is my humble but firm view that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants and they are required to enter their defence immediately.

The other defendants are Zulkifik Abba, Abubakar Aliyu, Blue Opal Ltd, Tower Assets Management Ltd and Crust Energy Ltd. The matter is adjourned until Oct. 4, Oct. 5, Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 for the defendants to open their case.

From Ahmed Mohammed, Bauchi

T

Eid-el-Kabir: Gbajabiamila, Wase sues for prayers, unity among Nigerians

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for prayers and unity of purpose among Nigerians at this period of Eid-el-Kabir.

He said as people that believe and worship God, Nigerians, especially Muslims, should use the opportunity of the Eid-elKabir to pray for their leaders to be able to find solutions to our problems.

Gbajabiamila said Nigerians must remain united and steadfast at all times to be able to face the challenges confronting the country.

He called on Muslims to imbibe the habit of sacrifice

and love for one another as characterized by the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (SAW).

Speaker Gbajabiamila said there is more that unites us as a people, hence the need for togetherness and peaceful coexistence.

Gbajabiamila, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, urged Nigerians to conduct themselves in a patriotic manner as “We have no other country we can call our own than Nigeria.

“I congratulate my Muslim compatriots for marking this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. This is a time for us to be more united as a people.

“As Muslims, we must make frantic efforts to emulate the

virtues of the Holy Prophet, whose life is a perfect example of what we all should be.

“The act of sacrifice, one of the major lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir, should be part of our lives at all times. We must make sacrifices for ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbours, and of course, our country.

“I enjoin all of us to continue to be good citizens and make meaningful contributions for our continuous peaceful coexistence,” Gbajabiamila said.

Also, the Deputy speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, enjoined Muslim faithful to use this period of devotion and sacrifices to pray for the progress, peace and unity of the country.

In a statement to mark the

Eid-el-Kabir celebration, issued by his chief Press Secretary, Umar Mohammed Puma, Wase urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to pray for the success of the ongoing war against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism in some part of the country.

“I wish to appeal to all Nigerians to remember to pray for the progress, peace and unity of the country. I also urged priviledged persons to support the less privileged in the society.

The Deputy Speaker called on Nigerians of various faiths to tolerate one another and view the Sallah celebration as a call for love, devotion, caring and promotion of peace in line with the teachings of prophet Muhammad (SAW).

NIS boss warns officers against corruption

From left: Head of the Nursing Department, State House Clinic, Habiba Ahmed; Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Tijjani Umar welcoming Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari to the unveiling of the Special Edition of the Nurses Magazine to commemorate 2021 Nurses Week in Abuja on Thursday (15/7/21).

Cleric tasks Nigerians on insecurity From:Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

N

igerians have been encouraged to be security conscious and give vital information to the

security agencies to arrest criminals and criminality in the country.

The Spiritual Father and Chairman, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church(CSMC) Worldwide, Reverend Samuel

Adefila Abidoye who made the call at the International Headquarters of the Church, Galilee Land, while speaking to members of the Media Advisory Board who paid him an official visit yesterday, said the people had a greater role to

play in addressing the security challenges affecting the nation.

He called on Government at all levels to find lasting solution to the spate of kidnappings, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country.

he Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammadu Babandede, has called for attitudinal change on corrupt practices among officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service in order to render effective quality service delivery in the country.

Babandede made this known during the opening ceremony of the NIS 2021 SeviCom/ACTU sensitization and enlightenment workshop for officers and men of the Zone C of the Service held in Bauchi.

He said that the Nigeria Immigration is serviceoriented that is paid for by members of the public, pointing out that officers of the service should look inward and improve upon the way they provide services to members of the public.

He cautioned them against corrupt tendencies at their various duty post, stressing that they should have in mind that they are the first contact a foreigner meets when coming into the country.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

PAGE 8

News

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

N

ational Examinations Council (NECO) has announced Professor Dantani Wushishi as its new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.

This was contained in a statement issued by NECO Head, Information and Public Relations Division, Azeez Sani.

He said, the new Registrar is expected to serve for a tenure of five years.

He said his appointment followed the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari in a letter signed

by Minister of Education Adamu Adamu in Abuja.

Sani explained that the appointment of the new

NECO gets new Registrar, Prof. Wushishi Registrar takes effect from the 12th July, 2021.

Before his appointment, Professor Dantani Wushishi

works with the Federal University of Technology Minna.

Professor Wushishi

is a Professor of Science Education with specialization in the area of Chemistry Education,

who is a native of Wushishi, headquarters of Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State.

Eid-el-Kabir: Over 6,000 holidaymakers benefit from Osun free train service From: Femi, Kaduna

News

Okeme Niger Gov urged to resolve party crisis ahead congress hails Okowa N on workers welfare From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

iger state Governor and and North Central Committee Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has been told to quickly resolve his state party leadership crisis ahead of the All Progressive

Congress (APC) congresses.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the embattled Chairman Engr.

Mohammed Jibril Imam and the Secretary, Barrister Mohammed Liman yesterday in Minna.

“They accused governor Bello for his failure to reconcile the party leadership crisis bedevilling

the state and ensure all lingering cases against the party and its officials pending in courts not withdrawn as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari one year after he was appointment as the chairman of North Central Caretaker Committee.”

It further accused him of planning to destabilize the party

by not supporting his legitimate leadership.

They said anything contrary is illegal, unacceptable and gross infraction of the APC constitution.

They warned that their lawyers have already been instructed to commence legal actions against some of the illegalities going on in the party in Niger state.

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

Oyelola,

N

o fewer than 6, 000 Nigerians who were largely holidaymakers benefitted from the first trip of the free train service provided by the Government of the State of Osun from Lagos to Osogbo, the State capital, in commemoration of 2021 Eid-el-Kabir.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Ismail Omipidan and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday The statement stated that the beneficiaries, who appeared very excited after they arrived their destinations described the free train initiative as most commendable, remarkable and sustainable panacea for transport hurdles, particularly during festive periods.

This is even as the government reassured the people of its commitment to scaling up the initiative in order to make it more attractive and beneficial to the citizens.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

From left: Chairman of the Occasion, Bishop Godwin Okajah; Divisional Police Officer, Dutse Alhaji Divisional Police Station, Mr Hussaini Audu; and President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Solomon Adodo, during the inauguration and award presentation of Board of Trustee of Men of Valour and Discipline Corps, yesterday in Abuja.

Institute to take children back to school From, Kaduna

Femi

Oyelola,

M

icheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin is set to complement President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision of

eradicating the menace of outof-school children through a comprehensive school feeding intervention programme where pupils are enrolled in school, fed and supported to continue their education.

Director-General, of the Institute, Comrade Issa Aremu

made this disclosure in a statement to mark 2021 Nelson Mandela (International) Day and made available to media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement stated that as its contribution, the institute was to feed and certified 35 students of some public schools

in the Olulande host community, where MINILS is located.

Comrade Aremu said the management of the Institute was inspired to join the progressive world to feed and educate 35 students of secondary schools from the community as part of its corporate social responsibility.

SPHCB lauds Kaduna for providing functional healthcare facilities in 23 LGAs From: Femi Kaduna

T

Oyelola,

he State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB) has

commended Kaduna State Goverment for providing functional healthcare facilities in all the 23 Local Government Areas, and 255 wards in

the state.

Chairman of the board, Dr. Sani Muhammed Jibril stated this during orientation meeting in Kaduna yesterday.

The communique also stated that the state has reached over 90% on the national Primary Health Care under One Roof program scorecard.

he immediate past Special Adviser (SA) to the state governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on SERVICOM and Labour Relations, Comrade Mike Okeme, had commended the governor for his leadership qualities and monumental achievements, especially in the area of ensuring industrial harmony and welfare of the workforce in the state.

Comrade Okeme gave the commendation while fielding questions from newsmen at the burial of late Anthony Okafor in Asaba, the state capital.

He said that the Okowa Administration had continued to positively impact on the overall well-being of Deltans through multifaceted approaches, specifically in the infrastructural development of the state.

While describing the Late (Mr.) Anthony Okafor as a devout Christian and humble individual, Comrade Okeme noted that though the deceased died at the age of 70 years , what was more important was how much he touched lives in his own way.

The former SA, who stressed the need for the family of the deceased to remain peaceful, united at all times and strive to sustain the legacies of the deceased, described death as an inevitable end to humanity.

Earlier, the first son of the deceased, Mr. Uche Okafor; the deceased younger sister, madam Florence Okafor and a son-in-law to the family, Comrade Chukwudi Asoya, described their father as a great disciplinarian, kind-hearted and humble in all ramifications.

Meanwhile, an appeal has gone to Governor Okowa to graciously reappoint Comrade Mike Okeme in his administration.

A respondent, Comrade Augustine Akpede, who spoke to journalists, said that the appeal had become necessary considering the impacts of Comrade Mike Okeme in various administrations in the state.

From left: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Strategic Communications, Office of the Chief of Staff, Oge Mordi; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority, Olugbenga Ashafa and Director Highways Planning and Development Mr. Chukwuemeka Uzo during the Weekly State House Briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday (15/7/2021)

AKH-TRACADA salutes Nigerians at Sallah, sues for peace

By Ochiaka Ugwu

A

nti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse & Drugs Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has urged Muslim faithful to uphold the sterling virtues of Islam at Eid-elKabir celebration.

In a statement released Monday in Abuja and signed by the National Coordinator, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche, AKH-TRACADA in commemoration of the Eid-el-Kabir, urged Muslims across the nation to imbibe noble virtues of Islam which include: Peace, Piety, perseverance,

philanthropy, respect, tolerance and love for one another.

Ezeanyaeche said that Eid-elKabir should serve as an auspicious moment for reflecting on the essence of life and that of being real brothers’ keepers.

He stated that Eid-el-Kabir was a rare opportunity that the Almighty Allah affords any lucky Muslim and a time for intense worships, absolute Piety and pity for one another.

Ezeanyaeche stressed the need for total supplication to the will of almighty Allah to ensure his blessing and favour.

He noted that we should

thank God for his blessing and honour to be alive to witness the celebration, saying that the season is an invaluable opportunity and none should discar0 d the lessons learnt in it.

Ezeanyaeche however, appealed to Muslims, to use the period of Sallah celebrations to offer fervent prayers for sustainable peace, unity and socioeconomic prosperity of the nation.

He also called for such prayers, for divine plausible solutions to the recurring security challenges in the nation and peaceful coexistence of all

citizens.

Ezeanyaeeche informed that all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion had the moral obligation to positively contribute towards making the Nigerian project a huge success.

He pledged that AKH-TRACADA will continue to support relevant government agencies in curtailing Human Trafficking, Child and Drugs Abuse to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his sterling administrative qualities which are geared towards making Nigeria great again.

Covid-19: Emir of Zazzau cancels Sallah celebration From: Kaduna

E

Femi,

Oyelola,

mir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli has announced the cancellation of today’s Sallah celebration in the Zazzau Emirate following the emergence of third phase of COVID -19 Pandemic.

He stated this in his Sallah massage to the people of the Emirate yesterday.

The Royal Father said medical experts have advised that the third phase of the virus is a deadly one and very easy to be contacted.

Emir Bamalli said as reported by the Presidential Committee

on CoronaVirus, Kaduna State is one of the six states and FCT that are on the red alert, this make it nessary to cancell the annual traditional durbar.

Speaking on the Sallah celebration, the Emir felicitated with all Muslims and urged them to emulate the virtue of sacrifice and helping the needy in the

society.

Ambassador Bamalli used the occasion to call on his subjects to report any suspicious person(s) particularly strangers, to the nearest authorities.

He prayed to Allah to bring to an end the Kidnappings, killings and rustling of cattle that is very rampant in the area.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

PAGE 10

News

PIB: Why we lost 5 percent demand for hostcom — Omo-Agege

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

T

he Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central Senatorial district, has explained the reasons why oil bearing communities lost the demand for 5 percent in the Petroleum Industry Bill.

He stated that Senate had to settle for 3 percent allocation for oil bearing Communities otherwise known as host Communities because Senators from the Niger Delta were outvoted during the PIB debate, stressing that the 3 percent, did not reflect his wish.

Omo-Agege said this while fielding questions from newsmen on Friday in Benin City, Edo State Capital He, however, urged stakeholders and Nigerians who have misgivings about approved 3 percent allocation to “look at the future with a whole lot of hope and optimism for a better deal”.

OSSAP-SDGs tackles poverty, unemployment with skills

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAPSDGs) says it’s addressing the challenges of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria through provision of state of the art vocational and skill acquisition centres in states across the federation.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire made this disclosure while commissioning one of the Centres and block of classrooms constructed and equipped by OSSAP-SDGs in Gombe State capital, the statement available

to newsmen said.

The Skill Acquisition Centre and block of classrooms were named after the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed.

It has capacity to train over 1, 200 youths in life-skills annually.

According to the Presidential Adviser on SDGs, the Skill Acquisition Centre is designed to be a strategic tool for economic empowerment of youths through provision training in vocations like Sewing, Fashion & Dressmaking Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Photography, Hair styling & Cosmetology, Barbing, Catering, Tiling & Interlocking, Aluminium Fabrication & Welding, Automobile and

Plumbing.

The facility, which is one of the numerous centres constructed and equipped across the country also has provision for short term training in Bead making, Soap making, Make-up Artistry, Event Planning, Painting, Drawing, Weaving, and Shoemaking.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire said massive investments of OSSAP-SDGs in skills acquisition for Nigerian youths is hinged on the realisation that no meaningful progress can be made in the areas of economic development, security and stamping out of corruption in the society without productive engagement of the youths.

She also noted that such skill centres are necessary for the achievement of the plan by

President Muhammadu Buhari’ administration to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

“To achieve the cardinal objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which is to improve the economy, secure the country and to stamp out corruption in the society, youths must be encouraged to use their hands to work for a living and be productively engaged. There is empirical evidence that investing in youths will lead to poverty eradication, which in turn leads to social security, thereby achieving SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 16, and 17 respectively. This is one fact that makes the Centre key to the attainment of the Global Development Agenda,” Orelope-Adefulire stated.”

Group in Agbor campaign against illegal migration

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

I

n their bid to create more awareness on the dangers associated with illegal migrations, Volunteers of Migrant As Messengers (MAM) have embarked on a public enlightenment campaign in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The group, which took its message to the St. Columbus Grammar School and the ever busy Uromi Junction in Agbor, warned against illegal migrations, arguing that many destinies had been cut short by taking deadly routes in a bid to migrate to Europe.

Speaking during the exercise, the coordinator of the group, Mr. Godspower Nkwor, said “if you have the intention of traveling out of the country illegally, please bury such thought because the risk is too high.”

“There is no tree that breeds money in abroad.

The pictures traffickers paint are false, just to lure innocent people.

There is no free meal anywhere,” he stated.

Mr. Nkwor observed that most of those who planned to travel to Europe through illegal routes were either forced into slavery thereafter, or killed for rituals, while some others were imprisoned.

“In the so called abroad, there are beggars and homeless people; an indication that all is not rosy over there.”

“Some parents even go to the extent of disposing off the only landed property to send their children abroad, not knowing minding what those children would be exposed to over there,” he argued Speaking further, he averred that traveling abroad in search of greener pastures was not evil, saying that anyone that must travel should travel via the right processes.

Chairman, Board of Directors, Family Homes Funds (FHF), Suleiman Barau (R), signing a Memorandum of Understanding on N10 Billion 7 years 13.00 series 1 under the FHF Sukuk Issuance Programme with Lead Financial Adviser, Shari’ah Adviser and Joint Issuing Homes in Abuja on Thursday (15/7/21). With him are representative of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Aliyu Ahmed (M) and Chief Executive Officer of FHF, Femi Adewole.

Eid-el-Kabir: Emperor Baywood salutes Muslims, urges tolerance

F

ounder of Byawood Foundation and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Chris Baywood Ibe while greeting Muslim faithful nationwide has urged them to uphold the sterling virtues of Islam at Eid-elKabir celebration by upholding tolerance.

In a statement released in Abuja Sunday, Baywood in commemoration of the Eid-elKabir, urged Muslims across the nation to imbibe noble virtues of Islam which include: Peace, Piety, perseverance, philanthropy,

respect, tolerance and love for one another.

Baywood said that Eidel-Kabir should serve as an auspicious moment for reflecting on the essence of life and that of being real brothers’ keepers.

He noted that Eid-el-Kabir was a rare opportunity that the Almighty Allah affords any lucky Muslim and a time for intense worships, absolute Piety and pity for one another.

Baywood stressed the need for total supplication to the will of almighty Allah to ensure his blessing and favour.

He noted that all should thank God for his blessing and honour to be alive to witness the celebration, saying that the season is an invaluable opportunity and none should discard the lessons learnt in it.

Baywood however, appealed to Nigeria Muslims, to use the period of Sallah celebrations to offer fervent prayers for sustainable peace, unity and socioeconomic prosperity of the nation.

He also called for such prayers, for divine plausible solutions to the recurring

security challenges in the nation and peaceful coexistence of all citizens.

Baywood informed that all Nigerian irrespective of tribe, religion had the moral obligation to positively contribute towards making the Nigeria project a huge success.

Baywood pledged that Baywood Foundation will continue to do its utmost best to empower more Nigerians by expending the scheme to involve the uninvolved with the aim of lifting many out of poverty and spreading prosperity.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

M

Happy Eid-el Kabir

uslims the world over celebrate, today, the Eid-el Kabir (Greater Festival), also referred to as Eid-el Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), which officially commences with the two rakaat prayers. This particular Eid, which is usually celebrated on the 10th of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja, is celebrated to commemorate the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to use his only child, Prophet Ismail, for sacrifice, in obedience to God’s command.

But then the Almighty rescued the child by offering his father a ram to use instead.

pandemic that has seriously depressed the nation’s economy.

We further appeal to all the Muslim faithful to imbibe all those lessons that can be learnt during this period, especially drawing from the complete subservience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah, which teaches us to be patient, tolerant and obedient to God and constituted authority.

Besides, Muslims are also enjoined in this period to be nice to fellow human beings, most especially the poor, needy and wayfarers, whether or not they The Eid-el Adha is normally belong to the same faith. This goes preceded by the standing on further to encourage us to care Mount Arafat on the 9th of Dhul for the plights of fellow human Hijja by millions of the beings through the faithful who have been sharing of food and fortunate to travel to other gifts, thereby Mecca for Hajj, itself one inculcating in us the of the major pillars of The Eid-el Adha virtues of kindness, Islam. compassion, love, is normally tenderness, warmth preceded by and affection, all In Nigeria, the federal government the standing on of which negate all has declared today forms of hostilities, Mount Arafat on and tomorrow public conflicts and holidays. Although the the 9th of Dhul aggression that are Eid-el Kabir is usually Hijja by millions now prevalent in the marked here, just like in of the faithful Nigerian nation. other parts of the world, who have been with durbars, exchange Beyond the of gifts, visits, greetings fortunate to travel call on the Muslim and other forms of to Mecca for Hajj, faithful to thoroughly merriment, we wish to itself one of the imbibe the spirit of particularly enjoin our patience, tolerance Muslim brothers and major pillars of and obedience Islam. sisters across the country to constituted to also use the period to authority, we seize engage in sober reflections and this opportunity to urge our prayers for peace and progress in leaders at all levels of governance our nation. to eschew all forms of corruption and injustice that have smeared This is more so as this year’s Nigeria’s image globally, and have feast of sacrifice has come at a been at the root of the insurgency time of utmost trial for Nigeria, and other forms of criminality as the level of insecurity in the we are witnessing. While calling country rose to the zenith with for self-restraint among all and kidnappings, killings and other sundry, we wish our Muslim forms of violence nationwide. brothers and sisters in Nigeria There is also the public health and the world over happy Eid-el challenge of the Covid-19 Kabir festivities.

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A Year Without Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua

By Mohammed Isa

T

oday July 20th makes it exactly a year that Mallam Ismaila Isa Funtua answered the call of his creator.

It is exactly a year that I received that unforgettable phone call from a cousin, Lawal Isa conveying the sad news of the demise of Mallam Ismaila.

Baba, as we fondly called you within the family circle, I still can’t believe I am yet writing another tribute because of your passing.

Words cannot describe that difficult moment, but if this is the time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your nephew.

You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favours in return.

Your dedication to a cause was what set you apart.

For every institution you worked for, you laid the path for others to succeed. Your footprints in the media, business, public service and politics are so glaring and evident.

The benefits of your hard work is a living testimony for so many young men and women you took under your wings at a personal and professional level.

Baba, you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who worked or associated with you.

You have left a void in the family that will be almost impossible to be filled.

While we mourn today, we also take solace in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Almighty Allah for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again.

Though your death been sudden came as a rude shock to us on that that fateful Monday, your immediate and extended family, friends and associates have come to terms with the reality that you have gone forever.

Baba your might be gone physically from this world but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever. We still wake up every morning hoping this is a dream, and it hurts knowing you are gone forever.

On that Monday we spoke, you sounded okay and you told me not to bother coming to your house that evening as you will be too busy to attend to me; not knowing that will be our last conversation as I only met your lifeless body two hours after.

Though saddened with your death that created a huge space in our life that will be near

impossible to fill, we are however, consoled with the outpour of testimonies from across the globe from the people that knows and interacted with you will alive.

What will be more gladden to our hearts than prayers offered for the respose of your soul not only in our mosques here in Nigeria, but even in the two holiest mosques of Makkah and Madinah.

Your anonymous good deeds, philanthropy and touching peoples life positively suddenly became a subject of public disclosure that even those of us close to you were knowing for the first time.

If there is anything I will miss from your death are those virtues of simplicity, humility and ability to relate seamlessly with all classes of people without any air of arrogance or feelings of superiority even with your elevated status.

To all those that came across to you, they found in your conduct and character what they never expected from a personality of your status. The house and the area you lived in throughout you stay in Abuja till your last breath attest to that. Many could not believed someone of your status could settle and found comfort within the commoners.

Baba, your were the pillar and large shade for the extended family where everyone rushed to for succour. You were the rallying point for the family, always eager to assist everyone according to the need.

One thing that never failed to amazed me in your lifetime was your ability to pick your phone calls from any number - known or unknown - at any given time. Even if you couldn’t pick for one reason or the other one can be certain you would surely call back.

I always remember your admonishment that, “pick any call for you don’t know why the caller is calling, and it is just a matter of yes or no”.

I can’t forget your usual joke that your telephone number had become easily available to people as satchel water.

Your death has certainly negatively affected uncountable number of people particularly those that relied on your generosity for their livelihood, school fees, medication and such other assistance with you are famous for.

Baba you are gone but your legacies will continue to impact positively on us and those you touched their lives through your goodwill and generosity. Allah ya jikan ka, ya gafarta maka.

Mohammed Isa wrote in from Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

Opinion

The Electoral Act: Where is APC Progressivism?

By Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim

W

hy is APC hell bent on amplifying a limitation that they have done nothing to improve, as justification for their skepticism towards e-transmission of election result?

Why are they not talking solutions and alternative routes towards achieving e-transmission just as they did vehemently when the PDP postponed elections in 2015 because of the insecurity in the North East? I wonder how they would have reacted if they were still in the opposition, but given their reaction to the issue of card readers while they were, I strongly believe they would have supported e-transmission.

I wonder why the APC senators mostly stood against the clause that sought to operationalize the electronic transmission of election results.

I thought APC as a party was supposed to embody the ideals of political progressivism and was not created and sold to the people as a mere alternative political party with almost the same modus operandi as the others. I thought it was supposed to be a positive paradigm shifter and a status quo disrupter.

But they have proven us wrong.

Debates over this issue took a very heated dimension on the floors of both chambers of the National Assembly and I wonder why. I understand there are certain concerns around issues like the devices to be used in the transmission of the results; how the results would be authenticated digitally before transmission; how the relevant stakeholders(e.g party agents, observers) would be able to access the original results as transmitted; how accountability and transparency

will be entrenched especially regarding public access to results and of course the issue of internet connectivity and inadequate digital infrastructure.

But if we are really determined, are there no answers and solutions to all these questions and concerns?

Where is the APC’s commitment to innovation and “change”?

This is how I visualize the entire process in the simplest terms; Firstly, on registration of party agents(and independent observers both local and international) for each polling unit by INEC. The commission would take all necessary details including biometrics and create a profile for each of them on the INEC system.

As such, all agents and observers would be able to have access to their profiles on an app developed specifically for the purpose of the elections. Of course, rigorous training of agents would be done to this effect. All political parties would also have accounts on the platform(perhaps to be operated by the Chairmen of the Parties).

Secondly, after the elections, transmission of results can only be done after validation and authentication by all party agents registered(and official observers) in the polling units. This can be done in many ways. One way is by barcode scanning. This way, the agents’(and observers’) mobile application would allow the scanning of the barcodes of the digital results as compiled so that immediately the barcode is scanned, the agents would be sent the result sheet on their mobile app as tabulated for verification(just as we use our XENDER app). On verification, the agents would be able to accept or decline(in cases that warrant such). If accepted, the agents would still after accepting

on their devices go further to verify their acceptance with a biometric scan(thumbprint) on the device of INEC. Only then will the result be transmitted.

Thirdly, immediately after transmission, INEC will send original certified and legally admissible copies of the verified and authenticated result to the accounts(profiles) of the party agents and the central party account(profile). The result will also be immediately published on the elections website and projected at the polling unit for the consumption of the public.

On connectivity, INEC might choose to use the networks of the local service providers operating in Nigeria or partner with reputable international service providers.

I prefer the latter because of the argument that almost 50% of the polling units we have do not have internet coverage. The government might partner with companies like SpaceX that provide satellite internet services with the capacity of delivering 150mbps internet speed to any place on the planet via satellite. All that is needed is a small kit at every polling station. There are also many other companies the country can partner with to optimize the device with satellite internet functionality that will guarantee internet connectivity almost anywhere in the world with appreciable speed, for example companies like Thuraya, Iridium, Inmarsat etc. Of course under the supervision and protection of the nation’s digital firewall. In this case all polling units would have the digital infrastructure necessary for this purpose.

Are these things possible or they are just too fictional and unrealistic?

If they are possible, then

what is all these noise around e-transmission of election results?

Or are we just not yet ready for such a revolutionary change towards more transparency and accountability in our election processes?

Why is APC hell bent on amplifying a limitation that they have done nothing to improve, as justification for their skepticism towards e-transmission of election result? Why are they not talking solutions and alternative routes towards achieving e-transmission just as they did vehemently when the PDP postponed elections in 2015 because of the insecurity in the North East? I wonder how they would have reacted if they were still in the opposition, but given their reaction to the issue of card readers while they were, I strongly believe they would have supported e-transmission.

Some of them argue that even the United States by virtue of the Protecting American Votes and Elections Act of 2019 use conventional ballot papers for voting. And I ask, is electronic voting same thing as electronic transmission of results? Have they ever wondered how they get live election result updates on channels like CBN, ABC, FOX etc. Dont they know of the National Election Pool in the US and the Edison Research which provide real-time election results?

Some are skeptical because such a network is susceptible to cyber intrusion. And I ask why the pessimism? Can we not trust the same cybersecurity infrastructure that protects our national security data(in DIA, NIA, DSS etc) to offer a befitting protection to a network that will be used just for electronic transmission of election results?

So many questions for the APC!

And here is the subtlety, the initial clause in section 52(3) as presented already had the practicability condition; “The Commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable.” This was the original clause.

Then it was amended to this by both chambers of NASS; “The commission may consider electronic transmission provided the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by the Nigerian Communications Commission and approved by the National Assembly,” In the amendment, the National Assembly subtly gave itself the exclusive power for approval subject to the assessment and network coverage report from the NCC. This is in absolute contravention with section 78 and Third Schedule Part 1, F, S.15 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Per these extant provisions, the constitution has given exclusive rights and powers to INEC in the matters of the conduct, supervision, undertaking and organization of elections in Nigeria. Hence, the unconstitutionality of subjecting INEC’s powers to the approval of the NCC and the NASS. We are ashamed by the actions of the APC towards this issue because we were of the believe that any initiative that holds the potential of improving transparency in election proceedings in this country ought to be unconditionally supported especially by the APC. Sadly, that is not the case.

Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim is a political and public affairs analyst, he writes from Zaria and can be reached through haleemabdul1999@gmail. com

China puts people’s lives and health in first place

By He Yin

C

hina called for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide and stressed the importance of improving the accessibility, affordability, and production of such vaccines in developing countries, including least developed countries, to save lives and end the pandemic as soon as possible.

China made the appeal during a recent dialogue on COVID-19 on behalf of 63 countries with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

China’s proposal represented the common aspiration of the international society, especially the developing countries, and fully demonstrated its major country responsibility to safeguard the right to life and health of the people around the world.

The right to life and health is a fundamental right of every human being. It is what guarantees that people live a life in dignity. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19

pandemic has posed severe threats against the right to life and health of the people across the world, and how to protect this right of the people amid the pandemic is testing the value of the philosophies and practices of human rights protection of all countries.

The world’s anti-pandemic efforts in the past year proved that only by placing people’s lives and health in the first place can countries effectively safeguard their right to life and health.

Since the outburst of the disease, China has always upheld a people-centered approach in safeguarding people’s right to life and health, tried its best to maintain infections and mortality at the lowest level possible, and treated patients and saved lives impartially.

From locking down Wuhan, former epicenter of the disease with over 10 million people, and launching the largest medical assistance operation since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to doing everything

possible to treat each and every patient, and to giving a total of 1.38 billion doses of vaccines, China has profoundly explained its lofty ideal of putting its people above everything.

“If I have COVID-19, I want to be treated in China.” The remarks

by Bruce Aylward, senior advisor to the Director-General of WHO, are a powerful endorsement for China’s efforts to safeguard people’s right to life and health.

Pandemic prevention is a battle that involves all human beings. To safeguard the health of mankind, China is firmly advancing international cooperation on fighting the disease, and joining hands with all parties concerned to build a global community of health for all. The country gave timely notification to the international community of the onset of a new coronavirus, and shared without reserve its experience in containing the spread of the virus and treating the infected. As of April this year, China has dispatched 37 medical expert teams to 34 countries, and has provided or is providing

anti-pandemic assistance for 151 countries and 14 international organizations. By mid-June, the country has provided more than 290 billion masks, 3.5 billion protective suits and 4.5 billion testing kits to the world. So far, it has donated and exported more than 500 million doses of finished and bulk vaccines to the international society. The medical devices, vaccines and technologies offered by China have saved numerous lives, and are considered timely assistance.

The people-centered approach in human rights protection of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is well explained by China’s efforts to protect people’s right to life and health amid the COVID-19 epidemic. The CPC has always maintained the nonprofit nature of medical care, and constantly enhanced its protection over the right to life and health. Since 2012, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core has given top priority to improving the people’s health, proposed that prosperity for all is impossible

without health for all, and made a significant decision to implement the Healthy China initiative.

In 2019, the average life expectancy of Chinese residents rose to 77.3 years, and their main health indicators were generally higher than the average level of middle- and high-income countries.

Recently, China was granted a malaria-free certification by the WHO, which marked another milestone of its health development. The WHO called it “a notable feat,” saying the success was hard-earned and came only after decades of targeted and sustained action.

Our fight against COVID-19 is still going on, and the life and dignity of every one of us must be well protected. China will keep on working with the rest of the world and firmly advance anti-pandemic cooperation, so as to jointly build a global community of health for all and safeguard the future of mankind.

He Yin writes for People’s Daily

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 20, 2021

Comment

Former South African President, Jacob Zuma goes to jail

By Obadiah Mailafia

M

en of low degree can only pull nations down to the lowest common denominator of their own primitive notions. And no nation ever rises above the mindset of its leaders. In these universal truths lies the path of hope and redemption for the teeming millions of our people.

LAST week, Wednesday July 7, former South African President, Jacob Zuma, finally handed himself over to the police. He is to serve a 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court.

It has been a painful and heart-rending saga. The one word that comes to mind is: “disgrace”.

It reminds me of the novel of the same title by the South African Nobel laureate, J. M. Coetzee. A 1999 fable spun around an English professor, David Lurie, who is dismissed from his job for sleeping with a vulnerable student, Melanie Isaacs. And to make matters worse, he falsifies her grades even after she stops attending classes.

Coetzee has the man ruminating thus: “So it has come, the day of testing.

Without warning, without fanfare, it is here, and he is in the middle of it. In his chest his heart hammers so hard that it too, in its dumb way, must know. How will they stand up to the testing, he and his heart?”

A former freedom fighter and former head of Umkhonto we Sizwe who was once imprisoned by the Apartheid regime, Zuma will obviously have enough time to ruminate on the chain of events that have brought him to this sorry end.

Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, 79, was President of South Africa from May 9, 2009 to February 14, 2018, when he was forced out of office by members of his own party who had tired of the embarrassing succession of corruption scandals. In 2005, he was charged and later acquitted of raping the daughter of a family friend. In that same year, he was charged with corruption over a multi-billion-dollar arms deal.

The charges were dropped shortly before he was sworn in as president in 2009. In 2016, a court ruled that he had been in breach of his oath of office after using government money to upgrade his private home in Nkandla.

He had to refund the money. There is a subsisting 12-count charge involving money-laundering, corruption, fraud and racketeering that has been levelled against him by the National Prosecuting Authority.

In September 2010, I met President Zuma in Brussels where I served as an international civil servant.

I rather liked him. A female colleague remarked that she could understand why women would fall for him. She claimed she found him”charming and sweet”.He came across as a man of gravitas and simplicitas, with the noblesse oblige of the Zulu warriorprince.

Consider this different scenario: I found myself sitting directly behind the late President Robert Mugabe during the December 2012 Summit of African, Caribbean and Pacific leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

He reminded me of a sadistic village

headmaster. An enigma shrouded in a mystery. He could be as motionless as a Roman statue; his gaze as cold and distant as the Sphinxes of Pharaonic Egypt.

He pretended to be sleeping throughout, but when his turn to speak came, he not only summarised what everybody had said, his delivery was magisterial, with an elocution reminiscent of the best of Upper England. Mugabe’s father had been one of the courtiers in the palace of King Lobengula. Raised by the Jesuits, he was a star pupil in one of the best secondary schools in what was then Southern Rhodesia. He later earned a degree from Fort Hare University in South Africa and four London university degrees by distant learning.

The difference between the two could not have been starker.

Jacob Zuma sprang from the ranks of the unwashed hoi-polloi. Whatever he picked up by way of an education was from the trenches, unlike ANC leaders such as Z. K. Matthews, Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Joe Slovo and Thabo Mbeki, who were intellectuals.

On December 9, 2015, President Zuma fired his Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene. The man was apparently opposed to a financially ruinous one trillion Rand nuclear power deal with the Russians. South Africa has faced severe power shortages due to load shedding, operational issues, and ageing equipment.

The national power company, Eskom, reveals that it is barely able to sustain 13,000 MW of its

nominal capacity of 47,000 MW. David Van Rooyen was brought in as a replacement for Nene. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange lost a staggering R500 billion. The president was forced to replace Van Rooyen with Pravin Gordhan.

In March 2016, Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, revealed that he was offered R600 million to back the nuclear project by the Guptas, a South African business family. The Public Protector, Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, launched an investigation. The Public Protector is an independent Ombudsman mandated to support and strengthen constitutional democracy by investigating, reporting and remedying “improper conduct in all state affairs”.

The ensuing report, “The State of Capture” indicted the leadership for allowing the Guptas to wield such undue influence in a manner that amounted to “state capture”. A Commission of Inquiry was duly set up, headed by Justice Roy Zondo as Chairman. The Commission began its work in August 2018, with more than 40 witnesses testifying. Astonishingly, members of his own cabinet were among those who testified against Jacob Zuma.

In July 2019, whilst appearing before the Commission, he deflected most of the questions whilst complaining that the process had become “politicised”. Zuma and his lawyer accused Judge Zondo of a conflict of interest based on the fact that he had fathered a child with the younger sister of one of Zuma’s ex-

wives. The judge insisted that the relationship had never in any way affected his ability to perform his duties in a fair and objective manner.

In January 2020, another summons was issued for him to appear before the Commission. His lawyer claimed that the former president was taken ill. The Commission applied to the Constitutional Court to compel him to appear before it. The Supreme Court frowned on his failure to appear before the commission being “antithetical to our concept of public order”.

In March 2021, the Commission applied to the Constitutional Court to sentence Jacob Zuma for two years in prison for contempt of court. Zuma went ahead to issue a statement accusing the judicature of “judicial dictatorship”. In the following month of April, the Constitutional Court sent a memorandum to Zuma asking to know what he himself would consider to be an appropriate sentence for contempt of court, to which he responded: “I cannot assist the court to violate my constitutional rights by telling them what kind of punishment they must impose”.

On June 29, the Constitutional Court found him guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. For several weeks he had refused to turn himself in. Many of his supporters had made a human shield at his country home of Nkandla to prevent him from being arrested. At the end, he had to do the right thing.

Obadiah Mailafia is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Lagos: Achieving slum to neighborhood without evictions

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

R

ecently, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) announced that it would commence the demolition of illegal structures constructed under high tension cables and others. The demolition exercise is expected to affect owners of structures constructed under power lines, which contravene the state’s Physical Planning Laws.

Significantly, there is no doubt that the present administrations in Lagos state, south west, Nigeria, have a sincere desire to move the state forward through fair and far-reaching policies that bothers particularly in creating an organized and livable environment for the citizens of the state. Out of so much evidence, the above move by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), appears newest.

Peripherally, there are also reasons that qualify this development as alluring.

Separate from the awareness that the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law prohibits building under the centre line of overhead electricity cables and should ensure that there should be a reasonable amount of distance between a property and high-tension wire, this opinion piece recognizes that this particular move again narrates the state government’s efforts to engineer sustainable development in ways that protects the present and the rights of the future generations,

and most particularly help enthrone organized and livable environment for the citizens of the state.

However, beyond this applaud, stems some concerns. The global communities, especially development practitioners do not think that what the state government is doing in the name of urban renewal/upgrade/ regeneration is the best way of turning ‘Slum to Neighborhood’ To add context to the discourse, from recent reports by development practitioners, it is obvious that sustainable development and the related notion of sustainability are becoming increasingly important policy objectives for government at different levels as well as in the private sector. They suggest that there is a growing need to strengthen the conceptual understanding of different notions of sustainability and their implications. In particular, there is a need to design effective policies that aim to achieve sustainability objectives, and more importantly, to analyze the implications of proposed policies.

From the above flows the ill inherent in the development efforts of Lagos state.

Fundamentally, the state is yet to conceptualize governance as business that requires a series of objective analysis of implications of proposed policies. Tragically interesting is the awareness that the state has chronically become reputed for achieving urban related upgrades, renewal and developmental

programmes more from a reactionary perspective and evictions as against being a function of proactive design of effective policies anchored on international best practices. This, in the opinion of the piece, partially explains why they lie in wait for citizens to build in unapproved places before moving in with their bulldozers for demolition/eviction.

If not, Why is it that the state finds it difficult nipping illegal constructions/unapproved buildings by the bud, but convenient to demolish after construction? Which one is easier and more cost effective; taking proactive mechanisms/ steps that prevent Lagosians from building in unauthorized places, or deploying state’s resources to effect demolition of structures built in the full glare of the State Government?

Most importantly and strategic, as a government, which one is most noble and dignifying option; being reactive or proactive?

While answer(s) to the above is awaited, there is urgent need to underline that this act is by no means unique to the present administration in the state.

It may be recalled that demolition/ forced eviction gained entrance into the state leadership lexicon in July 1990 when Raji Rasaki in his capacity as Military Governor of Lagos State and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) as Military President for yet to be identified reasons destroyed Maroko. Over 300,000 people that inhabited Maroko then were

reportedly affected.

About nine years after the Maroko experience, democracy came on board.

But contrary to that expectation, even the dawn of democracy in May 1999, did not bring a shift in paradigm as successive democratically elected governors beginning with- Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu (May 1999 to 2007, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), 2007 to 2015, Akinwunmi Ambode (2015 to 2019) and presently Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, stuck to the practice.

Broadly speaking, the above sad account is a symbol of governments that are unmindful of, or consciously decided to flagrantly ignore global framework on physical planning of livable Neighborhood, Slum upgrade and urban regeneration.

To buttress this claim, let’s cast a glance at how a similar slum challenge was creatively handled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, without displacement or eviction of the original occupants.

Instead of removing the favelas,a people initially considered/ described as illegal occupants, many of the government’s policies were made to focus more on improving the infrastructure of the people/ the area. The Inter-American Development Bank for example, funded a US$180 million “slum to neighborhood” project in 1995, which sought to integrate existing favelas into the fabric of the city through infrastructure upgrading and service development. The project involved 253,000 residents in 73 favela

neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

When a favela was selected, a master plan for upgrades was drafted and community organizations were contacted and asked to provide their input. When the final plan was approved, incentive plans were implemented for hiring construction companies that employed local community workers.

From Brazil to Spain and South Africa, the story and experience is the same.

Comparatively, when one juxtaposes the above accounts as recorded in Brazil, with that of July 1990 Maroko’s experience, there exists a gully of difference.

Essentially, aside from the imperative of drawing useful lessons from Brazil experience, why the above examples are important is that here in Lagos state, each time the government wants to achieve this heinous objective (forced eviction/demolition), they tag the targeted community as highly populated urban residential area consisting decrepit housing units in a situation of deteriorated or incomplete infrastructures.

At this point, one may be tempted to ask; whose responsibility is it to provide infrastructures, government or the people/residents?

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

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

NEWS

Gbajabiamila congratulates Sanwo-Olu for Nani emergence as Vanguard Personality of the year commends Okowa for for T nominating Golley, others as commissioners

By Christiana Ekpa

he Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde SanwoOlu, for emerging as the Vanguard

Newspaper’s Personality of the Year 2019/2020.

Gbajabiamila said he was not surprised at Sanwo-Olu’s choice by the Vanguard Newspaper as the governor’s superlative performance in office speaks for itself.

In a statement by his Special

Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Sanwo-Olu would go down as one of the most dedicated and committed leaders Lagos State has ever produced.

Gbajabiamila congratulated the people of Lagos State for having

Sanwo-Olu as their governor at this time and thanked the Vanguard Newspaper for giving honour to whom it is due.

The Speaker said he believed the award of Personality of the Year would spur the Lagos State governor to do more for Lagosians.

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Director of Finance and Administration in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief (Barr) John Nani, has commended the Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi OKowa, over the nomination of Hon. Solomon Golley, immediate past Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area and others as commissioners in the state.

Nani gave the commendation in Sapele, administrative headquarters of Sapale Local Government Area of Delta State, while reacting to the nomination of additional commissioners by the state governor on Sunday He described their nomination as timely, commendable and well deserved, adding that the commissioner designates were men and women of high credibility, just as he noted that they had contributed to the success of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Nani also congratulated the new commissioner designates for their well deserved recommendations for the appointment by the state governor.

In a related development, the Coordinator of the Aghwemutuwevwi Political Forum (APF), Engr Ochuko Gbeburu, who spoke through the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Hon. Vincent Osika, also congratulated the new commissioner designates.

He lauded the state governor for using Hon. Nani to positively touch lives at the grassroots level.

Representative of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Aliyu Ahmed (4th L); Chairman, Board of Directors, Family Homes Funds (FHF), Suleiman Barau (5th L); Chief Executive Officer of FHF, Femi Adewole (3rd L) and other dignitaries, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on N10 Billion 7 years 13.00 series 1 under the FHF Sukuk Issuance Programme with Lead Financial Adviser, Shari’ah Adviser and Joint Issuing Homes in Abuja on Thursday (15/7/21).

Gov. Bello urges Muslims to imbibe lessons of Eid-el-Kabir

G

ov. Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah and urged them to imbibe sacrifice lessons of Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement by Mrs Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Minna on Monday, he charged Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the festival of sacrifice which is a core tenet of the Islamic faith.

Bello said the celebration should remind the Muslim Ummah and, indeed, all humanity of the need to make

personal sacrifices to enhance the common good and collective interests of the people.

He stressed the need for the Muslims to be submissive, obedient, patient and trust in Allah to direct and guide them to the right path as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim’s submission to Allah’s command.

Bello said that, although the dwindling economy of the nation was taking its toll on the people, it was nonetheless, rewarding to share and care for the less privileged and the vulnerable

people in the society stressing that the festival calls for love towards humanity.

“The celebration encourages us to show kindness, love and help the needy as well as loyalty and obedience to constituted authorities. These are some of its unique tenets that should be reflected in our daily lives,” he said.

Bello directed that Eid prayers should be observed in neighbourhood Jumma’at mosques following the outbreak of Delta variant of COVID-19 in

six states, adding that all Durbar activities be suspended.

He said his administration had continued to execute projects across the state and has also placed it on a trajectory of economic prosperity that would enhance the sustainable growth and development of the state.

Bello, however, urged people to be security-conscious and continue to assist security agencies with credible intelligence that would bring an end to armed banditry and other criminal tendencies in the state.(NAN)

Sensitization of cholera outbreak: Yoruba leader lauds FCT minister

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Otunba of Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Wasiu Tunwase, has commended the minister of state for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu for

sensitizing the residents of Zuba community on the outbreak of cholera in the territory.

Tunwase, who gave the commendation in an interview with Peoples Daily correspondent after the flag-off community unity sensitization activities on

cholera pandemic in Zuba by the minister.

He expressed joy the way the minister swung into action by sensitizing the citizens on the outbreak of cholera in the area.

He therefore, advised the entire residents of Gwagwalada

and its environs to always clean their environment for the protection of the disease.

Otunba also appealed to the people of Gwagwalada to continue to live in peace with one another irrespective of their religious and political affiliations.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

Eid-el-kabir: Ekweremadu says insecurity still worst nightmare, hails Muslim ummah

By Musa Baba Adamu

F

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, urging them to pray for the security of the nation.

According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu made the call in his Eid-El-Kabir message to the Muslim faithful on Monday.

The lawmaker, who described insecurity as the nation’s worst nightmare, stressed that without security of lives and property, development, progress, and economic prosperity would continue to elude the country.

“It is sad that insecurity has persisted as the nation’s worst nightmare for so many years. We have never had it this bad. I do not know of any other nation in the world where all shades of criminals kill and abduct citizens daily in peace time as presently experienced in Nigeria.

“Therefore, as I felicitate with the Muslim faithful on this occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, I equally urge prayers for the security of our nation. It is also my hope that the leadership of the country musters the political will to decentralise policing so that the subnational governments are constitutionally empowered to create state police services to begin to retake the space from the marauding criminals.

“Importantly, I urge love, justice, as well as an equitable management of our diversities so that Nigerians can all join hands to take our nation out of the woods”, he said.

Ekweremadu wished the Muslim Ummah a merry and hitch-free Sallah celebration.

PDP rejects suspension of State House Assembly lawmakers in Imo

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo has kicked against the suspension of two of its lawmakers by the party’s caucus in the state House of Assembly.

Recall that six members of the Imo State House of Assembly were suspended by the Speaker, Paul Emeziem, for alleged unparliamentary conduct.

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

The suspension led to a rowdy session as the suspended lawmakers

reacted violently over the action.

Reacting, a statement signed by Imo State PDP Chairman, Charles Ugwuh, described the suspension as unlawful, hence demanded that it be overturned, while the affected members be reinstated with immediate effect.

PDP said it is unconstitutional and unacceptable to suspend a principal officer of any legislative house without a fair hearing.

“We will remind you that some days ago, the Speaker of the house announced the suspension of six elected representatives of Imo people in the house, including two from the PDP, which is currently in the minority.

“While we disapprove of this unlawful suspension, we know that it is unheard of and thus unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful and unacceptable that a principal officer of any legislature at any level is suspended without the benefit of fair hearing,” the party added.

It further stated that by virtue of their elevated offices, they enjoyed some privileges, which precluded their suspension from the house for the reasons proffered by the speaker.

“We find the entire narrative a dangerous threat to democracy in Imo, in particular, and Nigeria in general,” it stated.

PDP further stated: “Those

members were elected by their people to represent their interest and act as check and balance in the democratic governance of the state.

“Any attempt to suppress them and gag them is indeed a usurpation of their responsibility and powers and an impeachable misdemeanour.

“Imo PDP is adequately persuaded that it is not normal to suspend people before constituting a panel to hear their own account of the charges levelled against them.

“Having said that, we charge the speaker to do the needful and restore the lawmakers that he suspended without recourse to rule of law and due process.”

Chief of Staff to the President, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari (M); Head of the Nursing Department, State House Clinic, Habiba Ahmed (3rd L); and other nurses from the State House Clinic, during the unveiling of the special edition of the nurses magazine in commemoration of Nurses week, recently in Abuja.

Court orders INEC to list Ugochukwu Uba as Anambra PDP guber candidate

A

n Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to list Senator Ugochukwu Uba as the Anambra governorship

candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The court presided over by Justice Obiora Nwabunike in a matter brought before him

by Senator Ugochukwu Uba

against Mr Valentine Ozigbo on Anambra chapter of PDP and the INEC said Uba’s faction of the party held their primary election in line with the guideline of the party

and should be listed as the governorship candidate.

The party also awarded a cost of N10 million against Ozigbo and PDP, to be paid to Uba as a cost of litigation.

Electoral Act: Why I voted for electronic transmission of results - Rep Azubogu

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, Hon Chris Emeka Azubogu, has stated why he voted in support of electronic transmission of election results recently rejected by the leadership of the Senate.

In a statement made available to journàlists on Monday, Rep Azubogu said his constituents were in support of

an enactment of the electronic transmission of election results aimed at bringing transparency into the nation’s electoral process.

He maintained that electronic transmission of results will help in deepening the nation’s democracy and strengthening the political economy.

According to the federal lawmaker, “Where it is proven that there is no network coverage, manual transmission can be applied. But since we have over 80% network coverage in the country,

we should make electronic transmission a key component of our election process.

“The debate on the Electoral Act kept most of us in the House of Representatives for almost the whole day in the chamber of the House of Representatives.

It was about if the electronic transmission of results should be allowed in the Electoral Act or manual transmission.

“As for me, the people that elected me to the National Assembly want electronic transmission of results and I voted for their position on that. Beside this, I also believe

that electronic transmission of results will help the entire country in deepening our democracy and strengthening our political economy”.

Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted it has the capacity to transmit election results electronically from remote areas across Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television breakfast show on Saturday, Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Chairman and Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, said the Commission’s position was

clear.

Okoye said, “We have uploaded results from very remote areas, even from areas where you have to use human carriers to access.

“So, we’ve made our own position very clear, that we have the capacity and we’ve the will to deepen the use of technology in the electoral process.

“But our powers are given by the constitution and the law, and we’ll continue to remain within the ambit and confines of the power granted to the commission by the constitution and the law”.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

POLITICS

Lawan Zamfara APC 3-man Caretaker seeks mourns extension of membership registration former Kaduna T Deputy Governor, Barnabas Yusuf Bala

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with the government and people of Kaduna State over the death, on Sunday, of its Deputy Governor between 2015 and 2019, Architect Barnabas Yusuf Bala.

A statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awonoyi, said Lawan also commiserated with the family, friends and political associates of the departed.

“The death of Architect Bala is a great loss to the people of Kaduna State whom he served with great dedication as Deputy Governor and as a member of the House of Representatives.

“He will also be sadly missed by the Progressives family in his home state and across Nigeria.

“Architect Bala made indelible contributions to the political development of our great country and particularly to the growth of the All Progressives Congress which he once served as Kaduna State Chairman,” Lawan said.

He prayed Allah to forgive his sins and to accept his soul into eternal rest.

Lawan also prayed that Allah grants his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

he Governor of Yobe State and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary and Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), H.E. Mai Mala Buni on Monday inaugurated the newly-constituted three-member caretaker committee to run the affairs of the party in Zamfara state.

Governor Buni who was represented by the CECPC National Secretary, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe conducted the inauguration at Buhari House, the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. In attendance were the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk and member of the CECPC, Sen. Abba Ali. The Zamfara State APC Caretaker Committee Members are: Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau who will serve as Chairman.

Muntari Ahmed Anka is the Deputy Chairman while Professor Abdullahi Shinkafi is Secretary.

Governor Buni’s remarks: “A couple of days ago, our party became stronger in Zamfara State with the coming in of the number

one citizen of Zamfara State – H.E Governor Bello Matawalle. This makes it the third Governor to join us in the last two months.

“This shows that the APC is the party of choice for all Nigerians, and that the party is growing from strength to strength under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Following this recent positive development in the Zamfara State Chapter of our party, the CECPC has approved the dissolution of the leadership structure of all the party organs in the State (Ward, Local Government and State Caretaker Committees), forthwith.

Accordingly, a 3-man committee has been constituted to run the affairs of the party in the state.

“The CECPC hereby appeals to those directly affected by this action to show understanding and consider this a sacrifice made for the growth of the party.

“The party assures all concerned that it shall ensure that inclusiveness, fairness and transparency are maintained (which are the composite ethos of our party) by the new leadership on all fronts.

“The party, once again, congratulates H.E Bello Matawalle,

the Executive Governor of Zamfara State as he leads his State into the fold of the Progressives.

“For those who have been selected to pilot the affairs of the party, you have a duty to be fair and just in your new office and to allow the constitution of our party to be your guide.”

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Zamfara State APC Caretaker Committee, Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau stated: “It is a great honour and privilege to be with you all, the progressives, and to on behalf of my humble self and other members of the Zamfara State APC Caretaker Committee, that include my deputy Alh Mukhtar Ahmed Anka and the Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad Shinkafi deliver a speech at this timely inauguration ceremony of the chapter today being the 12th day of July, 2021.

“I congratulate the entire progressives’ family for the circumstances that led to this event, which is the defection of the governor of Zamfara, Hon. Muhammad Bello Matawallen Maradun, other officials and millions of supporters from the PDP to the APC. “I would also like to thank the

national leadership of the party under His Excellency, Alh Mai Mala Buni for the confidence repose on us and to accept the responsibility bestowed on us with full and grateful hearts without reservation and with the obligation to devote every effort of body, mind and spirit to lead Zamfara APC to greatness within the time frame accorded us.

“In view of the current political antecedents in the state and the need to among other things conduct credible congress for the party, we shall work towards the unity of our members at all levels. In all matters and activities, we shall ensure inclusiveness, fairness and decorum to forestall misunderstanding and rancour among interest groups. We shall work towards cooperation in the spirit of partnership for the victory of the party and the progress of our state.

“I would therefore like to appeal for the continued support and cooperation of the party leadership and all other stakeholders for the realisation of these ideas, and seek for sufficient time to register millions of our members who have joined the party and are eligible to carry cards.”

President Muhammadu Buhari receives two decampee governors Prof Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers and Alhaji Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State accompanied

by Governor of Yobe State, Alh Mal Bala Buni, Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Baderu, Kebbi State Governor Sen Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at the State House, Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JULY 12 2021

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has cautioned State Houses of Assembly not to stifle opposition voices, particularly the recent actions of cowing minority leaders in their midst.

In a statement released in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom on Monday, the Minority Leader bemoaned recent happenings in some state Assemblies in the country, where minority leaders and opposition party members are hounded as perceived enemies in the performance of

Eid-el-kabir: Omo-Agege enjoins Muslims faithful to preach peace

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie OmoAgege, has felicitated with Muslims across the country on this year’s celebration of Eidel-Kabir, urging the faithfuls to preach peace.

In his Sallah message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Omo-Agege called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Stating that the country is passing through one of the most trying moments in the history of the nation, the Delta Central lawmaker urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God. He further urged Muslims to preach peace and imbibe the virtues of Prophet Mohammed whose sacrificial and obedient life is the reason for the celebration.

“By acknowledging the supremacy of God, demonstrating genuine love and respect for one another and commitment to peaceful coexistence, we can collectively confront our challenges as a nation and build a truly peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

“It is only through love for one another and commitment to peace, security and stability that the country can progress towards the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation”, he said.

their statutory and democratic functions of clear oversight on the executive.

Most worrisome, Senator Abaribe said was the recent occurrence in Imo State House of Assembly where the Minority Leader and some other members were suspended in a manner that strongly suggest circumvention of democratic ethos.

The beauty of democracy he added is embedded in the provision of checks and balances, accommodation of all sheds of opinion and allowing free canvassing of view points in the constitution.

“Democracy does not stop at the

national level. It must permeate all levels of government i.e, wards, local governments, state and other democratic institutions.

In all of these, everybody must enjoy of expression and association as guaranteed by our constitution.

“So, it is undemocratic and smirks of dictatorship, any attempt by anybody, particularly a parliament for that matter to abhor minority functions and stifle opposition voices, just because you want to pander to executive whims. It is reprehensible to even contemplate suspension of a minority leader, because he questions the executive on things

that seems to be antithetical to democratic norms” Senator Abaribe said.

The Minority Leader, therefore advised the State Assemblies to always see every party represented on the floor as partners in progress, whose view points are all geared towards achieving good governance.

“Without dissenting opinions, democracy loses its kernel. The essence of liberal democracy is the accommodation of different viewpoints, which is warehoused in the interplay of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary independently in the political system”, Senator Abaribe added.

POLITICS

Ekweremadu optimistic about electronic transmission of results in 2023

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

enator Ike Ekweremadu, who represents Enugu West, on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has restate his faith that electronic transmission of election results will still be part of the 2023 general election.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu it is unfortunate that just as was the case in the last National Assembly when efforts to better the quality of elections were serially frustrated and eventually not signed into law by Mr. President, non-progressives are equally frustrating the current exertions.

He acknowledged that vested political interests obviously never wanted electronic transmission of results to come to fruition.

“They used their number to block it. However, it is also a fact that the vehemence of those minded against such reform is not new. The Senator nearly lost his life in this cause as armed criminals stormed the Senate on April 18, 2018 to cart away the mace and truncate the discussion of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which included electronic conduct of elections.

“Ekweremadu presided on that fateful day. It is on record that the lawmaker stood his ground.

Despite all the odds that have been stacked against him, Ekweremadu has remained consistent and

true to his political beliefs and conscience, refusing to legislate out of fear or to fear to legislate.”

He said it is unfortunate that those who rode to power on the back of the electoral reforms and conducive democratic environment engendered by PDP administrations have continued to take various caustic measures to frustrate further electoral reforms.

“Ekweremadu restates his faith that results of the 2023 elections will ultimately be electronically transmitted because it is the best way to go. The issue of electronic transmission of results should not be reduced to party or sectional dichotomies. Every lawmaker is expected to vote in support of what is best for the country, irrespective

of political affiliation.

“Therefore, as was the case with electronic voting, Ekweremadu is resolved to work with other patriotic and progressive lawmakers to resurrect electronic transmission of results upon the resumption of the National Assembly, starting from the point of harmonisation of the clauses passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“He has also enjoined those opposed to electronic transmission of results to use the opportunity of the break to reflect on the issue and return with the determination to do what is best for the nation, more so when INEC has further affirmed that it has the capacity to do electronic transmission of results”, the statement said.

Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Plateau State and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Amoured Division Nigeria Amry, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Dagwom Rwrey of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau, Da Samuel Jok and Chairman, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau, Mr Mafeng Gwallson, during a peace meeting with the stakeholders from Riyom Local Government Area, recently in Jos.

Ogun factional NANS Chairman accuses Gov Abiodun’s aide of assault

By Christiana Ekpa

Abaribe cautions State lawmakers against stifling opposition voices, free speech

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

A

factional Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ogun State, Adeyemi Samson, has alleged that he was abducted and assaulted by some thugs loyal to an aide of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Azeez Adeyemi.

Samson, while addressing newsmen at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye on Monday, said trouble started between him and the Special Assistant to Gov Abiodun on Students Affairs because he had on different occasions refused to support him in plotting ‘coup’ against some students leaders.

According to him, Adeyemi, he was at Ago Iwoye to welcome the Governor on his project inspection and continuation of his local government election campaigns to the area.

“Just as we were registering

our presence to the Governor, one of Adeyemi’s thugs and well known cultist popularly called Wale Da-Gold dragged me from behind to the midst of some suspected cultists where I was beaten to a pulp and as well humiliated. After the beating, I was whisked away and taken to police headquarters, Eleweran.

“Meanwhile, before we got to Eleweran, My belongings such as: iPhones, wristwatch, cash, shoes, clothes, ATM card, voter card, power bank, bag and other documents were taken from me, before my car was also towed to Eeweran, Abeokuta.

“After attempts to intimidate me at the state police headquarters, they told me that they found a gun in my vehicle. This is an emphatic lie and it has no substance of truth,” he alleged.

In his demand, Samson sought the “immediate removal of Adeyemi as the Special Assistant on Student

Matters, as he is not fit for such a role and can no longer represent us anymore in Ogun.”

He stressed that, “We give a seven-day ultimatum for this to be done. If Adeyemi Azeez remains in office after the expiration of that seven-day ultimatum, we are going to storm the Governor office in thousands.

“Also we request an immediate release of our Aluta Sienna Bus impounded at the police headquarters unjustly.

“We also request a continuation into the investigation of unraveling the authentic owners of the guns in question.

“A refund of belongings stolen from me by the suspected cult boys who kidnapped me from Ijebu to Abeokuta.

“In conclusion, it is important to state, that on no account have I ever in any capacity stood against the government of the day, in fact, we have records of publications

where we have thanked Governor for different laudable acts done for our students and the state at large, and given progressive ideas to the governor on students-related matters.

“In this case, because history will not forget all that we will be doing today, I will fight this to a logical end,” he stressed.

But, in another pressure briefing on Monday, the other faction led by Damilola Simeon and recognised by the governor’s aide, debunked the allegations as untrue.

Simeon said his rival was being used by some politicians to disrupt the peace of Ogun State and destabilise the government of Gov Abiodun.

He said “some unscrupulous elements who call themselves students union leaders are planning to carry out a nefarious attacks” in some areas of the State.

It was said that, “These criminal elements, led by one

Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, a criminal who parades himself around as a factional Chairman of NANS Ogun JCC are being sponsored by some federal lawmakers to cause mayhem and disrupt the peace the good people of Ogun State have been enjoying for the past two years.”

He described the abduction of Samson as an arrest, saying, “the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on July 15th, 2021 made a citizen arrest of Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, an impostor during the visit of Governor Dapo Abiodun to Ago-Iwoye in Ijebu North local government area of the State.

“Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, who has been parading himself as NANS Ogun Chairman for months and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, was arrested with guns in his possession. He was later handed over to the Police for investigation.”

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

Stock Watch: Monday, July 12, 2021 Low

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2.80 3.15 0 1.94 3.94 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.64 0.64 0 4.60 8.60 0 37.00 68.30 0 3.79 4.21 0 9.65 10.05 0 31.50 34.00 0 1.90 1.92 0 18.45 18.45 0 1.72 1.84 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 0 6.10 6.10 0 1.75 1.75 0 186.00 186.00 0 6.00 6.65 0 14.60 14.55 0 1.80 2.00 0 3.37 3.37 0 4.30 4.70 0 14.00 14.00 0 7.35 7.80 0 1.62 1.65 0 1.91 1.96 0 4.95 4.95 99 0.33 0.33 0 21.85 21.85 0 29.60 30.70 0 0.20 0.20 0 12.20 13.05 0 32.60 32.95 0 72.00 72.00 0 1.18 1.18 0 1.53 1.53 0 31.50 31.50 0 0.51 0.54 0 0.20 0.20 0 23.25 23.25 0 0.44 0.44 0 0.30 0.30 0 1.36 1.36 0 0.72 0.72 0 0.52 0.49 0 1.83 1.83 0 2.45 2.45 0

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5.80 6.00 ACCESS -0.35 3.94 3.94 AFRIPRUD 0.00 0.27 0.27 AGLEVENT 0.00 0.64 0.64 AIICO 0.00 8.60 8.60 BERGER 0.00 67.00 67.00 BETAGLAS -1.30 3.79 3.79 BOCGAS -0.42 9.65 10.05 CADBURY -0.40 31.50 31.50 CAP -2.50 1.90 1.90 CAVERTON -0.02 18.45 18.45 CCNN 0.00 1.72 1.72 CHAMPION -0.12 23.25 23.25 CONOIL 0.00 0.20 0.20 CORNERST 0.00 0.20 0.20 COURTVILLE 0.00 6.10 6.10 CUSTODIAN 0.00 1.75 1.75 CUTIX 0.00 186.00 186.00 DANGCEM 0.00 6.00 6.25 DANGFLOUR -0.65 14.60 14.60 DANGSUGAR 0.05 1.80 2.00 DIAMONDBNK -0.20 3.37 3.37 EKOCORP 0.00 4.30 4.30 ETERNA -0.40 14.00 14.00 ETI 0.00 7.45 7.60 FBNH -0.35 1.62 1.67 FCMB -0.03 1.92 1.98 FIDELITYBK -0.04 4.95 4.95 FIDSON 0.00 0.33 0.33 FIRSTALUM 0.00 21.85 21.85 FLOURMILL 0.00 29.60 29.60 FO -1.10 0.20 0.20 FTNCOCOA 0.00 12.20 12.20 GLAXOSMITH -0.85 33.50 33.50 GUARANTY 0.55 72.00 72.00 GUINNESS 0.00 1.18 1.18 HONYFLOUR 0.00 1.53 1.53 IKEJAHOTEL 0.00 31.50 31.50 INTBREW 0.00 0.53 0.53 JAIZBANK -0.01 0.20 0.21 JAPAULOIL 0.00 23.25 23.25 JBERGER 0.00 0.44 0.44 JOHNHOLT 0.00 0.30 0.30 LASACO 0.00 1.36 1.36 LEARNAFRCA 0.00 0.72 0.72 LINKASSURE 0.00 0.52 0.52 LIVESTOCK 0.03 1.83 1.83 MANSARD 0.00 2.45 2.45 MAYBAKER 0.00

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

Low 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

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FIRS Board announces dissolution of moribund Junior Staff Union

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Board of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced the dissolution of Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), FIRS Unit whose Exco was purportedly made up of senior staff of FIRS, for reasons outlined in an official announcement circulated to all staff which reads as follows: In line with Gazette No. 6 Vol 65 dated 8th February, 1978 and National Industrial

Court Judgement dated 27th June, 1995, it is noted that the operations of Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) FIRS Unit as it is constituted today in FIRS is considered illegal as there are no longer any junior staff cadre employees in the service. There is accordingly no legal or other basis whatsoever for the continued existence of a junior staff cadre union in FIRS as the cadre of staff it is deemed to cover do not exist within the organisation.

A letter from Federal Ministry of Labour to the Head of Service of the Federation dated 19th February, 2015 confirmed the above position in categorical terms.

The Director, Communications and Liaison Department, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad in a statement further clarified that the right of workers to decide which union to belong is not absolute but must be exercised within the limits of Trade Unions Act CAP T14

LFN 2004. This position was confirmed in the Judgment of the National Industrial Court – NCSU vs ASCSN (2004) 1NLLR Part 3, 427.

In the light of all the above, The FIRS Board at its Meeting No. 30 held on the 24th June, 2021 therefore directed that, in view of items 1 & 2 above, the activities of NCSU FIRS Unit in the Service are henceforth considered illegal and the Union (NCSU FIRS Unit) is hereby proscribed with immediate effect.

The Management also assured staff that it is unreservedly willing to work and cooperate with the only legitimate representatives of staff, that is to say the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.

Accordingly, staff were called upon to redouble their efforts in executing the FIRS mandate of assessing, collecting and accounting for tax revenue for all levels of government as contained in the FIRS Establishment Act (2007).

Oando Plc Enters into Settlement with SEC

By Etuka Sunday

O

ando Plc has entered into a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the overriding interest of the shareholders of the Company and the capital market.

This was contained in a Circular released by the SEC in Abuja Monday and signed by the Management of the Commission.

According to the Circular, the company has reached a settlement with the Commission without accepting or denying liability,

on the following terms amongst others: Immediate withdrawal of all legal actions filed by the Company and all affected directors; Payment of a monetary sum; and an undertaking by the Company to implement corporate governance improvements.

Part of the terms also requires the submission by the Company of quarterly reports on its compliance with the terms of the Settlement Agreement; the Investments and Securities Act, 2007; the SEC Rules and Regulations; the National Code

of Corporate Governance and the SEC Guidelines to the Code of Corporate Governance.

According to the SEC, “Pursuant to the powers conferred on the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) by the Investments and Securities Act 2007, and the Rules and Regulations made pursuant thereto, the Commission on Thursday, July 15, 2021, entered into a Settlement with Oando Plc (the Company).

“The Commission in its letter to the Company dated

May 31, 2019, gave certain directives and imposed sanctions on the Company, following investigations conducted pursuant to two petitions filed with the Commission in 2017.

“The Company and some of its affected directors had challenged the said directives in a series of suits commenced at the Federal High Court. However, the Company subsequently approached the Commission for a settlement of the matter, and both parties have now agreed to settle in consideration of the

impact that a further prolonged period of litigation would have on the Company’s shareholders and the value of their investments as well as remedial measures to be put in place by the Company in enhancing its corporate governance practices and strengthening its internal control environment.

The Commission further reiterates its commitment to ensuring the fairness, transparency and integrity of the capital market, while upholding its mandate to protect investors

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

Page 20

BU$IN€SS

Afreximbank supports trade collaboration pact between Malawi, South Sudan

By Etuka Sunday

A

frican Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its support for the first ever memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade collaboration between the Governments of Malawi and South Sudan.

The Bank will provide financial backing and payment instruments to facilitate trade of agricultural commodities and essential consumer goods between the two nations.

The MoU was signed on 10 June 2021 in Juba by the Minister of Trade of Malawi, the Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, and the Minister of Trade and Industry of South Sudan, the Honourable Kuol Athian Mawien, as part of the programme of activities that

marked the state visit of the President of Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah, to Juba.

The five-year agreement will allow Malawi to export grain and other agricultural products to South Sudan.

The country currently has a surplus of grain totalling 1.2 million metric tonnes, which if exported will generate additional jobs for Malawian workers and benefit consumers in South Sudan.

South Sudan will, meanwhile, be able to supply commodities such as petroleum products and bitumen to Malawi, supporting development and wealth creation in the South Sudanese economy.

While the agreement was struck at government level, implementation will be managed by private sector institutions, which will be responsible

for the procurement and distribution of grains and petroleum products. The Export Development Fund of Malawi (EDF), in its role as the country’s export credit agency, is facilitating trade by arranging local financing and issuing guarantees to local banks that support exporters in Malawi.

The MoU represents a major step in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). It demonstrates the valuecreating potential of export development and regional integration, while also illustrating Malawi’s ability to diversify its foreign exchange earnings. Moreover, by ensuring access to expanded markets, the agreement provides young people in each country with the prospect of emerging opportunities in which to seek

stable employment.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said: “This is a historic moment for Malawi and South Sudan that showcases the promise of the AfCFTA in action. By taking their first ever steps into trade collaboration, both countries will unlock new channels for inclusive wealth creation and secure high-quality jobs for their people.

Afreximbank is proud to be working with both Governments and the Malawi Export Development Fund to enable the flow of trade. The collaboration between Malawi and South Sudan will demonstrate the value of export development and regional integration, paving the way for others to follow this path to prosperity.”

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Administration has intensified measures towards effectively addressing the prolonged challenges of random nonfunctional traffic installations in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.

To this end, adequate provision was made in the recently passed 2021 FCT Appropriation, which is awaiting presidential assent to pave way for the commencement of procurement processes.

This, according to the administration will ultimately translate to tangible improvement in the repair of nonfunctional traffic light installations, provision of critical spare parts required for periodic maintenance of installed

Eid-elKabir: FCTNSCDC beefs up security with 3,500 personnel

METRO

PAGE 21

FCTA moves to fix non-functional traffic installations

ones, and commencement of installation of traffic lights in new areas of coverage.

The Acting Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Usman Musa Yahaya made this disclosure yesterday, while briefing journalists on the status of traffic light installations in the Territory.

Yahaya, revealed that presently, out of the 172 Traffic Light Installations at 62 installations at various intersections cutting across different Districts are in good condition and functioning.

He noted that Abuja, being a planned Territory and a modern city, successive Administrations of the Federal Capital Territory have, through the Transportation Secretariat, diligently exerted

concerted efforts in putting in place, traffic light installations on world class roads provided through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

“I must state that the Transportation Secretariat has not watched without taking any action, the concerns of residents on the state of this critical component of traffic light management.

“Regrettably, as many as 110 are at various levels of non-functional condition.Twenty-Five (25 nos.) out of the 110 are currently undergoing rehabilitation while some have been packaged for procurement for fresh signalization within the 2021 FCT Appropriation.

“The Transportation

Secretariat has been receiving, with great concern, feedback from residents on the status of the traffic light installations particularly the non-functional ones as well as yearnings for installation of more at intersections having difficult traffic situations.

“With the support of the Permanent Secretary and approval granted by the Honourable Minister, adequate provision was made in the recently passed 2021 FCT Appropriation which is awaiting Presidential assent to pave way for the commencement of procurement processes that will ultimately translate to tangible improvement”, he stressed.

He continued: “Part of the challenges the Transportation

Secretariat has faced in the proper management of the Traffic Light Installations include knocking down of the installations by motorists and subsequent vandalization of the components by criminals.

“This warranted the adoption of a new but strenuous strategy of installing the Traffic Light which involves welding of the components to prevent vandals from further vandalization of the parts; Lack of spare parts for routine maintenance which will be addressed as soon as the procurement process is completed. “ Effort has been made in the 2021 FCT Appropriation with further assurance from Management of adequate funding going forward”.

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari receives two decampee governors Prof Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers and Alhaji Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara State accompanied by Governor of Yobe State, Alh Mal Bala Buni at the State House, Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. JULY 12 2021

Minister of Aviation to speak at National Carrier Webinar

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika is billed to speak at a webinar with the theme: “The Dream of National Carrier” whose debut is slated for 2022.

Controversy surrounding the question of a national carrier has been on for sometimes with inability of the government to get credible technical partners and investors to support the proposed new national carrier.

The Minister will be

addressing the issue at a webinar organised by the National Chamber Policy Centre and the ACCI Transport Trade Group.

Sirika will be speaking on the model to adopt which will cover financing and other

operational details.

Expected to grace the occasion are the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Abuja Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (ACCI), President, Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, leaders of Chamber movement in Nigeria, aviation stakeholders among others.

The event is scheduled to hold virtually on 15th July, 2021.

o ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir celebrations, FCT Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed 3,500 personnel to nooks and crannies of the Territory.

Making this disclosure yesterday while briefing journalists in his office, the FCTNSCDC Commandant, Peter Maigari, said the deployment is part of the strategies mapped out to help ensure a hitch free celebration.

Maigari reiterated that the Corps and other security agencies remain resolute to provide security for FCT residents and visitors coming to mark the occasion in the Territory.

According to him, a day preceding the Sallah celebrations, the NSCDC conducted a show of force in collaboration with other security agencies, to let criminal minded people understand that the period is not a free day for them.

“The FCT Command has deployed 3,500 personnel to all the nook and crannies of the FCT, including all the six area councils, aside our normal officers, who are protecting critical national asset and infrastructure, as well as other key areas in the FCT. “It’s not the NSCDC that’s only the security agencies in the FCT, we have the Police and other sister security organisations in the Territory, so when every agency is doing its own work, we believe that the FCT is adequately covered”, he stressed.

Participants, during the training of skill acquisition on bread making, soapmaking, wig making and make-up artistry for Widows in Dutse Alhaji, Dutse Bokuma and Dawaki in Bwari Area facilitated by Xploits consulting ltd with support from Access Bank plc, recently in Abuja.

Good governance: Civil servants tasked on selfless service

By Stanley Onyekwere

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ivil servants have been urged to remain committed to selfless and efficient service delivery at all cadres, to promote good governance and sustenance of the country’s nascent democracy.

This charge was given yesterday, by the Acting Director, FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RCSR),

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.

Ahmadu, noted that good governance can be achieved when Civil service is properly reformed, with well motivated workers.

She spoke when some journalists accosted her at Kaura District Market, with a surprise birthday package, as part of activities kickstarting her week long birthday celebration.

The Director, who was recently honoured by the Head of the Civil Service of

the Federation, for excellence and forthrightness in service delivery, Ahmadu who expressed shock and fought hard to keep her emotions at the show of love by the journalists, assured that she would make more sacrifices to support the media in promoting the ideals of good governance.

On his part, Chairman, FCT Minister’s Press Corps, Comrade Ikharo Attah, who led the ambushment, stressed the need

to encourage committed Civil servants who work assiduously to keep the engine of government running efficiently.

Attah, explained that the surprise birthday package was a measure to recognize honesty and hardworking, which Dr. Jumai Ahmadu personifies.

He also added that the Nigerian project can be better promoted, when critical stakeholders begin to identify those who make impact in the society and encouraging them.

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world news

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Global shares slide amid Covid economic recovery fears

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ondon’s FTSE 100 fell 2.6% to below the 7,000 level, led by broadcaster ITV and British Airways-owner IAG. In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled by more than 2% while major share indexes in France and Germany also fell.

In England, most remaining Covid restrictions were lifted on Monday.

However, new cases are continuing to rise in some countries fuelled by the Delta variant of the virus.

Meanwhile, businesses in the UK have described how they are cutting opening hours, closing shops or may have to reduce production as employees are forced to selfisolate after being alerted by the NHS Covid-19 app.

“The big concern for the market is whether we are going to see a slowdown in the global economic recovery,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

ITV’s share price fell 6% on concerns that slower economic growth could lead

to less spending on advertising. WPP, the advertising giant. also saw its share price drop.

IAG’s share price was the biggest faller among travel, aviation and holiday-related stocks, with airline EasyJet and cruise line operator Carnival also losing ground.

“Optimism which had been on the horizon just a few weeks ago has again been obscured by dark clouds, especially with the snap decision to enforce a 10 day quarantine for arrivals from France,” said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

“With some scientists warning that infections could reach 200,000 a day by September, there is now a feeling that the UK could be staring at a fresh autumn lockdown,” she added.

The pound also fell against the dollar, dropping 0.45% to $1.371.

“Despite rising vaccination rates, a return to pre-[Covid] normality seems questionable,” said Ulrich Leuchtmann, head of foreign exchange and commodity research at Commerzbank.

At a media briefing, US President Joe Biden urged Americans to get vaccinated in order to ensure the economy can remain open.

Pointing towards how markets were performing on Monday, he said: “That’s not how I judge economic growth.”

His comments came after data published last week showed prices in the US spiked again in June, driven higher by the cost of used cars and food increasing.

He said that the increase in inflation was expected to be temporary, but he understood that unchecked inflation over the long-term would pose a “real challenge” to the economy.

China committed to human rights development path with Chinese characteristics

By He Yin, People’s Daily

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he efforts of the Chinese government to safeguard people’s economic, social and cultural rights won praise from participants in the 47th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 21 to July 13.

Over 90 countries voiced support for China’s stance on human rights issues during the meeting.

More and more countries believe that the Communist Party of China (CPC), which celebrates its centenary this year, has embarked on a path for human rights development with Chinese characteristics through combining the universality of human rights with China’s specific conditions, and added diversity to the concept of human rights with its own practices.

History has witnessed the development and progress of China’s human rights cause. After the First Opium War broke out in 1840, China was gradually reduced to a semi-colonial, semifeudal society and suffered greater ravages than ever before.

It is estimated that 80 percent of China’s population was constantly haunted by dire hunger or inadequate food supply, and that tens or even hundreds of thousands of people starved to death every year.

At such a crucial juncture, the CPC came into being and resolutely took on the noble mission of salvaging the country and saving the Chinese people. Since then, the CPC has pursued a road of human rights protection that belongs to the people, and fundamentally changed the destiny of the Chinese people.

Seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation is the original aspiration and mission of Chinese

Medical workers provide free services for residents in Yongchuan district, southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, June 30, 2021. (Photo by Chen Shichuan/People’s Daily Online) Communists as well as the root of the CPC’s services. stance on human rights. Over the past century, The country has seen remarkable the CPC has unswervingly fulfilled its original achievements in poverty alleviation, not aspiration and mission and created a great only rewriting its history of human rights miracle in respecting and protecting human development, but creating a new miracle in the rights. protection of human rights in the world.

In 2019, the average life expectancy of China’s national rejuvenation represents a Chinese residents rose to 77.3 years, compared process of promoting social fairness and justice, with 35 years in 1949. Last year, the per capita and advancing human rights, according to Xi disposable income and per capita consumption Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central expenditure of Chinese people were 328 times Committee. and 241 times that of 1956, respectively.

The Chinese people have gained a stronger China has built the world’s largest social sense of gain, happiness, and security, which security system, and continuously expanded its serves as an important criterion to gauge the social security coverage and improved relevant progress of China’s human rights cause.

The Chinese people’s overall satisfaction toward the Chinese government led by the CPC exceeds 93 percent, according to a report by the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

In addition, the Law and Order Index released by Gallup, an American analytics and advisory company, suggests that China is one of the safest countries in the world.

The CPC’s practice of respecting and guaranteeing human rights in the past century has fully proven that there are no ready models to copy in respecting, protecting and developing human rights for China and that the country must proceed from its prevailing realities and go its own way.

The CPC has traveled a path of human rights protection that features upholding CPC leadership and the socialist system in promoting human rights, promoting human rights through development, taking a people-centered approach to human rights protection, aiming for people’s well-rounded development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

China’s ideas about human rights, including “putting people first” and “the rights to subsistence and development are the primary rights”, have been widely echoed around the world. As British scholar Martin Jacques pointed out, the most basic human right is sound economic conditions.

There is no end to human rights development and human rights protection is an ongoing cause. China will firmly stick to its human rights development path with Chinese characteristics and continuously contribute to the development and progress of human rights cause in China and around the world.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

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Tigray aid convoy attacked before destination

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convoy taking humanitarian aid into Ethiopia’s war-hit Tigray region has come under attack - dealing a further set back for efforts to reach hundreds of thousands of people at risk of famine.

After more than eight months of fighting there are signs that the conflict is expanding to other areas of the country – including Afar – which has become a critical link for food aid.

The UN World Food Programme says a 10-vehicle convoy was attacked in the Afar region that borders Tigray.

It’s not yet clear who did it but it’s yet another indication that this war is far from over – in fact it seems to be spreading.

The Afar region was the scene of fighting between Tigrayan rebels and a pro-government militia over the weekend.

It is a critical access route for humanitarian aid because other roads into Tigray are too dangerous.

Meanwhile officials in half of the country’s regions have vowed to send troops to back up the Ethiopian government forces.

Algeria anger as Morocco backs separatist group

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lgeria has recalled its ambassador to Morocco after Rabat officially announced its backing of Algerian separatists in the Kabylie region.

The move followed remarks made

by Morocco’s representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, that the country was “officially and explicitly” supporting the “right of self-determination for the Kabyle people in Algeria”.

The Algerian ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement that the comments were “unacceptable” and asked Morocco to clarify its position.

The two countries have a longstanding, fraught relationship over Western Sahara.

Morocco claims it as part of its territory, while Algeria backs the Polisario movement’s demand for the independence of Western Sahara.

Mr Hilale was referring to the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK) which is seeking to split the mainly Berber Kabylie region from the rest of Algeria.

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Zuma appears in virtual corruption trial from jail

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outh Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma has appeared on a video link from prison to attend a corruption

trial.

Mr Zuma faces charges of fraud and racketeering dating back to the 1990s.

This is the first time he has been seen since he was sent to jail for contempt of court – a move that sparked a week of

looting and arson in South Africa.

He sat quietly in a large office chair in a nondescript prison room.

He wore a dark suit and red tie, and said little as his lawyer argued for another postponement of his corruption trial.

The hearing took place online – due to the pandemic and security concerns.

Mr Zuma has now spent more than

a week in prison after he was found guilty of contempt of court, for refusing to participate in a separate corruption inquiry.

The decision to sentence Mr Zuma to 15 months in jail sparked protests which quickly turned violent – leading to more than 200 deaths, and widespread looting and arson.

FC, a very good French club,” he told the team’s website.

“The project matches what I am looking for. Ligue 1 is one of the best leagues in Europe. There is a very good team in Rennes, a lot of talent.

“I know the club is famous for its development. For a young player like me, it is the best choice to progress. I have come to help the team achieve their goals. It is a great challenge. “ Sulemana is the latest product of the Right to Dream academy in Ghana, which also owns Nordsjælland, with his

compatriot Muhamed Kudus having signed for Dutch giants Ajax for $10m last season.

Africa’s most expensive teenager is Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo who cost Manchester United an initial £19m ($25.65) with that figure set to almost double with add-ons and bonuses.

Sulemana has won two caps for the senior Ghana team, both coming last year in friendlies against Mali and Qatar.

Sulemana is the fourth Ghanaian to join the Rennes after John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan and John Boye.

Kamaldeen Sulemana: Ghanaian teen seals big money from FC Nordsjælland to Rennes

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hanaian teenager Kamaldeen Sulemana will meet up with his new team-mates at French club Rennes for a training camp in Spain this week after a big-money move from Nordsjælland.

Rennes have reportedly paid the Danish side a total of more than $23m for the winger, with 75% of that fee to be paid up front for the 19-year-old.

Sulemana has signed a five-year deal with the French Ligue 1 side after he scored 10 times and weighed in with eight assists in the Danish league last season.

“I am very happy to join Stade Rennais

Tanzania opposition accuses police of intimidation

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anzania’s opposition leader Freeman Mbowe has said the Chadema party will continue holding meetings calling for constitutional change despite police arresting its members.

Chadema said more than 100 people were arrested on Sunday, but police said only 38 were detained.

Reports say they have been freed.

Mr Mbowe accused the police of giving “flimsy reasons” for the arrests, adding that

it was meant to “intimidate the party”.

“We will not stop convening forums in line with the law. Let the police prepare to arrest and assault us because we won’t stop,” Mr Mbowe said.

According to the local The Citizen news site police banned the meeting because some participants were not party members, a claim Chadema denied.

The party is set to hold a series of

meetings around the country, starting with one in the port city of Mwanza on Wednesday.

A push for a new constitution has gained momentum since President Samia Suluhu Hassan said last month that the process was not a priority as she was focussed on Tanzania’s economic development.

Source: BBC

Malawi police launch mask-wearing operation

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olice in Malawi have launched an operation to enforce mask wearing as the country battles a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Over the past few weeks there’s been a rise in deaths linked to coronavirus, with new

infections averaging more than 400 a day.

Despite the authorities’ concern, Malawians have continued to show a reluctance to follow guidance including mask wearing and social distancing.

Malawi police say Operation Vala Mask

aims to enforce the wearing of face masks in public places, but will also include closing bars by 22:00 each night, and ensuring seating capacity of 50% in public transport.

A curfew has also been put in place from 22:00 to 06:00.

China commences scientific research on lunar soil samples

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

By Feng Hua, People’s Daily

hina handed out about 17.48 grams of lunar samples brought back to the Earth by the country’s Chang’e-5 lunar mission to 13 scientific research institutions at a ceremony held in the National Astronomical Observatories under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing, capital of China, on July 12, marking the official commencement of scientific research on the first batch of lunar samples in the country.

A total of 31 applications for relevant research have been approved. According to the applications, the institutions that received the lunar samples, including the CAS, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), and Sun Yat-sen University, will research lunar surface formation process, volcanic activity age, and lunar evolution process.

The study of Chang’e-5 lunar samples is expected to offer new insights into issues including the evolution of the moon and planets and the habitability of planets, according to Zhu Rixiang, president of the expert committee set up to review and evaluate lunar sample study applications and also an academician of the CAS. “Every grain of the samples is precious and should be protected with the greatest possible efforts so as to reduce loss during research to the greatest extent,” said Liu Jizhong, director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), at the ceremony marking the delivery of the samples.

The return capsule of Chang’e-5 mission returned to the Earth with about 1,731 grams of moon samples on Dec. 17, 2020. Since then, the expert committee for lunar samples and the ground application

Two foreigners watch the lunar samples No.001 at the National Museum of China in Beijing, Feb. 28, 2021. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/People’s Daily Online) system have carried out a lot of work in relevant aspects.

Lunar samples are traditionally called lunar soil. After the Chang’e-5 lunar samples were officially handed over to the ground application system, the latter carried out tasks including unsealing, processing, storage, preparation, fundamental analysis, description, and establishment of archives, according to Pei Zhaoyu, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the CNSA and director of Lunar Sample Management Office.

Meanwhile, the CNSA issued lunar sample management regulations to standardize the preservation, management, and utilization of lunar

samples for the purpose of giving full play to their scientific value and role in improving social benefits, Pei said, adding that nine experts were hired to make up the first expert committee for lunar samples according to the regulations.

The first batch of lunar samples distributed for scientific research includes 44 samples, which weigh about 56.88 grams, Pei disclosed, explaining that of these samples, there are 23 flake samples, 19 rock samples, and 2 powder samples, which weigh 768.3 milligrams, 1,112.9 milligrams, and 55 grams, respectively.

The powder samples can be jointly borrowed by multiple applicants, while the rock samples and flake samples can only be used exclusively, Pei said.

Xiao Zhiyong, associate professor at the space and planetary science department of the School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, and leader of the planetary and geological science research group of the department, was excited about receiving valuable lunar samples in Beijing for scientific research.

The research group will focus on the process and history of the lunar impact in its analysis and research on the lunar samples it received and carry out meticulous geochemical research on the samples based on previous studies, said Xiao.

“We haven’t received any formal applications from foreign research institutions so far. The management and use of lunar samples follow relevant international conventions concluded and participated by China. The CNSA encourages joint international study of lunar samples. Foreign scientists can involve themselves in the research on lunar samples by joining Chinese research teams or through other ways,” Pei said.

The CNSA is working with relevant departments to formulate rules for international cooperation on lunar samples, which will be implemented after approval from the central government, according to him.

Officials from the CNSA disclosed that new lunar samples for scientific research will be released gradually according to the progress of the ground application system in processing the samples. The next round of application review for borrowing lunar samples for scientific research is preliminarily scheduled for September, according to the CNSA, which hopes that more research institutions will join in the research on lunar samples.

China always regards rights to subsistence and development as primary and basic human rights

By He Yin, People’s Daily

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he 47th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution submitted by China on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights on July 12, reaffirming that development makes a significant contribution to the enjoyment of all human rights by all, the aim of development is to constantly improve the well-being of the entire population and that countries should meet the aspiration of the people for a better life.

In their remarks at the session, representatives of other countries commended this important draft resolution submitted by China and thanked China for its leading role. They stressed that development is critical to countries, especially developing countries, adding that without development, it would be impossible to achieve enjoyment of human rights and overcome the challenges brought

by COVID-19.

It was the third time that the UNHRC adopted a resolution on the contribution of development to the enjoyment of all human rights submitted

by China. In June 2017, the UN human rights body adopted a resolution from China on development issues in an overwhelming vote, introducing the concept “development promotes human rights” into the international human rights system for the first time. In July 2019, the UNHRC adopted a resolution submitted by China on development issues for the second time.

By holding high the banner of development, China makes the common aspirations and wishes of developing countries heard by the world, winning wide support from the international community.

Development is mankind’s eternal quest and creates conditions for the realization of various human rights. The UN Declaration on the Right to Development specified that

Two foreigners watch the lunar samples No.001 at the National Museum of China in Beijing, Feb. 28, 2021. (Photo by Chen Xiaogen/People’s Daily Online) the right to development is an inalienable human right.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global poverty and inequality are increasingly prominent, becoming major obstacles to protecting human rights. In the face of grave global challenges, countries are in urgent need of better protecting the rights to subsistence and development, safeguarding and improving people’s well-being in development, and promoting human rights through development.

As the largest developing country in the world, China is well aware that development is the key to solving all China’s problems as well as a driver of human rights progress in the country. Based on China’s prevailing realities, the Communist Party of China (CPC) considers the rights to subsistence

and development the primary human rights, driving continuous development and progress of the country’s human rights cause.

After long-term unremitting efforts, the Chinese people have, under the leadership of the CPC, attained liberation, secured adequate food and clothing, become better off and achieved moderate prosperity in all respects step by step, and they are now heading toward a higher level of common prosperity.

China has made earnest efforts to ensure people’s right to subsistence, significantly improved its protection of the people’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights, coordinated the protection of civil and political rights, and protected the rights of special groups in all respects.

The process during which the CPC led more than 1.4 billion Chinese people toward a happy life represents exactly the Party’s great practice of promoting the development of China’s human rights cause.

All Chinese people are enjoying the huge dividends brought by the country’s development, which is a remarkable achievement in human rights in the world, said a Spanish scholar who has visited China over 50 times.

While being committed to its own development, China has taken concrete actions to promote the common development of all.

Over the past seven decades or so, the country has assisted 166 countries and international organizations, sent over 600,000 people on aid missions.

It has provided medical assistance for 69 countries, and helped more than 120 developing countries achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

China has actively participated in international cooperation on poverty reduction and is helping many people in developing countries get rid of poverty.

By joining hands with other countries in building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has helped promote the development of countries along the routes of the BRI, which is expected to help lift 7.6 million people out of extreme poverty and 32 million people out of moderate poverty in countries involved.

China has always been committed to promoting world peace and progress and making the fruits of development benefit more countries and people, making major contributions to international human rights development.

It is believed that China will safeguard the rights of the Chinese people at a higher level as it continues developing in the future. The country will make a greater contribution to the protection of human rights, enabling the world to develop better and become more prosperous.

his fertile area, still held by soldiers and militias loyal to Ethiopia’s federal government, is now seen as a likely next target for Tigray’s rebel fighters, as they seek to strengthen their control over the region and secure a potentially crucial supply route into neighbouring Sudan.

The conflict in Tigray is now showing dangerous signs of transforming into a more widespread ethnic conflict that could suck in other parts of Ethiopia.

“They gave us two days to leave, or we would be killed,” said one 18-year-old Tigrayan, who’d just crossed the river with three school friends and asked for his identity to be hidden to protect relatives still living inside Ethiopia.

He accused soldiers from the nearby region of Amhara - who currently control the key border town of Humera - of targeting Tigrayan men of fighting age.

There are many reports that Amhara conscripts and volunteers are now being rushed to reinforce the area, along with other militia forces from different parts of the country including Oromia and Sidama.

“The Amhara militia are going door to door. If they know you are a Tigrayan they kill or arrest you. We feel bad because it is our country. Anyone who can escape is fleeing,” said another teenager, speaking early one morning, in the isolated Sudanese border town of Hamdayet, just across the border from Humera.

The BBC spoke to eight people who’d left Humera in recent days and told similar stories of ethnic cleansing. But with phone lines inside Tigray cut, it has been difficult to seek independent confirmation.

The Ethiopian government has meanwhile indicated that it may end its unilateral ceasefire in Tigray, blaming “provocations” by the rebel forces, and appears to be mobilising more troops from different regions.

Warnings of imminent battle Surrounded by muddy fields and now buffeted nightly by spectacular summer storms, Hamdayet has become a transit point for thousands of Tigrayan refugees - and almost certainly for rebel fighters too - who cross in and out of the town, sometimes slipping through nearby Eritrea.

The flow of refugees has slowed in recent months. It began last November, when the conflict in Tigray first erupted between forces loyal to the regional government and Ethiopia’s federal state.

BBC War is inevitable - it is ethnic cleansing” Tewodros Tefera Doctor Some 50,000 refugees are currently sheltering in Sudanese camps close to the border, often in grim conditions as the

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

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Ethiopia’s Tigray crisis: Fleeing for fear of new ethnic conflict

Almost every night, a handful of young men slip across the well-guarded border, swimming across a fast-flowing brown river and trudging into Sudan to escape what they say is a sudden upsurge in ethnic violence in the far western corner of Ethiopia’s Tigray region. rainy season sets in and their makeshift tents are repeatedly broken by fierce winds. The UN refugee agency has faced growing criticism about the humanitarian situation in the camps.

Multiple security and intelligence sources in the region told the BBC that the upsurge of ethnic violence inside Tigray - particularly in and around Humera - was a sign that a major battle could be imminent. After its spectacular recent successes further south and east, the rebel Tigray Defence Forces are widely expected to try to seize all of western Tigray before the rains cut off much access.

But the town lies in disputed territory, long-claimed by ethnic Amharas, who took control of the area soon after the Tigray conflict began. The concern is that an escalating conflict here will further enflame ethnic tensions in Ethiopia, and could also fuel instability in Sudan and Eritrea.

“It’s going to go on - the war - for sure. The Amhara and the Tigrayan people used to be as brother and sister. But we are not giving up our land so the blood[shed] is going to continue,” said a bank worker and mother of two, who recently arrived in Hamdayet and asked for her name to be withheld.

“War is inevitable. There is a new surge of mass arrests [by Amhara militia]. It is ethnic cleansing. The forceful eviction of Tigrayans from western Tigray is getting intense right

now,” said Tewodros Tefera, a surgeon who fled across the border into Sudan late last year, and now runs a tiny clinic serving thousands of refugees and locals in Hamdayet.

Like many Tigrayan refugees, Dr Tewodros now appears committed to the idea of a complete break from Ethiopia full independence for Tigray.

“Thinking of being an Ethiopian now is gone. I don’t want to be in the same category with these people that have raped my sisters, that have killed by my brothers and sisters. So, the idea of [holding] the same passport is gone,” he said.

Source: BBC

The River Sittet marks the border between Ethiopia and Sudan

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

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NEWS

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r Victor Bamidele, Deputy Managing Director, Deep water District. TotalEnergies, says the company has invested over 60 billion dollars in exploration and other projects in Nigeria.

Bamidele disclosed at the Ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja, on Monday.

He spoke on the topic : Expanding the Nigerian Content Frontiers through. intra-African Trade” ” TotalEnergies as we are now called has being in Africa for more than 80 years, and have been working in exploration

Nwaoboshi enjoying Okowa’s political scholarship - Aniagwu

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

TotalEnergies committed to Nigeria’s growth, invests $60bn activities in Nigeria for over 60 years. ” In the upstream sector we have a diversifying portfolio in Nigeria with facilities spanning in onshore, deep waters and LNG, we are very proud of strong partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) and various partners over the years. ” Our upstream branch plays a significant economic and Social role in the Nigerian contributing about 15 per cent of the country’ s production. ” Nigeria as one of our core area of activities is also crucial to TotalEnergies group accounting for 12 per cent of equity production.

“In the past few years ago, TotalEnergies has invested approximately about 10 billion in the country through executing

development projects,” he said.

He added that over the years the companies activities had helped in creating jobs and many other benefits in spite the challenging environment it operates.

Represented by Olalere Babasola, Executive Manager, Government Relations, he said that as a Company, TotalEnergies strongly believed in the vast potentials in Nigeria.

He noted that EGINA Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels(FPSO) was completed in 2018 and currently investing in the development of IKIKE Project.

He said that Egina was developed in 2013 after the NOGIC act was established adding that it remained the companies third biggest FPSO project that had boosted local

content.

He noted that Egina in terms of employment ensured over 47 million manpower development about 77 percent of the total project work load adding that 60 per cent of fabrication was also in country among many others.

“EGINA has increased Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity by 10 per cent, ” he said.

” IKIKE development field is with OML 99, 20 kilometer offshore, is being developed as a statelite terminal in spite its size and content objective . ” Our target is to achieve 90 per cent local content with 100 per cent project management in country, 100 per cent detail and basic engineering in Nigeria, 100 per cent procurement by locals 3000 direct jobs, refresher and on the job training, “” he said

According to him, the project is expected to facilitate entry level training for 80 geo science students in the country.

Commenting on the topic, he said that the topic was apt as there were currently 18 oil producing countries in Africa.

According to him, African countries are among the top producers of oil globally adding that the combine production is about 7.9 million per day in 2019.

This, this he said had made the sector important anf must bring value to the continent through effective implementation of local content The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the theme for the 2021 NOG is ” Fortifying the Nigerian oil and gas industry for economic stability and growth”.

(NAN )(www.nannews.ng)

By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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elta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has said that the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi rode to the Senate on the political craftsmanship of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Speaking on Arise Television NewsDay programme monitored in Asaba at the weekend, Aniagwu said Senator Nwaoboshi was a selfish politician who never cared for the interest of the people he represents.

He stated that the people of Delta North voted for Nwaoboshi because Okowa appealed to them to support him for the party’s sake.

According to Aniagwu, Senator Nwaoboshi having realised that he can no longer enjoy the political benevolence of Okowa, decided to jump ship despite his suspension by the party.

“I am happy you said that he is in a rift with the governor, the governor is not in a rift with him.

“But what I can tell you is that everybody who is a Deltan and understands the political equation in Delta will tell you for free that Senator Nwaoboshi is in the National Assembly on the political scholarship of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, otherwise, there is no way he would have been in the Senate.

“He knows that deciding to dump the PDP or leaving the PDP even after he had been suspended by the party, meant that he can no longer contest the position because he knows that even if he contests that position, everyone in Delta will tell you for free that he will not win.”

Army medical p e r s o n n e l examine a patient during the Free Medical Outreach by Nigerian Army as part of the activities to mark the 2021 Army Day celebration in Abuja on Monday (6/7/21).

Nnamdi Kanu: Group alleges double standard by FG in fighting terrorism From: Makurdi

Uche

Nnorom,

group known as Benue Youth Forum has alleged that the federal government is displaying double faced approach to the fight against terrorism.

Leader of the group Mr. Terrence Kuanum who also, doubles as Coodinator, Forum of Middle Belt Youth made the accusation in a press statement against the backdrop of last week’s

arrest of Nnamdi Kanu by Nigeria government in collaboration with Interpol.

The group posited that before now,it was apparent that the intelligence network of Nigeria’s security forces had malfunctioned particularly as it bordered on the inflammatory and treasonable utterances of the leadership of Miyetti Allah groups who have at different times claimed responsibility for the killing of hundreds of innocent Nigerians

with the Middle Belt region worst hit.

He maintained that groups such as Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM have repeatedly attacked and killed many defenseless people and have come out to state that more blood will flow recalling that In March this year, the group publicly owned up to an attack on Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.

“Though the Governor

nutrition through innovation and partnership( PARSNIP) in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State.

Dr Rane who explained that the programme will kick start in Kwami Local Government Area, will subsequently extend

to other four local governments areas.

Speaking in a meeting with stakeholders on PARSNIP programme held at Kwami chief of field office on PARSNIP programme in Gombe Dr. Turshar Rane said the meeting

was aimed at finding out solution to eliminate malnutrition among children in the state.

He however, appreciated the effort of Gombe State Government for the support in fight against malnutrition.

He urged that UNICEF will

A

escaped the assassination attempt, FUNAM vowed that they won’t relent until they hit their target. Our security agencies heard the group’s threat loud and clear but looked the other way.

In fact, they absorbed all Fulani groups of blame in the attack on the Governor. That was just one incident. They treat anything that involves herdsmen with kid gloves.

“The recent re-arrest of Kanu is an indication that our security intelligences is still working,”

UNICEF launches action on resilient system for nutrition in Gombe From David Hassan, Gombe

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Gombe State Government has launched progressing action on resilient system for

continue to work closely with the government to ensure that the menace is eradicated.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of Kwami local government area Ibrahim Buba assured UNICEF of the necessary support of the programme.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

tuesday, July 13, 2021

Tokyo Olympics: 10 Covid-19 cases confirmed, 2 South Africans test positive, 8 Britons self-isolating

By Amaechi Agbo

T

wo South Africa footballers have become the first competitors to test positive for coronavirus in the athletes’ village in Tokyo - five days before the start of the Olympic Games.

Organisers Sunday confirmed that 10 cases of the novel virus has been reported with four days to the commencement of the Games .

Meanwhile, six athletes and two staff members from Team GB’s athletics team are self-isolating after being identified as close contacts of an individual who tested positive on their flight to Japan on 16 July.

South Africa’s Football Association confirmed Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi as their positive cases.

The South Africa football team’s video analyst Mario Masha also tested positive on Saturday and the team is in quarantine pending more test results.

Another athlete from outside the village tested positive on Sunday too.

“We have three positive cases of Covid-19 in the camp here, two players and an official,” said South Africa team manager Mxolisi Sibam.

“There is daily screening which included taking temperature and saliva testing, Masha and Monyane reported high temperatures and positive saliva tests and were then taken to do the nasal test, which we all had initially taken and they unfortunately tested positive for Covid through that test. Mahlatsi is the latest player to go through the same process.”

Monyane, a right-back with Orlando Pirates in his homeland, posted on social media when the team arrived in Tokyo.

South Africa Sevens rugby coach Neil Powell also tested positive on Sunday on arrival in Japan and is now isolating in Kagashimo, where the squad is based for a pre-Games training camp.

In total, organisers on Sunday reported 10 new cases connected to the Olympics including media, contractors and other personnel. That compares with 15 new

Athletes arrive Tokyo ahead if Olympic Opening Ceremony cases on Saturday.

Infection rates are rising among the general population of Tokyo, topping 1,000 new cases for four consecutive days.

Polls show many Japanese people oppose holding the Games with the influx of overseas visitors it entails.

Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said the three cases were from the “same country and sport”. They are “isolated in their rooms and Tokyo 2020 is delivering meals to them”, he said, adding that the rest of the team - which has not been identified have also been tested.

BOA confirm eight close contacts The British Olympic Association (BOA) said six athletes and two staff members from the athletics team were identified as close contacts of an individual who is not

from the Team GB delegation in Tokyo.

The group are in self-isolation in their rooms at the association’s preparation camp, having all tested negative upon their arrival in Japan, and under the supervision of the Team GB medical team, led by chief medical officer Dr Niall Elliott.

“This is disappointing news for the athletes and staff, but we absolutely respect the protocols in place,” said Team GB chef de mission Mark England.

“We will offer them every support during this period and we are hopeful that they will be able resume training again soon.”

Speaking on Saturday, Games chief Seiko Hashimoto said: “Athletes who are coming to Japan are probably very worried.

I understand that.

“We are doing everything to prevent

any Covid outbreaks. If we end up with an outbreak we will make sure we have a plan in place to respond.”

Australia’s entire athletics team for the Tokyo Olympics were quarantined in their rooms on Saturday at their preGames training camp in Cairns, following a Covid-19 scare.

An inconclusive test had been returned by an official but subsequent tests were negative, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed on Sunday.

Athletes have since been permitted to compete in a warm-up event “My understanding is [Athletics Australia] applied an abundance of caution,” said David Hughes, the AOC’s chief medical officer.

USA trash D’Tigress in Olympic warm-up game

By Amaechi Agbo

N

igeria’s senior female basketball team, the D’Tigress were Sunday thrashed by their USA counterpart, 93-62 in an Olympic Games preparatory match.

The exhibition match which was the last tuneup game for the ladies as they jet out to Tokyo Japan ahead of Friday’s Opening ceremony of the 2020 Olympics.

D’Tigress will play their opening match of the Tokyo Olympics against world number one, the USA, on Tuesday 27.

This is according to the official fixture released by the Federation of International Basketball Associations, FIBA. The reigning African champions who missed out of the Rio 2016 games will be presented another chance to prove a point against the team they narrowly lost to at the 2020 Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

D’Tigress will then battle world number five- France on Friday, August 30 before their last game against host-Japan (10th) on Monday, August 2 in the final Group B match.

D’Tigress player in action against USA

Aruna Quadri rated highest African tennis player ahead of Tokyo Olympics PG30 >>>PG30

PAGE 30

S p Victor Osimhen scores 4 goals In Napoli’s preseason win

By Amaechi Agbo

T

here are indications that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could take the Series A league this season by storm after he smashed 4 goals in 29 minutes in Napoli’s pre-season win on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker sent a strong message to coach Luciano Spalletti with his efforts in the Parthenopeans’ first friendly match in Dimaro Folgarida.

Victor Osimhen scored four goals as Napoli beat Anaunia 12-0 in a pre-season friendly match on Sunday.

The Super Eagles forward scored all his goals in the first half as the Parthenopeans grabbed a 7-0 lead before the half-time break Osimhen was able to impress in the show of the day as he seems to have carried on where he left off last season as he scored 4 well taken goals in the space of 29 minutes in his team’s 12-goal thriller.

Napoli took the lead in the 4th minutes with a goal from Eljif Elmas to make it one nil before Victor Osimhen doubled the lead in the 8th minutes to make it two goals to nil.

In the 15th minutes of the game, Manolas extended the lead to make it three before the Nigerian super forward Victor Osimhen netted three straight goals in the 20th, 35th and 37th minutes respectively to make it six goals to nil.

In the 45th minutes, Stanislav Lobotka wrapped up the massive win of the first half by getting on the score sheet to make it seven unreplied goals going into the half time break.

In the second half of the game, the Luciano Spalletti’s side continued their dominance over the visitor as they yet again extended their lead in the 53rd minutes with a goal from Gennaro Tutino to make it eight nil before Luca palmiero made it nine in the 63rd minutes.

Amato Ciciretti also got on the score sheet in the 64th minutes to make it ten goals for the Naples before Zinedine Machach and Andrea Petagna wrapped it up to make it eleven and twelve in the 79th and 90+5 minutes respectively.

The massive win of the day for Napoli means they are fully getting ready ahead of the new season.

Victor Osimhen after his incredible performance will now be looking forward to continuing his run of form for the club in their next fixture, as they play Pro Vercelli next Saturday and Bayern Munich comes July 31st.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, July 13, 2021

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Aruna Quadri rated highest African tennis player ahead of Tokyo Olympics

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head of the opening ceremony of the 32nd edition of Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan this Friday, Team Nigerian captain and table tennis star Aruna Quadri is now the highest-rated African tennis player.

The Nigerian has been seeded number 15 among the players in the men’s singles competition of the table tennis event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Aruna took the 15th spot among the 65 players listed for the singles event at the Olympics which kicks off Friday in Tokyo.

However, he will be hoping to exceed in Japan his quarter-final finish at Rio 2016.

Having qualified for Tokyo based on his world rating, he will now be awaiting his first-round opponent when the draws hold this week.

Egypt’s Omar Assar is seeded 28th, while Aruna’s compatriot, Olajide Omotayo, is seeded 49th in the men’s singles.

In the women’s singles, sixtime African women champion, Egypt’s Dina Meshref, has been seeded 19th.

Nigeria’s Offiong Edem is seeded 53rd among the 70 athletes competing in the women’s singles event, while seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike is 60th.

Meanwhile, China’s Fan Zhendong and Chen Meng have been unveiled as the top seeds for

the men’s and women’s singles categories.

Making his first appearance on the Olympic stage in Tokyo, 24-year-old Fan Zhendong is bidding to become the sixth Chinese player to take home men’s singles gold.

Meanwhile, fellow Fan’s compatriot and defending champion Ma Long, who has been named as the number two seed, will attempt to recapture the magic of five years ago.

He will be defending his highly sought-after title at the Tokyo

Metropolitan Gymnasium.

Seeded third is homeboy 18-year-old Tomokazu Harimoto is bound to catch the eye as the ever-improving teenager looks to guide Japan to a historic first gold medal in the category.

Also, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano and Chinese Taipei’s Lin YunJu have been named the fourth and fifth seeds respectively in the men’s singles draw.

They are ahead of Sweden’s Mattias Falck, London 2012 bronze medallist Dimitrij Ovtcharov and fellow German

Timo Boll.

A new women’s singles champion will be crowned, with all eyes firmly fixed on two Chinese debutants looking to make it nine gold medals in a row for them.

Making the summit of the list, top seed Chen Meng leads the way with Sun Yingsha occupying the immediate position below on the list.

China also leads the way in both the Men’s Team and Women’s Team events in pursuit of a fourth-straight gold medal finish in both categories.

2021 National Youth Games: Port Harcourt host South South zonal elimination

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ort Harcourt, capital of Rivers State will host this year’s South South zonal elimination tournament ahead of the National Youth games scheduled for Ilorin, Kwara State.

This formed part of a ten point communique issued at the end of a meeting of South South Directors Sports and the Zonal Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the zonal Coordinator, Mr,Essiet Sylvester said the Forum adopted seven sports for the zonal tournament which includes,

Football, Basketball, Cricket, Handball,Beach Volleyball, Hockey and Volleyball.

He stated that participating teams for the zonal elimination games would be strictly Under-15 in age.

Mr Sylvester explained that the zonal elimination games will commence from the 1st to the 5th of September, 2021, adding that States should submit their sports entries before the 31st of this month.

According to him, screening for the showpiece will begin on September 2,from 10am to noon, pointing that the aim was to conduct a general screening for

the various state.

He noted that a letter had been sent to the Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike to notify the state helmsman of the hosting rights of the fiesta,noting the Akwa Ibom State have been adopted to host the next zonal elimination games.

While appreciating the Bayelsa State government for its hospitality in hosting the meeting, he asserted that the zone was committed to supporting aspirants who are passionate in the development of sports ahead of the National federation elections.

Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council Sir

Braveman said the zone was committed to consolidating on the achievements at the National Sports Festival and other national competitions describing the South South zone as the power house of sports in the country.

He opined that the zone’s aspirations was too see that those vying into elective position from the zone are those who are determined to develop sports and not not persons seeking selfish and pecuniary benefits.

Sir Wodi added that team Bayelsa was prepared for the National Youth Games in Ilorin, assuring Bayelsans of a better outing in the showpiece.

500 club goals and has scored in each of the last four decades.He is the only active player in Europe’s top five leagues to have scored in 23 consecutive seasons.

He played alongside Peter Ijeh in Malmo in Sweden, a team Peter joined after emerging as the highest goal scorer in the Nigerian league with Julius Berger of Lagos in the 2019/2000 football season.

Peter joined the Swedish club Malmö FF in 2001. He was the top scorer in Allsvenskan in 2002 with 24 goals. In 2003, he suffered a leg injury that kept him out of most of the season, but he still managed to come back strongly and finished with 10 goals.

In late 2003, he transferred to IFK Göteborg on a free transfer

in a highly controversial affair as the club’s big name signing for its 100th anniversary and Göteborg finished third.

In 2005, Ijeh moved to Danish club FC Copenhagen and won the league title in 2005–06 season.

On 19 June 2006, Ijeh moved to Viking FK in Norway on a 3 million Danish krone deal. He became an instant success, scoring 11 goals in 15 games to save the team from relegation.

Ijeh studied at Gothenburg University and the Swedish Football Federation (SvFF) and acquired a UEFA advanced licensed certificate. He is also a technical and tactical soccer coach.

Ijeh took over Assyriska BK in November 2013 as a head coach.

I mentored Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Peter Ijeh

F

ormer Nigerian International Peter Ijeh has revealed that he mentored Swedish International Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the game, while he was growing up.

Ijeh who spoke on the personality interview segment of the FCT Football Updates Whatsapp platform, said the Swedish international was 16 years old when he started putting him through on the various ways of achieving the ultimate in the game.

According to him, “he was 16 years old then and always says he wanna be like me, play like me. I mentored him.

That’s why he wrote about me in his book “ I’m Zlatan”. He is a great guy, and humble person”.

Zlatan Ibrahimović who was born on 3 October 1981 plays as a striker for Serie A club AC Milan and the Sweden national team.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of all time, and is one of the most decorated active footballers in the world. He has won 31 trophies in his career.

Ibrahimović has scored over 570 career goals, including more than

PEOPLES DAILY, Tuesday, July 13, 2021

PAGE 31

. . . putting the people first

tuesday, July 20, 2021

SPORTS latest

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op seed Novak Djokovic continued his bid for a record-equalling 20th men’s Grand Slam title with a routine last-16 win against Chile’s Cristian Garin.

The defending champion did not need to find his best level, still having enough quality to win 6-2 6-4 6-2 against 17th seed Garin.

The Serb will now contest the 50th Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career.

Djokovic will play Marton Fucsovics in the last eight after the Hungarian beat Russian fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

Onyekuru rejects Olympiacos move

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uper Eagles attacker, Henry Onyekuru has turned down the chance to play UEFA Champions League football with perennial Greek champions Olympiacos even after they had agreed to pay the 4.3 Million Euros Monaco want to sell him.

Onyekuru shunned Olympiacos because he does not fancy living in Athens, where the club are based.

The winger is presently in Istanbul, where he is discussing with Galatasaray local rivals, Besiktas and Fenerbache.

Galatasaray will not take up the buy-out option on Onyekuru after his third loan spell with them last season.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: news: Kano: lagos:

Revisiting Anambra Law on Burials

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Djokovic beats Cristian Garin To reach Wimbledon Quarters

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irst proposed in 2017

by Hon. Francis Ezeani then, the State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Information, Tourism and Culture, the Bill to regulate burial ceremonies in Anambra state was finally passed after two years.

It was then signed into law by Governor Willie Obiano. Advent of coronavirus in 2020 put further official restrictions on burial ceremonies, relating essentially to large gatherings as number of attendees was curbed. However, from recent events, it is clear the burial law is not being heeded, much less enforced. Neither are the COVID stipulations being adhered to generally. The new law stipulates that a corpse shall not be kept in the mortuary beyond two months, that burials shall be for a day and that no relative of the deceased shall be subjected to a mourning period beyond one week from the internment date. In addition destruction of property, firing of gunshots, blocking of roads are prohibited for a funeral ceremony.

While introducing the bill and buttressing the need to regulate burial ceremonies in the state in order to curb expensive spending, Hon. Ezeani had said that it was necessary to distinguish between “mourning the dead and a fiesta”. Indeed, such a law was overdue because in recent years, we have been witnessing galloping inflation and low purchasing power; yet people are still mandated to keep up with traditional burial rites that leaves many families(especially the average family) indebted, just so as to give their dead relatives a “befitting burial”; a so-called befit ring burial that is absolutely of no benefit to the one who has passed on but only massages the ego of organisers, the surviving relatives. According to the sponsor of the bill outrageous demands on the families of the deceased by traditions and customs enforced by elders without any consideration for financial capability had led to “unhealthy competition among families and friends, each trying by every means to outshine the other”.

You may have noticed that people from that part of the country do not undertake funeral rites of their departed ones soonest. Rather the corpse is kept in a mortuary pending when they are ready for it. This may take as long as one year.

Meanwhile relatives have to pay for every single day the corpse spends in the cold room. Private mortuaries thrive there. For the poor and even some others who

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By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO vikeano@yahoo.co.uk 08033077519 cannot afford mortuary costs, the remains of their departed ones are ‘put underneath the earth’.

As the phrase indicates, this is not recognised as a burial by the community.

In fact the literary translation of that indigenous phrase for this is that the deceased is in the “underground refrigerator”.

The deceased person is regarded as having been formally buried only when all funeral rites are completed. Until then the wife of the departed one is forbidden from going to the market (buying and selling) and attending meetings.

Preparations for the funeral ceremonies begin with gathering enough money which more often than not, involves borrowing because of the huge amount to be expended. Among the things required, are renovating the house or compound of the departed, giving it a new look or building a new house where there is no ‘befitting’ one; buying and sewing uniform dress material for the deceased’s family and extended family members (uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, children, etc.); killing a cow ‘in honour of the dead’, hiring a live band to entertain guests, including traditional dancers and of course, food for all and sundry.

The burial ceremony lasts for at least a week, beginning from a Thursday. Thursday is wake-keeping, Friday official requiem mass and ‘dust to dust’ ceremony by the church, after which the community’s folks commence their own ‘mourning’ rites, comprising of women’s groups, age-grade groups and other community societies/ associations. Saturday is for friends, associates, in-laws and

“

other extended family members.

Sunday is for church thanksgiving by the deceased’s family. As I indicated earlier the ceremony may last for a month as family of the departed one continue to receive ‘mourners’ of all categories every other day –various groups, associations and personalities.

These sympathisers have to indicate in advance when they would come calling so the family can prepare adequately for them in terms of dances, food and meat. As a mark of a ‘befitting’ burial or better said, to show off, the bereaved family usually kills cows for the many groups that come to sympathise with them. A portion of the cow meat is given to each group/association as a memento of sort. Also, at the thanksgiving mass, the family often presents numerous food gifts and a cow to the church during offertory in order to be highly regarded. The more the number of cows slaughtered for the burial obsequies, the more esteemed the bereaved family is in the eyes of the community.

It is often bandied about that in that part of our country, it is more expensive to bury a departed one than to take care of him/ her whilst alive. Although many of the sympathisers, groups and associations do give the bereaved some cash, it is often not enough to recoup money spent for the funeral ceremonies for the average family.

Most bereaved families would say they are not mourning the departed but celebrating his/ her life while on earth. But the burial ceremonies are the same for the one who passed on at the “ripe age of 80” with numerous children and one that departed at an ‘untimely’ time of 40 years,

In fact the literary translation of that indigenous phrase for this is that the deceased is in the “underground refrigerator”.

leaving behind one child and wife.

Meanwhile amidst the pervasive jubilation and jollification, the wife may be grieving inwardly with a passive countenance. The question is, to what benefit are these festivities to the departed.

We are told that they are meant to bid the departed spirit byebye. These celebrations are of little or no value to the departed.

Those of us left behind are simply having fun and enjoying ourselves with these celebrations.

By the way professional criers are also hired, paid to cry upon the death of someone. Death is a solemn event and there should thus be quietness in the death chamber. What the departed needs from all ‘sympathisers’, ‘mourners’ or ‘celebrants’ is not loud lamentations or unending celebrations but heartfelt fervent payers to the Almighty Creator that he/she be guided by His servants step by step, in his/her journey to the luminous realm of joyful activity and eternal peace.

Thus the funeral rites can be classed into two, namely, the spiritual and social aspect. The spiritual aspect consisting mainly of prayers for the departed is what is of value to the one that has left us while the social side is mainly for those of us still living on earth. It is this aspect that the Anambra law on burials seeks to regulate. The church had introduced some reforms in its own funeral rites by for example, banning all-night wake-keeping.

It also outlawed sumptuous entertainment of its officiating officials at funeral ceremonies, including the choir group, stating that they should only be given drinks (non alcoholic). The Church can go further by disallowing presentation of cows and other expensive gifts at the thanksgiving services for its departed members.

DAN GAYE Dangai FG arrests IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu - News

Pikin weh say im mama no go sleep...

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