Tuesday, May 28, 2019 Edition

Tuesday, May 28, 2019/ Ramadan 23, 1440 AH

1864 Days after

Tell FG to honour our agreement, ASUU urges Nigerians pAGE 6

Vol. 31 No. 076 N150

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Nasarawa assembly approves creation of 12 new chiefdoms pAGE 2

Insecurity: Buhari meets northern govs, assures end to menace pAGE 8

Buhari accuses NASS of padding N8.9tr 2019 budget page 5

•Signs document, raises concerns on implementation

President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by SSAP on NASS (SENATE) Senator Ita Enang and SSAP NASS (HOUSE OF REP) Hon Umar El Yakubu during the signing of the 2019 Budget, at the state house, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

FG declares May 5 killed, 12 houses burnt in 29 public holiday fresh Plateau violence >>>page 10

>>>page 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-20 21

Nasarawa Assembly approves creation of 12 new chiefdoms From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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asarawa State House of Assembly yesterday approved Gov. Tanko Al-Makura”s request for the creation of twelve chiefdoms in the state.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdulllahi, announced this after the House deliberated on the governor’s request during the House proceedings in Lafia.

It could recall that on May 24,the House passed the state 2019 Local

Government amended bill into law to empower the state governor to create fourth class traditional chiefdoms in the state.

Balarabe-Abdullahi said that the approval was to give various communities agitating for chiefdoms and other benefiting communities a sense of belonging.

According to the Speaker, Kodape chiefdom to be created out of Karu chiefdom, Laminga chiefdom to be created out of Nasarawa Emirate ,Ashige to be created out of Assakio chiefdom.

“Others are yelwa,Agaza,Kwara,Tudun Wada, Dari to be created out of Toto,Keana,Kadarko,Karu and Kokona chiefdoms respectively.

“Amba, Iggah, Sabon-Gari, Kanje Chiefdoms to be created out of Kokona, Eggon Eholo, Keffi and Awe chiefdoms respectively, “he said.

He opined that the importance for the creation of chiefdoms across the state cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for its approval.

The Speaker maintained that

traditional institution are custodians of people’s culture and peace considering the importance of peace to societal development.

Earlier, Alhaji Tanko Tunga(APCAwe North) ,the Majority Leader of the House while reading the governor’s letter appealed to his colleagues to approve Gov. Al-Makura’s request.

He noted that with the creation of the chiefdoms, it would give the benefiting communities a sense of belonging and enable them to contribute their quota to the development of the state at large.

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello inspecting the March Past, during the 2019 Children’s Day Celebration, at Old Parade Ground, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Tell govt to honour our agreement, ASUU urges Nigerians Page 6

Digest

25

Feature 26 Sports 30-31 Back Page

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Pipeline vandals hurt host communities more than govt., Buhari tells S/south leaders

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has said the destruction of oil facilities by vandals was hurting the host communities, the majority of the people and the environment more than the government.

The President, according to a statement made available to newsmen year day by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said this yesterday while teceiving South-South Monarchs Forum (SSMF) led by King Edmund Daukoru, Mingi XII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, at State House.

He appealed to South-South elders to do more to end pipeline vandalism in their communities.

The President told the traditional rulers who came to congratulate him on his re-election and discuss issues of specific relevance to the zone, that they were culturally and traditionally positioned to complement government efforts on enhancing security in the Niger Delta.

He, therefore, charged them to educate the youths on the dangers such nefarious activities posed to the environment and the economy. ‘‘You need to educate the people that the destruction of installations is hurting the majority of the people. ‘‘If pipelines are blown and the

waters are polluted, it affects both the fishermen and farmers. Even the fishes in the sea are affected. ‘‘These people who blow up the installations are hurting the people more than they are hurting the government,’’ the President said.

President Buhari also decried the spate of kidnapping in the area, urging the royal fathers not to relent in their support to security agencies to effectively contain the negative trend.

Responding to an inquiry by the group on 10 per cent equity participation for host communities in solid minerals and whether the same is applicable to the oil sector, President Buhari said: ‘‘The constitution is very mindful of the way resources are shared.

The 13 per cent derivation means that relative to whatever you are producing, 13 per cent is given to your States. ‘‘Then, whatever is offshore in the continental shelf belongs to the nation.

Again your States get their own shares.

This means your constituencies get two shares, the 13 per cent derivation and the balance in the continental shelf, which is shared among the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. ‘‘If the 13 per cent or what is in the continental shelf is not getting to you then I think by now you ought to have

known because you have qualitative leaders with great antecedents. ‘‘For example, when I was a junior officer, one of the royal fathers here was Governor of a State. ‘‘Everybody knows him and he has continuously been in the limelight of the politics of the country, and if the Federal Government is cheating you by denying you part of the 13 per cent derivation or the balance from the continental shelf, you as the leadership ought to have seen it by now and brought it out.’’

On Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the President told the Forum that his administration was mindful of the core mandate of the commission. ‘‘We are concerned about the leadership of NDDC and we hope that money which is constitutionally allocated to it is properly utilised for infrastructure in the area. ‘‘Be assured that we are very mindful of the conditions in your area and how strategic your geopolitical zone is to the economy and stability of the country,’’ the President said.

Congratulating the President on his re-election, Daukoru said: ‘‘In exercise of our role as traditional rulers, we plead with all those who are unhappy with the imperfections of our electoral process to graciously transcend their grievances

and to join the immense task we all face of building a secure and prosperous Nigeria.’’

A prepared text presented by the Royal Father on behalf of the Forum raised the issue of Niger Delta security, economic development, infrastructure, environment and oil sector matters.

On oil sector matters, King Daukoru said: ‘‘Mr President, we think it is time to hold operators accountable for their lack of transparency in community development programmes.’’

The traditional ruler accused the operators, among others, of ‘‘polarising communities and by-passing traditional authority by pandering to the interest of bully boys and their local militia.’’

Speaking on behalf of Bayelsa Elders’ Council, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff (former military governor, old Rivers State), the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom, appealed for more tangible Federal presence in Bayelsa.

He urged the Federal Government to give priority attention and award contracts for Ogbia-Nembe-Brass Road, Yenegoa-Oporoma-Ukubie-Koluama Road and Sagbama-Ekeremor-AggeRoad.

According to the Royal Father, the contracts for the construction of these roads were awarded by him 50 years ago as military governor, but nothing much had happened.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

News Buhari restates commitment to curb insecurity in north

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has reinstated his commitment to curb the menace of insecurity in the northern parts of the country.

Briefing newsmen on behalf of the northern governors after a meeting with the President yesterday, Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, said the upsurge in criminal activities, particularly armed banditry, in the north west and north central has become worrisome.

Masari, who explained that the meeting was necessitated by the resolution of the Northern Governors Forum’s resolution at their meeting in Kaduna about 10 days ago, also raised the fears that the situation may soon

degenerate into another insurgency if not curbed on time.

He said “ The issue that brought us to the President is about the rising insecurity in the north west, north central and north east.

North east is known for Boko Haram insurgency but of recent what was known to be cattle rustling in north west and some parts of north central has turned out to be something different from what we had before.

“So, this concern made us to come and brief the president so that urgent action would be taken in order to curb this deadly menace of banditry which is gradually graduating into insurgency.

You know the north west with a vast forest area going to north central and

then even going out of Nigeria.

So we need to act quickly and decisively so that it doesn’t turn into something else like what we had in the northeast.”

He disclosed that the president has given his full commitment that something seriously will be done in order to make sure that the menace is curbed.

He said they made suggestions to the president on the way forward but that, “ It’s not for public consumption “ On Magajin Gari Daura who was abducted 26 days ago, he said “I think the police are working serious and they have made some progress but for obvious reasons, they cannot disclose all what they have done for security reasons but work is going on.”

Alleged $40m fraud: Court acquits Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

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ustice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, discharged and acquitted a cousin to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Robert Azibaola of alleged involvement in $40million contract scam.

The trial judge, in the judgment held that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant and his firm, One Plus Holdings Nigeria Limited, were involved in money laundering.

The defendants were alleged of being in possession and converting the sum of $40million dollars, received from Office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki to personal use.

The prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) had on January 23, 2017, closed its case against the defendants, after calling ten witnesses in the trial.

Consequent upon that, the defense filed a no case submission, urging the court to dismiss the case, stating that the prosecution had not made any prima facie case to warrant the defendants to enter defense.

However, on March 19, 2018, Justice Dimgba, in the ruling of the no case submission, ruled that the defendants have a case to answer in respect of counts 2 and 3.

Delivering the judgement,

yesterday, Justice Dimgba also held that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) failed to provide essential elements of the charges, adding that the key witnesses, including the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, who allegedly released the fund to the defendants, was not brought to testify in the matter.

Justice Dimgba held, ‘’In the light of Col. Sambo Dasuki not being charged alongside the Defendants in this charge, nor being convicted of any offences arising from this transaction by any competent court, it is difficult to condemn just on the face value the transaction which the said Col. Dasuki entered with the Defendants. ‘’It is not disputed that Col. Dasuki acted officially and not in his personal capacity in the dealing which he entered with the Defendants by way of the alleged national security assignment. ‘’Having so acted officially, I am obliged by virtue of Section 166 of the Evidence Act which talks of the presumption of the regularity of official acts to presume that the transaction was regular and valid. ‘’In the final analysis, having reviewed all that has been provided, first by the Prosecution in proof of their case, and second by the Defence in proof of their Defence, in terms of oral and documentary evidence,

as well as reviewed and evaluated the contentions made by counsel, in the written submissions and the oral adumbrations of same, I am inclined to resolve the issue which I identified earlier on in favour of the Defence. ‘’I am not convinced that the Prosecution have discharged the burden placed on them by law to prove the guilt of the Defendants beyond reasonable doubt on any of the remaining 2 counts of the charge which the Defendants were called upon to present a defence on. ‘’I am bound to resolve the doubts in favour of the Defence and so resolve them. ‘’In consequence, I find the Defendants as being Not Guilty as charged on both counts. ‘’I hereby discharge and acquit the Defendants of both the counts as listed in the charge,’’ Justice Dimgba held.

In the charge marked FHC/ ABJ/CR/ 113/2016, EFCC, alleged that Aziboala had while being the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) and a signatory to the Zenith Bank account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd, on or about September 8, 2014, took possession and converted the $39, 999, 958 out of the $40million, and transferred same to the domiciliary account of One Plus Holdings Nig Ltd with Zenith Bank Plc Account No. 5070365750.

Children’s Day: UNICEF intensifies campaign for child rights

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he UNICEF yesterday commemorated Nigerian Children’s Day, saying that it comes at a crucial moment for child rights in the country, and for child rights globally.

To this end, the international Organisation launched a campaign to draw awareness to children’s rights by all of Nigerian society.

“While there have been many advances over the last years, children in Nigeria are still not accessing health, nutrition, education and other rights to the extent that they must,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s new Country Representative in Nigeria.

“Sadly, it is the most disadvantaged children who are suffering the greatest challenge in having their rights fulfilled.”

Nigerian Children’s Day 2019 falls during the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which is being commemorated this year around the world.

As part of the celebrations, UNICEF is launching a “Passport to Your Rights” – a copy of the CRC in child-friendly language, in pocket format.

UNICEF aims that every child in Nigeria has a copy by 2030 – the deadline for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It said the CRC ‘passport’ will

also be available in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin languages, helping to ensure access by millions of Nigerians.

“Thirty years ago, something incredible happened.

World leaders came together in a moment of unity for the world’s children. They made a promise to every child to protect and fulfil their rights, by adopting the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Conventon established childhood as a period that is separate from adulthood - a time in which children should grow, learn, play, develop and flourish.

“We want to see every Nigerian child have that kind of a childhood,” said Hawkins.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu Ramadan Timing For Abuja And Other Cities RAMADAN 23 TOWNS FAJIR ABAKALIKI 4.55 ABEOKUTA 5.14 ABUJA/SULEJA 4.49 AKWANGA/KEFFI/NASARAWA 4.51 ANKPA/AYANGBA 5.00 AZARE/JAMA’ARE 4.36 BAMA 4.22 BAUCHI/NINGI 4.41 BENIN 5.06 BICHI 4.42 BIDA 4.58 B/GWARI 4.53 B/KEBBI/GWANDU/JEGA 4.57 BIU 4.30 DAMATURU 4.29 DAURA/DAMBATTA 4.40 DUTSE 4.40 DUTSIN MA/JIBIYA 4.45 ENUGU 4.58 FUNTUA/CHAFE 4.48 GOMBE 4.35 GUMI 4.55 GUSAU/KAURA NAMODA 4.48 GWADABAWA 4.52 HADEJIA/GUMEL 4.36 IBADAN/IFE 5.09 ILORIN/KAIAMA 5.06 JALINGO/LAU/GASHAKA 4.37 JERE 4.52 JOS/SAMINAKA 4.45 KABBA 5.01 KADUNA 4.50 KAFANCHAN/KACHIA 4.44 KAFIN MAIYAKI 4.43 KANO 4.44 KATSINA 4.44 KONTAGORA/ZURU 4.58 LAFIA 4.51 LAGOS 5.24 LOKOJA//IDAH 4.58 MAIDUGURI/MUBI/GWOZA 4.22 MAKURDI 4.51 MINNA 4.56 MISAU 4.35 MOKWA/NEW BUSSA 5.03 MONGUNO 4.20 NGURU/GASHUA 4.31 OKENE 5.08 ONITSHA 5.02 OYO 5.19 P/HARCOURT/OWERRI 5.13 POTISKUM 4.32 SHAGAMU 5.12 SOKOTO 4.53 TAKUM/WUKARI 4.46 WARRI 5.07 LANGTANG/WASE/SHENDAM 4.44 WURNO 4.51 YOLA/NUMAN 4.33 ZARIA 4.48

SUNRISE 6.06 6.25 6.13 6.02 6.06 5.48 5.33 5.52 6.17 5.56 6.10 6.04 6.08 5.41 5.40 5.51 5.51 5.46 6.09 6.00 5.46 6.06 6.00 6.03 5.47 6.20 6.15 5.48 6.03 5.48 6.12 6.01 6.00 5.54 5.56 6.00 6.09 6.02 6.26 6.09 5.32 6.02 6.07 5.48 6.14 5.31 4.42 6.16 6.17 6.24 6.18 4.47 6.26 6.08 6.02 6.22 5.55 6.06 5.48 6.03

MAGRIB 6.42 7.03 6.49 6.55 6.46 6.43 6.29 6.43 6.53 6.53 6.55 6.55 7.07 6.34 6.37 6.53 6.48 6.58 6.45 6.55 6.37 7.04 6.59 7.06 6.47 7.00 7.01 6.33 6.50 6.45 6.53 6.52 6.47 6.52 6.53 6.57 7.00 6.46 7.02 6.50 6.31 6.43 6.54 6.41 7.01 6.31 6.44 6.52 6.50 7.01 6.45 6.39 7.01 7.06 6.37 6.51 6.40 7.05 6.40 6.52

SOURCE: Society for Propagation of Islam, Kaduna.

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News

Fire guts Nasarawa Varsity mass communication studio From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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he former Radio and Television Studio of Mass Communication situated at the Faculty of Arts, Nasarawa State University, Keffi was yesterday gutted by fire.

The incident which occurred and lasted for about two hours, from 11:15 to 1:30pm started from the old studio which kept extending to other offices.

The fire incident, however, partly grounded administrative and academic activities in the University, amidst fire in some quarters of students result sheet, examination scripts and other valuables possibly missing.

Our reporter gathered that, the equipment bought during the accreditation exercise running into millions of naira: tie Television camera, Video data machine and editing suite and other valuables were also destroyed.

The fire gutted the faculty three days after Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura, the Governor-elect, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and other top government functionaries were in the university to commission the newly built studio for the Mass Communication Department During the ugly incidence, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Suleiman BalaMohammed along with other management staff were seen making contacts from the Nyanya Fire service but the effort proved abortive.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the University, Bala Ahmed had directed the Chief Security Officer of the school, on the order of the Vice Chancellor, to ensure adequate security of the school properties to avoid any student taking advantage of the situation to run away with the school properties.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

NBA seeks domestication of criminal justice legislation in states From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

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igeria Bar Association, NBA, has advocated for promotion of the domestication and implementation of the administration of criminal justice legislation in the states of the federation.

The NBA President, Mr Paul Osory made this known yesterday in Minna at a Legislative Advocacy and Sensitization Workshop which was attended by all stakeholders like the police, military, prisons and magistrates as well as lawyers who are the implementing partners.

He said that, this is the only way justice will be brought closer to the citizens as one of the mandate of the association

by ensuring the domestication of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in the states in the country where only eight (8) states including Abuja has keyed into.

Represented by the North Central Vice President, Titi Egbey assured that the NBA will give full support and backing to states and declared intervention of the association where necessary to ensure its adoption.

In his remarks, the Niger State NBA Minna Chairman, Gimba Mohammed Esq said that a draft bill is in the process of being transmitted to the state assembly to ensure the domestication of the ACJA Act. He applauded and welcomed the 2015 assent of the Act accepted by stakeholders with optimism and euphoria noted that the Act

was beautifully drafted but with its own hitches.

Mohammed, however, charged the acting State Chief Judge, Justice Ahmed Bima to urgently review the recent increase in fees payable by the litigants and lawyers in the courts in Niger State.

He revealed that the astronomical increase is already working hardship on litigants and lawyers in the state noting that justice delivery as a social service ought not to come with such a heavy cost Obi has tendency of limiting access to justice.

The project coordinator and presenter, NBA MacArthur Foundation Project, Victor Abasiakan- Ekim Esq disclosed that ACJ in Nigeria is facing several challenges to include,

lack of data/statistics, suspects stigmatization, lack of empathy and victims participation, allegation of torture, delays, non IT compliance court system and others.

He explained that the activities in Niger state would includes; state sensitization workshop, capacity development and continuing legal education as well as regional meetings (regulatory review) to determined the achievement of the objectives.

He said that the three years project of NBA Administration of Criminal Justice Project is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation with the aim of strengthen the Nigeria criminal justice system and promote widespread criminal justice reform across the country.

From right: Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (middle) being assisted by the Deputy Chairman Victims Support Fund (VSF) Tijjani Musa Tumsah as he commissions Potiskum Local Government Secretariat which was reconstructed by the VSF after it was destroyed by Boko Haram attack

Gov. Gaidam commissions reconstructed LG secretariat From Uche Uche, Damaturu.

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obe state governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam yesterday commissioned a reconstructed government secretariat in Potiskum local government area of Yobe state and

commended Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari who for his interest in assisting victims of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast.

Speaking during the occasion, the chairman, management committee Potiskum, Alh.

Salisu Muktari stated that the secretariat was completely burnt down by insurgents in 2013, thus making things difficult for the management and staff of the local government until the intervention by the victim support fund initiated by President

Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the executive director of the victims support fund, Professor Sunday Ochoche, the structure is among the 147 public structures reconstructed by VSY spread across 11 local government areas

of the state at the total cost of N1.5 billion.

He commended the state governor, Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam for partnering with the support fund which has yielded positive results as seen in the various projects executed in the state.

We’ve neutralized 140 bandits, arrested 171 linked to Gana -Commander

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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ver 140 armed bandits have been neutralized while 171 militia elements including armed herdsmen and criminals linked to the dreaded Terwase Akwaza known as Gana have been arrested within one year by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS in Benue State.

Commander, OPWS Major General Adeyemi Yekini disclosed this yesterday at a press conference to commemorate one year

anniversary of the Operation held at the Tactical Air Command, Airforce Base, Makurdi.

Major Yekini also, said that 38 identified militia camps were destroyed across the three(3) Joint Operation Areas of Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

He further added that a total of 178 assorted weapons and 3,569 ammunitions of different calibers were recovered by OPWS from bandits in the last one year.

According to him, ‘the breakdown shows that quantity 41

weapons and 1,293 ammunition were recovered in Benue State, quantity 127 weapons and 2,235 ammunition were recovered in Nasarawa State and quantity 10 weapons and 41 ammunition were recovered in Taraba State. It will be seen from the statistics that more arms and ammunition were recovered from Nasarawa than the other states although more Operaton wee conducted in Benue within the the one period.

“Other recorded include, recovery of 41 Ak47, 1 FN pistol, 5

SIG rifle, 30 AK 47 Magazines, 2 SMG, 127 local rifles, 9 local pistols, 3,569 assorted ammunition and charms as well as 1 FAR rifles”, Maj. Gen Yekini said.

He boasted that OPWS has largely achieved its mandate as incidents of mass killings or invasion of villages and communities have been substantially curbed but admitted that there are still isolated cases of criminality especially kidnapping of locals by criminals elements which is been addressed in collaboration with other security

forces on ground.

He noted that through their effort over 250,000 IDPs have returned home including 215,000 in Benue, 30,000 in Taraba and 5,000 in Nasarawa States.

It could be recalled that the OPWS was launched in Benue States in May 2018 by the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The troops are deployed in the most affected parts of Guma, Logo, Gwer West, Gwer East, Ukum, KatsinaAla and Makurdi local government areas.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

News

Buhari accuses NASS of padding N8.9tr 2019 budget Signs document, raises concerns on implementation

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the 2019 Appropriation Bill into law, promising to further engage the next National Assembly for a review of the document.

The president said the adjustments made to his original bill submitted to the parliament would make the implementation of the budget difficult particularly in accordance with the provisions of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

He observed that the budget of N8.92 trillion passed by the National Assembly was N90 billion higher than the N8.83 trillion proposal he presented to the parliament on December 19, 2018.

According to him, National Assembly members reduced some of the proposals he made in the budget and simultaneously increased others, adding that the lawmakers also introduced fresh allocations into the budget.

However, he said even though he had opted to sign the budget, he would yet engage the leadership of the ninth National Assembly to carry out.a review of some of the adjustments in the document when it resumes in June.

The President, who thanked members of the National Assembly for their efforts in getting the document passed, recalled that the 2019 budget was christened budget of continuity, with a view to moving the country forward and fostering the policy of inclusiveness, diversified and sustainable growth.

He promised to ensure the improvement of the budget process with a view to speeding up budget consideration and consequently return the country to January to December budget cycle.

He said: “You will all recall that in December 2018, I presented our 2019 budget proposal with the theme ‘Budget of Continuity.’ Our goal was to use this budget to move the economy further on the path of inclusive, diversified and sustainable growth.

“Back then, I proposed a total expenditure of N8.83 trillion to the National Assembly for appropriation targeting strategic and impactful projects and initiatives.

However, the 2019 Budget I will be signing into law today provides for aggregate expenditures of N8.92

trillion. This is an increase of N90.33 billion over our submission.

“This increase reflects changes introduced by the National Assembly.

In some areas, expenses we proposed were reduced while in other areas they were increased. There were also certain areas where new additions were introduced into the budget. More details of the approved budget will be provided by the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning.

“Of course, some of these changes will adversely impact our programs making it difficult for us to achieve the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

“Although I will be signing this bill, it is my intention to continue to engage the National Assembly to ensure we deliver on our promises.

I will therefore be engaging with the leadership of the ninth National Assembly, as soon as they emerge, to address some of our concerns with this

Budget.

“We will also look at how to improve the budget process so that, amongst other things, we can speed up budget consideration processes and return the country to the January to December fiscal year timetable.”

The president thanked the Minister of Budget and National Planning, the Minister of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, and all who put the budget together.

Before the president signed the budget, the Minister of budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, described the budget as a collective endeavour between the executive and the National Assembly.

He thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and the chairmen of the Appropriation and Finance Committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives for their cooperation.

Udoma also thanked the Economic

Management Team led by VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo as well as ministers for their cooperation, saying producing the budget without them would have been impossible.

Udoma said: “Your Excellency, the budget was a collective endeavour between the executive and the National Assembly. I like to thank the leadership of the National Assembly, the Senate President, the House of Representatives Speaker for their cooperation and support.

“I also want to thank the members of Economic Management Team led by the vice-president and ministers.

Without their support, we can’t produce the budget. I want to thank you Mr. President for assigning me this responsibility. I’m very very grateful. It is with this pleasure that I invite Mr. President to sign the 2019 budget.”

The 2019 budget is made up of N4.65 trillion recurrent expenditure, N2.94 trillion capital expenditure,

N2.25 trillion for debt servicing and N502.58 billion statutory transfer.

Present at the signing event were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Chief Whip, Prof. Sola Adeyeye, Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Senator Danjuma Goje, Chairman of the Senate Appropriation Committee and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator John Owan Enoh, among others.

Others were Udoma, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, AttoneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the president’s liaison officers in the National Assembly, Senator Ita Enang (Senate) and Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub (House of Representatives).

L-R: Zamfara State Governor Elect, Senator Bello Matawalle, receiving his certificate of return from INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Zone, Hajiya Amina Zakari, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

5 killed, 12 houses burnt in fresh Plateau violence - Police From Ado Musa Jos

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ive persons were reported to have been killed and twelve houses burnt on Sunday, in a renewed crisis that erupted in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the state police spokesperson, Tyopev Terna, has confirmed.

According to Terna, the incident occurred following a discovery of the body, of one

Enock Monday, found between Dutse Uku and Anguwan Damisa, of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“On the 26th May 2019 at about 1130hrs, the Plateau State Police Command received a report from one Sarki Arum ‘m’ of Tina Area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State that one Enock Monday ‘m’ of Tina was seen lying motionless

at an area between Dutse Uku and Angwan Damisa in Jos North Local Government.

“The Command immediately mobilised to the area and removed the body to Plateau Specialist Hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and corpse deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.

“Youth of the area started protesting when the news of

Enock’s death filtered into the community.

“The Area Commander of Jos Metro mobilised personnel of the divisions within his jurisdiction and moved with the Commanding Officer of 8PMF and the Divisional Police Officer of Nasarawa Gwong Division under whose jurisdiction the crime was committed to the scene of the crime.

“As a result of the protest, five

(5) persons lost their lives and twelve (12) houses were burnt down, “ he added.

He said peace has however has been restored and the area was being patrolled by the security personnel.

The police further called on residents of the area to remain calm as efforts are on to track and arrest those who were involved in the criminal protest.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

PAGE 6

News

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he Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on well-meaning Nigerians to caution the federal government to honour its agreement with the union to forestall further industrial crisis in the nation’s tertiary education sector.

The union’s President, Biodun Ogunyemi, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Recall that the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had at the end of its meeting at the Federal University of Technical Akure (FUTA) in Ondo, on November 4, 2018, declared a ‘total, comprehensive and indefinite’ nationwide strike.

The strike was however suspended on February 7, after series of negotiations between the parties and other concerned stakeholders.

But Mr Ogunyemi told NAN on Sunday that “government

Tell govt to honour our agreement, ASUU urges Nigerians has not kept faith with our MOA (memorandum of agreement) signed on February 7.

“What government ought to have done, they do not want to do any more.

They have literally gone to sleep.

“For instance they had promised before the suspension of the strike, to set up visitation panel to our universities within two weeks and three months after government has not done anything in that regard.

“At least not to my knowledge that they had put any panel in place nor inaugurate any.

“By February 28 of this year, government had promised to pay the union, N25 billion part payment of outstanding arrears of the EARN academic allowances.

“Our renegotiation with Dr Wale Babalakin had promised to put us in a more cordial path with fair guidelines when we cone back to the renegotiation table but now, there seem to be no change of attitude on the side of government.”

According to him, the union has a timeframe attached to every action, hence the current call for caution on the part of government.

He explained that government had told the union that the funds had been approved, but there was a huge difference between approval of such funds and its implementation.

He said that three months after the said approval, the funds were yet to get to the union.

“Our members have begun to express doubts about government’s promise to fulfill its pledge faithfully.

“And when this pressure begins to mount there is nothing the leadership can do because leadership must hearken to the voice of followers.

“The point is that we are not

keen about disrupting the academic calendar. What we are doing is to express our worries and carry the public along.

“So, Nigerians must come out now and speak to government concerning all these things raised to maintain the current precarious industrial stability on our campuses ” he said.

He said though the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had assured the union that the payment would soon be done, time was of essence to his members nationwide.

(NAN)

May 29: Gov. Bello’s inauguration will be low keyed, says C’ttee chair From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.

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ll arrangements have been concluded for 29th May, 2019 inauguration of the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello for his second term in office.

However, the inauguration ceremony will be low keyed due to the spate of security challenges across some parts of the country and to save cost.

The Chairman of Inaugural Committee and Chief of Staff,. Hon. Mikail Al- Amin Bmitosahi said at a press conference yesterday in Minna that the committee is to review and redesign the governance structure in the state to reflect consolidated portfolio system that eliminates duplication and ineffective use of scarce state resources.

Bmitosahi expressed appreciation to the current administration, to all the stakeholders that participated and contributed to the overwhelming success recorded by the All Progressive Congress, APC at the last general elections.

He stated that its leveraging on the achievements already recorded in the last four years in the areas of education, water supply, provision of critical infrastructural facilities, revolution in the agricultural sector, prompt payment of salariesemoluments and pensions, construction and rehabilitation of roads, maintaining cordial relationship with the organized labor including the NUJ among others.

The committee was also required to propose and recommend any further project /activity, review the states’ existing tax base with

a view to expanding its Internally Generated Revenue to include the informal sector, as well as propose legacy projects achievable within the next four years stating feasible funding options among others.

The committee chairman added that it will also review and redesign the governance structure to reflect consolidated portfolio system that eliminates duplication and ineffective use of scarce state

resources.

According to him, “The nature and quality of the 65-member Projects, Policies and programmes Appraisal committee is filled with people of impeccable characters

and experience which guarantees that the outcome of their findings and recommendations shall provide a clear direction to move the state and its people to the next level of developmental”.

President Muhammadu Buhari (Middle) flanked by Head of Delegation and Former Minister of State for Petroleum, Paramount Ruler of Amayanabo, H. R. M. King Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru, PARAMOUNT ruler of Twon Brass, Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, Cabinet Members during the Courtest visit at the Council Chambers, Monday State House, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

Chief Medical Director bemoans activities of health maintenance organizations From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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hief Medical Director, Federal Medical Center, Makurdi Mr. Peteru Inunduh has frowned at activities of Health Maintenance Organizations, HMOs for failing to provide services to hospitals.

Dr. Inunduh decried the situation during an award ceremony by Coalition of Civil Societies and Journalists as well

as Tiv Youth Council held at the center.

The CMD who decried that the HMOs are owing the hospital over 120 million naira under the Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, regretted that they have continued to constitute a stumbling block in hospital administration in the country.

“The Federal Government should look into the activities of the Health Maintenance organizations

as they have constituted a major challenge in health delivery in the country”, he said.

Dr. Inunduh also, lamented over inadequate funding by government because of competiting interests, adding too, poor public power supply as well as herdsmen/farmers crisis has made it almost impossible to take health to doorsteps of the people.

He intimated that the center has executed 32 projects,

disclosing that 15 projects will be commissioned soon.

Coordinator, Coalition of Civil Societies and Journalists Shima Akuka and his Tiv Youth Council counterpart all hailed the reappointment of Dr. Inunduh for another term in office.

They noted that he has elevated the center through prudent management of resources and urged him to work harder to justice the reappointment.

Four killed in auto crash on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

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our persons have been confirmed dead in an accident involving a Toyota Corolla car and a Mack trailer at the Obada Oko area on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, the spokesman of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta on Monday.

Mr Akinbiyi said that the accident

occurred around 7:36pm on Sunday and attributed it to recklessness and speed on the part of both drivers.

Mr Akinbiyi said that eight persons, including seven adults and one female child, were involved in the crash.

He said that four occupants of the car died on the spot, while two others sustained injuries.

According to him, the trailer driver and

the motor boy ran away before the rescue team arrived at the scene.

He said: “I learnt the low bed trailer with no registration number was trying to make a U-turn at Obada Oko allegedly without trafficating, when the Toyota Corolla, marked EM 866 APP, which was on speed from Lagos, rammed into it.

“However, six passengers were in the Toyota Corolla when the accident happened.

“Four persons, including the driver and child, died on the spot, while the remaining two were injured.”

He further said that the injured were taken to the General Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, along with the remains of the dead.

He also said that the accident vehicles had been towed to the Divisional Police Office, Adigbe in Abeokuta. (NAN)

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

CRIME News

Kano: Woman arrested attempting to smuggle Indian Hemp into prison

By Ese Awhotu

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he Intelligence Unit of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) attached to Kano Central Prison has intercepted a female visitor, Rifkatu Anthony, for attempting to smuggle 39 wraps of Indian Hemp into the prison.

A statement by the unit said, the suspect from Badawa Quarters in Kano metropolis cleverly concealed the hard drug in harmless packs

Gunmen kidnap Nigerian university lecturer’s wife

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unmen on Sunday at Gbarantoru community in Yenagoa, abducted the wife of a lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU).

Sources in the community told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred early on Sunday and that the gunmen fired sporadic shots to announce their arrival.

The gunmen reportedly entered the community through River Nun in a speedboat and headed to the residence of the lecturer, identified simply as Dr Charles.

A resident, who pleaded not to be named for fear of being targeted, said that the gunmen missed their target, who escaped, prompting them to whisk away his wife, whom they took away in their boat.

The resident said that youth of the community mobilised to the scene of crime few minutes after the shooting only to see the lecturer emerging from where he was hiding.

The spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and was on the trail of the abductors.

“Yes, I heard of the incident and the police have commenced investigation with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and rescuing the victim,” said Mr Butswat.(NAN)

with the intention to deliver them to inmates in the prison.

Upon interrogation, Ms Anthony feigned ignorance of the Illicit substance in her possession claiming that the items were given to her by one ThankGod for delivery to the prison inmates.

The Controller of Prisons, Kano, Magaji Abdullah, had commended the officers and men of the command for their untiring efforts in ridding the service of the

menace of trafficking.

The statement recalled that, the Controller General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, approved the dismissal of prison personnel for aiding trafficking (smuggling) and illicit drugs into the prison yard for prisoners.

It explained that, the action of the controller general was part of a concerted effort by the administration to continue to maintain discipline and ensure

that inmates in prison custody were only handled by those with the required rectitude to do so.

“There is no gainsaying that exposing inmates to the use of hard drugs is an anathema to the reformation goal of the Prisons Service as it does not only precipitate health complications but also constitutes security risk to innocent lives in and around the prison,,” the statement noted.

Mr. Ja’afaru therefore, warned

Police arrest six over alleged assassination plot

I

ndonesian police said on Monday that they had arrested six people for planning to assassinate four “national figures” during recently deadly riots in Jakarta.

Police arrested the suspects – five men and a woman – and seized several firearms.

“Recently rioting, over the result of April’s presidential election, came during a rally by supporters of defeated candidate

Prabowo Subianto.

“They received orders to kill four national figures,’’ national police spokesman Muhammad Iqbal said.

He declined to name the targets or who commissioned them but said that the police had also arrested more than 400 people for alleged involvement in the unrest.

Eight people were killed in the two days of rioting that police

said was incited by a third party taking advantage of an otherwise peaceful protest.

Police said they were investigating the circumstances of the deaths; however, said security personnel were not armed with lethal weapons.

According to an official vote count, incumbent President Joko Widodo won the April 17 election with 55.5 per cent of the vote, against 44.5 per cent for Prabowo.

However, Prabowo rejected the result, accusing the government of rigging the election.

Prabowo’s refusal to accept the result prompted his supporters to take to the streets demanding Joko be disqualified.

The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on a challenge to the election result submitted by the Prabowo campaign before June 15.(dpa/NAN)

Children having fun, during the 2019 Children’s Day celebration at Palms Mall Park, yesterday in Ibadan.

Police kill suspected cultist in Delta

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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that any officer caught aiding or failing to apprehend smugglers will be shown the way out of the service as they have no business being in a character reformation agency.

He had assured the public that the management of the NPS would remain irrevocably committed to sustain the peace and calm now existing in prisons across the country in order to enhance reformation and rehabilitation of offenders in prisons custody.

olice anti cultism officers attached to kokori Police Division, Delta State in early hours of Monday allegedly killed a suspected cultist in failed disarm attempt.

The suspect identified as Enakerakpo Zion, was alleged to have been killed by the police officers in his failed disarm

attempt on the police officers.

It was gathered that the suspect had last weekend allegedly robbed one Akpojioto Juius, a bakery owner in Kokori town at gunpoint and made away with an unspecified amount of money before the early nemesis caught up with him.

But the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovuwakpoyeya who confirmed the incident, and the

subsequent killing of the suspect, said the suspect had been involved in many attacks on unsuspecting residents, adding that the police were investigating his fleeing gang members with a view to ensuring that they are arrested.

DSP Onovuwakpoyeya said that the suspect had attempted to disarm the police officers, led by one Goodwin Idiriki, the divisional crime officer when

Photo: NAN

his attempt failed during a shootouts in his hideouts, adding that the police responded swiftly and was gun down in the process.

She said, “the police recovered from the suspect cut to size gun and charms including battle axes and handsets, there has been cult crisis in Kokori town, but the police have been able to restore peaceful coexistence in the area.”

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

PAGE 8

News

Children’s Day: Group donates food items to orphanage homes From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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group, the Caleb Foundation yesterday visited orphanage homes in Kaduna for the annual World Children’s Day. The Foundation visited the Canadian-Nigerian Orphanage Foundation and City Ministries of ECWA,Gidan Bege orphanage homes at Goni-Gora ,Kaduna ,Northwest ,Nigeria and donated food items to the orphans.

Handing over the items founder of the Foundation ,Mr Caleb Danladi Bako said he decided to join the orphans this year to celebrate with the children to show concern and encourage the less privileged in the society .

According to him , the Foundation is focusing on orphans during this period because of the need to also show them love as well promote child education. “ We need to raise awareness on importance of school and support the less privileged to go to school. We believe if the educational foundation is solid ,the child will be solid . “ We will continue to support the young ones to achieve their dreams and encourage them by providing the necessary financial support to make them self reliance.” Danladi Bako said .

He however , urged the management of the orphanage homes in Nigeria to include career development programmes in their activities.

“I will want to recommend a career day for orphans such as seminars ,workshops and counselling programmes . I believe strongly that such events will develope their interests in different fields ,which will lead to developing their skills towards self reliance .”

Meanwhile, he drew the attention of orphanage homes to the issues of child abuse,child molestation ,child labour and bullying ,which are detrimental to the psychological development of a child ; “We are working on a campaign and advocacy programme on the issues of child abuse, molestation and labour,” he said.

In their separate response , the management of the two orphanage homes commended Caleb Foundation for identifying and celebrating with them during this year’s world Children’s Day

Insecurity: Buhari meets northern govs, assures end to menace

By Lawrence Olaoye

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has given the assurance that he will not crease the frequency of his meeting with security chiefs to stem the spate of insecurity in the country.

The President gave this assurance yesterday after a meeting with the northern governors in the Presidential Villa.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Buhari gave assurances on security in the country, stressing that he will not

let the nation down.

Speaking at a meeting with the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, led by the outgoing Chairman, Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the State House, President Buhari said: “The security of the country is on my mind 24 hours of the day. I get daily and weekly situation reports. I have listened to your brief. I will look into your recommendations. I am acutely aware of the situation, but I have learnt more today.”

The President bemoaned the ravaging effect of unchecked corruption in the past on the country’s Armed Forces,

saying: “The terrible effects of mismanagement were prevalent, and these are the consequences.”

According to him, “If you follow the efforts we are making within the system, you will see that we have curbed much of the corruption that is there. See the recoveries that we have made – money, landed property. We are not going as fast as we want under the system, but we will keep trying to improve it.”

President Buhari promised to increase the frequency of his meetings with security chiefs and keep updating himself.

He also expressed interest in getting reports from governors

who have difficult relationships with security heads in their States.

In their presentations, the governors drew the President’s attention to specific challenges they each faced in their respective States.

They commended the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing Boko Haram terrorism and farmers/herders clashes, which they said had been dealt with.

While noting that normalcy had virtually returned to the North-East, the governors however, warned that armed banditry was posing a dangerous threat and needed to be tackled with equal swiftness.

Representative of the wife of the President, Dame Pauline Tallen cutting a Cake with some Children during the Children’s Day celebration at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

NLC congratulates CBN governor, Emefiele, on reappointment

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he Nigeria Labour Congress has congratulated the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Godwin Emefiele on his reappointment for another term of five years.

NLC President Mr Ayuba Wabba expressed the message of goodwill in a letter to the apex bank governor on Monday

in Abuja.

“I wish to congratulate you on the recent renewal of your appointment as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for another term of five years, thus becoming one of the few Central Bank Governors that have recorded such a feat.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that your appointment is a

testament to your commitment to excellent service delivery and has come at a very auspicious time in our national life.

“Given the critical place of the CBN as the premier financial and economic regulator in our country, we implore you to use the opportunity of your reappointment to rededicate yourself to the task

of consolidating the recovery of our economy from recession.

“We also urge you to improve on the economic growth recorded in recent times.

“We wish you a very rewarding second term in office.

Please accept the renewed assurances of our highest esteem,” he said(NAN)

Bauchi: Empower us to end malnutrition, women farmers tell govt From Bauchi

A

Ahmad

Mohammed,

Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Bauchi State known as ‘FAHIMTA Women and Youth Development Initiative’ (FAWOYDI) has advised government at all levels to empower women farmers as part of measures to end malnutrition especially among children.

Executive Director of the NGO Hajiya Maryam Garba gave this advice Monday during an event organized by the NGO to celebrate this year’s children’s day with selected students from various primary and secondary Schools in the state with the theme ‘’ End malnutrition, protect the future of Nigerian child’’.

She said 60 per cent of farmers that feed the country are women

particularly rural women hence the need to empower them so that they will grow more foods for the consumption of their children, themselves and for sale.

“If we really want to end malnutrition, we need to empower women at all levels because 60 per cent of those who are feeding Nigeria are women particularly rural women farmers. We want to see that this group

of women is empowered so that they will be able to do more, “she said.

Also speaking, a guest speaker at the occasion and lecturer at Aminu Saleh College of Education Azare, Bauchi State Malam Haruna Sa’idu Pali advocated inclusive quality basic education for all children including the disabled ones.

He decried that children with disability such as visual, hearing

and physical impairments are not benefitting from regular education system at present in the society but are being taken away from their localities to cities to receive special education.

“Children with special needs should be co-opted into the conventional schools in their vicinity. They should not be taken away from their friends, peers, parents and other members of the society.”

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

Edo community devt association chair arrested over alleged murder of farmer By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

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former Chairman of the outlawed Community Development Association (CDA) in Edo State, Mr. Monday Edegbe has been arrested by the police for the alleged murder of a female farmer.

He was named as an actor in the death of Mrs. Mercy Nosakhare Iserhienrhien on May 4, 2019 at Uniaro Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the State.

It was gathered Edegbe who other 10 suspected thugs (now at large), reportedly gave the 59-year-old woman a head-boot on her chest, which led to her death, stunning residents of the community.

A top policeman attached to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit at Edo State Command confirmed his arrest and detention to newsmen yesterday in Benin.

The policeman said: “He (Edegbe) is in our custody but declined to give further details as he has no authorization.

“We are handling the case.

We are not under the State Police Command, but under Force Headquarters” in Abuja.

The eldest daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Iris Nosakhare Aderemi, said her mother’s death would have been averted if the operatives if the police had responded promptly to the advice of concerned elders of the Community to check the excesses of the accused.

She recalled how a certain man who foiled her father’s abduction last year, almost lost his life during a Community School Based Management Training programme.

Unfortunately, she insisted that the police were not forthcoming in investigating the allegation.

“We reported the kidnap attempt case to AIG, State SCID and Ekiadolor police Division, but the police did not act, she alleged.

She revealed that the deceased had left Benin for Uniaro Community at the instance of the elders to discuss how to secure the release of her husband, Mr. Nosakhare Iserhienrhien Osemwegie and her eldest son Stanley Iserhienrhien in custody in Abuja on the instigation of the said Edegbe when the tragedy struck.

Page 9

News

CAN to Kaduna govt: Be sensitive to religious issues

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State has advised government institutions in the state to be sensitive to religious matters.

The State CAN Chairman, Rev John Joseph Hayab, stated this in a statement available to the media in Kaduna yesterday Hayab also said the association frowns at the decision by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) for asking Christians students to pay dues of other faith.

“It is in light of the above that CAN Kaduna is calling on all institutions of government to

respect religious sensitivity and be neutral in accordance with the nation’s constitutional provision of religious freedom,” it stated.

According to the statement titled, ‘Government Institutions Must Stop Acts that can Trigger Religious Tension Among Students in the Nation’, CAN said that government institutions must be seen to be neutral in the way they handle their admission processes and in the content of their admission letters.

“CAN Kaduna State frowns at a situation where Christians students are asked to pay dues that are for religious organisations that are not their faiths. Such an

abnormally has led to the following message which has gone viral.

“Islamization or not, come to ABU Zaria and verify,” it quoted from those raising the fears.

He explained that began when the university allegedly made Islamic law a compulsory course for Christian diploma students.

“Newly admitted 2019/2020 Post Graduate admission captured Muslim Students Society dues in its break dawn (MSS dues N1000) compulsory payment for all Christians.”

“Even though the attention of the management of ABU was brought to the above misnomer and correction has since been

made, but the mistake should not have occurred in the first place,” it added.

Kaduna CAN said that besides, although the error was observed and corrected the refund to Christian students who had earlier paid the dues was still a clouded matter.

“We must not repeat mistakes or act in a way that breeds suspicion and doubt in the minds of citizens.

“The agencies of government that are responsible for checking, correcting and enforcing sanctions on those guilty of these breaches must be seen acting appropriately,” it concluded.

L-R; Senator Chris Anyanwu;Representative, Vice President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu;Publisher/Chief Executive Officer,Daily Trust Newspaper, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf; Representative Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Sunday Dare; and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, during the Official Book Launch and Testimony to Courage Essays in honour of Dapo Olorunyomi, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Buhari reappoints Ojo as Seed Council D-G

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the appointment of Olusegun Ojo as the Director-General, National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC).

The Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, made this known in a statement made available to the

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Ojo was first appointed in May 2015, at a time when the council and the seed sector were faced with challenges and dwindling resources occasioned by economic recession.

“Prior to his appointment in

2015, he had worked as a seed scientist for over 35 years.

“His areas of special expertise include seed certification and quality control, seed production, seed testing, seed conditioning, seed storage and capacity building.

“Ojo has deployed his wealth

of experience in transforming the council into an innovative agency that has recorded tremendous growth and progress, while the momentum toward the actualisation of its mandate continuously increases,” Mr Ogbe said.

(NAN)

Appeal Court reserves judgment on crowning of new obas in Ibadan

T

he Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan has reserved judgment on an appeal filed

by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State against the judgment of a lower court that declared null and void, the crowning and coronation of 21 new obas in Ibadanland.

The three-man panel headed

by Justice Nonyerem Okoronkwo on Monday reserved judgment on the case after listening to arguments of the parties in the appeal.

The panel, which had Justice A. Talba and Justice F. Ojo as members, informed the parties

that the judgment date would be communicated to them later.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Olajumoke Aiki of the Oyo State High Court had on January 20, 2018, nullified the composition of a committee of inquiry set up

by Ajimobi to review the 1957

Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and its recommendation on the crowning of 21 new Obas in Ibadanland.

The recommendation of the committee led to the appointment of 21 new kings comprising eight members of the Olubadanin-Council elevated from high

chiefs to beaded crown-wearing monarchs while the remaining 13, who were village heads (Baales), were promoted to coronetwearing Obas.

NAN reports that Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, is the respondent in the appeal.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

PAGE 10

News Pinnacle DSO facility, world best, ICPC witness tells court

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

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fifth prosecution witness, Engr.

Friday Ukwela, yesterday, revealed to a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, that the Digital Switch Over facility put in place by Pinnacle Communications Ltd (PCL), “is world class”.

Ukwela, a Director Engineering and Technical, NBC, disclosed this in the on going trial of the Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Ishaq Modibbo and three others.

At the resumption of trial yesterday, Ukwela, under cross examination by counsel to Pinnacle Communications Ltd (4th defendant) Ama Etuwewe also stated that the DSO project “is a very expensive venture” The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) witness added that the Minister of Information, Prof Lai Mohammed, who approved the payment of N2.5billion to PCL, “is familiar with DSO project but does not know substantantially everything about DSO”.

“I know that the DSO is a very expensive project.

“Yes, I was part of the team that visited and inspected the DSO facility put in place by Pinnacle Communications Ltd. “It is a world class facility and has been in operation till date” the witness told the court, while answering questions from the 4th defendant’s lawyer.

Further in the cross examination, the witness stated that going by the government White Paper on the DSO project, “it was agreed that signal distributors should be paid for services rendered.

However, Ukwela disclosed that television stations whose signals are being distributed by PCL across the length and breadth of Nigeria have not been paying for Carriage Fees because the fees have not been determined by the industry.

It would be recalled that the fourth prosecution witness, Charles Adams, had admitted that the N2.5bn was part of the N10bn released by the Federal Government to execute the DSO Project in the country and that the NBC had not received any complaint from the FG in respect of the money paid to PCL. Adams testified that, “the presidency did not complain up to this moment; the Information Minister agreed that he approved the N2.5bn, and has not written to withdraw the approval up till now, neither did he inform us that he was misled nor told us in writing that PCL was not entitled to the N2.5bn.”

FG declares May 29 public holiday

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he federal government has declared Wednesday, May 29, as work-free day to mark the 2019 presidential inauguration.

This contained in a statement by the permanent secretary at the interior ministry, Georgina Ehuriah.

According to Ms Ehuriah,

the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his reelection and Nigerians for the successful conduct of the 2019 elections.

He called on Nigerians to support the policies and programmes of the in-coming

administration which he said: “are all geared towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens, as well as the unity, growth and development of the Nation, as it moves to the next level.”

“He expressed confidence that with the collaboration of all Nigerians, the Nation would be transformed in the next four years to a country that would be

the envy of other Nations.”

The minister wished the “incoming administration a most fulfilling tenure and Nigerians a memorable Presidential Inauguration Day.”Although the presidential inauguration will hold on May 29, a more elaborate event is scheduled for June 12 which has now been designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, may 28, 2019

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

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The U.S. visa palaver

he Federal Government has rightly, and promptly too, intervened in the mater of U.S, visa overstay over which Washington has taken a tough action against Nigerians bound for the United States. Part of that punitive action is the suspension of the Drop-box renewal of visas. This mechanism does not require an applicant to appear in person. He need only apply online.

with the U.S. government over it.

We are just trying to work through them and they are looking at various alternatives and solutions and to make it less difficult for genuine visitors… Things like you have to have a guarantor or surety and the like, all those things are what they are trying to apply to really address this issue,” he said. “We are doing what we can; they (U.S. Embassy) told me that notwithstanding the suspension Minister of Foreign Affairs of the drop-box mechanism there Geoffrey Onyeama, last week would be expedited interviews admitted that visa for certain people. overstay by Nigerian And there would travellers to America was be that flexibility in a real problem. According treating requests for to a report published by to make According interviews the U. S, Department it easier for those to a report of Homeland Security, seeking visas.” an estimated 29,723 published Nigerian immigrants We commend the by the U. S, intervention overstayed their visas of the Department federal government between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2018. of Homeland in the matter. It has It said 195,785 Nigerians Security, an not been so for a long, that were given visas into long while. Punitive estimated the U.S. were expected to actions taken against leave “within a specified 29,723 Nigerian Nigerians abroad, window.” The minister immigrants including killings, expressed concern that often gone unoverstayed have one of the consequences responded by Abuja. their visas of the visa overstay was We expect to see our between the recent suspension government take of `Dropbox’ for visa October 1, a more combative renewal for Nigerians. position on the ill2017, and treatment of our Onyeama said most September 30, compatriots living of the unfavourable 2018 legally overseas. This decisions taken against said, we cannot, in all legal immigrants by some countries honesty, blame those nations who were triggered by the negative have invoked their laws against perceptions about few Nigerians Nigerians that have conducted who did not obey the rules of those themselves unbecomingly. It is countries. “The issue of migration regrettable that the innocent are is a challenge and such a sensitive often touched by the sweep of the one”, he said. “And a lot of it is that broad-brush. they released statistics to show As a way to deal with issue that 10 per cent of people who of visa overstay, we suggest overstayed their visas globally are collaboration between our foreign Nigerians. Those who do not obey affairs ministry and the U.S the rules of other countries have Embassy in Abuja. The ministry a more negative impact on those should require U.S. visa applicants who obey.” He said there had been to appear for an interview by its those who were denied visas not relevant officials. Only those whose because they were not qualified cases are established to be genuine but because of a perception created should be recommended to the by those who disobeyed the rules. Embassy. That way those who will He was optimistic though the overstay their visas will be stopped hurdles put up to bar U.S.-bound from travelling in the first place.

Nigerians would not be removed To be sure, some persons may still altogether they would be made beat the trap, they won’t be in their more tolerable. “We have engaged thousands.

“

Representative of the Honorable Federal Commissioner , National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Ambassador Lawal Mohammed Hamidu (middle) cutting cake with Children from various IDP camps in FCT, during the NCFRIM marking the 2019 children’s day celebration in Durumi IDP camp Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

We’ve attracted foreign investments worth $400m, says- El- rufai From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

K

aduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said that, his administration has in its first four years attracted foreign investments worth $400 million to the state.

The governor, who stated this through his deputy, Arch Barnabas Bala Bantex during the thanksgiving and inauguration Sunday service at First Baptist Church, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna added that, the fit was achievable due to his policies on ease of doing business in the state.

“Even though time will not part me to say much about what we have achieved within the past four years as this will be my last Sunday service as deputy governor, permit me to mention some. We have attracted 400 million dollars from international investors because of our policy on ease of doing business that have placed our state on global business map,” he said.

Highlighting some of the achievements of this administration the governor said, remarkable successes have been

recorded in health, education, agriculture and security of the state among others.

He said, “my governor has directed me to lead my Christian colleagues in government to come and seek God face for the next four years. Four years ago, my governor and myself swore to an oath to lead the state.

“What we have done in the last four years is to do those things that will please God. We never deviate from the plans we set for ourselves.

We were admonished in that oath to stand in justice and fairness to all manner of people without fear or favour. We were called upon to read carefully the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria especially the chapter two which stated clearly the fundamental human rights.

But, we know that, whatever good you are doing, is always meet with resistance.

“In the course of our campaigns in 2014, the governor went round and met with different groups including the churches and mosques to ensure his government is founded on

justice and fairness.

“I cannot stand here to say all we have done in four years because of time but I will try and touch some. The problems we are facing in Nigeria today is because we have not address the root cause long time ago.

The problem of killing and kidnapping today is because there was no good educatiein for many of the perpetrators.

Today in Kaduna, our education sector has received a turn around boost.

“When we came in, we discovered that, 80 percent of resources in the state were been expended on civil servants. We reduced cost of governance in all areas. As at that time, about N2 billion was meant for running of government house alone. We reduced that to about quarter of that amount.

“Kaduna has been paying workers’ salaries up to date.

We are the first to implement single treasury account which is helping us to judiciously make use of our resources. Today, open government partnership (OGP) gives room for every citizen to

track all our projects to ensure that government is using our money judiciously.

“We took our health very seriously. Today, there is at least, one standard primary health care center in each of the 23 local government areas of the state in addition to other ongoing reforms.

“On education, we have done a lot and today, our reforms in the education sector are beginning to manifest in our children. We did the reforms, they might have been painful, but, we have beginning to see the impacts and we shall see more in years to come.”

Talking about the challenge of his administration he said, “we never say we are perfect, but with your prayers and godly support, the government can do better.

“Our problem is that of perception. Perception is a very dangerous thing. I don’t know that until I come into government.

But by the grace of God, we were not detered in putting things in rightful positions. We keep working to do what God want us to do,” he stated.

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Letter to the Editor

Had M.A Abubakar listened to Dogara!

By Turaki Hassan

O

ur people have witnessed bad leadership, especially in the last eight years. It will be a disaster if we do not save this situation.”

These were the exact words prophetically uttered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, on December 10, 2015, when the outgoing governor of Bauchi State, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, visited him in the National Assembly. The Speaker had, few months before then, paid a similar visit to the governor in Bauchi.

Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, Hon Dogara came face-to-face with the fears he expressed when Bauchi State kept deteriorating under the stewardship of M.A Abubakar.

The Speaker had charged the governor to make conscious efforts to deliver on his promises as it was the yearning of the people for a positive change in their lives that led to the massive support he got in the elections in 2015.

He would always say that God has set for them (leaders), the platform through which they can deliver the change they promised the people and that it could only be achieved with a visionary and purposeful leadership as according to him, the difference between a bush and a garden is just organisation. He constantly expressed the view that if you have a wonderful garden and you do not organise it, over time, it will become a bush in itself.

Sadly, all these words of wisdom fell on deaf ears as M.A Abubakar transmuted into an emperor, ran a solo show and ruled with an iron hand like Nero. He listened to no one and no one could counsel him. It was James F. Byrnes who posited that, “Power intoxicates men. When a man is intoxicated by alcohol, he can recover, but when intoxicated by power, he seldom recovers.”

M A Abubakar never recovered as governance completely broke down in Bauchi State and no system worked under him. Workers spent over a year without salary following a series of endless verification to weed out “ghost workers”. Pregnant women delivered while waiting in queues, while the sick gave up the ghost without being paid. Hospitals became mere consulting clinics and doctors left the state in droves to the extent that as at today, there are only 40 medical doctors in the whole of Bauchi State. The governor would later admit the failure of his much taunted verification exercise on the BBC Hausa service. The education sector in the state also collapsed as pupils and students sit on bare floor, under leaking roofs, such that the state now has the highest number of out-of-school children in Nigeria of over 1.3 million.

In four years, the government failed to complete the only 4km Federal Low Cost-CBN Round about road in Bauchi metropolis which gulped over N4 billion. To add salt to injury, no worker was promoted or given his/her leave grant.

Infact, M.A Abubakar declared on radio that it is not a right but a mere privilege and as a lawyer with over 30 years experience, no one can tell him what is legit. While this was going on, suddenly, the state’s salary payroll miraculously skyrocketed from N2.6 billion he inherited in 2015 to about N7 billion as at today, even though the government had placed an embargo on employment and did not add a single person into the civil service.

The many sins of the outgoing government are too numerous to mention. Is it the illegal N4 billion loan the governor took just two weeks into his government with a forged resolution of the state House of Assembly which is now in court? Or his frequent chartering of private jet to fly out of the state every other week? Is it the diversion of N1.6 billion Paris club debt refund to a private company in the name of consultancy which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, froze?

Or the unprecedented monumental fraud using ghost workers to divert hundreds of billions in the name of payment of salaries to people who were said to have been born in 1890s, employed in July 2015, and will retire from service in July 2023 after working for eight years, but whose salaries and allowances are all being paid into one, same and single bank account with the same Bank Verification Number? What more can one say? Bauchi has never been this debased and raped; its resources plundered and its people subjugated, humiliated, ridiculed and enslaved under a tyrannical, despotic and dictatorial leadership which, with a stroke of pen, dethroned about 1000 traditional rulers, pauperised them and desecrated the sanctity of that revered institution.

When it became obvious that M.A Abubakar was beyond redemption after he rebuffed every effort by good spirited people to advise him, and even shut the door on presidential mediation initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari;

Speaker Dogara made a solemn vow on April 4, 2017, in an interview with the Daily Trust Newspaper, saying, “I will lead fearlessly in the hope that we will establish a truly progressive government that will address our yearning for development in Bauchi State. I am going to lead this. Even if everybody in Bauchi agree that they want underdevelopment, I want development and I will lead it and I believe that majority of our people will tag along with me.” He kept to his words, he led and the people followed, and Bauchi triumphed.

From that moment, M.A Abubakar launched a warfare on Hon Dogara forcing him and his supporters out of the All Progressives Congress, APC and vowed to retire him from politics. He also loathed, despised and hated him with a passion and even called him a “sinking man” before crossing into the realms of God by ridiculing the people of the Speaker’s constituency, Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, when he declared them as “that tiny enclave.” In his words, “I want people to know that Dogara comes from a very tiny part of Bauchi State. So, our paths, even if they meet, they will meet in that tiny enclave only.

“I understand where he is coming from. He is a sinking man. Therefore, he is grabbing at every straw. I am not his opponent. People should understand that Dogara represents a total of 80, 000 registered voters. I won election in 2015 with over 300, 000 difference.” M.A derogatively despised the people, even when he knew that the total number of registered voters in the three LGAs is far above 250,000 but he chose to reduce them to just 80,000 in his characteristic arrogance.

God, who created the people of the three Local Government Areas, heard these words and humbled the outgoing governor by bringing him down to the same Tafawa Balewa where he ran from pillar to post, from Presidential Villa to Court Rooms, shouting to high heavens, contesting the votes of the local government which finally decided and sealed his fate in the election. That same tiny enclave confirmed him a loser in the election . God is wonderful!

The clock ticks, reality dawned on him that this same power which intoxicated and blinded him for four years is gradually eluding him and will soon be over and that his time was almost over. It was Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who succinctly wrote about the pithiness and crispness of time when he said that “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.”

M.A Abubakar then hurriedly packaged and forwarded two Bills to the state House of Assembly; one to totally repeal the Public Property and Funds Tribunal Act which he got enacted in 2017 and another Bill that reversed the sacking of about 1000 traditional rulers. The two Bills were hurriedly passed in a 1-hour sitting attended by only 13 out of 31 Members between early hours of 8am-9am without the knowledge of the remaining 18 Members, some of whom have already secured Court orders restraining him from assenting to the Bills.

Undoubtedly, as the Speaker said, the ouster of M.A Abubakar in the last election in Bauchi State was the crowning of the struggle for the emancipation and liberation of the people from the forces of darkness, evil and retrogression that have held the state captive and hostage who in their unlettered arrogance have taken Bauchi people for granted, to the point that they believe the patience of an oppressed people will last forever. By their collective resolve, they have demonstrated that no man-made chains can bind them to servitude. The chains have come undone, sending a clear message that they will never bend their backs again for an oppressor to ride.

Confirming the words of Henry Clay, who said, “An oppressed people are authorised whenever they can to rise and break their fetters,” Bauchi people rose in unison and broke their fetters. This will serve as a lesson for future leaders of the state.

A lesson that teaches that Leadership is a trust and though the days may seem long and drawn, there is a time, a day of reckoning, when your works will speak for or against you and just like the electorate gave their trust to you, they can also exercise same powers to give the boot as well. For M.A Abubakar, his chickens came home to roost after just one term.

As the incoming government of Sen. Bala Mohammed prepares to take over the reins of government, it is of utmost importance that, though the task ahead is enormous, they do not let the people down.

Hassan is the Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) to Speaker Yakubu Dogara and can reached on twitter via @turakies.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

The Inevitable Choice Between N10,000 And Redomination

By Henry Boyo

N

igeria’s Currency profile has, notably, failed to serve the needs of our people and our economy. Evidently, lower denominations of primary kobo coins and low value notes have been largely rejected by the public because of their extremely negligible purchasing power. The Naira Currency has lost significant value overtime, as the highest existing compact denomination of N20 (the celebrated Muri) in 1977 was equivalent to over $20.

Although, in 2005, the present highest denomination of N1000 note exchanged for over $8 initially, but regrettably now, exchanges disturbingly around $3. The N1000 note also compares rather awkwardly, for example, with the new Ghana Cedi which was introduced between 2006-2007, with highest denomination of a 100 Cedi note, and exchanges today (2019) for about $20 after the exchange rate steadily depreciated from the initial GH100=$110 when the Cedi was redenominated.

So now that the highest Naira denomination of N1000 is presently just $3, a more robust currency profile that will truly reflect the cherished qualities of money (i.e. portability, stability in value, durability, acceptability, etc.) has become necessary. The ultimate choice is now between Naira redenomination and the issue of higher value denominations of N5,000 and N10,000 notes. In contrast, the profile of foreign currencies of US and UK has removed resilient for decades with the highest denomination of $100 and £100 respectively because inflation rate has largely remained below 3 per cent.

The above title “The Inevitable Choice Between N10,000 Note And Redenomination” was first published on August 15, 2016. The issues raised therein, unfortunately, still remain very resonant today. Please read on.

“Households across Nigeria have become severely traumatized by escalating prices of goods and services. The uneasy feeling that one’s pocket, has been picked has probably become common after every visit to the market, where the smallest nylon sachet may be all that is needed to pack over N10,000 purchase(s).”

“In retrospect, in 1977, the highest Naira

denomination was N20 note, popularly hailed as ‘Muri’ (because of its embossment with the effigy of Late President Murtala Muhammad); the N20 exchanged for the princely sum of almost $30; regrettably, however, after the serial devaluations which followed the IMF, inspired Structural Adjustment Program between 1985-90, the N1,000 note was issued as Naira’s highest denomination and it exchanged for just over $8 in 2005. Sadly, after the Naira devaluation in 2016, the same N1000 presently exchanges for just about $3.”

“Invariably, kobo coins have become widely rejected because of their worthless present value; consequently, the erstwhile secondary denomination notes of N5, N10, N20, N50, N100, now perform roles normally reserved for hard wearing, longer lasting, metal currency designed to facilitate change in transactions.”

“Nonetheless, if the Naira’s free-fall remains unchecked, and the Naira ultimately tumbles to N1000=$1, the N1000 note will, similarly, also assume the intensive role of lower denomination coins, despite its inappropriate fragile paper fabric. In such event, even if N10,000 note is also issued as the highest denomination, it will, regrettably only exchange for $10. Similarly, new issues of N2,000 and N5,000 notes will also exchange for $2 and $5 respectively.

Clearly, unless the fundamental flaw in the pricing model that eternally produces a weaker Naira exchange rate is addressed, annual inflation rates may climb well beyond 20 per cent and propel further Naira depreciation which may ultimately compel the introduction of N20,000 and N50,000 notes, just as Ghana’s currency profile in 2006 included 50,000Cedi notes which, alarmingly exchanged for just $5, before the 4-point Cedi redecimalisation in 2006-7!”

“Although, the issue of N2,000, N3,000, N5,000 and N10,000 notes will facilitate cash transactions, it will also challenge the cashless project, on which government has invested tens of billions to implement. However, the relative success of the cashless project, notwithstanding, some critics may contend that, with respect to Monetary Policy, the cashless project may be actually counterproductive, as the increased velocity in money circulation, that it induces, also worsens an already subsisting

incendiary inflationary spiral! In other words, if for example, the same N1,000 can be used consecutively in say 10 transactions in one day on the cashless platform, this would expectedly spike consumer demand and sustain a more intense inflationary pressure, than if the same N1,000 could only be used in a single transaction in one day.”

“Invariably, higher denomination Naira notes will facilitate portability, but the facilitation of large cash transactions also poses a security threat. Instructively, however, higher denominations will be inevitable, if the continuous slide of Naira exchange rate is not arrested. From a cost perspective, the issuance of higher notes may cost less, if the existing currency profile and design remain the same, while the addition of N2,000, N3,000, N5,000 and N10,000 new notes will also be popularly welcomed to replace the increasingly ‘worthless’ and grimy lower denominations below N1,000. Notably, however, as long as primary kobo coins remain worthless and rejected, competitive retail pricing will again be in huge leaps of N500 and N1,000!”

“Alternatively, the need to restore value, portability and competitive retail best practice with the embedded usage of primary coins, may advise a 3-point decimalization of the present Naira profile to drive these objectives. Under such arrangement, the current N1,000 note will be replaced with a New N1 note, while the existing N100 note will be replaced with a 10Kobo coin, so that the existing N50 note will become a New 5kobo coin; similarly, the present N10 will become a new 1kobo coin.”

“Instructively, the nominal value of all Naira incomes, whether salaries or rents and all transactional balances, including bank balances will also be redecimalized by three points. In the end nothing changes but the Naira profile will become more compact.”

“In such event, one US dollar, will exchange for N3.05, in consonance with the subsisting average exchange rate of about N305=$1; however, if the Naira further dips to say N500=$1 before redecimalization, the New N5 will exchange for $1 and so forth.”

“Invariably, currency redenomination is a much more expensive undertaking than the alternative of higher Naira note issues, because

a redenominated profile will incorporate the whole gamut from kobo coin (old N10) to the highest new N100=$305, with the inclusion of new designs for other standard denominations in-between.”

Furthermore, redenomination would require longer production lead time and extensive public enlightenment and campaign to facilitate adoption nationwide.

“A compact currency profile would notably, provide digital margins for competitive retail pricing as kobo coins and lower denomination secondary coins and notes become readily acceptable; in such event, the attrition caused by the shortage of change in transactions between petrol attendants, shop keepers and customers will become minimized. Furthermore, the reintroduction of coins with a greater purchasing value, will encourage acceptance and similarly facilitate trade with the use of slot machines, which are commonplace 24hour dumb service outlets for a wide range of consumables abroad.

(See Articles titled “Redenomination of Ghana’s Currency” and “Redenomination: Why & Why Not?”, published in the Vanguard Newspaper editions of15/01/07 and 17/09/07 respectively or visit www.lesleba.com ).”

“Advisedly, however, the heavy funding requirement for Redenomination and the complete overhaul of the Naira profile can be reduced, if the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company is appropriately upgraded to produce a substantial part, if not all the new cash requirements.”

“Unfortunately, nonetheless, the underlying triggers of inflation and Naira depreciation, will not be neutralized by the mere issue of higher Naira denominations or the complete overhaul of the Naira profile with redenomination. Consequently, unrestrained double-digit inflation rates and a Naira exchange rate, that is perennially beleagued by undeniable systemic surplus of Naira (excess liquidity) in CBN auctions, will inevitably, fuel a new cycle of currency rejection that will, ultimately, demand these same options of higher currency denominations or complete currency overhaul, in order to recreate a compact currency profile which will be accepted and also facilitate both transactions and the accounting process.

Masari: A visionary leader per excellence

By Muhammad Katsina

I

Hamza

Brodo,

was among the privileged few that had the opportunity of working closely with the executive governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari.

I worked with the governor for four years as his commissioner of Information, Culture and home affairs. These four years working with the visionary leaders were for me like attending another school. Throughout these years I have learnt from the gentleman governor the art of governance, perseverance, commitment, discipline and hard work among other qualities.

Governor Masari is such a leader that respects the views of others and has a listening ear. He gives room for his aides to contribute their views and initiatives before taking final decision on any policy or program. He encourage people around him to have confidence to do their jobs without any fear of intimidation or ridicule. These rare qualities made the governor to achieve a lot and transform the state within the last four years.

When the governor assumed office in 2015 he set out to implement his ‘Restoration Agenda’. The restoration agenda is the strategy and development

plan crafted by his administration to address the myriad of problems bedeviling the state. The agenda has specifically captured critical areas such as Education, Health, Agriculture, water resources, security, economic empowerment and human development among others.

In the area of education the governor’s many initiatives have achieved great success. At the secondary school level the governor introduced mock examination to prepare the state public school students for the many national examinations. These initiatives paid up as most students from the state public schools performed well in their various examinations. Infrastructures in primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions were improved significantly.

Health sector also recorded a major boost as hospitals across the state were upgraded. For the first time in many decades the general hospitals in Daura, Katsina, Malumfashi, Funtua, Kankia and Musawa were rehabilitated and equipped with modern facilities. Similarly no fewer than 500 health personnel were recruited to boost health care delivery in the state.

In the past Katsina state has no plausible economic empowerment programme. The governor through the

state economic empowerment directorate initiated a lot of empowerment packages to enhance the economic status of rural women and youth in the state. Owners of small businesses and drivers union were supported with a soft loan packages to enable improve on their businesses.

When the government took over power in 2015, bandits and armed criminals have taken over some parts of the state. Farming activities and other business ventures were greatly dwindled by insecurity.

Having studied the situation, the governor initiated an amnesty programme for the criminal and dialogued with them on how to stop this criminality. The initiatives paid up as farming activities increase tremendously in the state while cattle rustling and banditry dropped significantly.

In the water supply sector major dams in the state were rehabilitated.

The rehabilitation of such dams in the three senatorial zones of the state has improved people’s quality of living and personal hygiene.

Farmers have enjoyed a lot of interventions by the Masari administration which led to increase in both wet and dry season faming in the state. The distribution of fertilizer and

other farming implements were made easy by the government. Similarly, the government successful key into the federal government agriculture initiatives and the anchor borrower programme on rice and maize production.

The governor’s art of governance in the state led to peace and unity among various arms of government in the state.

It was the governor’ s performance and political strategy that led to the 100% success of All Progressive Congress, ( APC) in the 2019 general election. APC during the presidential election won with over a million votes, this earned the governor the nick name of ‘ one million votes governor’ , APC also won the three senatorial seats, 15 house of representatives seats. It similarly won the governorship seat and the 34 members of the state house of assembly.

As the governor has successfully secured his second term bid, he now set out to move his ‘Restoration Agenda’ to the next level which will further modernize and transform the state.

Brodo was Commissioner of Information, Culture and Home Affairs, Katsina State.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

Lagos and the coming rains

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

I

n Lagos, a few days back, the heavens opened and it rained profoundly. If the enormity of the recent rainfall is anything to go by, Lagos residents must gear up for more of such fierce rainy moments in the coming days.

Indeed, experts have predicted that the intensity of this year’s rains will be more than what we had in the past. For instance, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted “extended rains for areas in and around Adamawa, Ogun, Edo, Niger Delta and low-lying areas such as Lagos.

As Lagosians await the rains this year, certain issues need to be put into proper perspective. First is the topography of Lagos. A critical feature of Lagos topography is that the state is essentially made up of low lying terrain up to 0.4 percent below the sea level. Naturally, this arrangement is the source of huge drainage challenges that confront the state. If this is added to the volume of rain that is being experienced in the state lately, it would be realized that there is possibly no way there would not be flash flooding in Lagos.

Second, certain negative practices such as indiscriminate dumping of refuse and blockade of drainages easily aid flooding.

This is often rampant in markets and other commercial centers as well as densely populated areas in the state. Often, the effects of such poor sanitary habit on affected residents are unquantifiable and devastating. Some have been rendered homeless and miserable, no thanks to human induced environmental hazards.

Thus, we all need to fully embrace the culture of proper waste disposal, comply with building regulations, tap into alternative energy use, and pay necessary attention to sanitation issues among others.

Lagosians must be ready to cooperate with the state government by embracing positive attitude in their response to the environment. These include proper waste disposal, compliance with building regulations, embracing alternative energy use, paying necessary attention to sanitation issues, not building structures on drainage channels, flood plains and on water pathways.

As always, the state government is committed to a cleaner environment and quality public health through implementation of community based solid waste management, flood control, vegetal control and high standard of home and personal hygiene, sanitation, control of environment pollution (air, water and noise), beautification and advertisement control. Consequently, its approach to tackling the issue of flooding in the state is multi-faceted and multi dimensional. It includes dredging, massive construction and expansion of drainage channels, desilting and excavation of silts to dumpsites, regular repair, clearing and cleaning of drainages, canals and collector drains across the state.

In order to appropriately educate the citizens on proper means of coping during periods on intense rainfall, NGOs, Community Development Associations, the media, members of the Civil Society and all well meaning individuals and groups in the state need

Comment

to partner with the state government to achieve the required attitudinal change towards the environment. At present, the state government is combining public enlightenment strategies to sensitize Lagosians on this development and had taken the time to proffer solutions so that the rains being currently experienced won’t have devastating effects on lives and property.

Whenever it is observed that the intensity of the rains is much, it is advisable that people vacate flood prone areas. Equally, it is also important for the citizenry, especially children to stay indoors in order to reduce movement to the barest minimum. In fact, if it could be avoided, it is better not to drive while it is raining heavily. Similarly, we need to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times to avoid being victims of water borne diseases.

Also, to mitigate the effects of cold, we must ensure that children and the elderly are properly clothed with warm clothing during the rains. It is only when this is done that we will be able to curb the spread of rain induced health hazard such as cough, cold and other related ones. Additionally, this is the time to embrace the culture of taking plenty of thoroughly washed fruits in order to boost the immune system. This is in addition to drinking water from only trusted and well tested safe sources.

Since we now live in a hi-tech information age, it is also imperative that people listen to news reports and information on weather situation from various available credible mediums. This will really aid in planning movements and

avoiding flood prone locations. Also, in view of likely destructive thunder strikes that usually accompany windy rainfall, Lagos residents are strongly advised to always disconnect all electrical appliances whenever they want to sleep or go out.

This will go a long way in checkmating rain induced electrical debacles. Similarly, children should be discouraged from touching electrical equipment when wet.

In as much as it is beyond human powers to stop rains, being a natural phenomenon, we should, at least, do things that are in our powers to lessen the negative consequences of rains. This includes regular clearing of gutters and drainages in our areas, making use of suitable services to dispose waste, reporting anyone dumping refuse in drains, gutters and canals to appropriate authorities, moving immediately to higher ground when flooding is imminent wherever we are, staying away from submerged electricity cables, cleaning and disinfecting everything that gets wet, staying away from canals and drainages evacuating or leaving danger zones immediately, calling 767 in case of emergency among others.

On a final note, it is essential that the federal government, through its relevant agencies, collaborates with states that have peculiar flooding challenges to determine areas of assistance. This must be done as a regular preventive measure and not after the havoc has been done. In as much as it is true that we cannot stop rainfall, together we can mitigate its effects.

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

Electing New Leadership Of The 9th National Assembly

By Eze Onyekpere

T

he legislature is established as an institution to make laws for the peace, order and good government of society. It is one of the three arms of government at the federal, state and local government levels. At the federal level, we have the National Assembly consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives while states have Houses of Assembly. Councillors constitute the legislative arm of the local government system.

Beyond legislation, the legislators are expected to play roles related to representation of their constituencies, oversight over executive function, leading to checks and balances between it and other arms of government.

It is a fundamental aphorism that the legislature is the hub of democracy; where there is no legislature, there is no democracy. It is the assembly of the people’s representatives. It is the difference between elected governments and our previous experience with military dictatorships.

During military dictatorships, the junta being the executive also usurped legislative functions in the Armed Forces Ruling Council or in the Supreme Military Council. The judiciary was allowed to exist, although it might blow muted trumpets. By the act of inter alia separating executive and legislative powers as well as allowing the judiciary to flourish, a democracy is created and entrenched. Therefore, Nigerians must work for the independence and jealously guard the separation of powers which ensures the functioning of a vibrant legislature at all levels of government.

There is an inbuilt constitutional tension between the executive and the legislature in a presidential democratic system of government.

The President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and it is said that virtually everything stops at his table. He has a larger than

life image and is supposed to be an action man who makes things happen. However, the executive led by the President cannot spend public resources without legislative approval.

Laws are debated and approved by the legislature but need presidential assent to become law and in the event the president vetoes a bill, the legislature can override the veto by using the requisite constitutional majority, thereby dispensing the need for presidential assent. All these are anchored on the doctrine of separation of powers which recognises the need to separate the various functions of governance and allot them to different institutions and persons. This is to avoid concentration of powers in one person or institution which will lead to authoritarianism, dictatorship and misrule.

However, at a recent meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari was reported to have stated that the principal task of the lawmakers is to cooperate with the Executive so that together, they can fashion policies that will lift our people out of poverty and out of illiteracy. While there is a need for harmony in the executive legislature relationship for the nation to witness progress, economic growth and development, there should be no suggestion that Nigeria needs a rubber stamp legislature that simply endorses every executive position. Such a legislature would be failing in its constitutional duties and would not be worth the votes cast for its members by the electorate.

Constitutionally, the legislature is the first arm of government created by Section 4 of the Constitution before a provision is made in Section 5 for the President and executive functionaries.

It is the largest body of elected officials in any government.

Leadership is essential in all facets of life as it is the driver and motivator of change, actions

and omissions for the public good. It articulates organisational challenges and issues with a view to turning them into action points for progress and development. Thus, the leadership of the National Assembly will be pivotal in fulfilling and performing its constitutional duties. The 1999 Constitution as amended, being the fundamental law of the land, simply states in Section 50 that the President and Deputy President of the Senate and the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively, shall be elected by members of the House from among themselves.

Although it is standard parliamentary practice for the leadership of a legislature to come from the majority party in parliament, the constitution was silent on this requirement as it left it to the political actors and members of the legislature to resolve.

It is against this background that Nigerians should approach, analyse and respond the struggle for the leadership of the National Assembly. Therefore, the attempt by a section of the ruling All Progressives Congress to foist some anointed candidates, especially to the office of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives suggests an attempt to create a supine legislature that will bow to the wishes of the executive in all matters. Even when some members of party and federal legislators complained, they were simply threatened to either conform or be expelled. This is not good for democracy especially at a time when the executive is becoming domineering and overbearing on other arms of government. If we recall the cavalier process and approach that led to the ouster of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen and the failed prosecution of Bukola Saraki for emerging Senate President contrary to the wish of some of his party members, then every right-thinking Nigerian should oppose the emergence of these anointed

candidates.

There is nothing wrong with zoning offices by a ruling party. But this should stop at, for instance, zoning the office of the Senate President to the North-East geopolitical zone.

Thereafter, the senators from that zone should be allowed to use their freewill to narrow down on who should lead them. Leadership of the legislature should not be imposed by outside forces, who seem to have an interest contrary to the interest of the generality of Nigerians or whose interest is only for their narrow selfish political interest which is contrary to the public good. Also, the attempt to use a voting system in electing the leadership of the legislature which would not allow legislators to freely express their franchise stands condemned. A situation where a few persons illegally and brazenly seek to impose a leadership on the legislature, with a threat to victimise legislators who resist the imposition cannot be described as democratic. Those who feel called upon to describe themselves as leaders of a political party and dish out orders without carrying the people along should honestly and meticulously allow their instructions to be tested in a free and fair environment, devoid of threats and intimidation. This would provide a balanced field for these instructions to be tested with the popular vote.

It is therefore time for our elected representatives to stand up as men and women who are not slaves and who fear no gods made with the feet of clay, to declare their full membership of the human family by living their life in dignity and voting according to their conscience. To our dear federal lawmakers, refuse to be cowed and intimidated; resist bullies, dictators and godfather’s. Send a clear message that you shall work for the Nigerian people and not for cabals and those who have held Nigeria down.

PAGE 14

NEWS Insecurity: Buhari’s Daura Emirate suspends Sallah celebrations

T

he Daura Emirate Council in Katsina State says it has suspended all activities lined up to mark the forthcoming Eid-Al-Fitr Sallah celebrations scheduled to commence next week.

Abdulmumini Salihu (Danejin Daura) made the disclosure on behalf of the emirate council in a statement issued in Daura on Monday.

Daura, part of the Daura emirate, is the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall report on how the district head of Daura, Umar Musa, was kidnapped on May 1 by suspected bandits. He is yet to be released amidst the worsening insecurity in the state.

Mr Salihu said that the suspension of the Sallah activities was due to the recent unfortunate security breaches bedevilling some parts of the state.

He said that the recent happenings which led to the kidnap and brutal killings of some innocent citizens of the state were saddening and unfortunate.

The emirate said it would use the period to commiserate with the government of the state, citizens and the victims’ relations over the unfortunate development.

It added that during the day, only two ‘raka’at’ Eid prayers would be observed after which marathon prayers and supplication would be conducted to invoke divine intervention over the precarious security challenges.

The council, however, directed all the 16 district heads, 245 village heads and the wards heads, to organise and supervise prayers in their areas of jurisdictions with a view to achieving lasting peace and stability nationwide.

Apart from the kidnap of the district head, 34 people were last week brutally murdered in some parts of the Katsina State by unknown gunmen, an incident which made the state government to assent to a law that prescribed capital punishment for kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed robbery.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

Stop carrying children in front seat, FRSC warns motorists

T

he Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists to desist from carrying children in front seats or on their laps while driving.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Enugu State, Ogbonnaya Kalu, gave the advice during the National Road Safety Club Day held on Monday in Enugu.

Mr Kalu said that the Road Safety Club Day, which was themed; “Creating Awareness of Road Safety on Young Children’’, was meant to take the road safety ideas to the grassroots and catchthem-young.

The commander urged drivers and cyclists to be careful near

built-up areas such as schools, churches, mosques, markets, snack shops, ice cream stalls, parks, or fruit trees because children were usually found in such places.

He said that children less than 12 months must sit in child restraint backing the driver, adding that children from one to seven years should sit facing the front of the car in a child’s restraint, strapped properly to the back seat.

According to him, parents and guardians should not allow children to play with the handle of the vehicle doors.

Kalu however, advised

them to use child lock where available.

“Do not allow children stick any part of their body out of the vehicle or allow them to sit in the baggage area of hatchbacks, station wagons or vans.

“While walking on the road, children should always face the traffic as well as use overhead or pedestrian bridges where they are provided to cross the road,’’ he said.

Nonye Ugwu, a pupil of Bright Star Schools, Enugu, said that the road safety club in her school had taught her to always tell her daddy and mummy to put on their seat belts.

The former Radio and Television studio of Mass Communication situated at the Facility of Art Nasarawa State University, Keffi was yesterday gutted by fire.

O

fficials of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) yesterday joined children at one of the IDPs camps in Abuja to celebrate the 2019 International Children’s Day. Children from all IDPs camps in Abuja were assembled at the Durumi camp where they

Court rulings: INEC withdraws 64 certificates of returns from initial winners ...Says 809 pre-election cases pending in courts

...Vows not to accept submission of candidates list from parties unless...

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

C

hairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu has disclosed that there are 809 pre-election cases pending in various courts across the country challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties for the 2019 general elections.This is even as Yakubu revealed that the certificates of return that had been withdrawn and issued to persons declared winners by courts of law by INEC has now risen to 64.

The INEC Chairman made the disclosures on Monday during the presentation of certificates of returns to the Zamfara State governor-elect, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawale, his deputy, the three elected Senators in the state and the seven House of Representatives members-elect in Abuja.The twentyfour elected members of the State House

of Assembly would be presented with their certificates of return on Friday in Gusau, the state capital.Prof Yakubu noted that the 809 pre-election cases pending in various courts across the country are clearly more than the total number of petitions currently before the various election petition tribunals nationwide challenging the outcome of the main elections.

He stressed further that the Commission is studying nine more judgements it was served in the last one week in which primary elections conducted by different political parties were upturned by the courts.In the words of the PDP INEC chairman, “At the moment, there are 809 pre-election cases pending in various courts across the country challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties for the 2019 general elections.

“This is clearly more than the total

number of petitions currently before the various election petition tribunals nationwide challenging the outcome of the main elections.

“In our last update, the Commission reported that 25 certificates of return had been withdrawn and issued to persons declared winners by courts of law.

“Since then, three more certificates have been withdrawn by court order.

With the Zamfara case, the figure has now risen to 64.

“In addition, the Commission is studying nine more judgements we were served in the last one week in which primary elections conducted by different political parties were upturned by the courts.

“The Zamfara example is not the first pre-election case determined by the Supreme Court arising from the recent party primaries. “Earlier, the apex court had determined the case of Lere Federal

Constituency in Kaduna State which the Commission had already complied with and issued the certificate of return to the winner.

“It is therefore important to continue to emphasise to our political parties their obligation to conduct credible primaries for the nomination of candidates.

“Our democracy in particular and electoral process in general can never be virile unless political parties rise to the challenge of internal party democracy.

“It is in this context that the latest judgements of the Supreme Court are crucial steps in strengthening our electoral jurisprudence.

“Going forward, we will not accept the submission of names of candidates by political parties under Sec. 31of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) unless there is evidence, monitored by the Commission, of compliance with the provision of Sec. 87 of the Act.

Make Kogi, Bayelsa guber polls shining examples of internal democracy, INEC tells parties

LG to establish NDLEA office in Kuje

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he administration of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in partnership with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has finalized arrangement to establish an office in Kuje, so as to arrest high rate of drug abuse among the children in the area.

The Chairman of the Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi

Suleiman Sabo who disclosed this while delivering his speech on the occasion of Children’s Day celebration which has its theme “Drug Abuse among Children: Addressing the Challenges” held on Monday.

His words: “Children’s Day celebration is a yearly event marked every 27th of May 27, by children worldwide. It was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly in 1954 to promote mutual understanding

among children and to initiate actions that will promote the welfare of the children”.

“This year theme is apt considering the rate of abuse in our society today. Drug abuse, alcoholism and cultism have become a canker worm in our society if this menace is left unchecked am afraid in no distance time the society will be left without responsible leaders”, the Chairman explained.

He charged the parents to give

were engaged in merriments including dancing competition and sack race among others.

High point of the occasion was the cutting of the cake and presentation of prizes to winners of the competitions as well as distribution of Care and maintenance materials.

A statement by Abdul A. Onu, Head of Press and PR of the commission, yesterday said the Federal Commissioner

for National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Sadiya UmarFarouq who was represented at the occasion by the Director Refugees and Migration, Ambassador Lawal Mohammed Hamidu said that the gesture was in line with the mandate of the Commission and to give the children a sense of belonging.

He assured that the

Commission will continue to do its best to provide protection and training to IDPs and persons of concern as a way of durable solution. “It is my sincere prayer that the children will celebrate the next International Children’s Day in their homes of origins” he said even as he advised parents not to toy with education of their wards no matter how hard the situation may be.

Items distributed include

W

adequate care, protection as well as training their children so that they can become useful to themselves and the society tomorrow, urging the parents to be role models.

He said his administration would place priority attention to Health care Delivery Services and the provision of scholarship for the children, adding that his leadership would pay WAEC or NECO fees as well as BECE registration for Kuje indigenes, and urged them to shun illicit drugs and cultism.

food and non food materials as well as educational materials such as; school bags, sandals and writing materials.

Responding on behalf of the IDPs, the General Coordinator of IDPs, Baba Idriss Halilu commended the Commission and the Federal Government for the kind gesture and for honouring the children on occasion of the 2019 International Children’s Day.

ith 170 days to the conduct of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has charged the various political parties to make the two elections shining examples of internal democracy by the way the political parties conduct their primary elections. Both the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections are scheduled for 16 November 2019.

The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu gave the charge on Monday during the presentation of certificates of return to the Zamfara State governor-elect, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawale, his deputy, the three elected Senators in the state and the seven House of Representatives members-elect in Abuja.

The measure, he reasoned, will no doubt have a positive impact on the conduct of the proper elections.According to him, “Let me once again remind political parties that we have exactly 171 days to the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections scheduled for 16 November 2019. “Party primaries are scheduled to be conducted between 2nd and 29th August 2019.

“Let us make the two elections shining examples of internal democracy by the way the political parties conduct their primary elections. “This will no doubt have a positive impact on the conduct of the proper elections”, he said.

The INEC Chairman further reiterated the importance of conducting proper primaries before elections in order to reduce the spate of litigation associated with them.

“Party members interested in contesting elections start as aspirants before they emerge as candidates through the democratic process of direct or indirect primaries enshrined in Sec. 87 of the Electoral Act. “It is only after they comply with this requirement of the law can their names be submitted to INEC under Sec. 31. We shall continue to work with the political parties to ensure strict compliance”, he said.

In his response, the governor-elect of Zamfara state, Dr Matawale lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for allowing the nation’s judiciary to do its job freely without any form of interference whatsoever.He also thanked INEC for ensuring sanity in the conduct of elections in the country.He assured the people of his state that he will not betray the confidence reposed in him.

Senator elect, Orji Uzor Kalu (middle), signing his endorsement of Senator Ahmad Lawan as his preferred candidate for president of the Senate, with them is Senator Barau Jibrin (right) and Mrs. Kalu look, at the weekend Abuja.

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

NCFRMI marks children’s day with IDPs

By Usman Shuaibu

“I also advise my daddy not to take alcohol during the day or before driving since I want him to be alive,’’ Ugwu said.

Chidiebere Agu, a student of College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, said that road safety club had inculcated the habit of always walking along the road facing the traffic in him.

“I have also learnt a lot about road signs and their uses as well as road safety codes,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 17 schools within Enugu metropolis witnessed the celebration of the first National Road Safety Club Day in Enugu. (NAN)

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

Kalu meets Buhari, insists on running for Deputy Senate Presidency

By Lawrence Olaoye

F

ormer Governor of Abia State and a Senator-elect Orji Kalu yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa where, in an interaction with newsmen, he insisted on contesting for the Deputy Senate President position during the inauguration of the Ninth Senate.

Asked about his mission to the Billa, Kalu said “It was a very brief one. I am sure since he became President, I have never been to his office, and this is the first time, I have always seen him in private as a private citizen. I have come to see Mr. President, and I acted like a special envoy now. I delivered a letter from President (Nicholas) Maduro of Venezuela to President Buhari.

According to him, he was waiting patiently on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone to the position of Deputy Senate President but will contest on the floor if they fail to do so.

He said, “Well, I am going to be contesting on the floor of the senate. I am waiting for the part to zone, and if the party continues to hold it, and don’t zone it, I will contest on the floor of the house.”

Commenting on support for the election of the next Senate President, Kalu said he had since thrown his weight behind the emergence of the candidacy of Ahmed Lawan.

He said fifty-six senators have already appended their signatures in support for Lawan while two others who are presently in Mecca were being awaited to lend their support.

“I have already endorsed Ahmed Lawan as the senate president. That is sacrosanct in my mind, and I am appealing to the other parties, let us have only one candidate in the Senate instead of going to drag about.

So, we are on course, yesterday, when I returned from Venezuela, Ahmed Lawan was with me in the house, and I became the fifty-six APC Senator to endorse him

and signed.

“As I am talking to you now we are having two more people who are in Mecca, one senator from Katsina and the other from Lagos. It is fifty-eight senators that are going to be signing in, and we have the majority to make him Senate president,” he noted.

The former Abia State governor who also spoke on what will be his modest contribution in the Senate said, he expected a cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive.

He further explained that the support of the lawmakers to the executive would not be a blind one.

“Well, we are going to expect a lot of cooperation between the legislature and the executive and I am sure as most of you know very well, we are going to do bipartisan support. Not a blind support in any way to the executive but we are going to have an excellent working relationship, where we follow the rules of the house and the rules of the executive,” he said.

Asked if he has any advice for President Buhari on the calibre of people to select as ministers in the next administration, Kalu said the President was experienced enough to make a good choice.

He said, “The President has been a president before, as a military man and now a civilian. He is very experienced to choose his ministers, and I am not going to be working with them unless if there is any individual Mr. President wants a piece of advice on.

“If there is no any, the President is very capable through our local party on who to appoint as a minister. I am excited he will choose capable people. My interest is to rebuild the economy because the economy is part of the reasons why we are having security challenges.

“So, I will focus on things that will put stimulus to the economy, where the economy will be buoyant, and people would see that the expansion of the economy is important to our society” he noted.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

POLITICS

APC NWC Names 5-Member Panel to Review Anti-Party Activities in States

By Tordue Salem, Abuja

T

he National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set up a 5-member committee

to review the numerous petitions on anti-party activities of some members from the states.

The NWC has received several petitions alleging various forms of anti-

party activities by some members, including working against the party or our candidates in the just concluded elections.

The Party’s Deputy National Chairman

(South), Otunba Niyi Adebayo is Chairman of the Committee.

Other members are National Vice Chairman (South-west), Mr. Bankole Oluwajana; National

Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala; National Treasurer, Adamu Fanda and National Disabled Leader, Misbau Lawal Didi.

The Committee has one week to submit its report.

L-R: Zamfara State Deputy Governor Elect, Mohammed Aliyu Gusau(left) receiving his certificate of return from INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Zone, Hajiya Amina Zakari, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi joins race for Deputy Senate President By Miriam Abuja

T

Humbe,

he leadership tussle in the upper chamber of the National Assembly is becoming more complicated. There is currently pressure on the Senator representing Sokoto East senatorial zone, Senator Ibrahim

Abdullahi Gobir to join the race for the Deputy Senate President.

A political stalwart and zonal coordinator of the All Peoples Congress, APC, Sokoto East, Alhaji Shaaya Musa Gwadabawa has urged the Senator to declare his interest for the office of Deputy Senate president based on his track record

of good representation.

The politician who made the call in Sokoto at the constituency office of the lawmaker argued that the senator has all the qualities and qualifications to be the Deputy Senate President particularly looking at his ability to speak on national issues and other vital discussions in the chamber.

Responding to the call, the lawmaker, Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi said leaders were chosen by God and as such he was prepared to wait for Allah’s decision on who to be what at the time he wishes.

He therefore promised to provide good representation throughout his tenure in the Senate.

On the current insecurity facing the country, he prayed for Allah’s intervention towards the end of such calamities and at the same time called for the relevant security agencies to adequately address and sort out solutions to the menace.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

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0.77 0.57 0 0.57 0.57 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 0.74 0.54 0 0.54 0.54 MEYER 0.00 0 136.00 165.00 0 166.00 166.00 MOBIL 1.00 0 0.75 0.55 0 0.55 0.55 MORISON 0.00 0 10.85 20.85 0 20.85 20.85 MRS 0.00 0 1.41 3.41 0 3.41 3.41 NAHCO 0.00 0 25.70 20.70 0 20.70 20.70 NASCON 0.00 0 65.00 75.00 0 75.00 75.00 NB 0.00 0 6.00 6.00 0 6.00 6.00 NCR 0.00 0 0.67 0.65 0 0.67 0.67 NEIMETH 0.02 0 2.50 2.50 0 2.50 2.50 NEM 0.00 0 1,530.00 1,545.00 0 1,545.00 1,545.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 0.22 0.22 0 0.22 0.22 NIGERINS 0.00 0 4.30 4.30 0 4.30 4.30 NNFM 0.00 0 1.50 1.50 0 1.50 1.50 NPFMCRFBK 0.00 0 5.80 5.75 0 5.85 5.85 OANDO 0.10 0 80.00 80.00 0 80.00 80.00 OKOMUOIL 0.00 0 1.50 1.50 0 1.50 1.50 PHARMDEKO 0.00 0 75.00 75.00 3 75.00 75.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 11.00 11.00 0 11.00 11.00 PZ 0.00 0 0.25 0.25 0 0.25 0.25 REGALINS 0.00 0 0.35 0.32 0 0.35 0.35 ROYALEX 0.03 0 0.35 0.35 2 0.35 0.35 RTBRISCOE 0.00 0 596.90 596.90 0 596.90 596.90 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.25 0.25 0 0.25 0.25 SOVRENINS 0.00 0 48.00 48.00 0 48.10 48.10 STANBIC 0.10 0 2.31 2.50 0 2.31 2.31 STERLNBANK -0.19 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 SUNUASSUR 0.00 0 200.00 200.00 0 200.00 200.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 3.50 3.50 500 3.50 3.50 TOURIST 0.00 0 5.40 5.40 0 5.40 5.40 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.23 1.23 0 1.25 1.25 TRANSCORP 0.02 0 0.65 0.65 300 0.65 0.65 TRANSEXPR 0.00 0 0.77 0.77 0 0.77 0.77 TRIPPLEG 0.00 0 7.75 7.80 0 7.75 7.75 UACN -0.05 0 1.95 1.95 0 1.95 1.95 UAC-PROP 0.00 0 7.45 7.65 0 7.45 7.85 UBA -0.20 0 7.00 6.85 0 7.00 7.00 UBN 0.15 0 2.76 3.00 0 2.80 2.84 UCAP -0.20 0 38.70 38.70 0 38.70 38.70 UNILEVER 0.00 0 0.28 0.28 0 0.28 0.28 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 0.81 0.81 0 0.81 0.81 UNITYBNK 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 UNIVINSURE 0.00 0 5.40 5.40 0 5.40 5.40 UPDCREIT 0.00 0 3.98 3.98 0 3.98 3.98 VITAFOAM 0.00 0 12.85 12.90 0 12.85 12.85 WAPCO -0.05 0 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.40 WAPIC 0.00 0 0.77 0.79 0 0.77 0.78 WEMABANK -0.02 0 11.70 12.20 0 22.00 23.50 ZENITHBANK -0.20 0 Copyright © 2019 NgTradeOnline

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SEC warns FG set to issue N15bn Series II Green Bond Market Operators F against unethical conduct

By Etuka Sunday

ollowing the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (‘’FGN’s’’) successful debut Green Bond Issuance of N10.69 billion in December 2017 - by which Nigeria became the first African country to issue a Green Bond - the Federal Government of Nigeria (“FGN”) is set to undertake a second issuance; a Series II Green

Bond of up to N15 billion.

To ensure the success of the Series II Green Bond (“the Offer”), the Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Environment and the Debt Management Office (“DMO”) will be engaging investors at respective Roadshows in Lagos and Abuja on May 27, 2019 and May 28, 2019.

The Series II Green Bond issuance is a further demonstration

of the FGN’s commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 20% (unconditionally) by 2030, as outlined under the Paris Agreement signed on September 21, 2016. Through the Offer, the FGN seeks to raise N15 billion to finance projects with green credentials. These eligible green projects can be classified under three (3) themes within the green bond framework, namely:

renewable energy, afforestation, and transportation.

Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a GB1 (Excellent) Green Bond Assessment to the Offer. The DMO is working with Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Capital Assets Limited, Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited as Financial Advisers/Issuing Houses to the Offer.

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has warned some Operators in the Capital market to desist from unethical practices that could lead to strict regulatory actions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission The Commission in a statement on Monday, said its attention has been drawn to an emerging trend of unethical conduct by Brokers, Issuing Houses/ Book Runners and other Receiving Agents in primary and secondary market transactions.

The SEC said the concerned operators carry out their activities by inducing investment through the sharing of brokerage fees or receiving agents commission with private banking officers, asset/fund managers, PFA’s and other institutional investor classes who are not duly registered or recognized by the Commission as being eligible to be paid commission.

According to the SEC, “Notice is hereby issued that only capital market operators duly registered by the Commission are eligible to be paid brokerage fee/ receiving agents’ commission and such Operators shall not pay or offer a percentage of the commission earned from services provided in a transaction as an incentive for investment.

“Any capital market operator found to engage in this practice or similar acts shall be subject to strict regulatory actions in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission.

The SEC therefore enjoins the public to utilize the Commission’s whistle blowing mechanism to provide information on any known or suspected case for necessary action.

Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo (M) Gov Ibrahim Damkwambo of Gombe State (4TH R) and other dignitaries during the inaugurating N4.2 Billion Naira Gombe International Conference Center, yesterday in Gombe

Oil, gas investment opportunities abound in Africa - Seplat Operations Director

By Etuka Sunday

S

eplat Petroleum Development Company Plc’s Operations Director, Mr. Effiong Okon, has restated Africa’s stance as the destination for gas development and investment.

He gave this insight during his keynote address at the Africa E & P Summit held in London recently.

The Africa E&P Summit is a landmark event on Africa, which brings together key players and senior executives in the oil sector and governments involved in African oil and gas business. The conference provides insights into the diverse approaches and strategies of Africa’s key movers.

Okon, in his keynote titled: ‘Oil and Gas Rising in Africa’, provided an overview of the oil and gas landscape in Africa, stressing that there has been abundant discoveries of oil and gas reserves, which have over the years, attracted key international oil companies to the continent.

Alongside these majors is the rising of the independents who have also come into existence and have continued to grow in leaps and bounds, he explained, adding that:

“The appetite for African oil and gas is still growing and continues to present significant investment opportunities.

Investors are attracted to the many recent and ongoing licence bid rounds in the continent.

“Most of the oil majors and the independents companies have continued to flourish with some exporting not just oil but also gas out of the continent. Most companies had to restrategise portfolio balancing after the recent downturn in oil price. Assets have been changing hands between the oil majors and the Independents.”

Some challenges, according to the Seplat director, still exist despite the significant discoveries and impressive production of oil and gas across the continent, which has a good balance of oil and gas.

He said Africa has a good balance of oil and gas but still faces the challenge of importing the refined products with the lack of sufficient refining capacity.

He stressed: “A lot of people in Africa still do not have access to electricity. Lack of adequate infrastructure also still presents a problem.

“These challenges present huge opportunities for gas development and investment. As a result, a company like Seplat has remained bullish with its gas development.

Seplat, with a strategic location on the gas hub in the Niger Delta, facilitates its gas development.

According to him, the growing need for capital for emerging infrastructure such as refining and transportation of petroleum commodities and products and the development of a robust petrochemical industry, place the continent at a vantage point for investments.

The Seplat director said currently, Seplat contributes about 30 per cent of domestic gas supply in Nigeria.

He said given the huge opportunity in Nigeria, the company has continued to make significant investment of well over $300 million at growing its gas business resulting to its massive current daily production capacity.

He said: “Seplat current well stock is capable of delivering around 400 MMscfd (gross).

“In addition to these, our Sapele Gas Plant upgrade and Assa North-Ohaji South (ANOH)

project is to add 315MMscfd xapacity by 2020.”

Okon noted that of the top-20 discoveries globally between 2012 and 2016, Africa had the greatest contribution compared to any other area.

According to him, 2019 looks promising for Africa with discoveries in South Africa, Egypt and Angola.

He explained: “Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, some of them lifted by new oil and gas discoveries.

“An estimated 7.5 per cent of global proven oil reserves (126.5bn bbls) and 7.1 per cent of global proven gas reserves (487.8Tcf ) sits in Africa.

“Oil and gas play a strategic role in economies of African countries giving them power and influence on world stage, and this trend is likely to continue with new discoveries in Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Mozambique, and Uganda.”

These opportunities, he highlighted, have attracted the majors with an increasing participation of indigenous oil companies.

ict

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

Page 20

Telecoms contributes 1.9trn to Nigeria Economy in 2018 - NCC From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), at the 4th Quarter 2018, showed contributions of Telecommunications and Information Services to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at about N1.9 trillion.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta speaking in Lagos, during the Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit 2019 added that the total investment in the Nigerian telecom industry is currently estimated at $70 billion.

Danbatta speaking on the summit theme – ”Repositioning the Nigerian Telecom Industry for the Future: Prospects and Challenges”, said that the telecom industry was making remarkable contributions to the nation’s GDP as it contributed 9.85 per cent, as at the 4th Quarter of 2018.

He noted that the figures were

very impressive and indicative of a very fast-growing and resilient sector of the economy.

According to him, however, no such industry with these characteristics can be sustained over a long period of time without a corresponding injection of more investments. ”Investors, on the other hand, are not attracted to environments where returns are in doubt. ”In a very capital-intensive industry like telecom, investors are looking for both a very friendly investment climate and predictable outcomes. ”They are interested in an environment where the regulator is independent, fair, firm, forthright and where such attributes like professionalism, responsiveness and transparency are part of its core values. ”These are what we are striving to achieve in our regulatory environment in Nigeria. ”But we are not unaware of the daunting tasks ahead. This is why we consider consultations with the

stakeholders as a critical success factor in our regulatory mandate,” he said.

The Chairman said the approach of consultations with stakeholders had yielded enormous positive results.

He said that the regulatory body had engaged the Governors forum, collectively and individually, to address some of the challenges, in the areas of multiple taxation, regulations and Right of Way. According to him, the commission is eagerly looking forward to the review of the ‘Resolution of the National Economic Council on the Right of Way’ issues, as it concerns clearing impediments to the deployment of telecom infrastructure across the country. ”We are also aware of several emerging technologies, which may continue to drive innovations and investments. ”It is our commitment to follow the trends of these developments, so as to leverage on the best

regulatory approaches to optimise their potentials for the benefit of Nigeria. ”The leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission has taken a deep and predictive look at the financial health of our industry and the aspiration of Nigeria in the context of the 4th industrial revolution. ”We have looked at the potentials of emerging technologies, the global movement and demand for expanded frontiers of availability, accessibility and affordability of all the ICT drivers and enablers of economic growth. ”We have looked at broadband infrastructure and services; the dynamism of growth, among other things, and reached a conclusion that investments are very critical for our future growth,” he said.

Danbatta said that the argument for more investments became more compelling, given that the industry was very capital intensive, with the competition for Foreign Direct Investments

becoming fiercer among different nations.

In the keynote address by former minister of communications technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, she lamented that the quality of services outside the major urban cities was not good, urging the industry regulator and the government to more to implement RoW decision agreed by the National Executive Council.

She said an Access Gap study conducted by the former administration when she was a minister showed that Nigeria would require about $14 billion to close the gaps.

Johnson urged that investment should not just be private sector led but should include the public sector and institutional investors.

She urged the NCC to see the industry as a digital industry, and should be ahead of the industry and be collaborative and ensure ubiquitous, accessible, affordable and fast infrastructure for all Nigerian irrespective of location.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

METRO

Children’s Day: AMAC Chairman tasks parents on positive upbringing

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

s Nigerian children yesterday joined their counterparts across the globe to mark this year’s Children’s Day, parents are advised to promote, encourage and motivate their children to learn and do things in a positive manner.

The Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Adamu Candido, who

gave the advice described parents as the first teachers of children should be the main vanguard as far as the growth of children is concerned.

Candido, who spoke during the Children’s Day celebration in the council, said he was ready to do all within his powers to ensure that children grow to be leaders of tomorrow.

While reiterating that children are leaders of tomorrow, hence the need for them to be given

wise counsel today, he said his administration would do more in the education sector to ensure that children get to their desired heights.

“We intend to do more for education, our desire on daily basis is what do we do to impact on these future leaders. For me, it’s nothing but service to the people, and that’s what I want to be seen doing, between now till the end of the tenure.

“They must ensure that they

promote, encourage and motivate their children, so that everything that it takes to get the children on the right path, let be taken by them , so these children can be seen in a more positive manner.

“Celebrating our children means a lot to us in government, therefore whatever it’s that we do to ensure that these children grow in a healthy manner to be strong so as to enable them to take over the reins of power tomorrow.

“This means that everything

that must be done must actually be seen to be done, so that the children can grow in the manner we want them to be,” Candido said.

He said the Government is working hard to ensure put an end to menace of drugs addiction especially among youth.

Over 1,772 pupils and students drawn from public and private schools in the council participated in the celebration held at the LEA Idu-Koro, Abuja.

AMAC Chariman, Abdullahi Adamu Candido having a handshake with a pupil of LEA nursery School, Paipe-Abuja, leading a parade during Children’s Day celebration yesterday, in Abuja.

Google to invest 600m euros in Finnish data center

G

oogle said on Monday it planned to invest about 600 million euros ($672 million) in a new data center in Hamina, Finland.

Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., already has a data center in Hamina, where it invested 800 million euros to convert an old paper mill. Paper firm Stora Enso sold the site, which is close to the Russian border, to Google in 2009.

Google said the existing Hamina facility was one of its most advanced and efficient data centers. Its cooling system uses seawater from the Gulf of Finland to reduce energy use.

Google’s other European data centers are located in the Netherlands, Ireland and Belgium.

“The demand for Google services is growing daily and we are building our data center infrastructure to match this demand,” Google’s Finland country head Antti Jarvinen said in a statement.

The new rule, effective Aug. 1, comes amid heightening pressure from the United States in dealing with cyber-security risks and technological transfers involving China. (Reuters)

Page 21

Photo: Stanley Onyekwere

L R Mr. Tunde Fowler, Executive Chairman Federal Inland revenue Service, Ms Funke Opeke, Chief executive officer Mainone, Sen.Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, representing the vice president, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta Executive Vice Chairman Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye chairman Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, Dr. Mrs Omobola Johnson a keynote speaker, during the Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit 2019 yesterday 23rd May at Eko hotel Lagos.

Japan to limit foreign ownership of firms in its IT, telecom sectors

J

apan’s government said on Monday that high-tech industries will be added to a list of businesses for which foreign ownership of Japanese firms is restricted.

The Japanese government made no mention of specific countries or companies that will be impacted by applying existing foreign ownership restrictions to the IT and telecoms industries.

The announcement came on the same day visiting U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo

Abe are holding talks in Tokyo on trade and other issues.

The United States has warned countries against using Chinese technology, saying Huawei Technologies could be used by Beijing to spy on the West. China and Huawei have strongly rejected the allegations.

“Based on increasing importance of ensuring cyber security in recent years, we decided to take necessary steps, including addition of integrated circuit manufacturing, from the standpoint of preventing as

appropriate a situation that will severely affect Japan’s national security,” Japanese ministries said in a statement.

Japan wants to prevent a leakage of technology deemed important for national security or damage to defense output and technological foundation, they added.

The new rule will be applied to 20 sectors in information and communications industries, according to the joint statement by the finance ministry, trade ministry and communications

ministry.

Under the foreign exchange and foreign trade control law, Japan brings certain industries such as airplanes, nuclearrelated sectors and arms manufacturing under foreign capital controls.

The law requires foreign investors to report to the Japanese government and undergo inspection in case they buy 10% or more of stocks in listed Japanese companies or acquire shares of unlisted firms.

(Reuters)

Rights advocates demand more support for the Almajiri child

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

pparently worried by millions of children exposed to abuse and exploitation at very young ages, some child rights advocates converged in Abuja, to demand more support towards the children caught in the Almajiri phenomenon.

In particular, the advocates who joined youth under the umbrella of Almajiri Child Rights Initiative in their large numbers thronged the popular

Unity Fountain in the heart of the nation’s capital city, to make strong case for increased investment in education and public consciousness on the Almajiri system.

To this end, they launched a campaign to collate 13.2 million signatures representing the estimated total number of outof-school children in Nigeria, in order to amplify advocacy for Almajiri child rights.

This position was made known at the 2nd annual Almajiri

Child Rights Day, held at the weekend, organised by Almajiri Rights Initiative to draw and focus attention to one of the world’s most abused sets of children.

Team lead of the Initiative, Mohammed Sabo Keana decried that due to the slow response to the urgency of the crisis, over 10 million Almajiri children will be part of those to be left behind in the quest to eliminate hunger and ensure decent work for all.

Keana explained that it was the reason that theme for the 2019

event is Almajiri Child Rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said: “In marking the inaugural day, we pledged to engage stakeholders, especially actors and benefactors, civil society, Government at all levels as well as the local and International community towards developing and implementing policy that offers a long term solution for returning dignity to the life of the Almajiri child.

“Since then, we have

witnessed some level of change in the narrative and a National Child Destitution Bill at the 8th Assembly.

“We call on the Nigerian Government t immediately set up a multi stakeholder task team to come up with a unified position on how to address the social, educational, nutritional, and security situation of the Almajiri child including a medium term enlightenment plan for building consensus with actors and benefactors.”

Page 22

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Trump Not Bothered by North Korea Missile Tests

U

.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed differing views Monday on whether recent North Korean missile tests violated a U.N. Security Council resolution, but remained united on the ultimate goal of achieving a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.

Speaking during a joint news conference after talks in Tokyo, Trump said he viewed the tests as a bid for attention by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and that he was not personally bothered by them.

Abe said the tests did violate the Security Council resolution.

He also repeatedly stressed that in negotiations with North Korea his government is most interested in resolving the issue of North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens.

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Akasaka Palace, Japanese state guest house in Tokyo, Monday, May 27,

President Donald Trump, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shake hands during a meeting with Japanese families of those abducted by North Korea, at Akasaka Palace, Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo.

2019.

U.S. President Donald Trump, left, meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Akasaka Palace, Japanese state guest house in Tokyo, Monday, May 27, 2019.

Trump’s comments focused ​

largely on economic issues, expressing his expectations of reaching trade deals with Japan and China that would reduce U.S. trade deficits, and highlighting what he sees as the “tremendous economic potential” that awaits

North Korea if it makes an agreement that includes giving up its nuclear weapons.

Abe welcomed what he called the steady progress of trade talks with the United States, particularly regarding energy,

Bolivian Women Fight Gender-Based Violence through Theater

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n stage, amid the hubbub of a Bolivian street market, women recount their stories of abuse at the hands of men.

But the violence depicted in the play isn’t just make-believe for the 22 indigenous actresses: It’s based on their own real-life experiences.

“Kusisita,’’ a work that seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and mobilize people to fight it, has been drawing large audiences in Bolivia, which has one of South America’s highest rates of femicides.

In the theater, Maria Luque portrays a woman who asks her drunken husband to stop abusing her.

In her own history, she said, she was so brutally beaten by the father of her four children that she was left partly paralyzed. Even after more than a decade, she still has trouble moving some of the muscles in her face.

“I’ve suffered discrimination since birth,’’ she told The Associated Press. “My mom was very poor and she escaped violence. For some, (violence) might be normal, but we want to show that it shouldn’t be that way.’’

“Kusisita’’ is one of two plays offered by the Kory Warmis - Women of Gold in the Aymara language - troupe, and both focus on the problems of gender violence and convincing women to reject it.

“I was quiet, submissive, but I left that behind on stage. Theater is now my life,’’ said Luque, 56, who immigrated to the city of El Alto from a rural community in search of work opportunities.

The plays, presented in Aymara, are also aimed at indigenous communities where nearly half of all reports of gender-based violence takes place, according to 2017 figures from the National Statistics Institute. Those communities make up roughly a fifth of Bolivia’s population.

In this April 30, 2019 photo, members of the “Kory Warmis,” or Women of Gold theater group,

In this April 30, 2019 photo, the spotlight shines on a group of women vendors turned actors who recount stories of gender-based violence, at the Municipal theater of La Paz, Bolivia. perform at the Municipal Theater, in La Paz, Bolivia.

In this April 30, 2019 photo, members of the “Kory Warmis,” or Women of Gold theater group, perform at the Municipal Theater, in La Paz, Bolivia. ​About 40% of the country’s police cases involve family violence and alcohol is involved in 90% of cases, according to a government report last year on gender-based violence.

“It’s a very high and alarming rate,’’ said government minister Carlos Romero, who helped write the report.

Actress Gumercinda Mamani, an artisan and shepherd , recalled how the body of a friend was found on the outskirts of La Paz with marks from a

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

rope that her partner had used to choke her.

“It’s hard to understand how the man that you give your life to is the one who takes it away,’’ said Mamani, a former representative for female farmers. ``I’m fighting against this.’’

Carmen Aranibar, another actress, joined the group in the hopes that her story would encourage other women to leave abusive relationships.

“We can’t wait until they kill us or we want to take our own lives out of the desperation caused by violence,’’ said Aranibar, a mother of two boys who sells diapers for a living.

She said she endured beatings by her partner for more than 10 years before finding out that he was cheating on her with a younger woman.

“I nearly killed myself,’’ she said. “I put up with

digital and infrastructure sectors.

He said he looks forward to further cooperation and celebrated Trump’s visit as an exhibit to the world of the “unshakeable bond” the two countries possess.

No quick breakthrough on trade was expected although both leaders have expressed a desire for a bilateral trade pact after Trump pulled the United States out of the comprehensive 12-nation TransPacific Partnership, which Tokyo had spearheaded with Washington under Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama.

At the start of their talks Monday, Trump said he would be fine with Abe serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran.

“The prime minister has already spoken to me about that,” Trump said in response to a question from VOA. “And I do believe that Iran would like to talk and if they’d like to talk we’d like to talk also. We’ll see what happens. But I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran.”

Trump later at the news conference beside Abe said, “I think we’ll make a deal.”

“It has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership.

We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons,” Trump added.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump, at Akasaka Palace, Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump, at Akasaka Palace, Monday, May 27, 2019, in Tokyo. ​U.S. - Iran tensions escalated in recent weeks as Trump ended waivers that had allowed some of Iran’s biggest oil buyers to continue making purchases despite new U.S. sanctions, and as he increased the U.S. military presence in the Gulf in response to what he said were Iranian threats.

Earlier Monday, Trump became the first foreign leader to meet with Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne May 1.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump took part in an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace.

The U.S. delegation was greeted at the palace by several dozen elementary schoolchildren waving Japanese and American flags. A military band played the U.S. “Star Spangled Banner” and Japan’s “Kimigayo” anthems.

The emperor is hosting an imperial banquet at the palace Monday night.

Page 23

e w s F r o m A f r i c a Libya’s Haftar Says to Fight Until Tripoli thiopia’s foreign ministry has ‘Militias’ apologised after a map of Africa on its website incorporated Defeated neighbouring Somalia within its own

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ibyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who is leading a military offensive against the U.N.-recognized government in Tripoli, said in an interview published Sunday he will continue fighting until militias in the city laid down their arms.

Haftar had justified the offensive last month by saying he was fighting against “private militias and extremist groups” who he said were gaining influence in the capital under Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.

“Of course a political solution is the objective,” Haftar told the Journal de Dimanche newspaper in France. “But to return to politics, we need to finish with the militias.”

Libya’s Haftar Rules Out Cease-fire in Talks with France He offered an amnesty to fighters in Tripoli who laid down their arms, saying they would be allowed to “return home safe and sound.”

He also took aim at U.N. mediator Ghassan Salame, who has warned the country is “committing suicide” due to a conflict that 6-10 foreign states are involved in.

“Salame is making irresponsible statements,” Haftar said. “He wasn’t like that before, he has changed. From an impartial and honest mediator, he has become a biased one.”

Salame has warned that Haftar’s offensive is “just the start of a long and bloody war.”

More than 75,000 people have been driven from their homes in the latest fighting and 510 have been killed, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 2,400 have also been wounded, while 100,000 people are feared trapped by the clashes raging on the outskirts of Tripoli.

Ethiopia apologises for map that erases Somalia

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borders.

“We sincerely regret any confusion and misunderstanding this incident might have caused,” the statement said.

Somalia had been completely erased from the map, but the self-declared territory of Somaliland - which is not internationally recognised - was shown.

The neighbours have long been rivals, fighting borders wars in the past.

But relations between the two countries have improved since Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power last year as he has sought to defuse tensions in the region.

2009: Ethiopian soldiers officially leave Somalia, but remain in the country to this day as part of the African Union intervention force fighting al-Shabab Islamist militants June 2018: Ethiopia’s new PM Abiy Ahmed visits Somalia to strengthen ties Oct 2018: Mr Abiy’s government signs a peace deal with rebels fighting for Ogaden’s secession Read more: The leader promising to heal a nation The map has caused an uproar on social media, with Somalis saying it reveals a wider plan by Ethiopia to annex their country.

Others hit back, with their own version of a map of Africa, incorporating Ethiopia into Somalia.

Some have noticed other problems with the map published on the Ethiopian

The Ethiopian foreign ministry said it was unsure how the map had “crept in on the website”

website, for example, it showed that the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo had become one country and it did not show South Sudan, which split from Sudan in 2011.

There has been no official comment from the Somali government. Former Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad welcomed

the removal of the map, but queried how and why it was drawn in the first place.

The Ethiopian foreign ministry’s statement said it was unsure how the “unacceptable” map had “crept in on the website”, which is currently offline, but said its technical team was working to ensure its security.

Sudan’s Leading Opposition Party Rejects Strike Call

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leading Sudanese opposition party says it is refusing a call by protest leaders for a two-day general strike, in a sign of divisions within the pro-democracy movement that is challenging military rule in Sudan.

The opposition Umma Party said Sunday it opposes the “preparations and timing” of the strike.

The party is a member of the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, an umbrella group representing protesters and opposition parties in the negotiations with the ruling military council.

The FDFC said the nationwide strike would begin Tuesday. Protest leaders are hoping to force the military, which ousted the autocrat Omar al-Bashir from power in April, to transfer power to a civilian-led authority.

Leading Sudanese opposition figure Sadiq al-Mahdi, Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister, holds a news conference at the Umma Party House in Omdurman, Sudan, April 27, 2019.

30 Dead, 200 Missing After Boat Sinks on DRC Lake Khalifa Haftar, the military commander who dominates eastern Libya, arrives to attend an international conference on Libya at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 29, 2018.

A

uthorities in western Congo say at least 30 people are dead and another 200 are missing after a boat sank on

a lake.

Simon Mboo Wemba, the mayor of Inongo, told The Associated Press on Sunday night that many of those aboard the boat that

sank on Lake Mai-Ndombe were teachers.

The mayor says they had traveled to collect their salaries by boat because roads in the region are so poor.

It was not immediately known how many people were aboard the boat when it hit bad weather late Saturday.

But officials estimate several hundred were on board. More than 80 people survived.

Boats in the vast nation of Congo are usually overloaded with passengers and cargo, and official manifests don’t include all those aboard.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

France Lyon: Police arrest suspects in parcel bomb attack

F

rench police have arrested four people after a suspected parcel bomb exploded in Lyon last week, injuring 13 people.

The device, packed with screws and ball bearings, detonated outside a bakery on Friday afternoon.

One of those arrested, a 24-yearold man, is the suspected bomber, prosecutors say. Another man and a woman were also reportedly detained.

Police had been hunting for a man seen cycling near the scene of the blast wearing a balaclava and rucksack.

Anti-terrorist prosecutors are leading the investigation, coordinating with Lyon police and France’s internal security service, the DGSI. What do we know about the suspects?

French media report that one suspect is an IT student of Algerian

nationality. A source told news agency Reuters that police arrested him in Lyon after tailing him in the street. It reportedly decided not to arrest him in his apartment in case there were explosives in the building.

The second suspect, according to local press, is a minor who attends a school in the city.

Two other people, a man and a woman, have also been arrested.

They are reportedly the parents of one of the suspects.

Last week, police released a picture from CCTV footage of a person they believe carried out the bombing.

What do we know about the attack?

The explosion struck near the corner of two crowded pedestrian streets in Lyon’s historic city centre.

Investigators have recovered screws, ball bearings, along with a printed circuit, batteries and a

The device, full of screws, nuts and bolts, went off in Lyon city centre last week remote-controlled trigger device. district mayor, told press that “the Denis Broliquier, the city’s charge was too small to kill,” and a

government source told AFP news agency it had been a “relatively weak explosive charge”.

Those hurt, including a girl aged eight, appear to have suffered superficial injuries.

French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner confirmed one of the arrests in a Tweet on Monday, saying joint action by several agencies had been “decisive”.

No-one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The last time a parcel bomb had exploded in France was in 2007 when a device killed one person and injured another in front of a law office in Paris. Police never found the bomber.

Jihadist gun and bomb attacks have killed more than 250 people in France since 2015 and the country remains on high alert, with military patrols a regular feature of security in cities including Lyon.

European elections 2019: Power blocs lose grip on parliament

T

he big centre-right and centreleft blocs in the European Parliament have lost their combined majority amid an increase in support for liberals, the Greens and nationalists.

Pro-EU parties are still expected to be in a majority but the traditional blocs will need to seek new alliances.

The liberals and Greens had a good night, while nationalists were victorious in Italy, France and the UK. Turnout was the highest for 20 years, bucking decades of decline.

Just under 51% of eligible oters across the 28 member states cast their ballots, compared with fewer than 43% in 2014.

Although populist and far-right parties gained ground in some countries, they fell short of the very significant gains some had predicted.

What are the clear trends from the election?

The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) remains the largest bloc and analysts say it is likely to form a grand coalition with the Socialists and Democrats bloc, with support from liberals and the Greens.

In the UK, the newly-formed Brexit Party claimed a big victory, and a strong performance by the Liberal Democrats came amid massive losses for the Conservatives and Labour.

The European Parliament helps shape EU legislation and the results will play a big part in who gets the key jobs in the European Commission, the Union’s executive.

What do the results mean for the EU? Based on current estimates, the previously dominant conservative EPP and Socialists and Democrats blocs will be unable to form a “grand coalition” in the EU parliament without support.

The EPP was projected to win 179 seats, down from 216 in 2014.

The Socialists and Democrats looked set to drop to 150 seats from 191.

Pro-EU parties are still expected to hold a majority of seats however, largely due to gains made by the liberal ALDE bloc, and particularly a decision taken by the party of French President Emmanuel Macron to join the group. His Renaissance alliance was defeated by the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen. What we know so far Country-by-country roundup “For the first time in 40 years, the two classical parties, socialists and conservatives, will no longer have a majority,” said Guy Verhofstadt, the leader of the ALDE. “It’s clear this evening is a historical moment, because there will be a new balance of power in the European Parliament,” he said.

There were major successes

Sebastian Kurz, Austrian leader, faces removal in confidence vote

A

ustria’s Chancellor Sebastian Kurz faces being removed from office in a no-confidence vote on Monday afternoon.

His previous coalition ally, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), said it would support the motion being brought by the opposition Social Democrats.

The FPÖ had become embroiled in a political scandal caused by a secret video, which ended the coalition.

If Mr Kurz is forced out, a new chancellor would lead a caretaker government ahead of elections.

They are expected in September.

Mr Kurz, head of the conservative Austrian People’s Party, could become the first chancellor in post-war Austrian history to be removed from office in this way.

At 32, he is the world’s youngest state leader.

What will happen in parliament?

There will be two no-confidence votes, one against the government and the other against Mr Kurz individually.

The motions have been submitted by the opposition Social Democrats, with the debate due to begin at 13:00 (11:00 GMT).

But they only have 52 seats in the 183-seat lower chamber.

Unfortunately for Mr Kurz, the FPÖ has signalled it will back the motion, and it has 51 seats.

A majority is all that is needed in the votes.

Mr Kurz’s surprise strong showing in Sunday’s European Union elections - with a projected 35% of the vote - may not be enough to save him.

On Facebook he accused the parties of a “game of revenge” adding: “But at the end of the day

the people will decide, namely in September.”

The parties ranged against Mr Kurz appear to believe he should shoulder some of the blame for the fall of the coalition.

The Social Democrats say he should never have allied himself with the FPÖ in the first place. The FPÖ is still smarting from having had Mr Kurz replace all of its ministers with technocrats.

Mr Kurz meanwhile has promoted himself as a bastion of stability amid the turmoil.

What’s the video scandal about?

It has widely been labelled “Ibiza-gate”, after the Spanish island where the video was recorded.

It was secretly filmed in 2017 just weeks before the election which saw both the FPÖ and Chancellor Kurz’s party perform well.

Source: BBCNEWS

Marine Le Pen’s National Rally beat Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance - but not by far for the Greens, with exit polls suggesting the group would jump from 50 to around 67 MEPs. Follow the latest results via the European Parliament website But gains for nationalist parties in Italy, France and elsewhere means a greater say for Eurosceptics who want to curb the EU’s powers.

Matteo Salvini, who leads Italy’s League party, has been working to establish an alliance of at least 12 parties, and his party set the tone winning more than 30% of the vote, according to partial results.

Beyond the status quo This outcome reflects a tendency already apparent in national elections all over Europe: rejection of the status quo. Look at the beating meted out to France’s centre-right and centre-left, to Angela Merkel and her Social Democrat coalition partners, plus the slap in the face delivered to the UK’s Conservative and Labour parties.

Europe’s voters are looking elsewhere for answers. They’re drawn to parties and political personalities they feel better represent their values and priorities.

Some are attracted by the nationalist right, promising a crackdown on immigration and more power for national

parliaments, rather than Brussels.

Italy’s firebrand Deputy PM Matteo Salvini is a successful example, as is Hungary’s Viktor Orban.

Other voters prefer a proEuropean alternative, like the Green Party and liberal groups. They also performed well in these elections.

Who were the winners and losers?

In Germany, both major centrist parties suffered. Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats dropped from 35% of the vote in 2014 to 28%, while the centre-left Social Democratic Union fell from 27% to 15.5%.

The right-wing populist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) performed worse than expected projected in exit polls to win 10.5% - while still improving on its first results in 2014.

In the UK, the newly formed Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, secured about 32% of the vote, amid gains for the Liberal Democrats and significant losses for the Conservative and Labour parties.

Amid mixed results for far-right parties across Europe, Ms Le Pen’s National Rally party - formerly the National Front - was celebrating victory in France over Mr Macron’s party, securing 24% of the vote to his 22.5%.

STRANGE WORLD

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesDAY, may 28, 2019

25

Mother, 32, has 30 amputations in six years to slice off parts of her fingers and toes because of conditions which reduce her blood circulation

By Connor Boyd For Mailonline

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mother has told of how she has needed 30 amputations in six years due to a host of debilitating diseases.

Sarah Cox was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Raynaud’s disease, which cuts off the blood circulation to her hands and feet, when she was 17.

The 32-year-old also has scleroderma and lupus, two conditions which cause the immune system to destroy healthy cells.

She has been forced to have most of her fingers and a toe amputated and was medically retired from her job as an emergency call operator with the police in 2011.

Mrs Cox, from Kingswood in Bristol, was told she’d likely never have a child because the stress of pregnancy on her organs could kill her.

But the defiant mother went on to marry, join the police force and have a child.

Mrs Cox said she’s always refused to see herself as a victim and modestly claims she is simply ‘adaptable’.

She said: ‘I do have those private moments when I wobble, and I have cried a lot and felt lonely going through this over the years.

‘But I am stubborn, and I am determined to get as much as I can out of life.’

Recalling her schooldays, Mrs Cox, whose son James is now 10, said: ‘My hands would go purple when it was very cold.

‘One of my schoolfriends said I should get checked out, so I went to the GP who sent me straight to the rheumatology clinic, where the specialists said, “We need to get you into hospital and start treatment today.”

‘I felt their words wash over me as they told me I had Raynaud’s and lupus.

I was just thinking “This is not part of my life plan. I’m going to university”.

‘I was given steroids intravenously to help with the joint pain I had in my knees and wrists and was in hospital for a fortnight while they treated me for the damage done to my organs.’

In patients with lupus the immune system attacks the body and can cause serious damage to organs including the

lungs and kidneys.

As soon as she was discharged, Mrs Cox returned to school to study for her exams.

When one of her teachers told her nobody would think less of her if she dropped out to prioritise her health, she replied: ‘I’m going to get my A levels, watch me.’

True to her word, despite numerous stints in hospital, Mrs Cox passed her exams in 2004, shortly after she began dating her now-husband, Rob. The mother’s hand after one of her 30 amputations. She revealed the first time she unravelled her bandage she was ‘shocked more than anything’, but quickly adjusted to her stumps +11 The mother’s hand after one of her 30 amputations. She revealed the first time she unravelled her bandage she was ‘shocked more than anything’, but quickly adjusted to her stumps What Amputations Has Mrs Cox Had? Sarah Cox, 32, has had to have

“

I felt their words wash over me as they told me I had Raynaud’s and lupus. I was just thinking “This is not part of my life plan. I’m going to university”.

‘I was given steroids intravenously to help with the joint pain I had in my knees and wrists and was in hospital for a fortnight while they treated me for the damage done to my organs

30 amputations because Raynaud’s, scleroderma and lupus have cut off circulation in her hands and feet and caused tissue to die.

Here is a timeline of her amputations (each operation took off a small part of a finger rather than removing the whole digit): ‘When I first met Rob, I didn’t think I wanted to complicate my life with the distraction of a relationship, but I soon realised what a stable and nurturing influence he is, he’s just wonderful,’ she said.

Then, having been told she would struggle to conceive, Mrs Cox became pregnant in 2008.

She said: ‘When I was 22, we decided we wanted a baby so went to talk to the doctors who said “Your disease is very active right now. Maybe wait and see if it settles before trying to get pregnant”.

‘But this is a progressive disease, which means things can also get worse, so we decided to go ahead - and James was conceived.’

Monitored weekly, by the time she was 36 weeks into her pregnancy, doctors told her the strain it was putting on her heart and liver meant the baby needed to come out right away.

‘We had always had a plan with the doctors, knowing our baby might be premature, but he weighed 7lb 4oz when he was born healthy, fit and fine,’ she added.

‘I just felt so lucky and so blessed. I loved every minute of being pregnant, but having a baby was a shock, as it is for any new mum.

What is Raynaud’s disease?

Raynaud’s condition, triggered by drops in temperature or an increase in stress, causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes contract, cutting off blood supply.

It can also affect the tiny arteries in the nose, ears and tongue.

Typically, Raynaud’s causes the fingers or toes to turn white and numb.

Then, as the blood flow returns, they turn blue and eventually red, accompanied by a burning sensation. Attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour.

Nine out of ten cases are in women, with most sufferers having their first attack before the age of 40.

Although attacks peak in the cold winter months, symptoms can be triggered by everyday tasks such as taking food out of the freezer, air conditioning, or even stress — all of which cause blood vessels to contract.

Most patients can cope by wrapping up warm, although some develop painful weeping ulcers, which can become infected.

Although Raynaud’s is common, only a small number of patients go on to develop a more serious connective tissue disease called scleroderma.

It can cause disability and can be life-threatening, which is why it is important to be diagnosed early on so any complications of the condition can be properly treated.

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, may 28, 2019

26

Feature

CLASSIFIED

Beautiful game? The day I had to watch a sport I hate

D

any Mitzman’s Italian partner, Andrea, is passionate about football. She, by contrast, has never been to a match, and has no desire to. But now he wants to take their five-yearold daughter, Arianna, to see his beloved Bologna play. And Arianna wants to go too - on one condition…

“Forty euros?! You seriously want to waste 40 euros on a ticket for me?!”

“Arianna says she’ll only go if you do. Right Arianna?”

“Yes mummy, if I have to try, you do too.”

Argh. I’m trapped.

“I bet we’ll need ear muffs,” she adds.

He laughs. I groan.

Andrea’s been begging me for years to “just try” going to the stadium and I’ve steadfastly refused. He thinks I’d be pleasantly surprised; I’m convinced I wouldn’t.

I hate football.

It’s not so much the game itself, I hate the histrionics of the players, the aggressive behaviour of fans. But most of all, I hate the noise. That constant, incessant background roar, aggravated on TV by frenzied commentators. I am to football what Scrooge was to Christmas.

From Our Own Correspondent has insight and analysis from BBC journalists, correspondents and writers from around the world Listen on iPlayer, get the podcast or listen on the BBC World Service, or on Radio 4 on Saturdays at 11:30 At home, we’ve found the perfect compromise. Andrea’s “allowed” to watch it on our outsize screen at any time... but with headphones on. So the only soccer sound you’ll hear in our house is Andrea himself, shouting comically into the silence.

My dislike of the sport is such that for the first two-and-a-half years of her life, my daughter actually thought the English translation of the Italian word, calcio, was “bloody football”.

“Where’s Daddy?”

“He’s watching bloody football.”

“What’s Daddy doing this evening?”

“He’s playing bloody football.”

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THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Badetito obafemi 2.Monday Adjeh THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To cater for the less privileged in the society.

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Dany’s negative view of football remains unchanged

One day, while waiting in a particularly silent queue at Barclays bank in Paddington, she spotted a large picture above the tellers’ window and announced loudly, “Look mummy, bloody football!” It was only then that I decided I should set her straight.

“I’ve got the tickets,” Andrea told me, in a tone mixing excitement and apology.

Bologna v Parma - a decisive match because winning it would ensure Bologna stayed in Serie A, the top league.

Bologna’s Dall’Ara stadium sits directly below the city’s landmark, the hilltop sanctuary of San Luca. It’s got no roof, so you can admire the picturesque church from the stands.

You can also get frostbite or sunstroke. They’ve been talking about putting a roof on it since I’ve lived here, and work will apparently start next year although I think they say that every year. Andrea invariably returns from matches having either frozen or roasted, but I’d grudgingly agreed that a 7pm match in mid-May would at least guarantee clement weather conditions.

Oh how wrong I was. As we Heavy rain all day.

On Monday he called me checked the forecast on Sunday evening he was visibly anxious. at lunchtime. “There’s been flooding across the region,” he said. “Some train lines have even been closed.” He seemed to be regretting the whole idea - possibly even more than I was.

Who’d have thought it would be mid-winter in mid-May? But as the three of us walked hand-in-hand under the porticoes towards the game, our spirits were lifted by the fact that the rain had mercifully stopped.

It began again, with poetic punctuality, once we went through the turnstiles.

Hat on and hood up, Arianna was quite excited. “Who should we vote for?” she’d asked me the previous day. “I think we should support daddy’s team,” I’d advised. She’d agreed and today was delighted her red and blue mittens matched Bologna’s colours. I was delighted I’d put on a second pair of socks.

The stadium smelt a bit like going clubbing in the 90s.

“People smoke in the stadium?”

I asked in disbelief. “A lot,” the guy behind me replied, “and not just cigarettes.”

Thirty minutes in, nobody

“

My dislike of the sport is such that for the first twoand-a-half years of her life, my daughter actually thought the English translation of the Italian word, calcio, was “bloody football

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

had scored. We’d heard the vulgar Italian word for penis shouted countless times at referee and players alike, and only the colourful sunset was keeping us from boredom.

Arianna informed her father that she never wanted to come again.

“In the last few games, Bologna’s never scored in the first half,” he reassured her.

True to recent form, they did score after half time. Then again. And again! Arianna jumped up and down with glee each time.

Andrea beamed at me and I smiled back indulgently. Ten minutes before the final whistle, his friends were tapping me on the shoulder, offering to get us season tickets - as we’d clearly brought them luck.

At the final whistle it was 4-1 to Bologna and the rain had finally stopped. Andrea was happy I’d seen Bologna play so well and grateful I’d agreed to go. I was happy for him they’d played so well and grateful I never had to go again.

To some it’s the beautiful game. To me, it will always be bloody football.

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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.AMB. EZE NNEDINSO PATIENCE - PRESIDENT 2.HOPE EKPEREAMAKA CHRISTOPHER - VICE PRESIDENT 3.ENGR. CHUKWUEMEKA MICHAEL EZEH - SECRETARY 4.JONPAUL OSHIOKE UMORU - MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To cater for the general welfare of its members.

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 : 1.AKOMAS CHRIS ALOZIE 2.IKONNE PRINCE PAUL 3.NKIRE SAMUEL UZOCHUKWU. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To create opportunity for sustainable growth of old Aba. 2.To expand the horizon of old Aba in areas of economic,social,cultural and technological endeavors in order to remain impactful.

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 : 1.Eboh Blessing mercy 2.yusuf Lukman Ramat.

3.EzelL Obiageli Sussan 4.Tagang Jerry 5.Tsenongo Nguyilan Darcas 6.James Nat 7.Clement Glory ltoro.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote peace unity and progress amongst members.

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.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

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Zion Intercessory Network International THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE

IGBO AMAKA OFU OBI FORUM

PETER OLUWALADE 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.

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.

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)OLUWALADE PETER BOLADE (DR) 2) BAMMEKE OLUFUNLAYO OLAOTAN (PROF) 3) FALANA FEMI (SAN) 4) OLOWOKUDEJO DELE JAMES (PROF) 5) AYODELE JOHN OLUROPO AKINDULU (DR) 6) AKINYELE RUFUS TAIWO (PROF) 7) OGUNLADE OLAWUMI MATTHEW (ENGR) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To give back to the society by providing empowerment to the society.

2. To provide support to the needy students to pursue their 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 : SECRETARY.

Deborah

Ezenwajiugo

ALIYU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Deborah Bitrus.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Deborah Bitrus Emmanuel. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as Ezenwajiugo Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Ezenwajiugo Favour Obianuju. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as ALIYU MUSA SHANONO, now wish to be known and addressed as ALIYU MUSA. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Emmanuel

BASIRU

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Adakole Simon. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Emmanuel Adakole Simon. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as BASHIR ABUBAKAR, now wish to be known and addressed as BASIRU ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Betty

YUSUF

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Betty Nkiruka Udeh.

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Betty Nkiruka Aja. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. Ebonyi State University. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as VICTOR CHIKWUDI JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF SALE. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

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. Nuhu Ocheni 2. Christiana Ocheni 3. Evang Joy Abuka 4. Attamaojo, Abraham Dominion 5. Isaac, Enemali Shaibu.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of Christ.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. UDEH OLUCHUKWU PRECIOUS - Chairperson 2. OKEKE UGONNA CHARLES - Secretary THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote the welfare of members and assist the underprivileged in our society.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

tuesday, may 28, 2019

Nigeria ambassador reassures Falcons of President Buhari’s support

loss of document

space for sale

Her Excellency Vivian Okeke addressing the Super Falcons.

By Amaechi Agbo

N

igeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia, Her Excellency, Mrs Vivian Okeke has reassured the Super Falcons of the total support of President Mohammadu Buhari as the face the world in this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup holding in France.

Speaking to the players, Okeke said the embassy received a letter from the Nigeria Football Federation on the arrival of the team and Her Excellency and Mission staff had come to ensure players and officials were happy and well-cateredfor.

“We received a letter on your arrival

and we are here to make sure you are happy. My essence of coming this weekend is just to know you and assure you that we are all here to support you in the effort you are making to prepare yourself and participate in the World Cup in the next few weeks,” said Her Excellency.

Acknowledging the achievements of the nine-time African Champions who have participated in every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since inception in 1991, the ambassador expressed her confidence in the team performing well at this year’s finals in France.

“As the representative of Nigeria and the President of Nigeria himself, His Excellency President Muhammadu

Buhari (GCFR) here, we are confident that you are going to do us proud; that you are going to do your best and bring glory to Nigeria. We also want to assure you that we strongly believe in you. You have been doing so well in flying Nigeria’s flag high.

We have been following your track record and we are very confident.”

The Ambassador, who feted the team with Nigerian delicacies, also promised to assist the team in any way they require her assistance, saying: “If there is anything you are lacking and we can help, we are here for you.”

Speaking on the behalf of the team, Captain Desire Oparanozie appreciated Her Excellency and Mission staff for all

they have done for the team since arrival at the airport in Vienna and pledged that the team will not let the nation down in France. ‘’From the way you received us at the airport, it made us feel welcome and appreciated, that we are not entirely away from home. We really appreciate all the efforts. Expressing your confidence in the team is a morale booster, and we assure you that we are going to do everything to make Nigeria proud’’.

Super Falcons, are currently in residential camping in Austria ahead of their participation in the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals kicking off next month.

Wikki Tourists coachfor delighted after ending Rangers dominance 32 pupils shortlisted Sani Lulu’s football/education scholarship>>pg >>pg30 30

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

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AFCON camping: Flight tickets of Mikel, Ighalo, others to gulp N70 million – NFF The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given a hint of how much it would cost the federation to fly the Super Eagles to Asaba, the Delta State capital for the next week’s camping ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt next month.

The Eagles are expected to regroup from June 2 and according to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, a bill of N70m is what the federation would spend on flight tickets and other logistics for the players that have been invited by head coach, Gernot Rohr.

“It is not a hidden document, we have a budget of about N1 billion every year but what is backed by cash is 65 percent

which comes to about N650 million.

“But let me give you an example, when the Super Eagles are playing a game the minimum it costs is N200-250 million.

“They sent a memo to me for the players that they invited.

Mikel Obi’s ticket alone is N3.5 million, it is normal, Ighalo’s own is above N4 million. If you put all these together, you are talking about N60-70 million alone for their coming.

“Then you talk about daily allowances, you talk about bonuses, accommodation, match organization, referees indemnity and you are dealing with 13 national teams,” he told Channels Television.

r

t

Intrigues, power play as incumbents return in state FA elections

Members of the newly elected Enugu State FA executive board members taking their oath of office on Monday

By Amaechi Agbo

A

s the conduct of elections into the various States’ Football Associations take centre stage across the country within these three weeks, incumbent chairmen have so far reclaimed their mandates in some of the elections conducted so far in some states From Niger to Nasarawa, Enugu to IMO, Kano to Lagos states, the stories are the same - incumbent FA chairmen were returned elected.

Even though the circumstances that led to their return as chairmen of the State FAs thus far might not be holistically fathomed as at the time of this report, this paper can report that Enugu State FA chairman Chidi Ofo Okenwa and his vice, Barr.

Tony Okechi Ugwu were returned unopposed after Monday’s elective congress.

But to comply with the constitutional provisions of the status guiding the conduct of the election, both men scored a total of 27 votes

each out of the 27 delegates for the election to retain their seats.

Still on Monday, Alhaji Mohammed Akali was re-elected as Nasarawa State Football Association Chairman. He pulled the majority 19 votes of the delegates to retain his seat.

However, in Lagos State, it was not an easy ride for the incumbent FA chairman and 1st Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Seyi Akinwumi as he needed a rerun to outsmart his challenger Alhaji Gafar Liameed In the first votes cast, the delegates were hugely divided on who should lead the state football for the next four years as Liameed got 6 votes and Akinwumi got seven.

To some outsiders, this was a shocking result because it was believed that the incumbent would have a ride in the election.

Tension mounted, faces looked gloom, nuctrunal meetings were held even without gathering, calls were made and text messages sent.

Like the fate that befall Alhaji

Ahmed Fresh in the September 20, 2018 NFF election, the atmosphere was unbearably hot.

Then the rerun. At the end of the second voting, some delegates were made to shift positions, consequently, the incumbent chairman, Seyi Akinwumi was elected after he gathered 9 votes against Liameed’s 4 votes to return for a 3rd term stint as the Lagos State FA boss.

In Imo State, Amanze Uchegbulam garnered all the 25 delegates’ votes to reclaim his seat four another four-year term in the eastern heartland still on Monday.

It could be recalled that on Sunday, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf was elected for the fifth term as the chairman of Niger State Football Association making him one of the longest serving FA chairmen in the country.

As the wave of return of incumbent chairmen sweeps across states’ FA elections, all eyes are patiently focused on Rivers, Kaduna, Delta as well as the FCT FAs whose elective congresses will hold soon.

U-20 World Cup: Senegal stay perfect in Group A

S

enegal made it two wins from two at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019 with a 2-0 victory against Colombia at the Lublin Stadium on Sunday.

Les Lions de la Teranga had the ball in the net on 21 minutes and even though Ibrahima Niane’s header was ruled offside, Senegal were soon celebrating a one-goal lead 13 minutes later after converting from

the penalty spot.

Colombia’s Anderson Arroyo fouled Niane inside the area, and the forward made no mistake from the spot – firing past Kevin Mier and registering his first goal of Poland 2019.

Colombia pressed in the second half in search of an equaliser but Senegal doubled their lead on 85 minutes – another goal coming from the penalty spot. Ousseynou

Niang was brought down by Andres Reyes before Dion Lopy converted his spot-kick to seal the deal for the African side.

Japan also registered a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over Mexico in Group B. It was the Samurai Blue’s first win of the tournament.

Japan pressed El Tri from the kick-off, frustrating playmaker Diego Lainez and goalscorer Jose Macias. At the other end

of the field they were measured with their passing, probing for a way through that would come via Taisei Miyashiro in the 21st minute Kyosuke Tagawa added to Japan’s advantage in the 52nd minute. The Japanese put a bow on their performance with a brilliant team move in the 77th minute, initiated by a goal-kick and capped off by Miyashiro completing his brace.

Wikki Tourists coach delighted after ending Rangers dominance

W

ikki Tourist coach Aliyu Zubairu has expressed delight after his side finally ended the dominance of Enugu Rangers over them in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 22 fixture on Sunday.

Wikki haven’t recorded a win over Rangers in the last seven meetings, but they did enough to get a crucial 1-0 victory over the Flying Antelopes on Sunday.

Manu Garba was the hero of the day for the Giant Elephant, as he raced onto a defense-splitting pass from Adeshina Gata to slot past Seidu Mutawakilu in the Rangers goal.

That goal was not just the winner but it also saved Wikki from relegation to the lower division.

“We worked hard for this victory and I am very happy to have stopped Rangers’ dominance over

us in the past four seasons,” coach Zubairu said excitedly during his post-match interview “No doubt, Rangers is a great side and I believe that the absence of some of their tested legs which

I believe they are resting for the Super Six made the game easier for us.”

Despite the defeat, Rangers ended the regular season topping the NPFL Group A table with 40

points from 22 matches.

They qualified for the NPFL Super Six along with Lobi Stars and Enyimba, in second and third.

As for Wikki, the three points secured on Sunday helped them

NPFL: How Imo Governor-elect, Ihedioha saved Heartland from relegation

T

he Heartland beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 at the Okigwe Township Stadium to escape relegation from the NPFL may no longer be news but the big news is the role Imo State governor-elect Emeka ihedioha played in the team’s last minute survival.

With little attention or motivation from the outgoing Rochas Okorocha

administration, Heartland had frolicked with the drop for most part of the season.

Going into the last game of the season, the team was in the relegation zone and only a victory over El-Kanemi would guarantee escape.

Ihedioha had always nursed plans of returning Heartland to their

once domineering status in Nigeria and on the continent but was wary of inheriting an NNL club from the current administration.

Well aware of Heartland’s dire situation on Sunday, Ihedioha mobilised Imo PDP chairman Bar. Charles Ezekwem, Ikemba of Okigwe and former Heartland Chairman and

Imo FA Chairman, Fan Ndubuoke to Okigwe to ginger the team against ElKanemi.

It was obvious the team had been poorly motivated all through the season but needed a late minute push to pull through against an El-Kanemi team that had been well-motivated by the Borno State government to avoid the drop.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, may 28, 2019

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QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

TuesDAY, may 28, 2019

“I have no apologies, I don’t apologise for my views. My views are thought-out and I put them there. I don’t have to explain anything to anyone. This is a democracy, and in a democratic space, there must be room for people express their views.”

- El Rufai.

SPORTS Agenda for new Nasarawa gov, Sule latest

Caroline Wozniacki knocked out in French Open first round

F

ormer Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki says she “ran out of steam” in a surprise first-round defeat by Russian world number 68 Veronika Kudermetova at the French Open.

The Danish 13th seed lost 0-6 6-3 6-3 despite winning the first seven games and said her opponent had “got lucky”.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” the 28-year-old former world number one said.

“It hasn’t been a great year for me so far, so I’m going to work hard and try and turn it around.”

Wozniacki, who wore strapping on her left calf, won 62% of the total points in the opening set but crumbled in the second and was broken three times.

She went 3-0 behind in the decider before losing a firstround match in Paris for only the third time since 2007.

“I think she got very lucky at the start of the second set and took advantage of the opportunities she got,” Wozniacki added.

“I ran out of steam in the end and made some unforced errors that I don’t usually do.

The Dane, a two-time quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, withdrew from her firstround match against American Danielle Collins at the Italian Open earlier this month because of a calf injury.

It was the second successive tournament Wozniacki retired early from after she pulled out of her opening match at the Madrid Open with a back injury.

Meanwhile, British number one Johanna Konta earned her first victory in the French Open main draw with a straight-set win over Germany’s Antonia Lottner.

Konta, seeded 26th, won 6-4 6-4 against the world number 147.

The former Wimbledon semi-finalist is the first Briton through at Roland Garros, with men’s number one Kyle Edmund meeting France’s Jeremy Chardy.

Compatriots Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans play their Taye Taiwo and on Oduamadi opening matches Tuesday.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

O

ne distinguishing feature of the in-coming Nasarawa state governor who is about to step into the Shendam Road Government House, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule is that he is an ‘uncommon’ industrialist having worked throughout his adult life in the private sector, attaining the zenith in the corporate world; first as managing director of African Petroleum for seven years and then managing director of Dangote Sugar company for ten years, from where he resigned to contest for the governorship seat.

This public limited company (plc) is part of the behemoth being established in Africa by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote group who is rated as Africa’s richest person. In the corporate world where Sule called the shot, the objective is to maximise profit.

Success is measured by how much profit is made. Against this background, it is believed that one who has headed a corporate organisation like Sule would make a good governor/president as he is in tune with how to make money. In this our world, money is the common denominator, whether in the private or public sector. This is perhaps the one advantage that Governor-Elect Sule has over all those that have governed Nasarawa State, since its establishment from 1996 todate.

Doubtless, anybody in a leadership position whether as a local government chairman, governor or president ought to have some management skills, that is, the ability to get the most results from the least resources.

This is especially true in these days of dwindling/inadequate resources when many public organisations lament that they do not have enough funds to fulfil their mandate.

While the goal of a corporate entity is essentially to make profit, that of a state or nation is to provide what is termed the dividends of democracy to all strata of society who are indeed the stakeholders, from infants to the elderly.

That is, meeting their needs through provision of basic social amenities as roads, education, hospitals, electricity, etc.

Surprisingly, 20 years after inception of democratic rule in this 4th republic the nation is still grappling with basic issues of social amenities. They remain a pipe dream for many

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

Tuesday Column

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO vikeano@yahoo.co.uk 08033077519 Nigerians with their quality and affordability another contending matter. Same for Nasarawa State since its inception generally speaking; though in the specific case of Nasarawa one must give kudos to its first civilian governor, Abdullahi Adamu for establishing tertiary institutions and to the outgoing administration of Umaru Tanko Al-makura for opening up the state capital, Lafia through constructing of roads.

Nonetheless, some two decades after, we ought to have progressed from this phase to the next stage of dividends of democracy which is industrialisation.

Industrialisation is the best way to boost employment because of its multiplier effect and value added chain. Apart from those working directly in the factories, it provides sundry other employment through suppliers, retailers, vendors, and so on. All states of the federation, not least Nasarawa State, are sufficiently blessed with natural resources to be able to attract investors and establish industries in their domains.

It is noteworthy that a key agenda of an AA Sule administration is establishment of industries in Nasarawa state.

At least four of the two factors of production are readily available in Nasarawa State namely, land and raw materials (natural resources). The other factors of production are capital and labour. Still, industries require a conducive atmosphere to thrive and it is the responsibility of the chief executive of a state

“

to create such environment through appropriate policy formulation and incentives such as tax holidays. Thus someone coming to manage state affairs from the private sector such as Sule who was chief executive of a conglomerate, is better placed to initiate such policies as well as attract investors through his personal contacts and experience.

But by far the greatest factor required for any organisation to thrive be it public or private and for society itself to thrive especially in this part of the world, is peace. Indeed, peace, which cannot be quantified in naira and kobo is itself a dividend of democracy. There can be no meaningful progress anywhere without peace. It is the fulcrum on which every other thing is built. So, it is often hammered that the primary responsibility of a government is to safeguard life and property. This is a difference which a private-sector accustomed governor-elect like that of Nasarawa would find when he mounts the saddle as his state’s chief executive tomorrow, May 29. Previously he did not have to worry much about this as a private-sector player as it is not his core mandate. Now however, as a chief executive of a state he has to factor it into everything he does if he is to be as successful as he was while on the other side, so to speak. For a state with ethnoreligious and cultural groups as Nasarawa, ensuring harmonious co-existence among these diverse groups is a top priority for its number one citizen for,

But by far the greatest factor required for any organisation to thrive be it public or private and for society itself to thrive especially in this part of the world, is peace

there is strength in diversity.

Again, it is worthy of note that Sule, very much aware that no investor could be attracted to a crisis ridden community, has already held talks with neighbouring Benue state governor Samuel Ortom on how to stem perennial crises within their border communities and enthrone sustainable peace. No doubt Engr. Sule will initiate similar peace-building initiatives in other places where there are such threats. Peaceful coexistence amongst all citizens is a priority of the governor-elect.

One advantage which a private-sector experienced top player like him can bring to bear on the state’s civil service is a new work ethic that is oriented towards the business maxim that ‘time is money’ and has no room for frivolities and lazing about. This may only be a gradual process as habits die hard.

Sule himself has said that it is unconscionable for workers to be owed salaries and wages, assuring that public sector employees and pensioners will get their dues under his administration. Of course, he expects the workers to reciprocate by way of hard work and commitment to their jobs.

Among the tasks that await the Nasarawa State governorelect is shoring up the state’s poor internally generated revenue which stems from the fact that Nasarawa is essentially a civilservice state. The state’s share from the federation account that ranks amongst the lowest is clearly inadequate for Sule’s big plans for the state. It has to be augmented from internal and other sources. This is where Sule needs to put his business acumen to action.

DAN GAYE

AGF drags 2 INEC officials to court over electoral fraud News

Don’t spare them!

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