Wednesday, October 23, 2019 Edition

Wednesday, October 23, 2019/ Safar 23, 1441 AH Vol. 32 No. 077 N150

2021 Days after

ICPC declares ex-SPIP boss, Obono-Obla wanted

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Court orders interim forfeiture of 23 properties linked to Maina

>>>page 5

132 Nigerian infants die in every 1,000 births -NPC

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President Muhammadu Buhari being welcomed by Mayor of Sochi, Anatoly Pakhomov and other top Russian government officials during the President’s arrival at Mezhdunarodnyy Airport for the Russia-Africa Economic Forum on Monday in Sochi Russia.

Photo: STATE HOUSE

Kogi guber: PDP cautions banks on loans to Gov. Bello pAGE 5

Army captures 2 B/Haram commanders, 14 others in Borno pAGE 8

NSCDC busts another inhuman rehabilitation centre in Zaria pAGE 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

News News

2-10, 14

Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Health

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi Participants from various schools in Ogun celebrating the International World Chef Day organised by Nestle Nigeria Plc at Sagamu on Monday in Ogun. Photo: NAN

18

Business

19-20

Feature

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

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2020 budget: Registrar gets NASS kudos as JAMB remits N3b to FG

By Usman Shuaibu

Kaduna govt trains 50 evaluators , school support officers Page 4

Environment 25 Feature

26

Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

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News

Senate seeks sufficient funds for Mambila project

CONTENTS

I

n response to an impressive remittance of N3billion to the Federal Government, members of the National Assembly Committees on Tertiary Education and Services have given kudos to the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof.

Ishaq Oloyede.

This came after Oloyede had appeared before the Joint Sitting of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu had defended the 2020 budget of the ministry, following which the joint sitting took note of the exceptional performance of JAMB under Oloyede.

After the exit of the Minister, the Registrar of JAMB was called to make his presentation.

He first reviewed the performance of 2019 budget where he revealed that JAMB has stopped receiving capital allocation and overhead allocation from the federal government since 2017.

He said the Board has taken over the total funding of its capital and overhead cost.

A member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi-North) commended the Registrar for “repositioning JAMB from negativity to positivity.”

He said when he was Minister of Education, “the Registrar then was among the top Vice Chancellors.

Oloyede moved a motion that

“JAMB Registrar should take a bow and leave.”

While seconding the motion, Senator Tolu Odebiyi (Ogun West) commended the JAMB Registrar for “turning the Board around.”

He commended the remittances of the Board for the past three years to the Federation Account.

Also, Hon. Musbau Kolawole (Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Lagos) also commended the Registrar of JAMB. Thereafter, the Co-Chairmen Sen. Ahmed Baba Kaita(Senate) and Hon. Aminu Suleiman(House) called for a voice vote that “the JAMB Registrar should take a bow and leave.”

Oloyede however said with the ongoing reforms, JAMB has not been getting capital allocation and overhead allocation from the Federal Government.

He said JAMB has set aside another N2billion for capital development.

He said: “A major problem of the Board is examination malpractice and the involvement of parents who actually are the perpetrators of examination malpractice.

“The Board has no problem that is insurmountable since I have been appointed to solve the problems.

Lamenting about problems would be of no use.

“The Board as usual, despite the reduction of application cost by 30% has returned N3b to FGN this year apart from the N2billion set aside for capital development. The Board shall aspire to make higher returns next year while making considerable improvement in the quality of its services.”

Kaduna govt. urges contractors to return to site, assures payment From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna State government has said it has raised funds to settle all contract liabilities and urged contractors executing projects in the education sector to return to site.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Murtala Dabo, made the appeal in Kaduna yesterday during a meeting with contractors and consultants.

Dabo apologised to the contractors for the delay in payment despite their sacrifice and patience, attributed the development to scarcity of funds and competing demands.

“But things have changed and I am telling you, with all sincerity, that your money is now available. All you need to do is generate certificates and we will pay you.

“We want to complete all ongoing projects in the sector so we are ready to pay you, but when we give you money, we expect to see

you on site.

“The Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Makarfi, has been struggling to get money for you to return to site and complete your job. I am telling you that the money is now available,” he said.

Earlier, Makarfi said that the sector got a reasonable allocation in the 2020 budget for capital projects, but stressed that only performing contractors would be considered for payment.

For the payment of outstanding contract liabilities, the commissioner said that the contractors must sign a commitment letter before they would be paid.

Makarfi stressed that all contractors must write to indicate how far they had gone and the expected time of completion of the project before they would be paid.

He, however, expressed that though some of the contractors had been paid, they refused to return to sites, a development he

described as ‘displeasing’ to the government.

The commissioner said that all contractors who collected government money and refused to go back to site would be delisted.

He also said that the government had mandated all contractors to consult community leaders, when executing projects, as parts of efforts to strengthen community involvement in the execution of government projects for sustainability.

The major challenge affecting contract execution in the state, according to the contractors is lack of payment.

One of the contractors, Amaka NjinakaOgundipe of Etech, said she was given a contract without mobilisation but executed the project using her money, adding that the project was ready for hand over.

She, however, appealed to the state government to fulfill its side of the agreement by paying contractors as at when due.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

T

he Senate Commitee on Power has directed the Federal Ministry of Power to immediately commence work on the Mambila Hydro Power Project, urging them to give the project an urgent priority.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Gabriel Suswam, gave the charge during the 2019 budget defence by the ministry of power, where he also said the president has injected huge amount of money in the sector, a sign that he is committed to ensuring stability in power supply.

The chairman also charged the Minister to monitor his staff to ensure that they did not mess him up in his efforts to deliver on the mandate given to him by the president.

He said the Mambila project holds high hopes for stability in the power sector, adding that every available funds should be channelled to the project.

However, earlier speaking, the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, agreed that the ministry would give the Mambila Power Project a special attention and ensure all power projects across the country will be speeded up to ensure that Nigerians enjoy quality power supply.

The Minister, in an opening remarks at the Budget Screening said the huge budget allocation to power sector by President Muhammadu Buhari shows his commitment to Mamman said Buhari has already demonstrated maximum commitment to solving the Power Sector problems by making a huge allocation to the sector, in addition to tirelessly seeking for foreign and multilateral financial support to the industry.

He said the President’s Sincere efforts calls for similar action from the legislature towards providing electricity to all Nigerians across the country. ‘’The problem of Power supply to Nigerians is endemic and has continued to persist despite several measures especially by the present administration to mitigate the situation.

“It is a Nigerian Problem.

It affects all of us. There is no need for blame games. No need to look back. All Nigerians irrespective of their spheres of responsibility must contribute their quota in tackling all issues affecting the Sector.

The Minister appealed to the Senate and distinguished Members of the Committee to give the ministry the cooperation and support to address the knotty issues confronting us.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

ICPC declares ex-SPIP boss, Obono-Obla wanted

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has declared the suspended Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, wanted due to his repeated failure to appear before it to answer questions bordering on allegations of fraud and corruption.

This was contained on a report on the Facebook page of the ICPC posted yesterday.

Obono-Obla, a lawyer, is

facing series of allegations leveled against him by members of the public on his role as head of the government panel on asset recovery.

The Commission stated that it is in receipt of petitions accusing Obono-Obla of abuse of office, falsification of admission records, living above his income and collection of gratification from suspects under his investigation.

The suspended chairman is also facing allegations of working outside the guidelines governing the panel by investigating unauthorized petitions and prosecuting suspects without

recourse to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

The ICPC further said that it had conducted series of investigations on the allegations with preliminary findings showing that some provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and extant laws of Nigeria had been allegedly violated by Mr. ObonoObla.

Consequently, ICPC extended several invitations to him, which he had failed to honour without giving any reason. According to the Facebook post, “”Attempts

to track and make him appear before the Commission also failed leading ICPC to contact other law enforcement agencies for assistance concerning his whereabouts.

“One of such contacts has yielded results as records from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) show that Mr. Obono-Obla had travelled out of the country.

“The NIS records revealed that he left the country to an undisclosed location on 17th August, 2019, through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, and has not returned two months after,” it said.

Participants at the launch of founding reports on Malaria futures for West Africa and Central Africa, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

NSCDC busts another inhuman rehabilitation centre in Zaria From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

nother rehabilitation centre melting inhuman treatment on their inmates in Zaria city of Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been busted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kaduna Command.

The centre known as Malam Aliyu Mai Adakan Salatul Fatih in Zaria had about 11 inmates, some in leg and hand chains which were rescued following intelligence gathering.

Parading the suspects operating the centre, the Deputy Commandant of NSCDC Kaduna Command, Mr Nnegha Aloysious Onyema, disclosed that three of the inmates are already dead

following unbearable torture. “ We busted two of the centres limanchi corner and Marmara centres all in Zaria qnf evacuated 11 inmates ranging from 11-40 years of age from the two centres while one other centre had released their inmates following information that other centres has been bursted but we arrested the operator. “ He said, the operators of the centre, five of whom have been arrested alongside the victims will be handed over to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development for necessary actions and prosecution.

Kaduna State Deputy Governor who arrived the headquarters of the NSCDC Kaduna Her Excellency, Dr.

Hadiza Balarebe in company of the Commissioners for internal security and home affairs Aruwan Samuel and that of Human Services and Social development Hajia Hafsat Baba condemned the inhuman treatment against fellow human being.

She took brief from the inmates who narrated their ordeal at the centre and same from the operator of the centre.

Speaking with newsmen thereafter, the deputy governor assured that the government will take necessary actions against the operators while the victims will be provided necessary medical care before handing them over to their parents.

She urged parents to desist from taking their wards to such

centres or will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.

One of the victim, Abdullahi Aliyu Ishola, 30, from Osun state said, a family member just took him there and all of a sudden he was chained both legs and hands and ever since then subjected to all manners of inhuman treatment, including regular beating and food denials.

Ishola who said, he is a National Duploma holder of Mass Communication from Ire polytechnic in Osun State thanked God that they were finally rescued.

The operators of the centres however claimed that the inmates were brought to them by their parents for help which they do, but denied beating them.

PAGE 4

News

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Edo hosts first NAFEST in 40 years

Supreme Court justices fallible, amenable to correction, says CJN

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

A

fter 31 editions, the ancient city of Benin finally played host to the 2019 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture(NAFEST) with a colourful opening ceremony.

The Executive Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki alongside members of his EXCO and Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe symbolically opened a cultural calabash to declare the festival open at the University of Benin Sports Complex.

The opening witnessed a string of captivating performances by veterans such as the legendary Guiltar Boy, Sir. Victor Uwaifo and ace Afro-pop Crooner, Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface amongst other highly entertaining displays.

Speaking at the event, Governor Obaseki said the programme will help in strengthening the bond of unity in Nigeria, noting, “We are happy to host the nation. Our culture unites us all. You saw the performances by various states today and for the first time in the history of the festival, we are having the highest number of states participating in the programme.”

He thanked the NCAC for making the hosting right possible for the state admonishing everyone to participate in the programme throughout the week.

Delivering his address, Otunba Runsewe said the 32nd edition of NAFEST has shown that Nigeria is a great nation with diverse culture, adding, “There is no disagreement that this programme has brought out the unity of the country as both the military and civilians have participated in this edition here in Benin.”

Also speaking at the opening, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbiede Ihama said, “Today is for celebration as history has been made here with Edo hosting NAFEST for the first time in 40 years.”

“My committee is committed to supporting the festival. We beat five other states to win the hosting right. The festival coincides with the birthday and third-year coronation anniversary of our Oba, Ewuare II.” He added.

Other dignitaries who graced the opening include, wife of the Edo Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu and his wife, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu and Edo Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero. The weeklong event has been programmed to entertain, empower and foster unity and pride amongst Nigerians with a sumptuous lineup of activities set to light up Benin.

T

he Chief Justice of Nigeria(CJN) Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has stated that the Justices of the Supreme Court are not repository of knowledge, hence they are fallible and always amenable to correction.

This is contained in a statement signed and released yesterday by the Director of Press and Information of the Supreme court, Dr Akande Festus.

According to the statement, Justice Muhammad stated this during a courtesy visit to the Supreme Court by members of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday.

The CJN said, “With the way we operate, if any of you has any reservations, please, write us, criticize us within the ambit of your knowledge and experience. ‘’ We can’t claim to know it all. We are still learning because learning, as we all know, is a continuum. Our doors are wide open for constructive criticisms.

Even our grammar, punctuation have to be corrected to avoid any error in the rulings and judgments we give.”

Addressing the delegates, the CJN said, as Justices, they don’t pick offence when their written drafts of judgments were corrected, especially errors arising from the use of grammar.

He asserted that it was a practice in force in Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to ensure that all judgments come out in an acceptable manner after all the necessary critics and corrections. ‘’The rules provide that each Judge should give his own independent judgement but they are equally at liberty to adopt what has been offered. No coercion, no intimidation and no compelling force to make any Judge align with the opinions and views of others. ’’ Further in the statement, Justice Tanko stated that even though he has not had the opportunity of reading the 2019 AMCON Amendment Act, but from the brief presentation made by the visiting

team, he was convinced that a good and thorough job was done.

He, however, expressed concern over the poor law enforcement mechanism put in place in the country which has largely slowed down the wheel of justice.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Mr. Ahmed Kuru expressed the appreciation of the Corporation for the willingness of the court and justices to assist them at every given opportunity, pointing out that the various input from previous interactions and the last meeting with the justices of the court were incorporated into the 2019 AMCON Amendment Act.

L-R: Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy JedAgba, Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, Member senate Committee on power, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Minority leader of the Senate/Deputy Chairman senate committee on power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, during the Ministry of power budget defence with Senate Committee on power, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Kaduna govt trains 50 evaluators , school support officers From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna State Educational Quality Assurance Authority (KADSEQAA,) has begun a training of 50 Evaluators and School Support Officers (SSOs) on quality education to scale up quality assurance in the state.

Speaking during the opening ceremony in Kaduna yesterday, the Director General of the ,(KADSEQAA,) Mrs

Umma Ahmad, said that the five days training would help the participants to understand the focal points which needs to be evaluated in schools, to meet desired results.

The DG who was represented

by Shehu Rufa’i,explained that the 50 evaluators would be responsible for the evaluation of the quality of teaching and learning in public and private schools in the state.

“Training is one of the key

important factors, you cannot be a master if you stop learning,” she said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Mrs Phoebe Yayi, who represented the Commissioner of Education, Malam Shehu Makarfi said, “we want them to understand that their duty is not just to sit down in the offices and classrooms.

“They need to know that

their primary responsibility is to ensure that teachers are effective, pupils and students are learning smoothly and the school is well managed and in good shape.”

He noted that the pupils and students were the main focus during school evaluation to ensure quality.

He, therefore, said that the training would focus on quality provisions, impact of leadership and learning outcome.

Delta sanitation taskforce seals off 65 buildings over default From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

D

elta State government through the state Capital Territory Development Agency ( DCTDA) Taskforce on Tuesday sealed off 65 residential/ commercial buildings and arrested 41 defaulters in the exercise that was carried out with armed military men and policemen in Asaba At a closely monitored taskforce operation by journalists, defaulters

openly wept and stranded as the taskforce members enforced the laws to destroy makeshifts blocking drainages including walkway erected in lawless manners by these defaulters who were later taken away with Hilux van to their office around Awai road in Asaba Starting from the summit end of Asaba to Ogbeogonogo market, the taskforce members including armed security agents, descended on stubborn defaulters, particularly residents and

commercial buildings’ operators whose premises had been over grown with weeds and littered with used tissue papers, others, dumped empty cans.

But speaking to journalists, the Director General, DCTDA, Mrs Joan Mrakpor said that before the operation make Asaba clean, there was a meeting of the stakeholders where a 21 day ultimatum was issued and a grace of two weeks, massive sensitization of the people, adding that it was an

embarrassment for government offices to be culprits in the sanitation war.

She said that, the sealed premises would be charged to court and made to pay fines for stressing and violating the state government’s laws after several warnings, and called on Deltans to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their environment, adding that the sanitation exercise would be sustained for a stronger and neater Delta.

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

News

132 Nigerian infants die in every 1,000 births –NPC From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

T

he National Population Commission (NPC) has lamented the high level of infants’ deaths in the country, disclosing that an average of 132 infants die in 1, 000 births.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Bimbola Salu-hundeyin made the disclosure yesterday while addressing journalists

in Bauchi at the commencement of data collection for the 2019 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) Survey in the state.

Represented by the National Commissioner of the Commission in charge of Bauchi and Gombe States Abubakar Danburam, the NPC boss said every available tool must be deployed to combat and curb the menace in order to save the lives of the upcoming generation.

He explained that the objectives of the survey is to obtain data to determine the causes and contributory factors to deaths in children aged zero to five.

Bimbola said, the 2019 edition of the Verbal and Social Autopsy Survey is the second in the series conducted by the commission after the one carried out in 2014. “ There is no gain stating the fact that under 5 mortality in Nigeria is very high

with an average of 132 deaths per 1, 000 births. What needs stating unequivocally is that every available tool must be deployed to combat and curb the menace in our society. “ I am very optimistic that the data will be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to formulate policies, design and implement programmes that will go a long way in reducing Neonatal and Child Mortality to the barest minimum in Nigeria,” he stated.

Court orders interim forfeiture of 23 properties linked to Maina

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

J

ustice Folasade Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an interim forfeiture order on 23 landed properties traced to the embattled former boss of Pension Reform Task Team, Abdurasheed Maina.

The Judge gave the order, yesterday, after hearing an ex parte motion filled by the anti graft agency, as well as giving an order directing the publication of the order of interim forfeiture in any national daily newspaper.

According the trial judge, the order of newspaper publication is warn any person(s) or body(ies) who may have interest in the assets and properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of such publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of the said assets and properties should not be made.

The ex parte motion, which was moved by Mohammed Abubakar alleged that the said properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities traced to Miana and his associates.

It was brought pursuant to Section 17(1) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

The properties include houses, estates, companies among others located in Abuja, Kaduna, Borno and Nasarawa States.

Some of the properties are; Plot MF 19, Cadastral Zone, Karl Abuja, Plot 18 Road F, Malawi North East

Residential Layout Kaduna, Kaduna State, Flat 42C, SMC Quarters Unguwan Dosa, plot 016 comprising of 3bedroom semidetached bungalow, Kaduna, Kaduna state, A property at Tola street Bandarawa Kaduna

comprising of 3bedrooms and undeveloped land, Kaduna Also a property at Plat Y12; Kano street Kano new extension Kaduna, Kaduna state, Block 23 Flat 2, Life camp(2bedroom

semidetached) FCT Abuja, Plot of Cof O BO/426 Beacon B 5086, B5087, B5105; B5014; B5099 Cadastral B05 Utako, FCT, Plot 965 Cadastral zoneC02 Gwarinmpa FCT ECT.

L-R; Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo; NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba; and Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugboaja, during the NLC National Leadership Retreat 2019,, yesterday in Enugu > Photo: NAN

Kogi guber: PDP cautions banks on loans to Gov Bello

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised commercial banks in Nigeria to be circumspect in giving loans or any form of credit to the administration of out-going Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, as the state is not wiling to bear any responsibility for such facilities when Governor Yahaya Bello vacates office in a few months time.

The PDP specifically drew the attention of commercial banks to the fact that Yahaya Bello cannot scale the hurdles of the November 16 governorship election following the consensus by the people to vote in the PDP candidate, Engr. Musa

Wada, as their next governor.

The PDP cautioned financial institutions to note that Governor Bello and his administration now have a Caveat Emptor badge and that the people of Kogi are not ready to inherit their financial liabilities.

The party alerted that the caution “is sequel to information to our disposal on alleged intentions of the Bello administration to mislead commercial banks into granting it huge loans, under certain hazy items and conditions, after which the money would be frittered by APC leaders and cronies of the administration”.

Continuing, the PDP said,”Our party wants the nation to note that the people of Kogi state can no longer accept any further

mortgaging of the future of the state by Yahaya Bello, whose administration has gone down as the most profligate in the history of our nation and which cannot account for over N700 billions of Kogi fund released to it in the last four years.

“Anybody or organization in league with Yahaya Bello is directly supporting the torturing and impoverishing of the people of Kogi state by the Bello administration, which has manifested so much insensitivity in owing workers as much as 36 months’ salary arrears.

On our part, the PDP is committed to running a prudent, transparent and productive administration where the welfare and economic empowerment of

the people is overriding; where salaries are paid promptly, where infrastructural development in critical sectors take center stage and where accountability is the watchword.

“In this regard, the PDP urges all financial watch organizations to join the people of Kogi state in monitoring all monetary activities of the Bello administration as well as all inflows into the state coffers, particularly, the N10.06 billion federal refund, which the PDP insists, must be declared and directly channeled for the payment of salaries so as not to allow the ring of APC leaders achieve their plot of diverting and stealing the money for their selfish purposes”, it said.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 6

News

N

igerian banks have denied asking MTN to impose a new charge on customers for using the telecom firm’s access codes to conduct financial transactions.

MTN on Sunday announced a N4 charge for every 20 seconds of using USSD bank codes, claiming it took the decision as requested by the banks.

“Yello, as requested by your bank, from Oct. 21, we will start charging you directly for USSD access to banking services. Please contact your bank for more information,” the company said in a text message.

The government ordered the suspension of the plan after many Nigerians expressed outrage at a time citizens have been caused to pay more in tax and other charges.

Communications minister, Isa Pantami, said he was not briefed before the announcement by MTN. The Body of Bank CEOs said in a statement on Monday that MTN’s claim the banks called for the charges was untrue.

The group said, “the banks did not ask MTN to start charging customers as contained in the text message. The decision on whether,

Banks disown MTN over demand for USSD charge and what amount, to charge a customer for assessing USSD is entirely that of the telco company, in the same way a customer is billed for calls, SMS and data.”

It said, “MTN is the only company that is yet to implement end-user billing which is the standard practice for customerinitiated transactions. This is despite the fact that the banks, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), have engaged MTN over a period of more than one year to try and bring down the cost of USSD to aid financial inclusion.”

The government’s earlier statement by the Ministry of Communications said on Sunday, “The office of the Honourable Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS,

FBCS, FIIM is unaware of this development and has hereby directed the sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ensures the operator suspends such plans until the Honourable Minister is fully and properly briefed.”

Separately, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also opposed plans by MTN to apply the USSD charge.

The governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, gave the bank’s position at a news briefing by the Nigerian delegation to the just-concluded World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, in Washington on Sunday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Responding to a question seeking his reaction to the announcement, the CBN governor

said the bank would not allow that to happen.

“About five, four months ago, I held a meeting with some telecom companies as well as the leading banks in Nigeria at Central Bank, Lagos,” he was quoted as saying.

“At that time, we came to a conclusion that the use of USSD is a sunk cost. What we mean by a sunk cost is that it is not an additional cost on the infrastructure of the telecom company.

“But the telecom companies disagreed with us, they said it is an additional investment on infrastructure and for that reason they needed to impose it.

“I have told the banks that we will not allow this to happen. The banks are the people who give this business to the telecom companies

and I leave the banks and the telecom companies to engage.

“I have told the banks that they have to move their business, move their traffic to a telecom company that is ready to provide it at the lowest possible, if not zero cost.

“And that is where we stand, and we must achieve it,’’ he said.

The banks’ executives, in the latest statement, said charges for financial transactions remain unchanged.

“That the banks are determined to pursue the National Financial Inclusion Strategy of the government and will continue to advocate that telcos identify wholeheartedly with this laudable initiative and implement transparent and low pricing model in the use of USSD access codes,” the statement said.

CRIME News

N7.65bn fraud: Orji Kalu knows fate December 2-Court

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

T

roubled former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu and two others will be tried on December 2, 2019, for an alleged fraud of N7.65bn, a Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Idris fixed the trial date yesterday after the prosecution and the defence adopted their written addresses and canvassed final arguments in the 12-year-old case.

Standing trial alongside Kalu are his company, Slok Nigeria Limited; and Udeh Udeogu, who was Director of Finance and Accounts at the Abia State Government House during Kalu’s tenure as governor.

In an amended 39 counts, the Economic and

Financial Crimes Commission accused them of conspiring and diverting N7.65bn from the coffers of the state.

In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Kalu, who was Abia State Governor between 1999 and 2007, “did procure Slok Nigeria Limited – a company solely owned by you and members of your family – to retain in its account, domiciled with the then Inland Bank Plc, Apapa branch, Lagos, an aggregate sum of N7,197,871,208.7 on your behalf.”

The prosecution claimed that the N7.1bn “formed part of the funds illegally derived from the treasury of the Abia State Government and which was converted into several bank drafts before they were paid into the said company’s account.”

Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the prosecuting

counsel, said the ex-governor violated Section 17(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, and was liable to be punished under Section 16 of the same Act. Apart from the N7.1bn, which he was accused of laundering, the ex-governor and the other defendants were also accused of receiving a total of N460m allegedly stolen from the Abia State Government treasury between July and December 2002.

According to the prosecutor, they breached Section 427 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

In an attempt to prove the allegations, the prosecution called 19 witnesses.

The defendants testified on behalf of themselves in an attempt to deny the allegations.

The prosecutor therefore urged the judge to jail the defendants as the prosecution had proved the allegations against them.

He said the 2nd defendant had already admitted to the offence both in his extrajudicial statement and under cross-examination.

“The admission is binding on all the defendants,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor also said that contrary to Kalu’s statement that Abia State did not have as much as N7bn during his administration, information from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation showed total allocation to Abia State under Kalu was N137bn.

The defence urged the court to dismiss the charges, acquit and discharge their clients.

After hearing them all out, Justice Idris fixed December 2 for judgment.

$9.5m FIFA grant: Court fixes December 16 for AGF report

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

A

Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, has fixed December 16 for the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to report on the harmonisation of the cases against some Nigeria Football

The three officials of NFF before against the defendants pending in They were alleged to have conspired between January 8 and the court in the case of alleged different courts to be harmonised.

He prayed the court that in the 26, 2015 to commit the offence, misappropriation before applying contrary to Section 97 of Penal Code. on April 30 to join both Pinnick interest of justice and to avoid abuse Justice Peter Affen had and Sanusi in the matter as co- of court processes that time should be given to them to harmonise the earlier fixed October 22 for ruling defendants.

Those being tried earlier were cases. on the application filed by the Responding, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crime Christopher Andekin, NFF Director Commission(EFCC) to join the of Administration and Finance; EFCC Mr Makinde Olufemi told Nigeria Football Reagan Zaka, Cashier and Fadanari the court that they are left with no F e d e r a t i o n Mamza, Head, Finance and Account option than to go with the possible date given.

(NFF) President, Department.

After listening to their When the matter came up Amaju Pinnick Justice Affen and Secretary- yesterday, a senior state counsel, submissions, General, Dr Mr Abubakar Musa, told the court adjourned till December 16 for the

by Isiguzo at the election emanated from the M o h a m m e d that the Attorney General of the AGF to report on the outcome of the institution.

Federation wants all the matters harmonisation.

Sanusi.

Part of the letter read: “The NUJ South East Zone C of which he (Isiguzo) belongs as a member is desirous of investigating the said certificate and hereby attaches the already submitted notification of result for your confirmation and certification (See the notification of result as attached).”

Responding, the office of the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Oko in a letter entitled: “Confirmation of Notification of Result in Respect of One Mr. Chris Isiguzo Ikechukwu,” INVITATION FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE YEAR stated: 2016, 2017 AND 2018 (MERGED) TERTIARY EDUCATION TRUST “We refer to your letter dated 20th July FUND (TETFUND) ICT SUPPORT INTERVENTION 2019 and write to confirm that the national Diploma Notification of result in Mass Communication with CGPA 2.86 (Lower Credit) issued December, 1998 in respect of the above named person is genuine.”

Both Individuals (Waheed and Ngozi Agbo) had attached Isiguzo’s confirmed result as alibi in their suits filed at the National Industrial Court at Enugu and Abuja respectively, a move many said defiled logic.

While Odusile had approached the National Industrial Court Abuja to declare him winner of the last year’s October National Delegate Conference of NUJ, Agbo also prayed the same court (Enugu division) to disqualify Isiguzo for non-qualification and swear in the runners up in the election.

Federation officials in the alleged misappropriation of 9.5 million dollars in FIFA grant.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC charged the defendants with five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation.

Alleged forgery: NUJ President, Isiguzo’s certificate genuine -Oko Poly

Nasarawa: PTA urges improved welfare for primary, secondary school teachers

Suspected serial killer, Gracious David West (Right in white) during his arraignment, yesterday in court in Port Harcourt .

Photo: NAN

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

N

asarawa State chairman, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Alhaji Umaru Ahmad Ebenya has advocated for the need for government at all levels to take into cognisance teachers’ of primary and secondary school welfare packages in the country.

The state PTA who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lafia, observed that if government prioritises the welfare of teachers, the standard of education will also improve and that would equally add value to the system.

According to him, “I call on the state government to improve the living standard of teachers.

If government value teachers through giving them adequate welfare it will boost their morale generally. Imagine teachers leaving their profession today to other disciplines. Why? Because there is no incentives.”

“Pay teachers regularly. Give them loans. Provide houses for them. Create enabling environment for them to feel at home as stakeholders in the system. I assure you that the education system will improve” Ebenya added Ebenya also maintained that education secretaries position should base on seniority and not on political appointment as according to him “This has contributed to the deteriorating nature of our education system in the country.”

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Emir of Gwandu charges district, village heads on justice, fairness From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

T

he Emir of Gwandu and the chairman Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar has charged district and village heads as well as traditional title holders across the state to imbibe the virtues of God fearing and compassion in dealing with their people.

The emir gave the charge yesterday at the Abdullahi

Fodio Palace Birnin Kebbi at the Turbaning ceremonies of the two new district heads and traditional title holders.

The emir described their appointment as by merit, requesting them to govern their people in their domain with justice and fairness.

Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar further told them to work towards sustaining the prevailing peace and security in Kebbi State as well as remain obedient to the

Government at all levels.

Thousands of people from all walks of life including top government functionaries, politicians, traditional rulers, academics and the business class graced the turbaning ceremony.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was represented on the occasion by the Chief of Staff Government House, Birnin Kebbi, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu Jarman Kabi, which also has in attendance the Deputy-

Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alh. Muhammadu Buhari Aliero and other members of the assembly.

The newly turbaned Jakadan Gwandu is the Group Managing Director of the Garima Groups of Companies and the Deputy National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN who is an indigene of Dakingari, Headquarters of Suru Local Government, Gwandu Emirate in Kebbi State.

Delta NUJ raises 17-man C’ttee on 2019 press week From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

T

he Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta State Council, has set up a 17-man committee to organize the 2019 Press Week for the council.

A statement endorsed by the Chairman of the Council,

Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, said the Regional Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers , Pastor Emma Amaize, is the chairman of the committee.

The other members of the committee includes: Comrades Kingsley Azuh, Lucky Omokri, Festus Ahon, Francis Nwabiani,

Emmanuel Ekebe, Nkem Nwaeke, Joy Mordi, Felix Ekwu, Okies Veeky and Paul Osuyi.

Other members are Andrew Ohwobetehe, Sonia Unobunjo, Anthonia Mowah, Florence Nwabuowun and Nneka Ozegbe while Comrade Churchill Oyowe, the Secretary of the Council, is

the secretary of the committee.

According to the statement, the committee is charged with the overall responsibility to plan and organize a successful 2019 press week for the council.

The committee will be formally inaugurated on Thursday, October 24.

By Ochiaka Ugwu

T

he Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state has confirmed that the incumbent National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo really graduated from the institution.

This came on the heels of reports making the rounds that he Isiguzo submitted fake certificate which he used to clinch NUJ Presidency.

The institution also declared as genuine the National Diploma Certificate presented to the screening committee before the union’s national delegate conference in Abeokuta, Ogun state where Isiguzo defeated Odusile to emerge NUJ’s president.

Mr. Petrus Obi, the alleged promoter of the fake news, in dare need of an alibi, had written to the institution to confirm the National Diploma Certificate presented by Isiguzo to the screening committee set up by ex-president of NUJ, Waheed Odusile, before the National Delegate Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

But in response to Obi’s letter, on behalf of the Registrar Federal Polytechnic Oko, Ofulume Chike Esq, said Isiguzo graduated with a National Diploma in the department of Mass Communication.

NUJ vice president (zone c), Mr Petrus Obi, using his office had written to know whether the notification of result presented

HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC

CORRIGENDUM

OPENING OF TECHNICAL/FINANCIAL BID DOCUMENTS

NAF investigating killing of 2 in Sokoto –Official

T

he Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it is investigating an online report alleging the killing of two persons at Mabera Area of Sokoto Metropolis by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

“An online report by dailynigerian. com has alleged the unfortunate killing of 2 persons at Mabera Area of Sokoto Metropolis yesterday, Oct. 20, as a result of a fracas between Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel and suspected Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) youths within the Community.

“However, details regarding the unfortunate incident, which also led to some NAF personnel sustaining serious injuries,

are still sketchy.

“Consequently, the NAF is investigating the matter with a view to ascertaining the facts as well as establishing the degree of involvement of its personnel.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the NAF is a highly disciplined and professional force that does not tolerate or condone acts of indiscipline or violations of human rights of citizens.

“Therefore, every NAF personnel found guilty of misdemeanor, in the past, had always been dealt with in accordance extant laws and the general public duly informed.

“We wish to assure the public that, in line with the NAF’s usual practice, this case will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken.”(NAN)

In our advertisement on the above subject matter on page 23 of Peoples Daily Newspaper of Monday, 21st October, 2019, we erroneously stated the deadline for submission of Technical/Financial Documents as Friday, 29th November, 2019.

All interested Members of the Public, especially intending Contractors should take NOTE that the deadline for submission and Opening of Bid Documents is 10:00am on MONDAY 4TH NOVEMBER, 2019.

We sincerely regret all inconveniences please.

Signed: ISHAQ ALTI AG. REGISTRAR

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 8

By Musa Adamu Ikechukwu Okaforadi

and

N

iger State caucus of both houses of the National Assembly have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on the Federal Roads in the state.

The lawmakers, who briefed the press yesterday said although a total of 33 trunk A roads in the state were in bad shape, they specifically called on the President to declare a state of emergency on three roads.

According to Sen Aliyu

Army captures 2 Boko Haram commanders, 14 others

Declare state of emergency on Niger roads, lawmakers tell FG Abdullahi Sabi who briefed the press on behalf of two other Senators and 13 members of the House of Representatives, there is need to quickly arrest the drift by declaring a state of emergency on Minna-Suleija, Mokwa-Kaduna and Bida-Lambata roads.

The Lawmakers said by the geographical position of the state, it naturally witnessed huge volume of vehicular movements

from North to the South and vice versa.

Painting the deplorable state of the federal roads in the state, they said it was now commonplace for vehicles to spend three days on roads that should not have taken more than three hours.

They accused most articulated vehicles, also known as trailers, for worsening the situation of the

roads by taking three times more than their carrying capacity.

They called on the Federal Ministry of Works espidite action on its resolve to mount weight bridge to check the attitudes of the erring trucks.

They further called the Federal Raoad Safety Commission (FRSC) to take its job of safety enforcement serious.

The lawmakers said it

was important for the federal government to quickly address the condition of the roads in order to arrest the security challenge that the situation was fast turning into.

It would be recalled that two days ago some indigenes of this state barricaded the major roads into the state in protest to show their displeasure at the state of the roads.

L-R: Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mrs. Anetu Aliu; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq; Federal Commissioner, Refugee Commission, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons, Sen. Basheer Mohammed, during their interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on IDPs and Refugees, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

T

he Nigerian Army says it has arrested 16 Boko Haram terrorists, including two top commanders of the sect during a sting operation.

Aminu Iliyasu, the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the terrorists were arrested at Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

Mr Iliyasu, a colonel, said the arrest was made in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

He said preliminary investigations revealed that some of the suspects participated in the attack on Pulka and Gwoza including the killing of some Nigeria Police personnel some time ago.

According to him, it is heartwarming to note that two of the arrested Boko Haram criminals have been on the army most wanted Boko Haram list earlier published on Serials 41 and 90.

He said they are Lawan Garliga and Bayaga Manye, serial 41 and 90 respectively.

“Others are Boko Haram Logistics Supplier which are: Alhaji Umaru, Goni Agwala, Momodu Shetene, Hassan Audu, Usman Manye aka Yega, Ali Lawan, and Modu Mallum.

“They also include Modu Abubakar Jugudum, Bulama Ali, Umar Usman, Mustapha Alhaji Mele (Boko Haram Rifle man and vulcanizer), Abor Lassan, Mallum Ari and Mala Bala,” he said.

Mr Iliyasu said the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, had commended the officers and men of Operation Lafiya Dole following the success recorded by the troops during the sting operation.

“He also enjoined them to continue to sustain the pressure on the criminals and ensure there is no hiding place for them and their collaborators,” he said.(NAN)

PAGE 9

Masari sends 17 commissioner nominees to assembly

From Lawal Katsina

Sa’idu

Funtua,

G

overnor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has sent a list of 17 commissionership nominees to the state House of Assembly.

The Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman Abukar read out the names of the nominees at the assembly’s sitting yesterday in Katsina.

The nominees include; Alhaji Sani Aliyu Danlami, Alhaji Musa

Adams Funtua, Alhaji Faruq Jobe, Alhaji Usman Nadada, Alhaji Abdulqadir Zakka, Muntari Kado.

Others are Professor Badamasi Charles, Alhaji Ya’ u Umaru Gwajo_Gwajo, Hamza Sale, Rabe Nasir, Yakubu Nuhu, Mustapha

Kanti Bello, Tasi’u Dandagoro.

The rest are Abdulkarim Yahaya, Abdullah Imam, and Kasim Umar Mutallab.

The House has set aside Monday 28th to Wednesday 30th October for the screening of the nominees.

FG declares State of Emergency on Enugu airport

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he federal government has declared a state of emergency on the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who disclosed this at a budget

defence with the House of Representatives committee on aviation, promised to temporarily relocate his office to the edifice, to see it fixed before April 2020.

The minister promised to directly supervise the rehabilitation of the airport to make sure repair works were

done on it.

He also announced that the new terminal building for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, will be ready before the end of April, 2020.

Sirika explained that with

the approval of N10 billion for the Enugu Airport by the President, the contractors are expected to mobilise to site as soon as possible, adding that the President has already directed all agencies associated with the smooth work on the airport to work together to ensure it was delivered on time.

4 amnesty programme beneficiaries bag First Class Hons. degrees

F

our beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) on scholarship at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have graduated with First Class Honours degrees.

Murphy Ganagana, Special Assistant on Media to Charles Dokubo, the Coordinator of PAP, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Ganagana said that at the 7th convocation ceremonies and 10th anniversary of the institution, 19 other beneficiaries of the programme were also awarded Second Class Honours

degrees in various disciplines.

According to him, a total of 58 students sponsored by the presidential amnesty programme graduated from the institution.

“Three of the First Class degree awardees who scored a minimum CGPA of 4.54 made history in the College of Engineering.

“They include Porbeni Emmanuel Dakore, Electrical/ Electronics Engineering; Tele Blessing, Mechanical Engineering; Roland Ayebakuro Ebriyo, Electrical/Electronics Engineering and Agu Chidera Confidence, Medical Laboratory

Science.”

He quoted Mr Dokubo as describing the feat as a huge success for the programme and the Niger Delta.

Mr Dokubo attributed the landmark achievement to the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari towards deepening peace as a vehicle for the development of the region.

“I am elated that four of our delegates made us proud with First Class degrees; 19 others also finished brilliantly.

“It shows the gains of the amnesty programme under my watch and I assure you that this is

just the beginning of good tidings to come in the days ahead.’’

He, however, appreciated President Buhari for his wonderful support that had taken amnesty programme to a higher level.

A former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in a goodwill message, noted that education was the major agency for personal and national socioeconomic development.

He added that investments in human capital development played a critical role in longterm productivity growth at both micro and macro levels.(NAN)

For further information, please call: 07002255226 Signed: Management

News

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 10

News

Masari donates bus, land to NBA

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

K

atsina State government has donated a bus to the Funtua branch of Nigeria Bar Association-NBA. Similarly, a plot of land has been allocated to the Association for the construction of a permanent office accommodation in Funtua by the state government.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari announced the donations when he received officials of the Association

who paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Katsina.

The Governor explained that the APC administration appreciates the role played by the NBA before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

He said he had cause to discuss with the Katsina branch on the issue of granting of bail to hardened criminals and the need to take action to stop the practice without necessarily breaking but bending the law.

He also implored the lawyers to

contribute on the issue of banditry and drug related offences.

At a point, Governor Aminu Masari explained that he had to invite members of the bar during a security council meeting to discuss ways of stop the proceeds of drugs deals to subvert the cause of Justice.

Alhaji Aminu Masari noted that Funtua being a commercial Centre needed an active NBA branch but observed that the branch relate more with Zaria branch than that of katsina.

The Governor therefore emphasized the need for the branch officials to be visible with the government to avoid being overshadowed.

As an autonomous branch, he said they should work hard to avoid being seen as a local branch.

He called on them to build reputation and make names for katsina had been first in so many professions.

Earlier, the branch Chairman of the NBA in Funtua. Abdullahi Barau Faskari told Governor

Korean model of education will spur Nigeria’s economic growth - Envoy

R-L: Former Minister of Communications, Barr. Shittu Adebajo, Founder, Stammer Foundation, Juliana Owajiman Joseph, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, Barr.

Folarin Aluko and the President, Stammer Foundation, Abuja Branch, Barr. Emmanuel Oji, during the 2019 International Stammering Awareness Day, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin imo-owo

From Ado Abubakar Musa, Jos

T

he Korean Ambassador to Nigerian, Lee in-tae, has disclosed that applying Korean model of education would indeed help grow Nigerian economy.

Ambassador In-tae who was the guest speaker at a lecture titled, “ growing the Nigerian economy through education” held at University of Jos said huge investment in educational sector is one of the cardinal point of economic strategy that Korea had applied.

Mr Intae also emphasized that diligent research and documentation had been a strategy that his country utilised to achieve its current economic development.

The Korean Ambassador added that educational enthusiasm was another factor assisted his country to attain development, saying that all these were achieve via university education.

“University education leads to economic development of our country. We devote our time and resources to attain development.

We engage in diligent research to discover lots of things that brings us to where we are today.

“Japan is our colonial master but today Korea is ahead of Japan in the area of ICT and industry.

Today, Korea exports goods and services to U.S and Europe.

Government drove the growth by emphasizing on diligent education and industrialization, “ he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Sabastian Maimako, said his institution and Korean government had established a collaboration towards education.

He said Unijos had requested to help it establish vocational centre and institute of sports which he believed that these requests would bring value to his institution.

Masari that they were at the Government House to congratulate him on both the re-election and victory at the tribunal.

He requested a new bus and allocation of land for the Association in Funtua.

He described Governor Aminu Bello Masari as a bar friendly Governor and announced that an award of excellence would be presented to the Governor during the 2019 bar dinner to be hosted in December, this year.

ERA/FoEN trains 150 youths on renewable energy

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Environmental rights Action/Friends of the Earth (ERA/FoEN) Nigeria has trained no fewer than 150 youths on renewable energy entrepreneurship.

The One-Day workshop on business model on how to solve emerging challenges caused

by Fossil fuel and deployment of entrepreneurial skills on opportunities for business growth.

The Executive Director, ERA/ FoEN , Dr Uyi Ojo in a remark, said the World has suddenly realized the havoc that Fossil fuel Energy was causing to mother Earth, adopted renewable Energy

the safer alternative that will be environment friendly.

He expressed regret that while established economies as existing in Europe and elsewhere are adopting renewable energy to power vehicles and other technology, Nigeria was yet to develop a roadmap on renewable energy.

Uyi Ojo, said the programme was organized to discourage youths in Niger Delta youths including students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) from vices such as cultism, Drug abuse, Human Trafficking and Illegal refining of crude oil.

In his presentation, Mr Eghosa Osazee Ogbebor, gave an overview

on why most businesses fail and financial management.

He said building capacity, good business plan and feasibility study and proper documentation are recipe for success for business growth and development.

Ogbebor who spoke on the topic, the importance of business proficiency/Financial resources for growth, said the success of any business does not depend on capital alone, but, passion, networking and prudent management of resources.

The president, renewable Energy association of Nigeria, Mr Shegun Ataju, described renewable energy as a potent weapon for unemployment through renewable energy entrepreneurship.

He said “Nigeria needs 200, 000 megawatts of energy for that we have arrived like developed society.

“I want to encourage you to take interest in renewable energy which is the future of the world.

Gradually you can raise your own capital to do business. You can also become an advocate of renewable energy.

“Take interest in it. The future is very bright. You have an opportunity to be mentored in entrepreneurship skills. It is a business and make it to the top.

“I believe that Nigeria has the biggest market in Africa and in fact the whole world as far as renewable energy is concern”, he said.

Undergraduate film producer solicits govt’s support

By Usman Shuaibu

U

ndergraduate student of the University of Abuja, Umar Faruk Aliu, who is also a film producer, has called on the government of the day to empower the film makers financially to grow.

He also charged the corporate organisations as well as

individuals to encourage the film producers, so as to actualise their dreams.

Aliu, who made the call in an interview with our correspondent after the launching of the film album titled “45 minutes movie” at the Atlas Hotel in Gwagwalada on Sunday.

He said he came up with fifty-five minutes movie in

order to project the image of Nigeria Police Force in the right dimension.

He said there was the need for the nation’s film producers to project the image of policemen, instead of concentrating on their negative attitudes.

“There are a lot of movie in our industries today, busy talking about the negative aspects of our

policemen “, Aliu said.

His words: “The movie is all about the young lady who felt so cheated, instead of hurting someone she hurt herself in a quest for danger”.

The film producer, however, advised Nigerian youths to work hard in order to meet up with basic necessities of life, and warned Nigerians against piracy.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 11

Letter to the Editor

EDITORIAL

The curbs on foreign trips The Mamman Daura I know

By Simon Shango

H

enceforth, top federal the nature of air flights officers are government officials, entitled to. Ministers, permanent including ministers, secretaries, special advisers, senior permanent secretaries and directors special assistants to the President, will be allowed no more two foreign chairmen of extra-ministerial travels in a quarter year. This is one of departments and chief executive several expenditure curbs announced officers of parastatals will continue

by President Muhammadu Buhari’s to fly business class and economy administration last week. A statement class for other public officers. “Also, from the office of the Secretary of travel days will no longer attract the Government of the Federation payment of estacode allowances as in Abuja said the travel curbs also the duration of official trips shall be affected chairmen and chief executives limited to only the number of days of of extra-ministerial the event as contained departments. “Except with in the supporting the express approval of documents to qualify Mr. President, ministers, for public funding. permanent secretaries, The Auditor-General chairmen of extra- Also, travel days will of the Federation no longer attract ministerial departments, has been directed to chief executive officers and payment of estacode treat all expenditures allowances as the directors are restricted to that contravene duration of official not more than two foreign these guidelines as trips shall be limited travels in a quarter,” the ineligible.” to only the number statement said.

We commend Mr. of days of the event “They are further President for taking as contained in required to make their these bold steps to the supporting presentations using the documents to qualify stop expenditures that existing template and also are a huge drain on for public funding. secure approvals on specific The Auditor-General resources available to travels as contained in the government. Funding of the Federation plan from the appropriate has been directed to of foreign travels is one quarters.” According to the treat all expenditures of them. Until now, statement, the Presidential top public servants that contravene approval “is an additional these guidelines as frequently took money measure aimed at instilling from the public purse ineligible. financial discipline and for official trips that prudence, particularly, often did not happen. in the area of official travels”. This And even if they did travel, they usually year alone, ministries budgeted N2.4 overstayed the duration of the events billion for official foreign travels. they claimed to be attending in order The government said that publicly to get more estacode allowances. No funded travels, both local and foreign, governments before now did anything “must be strictly for official purposes as daring as what Buhari’s has done to backed with documentary evidence. end the fraud. In this, he has the full In this regard, all foreign travels support of the majority of Nigerians must be for highly essential statutory and his party, the All Progressives engagements that are beneficial to Congress (APC). The latter noted the interest of the country”. The in a statement, “Clearly, the era new policy directive says that the when ministers and other senior size of an official delegation headed government appointees splashed our by a minister should not “ exceed common wealth on private jet trips, four including the relevant director, first-class tickets and limousines to schedule officer and one aide of the ferry families and cronies around are minister”. It directs that “every other over. Our public resources are now delegation below ministerial level being rightly deployed to address our shall be restricted to a maximum of national infrastructure needs, social three.” investments and other initiatives that The Presidential directive specifies directly benefit the people”. Well put.

“

OUR MISSION

OUR PEOPLE

Chairman “To be the market Malam Wada Maida, place of ideas and Oon, Fnge the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Chief Operating Officer Editor, Daily truth, maintaining the Hameed M. Bello, PhD highest professional and ethical standards while Manager, administration delivering value to Hassan Hammanyaji our stakeholders”

OUR VISION

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

I

have harboured the urge to scribble this article for quite some time now but I have been restrained until yesterday when I heard a group of people discus vehemently about the “uncomplimentary “role of Mamman Daura in the Buhari administration. They attributed everything bad to Malam Mamman Daura, my mentor, boss, friend former editor and Managing Director at the New Nigerian Newspapers in Kaduna.

I moved close to them and tried to explain to them about the Mamman Daura I know.

They were quite excited and confessed to me that if one percent of Nigerians had the opportunity to hear the story I told them about Malam Mamman Daura, the perception of a greater percentage of Nigerians would change for the better. One of the persons listening to me, a former member of the House of Representatives, greatly encouraged me to write this article very quickly about the Mamman Daura I know, before things get out of hand.

I knew Malam Mamman Daura when he joined the New Nigerian as the editor of the paper- sometime in 1969. Before then, the editor of the paper was a powerful writer and historian, Malam Adamu Ciroma, while the Managing Director was a British journalist, Mr Charlse Sharp.

I had been at the New Nigerian for a number of years before Malam Mamman Daura came in, at which time I was the Personal Assistant to Malam Adamu Ciroma, who had just taken over from Mr Charlse Sharp as the Managing Director.

I was moved from Malam Adamu Ciroma’s office back to the editorial department to work with Malam Mamman Daura, this time as a senior reporter.

First, let me commend the decision of Malam Mamman Daura to leave the office of the Premier of northern Nigeria, where he was an administrative officer to join the new Nigerian. Journalism at that time was not considered anything worth throwing away such a job to take up.

Malam Mamman Daura, (a Muslim) who attended the Trinity College (a Catholic University in Dublin, Ireland) had returned to Nigeria with two degrees; one in Economics and another in Public Administration.

He could have gotten any job for the asking but rather decided to try his hands on newspaper reporting.

I recall that there were few university graduates at the newsroom of the New Nigerian, some of whom had come in only to see what it was like to be a journalist but left immediately after looking into the newsroom.

Those of us who stayed on in the New Nigerian were indeed not university graduates at that time. I recall Dan Agbese, Clement Ende, Yakubu Abdul-Aziz, myself, just to mention a few.

Among the more experienced ones was Mr. Clement Isaiah, father of Sam Ndah Isaiah (founder and Chairman of Leadership Newspaper). It is noteworthy that although, young Isaiah initially trained as a pharmacist, because the blood of journalism ran in the family he had to meander back to found one of the most thriving newspapers in Nigeria today.

There was malam Sani, father of Senator Shehu Sani, who was definitely an expert in composition.

I must also mention Mr Rasaq Aremu who was the editor-in –chief and later succeeded by Mr Clament Isaiah and of course there was sub-editor guru, Mr Yakubu Ali. Malam Mamman Daura, learnt the ropes of journalism very fast and before we could know, he took over the writing of daily editorial, the famous Candido column and very powerful feature articles.

He was regarded at that time as one of the sharpest minds north of the River Niger and could very well be compared with others like Dr Jubril Aminu, Dr Mammud Tukuru, Dr Ibrahim Tahil, Professor Iya Abubakar and Dr Bala Usman, to mention a few.

He was a key Nigerian patriot and contributed in no small way to prosecuting the Nigerian Civil war behind his pen, in the same manner that other northern patriots like Adamu Ciroma, Baba-Gana Kingibe, Alhaji Abbazoru, Patrick Etiohe and others did.

I was closely attached to Malam Mamman Daura; ethnicity and religion were not part of his life.

He treated people based on their performance and character. Mamman Daura nominated me for training programmes among many Hausa, Fulani and Muslim reporters in the New Nigerian. When the federal government bought over the shares of Daily Times of Nigeria, Malam Mamman Daura nominated me, a Christian minority, to serve as Director of the Daily Times under the Chairmanship of late Alhaji Magaji Dambatta, another detribalized northern Muslim journalist from Kano state.

The job at Daily Times was one of my most challenging moments. This was one of my most challenging jobs. In the cause of balancing the Daily Times, we had to relieve various good and hardworking journalists, like Olusegun Osoba, who

later became the Governor of Ogun State, late Dale Giwa, Chief Tony Momoh and Chief Olu Onagoruwa, of their jobs.

We also had to bring on board very unknown journalists like Ray Ekpo from the Chronicles Newspaper, Cross River state, who later became one of the most famous journalists in Nigeria, Felix Audu, from Benue State and quite a number of other journalists, into the stable of the Daily Times.

I recall that I was to travel to Makurdi on official duty during the Civil war and Malam Daura insisted that because of the dangers of the Civil war, I had to stay in the house of his nephew, then Col. Muhammadu Buhari who was the commander of the Brigade in Makurdi. Col. Buhari, perhaps knowing the activities of a young reporter like me and considering the strict discipline that prevailed in his house, decided to hand me over to his adjutant, Major Dauda Suleiman, who took me to the officer’s mess but kept a keen eye on me, so no harm would come my way.

In order to complete his assignment of keeping me safe, Col. Buhari personally decided to drive me to Kaduna when my assignment was over. I must say that Buhari loved driving and would not allow his driver to drive from Makurdi to Kaduna. His driver was by his side while I sat behind with his younger brother Sani, then a student at the Government College Kaduna.

As fate would have it, we had a ghastly motor accident somewhere between Keffi and Kachia. But what keeps lingering in my memory was that, when Buhari came out of the car, he called my name, ‘Simon, Simon, hope you are alright’ and he did not even mention his brother’s name Sani. This was all in a bid to accomplish the wish of his nephew, Malam Daura, to ensure that no harm comes to me.

In the cause of my working as a reporter under Mamman Daura, I got into troubles; one was a result of a story I wrote on Zaria Tarpaulin Industry which insinuated that government officials had received bribe of Mercedes Benz cars from the proprietor, an Indian Business Man. The then Governor in Kaduna, Col. Abba Kyari approached Mamman Daura that he should produce me for detention. Instead of producing me, Mamman Daura arranged for me to go to Port Harcourt to attend a meeting of Nigerian Union of Journalists and stay there until the trouble was over.

Malam Adamu Ciroma and Malam Mamman Daura taught us honesty and probity while we were with the New Nigerian. Rumour has it that Malam Daura was forced to move from the Premier’s office because he would not wear Agbada or Babariga to work throughout his stay in the New Nigerian as was customary with old northern senior officers. He wore suit and we often referred to him as “Mamman Bature”.

That Mamman Daura chose to pursue entrepreneurship in carpentry and thereby establishing a furniture factory KFCC, in Kaduna, was a great surprise to us. At that time people of Mamman Daura’s standing only needed to move to Abuja or Lagos and could make billions of naira as agents connecting people with government. That was the nature of hard work, Mamman Daura imbibed in us.

He later took over from the late Sultan Dasuki as the Chairman of African International Bank, a completely unknown banking establishment and nurtured to become very profitable, employing hundreds of people. Rumour has it that when working capital of banks was moved to twenty five billion, Mamman Daura could not raise that capital because of his honesty; when banks with lesser pedigree crookedly raised that capital in no time.

Today, Mamman Daura is the same as he was yesterday. His residence in Malali, Kaduna state, is a simple bungalow and even though he produces furniture, the seats in the living room are ordinary and people waiting for him outside sit on the bench. Even though his nephew is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he lives in a bungalow outside the villa with little security. Just like his Kaduna residence, visitors sit on the bench outside the house, while the inside has ordinary furniture like the one in Kaduna.

Malam Mamman Daura is a sound economist and he ran the New Nigerian with sound prudence that made profit for the newspaper during his time.

While in the New Nigerian, he did not have a car of his own except the official 404. His official residence at then Dawaki road (now Isakaita road) was the same bungalow like that of any other senior staff even when he became the Managing Director of New Nigerian.

I have no doubt that Malam Mamman Daura has brought sound economic advice to his nephew’s government that has added value to the quality of government. This is the Malam Mamman Daura I knew. I believe he is still the same today and will be the same tomorrow.

Simon Shango is a farmer in Pika, Gboko L.G.A of Benue State.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

The case for open contracting in Nigeria

By Eze Onyekpere

O

pen contracting is one of the commitments made by Nigeria under fiscal transparency in the Open Government Partnership.

In the outgone week, the Bureau of Public Procurement, being the regulator of government commerce, undertook the training of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government on how to use and upload procurement information on the Nigerian Open Contracting Portal. It was one training designed to introduce greater transparency and accountability in federal public procurement.

It is imperative to state that open contracting is a collaboration involving three principal stakeholders, namely the government through the MDAs, the civil society including non-governmental organisations, professionals, the media and the wider public and the private sector operators who participate in government commerce. The rationale for the participation of the triumvirate is that government manages public resources and uses public procurement to deliver public services; the private sector is mainly involved as contractors and bidders who deliver the services that government requires to fulfil its functions. On the other hand, the people represented by the civil society are the beneficiaries of the services of both government and the private sector.

Open contracting is done for overriding purposes and these include: improvement of accountability, transparency and popular participation; reduction of corruption and promoting integrity in the public procurement process; promotion of fairness, competition and professionalism; improvement of service delivery over the short, medium and long terms; improving the business environment; and using the feedback and lessons learnt to improve the procurement system over time. It provides

access to contracting information as a basis for participation, feedback and making informed contributions to the learning and improvement process. Being a learning process, it builds the capacity of the participating stakeholders through the provision of actionable empirical data.

Open contracting is not another box ticking technocratic exercise to satisfy the demands of external donors or some fancy new standards.

Rather, it is an iterative learning process that is expected to result in quantifiable improvements in savings for the government, improved service delivery outcomes in health, education, housing, power, etc., and builds greater trust and confidence between the government, citizens and private sector service providers. It is not about starting another initiative or programme but it seeks to improve the already existing contracting system detailed in the Public Procurement Act 2007. It builds on initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Natural Resource Charter, Open Budget Initiative and the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency, Corruption Perceptions Index, etc.

Also, a functional open contracting system facilitates the work of the National Bureau of Statistics in data gathering to improve governance especially in public financial management.

The rationale for open contracting is that public procurement is part of the larger Public Finance Management and in Nigeria, about 27.5% of the federal budget over the years have been dedicated to capital expenditure which is delivered through contracting. Public contracting is the biggest source of public corruption considering that no one dips their hands into the treasury and take away money without a reason.

And contracting provides the perfect reason and avenue to mismanage resources in a way and manner that will not raise red flags, if outsiders have no access to information. Procurement and

its implementation processes are initiated and to a great extent supervised by the executive.

Without access to timely, relevant and sometimes proactive information, even the legislature, oversight and anti-corruption agencies will not be in a position to optimally perform their duties.

Thus, open contracting facilitates the prevention of corruption, strengthens observance of laws and policies and in the process, improves the PFM outcomes.

Nigeria has a Freedom of Information Act which guarantees Nigerians access to public records and documents while protecting privacy and security information in appropriate cases.

The FoIA demands the proactive publication of a number of information including the following which are procurement related; information relating to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds of the institution; materials containing information relating to any grant or contract made by or between the institution and another public institution or private organisation. Access to actionable information is the currency for the demand for accountability.

Specifically, the PPA provides in Section 5 (r) as part of the functions of the Bureau of Public Procurement: “Establish a single Internet portal that shall, subject to Section 16 (21) to this Act, serve as a primary and definitive source of all information on government procurement containing and displaying all public sector procurement information at all times”. Also, Section 48 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 states that: “The Federal Government shall ensure that its fiscal and financial affairs are conducted in a transparent manner and accordingly ensure full and timely disclosure and wide publication of all transactions and decisions involving public revenues and expenditure and their implication for its finances”.

It is posited that contracting comes under

the purview of all transactions and decisions involving public revenues and expenditures which should be subject to full and timely disclosure and wide publication through open contracting.

Open contracting simplifies data in a way that ordinary citizens can make informed judgement from datasets by collecting data with the end users in mind. It builds pressure from different actors with different interests for the modification and reform of the system towards an ultimate goal. It creates a publicly available red flag mechanism that allows proactive and reactive engagement of the contracting system.

The ultimate goal of open contracting is clean contracting where all the identifiable red flag issues are eliminated. Accountability and transparency will be coupled with capacity and participation of stakeholders to deliver greater competition, value for money, service delivery and realisation of overall national goals through sectoral policy objectives, etc.

Three key steps are found in open contracting.

They are disclosure, engagement and redress.

They need to be contextualised to reinforce each other; and should not be decoupled. Otherwise, there could be disclosure without engagement and action for redress. Thus, it is also imperative that while government and civil society pursue higher goals of accountability, transparency and value for money, a clear pro-business case is made to guarantee the buy-in of the private sector.

In conclusion, the training of the MDAs on the use of the NOCOPO portal is a step in the right direction and needs to reach all the MDAs so that no one can have an excuse to fail to do the right things to improve value for money in federal commerce.

Eze Onyekpere is an Abuja based Legal Practitioner.

How ownership affects journalism in Nigeria

By Ammar Muhammad

I

n the words of Tony Harcup, journalism is a form of communication based on asking and answering the questions who? What?

Where? When? Why? And how? In brief, there are called the 5W’s & H of Journalism.

Journalism is a form of cartography; it creates a map for citizens to navigate society, and the map should be reliable.

I write this with dismay due to how journalism in Nigeria is abused. Journalism plays a social role that goes beyond the production of commodities to sell in the market place. Journalism informs society about itself and makes public that which would otherwise be private. A lecturer of Mass communication, Muhammad S. Rabi’u stated that; journalist prods and pries for a living. They are called prying eyes because they try to obtain private facts about subjects and actors on the stage of life because they try to discover insightful and revealing information. Journalists are also the society’s memory; and what they gather and record will help write the history.

Large number of people is attracted by the fact that journalism remains an occupation that protects the interest of the truthful and rightful ones. While some argue that journalism is a tool that distracts people from the truth, distort facts; corrupt the mindset of their audience.

Whatever how you view journalism through the prism of life, one fact is; journalism matters.

If did not matter why the contradicting views on journalism? If it did not matter, why would there be so many laws restricting how journalist can do their jobs? Why would government and opposition spend much time and resources trying to win the media? Why many journalists around the world pay with their lives? Obviously this shows why journalism matters. In this case, the prospect of dying should not discourage any aspiring journalist. Whatever your career, will there be life without shortcomings or problems?

As a journalist, you have a chance to paint your picture. If today were your last day on earth, what would people remember you for? Life is not about how much you saved, but how well

you served. What is most fulfilling in life is to live an exemplary life of integrity.

Some journalists and their media houses today override the ethical issues in journalism for monetary gain. I know there must be a conflict between the management, marketing, advert and editorial board of every media house.

Most a times, the editorial board encompasses professional journalists, they were been taught about what is journalism, they practice it more than a decade, so, they are in the right position to abide by the journalism ethics which includes shunning bias, ego, emotion among others. In today’s journalism in Nigeria, I am befuddled on why many media practitioners turn a blind on the ethics guiding their job? Why? A question that has more than an answer due to personal experiences they have. Many journalists have story to tell regarding this case.

I will choose only newspapers in citing examples. For instance, Vanguard newspaper, due to ownership of the media, they resort to all reportage of tarnishing the image of the North and Muslims at large. Why? The ownership of the paper even if they didn’t tell, their reports show how they hate anything about the North and Muslims. Likewise Daily Trust newspaper their type of reports shows who owns the paper.

I know, sometimes the staff works without the interference of the managements, despite this clear reason, Daily Trust newspaper report on Shiites members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria activities, shows level of hatred towards them. If you can sit down and analyze the paper, you may end up understanding that despite been seen as a national daily, it looks more like a regional paper serving the interest of the north like that of Vanguard newspaper serving the interest of the South.

Leadership Newspaper, on the other hand hate anything about former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo may be this occurred due to personal issues of the owner of the paper with the Obasanjo led administration. It was on record that the ownership of the paper fought tirelessly to protect the interest of the North during the Obasanjo administration. To come back to Tribune, The Nation, you find out the

same story with different dimension, these two newspapers protect anything Yoruba, why? Due to ownership of the companies.

The most credible and objective online media I see today in Nigeria, is Premium Times.

They have their own flaws, but their error is minor when compare to others. Their kind of reportage to groups, individual, organization is largely objective. The Cable online newspaper is trying in some aspects while Daily Nigerian shows level of competence but they also have level of biases and emotions in many of their reports, especially when you’re a person that reads only headline, they will confuse you with their headline, when you read them closely you find out my assertions.

Everyone be it individual or organization, has his or her own aim and objectives in founding media house, be it radio, television, newspaper, and magazine, but we should have to keep at our mind; journalism informs society, and what we should inform them it supposed to be purely truth not protecting the interest of individual, groups, society or ideology even if the aforesaid deviate from the truth. We need to follow the ethics of journalism. It is high time to redefine how journalism practices in Nigeria.

As the fourth realm of power, journalism plays a vital role in informing the society. A journalist needs to protect his dignity. You have more integrity than that of who sell his right (the truth) at a price that cannot buy him a peanut, even if it can buy you a mansion. Self-esteem in journalism is very important, with this you can become a fearless journalist. The society and people of conscience will always rally around you when the need arises.

In journalism, it is first obligation is to tell the truth, no matter what. Journalism loyalty is to citizens. Its essence is a discipline of verification; its practitioners must maintain and independence from those they cover. It must serve as an independent monitor of power, focusing the search light on the executive, legislature, and the judiciary or the nobility, the clergy and the commoners. It must also provide a forum for public criticism; it must also strive to make the significant interesting and relevant.

And it must keep the news comprehensive and in proportion. And its practitioners have an obligation to exercise their personal conscience, and citizens, too, have rights and responsibilities when it comes to the news.

Journalist is a watchdog of the society. In archaeology, it is believed that in obtaining oral information with the view of reconstruction of a particular society, we must evaluate whatever comes our way through our informants to avoid distortion of history. Because we believe oral information contains inconsistency due to loss of memory, politicization of history, facts, exaggeration among others. Besides, this kind of information it was (is) transmitted through the words of mouth. So, in transmitting such information anything can happen. So, in this case, there’s need or it is important journalist to borrow archaeological steps to verify information, double check fact to avoid misleading your audience. Many a times, media houses mislead their audience due to hurry in other to sees them as ‘we are the ones break the news.’ Yes to break the news is a good idea, but reporting nothing but the truth is what makes media platform to be respected. There is something in journalism called ‘Development stories.’ When you were left away in breaking the news, go deep into the story and come up with some hitherto unknown on the same issues, and publish it. Remember, journalists are the mirror of the society; and what they record will help write the history of today in the future.

Journalism has deep effect on the society. These effects found at many levels and in all aspects of society; political, social, economic, and so on. Journalism determines not only how we see ourselves within a large environment but it also determines how we share that environment with other people.

The profession is exciting, demanding, tiring, exhilarating, and ultimately fulfilling to many people. Our society needs credible and objective media to trust. We need to rise up above seeing journalism as a business venture, rather an avenue to make the society better.

Muhammad wrote from Abuja.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 13

Comment

BBC 100 Women: Hidden figures from Naija women

By Muhammad Yahya Abubakar

I

t is imperative how Nigeria was blessed by enormose human capital and big brains across industries and sectors that are impacting positively globally. In today’s society women and youth demography which happened to be the most productive demography in business as it have been ascertained by a study conducted in Iceland.

The negligence of the media house to promote the effort of women achievements around the globe make it necessary to birth a series of TV show

by BBC called the “BBC100 Women” in 2013 to showcase their achievements and influences.

Although these women were been recignized globally for their immense contribution but here in Nigeria we seem not to care so much about our own that manage somehow to fall on the list. How can we get to show the younger girls out there that their effort is worth while if we couldn’t applaud the struggles of their role models.

Among the women on the list include, Amina Jane Muhammed who was widely known for her MDGs activities that had help a lot lives in Nigeria during President Obasanjo’s regime. She was letter appointed minister of environment by President

Buhari where she letter resign in order to take her new assignment as the Deputy Secretary General of United Nation. Prior to her appointment as the DSG of the UN, she have served in different capacity and different roles in the UN. Also on the list was Temie GiwaTubosun known mostly as Oluwaloni Olamide Giwa or Mama One percent.

She was a Nigerian-American health manager born in December, 1985.

She was the founder of “One Percent Project” which is a LifeBank business enterprise in Nigeria working round o clock to improve access to blood transfusions in the country.

Yet mysterious, the iron lady.

Obiageli Ezekwesili popularly known as Oby Ezekwesili, she was a Nigerian chartered accountant from Anambra state and was born April 28, 1963, married to Pastor Nedu Ezekwesili of RCCG. She was the co-founder of Transparency International, serving a pioneer director of the global anticorruption body in Germany. She served as Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and then as Federal Minister of Education in President Obasanjo’s regime. She also served as the Vice President of World Bank African division and was part of the nominees for 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

Another hidden figure from Nigeria that form part of the BBC100 Women list was Olufunmilola Adeku Iyanda born July 27, 1971 known most as Funmi Iyanda. She was a Nigerian talk show host, journalist and blogger. She produces and hosted New Dawn with Funmi which was aired on the national network for over eight years. She was also the CEO of Ignite Media and was honored as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the WEF and recently named one of Forbes 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa.

Rabia Salihu Sa’id was a Nigerian professor of atmospheric and spaceweather physics and a researcher at Bayero University Kano. She was an advocate and mentor for young wonen in science with the Visiola Foundation and Peace Corps, she co-founded Nigeria’s Association of Women Physicists. She was an advocate and mentor of STEM education and is a facilitator for the British Council’s Active Citizens’ Program.

Another legendary woman of honor I mysteriously encounter on the list was Funke Bucknor-Obruthe born June 27, 1976. She is a Nigerian entrepreneur and lawyer. She is the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events and is regarded as one of Nigeria’s pioneering event planners.

Tiwatope Savage known most with her stage name as Tiwa Savage born in the 80s. She is a Nigerian singer, vocalist, songwriter and actress.

She began her music career doing backup vocals for artists such as George Micheal and Mary Blige. After graduating from Barklee College of Music London she signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009. She later moved back to Lagos and signed with Mavin Records in 2012. She made her first appearance on the label’s compilation album Solar Plexus, released that same year.

The last woman on the lead list was Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala born on June 13, 1954. She was an economist and international development expert. She sat on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and the African Risk Capacity. She worked 25 years at World Bank as a development economist rising through to the position of Managing Director Operations. She also served two terms as Minister of Finance under the leadership of President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan respectively.

Muhammad Yahya Abubakar is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Donald Trump and his new found way of building his wall

By Tamaryn Nelson

P

resident Donald Trump’s obsession with building a wall on the United States-Mexico border knows few limits – he reportedly even entertained extreme ideas such as building a moat over the border and filling it with alligators.

This is why when it became apparent that his administration was not going to succeed in erecting a complete physical barrier on the border, the president found a different way to “build the wall”: inhumane asylum policies.

The Trump administration has advanced a wide range of cruel policies that have stymied the internationally-recognised right to seek asylum. The bricks in Trump’s border wall take several forms: “metering”, which constricts the number of asylum seekers who can apply on any given day; the socalled Migrant Protection Protocols, which require asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while they wait for their cases to be processed, and; the Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires migrants to apply for asylum and get rejected in a country they transit through before seeking asylum in the US. Trump also boasts that he is “using Mexico to protect our border,” as the administration weaponises the trade and economic leverage it has

over Mexico to effectively outsource US immigration enforcement to its southern neighbour and other countries in Central America.

I have seen first-hand the devastating impact of these policies on people who are in dire need of help and protection.

Earlier this year I led a team of doctors on a field investigation to Tijuana, Mexico, where we interviewed asylum seekers about the experiences that drove them to flee their homes and seek protection in the US. Our investigation, published earlier this month, documents medical evidence of the violence these asylum seekers survived.

Their physical and psychological scars corroborate their testimonies of persecution.

I witnessed how the Trump administration’s asylum policies are contributing to the suffering of these already-traumatised people.

He could not literally build a wall, so he decided to leave thousands of asylum seekers from around the world stranded on the Mexican side of the border. His administration has created growing migrant encampments – refugee camps in the making. Some 60,000 asylum seekers are currently stuck in Mexico, exposed to further violence.

One important component of Trump’s “wall” is expanding the practice of metering, severely

restricting the number of asylum seekers who can be processed at a US port of entry on any given day. For example, the San YsidroTijuana port of entry processed between 40 to 100 asylum seekers per day in 2018. This year, it has been processing just 25 per day.

This practice has created a massive backlog of asylum seekers who are then placed on a waiting list. One of them is Natalia*, a woman we interviewed in Tijuana.

Natalia was a schoolteacher in Mexico who dreamed of one day running a daycare centre. Her husband repeatedly physically and sexually assaulted her and beat their young children. She tried relocating within Mexico to escape his death threats, but he eventually found her and told her he had sold her and her children to organ traffickers. Natalia immediately fled to Tijuana, where she tried to make an asylum claim.

But she was told to “get in line”.

With no food or money, Natalia waited for months in Tijuana for her turn to request protection in the US. Trump then built his wall higher with the third-country asylum rule, which requires asylum seekers who travel through a “third country” en-route to the US to apply for asylum and get rejected there first.

In practice, this bans asylum claims at the US-Mexico border for all nationalities except for Mexicans,

who do not have to travel through a “third country” to reach the border.

For example, an asylum seeker named Sergio*, whose family was targeted by gangs in Honduras, told me that they fled to Guatemala after they were attacked by men with machetes. But once in Guatemala, the same men found Sergio’s family.

With their lives in imminent danger, how could Sergio’s family be asked to apply for asylum “protection” in Guatemala?

These punitive policies stem from President Trump’s antipathy toward migrants and inability to realise his border wall fantasies. While they may not have been able to build a complete wall on the US’s southern border, the Trump administration has made it virtually impossible for most asylum seekers to request protection in the US. The human toll is clear: tens of thousands who have fled persecution in their home countries are trapped along the USMexico border, vulnerable to further trauma and exploitation.

The right to seek asylum is a human right, protected in both US and international law. The US needs a government that safeguards that right, not one that constructs policy barriers when so many lives are on the line.

Tamaryn Nelson is an Int’l Affairs Analyst.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

News

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Traditional rulers vow to uphold rights of girl child Inequality From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

raditional leaders in Kaduna State said they are committed to upholding the rights, voices and influence of the girl child in their communities.

The District Head of Kufana in Adara Chiefdom His Highness, Chief Titus Dauda, made the commitment in Kaduna yesterday during an event to commemorate the “2019 International Day of the Girl”, organized by the State Ministry of Education in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from Africa Media Development Foundation’s (AMDF), Riseup Project and other partners.

Chief Dauda, who spoke on behalf of all traditional leaders in the state, felicitated with the girls as they mark the special day with the theme: “Girlforce: Unscripted and unstoppable”.

The International Day of the Girl Child, is commemorated every 11th October, to amplify their voices “The theme is apt as we have seen the positive impact of girls who were given the opportunity to achieve their dreams and attain their goals in our families, communities and nation at large.

“The traditional institution recognizes the place of girls as potential wives and mothers and as well as their role as powerful agents of change.

“Hence, as custodians of our culture and traditions we remain committed to upholding the rights, voices and influence of the girl child in our communities.

We enjoin parents to give the girl child the opportunity to attain her goals which begins with access to quality education.” He said.

Similarly, the State Commissioner of Education, Shehu Usman Makarfi, who represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Phoebe Yayi, said the state government since 2012 has been marking the day of the Girl Child which is aimed at highlighting and addressing the needs and challenges girls’ face while promoting girls; empowerment

and the fulfilment of their human rights.

In a message to the occasion, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, stated that, the organization is advocating for the girls because “when they have age-appropriate knowledge about their bodies and relationships, they are better able to prevent pregnancy and protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Represented by the Head UNFPA Sub Office in Kaduna, Mariama Daboe, expressed worries that despite many promises made by government to the girls in Cairo and Beijing, none of them is yet to be fulfilled.

L-R: Acting Director General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), Mr. Sanda Isah, National Co-Ordinator Chief Executive Officer NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu and Member, House of Representatives Committee on Corporation and Integration in Africa, Hon. Aishatu Dikku, during the committee with NEPAD and DTCA, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Power tussle: RTEAN national president heads to Industrial Court

By Albert Akota

T

he Executive National President of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Eriyo Osakpamwan has filed a notice of preliminary objection before the National Industrial Court.

The preliminary objection which was filed by the RTEAN President lead Counsel, Barrister Olayiwola Afolabi dated 16th October, 2019 and filed same day granted an interim order restraining Musa Mohammed and 6 others.

The interim order as granted by the NICN also restrained Musa Mohammed with their servants and agents from further parading themselves as the officers of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.

“That while the suit is still pending and the interim Orders still subsists, the said Musa Mohammed and other defendants in suit number NICN/ABJ/275/2019 gathered the named claimants herein and declared himself the acting National President and Henry Ejiofor as the General Secretary of

the 1st claimant.

“That it is this action which was carried out in contempt of the Orders this honourable court that the claimants herein field this suit to enforce.

“That the 1st claimant having obtained the Orders restraining the named defendants in suit number NICN/ABJ/275/2019 and their agents (2nd to 35th claimants herein) for parading themselves as its officers cannot turn around and filed this present suit asserting the opposite.

“That the 2nd to 35 the claimants have no authority and

consent of National Executive Council to file this suit with the name of the 1st claimant.

“That suit number NICN/ ABJ/275/2019 which was filed before the present suit still subsists and the interim orders granted therein are still subsisting” Meanwhile, the court on Thursday 17th, October, 2019 asked both parties to maintain peace pending the determination of the case.

The court adjourned till 13th of November, or 16th of December, 2019 should in case the court couldn’t sit on the first date.

Niger govt. assures Resident Doctors of enabling environment From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha

he Niger State government has reiterated its commitment in sustaining an enabling environment for Residents Doctors and other health workers to ensure affordable, accessible and effective health care services in the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Health and Hospital Management, Dr Makun Sidi, disclosed this at a press briefing at Government House yesterday in Minna.

Dr Sidi said that no fewer than 50 projects were executed by the ministry consisting 38 direct Labour and the rest under contracts adding that N150 million has been spent

on medical assistance annually hence the need to reverse the trends.

He explained that, the state is partnering with the Federal Government, World Bank, WHO, Bill Melinda Gate and dome donor agencies to enhanced international standard health service delivery in the state.

He hinted that IBB Specialist Hospital Minna will soon

commence kidney transplant hence has 800 session of kidney dialysis annually at the rate of N15,000.

Sidi noted that the state government has paid a counterpart funds of N250 million off front for nutritional health care services with the World Bank who is yet to pay it’s part of N50 million for five years in strength.

reduction will alleviate poverty, says Don

By Ochiaka Ugwu

T

he Publisher and Editorial Director of O analytics Research and Development Initiative (ORADI), Prof. Ebere Onwiduwe has said that reducing inequality will drastically lessen poverty among the Nigerian populace.

Onwudiwe who made this known yesterday during a press conference on SDGs Monitor Journal quarterly Press Briefing on Income Inequality and Decent Works in Nigeria organized

by O analytics Research and Development Initiative (ORADI) in Abuja said there are different kinds of inequality in Nigeria: by gender, disability, by class, by ethnicity, and opportunity.

“Our concern today is income inequality. Income inequality is positively related to poverty. If you want to fight poverty you must reduce inequality. As the World Bank says, you cannot end extreme poverty unless a government reverses the increasing inequality”.

Onwudiwe blamed bad governance and low economic growth as the main cause of income gap as it does not guarantee or promote equal opportunity.

He stressed the need to change the reality of wealth being excessively concentrated in the hands of a few saying that the system needs to change.

Also speaking, the Moderator of the program, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim while insisting that policy makers must listen to the outcome of the dialogue said there is every need to create jobs that must be decent.

President, Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Sarah Anyanwu noted the need to meet the deadline of the SDGs especially the one that concerns reduction of inequality and building strong institutions.

A former Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. J. S. Odama stressed the need to make Directive Principle of State Policy workable to create social and economic conditions for citizens to lead a good life.

Prof. Jerome Afeikhena of the Igbinedion University said that we need to develop and strengthen human capital capacity as we are producing low quality human beings.

There were two research presentations by ORADI Consultants, while Prof. F.O. Ogwumike of University of Ibadan and J.T. Nwanakwere of (NISER) spoke on “Attainment of Decent Works and Inclusive Economic Growth Targets: A Preliminary Analysis of Nigeria’s Performance”, Doctors Joseph Ogebe of University of Ibadan and Adedeji Adeniran of the Centre for the Study of Economic of Africa (CSEA) spoke on “A Dynamic Assessment of Inequality in Nigeria.”

P

eoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate in the March 9 governorship poll, Jeremiah Useni, have filed a suit in the Court of Appeal challenging the judgment of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered on October 2.

Useni, through his legal team, led by Mike Ozekhome, and Edward Pwajok, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, with Benson

PDP, Useni appeal Plateau tribunal judgment Igbanoi and Sunday-Gabriel Odey, filed the notice of appeal and formulated 21 grounds of appeal to overturn the verdict of the tribunal.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had dismissed the petition of Mr Useni, a retired army general, and PDP

on the grounds that the all the allegations raised in the petition were not proved and lacking in merit.

Justice Halima Suleiman-led tribunal had described the petition as “incompetent” and “lacking in merit” and expunged all the

evidence presented out of its record.

The tribunal had described Governor Simon Lalong as “very qualified” to have contested the election as against Mr Useni’s and PDP’s claim that he (Mr Lalong) was not qualified for having three different certificates with different

names altogether.

Useni’s legal team pointed out that “the inescapable conclusion that ought to be reached by the Tribunal was that Mr Lalong was not qualified to contest the election.

No date has been fixed for hearing in the appeal.(NAN).

Senate probes diversion of N14b in NEPZA

By Solomon Ayado, Ayado

T

he Senate has commenced probe of alleged transfer of about N14billion from the 2017 appropriation budget of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on trade and investment, Senator Rose Oko (PDP CrossRiver) revealed that the committee was aware of an existing legislative query to NEPZA over an alleged illegal transfer of fund from the 2017 appropriation budget of the agency.

Oko said the query indicated that the fund, which was transferred to Nigeria Special Economic Zones Company was in breach of 2017 Appropriation Act. She said the committee seeks an explanation on how such fund got moved from government coffers to a private company without due process and without provision of goods and services.

According to her, the ministry

has critical role to play in the development of the nations’s economy, noting that all agencies under the ministry must be up and doing to archive the target of the ministry.

She said the committee would henceforth like to be informed of the details of the ministry’s investment drive,especially on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and details of non -oil trade that Nigeria was currently engaged in.

However, appearing before the Senate committee for 2020 budget defence, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of trade and investment,Mr Edet Akpan explained that the money was not diverted but domiciled in an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria which he did not disclosed.

Akpan said :”The idea of opening an equity company was a creative idea of the former minister, who believed it was more proper to have a centralised equity company that could managed all the free trade zones in the country.

Members of Niger State Caucus of the National Assembly, led by Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi and Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago with others, addressing joint National Assembly Correspondents, at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Akpabio backs Buhari directive on forensic audit of NDDC

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday eulogised President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to conduct forensic audit of the accounts and operations of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Senator Akpabio who spoke to after the 2019/2020 budget defence held in Abuja, disclosed that the audit will be carried out on state to state basis.

President Buhari’s directive came few days after the Ad-hoc Committee chaired by Hon. Ossai

Nicholas Ossai concluded its investigation on NDDC from 2000 to 2019.

As stipulated in the 2020 budget estimates presented by Mr. President, total sum of N80.88 billion was proposed for Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as one of the beneficiaries of the First Line Charge.

According to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (oAGF), total sum of N738.026 billion has so far been released to Niger Delta Development Commission over the past 19 years for implementation of projects in the nine oil producing states, while the

report from the office of the AuditorGeneral of the Federation showed that total sum of N70.4 billion for varioua abandoned projects awarded to 1,723 contractors by the NDDC. Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that the Hon. Ossai-led Adhoc Committee is expected to lay its report when the House resumes plenary next week.

While responding to questions on the proposed forensic audit from the newsmen, Senator Akpabio said: “if you were to be a Nigerian who has benefited from the NDDC in the last 10 years, and you have not carried out the jobs, but you were able to build houses, you will be

happy that the NDDC has lived up to expectations, because your pocket was moved forward.

“But if you are from the region and you have no road to pass, but the road has been awarded, you will be disappointed.

“But if you are President of a country like President Muhammadu Buhari, and you know that billions has gone in there and you are not getting commensurate result, then you will take the kind of action that he has taken to order for forensic auditing both in terms of projects and finances of the NDDC from day one, so that you can see where the money has been going.

“We are going to look into what has gone into each State in terms of projects, what stages they are and how much they have been paid and why do we have 12,000 abandoned projects which are the projects we can take as low hanging fruits and complete them for the benefit of the people.

“Things cannot be the same. I am agent of change, my colleagues the Minister of State believe strongly in change. We have confidence in what the President is doing and we are assuring the Nigerian public that NDDC after 2019 cannot be the same again,” Senator Akpabio assured.

Reps, Minister kick over non-release of N35.2bn for capital projects in Niger Delta

By Christiana Ekpa

M

embers of the House of Representatives on Tuesday frowned against Federal Government’s failure to release total sum of N35.2 billion approved for the implementation of the capital projects allocated to Niger Delta Affairs 99 days to the end of the 2019 fiscal year.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio who spoke at the 2019/2020 budget defence, also requested for total sum of N38.774 billion outside the budgetary allocation, for the implementation of the proposed mega projects crucial to the development of the oil producing region.

He also informed the lawmakers that the sum of $25 billion Green Bond grant which was launched in 2018 is domiciled with Federal Ministry of Environment, adding that the phase 2 is expected to commence

in 2019.

He added that the focus of the Green Bond fund is in the area of afforestation projects such as rehabilitation and reclamation of degraded ecosystems in the Niger Delta region which has received 80% approval of the programme.

On the 2020 budget estimates, Senator Akpabio explained that sum of N25.911 billion was allocated to the Ministry, N1.143 billion is for personnel, N877.089 million is for Overhead while N23.890 is for capital expenditure which he described as “meagre and inadequate”.

While addressing the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Affairs chaired by Hon. Essien Ayi, the Minister said: “Honourable members, in 2019 the sums of N35.2 billion and N877 million were allocated to the Ministry for capital and overhead expenditures respectively. Out of the capital appropriation of N35.2 billion, as at

today no funds have been received for capital.

“However, the recent circular by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for the release of 40% of the Ministry’s capital in the sum of N14.1 billion is being processed, while the sum of N365 million representing five months allocation for Overhead i.e N73 million has been released as at date,” Senator Akpabio told the lawmakers.

“The distinguished members of the committee in the Senate felt there was need for them to see the total content of the proposal of the 2019 budget. And that of course we are going to comply with. And a date has been fixed for us to come back to them on Monday.

“In terms of appropriating fund to some of those projects, it might not be possible. But we will make sure they they are reflected for the purpose of continuity.

“Mr. chairman, as at last year, the

total envelop for the Ministry of Niger Delta was 35.2 billion and about 877 million in terms of overhead. And the budget we made for 2019 was predicated on upon 35.2 billion.

“But in 2020 budget, the envelop given to the ministry was reduced drastically from 35.2 billion to 23 billion. And we were given circular that we must at least ensure that 60 percent of the 35.2 bilion of 2019 are rolled-over into 2020.

“Since 60 percent were to be rolled over, that means at least 40 percent of the proposal of 2019 not included in the proposal of 2020.

Moreover, the money has reduced from 35.2 billion to 23 billion.

“So it wasn’t as if it was an oversight, it was based on extant circular and also based on the paucity of fund. Let me say sir, that as at today, I don’t know what have happened.

“But as at yesterday, unfortunately, the capital vote for the

ministry for 2019, we did not receive N1. And inspite of all the proposals that very distinguished colleagues of mine has said we should roll-over, not N1 was received in terms of cash release to back up up the proposals.

“So we are hoping that the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning will expedite action in the next few days and next few weeks to meet up the expectation.

Initially, they promised that they will release 11 billion, later they said they will add 3 billion to it to make it 14 billion, so we are still waiting.

“We have not awarded a single contract.

So we are hoping that the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning will expedite action in the next few days and next few weeks to meet up the expectation. Initially, they promised that they will release 11 billion, later they said they will add 3 billion to it to make it 14 billion, so we are still waiting.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

PAGE 16

POLITICS

Don’t leave PDP even if I do -Lamido warns Jigawa faithfuls From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

T

he presidential aspirant of People Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido has advised his supporters not leave the party even if he leaves it.

Lamido who described PDP as the only genuine political party in Nigeria, dropped the hint yesterday during the state

stakeholders meeting held at PDP headquaters Dutse.

He explained that some founders of PDP, like Alex Ekweme and solomon Lar died and the party remain in existence.

Lamido maintained that people like Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Ameachi, Abdullahi Adamu and Goje also dumped PDP but still, the party remains the strongest real political party in Nigeria.

According to him, somersault in politics is allowed, but it is good for one to be a politician with a good principles.

“Somersault in politics is not a new thing as Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amechi, Abdullahi Adamu, Goje and many others dumped PDP and some return back to the same political party” he said.

Also speaking at the meeting,

the state PDP chairman, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda Ku’it said the party organised the meeting to announce the replacement of some official members of the party who dumped the it and join the ruling party at state level.

Ku’it also directed the party’s leadership at the 27 local government areas of the state to replace any vacant slot with a real member of the party in the area.

Leave political parties alone, focus on law making - Group tells NASS From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

A

R-L: APC National Chairman , Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, APC National Treasurer , Hon. Adamu Panda, Ambassador of Vietnam to Nigeria, Pham Anhi Tuan , Director of Department of Personnel and Organization, Central Committee’s Office, Mr. Nguyen Theuta and Deputy Chief of Central Committee’s Office Communist Party of Vietnam and Member of Central Committee, Mr. NguyenHai Ninh, during the visit by the Vietnam Delegation to APC National Chairman, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

NASS to back EFCC, ICPC fight against corruption - Lawan

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

P

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said on Tuesday that the National Assembly will provide the necessary support to the anticorruption agencies in the fight against corruption.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are the leading government agencies in anti-corruption war.

“The 9th Senate and indeed the National Assembly is set to support the anti-corruption agencies to the best of its ability, to enable us eradicate the malaise,” Lawan said.

The Senate President gave the assurance in Abuja while declaring open the third EFCC

National Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

“What we face today in the area of corruption requires that all hands must be on deck to fight it. And we are determined to work with other arms of government to fight it.

“It is a fight that should be fought by all and we are ready to initiate moves that will help in ensuring we succeed in the fight.

“We are also continuously prepared to support agencies like the EFCC and professionals like the Justices and Judges always,” Lawan said.

The Senate President noted that corruption has eaten deep into the very fabric of “our society” and has literarily become endemic.

He acknowledged that

the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has done a lot in the last couple of years in fighting corruption but added that the fight has surely not been an easy one.

“Dealing with corruption is surely a task we must undertake very well. The consistency of the EFCC on its mandate is quite commendable.

“The best we can continue to do in our circumstance is to encourage anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and the ICPC discharge their mandate very well.

“The police are also inclusive because of their statutory responsibility of enforcing law and order, by preventing and detecting crime,” Lawan added.

He said the Justices and Judges need all the ethical, moral and institutional support to be

exemplary in the discharge of their duties.

The Senate President advocated for a review of the basic school curricula to include the teaching of anti-corruption tenets.

“I believe that we should look at our civic education.

We shouldn’t wait until people commit corruption before we start chasing them.

“We should start educating our children in schools, basic education secondary level and even tertiary level, on the ills of corruption in any society.

“Therefore, it is a task that requires that we review the current curricula of our basic education particularly to include something like what corruption means, the ills and the responsibility on every citizen to be part and parcel of the fight against this scourge,” Lawan said.

group, under the auspices of Democracy Dividend Development Initiatives(DDDI) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to concentrate on making effective laws that will tackle rising tide of insecurity, joblessness, poverty and other socioeconomic issues in the country rather than meddle in the affairs of registered political parties.

The President of group, Barrister Suleiman Ahmed Alkasawua stated this in a statement made available to the media in kaduna yesterday.

The group maintained that the nation is passing through very difficult period but the legislators are rather busy fixated on irrelevant issues like the deregistration of political parties which has nothing to do with raising the living standards of the ordinary Nigerians.

It further added that “Nigerians at different constitutional conferences in the country accepted the notion that Nigeria should be a multiparty democratic country while the 1999 constitution (as amended) has also given the Nigerian people the right to belong to different parties of their choice.”

“What Nigerians expect from members of the National Assembly is to create an enabling environment for multiparty democracy to thrive,” he said.

He also added that there is s a need to take a critical look at the electoral laws and do away with loopholes that had made it difficult for INEC to deliver free, fair and transparent elections to the people of Nigeria.

The group disabused the minds of Nigerians on the insinuations that it was due to the large number of political parties that had made INEC unable to conduct free and fair elections.

“There are countries that have over 200 political parties on the ballot but were able to deliver credible and transparent elections,” he added.

He called on Nigerians and lovers of democracy to exert pressure on the lawmakers to amend the electoral laws in order to promote multiparty democracy and remove the factors that made it possible for security operatives and thugs to disrupt polls for the purpose of creating room for inconclusive polls.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Ekweremadu’s attack: Reps c’ttee urges for dialogue with Nigerians abroad

POLITICS

Adamawa Assembly approves 40 Special Advisers for Gov. Fintiri

T

he Adamawa House of Assembly on Tuesday approved 40 Special Advisers for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

The approval followed a request by the governor through a

letter read by the Speaker, Aminu Iya-Abbas, at the plenary.

The House also passed a resolution calling on the governor to suspend for two weeks, the caretaker Chairman of Numan Local Government Area,

Nathaniel Tyakul.

The resolution was sequel to a petition against him to the house which was signed by 10 councilors.

The House called for two weeks suspension of the chairman to enable it to investigate the

allegations against him.

The petition whose content was not read out at the plenary was tendered by the House Committee Chairman on Public Petition, Shuaibu Babas (APCFufore/Gurin).

By Christiana Ekpa

F

ollowing recent attacks on political office holders by Nigerians abroad, particular the incident involving Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the House of Representatives committee on diaspora has said it will engage Nigerians abroad with a view to promoting restraint in relating with Nigerians visiting foreign countries.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Tolulope Sadipe disclosed this yesterday at the inaugural meeting of the committee and presentation of work plan to members.

The committee proposed an interaction with stakeholders with a view to changing the narrative.

She said: “The recent and most unfortunate incidents involving a sitting Senator, Ike Ekweremadu in Germany and Senator Buruji Kashamu in United Kingdom were warning signals of dangerous trends that this Committee must nip in the bud.”

“Therefore, we must champion a new relationship between Nigerians in diaspora and the political elites at home,” the lawmaker said.

She stressed that in a bid to be proactive, the Committee has reviewed and recommended some organisations to the Speaker for inclusion in the Standing Order of the House.

“They are: Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigeria National Volunteer Service; Diaspora Scholarship programmes in all MDAs, annual budget estimates on diaspora matters in all MDAs which were approved and we expect inclusion in the reprint”, she noted.

She also said that her committee will seriously engage other stakeholders “in addressing all issues confronting citizens outside the shores of our dear nation”.

“Let me reiterate that the era where Nigerians in Diaspora are treated as filth without commensurate response to the nationals of those countries are over.

“We will also synergize with other stakeholders to make Nigeria, a nation where its citizens will no longer be migrating in droves seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

“This is the ultimate among all democratic dividends that the political elite must deliver to the masses and this Committee will vigorously pursue this,” the committee vowed.

Members of Trader’s Welfare Union of Nigeria, Benin Chapter protesting the alleged seizure of diagnosing and programming machine of their member, Mr Osaro Oghomen

by Chief Osamede Adun, yesterday in Benin. Photo: NAN

We must build bridges across faith, ethnicity -Osinbajo

By Lawrence Olaoye

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigerians must actively engage in building bridges across religions and ethnicities to ensure a better society and nation.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo stated this when he received a delegation from US-based Bridgeway Community Church, in Washington DC, led by its founder and senior pastor, Dr. David Anderson; alongside a delegation from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission led by its Executive Secretary, Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu

Bassi.

In building bridges, the Vice President emphasized on the need to build mutual trust and respect, stating that, “we have to find ways of actively disseminating to our people here, and in Africa in particular, the importance of building bridges across religion and ethnicities.”

While noting that Nigeria is a country with different ethnicities and dominant Muslim and Christian population, with other religions in between, the Vice President added: “It has become clear to us that we must find different ways in building bridges, especially between the faith and ethnicities. And one of the critical things that our faith teaches, is that, regardless of what

the situation may be, “we must love even our enemies and pray for them.”

“The future for society, in my view, relies on our ability to build bridges and to ensure that those bridges are firm and we can walk across it and interact with each other,” he said.

In his remarks, Anderson, who noted the need to build bridges between Africans and AfricanAmericans, said he was inspired to build a Diaspora Palace, hotel and resort in Badagry, Lagos, “so that when people come back from the Diaspora, wherever they are, they would no longer just come to the Point of No Return, but they would walk through the Door of Return;

and that they would be accepted as royalty.”

Anderson observed that several African-Americans desire to be identified as Africans, and he is working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Foreign Affairs and Information ministries to realize that through what he called the Door of Return initiative.

Similarly, Bassi, representing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, noted that the Door of Return initiative, among other objectives, aims “to advance exchange of economic cooperation and direct investment between Nigerian and the Diaspora, particularly in the area of tourism and sustainable development.”

Lawan inaugurates Young Parliamentarians Forum

By Musa Adamu

P

resident of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday inaugurated the principal officers of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF).

The inauguration is sequel to the conduct of election by the group at the National Assembly.

Lawan, who presided over the election of the principal officers, said the inauguration of the YPF was aimed at securing the inclusion and participation of the youths in the process of deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

He stated that the determination of the legislature to return Nigeria’s budget cycle to the JanuaryDecember timeline with the passage of the 2020 budget in record time was also part of plans by the National Assembly to build a new momentum for good governance in Nigeria.

“The idea of the YPF is to give emphasis in inclusion of young parliamentarians across the world, and particularly in the National Assembly.

“The young anywhere in the world provide new energy for development. They represent the future and the promise of any nation. The young are the hope of tomorrow and the group around

which leadership would revolves,” Lawan said in his remarks at the event.

He added, “If you want to see the future of a nation, look at what it is doing with the young; that will tell you whether that country or society has a future.

“What we have to do is to ensure our young ones, whether they are parliamentarians or not, receive the kind of attention that is needed to prepare them for tomorrow. Our tomorrow is prepared today with our young parliamentarians.”

The Senate President noted that the Forum as a body carved out of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, affirms the importance of the young, adding that “understanding the youth is eventually made easier when we have a good number of them in parliament.”

The Senate President, therefore, tasked Nigerian youths on the need to take advantage of the NotToo-Young-To-Run Act to ensure representation every four years.

“The outcome of the 2019 general elections and the inauguration of the unprecedented number of young persons in the National Assembly and 36 state legislatures, we can say we are making progress with youth participation in Nigerian politics.

“The inauguration of the YPF of

the 9th National Assembly is one big step we are taking to sustain the forum through which young persons across the nation have not only found a voice, but an instrument to be part of the decision making process in the National Assembly.

“This is to make the voice of Young persons at the grassroots to count. It is also to ensure that they are part of decisions that affects them today and in the future. I want to assure the Forum that the Senate is ready to provide the needed support to achieve the concept of inclusion across Nigeria.

“These roles of the YPF are indeed very timely. It is a fact that we need to stabilise our democracy.

It is also a fact that democracy is a system, requiring involvement and participation of all.”

“We have made the point that the 9th National Assembly has taken off on the high. We are determined to pass the budget in record time, so we can eliminate our undesirable budget cycle. We have set up our committees in both chambers, just as we have also passed our legislative agendas.

“With these activities, we have built a new momentum, preparatory to delivering our mandate of good governance. With the imminent inauguration of the Inter-

parliamentary Union (IPU) Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF), we have also begun another phase”, Lawan said.

Earlier, members of the YPF of the 9th National Assembly, unanimously elected Honourable Kabiru Ibrahim Tukura (APC, Kebbi) as Chairman and Honourable Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro (APC, Lagos), Deputy Chairman.

Both lawmakers who are serving members of the House of Representatives are aged 35 and 38 years, respectively.

Among those present at the election of the principal officers and inauguration of the YPF of the 9th Assembly are: the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, representing the Speaker and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed SaniOmolori.

Others in attendance are: the Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Minority leader of the House, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; Clerk of the House of Representatives, Patrick Giwa; Senior Programmes Manager, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), Lucy Armstrong and members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF).

Health PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Cerebral Palsy Day: When Engraced Ones march on Abuja to sensitise residents

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

O

ctober 5th, 2019, the Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative organized their 2nd annual Down syndrome and cerebral palsy prayer/advocacy walk.

The walk was meant to educate parents of children with special needs, members of the public and government on the need to provide assistance and care for the children.

The awareness walk which was to mark the world cerebral palsy day took off from Karu Market to LEA Primary School, Jikwoyi, Abuja.

During the March, people were educated in different languages on how to identify a child with down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy condition and the need to contact the Engraced Ones for assistance.

Fliers and posters with the same messages were also shared. The

same message was carried out also along the major road from Karu market to Jikwoyi.

The peak of the event was the commissioning of the Engraced Ones’s Special School name; “School of Grace” at LEA Primary School, Jikwoyi Phase 1, Abuja

by Air Vice Marshall Nelson Calmday.

The School currently has about 8 to 9 children with conditions, and is looking for more enrollment to set a standard that will cater for special needs children.

Speaking during the March, the Coordinator of the Engraced Ones, Bibora Yinkere called for more support from the government and the general public, saying it is too expensive to cater for children with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual disabilities.

Yinkere averred that economic empowerment of the parents of these children will go along way towards assisting these children.

are discriminating against the children living with these conditions.

The Coordinator said that some of the parents don’t even have their children with special needs in the family album, “they don’t want the public to know that they have children with special needs; and as such they can’t even take their children with special needs to school.”

She scolded these parents and reminded them that children with intellectual disabilities deserve good life like others, “they can also excel in life, all that they need is extra support from their parents”.

Also speaking, the representative of National Orientation (NOA), Chinwe Ikaraoha, who is the Assistant Director, Special Duties, National Orientation Agency, FCT Directorate, told the journalists

that the government have signed the disability bill into law to give the persons with disabilities the room to demand for their rights. She said that the rights of the children with intellectual disabilities have been granted by the law and that NOA is working to publish the law in different languages to educate the public about the law.

The 2019 2nd Annual Engraced Ones Down syndrome and Cerebral Advocacy Walk was elaborate and successful through partnership with some other individuals and organizations such as Gbenga Adeleke(CEO, Community and Family Care Initiative), Pastor Augustine Ogbogu(Honey Embassy Church), Francis Morhic( MD, IKE Foundation for Autism), Nnoli Chris(Director, Mary Slessor Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre), Chinwe Ikaraoha( Assistant Director, Special Duties, National Orientation Agency FCT Directorate), Mrs Sophie Too(MD, Even Charity), Air Commodore Marquis(Directing Staff Nigeria Defence College), Agbo Christian Obiora( Publisher, The Qualitative Magazine) and Gospels artists Femi Ajide and Yemisi Marquis.

She cited example with their newly launched school, out of the 9 children with special needs at the school, it is only one child that the parents could afford a little out of the required fees for his PMB 101 LOKOJA, KOGI State education.

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR 2018 TETFUND ZONAL INTERVENTION PROJETS “ T h e 1. INTRODUCTION: economic The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic. Lokoja in compliance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, invites eligible wellbeing of a Contractors, Suppliers, Vendors to bid for the under listed projects under the years 2018 Zonal intervention project 2.0 SCOPE OF PROJECTS good number Lot1. Construction of Computer based examination hall including external works of the parents 3.0 Eligibility Requirement is nothing to The Institute, in compliance with the PPA, 2007 and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) guidelines, will carry out Pre-qualification of companies that respond to this advert based on the following requirements: envy, they i. Certificate of Registration/Incorporation with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) can’t afford ii. Evidence of current Tax Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019; iii. Evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019; the health iv. Evidence of current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019; demands of v. Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019; their children vi. A Sworn Affidavit disclosing; a) That the company is not in retainership, Insolvent or Bankrupt not to talk b) That no Director of the Company has ever been convicted in any court in Nigeria or any other country for criminal offences relating to of expensive fraud or financial impropriety c) Whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Kogi State Polytechnic. Lokoja or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a nature of their former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder education”. d) That information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars”; S h e vii. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) Certificate issued by BPP valid till 3st January, 2020. f r o w n e d viii. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs in the last five (5) years including Letter of Awards, Valuation at some Certificates and Job Completion Certificate; ix. Company Profile with Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) of professional staff to be deployed for the project including copies of their professional parents who

KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC

qualifications; x. Evidence of financial capability to execute the project including Bank Statement and Reference Letter from reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed. xi. Interested bidders must have Minimum annual turnover of N150million for lot 1 and 2 only 4.0 COLLECTION OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS Interested bidders are to collect the biding document from the TETfund Desk Officer on Presentation of the receipt of payment of a NonRefundable tender fee of N10,000 for the lot to be paid in the Bursary.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS Prospective bidders are to submit bid for each Lot desired, two (2) hard copies each of the Technical and Financial Bids with softcopy of the Financial Bid only in MS Excel format, packaged separately in sealed envelopes and clearly marked as “Technical Bid” or “Financial Bid”.

Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to, the Registrar Kogi State Polytechnic, lokoja and clearly marked with the Name of the Project and the Lot Number. Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should bear the Name and Address of the bidder and drop in the designated Tender Box, at the Procurement Unit, Kogi State Polytechnic. Lokoja not later than 12:00 noon, Thursday 5th December, 2019.

6.0 CLOSING DATE AND OPENING The closing date for submission will be by 12:05 noon of Thursday 5th December, 2019 and the Technical bid Document shall be opened the same day in the presence of Companies’ representatives who may choose to attend at the Conference Hall. Only pre-qualified bidders will have their financial bids opened.

7.0 GENERAL INFORMATION a. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorized by the bidder; b. Bids submitted after deadline for submission would be returned un-opened; c. All costs will be borne by the bidders; d. Only pre-qualified bidders will be invited at a later date for financial bids opening, while financial bids of unsuccessful bidders will be returned un-opened PLEASE NOTE: Kogi State Polytechnic. Lokoja reserves the right to invoke the provision of Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 on matters regarding these procurements without incurring any liability to the bidder.

Signed: RECTOR

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

NCC Regulation not in conflict with NDPR -NITDA

By Etuka Sunday

T

he National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that no Regulation of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is in conflict with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

NITDA said, the clarification was necessary because of an article written by a well-meaning Nigerian titled- New NCC directive will push telcos to violate Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) published on 18th October, 2019 across various online media.

The Director General/CEO, NITDA, Kashifu Abdallahi Inuwa, in a statement said, the agency “appreciates the increasing level of civil discuss and interrogation of the NDPR by many Nigerians. We believe these kinds of engagement leads to the development of robust and effective regulatory regimes that works for all.”

He said in the statement that the writer was of the opinion that the NCC directive to telecommunication companies to store and make available recordings of communications carried out over their network is antithetical to the provisions of the NDPR. “We want to use this medium to educate all concerned Nigerians on the bands of privacy and national security.

“The right to privacy which the NDPR seeks to protect is established by Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The right is however limited by Section 45. (1) which provides: Nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a

democratic society (a) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; The right to privacy protection is subject to reasonably, justifiable law for public safety and order.

“This same sentiment is shared

by Article 2 of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which provides: “This Regulation does not apply to the processing of personal data: (d) by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, including the safeguarding against and the prevention of threats to public security.

“Furthermore, Article 2.2 of the NDPR provides multiple basis for processing of personal data.

While all data processing must be founded on legitimate interest, the other basis for processing includeconsent of data subject, legal interest, contract of parties, public interest and vital interest of the data subject. The NCC’s directive is predicated on legitimacy and public interest.

“It is gratifying to note that the communications sector under the able leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Honourable Minister of Communications, is working in symmetry to protect Nigerians, increase opportunities and improve ease of doing business in the sector.

“NCC, like every other government agency is working hard to implement the NDPR as there is a consensus that the Regulation, is at the moment the country’s most comprehensive law on data protection,” the statement said.

Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Services, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Melville Eboh (right), presenting a souvenir to President and Founder Berekate Family, Ahmed Isah, during Isah›s visit to the Bank on Monday in Abuja. With them is the Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, Umar Abdullahi. Photo: NAN

Fiscal Responsibility: NDIC pays N212.7bn into consolidated revenue account ...as NASS pledges speedy amendment of NDIC Act

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Chairman, Board of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mrs Ronke Sokefun has disclosed that the corporation paid a total sum of N212.7billion into the consolidated revenue account, in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Mrs Sokefun gave the hint at a Public Lecture/Book Presentation organised by the NDIC to mark its 30th Anniversary celebration in Abuja.

She said the board would work closely with the management to overcome all challenges and build the desired trust in the minds of depositors.

Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan gave an assurance that the National Assembly will accord top priority to the amendment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) law.

A bill to amend the NDIC Act 2006 was presented for consideration to the eighth National

Assembly but it was not passed.

“I want to assure you that when we resume plenary, the NDIC Act amendment bill will be a top priority,” Lawan said in Abuja at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the organisation.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi had earlier spoken against the current provisions in the Act which allow depositor a maximum of N500,000 compensation in the event of the bank runs into trouble regardless of the amount trapped.

The Ooni made a personate appeal to the Senate President for the National Assembly to consider amending the Act. “Everyone of us here will agree that the Act should be amended. So Kabiyesi, your motion has received a yes. The Ayes have it,” the Senate President said.

Lawan said the National Assembly is not unaware of the operational challenges faced

by NDIC in the discharge of its functions and promised that the ninth Assembly will be readily

available to give accelerated hearing on the proposed amendment.

“I want to recall that the Corporation for so many years has engaged and cooperated fully with the National Assembly through our oversight committees to address issues that are germane to the sustenance of the stability of the Nigerian Banking industry.

“I therefore, wish to state that, the National Assembly, will always join hands with the NDIC not only to contribute to its success but also ensure that its requests are given expeditious treatment.

“I would like to use this occasion to urge the NDIC not only to showcase its milestones, mandate and achievements, to the general public, but also rededicate itself to continuous engagement with the banking public by further educating them on its activities.

“This to me, is very critical to NDIC’s operations as it will effectively contribute to the realization of NDIC’s core mandate of protecting bank depositors,” Lawan said.

Afreximbank announces Initiative to catalyse African cotton sector

By Etuka Sunday

T

he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) said it is developing an African Cotton Initiative (AFRICOTIN) to help catalyse the African cotton sector, Kanayo Awani, Managing Director of the Bank’s IntraAfrican Trade Initiative, has announced.

Speaking during the launch of the African Corner at the World Cotton Day organised by the World Trade Organization in Geneva on 7 October, Ms. Awani

said that the initiative would involve upstream interventions boosting production of cotton on the continent and downstream interventions promoting and financing the consumption of cotton products.

She noted that the cotton value chain provides income for millions of people in Africa, especially those living in rural areas, and represented an important source of foreign exchange for many countries.

Afreximbank had a cotton pipeline of about 400 million

Euros, she announced, including $195 million dollars in textile and cotton Parks in Burkina Faso and textile and garments industrial parks in Nigeria.

The African Corner, sponsored

by Afreximbank, allowed the Bank to showcase its support for the African cotton value chain and for the African fashion and design industry.

The African Corner is a section of the WTO premises dedicated to African Cotton products and was designed to give exposure and recognition to African

cotton and cotton stakeholders.

The corner is also being used to develop collaboration with the private sector and seek investors for cotton-related industries and production in Africa.

Observance of the World Cotton Day followed a United Nations resolution sponsored

by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali proclaiming 7 October as World Cotton Day. The four countries, also known as the Cotton-4, are co-sponsors of the Cotton Sectorial Initiative which aims to improve the international

cotton trading system.

Cotton is produced in 75 countries, including many leastdeveloped countries where production and processing are important contributors to economic stability and job creation.

Also addressing participants in Geneva was Arancha González, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, who said that cotton was at the heart the Centre’s efforts to ensure sustainable development through trade in Africa.

Page 20

Pension /Insurance

IGI Insurance assures Stakeholders of better future

From Ngozi Onyeakusi, Lagos

T

he Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) has assured her stakeholders including customers, shareholders, staff and business partners of a better future.

Giving the assurance, the firm equally said it is commitment towards meeting recapitalization deadline set by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM. The management said it has launched a strategic turnaround programme aimed at improving the fortune of the company, adding that the past years have been very “The past years have been very challenging for IGI as a business.

The situation has consistently defied operational initiatives and thus left the company sinking deeper and deeper. To arrest the situation, the Board of Directors launched a strategic and holistic turnaround programme early this year under a new management with a view to putting a sustainable halt to the company’s declining fortunes and restore growth while stabilizing its future.

“The company hitherto has been overburdened with a bogus wage bill arising from a defective human capital deployment.

Because this was no longer sustainable under the very difficult circumstance IGI found itself, the inexorable imperative was to undertake a proper review and adjustment of costs across board. This exercise prompted some tough decisions that are critical success factors.

“The company is working assiduously to meet the recapitalisation deadline of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). “We are optimistic of eventual outcome and are encouraged by the level of our progress so far on the turnaround initiative.

“We are aware of today’s realities in the Insurance industry which necessitate that companies return to the drawing boards to re-strategise in order to remain in business.

“We wish to assure all our stakeholders, particularly our customers, shareholders, staff and other business partners, that IGI is applying the right strategies and moving in the right direction.

There is therefore unassailable cause to be hopeful for a better future.

“The Board and Management of IGI would like to particularly appreciate the company’s employees, both current and exited, for their understanding and believe in the company all through the difficult times.

“We heartily wish our exited colleagues greater success in their future endeavours,” the management said.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Recapitalisation: NAICOM set to engage Shareholders From Lagos

Ngozi

Onyeakusi,

N

ational Insurance Commission (NAICOM ) said it is ready to meet with the Shareholders Associations with interest in insurance companies to further discussions on the success of the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

According to a statement

by Head, Commissioner for Insurance’ Directorate, Mr. Rasaaq Salami, “Further to the ongoing recapitalization exercise in the insurance sector and the need to provide adequate information to all stakeholders, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is set to host an interactive session with shareholders associations with

interest in insurance companies.

“Ag. Commissioner for Insurance Olorundare Sunday Thomas will be on hand to welcome delegates of the different shareholders associations to the session.

“The Director, Policy and Regulations, who is also Chairman of the Committee on Recapitalization in the Commission Pius Agboola, will

address the session to bring the shareholders up to date with the recapitalization roadmap.”

The session, the statement added , is being scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos at 10am, as part of measures being taken by NAICOM to achieve a seamless recapitalization exercise to the benefit of all stakeholders.

Controller, Ibadan Field Office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Oluyemi Olaonipekun, sealing off Forte Oil station at Bashorun in Ibadan for under-dispensing during a surveillance visit of DPR team to petrol stations, yesterday , in Ibadan . Photo: NAN

METRO

Polio Eradication: FCTA to up measures to prevent reinfection

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s part of efforts to ensure the complete eradication of polio from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared that campaign efforts will be intensified while partnership built against polio would be sustained to guide against re-infection.

This assurance was given FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello while addressing stakeholders at the start of Polio Week organized

by Cedarcrest Polio Centre, Abuja,

yesterday.

Bello said now was not the time to relent just as Nigeria was about to be declared and certified a Polio free country, stressing that failure not was not an option.

He said even though the FCT has performed quite well in the fight against polio, “we will not rest on our laurels as our campaigns will be intensified. We have come so far and fought so hard over the years, so much so that failure now is not an option.

“We intend to sustain the network of partnership we have

built against polio and maintain watch against re-infection.

“While it is heartwarming to note that in just a few months, Nigeria will be declared polio free if no new cases of infection are registered, it must be mentioned that there can be no room for complacency. Nothing should be taken for granted and vigilance should be our watchword.”

Explaining that the FCT has left no stone unturned in the quest to ensure that every eligible child is immunized, the Minister added that so far, five out of the six area councils of the FCT have achieved

90 per cent coverage and for over six years, no new case of the disease has been recorded in the Territory.

He therefore called for vigilance while commending health workers for their efforts towards the attainment and maintenance of the status so far reached in the fight against polio.

Bello also commended Cedarcrest Polio Centre and its partners for efforts not only in the fight against polio in the country but also in making treatment available to people living with residual deformities after suffering from the

T

irreplaceable loss of innocent lives, the innocent injured who may remain deformed for life and many who are suddenly stripped of their livelihoods as a result of the loss of their hard-earned properties ( houses, shops, vehicles etc) .The release further stated that “many of the victims would never recover from the colossal losses in the absence of any viable and effective compensation scheme,” he said.

He remarked that it is pertinent to examine existing reports of petrol tanker accidents and their attendant collateral damage and fatalities, stressing that most recent incident is the Onitsha Tanker fire of 16 October, 2019 which reportedly destroyed 40 houses and 500 shops, worsened by avoidable deaths and injuries.

The Upper Iweka Onitsha incident, he said according to reports was followed by another tanker explosion which destroyed buildings, vehicles and other valuables along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on 18 October, 2019.

“In retrospect, we cannot forget the June 27, 2018 mayhem caused by the petrol tanker lorry explosion on the Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

which reportedly killed 12 persons and annihilated over 50 vehicles in the inferno. September 10, 2018 witnessed another horrific gas tanker explosion at a petrol station along the Lafia Makurdi Road in Nassarawa State, recording 35 fatalities and over 100 injured,” he added.

The out-going President took a critical look at the petrol tanker mishaps, stating that since it is impossible to eliminate petroleum products tanker incidents, it would however be prudent and responsive for government to initiate new measures especially for the innocent victims of these horrendous disasters.

In his view the new measures with humanitarian perspectives, will go beyond merely lamenting these incidents by taking steps which will address the sufferings of victims. Adeosun posited that his recommendations would not dwell on loss control and accident prevention measures which a number of the Roads and Petroleum Industry Enforcement Agencies are already addressing.

Proffering solutions, he recommended that the Federal

Government should initiate a new recovery or compensation empowerment of innocent victims of petrol tanker fires and explosions through insurance or any other system.

That the existing compulsory Third Party Motor insurance is totally unrealistic for the scale of the destruction visited on victims by these incidents.

Therefore support from state governments would be an option but this also is fraught with the problem of adding to the plights of the already overburdened governments struggling with payment of salaries.

Continuing he also noted that in light of 2 above, the new RIMSON Executive led by Raymond Akalonu should liaise with appropriate industry stakeholders like the Nigeria Insurers Association and Government Agencies to undertake the design of a new responsive insurance solution, sinking fund or other viable alternative that will provide adequate care, recovery and restoration of innocent victims of petroleum products tanker disasters in Nigeria.

disease.

He described polio as one of the most devastating diseases that can affect an individual, particularly, “because of its ability to cause paralysis and deformation of limbs and significantly lower the quality of lives of victims.”

Similarly, the Director, Cedarcrest Polio Centre, Dr. Felix Ogedengbe had earlier in his welcome address called for the establishment of an active referral Centre for polio patients in Nigeria, where victims can seek help and care.

Aliyu declares support for NGOs uplifting orphans, others in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

CT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has pledged the Administration’s support to organisations and groups that are rendering selfless services to orphans and less privileged in the society.

In particular, Aliyu said the FCT Administration will stand to serve as a pillar of support to

such foundations, stressing that acts of selflessness and kindness irrespective of ethnicity will promote nation building.

The Minister made this pledge during the disbursement of education scholarship to 67 orphans for North-East and North-West geographical zone, organised by the Mighty One Empowerment Foundation, in collaboration with Abundant Grace Initiative for Women and

Children, in Abuja.

She commended the Mighty One Empowerment Foundation for their selfless acts of service to humanity, adding that the foundation has impacted meaningfully on the lives of the less privileged and orphans.

According to her, “The FCT Administration will stand to serve as a pillar of support to the foundation’s goodwill and other foundations with similar vision.

“The efforts of rendering a selfless service will go a long and immeasurable way in the development of the country, and its sole objective is in line with the concentration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration which targets uplifting of the downtrodden as regards to security and provision of a moderate life, shelter, and basic needs.”

She however advised that

individuals should always be willing to put their foot first in showing appreciation to one another regardless of their ethnicity or race.

The highpoint of the event was the induction of FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu and other eminent personalities into Education International Hall of Fame and presentation of scholarship award letters to some indigent orphans.

Chairman, FCT Chapter, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Tayo Haastrup (middle) Flanked by the Chairman, 2019 NIPR FCT Chapter AGM/ conference planning Committee, Mr. Franklyn Ginger-Eke (right) and the Vice Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mrs Hadiza Umar, during the Press briefing on the Chapter upcoming AGM and Conference with the Theme: ‘ The Leadership Question in Nigeria”, held yesterday in Abuja/ Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

RIMSON tasks FG on measures to reduce petrol tanker accidents he out-going President of Risk Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON), Engr.

Jacob Adeosun, has expressed concern over the unabated accidents involving petroleum Products (liquid & gas) Tanker Trucks and implored the Federal Government to come out with far-reaching measures to stem the menace.

A statement by RIMSON’s Media Consultant, Joseph Obah, stated that Adeosun, a Chemical Engineer and Certified Risk Management Professional, called for prompt and decisive action by the Federal Government in addressing the catastrophic disasters periodically inflicted on Nigerians whenever the petrol tanker accidents occur.

Appalled by the spate of the petrol tanker disasters, Adeosun wants the Federal Government to take a bold risk management initiative to decisively deal with the realities which have continued to defy logical reasoning on why the ugly trend has not received adequate mitigating attention.

“The disasters seem unending.

The developments are worrisome, especially on account of the

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Jabi Lake: Firm mulls $15m investment for Abuja cruise project

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n a bid to revamp the popular Jabi Lake for multifaceted recreational activities, a private firm, Adcelerate limited has disclosed advanced move to construct and deploy an eco friendly luxury cruise like floating entertainment platform on the Lake.

According to the firm, the project was conceived with the sole aim of complementing the existing developments within the nation’s capital city, to boost tourism and add to the aesthetics of the Abuja and amongst create over 170 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect

jobs in its value chain.

Making this disclosure yesterday during a chat with journalists in Abuja, Adcelerate’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maxwell Omar Gabari, said the size of the proposed Jabi Lake Luxury Cruise is Length-250ft (76.2m) x Breadth – 80ft (24.5m) x Height 57ft (17.2m).

Gabari added that the project estimated to cost about 15 million US dollars will contribute to the already existing and ongoing developments in the capital city.

He explained that the project features; restaurant, lounge, 100 seater capacity

event/cinema hall, amusement arcade / open areas, swimming pool, Marina at stern for water sports such as Jet ski, boat rides, fishing, surfing etc, lake view accommodation with private balcony and a bridge deck with solar panel roof.

He opined that the project, which will be the first inland cruise in Nigeria will create an improved and sustainable Lake management and boost the city’s revenue base.

Commenting on the lingering lawsuit that has hampered the developments around the Jabi Lake area, the CEO said “

the laws only affects the Jabi Lake Garden and Park, which four people are claiming ownership of the place.”

“But we cannot leave the the entire huge space abadoned, so I think the FCT Minister needs to take a firm resolve to maintain the place, because it’s a beautiful place that is left underdeveloped.

“So we knew about the issues, the that’s why we are not doing Jabi Garden, we are actually on the Lake, and as a private company we want to maximize the value of the Lake for the benefit of investors and residents in the Territory.”

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Page 22

world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Trump calls impeachment inquiry ‘a lynching’ U S President Donald Trump has called the congressional impeachment investigation that may seek to remove him from office “a lynching”.

Mr Trump condemned the inquiry in a tweet as “without due process or fairness or any legal rights”.

Democrats may seek to impeach the Republican president by Christmas.

A racially loaded term in the US, lynching refers to historic extrajudicial executions by white mobs mainly against African Americans.

So some day, if a Democrat becomes President and the Republicans win the House, even by a tiny margin, they can impeach the President, without due process or fairness or any legal rights. All Republicans must remember what they are witnessing here - a lynching.

But we will WIN! White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters on Tuesday that Mr Trump did not mean to be racially insensitive.

“The president has used many words, all types of language, to talk about the way the media has treated him,” the deputy press secretary said.

He added: “The president wasn’t trying to compare himself to the horrific history in this country at all.”

The impeachment inquiry is examining whether the Republican president abused his office by improperly pressuring Ukraine to launch an investigation into former US Vice-President Joe Biden, a leading candidate for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination.

Mr Trump denies holding up US military aid to Ukraine so they would investigate Mr Biden’s son, who worked for a Ukrainian gas company.

What’s the reaction?

Mr Trump has repeatedly called the impeachment inquiry, as well as

On Monday, Mr Trump said Republicans should “get tougher and fight” the impeachment inquiry

Acting US Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor is testifying to Congress an earlier investigation into foreign meddling in the 2016 election, a “witch hunt”.

But his likening of a process enshrined in the US constitution to racist killings provoked outrage among African-American lawmakers.

Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, told CNN: “That is one word that no president ought to apply to himself.”

“I’ve studied presidential history quite a bit and I don’t know if we’ve ever seen anything quite like this.”

Bobby Rush, an Illinois Democrat, tweeted to Mr Trump: “What the hell is wrong with you?

“Do you know how many people who look like me have been lynched, since the inception of this country, by people who look like you.”

He called on Mr Trump to delete the tweet.

Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said: “The president should not compare a constitutionally mandated impeachment inquiry to such a dangerous and dark chapter of

Republican Senator Tim Scott defended Mr Trump’s sentiment but not his language security assistance for help with a American history.”

Republican lawmakers mostly political campaign,” Mr Taylor wrote defended Mr Trump, but not in one message.

During a cabinet meeting at the necessarily his choice of language.

Jim Jordan, of Ohio, said the White House on Monday, Mr Trump comment showed that “the president’s called for his party “to get tougher and fight” the impeachment inquiry. frustrated”.

Initially hopeful that the inquiry Senator Lindsey Graham said: would be done by November’s “This is a lynching in every sense.”

Tim Scott, the only black Thanksgiving holiday, Democrats are Republican US senator, said: “There’s now signalling it may drag on towards no question that the impeachment Christmas.

Quick facts on impeachment process is the closest thing to a political Impeachment is the first part death row trial, so I get his absolute the charges - of a two-stage political rejection of the process.

“I wouldn’t use the word lynching.” process by which Congress can remove House Republican leader Kevin a president from office If the House of Representatives McCarthy told reporters: “That’s not votes to pass articles of impeachment, the language I would use.”

What’s the latest with the the Senate is forced to hold a trial A Senate vote requires a twoimpeachment inquiry?

Career US diplomat William thirds majority to convict - unlikely in Taylor - the acting US ambassador to this case, given that Mr Trump’s party Ukraine - is being interviewed by the controls the chamber Only two US presidents in history impeachment committees at Congress - Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson on Tuesday.

Texts show Mr Taylor raised have been impeached but neither was the alarm to other US envoys about convicted and removed President Nixon resigned before pulling US aid to Ukraine.

“I think it’s crazy to withhold he could have been impeached.

PM to pull Brexit bill if timetable not approved

T

he government will abandon its Brexit bill if MPs vote down its three-day timetable to get it through Parliament.

Boris Johnson told MPs if the programme was rejected and the EU confirmed a delay to the 31 October exit, he would instead push for a general election.

The PM said Parliament had been “caught in a deadlock of its own making”, and he would “in no way allow months more of this”.

But opposition MPs called the threat to pull the bill “childish blackmail”.

The Withdrawal Agreement Bill was published on Monday night and MPs are now debating it in the Commons.

They will vote at around 19:00 BST on the proposed timetable.

Boris Johnson agreed his new plan with EU leaders last week, but has repeatedly pledged to leave the EU by the end of October, with or without a deal.

Opening the debate in the Commons, Mr Johnson told MPs that giving the deal - and the programme motion - their backing would “get Brexit done and move our country on”.

But he added: “If Parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen, and instead gets its way and decides to delay everything until January or possibly longer, in no circumstances can the government continue with this.”

Mr Johnson did not say what the government would do if the EU offered a shorter extension.

However, he said MPs’ constituents would “not be fooled by any further delay” and “would not understand why it was necessary”.

The law requires 25 days between an election

being triggered in Parliament and polling day - meaning were one to be called this week, the earliest it could take place would be Thursday, 28 November.

The decision to curtail the scrutiny of the bill to three days has sparked anger from opposition MPs. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party would vote against the timetable, calling it “an abuse of Parliament and a disgraceful attempt to dodge accountability, scrutiny and any kind of proper debate”.

He said MPs were being “treated as an inconvenience that can be bypassed by this government”.

The Liberal Democrats’ spokesman for Brexit, Tom Brake, criticised the threat of pulling the bill if the government lost the vote on the programme motion, saying: “MPs shouldn’t be bullied into voting in favour of this ridiculously short timetable.”

And the SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford said: “In what is an absolutely fundamental piece of legislation that is going to effect all of us, our children and our grandchildren for decades to come, we must have proper scrutiny and we must be able to tease out the facts of the matter.”

But Tory Brexiteer Iain Duncan Smith said “those that say they don’t have enough time because there are so many things to debate” should remember that a white paper that “contains most elements” of the deal was published and debated last year.

“Most things have not changed,” he added.

Will the EU offer an extension?

Earlier, ministers insisted they were confident they had the numbers to get the Withdrawal Agreement Bill approved, despite losing a crunch Commons vote on Saturday aimed at ruling out a no-deal Brexit.

This defeat led to the PM being forced to write a letter to the EU asking for an extension - but Mr Johnson wrote a second letter outlining his opposition to further delay.

European Council President Donald Tusk told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday he was consulting the 27 EU leaders on how to react to the UK’s request for a Brexit delay and “will decide in the coming days”.

“I have no doubt that we should treat the British request for extension in all seriousness,” he tweeted.

What is in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill?

The 110-page document will give legal effect to the withdrawal deal negotiated by Mr Johnson.

His plan ditches the backstop - the controversial measure designed to prevent a return to physical checks on the Irish border.

Instead it essentially draws a new customs border in the Irish Sea, as goods which could travel onwards to Ireland will have to pay a duty tax.

It also will see the whole of the UK leave the EU customs union, meaning it could strike trade deals with other countries in the future.

The WAB will also turn any agreed transition period into law, fulfil requirements on the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit, and allow ministers to make “divorce payments” to the EU foreseen under the current deal.

Other areas the bill covers include:

• how the UK will make “divorce payments” to the EU • how customs and regulations will work between Great Britain and Northern Ireland • the future of workers’ rights • how there could be an extension to the transition period after the UK leaves the EU MPs will be able to vote on amendments changes or add-ons - to the bill.

If the government cannot get the bill through Parliament, the default legal position is for the UK to leave without a deal on 31 October, but that will change if the EU grants an extension.

What is the plan for the rest of the day?

Following the opening speeches from Mr Johnson and opposition leaders, MPs will debate the bill in what is called its second reading.

This debate will continue up until 19:00 BST and then MPs will vote on whether to give the deal its first nod of approval.

If it wins their backing, the programme motion will then be voted on to secure the threeday timetable.

It is not entirely clear exactly what happens if the motion is rejected, but if it passes, the WAB moves straight into the line-by-line scrutiny of the committee stage, which can continue until 22:00.

What about the rest of the week?

If the WAB starts committee stage on Tuesday, it will continue throughout Wednesday.

Amendments to the bill will be laid and chosen by the Speaker, such as plans for a customs union or confirmatory referendum on the deal.

Thursday will then be used for the report stage and third reading.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Page 23

N e w s F r o m A f r i c a SA power firm Eskom sues Deloitte for ‘overcharging’

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outh Africa’s embattled state power firm, Eskom, is taking legal action to reclaim $14m (£11m) from multinational consultancy Deloitte, accusing it of being awarded contracts improperly.

Eskom said Deloitte charged five times more than its competitors for work undertaken in 2016.

Deloitte said it did nothing wrong, and would fight the claim in court.

South Africa has been hit by a series of power cuts as Eskom battles to meet growing electricity demands.

It is one of the biggest power utilities in the world, but is saddled with debt and relies on government bailouts to keep running.

Most of Eskom’s power plants run on coal, an abundant resource in South Africa It has also been embroiled in Zuma was kicked out of office a giant corruption scandal known in 2017 for allegedly presiding in South Africa as “state capture”. over the scandal. He denies any Former President Jacob wrongdoing.

Mr Zuma’s successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, is now trying to restore trust in Eskom and other key state institutions, says the BBC’s Andrew Harding in the main city, Johannesburg.

Eskom has now taken Deloitte to court, saying it should give back $14m because it was “illgotten”.

“Information before us shows that Deloitte engaged in activities that were unfair, inequitable, nontransparent and uncompetitive using off-the-record briefings with Eskom officials to submit proposals, and were granted contracts even though their pricing was way above their competitors,” the utility’s chief executive and chairman Jabu Mabuza was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

Deloitte denied any wrongdoing and said it would put forward its version in court.

“Deloitte Consulting has been engaging in good faith with Eskom on this matter for some time now in order to assist Eskom to understand the processes followed and the value that Deloitte Consulting has delivered to Eskom,” it said in a statement.

It is not the first giant multinational company to get caught up in South Africa’s “state capture” scandal, says our reporter.

McKinsey, Bain, SAP and KPMG have also been accused of working with corrupt local officials.

Some have paid money back but all say they have done nothing wrong, our reporter adds.

Amnesty ‘has evidence of potential war crimes’ in Libya Fighting around the capital, Tripoli, began in April

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new investigation in Libya by rights group Amnesty International has found evidence of what it calls “potential war crimes” committed by the different sides fighting in Libya.

The armed forces of the Libyan government in Tripoli and their rivals from the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army headed by Gen Khalifa Haftar have been fighting in and around the Libyan capital,

Tripoli, since April.

The conflict started after an attack was launched by forces loyal to Gen Haftar in a bid to control the capital.

Amnesty International says its team’s investigation included an examination of 33 strikes and their impact in and around Tripoli, which “revealed a systematic disregard for international law”.

The international watchdog cited several examples of civilians indiscriminately killed by ground rockets and artillery on the streets

Pilot study reduces lead levels in gold ore

A

new study has found that a pilot programme to introduce safer practices in Nigerian gold mines has reduced the levels of lead in the blood of artisanal mining communities by about a third.

Hundreds of

people, mainly children, have died after being poisoned by the high levels of lead in the gold ore.

The pilot project, conducted by Médecins Sans Frontières and Occupational K n o w l e d g e International, involved

spraying water at ore processing sites to reduce the amount of lead in the air.

Miners were also trained to reduce exposure by eating in areas away from the mines, changing clothes and washing themselves after work.

of densely populated areas by both warring parties.

Gen Haftar’s forces have also targeted the capital’s only functioning airport several times, forcing it to shut down.

Amnesty International also criticised government forces for sometimes using “field hospitals and medical facilities for military purposes” which exposed medical workers to deadly attacks by their rivals.

Neither side has responded to the claims in this new report.

Acting US Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor is testifying to Congress

Facebook to label ‘fake news’

F

acebook has announced new measures aimed at fighting the spread of misinformation on its platform.

In a statement, the social media giant said it will now prominently label content rated false by thirdparty fact checkers on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook recently expanded its

fact-checking programme to 10 new countries across Sub-Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Zambia, Somalia, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Ghana.

Head of Policy for Africa Kojo Boakye said the programme will be implemented through its partners such as Africa Check, Pesa Check,

Dubawa, France 24 and AFP Fact Check in a bid to control the flow of misinformation on its platforms.

He said: Quote Message: Taking steps to help tackle false news on Facebook is a responsibility we take seriously, we know misinformation is a problem, and these are important steps in continuing to address this issue.

New Liberia deputy minister threatened to ‘kill’ protesters

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iberia’s President George Weah has appointed as deputy defence minister a man who had previously threatened to “kill” people who tried to loot his property during protests against the president.

A few days before his appointment, Tarplah Z Davis went on Facebook and hit out at organisers of anti-Weah protests. He especially targeted the US-based leader, controversial radio talk show host Henry Costa.

“The symbol of everything that I have worked for personally is in

Liberia. And I told people, anybody tries my property, I will kill them.

“I have said it and will continue to say it openly,” the privately-owned Front Page Africa newspaper, which has been following the controversy, quoted the man as saying during a Facebook broadcast.

Radio stations in the capital, Monrovia, have been playing the man’s comments repeatedly.

Liberia has been hit by a wave of protests in recent months The Weah government has

been confronted by a wave of unprecedented protests in recent months. The largest, dubbed Save the State, was organised on 7 June by a pressure group called Council of Patriots.

The group has announced it is organising another demonstration on 30 December, “this time to call on George Weah to step down and leave”, Mr Costa said.

Mr Davis was named to the position over the weekend but his critics have called on the Senate to reject his nomination.

Acting US Ambassador to Ukraine Bill Taylor is testifying to Congress

SA passengers stranded after spot safety checks

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assengers have been left stranded at airports around South Africa following safety spot checks by the aviation regulator (CAA) that left several aeroplanes grounded.

Both Comair, the company operating lowcost airline kulula.com, and British Airways in South Africa issued a notice to its passengers.

It said the grounding “related to irregular findings picked up during a recent audit of our maintenance and technical service provider, South African Airways Technical”.

State-owned South African Airways (SAA) also had some of its planes delayed or cancelled.

Passengers at the country’s busiest airport,

Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International, voiced their unhappiness about the lack of communication.

Many were anxiously standing in queues as they waited to check in their luggage amid long delays.

SAA’s spokesman Tlali Tlali said it was a precautionary measure.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula told journalists that there was no crisis.

“We are pleased that SAA technical has submitted a corrective action plan and it was accepted,” he said.

“The safety of our people is paramount and we want to ensure that our airlines meet the safety standards.”

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e w s

urkey’s president has threatened to resume an offensive in north-east Syria unless Kurdish fighters withdraw from the border before a ceasefire ends.

Up to 1,300 People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia members still had to pull back before 22:00 (19:00 GMT) on Tuesday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned.

Turkish troops and allied Syrian rebels attacked on 9 October to set up a 32km (20mile) deep “safe zone” in Syria.

Mr Erdogan agreed to pause the assault last week at the request of the US. A US-led multinational coalition relied on the YPG to battle Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria over the past four years, but the Turkish government views it as a terrorist organisation with links to a Kurdish rebel group fighting in Turkey.

The offensive began after President Donald Trump ordered US troops to leave the border area - a decision that was widely criticised by US lawmakers.

The UN says more than 176,000 people, including almost 80,000 children, have been displaced in the past two weeks in north-east Syria, which is home to some 3 million people.

Some 120 civilians have been killed in the battle, along with 259 Kurdish fighters, 196 Turkishbacked Syrian rebels and seven Turkish soldiers, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group.

Twenty civilians have also been killed in attacks by the YPG on Turkish territory, Turkish officials say.

On Thursday, US VicePresident Mike Pence persuaded Mr Erdogan to agree to pause the Turkish offensive for 120 hours to allow the US to “facilitate the withdrawal of YPG forces from the Turkish-controlled safe zone”.

He also agreed to a permanent ceasefire upon completion of the YPG withdrawal.

Since then the ceasefire has largely held, despite what US officials have described as “some minor skirmishes”.

On Tuesday, Mr Erdogan told reporters in Ankara that the withdrawal of YPG fighters from the border area was “continuing”.

“According to the information I have received from my defence minister, we are talking about 700 to 800 already withdrawn and the rest, around 1,200 to 1,300, are continuing to withdraw. It has been said that they will withdraw,” he said.

Mr Erdogan then warned that all the YPG fighters would have to “get out” by Tuesday night or the Turkish offensive would resume.

“If the promises given to us

by America are not kept, we will continue our operation from where it left off, this time with a much bigger determination.”

The president added that the YPG “does not have a place in the future of Syria” and that he would seek to end its presence in areas of Syria controlled by the Syrian government, which Turkey opposes.

The Turkish president has said he wants the “safe zone”

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

F r o m A SI A Turkey Syria offensive: Erdogan threatens to resume assault when ceasefire ends

P ropert y

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

Government should create sustainable development in L.G.A’s -ESV.Oradiegwu

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have captured the border town of Tal Abyad to cover all 440km of the Turkey-Syria border currently controlled by a militia alliance led by the YPG, called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

But a Turkish security source told Reuters news agency the YPG was expected to withdraw initially from a 120km strip from Ras al-Ain to Tal Abyad.

Turkish-led forces have seized control of both towns and large parts of the sparsely

populated, mostly Arab area between them.

The source said Mr Erdogan would discuss the YPG’s withdrawal from the rest of the border during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Tuesday.

Russian forces have been taking up many of the positions abandoned by YPG fighters and US troops near the border as part of an agreement Moscow

Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan back opposing sides in Syria’s civil war brokered between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, its ally, and the local Kurdish-led administration, which wanted help to halt the Turkish advance.

The Russian deployment has created the potential for clashes between Russia and Turkey something Mr Erdogan and Mr Putin want to avoid.

“Russia wants to discuss the situation in the north-east

of Syria, better understand what is going on,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov before the Sochi meeting. “We want to acquire information about Turkey’s plans and see how it compares with the general plan of the political settlement.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian military helicopters landed at the Tabqa airbase after US troops left, Russian defence ministrycontrolled Zvezda TV reported.

Israel PM Netanyahu fails to form government ahead of deadline

I

srael’s long-standing Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he cannot form a government, handing the opportunity to his political rival.

Mr Netanyahu has been in power for the past decade, but he was unable to build a coalition with a majority after September’s election ended in deadlock.

His rival Benny Gantz of the Blue and White party will now be invited to attempt to form a government.

Mr Netanyahu’s attempts to bring Mr Gantz’s party into government failed.

Announcing the decision to abandon his efforts, Mr Netanyahu stressed that he had tried repeatedly to form a majority coalition but had been rebuffed.

“I have made all efforts to bring Benny Gantz to the negotiating

table, all efforts to form a broad national unity government, all efforts to prevent another election.

Unfortunately, time after time, he simply refused,” he said.

• Israeli elections: What do the results reveal?

• Benjamin Netanyahu: Commando turned PM • The ex-military chief trying to unseat Netanyahu Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin, said he would give Mr Gantz 28 days to carry out the same negotiations.

Israeli Arab lawmakers pledged their backing, but Mr Gantz - who leads a centre-right alliance - remains more than a dozen seats short of the 61 seats he would need for a majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Report President Rivlin said he

would try to avoid calling another election in a country that had already held two this year. If Mr Gantz also fails, parliament could put forward a third candidate in a final bid to avoid another poll.

September’s poll saw Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party win 32 seats and Mr Gantz’s Blue and White party 33. The president initially selected Mr Netanyahu as the candidate with the best chance of successfully forming a coalition.

Reacting to Mr Netanyahu’s message, Blue and White said: “The time for spin is over and it’s now time for action.”

Mr Rivlin has suggested the two main parties form a national unity government. That arrangement could see Mr Gantz as de facto prime minister, while Mr Netanyahu holds onto the position in name only.

Many in Israel believe a third election may be the only way to break the deadlock.

Mr Gantz is a former head of the Israeli military, and served in that role while Mr Netanyahu was prime minster. He was propelled to political leadership after forming his party in February, saying that the country had “lost its way”.

Mr Netanyahu has far more frontline political experience, but is facing his own battle over corruption.

While trying to negotiate his coalition in October, he also attended hearings with the attorney general, who will decide whether or not to charge Mr Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three cases.

Mr Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing.

n Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV. Chinwe Oradiegwu, has called on government to create a meaningful sustainable development in the local government areas in the country .

She made the call yesterday in Abuja during a chat with People Daily, noting that local government is a centre for creating, sustaining an enabling environment for development.

Oradiegwu stated that “there is need for visible government development in the local government by providing basic necessities of life and social amenities such as; decent housing,motorable roads, schools, hospitals and other health facilities. There is also need for steady power power supply, portable drinking water and standard recreational centers among others.

She therefore pointed out that for any meaningful development to take

place, it is the responsibility of any legitimate government to develop her rural population.

“Government as a major stakeholder has an important role to play in ensuring that meaningful development programmes are initiated, implemented and delivered to the people living within its territory.

“In doing this,local government as the third tier of government in a federal arrangement must also be seen as a major stakeholder in the development of the rural areas”.

She added that, the huge amount of money allocated to Local Government from the federation accounts should be judiciously utilized for the development of the rural areas with such territory by the local government chairman and authorities concerned.

Meanwhile,ESV. Oradiegwu,said this can be achievable through the painstaking efforts of government and its bureaucrats whose collective responsibility it is to

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Director Infrastructure, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Arc. Isa Halidu ,said that infrastructure investment must be within the country’s strategic regional setting and sector strategies that are both resilient for environmental sustainability.

Arc. Halidu made the disclosure recently, in Abuja while presenting a paper on “Building Resilient infrastructure “.

He said “for infrastructure projects to be resilient, laid out national and city plans must be strictly adhered to planning and designs before construction is under taken, environmental and climate should be focused on by carefully studied before going into design and construction”.

“We also need to understand that,in

Nigeria we have varying in soil conditions that must be studied and considered in the design and construction of infrastructure project that must be resilient.”

The Director further explained that the implementation of infrastructure projects involve not only plan and designs but also monitoring and evaluation of the implementation stage.

“In engaging a qualified professionals in the design and construction professionals to implement the construction stage an honest and qualified projects supervisors that will not compromise standards should be trusted to handle it”.

According to him, ”after obtaining designs from accredited professionals like Architects and Engineers and following the due process in the award construction, a diligent and honest supervisors must be assigned to monitor and

V

pattern we’ve seen over some years of extremist movements successfully colonising and adapting to new social media spaces to reach large audiences,” Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, told the BBC. “TikTok has shown it has the ability and the will to controversially censor themes opposed by the Chinese government.

“It is not unreasonable therefore that we should expect it to quickly remove terrorist propaganda.”

‘Pledge allegiance’ The video uploads also featured women who call themselves “jihadist and proud”, according to the Wall Street

Journal.

In one, people are said to have sung: “We pledge allegiance till death.”

Terrorist and criminal organisations are prohibited from using TikTok. The company, owned by Beijing-headquartered Bytedance, uses thousands of human moderators and artificialintelligence software to keep harmful content off its platform but the combination does not always work.

‘Malicious behaviour’ “Content promoting terrorist organisations has absolutely no place on TikTok,” it said.

“We permanently ban any such accounts and associated devices as soon as identified and

we continuously develop everstronger controls to proactively detect suspicious activity.

“This is an industry-wide challenge complicated by bad actors who actively seek to circumvent protective measures but we have a team dedicated to aggressively protecting against malicious behaviour on TikTok.” Islamic State is well known for using social media platforms Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to spread its message but this appears to be the first time it has targeted TikTok. Last month, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called on his followers to double their efforts after the group lost control of parts of Syria and Iraq.

Source: BBC

FG urges Shelter-Afrique to give Nigerians more employment opportunities

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

M

An Estate Surveyor and Valuer ESV. Chinwe Oradiegwu. govern and manage the local government in a manner that would enhance economic growth and development.

Infrastructure investment must be within country

evaluate the process of construction.

“If I have my way, I will involve the EFCC in the oversight of implementation to deter any possible comprise.

“However, with honest professionals in the oversight standards are not likely to be compromised, so we will have resilient infrastructure at the end of the project implementation activities”, Arc. Halidu stated.

While calling on government to develop a national infrastructure maintenance policy in Nigeria, he emphasized that the policy will spelled out penalties for failures to maintain our national sub-national levels.

“We need to learn from other countries like; Egypt,France,United Kingdom(UK)United State of American(USA),where historical infrastructures have maintained resilience for hundreds and thousands of years.

inister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer AbubakarAliyu, had called on Shelter-Afrique to employ more Nigerians to serve at the institution in view of Nigeria’s contribution to the organization.

The Minister made the request during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja by the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Shelter-Afrique, Andrew Chimphondah and his team.

A statement signed by Stephen Kilebi DD (Press), said Aliyu noted that the number of Nigerian personnel currently in the staff list of Shelter-Afrique was very minute considering Nigeria’s immense contribution to the financial activities of the institute.

He pointed out that the provision of 21 million US Dollar by the Institution to deliver affordable houses in Nigeria was a commendable gesture to reducing the current housing deficit in Nigeria.

The Minister, however, urged Shelter-Afrique to increase loans to interested mortgage Institutions in Nigerian in order to meet the need forthe provision of more houses to Nigeria’s teeming population.

He assured thatNigeria would meet up with its outstanding financial obligations to Shelter-Afrique in order to deliver innovative and sustainable housing delivery system in Africa.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Shelter-Afrique, Andrew Chimphondah explained that Shelter-Afrique was a pan African finance institution exclusively supporting the development of housing and real estate in Africa.

He added that Nigeria was considered as a country endowed with large population where the project finance, institutional lending, equity finance and social housing thrive successfully, adding that, that informed the need to make the institution active in the Nigerian market.

Chimphondah stressed that the institution was focusing on the introduction of a new strategic plan primarily based on Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the delivery of affordable houses to member countries.

The Managing Director also raised the issue on the payment of Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligation to Shelter- Afrique to facilitate its operations.

Housing Minister announces digital revolution for the property sector

TikTok used by Islamic State to spread propaganda videos ideo-sharing app TikTok is being used by Islamic State militants to spread propaganda to a younger audience, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Supporters reportedly shared videos showing IS fighters with guns and corpses being paraded through streets.

Some of the videos, posted in recent weeks, are said to have included TikTok augmentedreality effects that stream stars or hearts on top of the content.

Videos flagged by the newspaper have been removed and 24 accounts blocked.

The videos were identified by the social-media intelligence sharing company Storyful.

“This discovery fits with a

Page 25

L-R: Managing Director of Shelter-Afrique, Andrew Chimphondah , Minister of Works and Housing for State , Engr Abubakar D Aliyu and The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing , Mohammed Bukar at the event.

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ousing Minister Esther McVey had announced plans to bring about a digital revolution in the property sector by releasing data held by local bodies to enable the UK PropTech sector to thrive.

The measures will open up Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) data for the first time in a transparency drive and enable PropTechs to obtain things like energy performance certificates and the square footage

information of properties.

A national index of all brownfield data will be published, simplifying and improving the quality of Brownfield Land Registers to help developers to find brownfield land to build on.

She is holding a roundtable discussion with some of the 700 PropTech firms in the UK who are helping house builders and communities all over the country.

The Government believes that the UK PropTech sector, a growing industry potentially worth £6 billion in the UK, is leading the world in the property building and buying market and the sector already receives 10% of global PropTech investment.

Roundtable participants include Urban Intelligence, a tool that helps developers and landowners to locate development sites more easily, the Future Fox which is transforming community engagement in the planning process, enabling developers and local authorities to engage a much larger and more diverse range of voices in creating positive planning outcomes and Wayhome which aspires to make home ownership more realisable for many more people by coinvesting in property with its customers.

‘We’ve had revolutions in the way that financial services, online banking and transport are provided, turning once unimaginable possibilities into everyday

realities. Now it’s the turn of the UK property market,’ said McVey. ‘Whatever home buyers prioritise, whether it’s the quality of local schools, the probability of getting a seat on a train, or having easy access to leisure facilities, this technology could transform the way we find and purchase homes,’ she pointed out.

‘And new technology will link builders to brownfield sites more easily, enhance how developers engage with local communities, help builders deliver new homes and modernise the way we buy and sell land and houses, cutting the time it takes to get housing from the drawing board to families getting the keys,’ she explained.

‘The UK property sector is on the cusp of a digital revolution. It’s time to harness new technology to unlock land and unleash the potential of housebuilders in all parts of the country and to revolutionise the way in which we buy homes,’ she added.

In addition, new technologies could allow communities to see models and interactive maps of planned development rather than one or two pictures, and comment on planning applications online, on phones and on the go in the same way that they use online banking services.

Source :Property wire

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesday, October 23, 2019

26

feature

CLASSIFIED

Do today’s global protests have anything in common?

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n recent weeks, mass protests have broken out in countries from Lebanon to Spain to Chile. All are different - with distinct causes, methods and goals - but there are some common themes that connect them.

While thousands of miles apart, protests have begun for similar reasons in several countries, and some have taken inspiration from each other on how to organise and advance their goals.

Here’s a look at the issues at stake - and what binds many of those taking to the streets.

Inequality Many of those protesting are people who have long felt shut out of the wealth of their country. In several cases, a rise in prices for key services has proved the final straw.

Demonstrations began in Ecuador this month when the government announced that it was scrapping decades-old fuel subsidies as part of public spending cuts agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The change led to a sharp rise in petrol prices, which many said they could not afford. Indigenous groups feared that the measure would result in increased costs for public transport and food, and that their rural communities would be hardest hit.

Protesters blocked highways, stormed parliament and clashed with security forces as they demanded an end to austerity and the return of fuel subsidies. The government backed down after days of mass protests and the action came to an end.

A hike in transport prices has also sparked protests in Chile. The government blamed higher energy costs and a weaker currency for its decision to increase bus and metro fares, but protesters said it was just the latest measure to squeeze the poor.

As demonstrators clashed with security forces on Friday evening, President Sebastián Piñera was pictured dining in an upmarket Italian restaurant - a sign, some said, of the chasm between Chile’s political elite and the people on the streets.

Chile is one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries but also one of its most unequal - it has the worst levels of income equality among the 36 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Income inequality How Chile ranks worst among OECD nations in the gap between the richest and the rest *Compares cumulative proportions of the population against cumulative proportions of income they receive. Key nations shown among 35 OECD members ranked Source: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Like in Ecuador, the government backtracked and suspended its fare hike in an effort to quell the protests. But the protests continued, growing to take in wider grievances.

“This is not a simple protest over the rise of metro fares, this is an outpouring for years of oppression that have hit mainly the poorest,” one student taking part in the action told Reuters news agency.

Lebanon has seen similar unrest, with plans to tax WhatsApp calls prompting wider protests about economic problems, inequality and corruption.

With debt levels soaring, the government has been trying to implement economic reforms to secure a major aid package from international donors. But many ordinary people say they are suffering under the country’s economic policies and that government mismanagement is to blame for their troubles.

“We are not here over the WhatsApp, we are here over everything: over fuel, food, bread, over everything,” said Abdullah, a protester in Beirut.

Corruption Claims of government corruption are at the

Protests have been taking place in Chile, Hong Kong and Lebanon

Protesters in Lebanon have been complained of inequality and corruption

Iraqi protesters say the political system is corrupt heart of several of the protests, and are closely said 50-year-old protester Rabab.

The government on Monday approved linked to the issue of inequality.

In Lebanon, protesters argue that while a package of reforms, including slashing they are suffering under an economic crisis, the politicians’ salaries, in an effort to quell the country’s leaders have been using their positions unrest.

People in Iraq have also been calling for the of power to enrich themselves, through end of a political system that they say has failed kickbacks and favourable deals.

“I’ve seen a lot of things here but I have never them. One of the main points of contention seen such a corrupt government in Lebanon,” there is the way government appointments are made on the basis of sectarian or ethnic quotas,

“

Of course, many of the protests that you hear about will have been linked to the environment and climate change. Activists from the Extinction Rebellion movement have been protesting in cities around the world, as they demand urgent action from governments.

The protests have taken place in countries including the US, UK, Germany, Spain, Austria, France and New Zealand. Participants have glued and chained themselves to roads and vehicles, and tried to disrupt busy city centres.

“We have no choice but to rebel until our government declares a climate and ecological emergency and takes the action that is required to save us,” said Australian activist Jane Morton.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

instead of on merit.

Demonstrators argue that this has allowed leaders to abuse public funds to reward themselves and their followers, with very little benefit to most citizens.

Protests against alleged government corruption have also taken place in Egypt.

The rare demonstrations in September were prompted by a call from Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian businessman living in self-imposed exile in Spain, who accused President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the military of corruption.

His allegations that Mr Sisi and his government have been mishandling funds resonated with many Egyptians who have grown increasingly disaffected by austerity measures.

Political freedom In some countries, protesters are angered by political systems in which they feel trapped.

Demonstrations in Hong Kong began this summer over a bill that would have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China in certain circumstances. Hong Kong is part of China but its people enjoy special freedoms and there is a deep sense of fear that Beijing wants to exert greater control.

Like fellow protesters in Chile and Lebanon, the mass action in Hong Kong led to the withdrawal of the controversial legislation, but the protests themselves continued. Among their demands, protesters now want complete universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality and amnesty for demonstrators who have been arrested.

Their tactics have inspired political activists halfway across the world. Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in Barcelona to express anger over the jailing of Catalan separatist leaders. The separatists were convicted on 14 October of sedition over their role in a 2017 referendum outlawed by the Spanish courts and a subsequent declaration of independence.

Shortly after the sentence was given, people in Barcelona received a message on a popular encrypted messaging service telling them to go to Barcelona’s El Prat airport, mimicking a tactic used by Hong Kong protesters.

As they made their way to the airport, a group of youths shouted: “We’re going to do a Hong Kong”, according to local media reports.

Catalan protesters have also been distributing infographics made in Hong Kong that detail how demonstrators can protect themselves from police water cannon and tear gas. “Now people must be in the streets, all revolts start there, look at Hong Kong,” one protester in Barcelona told AFP news agency.

Climate change Of course, many of the protests that you hear about will have been linked to the environment and climate change. Activists from the Extinction Rebellion movement have been protesting in cities around the world, as they demand urgent action from governments.

The protests have taken place in countries including the US, UK, Germany, Spain, Austria, France and New Zealand. Participants have glued and chained themselves to roads and vehicles, and tried to disrupt busy city centres.

“We have no choice but to rebel until our government declares a climate and ecological emergency and takes the action that is required to save us,” said Australian activist Jane Morton.

Young people around the world have also been joining weekly school strikes, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

Millions last month joined a global climate strike led by schoolchildren, from handfuls of demonstrators on Pacific islands to mass rallies in cities like Melbourne, Mumbai, Berlin and New York.

“We are skipping our lessons to teach you one,” one sign read.

Source: BBC

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Opposition Versus National Growth Cont. from page 32 unbecoming news. To what end; to bastardise the president? What a missed priority We must grow what we eat and eat what we grow. Sound good enough; the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of our land borders with our immediate neigrbours to stop smuggling of good into Nigeria and we are already counting the gains of the decision. Instead of the opposition to take a honourable position and support the good move, it become the carriers of opposition to the noble decision. How can it be PDP that would sponsor the narratives that there are no local rice in circulation, Nigerians are suffering and the government must reopen the closed borders. Instead of taking the position of a group that meant well for the country and educate the citizens on the importance of the border closure to our national growth and equally advised the government of the best way to get the best for the nation out of the decision to close the border. What an opposition?

One of the vocal spokesmen of the PDP suddenly laid claim to the fact that the vice President was grossly involved in a N90 billion poll fund corruption; so serious was he that he publicly indicted and abused the vice president through the pages of national dailies, radio stations

and the social media, only for the same man to turn around and wonder why the VP would have forgotten how he also accused the former president Goodluck Jonathan and Senate President Bukola Saraki without any evidence and they did not attempt to intimidate him. Can we just imagine; there was no N90 billion poll corruption; PDP conjured it and Timi Frank was given the assignment of releasing it just to tarnish the sitting government and score some cheap points ahead of 2023. The VP is expected to just accept it without reacting the very way Atiku Abubakar accepted Obasanjo corruption details against him.

The herdsmen killing, fulanisation and islamisation of Nigeria was at a time the baby of the opposition. From nowhere, the nomenclature appeared in our political space and the perennial farmer/ herder conflicts politically aggravated to discredit the sitting government.

Simultaneously, news of unprecedented magnitude of killings, kidnaping and atrocities erroneously linked to the birthed agenda filled the air; damages were done; PDP was getting popular and then suddenly, fulanisation and islamisation is no more the deal. Nigeria and Nigerians are the loser; PDP is the winner. What an opposition?

A political party that held sway for good 16 years and saw to the collapse of NITEL, Nigeria Airways,

Oshogbo Steel rolling Mill, Aladja Steel, Ajaokuta Steel, Nipost, Dunlop, Nigeria Textiles, ALSCON, DICON, NAFCON, Volkswagen, ANAMCO, Nigerchin, Michelin, Kaduna Textile, NIC, BATA and a host of other flourishing businesses now go about instigating the youths and the general public against a government doing everything possible to resurrect businesses in the country, for been responsible for the gross unemployed population in the country. What an opposition?

Peter obi repeatedly came out rolling out figures and data to discredit the incumbent administration at the behest of his party, PDP. Yet they did not considered it essential that the same China they compare us to regularly has laws you don’t break. He didn’t tell us that in China, you don’t talk rubbish about your government on the social media and still be alive. He didn’t tell us that in China you cannot , like a one-time governor of Anambra state invest state money in your family private brewery and still be alive. He forgot to tell us the part that in China you cannot corruptly take a penny of the state resources and live to tell the story. The opposition kept talking to us about China without referencing the punishment for breaking the laws of China. By now, they would all have long been forgotten if Nigeria were to be China.

Months ago, PDP came out hard and

played the opposition card and won; Justice Bukachiwa must be recussed from the PEPT, her offence; the husband is a strong member of the APC. Now, the Supreme Court is to constitute the panel to hear the appeal and the same PDP is out crying that Justice Mary Odili, the wife of Peter Odili, a leader of PDP and former governor of Rivers state who almost became the vice president under the party in 2007 must be on the team that would hear the case. Not only that Justice Rhodes-Vivour whose son contested under the same PDP in the 2019 elections must also be included in the panel and then justice Ngwuta, who was recently persecuted by the President Buhari Administration for corruption must equally be there. I have no intention of analyzing this stupidity further but I should ask what an opposition?

An opposition that boldly argues that nothing is happening at the second Niger Bridge beyond what they left despite the glaring physical evidence of ongoing work. An opposition that did not see the massive infrastructural development in the railway sector; what an opposition?

Nigeria remains the loser for all the misplaced priorities of the PDP. It must be known by the opposition and all Nigerians that the highest manifestation of patriotism is the dispassionate criticism of government policies and approached in times of social and economic conflicts.

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

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2020 NSF: Sports pundit want early release of fund for FCT athletes

SAVE THE CHILDREN ORPHANAGE HOME

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Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello FCT Minister and his contingents

By Albert Akota

S

ports pundit has appealed to authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA for early release of fund for the athletes that will represent the FCT at the forthcoming 2020 National Sports Festival, NSF in Edo, Benin city.

Tolulope Oguntimehin, a sports journalist and Vice Chairman, Sports Writers Association, SWAN, FCT chapter made the call in an interview on Monday.

Mr Oguntimehin decried the unpleasant experiences Team FCT has experienced in past festivals including the 2018 edition as well as the just recently concluded National Youth Games in Ilorin.

Tolulope Oguntimehin, therefore called

on the FCTA authorities to commence preparations ahead of time so as to avoid the ugly experience of 2018.

According to him, early preparation remains one of the important tools to improve on the performance of the Team FCT at the National event next year.

“We do not want what happened in 2018 festival to repeat in 2020 in Edo State.

I therefore appeal to the FCTA, FCT Social Development and FCT Sports Council to commence immediate preparation and release of fund for athletes to raise the name of FCT high in Edo come 2020 NSF. “I am calling on FCTA to please release the fund for early and better preparation.

We don’t want experience of 2018 where athletes were left with no option than to protest before their allowances were

paid them, “In 2018, there where a lot of unpleasant stories regarding the welfare of Team FCT athletes as many resorted to carrying placards in protest of nonpayment of camp allowances.

“We do not want these experiences anymore. Sports should be giving priority attention and necesssry funds released on time for effective camping, preparations and performance. FCT has all it takes to challenge Delta, Lagos, Rivers and other big states for the best sporting state in the country.

“I appealing to FCTA under the leadership of Malam Musa Bello for early and prompt release of fund that will enable athletes in FCT to start preparation as soon as possible,” he said.

It could be recalled that late preparation

for the 19th edition of the NSF by Team FCT provided a cog in the wheel of athletes’ performance at the 2018 edition held at National Stadium, Abuja.

Team FCT occupied 7th position at the last edition in Abuja with 21 Gold, 9 Silver, 24 Bronze.

The National Sports Festival was evolved to foster unity and help unearth new talents in the country. Described as Nigeria’s Olympics, it has produced prominent athletes for the country who had gone on to win continental and global medals for the country.

The festival however went into hiatus i from 2012 but the intervention of the former minister of youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, who, despite daunting challenges, restored the festival in 2018.

Amapakabo positives as Olympic Eagles resume training

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PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

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C T20 World Cup Qualifiers: Canada humbles Nigeria by 50 Runs after Jersey defeat

Yellow Greens

By Albert Akota

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igeria’s national cricket team, the Yellow Greens, lost to table-toppers Canada by 50-runs in their second match at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates after Jersey defeat.

It was the second straight loss for Nigeria, the lowestranked team in the 14-nation competition after they lost their opener to Jersey by 69-run on Saturday.

In Monday’s game, Canada won the toss and elected to bat first racing to a decent 10 runs per over run rate.

The Yellow Greens, however, gained a footing in the game after a slow start with quick wickets from Chima Akachukwu while the spin pair of Ajekun Daniel and Sylvester Okpe reduced the run rate to just over 6 runs per over.

However, a late onslaught from Hamza Tariq saw Canada finish at 159 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs.

Nitish Kumar scored 57 runs off

36 balls with a strike rate of 158.3 strongly supported by Hamza Tariq with 33 runs off 16 balls with a strike rate of 206.25.

Abiodun Abioye got 2 wickets for 26 runs in 3 overs, Chima Akachukwu with 2 wickets for 34 runs in 4 overs.

In the second innings, Nigeria struggled in the early stages to piece together a decent partnership losing 2 wickets in only the second over.

Chimezie Onwuzilike and Suleimon Runsewe steadied the ship for a while before it all came crashing down. Nigeria finally settled for 109 for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Chimezie Onwuzilike scored 39 runs off 31 balls and Sulaimon Runsewe with 27 runs off 27 balls were the best performers with the bat for Nigeria.

Dilong Heylinger got 3 wickets for 16 runs in 4 overs while Saad Zafar got 2 wickets for 25 runs in 3 overs for Canada. Canada won by 50 runs.

Nigeria will continue their bid to pick one of the World Cup slots when they play Oman on Wednesday 23 October.

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Amapakabo positives as Olympic Eagles resume training

By Albert Akota

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oach Imama Amapakabo has put behind the pains of the Super Eagles B failure to secure the 2020 CHAN ticket, and has now focused on the Olympic Eagles’ title defence at the 2019 U-23 AFCON billed for Egypt next month.

Amapakabo, a former Nigeria junior international goalkeeper, has called back his Olympic Eagles into camp, starting with players plying their trades in the domestic league.

The team’s training camp doors were flung open on Monday with the players drilled in training by the former Enugu Rangers coach.

The defending champions of the U-23 AFCON, eased past Sudan 5-1 on aggregate to book a place in the 3rd U-23 AFCON in Cairo, Egypt from where Africa’s three representatives at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will emerge.

“The foreign based players would be joining the team next week Monday,” Amapakabo said.

“We’ve had three weeks closed door camping before now. So, this time, we are going to have just two weeks training before travelling to Egypt.

“A week of training together, I

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Imama Amapakabo Group B alongside Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Zambia and all the matches will be played at Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.

The team will get their campaign underway with a tough opener against West African rivals, Ivory Coast.

Rangers vow to pip ASC Kara of Togo in CAFCC clashes

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Crolla won the WBA lightweight world title at Manchester Arena in 2015

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winning the trophy for the country.

“We are well motivated for this encounter as the management led by Prince Davidson Owumi has been there for us, ensuring that all that is needed by the players was made available.”

“Ibenegbu added: “We have a target and the Togolese side won’t stand in our way towards achieving that target.

“No doubt, it won’t be an easy game for either side. But we are determined and will give it our best shot.”

The match against Association Sportive des Conducteurs de Kara (A.S.C Kara) is scheduled to hold on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at the Togo’s national stadium, the Stade de Kegue, Lome. The reverse fixture is billed for ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium, Enugu, on Sunday, November 3.

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continent’s second tier inter club competition.

And as the Coal City Flying Antelopes prepare to fly out to Lome on Friday, the CHAN and Beach Eagles trojan assures the club’s supporters that Rangers will edge out the Togolese champions to book a berth in the group stage of the competition.

“We respect our opponents in this round of the competition, but we don’t fear them. We have heard a lot about them as regards being the backbone of the Togolese national team that stopped Nigeria from qualifying for CHAN 2020 in Cameroon, but that does not scare us,” Ibenegbu, who is called “Mosquito” by his admirers said.

“On our part, we are an equally great side with determination to get as far as the final of the competition with an eye on

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Los Angeles in April.

The fight will take place on 2 November at Manchester Arena, where Crolla made his professional debut in 2006.

“I’ve had so many great nights at the arena down the years so I’m pleased to be finishing where it all started.

“Urquiaga knows this is his golden chance, a win against me and he throws his name further into the mix. I can’t let the emotions get to me, I’ve got a job to do first and foremost - I want to bow out with a win.”

Manchester-born Crolla won the WBA lightweight world title in his home city in November 2015 with a knockout win against Darleys Perez.

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Crolla to fight Urquiaga in Manchester before retiring retiring from boxing.

Crolla, 32, revealed last month he would bow out having lost to WBO and WBA lightweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko in

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ritain’s Anthony Crolla will fight Frank Urquiaga for the WBA continental lightweight title in Manchester in November - his final bout before

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eteran midfielder Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has admitted that Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup first leg Final Preliminary Round game away to ASC Kara of Togo would not be a walk in the park, but strongly believes Enugu Rangers will triumph.

ASC Kara dropped down to the Confederation Cup from the CAF Champions League.

The winner over the two legs, between the two, will advance to the lucrative group stage of the

Itoya in action

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mean both the home and foreign based players will put the team in good mood going into the championship.”

The U23 AFCON will hold from November 8 until November 22 in Egypt.

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles are in

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Wednesay October 23, 2019

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SPACE FOR SALE SPORTS Opposition Versus National Growth latest WEDNESDAY COLUMN T Murray in . . . putting the people first

Wednesay October 23, 2019

Britain team for Davis Cup finals in Madrid

A

ndy Murray will represent Great Britain for the first time since 2016 after being named in the squad for next month’s inaugural Davis Cup finals.

Captain Leon Smith has named Dan Evans, plus doubles pair Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski, in his initial team with a fifth player still to be decided.

Kyle Edmund, who has lost his past seven tour matches, is not included.

Britain, who won the Davis Cup in 2015, face the Netherlands and Kazakhstan in the group stage on 20 and 21 November.

Former British number one Edmund, who has dropped to 75th in the ATP rankings, looks likely to battle with Cameron Norrie for the fifth place in the team.

Carragher apologises for Luis Suarez T-shirts

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x-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has apologised to Patrice Evra for wearing T-shirts in support of Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan racially abused the Frenchman in 2011.

After a two-month investigation, Suarez was given an eight-game ban by the Football Association on 21 December.

A day later, Liverpool wore ‘Suarez 7’ T-shirts in the warm-up before their Premier League game against Wigan.

The former England defender was working in his role as pundit on Sky Sports on Monday alongside ex-Manchester United full-back Evra.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

he opposition or the opposition party as mostly called may be defined as all the political parties that do not belong to the ruling party or majority in the parliament but which possess the freedom to voice their differences and critical views regarding government policies; not limited to that, but also competing for legal exercise of power through subsequent elections.

The opposition’s behavior and reactions to issues is based on two principles: – competition with the central goal of assuming power; tolerance in the exercise of its freedom of speech as a means to remain politically relevant within the state. For this reason, opposition in democracies therefore has numerous functions. Firstly, it constitutes a counterweight: it makes it possible to guarantee transparent and responsible government serving the public interest and to avoid the majority being tempted, once it has come to power, to conduct a policy that interferes with rights and freedoms of the citizens or pursue policies and programmes that are anti-developmental.

More specifically, the opposition’s role is to: – constructively criticise the government’s programme, decisions and actions by closely examining its policy directions, project implementation standards, draft laws and budget; offer political alternatives by developing its own programmes and proposing alternative solutions to the decisions planned by the government and representatives of the government in power; monitor and oversee the activities of the government and the administrative authorities; strengthen the stability, legitimacy, accountability and transparency of the political process.

The opposition also represents the prospect of political change by democratic means: by its very existence, it contributes to genuine political pluralism, and through its actual participation in sustainability of government, its actions and its declarations it enables citizens to be offered a real and informed choice at election time.

So, it becomes that as a consequence of pluralist politics, the right to freedom of speech and the right to publicly and legitimately, positively and constructively oppose and criticise the policy directions and actions of the government of the day are central to the overall concept of liberal democracy and a major responsibility of the holders of opposition position(s)

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

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USSIJU MEDANER info@medaner.com, justme4justice@yahoo.com In the word of Ian Shapiro, “democracy is an ideology of opposition as much as it is one of the governments”. Without doubt and argument, opposition is an essential component of every thriving democracy. Though not in power, it opposes, constructively or more, those who are in power.

In performing this accepted though unofficial functions, it is required that the opposition be not totally antagonist; it is believed that there are actions of the ruling party that are beneficial to the nation and the opposition is expected to highlight such, praise it and drum support for their implementation.

So it become that a democracy without a virile opposition is a systemic Underdevelopment of democracy. That is why as a country we yearn for visible and functioning opposition over the last five years but unfortunately we have only been offered a group of power mongers and thirsty groups who erroneously misplaced opposition roles for injudicious, careless and unscrupulous attacks on the government in power.

In Nigeria, the concept and the game of practice of opposition is not altogether new to us; the opposition arrangement was put in place in the first Republic in line with what operated in the other Parliamentary system and Chief Obafemi Awolowo became leader of opposition in the first Republic while it lasted. Having lost the 1979 election to Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Awolowo laid the best example of what the role of opposition should be in a thriving democracy. Chief Awolowo would go on to be the best and most vocal critic of the Shagari led government; at the beginning of every budget year, immediately President Shagari read the national budget, Chief Awolowo would pieces the document, dissect it and separate it into three; the good economic plans and projection; the manageable and then, the unacceptable. The good, Chief Awolowo would praise and recommend that the government wholesomely implement it (most times he made advisory contribution he hope the government could include); the manageable he suggest alternatives and

additions to supplement while the unacceptable he antagonize in clear constructive statement and advise Nigerians to reject.

No wonder, President Shagari confered Chief Awolowo with the title of GCFR for his brilliant contribution even as a leader of the opposition. He was never a president but his action from the position of opposition made him equivalent of a honorary president. That is what opposition is and what Nigerians expect from PDP. The replacement of this noble and democratic deepening role for hate speeches, divisive lies and propaganda along ethnic and religious terms, including personality attacks against key members of the ruling party rather than the government policy messages has become an albatross of our national growth.

The peculiar character of the current opposition framework in Nigeria as depicted by the actions, inactions and utterances of the PDP since 2015 is that what we have is a destructive opposition in the sense that the main objective of their actions and reactions to events is not basically about moving Nigeria forward but rather to pull down the incumbent at all cost not minding the consequence on the nation and its people The only thing that matter to leading opposition party is winning election; taking over the power at the center; even if it means setting the nation on fire.

Though not new but aggravated, spreading of unfounded lies, propaganda and hate speeches as a tool to keep the opposition active and “relevance” instead of engaging actively in the task of analyzing, constructively criticizing and approving or objectively rejecting policies of the government as the case my warrant, for the benefit of the nation PDP has woefully failed to realize that the best way to unseat any government in a democracy is by giving the populace a better alternative over the course of four years; taking the position of an unofficial public adviser and critic of the government. Instead of empowering FaniKayode, Reno Omokri and their likes to generate and publicise fake

news regularly and abuse those in power, they could have set up an intelligent unit to relate with the people; discuss Nigeria issues, government responses, the good news and the best alternate pathway.

The truth as it stands is that the opposition in Nigeria has become more of a joke, irresponsible and rudderless. They have lost the capability to robustly engage the ruling party through intelligent interrogation of the party policies and programmes. PDP has become a gaggle of comedians, having forgotten that there is a world of difference between an opposition party and a circus team. Just yesterday, I read a funny post on the Facebook which says “Who is the most notorious fake news carrier in 9ja? And the alternatives are A. Reno Omokri B. Fanikayode C. Fayose D. Timi Frank and E. Kanu. That is an insult to the party that parade those characters but in the overall, a negative to the nation that need a strong opposition to develop optimally.

Now we wake up each day and ask what lie will they sell to us next? Such an irresponsible opposition that is supposed to hold the government accountable but instead turned itself into purveyors and peddlers of fake news.

How do we explain the activities of an opposition that wake up one morning to generate and disseminate the news that the President is getting marry to one of his ministers. As stupid as it sound, it is really a source of worry for some of us who know the opposition ought not to go down that much. Of what benefit was the news to the development of Nigeria? None at all; yet PDP spent money to litter the nation media space for days with the

Cont. on page 27

DAN Dan GAYE gaYE

Panic as kidnappers hit Kuje community,12-yr old, 8 others missing - News

They are heartless creatures!

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