Wednesday, November 20, 2019 Edition

Wednesday, November 20, 2019/ Rabi’ul Awwal 22, 1441 AH Vol. 32 No. 097 N150

2046 Days after

Dasuki denies applying to remain in DSS custody >>>page 4

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

ICPC uncovers N18.62bn budget padding by MDAs

>>>page 5

Corruption: Buhari seeks speedy creation of special courts >>>page 5

•Meets with security chiefs

Soldiers from 1 Division, Nigerian Army, displaying trophies they won, during the just concluded 2019 Nigerian Army Small Arms Competitions, upon their return to Kaduna, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Reps mull death penalty for rapists Buhari: Why earnings from gas resources is low pAGE 3

Finance Bill: Stakeholders reject VAT, petroleum tax hike pAGE 9

pAGE 14

How we solely acquired AEDC,

by CEC Africa pAGE 19

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

News 2-10, 14

Editorial

By Lawrence Olaoye L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau; Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; and Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, during the National launch and inauguration Clean Nigeria - Use the toilet campaign, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Health

18

Business

19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

oAuGF audit query: NNPC denies alleged financial impropriety

By Christiana Ekpa

Buhari condoles Atiku over aide, Pariya’s death Page 4

Environment 25 Feature

26

Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

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News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Buhari: Why earnings from gas resources is low

CONTENTS News

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday denied the reports bothering on financial impropriety leveled against it in the audit query issued by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation (oAuGF) between 2014 and 2017.

Chief Financial Officer of NNPC, Isiaka Abdulrasak gave the assurance while responding to questions from members of the House Committee on Pubkic Accounts, Chaired by Hon. Wole Oke on the queries issued by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation (oAuGF) between 2014 and 2017.

Abdulrasak explained that the Corporation had addressed all the queries raised by the ouAGF, just as he pledged the Corporation’s resolve to ensure accountability and transparency of public funds.

He maintained that the Corporation will not hide anything from the public and indeed the National Assembly who represents the people.

He also assured that other issues raised by the Committee on Public

Accounts about all NNPC subsidiaries would be addressed on the date chosen by the Committee.

In a related development, the House Committee on Public Accounts has set up 3 Ad-hoc Committees that would audit the accounts of three Commercial Banks involved in the collection of Stamp Duties between 2004 to 2019.

The banks are: Fidelity, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), and Wema Bank respectively.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Wole Oke disclosed this at the resumed public hearing into the audit queries issued by the office of the Auditor General of the Federation (oAuGF) against Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and all the financial institutions.

The resolution was passed sequel to the presentation of the bank statement submitted by Fidelity Bank of millions of naira declared as total collection from Stamp Duties.

In his intervention, Hon. Solomon Maren, who expressed reservation over the presentation, noted that

lying before the Parliament attracts 2 years imprisonment while lying on oath attracts 5 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

He also called for holistic investigation of the accounts of all the banks with the view to ascertain the actual amount remitted for the period under review.

He argued that “the figures submitted by Fidelity before me are very surprising. I think we should conduct an audit on how much was generated. Sometimes I make at least 5 transactions and deductions of about N52 made per transaction.

“So the N2.8 million is not up to transaction that takes place in a branch talkless of all the branches,” he stressed.

Hon. Maren further noted that most of the MDAs who interfaced with various Standing Committees during the 2020 budget defence argued that they were unable to implement the capital component of the 2019 Appropriation Act due to paucity of funds, hence the need to ensure accountability of public funds collected on behalf of the Federation by the banks.

In the same vein, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, stressed the need for the banks to provide information relating to the terms of engagement, as well as the process involved and authorisation secured for the collection of Stamp Duties.

While responding, FCMB’s Head, Public Sector, Mr. H. Ali disclosed that the bank is up to date in its remittance till November 2019.

Executive Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Hassan Imam who observed that the invitation was recwived abiut 5pm on Monday, explained that the documents are bulky.

He disclosed that the bank is up to date in its remittance to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While ruling, Hon. Oke harped on the need for all the commercial banks to submit documentary evidences on the revenue colected on behalf of the country, adding that the Committee will “order investigation of you don’t have records.”

Hon. Oke maintained that NNPC remains the country’s cash cow needed to fund the 2020 budget, harped on the need for synergy to achieve the feat.

Kaduna Assembly passes N259.25bn 2020 budget

K

aduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the state 2020 budget of N259.25 billion into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawmakers approved N75.14 billion for recurrent and N184.10 billion for capital expenditure.

The Chairman, House committee on Appropriation,

Ahmed Muhammed. told journalists that the budget was passed with an increment of N8 billion.

He explained that the increment was to accommodate requests made by most Ministries, Departments and Agencies such as RUWASSA, Barau Dikko hospital, Teachers Service Board, SUBEB among others.

Mr Ahmed said the increment will enable all the MDAs carry out their activities effectively.

He assured the people of Kaduna state that the House of Assembly would ensure that the funds are spent judiciously.

It would be recalled that the state Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, presented the 2020 budget of N190.03 billion to the assembly on October 15, for

approval.

The sitting which was presided by the Speaker, Aminu Shagali, also passed into law a bill to established Sir Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship programme.

The programme is to develop and nature network of high potential young people expected to rise to top leadership positions in the public and private sectors.(NAN)

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the inability of past leaders to follow the nation’s program for the exploitation of gas reserves was responsible for the low earnings from the resources.

According to a statement made available to newsmen

yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President made the observation while receiving Special Envoy of President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, at State House.

He noted that if Nigeria had followed her own programme for exploiting its gas reserves, the country would have been

earning more money from the product than from petroleum now.

The Special Envoy and Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima, had brought a message from his President on the forthcoming meeting of Heads of State of gas exporting nations, which Equatorial

Guinea would be hosting.

Buhari declared: “We share a lot of things in common with Equatorial Guinea.

These include geographical neighbourliness and neighbourliness in terms of resources. Nigeria is more of a gas producing, rather than oil producing country. That fact had long been established. If

we had followed our own plans, laid out in the 1970s, for the gas sector, we should have had 12 trains by early 1980s, instead of being on just six trains now.”

The Special Envoy thanked Nigeria for the support she gave Equatorial Guinea to host the first summit of gas exporting countries in the world, taking place on African soil.

UBEC introduces school-to-farm programme in schools

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has introduced School-to-farm Programme in basic education to inculcate practical agricultural skills among learners in primary and junior secondary schools.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Hamid Bobboyi made this known at the opening of a three-day workshop on the implementation framework of the programme held in Kaduna yesterday .

Participants at the workshop includes: UBEC management and directors and desk officers in State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in-charge of agriculture in basic education schools.

Bobboyi, who was represented by the Director, Administration and Supplies, Rev. Edwin Jarumai, added that the programme would prepare the learners for a life-long learning in line with UBEC mandate.

He noted that over the years, the teaching of agriculture as a subject had been mainly theoretical and less practical.

According to him, theoreticalbased teaching of the subject leaves most learners ignorant of what some of the agro-products looks like, with no idea how they are planted, harvested, processed or stored.

“In view of this, UBEC has approved 2.0 per cent of the Universal Basic Education Grant for the school-to-farm programme to make agricultural science more practical and hands-on at basic

education level.

“The objective is to provide learners with requisite skills to stimulate self-employment, equip them with functional entrepreneurship and life skills, promote dignity of labour and self-esteem and exposed them to biological process of agriculture.”

The executive secretary said that the learners would be exposed to cultivation of farm produce like maize, cassava, yam, guinea corn, and vegetables, as well as livestock like poultry, rabbit, snail and fisheries.

He added that the programme would equally build the capacity of teachers and the community members who would be part of the implementation of the programme.

He explained that objective of the workshop was to familiarise the participants with the approved guidelines and build their capacity on the implementation of the programme.

“It is also designed to develop instruments for monitoring, share experience and adopt best practices.

“It is expected that at the end of

the workshop, participants will come up with mechanism that will ensure sustainability of the programme in different geographical zones of the country,” he said.

Earlier, the Director Academic Services, UBEC, Malam Wadata Madawaki, said that the programme, if successfully implemented, would boost agricultural production in the country.

Madawaki called on all stakeholders to support the commission in ensuring the success of the programme.

Also, the commission’s Director, Social Mobilisation, Malam Bello Kagara, said that the programme would enable UBEC deliver equitable access to quality and functional education at basic level.

According to him, the acquisition of practical agricultural skills will add value to the lives of learner and make them self-reliance.

On his part, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, commended UBEC for the initiative, which he described as “a useful legacy for the coming generation.”

President Muhammadu Buhari (Middle) flanked by the ICPC Chairman Prof Abiola Owasanoye, Chairman House Committee on Anti-corruption Committee, Hon , Nichola Shehu, Chairman Senate Committee on anti-Corruption Senator Sulieman Kwari, SGF Boss Mustapha and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, during the opening of the a 2-day National Summit on diminishing Corruption in the Public Service organised by the ICPC held, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House.

Gov Matawalle condemns killing of 14, gives succor to victims’ families From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

G

overnor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara State has described the Sunday’s attack which resulted into the killing of 14 people in Karaye village of Gummi local Government Area of the state as unfortunate and barbaric.

In a statement by the Director General Press Affairs Government House Gusau, Malam Yusuf Idris, the Governor reiterated that his administration will not condone any form of bloodletting in the state as some unpatriotic feel they can take the laws into their hands.

The Governor has charged all communities in the State to continue to be vigilant and not to hesitate to alert the nearest

security agencies for prompt actions against any questionable and strange movements.

The statement further said, “Governor Matawalle also called on both the Yansakai and other criminal elements who have not yet embraced the peace initiative to do so as government will not take it lightly with anybody found wanting, for

this therefore, I am directing Security agencies to track and arrest anybody that has a hand in any of the attacks.

“He constituted a team under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Barrister Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, to visit the affected communities, condole families of the deceased, sympathize with the wounded and present relief

materials to them on behalf of the state government.

“He then condoled with those that lost their loved ones as a result of the attacks and sympathised with the wounded, saying the State Government has already mobilized more security personnel to the affected area to restore normalcy.”

The Governor further said

the State Government has since introduced monthly joint Security meeting which has the attendance of traditional rulers, Fulani and Yansakai representatives among others that will from time to time, discuss all identified issues in order to ensure the sustenance of the peace that has been attained so far in the State.

Suspension of Fed. Poly Bida ASUP is sacrosanct - Rector From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he management of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida has confirmed the suspension of the Executive members of the Polytechnic’s Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP)

saying that the management decision is sacrosanct.

Rector of the Institution, Dr Abubakar Dzukogi stated this while speaking to our reporter yesterday in Minna.

He insisted that the institution had only one management noting that the Council will soon

determine their faith.

Dzukogi reiterated the determination of the school management in ensuring that the right thing is done without compromise adding that the shortfalls experienced of recent affected many MDAs. He said management has issued

those affected queries for them to respond to the false allegations raised by them.

Recall that, the decision of ASUP to embark on the indefinite strike was taken during an emergency meeting of ASUP Bida over the administrative query which was received last Friday.

PAGE 4

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

News

I didn’t ask to be kept in DSS custody since 2015 - Dasuki

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

F

ormer National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has said that he did not apply to be kept in the custody of the Directorate of State Services, DSS. Dasuki, in a statement through his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, a senior advocate last night said since 2015, Dasuki had challenged his continuous detention by the DSS. Last week, the Spokesman of the DSS, Mr. Peter Afunnaya, had said that many of those in their custody, including Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.), have opted to remain in their custody.

According to him, Dasuki and many others appealed to the courts to be left in the custody of the DSS and not the Correctional Centres (Prisons).

He said the reason for this is because of the quality of

the holding facilities provided by the DSS, all of which, are purportedly good and within international standards.

But Mr. Raji said the statement, as alluring as it sounds, is a contradiction of the events that have taken place since 2015, when charges were first preferred against Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.).

He said on several occasions his client had applied for bail and was granted by the courts.

But each time the bail condition is met, the DSS picks him up immediately and denied him his right to the bail he was granted.

He said ‘’The Federal Government, while confirming the continued detention of Col. Dasuki, explained that such actions were due to the severity of the alleged offences. Excerpts of these events were well stated in several reports of National Dailies of 31st December, 2015.

In complying with the due process of law, Col. Dasuki filed processes seeking to extend the travel period granted by the Federal High Court and DSS vehemently opposed the application, and continued to barricade Col. Dasuki’s residence. Shortly thereafter, two separate Charges were preferred against him at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in Charge No. FCT/CR/42/2015 & Charge No. FCT/CR/43/2015 against Col. Dasuki, while DSS continued to detain him on purported investigation on allegations of money laundering offences. ‘’Bail was subsequently granted on the charges on December 21, 2015 and December 18, 2015, terms of which were duly complied with.

Consequently, he was released by the Kuje Prison authorities where he was remanded, but on stepping out of the gate of the Prison, he was seized by the men

of DSS and he has been kept by them since.

Since the re-arrest of Col. Dasuki in December 2015, no further investigation was carried out and no new charges were preferred against him.

In challenging his unlawful detention and lack of access to medical treatment, Col. Dasuki was compelled to approach the ECOWAS Court for the enforcement of his fundamental human right in Suit No. ECW/ CCJ/APP/01/16, where it was held by the law lords of the ECOWAS Court on 4th October 2016, that the fundamental human right to liberty of Col. Dasuki had been infringed upon, by officers of the DSS’’.

He said if indeed Dasuki is comfortable in the DSS custody, why will he continue to approach the court for his release from detention. ‘’Finally, a fundamental Human Rights action was filed on behalf of Col. Dasuki at the

Mr Guo Jun, head of Xinhua News Agency, Abuja Bureau (left) and Mal Hammeed Bello, Chief Operating Officer of Peoples Daily newspaper, during the news service agreement between Xinhua and Peoples Daily, yesterday in Abuja.

Federal High Court – Abuja, on the 15th of March, 2018 seeking to protect his right to dignity of his person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, private and family life, as enshrined under Sections 34(1), 35(1), (4) & (5), 37 & 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Federal High Court, Coram: Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu, on the 2nd of July 2018, found the continued detention of Col. Dasuki to be unlawful and granted bail on terms. ‘’The Federal Government, has since 2015, failed to comply with any of the bail orders of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Federal High Court as well as the ECOWAS Court, granted in favour of Col. Dasuki. ‘’The poser then becomes; why would an individual choose to remain in custody, contrary to his constitutional and internationally enshrined fundamental human rights, and still continuously, challenge his unlawful detention at both National and International fora?

“It is therefore most incorrect and inaccurate to claim that Col. Dasuki prayed the Court to be kept in DSS facility. This is far from the truth. Perhaps, there is no synergy between the Counsel appearing for the government in Dasuki matters and the DSS hierarchy. Consequently, we appeal to all Authorities, and principally – DSS, to comply with the various extant Orders of the Court, by immediately releasing Col. Dasuki. (Rtd.).’’

Buhari condoles Atiku over aide, Pariya’s death

By Lawrence Olaoye

Lecturer, student die in road accident

A

n accident involving a university vehicle has caused the death of a lecturer and a student.

The Kwara State Government in a statement on Tuesday said the victims were of the Kwara State University (KWASU). The government did not name the victims.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, commiserated with the families of the victims of the Monday evening accident.

The accident involved one of the university’s buses carrying 15 staff and students. Seven of the passengers were badly injured in the crash while six others escaped unscathed. The incident occurred on the MinnaLambata road.

“We are devastated by this sad development involving one female lecturer and an Msc student who left a heart-wrenching message that the government has taken note of. As believers, we submit to the will of God on this development. We condole

with the families of the deceased and the entire university community. We urge them to stay strong in this very trying moment,” Mr AbdulRazaq said in a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“The Governor has directed relevant authorities in the state to quickly take over the medical care of the injured.”

Mr AbdulRazaq meanwhile thanked God for the lives of those who survived the crash.

“We also specially commend all

the first responders who helped to take them to the hospitals and supported them, including Prof.

Musa Aibinu, head of department of Mechatronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna; Honourable Liman Shuaib representing Suleja (Abuja); staff and management of College of Health Technology, Minna; Lambatta Medical Centre; Izon General Hospital; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); and the police, among others,” the statement added.

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has expressed condolence to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the death of a close aide, Alhaji Umar Pariya.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, yesterday, the President in his reaction to the sad event said: “I received the news of the death of your close aide, Alhaji Pariya, with a heavy heart. It is very touching to lose such a personal aide of many years. May Allah grant you the strength to bear the irreparable loss. ‘‘May Allah grant his family the strength to absorb the impact of this death, forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds in the hereafter.”

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has called on the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Special Crimes Court Bill.

He also urged the judiciary to embrace and support the creation of Special Crimes Court.

The President also called on all tiers of government to develop and implement anti-corruption measures, saying that corruption fight should not be left only to the executive and anti-corruption agencies alone.

Speaking at the national summit on “Diminishing Corruption in Public Service” organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, yesterday at the Presidential Conference Centre in the Villa, the President said, ‘‘THe fight against corruption is of course not only for government and anticorruption agencies alone. All arms and tiers of government must develop and implement the anti-corruption measures. ‘‘I invite the legislative and judicial arms of government to embrace and support the creation of Special Crimes Court that Nigerians have been agitating for to handle corruption cases.’’

President Buhari noted that the passage of the Bill was a ‘‘specific priority’’ of this administration’s Economic Recovery & Growth Plan 2017-2020.

Speaking on his recent directive to all agencies of government to enroll into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the President directed ICPC to beam its searchlight on public institutions that are yet to comply.

He noted that the new directive on IPPIS was intended to halt the padding of personnel budgets and the diversion or misappropriation of capital budgets. ‘‘I am aware that the Commission recently conducted System Studies and Review of many MDAs to evaluate systems and processes relating to transparency and accountability in personnel and capital spending through which you successfully

News

Corruption: Buhari seeks speedy creation of special courts •Meets security chiefs blocked over N9 billion from being diverted from 2019 personnel budget. ‘‘That was a proactive prevention measure. I have directed that all agencies of government must get on the IPPIS in order to eliminate the padding of personnel budgets. ‘‘I urge ICPC to beam its searchlight on all agencies yet to get on the IPPIS and our e-government platform in order to fully halt the padding of personnel budgets and the diversion or misappropriation of capital budgets,’’ he said.

The President also used the occasion, which marked the launch of the Constituency Projects Transparency Group (CPTG) Report Phase One, to reiterate his appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight against corruption. ‘‘The war against corruption cannot be won without prevention, enforcement, public education and enlightenment. ‘‘I encourage the ICPC and other law enforcement agencies to intensify

their efforts in public education, enlightenment and engagement with citizens. ‘‘I also urge our development partners, civil society organizations, and the media to continue to support our efforts to strengthen ethical values and integrity in Nigeria,’’ he said.

On asset recovery, the President reaffirmed that his administration will continue to support anti-corruption agencies to recover all ill-gotten wealth and prosecute offenders, adding that all fully recovered physical assets will be sold and the proceeds remitted to the treasury.

A highpoint of the event was President Buhari’s presentation of Integrity Award to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Abubakar and Mrs Josephine Ugwu of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Abubakar, rejected $412,000 (N150 million) per container bribe offered to him by drug traffickers to import 40 containers laden with

Tramadol.

Ugwu, a former cleaner at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos had on different occasions returned millions of naira found in the course of her duty, including the sum of $12 million forgotten in the toilet by an airport user.

In the course of his speech at the Summit, Buhari had stressed the need for Nigerians to uphold the traditionally cherished values of honesty and integrity.

Meanwhile, the President met the security chiefs behind closed doors and was briefed about the developments in the nation’s security situation.

The meeting was the first since he returned to the country after a twoweek private visit to London, United Kingdom, last Saturday.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, said “The meeting reviewed the security situation all over the country and we realize that its stable, banditry has been reduced to the nearest

minimum, kidnapping has been reduced significantly.”

According to him, “The epicenter of this kidnapping as you know in the north western part of the country Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, they are all very calm now.

The insurgency in the northeast on daily basis they are being degraded and many of the insurgents are surrendering to the authority, they are giving up their arms and for that reason we have been encouraged to sustain the tempo.”

Asked to assess the performance of his men at the just concluded governorship election in both Bayelsa and Kogi states, Adamu said he anticipated violence at the polls but got prepared enough to prevent it.

According to him, Police helicopter was deployed to scare away miscreants who were planning to snatch ballot boxes from the polling units.

He said “There was police helicopter that was hovering, it was on patrol and in the course of patrol you will see some incidence of maybe people fighting, people trying to snatch ballot boxes. “ Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh (right), Commissioner, Consumers Affairs of NERC, Dr. Moses Arizu (left), Principal, Government Secondary School (GSS) Yebu Kwali FCT Abuja, Alhaji Umar Adamu Baba (2nd left), Best Overall Student, Egbaji Paul Owan of GSS Yebu receiving the prize of #300,000 (Middle), during the Inaugural Edition of NERC Electricity Essay Challenge Competition 2019 for Secondary School Students, at NERC Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

ICPC uncovers N18.62bn budget padding scam by MDAs

T

he Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered gross abuse of personnel budget and inflation as well as padding of nominal role by some Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) amounting to N18.62 billion.

The Chairman of the ICPC, Bolaji Owasanoye, made the disclosure at the National Summit on Diminishing Corruption in the Public Sector and presentation of integrity awards, organised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in collaboration with the Commission in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the discovery of the scam followed the launching of the commission System Study and Review of MDA Practices involving over 300 MDAs. He said: “As at the time we went

to press we had covered about 300 MDAs and the amount inflated was about N12 billion.

“As at today your Excellency we have discovered additional N6b making a total of N18.624b restrained by ICPC. “The exercise is still ongoing but we can confidently report that culprit MDAs are mostly academic and health institutions.

For example, preliminary findings show the following – “University of Benin Teaching Hospital N1.1billion; Federal Medical Centre, Bayelsa N915million; Nnamdi Azikwe University N907million; University of Jos N896million; University College Hospital Ibadan N701million; Usman Dan Fodio University N636million and University of Ibadan N558million.

“These institutions and all those implicated will be given the opportunity to explain themselves

however, while investigations are on to confirm any credible explanations they may have, we have alerted the Minister of Finance of our findings and appropriate steps are being taken to ensure that implicated MDAs will not be able to spend the excess built into their personnel budget.

“Let me note with regret sir that in the 2017-2018 fiscal year the balances recorded for personnel were wrongfully utilised by MDAs for other purposes due to lack of pro activity by late enforcement and related agencies. That sum amounted to N18.39b.’’

In light of these findings, the ICPC Chairman stressed the need for full implementation of the presidential directive that MDAs not on IPPIS should not be paid as the commission’s review had shown that most of the guilty MDAS were not on IPPIS. He added: “In a similar vein,

we found that some MDAs spent N9.2billion of capital funds on overhead related items contrary to extant financial regulations.

“We found to our surprise that some MDAs fail to remit tax and divert pension and NHIS deductions for unrelated payments thus aggravating the sufferings of other Nigerians.

“Some MDAs abused the e-payment policy of government thus making payments through staff accounts instead of to actual beneficiaries. Most egregious in the current cycle of review is the Federal Ministry of Water Resources where N3.3billion was paid out in about a month through the accounts of staff.

“ICPC arrested 59 directors from the ministry and investigation is ongoing.’’

The chairman expressed the hope that the conversation at the two-day summit would lead

to concrete suggestions towards reducing these “anomalous practices and processes that fuel corruption and undermine the development aspirations of the country’’.

He pledged that the ICPC would take enforcement actions including recovery of diverted funds, name and shame and prosecution of the most egregious cases of infractions while putting some MDAs on a watch list due to their vulnerability and propensity to corruption.

“We recommend that diversion or non-payment or remittance of tax, pension, health insurance or any statutory deduction should attract dismissal of head of the agency and immediate prosecution.

“Should government accept this recommendation ICPC will furnish government with list of defaulting MDAs,’’ he said.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

PAGE 6

News Alleged 80,115 ghost officers: Court orders IGP to provide details

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide details of alleged 80, 115 ghost officers found in police Formations and Command.

This is following a suit filed by Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) seeking the court to compel the IGP to release the list having failed to respond to its Freedom of Information request.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/493/2018, the plaintiff said it had written a Freedom of Information request to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) which letter was received by the office of the IGP

on April 3rd, 2018.

According to the applicant, the letter requested information on the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers discovered in Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

It further submitted that the Honourable Minister of Finance disclosed during the presentation of the updated report on the implementation of the IPPIS to the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday March 21, 2018 that 80,115 ghost Police officers were on the payroll of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The group through the said letter

requested for the details of the “ghost officers”.

It however noted thya the office of the IGP did not make the said information available and did not give reasons for its inability to grant the request.

CSJ subsequently approached the court praying the court for a declaration that denying the Applicant access to the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) without explanation constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s right guaranteed and protected by section 1 (1) of the

Freedom of Information Act 2011.

It further pray for a declaration that the continued refusal of the Respondent to grant to the Applicant access to the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) despite Applicant’s demand violates Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

It also prayed for a declaration that the continued refusal of the Respondent to grant access to the Applicant of the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the

L-R: Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, and Representative of ECOWAS and Regional Director (Nigeria Region/ Office Hub) of UNIDO, Mr Jean Bakole, after an audience on donor agencies and development partners’ cooperation with Nigeria in the minister’s office, yesterday in Abuja.

Shema: Statements made under duress, court rules

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

J

ustice Maikaita Bako of the Katsina State High Court, has dismissed the statements of the Ibrahim Dankaba tendered by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in the case filed against former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

Other respondents in the matter are former Commissioner for Local Government and

Chieftaincy Affairs, Sani Hamisu Makana, former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lawal Rufai and former State ALGON chairman, Ibrahim Dankaba.

According to the court, the 4th defendant, who is the Chairman of the Association of Local of Nigeria ALGON, made the statements under duress.

Recall that during the trial of

the defendants, the 4th defendant in the trial, Ibrahim Dankaba told the court that his statements to the EFCC were obtained under duress with the threat that if he did not implicate the former Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema in the statements he will be detained and sent to the prison by the EFCC operatives.

The development led to a trial within trial to determine the claims of the defendant.

In his ruling on trial within trial, yesterday, Justice Maikaita Bako said “why should EFCC operatives in the course of interrogation of the defendant chase away the defendant’s lawyer and only obtained the statements after the defendant has been detained and subjected to inhuman treatment?”

Subsequently, the judge dismissed the statements and adjourned till December 11, 12, 2019 for continuation of the trial.

implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) without explanation constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s right guaranteed and protected by Section 48 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

It however urged the court to make an order of mandamus compelling the Respondent to grant to the Applicant access to the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) specifically for the following information: The names and contact addresses of the “ghost officers” their ranks, their bank account numbers and their bank verification numbers.

As well as their monthly salaries and emoluments and the total money paid to each and every one of them.

Delivering judgement in the suit, Justice Binta Nyako held that in the absence of any defence by the Respondent, Reliefs A-E are hereby granted as prayed.

The court further held that denying the Applicant access to the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) without explanation constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s right guaranteed and protected by Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.t The court equally held thya the continued refusal of the Respondent to grant to the Applicant access to the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) despite Applicant’s demand violates Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

In addition, Justice Nyako held that the continued refusal of the Respondent to grant access to the Applicant of the details of the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) without explanation constitutes an infringement of the Applicant’s right guaranteed and protected by Section 48 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

“That an Order of Mandamus is hereby made compelling the Respondent to grant to the Applicant access to the list of 80,115 ghost officers recently discovered in the Police Formations and Command through the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Family planning key to reducing poverty in Nigeria - NGO From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

M

arie Stopes International Organization Nigeria (MSION), a NonGovernmental Organization that promotes Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) has described family planning as a key factor to reducing

poverty in Nigeria.

This was stated by Ogechi Onuoha, Head Marketing and Strategic Communication of MSION during her presentation at a two-day workshop organized by the NGO, in collaboration with the Network of Reproductive Health Reporters in Nigeria (NRHN), held in Ibadan,

Oyo State on Thursday and Friday, last week.

According to her, access to safe and voluntary family planning is a human right, adding that it is central to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Mrs Onuoha stated that in most developing countries, including

Nigeria, some 214 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using safe and effective family planning methods, for reasons ranging from lack of access to information or services to lack of support from their partners or communities.

“This threatens their ability

to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” she noted.

At present, according to Onuoha, 451 women and girls, out of every 100,000 die from maternal causes, noting that Nigeria’s Reproductive Health situation has a lot to improve on.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

CRIME News

Zamfara Police accuse cattle sellers, others of sabotaging peace initiative From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

Z

amfara State Police Command has accused cattle sellers, butchers, cattle rearers associations of sabotaging peace initiative and reconciliation embarked upon by the state government aimed at restoration of peace in the state.

This was pronounced by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Nogogo at a meeting with the leaders of the accused associations at the Police Command yesterday.

CP Nagogo lamented that, the leaders of cattle markets and that of cattle sellers associations are yet to pay their needed contributions towards consolidating peace initiative despite all efforts by the state government to sustain the relative peace being achieved.

“We have witnessed a total reduction of killings and kidnappings to the barest minimum in the state, but unfortunately, the rate of cattle rustling is fast growing even going out of hand, and this, must be attributed to the refusal of leaders of the affected associations to comply with the peace reconciliation.

“If there is no illegal buyers of cattle then, surely there would have been no cattle rustling as the bandits would have nothing to do what will become liability for them in their nasty operations”, the Commissioner has lamented.

Responding, the Chairman Talata Mafara Abattoir operators association, Alhaji Turawa Mafara suggested that, some markets including Gwaram, Bindin, Bingis and Dasadau should be closed as cattle rustlers are selling out their rustled cattle through them.

Other Chairmen of the associations have unanimously distance selves from aiding cattle rustlers, expressing their willingness to further cooperate should the Police and other sister agencies in the state will guarantee their security.

Also speaking, the Chairman cattle sellers, who spoke others minds said, they are being threatened by the bandits who brought rustled cows for sale in the markets, soliciting for Police to monitor both on loading and offloading of cows across all markets in the state.

Spokesperson for Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Peter Afunnayan (right), addressing the journalists on the service responsibility to Nigerians, at the DSS Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Nigerian on FBI list jailed 2 years for fraud

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sokoto Zonal office, Tuesday secured the conviction of one Emmanuel Oluwatosin, whose name was on the wanted list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI) before Justice M S. Sifawa of the Sokoto State High Court in Sokoto.

He was prosecuted on one count charge bordering on Internet fraud to the tune of $150,000.

The charge reads, “that you Adedeji Emmanuel Oluwatosin, sometime between January and July 2019 at Sokoto within the jurisdiction of the Sokoto State

High Court did steal the sum of $150,000.00 (One Hundred and fifty Thousand Dollars) through wire funds transfer from multiple foreign victims by fraudulent intrusion into their retirement accounts domiciled in United States of America via internet and transferred the said sums into fraudulent business accounts created by you and you withdrew the said funds through ATM Cards and cashier cheques and you thereby committed the offence of Theft contrary to Section 274 of the Sokoto State Penal Code Law 2019 and punishable under Section 275 of the same Law.” Upon arraignment, Mr Adedeji pleaded guilty to the charge.

In view of the defendant’s plea,

the prosecuting counsel, Musa Gwani, asked the court to convict and sentence the defendant.

However, the defence counsel, Shamsu A. Dauda, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as his client was a first time offender who has become remorseful. He also told the court that the convict is ready to restitute the victims by forfeiting his home in Kaduna and two Mercedes Benz cars (Models C550e and C450) to the victims.

Justice Sifawa, thereafter convicted and sentenced the defendant to two (2) years imprisonment with an option of N2,000,000 fine.

He ordered the convict to restitute the victims by forfeiting the proceeds of the said crime:

a residential apartment situated at No17/19 Seamans Street, Maigero, Kaduna State and two Mercedes Benz Models C550e and C450 respectively through Asset Forfeiture Unit of the EFCC for disposal and return of the proceeds to the victims of the offence through the US Legal Attaché in Nigeria.

The convict’s journey to prison started on August 29 when he was arrested in Kaduna at Unguwan Maigero in a luxury apartment, following intelligence by U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on his involvement in internet scams. Items recovered from the residence included two cars (Mercedes Benz C550e, Mercedes Benz C450), an IPhone, laptops, a modem and SIM cards.

Group laments high rate of illicit drugs abuse amongst Kaduna women From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Founder of Idea Women Support and Empowerment Foundation (IWOSEF) Hajia Falmata Abacha has expressed dismay over the high rate of illicit drugs abuse among women in Kaduna.

The Founder ,Hajiya Falmata who made this known during the International Women

Entrepreneurs Day held in Kaduna yesterday,said the menace if not check will destroy the foundation of a good society which is the home.

She however ,said succour has come as her organizations has intensified efforts to sensitized the people especially women on Drugs Abuse.

“It is therefore in our attempt to make our voices heard that we presented the Book: “ A mothers

Concern on Daughters and Drugs-A guide to Collective Actions.”

“We are working to translate same to major languages in the North as contribution to the efforts of various Agencies in the battle against this monster that is killing our today and jeopardizing our future, “She said.

Hajia Falmata disclosed that apart from drugs, the next obstacles women faces in the country today is lack of accessibility of Government’s

economic Empowerment initiatives.

This according to her is due to the cumbersome procedures and sometimes infringement of women rights.

She said 50 orphans are beneficiaries of scholarships from the Foundation, while many woman will receive start pack in commemoration of the 2019 International Women Entrepreneurs Day.

After 3 days , Police rescue medical doctor from kidnappers From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

M

ore than 50 persons are said to have been kidnapped in Gboko local government area of Benue State in the past eight months A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the victims are mostly traders, even as he lamented over the high rate of kidnapping in the area.

Meanwhile, men of the Operation

Zenda yesterday rescued a medical doctor Emmanuel Orhember of Baiki Hospital in Gboko.

Benue State Police Command Public Relation Officer DSP Catherine Anene who disclosed this to newsmen at the command headquarters in Makurdi, said the medical doctor was found and rescued from kidnappers den in Mbayior forest after three days in captivity.

DSP Anene said the operation which

was led by the leader of squad SP Justin Gberindyer had engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel killing three(3)of them while others fled with bullet wounds, adding that the police is on the trail of the fleeing kidnappers.

Narrating his ordeal in the hands of the abductors, Dr Emmanuel Orhember said some gun men stormed his house, blind folded and took him away for three(3) days.

According to him, ‘the kidnappers

made me lay on bare ground. They beat me severely even to the point of bruising my head with iron. One of them shot at my ankle and leg and requested me to give them money but I told them I do not have any money. I, however, give glory to God for the swift intervention of the police in rescuing me. I remain thankful to them’.

Items recovered from kidnappers include, assorted charms, arms and ammunition, phones, Sim cards etc.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

PAGE 8

News Ogun hosts 2019 survey coordination - OSGoF

By Ochiaka Ugwu

O

gun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun is expected to host the 2019 Survey Coordination with the theme, “Survey and Mapping for Sustainable Infrastructure Development and Good Governance” the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) has announced.

In a statement released by the Office in Abuja yesterday and its Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Abu I. Micheal it noted that Director of Survey Coordination, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF), Surveyor Uzoma A. Godwin who is the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said that Ogun has in records, the highest number of surveyors in the country, and the plan to hold the survey coordination from 2nd - 6th of December 2019 in Abeokuta would remain a blessing to the country.

According the statement, “Arrangements for the success of the 2019 survey coordination is in top gear. We have been interacting with relevant officials of the Ogun State Government and we hopefully expect the final nod of His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun for us to begin to move things over”, Godwin said.

“Survey Coordination is in the concurrent list anticipating the coming together of all the Surveyor Generals in the 36 states to meet annually with reports of their activities for easy coordination according to its establishing act.

“Institutions in the country offering surveying courses are also expected to present reports as well.

“Participants at the survey coordination would be brainstorming on various papers that would be presented by scholars and experts and one major idea being promoted by the OSGoF that all would be looking into is the development of the National Integrated Geo-spatial Information System (NIGIS) that would aid robust security system and the activities of all sectors of the economy.

Decongestion: 3,768 prisoners regain freedom – AGF Malami

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, yesterday, revealed that about 3,768 prisoners have so regained their freedom across the country in the on-going prison decongestion exercise.

Malami made this known in Abuja at a media briefing themed: Effective Implementation of The Correctional Service Act, 2019.

It will be recall that the AGF, had on October 2017, constituted a Presidential Committee on Prisons Reform and Decongestion headed by the FCT High Court Judge, Ishaq Bello, with the view

to decongest the Nigeria prisons and arrest it’s deplorable state.

According to the AGF, the Committee has since its inauguration visited and appraised about thirty-four (34) prisons in sixteen (16) states of the federation.

“A total number of Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Eight (3,768), have so far been released during these exercise via payment of fines for convicts for minor offences with the option of fine, general review of peculiar cases and advocacy overtures to relevant authorities.

Describing the passage of the Act as a major turning point in Prisons Reform and Justice Sector

delivery in Nigeria, the AGF said the Act has some innovative provisions which address some major issues that have been of concern to stakeholders in the Justice sector.

Further in his speech, Malami said the Committee has written letters of appeal to several State Government Executives to act on some special cases encountered during the visits to various prisons in some states as well as to exercise their powers of clemency in deserving cases or commute to life sentence those condemned to death.

He added that the committee has also made recommendations to the relevant authorities for the

renovation/construction of prison facilities.

Speaking earlier, the committee chairman, Justice Ishaq Bello challenged state chief judges to ensure speedy trials of inmates, noting that the change of name from prison service to correctional has demonstrated government actions.

“The change of name from prison to correctional is not mere ceremony. Government has practically demonstrated through its action its readiness to rid our prisons of overcrowdings and on our part; we have gone round quite a number of the states of the federation in carrying out the task.

President Muhammadu Buhari presided over a security meeting, at the State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

PR is Key to SDGs’ Goals - Communication Expert

By Usman Shuaibu The 5th Blanquerna-Emerson Global Communication Summit on ‘Advocating United Nation Sustainable Goals through Strategic Diplomacy’ has ended in Barcelona, Spain with a call for effective deployment of PR tools as key to advocating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Summit which gathered leading communication scholars and professionals from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America explore the global trends given by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the field of Global Communication, Diplomacy and Politics Speaking on Public Relations

Strategies for SDG at the Global Summit, a renowned Nigerian crisis communicator, Mr. Yushau Shuaib said that PR is deployed to mobilise supports, resources and facilitate developments.

Shuaib said: “Public relations is the deliberate, planned, and sustained effort for establishing and sustaining mutual relationship and understanding can be deployed to raise awareness, inspire greater ambition, and push for faster action on the SDGs, which were adopted by world leaders on 25 September 2015.

“Since SDGs are action plans for People, Planet, Partnership, Prosperity and Peace building, PR tools can be effectively channelled to achieve the goals through

Media Relations techniques, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Event Management, Crisis Communication and Facility Tours among others.”

Shuaib who is the founder of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential gave instances where communication strategies were effective in accomplishing campaign goals in Nigeria.

“The media as an integral component of PR strategies served as outspoken channels in highlighting areas of concern from the community-based development projects for the attention of both the legislative and executive arms of government in taking appropriate actions.

“For instance, the reported rampant cases of Female Genital

Mutilation (FGM) reduced from about 30% in 2012 to less than 17% in 2018 through the media advocacy that influenced collaborative actions of the legislature and the Presidency in banning of the practice in 2015.

“Similarly, we have seen increased philanthropic efforts and Corporate Social Responsibilities by organisations and individuals in providing succour to the less privilege and the poor in the society.”

The Director of the Summit Dr. Enric Ordeix said other speakers at the event examined and appraised SDGs focal areas of Reduced Inequality, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well-Being, Responsible Consumption and Production.

UN, Italian envoys rate Edo high in fight against human trafficking By Osaigbovo Benin

U

Iguobaro,

nited Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West Africa State (ECOWAS), Ms. Comfort Lamptey and the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Tarek Chazli, have

rated the Edo State government high on its fight on human trafficking in the State.

They gave their commendations at the official launching of the Preventing Forced Migration and Trafficking of Women and Girls in Nigeria held in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

Ms. Lamptey said the recent

signing into law bill prohibiting Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) by the State Government was a right decision taken by the governor in reducing the scourge against forced migration and trafficking of women and girl-child in the State.

Shae said, “In particular, following the recent passage of

the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP in Edo State; It is clear that implementation will be key to addressing some of the root causes underlying the phenomenon of trafficking of women and girls.

“The project will support the Ministry to develop and prioritize actions under a Roadmap for

Implementation of the VAPP Act. “The project will also build synergies with ongoing interventions by sister UN agencies, including UNODC, IOM, and UNHCR who have made important contributions in support of the State government’s efforts to curb this menace”, she said.

PAGE 9

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Musa Adamu

C

ritical economic stakeholders and financial sectors experts, disagreed yesterday on three out of the seven areas of tax regimes the federal government seeks amendments for in the new finance bill before the senate.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on October 8, 2019, during the presentation of the N10.33trillion to the joint sitting of the National Assembly, added the finance bill to the budget for consideration and approval by the Federal lawmakers.

The seven areas of tax reforms the federal government proposed in the bill are Company Income Tax 2004, Value Added Tax (VAT) 2007, Customs and Excise Tariff 2004, Personal Income Tax 2007, Capital Gains Tax 2007, Stamp Duties Act 2004 and Petroleum Profit Tax 2004.

In giving the proposed tax reforms, legislative inputs, both Chambers of the National Assembly had penultimate week, passed the Finance Bill for second reading upon which a joint public hearing was held Tuesday with critical stakeholders in the Sectors.

But at the Public hearing session, while most of the stake holders, commended the federal government on the proposed tax reforms, some of them however disagreed with proposed upward review of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.5 %, N50 stamp duties on all forms of transaction and percentage increase on Petroleum Profit Tax. First to kick against the contentious areas of Tax reforms, were the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) on what they called additional multiple taxes within the sector.

Specifically, OPTS as submitted in a paper presentation by its spokesperson, Shobayo,

Finance Bill: Stakeholders reject VAT, petroleum tax hike “the introduction of 7.5- 10% withholding tax ( WHT) on dividends paid out of petroleum profits as contained in section 5& 26 of the bill , would increase the tax liability in addition to the pre-existing 85% PPT rate and erode returns on investment.

“OPTS suggests that this proposal be removed from the Bill, and instead considered within the wider context of a Petroleum Industry Bill, so that its full implications for all stakeholders can be assessed and decided upon.

“In Sections 3(c), and 3(d) the definition of the profits of a foreign company subject to Nigerian corporate income tax with significant economic presence has been expanded in such a way that intra-company transactions are now likely to be subject to WHT of 10%.

“The determination of what constitutes significant economic presence of a company has been left to the discretion of the Minister.

“OPTS is concerned that this has the capacity to increase industry’s operating expenses and by extension its overall cost base. Additionally, the determination of what constitutes significant economic presence of a company by the Minister (S.3(d)) introduces elements of discretion, thereby creating uncertainty.

“OPTS recommends the adoption of globally-accepted industry practice of exempting intra-company at-cost services. In addition, the bill should also provide guidelines

UNICEF, Cobhams, others release song for children’s rights today

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF) Nigeria, said it has concluded plans with Cobhams Asuquo and several top Nigerian artists to release a song today.

UNICEF in a statement issued yesterday by Geoffrey Njoku, its Communication Specialist, said the song titled; “For Every Child,” is calling for every Nigerian child’s rights to be respected.

The statement said the event will take place at Government Secondary School (GSS) Garki Festival road, Abuja.

“The song release comes on the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), celebrated worldwide.

UNICEF said the song features children singing with Niniola, TuBaba, Chidinma, Timi Dakolo, Umar M. Sheriff and Cobhams Asuquo.

“With this song, we are urging all people to call for every right for every child. Every Nigerian child deserves a fair chance to safe and healthy future and to fulfil their dreams,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative.

UNICEF Nigeria is also launching an app where children can find the CRC and other materials related to their rights.

Squadron leader, Daudu emerges FACAN president By our reporter

S

quadron Leader Nuhu B. Daudu has emerged President of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN).

He beat two other contestants, Alhaji Bello Sani Abubakar (Tafidan Kachia) and Honourable Mikah Sule who finished second and third respectively at the keenly contested election.

News

The election was held after three failed attempts, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, the recognised body to conduct an election and oversee the affairs of all commodity associations.

The successfully organised election now sees Hon. Mika Sule the deputy President and Alh Bello Sani Abubakar emerged as the secretary of the association.

to the determination of what constitutes significant economic presence.

“Sections 35 & 38 expand the definition of Services for VAT purposes and introduce VA-T Reverse Charge on Imported Services. These provisions have broadened the definition of services to “the services provided to a person in Nigeria, regardless of whether the services are rendered within or outside Nigeria”.

“With this expanded definition, invoices and similar transactions will be subject to Nigerian VAT of 7.5%. Beneficiaries of such services will now be required to self-account for VAT. “OPTS is concerned that this amendment will widen the operating expenses base, thus, increasing industry operational costs. Again, OPTS recommends the adoption of globallyaccepted industry practice of exempting intracompany at cost services.

“In conclusion, it is our view that additional taxes, such as those proposed in the Bill, will further increase our costs and tax burden, thereby constituting another significant challenge to Nigeria’s attractiveness for new investment.

“It will further erode Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global oil and gas industry to the advantage of other countries.

Nigeria is currently struggling to attract investment in the oil & gas sector, having received only 3% out of the 73 billion dollars of

major project investments in Africa from 2015 to 2019.

“It is our view that we should address taxation within a holistic fiscal package consistent with F GN’s objectives of sustainable long-term growth”.

Other stakeholders like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), led by Rasaq Okulaja who represented the President of the Association kicked against VAT increase from 5% to 7.5% and N50 stamp duties on all manner of transactions, recommending that transactions amounting to N100,000 and above should only be affected.

However the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ( APC Lagos West), in their separate remarks, assured that the proposed reforms are geared towards sweeping changes in our taxation policy for sustainable economic growth and development.

Senator Adeola in his remarks said: “The objectives of the bill as outlined by President Buhari are to strategically promote fiscal equity by mitigating instances of regressive taxation.

“It is worthy to note that the additional funds from the increment of taxes would be used to fund healthcare services educational and infrastructural programmes.

“In addition, 85% of all the VAT revenues will be allocated to both states and local governments”.

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA www.cbn.gov.ng

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ON BEHALF OF DMO OFFERS NIGERIAN TREASURY BILLS TENDER NOTICE Notice is hereby given by the Central Bank of Nigeria on behalf of DMO that the Federal Government of Nigeria Treasury Bills of 91, 182 and 364-day tenors amounting to N24,372,790,000; N23,157,656,000; and N103,071,723,000 respectively would be issued by Dutch auction on Thursday, November 28, 2019.

All Money Market Dealers should submit bids through the CBN S4 WEB INTERFACE between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Each bid must be in multiple of N1,000 subject to a minimum of N50, 001, 000. Authorized Money Market Dealers can submit multiple bids.

A bid may be for authorized Money Market Dealers own account, non – Money Market Dealers or interested members of the public. The result of the auction would be announced by 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2019. The Bank reserves the right to reject any bid.

Allotment letters would be issued for successful bids on Thursday, November 28, 2019, while payment for the successful bids should be made to your account with Central Bank of Nigeria not later than 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2019.

The Bank reserves the right to vary the amount on offer in line with market realities prevailing as at the period of auction of the Nigerian Treasury Bills.

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES OFFICE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA ABUJA.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

News

APRI tasks tanker drivers on safety

T The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas presenting a souvenir to His Royal Majesty, Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff during the traditional father’s visit to the Naval Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: DINFO

By Paul Efiong, Abuja

F

ollowing incessant fuel tanker accidents with the attendant loss of lives and property, a Non-Governmental Organization popularly known as Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI) has urged petrol tanker drivers to desist from driving without proper certification by the relevant regulatory agencies and driving without valid road worthiness.

APRI whose mandate among others is to entrench a culture of safe and defensive driving in the nation’s highways gave the advice in a statement in Abuja signed by its Executive Director, Prince Fidelis Nnadi who decried the rate at which the accidents occur and the enormous loss of lives and property.

According to him, “we cannot tolerate a situation where tanker drivers drive without being properly certified by the regulatory agencies, including the driving of those trucks without valid road worthiness certification.

He further reiterated that safety of lives and property is the primary responsibility of government and urged governments at all levels to jealously guard it.

Nnadi noted that “recently tankers loaded with petroleum products crashed and were engulfed with fire that destroyed lives and properties in Anambra and Lagos States. As a result of such ugly incidents, the Anambra State Government has restricted the movement of articulated trucks on its roads at peak hours of traffic.

On solutions to the menace of road accidents on Nigerian roads, he appealed to the States/FCT government to understand that they are constitutionally responsible for regulating road traffic safety on their roads and such can be achieved by equipping their Vehicle Inspection/Road Traffic Officers with operational vehicles, regular training and above all improve the quality of their services in the enforcement of road traffic regulations in their respective States/FCT.

NPDC to partner host communities to end vandalism in N/ Delta schools -Official

By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

T

he Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) on Tuesday, promised to liaise with host communities towards tackling vandalism in schools in Niger Delta region.

Manager Community Relations Department of NPDC, Mr Dahiru Abubakar said this during the presentation of educational supplies worth billions of naira to 10 public

secondary schools in all NPDC host communities (OML 111) in Benin city, Edo State.

He said: “We will also liaise with the manager in charge of security in NPDC to see how we can provide some security to guard all the equipment that we have there.

“Secondly, about the books, if you look at them, they are domesticated books written by Nigerians and are in accordance with the curriculum of the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African

Examinations Council (WAEC)”, he said.

The Principal of Ozolua Senior Secondary School in Benin, Mr Paul Omorogbe, had drew the attention of the management to the alleged theft of some equipment hoodlums.

Speaking on the occasion, the host communities for the continuous support and hitch free operations in the communities, In a remark, the firm’s General Manager, Community Relation and Security, Mr. Ugo

Atugbokoh who was represented by the Managing Director, NPDC, Mr. Mansur Sambo, promised to sustain the initiative, which according to him, has positively impacted the host communities.

He also stressed that the presentation was part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), and second presentation to schools in its host communities in the past two years since 2018.

The items donated are e-Library, tablets, science textbooks, notebooks, desks and chairs.

Bagudu, Matawalle, Ihedioha, others to attend Defence College security award

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

G

overnor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha and Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, are among the dignitaries that are billed to attend this year’s Security Excellence Award come November 30, 2019, at the National Defense College, Abuja.

Others are; Kogi State governor, Yaya Bello, Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedu Orji.

Capt Junaid Abdullahi, the Executive Secretary Boarder Community Development Agency, Mallam Mele Kyari, GMD Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Babatunde Fowler, Chairman

Federal Inland Revenue Services, Mr Wale Olaoye, Managing Director Halogen Security services Ltd, and Barr Lawrence Eko Alobi,CEO HiTech Security Services Ltd among others.

The programme which is being organised by Myproject Institute of Security and Strategic Studies will hold at the the National Defense College, Abuja, and will parade who is who in the nation”s security sector, government officials and captains of industries.

National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr Mohammed Ali, who gave insights into the 2019 edition of Security Excellence Award, said event recognize companies, professionals and states that demonstrate

excellence, innovation and leadership in the Nations security sector.

Ali said the awardees were selected based on the strength of their nomination as well as the popular vote by members of the security community.

“Insecurity in Nigeria has become a major concern for citizens as well as the international community. In the last few years, the country has battled with all forms of insecurity.

“Insecurity has affected economic growth by drying out investments, increasing unemployment and dwindling government revenue, amongst others.

“There is need to identify and encourage individuals who through their relentless and engagements

with relevant stakeholders make the country enjoy relative peace, hence this event” he said.

Ali noted that the Security Excellence award represents one of the biggest single networking opportunity for serious players in the security sector.

According to the National Coordinator, Myproject Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, is a Federal government approved security Institution in Nigeria that awards National Diploma in Security Management and Technology.

He added that the Institute is accredited by National Board for Technical Education and is listed by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.

Maina helped Buhari’s administration recover N1.3tn from looters, family claims From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he embattled former Pensions Fund Chief, Abdulrasheed Maina, is said to have assisted President Muhammad Buhari’s administration in recovering N1.3 trillion from looters for which a promise of 5% is yet to be paid to him.

The spokesperson of the family, Abdullahi Usman disclosed this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement added, that Maina alone under the DSS office recovered the funds, what the entire workforce of ICPC and EFCC

cannot boast of since their inauguration as anti-corruption agencies in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

He said the trend of persecution against Maina could kill the morale of those intending to give required information to support fight against corruption in the country. “ Maina has secured five court judgements in his favor that are yet to be enforced even against the EFCC who have been restricted from harassing him.

“With the facts and genuine information in possession of Maina, persecuting him is more like protecting the real pension thieves in the

country.

“The anti-graft umpire in the country should be working with Maina to secure convictions of the real pensions looters, both those under prosecution and those not identified and brought to book by the anti-graft commission.

“It was evident that while Maina served as Customs, Immigration and Prisons Office, CIPPO boss, it was the best run pension office at that time owing to the software he developed at no cost to government.

“This software streamlined the processes which the then minister of interior used to administer that office with the lowest budget

and the highest number of pensioners.

“A Pension Reform Task Team was inaugurated by President Jonathan under the leadership of Maina with senior level leadership from ICPC, Immigration, EFCC, Police, NIA, DSS, Prisons, Customs, Accountant General’s office, Attorney General’s office, Public Complaint Commission and Head of Service’s office. They were tasked with the duty of reforming the pension administration system.

“The agencies represented in Maina’s team exclusively executed and handled recoveries and not Maina as an individual but he supplied intelligence and technical knowhow.”

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL Bayelsa, Kogi elections

he Independent National Election to vote.

Commission (INEC), Monday, The two elections came 9 clear announced the winners in months after general elections in the Saturday, Nov. 16 governorship February which returned President elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states. In Muhammadu Buhari of the APC to the former, INEC declared David Lyon, power. If the conduct of that election candidate of All Progressives Congress was arguably controversial, the polls (APC), the winner, while in Kogi, sitting in Bayelsa and Kogi cast more doubt governor Yahya Bello, also of APC, was on the integrity of the electoral system. returned to power in a vote marred by In the two states, voting was marred ballot snatching and violence. by widespread violence, ballot box INEC’s returning officer for the snatching and kidnapping of election Bayelsa vote, Prof. Faraday Orunmuwese, officials. In Kogi, a women leader of the announced Lyon as main opposition party the victor. He defeated was burned to death in his closest rival, the her own house. There candidate of the were also allegations governing Peoples of vote buying and The two elections collusion by security Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Duoye Diri by a large officials. In the same came 9 clear margin. The poll was Kogi, few days to the months after called to elect a successor election, Bello received to outgoing governor general elections N9 billion from the Seriake Dickson. His government in February which federal anointed choice was Diri, as compensation for returned President carrying out repairs a former senator, who went on to lose to the Muhammadu Buhari on federal roads. The opposition. believed the of the APC to power. opposition The collation of money was used to buy If the conduct results of the election votes. His main rival, across the eight local Wada, has said he would of that election government areas of contest the result of the was arguably the state began on poll in court. The loser controversial, the in Bayelsa, Mr. Diri, also Sunday afternoon and lasted until the early polls in Bayelsa and has rejected the outcome hours of Monday. In of the poll there. Their the first six LGAs, Lyon Kogi cast more doubt allegation that the was clearly in the lead on the integrity of the elections were not by over 80,000 votes credible was repeated by electoral system and extended the lead election observers who by additional 100,000 have called for a fresh votes after the results of the remaining vote in both Bayelsa and Kogi. two local governments came in.

It is a big shame that elections in Announcing the APC candidate as the Nigeria have been turned into a matter winner, Prof. Orunmuwese explained of life and death, not a platform to offer that a total of 922,562 voters registered oneself for service to the fatherland. for the election but 517,883 voters were What has just happened in Bayelsa and Kogi casts a pall of doubt over the general accredited.

In Kogi state, incumbent governor elections scheduled for 2023. Clearly Bello was returned to power with “the INEC has been given too big or heavy highest number of votes”. The returning a load of responsibility. It is to register officer for the election, Prof. Ibrahim political parties, approve candidates for Umar, said Monday in Lokoja that the elective positions, conduct elections, APC candidate received 406,222 votes arrest and punish election offenders. It to beat his closest rival, Mr. Musa Wada has to shed most of those responsibilities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pay more attention to organizing who scored 189,704 votes. After several elections. This is why the electoral hours of collating the results from 19 legislation, as it is, must be amended to LGAs, Professor Umar had announced sanitize the electoral system.

Moreover, the allegation that the on Sunday night that the exercise would continue the next day. On resumption, police aided in the lawlessness and results from the remaining two local manipulation of results in the Kogi governments – Ibaji and Lokoja – governorship and senatorial elections were collated, paving the way for the must be reviewed by the tribunals and declaration of the winner of the election. relevant authorities. All perpetrators The returning officer noted that a total of violence and electoral fraud must be of 1,646,350 people registered for the brought to justice to restore confidence election while 636,202 were accredited in the outfome of the polls.

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And “Hurricane Oshiomhole” sweeps through Bayelsa, Kogi

By Patrick Obahiagbon

I

n meteorological lore, hurricanes - cyclonestrength winds - are usually named after females. But an exception was seemingly made on Saturday, when “Hurricane Oshiomhole” that sacked the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the maritime state of Bayelsa made landfall. This time round, elated locals gave it a man’s name, in sheer awe of the comprehensiveness and clinical finish of the change it wrought.

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and the national chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), is the choreographer who scripted the necessary, nimble political masterpiece that has considerably revamped his allegedly even though spuriously trumped up sagging standing within the party’s high command.

Further inland in Kogi State, both friends and foes who felt the hurricane’s strength would have waned discovered they misread the stern resolve of the diminutive dynamite from Edo State, in charge of proceedings. Oshiomhole’s retention of Kogi and comprehensive sacking of the PDP in Bayelsa both speak to the man’s sagacity and leadership vision. It also sends a clear message to some uppity and megalomaniacal greenhorns in his home state of Edo and elsewhere within the party who are nursing uncouth agenda - to back-off.

Perhaps, more importantly, Oshiomhole’s recent authoritative delivery of Bayelsa and Kogi States in “bruising” electoral contests would ultimately force recalculation of the national political equation ahead of the 2023 general election. Further, the revamping of the APC vanguard will compel an increasingly disorderly PDP to revise its gratuitous assumptions and ponder its future, a hitherto unaccustomed footing. What’s more, Oshiomhole has now been transformed into a genuine national political figure and equally morphed into the defacto leader of the governing party, comparable to the tradition of national party chairmen in the Second Republic.

It’s worth recalling that on Saturday, November 16, 2019, governorship polls were conducted in both Bayelsa and Kogi States with two key contestants - APC and PDP - squaring off. Early on Monday, the APC governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, David Lyon, was declared winner of the Bayelsa State 2019 governorship election. The declaration was made by Faraday Orumwese, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and the returning officer in the election. He announced that Lyon polled 352,552 votes to defeat Duoye Diri of the PDP who polled 143, 172 votes.

The total number of registered voters was announced as 922, 562 and the number of accredited voters was put at 517,883. Lyon’s victory makes it the first time an opposition party would win the state since the return of democracy in 1999. The state, created in 1996, has always been governed by the PDP. Fittingly, President Muhammadu Buhari who recently returned from a private visit to the UK, has commended APC supporters and other Nigerians in the State who exercised their civic rights in a peaceful manner, “notwithstanding the pockets of unrest recorded in some locations.” He condemned the loss of lives and commiserated with the families of the victims, his spokesperson Femi Adesina said in a statement. According to him, the President said, ‘‘Violence during elections vitiates our commitment to demonstrate to the world and upcoming generation that we are a people capable of electing leaders in a peaceful and orderly manner.’’

The President also urged “Governor-elect Lyon to carry other divergent interests along in the next phase of governance, imploring those not satisfied with the outcome of the poll to seek redress through the constitutionally-established

channels,” while looking forward “to working with the incoming government to improve the lives of the people in Bayelsa State, while ensuring the security of life and property of all citizens.”

Meanwhile, according to the Returning Officer for the election, Ibrahim Garba, the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was declared winner of the Saturday, November 16, governorship election in the state, polling 406,222 votes to defeat the PDP’s Musa Wada who scored 189,704 votes. Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party came a distant third with a score of 9,482 votes.

Bello won in 12 of the 21 local governments namely Lokoja, Ibaji, Adavi, Okehi, Okene, Kabba Bunu, Ogori Magongo, Koton Karfi , Mopa Muro, Ajaokuta, and Olamaboro. Wada won in Omala, Igalamela, Yagba East, Yagba West, Idah, Dekina, Bassa, Ofu, and Ankpa local governments. While the PDP campaign had expectedly rejected the outcome of the election, our great party, the APC has commended the polls’ conduct, saying it was a fair outing.

Recall that shortly after Oshiomhole formally took over the baton of leadership of the APC from Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, his approach to leadership had come under serious public scrutiny, especially because of what pundits described as a belligerent style he was perceived to have adopted. But much of this scrutiny has been ungoverned by good faith.

Significantly, a common thread undergirding all these scenarios leans heavily on personal interest. They have pretty little connection to party interest or ultimately national interest. These primordial agenda unfortunately form the key conceptual planks of politicking in Nigeria. Oshiomhole’s choice to lead the ruling party by its top echelon was not accidental. It is essentially to change that old, unseemly narrative, and revamp the progressives’ vanguard.

Oshiomhole has indeed taken this responsibility very seriously. The position of national chairmanship of a political party carries considerable weight, especially in charting the course of progressive engagement with the critical elements in a democratic mix. That the inherent power of the office of the national chairman, its responsibility and authority have been watered down and often caged by forces out of sync with transformative politics doesn’t mean that its occupant must jettison principled and disciplined conduct. The days of Chief Meredith Adisa Akinloye, national chairman of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, of the Second Republic come to mind here.

In the evolution of the Nigerian state, it cannot be denied that Oshiomhole has played his own role and, in the process, honed administrative, governance and political skills that help him to leverage the lot of the ruling party, especially as it has entered its second tenure of governance at the centre.

In the shark-infested waters of Nigeria’s politics, the former Edo State governor represents a powerful force feared by the opposition and false friends as well. Many of the allegations against his style fly in the face of objective analysis of the multi-hued challenges his party has successfully navigated.

This is why the current and curious concerted efforts of Governor Obaseki of Edo State to paint Oshiomhole black and undermine his authority will ultimately become a frankeinstous fiasco because of its specious premise standing on spaghetti legs. What’s more - Oshiomhole’s choice as party leader tacitly acknowledges the capacity of focused individuals to change their society for the better. For decades, he has provided clear, pragmatic leadership during periods of self-doubt by a citizenry under siege by patiently deploying the instrumentality of law to achieve what many thought were lost causes. · Hon. Obahiagbon contributed this piece from Benin City.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

Why Nigerians are not connecting with political leaders

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

G

oing by the wisdom of the sage, great leaders are characterized by their ability to create positive impacts on the lives of their subjects. They achieve this feat by placing heavy emphasis on the understanding that the economy would look after itself if democracy is protected; human rights adequately taken care of, and the rule of law strictly adhered to.

In effect, their nation’s affairs are centrally planned over a period of time with their actions spelt out for both normal and contingency conditions. By contrast, for Nigeria, like other nations with not-tooimpressive leadership, in addition to nonpossession of these attributes, they mistake coexistence with harmony.

As background to this piece, each time one listens to the stories of how successful leaders made their nations great and juxtapose such account with what we currently, face as a nation, one may easily get the impression that those leaders were developed under the ages of prophets. For almost two decades of uninterrupted democracy in the country, different administrations manifested glaring unconsciousness that it requires prolonged efforts to administer a country well. Nigerians on their part successively failed to access the traditional but universal responsibility of questioning those in authority, a role which participatory democracy and election conferred on them.

Comparatively, leaders’ under this arrangement redefines democracy in the image of their actions, while Nigerians in their excruciating poverty and starvation mourn the effects of such policies- economic backwardness, underdevelopment, unchecked population explosion, unemployment, and poor planning and

implementation.

There are countless examples of how government daily disconnects from the people, but perhaps, understandably the first one that comes to mind is the senate’s reintroduction of two separate but related Bills in a space of one week- Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, and the hate speech bill.

Away from the Senate’s brazen dissipation of energy on issues, many describe as trivial in the mix of pressing socio-economic challenges, coupled with their inabilities to recognize that public order, personal and national security, economic and social programmes and prosperity is not the natural order of things but depends on the ceaseless efforts and attentions from an honest and effective government that the people elect, there is an important decision to make.

This piece is targeted at providing answers to; why our leaders act the way they do? Discover whether we will continue to live as a nation under the rule of law as embodied in our constitution? Or fail future generations by leaving for them laws far diminished than the ones we inherited?

And without wasting words, prominent among the reasons fuelling leader’s behaviour in this regard is our system’s non-emphasis on priority to human rights approach to governance that entails the infusion of principles of participation, nondiscrimination towards the attainment of equity and justice. The absence of such kind of thinking laid the foundation of what the nation is witnessing today.

Supporting the above claim is the position clarified by the United Nations Independent Expert on the Right to Development, where the group explicitly argued that the right to development/ governance is the right to a particular

process of development that allows the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights, and all fundamental freedoms, by expanding the capability and choices of individuals.

Not through, or by the imposition of a decision on the masses (emphasis added).

In my views, the single surprising elements fueling the practice are barefaced illusion by leaders that they are more nationalistic or patriotic than other citizens.

Forgetting that globally, Individuals, groups and communities have a right in decision making, planning and implementation of programs that affect them-and government has a duty to enable people affected by its policies and programmes participate in ways capable of transforming their social, political and economic conditions rather than merely using them as instruments to legitimize predetermined goals and priorities.

There is also an entirely separate set of factors relating to the reasons propelling the leader’s behaviour, and it is not rooted this time in impact on the system or the constitution or the inability of Nigerians to question those in positions of authorities.

It is rooted this time in personal attributes and realities of the public office holders as captured in a recent report that leaders (the advantaged) behave the way they do because significantly they have more political influence than those at the bottomwhich tend to undermine representational equality, a key feature of democracy.

Not only did the research report argued that for the advantaged (Haves) to remove the obstacles that the disadvantaged (have nots) face, they must first, recognise that these obstacles exist, it submitted that such recognition must entail the advantaged seeing the world from the disadvantaged

perspective.

But considering the present reality that we are in a country were public office is considered as an opportunity for promoting private gains as against the public good, can our leaders ever see the disadvantaged(have nots) perspectives?

What about our electoral system that is roundly capital intensive? How has the ‘unique’ role played by money above and below promoted or strained the relationship between governours and the governed?

Substantially, the culture of money politics has turned ‘consent of the electorates into a commodity to be purchased by the highest bidder and as an effect renders public offices as responsibility-free. Having paid for the votes cast, leaders conclude that they owe the people no obligation.

Similarly, such a culture creates a common ‘value system’ that shapes and forms our political thinking, and often always establishes a link with and set the stage for a corrupt government. Particularly as the ‘practice’ runs contrary to the global believe that; the ‘precondition for an honest government is that the candidate must not need large sums to get elected, or it must trigger off the circle of corruption. Having spent a lot of money to get elected, winners must recover their costs and possibly accumulate funds for the next election as the system is self-perpetuating’.

In the final analysis; whatever the true position may be., if the interest of harmony is to be vigilantly guarded, there are vital points that leaders of our nation must not fail to remember and they are in this order; when we serve, we rule; when we give, we have; and when we surrender totally to selfless service, we become victors.

Jerome-Mario Utomi (jeromeutomi@ yahoo.com), writes from Lagos.

Three months border closure: Economic success only in the media

By Gbenga Oloniniran

I

t should go without dispute that the rights to self determination for any country cannot be overemphasised, like it should be for individuals, it is one of such values of democracy and freedom. As an ‘independent’ entity, Nigeria can choose to close or open its borders at reasonable will. In the interests of the nation as they claim, Nigeria may take such decision but in wisdom and sincerity. In sincerity, it may do so for the benefits of improving her economy and local production; in wisdom, it must know when to do it without neglecting adequate provisions to manage the effects. Nevertheless, if the interest is genuine, we may never have to bother so much on border closure too. (We will come back to this).

Three months since the border closure, we have seen the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor (Godwin Emefiele) jubilate in the media over what he described as positive results of the border closure, especially how the step has successfully boosted ‘economy in the country’ and more especially for ‘the farmers’. What is not clear is whether this economy has indeed been boosted for the all the people or just for the farmers, then which farmers? If it is for the people, we would expect that by now the town should have been painted with celebrations and not just a one man celebration as of Emefiele. If the economy has indeed been boosted for the farmers, perhaps we should rather think those farmers are the Obasanjos’ who run the big Ota Farms and in other places; the

Maizube farms of Abubakar Abdusalami or the Sebore farms of Muritala Nyeko, and their political likes. We should not forget the Umza of Kano (Kingpin of Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, those of whom we should best regard as the Emefiele calibers and political farmers.

Just as many of these political farmers may get the largest share of budget earmarked for agriculture, the likes of Emefiele led CBN would not hesitate to disburse it to them too. These cabals are the country.

Not quite long has Emefiele expressly stated, as written in Punch, that Umza had since called to inform him on how they needed to sell the thousand scores of rice in their warehouses, and of course border closure was the way forward. It’s a “padi padi policy and arrangement”.

The poor and larger category of farmers are still very much stranded with the same age long barriers to productivity, that is, lack of funds and machineries, infestations, bad roads and other challenges while the Emefiele farming gang are getting richer on the poverty of the other many average farmers.

The people really have to start telling their stories themselves and tackle misrepresentations from the ruling elite whose political policies are more successful in the media than in the obtainable reality.

Nigeria is too large a place with too many poor people, and to use the privileged rich as parameter for successful economy is a fraudulent representation of the Nigerian people. With bag of the so called Nigerian rice selling around 26 000 naira, while the foreign rice which we may pretend not to

know how it still enters the country, but perhaps through “influential smuggling” now ( the type that makes customs bosses richer), the rice is selling between 28,000 naira to 30,000 naira. Apparently, we are in for a big mess, because not even the implementation of 30,000 naira minimum wage can suffice for this terrible hike. Labor might have to begin to push for higher minimum wage. Encouraging local economy cannot be independent of an encouraging local purchasing power. Of a possible fact too, we should not be caught unaware if this is another way of getting at the people, beyond the outrageous VATs already imposed. Also, why the people prefer foreign rice to locally made rice a question still begging for answers and a connection to the challenges of our farmers.

Simple outlook on these events tells us that in order to fight smuggling and encourage local production (local economy), closing the borders first is merely putting cart before the horse.

A robust funding and environmental enabling policies in our major sectors would have aided our local production and by extension would chase out importations and smuggling. By now, perhaps we could have been discussing how to accommodate immigrants and not sudden border closure that has neither benefited the local mass of people nor the international trading counterparts. Any serious government will produce before closing borders against importation. The simple exposure of this insincerity is why borders have not been closed against

importation of petroleum and other products if indeed we are attempting to sustain local economy. Building local production is however yet to find an abode in the country where the majority of our resources and sectors are privatised in the hands of a few cabals. Olusegun Obasanjo has recently gone to media to campaign diversification of economy to agriculture because Oil has failed. Indeed, agricultural economy would likely fail again as it once did, and just like the fate suffered by petroleum, we are only diversifying into the pockets of some cabals whose interests are always represented in the policies of CBN, Customs and other agencies.

The success of border closure on the economy has remained in the media while the economy of the real people worsens with visible realities. If not in other ways, some Nigerians know how much they now spend on a spoon of rice at “Mama Put joint.” Protesting the small quantity of rice sold to you by mama is a futile effort when you remember the cost of a bowl of rice in the market. The food seller does not even look your face as she sells. Her gestures show that she equally laments too. We are in this mess together! Only the Emefieles and the ruling elite are spared!

Nigeria is still a place where its leaders are playing game of chess on the backs of the people. Our resources are the shares they bet with, and the rule of the game (policies) favor the highest bidders. When the people are able to rise and raise heads, all their little games are over.

Gbenga Oloniniran can be reached at Gbengaoloniniran@gmail.com

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

The conference that divided Africa

By Patrick Gathara

O

n the afternoon of Saturday, November 15, 1884, an international conference was opened by the chancellor of the newly-created German Empire at his official residence on Wilhelmstrasse, in Berlin. Sat around a horseshoe-shaped table in a room overlooking the garden with representatives from every European country, apart from Switzerland, as well as those from the United States and the Ottoman Empire.

The only clue as to the purpose of the November gathering of white men was hung on the wall – a large map of Africa “drooping down like a question mark” as Nigerian historian, Professor Godfrey Uzoigwe, would comment.

Including a short break for Christmas and the New Year, the West African Conference of Berlin would last 104 days, ending on February 26, 1885. In the 135 years since, the conference has come to represent the late 19th-century European Scramble and Partition of the continent. In the popular imagination, the delegates are hunched over a map, armed with rulers and pencils, sketching out national borders on the continent with no idea of what existed on the ground they were parcelling out. Yet this is mistaken. The Berlin Conference did not begin the scramble. That was well under way. Neither did it partition the continent.

Only one state, the short-lived horror that was the Congo Free State, came out of it – though strictly speaking it was not actually a creation of the conference.

It did something much worse, though, with consequences that would reverberate across the years and be felt until today.

It established the rules for the conquest and partition of Africa, in the process legitimising the ideas of Africa as a playground for outsiders, its mineral wealth as a resource for the outside world not for Africans and its fate as a matter not to be left to Africans.

From the very start, the conference laid out the order of priorities. “The Powers are

in the presence of three interests: That of the commercial and industrial nations, which a common necessity compels to the research of new outlets. That of the States and of the Powers summoned to exercise over the regions of the Congo an authority which will have burdens corresponding to their rights. And, lastly, that which some generous voices have already commended to your solicitude – the interests of the native populations.” It also resolutely refused to consider the question of sovereignty, and the legitimacy of laying claim to someone else’s land and resources.

Uzoigwe notes that: “Bismarck … stated in his opening remarks that delegates had not been assembled to discuss matters of sovereignty either of African states or of the European powers in Africa.” It was no accident that there were no Africans at the table – their opinions were not considered necessary. The efforts of the Sultan of Zanzibar to get himself invited to the party were summarily laughed off by the British.

American journalist Daniel De Leon described the conference as “an event unique in the history of political science … Diplomatic in form, it was economic in fact.” And it is true that while it was dressed up as a humanitarian summit to look at the welfare of locals, its agenda was almost purely economic. Few on the continent or in the African diaspora were fooled. A week before it closed, the Lagos Observer declared that “the world had, perhaps, never witnessed a robbery on so large a scale.” Six years later, another editor of a Lagos newspaper comparing the legacy conference to the slave trade said: “A forcible possession of our land has taken the place of a forcible possession of our person.” Theodore Holly, the first black Protestant Episcopal Bishop in the US, condemned the delegates as having “come together to enact into law, national rapine, robbery and murder”.

The outcome of the conference was the General Act signed and ratified by all but one of the 14 nations at the table, the US being the sole exception. Some of its main

Comment

features were the establishment of a regime of free trade stretching across the middle of Africa, the development of which became the rationale for the recognition of the Congo Free State and its subsequent 13year horror, the abolition of the overland slave trade as well as the principle of “effective occupation”.

Though the attempt to create a free trade area in Africa and therefore keep the continent from becoming both a spark for, and a theatre of conflict between the European powers, was ultimately doomed.

The principle of “effective occupation” was to become the catalyst for military conquest of the African continent with far-reaching consequences for its inhabitants.

At the time of the conference, 80 percent of Africa remained under traditional and local control. The Europeans only had influence on the coast. Following it, they started grabbing chunks of land inland, ultimately creating a hodgepodge of geometric boundaries that was superimposed over indigenous cultures and regions of Africa. However, to get their claims over African land accepted, European states had to demonstrate that they could actually administer the area.

Often, military victory proved to be the easy part. To govern, they found they had to contend with a confusing milieu of fluid identities and cultures and languages. The Europeans thus set about reorganising Africans into units they could understand and control. As Professor Terence Ranger noted, the colonial period was marked “by systematic inventions of African traditions – ethnicity, customary law, ‘traditional’ religion. Before colonialism Africa was characterised by pluralism, flexibility, multiple identity; after it, African identities of ‘tribe’, gender and generation were all bounded by the rigidities of invented tradition.”

That first-ever international conference on Africa established a template for how the world deals with the continent. Today, Africa is still seen primarily as a source for raw materials for the outside world

and an arena for them to compete over.

Conferences about the continent are rarely held on the continent itself and rarely care about the views of ordinary Africans.

The sight of African heads of state assembling in foreign capitals to beg for favours is a re-enactment of the Sultan of Zanzibar’s pleading to attend a conference where he would be the main course.

Despite achieving independence for the most part in the 1950s and 1960s, many African countries have continued along the destructive path laid out in Berlin. Former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere declared: “We have artificial ‘nations’ carved out at the Berlin Conference in 1884, and today we are struggling to build these nations into stable units of human society… we are in danger of becoming the most Balkanised continent of the world.” Ethnicity and tribalism continue to be the bane of African politics. “The Berlin Conference was Africa’s undoing in more ways than one,” wrote Jan Nijman, Peter Muller and Harm de Blij in their book, Geography: Realms, Regions, and Concepts. “The colonial powers superimposed their domains on the African continent. By the time independence returned to Africa… the realm had acquired a legacy of political fragmentation that could neither be eliminated nor made to operate satisfactorily.”

Now, 135 years after Berlin, it is perhaps time for introspection. While it is impossible to turn back the clock, Africans would do well to reflect on what has happened since. Teaching the real history of the subjugation of the continent would help counter the myths of “ancient hatreds” that are said to fuel the conflicts on the continent. And Africans could decide to get together on the continent to debate and decide on the relationship they want with the rest of the world rather than always having that dictated to them from abroad.

Patrick Gathara is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

The rise of oligarchic Nigeria and farcical elections

By Bright Ogundare

C

ritical to every democracy is credible elections, it can’t be gainsaid that elections are what makes democracy. Nigeria since independence has had her own fair share of ugly elections marred with fraud and abject subversion of people’s will culminating in the 2007 where president Umaru Musa Yar’adua publicly acknowledged that the election which brought him in was rigged.

However, it was the hope of many that the electoral process will get better as we spend more time as a democracy.

The 2011 and 2015 elections were encouraging signs that Nigerians are about to reach that point where every 4 years they can always express their will. This was further amplified as the then incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP lost the 2015 election to President Buhari, a feat which was hitherto believed to be impossible. It was then believed that no politician was above demystification as we are now in an era of dictatorship of the masses but Alas!!! how fast have those lofty dreams faded away?

The Buhari presidency has so much consolidated it’s hold on power that it is safe to say it has constituted a powerful oligarchy (a government in which a small

group exercises control for selfish and corrupt purposes) . The government stuffed with family relations, ethnic loyalists and all sort of jingoists have failed to deliver their campaign promises yet their resolve to hold on to power is stronger than ever. This has obviously left them with no other option but to drag back our fledgling electoral process into the dark ages.

Starting with the resolve not to back electoral reforms, the Nigerian electoral process has been turned into a laboratory where all forms of electoral stunts are invented to keep the ruling party in power. From the maradonic “inconclusive elections” to heavy militarization and outright rigging using thugs in solidarity with the tactical support of the military to

“

vote buying and releasing billions for states controlled by the ruling party few days to an election; no stone is left unturned in the bid to entrench the ruling party. Even the tribunal is not left out as people now win election petition on outright technicality.

The Kogi and Bayelsa states elections held on November 16 was another historic low in our electoral process, in a meeting meant to sign a peace accord the governorship candidate of the SDP in Kogi state was attacked while the INEC chair and inspector General of police looked on sheepishly. The election day itself was marred with so much violence that you might confuse polling units for world war 2 battle fields (due to the sporadic gunshots and bodies of dead and wounded victims) as both police men, military and

The Kogi and Bayelsa states elections held on November 16 was another historic low in our electoral process, in a meeting meant to sign a peace accord the governorship candidate of the SDP in Kogi state was attacked while the INEC chair and inspector General of police looked on sheepishly

political thugs were in a tactical coalition to subvert people’s will.

It’s so embarrassing that while in sane societies, people vote and go back to their work stations going about their daily activities, in Nigeria people are even afraid to step out of their homes on election.

The Nigerian political system has clearly degenerated.

It takes no soothsayer to reveal that Nigeria is in grave danger, on a descent to Hades. A castrated and primary school student styled rubber stamp legislature, a paper tiger judiciary whose orders are being flouted by the government and her agencies, a comic election process where the will of the powers that be supersedes the will of the people are all pointers that Nigerians have officially been denied a stake in Nigeria, rather we are at the mercy of a power oligarchy determined to keep Nigeria in the dark ages.

No matter the results of the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa, one thing is clear, we are the mercy of a draconian oligarchy on a mission to destroy every avenue for accountability and farcicialise elections in a bid to legitimize their hold on power.

Bright Ogundare is a social commentator, he can be contacted via brightogundare@gmail.com

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

News

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Niger State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has described the PDP allegation of N1.4 billion disappearance of saved for 5 Star Hotel was due to the skeleton in its cupboard which he described as a hallucination of its corrupt past in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by the State APC chairman Mohammad jibril Imam said the PDP’s consistent attacks on the current government is like the antics of a drowning man, who will fight desperately to hold anything, explaining that the Governor Abubakar Sani Bello led APC government in the state remained focused and refused to be dragged into the mud like the PDP, whose stock in trade is corruption, deciet and falsehood.

The party stated that for the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to have confirmed that the

N1.4bn allegation: You are hallucinating - Niger APC tells PDP money is intact, smarked uncommon transparency and integrity in the handling of the state resources, unlike in the past, when government processes and procedures are conducted in clandestine manner.

According to him, “We urge PDP chairman Tanko Beji to remember his corrupt and insincere past to his people and the state in the conduct of his activities, as a PDP chieftain alongside other members of his party. On this note, we advise the PDP to leave the APC led government alone to concentrate on the good works it is doing, which the PDP denied the people of Niger State in all its years in power.”

Engr. Imam reiterated that as a people oriented government,

the current administration has absolutely nothing to hide, as all the intention and actions of the government are aimed at making life better for Nigerlites.

The statement further said, ordinarily the APC in the state will not dignify the PDP by joining issues with it, but suffice it to set records straight for the benefit of Nigerlites, so that, the ‘Papa Deceive Pikin’ Party, PDP, out of mischief, will not mislead the supportive, law abiding and good people of Niger State.

“The push and pull that have characterised the project since inception is nothing more than the manifestation of the corrupt manner in which the foundation of project was laid, buttressing

that the project that was meant to cost the state government only land resources went ahead to consume a whooping 500 million Naira of Niger State money, under questionable circumstances”.

Consequently, Imam stated that with the incontrovertible evidences presented to the public by the state government, the burden of prove is now the PDP through its party Chairman, Tanko Beji, since he Insisted the money was not there! aimed at seeking cheap popularity in a run-up to the Niger State Local Government election slated for November 30th.

The allegation of attempted cover up according to APC chairman was a manifest confirmation of PDP’s

gradual slide into menopause. For the umpteenth time, it is important to reiterate that the hallmark the current government in Niger State is honesty, integrity and transparency.

“The people of Niger State are carried along at every step on the way, since assuming office in 2015, the evidence is the intimidating popularity of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and the APC, which the PDP is trying diabolically to tarnish.

“The criminal elements in the PDP, who are masters of mischief making will not be allowed to drag the state back to the dark days of the PDP. He Clarified that we are determined and resolute and no amount of character assassination, personal attacks and name calling will distract governor Abubakar Sani Bello or any member of his team from doing the right things at all times or demanding accountability from the past corrupt administration of the PDP.

L-R: Head Financial Services NIMASA, Mrs Olamide Odusanya; Director General NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside and Executive Director Account and finance, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jimoh, during the 2020 budget defence, at National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Reps mull death penalty for rapists

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives Committee on Women In Parliament, yesterday said it is pushing for a law to provide death penalty for rapists in the country.

The Committee equally wants the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to create a special Anti-Rape Unit to clampdown on rapists.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Taiwo Oluga (APC-Osun), disclosed this, while briefing newsmen at the National Assembly on a “Women Week” Conference, coming up on November 24th.

“We (the Committee) are even proposing that the penalty for rape-by the time we finish with the motion and the Bill, it will be difficult for any man to go into rape, because it is very sad the way it is going; infact I would like that death should be the penalty of any man that tries to rape”, she said.

She further revealed that her Committee, was partnering with the NSCDC to establish an Anti-Rape Unit in the security agency, to curb the crime of rapes in the Country.

“The rate at which our girls are being ridiculed; molested, is saddening. Since I came on board, I have made some steps, which I will like you to know. For example, i have been able to speak to the Commandant of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, that i want him to work with our office; Women In Parliament, that we would like them to create a unit for us, and what will that unit be? It will be called Anti-Rape Unit. I want him to create a special unit for us, called Anti-Rape Unit”, she stressed.

The lawmaker also decried, what she regarded the dismal 2020 budget allocation to the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Though she acknowledged efforts of the government towards the uplift of the gender, she demanded that more attention be paid to the wellbeing of womenfolk.

She called on the relevant Committees of the National Assembly, to improve on the allocation for women in 2020.

The legislator also informed that efforts were underway by women groups to push for more women in State and Federal Parliaments in the next dispensation.

Minimum wage: Delta govt constitutes C’ttee for modalities, implementation From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Delta State government has constituted a committee to work with organized labour towards implementing the new minimum wage for the state public service The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, who inaugurated the Committee on behalf of the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday observed that the Governor was passionate about the wellbeing of public servants in the state, hence he directed that discussion with Labor should commence in earnest so that a mutually agreeable scheme based on the new minimum wage would be developed for the benefit of Delta state workers.

Apart from the Secretary to

UNICEF reiterates commitment to partnership with Niger govt From Yakubu Mustapha Minna.

U

NICEF has reiterated its determination in the fulfillment of its targets with partnership with the Niger State government by continued support hence the needed visionary leadership in achieving the desired results.

The Chief Field Office, UNICEF Kaduna, Dr Zakari Adam who is in charge of Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and Kaduna States made the disclosure yesterday in Minna at the 2019 End of

Year Review and Planning Meeting.

He challenged the Niger State government to improve on its parts of commitment in attaining better results in actualizing Sustainable Development Goals SDGs target hence UNICEF technical support Dr Adam explained that UNICEF is advocating for integration of intervention of children in the public budget to enhanced the development of children through taking into cognizance the importance of investing in the children in

L-R: Chairman of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Reforms Implementation Committee, Prof.

Armstrong Idachaba presenting the report of the committee to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

budgeting.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane said that the Annual Review Meeting should be able to address issues by indicating challenges so as to proffer solutions.

Matane, however, challenged the state MDAs on proper record and data keeping to ensure accountability and transparency noted that tracking indicators was key to ensured that issues raised got policy response to achieve result.

the State Government who is the Chairman of the Committee, other members include: the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Olorogun David Edebvie; the Delta State Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko mni; Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor, Prof.

Sylvester Monye; Commissioner for Finance, Sir

Fidelis Tilije; Chairman Civil Service Commission, Dame Nkem Okwuofu; Chairman Local Government Bureau for Pensions, Mr. Ben Igo and Permanent Secretary Office of the Secretary to Delta State Government, Mr. Jerome Morka mni who is to serve as the Secretary to the Committee.

UAE has not brief us about Adoke’s arrest —Malami

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, (SAN), has said that he had not received any formal communication on the alleged arrest of his immediatepast predecessor, Mr. Bello Adoke (SAN), in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Malami disclosed this in a statement Monday by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu.

Adoke was alleged to be arrested, on Sunday, by international police in Dubai on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

It reported that the arrest warrant was later vacated by the same court.

However, Malami in his reaction yesterday, said “My

office as the Attorney General Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not in receipt of any formal communication regarding the alleged arrest in line with international conventions, processes and procedures relating to such matter.

“Until such formal communication is received the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice would not comment speculatively in one way or the other over the matter.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) is prosecuting Adoke on charges in relation to the $1.1bn Malabu Oil scam against Adoke and others since 2017.

Meantime, the prosecution agency had not been able to arraign the defendants due to the self-exile Adoke had placed himself on since 2015 shortly after he left the office.

2019 budget: Reps ask NDDC to suspend all payments, summon Akpabio

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he House of Representatives has asked the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to suspend all payments with immediate effect, save for personnel cost.

The reaction of the Lower Chamber was as the Agency operating the 2019 fiscal year without a budget approved by the National Assembly.

The House equally summoned the minister of Niger Delta affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to explain to the House why the Commission has been spending monies, which were not appropriated for and approved by the National Assembly.

The decision followed the endorsement of a motion on the urgent need to investigate the failure and refusal of NDDC to submit its budget estimates for 2019 to the National Assembly for approval brought by Hon. Benjamin Okezie

Kalu (APC, Abia).

While presenting the motion, Hon. Kalu expressed concern that more than 13 months after the time required by law, the NDDC is yet to submit an estimate of its expenditure and income for the year 2019, thereby grossly failing to comply with the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended, as well as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, submitting that “the budget estimates should have been presented to the House before September 30, 2018”.

Kalu said he was “worried that despite the failure to submit the 2019 budget estimates to the House, the Commission has for a whole year, been operating, making expenses and awarding contracts further to its master plan, with certain awarded contracts worth N10 billion without an approved budget as required by the constitution and the enabling act” The lawmaker further accused the NDDC of violating “the provisions of

section 82 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) by incurring expenditure far beyond six months as required thereunder and had spent monies in excess of half the amount approved by the National Assembly in its 2018 budget” He recalled that the ad hoc committee on the NDDC (to investigate abandoned projects since 1999) set up by this House had uncovered a total of 250 contracts awarded to phony companies in May 2019 without appropriation nor due process compliance as required by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) According to him, despite series of invitations by both committees of the Senate and House upon the expiration of 2018 budget of the Commission, NDDC has refused to honour such invitations extended to it by the House regarding the 2019 budget estimates.

The House spokesman expressed concern that “the failure and refusal of NDDC to submit its budget estimates for 2019 has created opaqueness in the operations of the commission, which has encouraged corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement of funds meant to be used for the development of the Niger Delta region and the entire nation.

He stressed that “the delay in the submission and passage of the NDDC budget as well as the continued expenditure of the commission beyond the constitutional threshold amounts to fiscal indiscipline, engenders corruption and provides the platform for arbitrariness by the management of the commission” Speaking further, Kalu submitted that section 80 (3) and (4) of the constitution provides that “no money shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the Federation, other than the consolidated revenue fund of the

Federation, unless the issue of those moneys has been authorized by an act of the National Assembly.

“No money shall be withdrawn from the consolidated revenue fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly” The lawmaker averred that section 82 of the constitution, which empowers the president to authorize withdrawal of moneys from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation for the purpose of carrying on the services of the government of the federation for a period not exceeding six months provided that the amount does not exceed the amount prescribed by the National Assembly for the same corresponding period in the previous year may apply to NDDC “mutatis mutandis” The motion was unanimously approved at the plenary presided over by the speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

PAGE 16

POLITICS

PDP Reps caucus vows to challenge Kogi, Bayelsa elections in court

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives Caucus yesterday vowed to support the People Democratic Party moves to seek redressed in court over Kogi, Bayelsa elections.

This was just as the group condemned the violence that characterized the just concluded governorship and National Assembly elections in Beyelsa and Kogi States respectively.

The minority caucus led by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader, Gideon Gwani, Minority Whip and Tobi Okechukwu, Deputy Minority Leader also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the killings of persons and wanton loss of properties during the elections.

The caucus also vowed to approach the court to seek redress for members of their party men that were shortchanged in the elections. This was during press briefing in the national assembly.

It also expressed readiness to amend the Electoral Act that it had loopholes Speaking, Elumelu insisted that as lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “we are not impressed with what happened in the just concluded Bayelsa and Kogi election. We are not in favor of the outcome of the election, us as PDP members and other minority parties and therefore we are 100% not in support of the outcome of the election.

He continued, “ we have also come here to register our grievance contrary to the point of Order earlier raised by our colleague, Abejide Adeleke (ADC, Kogi) commending the outcome of the election adjudging to be fair and credible. We want to state that, we are displeased with the violence actions meted out on innocent Nigerians which led loss of lives and properties”.

Supporting the caucus position, Mr. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu) said, “we are particularly sad with the loss of lives whereby the PDP woman leader was burnt alive and the killing of Senator Deno Melaye’s son was quite disheartening. We condemn

the violence perpetrated in that election. I want to state clearly that we would contest the elections in court. I also feel this is the time to amend the Electoral Act, we need to correct the imperfections.

Reacting to the PDP minority caucus leader, Elumelu said “as the leader of minority parties and coming from the Peoples Democratic Party, automatically I’m the leader of the PDP in the House of Representatives”, he clarified.

Shortly after the minority caucus were done briefing the press, Adeleke also strolled into the house press corps to clear the air on the supposed point of order raised by him during plenary where he gave update on the Kogi State election.

“At plenary Speaker asked me to brief the house about Kogi election which I did by raising a point of order whereby I thanked my colleagues for their prayers and success of the election that this time around, the election was not inconclusive. However, on the issue of whether lives were loss, I told them that the election was peaceful in my own area. So I didn’t do anything wrong as my colleagues in the PDP are already agitating”, he submitted.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the weekend conducted gubernatorial and Senate elections in Bayelsa and Kogi States respectively. Many Nigerians and the international observers has come out openly to condemn the activities of the election that it was marred with irregularities and violence.

By Vivian Okejeme

T

L-R: Director, Highway Project, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Chukwunwike Uzo; Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mr Ahmed Abdul; Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and representative of the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Mr Fatahi Adebayo, during the 2018 Recognition and Award for staff by Minister, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Senate tasks Health Ministry, NMA on fake medical reports, quackery

By Musa Adamu The Senate on Tuesday directed the Federal Ministry of Health to set up an efficient and proper mechanism to stop the proliferation of fake medical reports emanating from public hospitals.

It also urged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to intensify efforts to check the incidences of fraud and quackery in the medical profession, especially in public hospitals.

The Senate took these decisions sequel to a motion sponsored by

Senator Lilian Uche Ekwunife (PDP, Anambra Central) on the proliferation of fake medical reports from public hospitals.

Presenting the motion, Ekwunife noted the recent investigation that revealed the ease with which “authentic” medical reports could be obtained from some public hospitals for a fee without conducting any medical test or even proof of identity.

The commercialisation of medical reports, the lawmaker said, posed a danger to the medical health and safety of Nigerians.

‘It can result in fatal misdiagnosis

of patients or anyone else who relies on the contents of such medical reports,” she said.

She expressed concern that the integrity of medical report is being compromised and eroded by the realisation that it may not contain the true and accurate medical details of the person named in the report.

She noted that, though there exist a Code of Ethics and guidelines in the medical profession that abhorred the illegal issuance of medical reports, there was no effective implementation of those regulations.

Senate receives six Executive bills from Buhari

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate on Tuesday received six aviation sector bills from President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration and passage into law.

The request was contained in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and read on the floor during plenary.

The letter reads: “Pursuant to

•Swears-in Abdullahi Danbaba Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I formally request that the following Six (6) Bills be considered for passage into law by the Senate.

“The bills are: Civil Aviation Bill, 2019; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Bill, 2019; Nigerian College of Airspace Management Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2019; Nigerian College of Aviation Technology

(Establishment) Bill, 2019; Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2019; and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Bill, 2019.”

The Senate President, after reading the letter, directed the clerk to ensure that the bills are gazetted and distributed to Senators.

The Senate also on Tuesday sworein Abdullahi Danbaba as Senator

representing Sokoto South Senatorial District.

The lawmaker was sworn-in at 10:55am immediately after the adoption of the votes and proceedings of Thursday, November 14, 2019, by the upper chamber.

The oath was administered by the Clerk of Senate, Nelson Ayewoh.

The Senate President, after the lawmaker was sworn in, directed the Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu to “give him a befitting seat”.

Senate to investigate NEMA over ‘selective’ disaster response

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Senate has directed its Committees on Special Duties, Ecology and Climate Change and Environment to investigate the effectiveness of the National Emergency Management Agency over disaster response in 2019.

This was even as the chamber directed the NEMA to immediately implement a response programme for the flood disaster that affected various communities in Demsa, Numa, Guyuk and Lamurde Local

Governments of Adamawa State.

These were resolutions reached on Tuesday sequel to the consideration of a motion sponsored by Senator Binos Yaroe (APC, Adamawa South).

According to Yaroe, NEMA was established by Act 50 of the 1999 constitution as amended for the purpose of managing disasters in Nigeria.

The lawmaker who lamented a major flooding which occurred in October 2019 as a result of release of excess water by the authorities of Lagbo dam in Cameroon, accused NEMA of

being selective in its disaster response interventions.

“NEMA performed a disaster response action by distributing relief materials to communities in Furore, Yola South, Yola North and Girei Local Governments of Adamawa State affected by the floods.

“This intervention by NEMA was not extended to other local governments in Adamawa State along the River Benue valley equally affected by the flood disaster.

“Although the attention of the Director-General of NEMA was

drawn to the need to provide relief materials to communities of the four local governments in Adamawa State severely affected by the October floods, nothing has been done; and NEMA would appear to be selective in its disaster response interventions,” Yaroe said.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday considered a Bill for an Act to amend the National Council on Public Procurement and Bureau of Public Procurement Act No. 14 of 2007.

The bill which was sponsored

by Senator Abdullahi Sankara

is among the three bills up for amendment of the Public Procurement Act by the National Assembly.

According to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, an amendment to the Public Procurement Act would ensure a successful implementation of the 2020 budget when passed into law by the National Assembly.

The Public Procurement bill sponsored by Senator Sankara was referred to the Senate Committee on Public Procurement for further legislative work.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

he Court of Appeal, Abuja division, yesterday, affirmed the verdict of the Imo State Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the election of the Governor Emeka Ihedioha as the Governor of Imo state.

The five-man panel of the appeal court justices led by Justice Oyebisi Omoleye, dismissed the appeal filed

by Senator Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance(AA) Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressive Congress(APC) and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume of the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA) for lacking in merit.

The appellate court, on the appeal lodged by Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance, challenging Ihedioha, agreed with the preliminary objection by the PDP and governor Ihedioha that the appeal was faulty.

It held that the appeal is faulty and is also lacking in merit. The court also awarded the cost of 500000 naira against Nwosu. ‘’We find the preliminary objection sustained. We found merit in ground 3 and 4. The appeal is dismissed and award of N500.000 is hereby awarded against the appellant,’’ the judge held.

On the appeal instituted by Senator Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressive Congress (APC) the court held that the tribunal looked at the evidence loop hole placed before it and that it is settled law that hear say evidence is not admissible in court.

Consequently, it held that issues 1, 2, and 4 are resolved against Sen. Uzodinma and the APC. On issue 3 which borders on the dismissal of documents the appeal court resolved it in favour of Uzodinma.

According to the court the tribunal went out of its jurisdiction in resolving the issues but that notwithstanding, the appeal is

Kogi poll – Melaye heads to ICJ in Hague

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

S

hortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday declared Yahaya Bello as the winner of the Governorship election, while the result of the Kogi West Senatorial election remains unknown, Dino Melaye who contested against Adeyemi Smart of the All Progressive Congress APC in a supplementary election for the Senatorial position is not happy with the turnout of event.

On Tuesday, Dino in a statement promised he would report Bello, Adeyemi and others to the International community and then head to the International Court of Justice in Hague, the Netherlands.

He said: “What we had in kogi is no election, what we had was a civil war that has claimed 16 lives so far. I will report Bello, Smart Adeyemi, Taofik, Speaker Kolawole and Sunday Faleke to the international Thanks and then proceed to Hague.”

POLITICS

Imo Guber: Appeal Court affirms Ihedioha’s victory lacking in merit and is hereby dismissed.

Also, the court awarded a cost of N500, 000 against the appellants.

The Appeal court had on the appeal filed by the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and his governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, the court held that all the evidence adduced by the appellant is impeachable, consequently, it resolved issue one in favour of the despondent.

‘’ The decision of the tribunal of 20 September is affirmed and the cost of N500,000 is awarded against the appellant,’’ the court held.

A three man panel of the tribunal had in unanimous decisions, on September 21, held that Ihedioha was lawfully declared winner of the governorship election by INEC. The lead judge, Justice Malami Dongondaji, had in the judgment dismissed Ararume, Nwosu and Uzodinma’s petitions for lacking in

merit on the grounds that they failed to prove allegations made in their petitions.

Dissatisfied by the decision of the tribunal, the appellants headed to Appeal court asking it to set aside the judgement of the lower court.

In the appeal, the appellants were asking the court to void the election of Ihedioha on grounds that he did not obtain the constitutional one quarter of the votes in at least twothirds of the 27 local government

areas of the state, in line with Section 179 of the Constitution.

In their various submissions by their counsel, the appellants are asking the court to set aside the decision of the tribunal and declare them winner of the March 9 governorship election or in the alternative order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election into the office of Governor of Imo State.

L-R: Minority whip of the House of Representatives Hon. Gidion Gwani; minority leader of the House, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and deputy minority leader, Hon Tobi Okechukwu, during a press briefing on the irregularities of Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Senate probes Gencos, Discos over unsteady power supply

By Musa Adamu

T

he Senate has mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the activities of power generating and distribution companies with a view to unraveling the cause of unsteady power supply in Nigeria.

The investigating committee has four weeks to submit its report to the Senate for consideration.

The decision by the upper chamber to probe power generation, transmission and distribution in the country was reached sequel to a

motion considered during plenary on Tuesday.

Sponsor of the motion, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP, Enugu North) said Nigeria, with a population of 200 million and an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent per annum, is the seventh most populous nation on earth.

According to Utazi, the power generating or installed capacity of Nigeria in relation to its population and Gross Domestic Product cannot place the country to compete favourably in terms of development with other nations.

He, therefore, called on the Federal

Government to find solutions to the power deficits faced by the country.

Citing Indonesia and Philippines as examples, the lawmaker noted that both countries with a population of 267 million and 107 million, respectively, have installed power capacity of 60,000 megawatts and generating capacity of 42,465 megawatts as well as installed capacity of 20,055 megawatts and generating capacity of 16,271 megawatts.

The lawmaker while expressing optimism that Nigeria can set a realisable target of generating

capacity of 100,000 megawatts in the next ten years, said same can be achieved through a mix of energy sources such as natural gas, hydro, coal, wind and renewable energy.

He added that the various zones in the country are naturally positioned to take advantage of the various energy mix and renewables, particularly solar energy.

“The northern part of the country with vast expanse of land can tap into large solar farms while the southern parts of the country with significant reserves of natural gas and cola can generate power from same.

PDP NWC insists rigging of Kogi, Bayelsa polls can't stand

By Lateef Ibrahim

T

he National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the violent rigging of the Kogi and Bayelsa State governorship elections by the All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot stand.

The NWC of the PDP said this in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

The NWC maintained that there is no way the PDP will fold its hands and watch the mandates clearly given to its candidates, Engr. Musa Wada in Kogi state and Senator Douye Diri in Bayelsa state, left in the hands of repressive usurpers, manipulators and murderers.

According to the statement by

the NWC, "Indeed, the nation is still at shock over the brazen show of violence, where security forces coordinated the invasion of polling units, shooting and killing of voters and carting away of ballot boxes to government facilities where results were altered and fictitious figures given to INEC to declare the APC candidates as winners.

"Nigerians watched with horror as APC thugs and security forces traumatized and held voters hostage, murdered our compatriots, injured and maimed many more in violent attacks that involved the deployment of police helicopters.

"Our party has been made aware of the roles played by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as well as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu in the elections.

"While we urge these officials to do

some introspections on the anguish they have caused the people since the rigging of the elections, the PDP NWC assures that it will never hesitate to expose such ignoble roles at the appropriate time.

"The irreversible fact remains that though evil may appear to thrive for a while, truth and justice will always prevail at the end. The APC and its candidates must bear in mind that what they could not get through the ballot box, they cannot get by violence, manipulation and killing.

"The PDP is therefore undeterred in the determination to use all legitimate means available and allowed within our democratic practice to confront the usurpers and retrieved our mandate in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

"The PDP will also file legitimate actions against identified INEC

and security officials who aided the APC in the violent rigging of the election. The NWC therefore urges all members of the PDP as well as all Nigerians of good faith to remain strong, united and undeterred as the NWC commences lawful actions in the pursuit of our mandates.

"Our party once again mourns our compatriots killed by the APC in this election, including our Woman Leader, Acheju Abuh, who was burnt to death by APC thugs at her home on Monday.

"While invoking the wrath of God on the perpetrators of the gruesome killings, the party calls on the Police to immediately track down and bring their killers to book.

"Indeed, their death will never be in vain as the mandates for which they were killed will surely be recovered", the party said.

Health PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Towards addressing Nigeria’s childhood pneumonia mortality

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF), said Nigeria contribute to the highest number of global pneumonia child deaths.

It said Nigerian children made up the highest number of those who died, with an estimated 162,000 deaths in 2018 – 443 deaths per day, or 18 every hour.

“In Nigeria, 19% of child deaths were due to pneumonia in 2018, and it was the biggest killer of children under-five in 2017.”

UNICEF in a statement issued recently by Oluwatosin Akingbulu Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships added that pneumonia claimed the lives of more than 800,000 children under the age of five last year globally, with one child every 39 seconds, according to a new analysis.

“Pneumonia is a deadly disease and takes so many children’s lives – even though this is mostly preventable. And yet, this killer disease has been largely forgotten on the global and national health agendas. We can and must change this,” said Pernille Ironside, Acting UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

The statement said the biggest risk factors for child pneumonia deaths in Nigeria are malnutrition, indoor air pollution from use of solid fuels, and outdoor air pollution.

“Most global child pneumonia deaths occurred among children under the age of two, and almost 153,000 within the first month of life.

“Sounding the alarm about this forgotten epidemic, six leading health and children’s organisations today launched an appeal for global action.

“In January, the group will host world leaders at the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia in Spain.

“Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, and leaves children fighting for breath as their lungs fill with pus and fluid.”

UNICEF said more children under the age of five died from the disease in 2018 than from any other, adding that 437,000 children under five died due to diarrhoea and 272,000 to malaria.

“Just five countries were responsible for more than half of child pneumonia deaths: Nigeria (162,000), India (127,000), Pakistan (58,000), the Democratic Republic of Congo

(40,000) and Ethiopia (32,000).

“Children with immune systems weakened by other infections like HIV or by malnutrition, and those living in areas with high levels of air pollution and unsafe water, are at far greater risk.”

The statement said the disease can be prevented with vaccines, and easily treated with low-cost antibiotics if properly diagnosed.

“But tens of millions of children are still going unvaccinated – and one in three with symptoms do not receive essential medical care.

“Children with severe cases of pneumonia may also require oxygen treatment, which is rarely available in the poorest countries to the children who need it.

“Funding available to tackle pneumonia lags far behind other diseases. Only 3% of current global infectious disease research spending is allocated to pneumonia, despite the disease

causing 15% of deaths in children under the age of five.

“Increased investment is critical to the fight against this disease,” said Pernille Ironside. “Only through costeffective protective, preventative and treatment interventions delivered to where children are – including especially the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach - will we be able to save hundreds of thousands of lives in Nigeria.”

UNICEF further called on Governments in the worstaffected countries to develop and implement Pneumonia Control Strategies to reduce child pneumonia deaths; and to improve access to primary health care as part of a wider strategy for universal health coverage.

“Richer countries, international donors and private sector companies should boost immunisation coverage by reducing the cost of key vaccines and ensuring the successful replenishment of Gavi, the

“

Vaccine Alliance; and to increase funding for research and innovation to tackle pneumonia.”

On his part, Dr Abel Kanji, a Pulmonologist called for an end to preventable pneumonia deaths, ensuring equitable access to interventions for prevention and control of pneumonia.

Kanji, who spoke recently during the commemoration of World Pneumonia Day, said to end the preventable burden of childhood pneumonia and deaths there was a need for the government to raise continuous awareness about pneumonia, the leading killer of young children.

Kanji appealed to the government to strengthen, accelerate and sustain interventions to prevent and treat pneumonia.

He said that the government should focus on equitable access to, and delivery of comprehensive pneumonia prevention and control programmes.

He again advised that the

Funding available to tackle pneumonia lags far behind other diseases. Only 3% of current global infectious disease research spending is allocated to pneumonia, despite the disease causing 15% of deaths in children under the age of five

government should design specific strategies to reach the “hard-to reach” populations to improve their accessibility to available interventions.

The Pulmonologist called on experts to conduct research to develop innovative strategies to reduce the burden of pneumonia in the country.

“Together, with the government we can end preventable deaths from pneumonia,” he said.

Kanji said that every minute, children under five die from pneumonia, representing 16 per cent of childhood deaths globally.

He said that eighty per cent of deaths were in children under two years old. “Almost all deaths were in low and middle-income countries.”

Kanji said that pneumonia was also a common cause of death or illness in the elderly, being the single most common cause of death from infectious disease.

He said that pneumonia was largely preventable, good nutrition including exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months of life and adequate complementary foods protection. could protect children from pneumonia. “ C o m p r e h e n s i v e immunisation including vaccines against the common germs that cause pneumonia such as pneumococcus, measles, Haemophilus Influenzae b, pertussis whooping cough, diphtheria and influenza should be available to all children to prevent pneumonia.

“Avoiding tobacco smoke exposure and reducing exposure to indoor air pollution reduces the risk of pneumonia in children.

“Prevention of mother-tochild transmission of HIV, early use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children, and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for HIV-infected and exposed children, can reduce the burden of childhood pneumonia.

Kanji said that pneumonia was largely treatable with timely access to appropriate management including antibiotics, referral to hospital and oxygen when needed, were critical for children who become ill from pneumonia.

“Many children continue to die from pneumonia, largely due to lack of comprehensive, holistic implementation of the package of interventions for pneumonia prevention and treatment,” he said.

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

How we solely acquired AEDC -CEC Africa

By Etuka Sunday

C

EC Africa Investments Limited yesterday disclosed how it solely paid the sum of $81million cash, raised $123million loan security to acquire Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

The Company was responding to reports making the rounds in the Nigerian media sphere regarding shareholders’ dispute at KANN Utility Company Limited (KANN), the majority shareholder of the AEDC. A statement signed by the the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, CECA, Engr.

Emmanuel Katepa said, the clarification was necessary in order to set the records straight for the benefit of the public and stakeholders of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“We are greatly concerned about some of the issues raised in the media. We will like to be clear that we do not wish to contend any matter that is currently the subject of legal proceedings. We are only addressing the specific issues raised in the various media reports to set the records straight for the benefit of the public and stakeholders of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI),” he said.

Katepa noted that “KANN’s two shareholders viz CEC Africa Investments Limited, which has over 60 years history of power operations across several southern African countries and Xerxes Global Investments Limited agreed to jointly bid for the purchase of 60% equity stake in AEDC between 2012 and 2013.

“Both firms executed a Joint Development Agreement dated 31st July 2012 to incorporate and become shareholders of KANN in the acquisition of the 60 percent shareholding of AEDC. The Chairman of CECA is Mr. Siyanga Malumo and the Chairman of Xerxes is Ambassador Shehu Malami.

“Ultimately it was agreed that both CECA and Xerxes would own and hold 50% each of the shares of KANN and that each of the two parties would make equal

financial contribution towards the acquisition amount and costs with regard to the purchase of 60% shares of AEDC. “The purchase price of AEDC was $164 million and it was agreed

by XerXes and CECA that this would be funded 25 percent ($41 million) by cash contributions from Xerxes and CECA (in their 50%/50% shareholding interest) and KANN would borrow the remaining 75% of the acquisition costs ($123 million) from a third party lender (which ended up being the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

“When the initial 25% ($41 million) was demanded by the Bureau of Public Enterprises as an upfront payment, Xerxes could not raise its equity contribution, leaving CECA to wholly fund the initial 25% equity payment.

“CECA paid for that portion of the acquisition amount in full being $41 million in March 2013.

XerXes did not fund any of this equity payment.

“By August 2013, the 75% balance payment of $123 million (to be funded through a loan from UBA) was due but Xerxes could still not guarantee the equity loan repayment at the UBA. “Because of this, CECA provided a mandatory Debt Service Reserve Account of $40 million as a security cover for the UBA loan. At this point, CECA had funded $41 million paid directly to the BPE and an additional $40 million for the UBA Debt Service Reserve Account.

“The $40 million was utilized for the payments to UBA and, accordingly, CECA funded $81 million. XerXes did not fund any part of these payments. To secure this repayment XerXes pledged 25% out of its 50% shareholding in KANN to CECA. “This pledge was with the agreement of Xerxes enforced just before the conclusion of the acquisition which resulted in CECA becoming owner of 75% of the shares of KANN whilst XerXes shareholding reduced to 25%.

“Xerxes was given the opportunity to re-acquire the 25% shares if it was able to raise its own share of the funds by January 2014. XerXes failed to raise the

said funds,” the statement said.

Katepa said, “during the privatization, KANN had to scale two guarantee hurdles. The first was the guarantee for the loan which for AEDC was for the 75 percent UBA loan the investors took. The other is the Performance Guarantee with BPE signifying the takeover of the DisCo. “CECA which was meant to be the co-investor, however continued to play the role of the core investor as XERXES could not and left the payment and security responsibilities to CECA. To complete the DisCo purchase transaction, CECA solely provided the Performance Guarantee with BPE and provided the UBA loan guarantee earlier stated. It was not until December 2015 that Xerxes insisted that it must be joined in the UBA loan guarantee.

“The Parent Company Performance Agreement that CECA solely provided was on behalf of KANN Utility to acquire AEDC. It was submitted to the BPE on August 21, 2013, the same week slated by BPE for the initial 75 percent payment for the DisCo acquisition. It is a legal agreement conferring ownership of the DisCo on the investors.

“The shareholders’ disagreement started in 2013 when CECA wanted to enforce the rights of CECA as the major and core investor in AEDC, having paid all the acquisition fees, and provided security covers for the UBA acquisition loan. Xerxes disagreed with CECA on this view

and the parties went for arbitration of the matter at the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). The result of this was that the court made an Arbitral award dated 28th October 2016 in favour of CECA Limited, having provided all the financing documents with BPE and the financing bank.

“With this, CECA approached a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja in October 2016 for the recognition and enforcement of the London Arbitral award. By February 2018, CECA won the case at the Federal High Court.

However, not satisfied with these proceedings, Xerxes appealed the case to the Court of Appeal in March 2018.

“With these unresolved issues, CECA felt there was need for the shareholders of KANN Utility to hold its annual meeting which was between CECA and Xerxes to discuss how to forge ahead.

We (CECA) sent the Notices of Requisition dated 18 April 2018 to the Board of Directors of KANN to convene a meeting of the shareholders of KANN. “However, Xerxes said it has already appealed the rulings of the London Arbitration Court and the judgement delivered by a Federal High Court in Abuja, recognising CECA as the owner of 75 percent of the shares in KANN. XerXes said the Extraordinary General Meeting will not hold because it was not in its interest. Since 2017, through 2018 when it appealed the matter and in 2019, the meeting did not hold.

“Xerxes has therefore rendered it impracticable for statutory meetings of the company to hold and as a responsible majority equity holder, CECA continued through its representatives in KANN and AEDC to cooperate with and work with the Board of AEDC in taking crucial investment decisions about the expansion drive and the vision of AEDC. “It is CEC Africa’s firm belief that the running of AEDC and the need to give quality electricity supply to customers in the public interest cannot be stopped because of a shareholder who has failed to meet its funding obligations and yet wants to hold on to equity which it has failed to pay for.

“On our part, we remain resolute and committed to the reforms at AEDC. Initially after the takeover, the parties agreed that of the top eight management positions, four will go to CECA (expatriates) and four will be local partners.

“However, Xerxes could not produce its four local officials and the consortium had to hire Nigerians later for these positions that include the legal and government relations, but they were Nigerians and so it did not breach the relevant agreement.

“In 2018 when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) produced the local content regulation, it mandated that only five percent of management positions of power Cont. on page 19

L-R: Representative of the Chief Executive officer and Director Trade Information, Nigeria Export Promotion Council ( NEPC) Mr. Jamie Memudughan with the Chairman, TAK Integrated Agriculture Solutions Limited, Mr. Thomas Etuh, during the signing of MOU between NEPC and TAK integrated group on National Programme on Organic Farming for Export, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

NAHCO rakes in N7.38bn revenue in Q3 2019 From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

L

eading firm, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) yesterday affirmed that the company is on the upward swing as it announced that it posted a gross revenue of N7.38Billion for the nine – month period ended September 30, 2019.

The Company subsequently posted a Profit Before Tax of 973.1 million for the Q3 ended September 30, 2019.

The figure show a 241.3million, a

32.96 percent higher than the amount for the same period last year for the Nigeria’s foremost ground handling company.

Also, NAHCO disclosed that its Profit After Tax stood at N782 million for the nine-month period which compared favourably with the N601.31 Million recorded for the same period in 2018, translating to a positive 30 percent increase.

The performance released by the Company to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the

organization was already reaping from the gains of its transformation programme which commenced at the inception of the present management.

Earnings per share stood at 48kobo as at the end of the third quarter of 2019 compared to 37kobo as earnings per share as at the end of the third quarter of 2018.

The Board appointed a new management for the Company which early this year embarked on a five – year transformation plan. The Company is continuing the massive

upgrade of its equipment, warehouses and other facilities at the airports.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi said, she was delighted that the Company was making progress on all fronts.

“NAHCO is in a good place.

Apart from being the industry leader in ground handling in West Africa, we are also providing leadership in supporting our partners, the Cargo agents, in the important skills of packaging for export,” she said.

In the period that the new Management took over, the Company had increased the capacity of its export warehouse and is currently renovating its import warehouse.

NAHCO is also taking advantage of opportunities emanating from Federal Government’s closure of the land borders as it is partnering stakeholders on proper packaging for their products for exports.

NAHCO recorded an impressive revenue in excess of 9.8 Billion for the 2018 financial year.

Page 20

Pension /Insurance NAICOM approves appointment of Abidogun as MD, Guinea Insurance From Ngozi Onyeakus, Lagos

N

ational Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has approved the appointment of Ademola A. Abidogun as the substantive Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Guinea Insurance PLC. The approval came in a letter dated 8th November 2019, captioned “Final Approval to Appoint Mr. Ademola A. Abidogun as the Substantive Managing Director/CEO of Guinea Insurance PLC. According to the Chairman, Board of Directors of the company, Barr. Godson Ugochukwu “ Mr. Abidogun brings to Guinea Insurance PLC, 24 years experience in providing strategic and operations leadership in uniquely challenging situations in the insurance industry.”

He is a seasoned professional with inestimable depth and wealth of technical experience acknowledged industry-wide. His combined expertise in marketing, insurance broking, underwriting/ claims administration, oil and gas, banking, telecoms, reinsurance, product development, business risk advisory, special risks and strategic planning, offer a formidable springboard for relaunching the Company’s propensity to act and hence, develop and implement sustainable plans for longterm growth and shareholder value creation. Prior to his appointment, Ademola had championed the affairs of many companies in the insurance industry; the most recent being: Fin Insurance Company Limited, where he served as Executive Director, Technical/Operations and Ag. Managing Director. In Cornerstone Insurance PLC, he pioneered the Bancassurance/ Retail team as Assistant General Manager. He holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Rivers State College of Science and Technology (2007); He is an alumnus of the prestigious London and Lagos Business Schools as well as the University of Texas. As an erudite insurance professional; he has attended numerous management courses and seminars both locally and internationally.

In a related development, the 61st Annual General Meeting of the Company holds on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; and as consistent with the conduct of annual general meetings, Mr. Ademola Abidogun’s appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, will be ratified following the resolution by shareholders of Guinea Insurance PLC at the forthcoming annual general meeting.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

Pension Asset Increases By 2.76% in Q3 2019 From Ngozi Onyeakus, Lagos

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom), has disclosed that the pension fund assets has increased

to 2.76% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2019.

The commission made this known when it released its report on pension fund assets, that the asset for the third quarter of

2019 showing that the total value of pension assets rose quarter on quarter (q-o-q) by 2.76% to N9.58 trillion in September 2019 from N9.33 trillion in June 2019.

According to the report, most

of the pension fund assets were invested in FGN securities as its share of the total assets stood at 71.43% (or N6.84 trillion) in September 2019, from a 69.55% it printed in June 2019.

METRO

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

Gov’t seeks private sector initiatives on open defecation in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called for private sector initiatives to meet the 2025 Goal of ensuring that Nigeria becomes Open Defecation Free (ODF).

The call came as Nigeria joins the rest of the World to celebrate the United Nations World Toilet Day (WTD).

Aliyu called for greater commitment especially at a time

when President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has flagged off the Clean Nigeria Campaign with “use the toilet initiative.”

She decried the rate of Nigerians with inadequate or total lack of access to toilets, revealing that the Federal Capital Territory has a fair of the over 47 million people lacking access to sanitation and hygiene.

“Nigeria currently has over 47 million people with inadequate or total lack of access

to toilets and another troubling 57 million lacking access to portable water. The FCT has its fair share of these disturbing figures.

“Therefore, the 2019 World Toilet Day is coming at a time the Federal Government is ready to combat this scourge through a number of tools and instruments as well as programmes and initiatives that include partnership with the organized private sector in other to reverse the scourge and build

a healthier Nigerian population.

“It saddens my heart to note that currently 102, 000 children die annually due to diseases related to sanitation. We must join hands to reverse this ugly trend,” she said.

She called on traditional rulers and all residents of the state to see themselves as ambassadors and embark on the crusade to educate others on the need to desist from actions such as open defecation and indiscriminate dumping of

refuse.

According to her, if the respective authorities fail to resolve this menace, the target to end open defecation in the nation’s capital by 2025 may be unrealistic.

Aliyu vowed that henceforth, the FCT Administration would work closely with the six Area Councils and other Agencies of Government to scale-up commitment to implement the “National WASH Action Plan” to end open defecation.

NGO advocates end to stigma against Sickle Cell disease

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

R-L: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo receiving the Managing Director, Berger Paints PLC Mr. Abi Ayida, during his visit to the Minister, yesterday in Abuja

How we solely acquired AEDC -CEC Africa Cont. from page 20 firms must be for expatriates, the 95 percent must be for the locals. The operators of AEDC looked at the number of over 200 management positions among the over 3,000 staff strength and found that the just eight expatriate officials are within the five percent limit of NERC. “There is long term plan to gradually reduce the number of expatriates running the Disco.

For instance, in February 2017, Ije Ikoku, a Nigerian was appointed to replace the Chief Finance Officer (an expatriate). In 2016,

when the contract of an expatriate Technical Director expired, he was replaced by a Nigerian. We are still committed to that plan.

“CECA is of the view that XerXes does not have best industry knowledge to effectively manage the DisCo. While CECA personnel have managed power utilities for decades, Xerxes has no record of that and Nigeria is just in the sixth year of private power sector operation. We believe that there should be a mix of few experienced expatriates until when the sector is robust.

“Currently, the crop of expatriates is changing the

company’s operation to embrace advancements and the local management staff would need to be carried along by the expatriates who have the experience. This is why AEDC is ahead in the Meter Assets Provider (MAP) and had installed over 70 percent meters of the total installation by all the DisCos since MAP commenced this year. We have another breakthrough which is the Integrated Commercial and Management System (INCMS) and we are the first DisCo in Nigeria to have that.

“That customer and management interface technology

is already being considered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NERC as a model for the rest of the power industry. It is because the company has the infusion of people who learnt this thing from elsewhere and are introducing it in Nigeria to enhance customer service experience.

“As I conclude, I must state this: Globally, operators who want the best for their company must look beyond unqualified allies but transparently seek for the most competent persons through competitive recruitment and procurement processes,” Katepa said.

National Carrier: Ghana signs pact with Boeing for Jets worth $877m From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

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he Ghanaian government has announced its intention to relaunch the country's moribund national carrier with three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, aircrafts the authorities described as been technologically-advanced.

The Ghanaian Minister of Aviation, Mr Joseph koffi Adda made the disclosure at the Dubai Air Show where the Ghanaian

authority and Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding for three airplanes with a list price value of $877.5 million according to list prices.

Mr. Adda said "There is a growing demand for air travel to and from Ghana and we believe the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner gives us an efficient and flexible machine to launch a regional network and eventually serve international destinations in the future,"

He added that "The 787 has an excellent reputation for its operational performance, fuel efficiency and passenger experience and we are confident that we have the right partner for our new carrier."

Adda says the carrier, to be based in Accra, would establish the capital city as a strategic hub that serves cities across West Africa.

According to him, future routes would include destinations in

Europe, North America and Asia and the long-term plan is to open the airline to private investment and operation.

Also speaking Mr. Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company said "Africa boasts a growing, young workforce and vast natural resources. We see the demand for air travel continuing to rise across the continent.

n Abuja-based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), LA’ Grace Sickle Cell Foundation, has called for greater advocacy to help end the current stigma against sickle cell disease in the country.

In particular, the Foundation stressed the need for more organizations in the country to open up more sickle foundations to solve the issue of sickle disease in the country.

The founder of the NGO, Abdul Abdulaziz, who made this point riefing newsmen on the disease in Abuja, Abdulaziz noted that many Nigerians do not understand the sickle cell disease, as they usually attribute it to spiritual attacks or attacks from neighbours.

He pointed out that Nigeria has one of the highest cases of sickle cell in the world, because in every three birth in Nigeria, at least there is one sickle cases, adding that there are so many cases of sickle cell in the country, especially in the rural areas, which are not reported.

He explained that the essence of LA’ Grace Sickle Cell Foundation is to reach out to urban dwellers, who don’t have idea of the disease and to stop the stigma against the disease.

“We are encouraging more people to open up more sickle foundations to solve the issue of sickle disease in the country. One foundation cannot solve the problem of sickle cell disease in Nigeria. " People should go to the rural areas and make campaigns on sickle where they don’t have ideas of what the disease is all about,” he stressed.

Minister of State Federal Ministry of Environment, Sharon Ikeazor (middle), Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Ministry of Environment, Charles Ikeahi(4th Right),Registrar/CEO, Environmental Health Officers, Registration Council of Nigeria, Dr. Dominic Abonyi and School Children, during the 2019 World Toilet Day, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kuje Council begins Measles, Meningitis vaccination

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Kuje Area Council has flagged off a 10-day integrated measles and meningitis ‘A’ vaccination exercise in the area, for children between the ages of one to five years for meningitis and children between nine months and five years for measles.

Flagging off the vaccination exercise

at Primary Health Care Centre in Kuje, at the weekend, Kuje Chairman, Hon Abdulahi Sabo, noted that the two diseases which are airborne are common in African countries, which usually occurs during the dry season.

The council chairman, who was represented by his wife, Hajia Salamatu Sabo , disclosed that the area council was targeting over 300

children in the area, just as he urged caregivers, parents and guardians to take the exercise seriously by making their children available for the vaccination.

Similarly, the coordinator of primary health care in the council, Mr. Haruna Agwai, said the ailments were associated with the dust of dry season.

Agwai, who noted that preventive

measures were necessary before the dry season properly sets in, said the vaccination was a second chance for children who did not meet up with the first exercise at the period they attained nine months.

He therefore called on parents in the area to cooperate with the health workers for the progress of the vaccination exercise.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

Page 22

world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Jeffrey Epstein guards charged with falsifying records

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wo prison guards who were on duty on the night of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein’s death have been charged with falsifying records.

They are accused of failing to check in on him every 30 minutes and fabricating log entries to show they had.

Epstein hanged himself in jail in August while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.

The charges against the two guards are the first to arise from a criminal inquiry into his death.

Epstein had pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing dozens of girls, some as young as 14.

The 66 year old was already a convicted sex offender, having been jailed in Florida in 2008 for procuring a minor for prostitution.

What are the two guards accused of?

They were supposed to check on Epstein every 30 minutes on the night of his death. He had been taken off suicide watch after a previous suspected attempt to take his own life and was alone in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York.

But attorney Geoffrey Berman said the two guards had “repeatedly failed to conduct mandated checks on inmates, and lied on official forms to hide their dereliction”.

The guards were named in a statement by the Southern District of New York Attorney’s Office on Tuesday as correctional officers Tova Noel and Michael Thomas, aged 31 and 41 respectively.

For “substantial portions” of their shifts, they “sat at their desk, browsed the internet, and moved around the common area”, the statement said. They then signed “false certifications” showing that they had conducted counts of inmates.

Both men have been charged with “making false records and conspiring to make false records

Jeffrey Epstein was charged with sexually abusing dozens of girls and to defraud the United States”.

“We allege these officers falsified records to create the appearance

they were following those protocols.

The security risks created by this type of behaviour are immense,” FBI

assistant director William Sweeney said in the statement.

Surveillance footage showed that no other people had entered the area where Epstein was held that evening, the statement added.

Both guards were previously reported to have been working overtime shifts on the night of Epstein’s death.

US Attorney General William Barr ordered their suspension in August after the FBI opened an investigation.

Federal prosecutors later offered the guards a plea bargain but they turned it down, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Who was Jeffrey Epstein and what was he charged with?

New York-born Epstein worked

as a teacher before moving into finance. Prior to the criminal cases against him, he was best known for his wealth and high-profile connections.

He was often seen socialising with the rich and powerful, including US President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton and the UK’s Prince Andrew.

Epstein was accused of paying girls under the age of 18 to perform sex acts at his Manhattan and Florida mansions between 2002 and 2005. He was arrested on 6 July.

He avoided similar charges in a controversial deal in 2008, pleading guilty to a lesser charge of soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution.

Julian Assange: Sweden drops rape investigation

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rosecutors in Sweden have dropped an investigation into a rape allegation made against Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange in 2010.

Assange, who denies the accusation, has avoided extradition to Sweden for seven years after seeking refuge at the Ecuadorean embassy in London in 2012.

The 48-year-old Australian was evicted in April and sentenced to 50 weeks in jail for breaching his bail conditions.

He is currently being held at Belmarsh prison in London.

The Swedish investigation had been shelved in 2017 but was reopened earlier this year following his eviction from the embassy.

Separately, the US is seeking Assange’s extradition from the UK over his alleged role in the release of classified military and diplomatic material by Wikileaks in 2010.

What did the prosecutors say?

Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Eva-Marie Persson

Assange gestures with a thumbs up after he was arrested by Met Police officers at the Ecuador Embassy in London took the decision to “discontinue the investigation regarding Julian Assange”, the Swedish Prosecution Authority said.

“The reason for this decision is that the evidence has weakened considerably due to the long period of time that has elapsed since the events in question,” it added.

Eva-Marie Persson said the decision had been taken after interviews with seven witnesses Ms Persson said: “I would like

to emphasise that the injured party has submitted a credible and reliable version of events.

“Her statements have been coherent, extensive and detailed; however, my overall assessment is that the evidential situation has been weakened to such an extent that that there is no longer any reason to continue the investigation.”

Prosecutors told reporters the decision to drop the inquiry had been taken after interviews with seven witnesses in the case.

One chapter over, another barely begun Caroline Hawley, BBC diplomatic correspondent With the end of Julian Assange’s legal troubles in Sweden, one long chapter in the saga is over. But another one, in the United States, has barely begun.

The Wikileaks founder always argued that his fear of being extradited from Sweden to the US was why he had taken refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy in London. That political refuge ended unceremoniously in April, when he was dragged out by British police.

Now Assange faces 18 criminal charges in the US, including conspiring to hack government computers and violating espionage laws. If convicted, he could face decades in jail.

From behind bars in Belmarsh jail, Assange is trying to prepare for the case. The decision by Swedish prosecutors today means there’ll now be no competing extradition request to the one from the US.

I won the lottery at 22, here’s what happened next

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I got back in the truck, drove to a lay-by and scratched it off. There and then I won a million pounds.”

Jamie Heavens, who’s a roofer from Bournemouth, got lucky on a National Lottery scratchcard when he was 22.

And if you - or any of your mates wouldn’t want to be in his shoes, you’re lying.

But then there’s deciding what to spend it on - picking which mates would get some and which ones you’d have to disappoint.

Not to mention all those very real horror stories from people who say getting rich that quick didn’t make them happy, it ruined their lives.

So what’s it actually like winning big?

And is it worth it?

On the 25th anniversary of the first ever National Lottery, we gave Jamie a ring to find out.

“I was on my way to work and my uncle asked me to fill up the truck with some fuel,”

says Jamie, who’s memorised most of the tiny details of that day.

“The first petrol station wasn’t accepting fuel cards, so then I moved on to the next one.

“I got into the queue, realised I’d picked up the wrong flavour Lucozade, went back and picked a different one - and then the guy in front bought the same scratchcard as me.”

A few minutes later, Jamie had that “guy in front” to thank for the fact he held a winning card in his hand.

“I didn’t believe it at first. I scratched off the numbers and it said I’d won a million quid. I think the only other time I’ve felt more wowed was when my son was born.”

But he had a decision to make.

“I couldn’t ring the National Lottery because the phone lines don’t open until nine, so I thought I’d go to work.

“Got to the job. No signal.”

It wasn’t until Jamie was on top of a roof that he got a signal, phoned the helpline

and received the confirmation that he was a millionaire.

“It doesn’t really sink in until the money hits your account. There’s a sense of relief that you can go and do what you want to do.”

But after a couple of early extravagances (a car and a wedding), Jamie insists he’s been pretty sensible with his cash.

“People think I’m minted - that I’m cash rich and can just go and buy what I want every day. But it’s not like that.

“I’m living a comfortable life now. I’m running my own business, I’ve got my own family, but it’s not a case of if I want that £70,000 car, I’m just going to go out and spend it.

“I’m still money conscious about things.

I live a normal day-to-day life, pay myself a normal wage and my wife goes to work two days a week.

“We bought a couple of properties, we don’t have a mortgage on them. Money makes you more comfortable but it shouldn’t

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

change the way you live your life.”

Jamie “helped out” a few of his friends and family with some money.

Now 25, he admits things might have been different had he won more cash, but says he’s “lucky” his win doesn’t seem to have changed his relationship with his mates.

They still buy him rounds when they’re in the pub.

“I think people respect the fact that, yes I’ve come into a lot of money - but the guy’s still grafting hard.”

And, if you’re wondering, he still buys scratch cards.

“Yeah, yeah if someone buys one in front of me I’m straight on it.

“The wife keeps nagging me: ‘Stop spending money on the lottery because you’re not going to win it again.’

“I’m like hang on a minute you said that before and look where we are now!”

Source: BBC

e w s F r o m A million faulty condoms recalled in Uganda

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arie Stopes says it is investigating what went wrong with the condoms A leading charity, Marie Stopes, says it has recalled more than a million condoms distributed in Uganda following concerns about their safe use.

Tests had found some of the Indian-manufactured Life Guard brand contained holes or risked bursting, Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) said.

Marie Stopes provides contraception and family planning services in more than 35 countries.

Nearly 6% of adults in Uganda live with HIV, the UN says.

Other research suggests that only 11% of people in the country have planned pregnancies.

Marie Stopes supplies between 1.5 million and two million

condoms to Uganda every month.

“We can confirm this is the first time that one of our country programmes has needed to issue this kind of recall,” it said in a statement to the BBC. The recall came after the NDA wrote to the charity on 30 October, saying two batches of Life Guard condoms failed to comply with “quality tests”.

Marie Stopes said it was working with the NDA to “urgently investigate what happened with these batches and ensure our products continue to meet the high standard of quality”.

“We can confirm that the two batches we are recalling contained around 335,000 condom packs - just over 1 million individual condoms. We have recovered more than half of those,” it added.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations: Ethiopia shock Ivory Coast

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thiopia under the guidance of local coach Abraham Mebratu, caused an upset in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 2-1 win over visiting Ivory Coast.

Also on Tuesday Morocco bounced back from being held at home by Mauritania with a 3-0 in Burundi.

Ivory Coast took an early lead in their Group K match against Ethiopia as captain Serge Aurier scored after just four minutes.

The Tottenham defender was the first to react after the Ethiopian keeper Abel Mamo was only able to parry a freekick from Max Gradel on the left.

The Ethiopians drew level 12 minutes later as a freekick from just outside the area from Surafel Dagnachew deflected off the head of an Ivorian in the wall to leave Sylvain Gbohouo wrong-footed as the ball went into the net.

They hosts took the lead on 26 minutes as Shemeles Bekele picked up the ball midway in the Ivorian half, as referee waved away claims of handball, he raced into the area and his shot found its way through Gboouhou and into the net.

Ivory Coast did have chances to find an equaliser including a free header that was put wide of the target in the dying seconds of the match.

The Elephants won their opening game 1-0 against Niger while Ethiopia

had lost by the same scoreline in Madagascar.

Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui scored his first ever goal for Morocco in their comfortable 3-0 win over Group E hosts Burundi.

Mazraoui was on target after 27 minutes when he squeezed the ball home when Burundi keeper Jonathan Nahimana was unable to hold onto a free kick fired in by Rachid Alioui.

Morocco’s second goal came five minutes before half-time and was also the result of poor defending.

An initial header from Youssef En Nesyri was well saved by Nahimana but the ball fell to Alioui who managed to cross into the six yard area and the keeper and defenders got in each others way to allow En Nesyri a simple finish.

Achraf Hakimi, on a two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid, sealed the win with eight minutes left as he picked up Sofyan Amrabat’s ball over the top, took two touches and fired across the keeper to make it 3-0.

The top two sides in 11 of the 12 groups will all advance to the 2021 finals in Cameroon.

Cameroon qualify for the finals as hosts but are taking part in the qualifying campaign to gain competitive match practice which means just one team from Group F will progress to the finals.

Source: BBC

Kenyan students launch #CampusMeToo campaign

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niversity students in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, have launched a campaign to end sexual harassment in the country’s higher learning institutions.

A recent survey in Nairobi by the campaign group ActionAid suggests that half of all female students and a quarter of all male students have experienced a form of sexual harassment from a staff member at their university or college.

Under the hashtag

#CampusMeToo students are gathering signatures for a petition that will be handed to the education ministry.

Among their demands are mandatory induction sessions for newly enrolled students, regular training sessions for university staff and the appointment of an investigation committee on all campuses to handle sexual harassment cases.

UN Women Kenya has been tweeting about the campaign:

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‘Botswana teenager charged with insulting first lady’

Neo Masisi has been the country’s first lady since April 2018

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19-year-old woman in Botswana has been charged for “mimicking” First Lady Neo Masisi in a Facebook post, reports Mmegi Online .According to the news site, on or around on 11 November

Moniwe Nicholas Kamwi shared a Facebook post which violated the country’s cyber crime laws which came into effect in 2018.

The charge sheet mentions her “posting a photo of First Lady Neo Masisi... likening

her with comedian William Motsetserepa,” according to Mmegi Online.

Such an offence can carry a fine of up to 20,000 Bostwanan pulas (£1,400; $1,800) or up to a year in prison, the news site says.

Fraudster pulls off million-dollar heist from prison

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prisoner in Nigeria has many wondering how he was able to legally acquire properties, attend social functions and meet with his family outside of prison walls.

According to the country’s anticorruption police - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) - Hope Olusegun Aroke, who was arrested in 2012 and sentenced for internet fraud, allegedly masterminded a “mega scam” to the tune of over $1m (£773,000) from

jail.

The EFCC says its “immediate riddle” is how it was possible for the convict to “continue to ply his ignoble trade of Internet fraud from prison” despite serving a 24-year jail term at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that that the convict, against established standard practice, had access to internet and mobile phone in the correctional centre where he is supposed to be serving his jail term,”

EFCC spokesman Wilson U wajaren said in a statement that implied the convict had help from corrupt prison officials.

The Kirikiri prison where the convict is being held is managed by the Nigerian Correctional Service who have not commented on the issue.

The exploits of the convict have left many Nigerians in shock, as people are wondering how he could have pulled it off if he did not get help from government officials.

‘I need your prayers’ - Liberian-born boxer Kiwitt

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uropean and African Welterweight champion Freddy Kiwitt is visiting his birthplace of Liberia, ahead of a fight next month which he says will be “life-changing”.

Kiwitt hopes African sport fans will watch him when he faces British boxer Luther Clay in the ring.

“If I win this fight by God’s grace, I’ll be in the top 10 in the world and I’ll be fighting for world title next year,” he told the BBC. “I have been training very hard. I just need your prayers.”

The 29-year-old boxer is based in London but has been training in Liberia’s central region. He says he has come to the country “to see my

He is traning in the country ahead of a career-defining fight own people here, to know where I am coming from - where I was born”.

He says he named one of his

children Monrovia because when he first saw the Liberian capital he “saw hope” and “many opportunities”.

Nigerians remember colonial mine massacre

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n event to remember 21 protesting coal miners killed 70 years ago by colonial troops has been held in Nigeria.

Workers at the Iva Valley Coalmine in Ogbete, a suburb of the south-eastern city of Enugu, had been demanding a salary increase at the time.

But the authorities accused them

of organising a rebellion against British colonial rule.

“I was on duty when I saw the colonial military as they approached the mining site - and I sensed trouble,” survivor Ogbonnaya Eze, who says he is now 110, told the BBC. “I alerted the other miners around me to escape from another

direction. We fled to a nearby bush and hid ourselves and from our hiding place, we heard the cackling of gunshots.”

Godwin Aniagbo, an 85-year-old retired miner who was at secondary school in Ogbete on that day in November 1949, told the BBC he remembered hearing the sound of gunfire.

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ozens of people may have been killed in Iran since Friday during protests against a sharp rise in petrol prices, the UN human rights office says.

A spokesman urged security personnel not to use excessive force, including firing live ammunition, and called for access to the internet to be restored.

Amnesty International said it had received credible reports that at least 106 protesters in 21 cities had died.

Iran’s government has denounced those on the streets as “rioters”.

The current situation is unclear because of the near-total internet shutdown, which started late on Saturday, but protests have been held in dozens of cities and towns.

The protests erupted on Friday after the government announced the price of petrol would be increased by 50% to 15,000 rials ($0.12; £0.09 at the unofficial market exchange rate) a litre and that drivers would be allowed to purchase only 60 litres each month before the price rose to 30,000 rials.

President Hassan Rouhani said the government was acting in the public interest, and that the money raised would be distributed to the country’s neediest citizens.

However, the decision was met with widespread anger in a country where the economy is already reeling as a result of US sanctions reinstated last year when President Donald Trump abandoned a nuclear deal with Iran.

The sanctions have caused Iran’s oil exports to collapse and the value of the rial to plummet, and sent the prices of basic goods soaring.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

Iran protests: UN fears dozens of people have been killed

The protests reportedly continued in several locations, including Tehran, on Monday night

By Sunday, the protests had reached some 100 cities and towns, the semi-official Fars news agency said. At least 100 banks and 57 shops had been set on fire, and about 1,000 people had been arrested, it added.

A grim picture

By Jiyar Gol, BBC Persian Unofficial reports from various sources say about 200 people have been killed and 3,000 injured over the past five days. But the Iranian authorities say only a few people have been killed.

People inside Iran reached by BBC Persian have painted a grim picture of the situation.

Security forces have been filmed firing on protesters; the families of those killed say the authorities have refused to hand over their bodies for burial; there is a heavy security presence in public squares and on major streets; many university students have been arrested; and the judiciary has warned that sending videos abroad is a criminal offence.

A government spokesman said

the situation was “calmer” on Monday and predicted that “tomorrow and the day after we won’t have any issues with regard to riots”.

However, videos posted on social media showed protests continuing in several locations on Monday night.

Three security personnel were also stabbed to death near the capital Tehran, local media said.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the office of the UN high commissioner for human rights told a news conference in Geneva that it was deeply

concerned by reported violations of international norms and standards on the use of force, including the firing of live ammunition, against demonstrators.

Rupert Colville said it was extremely difficult to verify the overall number of deaths, but that Iranian media and a number of other sources suggested that dozens of people might have been killed during protests in at least eight different provinces.

“We urge the Iranian authorities and security forces to avoid the use of force to disperse peaceful assemblies and in cases in which an assembly is violent to restrict the use of force to the greatest extent possible.”

“We also urge protesters to carry out demonstrations peacefully, without resorting to physical violence or destruction of property,” he added.

Mr Colville also called on the Iranian government to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and to immediately re-establish Iranians’ access to the internet.

He said the UN noted the serious economic challenges Iran was experiencing, in part because of the US sanctions. But he warned that simply responding to the protests “with harsh words and an iron first” only risked making the situation worse.

President Rouhani said on Sunday: “People have the right to protest, but protests are different from riots. We should not allow insecurity in the society.”

US settlement move endorses ‘law of the jungle’ - Palestinians

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alestinians have condemned a decision by the US to abandon its four-decades-old position that Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank are inconsistent with international law.

Chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said it threatened to replace international law with the “law of the jungle”.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US move, saying it “rights a historical wrong”.

The UN regards the settlements as being illegal under international law.

Settlements are communities established by Israel on land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war. They have long been a source of dispute between Israel and the international community, and the Palestinians.

On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: “The establishment of Israeli civilian settlements is not, per se, inconsistent with international law”. The status of the West Bank, he added, was “for the Israelis and the Palestinians to negotiate”.

The move was seen as a victory for Mr Netanyahu, who has pledged to apply Israeli sovereignty over all the settlements, as well as the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea. What are the Palestinians saying?

The Palestinians have long called for the removal of the settlements, where about 600,000 Jews live, arguing that their presence on land they claim for a future independent Palestinian state makes it almost impossible to make such a state a reality.

“Israeli colonial settlements in

the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, are not only illegal under international law, they are war crimes,” said Mr Erekat.

“Once the Trump administration decides to undermine international law... this constitutes a major threat to international peace and security.”

Nabil Abu Rudeina, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said: “The United States is neither qualified nor is authorised to negate international legitimacy resolutions, and it has no right to give any legitimacy to Israeli settlement.”

Palestinian militant groups also weighed in, calling it the official funeral of the Oslo peace process - which laid the foundations for Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip - and urging stepped-up resistance to the Israeli occupation.

In 2017, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and ordered the relocation of the US embassy to the city from Tel Aviv. The decision was condemned by Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future Palestinian state, and the UN General Assembly demanded its cancellation.

And earlier this year, Mr Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, which were seized from Syria in the 1967 war.

Mr Pompeo’s announcement was made two days ahead of a deadline for Benny Gantz, Mr Netanyahu’s political rival, to form a coalition government following an inconclusive

general election in September. Mr Gantz was given the opportunity after Mr Netanyahu himself failed to form a ruling coalition.

Hours later, the US state department alerted Americans planning to visit Jerusalem, West Bank or Gaza that “those opposed to the secretary of state’s announcement may target US [government] facilities, interests, and citizens”.

What has Israel said?

In praising the US move, Mr Netanyahu said Israeli courts were the “appropriate place” to decide the legality of the settlements, “not biased international forums that pay no attention to history or facts”.

“Israel remains ready and willing to conduct peace negotiations with the Palestinians regarding all final status issues in an effort to achieve a durable peace,” he said, “but will continue to reject all arguments regarding the illegality of the settlements.”

Meanwhile, the UN human rights office reaffirmed its position that the settlements were unlawful, saying the change “of one state does not modify existing international law nor its interpretation by the International Court of Justice and the [UN] Security Council”.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said the bloc’s position was that “all settlement activity is illegal under international law and it erodes the viability of the two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace”.

Ayman Safadi, Foreign Minister of Jordan - the custodian of a holy site in Jerusalem known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble

Sanctuary) and to Jews as the Temple Mount - said the change would “kill” a two-state solution, calling the settlements “a blatant violation of international law”.

Two years ago, Mr Trump promised a “deal of the century” to end the conflict created by Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and senior adviser. But, apart from an ambitious plan for investment in Palestinian areas and Arab countries, few details have been made public.

Boost for Israel, dismay for Palestinians Mike Pompeo said the decision would create the political space for a more likely resolution of the conflict.

But that resolution is now more likely to be on Israel’s terms, since it is by far the stronger party.

Dismissing the international legal prohibitions on Jewish settlements undermines the legal framework for the peace process, including the notion of Palestinian national rights and the principle of selfdetermination.

It will almost certainly boost the movement to expand and annex the Jewish settlements. There has already been a sharp increase in settlement planning and construction since Mr Trump took office.

Palestinians will be dismayed, although not surprised. Palestinian analysts I have spoken with say the growth of Jewish settlements has essentially killed the potential for a viable two-state solution. They speak in terms of a war of position, saying that staying on the land and simply continuing their lives is a kind of nonviolent resistance.

What was the previous US position?

In 1978, the Carter administration concluded that the establishment of civilian settlements was inconsistent with international law. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan disagreed with that conclusion, saying he did not believe the settlements were inherently illegal.

Since then, the US has adopted a position of describing the settlements as “illegitimate” - though not “illegal” - and sheltering Israel from condemnatory resolutions on the issue at the United Nations.

However, one of the last acts of the Obama administration, at the end of 2016, was to break with US practice by not vetoing a UN resolution that urged an end to illegal Israeli settlements.

President Trump’s administration has displayed a much more tolerant attitude towards settlement activity than President Obama’s. Mr Pompeo said the Trump administration had studied all sides of the debate and agreed with Mr Reagan.

Are settlements illegal under international law?

Most of the international community, including the UN and the International Court of Justice, say the settlements are illegal. The basis for this is the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention which forbids the transfer by an occupying power of its people to occupied territory.

However, Israel says the Fourth Geneva Convention does not apply de jure to the West Bank because, it says, the territory is not technically occupied.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

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WEDNESDAY COLUMN

Lessons from the Kogi, Bayelsa polls Continued from back page 31 evidences of ballot snatching in few polling units that are not enough to discredit the polls. I think it is high time we dissuade ourselves from perpetuating biased information that is capable of upturning the scanty peace we enjoy across states in the country.

I am not in any way submitting that the Kogi election was free of manipulations; I was not in Kogi state but I would not take a personal decision based on the account of any APC member or of Senator Melaye or any other PDP member, or even a recognized civil society group that would not present a backing palpable and verifiable evidences of widespread manipulation and violence enough to undermine the integrity of the election and necessitate it cancellation.

It behooves the INEC to make the final decisions on the outcomes of the elections. Peddling rumours of violence and manipulations without evidential proofs is a trademark of rumour mongers and defeated elements eagerly looking for something to hold on to.

If a political party had pre-empt the likelihood of manipulation by other players, I think the objective response should have been adequate preparation to gather evidences during the outing rather than littering the media space with propaganda and baseless accusations For instance, there were claims that election did not hold at Okenne; that ballot boxes were snatched and stuffed and the security agents outrightly connived with a particular party to undermine the process.

They ought to have prepared to obtain and present real time video or photo e of these events. Rather, what we saw on Television was elections taking place peacefully in

polling units within the local government.

Anyone could come with the narratives that their party agents were not allowed access to the collation center but without evidence you cannot expect INEC to cancel an election totally or in part based on your word but not evidence. If you think the local government cannot have given a particular party the magnitude of votes it get from the local government, then you put your house in order, get your evidences and approach the court.

Everyone, across board says Bayelsa election result is the voice of the will of the Bayelsa people; so when a particular party got over one hundred thousand votes from southern Ijaw as against mere nine hundred plus for the rival party, we are not discussing the impossibility of the scenario and no one is raising eyebrow, yet it could not happen in Okenne.

Bayelsa state was wonderful over the weekend. I though those governors who are becoming “gods” would have learnt their lesson from the Ogun state Amosun and Imo state, Rochas, but it did appeared that another Dickson had joined the group. Nigerians are better for it and APC is the ultimate beneficiary As it is the case in Imo and Oyo PDP benefited from such blunders. For the very first time, Bayelsa had a very peaceful election thanks to the desire of the governor Dickson to play god I boldly gave the Bayelsians a thump up. Well-done for a great outing and salute the political tenacity of GYB THE PROPOSED DEATH SENTENCE FOR HATE SPEECHEES I don’t need to research the topic of hate speech and its consequences in the political and social interaction system. It was the hard currency that permeates the campaign for the 2015 elections and has

only grown in bounds since then.

In 2015, we threw caution to the wind and adopted abusive languages, derogatory statements and insinuations, lies and baseless propaganda as the basic elements of the presidential election campaign. The social media evolved a new dimension and become the most virile agent of dissemination of the hate speeches, lies and propaganda. The basic problem is that why the objective has been to discredit the personality and credibility of a particular political entity, it actually has gone beyond to deepen the hatred for, and disunity among ethnic nationalities and religion affiliations The kind of statements that Nigerians now freely make and circulate has all the tendencies to undermine the integrity and unity of the nation, and that must stop.

No law can and would be made to usurp our fundamental rights to speech; but we all need to know that the same right to speech has its limitations. Hate speech is not an element of free speech just as much as criticism of government can never be considered a hate speech. All over the world, government are criticized; not showering abuse on person of individuals; not maligning the person of individuals If care is not taken, we will soon forget the concept of opposition and constructive criticism of government actions, projects and policies, if we continuously get sophisticated in building and propagating abusive, diminishing and destructive speeches that are unfounded I chose not to give instances earlier but I should give one; weeks ago, we suddenly woke up to the news of the vice president alleged corruption to the tune of N9 billion. The social media went agog, certain nation dailies intricately described the corruption crime and even some

international tabloids were not left out.

The office of the vice president responded; the media houses retracted the news, apologized for allowing their media platform to be used to spread the falsehood; and the source of the fake information only response was that if Atiku and Jonathan did not take anyone to court when they were accused of stealing Nigeria money, why would the vice president take it so serious to the extent of going to court.

This is one in a million scenarios; the vice president was not involved in any corrupt deal but this individual believe he has the right to talk, regardless of the implication of his speech on the nation or individuals. No one has the right to stop us from exercising our human right nor could stop us from constructively criticizing the government, but HATE SPEECH in our socio-political space must be stopped, whatever it takes.

Is it not funny enough and worthy of unequivocal legal reaction, that we woke up one morning and we see a purported wedding invitation of Mr. President and one of his ministers, and several follow-up of information. Is this the kind of country we want to degenerate to?

The hate speech bill is apt and needed but I do not support categorically death sentence for such ; we must pay for our statements if we cannot bury our hatred and criticize positively and constructively; and what is wrong in getting a serious punishment if it is proved beyond all reasonable doubt that your speech and lies are responded for the death of another citizen. Our tongue is a sword, if we kill with it, death sentence is just appropriate.

God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria!

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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feature

CLASSIFIED

Should workers be allowed to nap at work?

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rump’s UN General Assembly speech appears to put some to sleep including US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross The US government says sleeping in the office is a no-no. But experts say it’s time they reconsider, writes Jonathan Berr.

The US government has decided to get tough on naps.

Although sleeping at work has long been frowned upon for federal employees, it had never been explicitly banned until now.

“All persons are prohibited from sleeping in federal buildings, except when such activity is expressing authorised by an agency official,” said a directive ordered by the General Services Administration earlier this month.

It’s unclear what prompted the official directive - they refused to comment - but it’s not the first time a government has had to crack down on workers’ snoozing.

In 2018, the California State Auditor’s Office released a report on a Department of Motor Vehicles worker who slept up to three hours a day. The report estimated the worker’s naps cost the state $40,000 (£31,000) in lost productivity over four years.

The report said the employee’s naps forced her colleagues to cover for her and pick up her slack.

The worker was not admonished, because her supervisor was concerned there was a health problem that was causing the drowsiness.

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was caught snoozing during an Obama speech The thought of a workforce collectively catching up on lost sleep will ring alarm bells for many, but the argument for napping at work is about increasing productivity not diminishing it.

Dr Lawrence Epstein, past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Medical Director of Clinical Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, estimates that about 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder.

A recently published study from Indiana’s Ball State University, which examined self-reported sleep duration of 150,000 people, found the numbers of respondents who got seven hours of sleep per night or less rose to 35.6% in 2018 from 30.9% in 2010. About half of the respondents who were police officers and healthcare workers reported not getting enough sleep.

“Some companies are becoming more aware of that and are providing ways to address [the issue]. Unfortunately, I don’t think our government agencies are on the lead on this,” Epstein told the BBC. “It is something that can and should be addressed but unfortunately often isn’t.”

All that sleep deprivation can take a toll on people’s health - and the economy.

Lack of sleep has been linked to a myriad of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and strokes, along with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

A 2016 analysis conducted by the Rand Corporation pegs the impact of sleepdeprived workers on the US economy at

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DOZIE AND KATE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JULIUS CHUKWUEMEKA EKPE 2. IFEYINWA LIZZY CHUKWUMA 3. SAMUEL CHUKWUMA 4. MERCY CHIOMA NWOBU 5. DIVINE CHINAEMEREM EKPE .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To provide opportunity for smart and indigent young girls to achieve their educational pursuit in life.

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Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was caught snoozing during an Obama speech

MetroNaps’ Energy Pods can be found in hospitals, airports and universities. $411bn a year, including lost productivity.

Epstein and other experts support allowing workers to take short naps while on the job.

“People who are sleep-deprived don’t work at their best and have a higher risk of workplace accidents and end up costing the companies more because they have more health problems,” Epstein says.

Other countries have less of a stigma around napping. In Japan, companies are installing sound-proof pods to encourage workers, who put in long hours, to get some rest.

That idea is beginning to take off here, but slowly.

Some companies, such as ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s, have set up nap

rooms to make it easier to snooze. The accommodations are hardly luxurious - the 10-by-10 room, nicknamed the “Da Vinci room”, contains a futon couch and a thin blanket.

Ben & Jerry’s has a nap room at its headquarters Nappers are required to remove their shoes and are limited to 20 minutes for snoozing. Ill workers who need more sleep will be sent home.

Even so, the stigma associated with “sleeping on the job” remains an issue, says Laura Peterson, a spokeswoman for Ben & Jerry’s.

She says the company had to quit using a sign-up sheet after employees gave phony names such as “Donald Duck”.

“

A 2016 analysis conducted by the Rand Corporation pegs the impact of sleep-deprived workers on the US economy at $411bn a year, including lost productivity.

Epstein and other experts support allowing workers to take short naps while on the job.

“People who are sleep-deprived don’t work at their best and have a higher risk of workplace accidents and end up costing the companies more because they have more health problems,” Epstein says

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

“Not a lot of people like to admit that they use it,” says Peterson, who has used the Nap Room four times since joining the company three years ago.

“I do sometimes sleep, and I’ve had to use an alarm on my phone to make sure that I don’t oversleep. Yes, it is a nice break, and I do feel more productive.”

Her colleagues agree.

“The first time I used it I did feel a little bit strange, but the result was so awesome that it was easy to leave that feeling out in the hallway,” said Ben & Jerry’s employee Rob Michalak, who works in the corporate office.

“The second time I used the Da Vinci Room I knew it was the right decision because I knew I would feel refreshed and ready to dive deep into the computer screen and whatever documents I was working on that must’ve drained my mojo down to napworthiness.”

MetroNaps’ Energy Pods can be found in hospitals, airports and universities.

Meanwhile, some North American companies are making napping their business.

Canada’s first napping studio - called “Nap It Up” - recently opened its doors. Its founder, Mehzabeen Rahman, said she got the idea when she worked long hours at a bank.

Located in a busy part of Toronto, workers can pop over to the studio and rent a twin-sized bed for 25 minutes for C$10 ($7.6, £5.9). Beds are divided by heavy curtains, which gives sleepers privacy, and the room is scented with soothing lavender.

MetroNaps has taken this idea one step further, with futuristic-looking Energy Pods that let nappers sleep in an ergonomic reclining position.

The pods are getting popular in places that operate on a 24-hour schedule such as hospitals, factories and airports. But MetroNaps CEO Christopher Lindholst says they are also starting to sell to business like health clubs and universities.

“When we started, people thought we were crazy to be promoting sleeping on the job,” says Lindholst.

“In the past, companies used to take it for granted that you would show up for work and be fit for duty.”

Source: BBC

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OF

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WITH

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

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Heavenly Standard Race Global Outreach

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. NNANNA Ubachukwu - chairman 2. UCHENNA OKAFOR - secretary 3.NNANNA CHINYERE 4. NNANNA MERCY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : A. To provide legal assistance to the indigent members of AROCHUKWU community and Nigeria in general B. To sensitize the members of AROCHUKWU community on their Civic rights and obligations C. To assist indigent convicted inmates who has the option of fine to pay same D. To sensitize the a Nigerian youth and AROCHUKWU in particular on the danger of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse E. To create awareness on the issues that will about development,unity and peace among Nigerians irrespective of religious and ethnic difference Address: flat 4, first floor 47, Yaounde street, Wuse zone 6, Abuja

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ARAOYINBO OLUMIDE OLUGBEMIGA 2. OYE DELE KELVIN 3. OBEGOLU EMEKA JUDE PHILLIPE 4. KAYODE ADETOKUNBO ADEYINKA - CHAIRMAN 5. PROF ADESOJI ADESUGBA - SECRETARY 6. DR. BUKHARI BELLO THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF FERTILIZERS EASY DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZER.

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) Evangelist Mrs. Chinwe Stella Enekwulu (2) Mr. Okwudili Emekwulu (3) Bro. Henry Ikenna Okofu (4) Bro. Goodness Emekwulu .

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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Mrs TEJIRI

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

I formerly known as MISS OSIVHEMU TEJIRI now wish to be addressed and known as Mrs TEJIRI OYEDEPO, all former document remains valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that I, OVANIMOH ISAH OZOVEHE whose name was also written as OVANIMOH ISAH SULEIMAN is one and same person. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and and the general public should please take note.

ROSEMARY

ADAMU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ROSEMARY OTITI NIKAM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ROSEMARY ISIOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED, and GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address MARYAM I. ALHASSAN SALAMATU ALHASSAN USMAN DANFODIO TEACHING RACHEAL ALHASAAN HOSPITAL, RUNJIN SAMBO AREA SOKOTO, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE. SOKOTO STATE.

Who died on the 24TH OCTOBER, 2019 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 12TH NOVEMBER, 2019

Tanimu

Emmanuel

HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI Probate Registrar

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Agule Evelyn. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Tanimu Maryam.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as Agwadu Linda with the date of birth as 20\12\1992 now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Linda Agwadu with correct date of birth as 01/01/1999. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

RAKIYA

AKWAIMA WOMEN’S FORUM

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE

I, formerly known as MUSA DALHATU RAKIYA now wish to be known and addressed as RAKIYA ILIYA BELLO. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Mrs. Ndifreke Ekefre - The President 2. Mrs Inemesit Matthew - Diaspora Leader 3. Mrs Bella Archibong - Vice President 4. Mrs Ifiok Akpanamah - Secretary 5. Mrs Gloria Jones - Treasurer 6. Mrs Arit Isibor - Financial Secretary 7. Mrs Mary Umoren - Provost 8. Eunice Nya - Welfare Officer 9. Helen Isaac - Assistant Welfare Officer 10. Doreen Ekong - Member THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To equip the health centers with drugs and needed health facilities to meet the health needs of the less privileged in the rural area of Akwa Ibom State .

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Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column. Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address DAVID DAZI NATHANIEL DAVID DAZI Z2836 PENTH HOUSE ESTATE Z2836 PENTH HOUSE ESTATE LUGBE LUGBE ABUJA. ABUJA

Who died on the 05TH SEPTEMBER, 2012 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 15TH NOVEMBER, 2019 HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI Probate Registrar

I, formerly known as LAMI OSEGEHO now wish to be known and addressed as AMINA MOHAMMED. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Arinze I, formerly known as Nwambu Jecinta now wish to be known and addressed as Arinze Jecinta Ekene. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

garba

CHRIST END-TIME SALVATION GOSPEL CHURCH INT’L

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS yangora aminu garba.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS garba aminu. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. nitel/mtel angeles and GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as Hassan Ahmed now wish to be known and addressed as Alhassan Ahmed Shahar. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

fatima

AMA-ABASI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS rebecca tigana mirabaye. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS fatima mohammed tigana. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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MUHAMMED

Anthonia

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MUHAMMED HADIZA UMAIYA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MUHAMMED HADIZA UMAR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Anthonia Chidiebere Okeke . NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Anthonia Chidiebere Okwenna. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ONIYIDE FLORENCE OLAREWAJU 2.MUSTAPHA MOTUNRAYO OLUREMI OLAKULEHIN 3. ONIYIDE OLUWAKEMI BOSEDE 4.ALABI JOHNSON TAIWO 5.ALABI KEHINDE ISAAC 6.OMIDIJI SARAH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES : 1.To take the good news of salvation to all people and place as commanded by our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

29

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Wednesay November 20, 2019

NFF commends minister, submits report on teams dismal outings

AMINA

PUBLIC NOTICE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

Page

Confirmation of name

LEGAL NOTICE

Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column. Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PAGE 28

Alhassan

Gov. of Osun state Gboyega Oyetola, Ibukun Awosika and Honourable Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare at Osun state economic and investment summit in Osogbo yesterday

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has hailed the move of the honourable Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare to request for a report on the performances of the various National Teams in recent weeks, just as the football governing –body submitted the requested report on Monday.

“It was a good move by the Honourable Minister to request for the report. As he said, there has to be stock taking and after that, accountability. The NFF is enamoured by the move and we have submitted the requested report.

“For us, there is nothing to hide. We have detailed all the issues and the forces at play, and explained that in so much as these tournaments are important; they are mainly and strategically developmental.

Even at that, we approach every match/

tournament with the intention of winning, but it is practically and absolutely impossible based on indices, records and scientific laws of probability,” President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, said yesterday.

In a 15 –page letter signed by Mr. Pinnick, the NFF detailed issues of funding (inadequacy and late release of same) and the toxic and disruptive environment in which it has had to operate for the past 18 months (with the Federation’s leadership and brand falsely and maliciously dragged from one investigative agency to the other and from one court to the other on same baseless allegations) as core reasons for the poor outings of the Super Falcons, CHAN Eagles, Golden Eaglets and Olympic Eagles in recent international matches/ tournaments.

While acknowledging the importance of the qualifying matches/tournaments in which these teams participated and fell

short, the Federation defended the technical crews of the teams and justified why they are the best for the positions as at the time they were hired by highlighting their track records.

Pinnick also stated that the best performance indicator for any country in international football is the A team, in this case Super Eagles, which in recent times drew with five –time world champions Brazil and Ukraine in friendlies, and defeated Benin Republic and Lesotho in 2021 AFCON qualifying matches.

These, after finishing third at the first –ever 24 –team AFCON in Egypt this year summer. Moreover, a high number of the players in the present Super Eagles squad passed through the various developmental teams, showing that Nigeria is moving in the right direction.

The NFF went ahead to map out strategies for better results going forward,

including but not limited to a revamp of the NFF Technical Department; improved supervision of the teams by the NFF Technical Committee; open and transparent process to select new head coaches for the teams affected; early preparation and prioritization of tournaments; synergy between the Ministry and the NFF to get approved funds released early enough for adequate preparation of teams participating in major matches and competitions and; to work even harder at securing partners and sponsors to support the programmes of the National Teams.

On the issue of the nominal roll, which has also been submitted, the NFF clarified that there is no person on its payroll whose contract has expired, and that every individual on the nominal roll has specified schedule of duty as prescribed by the Federal Civil Service or in line with his/her contract.

FIFA U-17: Said nominated for goal of tournament award

Page 30

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

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FCT FA vows to develop FIFA U-17: Said nominated for football through league goal of tournament award Golden Eaglets midfielder Ibrahim Said has been shortlisted for the goal of the tournament award at the just concluded 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

Said’s second goal in the Golden Eaglets’ 3-2 win against Ecuador in their second Group B game is among the 10 goals shortlisted by FIFA. The Dabo Babes Academy star scored Nigeria’s second goal with a superb curling effort from the edge of the area.

Also nominated are; Brazil’s Gabriel Veron who won the most valuable player prize of the cz ompetition, Goden Boot winner Sontje Hansen from Netherlands, France’s Nathaniel Mbuku and Diego Duarte.

Others are; Diego (Brazil) Matias Godoy (Argentina), Degnand Gnonto, Gaetano Oristanio (both Italy) and

Alhaji Murktar Mohammed

By Albert Akota

C

hairman of Federal Capital Territory Football Association Alhaji Murktar Mohammed has vowed to develop football through consistence of league football competition.

Mohammed who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja shortly after watching Basic Maracana defeated Josh FC 3-1 in the ongoing FCT FA league at the Area 3 pitch in FCT, said he will work assiduously to ensure football are well develop in FCT .

“It’s a great feeling; importantly this is what football is all about at the end of the day, whatever we do if there is no league being played football is not being developed.

“And I think this the backbone; the most important thing is to ensure that the league is played and played in a proper way.

“The stakeholders are involved

to make it great experiences, I am very delighted and it’s a big achievement” Giving hint the on the plan for any players that will be discover at the end of the league Mohammed disclosed “My job is to unearthed talents develop them and push them to achieve their dreams, we already have a technical committee that scouts players and I were informed that they have seen a lot of upcoming talent so, we have a plan on that “We have a lot of improve scouting event coming up in Abuja, we encourage it, we gave them facilities to do that. So, whatever we have, to encourage talents we shall do them that is a prime objective.

“Our focus is to play the league in the proper way we have set up 14 committees from FCT which we will inaugurate next week, all they have different responsibilities.

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PUBLIC NOTICE AYEKA ULE DAY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO:122435

Ibrahim Said celebrating after scored Monday and winner will be announced same day by FIFA.

T

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. HRH OBA BODE FREDRICK AYELOMI -- REMOVED 2. PRINCESS OLUYEMI FRANCISCA BAJOWA - CHAIRMAN RETAINED 3. HIGH CHIEF OMOLEMINU SOLOMON TAIWO - RETAINED 4. HIGH CHIEF ADEGEYE SUNDAY JOSE –RETAINED 5. AGBEYE ISRAEL DURO –RETAINED 6. ALHAJI OLASOJI MUSTAPHA TAIWO - RETAINED 7. HIGH CHIEF AYEJUYONE CLEMENT OKEOWO - RETAINED THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AYODELE GABRIEL AYELOMI - APPOINTED 2. ADEGBOYEGA ADEOLU AYELOMI - SECRETARY- APPOINTED 3. PRINCE BABATUNDE MICHAEL AYEYOWA - APPOINTED 4. MRS LOTO MODESOLA ABISOYE -- TREASURER - APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Primate Dr. Moses Ogbodogbo JP (Chairman) 2. Arch Bishop Dr. Gbolo Eri-Elijah (Secretary) 3. Rev. MacAnthony David Edafe. (Treasurer) 4. Bishop Dr. Raymond M. Udubreh 5. Bishop Prof. Abhulimen Peter Josiah 6. Bishop Dr. Ewawa Israel Odezi 7. Arch Bishop Dr. John N. Ezenwoke 8. Bishop Eguono J. Ashoghovwia THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To encourage co-existence between host communities and oil company 2. To provide dialogue in resolving dispute arising from oil exploration among host communities.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Olympian, Isaac Uche Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic games.

“I am tired of people blaming government or the Athletics

D

Dillian Whyte (right) last fought in July when he beat Oscar Rivas

Federation of Nigeria for failure to prepare athletes for major games. Having benefitted in the past, l have decided to give my little contribution to put our athletes in good shape,” Uche said.

A sprinter in his active days and currently member Abia State Athletics Association, Uche disclosed that the competition would be continuous, following what he described as huge demand across the country.

He however regretted the downward trend in Nigerian sprint events, especially among the male sprinters, and called for swift reversal.

“This is the reason I am urging the athletes to explore this opportunity to prepare themselves for major games,” the sponsor also said.

Over 100 athletes from all over Nigeria will compete in the one-day All-Comers championship where cash and other prizes will be won.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. IDEMUDIA AGBONTAEN GUOBADIA (CHAIRMAN) 2. CYRIL ONWURA GINIKA (SECRETARY) 3. IBUDE AIMIEMWINOSOMO GUOBADIA 4. TEMITAYO OLAMIDE GUOBADIA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.

CYRIL ONWURA GINIKA (Chairman) 2.

ATUSIUBA EVANS ONYEAGHANKEOBE (Secretary)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To exist as a church of believers where the gospel of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ is preached.

2.To preach the gospel to all mankind through the establishment of church branches and through organisation of crusades, revivals, concerts and outreach programmes.

3.To carry out missionary works and evangelism throughout the country.

4.To disciple believers by teaching them practical Christianity.

5.To cater for the welfare of members and people in our immediate communities.

winding up

CAC/IT/NO: 72730.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. DR. CHARITY KONYEGWOSE USIFOH -REAPPOINTED 2. MRS. ADELINE ORIFE-REAPPOINTED 3. MR. GEORGE CHIMA-REAPPOINTED 4. MR. MANASSEH TERKURA IGYUH-APPOINTED 5. DR. EZIMMA GRACE OBUE-APPOINTED 6. BARR. CHINELO NGOZI IKWUETO-APPOINTED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO SUPPORT HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING IN NIGERIA 2. TO PROMOTE BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES FROM RESOURCES –CONSTRAINED AND UNDESERVED COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA 3. TO PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES THAT ULTIMATELY IMPROVES HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED AND UNDERSERVERED COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA. THAT CHESIDS HEREBY APPLIES FOR ITS AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION IN CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE NEW NAME : NATIONAL HIBISCUS FARMERS, PROCESSORS, MARKETERS & EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR change of name, amendment of the entire constitution and addition of new Trustees of the Incorporated Trustee (IT) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THR EXISTING TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Maj. Gen. Rilwanu Sabo Abubakar (Rtd) - Chairman; 2 . Alh. Muhammed Alhassan Hashim Rimi; 3. Gen. Aminu Maitama (Rtd); 4. Rilwanu Muhammad Taufiq - Secretary THE NEW ADDITIONAL TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Najimudeen Ahmed Dikko; 2. Ishaq Yahaya; 3. Okoro Chidume; 4. Haj. Fatima Kachalla Gana; 5. Kenneth Omorogbe change of name, amendment of the entire constitution and addition of new Trustees of the Incorporated Trustee (IT).

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Barr. Hakim Bakare Legal Adviser.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To enhance social cultural association and oneness amongst Knights of Lekki.

2. To harness social cultural prospects among members.

3. To create a sense of community responsibility and social responsibility

LIGHTHOUSE HARVESTERS CHRISTIAN MISSION

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THE OLD NAME : HIBISCUS FARMERS AND MARKETERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ogunyomi Jelili Adebola (Chairman) 2. Selesi Adebayo Olalekan (Secretary) 3. Runsewe Abiodun Oluwaseo 4. Martins Semiu Adeyemi 5. Shitta-Mayor Mohammad Olayiwola 6. Hakeem Ademola Uthman 7. Akamo Olakunle Oladapo

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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OVERCOMERS IN CHRIST VICTORY ASSEMBLY

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CENTRE FOR HEALTH SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND INITIATIVES

Whyte announces return to ring next month illian Whyte says his next fight will take place on 7 December, with a “strong possibility” of being on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz in Saudi Arabia.

Heavyweight Whyte last fought in July, when he beat Oscar Rivas on points.

Whyte, 31, tested positive for a banned substance before the bout but was cleared to take part, while the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) told BBC Sport he is “not suspended”.

No opponent has yet been named.

Asked whether Whyte could appear on the Joshua-Ruiz undercard, promoter Eddie Hearn said on the iFL TV podcast last week: “It has gone from a possibility to a strong possibility.

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Uche pledges to assist Team Nigeria athletes ahead of Tokyo 2020

eam Nigeria ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has received a boost with a former Olympian, Isaac Uche (1st left in the photo above during his active days), offering to assist the athletes through the 1st Uche Isaac Sprint/Relay Athletics Championship scheduled for next year in Lagos.

The maiden championship, which would hold on April 11, 2020 at the Yaba College of Technology Mini-Stadium, would see athletes compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, relays and other activities.

According to the sponsor, Isaac Uche, the competition will help to prepare Team Nigeria athletics contingent for both

CLASSIFIED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To establish schools where children of the less privileged in the society can have access to qualitative sound moral and formal education.

2. To inculcate the spirit of hard work, reading culture, unity and friendship in children and to prepare them to cope with the challenges of life and living in later years.

3. To provide and confer scholarships, bursaries and grants to as many deserving children as the scope of the foundation can accommodate.

Santiago Munoz (Mexico).

Voting will end next week

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay November 20, 2019

ANIEFIOK I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ANIEFIOK GLORY . NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ANIEFIOK GREEN MENDIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To exist as a church of believers where the gospel of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ is preached.

2.To preach the gospel to all mankind through the establishment of church branches and through organisation of crusades, revivals, concerts and outreach programmes.

3.To carry out missionary works and evangelism throughout the country.

4.To disciple believers by teaching them practical Christianity.

5.To cater for the welfare of members and people in our immediate communities.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

winding up

. . . putting the people first

, Wednesay November 20, 2019

SPORTS latest

Davis Cup finals 2019: Murray cautious of heavy workload

A

ndy Murray says he needs to be cautious about his workload at the revamped Davis Cup finals with the potential for Great Britain to play five ties in five days.

Murray, 32, is part of a British team that plays the Netherlands on Wednesday and Kazakhstan on Thursday.

If they progress through the group they will play a quarter-final tie on Friday before potential semifinal and final ties at the weekend.

The former world number one has not completely ruled out playing doubles in Madrid, however, as 18 nations contest a football-style knockout tournament for the first time to determine the Davis Cup champions.

Enrique to return as Spain manager after daughter’s death

L

uis Enrique, whose daughter died from bone cancer in August, is returning as Spain manager five months after stepping down for personal reasons.

Enrique resigned in June after 11 months in the job and announced in August that his nineyear-old daughter, Xana, had died.

The 49-year-old former Barcelona boss was replaced by his assistant, Robert Moreno.

Moreno was in charge as Spain beat Romania 5-0 on Monday. It saw Spain wrap up qualification for Euro 2020 without losing a game.

Moreno, who also worked under Enrique at Roma, Celta Vigo and Barcelona, said after taking the job he would “step aside” if Enrique ever wanted to return.

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Lessons from the Kogi, Bayelsa polls T

he Kogi and Bayelsa elections have come, winners have emerged but the last has not been heard of the processes and the outcomes of the polls. What amazes me most about the actions and reactions of Nigerians to issues, not limited to the just concluded elections, is the indisputable manifestation of personal pre-desires and affiliations to courses. We naturally respond to our biases and not realities and facts of issues.

The disposition of the some High Court Judges before the elections in both states called for serious concern. When the Judiciary has begun the process of rebirth over the year, certain elements within the fold of the judges has chosen the path of dishonor, dishing out destructive and anti-development injunctions to highest bidders.

In just a period of four days in Bayelsa, there were three injunctions disrupting the election process and creating discord in existing plan. The first was an injunction five days to the election instructing the court to disqualify the running mate of the APC candidate in the election; three days to the election, another injunction disqualifying the APC candidate in the election and an order for INEC to take off the party from the ballot. While we were still ruminating the extent of the court and individuals abuse of processes leading to the arbitrary dishing out of injunctions and abuse of the process, another injunction disqualifying the PDP candidate was served a day to the election.

Not limited to Bayelsa state, in the last ten days to the elections, INEC was forced withdraw already distributed election materials twice to effect changes on the ballot papers. These were to cancel orders of other courts that had earlier instructed the body to take off some candidates and parties.

This caricature cannot be allowed to persist; we need to as a matter of national urgency, the National Judicial Council must call some judges to order.

This arbitrary and probably paid for injunctions would not only disrupt the elections processes and plans as in the cases listed but equally has the capacity to bring the name of the judiciary to disrepute; when it becomes a

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

WEDNESDAY COLUMN By

USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com norm that when the offer is good enough, you can always get a judge sign the paper for you.

I suggest we establish that all pre-election litigations must be rested at least forty days before the election to allow both the INEC and the participating parties in the election concentrate in the preparations for the poll. This would serve us better as a nation.

Another major and very important issue arising from the two elections is the inherent tendencies of political parties, individuals and even the civil society groups to reel out accusations of violence and electoral manipulations without any palpable and verifiable evidence ascertaining same. It is unbecoming of the political parties and most especially the civil society groups who claimed to have monitored the polls.

The civil societies are not only formidably equipped for the election monitoring assignment, they are equally financially equipped considering the magnitude of fund most of them access from donor agencies. The civil society groups are legally allowed to be present both at the polling units and at the collation center and access hand-on and real-time evidences of events but all we hear after the election are oral dictations without formidable evidences.

If the civil societies had had representations at almost all the polling units, how could they not have been able to get video and audio evidences as well as polling unit by polling unit results for comparison with the eventual INEC declared results?

It thus appear to me that most of the civil society groups monitoring elections in Nigeria are more interested in presenting reports of elections that are marred with violence and then come up with papers that call for reforms after reforms to be presented to their donor agencies for more released of fund to the groups. This seems

like a reflection of several other institutions in Nigeria who have become more interested not in contributing to processes, reforms and development but personal aggrandizements from the processes. Just like most of our media houses would now easily report any news regardless of its authenticity if the brown envelop accompany it.

Just like almost every other Nigerians, who are boldly angered and commenting freely on the outcomes of the two gubernatorial polls, we were mostly far away from both states on Saturday, 16th of November. We have no firsthand information of happenings and events that characterized and described the elections. We were glued to the social media and from there got and built our personal opinions and stories of the events of the elections. We listened to politicians and actors in the battle fields and choose who to believe and our personal opinion strongly formed.

We are now equipped to discuss the Bayelsa and Kogi elections. We took and swallow whole information from the social and some mainstream media regardless of who posted them. When we rather should have armed ourselves with perfect understanding of the mainstream disposition of Nigerian political parties during elections and their perennial behavior during same; when we ought to know that based on the Nigerian ccontext the parties all come into the election to win by all means possible; when we ought to have allowed the processes of the parties primaries to dictate our beliefs and reactions, recollecting the violence, vote buying, distortion and ballot snatching that characterized the primaries and conclude that political parties and individuals who do not believe a primary election could be won freely without manipulating the process as we witnessed in both states would

equally not come into the bigger poll without a comprehensive plan to effect a more grandeur manipulation I presume that it is illogical for the civil society groups and individuals to boldly come out to ascertain that a certain party unilaterally undermines the electoral process without any proof of evidence.

In the course of the Kogi election, we watched the former Senator Dino Melaye playfully cast his vote at a polling unit that was calm; yet later the following morning, the same Sen. Melaye told the whole world how he was not allowed to vote; how his polling unit was enmeshed in violence and how his nephew and two other were shot at the same polling unit. Earlier, before these ugly narratives, the former Senator was at ease reeling out results via his tweeter handle; he didn’t deem it fit to report the situations at the polling unit until the unexpected began to happen and result from the field became unfavourable. Is it humanly possible that Senator melaye lost his nephew to the election and there is not a single photo or video evidence of it or of his burial till now. Yet so many Nigerians including these civil society groups would probably present that in their report as they magnify the extent of manipulations and violence in the elections while others just chose to stand by the words of these political actors The social media has been agog with stories of manipulations, killings and what have you, but all we repeatedly see on the television are scanty Cont. on page 25

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