Thursday, January 25, 2018 Edition

Thursday, January 25, 2018/ Jumada Awwal 7, 1439 AH Vol. 28 No. 014 N150

1379 Days after

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Ganduje frowns at fraud in Kano land administration

Reps want importation of fish banned

2019: INEC accuses NASS of delaying cost assessment

pAGE 2

pAGE 6

pAGE 16

FG debunks Obasanjo’s claims, reels out Buhari’s achievements Says 2019 debate distraction for president

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R-L: Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State in a chat with the US Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Stuart Symington when the ambassador visited him at the Yobe Governor’s Lodge, yesterday in Asokoro in Abuja

Lassa fever: Nigeria records 16 deaths >>>page 3

SGF halts distribution of Buhari’s campaign souvenirs at FEC

page 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

News CONTENTS News 2-10 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12 Politics 15-17 Business Stockwatch

19-20 18

Ganduje frowns at fraud in Kano land administration

By Ese Awhotu

K

ano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has alleged that the level of racketeering in land administration in the state was so alarming that some former Commissioners of Land in the state signed Certificates of Occupancy after leaving office.

“Some Commissioners of Land of land still signed C of Os after leaving office. I personally know three former Commissioners who did this.

The level of corruption in that ministry is so high”, the governor stated.

The governor asserted that it was sad that the former public officials took away with

them sensitive documents and other items, and dishonestly continued issuing land titles long after vacating office.

He stated that his administration was committed to ensuring a revolution in the land sector, pointing out that he had to sack his former Commissioner of Land and abrogate the Ministry, replacing it with a Bureau of Land, to improve efficiency and ensure ease of doing business in the state.

According to a statement

by Salihu Tanko Yakasai, Director General Media and Communications, Government House, Kano made available to Peoples Daily yesterday, said the governor made this

known during the inauguration of a 16-man multi stakeholder committee on Land Use and Allocation in the state.

Governor Ganduje lamented that it was unfortunate that multiple allocation, inflated compensation and the issue of fake beneficiaries of land compensation, among other fraudulent acts, have hitherto characterized land administration in Kano.

He explained that, the committee on Land Use and Allocation in the state, which was in line with constitutional provisions, would assist his administration to efficiently manage its land resources, generate revenue and generally facilitate physical development

planning.

The terms of reference of the committee include advising the governor on any matter connected with the management of Land, advising him on any matter connected with layout of plots and allocation of same as well as advising on matters connected with the resettlement of persons affected by revocation of rights of occupancy on the ground of overriding public interest, under the Land Use Act. Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Danazumi Gwarzo promised that the members would do their best to make all the objectives realizable, adding that he is confident that they have the capacity to deliver.

EFCC quizzes ex SGF, Babachir Lawal

By Ese Awhotu

Tambuwal denies obtaining N100bn loan Page 3

Metro

21

Int’l 23-24 Environment

25

Feature

26

Sports 29-31 Columnist 32

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T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday took into custody a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, over allegations of fraud.

Recall that Babachir was recently sacked by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration following his indictment by a panel setup to probe allegations of corruption against him.

Checks revealed that, the ex SGF was taken into custody by the anti-graft body early Wednesday morning shortly after he arrived the agency’s office.

The acting Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Samin Amaddin, confirmed Lawal’s arrest to the media yesterday.

. Former Vice President and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti, at a visit of the former Vice President , yesterday to Ekiti State

Oil price rises to $70 on strong economy amid OPEC cuts

O

il prices were firm on Wednesday, receiving ongoing support from healthy economic growth as well as from supply restrictions led by a group of producers around the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia.

Spot Brent crude oil futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at 70 dollars a barrel at 0102 GMT, up 4 cents from their last close.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at 64.59 dollars a barrel, up 12 cents .

In the latest sign of healthy global economic growth, Japanese manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in almost four years in January, a survey showed on Wednesday.

Economic growth is translating into healthy oil demand growth, which comes at a time that OPEC and Russia

lead production cuts aimed at tightening the market and propping up prices.

The deal to withhold output started in January last year and is currently set to last through 2018.

Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia/Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore said a “beaming economic forecast along with stout compliance from OPEC (to withhold production) is

providing convincing support.”

In spite of the overall supportive market conditions, which have seen crude futures rally by almost 15 percent since early December, there are signs that traders are preparing for a downward correction.

One way of doing that is to take out so-called put options on crude futures contracts which give a trader the right, but not the obligation, to sell at a certain price. (Reuters/NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Zamfara killings: Gov Yari gives N1m each to victims’ families

Commander of Special Tactical Squard, ACP Kolo Yusuf displaying charms used by Kidnappers before they slaughtered 19 persons, during parade of Kidnappers and Robbers at Mina Police State Command, yesterday in Niger State. Photo Mahmud Isa.

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d Gusau

G

overnor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara state has given One Million Naira each to families of victims of the recent killings in Zamfara state.

This is even as the governor directed all Security Chiefs in the state to hunt and bring to book, the recent killers of six innocent people of Goron Namaye village of Maradun local government area, rescue a kidnapped son of member House of Representatives, Junaidu Yahaya.

“I am offering the sum of one million naira to each of the families of untimely killed persons to at least alleviate feelings, and another two hundred and fifty thousand naira to each of the family of the wounded ones, this does not mean end of deserved assistance from my administration, more should be expected,” Yari stated.

Yari, who gave the directive yesterday during a condolence and sympathy visit to the families of victims of the merciless attack at the affected village, reiterated uncompromised commitments by his administration on security matters towards giving adequate protection of lives and property.

The governor further directed the state Commissioner of Police to immediately establish a full operational Police station that would provide all-hour patrol with a view to strengthen security in the village and to ensure the repeat of the incidence is absolutely avoided henceforth.

He assured the community of the most needed security as contained in the constitution, adding that, his administration would not entertain any excuse lodged by any security agency in the state considering unreserved and needed support continuously provided by his administration since 2011.

The noted that there isn’t suppose to be any functional hideout of criminals left undestroyed across the state especially considering the level of security reinforcement to the state by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its bid to make the state crime-free.

In their separate remarks, a member House of Representatives representing Bakura/Maradun and, whose son was abducted by the gunmen, honorable Yahaya Chado, and the emir of Maradun, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Tambari, commended the state governor for his concern.

Lassa fever: Nigeria records 16 deaths

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

N

igeria this year has recorded 16 deaths from 61 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across the country.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC made this known in a press statement issued yesterday.

It said a total number of 107 suspected cases has been recorded in ten states across the country.

The states included: Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Anambra, Benue, Kogi, Imo and Lagos.

Meanwhile, NCDC in January 21, said 10 out of the 61 confirmed cases were health care workers

from four states- Ebonyi- 7 , Nasarawa -1 , Kogi- 1 and Benue -1 out of which four are now deceased.

It said health workers are most times secondary victims who get infected while treating patients with the disease.

“Between 2005 and 2018, the infection claimed over 40 health workers in Ebonyi” the state chapter of the Nigerian medical Association, NMA said.

Also, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, on Tuesday warned all health professionals to investigate every case of fever before treatment.

Mr. Adewole said every fever must be investigated properly and treated appropriately.

He said no one should treat malaria without diagnosis.

The Executive Director, NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu also advised health workers along same line urging them to practice standard precautions at all He said health workers should maintain a high index of suspicion while treating patients with aliments which presents malaria symptoms because Lassa fever appears initially like any other disease, causing a febrile illness such as malaria.

Ihekweazu said Rapid Diagnostic Test, RDT must be applied to all suspected cases of malaria.

“When the RDT is negative, other causes of febrile illness

including Lassa fever should be considered. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of survival,” he said.

Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness, transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents.

Person-to-person transmission can also occur, particularly in hospital environment in the absence of adequate infection control measures.

Lassa fever can be prevented through practicing good personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation.

Tambuwal denies obtaining N100bn loan

By Ese Awhotu

S

okoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Wednesday said he did not collect loan worth over N100 billion last year, contrary to insinuation by detractors in the state.

He also lambasted some elites in the state, who are sponsoring some misguided individuals in order to tarnish his image.

Tambuwal made the assertion at a Stakeholders Summit on Sokoto’s 2018 budget held at Shukura Hotel in Sokoto.

He disclosed that the state got a total inflow of N73 billion comprising internally generated funds, Paris Club funds and federal allocation.

He also said the total funds in the state’s education levy accounts so far is N530 million.

“We have a total of N530m in the education levy account. Not a single kobo has been expended from the account because it is not my duty to spend the money.

That responsibility has been to the state education development committee under the leadership of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad,” he stated.

He wondered why anyone would accuse him of collecting a N100 billion loan in 2017 when there are agencies of government open to be contacted for any information.

“I never Collected N100 billion loan. I wonder how these misguided persons are ridiculing themselves in the social media in order to tarnish government’s image when they do not have facts.

“What we have done is to seek for soft loans and we followed due process after approval from

the State House of Assembly.

In fact, some of these loans are deadlocked because we haven’t accessed them.

“I have to tell you truth that we received an inflow of N73 billion in 2017 which included internally generated revenue, federal allocation and Paris Club funds, despite the fact that we budgeted N204 billion for that year. So, how can we perform optimally? This is the setback we had last year and we were not able to complete some of these physical projects like roads and bridges for people to see and judge us.

“So, I wonder how someone will go on social media and visit Radio stations, accusing us of wasting public funds. We know those playing politics and their paymasters. They should seek for information from appropriate quarters rather than dissipating

energy criticising government,” he added.

He maintained that his administration was open to criticism and would not waiver in its efforts to improve the lives of the people.

“We are open to criticism and not running a cult. We are open and transparent. People should cross check their facts before making unguarded utterances.

“We are all leaders in our respective fields and homes and it is indeed unfortunate for a man to lie in public in order to score cheap political points,”he added.

Tambuwal assured the residents of the state of his determination to complete all ongoing projects.

He therefore reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards improving education and human capital.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

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News Imolites in FCT charged to be law abiding

From Abba-Eku Onyeka

P

resident-General , Imo Community in Abuja , Chief Ike Ohasi has charged Imolites (Ndimo) in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory to continue to involve God in their dealings in the year 2018.

He also urged them to keep being law-abiding as well as supportive to the government of the day.

Chief Ike Obasi said this in his New Year message to his people in his office in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He said: “2017 and its Christmas had come and gone and I want to thank God for having seen us through before, during and after the yuletide. Life is full of ups and downs and I believe that with the involvement of God in our lives, hardship will be a thing of the past, because tough time doesn’t last, but tough people do. I pray that we continue to celebrate more Christmases in the future. Now that we are in 2018, I want to thank God for making it possible for us to witness this New Year. I urge my people not only to continue to involve God in their dealings, but also to be law abiding and supportive to the government. I pray and believe that this 2018 will be great to all of us,” He, however, commended them for the support they have been giving him and members of his executives and urged them to extend such to the next ones to be elected at the expiration of his tenure in September, 2018.

Commending Governor Rochas Okorocha of his state for performance, the President General urged him to treat with urgency the land they requested from him where Ndimo in the Diaspora will build leaving houses on. He said that the land if given would be called Abuja Estate.

L-R: Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Joseph Ari (l) welcoming the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Mr Undie Adie during the commissioner’s visit to ITF, yesterday in Jos. Photo: NAN

Ambode calls for free, effective alternative dispute resolution From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

L

agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday inaugurated the Governing Council of the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), urging members of the Council to work to enhance the capacity of the centre to provide free and effective alternative dispute resolution of matters.

Governor Ambode said his administration will continue to ensure the growth and expansion of the CMC in recognition of the important role the Centre plays in mediating on disputes reported

in respect of all matters that fall within the ambit of its statutory duties as well as providing free dispute resolution options.

“In every city where monetary, human and other capitals flow in such large volume as can be found in our State, an alternative to the adversarial means of resolving disputes must be put in place for easier and faster resolution of matters. Lagos State’s answer to this trend is the Citizens Mediation Centre.

He said, “The Citizens Mediation Centre serves as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre providing

a non- adversarial forum for the mediation and settlement of disputes between parties who voluntarily agree to the mediation of the disputes by mediators.”

The Governor said the setting up of the Council was in line with the Citizens Mediation Centre Law of 2015 (CMC Law), whose functions, among other things would include monitoring performance of the Centre; assess user satisfaction of mediation services; review and formulate new policy guidelines for the Centre for the overall development and growth of the

Centre, amongst other functions.

He said the composition of members of the council was based on their track record and area of expertise, just as he charged them to be diligent and demonstrate the integrity and impartiality which the task deserves.

The Governing Council is headed by Hon. Justice Olayinka Gbajabiamila rtd as Chairman and Mrs Oluwatoyin Ogunsanya; Mrs Omololu Adesina; Mrs. Amanda Asagba; Mr. Mohammed Iskil Lawal; Mr Tokunbo Jaiye- Agoro and Mrs Yinka Odukoya as members.

Gov Gaidam mourns late CJN, Musdapher, lliya Damagum

By Ese Awhotu

G

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam has expressed shock at the news of the passing away of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher and that of Alhaji Muhammad Bello Iliya Damagum, an executive director at Media Trust Ltd, publishers of Trust Newspapers.

The governor’s thoughts and sympathies are with their respective families at this time of great loss, a statement signed by Abdullahi Bego Director-General Press Affairs to His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said yesterday.

According to the statement, “Governor Gaidam recalls the prominent role that Justice Mus-

dapher has played in the administration of justice in the country, describing him as a man of honour and integrity whose services have helped made our nation stronger.

“The governor recalls that as member of Media Trust’s top management, late Bello Iliya Damagum was a key player in the development of the company as a strong and enviable media group in the

country.

“The governor notes his role in Media Trust’s drive to galvanise support for victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Yobe State through the company’s IDPs’ Fund.

“On behalf of the government and people of Yobe State, therefore, His Excellency Governor Gaidam expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family of Late

Justice Musdapher and that of Late Alhaji Muhammad Bello Damagum.”

Governor Gaidam prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the deceased of their shortcomings, admit them to al-Jannatul Firdausi and give their respective immediate families, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

News

FG debunks Obasanjo’s claims, reels out Buhari’s achievements

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he federal government has reacted to the press statement made available to the public on Tuesday by former President Olusegun Obasanjo wherein he scored the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari low in the management of the nation’s economy.

Obasanjo had also in the widely reported statement counseled Buhari not to seek re-election owing to his poor stewardship so far.

Presenting the government position to newsmen after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by the President yesterday, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the government had no reason to believe that former President had any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement.

While taking Obasanjo’s admonition in good faith, and thanking him for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement, the minister said the government appreciated the exPresident for acknowledging Buhari’s success in two out of the three key issues that formed the planks of his campaign: Fighting corruption and insurgency in the North-east.

The minister said Obasanjo may not have been fully availed of developments in the economic sector in the country because of his busy schedule. He however scored the government high on the economic front by reeling out several successes recorded at uplifting the sector.

Mohammed said “Apparently, the former President believes that the Administration does not deserve a pass mark in the area of the economy, which is the third of our three-pronged campaign promises.

“We have no doubt that in the face of massive challenges in this area, this Administration has availed itself creditably. We believe that Chief Obasanjo, because of his very busy schedule, may not have been fully availed of developments in the government’s efforts to revamp the economy, which was battered by the consequences of overdependence on a commodity as well as unprecedented pillaging of the treasury.

“Today, most of the indices by which an economy is measured are looking up. Permit me to say, however, that Nigeria would not have exited recession through a mere order or if the Administration had not made use of ‘’good Nigerians’’ who could help.

“This Administration is making steady progress in its determined effort to revamp the economy, and the results are showing: “Foreign Reserves have peaked at $40b, the highest level in about four years, and up from $24 billion just a year ago, even though when we came in, the price of oil had crashed woefully.

“According to the National

•Says 2019 debate distraction for president Bureau of Statistics (NBC), headline inflation has fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017. This is the lowest inflation rate since Jan 2017, and it has met and surpassed the target set for inflation in the Administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

“Our determined implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has stopped the hemorrhaging of the treasury. Some 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks, pre-TSA. The nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA. “The elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira “At about 1.8 billion dollars, the capital inflows in the second quarter of 2017 were almost double the $908 million in the first quarter.

“In the wake of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.

“Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the

List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.

“According to Q3 2017 figures, agriculture export is up year-on-year by 25%, solid minerals exports are up year-on-year by 78%, raw materials exports are up 70% year-on-year and manufactured goods exports are up 22% year-on-year.

Government agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service are reporting highest-ever revenue collection, while JAMB, under the new management appointed by President Buhari in 2016, remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government.

The total amount remitted by JAMB between 2010 and 2016 was a paltry N51 million!”

While acknowledging that the successes outlined may not have had immediate impact on the people, the minister assured that Nigerians will definitely get a new lease of life a short while from now.

He continued “This is because the good news from the agricultural sector, which is recording a bumper harvest, will bring down the cost of foodstuffs, especially such staple as rice, and our massive Social Investment Programme will ease the pain of the most vulnerable in the

society.

He also pointed out that the government Social Investment Programme was Nigeria’s most ambitious social welfare programme ever with 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states currently being fed daily.

“200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme, and a quarter of a million loans already distributed to artisans, traders, and farmers,” he added.

In the area of infrastructural development, Muhammed listed Buhari’s N achievements to include “Power Generation at an all-time high of 7,000mw and all can be transmitted; ongoing Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge with Lagos-Ibadan sector ready 2019 and Kano-Kaduna to be ready 2019 among others.

The minister said that 25 major highways being funded with the N100b Sukuk Bond, and all geopolitical zones are benefitting equally.

He also stressed that the Buhari administration was not unaware of the enormity of the challenges facing the nation, but maintained that the government was up to the task in surmounting them.

Commenting on the incessant farmers/herders clashes in the country, Mohammed said “On the Herders/Farmers’ clashes, this Administration is determined to end the crisis resulting from this once and for all, not minding that fact that the clashes predate us. I will urge Nigerians to have faith in the Administration’s ability to resolve the crisis, and to watch out for concrete measures in this regard.”

Responding to Obasanjo’s counsel that Buhari should forget about second term in 2019, he said “On whether or not President Muhammadu Buhari should run for another term, it is true that many Nigerians have been calling on the President to run again, while others are opposed to his return.

However, we believe this issue is a distraction for the President at this time. This is because Mr. President spends every waking hours tackling the enormous challenges facing the nation, most of which were bequeathed to his Administration by successive past Administrations. He is committed to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Nigerians in 2015.

And that’s where we are right now!”

L-R; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State Education, Prof Anothy Onwuka and Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

SGF halts distribution of Buhari’s campaign souvenirs at FEC

By Lawrence Olaoye

S

ecretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, yesterday stopped the distribution of fez caps and other souvenirs which seek to promote the candidature of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 Presidential election at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Minister of Communication and Buhari’s staunch loyalist, Adebayo Shittu stormed the FEC decking fez cap bearing campaign messages which sought to sell the President’s candidature.

The fez cap which bore the

inscription, “Continuity ‘19: Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo” is coming to the fore after former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s veiled letter suggesting to President Buhari to drop any plan to re-contest in the 2019 elections.

The former President had in the lengthy and strongly worded letter made public on Tuesday, also promoted what may become a political party, Coalition for Nigeria (CN).

Shittu who was sighted wearing the Fez cap, is said to be nursing ambition to contest the Oyo state governorship election under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in

2019.

At the end of the meeting however, some of the members filed out of the Council Chambers with the fez caps carefully stowed away in their bags ostensibly to avoid the prying eyes of newsmen and avert being harangued in a backlash by Nigerians.

It was gathered that the SGF ordered that they must not be distributed as it was not yet time for campaign.

It was learnt that some of those that were already distributed were subsequently retrieved before the end of the Council yesterday.

Speaking to newsmen later, Shittu explained that the

materials were not meant for the FEC deliberations.

He said: “The cap is for politics, it is not for Federal Executive Council, FEC deliberations and the caps have been distributed to all members of FEC. “So, it is sample for any other person who is interested in doing what we have done.

“I know everybody will be involved, everybody will be guided, people will take decision to support General Buhari in the 2019 elections.”

One of the Minister’s who had concealed his own however told newsmen that it was in his bag which he pointed at.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 6

News

Reps want fish importation banned ....Say unrestricted importation has turned Nigeria into dumping ground

By Musa Adamu

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he House of Representatives on yesterday at the plenary have sought a phased ban on the importation of fish into the country in a bid to boost local production of fish.

It also said such a ban would encourage local fish farmers to support the federal government’s economic diversification policy.

Lawmakers passed the resolution after debating a motion moved by Mr. Tasir Olawale-Raji.

The session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr.

Yakubu Dogara, also observed that unrestricted importation had turned Nigeria into a dumping ground for all manner of fish, some of which were harmful to human life.

Arguing his motion, the sponsor, Hon. Olawale-Raji, said the House notes that the diversification of the economy away from crude oil through key sectors such as agriculture, remains pivotal to the realisation of the economic recovery and growth plan of the present administration.

He said the House also notes that the fisheries sub-sector, which

is a vital component of Nigeria’s agriculture and the national economy, accounting for about 4 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, had remained largely under-developed, despite having the potential to provide cheap sources of protein, income, employment and foreign exchange.

He said further said the House was aware that the local production from artisanal fishing, aquaculture and industrial captures estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes, accounts for only 30 percent of the total annual fish demand estimated at 2.7million metric tonnes.

He said the House was also aware that Nigeria had, over the years, resorted to importation to meet the deficit of about 1.9 million metric tonnes in domestic fish supply at an estimated cost of $625 million in foreign exchange annually.

He said: “The House further notes that the escalating demand for foreign exchange for fish importation is not sustainable in the light of the huge pressure on the country’s foreign reserves and fluctuating earnings from crude oil.“

Why Bayelsa opted for grazing site rather than colony – Commissioner

T

he Bayelsa State Government on Wednesday said it established a grazing site for cattle at its Palm Estate in Yenagoa to check clashes between farmers and herdsmen rather than colony.

Mr Dode Wigg, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this at an interactive session with stakeholders as part of activities to mark the sixth anniversary of Gov. Seriake Dickson-led administration.

The commissioner said that the state adopted the ranch option and made available 250 acres of land

cultivated with fodder grass to discourage open grazing.

He said that the ranch concept within the Bayelsa Palm Estate would ensure that the droppings from the cattle would provide natural fertiliser for the palm trees, adding that the state government retained whole ownership of the estate.

“We did not sell the Bayelsa Palm Estate to herdsmen or to anyone; what we did was to concession the Palm Estate to a private concerns and we are reaping from that commercialisation policy.

“On a monthly basis, rather than inject money into the running of the estate, the state generates revenue and that has been consistent as the concessionaire has kept to the terms of the concession.

“Also, the Bayelsa Palm is not a cattle colony, it is a ranch concept with provision for a dairy farm, cattle breeding, abattoir as well as cattle market; it is meant to check open grazing and allowing cattle to roam around.

“The ranch remains wholly owned by Bayelsa Government; it was not given to herdsmen and it

is not a holding area, it is a grazing area and that is what we did with Bayelsa Palm,” Wigg said.

Earlier, Mr Daniel IworisoMarkson, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information, had reiterated the state government’s commitment to self sufficiency in food production.

Iworiso-Markson said that the food security policy of the government was anchored on empowering the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers with improved seedlings and appropriate farming techniques.(NAN)

L-R: Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Mr Muda Yusuf, President, Mr Babatunde Ruwase and Chairman, LCCI Insurance Group, Mr Gboyega Olanbiwonninu, during a News Conference on the State of the Nation, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Anglican Bishop condemns Killings, urges proactive measures From Osakhare Erese Asaba

T

he Founder of Faith Assembly Prophetic Ministry Incorporated, Warri, Delta State, Bishop Onyeke Onyeke has condemned unending killings going on across the country , calling on government at all levels to act now before it snowballs into religious war.

Onyeke who spoke to journalists yesterday in Warri during the dedication of triplets to God at his church, said the recent killings by Fulani herdsmen was escalating because Christians were not united, adding that it was only unity that solve these problems.

He advised the Federal Government to match its words with action saying that until people start seeing concrete evidence that the government was serious in tackling the Fulani herdsmen, people will continue to lose confidence in the ability of government to secure its citizens.

“On herdsmen attacks across the country, I see that if Christians can come together as one and united, it will be very difficult for our enemies to conquer us. The reason why things are like this is because Christians do not love themselves. We are all praying in different directions forgetting that we are serving one God. We have different churches today and one pastor will preach against another pastor. How do we fight against our enemies like this?

“For us to come out of this quagmire Christians must learn to love and forgive each other and serve one God. Today some Christians think that when you attend Faith Assembly Prophetic Ministry you do not know God. So the only way we can fight back is when we work together as one united family. A house that is divided against itself cannot stand,” Onyeke said.

Onyeke who was sometimes rumoured to be dead, said his death rumour did not sound as a surprise to him because he believed that God was using that period to try and test his faith.

Insecurity: Muslim, Christian women hold prayers, seek God’s intervention From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

W

orried by the continued killings across the country, Muslim and Christian women have held prayer sessions seeking the face and intervention of God over the killings.

The religious women drawn from the Women Interfaith Council (WIC) held the prayers in Kafanchan, Southern Kaduna in Kaduna state over the weekend.

The solidarity prayer which had in attendance both Muslim and Christian women also had in

attendance personalities from the state.

In a key note address at the occasion, Prof. Kabir Mato, Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said women were the vanguard of enshrining peaceful coexistence in any society.

He said women should assume their responsibility as mothers and be at the fore front on the course towards actualising peaceful coexistence.

Prof. Mato noted that the unfolding events across the country particularly security challenges

called for attitudinal change and unity amongst both Christians and Muslims.

He said the ugly development affects all and sundry irrespective of ones faith as such, it was the responsibility of all to reverse the ugly trend through prayers.

In a goodwill message Alh. Yusuf Mu’azu, the Administrator of Jema’a local government commended the women for the support given to government towards ensuring mediation for peace in their respective communities.

He said government considered

the important role of the women especially in the role of shapening children from the family level, adding that they have a positive impact towards reducing social vices.

Earlier in a welcome address, Hajiya Amina Kazaure, spokesperson of the Association said the group wants to educate women especially in their role towards complementing peace initiatives in the state and country at large.

Also, Sister Anne Falola, Executive Director of the Association said the forum which constituted over 30 Muslim and Christian organizations

was concerned with fighting common concerns of women.

She said the Council advocates for women participation in activities aimed at peaceful coexistence, organise training workshops for women on awareness on women issues, reach out to farmers and other groups to ensure peaceful coexistence at the community levels.

The event witnessed recitation from the Holy Quran and Biblereading while prayers were offered for the peaceful coexistence throughout the Country.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

crime News Nigerian Air Force redeploys 17 senior officers

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he Nigerian Air Force has redeployed three Air Officers Commanding (AOCs) and 14 other senior officers as part of routine exercise to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The air force Director of Public Relations and Information, Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Mr. Adesanya, an

AVM, with the redeployment, AVM Oladayo Amao is now the AOC Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, AVM Mohammed Idris, AOC, Air Training Command, Kaduna, and AVM Remigus Ekeh, AOC, Logistics Command, Lagos.

In the same vein, AVM Ibrahim Yahaya, the former AOC Logistics Commanding becomes the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters, while AVM

Christopher Okoye, who was the former AOC Air Training Command, is now Director of evaluation, Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) Also redeployed are: AVM Olusoji Awomodu as Director of Operations at DHQ, AVM Okechukwu Ntukogu, Senior Air Staff Officer, Headquarters Mobility Command, Yenagoa, AVM Napoleon Bali as Director of

Operations at NAF Headquarters.

The redeployment saw AVM Mahmoud Ahmed as Director of Legal Services at NAF HQ, AVM Dahiru Sanda, Director of Space Utility at DHQ and AVM Charles Ohwo, Director of Evaluation at NAF HQ. Similarly, Air Commodore Ado Inuwa is now the Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

Mr. Adesanya said Air Commodore Aliyu Bello who was the former Commander 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna State, had been redeployed as the Director of Training, NAF HQ. He said following the exercise, Group Capt. Ahmed Dari has been appointed as the Commander, 401 Flying Training School, Kaduna.

Mr. Adesanya said the postings will take effect from Jan. 29. (NAN)

Man ends 22-year-old marriage over wife’s trousers

A

42-year-old housewife, Fatimot Abiola, on Wednesday in Lagos lost her 22 -year-old marriage to her husband, Rasheed, for wearing trousers against her husband’s wish.

Delivering the judgment, the president of Igando Customary Court, Lagos, Akin Akinniyi, said it appeared that the estranged couple were tired of the marriage and all efforts to reconcile both parties had failed.

“Since both parties consented to the dissolution of their marriage, this court has no choice than to dissolve the marriage.

“The court pronounced the marriage between Mr Rasheed Abiola and Mrs Fatimot dissolved, both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance and molestation,” Mr. Akinniyi ruled.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs. Abiola had earlier told the court that his wife wore trousers which he had warned her repeatedly against.

“My mother and I had warned Fatimot severally to stop wearing trouser but she will not listen, I can no longer cope with her way of life and her deviant attitude,” he said.

The 47-year-old custom officer said his wife was threatening him from marrying another wife.

“Fatimot is threatening to harm me if I make any attempt to marry another woman.

“But Fatimot and I have not been sleeping together as husband and wife for years,” he said.

“She once left the house and never returned until after a year,” the man said.

According to him, he is experiencing depression because he does not have peace of mind.

He begged the court to dissolve the union that he did not love her again, he wants to move on with his life.

However, Fatimot said that her husband kicked against her wearing trouser claiming she wanted to become a prostitute.

She said she never threatened him not to marry another wife.

The mother-of-three children urged the court to grant her husband’s wish.(NAN)

L; President Muhammadu Buhari, SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff Mallam Abba Kyari, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and NSA Maj Gen Babagana Mongonu during the FEC Meeting held at the Council Chambers, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: State House

Police kill robbery suspect in Edo

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he Police in Edo State have confirmed shooting to dead a member of an armed robbery gang and the escape of five other members with various degrees of gunshot injury.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, made this known to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.

Kokumo said that in the early hours of Jan. 24, the command received a distress call about the activities of the gang at Evbuomore

Quarters in Ugbowo Division.

He said the command quickly deployed policemen from the division and others around to the scene.

“There was a gun battle between the robbers and the police, and in the ensuing fire-force, one of the gang members was shot and others escaped.

“Sadly, one Dr Godwin Omofuma, a lecturer with the University of Benin, later died as a result of gunshot wounds he received from the robbers.

“Items like phones, one single barrel gun, one iron cutter, one live and

12 expended cartridges, among others, were recovered from the robbers.

“Similarly, last Thursday, Jan. 18, at about 0700 hours, two suspected armed robbers who robbed their victim of her Lexus 330 SUV, cash, jewellery and other valuables were arrested,’’ he said.

He said that the items recovered from them included two cut to size guns, one locally made pistol and one live cartridge.

Kokumo also said that on the same day, three men suspected to be cultists

were arrested in a bus with one locally made pistol and eight live cartridges.

The commissioner of police also said that two suspects who murdered their victim over an infraction were arrested on Jan. 3, while another suspect was arrested on Jan. 21 in the state capital for being in possession of 150 rounds of live cartridges.

Kokumo further said that the command was inundated with reports of misuse of policemen attached to VIPs in the state.(NAN)

Police arrest 22 suspected cultists, others in Delta From Osakhare Erese Asaba

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he Delta Police Command has said that twenty-two suspected cultists have been arrested at different locations across the state.

One of the suspects, the police boss said, Ogochukwu Obeize, 17 years old, was among the arrested suspects by men of Kwale Anti-Cult volunteer corps, adding that the suspects upon interrogation, confessed to be members of Eiye confraternity as they are currently under investigation.

Also, the police have arrested one Forgive Isiorho, 25 yeears old in Kokori inland for allegedly defiling

a 13-year old girl (name withheld), while two suspected armed bandits were arrested in Effurun, Warri.

According to the statement, the armed robbery suspects fobbed one Bimbo George of her ash coloured CRV Jeep with registration No: AKD133AA at gun point around Ebrumede in Warri and also disposed another victim, Elohor Sunday of her small bag containing N11, 500,00 including ATM Card saying that the State Police Command’s desire to tackle the menace of cultism, the police boss pointed out that Anti-Cult volunteers have been out together in a various parts of the state to be as “Delta State

Anti-Cult Committee”, adding that the committee would be similar to the Farmers/Herdsmen Committee already in place, and appended to all and Sunday to cooperate with the committee towards achieving the laudable objectives of setting them up.

The Police Commissioner also said it uncovered plot by hoodlums to bomb Ogwashi-Uku Prison in the state, adding that the suspect was arrested alongside others of sundry offences.

The Police Commissioner in the state, Mahammad Mustafa who confirmed this to journalists in a

press statement issued and signed in Asaba, disclosed that the police arrested one 29 year old suspect Sekemia full power with Imposed Explosive Devices (IEDS) allegedly intended to use the carrying out the crime, adding that the suspect upon interrogation, confessed to the crime, claiming he wanted to free his friends serving jail terms in the prison.

He said that the suspect hails from Ayakoromor area in Burutu Local Government Area of the state, adding that the suspect was arrested based on intelligence gathering as he will be charged to court on completion of investigation.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 8

News

BBOG group defies Police, storms Presidential Villa

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he Bring Back Our Girls ( BBOG) Movement yesterday defied the Police and marched from the Unity Fountain to the Villa gate, blocking its entrance, while demanding for apology from President Muhammadu Buhari over alleged harassment in the hands of security operatives.

Our correspondent reports that the Movement maintained that the Police unlawfully arrested and detained some of its members on Tuesday, during

its routine campaign for the rescue of kidnapped persons in the country.

It argued that no security agency has the right to disrupt any peaceful protest by citizens to demand actions on some issues that violates citizens constitutional rights.

The BBOG Co-convener , Oby Ezekwesili, insisted that Buhari has to apologize for purportedly directing the Police to grossly abuse their members who were out to continue with their peaceful protest for the Chibok Girls, the abducted Police women and the lecturers of University of Maiduguri

who were also abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in northeast region of the country. “ The President needs to tell us while our fundamental rights have been abused, because our movement has steadfastly been known as a movement that has never behaved in an unruly manner.

“We well organised, disciplined and have never disturbed public peace, so why will the police be sent after the BBOG? What kind of repressive era we have entered into. We willl not accept that.

The President is the one in control of the Police, he needs to say to us that the Police harassing us was a big mistakes and apologize to us. And assure us that it would never happen again. “ Having gone to court to challenge the previous administration when it tried to ban our movement and winning in courts nobody has the right to stop us.

“I have also served this nations therefore nobody can shut me down, I will continue to ask for the Chibok Girls,” she said.

According to her, the Police

violated their rights for arresting and maltreating their members without a charge according to the laws of the land. “ The police violated our rights by forcefully arresting and hauling our members into the Police vehicles and taking them to the Police stations while at the same time locking her and some other members at the Unity Fountain.

“They locked me in particular at the Unity Fountain by building a human circular around me, despite my thirty times of asking them to allow me leave,” she stressed.

Niger Fadama 111 spends N42m to prevent post harvest loss From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

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he Niger State Fadama 111 Additional Financing (AF) has spent N42 million to prevent post harvest loss in five local governments.

This is even as it organized workshop for its desk officers

and facilitators on probity, accountability and transparency.

The State Coordinator, Engr. Aliyu Usman Kutigi said this in his keynote address at an organized workshop for its desk officers and facilitators on probity, accountability and transparency to key in to the Federal government fight against

corruption in the country.

He charged the desk officers and facilitators to ensure they replicate the knowledge gained by passing on to the farmers in their various communities where they served what they must have learnt.

Kutigi explained that the success of the agency in the

implementation of its policies and Programmes was due to the zero tolerance for corruption and judicious utilization of mega resources available to the agency.

He said that the training will go a long way in curbing, reducing and eradicating corruption and its tendencies while calling on the people imbibe the culture

L-R: National Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu; INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood and another National Commissioner, Hajiya Amina Zakari, during INEC Budget Defence before the Senate Committee on INEC at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja

of attitudinal change in all administrations in the country.

The workshop which was organized by the Institute of Leadership and Governance (INLAG) in conjunction with Niger State Fadama 111 AF Coordination Office, Minna yesterday an indication for zero tolerance for corruption in its operations.

One of the resource persons and former registrar College of Education, Minna Yusuf Muhammad Makusidi stated that probity in governance is a basic requirement for effective, efficient and successful operation of good governance for the socioeconomic development of the country.

He noted that to ensure probity in governance there must be absence of corruption, effective laws, rules and regulations governing every aspect of public life as well as an effective and fair implementation of those law accordingly.

The Coordinator, Northern States and Director of Programmes of INLAG, Hon. Danladi Umar Abdulhameed who is the leading resource person however emphasized on the reorientation of the nations core values of patriotism, rule of laws, human rights, discipline and rewards for hard work and punishment for offenders in the society.

He charged Nigerians to shown all corruption vices that has eaten deep in to the fabric of our society hence the only way to regain the country’s integrity among the Committee of Nations, urging governments to raised up to the challenge of enlightenment of the citizenry on the consequences of corruption.

Nasarawa Assembly passes N125.4bn 2018 budget into law From Gambo Ahmed Lafias

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he Nasarawa State House of Assembly yesterday passed the state’s 2018 fiscal year appropriation bill of N125.4 billion into law.

The assembly, however, jacked up the budget by N2.6 billion.

The Speaker of the House, RT.Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi announced the passage of

the bill during the House proceeding in Lafia after the House majority leader, Alhaji Tanko Tunga (APCAwe North) moved a motion for the passage of the bill in to law.

Balarabe Abdullah further implored the executive to ensure proper implementation of the budget and prompt release of funds to various ministries and agencies for speedy development of the state.

According to him, “the total amount

approved is N125,419,687,484 billion comprising recurrent expenditure of N45,969,685,848 and capital expenditure of N72,826,002,000 billion, for the 2018 fiscal year.

The house of Assembly has raised the state 2018 appropriation bill

by N2,598, 744,564 billion from N122,820,943,284 presented to the house by Gov.Tanko Al-Makura for consideration and approval.”

He continued “the total budget

size of N125, 419,689,484 has been approved by the house to enable the executive initiate projects and policies that would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state.”

Abdullahi said: “The upward review in the budget was to take care insome vital areas of the 2018 budget to enable the state government provide the much needed dividend of democracy to the electorates.”

He noted with satisfaction the

overall performance of 2017 budget which is 52% for recurrent and 62% for capital expenditure, adding that this was above average.

The Speaker urged the state government to intensify efforts and block all loopholes especially in the areas of revenue generation to achieve the desired objectives with regards to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, january 25, 2018

Page 9

News

Bayelsa Govt. Kaduna: Missing baby born by deaf parent elicits concern According to her, Kaduna state the parent of thechild at the parent had miraculously From Femi Oyelola Kaduna to empower disappeared at Yusuf Dantsoho deaf women association who are hospital to commiserate with them he Association of Deaf Hospital in Tudun Wada, Kaduna also mothers, are indeed saddened over the unfortunate incident.” traditional birth Woman in Kaduna state South Local Government Area of by the news making round of a We are therefore calling on the has called on the state the state. missing baby of deaf parent, which management of the hospital and attendants government and security agents The Coordinator of the occurred on the 10th of January government to beef up security

T

T

he Bayelsa State Government has pledged to empower traditional birth attendants in the state as part of efforts to promote quality and affordable healthcare for the people.

The state Commissioner for Health, Ebitimitulah Etebu, made the pledge on Tuesday in Yenagoa at the Inter-Ministerial and Agency briefing.

The briefing, organised by the state Ministry of Information, was to enlighten the public on the achievements of the present Governor, Seriake Dickson in the past six years.

Mr. Etebu, a professor, said it was important to empower the attendants so they could practice global trend in child and mother care.

He added that the state government was collaborating with health officers in rural areas to identify traditional birth attendants with a view to training them on global best practice.

The commissioner said “there are series of trainings for traditional birth attendants by the state government. Right now, we are making plans to recruit them into N-power programme so that they can benefit from government employment.”

On Gov. Dickson’s score card for six years, the commissioner said he performed satisfactorily in the establishment of health facilities across coastal communities.

“We built referral hospitals in all the eight local government areas of the state; the essence is to get adequate attention to health related problems in the rural areas.

“The state specialist hospital with cardiovascular and stroke centres is completed; the diagnostic centre, drug storage and distribution centre, which we call “Drug Mart” are also completed.

“We also finished the construction of the house officers’ quarters at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, and established School of Basic Midwifery.”

The Chairman of the occasion, Kemela Okara, described Governor Dickson’s developmental strides as “the best in the history of Bayelsa.”

Mr. Okara urged the people of Bayelsa to desist from destroying government projects, saying it was inimical to the growth of the state.

He urged residents to take ownership and protect government utilities as part of their civic responsibility.

Daniel Mackson-Iworiso, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said the briefing was put together to showcase how far the state government had done in terms of infrastructure development.(NAN)

to find those responsible for the missing of newborn baby by their member.

A newborn baby by a deaf

Association, Hajar Nasiru Makarfi disclosed this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday

2018 at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital.

“We in our capacity as mothers and deaf women in Kaduna visited

at the hospital and to ensure compliance with visitors time table in order to avoid influx of visitors at odd hours.

L-R: Deputy Director, Technical Services, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Mathias Ajudua; Director Finance and Accounts, NAN, Hajiya Kahdijat Lawal and Managing Director, NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, during NAN Budget Defence before the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Anambra Assembly wants FG to immortalise Ekwueme

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he Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the federal government to immortalise Nigeria’s first Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, as a reward for his service to the country.

The assembly made the call on Wednesday in Awka, the state capital, at the House plenary session.

The lawmakers noted that the late Mr. Ekwueme, who died on November 19, 2017 at the age of 85, had worked for the unity of the country and deserved lasting honours.

The call was based on a motion on notice moved by the member representing Orumba North State constituency, Romanus Obi. Mr. Obi said that the fallen icon deserved great respect at death

considering his selfless service and great contributions towards the development and unity of the Nigerian nation.

“Ekwueme was a unifying factor in the political movement of this country and never hid his wealth of knowledge or used it selflessly.

“The former vice president embraced all tribes and preached unity of the Nigerian nation,” he said.

According to him, Mr. Ekwueme belongs to his constituency and related well with the low and high.

The legislator said that the former vice president operated an open door policy where people from all corners of the zones came in to exchange pleasantries and ideas with him at will.

He extolled Mr. Ekwueme’s virtues as a great and humble leader who had flair for inspiring people, adding that he deserved to be immortalised.

Supporting the motion, the member representing Orumba South Constituency, Nikky Ugochukwu described Mr. Ekwueme as a `man of extra ordinary character’.

She appealed to the federal government to name the Federal Polytechnic, Oko after the late sage.

Ikem Uzoezie, representing Aguata 11 state constituency while supporting the motion said that Mr. Ekwueme sacrificed a lot for the country’s development saying that immortalising him would encourage Nigerians to be good ambassadors.

Chigbo Enweuzor representing Onitsha North constituency said that Mr. Ekwueme’s demise had left a vacuum in the country which would be difficult to replace.

He said that the former vice president stood for peace, transparency and eschewed corruption and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Speaker, Rita Maduagwu, also urged the Anambra State Government to name a monument after him.

Mrs. Maduagwu said that the state had lost a great icon and leader and called on political and non-political leaders in the country to emulate his footprint.(NAN)

Group moves to end maternal deaths in Jigawa LG From Mika’il Tsoho Dutse

A

village Health Facility Committee in Sule Tankarkar local government of Jigawa state has built a standard labour room for safety and decent delivery at a Model Primary Hospital.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the labour room, the chairman of the committee Musa Danfulani said, they choose to build the room to address some critical issues discouraging women from

attending the hospital for delivery.

According to him, the old labour room was very small and also lack privacy, and many women around the area were verbally reported citing this condition as one of the major reason they are running away from hospital delivery unless when it became necessary.

“Upon noticing the problem, the committee requested for permission from the state primary health care board to build a new one and after receiving the permission they gathered money

through contribution from the public for actualization of their dream”. “ We are also appealing to the state government to upgrade this hospital from model primary health care to a comprehensive health center to make health care service delivery more accessible to the people of the area” Speaking at the occassion, Her Excellence Hajiya Magajiya Badaru Abubakar commended the group for their efforts to complement and support government commitment in

providing basic and accessible health care service delivery without compromising the good norms and values of the society, She also promised to extend their request to the governor for the upgrading of the hospital In his remarks, the council chairman of the local government Hon Jafaru Danzomo promised to provide 10 additional admission beds and also employ 10 casual workers to manage the cleanness of the new labour rooms and general environment of the hospital.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 10

News

Oil sector most corrupt in Nigeria – Don From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

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lecturer in Department of Economics of Kaduna State University (KASU), Dr. Seth Akutson has said the petroleum sector is the most corrupt sector in the Nigerian economy.

He said the persistent fuel scarcity is nothing but a game plan by some cabals in the sector who have turned fuel scarcity into a political issue.

He stated this at a public lecture organized by History Department of the University in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, government must holistically fight corruption in the oil sector, improve infrastructural deficit open up supply chain, allow private sector participation and reduced incentive on fuel importation.

The don added that the Federal

Government can deregulate the oil sector, but should also employ competent hands to manage the ministry of petroleum.

“But above all, there should be joint action by the masses and collective resolve to change the situation for the better,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, also of Economic Department said that the economic and social nature of the commodity as instrument of political control and an avenue of making profit made it prone to manipulation.

He said that to end scarcity, government must build more refineries.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Department of History, Dr. Terhemba Wuam, noted that fuel scarcity has been a recurrent feature of Nigerian

economic life for decades.

Wuam said that perennially and frequently, Nigerians suffer from the inability to drive into petrol stations and buy fuel for transportation and other energy needs in industries, offices and homes.

He said that the effect of fuel scarcity has without doubt, several retarded economic growth in the country, adding that many hour are lost on unending queues and productivity negatively affected.

He blamed the development on government insistence to control the sector and not allowing purely economic consideration to be the determinant of the prices that the end users ought to pay.

According to him, the solution is simply to deregulate the oil sector and remove all vestige of subsidy so that

economic realities would determine the final price.

“This is because, if the market reality is such that the government approved price is no longer sustainable, the government will find itself in a difficult position as is apparent.

“I am not totally against subsidy or government interventions in specific areas because support the subsidization of education and health care; and government should build roads, railways and provides social services.”

Wuam advised the federal government to approach the crises in the oil industry from purely economic realities rather than a social and political perspective.

Members of Bring Back Our Girls led by Dr Oby Ezekwezili clashed with Police at Villa gate in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

DPR seals 10 fuel stations in Borno for various offences

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he Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday said it sealed 10 erring filling stations in Borno State for various offences.

Bala Musa, its Deputy Coordinator in the North-East, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

Mr. Musa said that that the stations had been sanctioned since the past three weeks for dispensing petrol above the approved pump price of N145 per litre.

He said that the stations were fined in accordance with laws governing DPR’s operations.

“The measure was necessary to end scarcity and ensure the availability of petroleum products in the state.

“We make sure that the stations dispensed fuel to consumers and must pay a fine before they could resume operation.

“DPR is working in collaboration with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to sensitise its

members on dangers associated with diversion, hoarding and over pricing,’’ he said.

He said that the NNPC had supplied 222 trucks of petroleum products to Borno and Yobe States in the last three weeks.

The coordinator said that the products included petrol, diesel and kerosene and expressed optimism that the situation would change for the better in view of improvement in supply.

Mr. Musa advised motorists to cooperate with the DPR by

providing useful information about stations hoarding and dispensing fuel above the approved pump price.

NAN reports that there were long queues in the few stations dispensing as most of them had ran out of stock.

The situation forced desperate consumers to patronise “black market” outlets which were selling at exorbitant prices.

A litre of petrol was sold at N200, while a four-litre gallon was sold at N800.(NAN)

4,062 persons benefit from free eye care programme in Sokoto

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o fewer than 4,062 persons suffering from various eye ailments have been treated under the second phase of free eye care programme sponsored by Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APCSokoto).

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bashir Mani, in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Mr. Mani said that the programme had surpassed its initial projected target of 3,150, patients in 19 local government areas of the state.

He quotes Al-Mustapha Alkali, the Director of Administration for Mr. Wamakko, as expressing happiness with the huge success recorded by the programme.

Mr. Alkali further reiterated the commitment of Mr. Wamakko to initiate more programmes, to further alleviate the suffering of the people of the state.

He commended the hospitals, local government staff as well the traditional rulers in the benefiting areas, for the invaluable cooperation towards ensuring the success of the programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that, the programme was flagged off at Sabon Birni town, headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of the state on January 4.

The first phase of the programme which was conducted in the eight local governments of the Sokoto North Senatorial District between July and August, 2017, treated over 1,300 patients.(NAN)

Students urge religious, traditional leaders to encourage girl child education From Ahmed Kaigama Bauchi

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tudents representatives from tertiary institutions in Bauchi state have called on the religious and traditional leaders to encourage girl child education in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the students at a press briefing, yesterday Miss Mercy Aaron a student of Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi organized and supported

by the Bauchi Political Hotspot of De Watson Leadership Academy in Bauchi, said “ in both spiritual and temporal or mundane aspects of human existence, education is paramount, it is the light that shows the way by removing the darkness of ignorance, the salt that gives the state of life, the medicine that cures and the key which open doors” Mercy stressed that females have the right to education and skills acquisition and the right to choice

and self- actualization. Adding that the religious and the traditional leaders have a fundamental role to encourage the girl child education in their communities.

The students representative lamented that many girls today do not have adequate education “ when a girl is 12 - 14 years old the elders in the community feel she is ripe for marriage and their words is law “ “We are calling on the religious leaders to take a critical look into the

matter because a girl who is given out in a marriage at a tender age is placed at a very high risk because she is not matured enough to be a mother without a skill, information and confidence that might lead to her being a better mother and wife if she were educated so their is urgent need to encourage girl child education within our communities,” Miss Aaron said She also pointed out that educating the girl child translates

to better health for the future generation, reduction in child morbidity and mortality thus triggering a snowball effect of achieving all other Sustainable Development Goals in a viable manner.

She called for the strengthening and implementation of child right act and provisions of equal right to education, and urged parents to support their female children in sound education.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

igeria marked the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Jan. 15. The highlights included a wreaths-laying, pigeon releases and a gun salutes at the National Arcade in Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari, himself a hero of the Nigerian civil war (1966-1970), led the wreaths-laying near the cenothaph marking the grave of the Unknown Soldier.

Historically, the occasion was marked every November to celebrate the end of World War 1 in 1917. However, Nigeria changed it to Jan. 15 to commemorate the end of a 30-month civil war that killed over 2 million troops and civilians. The 2018 celebrations started at about 10 am Monday,with the arrival of President Buhari, escorted by the pipers band from the Guards Brigade.

He was received by the commander of the Brigade, Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf.

Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes by Director, Chaplain Services of the Nigerian Air Force, Wing Commander Kwase, and Director, Islamic Services of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Mustapha, who also prayed for the peace and stability of the country.

Thereafter, President Buhari took the lead to lay the first wreath, followed by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen as well as military service chiefs.

This aspect of the ceremony reached its climax when Mrs. Mary Alechenu was invited to lay a wreath. She is the widow of a soldier killed

by Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast in 2015. Respected as the youngest widow in the barracks where whe still lives, Mary, said to have been pregnant when her husband was killed, gave birth to her son eight months afterward.

Speaking a day earlier, former President Ibrahim Babangida urged support for the upkeep

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of the nation’s fallen heroes. ” It is customary to observe the Armed Forces Day on the 15th January every year to remember officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who laid down their lives for the unity of our country”, he said in a statement released in Minna, Niger state, where he lives. Babangida called on Nigerians to “demonstrate appreciation of the courage of the gallant fallen heroes and their contribution to national unity. He said it was called for now more than before because the nation faces many security challenges ranging from terrorism to communal violence, to

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How we ignore our fallen heroes

We appreciate the welfare of surviving exservice men and women has improved considerably since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999. It is ironic that civilian administrations are doing more for the retired soldier than did the military regimes before them kidnapping, cultism and gangsterism.

It is important to keep alive the memories of troops who have made the supreme sacrifice to keep the country one. It encourages and inspires many young men and women to enlist in their country’s military. Besides, observance of the Day makes us a part of the international community. However, it is regrettable that, in our country, this day like all other days, has remained just a symbol. Once the day is over,

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Hameed M. Bello Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

memories of the dead ones are packaged and reburied in their graves, to be regurgitated the following year. Their families return homes to mourn their loved husbands alone.

We appreciate the welfare of surviving exservice men and women has improved considerably since the restoration of democratic rule in 1999. It is ironic that civilian administrations are doing more for the retired soldier than did the military regimes before them.

However, the fact that many widows, with babies strapped on their backs or in their arms, came to Abuja that day suggested that much still needs to be done. The Nigerian Legion must continue to drum the plight of these forgotten families in the ears of the authorities.

In asking the government to do more for the families of dead and the surviving but retired soldiers, we do not forget to enlist the support of all Nigerians for those gallant heroes of all wars and conflicts. In our countries, citizens are made to buy the remembrance emblem.

Not so in Nigeria.It is not the colours of the emblem you are appreciating when you buy one but its spiritual value - valour and patriotism.

One other issue. Why do we still refer to the tomb near which the wreaths are laid as that of the “unknown soldier”? If we did not know the WW1 soldier, we cannot, in all honesty, claim not to know those who died in our own civil war or in the ongoing insurgency in the Northeast. Why don’t we erect a monument at the National Cenothaph carrying the names of soldiers who died in wars and conflicts defending Nigeria’s name? One, we shall know we are honouring a real human being, not a statistic. Two, the monument will attact tourists who will have to pay to be allowed in.

Two things will be achieved: honour given to the deserving and money earned.

Our salute to our fallen heroes those still alive who derserve more than what we are doing in their honour today.

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PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

2019: Run and run, President Buhari, run

By Muhammad Ajah

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ntil I am convinced that Nigeria is not being transformed by President Muhammadu Buhari, there is no ground for me to dissociate myself from the millions of voices of Nigerians calling for the continuity of this government. Simply, the world knows that Nigeria was living in a “fool’s paradise”, when the past governments refused to allow Nigerians face the economic reality for a very long time.

Maybe if they had done, by now, Nigeria would have been greater than it is and Nigerians would have forgotten the economic hardship they are facing now. But it will be over with the steady and resilient policies being pursued by the incumbent federal administration.

Again until I am convinced that the period between 1999 and 2015, years of democratic experiment indeed, were not the best period to have instituted the solid foundation for Nigeria’s development, there is no ground to dissociate myself from the million of voices of Nigerians solidly standing against the return to old democratic experiences as defined by the past governments. It must be clear that I am talking about government and not individuals.

Furthermore, until I am convinced that the testimonies from developed countries and world economic analysts that Nigeria has been placed on the track of development by the government of the day are mere jokes, there is no ground to dissociate myself from the millions of patriots who wish my country the best under the hands of the best patriots who have conscience and faith and believe in fate.

Finally, until I am convinced that Nigerians made a wrong choice in 2015, there is no ground to dissociate myself from the millions of patriots who want President Muhammad Buhari to continue as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after the 2019 presidential polls and even beyond. That is why I used “run” three times for this title. But I am convinced that he will never seek a third term. I am convinced that he will be the best president Nigeria has ever produced by 2023. And I am convinced that Nigeria will be great under him despite the adversities staged

by those who are opposed to the betterment of Nigeria. They are not fighting him, they are fighting the majority of the citizenry and assuredly, the one with God is majority.

It is, indeed, not easy to rule Nigeria. If all the past presidents of Nigeria were to be gathered in one room today to give their experiences, none can give accurate account due to the heat in the seat of leadership. The post-colonial leaders, those alive amongst them today, would testify that it has not been easy for the leaderships since then. I am convinced that they had thought that it would have been as easy as saying “Nigerians can govern themselves”. And from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe until President Buhari, tirade of hostility amongst Nigerians over leadership has continued basically due to the misunderstanding of unity in diversity and the outright shortsightedness or unabated greed cum self self-centredness of some of the past leaders.

Every leadership is looked at from its ethnoreligious affiliation, not on the basis of party, education or even credibility. Other citizens from other ethno-religious groups often tend to see nothing good in such leadership. Each leadership, from independence, has faced threats from within, though propelled contentiously by foreign factors, all often targeted at destabilizing the focus to develop the country. In some cases and out of jealousy, past leaderships would attempt to frustrate the successors who may be progressive in governance. Different strategies are often employed to achieve such motives.

Beyond doubt, I cannot be more convinced that another four years for the present administration will yield more positive results in the transformation agenda. Nigerians must come together in this trying moment for this progressive government and stand for the truth that our growth in underway. It has actually started. So we must give this government another four years. Patriots must not be carried away by distractive sentiments accredited to a former Speaker of the House of Representatives Gali Umar Na’Abba against the president, though he may be right that some party members have hijacked and pocketed the party. Or should patriots take serious statements accredited to

Dr. Junaid Mohammed on the 2019 presidential reelection decision. As for the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he is entitled to his opinion.

I am convinced that leadership in Nigeria can be so sweet that Obasanjo sought for a third term and crushed all the strong contenders for the 2011 presidential polls. However, every Nigerian enjoys freedom of speech.

Some Nigerians are out there to discredit the government of President Buhari. They have caused many troubles to distract him. They are using the gullible amongst the citizens to cause havocs. But they will fail by the power of the God of Nigeria and Nigerians. That is why I sympathize with the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, who recently spoke for maturity and patriotism by acknowledging the nation’s difficult times when some people are making political capital out of killings, using “the orgy of bloodshed to advance their political interests”, yet portraying it as a failure of the Buhari-led administration”.

Adesina finds “plenty of prejudice in Nigeria, prodigious quantity of insularity, animus, antipathy against anyone that is not of your ethnic or religious stock, or that belongs to a different political orientation or persuasion.” “If you meet him, kill him, if you can’t catch him, poison his footsteps,” seems to be the singsong among some people. And as the build-up to general elections, next year gathers momentum, matters are made worse. Nothing can be more convincing.

It is true that everything has been politicized, including wanton killings. There is strident attempt to defame, demean and de-market the Buhari government. Those behind it, he said are the crooks, thieves and freeloaders who want business as usual. They hate probity. Their souls abhor accountability. They prefer the plunder of the past years, and can’t wait to see that epoch return. They engage in all sorts of misinformation, disinformation, hate speeches and fake news.

“In or out of government, I stand with Buhari”, Adesina proclaimed. They turned the country into a wasteland, leaving an economy primed for recession. He trusts the President who

Where is Kanuri Literature?

By Abubakar A. Bukar

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ast Friday I was at my usual hideout in Mass Communication departmental library of ABU Zaria purposely awaiting the arrival of the department’s PG Secretary to submit my dissertation for external examination. Having been taught to work while waiting, I began to pull out book after book, reading only the blurb in some, a preface or sentence in others.

Two struck and sustained my interest at the moment: David Jowitt’s Nigerian English, and another on Nigerian literary history from 1700 to date (to date turned out to be 1980s) with entries from notable and familiar names like Soyinka, Okara and Yaro Yahaya. Reading through Jowitt’s preface to his Nigerian English where he made the argument and clarifications about the existence of that variety, I felt the echo of Farooq Kperogi where in his earlier Notes from Atlanta, he rehashed the same argument and mentioned that book as his foundational inspiration in the untiring exploration on the varieties and variation of English – what simply goes as Englishes. I must have a copy of this, I said to myself, with Xeroxing in mind and fair usage as the caveat of copyright infringement.

Perusing through that anthology of literary history, I discovered essays on the origin and development of Igbo literature, Yoruba literature, Hausa literature and Fulani literature, with additional entries on Biafran war and ‘Fulani Jihad’ literature. Searching upon searching I kept asking: where is Kanuri literature? Or is this another majoritarian field day to which even legal judgements surrender

to nowadays? Have they no literature? Were they contacted but refused to make submission?

Why do I care about a native language that I can hardly speak with appreciable fluency? Yes, unlike Edward Said, a scholar I utterly admire, who can speak his native Arabic with almost equal command as English of which he was a professor, I’m a pity, a pariah and mocking being amid kith and kin for understanding what is being said in one’s tongue but replying in another’s tongue. Gobbled, they say is the word.

Afterward I began my journey homeward.

On reaching Kano, I called one of my closest friends, Barrister Bulama Bukarti, to pick me from where I was dropped. Bukarti, with Barrister Maidugu Abubakar, both legal practitioners in the ancient city, are childhood friends with whom I grow exchanging and discussing books, their authors; issues and events with their antecedents, agreeing and disagreeing, often with comical jibes. En route to our destination, Bukarti noticed my exhaustion and pensive mood. Enquiring what was wrong, I countered with: ‘where is Kanuri literature?’recounting my encounter with that exclusivist collection which punctured my pride. ‘I think El-kanemi’s exchange with the Fodios is a good example’, he replied. ‘Well, that was mentioned in the Jihad entry of the book as a model in rhetorics. And rhetorics, y’know, is more of philosophy’. ‘That exchange’, he added, ‘is reproduced in the appendix of Bala Usman and Nur Alkali’s edited book on pre-colonial Borno’.

‘Okay’, I sighed, explaining that I’d just got the book from Kola bookshop in Zaria; haven’t got ground to reading it.

But where is Kanuri literature? Unbeknown to him, I was, despite exhaustion, prodding a discourse on: who was the Mudi Spikin or Zungur or Imam of the Kanuri people? Any Osundare, Achebe, Soyinka or Shakespeare of Kanuri extraction? The assertion by Mora and Yakubu that Imam and Zungur hailed from Borno does not just suffice in such exploration.

Jolted, questions kept jostling, hoping to stumble upon a scholar of Kanuri language dwelling on the subject-matter. On reaching our first destination which turned out to be Dr. Nasir Adamu Aliyu’s house, conversation around Buhari’s Nigeria with its oddful twists overtook my musing, my self-examination and curious reflection over this indigenous literature.

While attending a town-hall meeting at Mambayya House the following day with this popular lawyer to discuss the proposed amendment bills, I slipped out of the venue to check the stuff in Chapter One, a new bookshop opposite Dala orthopedics perchance I could get something helpful to quench my thirst on the issue. Alas, to no avail. But, habitually, one cannot come out empty-handed after a call to such a place. So such titles as Nadine Gordimer’s Jump, Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes and its sequel, among others, beckoned, and I succumbed gladly.

Today at Yobe state library (Gashua branch), I found some consolation. It started with skimming Norbert Cyffer’s The Story of Kanuri Language Studies in the Annals of Borno, vol.

II, which surprisingly mentioned no any literary text thereby leaving my heart leaping and

has made massive investments in infrastructure, roads, rail, power, agriculture and mining with the stock market recently recording N15.78 trillion, N1.3 trillion spent on capital projects in 2016 and almost the same amount for 2017.

He said that although President Buhari has not thrown his hat officially into the ring for a second term in office, the oppositions are in mortal fear of him running, thus are out to dissuade, malign, paint him black and devalue him before the electorate. And what a marvelous prophetic proclamation: “But they don’t know that there are many devices in the hearts of men, but only the counsel of God shall stand. If God has ordained President Buhari to be in power beyond 2019, human effort to stop it can only end in futility.”

Yes, Buhari is the solid ground for Nigeria.

And yes for our children and generations yet unborn, he is engendering a new country whose builder and maker is God. I reecho my call on Nigerians to stand on this solid rock to further rescue our dear country beyond 2019.

The supports by the APC leader, Bola Ahmad Tinubu and the Yoruba have been great, indeed; let that be sustained for our dear country. But in the event that he decides not to run, let him nominate a patriot who will doggedly follow his footsteps. It will be a thing of joy to fully support his nomination.

Already, the leaders of APC in the Southeast have re-endorsed him for 2019. National vice chairman of the Southeast APC, Emma Eneukwu, said that four years were not enough for Mr. President to complete his transformational agenda for Nigeria, hence the need for another four years to make Nigeria truly great. The Southeast APC implored Mr. President, as a just and fair-minded leader, to make history by supporting the zoning of the office of the president in APC to the Southeast at the end of his second tenure in office as President in 2023.

Muhammad Ajah is an advocate of humanity, peace and good governance in Abuja. E-mail mobahawwah@yahoo. co.uk.

stomach growling. Then some rays of hope came with some sparse quotations of poems about the heroic deeds of Mai Dunoma and queen Maira Aisa in Nur Alkali’s History of Kanuri Language (Annals vol. IV). Seidensticker and Adamu’s (1986) A Bibliographical Guide to Borno Studies gave a greater relief with the revelation of Bulakarima’s ‘kakanye kemurso’ (My Old Grandmother), Bukar Ya Kura’s ‘Ngudowa Kerye Bornobe’ (The Birds of Borno State), Benisheik Ali Mustapha’s ‘Sanya Baramabe’ (The Hunter’s Craft), Alkali Baba’s ‘Sunoma’ (The Shoemaker), to mention but few among long stories. Then the authorless ‘Cime Jirea: Mai Manabe’ (Cime Jirea: the King of Talk – which sounds like Magana Jari ce), ‘Hawarwa Kanuribe’ (Kanuri Stories), ‘Suroma Kunjobe’ (The Harvest’s Midwife – a poem), Konduga Alkali’s ‘Kaiyawa Lorusabe’ (Marriage Song), Lawan Mohammed Kurna’s ‘Biskewa-a Kaiyawa-a Kanuribero’ (Kanuri Games and Songs), ‘Mai Idriss Alauma’ a play by Lydersay Dexter translated into Kanuri by Nur Alkali and Tijjani El-miskin) et c. I equally discovered a number of children’s literature and elementary textbooks such as the authorless Bintua-a Dala-a and Muhammed Ngaran Daphi’s Kitawu Kanuribe kntilomi Faida tadaa Maaranti Fremare Borno Nankaro, Kanuri Diwal Isawube…, Futu watiya Ruwobe Knandimi, among several others by the author.

But this is just not good enough. The big question remains: which Kanuri poet can be juxtaposed with say Christopher Okigbo, which playwright with Soyinka, which novelist with Achebe, and which female Kanuri writer with Nana Asma’u, Nwapa, Emecheta or Chimamanda?

Bukar wrote in from Gashua and can be reached at aabukar555@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 13

Comment

Jollof rice, national underdevelopment and our children

By Jibrin Ibrahim

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ccording to my numerous twitter followers, Saturday was #WorldJollofRiceDay. Please don’t ask me who declared that Saturday must be devoted to Jollof rice, I don’t have a clue.

All I know is that as a serious social media junkie, I spent Saturday receiving and sending out tweets about the greatness of Jollof rice. For my foreign readers, please note that according to Jollof Rice 101, the food is a red, spiced rice dish loved in every city and town in West Africa. It is also called Djollof, Benachin in the Gambia and of course in its historic ground zero Senegal, it is called Thiéboudienne. It is cooked in a red, tomato-based sauce and its classic form must be peppery. The most important thing however is that over time, it has come to denote a state of enjoyment probably because it is a necessary part of every marriage or party. Jollofing has therefore entered West African English as a synonym for enjoyment.

The word itself has its origins in the Wolof (pronounced Jollof) Empire, which was a medieval West African state that ruled parts of Senegal and the Gambia from approximately 1350 to 1890. By the end of the 15th century, the Wolof states of Jolof, Kayor, Baol and Walo had become united in a federation, with Jolof as the metropolitan power. It was therefore not surprising to see such an important dish named after the ‘power’ – Jolof. The important point from history is that the region from the Gambia River to Liberia was also known as the Grain or Rice coast because of high local production of rice, millet and other grains.

There is a legend on the invention of Jollof rice, known by the Senegalese inventors as Thiéboudienne. One woman from Saint Louis, Senegal. Penda Mbaye, a cook at the colonial governor’s residence, is reputed to have created the dish with fish

and vegetables, first using barley. Following a barley shortage, she decided to use rice, at the time still a luxury good having just arrived in Senegal by way of Asia in the 19th century. Eventually it became a favoured dish throughout Senegal and was elevated to national dish status. The rest of us then copied this great dish invented by the Djollof woman.

My good friend, Mamadou Diouf, professor of African history at Columbia University has a different legend on the origins of Jollof rice. He argues that it was invented as a nutritious dish to feed the Senegalese colonial army and that is the reason why everything – rice, vegetables and fish/meat is thrown into one big pot, to meet the exigencies of barrack cooking for large crowds. Through the world wars, the recipe was popularised around the region and today we West Africans are so proud of our African culiniary invention – the Jollof rice. I use the capital letter advisedly as the tweet from @am_delly explained clearly “Spelling Jollof rice with a small letter J is an insult. Jollof rice is not just a food. It’s a feeling, sign of hope and a way of life.” Still on deep twitter philosophy, another tweet worth draying attention to is that of @jilltxt who informs as that as Confucius knows, “He who eats Jollof with stew has trust issues” and as I as a student of Confucius I always eat my Jollof, pure, that is without stew.

Original Jollof rice is of course cooked in a cast iron pot over firewood and one of its characteristics is that it must burn at the bottom pot to provide the right taste.

It is precisely for this reason that there was an earth shattering event last year when a British celebrity chef called Jamie Oliver dared to cook Jollof rice in his television show. There was a massive torrent of online insults against poor Jamie for destroying Jollof rice in his show. After 4,500 nasty comments and insults on what came to be

known as #JollofGate, Mr. Oliver hastily removed his “fake” Oyibo Jollof rice recipe from his website and has since stayed away from experimenting with West African food. West Africans, especially those in the diaspora, were not only enraged by an Oyibo stealing their recipe, but even more by his innovation of adding coriander, parsley and a lemon wedge and just imagine, even 600 grams of cherry tomatoes on the vine, as ingredients for preparing Jollof rice. As Vera Kwakofi, from BBC Africa, argued at the time, “The danger is that in five years his version will become the official one.”

The blogger Motley Musing also agreed: “We have to ask ourselves who actually benefits from Jamie Oliver’s ‘appreciation’ of Jollof rice. This doesn’t necessarily translate into value for Africans. For so long, different African cultures have been appropriated without any direct benefit to Africans themselves, and people are particularly sensitive to this.” Shortly after the JollofGate incident, the British supermarket chain Tesco removed its Jollof rice recipe from its website after numerous complaints.

Now that we know that this invention by French colonialism in Senegal is our West African contribution to the world culiniary tradition, we need to reflect a bit on what it means to our underdevelopment. For people my age who grew up before the oil boom, Jollof rice, or rice for that matter, was certainly not our staple food. Growing up in a Hausa family in Kano, the food I knew was “tuwo da miyan kuka”. The tuwo was, of course, made of guinea corn. To my eternal shame, I can’t remember when last I ate my staple. I recently called a friend who runs the best Hausa/Fulani eatery in Abuja called the “Masa Place” to request whether they could prepare my staple as a special request. She laughed as she explained to me that Hausa people no longer eat guinea corn, it’s reserved for horses she explained;

tuwo is now made from miaze or wheat. Yes indeed, the world has changed. As children, we grew up on locally grown food staples.

Meanwhile, we impose on our children the culture of eating imported food such as Jollof rice made from Thai rice, Portuguese tomato puree and Swiss maggi cubes and become angry when Oyibo talk about “our” Jollof rice.

We are not alone if that is any consolation. Over the last one hundred years, 75 percent of the world’s plant genetic diversity has disappeared as humans stopped eating local food. The world has 300,000 thousand known edible plant species and 200 of them were commonly eaten not so long ago. Today, the world eats mainly only four plants, rice, wheat, maize and potatoes. With age, I have become interested in healthy foods and the wealth we have in that regard is incredible.

In expensive health shops round the world, some of our foods are revered. Acha is today regarded as one of the healthiest grains for the human race. Moringa, which the Hausa call zogale, and is considered food for the poor, is recognised by health experts as a super food extremely rich in nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Finally, the famous miyan kuka of my youth, produced from leaves of the baobab tree is also recognised today as a super food that is extremely useful in fighting malnutrition.

Even more important say the experts, the baobab fruit is even richer in vitamins and anti-oxidants. My recollection from my mother is that we must never drink “tsala”, light yoghurt from Fulani women because they cheat by substituting real yoghurt with baobab fruit known in Hausa as “kwalba da nono”. Today I am learning that its much more nutritious than milk.

Jibrin Ibrahim is a political and development theorist and expert.

Addressing the plight of telecom subscribers

By Chidiebere Nwobodo Chidiebere

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ccording to Wikipedia, the consumer is the person who pays to consume goods and services produced. As an individual, he plays a vital role in the economic system of any nation.

The consumer also constitutes a strategic part of the distribution chain in the overall economy. He is the end of production cum distribution network.

There cannot be producers or service providers without him. Every buoyant economy rises and falls on the actions and reactions of the consumer.

Narrowing it down to the telecommunications sector, especially as it affects Nigeria, consumption is one of the major factors propelling the growth of the telecommunications industry. Nigerian subscribers, numbering about 154 million, dominate the African telecommunications landscape. They provide the revenue that Mobile Network Operators need to keep moving. Yet, they do not get the best satisfaction when it comes to services.

In 2015, Nigerian telecom subscribers coughed out a whopping sum of $5.6bn, which was spent on telecommunications services alone. In 2016, it was increased by another $1bn, thereby making it a total of $6.6bn.

After a long period of neglect and exploitation, finally the subscribers have got the attention of the telecommunications regulatory agency-the Nigerian

Communications Commission. On March 15, 2017, the Commission historically declared 2017 as a year set aside to focus on the warfare of Nigerian subscribers. The essence of the declaration is to highlight the plight of the consumers, as regards poor quality of services, being rendered to them by the MNOs and proffer solutions to them.

Unsolicited messages, illegal deductions from consumers’ credit, infuriating menace of robotic calls, poor quality of service, charges for unrequested services like caller tunes, call drops, unfriendly internet data plan packages, and so on; have become excruciating pains cum challenges on the part of subscribers.

The declaration will go a long way to restore the confidence of telecom subscribers in the ability of the Commission to protect its rights and privileges, which is in line with the mandate of the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC. Some of the MNOs, no doubt, have defaulted on their primary responsibility, which is to provide qualitative telecommunications services to consumers.

The poor network coverage has remained a recurring decimal in the industry. Even when the NCC has provided a Do-NotDisturb code to enable consumers control the menace of unsolicited messages, by sending it to 2442, it is yet to abate.

Exorbitant charges for services not rendered, or requested, has been a small piece of bone in the throats of many telecom subscribers. A situation in which

MNOs impose unsolicited caller tunes on the consumers and still deduct money from them, as fees for these tunes, leaves much to be desired.

Inadequate telecom infrastructure, especially in the rural areas, has contributed immensely to poor network coverage.

Apart from making complaints via the NCC’s designated line of 622, telecom consumers on the street want a system put in place by the NCC that automatically reverses unjustifiable deductions made on their airtime, without having to embark on bureaucratic voyage of reporting to the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC or Complaint Commission. The banking sector model, where Automated Teller Machines immediately reverses unpaid debt alert, should be emulated in the telecommunications sector, as part of regulatory measures put in place to protect subscribers.

Realistically, how many telecom subscribers will start calling the NCC’s complaint line of 622 because their Network Operators short-changed them?

How many of them will have the patience to keep dialing 622 anytime a Network Operator cheats them of N20? How many of the telecom consumers are observant or literate enough to know when they have been exploited? What will a subscriber do if, at the end of the month, he has not been able to exhaust his one-month data plan due to poor quality of internet services and the hosting NO insists that he recharges

his data plan before the remaining data rolls over? What stops the Network Service Providers from rolling over subscriptions to the next month, especially any period there is epileptic internet service? These are thought provoking questions racing through the minds of many subscribers.

A few weeks ago, the NCC summoned the Mobile Network Operators to a meeting and the riot act was read to them on the importance of improving the quality of service. As much as I will commend the NCC for the bold step, I want to advocate something more self-sustaining than what is obtainable now. The NCC does not have to compel MNOs all the time to maintain quality of service in the industry by imposing fines on them or mandating them to refund certain amount to telecom consumers via airtime. There should be a system that automatically blocks unsolicited messages from reaching the subscriber without him sending codes to designated lines. The proposed electronic system should compensate telecom consumers with airtime, for example, anytime N50 is deducted for unrequested caller tunes.

The system should automatically roll over data subscription plan any month that a particular Network Operators falls below 60 per cent performance, as regards provision of internet services.

Chidiebere Nwobodo Chidiebere is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 14

News

How armed robbers killed UNIBEN don-CP

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin

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olice in Benin have confirmed the murder of University of Benin lecturer by a five-man armed robbery gang in the early hours of Wednesday.

Dr. Godwin Omofonwa, was allegedly murdered by his assailants who stormed his residence at area at Evbuomore community about 01.14am and began to terrorize innocent residents.

The State Commissioner of

Police, Johnson Kokumo who disclosed this yesterday, said the command immediately deployed policemen to the scene of the crime following a distress call that the suspected hoodlums were there.

According to him, “in the ensuing gun battle, one of the marauders was shot dead; while others escaped.

“Sadly, one Dr. Godwin O. Omofonwa, a lecturer in the Department of Education; University of Benin died as a result of gunshot

wounds he received from the robbers.

“The deceased’s three phones and another Nokia phone robbed from one Precious were recovered from the dead robber.

“The Police has been on the trail of this particular group of hoodlums who have been troubling the vicinity until they met their waterloo,” Kokumo said.

The CP further said the operatives are on trail of other fleeing members of the gang, some of

whom according to him, sustained vary degree of injuries.

In a related development, the Police boss disclosed that one Osagie Igiemwin has been apprehended for possessing one hundred and fifty rounds of live cartridges.

The suspect who confessed to the crime said: “I bought the Cartridges in Onitsha to support the vigilante group, contacted for my mother’s burial billed for this Saturday.”

Scene of fire that gutted the storage tank of Stallionaire Nigeria Limited’s Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, gutted by fire at Ibasa Ijegun, a satellite town, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN

Buhari felicitates with Ogun gov, Amosun at 60

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has joined all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and citizens of Ogun State in congratulating Governor Ibikunle Amosun on his 60thbirthday.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his Soecial Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari felicitated with all the family, friends and professional colleagues of the visionary political leader, legislator and administrator, whose foray into public service continues to stimulate and inspire the younger generation on the value of patriotism and the beauty of selflessly living for the good of humanity.

The President believed that Amosun’s rich experience in the private sector, broadmindedness, wise counsels and penchant for always treading the path of peace and greater good for majority contributed to the stability enjoyed in his state, and the attendant developmental strides in education, health and security.

As a second term governor, President Buhari affirmed that Amosun’s courage and pacesetting strides in pushing for improved life for the underprivileged and unrelenting position on the unity and stability of Nigeria are legacies that posterity will continually remember and celebrate.

The President prayed that the almighty God will bless Amosun, grant him more years of good health, strength and wisdom to serve his country.

I’m yet to receive 8 years salary, arrears, Compt. Gusau cries out From Femi Oyelola kaduna

T

he Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), failure to pay eight years salary arrears, benefits and others entitlements estimated at over N50 million, to one Comptroller Abdullahi Bello Gusau.as directed by the Supreme Court has reechoed .

Compt. Gusau, according to documents made available to journalists in Kaduna yesterday, had sometime, in 2010, challenged Nigeria Customs Services in Federal High Court Abuja, over unlawful premature retirement from the service.

The Compt, through his Counsel, Barr. G. T Afolabi, of Olugbenga and Associates, dragged the matter to Appeal Court, and obtained verdict in his favour in July, 2014.

The case also scaled up to Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirmed the judgment of Appeal Court, and directed that Compt Bello Gusau be reinstated back to service and his entitlements paid in full.

Although Gusau was called back to office after the Appeal Court judg-

ment in 2014, but was treated as contract staff.

Worse still, his monthly salary was stopped two months after his resumption when his counsel demanded that full implementation of the Appeal Court judgment be complied.

Apparently provoked, the NCS went to Supreme Court of Nigeria and contested the judgment, but the Apex court, in April, 7, 2017, affirmed the court of Appeal judgement of July, 2014, including consequential orders as contained therein, mandating the CGC of NCS, to reinstate Compt Gusau, but same was ignored.

The affirmation of the apex court which was handed down by Justice Ejembi Eko, in Abuja, also made declarations that the purported retirement of the plaintiff (Compt Gusau), by the 2nd defendant (NCS) is unlawful, malicious, irregular and fragrant violation of the plaintiff rights of employment until the mandatory retirement age.

But hitherto, the Supreme Court affirmation also has not been complied with, nine months after it was

passed, as the orders mandating NCS and CGC, to reinstate Compt Gusau, was disregarded.

Supreme Courts’ 5-man panel of Justices, headed by CJN, Walter S.N Onnoghen, also made an order affirming Appeal Court judgement, adding that the purported retirement of the plaintiff by 1st and 2nd defendant’s public notice, was unlawful.

“The Court therefore ordered the defendant to allow Compt. Gusau, to resume work and also maintain his positions as Comptroller of Customs, and be paid all his salaries, benefits and emoluments, and enjoy his lawful promotions.”

According to documents made available to journalists in Kaduna, the affirmed judgement and orders of the Supreme Court of Nigeria were duly served on the CG of Customs on the 10th,13th, and 21st days of April, 2017, respectively, and also the acknowledged receipts, but same were not complied with.

The Custom Services as at the time of filling this report has not formalised the reinstatement and

promotion of Compt Gusau by way of serving him with reinstatement letter and letter of promotions, and subsequent decoration of his new ranks.

Similarly, the salary arrears, emoluments and other entitlements, estimated at over N50 million have also not been paid to Compt Gusau, till date.

The Supreme Court has already reinstated Compt Abdullahi Bello Gusau in its judgment of April 2017, which means the status quo is restored and maintained, therefore the NCS is expected to formalize the reinstatement, promotion and payment.

But instead of formalizing the reinstatement and promotions, ACG, Abbas, unilaterally wrote and signed purported retirement letter to serve Compt Gusau, contrary to the judgment and consequential orders of Supreme court of Nigeria.

“It’s pertinent to note that Customs or NCS board has no power or legal mandate to retire or write retirement letter to Compt Gusau or any senior customs officer, unless on ground of

disciplinary matters or gross professional misconduct, in accordance with section 3-4 of public service rules.

The NCS can only write letter of notification for retirement as a reminder to officers due for it.

“Several correspondence written and served the CG from relevant ministries and agencies to comply were equally ignored.

Basically, a judgment creditor is entitled to have the benefit of the fruits of his judgment,” his counsel informed.

When contacted to verify authenticity of allegations, the victim, Compt Gusau confirmed that the Supreme Court judgment and consequential orders have not been complied with currently.

Comptroller Bello Gusau spent more than nine years on Comptroller Rank by year 2009 without promotion to the next Rank Contrary to the Scheme of Service for Customs Service which stated that a Comptroller who spends four years on the substantive rank is eligible for promotion to the next Level of ACG rank.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

From Ahmad Ibrahim, Lokoja

G

overnor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has lampooned critics of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying they do not have the ultimate power to stop the re-election of the President in next year’s general elections.

He pointed out that no campaign of calumny against Mr. President would frustrate his re-election, more so that he has the overwhelming support of Nigerians to continue in office, in view of his transparent leadership and desire to move the country to another level of development.

Governor Bello, who stated these during a town hall meeting in Lokoja, as part of activities lined up to commemorate the second anniversary of his administration, wondered why

Only God can stop Buhari in 2019 -Gov Bello people who plundered the resources of the country would be contemplating return to power, saying that can never happen.

He posited further that God who made President Buhari to pass through the valley of death preserved him for a purpose, expressing confidence that the President would secure another mandate, considering his purposeful leadership.

According to Governor Bello, Mr. President is just close to three years, and his opponents are running helter skelter, because they cannot tolerate him for eight years, stressing that by the time President Buhari completes his two terms in office, his opponents

would be in political wilderness.

He said President Buhari is doing his best in the fight against corruption, insurgency; as well as improvement in the economy, noting that the foreign reserve has been bolstered significantly, compared to what was in place before he came on board in 2015.

“Mr. President is boiling them with cold water, suffocating them; because they cannot stomach him for eight years they are crying foul. When the time comes they will know that majority of the people of this country are solidly behind him. So those who are against the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari cannot stop

him,” he emphasized.

Governor Bello further opined that if God endorses Mr. President to serve his constitutional two terms, he does not need the support of anyone to achieve that feat, insisting that those who ran the country aground are desperately seeking relevance, trying to play God. He maintained that no amount of intimidation, media manipulation and campaign of calumny can compel Mr. President to abandon his avowed commitment to put the country on the path of greatness, stressing that the current efforts at retrieving all the stolen monies from the nation’s looters cannot be abandoned because

of some selfish individuals.

On his political aspiration, Governor Bello said God would take care of that when the time comes; assuring that the state was poised to present credible candidates that can adequately and effectively represent the state at all levels in the next dispensation.

He lamented that members of the National Assembly from the state have not done enough to adequately protect the interest of the state, assuring that those who are prepared to do the needful would be sent to support Mr. President in his determined efforts to put the country on sound economic pedestal.

Senate pledges quick passage of CAMA, ISA Bills

By Christiana Ekpa

P

resident of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of the 8th National Assembly to swiftly consider and pass required amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Investment and Securities Act (ISA).

Saraki, made the remarks when the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on CAMA and ISA led by Ozofu Ogiemudia presented reports on the two acts to the President of the Senate in Abuja.

He stated that the objective of the amendment is to place the country in a position that will be competitive and attract investments.

He said: “We at the 8th National Assembly have made this a priority to look at what we call our economic priority bills. These are the last two that form the core of our mandate and our promise to Nigerians.

“I am so excited that we made the promise to Nigerians at the beginning of the 8th Senate and today we have seen the completion of the work. To me, this is a great achievement.

“I am very confident that if we pass these two bills, they will significantly help in making our country attractive for investment. And if you look at the core issues affecting the country today, it all comes back to the issues about the economy.

“If we can get the economy right,

create jobs for our youth, create investment and empower people, we will be able to significantly reduce all the areas of friction.

“So your contributions go beyond just these two bills as it is a contribution to the development and social stability of the country. On our part, we will work to get them passed quickly in both chambers,” he said.

Saraki thanked the members of the TAC for working on the two important Acts which are at the heart of business in the country and producing the reports.

“Let me thank you for the thorough job and the contributions that you have made to the country,” Saraki said. “These two bills are so important to us and I am sure that when the history is written your contribution will definitely be noted significantly on making Nigeria a hub for doing business and promoting investment.”

Earlier, the leader of the National Assembly TAC on CAMA and ISA, Ozofu Ogiemudia, stated that both acts are significant in that they set the frameworks for companies in

the country and the Nigerian Capital Market, “which includes one of the most active and attractive stock exchanges on the continent.”

She noted that both acts which are strategically important needed to be updated given the changes in technology and society the world over.

She said: “In the last 28 years, CAMA has existed without any major amendment. In the case of the ISA, it has been in existence for 10 years now. Accordingly the technical advisory committee has produced

and humbly submits to the Senate for consideration two repeal and reenactment bills in respect of CAMA and the ISA. “We are confident that these bills will further the overriding objectives of this government to make the regulatory framework for doing business easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and to ease the process for compliance by businesses, thereby elevating Nigeria to the coveted position of an investment hub in the continent,” she stated.

R-L: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education and Services,Hon. Aminu Suleman,Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Jarigbe A. Jarigbe and Hon. Onuigbo Samuel Ifenyi,during the 2018 Budget Defence held at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo Mahmud Isa

Obasanjo lacks credibility to blame Buhari - Chief whip

By Umar Muhammad Puma

C

hief Whip of the House of Representatives Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa has lampooned the former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over his recent letter to President Muhammad Buhari where he accused the latter of incompetence and lacking the requisite skills and knowledge to steer the ship of the

Nigerian state.

Briefing House of Representatives Press Corps yesterday, Doguwa said Obasanjo lacks political credibility and integrity to lambast anybody, because he is a worst leader when compared to Buhari.

Doguwa who represents Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State in the green chamber of the

apex parliament said that said Nigerians should disregard the letter of the former President, as it doesn’t reflect the true state of affairs in the country.

The lawmaker further stated that Nigerians should disregard Obasanjo’s position on the present administration in Nigeria as comments that are baseless.

He pointed out that President Buhari had significantly improved

on the well-being of Nigerians by his policies and actions; and, therefore, deserves a second term in office.

Doguwa, who said he is speaking in his individual capacity as a federal lawmaker, also said that Nigerians should not listen to Obasanjo who after corruptly enriching himself in office later sought for an extension of his tenure in the now ill-fated third

term bid.

He averred that President Buhari has significantly improved in many aspects of the nation’s economy and rallied support for him for a second shot at the Presidency.

The lawmaker also stated that President Buhari’s health has significantly improved and would support his continued stay in office.

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

POLITICS

2019: INEC accuses NASS of delaying cost assessment • Commission adopts direct result collation, transmission method

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Christiana Ekpa

I

ndication emerged yesterday that the 2019 general election is being threatened by the continued delay in the passage of 2018 Electoral Act by the National Assembly.

The chairman of the commission, Mahmud Yakubu, who said this while defending the 2018 budget of the commission before the Senate Committee on INEC, explained that passage of the Electoral Act is a prerequisite for the commission to carry out a cost assessment to determine what the commission will require for the conduct of the general election.

Yakubu Mahmud who said the total budgetary figure of the commission for the 2019 general election was still

being complied, pointed out that the exact figure or amount of money the 2019 general election will cost the commission across the 119,999 polling units in the country can only be arrived at, after the passage of Electoral Act by the National Assembly.

“It is provisions of the amendment to 2010 Electoral Act after passage by the National Assembly that will show the commission how elections at primary level by the political parties would be conducted and monetary cost that would entail on the part of INEC, let alone the general elections”, he said.

The INEC chairman also said the commission is ready to adopt direct collation method and transmission of results from polling centers across the country in the 2019 polls, adding that eighty five persons from

sixteen thousand workforces in the commission have died in the year 2017.

He also disclosed that INEC is scheduled to meet with the NCC and the telecommunication operators next week, to finalize arrangements for providing effective network coverage in areas not properly covered, as part of measures to ensure full deployment of the planned technological gadgets for 2019 polls.

Meanwhile, the INEC boss who revealed the high rate of death in the commission while responding to the issue of provision of sick bay in the commission said some of the deaths were recorded within the premises of the commission as a result of heart attack triggered by high blood pressure.

“Due to the nature of our work,

our staff work under intense pressure to the point that many of them have no time for routine medical checkups which often lead to high blood pressure and heart attack on some of them while on duty either here in Abuja or at our state offices.

“In fact, last year alone, preponderance of the 85 staffers that we lost died through such circumstances hours or few days after being rushed to hospitals. The reason why we decided to have sick bays in our offices now for preventive measures”, he said.

He added that aside budgetary provisions being made for establishment of sick bays in INEC offices, a total of N9billion has also been set aside in the 2018 budget estimates of the commission for hazard and other allowances for

staffers on the field.

The Senators therefore advised the INEC Chairman to ensure that he eliminates the fire brigade approach that had affected the successful conduct of free and fair elections, by making adequate provisions to monitor all party primaries in 2018 before the general election in the following year.

Meanwhile the Senate Committee on INEC screened additional 8 nominees as Resident Electoral Commissioners.

Those screened and given the clean bill of health yesterday were Dr Usman Ajidagba from Kwara State, Baba Yusuf Abba from Borno State, Segun Agbaje from Ekiti State, Yahaya Bello from Nasarawa State, Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim from Gombe etc.

Youths cannot takeover power by simply insulting us -El-Rufai

G

overnor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has said insulting leaders on social media will not change how things are in Nigeria.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, the governor advised youth who wish to chase old people from power to join a party and participate in the process.

He said:”Young people think insulting leaders on social media will change the way things are in Nigeria.

No one would hand over the mantle of leadership to you simply because you’re young. ”If you want to chase “old people” from positions of power, you must join a party and participate in the process no matter how bad, dirty and dangerous you think it is.”

R-L: Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (r) receiving Campaign Poster and T-shirt from the former Governor of Jigwa State, Sule Lamido his visit to Rivers State Government House, yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Photo: NAN

Nigeria’s future looks bright, APC replies Obasanjo

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has frowned at the statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo which was widely reported in the media.

In a statement issued yesterday by the National publicity Secretary of the party Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party disagreed with the former President, especially on his assessment of the government and the party, “We understand that the former president would feel obliged to intervene if certain things are not being done or are not being done in a particular way. However, we believe that such

interventions should be for the sole purpose of improving the system and encouraging the relevant institutions to work harder in improving certain situations.

“It is for this reason that we disagree with the former president in what appears like a wholesale dismissal of the entire political system in the country. We acknowledge our challenges as a new political party, even as we believe that APC remains the best option at this time for all Nigerians who are genuinely committed to the progress and development of the country.

“We also note that there are about 72 other registered political parties in the country and the people reserve the right to support any of these.

Our democracy itself is young and hence all the parties face sundry challenges, but we have made progress since 1999, with President Obasanjo himself being a major contributor to our progress as a multi-party democracy. It is for this reason that we believe the respected former president should not give the impression that none of the political parties in the country is good enough for Nigerians and the only solution to the current challenges that we face is a completely new arrangement.

Bolaji also said the task of building a political party is not done overnight. Even the oldest of our political parties is still very young in comparison with advanced democracies.

“Our democracy therefore stands a better chance of becoming really strong if we allow the parties to find their identities, even if in the process they make mistakes and appear to be “wobbling”. No political party arrives fully formed.

The party calls on all our supporters across the country to remain strong and steadfast, saying “these are challenging times. But we cannot afford to react to public criticism with any form of emotionalism. We are the ruling party. We must take responsibility. Take valuable lessons on board and continue to improve. Regardless of the current challenges, we are confident that brighter future is assured for our party and our country.

2019 election: CSOs attack National Assembly over change in INEC timetable

A

coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), under the umbrella of “The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room,” have rejected the process embarked upon by the National Assembly to change the order of the 2019 general elections already set by Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Recall that the House of Representatives effected the change through an unexpected amendment of the Electoral Act (2010).

But, addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the

convener of the group, Mr Clement Nwankwo, described the move by the legislatures as an unwarranted interference in the constitutional powers of INEC to determine the conduct of elections.

Nwankwo also said that it would further interfere with the powers of

INEC to carry out its electoral duties without directives or control from any person or authority, using the instrumentality of legislation.

“This is unacceptable and is hereby condemned; the National Assembly needs to backtrack from passing self-serving legislation that

contradicts constitutional guarantees of the independence of INEC. “Additionally, the National Assembly needs to backtrack from passing self-serving legislations that contradicts constitutional guarantees of the independence of INEC,’’ he said. (DAILY POST)

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

POLITICS

Edo APC supporters hold ex-deputy gov, others hostage over imposition

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

E

do State members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have yesterday held hostage, for over an hour, former governor of the state, Lucky Imasuen, the immediate past Attorney General of the state, Barrister Henry Idahagbon, the member, representing Egor Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Crosby Eribo and a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gentleman Amegor, at the party secretariat.

The quartet were held hostage over alleged imposition of Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia as the consensus Chairmanship Candidate at the APC party primaries in Egor Local Government Area, against the wishes of majority of leaders of the party who had declared their support for her

only rival, Mr. Efe Stewart.

The aspirant, who is a daughter of former governor of the defunct Bendel state, late Samuel Ogbemudia, is speculated to be the state governor’s Candidate.

The primary election which held at the party secretariat, was marred by violence, started after several hours of brinkmanship on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of the Local Government polls slated for 3rd March 2018 by the state Independent National Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Trouble stated when the former Attoney General of the state, Barrister Henry Idahagbon publicly announced, on behalf of the party, the endorsement of Ms Ogbemudia; brushing aside the laid down guidelines for the party primaries.

Idahagbon’s declaration that

the only known and qualified aspirant in the race was Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia, was protested by the second Chairmanship aspirant, Mr. Efe Stewart who appealed to the APC leaders to adopt open secret ballot, a development which heightened tension at the venue.

This was however followed by a purported resolution of APC Egor read by the former state governor, Lucky Imasuen and supported by Crosby Eribo, and Gentleman Amegor whose son had been shortlisted as the running mate to Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia.

Imasuen had also informed the gathering that the agreement to project Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia was reached on 23rd January 2018.

But the explanation of the APC leaders was rejected by Efe Stewart before the process degenerated into a free for all.

Efe clarified that the era of bricks and mortar were over, and that he will seek redress if authorities concern fails to address his concerns.

Lucky Imasuen and supported by Crosby Eribo, and Gentleman Amegor and other party leaders were whisked away through the back door of the secretariat, including Ogbemudia’s daughter, while Stewart was beaten by suspected thugs.

The table of negotiation among the leaders of party and the two chairmanship aspirants, Efe Stewart and Ms. Eghe Ogbemudia, collapsed after a brief meeting, some armed operatives of the Department of the state security service (DSS), stormed the venue and arrested Efe Stewart, while the armed Policemen deployed to the venue watched with glee.

A leader of APC who craved for anonymity, said the Chairmanship

aspirant, was ordered by governor, Godwin Obaseki.

“Efe Stewart is still in the DSS custody and we are reliably informed that he is being detained on the order of the governor and he may not be release any time soon.

“We are aware that they want to cage Efe and his supporters to justify the atrocities.

“It is sad that the man who had worked for the defunct All Progressives Congress (ACN) and APC should be treated like a common criminal”, the source said.

Our Correspondent gathered that the APC Wednesday primary election was hitch-free in some Local Government Areas where consensus reined, while, the exercise, was either deferred indefinitely or sustained in some locality across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Niger APC applauds LG chairmen’s court victory on tenure reduction From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he Niger State All Progressives Congress APC legal adviser, Barrister Khalid Ibrahim Aliyu, has applauded and rejoiced with the local government chairmen for their victory in court to extend their tenure to three years, contrary to assembly reduction without following procedures.

Aliyu made the disclosure in an interview yesterday in Minna after the a High Court in Borgu in the state gave victory to the local government chairmen who took the state government to court for reducing their tenure to two years from three years.

It could be recalled that the state house of assembly at early period of the present APC administration passed a bill to reduce the local government tenure prior to their election.

The adviser explained that the State Assembly did not followed procedures before the quick passage of the bill into law hence its null and void however congratulated the chairmen and the political party APC for the court victory.

“There was no public hearing from the grassroots but court that is the last hope of a common man gave the Judgment in favour of the local government chairmen”.

On the loggerhead between the State executive of the APC and the state Assembly members on the party’s request to replaced the majority leader which was turned down by the members urging the lawmakers to respect the party’s decision.

He stated that “it is the right of the party to replaced the house leader who is not competent have no confidence in having

lost confidence in the Rijau Assembly member Hon. Ibrahim Isah Dandodo and be replaced with the member representing Kontagora 1, Hon. Nura Garba as directed by the party.

Aliyu stressed that supremacy of the party who brought them to their present status must be respected “initially all the officials of the house of assembly was nominated by the party APC and the nominees were adopted by the house’ “I don’t see the reason why the majority leader who supposes to be an advocate of the party failed to discharge his responsibility and the party state working committee met and decided to change their house leader but the house members in its resolution said that the party has no right to do so”.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (middle), celebrant, Hon. Ossy Prestige Chinedu (3rd left), Hon. Patrick Asadu (2nd left), Hon. Mohammed Bago (1st left), Hon. Adekunle Akinlade (4th right ), Hon. Gyang Istifanus Dung (3rd right), Hon. Baba Yusuf Yakubu (2nd right) and Hon. Kingsley Sunny during the Hon. Prestige›s Birthday at the National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja .

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ekiti 2018: Tight security as Adeyeye declares for governorship

T

here was massive security beef up in Ado Ekiti yesterday as the former Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye declared his governorship ambition in Ekiti State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Adeyeye vowed that efforts by the State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose to muzzle all the aspirants vying for the plum seat with the exception of his preferred candidate and deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, will be frustrated.

Adeyeye, who is challenging the deputy Governor, Prof Kolapo Olusola, who had earlier been endorsed by Governor Fayose, said he would fight tooth and nail to prevent the governor from imposing his surrogate on the people.

DAILY POST reports that

the declaration, which witnessed mammoth crowd of supporters across the 16 local government areas of the state, started like a protest march at the NNPC along Iworoko road.

The participants walked via Adebayo to Ijigbo and ended in front of the Prince Adedayo Adeyeye campaign headquarters in Ajilosun area of the state capital.

The police deployed Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and stern looking operatives to curtail any miscreant who could hide under the crisis between Fayose and Adeyeye to ignite trouble.

Addressing his supporters, Adeyeye said Fayose was privileged to be Governor and warned that he should stop playing God on the issue of Ekiti governorship election.

He said: “I have confidence in Uche Secondus-led NWC to conduct a free, fair and credible poll in Ekiti.

I served the PDP as the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee for 18 months and we conducted a credible convention that brought the new executives.

“I believe that they will not pander to the bidding of Governor Fayose, who has turned himself into a thin god.

“Let me say this, I will defeat Fayose’s candidate in a free and fair primary. I will use myself;f to lay a foundation that you can emerge the flagbearer of a party even without governor’s support, because nobody can play God. It is God that anoints.”

“But anything outside a credible primary to field a strong candidate

like me, then it means the party has shortchanged itself in Ekiti in the July 14 governorship election”, he said.

Adeyeye promised to work hard to make Ekti the hub of higher education in Nigeria, while also investing heavily in the areas of rice and cocoa production to boost the economy.

He derided Fayose for allegedly killing investment in Ekiti, saying “the governor even made efforts to kill my radio station, the first private station in Ekiti, it was as bad as that.”

“I served as a SUBEB Chairman in Ekiti and the record I left there remains indelible. I am the best for the job and I will clinch the PDP’s ticket in spite of opposition”, he boasted.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

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101.97 101.97 0 101.97 101.97 7UP 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 ABCTRANS 0.00 0 10.96 11.36 0 11.20 11.27 ACCESS -0.16 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 AFRINSURE 0.00 0 4.00 4.05 0 4.15 4.15 AFRIPRUD 0.10 0 0.70 0.70 0 0.70 0.70 AGLEVENT 0.00 0 0.52 0.53 0 0.54 0.54 AIICO 0.01 0 5.95 5.95 0 5.95 5.95 AIRSERVICE 0.00 0 7.71 7.35 0 7.71 7.71 BERGER 0.36 0 4.58 4.58 0 4.58 4.58 BOCGAS 0.00 0 16.35 16.35 0 16.35 16.35 CADBURY 0.00 0 33.93 33.93 0 33.93 33.93 CAP 0.00 0 1.38 1.32 0 1.38 1.38 CAVERTON 0.06 0 9.50 9.50 0 9.50 9.50 CCNN 0.00 0 2.08 2.08 0 2.08 2.08 CHAMPION 0.00 0 1.32 1.37 0 1.32 1.34 CILEASING -0.05 0 28.00 28.00 0 28.00 28.00 CONOIL 0.00 0 1.39 1.39 0 1.39 1.39 CONTINSURE 0.00 0 3.75 3.93 0 3.97 3.97 CUSTODIAN 0.04 0 2.06 2.01 0 2.06 2.10 CUTIX 0.05 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 DAARCOMM 0.00 0 241.00 240.90 0 241.00 245.00 DANGCEM 0.10 0 11.67 12.24 0 12.00 12.24 DANGFLOUR -0.24 0 19.91 20.69 0 21.50 21.50 DANGSUGAR 0.81 0 1.40 1.47 0 1.50 1.50 DIAMONDBNK 0.03 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 DUNLOP 0.00 0 4.30 4.14 0 4.30 4.34 ETERNA 0.16 0 17.11 17.97 0 17.26 17.26 ETI -0.71 0 9.00 9.01 0 9.29 9.39 FBNH 0.28 0 1.22 1.28 0 1.22 1.26 FCMB -0.06 0 71.00 80.00 50 71.00 71.00 FGS201910 -9.00 0 96.46 99.25 50 96.46 96.46 FGS2019S4 -2.78 0 90.00 97.61 10 90.00 90.00 FGS2020S9 -7.61 0 2.26 2.37 0 2.26 2.38 FIDELITYBK -0.11 0 3.61 3.80 0 3.83 3.83 FIDSON 0.03 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 FIRSTALUM 0.00 0 34.19 34.19 0 34.19 34.19 FLOURMILL 0.00 0 44.50 44.50 0 44.50 44.50 FO 0.00 0 22.74 22.74 45 22.74 22.74 GLAXOSMITH 0.00 0 6.33 6.33 0 6.33 6.33 GSPECPLC 0.00 0 41.67 41.65 0 41.90 42.00 GUARANTY 0.25 0 94.05 92.70 0 94.05 94.05 GUINNESS 1.35 0 2.17 2.20 0 2.18 2.21 HONYFLOUR -0.02 0 54.00 56.62 0 54.98 54.98 INTBREW -1.64 0 0.58 0.60 0 0.60 0.60 JAIZBANK 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 JAPAULOIL 0.00 0 27.00 27.00 0 27.00 27.00 JBERGER 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 100 0.50 0.50 JOHNHOLT 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 LASACO 0.00 0

0.91 0.95 0 0.91 0.99 LEARNAFRCA -0.04 0 0.62 0.65 0 0.62 0.62 LINKASSURE -0.03 0 0.90 0.90 0 0.90 0.90 LIVESTOCK 0.00 0 11.90 11.55 0 11.90 11.90 LOTUSHAL15 0.35 0 2.00 2.01 0 2.00 2.02 MANSARD -0.01 0 2.89 2.93 0 2.90 2.91 MAYBAKER -0.03 0 1.91 1.91 0 1.91 1.91 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 168.50 174.96 0 168.50 168.50 MOBIL -6.46 0 27.46 27.46 808 27.46 27.46 MRS 0.00 0 4.31 4.53 0 4.32 4.33 NAHCO -0.21 0 19.29 18.74 0 19.50 19.50 NASCON 0.76 0 141.00 143.00 0 143.32 143.50 NB 0.32 0 0.72 0.72 0 0.72 0.72 NEIMETH 0.00 0 1.41 1.46 0 1.46 1.46 NEM 0.00 0 1,460.00 1,460.00 0 1,460.10 1,460.10 NESTLE 0.10 0 5.77 5.77 277 5.77 5.77 NNFM 0.00 0 1.26 1.30 0 1.26 1.36 NPFMCRFBK -0.04 0 5.99 5.99 0 5.99 5.99 OANDO 0.00 0 75.00 75.00 0 75.00 75.00 OKOMUOIL 0.00 0 0.59 0.59 0 0.59 0.59 PAINTCOM 0.00 0 68.41 68.41 0 68.41 68.41 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 22.05 23.00 0 22.10 22.10 PZ -0.90 0 4.91 4.91 0 4.91 4.91 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 501.31 501.31 0 501.31 501.31 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 SKYEBANK 0.00 0 41.19 42.00 0 41.50 42.00 STANBIC -0.50 0 1.04 1.09 0 1.04 1.04 STERLNBANK -0.05 0 230.00 230.00 0 230.00 230.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 3.50 3.50 10 3.50 3.50 TOURIST 0.00 0 7.21 7.21 0 7.21 7.21 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.39 1.44 0 1.45 1.47 TRANSCORP 0.01 0 16.30 16.70 0 17.00 17.00 UACN 0.30 0 2.67 2.79 0 2.67 2.67 UAC-PROP -0.12 0 10.20 10.45 0 10.36 10.64 UBA -0.09 0 7.54 7.54 0 7.91 7.91 UBN 0.37 0 3.49 3.60 0 3.49 3.51 UCAP -0.11 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 UNIC 0.00 0 40.50 42.42 0 40.50 40.50 UNILEVER -1.92 0 0.53 0.54 0 0.53 0.53 UNITYBNK -0.01 0 2.50 2.50 0 2.50 2.50 UPL 0.00 0 2.85 3.00 0 2.85 2.89 VITAFOAM -0.15 0 46.37 47.44 0 47.00 47.96 WAPCO -0.44 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 WAPIC 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 WEMABANK 0.00 0 25.90 26.03 0 26.00 26.38 ZENITHBANK -0.03 0

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Stock Close Gain UBN 7.91 0.37 BERGER 7.71 0.36 CAVERTON 1.38 0.06 NASCON 19.50 0.76 DANGSUGAR 21.50 0.81

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Stock Close Loss FGS201910 71.00 -9.00 FGS2020S9 90.00 -7.61 VITAFOAM 2.85 -0.15 FCMB 1.22 -0.06 FIDELITYBK 2.26 -0.11

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

By Etuka Sunday

O

xfam report has shown that cracking down on tax avoidance could save developing countries like Nigeria an estimated $170 billion a year.

Oxfam in its media roundtable held yesterday in Abuja decried continuous widening inequality gap between the rich and poor in the society.

It said: “82 percent of the wealth created last year went to the richest one percent of the global population, while the 3.7 billion people who make up the poorest saw no increase in their wealth.

FAAN redeploys 17 staffs in minor reshuffle exercise

Tackling tax avoidance could save Nigeria, Others $170bn annually -Oxfam “The inequality crisis is out of control. Our broken economies enable a wealthy elite to accumulate vast wealth while hundreds of millions of people are scraping a living on poverty pay,” it said.

Declaring the meeting open, the Acting Oxfam Country Director, Mr Constant Tchona commended the federal government for policy on tax revenue, saying, that if properly implemented would solve the problems associated with tax.

Mr Tchona said Oxfam attended Davos Meeting to present the case of widening inequality gap in the world, adding that while the rich are avoiding tax payment, the poor are burdened with multiple taxation.

Oxfam listed retrogressive taxation, poor budgeting system, poor resource management; capital/recurrent, poor policy implementation, prohibitive cost of governance, elite capture and favouritism as drivers of inequality in the country.

Oxfam said, Billionaire wealth

...decries widening inequality gap has risen by an annual average of 13 percent since 2010 – six times faster than the wages of ordinary workers, which have risen by a yearly average of just 2 percent. The number of billionaires rose at an unprecedented rate of one every two days between March 2016 and March 2017.

It takes just four days for a CEO from one of the top five global fashion brands to earn what a Bangladeshi garment worker will earn in her lifetime. In the US, it takes slightly over one working day for a CEO to earn what an ordinary worker makes in a year.

It would cost $2.2 billion a year to increase the wages of all 2.5 million Vietnamese garment workers to a living wage. This is about a third of the amount paid out to wealthy shareholders by the top 5 companies in the garment sector in 2016.

Oxfam’s report outlines the key factors driving up rewards for

shareholders and corporate bosses at the expense of workers’ pay and conditions. These include the erosion of workers’ rights; the excessive influence of big business over government policy-making; and the relentless corporate drive to minimize costs in order to maximize returns to shareholders.

It said, “Women workers often find themselves off at the bottom of the heap. Across the world, women consistently earn less than men and are usually in the lowest paid and least secure forms of work. By comparison, 9 out of 10 billionaires are men.

“Oxfam is calling for governments to ensure our economies work for everyone and not just the fortunate few: Limit returns to shareholders and top executives, and ensure all workers receive a minimum ‘living’ wage that would enable them to have a decent quality of life. For example, in Nigeria, the legal minimum wage

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

L-R: Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Commissioner of Finance Adamawa State and Chairman, Commissioner of Finance Forum, Mahmoud Yunusa during Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), meeting on Tuesday night. in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

A

minor redeployment exercise carried out by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday has caught most of the affected staffs unaware as they arrived their offices on Wednesday to meet the redeployment letters.

A source in the agency informed our correspondent that 17 persons were affected across various department in the shake-up that also saw others transferred to other states.

The affected staffs were mostly from the position of Deputy General (DGM), Assistant General Manager (AGM) and General Manager (GM) The General Manager, Training and Human Resources Development, Mr. Nath McAbraham Inajoh has been redeployed to Kano to resume as Regional Manager while the current General Manager, Aviation Security (AVSEC), one Mrs Lola will take his place, four other staff were redeployed alongside Inajoh from the department.

The DGM training and human development is to resume her new post in the administration department while the GM administration has been move to Owerri.

Our source said the exercise is part of efforts management felt is needed to reposition FAAN for the challenges ahead as against perceived notion that it was targeted at persons thought to have sympathy for former Director of Administration and Human Resources of FAAN, Hajia Salamatu Bala Eluwa who was redeployed to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) last year.

would need to be tripled to ensure decent living standards. Eliminate the gender pay gap and protect the rights of women workers.

“At current rates of change, it will take 217 years to close the gap in pay and employment opportunities between women and men. Ensure the wealthy pay their fair share of tax through higher taxes and a crackdown on tax avoidance, and increase spending on public services such as healthcare and education.”

Oxfam estimates a global tax of 1.5 percent on billionaires’ wealth could pay for every child to go to school. Results of a new global survey commissioned by Oxfam demonstrates a groundswell of support for action on inequality.

It said, of the 70,000 people surveyed in 10 countries, nearly twothirds of all respondents think the gap between the rich and the poor needs to be urgently addressed.

NNPC records $239.10m crude oil export sales

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC posted a total crude oil and gas export sale of $239.10Million in the month of November, 2017.

Details of the transactions contained in the recently released November 2017 edition of the Monthly NNPC Operations and Financial Report also indicated that the figure is 25.68 percent lower than the previous month performance.

The breakdown also showed that Crude oil export sales contributed $113.97 Million (or 47.7%) of the dollar transactions compared with $227.83 Million contribution in the

previous month.

Also the export Gas sales amounted to $125.13 Million during the period. A broader analysis of Crude Oil & Gas transactions from November 2016 – November 2017, however indicated that Crude Oil & Gas worth $3.73 Billion was exported Under US Dollar Payments to Joint Venture Cost Recovery & Federation Account, a total export receipt of $201.11 Million was recorded in November 2017 as receipt against $277.50 Million in October, 2017.

Contribution from Crude oil amounted to $147.39 Million while Gas and miscellaneous receipt stood at $ 50.17 Million and $3.55 Million respectively. Of the export

receipts, $121.75 Million was remitted to Federation Account while $56.56 Million was remitted to fund the JV cost recovery for the month of November, 2017 to guarantee current and future production.

A broader breakdown revealed that Total export crude Oil & Gas receipt for the period of November, 2016 to November, 2017 stood at $3.73 Billion. Out of which the sum of $2.60Billion was transferred to JV Cash Call as first line charge and the balance of $0.85Billion was paid into Federation Account On Naira Payments to Federation Account, the report indicated that Domestic Crude Oil and Gas receipt during the month amounted to N135.14 Billion,

consisting of N127.93Billion from Domestic Crude Oil, the sum of N7.21Billion from Domestic Gas. Out of the Naira receipt, the sum of N54.16 Billion was transferred to Joint Venture Cash Call (JVCC) being a first line charge and to guarantee continuous flow of revenue stream to Federation Account.

On the receipt from net domestic crude oil and gas, NNPC transferred the sum of N54.16 Billion into Federation Account and N80.98 Billion to JV cash Call for the month under review.

From November 2016 to November 2017, Federation, JV, and FG for debt repayment received the sum N865.59Billion, N726.11Billion and N31.65 Billion respectively.

Page 20

B u s i n e s s

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

NNPC to build 4600MW Power Plants in FCT, Other States

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it may find it difficult to guarantee effective fuel distribution under the present porous borders in the country.

NNPC lamented the sustained nefarious activities of some cross-border fuel smuggling syndicates and hoarders which it said have so far impeded efforts by the it to sanitize the fuel supply and distribution matrix across the country.

Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the Corporation, told the Joint National Assembly Committee on Petroleum Downstream that if the activities of the fuel truck diverters and smugglers were left unchecked, it would be absolutely difficult to guarantee round-the-clock availability of petrol throughout the country due to the massive leakages wrought on the fuel supply and

distribution network by the smugglers.

In a detailed presentation to the Joint Committee, the NNPC GMD informed that the sudden and unnatural shock in fuel consumption to record levels has over-stretched the Direct-Sale-Direct-Supply (DSDP) crude for product supply arrangement which was originally based on 35 million per day petrol consumption pattern.

He lamented that with the current unprecedented average daily fuel evacuation of 55 million litres since 1stDecember 2017 to date, it was imperative for the security agencies to close-in on the smuggling syndicates who were cashing in on the obvious petrol price differentials between Nigeria and neighboring countries to make illicit profit.

Dr. Baru explained that apart from straining the ability of NNPC to sustain the prevailing 100 percent PMS importation in the face of increasing cost, the current situation was impacting negatively on NNPC’s resources

for servicing Joint Venture Cash-Call and other obligations.

He said to sustain adequate supply of petroleum products and national energy security, there was the need for the Federal Government to provide flush volumes in January & March, 2018, as well as create enabling environment for other oil marketing companies to participate in the importation of petroleum products.

He also noted the need to double supply in order to raise the fuel sufficiency template back to the 30 days threshold from the current 15 days by bringing in at least two vessels per day for 20 days.

NNPC spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu quoted the GMD, to have however, explained that the Corporation would require additional funding outside the DSDP regime to achieve this.

The GMD listed the measures put in place to tackle the prevailing challenges to include: Engagement of the Nigerian Navy, Federal

Road Safety Corps and Civil Defence to improve truck movement; engagement of the Nigerian Army Engineers to remove failed trucks on the Jebbba/Mokwa Road which had hitherto slowed down truck movement to the northern part of the country; repairs of about 10km stretch of bad roads and sustained assistance to tankers among others.

In addition the NNPC has deployed several tug boats to help pull out grounded DPK vessel at Escravos bar which had made it difficult for PMS laden vessels to access the strategic Oghara products reception facilities and jetty among other palliatives.

He said in addition to the regular DSDP monthly programmed deliveries, the Corporation had imported 12 cargoes (nine in December, 2017, and three in January, 2018).

Responding, Chairman of the NASS Joint Committee, Senator Kabiru Marafa, charged NNPC to resolve the situation within the next seven days.

L-R: Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olapade Davies; Director Human Resources, Alhaji Sanusi Ashiru; and Chairman Mining Implementation Strategy Team (MIST), Prof. Gbenga Okunlola; during the Roadmap Synergy / Linkages Consulations with MDAs, yesterday in Abuja…

Construction giant, Inter-Bua may lose PH airport remodelling contract From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he federal government is on the verge of terminating contractually agreement with Inter-Bua Construction Limited for the remodelling of the domestic terminal of the Port Harcourt International airport citing the snail pace work there.

The central government position was made known by the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika after touring the facility to ascertain the level of work at the aerodrome he described as among those very important to the Nigerian economy hence the government keen on completing the project due to the current hardship being faced by travellers there.

But he disclosed that the New Port Harcourt Airport International Terminal would be completed in July.

While at the old terminal which had been under remodelling since 2011, a visibly angry Sirika lambasted the contractor for his uncharacteristic approach to the job of making the terminal a desired one.

He said “Unfortunately, this particular procurement started in 2011 and the contractor moved to site in 2012. Since then, he has taken his own speed the way he seems fit to do so and he has been indulged. He even changed the scope of work without approval

and subsequently he went to the previous government and got approval to that effect.

“When we came in, we had no option than to continue since he had a legitimate extension and expansion approval than the then government. Since government is continuum, we decided as a government to finish it in line with the thinking of President Muhammadu Buhari to complete all ongoing projects rather than create new ones.

He said “I am disappointed with his slow pace of work and services. As the minister of state for aviation, I have invited him severally to my office to read him all the riot acts that I know how to. We have given him timelines and he has not adhered to those timelines and I am constrained to take a drastic action once I leave here.

“I believe he had all the time to finish and deliver this project. What is sad is that apparently at the time I came, I found out that he had a lot of materials on site that can take him to the finish and I don’t understand what on earth is stopping him.

“Even having paid him and agreeing with him in writing that there will not be any more variation, he has turned around to do the project the way he wants to do it. This is a contract, it has its clauses that can be invoked.

It is a contract between two parties. If he is not

doing his part of the bargain we will definitely invoke that contractual provision.

“We are serious minded people and I don’t think we will tolerate this. I am extremely angry and unhappy and I will deal with him legally and contractually because this project must be delivered on time,” he added.

However, speaking on the completion of the Chinese terminal in Port Harcourt, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction at the international terminal being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited.

He said: “This is a very important project for government and we are here to see the progress of work and to see whether they are working according to time lines, according to budget, according to specifications and according to what is approved for this procurement.

“We are also here to see if there are any challenges that are genuine and need the attention of government. So this is a working trip to ensure that everything is okay and that the project will be delivered to the people. ” The minister said the project was about 80 per cent completed, adding that the incumbent government met it below 30 per cent.

“It is our hope that by July this year we will deliver this airport despite some of the planning challenges and despite some of the

errors we have identified in the past.

“Since government is continuum, we will ensure that we right the wrongs and get it delivered to the people as efficient as we can and as safely as we can “Despite the challenges, you can see that the contractor is working hard, as well as the consultant and engineer’s representatives.

They are all on site trying to deliver this project, ” he added.

According to him, the major challenge being faced in the construction was water and power supply, stressing that the government would explore the option of Independent Power Project to the terminal.

He also noted that the over one kilometre distance between the new terminal and the old one was another challenge that need to be addressed. ” We have just addressed the power problem in Abuja and we will address that of Port Harcourt before it is delivered. We will also address the water challenge as well.

“To connect both terminals, we may initially use shuttle buses but government is also thinking of constructing light rail.

“We want to assure the public and the users of this airport that we will find the best option that will give them maximum comfort, efficiency and security,” Sirika said.

Page 21

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

Relocate from ZubaPolice boss warns hoodlums By Everest Ikechukwu

Samuel

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riminals and hoodlums have been implored to find a legitimate means of livelihood or relocate from Zuba, a popular settlement in Gwagwalada Area Council.

This warning was handed down by CSP Wilson Dankwano, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), in charge of Zuba divisional headquarters.

He gave this warning recently during a community stakeholders' meeting while calling on the residents of the area to support community policing.

This, he said will help to drastically reduce the rate of criminality in Zuba and its environs, as fighting crime is a collective responsibility.

Dankwano particularly solicited the cooperation of the community in the area of providing useful information to the police.

He assured the people that the division is ever ready at all times to respond to distress calls without delay.

The Zuba police head encouraged residents to continue with their lawful business, while assuring them of adequate protection of live and property.

He equally implored them to stop taking laws into their hands but should channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities for necessary actions.

The Zuba police Chief, who also tasked residents of the area to cultivate the habit of sharing vital information with the police noted that the act would in no small measure reduce crime rate to the barest minimum.

Vaccination: ARDS to treat 100,000 goats, sheep against diseases

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has deployed at least 100 workers to vaccinate no fever than 100, 000 goats and sheep in all six area councils of the Territory.

Accordingly, the over 100 trained staff mobilized for the exercise will be moving from one community to the other, in collaboration with the area Council’s veterinary departments, to ensure its success.

Fagging off free vaccination

programme in Karshi, the Secretary, FCTA Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Hon Stanley Ifeanyichukwu Nzekwe, explained that the exercise was meant to safeguard sheep and goats in the territory against any disease.

According to him, the vaccination exercise, which is completely free would not only safeguard the animals against diseases, but as well make them healthier and resistant to any disease, while the farmers would

have no fear of losing his animal.

Nzekwe explained that the exercise, which is ongoing, would continue for two weeks, in all the six area councils’ veterinary departments and at the FCT veterinary clinics.

“We have enough vaccines for the sheep and goats in the entire six area councils of FCT. So if we have over 100, 000 goats and sheep, we will vaccinate them.

“This is because, apart from the vaccines we provided, we also collaborated with the federal

department of veterinary and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria to provide the vaccines,” he said.

While appealing to farmers in the territory to make their goats and sheep available for the exercise, the ARDS boss said the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, had given his approval since last year, for the employment of more veterinary doctors.

This, according to him has made it possible for the secretariat to reach more farmers for the ongoing exercise.

Secretary, FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Hon. Nzekwe Stanley Ifeanyichukwu being supported by AMAC Vice Chairman, Lawrence Onuchukwu and other officials to cut the tape, signalling flag off free animal vaccination exercise, at karshi Abuja, on Monday.

Peace building: Candido meets with herdsmen, farmers

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n the wake of the reoccurring clashes and killings across the country, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Abdullahi Adamu Candido has held a crucial meeting with representatives of crop and pastoral farmers (otherwise called herdsmen) in the council.

Candido, while addressing the representatives of the groups said the

meeting became necessary for the council to take positive steps to guide against security breach in the area council.

A statement by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Chief Dayo Lawal said He said “today it is no longer news that we are having issues here and there, clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

“As usual this council take the issues of security very seriously, because without

peace and security, we cannot go out seeking for our daily food.

“And that is the more reason why I sleep and wake up thinking on how we can avert crisis in our locality,” the AMAC Chairman was quoted in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Lawal.

He said it was in view of this commitment the council made a careful selection of the people concerned to attend this meeting to communicate to their people whatever

was discussed at the meeting to avert any possible clash in the area council.

Candido, who charged the participants not to allow farmers/herdsmen crisis in the council, directed all the Sarkin Nomas (Chiefs of Farmers) to organise themselves into a very strong forum in each of the 12 political wards in AMAC, so that it would be convenient for the government to reach them effectively.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

Page 22

world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Larry Nassar: Disgraced US Olympics doctor jailed for 175 years

E

x-US Olympic gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar has been sentenced to 40 to 175 years following testimony from over 150 women who accuse him of abuse.

“I will carry your words with me for the rest of my days,” Nassar turned and told his victims in the courtroom.

Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault against girls and young women, including Olympians.

Judge Rosemarie Aqualina told Nassar during the sentencing he will “be in darkness the rest of his life”.

“As much as it was my honour and privilege to hear the sister survivors, it was my honour and privilege to sentence you. Because, sir, you do not deserve to walk outside of a prison ever again,” she said.

She added that she would not send her dogs to the former sports doctor, adding: “I’ve just signed your death warrant”.

Following seven days of emotional testimony from Nassar’s alleged victims, he was given an opportunity to address his accusers in court.

“What I am feeling pales in comparison to the pain, trauma, and emotional destruction that all

of you are feeling,” he told the packed courtroom.

“There are no words to describe the depth and breadth of how sorry I am for what has occurred,” he added.

Sitting in court throughout seven day hearing, the stories have been strikingly similar - the former USA gymnastics team doctor would call the women in for treatment, but instead of taking away their pain, he stole their innocence. Some were so young they didn’t realise until years later that they had been sexually abused.

As Larry Nassar sat in his prison overalls, just metres away from them survivor after survivor

looked him in the eye and reminded him of what he’d done to them. And that’s been the most extraordinary thing about this hearing. While the content of their testimony has been harrowing, it’s also been inspiring. For survivors of sexual abuse it’s hard to relive the experience, let alone do so in front of your attacker.

Throughout his sentencing hearing, Nassar often concealed his face, as one after another, women stepped forward to describe his actions.

Scandal-hit club shuts amid groping claims T he Presidents Club says it is to close following allegations that hostesses were groped at its men-only annual charity dinner.

It said remaining funds would be distributed to children’s charities “in an efficient manner”.

There was widespread outrage following claims about the event by an undercover FT reporter, and charities said they would return past donations.

It also led to the resignation of a Department for Education director.

David Meller, who helped to organise the dinner, quit his non-executive role following the reports.

The only women at last Thursday’s event at the Dorchester Hotel in central London, which was attended by senior figures in business and finance, were hired hostesses.

Event compere David Walliams said he was “appalled” by the claims but had not witnessed anything.

The comedian and author tweeted that he was there in a “strictly professional capacity” and not as a guest.

The Dorchester said it was “deeply concerned” and was looking into the claims.

Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital have said they will return previous donations from the organisers following the allegations.

What happened at the charity dinner?

Madison Marriage, the Financial Times reporter who worked at the event, said she and “numerous other hostesses” were groped at the event.

She said the 130 hostesses were told to wear skimpy black outfits with matching underwear and high heels and also that they could drink alcohol while working.

They were asked to sign a five-page nondisclosure agreement about the event upon arrival at the hotel, Ms Marriage said, and were not warned they might be sexually harassed.

She told BBC Newsnight she was groped “several times” and said: “It’s a hands up skirts, hands on bums but also hands on hips, hands on stomachs, arms going round your waist unexpectedly.

“This isn’t, I suppose, a high-level groping, but one of the strangest things was you could be talking to a man and he’d suddenly start holding your hand.”

She said there were other women there “who had absolutely no idea that was the kind of event it would be”.

“I had one woman tell me that she was shocked,” she said. “She was asked if she was a prostitute on the night.”

What have charities said?

Over more than 30 years, the annual dinner has raised £20m for children’s charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Great Ormond Street said it was “shocked” and a spokeswoman for Evelina London Children’s Hospital said it was “alarmed” by the allegations.

The hospitals have said they will return

Over more than 30 years, the annual dinner has raised £20m for children’s charities previous donations from the organisers of the of bad behaviour at the event asserted by the Financial Times reporters. Such behaviour is dinner following the reports.

The Charity Commission said it was totally unacceptable.

“The allegations will be investigated fully investigating the claims “as a matter of urgency”. and promptly and appropriate action taken.”

Who attended?

A further statement added: “The trustees Former Department for Education nonexecutive board member David Meller, new have decided that the Presidents Club will not education minister Nadhim Zahawi and retail host any further fundraising events. Remaining tycoon Sir Philip Green were among the men funds will be distributed in an efficient manner to children’s charities and it will then be closed.” who attended.

A spokesman for the Artista agency, which Responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons, education minister Anne recruited the hostesses, said: “I was not aware Milton told MPs that Mr Meller had quit his role of any claims of sexual harassment but the kind of behaviour alleged is completely unacceptable. following the allegations.

“I am checking with the staff and any She said Mr Meller, founder of the Meller Educational Trust, was “absolutely clear” that complaints will be dealt with promptly and fairly.” stepping down was the “right thing to do”.

What do rights groups say?

Ms Milton said allegations of this type of Sam Smethers, chief executive of the behaviour were “completely unacceptable” and Fawcett Society, which campaigns for gender that board members were required to follow a equality and women’s rights, said: “Sexual code of conduct. harassment, but all in a good cause? This is “It is quite extraordinary to me that, in the completely outrageous and proves why we need 21st Century, allegations of this kind are still sexual harassment by clients or customers to be emerging,” she said. covered by law.

“Women have the right to feel safe wherever “At the moment, these women are unable to they work.” hold their employer to account for putting them Mr Meller has also resigned as a trustee of in that situation.” the Mayor’s Fund for London.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive at the A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Zahawi had “attended briefly and felt uncomfortable at what had begun to happen.”

Mr Zahawi told Newsnight: “I didn’t stay long enough to really comment on the occasion.”

Mr Zahawi later tweeted: “I do unequivocally condemn this behaviour. The report is truly shocking. I will never attend a men only function ever.”

But Labour’s Sarah Jones said Mr Zahawi should resign if he did not report his concerns and had attended on previous occasions, while shadow eduction secretary Angela Rayner called for an investigation into his attendance.

The Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister had confidence in Mr Zahawi and he was not being referred for investigation.

The Department for Education said Mr Meller and Mr Zahawi had both attended in a Education minister Anne Milton said personal capacity.

David Meller was “absolutely clear” What do the organisers say? that stepping down was the “right thing In a statement, the Presidents Club said: to do” “The organisers are appalled by the allegations

Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Dragging progress for women’s rights back 50 years in the name of charity is deplorable.

“This demonstrates how entrenched sexual harassment is in the workplace and how far we still have to go.”

How have businesses reacted?

WPP, the world’s biggest advertising agency, which had sponsored a table at the dinner, said it was withdrawing its future support.

Boss Sir Martin Sorrell, who did not attend, told BBC Radio 4’s Today his guests did not see such behaviour and said: “We won’t support the charity in future, which is regrettable because it is a charity that supports numerous children’s charities and has done a lot of good work.”

Real estate investment business Frogmore said the guests at its table were “unaware of any of the described events but in no way condone this behaviour” and it will now end its association with the event.

Part of the event included a charity auction, with one of the prizes being the chance to have tea with Bank of England governor Mark Carney.

However, a Bank of England spokesman said it was not aware of the dinner and “did not approve any prize”.

He said it was understood a prize donated by the Bank to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal charity auction had been re-gifted by the winner to the Presidents Club event.

“The unauthorised re-auctioning of the prize at the Presidents Club dinner was clearly against the spirit of the original donation,” he said.

“The Bank has therefore made clear that it has been withdrawn.”

Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director-general, said: “If even half of what’s been written about this event is true, it is deplorable and confirms how far we have still to go to stamp out sexual harassment.”

What do politicians say?

Downing Street said the prime minister was “uncomfortable” at the reports about the dinner and a spokesman added that it was “an event she wouldn’t be invited to”.

Another auction prize included lunch with Boris Johnson, but Ms Milton said the foreign secretary knew nothing of his inclusion and in no way endorsed the event.

Maria Miller, chair of the Women and Equalities select committee, told the BBC the report gave “cause for concern” and brought into question whether laws in the area were strong enough.

Jess Phillips MP, who chairs the Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party, told the BBC it was “totally unacceptable that women should be hired in as a herd to entertain a group of entitled rich men”.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “This is brave reporting from the FT, exposing behaviour that is outrageous and unacceptable.”

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Jo Swinson said the allegations were “deeply disturbing”.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

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Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa: Mugabe family ‘left in peace’

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imbabwe’s long-time leader Robert Mugabe will be “left in peace” with a “lucrative” retirement package, his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

However, Mr Mnangagwa also told the BBC’s Mishal Husain that no-one had been granted immunity from prosecution.

Many Zimbabweans are hoping Mr Mugabe and his family, who became known for their extravagant lifestyles, would be held to account for their actions.

Mr Mugabe was ousted in November following 37 years in power.

In that time, Zimbabwe fell from being known as the breadbasket of Africa to a country which struggled to feed its population.

Meanwhile, Mr Mugabe’s wife became known as “Gucci Grace” for her love of luxury goods.

Mr Mugabe and his members of his government, including Mr Mnangagwa, have also been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including killing, beating and raping opposition activists. They have denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Mnangagwa, a former ally of Mr Mugabe who fell from favour before returning to Zimbabwe to become its president two months ago, has promised to clean up corruption within the ruling class.

However, while he told the BBC he had “not given anyone any immunity”, he added: “The new administration will do everything possible to make sure the family lives in peace, undisturbed.”

The president said his predecessor had been given “a very lucrative package”, which included many of the luxuries Mr Mugabe had become used to - including cars, secretaries, first-class travel and trips to Singapore, where he sees doctors.

Mr Mnangagwa would not be drawn on the cost of the package, which had a rumoured value of $10m (£7m).

A looming vote The new president is hoping this tough stance on corruption and focus on reviving the economy will help him stave off defeat in this year’s elections.

However, he was adamant he and the ruling Zanu-PF party would accept the result whatever the outcome.

“If we lose elections, that’s it,” he said.

“Whichever party wins the election will proceed to take the reins of power.”

Mr Mnangagwa reiterated his pledge for

“free, fair and transparent elections”, saying he would work with Zimbabwe’s other political leaders to ensure the vote was free of violence.

Mr Mnangagwa, who has been accused of organising the violence which has blighted some of Zimbabwe’s previous elections, said the vote would be held before July.

Golf diplomacy for Trump The interview took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Mr Mnangagwa has travelled to spread the message that “Zimbabwe is open for business”.

He also said he would be willing to work with US President Donald Trump, who was roundly criticised for labelling African countries “shitholes” earlier this month.

Mr Trump has denied using those words.

“There should not be an enemy I cannot talk to,” he said. “It is a question of international relations. If he came here, I would be able to talk to him.

“I know Americans like to play golf, and I would say come and build golf courses at Victoria Falls.”

Mr Trump is known to be a passionate golfer.

No apology for Matabeleland massacres The president also revealed he had signed a “national healing and reconciliation bill” into law, which would deal with the killings in the western region of Matabeleland that occurred in the 1980s while he was minister for national security.

An estimated 20,000 people died during the security crackdown - a figure he denied.

They were mostly ethnic Ndebeles, accused of backing Mr Mugabe’s rival, Joshua Nkomo.

The law provides for a commission which, he said, would allow “the communities that were affected [to] air their grievances”. He also said he would attend the hearings if that was what the communities wanted.

However, he would not directly apologise to the families for the killings.

“Wherever wrong is committed, the government of the day must apologise,” he said.

He added: “The most important things is what has happened has happened. What can we do about the past? We have put up a commission to deal with that issue. That should not stop us having a better future.”

His responses were carefully crafted.

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his first trip to Europe since taking power

Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum

President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace (pictured in 2014) have been keeping a low profile two months ago. He was eager to convince the world business and political leaders that Zimbabwe has changed.

He says Zimbabwe is open to everyone for business. Some here believe his represented Zimbabwe well. Others say he now needs to take the next step and turn the rhetoric into action.

Zimbabweans are divided in their opinion of this President Mnangagwa.

They have welcomed the government’s tough stance on corruption. Senior officials have been given a five-week window to declare their assets. Many are hoping this signifies the beginning of the journey to make Zimbabwe great again.

EU diplomats call for release of seized Hong Kong publisher

Angela Gui said she fears things have taken “a very drastic turn for the worse” he EU ambassador to China while travelling with two Swedish has called for the immediate diplomats to seek medical treatment release of Swedish citizen and in Beijing.

Ambassador Hans Dietmar Hong Kong-based bookseller Gui Schweisgut told reporters at a Minhai.

Mr Gui was seized on Saturday briefing that the EU “fully supports”

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Sweden’s efforts to resolve the issue with China.

A Chinese spokeswoman, however, described such appeals as “baseless”.

What happened to Mr Gui? Sweden confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Gui, who has published books on the personal lives of Chinese Communist Party leaders, was travelling on a train from the city of Ningbo in eastern China, when plainclothes officers took him away.

He was travelling to Beijing to see a Swedish doctor, according to his daughter, Angela, who leads a campaign from the UK to free her father. She told Radio Sweden that he was showing symptoms of the neurological disease ALS. “I just know that things have taken a very drastic turn for the worse,” Ms Gui told The New York Times.

Mr Schweisgut said: “We expect the Chinese authorities to immediately release Gui Minhai from detention and to allow him to reunite with his family, to get consulate support and medical support in line with his rights, because he is a

Swedish citizen and also a citizen of the European Union.”

A close friend told the South China Morning Post that Mr Gui was thought to have applied for a new Swedish passport and may have been going to the embassy to complete the process.

What has China said?

The Hong Kong-based bookseller’s current whereabouts remain unknown and Swedish officials confirmed that the Chinese ambassador to Sweden has been summoned over the incident twice.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference: “Any country must respect the Chinese authorities’ handling of cases involving foreigners in China in accordance with the law.”

She said that if any foreign government wanted to protect its citizens, its best course was to educate them to respect the laws of the country they are in.

What’s the background?

Mr Gui first made headlines in 2015 when he vanished from Thailand and resurfaced in China,

along with other Hong Kong publishing colleagues.

After his disappearance, there were allegations that he had been abducted by Chinese agents across international borders in an extrajudicial process.

Chinese officials, however, say Mr Gui and the four other men all went to China voluntarily.

He later confessed to being involved in a road traffic accident more than a decade earlier - a confession supporters say was forced.

In October 2017, Mr Gui was released from prison but could not be found by his family. It has since emerged that he has been living in Ningbo.

Human rights groups believe the publishers are victims of a crackdown on dissent against China’s ruling communist party.

The former British colony of Hong Kong, however, is supposed to have distinct legal autonomy under the terms of its handover to China in 1997.

Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

Afghanistan attack: Save the Children suspends programmes

The militants blew up the entrance to the charity’s compound

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he UK charity Save the Children has temporarily suspended its programmes in Afghanistan after an attack on its offices in the city of Jalalabad.

Three members of staff and one soldier were killed in a suicide attack and siege of the building by Islamic State militants.

Some 46 people in the building, many of whom hid in a safe room, were rescued.

Save the Children said it was “shocked and appalled at the violence” carried out against “dedicated humanitarians”.

The charity said that while it had temporarily suspended its operations across the country it remained “fully committed to helping the most deprived children of Afghanistan”.

How did the attack unfold?

The attack started at about 09:10 local time (04:40 GMT) on Wednesday when a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle explosive at the entrance to the Save the Children compound.

One eyewitness spoke of seeing a gunman use a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) to hit the gate.

“An explosion rocked the area and right after that children and people started running away,” resident Ghulam Nabi told Reuters news agency. “I saw a vehicle catch fire and then a gunfight started.”

One of those who hid in a safe room told the BBC that he did so with 45 others. “One of the gunmen was outside the door,” he said. “We managed to escape through a back exit.”

Afghan commandos joined police to fight the militants in a battle which continued into the evening, long after officials said it had ended.

In an update, the provincial governor’s spokesman said five attackers were involved, all of whom were killed - revising earlier reports that there were six attackers.

The Islamic State group said in a message on its news outlet Amaq that it had targeted “British, Swedish and Afghan institutions in Jalalabad”.

Taliban militants stormed the luxury Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul over the weekend, killing at least 22 people, many of them foreigners.

What has Save the Children said?

Fighting continued for most of the day In its latest statement, Save the Children said it was with “profound sadness” it confirmed the loss of three members of its staff. Four were injured.

In an earlier statement, the charity announced it was temporarily suspending its work and closing its offices across the country.

But it said it remained “committed to resuming our operations and lifesaving work as quickly as possible, as soon as we can be assured that it is safe to do so”.

Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976, and has been running programmes across 16 provinces in Afghanistan.

According to the aid agency, more than 700,000 children in Afghanistan have been reached over the years through its efforts.

Why are charities targeted in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for aid workers, who are under constant threat of attack by insurgents.

Such attacks have become much more common in recent years.

Tens of thousands of aid workers used to be employed either permanently or on projects, but that number has plummeted since foreign combat forces pulled out in 2014.

Now the Afghan government says that just over 900 foreign aid workers remain, mainly in Kabul and other large cities.

According to the Aid Worker Security Database from 1997 to the end of 2014, more than 450 aid workers were killed, assaulted or kidnapped.

The Islamic State group sees aid workers as representatives of the West and has carried out deadly attacks on them. The Taliban do too, but often try to use people they seize in prisoner exchanges. Then there are criminal groups who kidnap for ransom.

The decline in aid work means fewer Afghans can now rely on the vital services charities provide, particularly in remote areas

where the government is absent.

What of other attacks on charities?

Attacks over the years include: • May 2017: Attackers storm a guesthouse run by a Swedish NGO, Operation Mercy, killing a German woman and Afghan guard • July 2014: Gunmen shoot dead two Finnish women working for a Christian aid charity, the International Assistance Mission (IAM), in the western city of Herat • October 2010: Kidnapped UK aid worker Linda Norgrove is killed in a rescue attempt • August 2010: 10 members of an eye care team working for IAM are shot dead in Nuristan province Additionally, the US bombing of a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz in October 2015 killed 22 people.

The Red Cross announced in October that it was drastically reducing its presence in

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

Environment

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

NBMA plans to partner science café to train journalists

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has disclosed plans to partner with Journalists for Social Development Initiative (JSDI) and Connected Development (CODE) through their Science Café initiative to train journalists on safe science reporting.

Director General of the Agency, Dr. Rufus Ebegba who made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of a Science Café that took place in Abuja, described safe science as a vital ingredient and foundation for national development.

Dr. Ebegba said “if this ingredient is not properly mixed to lay the required foundation, according to him, the nation may not reap the desired benefit of modern technologies and harness their potentials for sustainable living.

“Communicating safe science appropriately will make Nigerians understand and appreciate the role science can play in their daily lives”, Dr. Ebegba said. “It will also inspire our youth to boldly enter various fields of scientific study”.

However, the NBMA helmsman lamented that the lack of proper awareness on how new technologies can improve human activities has negatively influenced consumer choice and acceptance of certain innovations.

The Director General, who cited the case of modern biotechnology and its products in his lecture paper at the event captioned – “Science,

Technology & Modern Society: Role of Communication in achieving sustainable livelihood” expressed displeasure over how some activists have taken to misinforming as well as misrepresenting issues, and inciting the people against government agencies like the NBMA. He explained that these misconceptions have created a serious burden by generating fear and mistrust especially influencing how quickly a technology is adopted to solve local problems and facilitate national growth.

He reinforced the controversy surrounding agricultural biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biosafety in particular to underscore how scientific findings, public opinions and attitudes can make the public either accept or resist new technological innovations.

“Issues like these are precisely why good scientific communication is important”, he said.

The biosafety advocate referred to the media as a powerful tool which Nigeria must leverage on to move from being a net consumer of the products of scientific innovations to being a pioneer in various scientific and technological fields.

He submitted that good science journalism should help to build the consciousness of the people and educate them on the truth about certain controversial scientific and technological innovations.

During his remarks at the occasion, Director General, APUDI Institute of Peace Studies and Social

L - R: Director General, APUDI Institute of Peace Studies and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), Professor Danladi Atu, Coordinator, Journalists for Social Development Initiative (JSDI); Etta Michael Bisong; Head of Governance, Connected Development (CODE), Hon. Emmanuel Njoku, Director-General/ CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA); Dr. Rufus Ebegba, Publisher, Forefront Media, Mr. Amos Dunia; and Representative, Nigerian Biosafety Association, Mr. Livinus Ibiang during the opening ceremony of the first ever Science Cafe in Nigeria held in Abuja recently .

Rehabilitation (APIS), Professor Danladi Atu, talked about the need to adopt a formal and an informal approach in the search for solutions to decipher the challenges facing science & technology in society.

Prof. Atu said the combination of these approaches is important to help solve the problem that the conventional way of learning science has created.

His words: “Part of the prob-

lem here is that we are so involved in conventional curriculum programmes to the point that informal approaches are neglected”.

He noted that the establishment of the Science Café is a clear departure from the conventional to a total new way of teaching science because, research has shown that there is a connection between past and present experiences.

The APIS boss urged Nigerians

to accept science & technology and find a way to mitigate its impacts for progressive livelihood.

Other participants at the event canvassed the need for more scientific research, simplification of terminologies, as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders especially the private sector to help implement government blueprint on science & technology across the country.

Enforcing tobacco control laws everyone’s duty in Nigeria - ERA/FoEN

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

ments, introducing illegally huge amounts of money into war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo for he Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nifraudulent transactions, collaboratgeria (ERA/FoEN) said that ing with rebel groups to conduct enforcing tobacco control laws in business, and providing firearms to Nigeria is everyone’s duty; all hands its employees, among others, while it must be on deck to ensure that the still claims to adhere to highest busilaws are implemented. ness and ethical standards,”.

The Deputy Executive DirecHe also quoted Reuters news tor of ERA/FoEN, Akinbode Oluagency as reporting a more damning wafemi, during a press briefing story of the same company. “A Reudisclosed that, the delayed in the ters report linked the tobacco giant implementation of the National to years of secret global campaign Tobacco Control (NTC) Act three to undermine the World Health Oryears after the bill was signed into ganisation Framework Convention law was dangerous. on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

He maintained that ERA might It was also enmeshed in controvertake to street protests to drive home sies of a so-called Foundation for its point, “since it seems to be the a Smoke-free World, which it anlanguage the government undernounced it would fund to the tune stands.” of $80 million over a period of eight For the non-governmental oryears. It is remarkable that WHO ganisation, tobacco companies have distanced itself from that Foundaproved to be recalcitrant in keeping tion and asked global governments to the regulations on tobacco use, to do same.” which necessitated the mass action.

Considering the lack of enforceHe further explained that “dement of the regulations on tobacco, spite our wish to have a prosperous Oluwafemi disclosed that ERA might and smoke-free New Year, a quick take to protests to drive its point analysis of some of the activities of home, “since it seems to be the lanParticipants at the Report Launch of Tobacco Adversting ,Promotion and S (TAPS)Findings in Abuja yesterthe tobacco corporations as 2017 guage the government understands.” day. drew to a close show that the indusOn the trend of tobacco comERA said. corporations. try is unrepentant and will continue panies using celebrities to promote Oluwafemi who also accused the compa“A Guardian of UK report in August 2017 their products, ERA said: “Something serious operating with the same impunity in 2018 unless concrete actions are taken to checkmate nies of underhand transactions, cited some accused British America Tobacco (BAT) of needs to be done about using the entertaintheir activities by all levels of government,” media reports last year indicting some big paying militias instead of taxes to govern- ment industry to promote tobacco.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

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THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ANAGBOSO THERESA NOONO - CHAIRPERSON 2.NWOKE JULIANA C. - ASS. CHAIRPERSON 3.OGBONNA GLADYS O. AMARIWU - PATRON 4.OKOYE PAULINE - SECRETARY 5.UMEAFONTA JULIANA - FIN. SEC 6.UMEJEONU NGOZI - TREASURER 7.UZOAGU DORATHY - ASS. SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.PASTOR WINIFRED OSOSE OGAH 2.PASTOR BANIFACE UWAYA 3.OGBEIFUN PATIENCE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : OKEZIE VINCENT EKWENYE 08135883688

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Labour with Christ Church of all nation

Faith Temple Int’l Ministry

ABUJA MOMS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.christiana ngozi 2. victor chika Eze 3. Ruth opeyemi taiwo 4. Florence Micheal 5. Emmunel uche THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To spread the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ifeoma Ikea 2.Bassey Gabriel Sylvester 3. Isaiah A. Itumkpa THEAIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To spread the Gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Happiness Anurika Ani 2.Adaeze Jessica Ochi 3.Jane Ukecha 4.Alheri Lawrence 5.Asabe Atu 6.Eunice Ifeoma Ochi 7.Ogechi Isabel Ochi THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To Reach out to the needy in the society.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

FIRE AND ANOINTING GLOBAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) REV DONALD ELIJAH (PRESIDENT) 2) MRS JULIANA AJIME 3) MRS. ELIJAH SARAH GINIKANWA 4) MR. ANTHONY EZE 5) BARR WALTER TERHEMEN ORGA (SEC/LEGAL ADVISER) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR WALTER TERHEMEN ORGA (08095101400)

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GREEN HEART DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GIUSTA HEALTH FOUNDATION

YOUNG AND USEFUL TALENTS GLOBAL INITIATIVE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Olutola Jemima Bamsa 2. Tosin Keren Abdurrahman 3. Akinkunmi Enoch Abdurrahman THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To strengthen global health structures and security in order to prevent the spread of health threats within and across borders.

2. To provide mentorship to young public health professionals to promote Christian principles, values and ethics as a platform for sustained success in life and career.

3. To provide support for Christian missionaries’ welfare, health and education.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : A. A. Okoh, Esq.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EKWENTA TOCHUKWU SYLVANUS. 2. OKOLI FRANCIS OKECHUKWU. 3. OCHEI SCAM ANDREW. 4. EKWENTA FRANK ONYEBUCHI. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To Promote Social Development.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIFE IN CHRIST GOSPEL MINISTRY

PUBLISH WHAT YOU PAY TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE NIGERIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

This is to notify the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI SHUNI 2. MS. FAITH NWADISHI 3. MR. LEGBORSI SARO PYAGBARA 4. Mrs DUDU MAMMAN MANUGA 5. Chief DAVID DARE OLATUNDE 6. Mr. PETER EGBULE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To enhance accountability in the conduct of societal affairs.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Chukwudi Emeter & Co (Solicitors)

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ASSOCIATION OF GYNAECOLOGICAL ENDOSCOPY SURGEONS

GIRL CHILD CONCERNS. CTC OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION CAC/IT NO 15575

SANCTUARY OF GOD CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AKPAROBI PRECIOUS OGHALOMENO. 2. EWOME REBEKAH EMUOBONUVIE. 3. OBE TRACY OREVA. THEAIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To Promote Social Development.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

This is to notify the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Joseph Otubu (Chairman) 2. Prof. Celestine John 3. Dr. Fred Achem 4. Dr. Ibrahim Wada 5. Prof. Hyacinth E. Onah 6. Prof. Bala . Audu 7. Dr. Bolarinde Ola 8. Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu 9. Dr. Yusufu Sununu (Secretary) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To contribute to the general well being of members and the society at large.

Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Oriahi Godwin.

2. Mrs Bisi Oriahi.

3. Pastor Isima Sunday.

4. Mr Egboboh Eromosele.

5. Mr Moseri Godwin.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To Preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED :SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : I. APOSTLE KEN NWAKANMA 2. HANNAH KEN NWAKANMA 3. REV. REUBEN OKOLI NWANKWO 4. DIVINE FAVOUR CHIAGBANWE NWAKANMA 5. CHINWENDU EUNICE NWAKANMA Aims and objectives I. TO WITNESS JESUS CHRIST AND PREACH HIS GOSPEL. 2. TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL PERSONS. 3. TO ASSIST THE POOR AND NEEDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRES COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : FABKING & ASSOCIATES I4 UBIAJA CRESCENT GARKI, ABUJA. 08038752918, 0909394928I

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Gods salvation power and prayer focus church worldwide

GLOBAL COMMUNITY AND GRASSROOT SUPPORTINITIATIVE

THE GENERAL IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR THE ADDITIONAL OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART " C" OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 the TRUSTESS are: 1.pst oloruntoba kajotonilaiye samuel 2.oloruntoba victoria Titilayo 3, Patron Berida solomon olorunmola 4,Garba Daniel Wambebe 5, Evan williams Monday God’swil AIMS AND OBJECTIVES to preach the gospel of god Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Victor c orizu esq. 07030223944

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION (CTC) REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA. WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

This is to notify the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES REMOVED TRUSTEES:ENG. MUSA USMANBARR. TONY UGO OKOYEDR. FELIX NWOKOCHABARR. JOSEPH NWOKOCHAMR. ANIBE ACHIMUGUMR. OWHONDAH HARRY AMADI RETAINED TRUSTEES: DIG. MIKE ZUOKUMOR (RTD) CHIEF AMAECHI OKAFORBARR. ABAYOMI AKEREMALE CP (RTD) AIMS/OBJECTIVES REMAINS THE SAME Any objection to this Change of Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: MOHAMMED IDRIS

CALEB DELIVERANCE OUTREACH THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : I. APOSTLE KEN NWAKANMA 2. PASTOR PHILIP GATA 3. CALEB NWAKANMA 4. EVANGELIST HANNAH KENNETH NWAKANMA 5. PASTOR MIKE AUDU THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : I. TO WITNESS JESUS CHRIST AND PREACH HIS GOSPEL. 2. TO EVANGELIZE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL PERSONS. 3. TO REACH OUT TO THE POOR, VULNERABLE AND NEEDY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : FABKING & ASSOCIATES I4 UBIAJA CRESCENT GARKI, ABUJA 08038752918, 09093949281.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

PAGE 28

CLASSIFIED GABRIEL

MUSA

patience

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS GABRIEL OJOH EKELE. BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GABRIEL IKWUOCHE EKELE OJOH. FORMER DOCUMENTS TO REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MALAM MUSA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MUSA IBRAHIM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIRST BANK and ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS patience nobert. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS patience mokordong titus. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS, ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ALHAJI MUHAMMAD

BABANGIDA

loss of document

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MALAM MALA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALHAJI MUHAMMAD MUSA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS BABAYO YUSUF NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BABANGIDA YAKUBU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of the following documents: (1) Original Copy of Certificate of Occupancy with Land File No: KD 21354 District Guzape Cadastral Zone A09, Plot No: 1349 issued by AGIS and signed by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed Minister of FCT dated 24th May, 2007 (2) Original Copy Receipt of Payment of Land (3) Original Copy of Voter’s Card (4) Original Copy of Right of Occupancy (R of O). All efforts to trace the said documents proved abortive. If found, kindly return to the nearest Police Station.

General public should please take note.

Signed: Ado Nuhu

mrs ene I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS miss ene agnes john NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS mrs ene agnes onuh. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Ode to us Cont. from page 32

POSTSCRIPT AND THIS TO BUHARI Beware Mr. President so that you do not become the king that has wasted his rod on late offenders. Be sure always not to spare the instruments of chastisement; lest thy power, like to a fangless lion, is disdained and disregarded. Be great in act as we know you to be in thought. Be stirring with the times; be fire for fire!

To gain the popular mood, you have to threaten the threatener and you must outface the brow of bragging horror. Mr. President, put on the dauntless spirit of resolution. Glister like the god of war when he intends himself to become the field of battle! Allow not our dreadful laws so loosely to be slighted or the dignity of our state so wantonly profaned.

Break some bones! Chew some stones and make the haughty nuts run for cover!

As for your aides Mr. President, it has to be said, that although you should not do them the wrong to mistrust any, you must do yourself the right to

trust none. And because your foes are deeply enrooted with your friends, it is inexorable that as you pluck to unfix an enemy, you must be prepared when you unfasten to shake a few friends. You must be ready to unfix and to shake, when you have to unfix and shake. Yes, advantage, as they say, is a better soldier than rashness. But even as you are right to be ‘slow and steady’, it is expedient that you ‘make haste’ to keep us merry.

It may be great Mr. President that you do not have the scholar’s melancholy, but it is certainly out of place that you should not have the jauntiness of a soldier.

MUSDAPHER: ADIEU MY LORD THE CHIEF JUSTICE. I lost a Principal, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, a former Chief Justice of the Federation, CJN. Justice Musdapher died in the early hours of Tuesday 23/01/18 in a London hospital after a protracted illness. He was 75. I should have the honor of posting a tribute next week in memory of his juristic accomplishment.

May Aljannah Fiddaus be his final abode.

And may we all who are bereaved of him, have the fortitude to bear this loss.

RE-2017: ‘DIARY OF A COLUMNIST’ Online:- “Awesome write-up”. –Idris Obadaki Online:- “I have read your 2017: DIARY OF A COLUMNIST. It is to me an anthology of the year 2017. The writings are compellingly incomparable.

The richness of the language is superb.

The lessons and cautions inlaid are compelling. I read again and again. Do other writers have faith in their pens like this? The titles that interest me more are ‘Wailers Versus Hailers’ for some coinages it brings forth: e. g. ‘wailers of necessity’, ‘wailers by choice’. How aptly have you qualified them! Then ‘Babachir, Cabal as Anti-Theory’ for its ability to debunk the lies of propaganda peddlers who are hell bent on a mission to blackmail the President’s administration. Then ‘Teachers or Cheaters’. It has made strong the argument that a teacher should not be a cheater or be tolerated as such. Then

there is ‘Jonathan @60: Less We Forget’.

Jonathan’s administration will best be qualified by the word ‘misadventure’.

Doffing my hat. This collection has swallowed all the ‘simple’ columns I read last year. I am speechless. There are things beyond the texture: experience, hard-acquired knowledge and foresight.”

–Abdulyassar Abdulhamid.

Online:- “Thanks a lot for sharing this worth-reading-to-ponder piece. This has always been my understanding and opinion: that Nigeria’s greatest problem is the corruption and insincerity of individuals’ minds at the grassroots. May Allah save us”. –Yakubu Musa.

Online:- “There is always something to learn in all of your write-ups. Thank you.” –Abubakar Alhaji Ahmed.

Online:- “I am an ardent reader of your posts… the style of your arguments and in-depth reasoning are commendable.

I’d always read over and over again.” – Muhammad Yakubu Na’ibi.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

Healthy Living

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela battles kidney infection

S

outh African anti-apartheid veteran Winnie MadikizelaMandela, has been hospitalised for a kidney infection but is expected to make a full recovery, the Times Live online news site said on Tuesday.

Madikizela-Mandela, ex-wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela, has been in and out of hospital since 2016 for back and knee surgery.

Times Live, quoting her spokesman Victor Dlamini, said the 81-year-old had complained of a “loss of appetite” and that “one of her legs was painful”.

She was taken to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg on Sunday.

“Upon admission‚ it was

discovered that she had an infection that had affected her kidneys.

“She is expected to make a full recovery and should spend approximately a week at the hospital‚” Dlamini was quoted as saying in a statement on Tuesday night.

Madikizela-Mandela’s personal assistant, Zodwa Zwane, directed all queries to Dlamini, who was not immediately available for comment.

During her ex-husband’s 27-year imprisonment for his fight against apartheid, Madikizela-Mandela campaigned for his release and the rights of black South Africans, undergoing arrest and banishment.

White minority rule ended in 1994. (Reuters/NAN)

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela battles kidney infection

Union trains health workers on infant mortality reduction

T

he Union of National African Paediatric Societies and Associations (UNAPSA) and Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) has begun training of doctors and nurses on neonatal resuscitation and anaesthetic.

The President of PAN, Mrs Ngozi Ibeziako, made this known at a UNAPSA-PAN pre-conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ibeziako said that the programme was being organised for nurses and doctors in some FCT hospitals.

She said that the training was aimed at sharpening the skills of healthcare providers to enable them to save newborn with asphyxia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that birth asphyxia is the inability of new-born to cry immediately after birth due to lack of oxygen before, during or after delivery.

NAN reports that the theme of the triennial conference of UNAPSA and Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session of PAN is “Insurgency, deprivation and Inequality on the African Child’’.

Ibeziako, who decried the rate of neonatal mortality in the country as a result of birth asphyxia, said that the training would reduce the burden, as healthcare providers would be wellequipped with requisite skills to tackle the challenge.

The president, who identified first cry after birth as crucial in a child’s life, said that if the challenge was not addressed in time, it would have negative effects on the brain and development of the child.

Ibeziako said that the union had trained community extension workers at the primary healthcare level in Gwagwalada as part of the conference.

She hoped that the training would boost the workers’ skills to assist newborn to breathe when faced with the challenge few seconds or minutes after birth, due to low heart beat among others.

“We found out that one of the major causes of neonatal mortality in the country is birth asphyxia, a situation

where a baby does not cry at birth.

“That first cry is very important, and if a baby fails to cry at birth, it is the beginning of another problem; the brain is affected and other parts of the body.

“We are building the capacities for them to be able to effectively resuscitate babies so that we do not end up having a medically challenged population when they eventually survive,’’ Ibeziako said.

Ibeziako, who frowned at the ranking of Nigeria as the second highest with under five years’ mortality, after India, described the rating as unacceptable.

She said that the union was worried at the ranking, and initiated the training to reduce the burden.

Virus shown to be likely cause of mystery polio-like illness

A

major review by UNSW Sydney medical researchers has identified strong evidence that a virus called Enterovirus D68 is the cause of a mystery polio-like illness that has paralysed children in the US, Canada and Europe.

The study, was done by a team led

by UNSW Professor Raina MacIntyre, Director of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Epidemic Response, published in the journal Eurosurveillance.

“In 2014, children in the US began to be diagnosed with a mystery illness that caused a polio-like paralysis,” says Professor MacIntyre.

“More than 120 children developed the condition, known as acute flaccid myelitis, in the US alone but experts were baffled as to the cause.”

That same year there were also unusually large outbreaks of infection with Enterovirus D68, or EV-D68 -- a virus known since the early 1960s to cause runny noses, coughs, muscle aches, fever and difficulty breathing.

About 2280 people in the US,

Canada and Europe were infected with the virus, many of them children, and their respiratory symptoms were more severe than usual.

Clusters of the paralysing illness, also mostly in children, were reported in the same regions.

“This raised the possibility of a link between EV-D68 and acute flaccid myelitis. However, the virus had never been known to cause paralysis before,” says Professor MacIntyre.

For the new study, the UNSW team analysed the scientific literature on acute flaccid myelitis. They applied the Bradfield Hill criteria -- a set of nine principles developed to determine causality that are named after the two researcher who used them to settle the debate about smoking causing lung cancer.

“The scientific method Bradfield and Hill used to prove that smoking caused cancer is now an accepted tool to determine causality,” says Professor MacIntyre.

“We are first to use his approach to analyse the relationship between EV-

D68 and acute flaccid myelitis. Our results show that it is very likely that EV-D68 is the cause of the mystery illness and the paralysis of children.

“This link needs to be acknowledged so that public health strategies can focus on prevention of infection.

“The incidence of EV-D68 infections is increasing worldwide, and a

genetically distinct strain has recently evolved. There is no treatment or vaccine for the polio-like illness caused

by EV-D68, which makes it important to act quickly to stop outbreaks.”

The virus is still rare in Australia.

Hygiene methods such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of the virus.

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

thursday, january 25, 2018

Page

30

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

FCT FA inaugurates committees, charge them on grassroots development

By Amaechi Agbo

T

he Federal Capital Territory Football Association, FCT FA, on Tuesday inaugurated its newly reconstituted committees for improved development of football in the FCT. The inauguration which took place at the FCT FA secretariat, Area 10, witnessed almost all the members of the committees in attendance with few who were ineluctably absence.

Inaugurating the committees, the FCT FA chairman, Alhaji Musa Saeed Talle, stated depressingly that the core mandate of the FCT FA is grassroots football development which he called on the technical, organising and Women development committees to pursue vigorously.

Alhaji Talle who expressed delight on the caliber of members of the committees said he trust them to deliver on their mandate.

“It is a great day for all of us as we gathered here to inaugurate our new reconstituted committees. The need to reengineer some of the committees and see how they would impact on the FCT football cannot be downplayed.

“Over the past three years, we have done well and the grassroots are our catchment zone. Under 13 and Under 15 boys and girls tournaments are cardinal to the FCT FA so we need to consolidate on the gains so far made in this respect. Prior to your new appointments, you have kept faith with us and supported us; this is the time for you to do more. The grassroots is our concern.

The women development committee needs to go round the 6 Area Councils in the FCT to discover talents.

“Obviously we have so many dimensions to sporting activities. We need a lot of more positive actions towards our women football. The female league started last year but it has not covered the six area councils.

So we want all the six area councils that made up the FCT to be participants in this 2018 women league.

“We are also trying to go to the primary school level so that all FCT girls’ primary schools will have competition in place.

We also want to extend that hand of development to the FCT junior boys where we want to create inter-school football competition for them just the way we are doing for the senior students in the Principals Cup. We are going to bring the junior secondary school on board by God’s grace.

“The people we have brought in into the

committees are people of high caliber as far as FCT football activities are concerned. I trust them very well that they will give good account of themselves and make a lot of progress in terms of football development in the FCT. “Women football is lagging behind in Nigeria thus the need to see how we can make progress in this area of our football,” the FCT FA boss stated.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of other members of the committees, the Chairman of the Technical committee, Mr Godwin Bamigboye, appreciated the Executive Council for deeming them fit for the responsibility but emphasized that the task of building a beautiful FCT football is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders including corporate organisations. He appealed to corporate industries in the FCT and Nigeria in general to come forward and sponsor sports as government alone cannot take sports to the desired height.

Mr Godwin Bamigboye who said that apart from the NFF, FCT FA should be number one FA in the country promised that the members of the committees will work assiduously in making FCT FA the number FA in Nigeria.

He went on to say that his committee will do its best in infrastructural maintenance and upgrading of football pitches and facilities in the FCT. Mr Godwin Bamigboye expressed worry over the encroachment and diversion of lands allocated to the FCT FA for other uses by the government and vowed that efforts will be made to safeguard existing ones while every means will be explored to recover stolen lands. He Stressed that every land meant for sports in the FCT will be identified so that henceforth nobody will take lands belonging to sports for other purposes.

Mr Godwin Bamigboye further said that his committee is in advance plan to reach the FCT Minister on renovation of the Area 10 field and others in the 6 Area Councils in the FCT in order to bring them up to standards, adding that efforts are being made to improve the pitches in the FCT. “There are so much on our shoulders but with your cooperation and God’s grace, we will deliver,” he said The head of the media committee and Chairman, FCT SWAN, Mr Kayode Adeniyi said the role of the media in galvanizing and aggregating opinions concerning issues in the society cannot be overemphasized.

Speaking to newsmen after the swearing in, the FCT SWAN boss said “The media are the image maker of every society.

In the FCT FA, we will make sure that all activities concerning the FCT FA is highly publicized and promoted to give the FA the deserved awareness. The publicity of the FCT FA activities is not just the work of the Publicity sub-committee of the FA, therefore, I appeal to our colleagues to give the FA the needed support especially in publicity because if they get it right, then, we will get it right,” he said The committees inaugurated were the Planning and Organising Committee, the Women Development Committee, the Media Committee, Technical Committee and the Youth Development Committee.

The members of the reconstituted Committees are Technical committee: Godwin Bamigboye as Chairman, Dr Omeiza Sulaiman will serve as the Vice Chairman, while Bala Nikyu, Bitrus Joshua, Mary Godspower, Adanna Nwanneri , Mansur Abdullahi, Peter Emeteole, Morufu Adeyemo are members.

Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo will be the Chairperson of the Women Football Development Committee. With Elisha Mogaji as Vice Chairman while other members are Timothy Aiyegu, . Nnamdi

Onuigbo, Remi Sulola, Akinkunle ,arinwa , Niyi Busari, Hashim Adamu, Ngozi Eze, Johnson Bamidele, Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, Barr. Enebe Chisom.

The Organizing Committee have Patrick Ngwaogu as Chairman, Zakari Musa as (Vice Chairman) other members are Emmanuel Kempes, Thompson Ojukwu, Dauda Dogo, Tolulope Oguntimehin, Bunmi Haruna, and Lawrence Sunday.

FCT SWAN Chairman Kayode Adeniyi will be the Chairman of the Media and publicity Committee, while Chinedu Ohanusi will be the Vice Chairman. Other members include Ikenna Okonkwo, Mike Obasi, Amaechi Agbo, Victor Okoye, and Arafat Aliu .

The Youth Development Committee have Zakari Musa as Chairman, Raphael Agetu as Vice Chairman, Jegede Damian, Owolabi Abubakar, Cletus Nwobi, Kabiru Adeyemo, Wakili John, Colineous Monday, Rasheed Afolabi and Ayo Joseph Oscar as members.

Each committee was mandated by the Chairman to coopt individuals they feel can work with them in actualizing the mandate giving to them.

World Cup is a do or die affair - Minister

Page 31

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, january 25, 2018

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p

By Amaechi Agbo

T

he Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, has provided clarifications on why the Super Eagles B team in the ongoing African Nations Championship, CHAN in Morocco is yet to leave the city after their 3-1 win against Equatorial Guinea yesterday to book a place in the quarter finals.

Officials have disclosed that the Super Eagles were at Grand Stade Agadir to watch likely Congo and Angola battle for the leadership of Group D and determine their possible opponents in the next stage of the competition.

“We will watch the last Group D match between Angola and Congo tonight (yesterday) in Agadir before we head back to Tangier for our quarterfinal possibly against one of these teams on Sunday,” disclosed Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye.

However, Burkina Faso still have a mathematical chance of also sneaking into the last-eight.

Congo have won their first two games and have six points, Angola are on four points, while Burkina Faso have a point and will need a big win over alreadyeliminated Cameroon and for Angola to lose to go through.

Angola need only a draw with leaders Congo to finish as runners-up and set-up a second CHAN clash with Nigeria after both teams first clashed at the 2014 tournament in South Africa.

The quarterfinals fixed for Saturday are already known – hosts Morocco vs Namibia

NPFL Matchday 4 Results

O

ne away win was recorded on the Matchday 4 of the Nigerian Professional Football League played yesterday across the country.

The only away win saw Niger Tornadoes lose 1-2 to Akwa United in one of the matches. One draw was recorded as 18 goals were scored with the match between Enyimba vs Nasarawa United to be played today.

Results: Rangers 1-0 Katsina United Tornadoes 1-2 Akwa United Kwara United 1-0 Wikki Tourist MFM 2-1 FC Ifeanyiubah Go Round 1-1 Heartland Kano Pillars 2-1 Abia Warriors Plateau United 3-0 El-kanemi Warriors Sunshine Stars 2-0 Rivers United Yobe Desert Stars 1-0 Lobi Stars Summary Home Wins > 8 Away Wins > 1 Draw > 1 Goals > 18 Tomorrow: Enyimba vs Nasarawa United

r

t

Why CHAN Eagles are still in Agadir after quarter finals belt in Casablanca and Zambia vs Sudan in Marrakech.

Nigeria sailed into the last eight of the 5th African Nations Championship in Morocco after coming from a goal down to thrash Equatorial Guinea 3-1 in Agadir.

From a corner kick, Equatorial Guinea took the lead with five minutes to half time as Nsi Eyama’s powerful header flew past goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and defender Daniel James into the net.

Faleye had a great opportunity to level up three minutes later as Anthony Okpotu chested down a pull out for him, but he fluffed it with only the goalkeeper to beat.

In the second half, the Eagles bungled two further opportunities to level up within seven minutes, before Okpotu sneaked in –between two defenders to power home a header from Osas Okoro’s in –swinger for the leveller, in the 59th minute.

Three minutes later, veteran Rabiu Ali came in for Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, and it was the 2014 bronze medallist who made the second goal and scored the third.

The result meant Nigeria finished as Group C winners, and will return to the more

familiar Grand Stade Tanger for their quarter final against the second –placed team in Group D on Sunday.

Victory in that game will mean another city movement, this time to Marrakech for the semi finals on Wednesday next week.

WWC qualifier: Edo State Government calls for massive fans support for Falconets

A

ll attention this weekend will be shifted to Benin city, Edo state as the falconets, Nigeria representatives at the U-20 women’s category in football, attempts to confirm their qualification for the FIFA U-20 women’s world cup,France 2018 as they play host to their South African counterpart, the Besetsana of South Africa.

The match is expected to come up on Saturday 27th of January 2018 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium,Benin city,Edo state.

The honourable commissioner for youths and special duties, Edo State, Mika Amanokha has called on sports loving Edo people to come out enmass and support the Christopher Danjuma tutored falconets as they set to seal qualification for the 2018 FIFA U-20 women’s world cup in France later this year.

Amanokha who expressed satisfaction on the support gotten so far from the fans,said qualification is the focus of everyone,”qualification for the world cup in France will be a befitting

present for his Excellency Mr Godwin Obaseki who has shown immense commitment to the development of sports in the country “. He called on Edo people to join the state government and Nigeria football federation cheer the falconets to

World Cup is a do or die affair - Minister

By Amaechi Agbo

T

he Honourable minister of Youth and Sports Development, Bar. Solomon Dalung has said that the Russia 2018 World Cup in June is a do or die affair to Nigerians as well as Federal government of Nigeria.

The minister stated this on Tuesday while fielding questions from journalists after the 2018 sports budget defense before the House of Representatives Committee on Sports headed

by Hon. Goni Buka Lawan at the National Assembly, Abuja.

“We are not just going to the World Cup in Russia to make up the numbers. Africans and the world at large are looking up to Nigeria and we are not going to disappoint them. The result

of the friendly match against Argentina speaks volumes of what our boys are capable of doing at the world cup.

“The government through NFF for many times has sorted out issues that can affect or distract the team’s full concentrations.

“There are plans on ground to make sure that the bonuses and allowances of the officials and players will be paid ahead of the tournament.

Recently, the coach of the Super Eagles contract has been extended by two years. All these, are steps to make sure they concentrate and also to motivate and also make them psychologically balanced.

“The Russia World Cup is a do or die affair for Nigeria and the government. Nigeria will take the world by storm,” the minister said.

victory on Saturday.

It would be recalled that the falconets recorded a morale boosting 2-0 away win against the Besetsana in the first leg of the qualifiers played in South Africa a fortnight ago.

QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

Thursday, january 25, 2018

Ode to us

SPORTS latest

Morocco unveils 2026 Fifa World Cup bid logo

M

orocco have unveiled its campaign and logo to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The North African country is set for their fifth World Cup bid after failed attempts to host the tournament in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 They rival a joint bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States to stage the global showpiece on African soil after the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The country’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and New Technologies, Moulay Hafid Elalamy has been named the Chairman of the Bid’s Committee while former CAF Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani has been appointed as its Chief Executive.

Morocco will be aiming to become the second nation to host the quadrennial event on the African soil after South Africa in 2010 with the release of its campaign logo which reflects the Kingdom’s national unity and plural identity.

Having hosted the 2013 and 2014 FIFA Club World Cups and the on-going African Nations Championship, the bid chairman Moulay Elalamy disclosed that a victory to stage the world’s biggest sporting event will be for the whole African continent.

“Morocco 2026 will showcase the best of football, at the heart of the world,” Elalamy said.

“We promise to stage a tournament overflowing with real passion and to celebrate the values of unity and peace.

“A World Cup in Morocco will deliver commercial success and leave a long-lasting legacy and if we win the honour of hosting we believe the winners will be football, the young people of our nation, Africa and the world.”

A FIFA Congress on June 13, will decide the bid that will host the tournament which will involve 48 teams, after FIFA approved expansion from 32 teams.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: business: news: lagos:

W

hen lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, they say, it is the gentler gamester that is the soonest winner. A nation that regales in wanton lawlessness cannot hope for salvation even from the bounty of her own gratuity. Because when the law will do no right, it has to be lawful also that the law itself should bar no wrong. People affrighted by wrong doers are bound to take the law into their hands when the law that should affright all, will not take their hands into its sanctuary. And so when a nation foolishly makes a ‘scarecrow’ of its laws, letting it stay mute in statute when it should be up and brute in action, the birds of prey that the dummy should scare, may soon make it their idle perch and not their terror.

When evil deeds have their permissive pass and not their strict punishment, to everyone then, his own statute.

Every ‘why’ they say has a ‘wherefore’. But not this one ‘why’ that appears to hang above our troubled skies, like the sword of Damocles. Not this thick, black, pregnant cloud above us it seems, that threatens to engender an apocalyptic storm of no known proportion. Why oh why? Why all these murders, massacres and slaughters? Why these acts of black night, these abominable, heinous deeds?

Why these complots of mischief, this brother against brother?

These villainies ruthful to hear yet piteously committed? Why are we such ‘godly’ people, but dressed always in the habiliments of war? Why must we, perpetually be on each others’ jugular? The more pity, they say that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly.

We murder while we smile.

Yet we frame our faces to each mournful occasion –wetting our cheeks always with artificial tears. Many there are among us who are so villainous they can deceive more easily than even Ulysses could. By the way Ulysses was the Greek legend who sold to Troy the dummy of the Trojan Horse, -to win a crucial war for the fatherland.

Alas the Ulyssess of our own nation are dissembling bigots always in plots to harm their fatherland. Those of us who lay the most claim to the patent of patriotism, are the same who array their cunnings to deny

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

“The position of a statesman is not that of adding fire to injury. We must not. I don’t believe that we should take the advantage of our position here. I don’t believe we should stand here and condemn the administration in its entirety. It is wrong. I will not accepted anybody coming here virtually calling the president by names and condemning the Federal Government. It is not right. The issue of security is everybody’s concern.”

—Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa West) on the floor of the Senate

THURSDAY Column WITH

Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com the nation a Trojan victory, preferring instead, to put her through an imminent Athenian defeat. They make our old gaping wounds gush forth anew with blood like the Golgotha of old.

These dissembling ‘patriots’ are bent on drowning the nation in the surreal flood of her own tears.

Enemies of state, a tiny vocal minority, obdurate at heart, malevolent in intent, motivated only by personal political gains, are now up in arms against one and all. We are assailed on the one hand by deviants engaged daily in high crimes and misdemeanor, and on the other, by traitors bent on making capital out of everyday criminality.

SELF-DESTRUCT Tribes and tongues now take the law into their hands, because the law being lame in action not in statute, resolves to do no right.

The army of venal politicians, making the law their perch and not their terror, now freely stoke the fire of mischief. The factionalized and sectionalized public is reduced to schismatic mutual self-loathing –debating always what ‘grievous wrong’ shamelessly to defend or what ‘noble right’ wickedly to debase.

And the question inevitably has to be asked: ‘is this at last the sullen presage of our nation’s final decay?’ -that we are now condemned foolishly to array our might even against the sinews of our own existence; or that we are now irretrievably sold to making a shameful bloody conquest of ourselves! Tut, tut! The more pity that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly.

“

Our so called men of God happily now are prophets of a new calling –of gloom and of doom.

They speak no longer of peace because they have themselves become the harsh and boisterous tongue of woe. Woe betides every subject that they lay their evil tongues on! They will neither leave vengeance to God nor will they allow forgiveness season the relationship among the faithful of God. Our so called men of God have now turned the ‘word’ to ‘sword’, their ink to blood, their pens to piercing lances and their mouths to loud trumpets and beagle of war.

Our politicians, glorified elders and all, when they speak, they do so with malice and with deep incision. They pretend always to apply moral medicines even to mortifying mischief.

The multiplying villainies of our leaders know no bounds!

They are adept only with words that are razors to our wounded hearts. They measure the heat of their livers with the bitterness of their gals. They are glad to make thorns thrive where roses should bloom. Inevitably, even penny-wisely, pounds-foolishly, they help to mine the polity endangering one and all! The more pity, that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE If we persist in taking no heed, then the blood of innocents shall continue to manure the ground; and future ages will continue to groan for our present inaction. We have a choice to make: to parley or to fight. To jaw-jaw or to war-war. To be or

Our politicians, glorified elders and all, when they speak, they do so with malice and with deep incision.

They pretend always to apply moral medicines even to mortifying mischief

not to be: that is the question: whether it is nobler in the circumstance, to suffer the slings and arrow of mutual anger or together to take up arms against the mutiny of hate mongers; it is a consideration devoutly to be weighed. To parley, to fight?

Or better to parley. We must not allow our grief minister unto our reason -as it is evident now it does- making us seek always to heal the inveterate canker of one wound by making many. Our fault must not be our folly. We must not afford always to find out ‘right’ with ‘wrong’. Because two wrongs, as every Jack should know, will not make a right! How can we afford to have vengeance in our hearts, death in our hands, blood and revenge hammering in our heads? Whither our Christian virtue of ‘turning the other cheek’? Whither the Islamic morale of ‘forgiving at the peak of our anger’?

And to all and sundry, it should be said: sheath thee thy swords. Because he that steeps his safety in blood shall find but bloody safety in return. Just as he who lives by the sword, shall die by the sword. For there is no sure foundation set on blood; no certain life achieved by others’ death. In a false quarrel there is no true valor. But in peace there is victory for all. For peace, they say is of the nature of a conquest; for then both parties nobly are subdued and no party loser. Pray, no more the thirsty entrance of this soil should daub her lips with her own children’s blood.

No more should trenching war channel her fields, nor bruise her flowers with the armed hoofs of hostile rebellion.

Continued on page 28

DAN GAYE

Rowdy session as PDP Senators prevent colleague from defecting to APC

What happens to freedom of association? No democracy in the Senate?

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