Tuesday, July 28, 2020 Edition

Tuesday, July 28, 2020/ Zhul-Hijja 7, 1441 AH

Vol. 34 No. 069 N150

2290 Days after

Troops kill 2 bandits, arrest 3, rescue kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Sokoto

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The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Southern Kaduna: IGP Physically challenged orders full enforcement lament increased rape of curfew of members

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Army arrests notorious Nigerien gunrunner, bandits’ informant pAGE 4

DHQ, DSS warn:

We won’t tolerate plans to destabilize Nigeria page 3

•Say insurrection, mutiny comments are red line President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Amb Zubairu Dada and Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi during a virtual meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Mali crisis held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja.

PHOTO; STATE HOUSE

Dethronement: IGP asks court to dismiss Sanusi’s right suit >>>page 5

Coalition wants EFCC to probe Tinubu, Fashola over alleged graft >>>page 5

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stock Watch Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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Troops kill 2 bandits, arrest 3, rescue kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Sokoto From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

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roops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Sahel Sanity have succeeded in killing two suspected armed bandits and arrested three in the process. A notorious gun runner and an informant were captured as well, and 5 kidnapped victims were rescued in Zamfara and Sokoto states.

Briefing journalists yesterday at Super Camp 4 Faskari, the Acting Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, said the X Sahel Sanity has recorded the achievement in its continued fights against banditry,

Insecurity: Katsina Emirate cancels Sallah Durbar

kidnapping and cattle rustling across North West zone.

On 25th July 2020, based on reliable information of bandits activities, the troops conducted a cordon and search operation at Gurbin Baure of Zamfara state during which five suspected bandits were sighted trying to escape the area and instinctively engaged them, in the process 2 bandits were neutralized while the remaining 3 were captured.

“On 22 July 2020 troops acting on credible intelligence arrested a notorious gun runner named Musa Abubakar alias Kasko/Buzu from Mai Wake village, Dakoro area of Maradi, Niger Republic. He was arrested at the premises of a school in Gusau where his relative works as a security guard.

“The suspect was believed

to be involved in the supply of illicit dangerous arms from Niger Republic to Nigeria through Sabon Birni and Isah local government area of Sokoto State.

The suspect is in custody and providing useful information to the troops.

“Similarly, on 25th July 2020, troops deployed at Sabuwa received a distress call on kidnap activities in the town. Troops swiftly mobilized to the area and following a hot pursuit, the kidnappers abandoned their 4 kidnapped victims and fled.

Victims were promptly rescued and subsequently reunited with their families.

“Additionally, on 25 July 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Bena while conducting patrol to Anguwan Yara, Bankami,

Faduwa and Danlayi villages in Zamfara State arrested one bandit informant named Garba Faduwa.The suspect is presently undergoing interrogation.

“Same day, on 25 July 2020 troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Unashi on fighting patrol to Dan Kadai village following information of sighting of bandits around Akawo village under Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State.The bandits fled on sighting the troops abandoning their victim one Alhaji Lawal Mamman.

“However, troops of Operation Sahel Sanity continue to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols and ambushes paving way for smooth conduct of agricultural and economic activities by the locals”, General Benard has assured.

From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

Group says COVID-19 has deepened poverty, worsening malnutrition in Kaduna Page 4

Digest

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Feature 26 Sports 30-31 Back Page

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D

ue to the growing insecurity in the state, Katsina Emirate council has announced the cancellation of this year’s Hawan Babbar Sallah.

A letter signed and addressed to the Secretary of the State government by the secretary of the Emirate council, Alhaji Bello M. Ifo said the cancellation was to sympathized and pay respect to the victims of bandits attack across the state He similarly noted that other reasons for the cancellation of the Durbar was the covid-19 pandemic.

Ifo added that the Eid-elKabir period will be used for prayer for peace, security of lives and property in the state.

Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari (M) flanked by the NSA to the President Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno Rtd left and SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha during a virtual meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on Mali crisis held at the Council Chambers, State House Abuja. PHOTO; STATE HOUSE

Defection; PDP chieftain wants NASS leadership to declare Dogaras seat vacant From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

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Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Mallam Bibi Dogo has charged the Federal House of Representatives to declare the seat of Bogoro, Dass, Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency vacant due to the defection of Former Speaker Yakubu Dogara from the PDP to the APC without any cogent reason.

Dogo stated this in a statement he issued in Bauchi today Sunday, He said the defection of Dogara is Political indiscipline and that the people of Bogoro , Dass and Tafawa Balewa who elected him under the flat form of PDP were no longer comfortable being “totally

eclipsed” in the House. They don’t know any convincing reason why he defects to APC, he didn’t consult them before his defection.

“I hereby call on the Reps leadership to quickly declare Dogara’s seat vacant to enable the constituents to elect a capable replacement,” he said.

He said that the People of the area would set machinery in motion for Dogara’s recall and that the process would soon commence in earnest because we will not condone political indiscipline”.

Dogo expressed disbelief that the reasons given by Yakubu Dogara in a letter sent to his ward chairman are nothing but flimsy excuses, because the Governor the alleged money is 3.6 not 4.6

and a contract was awarded for the purchase of Vehicles and Dogara is one of the beneficiary of the vehicles, it was Covid-19 that delayed the state Local Government presently a Date was fixed by the State independent Electoral Commission it will be conducted in October. And everybody knows Governor who came from a royal family has great respect to traditional institutions, He said it was a shameful act for Dogara who dumped APC in 2019 elections, could “so quickly return to pick the same broom he said was not sweeping well”.

Dogo alleged that there were talks from many quarters Dogara’s return to APC was initiated to cover himself from the mess of NDDC

that is now booming.

He alleged that Dogara had made three defections in recent times, having moved from PDP to APC ahead of the 2015 general elections and now he moved again from APC to PDP ahead of 2019 general election and now he moved from PDP to APC. Dogo said “His jumping from party to party smacks of political indiscipline but you know that a rolling stone gathers no moss.

“Unfortunately, too, he lacks the political discipline to be trusted with any public office in Bogoro , Dass , Tafawa Balewa, How can you trust a man whose only political antecedent is jumping from one party to another?”

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

We’ll not tolerate plans to destabilize Nigeria, DSS, DHQ warns

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Department of State Services (DSS) has warned that it will no longer tolerate the orchestrations by subversive and unscrupulous elements to cause a breakdown of law and order in the country.

This is as the Service said it has uncovered plans by some persons and groups desirous of taking advantage of latest developments in parts of the country to destabilize it.

DSS in a statement issued yesterday Peter Afunanya, its Public Relations Officer, said some prominent personalities and socio-cultural groups have resorted to divisive acts through inciting statements aimed at pitting individuals, groups and ethnic nationalities against another.

It said it is, without doubt, aware of these plans and their sponsors.

In this regard, the Service said it is working assiduously with relevant authorities and sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the sinister objective is not achieved.

The Service reiterated its commitment to the internal security of Nigeria and will, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with planners of the mayhem.

The statement urged law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses and disregard the antics of agents of destabilization.

“They should, however, avail the Service and related agencies with useful information about the activities of criminals and groups intent on instigating violence in the country.”

Similarly, the Defence Headquarters has warned, also yesterday, against acts of insurrection and mutiny in the country, saying that it cannot be taken for granted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The military in a statement issued yesterday by Major General, John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, said its attention was drawn to a newspaper publication captioned “Nigeria Needs a Rawlings Now – “by the national chairman of

•Say insurrection, mutiny comments are red line

National Democratic Party (NDP), Chidi Chukwuanyi.

Chukwuanyi in the publication said the state of corruption in the country calls for the replication of the Ghanian experience under former President Jerry Rawlings in Nigeria.

But the military warned that such comments have no basis in the country’s military settings, as all officers and men of the Nigerian Military swore to an oath of allegiance

to be totally loyal to the civil authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect the constitution.

“This translates to unalloyed loyalty to the President Commander in Chief and full subordination to the civil authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That all officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are to continue to abide by the constitutional provision, in Section

217 sub section 2 (c) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, “To suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authorities to restore order”. Any act to the contrary is unconstitutional.

“That all officers and men of the Nigerian Military are further reminded of offences contained in Armed Forces Act CAP A 20, The laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which include among others;

Mutiny in Sections 52 and 53, which if committed are punishable.”

“I am further directed to state clearly and unequivocally that the Nigerian Military is a force that is in consonance with all global best practices and cannot be misguided by any individual or group. And for the avoidance of doubt, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is totally loyal to the President Commander in-Chief and fully subordinated to the civil authorities of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

From left: Director of Operations Accident Investigation Bureau, Capt. Dayyabu Danraka ; Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Yakubu Oseni; and Chief Executive Officer, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr Akin Olateru, during the oversight visit of Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime to the Headquarters of the Bureau, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

COVID-19: Continued schools closure may increase out-of-school children- NANS From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

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he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) of Zone A, has said that the continued closure of schools might lead to increase the number of out-of-school children in most parts Nigeria.

The association also expressed concern that some pupils and students sent back home are already mixing with those that do not care to go to school, adding that, that might increase security threat in the country.

“Some of those they are mixing with are drug addicts who could

easily influence them negatively.

This is of great concern to us. We are worried. While governments are trying to reduce the number of out-of-school children, others are probably going to join them,” he said.

In a press conference in Kano yesterday, the Secretary General of the zone, Abdullahi Mohammed Saleh stated that the continuous closure of schools would plunge the future of the country into a sorry state.

He alleged that the Federal Government is hiding under the guise of COVID-19 to deny children of the masses right to

education with the continuous closure of schools across the country.

According to him, some countries with higher infections than Nigeria had considered reopening their educational institutions, expressing dismay as the government lifted suspension on air travels and even planning to conduct elections.

The Secretary General wondered why the government would approve the opening of viewing centers, eateries and market places but continued to closed down schools, describing the situation as “a sheer

insensitivity and callousness exhibited by the government to its younger generation.”

The Zone A of the association, comprising Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Gombe and Buchi states however called on the federal government to stop beating around the bush to tell precisely when schools would be reopened.

NANS also called on the government to come up with a timeline of how to open schools, assuring that students would strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols.

NALDA to engage 28,000 youths in agric From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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he National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA, is to engage 28 thousand youths across the country in agricultural production to enhance food security and economic diversification.

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr. Paul Ikonne stated this in Katsina where he paid a working visit preparatory to the take-off of the program.

Mr. Ikonne explained that in the pilot phase of the program, the agency has selected 14 states where it will train 100 youths in three Local Government Areas each on various forms of agricultural

production.

He said the pilot states were selected from the six geo-ploitical zones of the country, as more states will be picked in subsequent phases of the program to maximize its impact on the economy.

Mr. Ikonne noted that “the essence of the program is to engage as many Nigerian youths as possible by giving them employment and empowering them with skills and tools to handle the business aspect of farming”.

“This will enable farmers to get value for their produce, and the globa economic trend warrants that we call on everybody to go back to farm.

“The government of president

Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that farming will be fully mechanized to make it more attractive and more profitable, and that is what NALDA is driving.

He said “in this project, we will engage institutions, corporate bodies, governments, and individuals to lease their land that is not in use so that we could put it to use in a way that will contribute to economic productivity and youth employment”.

While at the Government House in Katsina, the NALDA team held a closed-door meeting with Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

While briefing newsmen after the meeting, the governor said Katsina State government will

provide agricultural land for NALDA for the purpose of training and engaging youths in agricultural production.

He noted that “80% of our people are farmers and we have projected that our engagement with NALDA will create more jobs for our people while also boosting the rural economy”.

“I believe this approach is a major departure from what NALDA used to do, this is a more practical approach and it will impact directly on the rural and national economy”, Masari said.

Earlier, the team was at the palace of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji AbdulMumini Kabir Usman where the Executive Secretary solicited

the Emir’s support by encuraging rural dwellers in the state to lease out idle land to NALDA to enhance agricultural production in rural areas.

The Emir pledged support for the program while urging the federal government to put in more effort in the fight against armed banditry which has obstructed farming and commercial activities in some LGAs in the central and southern parts of the state.

He also appealed to agencies that have a stake in agriculture and forestry at state and federal levels to commit more resources in combating desertification which threatens agricultural land in the Sahel part of the country.

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Gov Sule seeks 50% admission for Nasarawa indigenes in Federal varsity, Lafia From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

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asarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule has appealed to the Authority of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) to allocate 50% admission opportunities to Nasarawa State indigenes to be trained on medical fields, lamenting that the state is lacking manpower in the medical discipline.

The Governor made the plea Monday during the official handing over of the edifice proposed General Hospital Lafia in the then Governor Tanko Almakura’s led administration.

According to him, “It is regrettable that the entire country and the state is lacking medical professionals. We have a shortage of medical personnel in our health centres. I urged the Federal University to offer 50% admission to our indigenes. This will help train our youths in the medical aspect”.

Gov. Sule also admonished Nasarawa State indigenes to embrace the gesture by enrolling themselves for admission as well as charged the university to encourage community based development, assuring that his administration will continue to accord priority to the health sector as according to him “Health is wealth”.

In his introductory speech, the State Commissioner of Health Pharmacist Ahmed Yahaya applauded the foresight of Governor Sule for the topmost priority accorded to the health sector in the state, noting that giving priority to the health status was a necessity to every responsible government or individual.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

News

Southern Kaduna: IGP orders full enforcement of curfew From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed .A Adamu, has directed the Commissioner of Police (CP), Kaduna State Police Command to ensure full enforcement of the curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government.

This was contained in a statement made available to media in Kaduna yesterday Kaduna CP was equally directed

to ensure optimal deployment of both human and material assets of the Intervention Squad currently on ground in the State to safeguard lives and property of people in the communities. “ The CP is to personally coordinate the operations of the Intervention Squad in carrying out collective and holistic tasks of ensuring peace and safety in the communities.

“The Squad comprises: the

Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Special Forces, Detectives/Intelligence Operatives as well as personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command, the Military and other security agencies.

“The IGP commiserates with the people of Kaduna State, particularly those who have lost their loved ones and property as a result of the crises. He assures that the Force will do everything within its powers and means to ensure that peace is

restored in the affected areas.” The statement reads Meanwhile, the IGP enjoins the people of Kaduna State to cooperate with the Police, the Military and other law enforcement agencies as they carry out the full enforcement of the curfew amongst other measures directed at ensuring their safety. He however warns troublemakers in the State to desist forthwith from acts of violence and lawlessness.

Chief Executive Officer, Accident Investigation Bureau, Mr Akin Olateru (3rd L); Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Sen. Yakubu Oseni (M); Sen. Emmanuel Oker-Jer, and others members of Committee, during their oversight visit to Accident Investigation Bureau Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Group tasks Nigerians to redouble efforts on peace building From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has appealed to Nigerians, and Africans in general, to redouble their efforts at building peace and transforming education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) noted that the pandemic poses a new challenge to the global community in many areas, especially in the maintenance

of peace as peace workers face fresh hurdles at fostering dialogue in an atmosphere ill-suited for physical meetings with people of diverse opinions in the same room.

In view of this, the GPF is organizing a virtual conference tagged: "Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) 2020," in partnership with the Standard Media Group, from July 30 - 31, 2020, according to a statement by the GPF-Nigeria’s Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.

Hayab stated that the two-day conference would bring together over 1,000 multi-sector participants including peace workers, educators, religious leaders, civil society leaders, governmental stakeholders, NGOs, school administrators, and media representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, USA, UK, among others, to share best practices and lessons learnt.

He said, "Our Children have been staying at home for about five months now and only few can

access internet to learn. We in Africa and the global community need to find a suitable way to transform our education for the good of our children and future generations."

The GPF, according to Hayab, is therefore, organizing the virtual conference for stakeholders comprising global experts to brainstorm and recommend workable solutions to peace and education delivery during the pandemic.

Army arrests notorious Nigerien gunrunner, bandits’ informant From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

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notorious Nigerien gun runner, Musa Abubakar alias Kasko/Buzu from Mai Wake village, Dokoro area of Maradi Niger Republic has been arrested by the troops of operation Sahel Sanity.

Brig-Gen Benard Onyeuko, acting Director Defense Media Operation disclosed this during a press conference with journalists held at the special army super camp 4 in Faskari LGA of Katsina state on Monday.

Onyeuko said the suspect was arrested at a school in Gusau where his relative works as a security guard.

According to him, the suspect is believed to be involved in the supply of illicit arms from Niger Republic to Nigeria through Sabon Birni and Isah LGAs of Sokoto state, adding that he is in it’s custody and providing useful information to the troops.

Similarly, he said, on 25/07/2020, the troops deployed at Sabuwa received a distressed call on kidnap activities and mobilized to the area. Following a hot pursuit, four

kidnapped victims are abandoned by the hoodlums. The victims had been reunited with their families.

In another development, he stated that, on the same day, based on reliable information of bandits activities, the troops conducted a Cordon and Search operation at Gurbin Baure. During the operation five suspected bandits were sighted trying to escape the area, troops instinctively engaged the fleeing criminals and in the process two bandits were neutralized while the remaining three were captured by

the troops.

Additionally, he added that, on 25 July 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Bena while conducting patrol to Anguwan Yara, Bankami, Faduwa and Danlayi villages in Zamfara State arrested one bandit informant, Garba Faduwa and presently undergoing interrogation.

“Same day, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Unashi, while on patrol to Dan Kadai village got information of bandits activities around Akawo village under

Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State, however the bandits fled on sighting the troops abandoning their victim one Alhaji Lawal Mamman and he is currently receiving treatment for wounds inflicted by the bandits in the process”, he maintained.

Onyeuko therefore assured that the troops of the Operation SAHEL SANITY would continue to dominate the general area with aggressive patrols and ambushes to pave way for the smooth conduct of agricultural and economic activities by the locals.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been asked to probe the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, as governors of Lagos state.

Asiwaju Tinubu was governor of the state between 1999 to 2007 while Fashola also governed the state between 2007 to 2015.

The petitioner, Coalition Against Corruption and Impunity in the petition to the commission and signed by John Olufemi and Mohammed Sanni, Co-ordinator and Secretary, respectively, asked the anti-graft agency to look into the activities of the two former governors between 1999 to 2015 when they governed the state.

The petition, dated July 24, 2020, was copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

According to the petition, over the years, the law enforcement agencies appear uninterested and unwilling to probe the many allegations of infractions allegedly committed in Lagos under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola as governors.

The coalition asked the anticorruption agency to undertake a holistic investigation of the two former governors especially in the areas of land administration, tax collections and other areas.

Parts of allegations the coalition is asking the commission to look into are the development of 1,000 hectares of land for golf course and housing estate by Asset and Resource Management Limited at N75billion located at Lakowe near Ibeju Lekki Government given to Lekki Concession Company (LCC) partly owned

by Tinubu and Fashola.

Another area is alleged operation of eight foreign bank accounts while in office as Executive Governor of Lagos State in contravention of Section 7 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap 56 LFN, 1990.

Details of the accounts, according to the petition are: i. First heritage Bank, Country Club Hill, lIIinoise, USA, Bola Tinunu, 26226700. ii. City Bank NA, New York, USA and Compass Finance and Investment Company Limited, 39483134, 39483396, 4650279566, 00400220, l9936383. iii. City Bank International, New York, Bola Tinubu iv. HSBC, 177 Great Portland Street, London WIWGOJ, Senator Bola Tinubu, 7125367040-03-15 (Sort Code). v. HSBC, 177 Great Portland

News

Coalition wants EFCC to probe Tinubu, Fashola over alleged graft Street, London WIWGOJ, Senator Bola Oluremi Tinubu, 712361040-03-15 (Sort Code). vi. HBSC~ 177 Grea~ Portland Street, London WIWGOJ, Senator Bola Tinubu - Money Market, 04320002DN vii. HBSC, 177 Great Portland Street, London WIWGOJ, Mrs. Tinubu Zainab Ablsola ( 172447600) viii. HBSC, 117 Great Portland Street, London’ WIWGOJ, Tinubu Oluremi Shade, 41421522.

Other allegations the coalition is asking the commission to probe are the

N250 hectare of land valued at N35billion strategically located at Ajah Junction on Lekki Road originally meant for the construction of General Hospital for Eti-Osa Local Government, handed over to Trojan Estate Limited; transferring of the annex of Lagos State Guest House in Asokoro Abuja, purchased by the Lagos State Government in 2006 for N450million to protect the main building from security breach and a 14-hectare Parkview Ikoyi estate foreshore land reclaimed by Lagos State Government.

The commission was also

asked to probe the Payment of 70 percent up front to contractor cronies for awarded contracts yet to be executed in contravention of section 120 (4) of the 1999 constitution.

The coalition said, ‘’It is in this light that we write to request that you use your good offices to allow for thorough and detailed investigations into the activities of the Lagos State Government, especially between the period 1999 to 2015. As citizens we are alarmed by mind-boggling wrongdoing perpetrated during this period and we are even more perplexed that the

Law Enforcement and AntiCorruption Agencies have over the years appear uninterested and unwilling to probe the many allegations of infractions allegedly committed in Lagos state. ‘’We believe the fight against corruption should be absolute and total with no sacred cows allowed. No territory or individual under the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be beyond investigation of the anticorruption agencies. Inaction on matters like this is a huge dent to the government’s claim to fight against corruption’’.

Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya signing the 2020 revised budget . He was flanked by Deputy Speaker, Gombe state House of Assembly, Hon. Siddi Buba ( 2nd Right) , Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Ali Baba- Manu ( Right), Secretary to the state Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi ( 3rd left), Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abubakar Inuwa Kari ( 2nd left), Commissioner of Finance, Muhammad Gambo Magaji ( Left).

Dethronement: IGP asks court to dismiss Sanusi’s right suit

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

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he Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, yesterday, asked the Federal High Court Abuja, to dismiss a right suit filed by the deposed Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, challenging his banishment.

The embattled Emir, through his lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), submitted that his banishment and subsequent house arrest violated his right to freedom of movement, among others.

However, the IGP, in his preliminary objection, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the fundamental rights

enforcement suit.

The IGP maintained that the rights violation Sanusi relied on followed his dethronement which took place in Kano.

He added that the dethronement which led to his banishment was a chieftaincy matter that only state High Court and not the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to hear.

“The alleged infringement of the fundamental right of the applicant in this suit (Sanusi) is only ancillary to the dethronement of the applicant as the Emir of Kano, which is a matter within the jurisdiction of the High Court of a state.

“It is crystal clear from all the processes filed by the applicant

that the facts that gave rise to this case arose from Kano State, where the applicant was dethroned as the Emir and flown to Abuja enroute Nasarawa State.

“It is our submission that coming into Abuja was only as a mere passage to their actual destination, which is Nasarawa State, and as such, Abuja cannot, by any stretch of reasoning, be said to be the place where the infringement occurred,’’ he submitted.

Responding, Sanusi, in a counter-affidavit, insisted that his suit was not about his dethronement but his family’s forceful ejection from the palace and their banishment from Kano

and subsequent confinement.

He argued that the infringement of his fundamental rights was not limited to Kano but was a continuous process that spanned three territories – Kano, Abuja and Nasarawa.

Meantime, Justice Anuli Chikere has fixed October 20 for hearing.

Recall that Kano State Government had on March 9, 2020 deposed Sanusi after which security agents moved him to Abuja.

He was later banished to Awe, Nasarawa State, where he was detained in a private home until March 13 when he obtained an interim order of the court for his release from house arrest.

PAGE 6

News Senator Jibrin tasks Dogara to tell Nigerians real reason he left PDP for APC

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

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hairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Walid Jibrin has dismissed the reason given by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara for defecting from the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Jibrin however challenged Dogara to come out clean and tell Nigerians why he left PDP for APC. Senator Jibrin in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said Dogara did not exhaust all avenues available to him in PDP in resolving dispute before leaving the party.

According to him, as a former Speaker, Dogara was a member of PDP BoT and had not tabled any complaints before the board.

“In his position as a member of BoT, Mr. Dogara has never laid any complaints to me as the Chairman of BoT which is the highest advisory organ of the party and remained the conscience of the party,” Senator Jibrin stated.

He disclosed that Dogora might be nursing an ambition in 2023 which he knew he would no achieve in PDP. In the words of the BoT Chairman of PDP, “Considering seriously reasons given by Dogara for his decamping, one is compelled to say that Mr. Dogara has other strong reasons for leaving PDP. “I am beginning to suspect that the former speaker has underground motives for joining APC. I suspect that Mr. Dogara has a plan of becoming president or vice president in 2023 which he knows he will never achieve in PDP,” he added.

Jibrin however, assured the former Speaker that PDP would continue to be strong and united, adding that even though the party’s door is open to all Nigerians, it would not accept any plan from anybody to destroy the party.

“As Chairman of BoT, I urge all members of the party to remain calm and strong as the BoT will continue to play its role as the conscience of the party as contained in its constitution,” he further declared.

He pledged the BoT’s support for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the September 19 Edo governorship election.

Jibrin said the board is making arrangements to visit Edo State to campaign for the PDP candidate.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

Physically challenged lament increased rape of members From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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eople Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), has lamented the increased rape cases involving its members.

President of the Association, Rilwan Abdullahi, stated this yesterday, durng a campaign tagged: War Against Rape Save The Future Mothers” organized

by The Eye Opener Women/ Youth Foundation, (TEO), in collaboratiton with his Associotion at the palace of District Head of Makera, Kaduna South Local Government Area of the state.

The Group therefore called on the government at all levels and stakeholders to rise up to this challenge to curb the menace.

Abdullahi who was physically shaken and pained said his association is daily inundated with cases of rape of his members across the country, saying rape has taken a different dimension in Nigeria, noting that it is even worst in the northern part of the country.

He opined that the act could be more of spiritual, otherwise; “How can a youngman of 15 – 20 years-old rape an elderly woman of 60 – 70 years old? He queried; calling on all citizens to go back to the drawing board to find a lasting solution to the issue.

Also speaking, Gender-Based Violence, (GBV) Focal Person for Primary Healthcare Centre, (PHC) Makera; Martha Lamba John, advised that in case a child is reportedly raped parents should not hide it, rather such a child should quickly be taken to the hospital where a Post Exposure Prophylaxis, (PEP) would be administered to her.

According to her, PEP is the first thing administered to rape victims to prevent them coming down with infections like HIV/AIDS, adding that this is done within 72 hours and immediately the victim is placed on that treatment after a month the victim will not be infected with HIV/AIDS even if the rapist turns out to be positive.

The GBV Focal Person gave some tips on how to prevent children falling prey to rapists: Sex eduction must be given to children as early as possible, children must be taught the under-wear rule that nothing covered under-wear is supposed to be made public, but is for private, children should also be made to know that there should not be any secrets between them and their parents – once children are educated and they believed in their parents no one will intimidate them after rape because 99 per cent of rape comes with people known to parents.

“These people know your movement and whereabouts at any point in time. They monitor you in order to commit the crime, hence parents must teach their children the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

“Like It is not appropriate for any adult to touch a girl’s breast/ buttocks. Children must also be taught real names of private parts and this is nothing to be ashamed

of because if they are not taught the right thing at that age someone out there will teach them the wrong way,” she cautioned.

Earlier, Founder of TEO, Margaret Julius, said the group was at the palace of the District Head of Makera, to wage war against rape in order to save future mothers; saying at the moment Kaduna state is facing three pandemics: the COVID -19, Drugs abused and Rape, which if not tackled would spell doom for everyone.

According to her, the fight against rape is a good one, and not just one to save the women alone, but the male children as well whom some of them were also being raped.

She added that this is a call not just to the government, but to the District Head to involve all stakeholders under his jurisdiction to wage war against the menace. She equally advised the government to mete out adequate punishment on rapists for crimes committed against humanity if got.

Director of Planning Research and Forecasting, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Kayode Fagbemi (M); Deputy Director of Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Florence Wenegieme (R) and other members of the response team, during inspection of areas affected by flood incidence that occurred in Gwagwalada, Abuja at the weekend, to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the disaster.

03911/27/7/2020/BJO/NAN

Benue Gov. signs revised 2020 budget into law From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

B

enue State Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday signed a revised budget of 108.8 billion naira into law.

Signing the revised budget at Government House, Makurdi, Governor Ortom said the earlier budget of 190.8 billion naira was passed by the State House of Assembly and duly signed into law on 30th December, 2020 for implementation with effect from 1st January, 2020.

He however, stressed that by the end of the first quarter, it became clear that the budget must be revised, attributing this development to global economic shocks created by the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia and the disruptive impact of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor explained that it is in response to these changing circumstances that the government has been forced to revise the macroeconomic projections on which the approved budget was set.

According to him, the revised macroeconomic projections for the approved 2020 budget as well as the projection for the revised 2020 budget is anchored on oil price benchmark of 57 dollar per barrel to 20 dollar per barrel, oil production benchmark of 2.18 million barrels per day to 1.7 million barrels per day, exchange rate of 305 naira to a dollar to 360 naira to a dollar, adding too, the National Gross Domestic Product of 2.93 (4.42) and an inflation rate of 10.81 to 14.13 percent.

“Based on these projections,

our state is facing a fall in both oil-related and non-oil revenues, which could be anything between a 57% to 67% drop over the course of the year.

“Income from traditional revenue sources such as earnings, tax, PMS under-recovery (now zero) and Value Added Tax (VAT) is expected to decline along with our own internally generated revenue (IGR). Needless to say, these adjustments have made it necessary for us to revise the approved 2020 budget.

“Noting the above assumptions and taking into consideration the impact of oil crash and COVID-19 on the global, national and subnational economies, we are now proposing the total sum of one hundred and eight billion, eight hundred and twenty-two million,

six hundred and eighty-three thousand, one hundred and eightyone naira (N108,822,683,181.00) only for approval as revised estimated aggregate revenue from all sources in fiscal year 2020.

This figure represents a reduction of eighty billion, six hundred and sixty million, eight hundred and twenty-seven thousand, eight hundred and forty-four naira (N80,660,827,844.00) or 43% from the approved year 2020 revenue estimates”,Ortom said.

He maintained that recurrent expenditure which was 108.548,525,887.00 naira now stands at 68,557,429,886 naira or a 40 percent reduction while capital expenditure which that stood at 74,934,985,138.00 is now 40,265,253,138.00 or 46 recent reduction.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

T

he Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has deployed an intervention squad to Southern Kaduna as part of efforts at restoring law and order there.

The squad comprises the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Special Forces, Detectives/ Intelligence Operatives as well as personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command, the military and other security agencies.

In the past weeks, there have been reports of killings, especially in the southern part of Kaduna State with the most recent massacres at Kukum Daji and Gora Gan put at 33 deaths.

Also, newsmen learnt that scores of people are in hospitals receiving treatment from various degrees of gunshots.

Kidnap of Business Magnate: Police Arrests Five Suspects In Benue

News

Police deploy intervention squad to stop Kaduna killings Governor Nasir El-Rufai had said insecurity in the state is being perpetrated by criminal elements who have been killing, kidnapping people and rustling cattle in the entire North-west region. He said it was not appropriate to label the killings as ethnic or religious as the perpetrators committed their crimes against people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier expressed a similar stance and warned against reprisals.

The state governor last Thursday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the flashpoints in Southern Kaduna. He extended

the 24-hour-curfew to Jema’a and Kaura local government areas on Friday.

The killings in the region have been met with concerns from civil society organisations and human rights groups, calling for the intervention of the federal government.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Frank Mba, the police boss directed the Commissioner of Police (CP), Kaduna State Police Command, to ensure full enforcement of the curfew imposed by the Kaduna State Government.

According to him, the commissioner is equally to ensure optimal deployment

of both human and material assets of the Intervention Squad currently on the ground in the state to safeguard the lives and property of people in the communities.

“The CP is to personally coordinate the operations of the Intervention Squad in carrying out collective and holistic tasks of ensuring peace and safety in the communities. The Squad comprises: the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Special Forces, Detectives/Intelligence Operatives as well as personnel of the Kaduna State Police Command, the Military and other security agencies.”

“The IGP commiserates with the people of Kaduna State, particularly those who have lost their loved ones and property as a result of the crises. He assures that the Force will do everything within its powers and means to ensure that peace is restored in the affected areas,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the police chief enjoined the people of Kaduna State to cooperate with the police, the military and other law enforcement agencies as they carry out the full enforcement of the curfew amongst other measures directed at ensuring their safety. (NAN)

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

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he Benue State Police Command yesterday arrested five suspects in the connection with the kidnap of a business magnate Chief Isaac Akinkunmi popularly known as ‘Tito’ Police Public Relations’ Officer DSP Catherine Anene who disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen, said the captive was released at about 01:00 hours and had since been reunited to his family.

She intimated that the suspects were apprehended with one (1) locally made pistol loaded with six (6) rounds of ammunition, adding that investigation into the case is still in progress.

The Police Spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police Garba Mukkadas condemned the kidnap and assured friends and family members of the victim that the perpetrators will be brought to book, urging members of the public who have information about criminals in Benue states to avail same information to the police for ease of investigation and the safety of the state.

It could be recalled that Chief Akinkumi was abducted from his resident in Makurdi by unknown gunmen at about 1:30am last Friday.

Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi (R), receives a souvenir from veteran broadcast-journalist, Abdulmalik Addy, after the Minister’s appearance on a flagship political phone-in programme, “Rana Mudun Aiki” on Nagarta Radio 747Khz, in Kaduna on Monday (27/720).

Delta urban water mgt threatens court action against contractors over damaged pipes From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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he management of Delta state Urban Water Corporation on Monday threatened court actions against contractors for allegedly damaging the corporation’s facilities installed for portable water supply in the state without replacement.

General Manger of the corporation, Mr Nosa Okoh who Confirmed this to

Journalists in Asaba, pegged the cost of damaged facilities to N3.2billion, adding that” the cost of water pipes that have been damaged in the cause of road construction in this state is over N3.2billion and they have not been compensated for.

During the Construction of the Asaba storm water drainage, the Company handling that Project damaged our pipes and is yet to pay us N5.8million. we cannot replace those pipes because the

companies have refused to pay and I want to confront CCECC because it is embarrassing us.

We have written them severally through the ministry of works but they have refused to pay” Noting that the state urban water corporation was working in determination to ensure water for all Deltans, Okoh said” if you go to warri/ Effurun axis , you will find colossal damage to our pipelines by road construction and those pipes worth millions

of Naira. The same thing is obtainable at Ozoro, Agbor and even now, we cannot supply water at Umunede Community” He said that though the ministry of works has been trying to dialogue with him, but “ we may have to invoke our laws now because this has become a serious issue, and you will recall that in 2019, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had declared a state of emergency on the water sector in the state”.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

PAGE 8

News

Summit on COVID-19 to hold soon - Onu T he Federal Government will soon invite all researchers, herbal medicinal practitioners to a summit to verify claims of their cure for Covid-19.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this when he received a pharmacist and a herbal medicine practitioner, Dr. Ben Amodu who paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Monday in Abuja, according to a Federal Ministry of Science and Technology statement

yesterday.

Dr. Onu further said that renown scientists would be at the summit to subject respective herbal products with cure for Covid-19 to clinical trials and toxicity tests.

The Minister bemoaned the fact that many drugs used in our homes and schools are imported, whereas Nigeria has abundant medicinal plants that could be used for pharmaceutical purposes.

Such medicinal plants and their

products could also be exported, thereby helping to diversify the economy and create more jobs for Nigerians, he added.

Dr. Onu further said that the Federal Government will continue to support the research into herbal medicine as a means of diversifying the economy.

He appealed to Nigerian scientists to take the lead in finding solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic which had caused so much disruption to all aspects of

national life.

Dr. Onu assured that the Ministry will continue to support indigenous research efforts for the purpose of commercialization.

“The world is facing a pandemic that has deleterious effect on the global economy, an event unheard of since World War 2”, he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Halamin Herbal Products, Dr. Ben Amodu a researcher on communicable and noncommunicable diseases, said his

products can effectively manage various diseases.

He said “SABVID-19”, one of his products can cure throat and colon cancer, and can also be used to manage Covid-19 and other respiratory related diseases. He added that clinical trials and tests on the products carried out in Canada, showed 89% effectiveness to combat cancer.

Dr. Amodu called for partnership with the Ministry to help develop more cures for diseases ravaging the world.

He added that his products are developed from indigenous crops and plants.

NDE, Reps member empower 300 women, youths in Benue From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

T

he National Directorate of Employment, NDE in partnership with the Member, House of Representatives for Apa/ Agatu Federal Constituency Hon. Godday Samuel yesterday

disbursed over N3 million COVID19 palliatives to 300 women and Youths.

Benue State Coordinator, NDE Mr. Musa Sadauki maintained that the disbursement of 10,000 each to the beneficiaries is a practical demonstration of the effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria

and the present management of NDE led by Dr. Nasir Mohammed Ladan Argungu to cushion the scourge of the COVID - 19 pandemic on the Benue people through the provision of palliative by the House of Representatives member.

He reeled out some

achievements of NDE in the State, stating that two (2) months ago 230 women from the 23 local government areas of the State were empowered with 10,000 naira to start off micro business.

The Coordinator said that 50 women and youths were selected and underwent training under

President Muhammadu Buhari participates in a virtual Meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, at the State House in Abuja on Monday (27/720).

the School On Wheel, SOW in collaboration with Makurdi local government area care taker Chairman while another 690 youths and women have been trained in 23 local government areas in skills like wielding, fashion designing, shoe making, hair dressing and ICT. He added that a batch of 50 unemployed youths undertook a three(3) months training in Special Agricultural Development Training Scheme, SADT in Poultry and cultivation of vegetables in Otukpo local government area.

The member, House of Representatives for Apa /Agatu Hon. Godday Samuel who was represented by Hon. Ekah Musa Bernard commended the effort of President Muhammad Buhari for the several initiative put in part to bring succors to Nigerians in this difficult time of the outspread of COVID19.

He also, commended the DG of NDE for his quick response in the fight in Poverty reduction and employment generation as well as Benue State Coordinator for good job he is doing.

Hon. Godday appealed to the people of Apa/ Agatu to make good use of this small palliative by the Federal Government and enjoined them not to relent in supporting him for more empowerment programme to the Constituency.

Quality representation: Wamban Koko tops Kebbi legislative scorecard From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

F

ollowing the constituency projects funds released to the elected members across the country, the Nigerian Youth Vanguard for Quality Representation Kebbi State Branch has congratulated Hon Shehu Muhammad Wamban Koko representing Maiyama / Koko Besse Federal Constituency in the National Assembly as the Most Outstanding Legislator for the year 2020.

A statement issued and signed by its Publicity Secretary,

Rilwan A Abdullah stated that Hon Shehu Muhammad Wamban Koko scored 89% to become the best performing elected official from Kebbi State in the current political dispensation.

According to the statement, the criteria used in the selection process include regular contributions on the floor of the chamber, outstanding support to constituency, youth empowerment and good constituency relationship among others.

“Koko has done a lot for his people, he has fulfilled

his political promises by providing them with dividends of democracy, we monitor his constituency projects,” he said.

Similarly, Hon Kabir Tukura from Sakaba, Fakai, Danko Wasagu and Zuru Federal Constituency came second with 80% score recognizing his performance in entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment and quality Representation.

Furthermore, the Statement added that Hon Faruk Aliyu Nassarawa , member representing Jega State Assembly Constituency and

House leader clinched first position in the State Assembly ratings with 80%. Hassan Umar Namarocco trailed in second position with 77% while Umar Danfari from Suru Constituency came 3rd with 70% In the Local Government’s category, Chairman of Kalgo Local Government Council Shamsu Faruk Kalgo was rated as best in youth empowerment and educational sector initiatives while Barrister Shehu Marshal of Jega became second best with outstanding performance in grassroots development.

National leader of the

Organization Ambassador Clement H. Umeoyo congratulates the winners and urged them to continue with the laudable projects to ensure accelerated level of development in their respective Constituencies as particularly at this critical period of Covid 19 economic meltdown.

To this end the statement urged all elected officials in Kebbi State to redouble their efforts in promoting Good Governance and Patriotic Service Delivery in order to justify their elections.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

Page 9

ECOWAS adopts declaration on Mali, as Buhari supports unity govt

By Egena Sunday Ode

T

he ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government Monday adopted a Declaration towards settling the political crisis in the Republic of Mali.

During a virtual Extraordinary Session of the leaders of the sub-regional body, President Muhammadu Buhari appealed to government and people of Mali to consider recommendations of ECOWAS Special Envoy, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his team, in resolving the political crisis, saying a government of national unity will provide inclusivity and ensure peaceful co-existence.

Present at the virtual extraordinary meeting were the Presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, Senegal, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Burkina

Faso, Guinea Conakry, Cape Verde, The Gambia, and Niger Republic, who is the ECOWAS Chairman.

Equally present was Mr JeanClaude Kassi Brou, President of ECOWAS Commission.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the meeting adopted positions to resolve the crisis sparked off by disputed parliamentary elections held in Mali, which had led to widespread riots, arson and killings in the West African country.

Among conclusions by the Heads of State and Government are: formation of a Government of National Unity to comprise 50% nominees by government of the day, headed by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, 30% by the opposition, and 20% by civil society groups.

It was also agreed that given the numerous challenges facing the country, some members of Government will be nominated before the National Unity Government is formed. These are the Ministers in charge of Defense, Justice, Foreign Affairs, National Security and Finance.

The Malian President was equally mandated to ensure the stepping down of the 31 parliamentarians who emerged from the disputed polls, while a by-election will be held as speedily as possible.

Also agreed was that steps should be taken to reconstitute the Constitutional Court in the country as soon as possible, while a commission of enquiry would determine and identify those responsible for the violence that led to deaths and casualties as well as public properties destroyed on July

10-12, 2020.

Equally resolved was that the government would step up efforts to secure the release of opposition figure, Soumaila Cisse, kidnapped since March, among others.

The ECOWAS Commission is to put in place a Monitoring Committee for the implementation of all the above measures.

The Declaration, to be communicated to relevant organs of African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), also agreed to support President Keita in restoring peace and order to Mali, stressing that no anti-constitutional change of government would be accepted anywhere in West Africa.

In his remarks, President Buhari urged Malian political leaders to consider the fragile peace in the country and the likely spiralling effect on the sub-region.

A Muslim faithful bargains for the price of a ram ahead of 2020 Eid-El-Kabir in Yola on Monday (27/7/20). Ram dealers bemoan low patronage just four days to Eid-El-Kabir, no thanks to COVID-19 and its impact on the economy,

Edo Election: Governor Gaduje led campaign council will deliver Edo for APC

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

A

civil society organisation, Equity and Justice in Politics and Governance Movement, yesterday, passed a Vote Of Confidence on the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state led All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council for the governorship election in Edo state.

The APC recently inaugurated its campaign council and appointed Governor Ganduje to lead the council.

In a statement signed by its Co-ordinator, Comrade Salifu Momodu, the group praised the efforts of Governor Ganduje since his appointment as the council Chairman to deliver the state for the

party.

The group assured that Governor Ganduje and his council members will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory is secured at the election.

The group advised Governor Obaseki to start preparing his handing over note because the campaign council of the party led by Governor Ganduje, is working hard to ensure victory for the candidate of the party, Mr. Osagie IzeIyamu, in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state. ‘’For us at Equity and Justice in Politics and Governance Movement, as a reputable civil society organisation, we will advise Governor Obaseki, to start preparing his handing over note because an

end has come to his political career. ‘’For the record and we want Governor Obaseki to take note of this day, the candidate of the APC, Pastor Ize Iyamu will be declared winner of the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state because the campaign council of the APC is already working assiduously to make this a reality. ‘’We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the All Progressives Congress, APC, through the campaign council for the governorship election in the state will achieve victory in the election’’.

On the attacks by the PDP on APC supporters in the state, the movement described it as an act of desperation on the part of Governor

Obaseki and his party. ‘’Well meaning Nigerians have joined their voices to condemn the recent attack supporters of the party in the state. Rather than being intimidated, we advise APC supporters in the state to remain resolute and stand for what they believe, which is to vote out the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his bad policies. ‘’The attack on ApC supporters in the state is what we described as desperation at the highest level. If this is not desperation, then, we don’t know what it is. Governor Obaseki, in a bid to divert the attention of the good people of Edo state from his very many failures and that of his administration resorted to attack PDP supporters.

News

PDP National Campaign demands apologies from APC, Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu over Benin attack

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Peoples Democratic Party National Campaign Council for Edo state Governorship Election (PDPNCCEGE) has demanded that sacked National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, tender an unreserved apology to the Edo traditional institution.

The apology being demanded, the PDPNCCEGE pointed out, was for bringing thugs to attack guests and desecrate the palace of the highly revered Oba of Benin, last Saturday.

The PDP Campaign Council said this in a statement yesterday by its Secretary, Publicity sub Committee, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja.

According to Ologbondiyan, “Findings from our investigations, including hard evidence contained in the video of the attack posted by agents of the APC, clearly showed that the assault was coordinated by the APC and its leaders in Edo state to embarrass the traditional council and create a situation of chaos in the state with the view to derail the electoral process.

“Our National Campaign Council is also appalled by the display of arrogance and lack of remorse by Oshiomhole and the APC candidate - Ize-Iyamu, since the inexcusable brazen contempt and desecration of the Edo traditional institution and the sensibility of the people of Edo state in general.

“We however appreciate some remorseful APC leaders who had reached out to our National Campaign Council to express their personal regrets over the matter.

“Nevertheless, we hold that the apologies should also openly go to the Edo traditional council and the people of Edo state in general.

“Nigerians are still in a state of shock that the APC leaders in Edo, in their desperation, could go to the extent of bringing thugs to the Oba of Benin palace to attack PDP entourage, which included state governors, and in the process brought unbridle violence against innocent citizens, as seen in the video posted by their agents.

“Moreover, the Sunday’s press statement by the National Working Committee of the APC, wherein it attempted to divert public attention from the culpability of its arrogant leaders in Edo state, is a clear confirmation that the APC’s attack at the Palace had the official backing of its national leadership of the APC. “It is also instructive to note that the APC, its sacked national chairman as well as its governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu, have always shown open disparagement and disrespect for traditional institutions in Edo state.

PAGE 10

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Okonjo-Iweala for WTO top job

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resident Muhammadu Buhari last trade negotiation and policy. He had June presented Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo- worked at the WTO, IMF and World Iweala as Nigeria’s candidate to be Bank. He was once a deputy director of the director-general of the World Trade GATT and founding deputy directorOrganization (WTO). We learnt that general of WTO. He is currently Mexico’s she was a late replacement for Yonov under-secretary for North America.

Frederik Agah, Nigeria’s permanent Mr. Tudor Ulianovschi from Moldova representative to WTO. (never heard of that country before).

The position becomes vacant in Mr. Tudor Ulianovschi served as the September after Brazilian Director- minister of foreign affairs for his country General Roberto Azevedo steps down as well as representing his country in at the end of August. He announced in various international fora like the World May that he would leave the 25-year- Economic Forum in Devos in 2019. Mr. old WTO a year before his term ends. Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh, from Egypt, According to him, “it’s the best way to has played an important role in trade avoid more chaos” at the alliance, which policy and diplomacy for 35 years on half has already been weakened by attacks of Egypt. He had worked in the WTO as from President Donald a senior official and he Trump and the start of a counts on his supposed global recession caused by long WTO senior Covid-19 pandemic. management experience.

Okonjo-Iweala is going We expect our into the contest with We must have Okonjo-Iweala to make intimidating credentials. a WTO that it through the selection She is a former World Bank to the grand works for the process executive who negotiated a finale. She is thoroughly benefit of all focused on her vision of a write-off of Nigeria’s debt in the mid-2000s. She has WTO that will favour the members served as minister of finance, least developed countries regardless of (LDCs) and Small economy and foreign affairs in Nigeria, and is currently size or level Vulnerable Economies one of the African Union’s She said in a of economic (SVEs). special envoys to mobilize recent presentation international support for development. to the WTO General the continent’s response to LDCs and SVEs Council she would the coronavirus pandemic. provide opportunities should have for them to participate She has been Independent Director of Twitter, Inc. opportunities in regional and global since July 19, 2018, and chains in order to to participate supply Senior Advisor of Lazard Ltd enhance their presence in since September 21, 2015. in regional and the trading system. “We Okonjo Iweala has worked global supply must have a WTO that with Asian Infrastructure works for the benefit of chains to Investment Bank and she all members regardless is also an Adviser to World enhance their of size or level of Bank on the Stolen Assets development. presence in the economic Recovery initiative.

She LDCs and SVEs should served as Managing Director trading system have opportunities to at The World Bank Group participate in regional from December 1, 2007 to August 2011. and global supply chains to enhance Recently, South African President, Cyril their presence in the trading system.”

Ramaphosa, named her on his economic According to her, considering the advisory team. challenges facing the global economy, However, in this contest our including COVID-19, there is need for candidate will face off against equally coherence in the policy responses of tough nominees of other nations. Yoo international organisations, including Myung-hee from the Republic of Korea, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the first female trade minister for the the World Bank, International Republic, has over 25 years of career Monetary Fund, International Finance experience in trade. She is described as a Corporation, regional development skilled negotiator and strategist. Another banks, the World Health Organisation nominee is Mr. Jesús Seade Kuri from and the United Nations” Mexico. He is said to be versed in global Good luck!

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Letter to the Editor

Interrogating Western paranoid about China’s Hong Kong

By Charles Onunaiju

S

ince proclamation and coming into operation of the law of the People’s Republic of China on safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong special Administrative Region, some leading western countries, notably the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have been particularly paranoia.

Article I of the law was explicit that “the law is enacted, in accordance with the constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the basic law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China, and the decision of National People’s Congress on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding National security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region…”

Following the coming into operation of the law in accordance with the categorical declaration under the Sino-British joint declaration on the question of Hong Kong in 1978 that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be directly under the authority of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China…” one wonders how the exercise of this responsibility in fulfillment its obligation “lies in direct conflict with its international obligation under the principles of the legally binding, UN-registered Sino-British Joint declaration as alleged in a joint statement signed by the U.S, UK, Canada and Australia.

It clearly horrifies common sense and attacks simple human ethics that a colonial brigandage and barefaced territorial robbery, under which an integral part of China was yanked off and its people subjected to foreign domination for more than hundred years is been made to respectable with the principal culprit claiming a moral high ground.

Hong Kong no matter its international significance is historically Chinese and remains Chinese, despite its previous fate of having been a British colonial possession.

Despite London’s international financial status, it is still unarguably British.

The same for New York City and Frankfurt, which are unquestionably American and Germany’s despite their obvious standing, as notable international cities. Is Hong Kong expected to loose its heritage and homeland simply, it is a city with considerable international significance.

If “Hong Kong is a bastion of freedom” as observed by the joint statement of the U.S and three others, it is not British colonialism that bequeathed its freedom because colonial domination is itself denial of basic freedom. The freedom of the Chinese people of Hong Kong in its post colonial status was first exercised in their embrace of their homeland and only in the context of the national sovereignty of their homeland, the People,s Republic of China are their freedom fulfilled and constantly exercised.

National security is at the heart of the contemporary State, and no matter what mechanism a state adopts for its internal organization and intercourse, the prerogative of national security which fundamentally bothers on the survival of the state and the embodiment of its sovereign status has exclusively and in strict non-negotiable resided in the Central authority.

With this background, it raises a fundamental questions to why some western countries, including, but limited to those with federal constitutions to raise hue and cries over the powers of the Chinese central government to expand its national security law to reflect its security concerns in its special administrative region of Hong Kong. Hong Kong was an integral Chinese territory yanked off, as a colonial possession of the British opium war against the weak Chinese imperial government in the 1840s and through an imperial treaty imposed

on the then, weak Chinese government, Hong Kong was “rented” out for hundred years, thus, coming under the British colonial suzerainty. In the course of negotiation for the de-colonization of of Hong Kong and her reversion to its original Chinese sovereignty, the Central government of the Peoples Republic of China in due deference to history and reality of the fact that their Hong Kong compatriots having been exposed to a system of government quite different from the rest of their other compatriots especially in the mainland opted to allow for a high degree of autonomy for its Hong Kong region in the management of its own fairs. The high autonomy of the Hong Kong region of China most figuratively expressed in the framework of “One country, Two Systems”, is far more extensive than an elaborate contemporary federalism of either the U.S, Canada, Australia or the developing countries would allow. The Hong Kong special administrative region of China, has maintained control over its own separate currency the Hong Kong dollar, immigration and more importantly its unique system of government. Even according to Article 23 of the Basic law establishing the Administrative region of Hong Kong of, China at the end of British rule in 1997, the territory is invested with authority to enact appropriate security laws but failing as it has, the Central authority in any constitutional government ultimately exercised the power for national security and defence, a classical prerogative of any central authority in contemporary modern state. It is common knowledge that national security is the very firm foundation of the modern state and national sovereignty will be a mere academic exercise, if it is not firmly grounded in national security and defence. China and the United Kingdom negotiation and signing of the joint declaration for the decolonization of the territory of Hong Kong was essentially about China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the China’s national security legislation for Hong Kong is unquestionably part of the exercise of China’s sovereignty over its own territory, a matter that is within the framework of international law is and strictly within confine of the internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

Within the ambit of the Basic law or Hong Kong Mini-Constitution, the territory has enormously prospered and contrary to the insinuations of the western media prior to its return to China’s sovereignty in 1997, Hong Kong as an international hub for trade, finance and logistics did not die as they vehemently predicted that the territory would be “dead”. As Hong Kong did not die from economic asphyxiation, as predicted on its return to China’s sovereignty, it would be made to certainly die from concocted political convulsion, the type that evidently gripped the territory for some time last year.

If in Hong Kong, a small clique of radical groups acting as surrogates to external forces that are ideologically fixated on containing the rise of China, using its autonomous region as underbelly, is the central government expected to look away, while its territorial integrity, an extant and composite definition of its sovereign status ebbs away?

The Chinese national government in enacting the national security legislation covering its special administrative region of Hong Kong has fulfilled its responsibilities to its people within the framework of its sovereignty.

The Hong Kong political framework of considerable autonomy even far beyond what the contemporary practice of federalism would allow, gives enormous scope for local residents to exercise rights outlined in the basic law and the additional conventions of their cherished way of life but did not leave any room to challenge national sovereignty or contemplate Hong Kong independence.

Mr. Onunaiju is director, Center for China Studies, Abuja.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

9th NASS, passive constitution and masses poverty

By Jerome-Mario Utomi

I

t is globally recognized that every citizen of a modern nation is a subject of the state, and once a state is formed, the citizens formulate ethical principles or virtues to be pursued, vices to be avoided and values to be cherished-for the good conduct of the citizens. These values are in most cases put in, or in some cases left in an uncodified form and transmitted from one generation to the next via a well formulated/ structured process called constitution.

This thought may have informed our forebears like their counterparts abroad, to come up at different times and places with constitutions to promote and ensure: a free and democratic society; a just and egalitarian society; a united strong and self-reliant nation; a great and dynamic economy; and a land of bright and full opportunities for all citizens.

Indeed, analysts believe that the constitutions are the foundation for government in virtually every society around the world that simultaneously create, empower, and limit the institutions that govern the society. In doing so, they are intimately linked to the provision of public goods. Outcomes, like democracy, economic performance and human rights protection, are all associated with the contents of countries’ constitutions.

But, beyond these qualities, there’s something more.

There are people in Nigeria who accept as true that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is not the way constitution supposed to work.

While many in this group are of the views that most of its provisions falls short of establishing or clarifying processes for citizen participation in the development and management of their nation’s affairs, to some, the constitution failed to prescribe or specify accountability mechanisms for non-performance or policy infractions, while the rest believes that the major failure of the 1999 constitution is underlined in its inability to focus on highest national priorities.

As an instance, the Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA)-a Lagos Based nongovernmental group believes that the nation’s constitution is largely responsible for poor economic and political outcomes in the country.

Their concern comes in double folds.

The first concern is hinged on the fact that history of federal Character enshrined in the constitution is an account of putting square pegs in round holes. In their quest to get appointments equitably spread, states nominate individuals without qualifications, experience or target but on the basics of political patronage. This entrenched anomaly takes toll in our national development aspiration. It is also the reason why the country has not made much progress.

Similarly, while noting that the most serious, most surprising and most fundamental failure of the 1999 constitution is signposted in its inability to carter for the masses social and economic rights, the group lamented that like an unchained torrent of water submerges whole country sides and devastates crops, even so, has the provisions of Chapter 2 of the 1999 constitutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) consequently placed on poor Nigerians more burden than goodwill.

Admittedly, the controversial chapter made some ‘fundamental’ provisions on the duties of the state and its relationship with the citizens. It is titled “Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principle of State Policy”. Section 14(a) provides that “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through the Constitution derives all its power and authority” Section 16 provides the economic objectives of the state to include: Harness the resources of the nation (state) and promote national prosperity and an efficient and self-reliant economy, and; Direct its policy towards ensuring: (i) the promotion of a planned and balanced economic development; (ii) that the material resources of the state are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good; (iii) That suitable and adequate shelter, food, water etc. are provided for all citizens.

Despite these fine provisions which conventionally ought to be an end in itself and the crucial enabler to the attainment of other fundamental Human Rights contained in Chapter 4 of the same constitution, the constitution for yet to be identified reasons prescribed the provisions as not justiceable but merely acts as an obligatory guide to what the state should promote and attain.

Not only has the clause remained a paradox of our national existence but what is in some ways more ‘brazen’ is that it designed and

laid the groundwork for the atrocities that the nation currently witnesses- corruption, public leadership with neither goals nor target, lack of accountability and transparency in public leadership sphere and provides answers to why poor Nigerian masses have suffered sets of challenges which include but not limited to; deprivations of their Economic, social, and cultural rights including: right to work; the right to an adequate standard of living, including; food, clothing, and housing, the right to physical and mental health, the right to social security, the right to a healthy environment, and the right to education.

Today, public officials neither pay attention to the enhancement of living standards/health of the people nor willing to provide appropriate signals to the private sector to enhance corporate social responsibility or other social intervention programmes to add value to the lives of the ordinary Nigerian. Or feel bound to seriously observe basic standards of care and always unwilling to accept responsibility for their failure to deliver expected quality services.

This is happening in the face of the Revised National Policy on Health (2004), among recent ones which stipulates that“health and access to quality and affordable healthcare is a human right”. And also provides that “a high level of efficiency and accountability shall be maintained in the development and management of the national health system.This is in addition to its declaration that “the people of this nation have the right to participate individually and collectively in the planning and implementation of their healthcare.

The same non-justiciability statutes of Chapter 2 also plagues and accounts for recurrent mismanagement in the nation’s education sector which daily manifests in government’s noncompliance with the United Nation Educational Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s [UNESCO] budgetary recommendation, and other acts opposed to demands of modern affordable and accessible quality education.

What is most troubling is that while chapter two handles issues such as access to education, housing, health and so on which the Constitution describes as non-justiciable and comes under fundamental objectives and directive principle of the state. Chapter four on its part handles provisions that include but not limited to the

rights and freedoms of association, expression, right to life, movements just to mention but a few.

Secondly, while one can not deprive or deny any citizen of any of the above-mentioned rights in chapter four without committing offence against the individual/ the state, such is not the case of the provisions in chapter two.

The issue for determination arising from the above is that; considering the fact that fundamental human right procedure rule 1999, provided that once there is a perceived threat to life, one has the right to access or proceed to court to seek protection for the violation of such right to life, Keeping this provision in perspective, when one as a result of the failures of state parties is denied access to food or good environment, can’t the citizen make demand as such denial directly or indirectly impacts on his/her life?

Take another scenario, if a citizen, based on the provisions of the said chapter is deprived access to quality education, where and how will the citizen gain the knowledge to recognizing and eventually claim the said fundamental human rights to free speech as enshrined in chapter four?

Even if an answer is provided to the above, it will not in any appreciable way erase the time honoured laws which states that no nation can use its domestic laws to override international obligations? Or have we as a nation forgotten that the Social and Economic Rights are special forms of human rights globally recognized and should be applied with or without domestication?

This fact particularly comes to mind when one remembers that the nation Nigeria’s voluntarily assumed obligations to respect, promote, protect and fulfill the right to health, education among others, under major regional and international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

In the face of all these, ‘the question before us could be of no greater moment: will we fail future generations by leaving them a constitution far diminished from what we inherited from our forebears’? Though the 9th NASS were not the people that designed and placed the faulty policy on ground, however, they are in the best position to provide answers to this question.

Jerome-Mario Utomi is with the Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA)-a Lagos Based Non-Governmental Organization.

The labours of our heroes present

By Femi Oluwasanmi

W

henever the stanza of “the labours of our hero’s past shall not be in vain” is mentioned in the national anthem of Nigeria, what comes to mind is what happens to the labours of our hero’s present, especially the N-power volunteers that are about to be disengaged in the middle of the hardship occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic without any tangible exit plan after serving the nation for years.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development Ministry (HADMSDM), Sadiya Umar Farouq had on 30th June, 2020 congratulated the Batch A of the volunteers for the successful transition to an undisclosed next level of the programme and promised to complete the transition of the Batch B set by the end of July.

This obscurity prompted some of the beneficiaries to embarked on both online and offline protests demanding the fulfilment of the promises made by the administration before the 2019 general election especially, by the vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who stated categorically that government will not return the volunteers to the street empty handed.

Similar thing could be deduced from the president Buhari’s promise to uplift 100 million Nigerians from poverty in the next 10

years. However, looking at the approch of the HADMSDM in the ongoing disengagement of the Batch A and B of the N-power volunteers, particularly with the latest comment from the minister on the demands of the volunteers, it seems the government has changed its stand.

While responding to the demands of the volunteers on the exit package on July 24, the Minister had said that the government cannot pay each volunteer # 600, 000 as exit package and that by the terms and conditions of the programme the exit of the two batches are not negotiable.

Though, this seems to be a great move because the federal government can not continue this “Modern Almajirai System” forever. But disengaging the volunteers without providing them better opportunity at this trying period in the global’s life where other countries are rolling out different types of palliative to cushion the effect of hardship occassioned by the coronavirus seems to be inhuman.

Due to the “lockdown policy” imposed by most countries of the world to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus, the level of poverty across the globe has drastically increased. In Nigeria, this lockdown has made many private organizations to retrenched their staff, and in some cases placed some workers on half salary pending the time the economy will rise again.

Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus,

the National Bureau Statistics (NBS) in 2018 had reported that 23.4 percent of the Nigeria population are unemployed while 20.4 percent are underemployed. This is not to talk of other reports from different quarters showing an unprecedented increase in the curve of those living in extreme poverty.

For instance, the World Poverty Clock, had disclosed in 2019 that 92.1 millions of Nigeria population are living in extreme poverty. This must have increased looking at the effect of the lockdown on people’s sources of livelihood and disengagement from private institutions which is likely to receive a boost with the disengagement of 500, 000 Npower volunteers to an undisclosed next level programme.

Before the 2019 general election, those that were critical of the approach of the administration in handling issue like this have requested Nigerians to ask for the full interpretation of the administration’s next level agenda which was interpreted as the next level in progress, prosperity, job creation, among other things obtainable in the developed climes.

But with the ongoing disengagement of the N-power volunteers, it seems opposite is the case. Because, without good exist package the next level of most of these volunteers will be unemployment considering the impact of the coronavirus on most of the companies in

Nigeria.

Though, at the inception of the programme in 2016, it was clearly stated that the beneficiaries will only spend two years but with the outbreak of coronavirus and the inability of the government to create a million job annually as promised by the president in 2015 which some of these volunteers would have easily transited to, the best thing to do is to continue to pay these volunteers their stipends till the government give them exist package to start up the business of their dreams.

Giving them exit package will fast track the effort of the government in rebuilding the nation’s economy and reduce the rate of unemployment which has made those that ought to be living in surplus to be living in scarcity and millions of our heroes who studied hard in school to be begging for #30,000 job per month.

Therefore, the Ministry should give the volunteers tangible exit package so that their labours will not be in vain because the world and the prospective Batch C are watching.

Infact, the way the present Batches are treated will go a long way in achieving the goal of the programme especially, in the quest to revitalize the critical sectors of the nation’s life currently on the path to a moribund state due to lack of manpower.

Femi Oluwasanmi, Ibafo, Ogun State.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

PAGE 13

Comment

An overview of the problems besetting public primary schools in Nigeria

By Segun Ogunlade

T

he fact that many public primary schools are no longer what they used to be is pathetic. Many things have changed about the public primary schools between late 90s up to early 2000s. Unlike before, private schools, both standard and sub-standard, are proliferating and this has worsened the way education in a public primary school is now conceived. Now, being a pupil in a public school seems to be for children from low class homes where the parents are not the educated type as most children from middle and upper class families are enrolled in private primary schools. This is because public primary schools are in plain deplorable state.

Being enrolled in a public primary school is now treated with disdain. In some cases, the pupils feel inferior to their counterparts in private schools. The fact that parents are now afraid to send their children to the public primary schools where they themselves attended early in their lives shows the degenerative condition of the schools.

Primary education is vital to a child’s life.

It is the foundation on which her academic life is built. The days she spends in the primary school are part of his formative years and it is a well-known fact that one’s formative years are very important in the type of person one will become as an adult. But, government at all levels appear to have lost interest in the primary education of children that are enrolled in public primary schools. Many of these schools were practically wrestled away from their original owners, resulting in the government taking more than it could fund.

This accounts for the poor facilities in many of those schools. Perhaps it would have been better if some of the schools are still funded and controlled by their original owners.

According to the Compendium of Public School’s Basic Education Profile Education Indicators 2018, only five out ten classrooms are in good condition. This is in cases where classes are not under held in open air or under trees. Apart from the dilapidated conditions of classrooms in many schools, the number of teachers available to teach pupils is inadequate. The National Policy Education (2013) states that Early Childhood Care and Development Centres should adopt a caregiver-infant ratio of 1:10 for Crèche and a ratio of 1:25 for Nursery. It also states that the teacher-pupil ratio for primary education

should be 1:35. But the global ratio according to United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) should be 1:25.

However, available facts show that many public primary schools in Nigeria have a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:40. This means that a teacher is teaching 40 pupils at a time.

In some cases where the school buildings have suffered great dilapidation and pupils still have to be taught, the number could be greater.

Apart from this falling short of the global standard of 1:25, it also falls short of the national standard of 1:35. The resultant effect is that the teachers have more workload than is necessary; thereby hampering the quality of information they pass down to their pupils.

Very few people want to be teachers these days. Many youths want to work in offices and earn better salaries. Like the policemen, many of the teachers in public primary schools are disgruntled. Taking up the role of a teacher is their last hope of salvaging their situation as against doing what they love. It is more or less like they are being forced to do what they are not trained to do. For me, the days of passionate teachers are gone. This is partly due to the value that is placed on the profession.

A survey in 2009 attested to this fact.

According to the survey, over 65 per cent of lecturers in colleges of education said that majority of their students were not interested in taking up the teaching profession. In 2020, the situation is still the same. As I have mentioned earlier, teachers wish they could work where they would get better salary. With many state governments owing their workers salary, it is not surprising that many of the teachers have developed their own side hustle such as petty trading and founding their own schools.

The effect of teachers having side hustle is that many of them usually spend a considerable chunk of time meeting their business needs that they forget they are teachers. As the Yoruba would say, oga ta, oga o ta, owo alaaru a pe (translated loosely to mean whether they do what they are being paid to do or not, they would still collect their salary) Well, this is common with almost everyone working for the government from the local government secretariat to ministries and agencies where there is poor supervision.

It is this assurance that people in government

service have many that make them have a low sense of responsibility regarding their jobs. It is also why many of the teachers don’t have their children enrolled in the primary schools where they teach, but have them enrolled in private schools where the teachers are not like them.

The qualification of many of the teachers is also disturbing. Apart from the fact that many of them are not happy with their jobs, a good number of them don’t have a degree in education. When one considers the fact a person only has to score 100 out of 400 in Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to get admission to a college of education, it shows the level of intellect of those that are training to become teachers. That’s why in a World Bank Survey in 2018 which covered 435 public and primary schools and 2,968 teachers, it was discovered that half of the mathematics teachers couldn’t achieve 80 per cent or more on the tests they give out to their pupils. Again, about 60 per cent of mathematics teachers in primary four couldn’t subtract double digit. Many of them were also deficient in the use of English as a teaching language.

To make matters worse for the pupils, many of them spend a large amount of their learning time on activities that are not related to their learning or because the teachers are absent to teach. In the World Bank Survey, it was a reported that a teacher in a public primary school was absent for about 25 per cent of the scheduled teaching time. This means that on the average, pupils were taught for roughly three and a half hours out of the five hours or so that was scheduled for teaching. Sometimes, the pupils are made to clear the fields and some spent most of the morning period cleaning because they were late to school. Since children are often distracted, they often play away that they forget they are in school.

The fact that millions of elementary schoolaged children in Nigeria did not participate in education at all thereby making Nigeria the country with the highest number of out-ofschool children in the world is disturbing. It shows a continual neglect of primary education by the government and it doesn’t augur well for Nigeria. For the lack of education for its children weakens the Nigerian system at its foundation. The future of Nigeria as a country depends on these children whose education is neglected at the present. Hence, there is a

need for government at all levels to step up intervention in basic education in Nigeria by increasing investments in the children that are said to be the leaders of tomorrow.

It is not good that public primary schools in Nigeria are largely underfunded, often boast of poor facilities, have teachers that are inadequately trained and uncommitted in many cases, thereby falling short of international standards despite its numerous resources. For a country like Nigeria where the population is increasing, the government needs to have infrastructure to meet the educational needs of the emerging population. Gone are the days when it takes a whole village to train a child. These days, it is the whole country that needs to train a child because education has evolved beyond the village level.

Instead of using a large chunk of the country’s resources to service political offices, basic education should be supported for the country to have a future.

Also, teachers training should be taken seriously. As they say, you can’t give what you don’t have. If the teachers are poorly trained and far less intellectually equipped than they should be, there is no way they could be catalyst for sound education. Besides this, they should be properly remunerated to cut down their level of distraction. Value must be attached to the teaching profession so that it doesn’t become a dumping ground for men and women that only need a means of surviving instead of having passion for the job. Their job is as important as that of other professionals that get fat salaries.

In addition to this, supervision of teachers should increase. If necessary, the government should install biometric machines in schools to monitor truancy among teachers who have a low level of responsibility. It takes real discipline for anyone to do what is right when no one is watching, especially when it seems as if you are being forced to do it. Teachers that didn’t take their job serious should always be reminded that they have a responsibility to the children under them and there is need for them to do their job well.

If the country fails to educate its young ones, it will affect all of us. Education is an important ingredient in the making of a great nation.

God bless Nigeria.

Segun Ogunlade is a Public Affairs Analyst.

ASUU Strike: The fate of federal university students after resumption

By Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi

S

trike has been a designed phenomenon and policy by the Academic Staff Union Of Universities to fight back the Federal government or show their grievances whenever their said and acclaimed demands were not attended to.

Many years back, a treacherous threat on educational sector began. Without doubt, it has become very adamant and constant norm that in a year, Nigerian universities across the four angles of the country shall witnessed a delay which is called Strike. Strike has been a designed phenomenon and policy by the Academic Staff Union Of Universities to fight back the Federal government or show their grievances whenever their said and acclaimed demands were not attended to.

According to some sources, the strike action embarked on by ASUU has been more than two decades in Nigeria. Amidst the cold weather of strike, Nigerian University students loss and it is indeed a great loss. As the grass suffers when two elephants are fighting so does the students suffer the strike phenomenon between the

two institutions lock horns. Students who are suppose to acquire qualitative and quantitative knowledge within a given period will be denied the grace as ASUU’s strike would have hindered their academic calendars and make them spend, sometimes, more months or years on campus. We had witnessed that in the past.

Their aim and objective at later on, will not be gained within the space of prescribed years and because of this, the fate, future and destiny of so many Nigerian Students will be delayed against their -student- schedule of life.

In reference to ASUU’s claim which is the reason why our universities are on strike, there are no infrastructures to acquire basic knowledge in Nigerian universities. And the Federal government that’s constitutionally responsible to provide these infrastructures turned deaf ears to their requests despite several submitted memos. Ask any member of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), why the strike action today, and his or her answers will revolve around the Federal government’s failure to provide environment (infrastructures) through which qualitative and quantitative can be achieved in our public

universities.

Recently, ASUU Chairman, Prof Ogunyemi, advised Federal government on school reopening. He said our schools should remain closed till it’s safe for our students.

In furtherance, he assured that universities across the Nation, even after resumption, may not be reopened due to the outstanding crisis between the Union and the Federal government. In short, Federal universities Students are not resuming post-COVID-19.

Over the years, the Federal governments have been making promises with the Union.

And since administration is transient, no administration has fulfilled the promises it made with the Union. ASUU will however continue to call the Federal government to its promises since that is the only language it understand.

And to understand, the issue of strike has been among the factors contributing to the relegation and devaluation of our educational system. Not only on our education as some of our youth who have proclivity for vicious acts such as thuggery, robbery, prostitution inter alia seize that opportunity to engage in

these acts as it is often said that ‘an idle hand is a devil workshop’. No doubt, If this strike continues, the future of this country will be at stake.

As a victim of ASUU strike, I would like to suggest the same everlasting solution raised by the representative of Kaba/Bunu/ijumu Federal Constituency, Honorable Tajudeen Yusuf where he opined that, there should be a parliamentary intervention on the issue of strike between the Federal Government and ASUU by having a public documental agreement which will serve as an evidence anytime the case may arise. So that aftermath, the masses can recognize the culprit among the both. If the MEMO which used to take place between the delegations of Federal Government and ASUU only continues without any legal or legislative hand, the menace of embarking on strike will continue as a dreadful disease to the development of our educational system.

Abdulganiyu Abdulrahman Akanbi, a 200-Level student of Islamic studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

Ondo poll: Don’t jump to another party Akeredolu cautions Deputy, Ajayi

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) for Ondo election, Rotimi Akeredolu, who is also the incumbent Governor of the state, has cautioned his estranged deputy, Agboola Ajayi, not to jump to another party, but to be faithful to the candidate of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, and also make him Ondo Governor.

Briefing journalists yesterday at the APC Secretariat in Abuja, Akeredolu who said he hopes his Deputy Governor will not defect to another party, said he has shown by his defection that he truly belongs to the fold of PDP. According to Akeredolu, who was in the party Secretariat to answer to allegations made against his victory at the party primary by two of his opponents, said since his Deputy whom he accommodated into the APC has told people that he made him Governor, let him stick to the PDP candidate and also make him Governor.

He said “For me, the Deputy leaving the APC to return to the PDP is good radiance to bad rubbish. We thought we could accommodate him at the APC but since he returned to where he truly belongs, it is all well and good. I always wish people the best I can.

“From what I have been told, he has lost the ticket and I pray he will not jump to another place but if he does, all well and good. However, for his own sake and as a big brother, I will advise him to stay with Jegede, support him very well.

“He has made a case that he helped me to win, let him help him to win and we will confirm that he is popular. What I know is that he is of no importance, he has no hold on any local government, I can assure you that during the election, I will defeat him in his local government and he

will never recover from it.

“He is of no influence anywhere and we picked him because we felt we have someone from PDP coming to join us. We picked him to join us but he felt and tells people that he is grassrooted. Let me advise him again to stay with Jegede and let us see what happens.

“Jegede is my friend. We are colleagues and both members of Inner Bar, I don’t have anything against him and I just pray that our campaign should be issue based without violence and I know that he knows that it will not be easy for him.

“Yes, it may not be easy for me to

win, but by His Grace, I am going to win. I can assure you that as it was in the beginning, so it shall be now and forever more. We will win this election by the grace of God.” Speaking on the efforts he has made to integrate the aggrieved members of the party, who contested against him at the primary, the Governor said he had visited the homes of some of the opponents, saying there is need to move the party as a united front to ensure it wins the election.

According to him, “As you would have noted in my speech where I made it clear that to ensure that I

reach out to all the aspirants that contested with me. I have already been to the houses of few of them. I am meeting with the leaders to call stakeholders meeting for us to move ahead on this matter.

“I believe that there must be reconciliation and good enough that the committee headed by the Niger state governor is making great effort to ensure that there is genuine reconciliation. I am ready for it. I want people to come so that we can reconcile and work together.”

Meanwhile, he said he is in the party Secretariat because people lodged an appeal against his election

and emergence from the party primary, saying “That is why I came around to answer to the appeals.

I was told that two aspirants had approached the committee to file two appeals against me and my mission here is to reply to the appeals.

“If some of them claim that the process that produced me is fraudulent, they have right to make such claims, but they should take it to the Appeal Committee and I will respond to it. They have to prove their claims before the committee and until they prove that convincingly before the Appeal Committee, then I don’t need to talk about their claims.”

APC shutdown Secretariat Wednesday for Salah break

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he All Progressive Congress (APC) has said the national secretary of the party will be shutdown on Wednesday to enable staff embark on a one week Salah

break, in observance of the 2020 eidel-kabir.

An internal memo issued yesterday by the party’s Director of Administration, Abubakar Suleiman, and pasted on the notice board of the party in Abuja, APC said in

keeping with its tradition of closing the Secretariat during festive seasons, the party will be partially closed at the end of work on Wednesday for Salah celebration.

The memo said this is to enable staff who wish to travel to do so, adding

that five staff of the party will however be around to provide skeletal services pending when work will fully resume on Wednesday, 5th of August.

It urged all staff to endeavor to resume duties fully on August 5th, after the Salah cerebrations.

Director of Operations, Accident Investigation Bureau (3rd L), Capt. Dayyabu Danraka, briefing members of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, during the Committee’s oversight visit to the Headquarters of the Bureau, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN.

Orji Kalu arrives South East months after release

By Musa Adamu

C

hief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has made his first entrance to the South East almost two months after his release from the Kuje custodial centre.

Senator Kalu arrived the domestic wing of the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri at exactly,1:32pm via a private jet. Senator Orji Kalu’s last visit to the South East was in October 2019.

The former Governor with retinue of his aides arrived the airport in company of friends and associates.

The Chief Whip was received by representatives of the Imo State government, Abia state bipartisan party leaders, members

of Abia state House of Assembly, leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, leadership of different social cultural groups among others.

Thousands of supporters wearing branded facemasks were outside the airport to welcome the Senator.

However, according to reports, office of the Chief Whip of the Senate had issued a directive appealing to well wishers and supporters to respect the COVID-19 regulations and avoid gatherings to celebrate his homecoming.

Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) Abia state chapter, in a statement signed by the publicity secretary, Comrade Benedict Godson, has welcomed the former Governor to the state.

The statement reads as follows “Today, our leader makes triumphant entry into Abia, as journey towards reclaiming our state begins. In our part of the world, we so much believe in destiny. It’s so real that when it starts manifesting, we can’t help but say it’s God’s doing.

“It’s written in the sky and it’s obvious in the minds of men that Senator Orji UzorKalu is a man destined to do great things.

The Bible, our holy book, in Numbers 23:8, also made it clear that any man whom God has blessed, no man can curse such a man.

“So today, after the much failed efforts made to curse a man whom God has already blessed, that man is coming in to take his rightful place as our leader.”

“He is the APC leader in the South East

of Nigeria, he’s Abia State political leader no matter the party you belong and he is the man whom everybody gives the respect as Abia Original leader.

“Many people, not just those in APC, have been calling upon him to come and take what rightfully belongs to him and they will not be disappointed because he is coming.

“For us in APC, today is the beginning of us reclaiming a state that we sincerely know we can do better and make better for our people. The triumphant entry of Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu today into Abia is a mark of a new beginning because the breeze of change will take over from today in Abia.

“We welcome him and we urge him to take his rightful place as we all will always follow where he leads.”

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

politics CUPP Three commissioners dump Obaseki, condemns declare support for Ize-Iyamu killings in Southern Kaduna, Katsina

By Christiana Ekpa

T

he Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned the recent killings in Southern Kaduna and Katsina, where it said over 70 people were murdered, describing the killings as sadism of the worst order.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Chairman, Contact and Mobilization Committee, Olusegun Peters, CUPP demanded an end to the killings and urged the Federal, Kaduna and Katsina States governments to be proactive and halt the mindless slaughter of fellow compatriots in their homeland.

According to the statement, “CUPP feels the pains and agonies of the bereaved families which forced the women of Atyap communities of Southern Kaduna to protest naked the killing of their husbands and children in the recent attacks lamenting that the killings had turned them to widows while their farmlands where no go areas due to the fear of marauders.

“CUPP condemns in strong terms the gruesome execution of five aid workers by Boko Haram insurgents in the course of serving humanity.

The aid workers were adducted during a humanitarian mission to support internally displaced persons in the North East.

“Our heart goes out to members of their families trusting God to console and strengthen them in this period of grief.”

CUPP also said it is obvious that the security and welfare of the people are the primary purpose of government in accordance with section 14(2)b of the 1999 constitution as amended, pointing out that it is incumbent on government at all levels to ensure the protection of lives and property of the populace.

By Musa Adamu

T

hree Commissioners of Edo State Oil Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDOSOGPADEC) have resigned their position and declared support

for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The Commissioners are Prince Emmanuel Odigie, Alhaji Aiwanu Oshiomhole, and Osamwonyi Atu, representing Edo Central, Edo North

Senatorial districts respectively and Orhionmwon.

Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, in his resignation letter pointed out that his decision to leave Obaseki-led government was to attend to family issues which have become necessary.

Few hours after their resignation, the Commissioners have pitched tent with the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu in a bid to ensure a total victory for him in September this year.

Ondo guber primary: Adelami accepts defeat, pledges to support Akeredolu

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

O

ne of the aspirants for the Ondo governorship primaries of All Progressive Congress, Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has said he has accepted defeat at the Ondo primary election, saying he will work with incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, to endure that APC wins the election.

Speaking to journalists at the APC Secretariat after appearing before the Primary election Appeal Committee, Adelami said “I am one of the aspirants that came out to contest the primaries of Ondo 2020. The primary has come and gone, but we have left with the stench of the process.

“Many of us are not happy with the process but because we are party men

to the core, we do not want to erupt the boat. Even though my supporters, we are not happy, I held meeting with them because the process was skewed, but we resolved as party men to move on.

“We also said that we should make our grievances known to the appeal committee for them to hear us out. I have just met the appeal committee and I bore my mind to the committee on exactly what happened on the field that the result may not necessary be the true representation of our strength in our political field but because we believe in our party, APC, and we believe that come October 10, we will retain the seat of governance in Ondo state.

“Because of this love for our party, we said whatever it is that is wrong with the process, we should look away and

move forward and support the party so that it will record a success in the next election. My candidacy, I am from Owo, the same town with the Governor.

Probably you may have been hearing one thing or the other about violence.

We were not the cause of violence.

“Despite that we have congratulated the Governor in a way that we have expressed our intension to work for APC, we are not going to any party.

My boys are not known for violence and therefore, those who are causing violence should be called to order to make sure that the peace is restored in Owo so that APC will record success.

“Because winning a ticket for APC is not an end itself, it is a means to an end, because we still have a larger contest which is against the other party.

So we need to come together and make

sure that APC records success”, he said.

Speaking further, he said the Governor should be the one to bring everybody together, adding that democracy is a game of numbers and that nobody should be excluded.

He said the reconciliation of all party members that participated in the contest must be total, saying they must bring everybody together because the way it is now, only a few number of the contestants have been reconciled with him.

“The Governor had meetings with them and excluded others. I am saying that all other contestants should be brought on board so that the reconciliation would be total. We are not fighting war, it is just a contest and everyone of us that came out to contest, we have constitutional rights to contest.

A cross-section of PDP chieftains at the inauguration of 2020 Edo Governorship election campaign in Benin-City on Saturday.

T

he African Action Congress (AAC) has expressed anxiety over the gruesome killing of Nigerians across the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari, as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to stop it immediately.

In a statement issued

politics

NDDC: Senate debunks contracts scam against members

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Senate yesterday took a swipe at the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio over allegations of contracts scam slammed on some serving and former senators.

This is as Senators Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP Delta North) and James Manager (PDP Delta South) , described Akpabio’s allegations as lies from the pit of hell.

Senator Akpabio had reportedly in some national dailies listed names of serving and former federal lawmakers to have collected 60% of contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission

(NDDC) in 2018 fiscal year alone.

Some of the serving senators alleged to be involved in the contracts scam , are Senators Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP Delta North), James Manager (PDP Delta South), Mathew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South) and so on.

But the Senate in its reaction to the allegations, described them as fallacies of the highest order.

Speaking to Journalists on the allegations, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Ayo Akinyelure (PDP Ondo Central), said the allegations were unfounded and sheer blackmail.

According to him, most of

the contracts alleged to have been taken by the listed federal lawmakers at different times , were constituency projects appropriated for them in the national budget without them collecting a dime to execute them as lawmakers.

He said “As a matter of fact, the submission of Senator Akpabio is a cheap blackmail which cannot be tenable anywhere in Nigeria. Senators are representatives of the people in the legislature and we have power of Appropriation. Projects allocated to us are put in the various ministries and agencies of government where they can be fully executed.

“Those of us from the Niger Delta region can lobby for some

of the projects to be put in their various constituencies. That does mean that the money for their execution were given to senators. We don’t touch money here but influence projects to be executed in our constituencies.

When that is done, the executive arm of government will advertise for contractors to bid for them, and award them, following due process.

“The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs was a senator in the 8th Senate. Did he not facilitate projects worth billions of naira to his own constituency through the NDDC? The answer is yes, he did. If he admits that they paid him the money for the execution of the contracts, then, it is a question of investigating

Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (2nd left), Director Health & Biomedical Sciences Department Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Pharm. David Erabhahiemen (left), Chief Executive Halamin Herbals Dr. Ben Amodu (2nd right), and Research Assistant Halamin Herbal Pharm. Emmanuel Daikwo (right) during a courtesy visit by Chief Executive Halamin Herbals to the Minister office , yesterday in Abuja. Photo, Justin Imo-owo

Group tells Buhari to act on NDDC corruption allegation

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

AAC urged Buhari to stop killings

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

yesterday by the national chairman of the party, Leonard Nzenwa, said Nigerians are horrified over barbaric slaughter of fellow citizens by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.

It said even countries at full fledged war have not experienced this level of bloodbaths and killings.

According to the statement, “The senseless killing of dozens

of people in Southern Kaduna, Katsina and the execution of five aid workers by Boko Haram insurgents this week is a sad commentary in effective governance. Most Nigerian farms are now deserted on account of mindless killings by marauding herdsmen. Certainly, the country will experience low yields in agriculture this year.

“The party also calls for

the sack of the service chiefs to give way for more effective military tacticians to crush the bandits and totally defeat Boko Haram insurgents. Nigerians are now fed up with the cliché of Boko Haram being technically defeated which now sounds like a broken record in the ears of longsuffering masses.

“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

1999 as amended stipulates in section 14(2)b that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purported of government. Any government that fails in this critical obligation to the citizenry has failed in its social contract with the people that voted it to office.

“The nation is drifting apart on account of inertia on the part of the presidency”, AAC said.

A

group, All Progressives Congress Professionals Forum (APCPF) has asked President Muhammad Buhari to take decision on the revelations coming out of the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the interest of the people of the region.

The group also urged the President to consider a good reward system for their members, adding that such will give foundation to the peace and reconciliation that the President has begun with the setting up of the APC National Caretakers Committee.

Addressing a press conference Monday at the national secretariat of APC, Abuja, national coordinator of the forum, Comrade Akeem Akintayo, also urged the party to

weigh its disciplinary mechanism on party members who were still acting in defiance of the NEC directive that all the cases in Court should be withdrawn.

“On the imbroglio between the NDDC and National Assembly, we appreciate the President in his sustained anti-corruption war. However, we encourage the President to take necessary actions that will benefit the largely neglected people of Niger Delta by repositioning the NDDC after the audit of the NDDC activities since its creation. The neglected people of Nigeria bear the greatest brunt in the misdirection of NDDC and such tide must be change.

“The other resolutions of our earlier Press Release that was also implemented stricto sancto was a compelling call on all members of our great party that were

pursuing any matter in any Court to withdraw all pending cases in court until the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism is explored and exhausted. While many members have heeded to the call by NEC and have withdrawn their pending issues in court, some are still acting in defiance of the position of NEC, we urge the party to weigh its disciplinary mechanism on those still acting in defiance of the NEC directives.

“As professionals, intellectuals and technocrats that are ready to always assist the party and the Buhari’s administration to succeed, we strongly believe that a good reward system will give foundation to the Peace and reconciliation that the President has begun with the setting up of the APC National Caretakers Committee.”

While calling for unity among

the party men in two branches of executive and legislator, the forum proposed the formation of “a regular APC Executive/ Legislators Caucus meetings spearheaded by the SSAs to the President on Nationals Assembly Affairs and Leadership of our party to foster unity of purpose in our quest as party to deliver the dividends of Democracy to our Nigerian people instead of the public brickbats engaged by our senior party men in both arms of government which does not augur well for the image of party and government.”

On the planed 774,000 special public works empowerment program, the APC group called on federal government and relevant agencies to further ease accessibility and monitoring to these interventions to the SMEs and the informal sectors.

who won the contracts.

“The allegation that members of the National Assembly from the Niger Delta region facilitated projects is a fallacy because being indigenes of the region, they have the right to facilitate projects to their communities in the interest of their constituents.

“If I’m the chairman of the Niger Delta committee in the Senate and projects worth N200bn are to be allocated to the region, I will influence 10 oer cent of it to my constituency.

The projects are meant for Niger Delta region, therefore there is nothing wrong for the National Assembly members from the region to facilitate some of them to their constituencies.

“However, if these projects were successfully facilitated and a particular Senator used his company to take the money away, our committee will go and investigate, where they fall short, they would be nailed by the law. If the projects were never executed and senators used their companies to take the money away, that is fraud.

“Therefore, allegations that some senators have taken money to execute contracts in the NDDC, is a fallacy of the highest order because we have our records, we don’t do that.

Our committee will look into the allegations of blackmail against some lawmakers and make our findings public”.

In their separate reactions to the allegations, Senators Peter Nwaoboshi and James Manager, challenged Akpabio to report them to relevant anti graft agencies in the country if he was sure of his facts.

Nwaoboshi in his own reaction through a personally signed statement , said the 53 NDDC contracts Akpabio alleged that he got in 2018, have no bearing with the truth.

He said “This unsubstantiated allegation is in line with Mr Akpabio’s well known agenda to continuously blackmail me so as to keep diverting public attention away from the serious mismanagement of the NDDC’ by the Interim Management Committee (IMC ), under his supervision and under the guise of a phantom forensic audit that has no operating time line.”

On his part, Sen James Manager said since June 2015 when stopped serving as Chairman , Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, he had no dealings whatsoever with NDDC, let alone IMC, currently running it.

He challenged Akpabio to provide details of the said contracts he got, names of companies used and evidence of payments made.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

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We’ll work out stamp duty palliatives for tenants - FIRS

By Etuka Sunday

E

xecutive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, has assured tenants across the country that the Service is working on a stamp duty palliative package for them in view of the current economic realities occasioned by COVID-19.

Mr. Nami dropped this hint on Monday during a live appearance on the popular morning show, “Your View”, on TV Continental (TVC) via video link, according to a statement

by Director, Communications and Liaison Department, FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad.

As part of the palliatives, the Executive Chairman hinted that stamp duty will not be collected in arrears from tenants, even as he told his interviewers that “there is never a time when taxation is convenient for everybody to pay” and enjoined Nigerians to embrace tax payment “as a patriotic duty to our dear country, Nigeria.”

The Executive Chairman stated that the FIRS was aware that many taxable Nigerians and businesses in the country were going through difficulties imposed on all of us

by COVID-19, hence the FIRS has consistently rolled out tax-related palliatives to relieve them of their tax liabilities since the pandemic shut down the Nigerian and global economy.

Mr. Nami stressed that contrary to some false claims in certain quarters, stamp duty was not a creation of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari or the current leadership of the FIRS. He said: “Stamp Duty dates back to colonial times in Nigeria. It has been a form of tax in Nigeria as far back as 1939 when you and I were not yet born. It was codified in our laws in 1953, that is before independence. It was consolidated in 2002, published in 2006 and further reworked into the Stamp Duty Act 2004.”

He continued: “The Joint Tax Board (JTB) where states are represented consider it necessary to bring the stamp duty act to the attention of Nigerians following the recent launch of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Audit and Recovery of Back Years Stamp Duties where the new FIRS Adhesive Stamp Duty was unveiled. As chairman of the JTB, the FIRS was mandated to enlighten Nigerians on stamp duty. That’s why the FIRS published a clarification notice on the stamp duty and we shall continue to educate the public on it.

“Again, for purpose of clarity, the 6% stamp duty rate is not chargeable across board. It is only chargeable on rent or lease agreement of above 21 years. If your rent or lease is between 7 and 21 years, the stamp duty rate is 3%. And if you pay your rent monthly or yearly, that is less than 7 years, your stamp duty rate is 0.78%. The 0.78% is the rate for most tenants like you and I who live in Suleja or Minna. If your rent is N100,000 like you said, you only pay 0.78%, which is marginal. Of course those who live in Maitama who pay N10 million as

rent will pay more at the same 0.78% because their rent is higher than our own in other parts of Abuja.”

Mr. Nami allayed the fear that stamp duty would lead to rent increase, saying: “Stamp duty should not make any landlord to increase his or her rent because it is not paid by the landlord. Landlords

are not our collecting agents. It is the responsibility of the tenant to pay stamp duty and you don’t have to give it to your landlord. As a tenant, calculate 0.78% of your rent and pay that fraction at the FIRS office nearer to you or at your bank. You should then fix the stamp duty imprimatur on the tenancy

agreement before you sign it with your landlord. It is as simple as that.”

Recall that at the weekend, Coordinating Director, Tax Operations Group, FIRS, Mr. Femi Oluwaniyi, stated that “the FIRS stamp duty on rent or lease only applies to new agreements and not

to renewals. If a new agreement is drawn up at renewal, that document should be stamped, just like initial agreement. If, however, the renewal terms are already in the initial agreement such that no new document is prepared but just payment of the rent for renewal, then no stamping is required.”

L R: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubair Dada; Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and Secretary to the Commission, Dr Sule Bassi, during the 2020 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, on Saturday.

Revision Of Complaints’ Categories to strengthen consumer protection -NCC Clarifies

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it undertook a revision of the framework stipulating the processes for resolving consumer complaints arising from service delivery by telecoms operator in order to achieve greater effectiveness in the sector and to strengthen the protection of telecoms consumers and other stakeholders.

Tagged: Complaints Categories and Service Level Agreements (CC/ SLA), the framework was revised by the Commission in November 2019 at a programme attended by representatives of telecoms operators, consumers and other consumer rights advocacy groups in the country.

“The 2019 review of the CC/SLA, in collaboration with operators and other stakeholders, was essentially to strengthen effective and prompt resolutions of consumers complaints by reviewing the timelines, broaden and streamline complaint categories and establishing applicable sanctions on operators that fail to meet the timelines stated for resolving issues related to services delivery to their consumers,” the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said.

In the reviewed CC/SLA, with respect to the broad category of Quality of Service and Quality of Experience (QoS and QoE) in the data segment, when a telecom subscriber experiences fluctuation in service, such as instability in the Internet

services, the subscriber shall be contacted by the service provider within four hours of reporting the incident and the disruption shall be restored within 72 hours.

The Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde in a statement said, if the matter is escalated to the Commission, the consumer is expected to receive feedback within two hours, while the Commission ensures the issue is resolved within 48 hours. Additionally, the subscriber shall be offered an apology and the expiry date of his data bundle shall be extended by the number of days the disruption lasted.

Under the broad category, ‘Billing’, complaints connected to any unexplained change in account balance resulting in a drop in balance, due to overcharging subscriber’s account for calls, Short Messaging Services (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), shall be resolved by the operator within 24 hours. Should there be a need by the subscriber to escalate the complaint to NCC, the Commission shall ensure the matter is resolved within 12 hours.

The subscriber shall be notified of resolution and where applicable, compensated with five percent of overcharged amount which is payable daily to the consumer for every 24hrs of default.

Similarly, within the framework of QoS/QoE in the voice segment, the revised agreement stipulates that, when there is call interference or challenge with voice clarity, resulting in the inability of a subscriber to carry

out uninterrupted conversation, the subscriber shall receive response from the service provider within four hours of reporting the incident and the service provider shall ensure the challenge is resolved within 72 hours. Should there be a basis for the subscriber to escalate the matter to NCC, the Commission shall revert to the subscriber within two hours of receiving the report and ensure that the matter is resolved within 48 hours in line with the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations and the subscriber shall be communicated.

Also, under the new CC/SLAs that have now come into force, in the case of Sales Promotion and Advertisement, when a subscriber does not receive (within stipulated time) bonus or incentives won during promotions, the service provider shall resolve the matter within 12 hours of receiving the complaints, instead of 24 hours as stipulated in the hitherto existing categorisation and agreement. Should the matter be escalated to NCC, Commission shall ensure it is resolved within six hours in line with the Guidelines on Advertisement and Promotions.

As in all cases, the subscriber shall be communicated on steps taken towards resolution of complaints.

Similarly, in the expansive category of Call Centre/Customer Care, the NCC agreed with stakeholders that when a subscriber is unable to connect to Call Center or Service Provider Help Line, the matter shall be treated by the Service Provider within four hours of

receiving the report. Where the matter is escalated to the Commission, NCC shall ensure that the issue is resolved within two hours of receiving the complaints, and steps taken towards resolution shall be communicated to the subscriber in all circumstances.

On matters connected to faulty terminals, such as defective devices that stifle a subscriber’s ability to use phones, modems, routers and related devices appropriately, the Commission said such incidents shall be resolved based on Terms and Conditions for all devices.

Meanwhile, Danbatta equally stated that matters relating to Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), such as problems arising from installation and location of base stations, masts or towers, shall be resolved by the concerned operator(s) within the 48 hours, as stated in the revised CC/SLA. In case the Commission is notified by the affected consumer, the matter shall be referred, immediately to Commission’s Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Department, which shall ensure resolution of the matter within 48 hours and inform the complainant accordingly.

The EVC added that the CC/ SLA document, which is available on the Commission’s website, contains 17 broad categories and about 90 subcategories.

He enjoined all stakeholders, particularly the telecom consumers, to create the time to study the document in order to understand their rights and privileges.

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Sallah: Butchers tasked on keeping COVID-19 protocols in abattoirs

By Stanley Onyekwere

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head of the forthcoming Sallah festivities, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) has commenced intensive sensitisation of butchers in abattoirs and livestock markets, across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in order to ensure compliance with the established COVID-19 guidelines.

To this end, the ARDS secretariat

has directed its animal health officials to ensure that all stakeholders comply with the protocols, as part of the proactive steps in the fight against the pandemic.

Making this assertion, during a visit to Karu Abattoir at the weekend, ARDS Acting Secretary, Mr. Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, informed the butchers that the guidelines in livestock markets and abattoirs were aimed at safeguarding the lives of the populace.

According to him, the sensitisation was aimed at creating awareness among butchers, so as to minimise the risks of

COVID-19 transmission in the abattoirs.

“As Sallah celebrations approached, people will want to buy livestock and there is need to avoid overcrowding during the hustle and bustle of this period, in a bid to meet up with the seasons demand. “ In the light of this, our animal health officials, as well as livestock officers have been fully mobilized to enforce compliance,” he stated.

The ARDS boss also enjoined the butchers and residents to always cooperate with government to curtail

the spread of the virus, even as he revealed that the administration is working towards ensuring a proper and modern abattoir system, befitting for the FCT. On his part, a representative of the chairman of Karu Butchers Association, Mallam Mustapha Catcher, thanked the administration for its efforts in combating the pandemic.

He revealed that the association has set up a task team, with the sole aim of ensuring that members comply with the safety measures.

A woman and her children spread in the open space, her personal effects drenched by flood incidence that occurred in Gwagwalada, Abuja at the weekend. A response team of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has inspected areas affected by the flood incidence to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the disaster. NAN

AMAC: Candido assures delivery of democratic dividends to residents

By Stanley Onyekwere

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he Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Adamu Candido, has reiterated commitment to initiating and completing sustainable people-oriented policies and projects, so as to enssure the delivery of dividends of democracy to people in the council.

He noted following the gradual easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, contractors had resumed work on various infrastructural sites, adding that the council would ensure speedy completion of the projects, in order for residents to enjoy their desired objectives.

Candido, who made this assertion yesterday, while briefing newsmen, in the wake of the affirmation of his electioneering triumph, by the Court of Appeal Tribunal, also expressed appreciation to residents of the council for their support.

Recall that the Court of Appeal Tribunal, had last week, upheld the victory of Candido, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the 2019 general elections.

The court had dismissed an appeal by Candido’s closest rival, Vivian Anazodo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in which Candido was returned to office for a second term of three years tenure.

The AMAC Chairman, also appreciated the judiciary, and called on the opposition to work with his administration to move the council forward.

“We want to appreciate the residents and people of this area council for standing with us all these years, and we will ensure that we deliver the dividends of democracy to them,”he said.

“And you will recall that the 2019 elections came and ended peacefully, but there were some litigations right from the lower tribunal until we got to the court of appeal tribunal.

“The court of appeal met last Thursday and decided on a case filed by the candidate of the PDP challenging our

victory, first at the election tribunal which started from June to November 2019.

“And between December last year till last Thursday, she was also at the court of appeal tribunal, where we won,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, giving update on the Covid-19 status of the council’s secretary, Candido disclosed that the secretary, having tested negative after several rounds of test, had been discharged from the isolation center.

He therefore reiterated that the council would continue to ensure that the prevailing established COVID-19 safety protocols are observed at all times.

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N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Coronavirus ‘most severe health emergency’ WHO has faced

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he head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said Covid-19 is easily the most severe global health emergency it has ever declared.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he would reconvene the WHO’s emergency committee this week to review its assessment of the pandemic.

There have been five other global health emergencies: Ebola (two outbreaks), Zika, polio and swine flu.

More than 16m cases of Covid-19 have been reported since January.

“When I declared a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January... there were less than 100 cases outside of China, and no deaths,” Dr Tedros said.

“Covid-19 has changed our world. It has brought people, communities and nations together, and driven them apart.”

“This is the sixth time a global health emergency has been declared under the international health regulations, but it’s easily the most severe. [More than] 16m cases have now been reported to WHO and more than 640,000 deaths, and the pandemic continues to accelerate.

“In the past six weeks, the total number of cases has roughly doubled,” he added.

Although the world had made a huge effort in fighting the virus, there remained “a long hard road ahead of us”, he added.

In other developments: US President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for coronavirus. He is the highestranking official in the administration known to have tested positive Spain insists recent outbreaks of new cases were isolated and the country is safe for tourists to visit, after the UK introduced new measures requiring visitors from Spain to quarantine for 14 days Vietnam has closed the coastal city of Da Nang to tourists, after 15 new locally transmitted coronavirus cases were recorded there - the first in the country since April US biotech company Moderna has begun the final phase of clinical trials for a potential Covid-19 vaccine. Some 30,000 volunteers are taking part in the third and last phase of testing before the vaccine can be submitted to a regulatory authority for evaluation and possible approval Belgium is tightening restrictions to try to avoid another lockdown because of a worrying rise in the number of its cases.

From Wednesday, Belgians will be allowed to see a maximum of five people outside of their families.

Currently a Belgian individual can meet 15 people in a “social bubble” Media captionZhang Hai’s father died with coronavirus after

travelling to Wuhan, China, for routine surgery just before the lockdown At Monday’s briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO also said travel restrictions could not be the answer for the long term, and countries had to do more to halt the spread by adopting proven strategies such as social distancing and wearing masks.

“It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future. Economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume,” WHO emergencies programme director Mike Ryan said.

WHO officials acknowledged however that further lockdowns in countries experiencing renewed outbreaks may be necessary, but suggested they should be as short as possible, and confined to as small a geographic area as possible (ie local lockdowns).

“The more we understand about the virus, the more surgical we can be in controlling it,” said Mr Ryan.

Coronavirus is the WHO’s sixth global health emergency

Robert O’Brien, key Trump adviser, tests positive for Covid-19

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resident Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for coronavirus, the White House has confirmed.

Mr O’Brien, 54, has been selfisolating and working from home.

The aide has mild symptoms and there was no risk of exposure to Mr Trump or Vice-President Mike Pence, a statement said.

Mr O’Brien is the highestranking official in Mr Trump’s administration known to have tested positive.

It is not clear when he and the president last met, but one administration official said it had not been for “several days”. The pair appeared together two weeks ago on a trip to Miami.

The White House statement read: “He has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site. There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice-president.

The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted.”

Some staff members told CNN they had only learned of the infection on Monday from the media.

One source told Bloomberg that Mr O’Brien had been out of his office for a week and that the adviser had contracted the virus after a family event.

Anyone near the president is tested regularly for Covid-19.

A number of people in and around the administration have

President Trump named O’Brien his adviser in September last year tested positive, including a military member who works as a White House valet, Mr Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller, and a helicopter squadron Marine.

Who is Robert O’Brien?

Trained as a lawyer, he has had a long diplomatic career working for both Republicans and Democrats. He is believed to be the highest-ranking Mormon member of the Trump administration.

He was picked to replace John Bolton as national security adviser last September, after Mr Bolton left amid a rancorous fallout with

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

President Trump.

Media captionSpeaking in April 2019, Robert O’Brien addresses families of Americans held captive abroad Mr O’Brien shares similar views to Mr Trump on a number of issues, including criticism of the UN and opposition to the Iran nuclear deal.

Mr O’Brien travelled to Paris this month to discuss foreign policy issues with European counterparts, and gave a speech in Arizona in June comparing Chinese President Xi Jinping with

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.

Vietnam has closed the coastal city of Da Nang to tourists, after 15 new locally transmitted coronavirus cases were recorded there - the first in the country since April US biotech company Moderna has begun the final phase of clinical trials for a potential Covid-19 vaccine. Some 30,000 volunteers are taking part in the third and last phase of testing before the vaccine can be submitted to a regulatory authority for evaluation and possible approval. Source: BBC

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Soumaila Cissé: Ecowas demands release of Mali opposition leader W

est African presidents have demanded the release of one of Mali’s opposition leaders, Soumaila Cissé.

He was kidnapped by an unknown group just days before the now-disputed parliamentary elections on 25 March.

The demand was made as part of a plan by the West African regional bloc Ecowas to resolve Mali’s ongoing political crisis.

Tens of thousands of people have taken part in protests since June, with at least 11 protesters dying.

The protests started after the Constitutional Court threw out 31 results from parliamentary elections in April, benefiting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s party.

On 5 June, thousands of people went out onto the streets in the first of a series of demonstrations.

The protests turned deadly on the second weekend of July, when at least 11 people were killed.

On Monday, after meeting up by video conference, the West African heads of state made a series of recommendations, hoping to bring the unrest to a close.

They insisted that the Malian authorities “intensify efforts” for Mr Cissé’s release, while also asking for an inquiry into the protesters’ deaths on 10-12 July.

They further asked that 31 MPs whose results are contested should resign and allow for new elections, and recommended a unity government, which includes the opposition, be formed.

They said their plan should be implemented within 10 days and recommended sanctions against people who get in the way.

They did not, however, recommend the protestors’ main demand - that President Keïta resign.

The proposals are similar to previous plans, which the opposition coalition - a group called M5-RFP - has rejected.

The BBC’s Ishaq Khalid says it is not clear if they will reject these resolutions as well.

Mali’s neighbours are afraid that the crisis could slide into chaos as many are concerned that the situation could play into the hands of armed groups if not properly managed. In our series of

Letters from African journalists, Waihiga Mwaura asks why so many Kenyans are not taking the global coronavirus seriously.

Despite global scientific data showing that Covid-19 is a deadly new strain of coronavirus, which has killed almost 600,000 people, if you publicly declare in Kenya that you have the virus then you are in danger of being castigated

as a liar desperate for attention or a government stooge.

This began with Ivy Brenda Rotich, the first Covid-19 patient to leave hospital in April after treatment.

Ms Rotich was vilified on social media as someone supposedly sent to the media by the government to convince Kenyans that Covid-19 was real, and to keep donor funding flowing, ostensibly for the containment of the virus.

At the time Covid-19 was still considered a foreigner’s disease and Africans were falsely thought by some to be resistant to it.

Getty Images Coronavirus: Key facts • Spreadswhen an infected person coughs droplets into the air • Virus-packed droplets can be breathed in • Dropletscan also land on a surface • Touching surface and then eyes, nose or mouth creates risk • Washing of hands is therefore recommended after touching surfaces Today, despite more than 11,000 cases of Covid-19 and 200 deaths in Kenya, there are those who still say that the virus does not exist - from the gentleman who cleaned my vehicle last week

Soumaila Cissé - seen here in a protester’s picture - was voted into parliament days insisting that it is the biggest lie of our time to fellow journalists saying that it is nothing more than a prolonged flu.

Indeed, a well-known motivational speaker and Pastor Robert Burale was recently accused of faking his Covid-19 positive status despite images showing that he was in a Nairobi hospital.

And Benson Musungu, the

director of Youth Affairs in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement, was falsely accused of receiving a huge pay-out from the government to publicly say that he had received 15 days of treatment in the intensive care unit of a city hospital.

Unfortunately, such reactions have shamed many Covid-19

survivors into silence.

‘MP fuels doubt’ Politicians and other leaders who have the ability to sway the masses are testing positive for Covid-19 but choosing to remain silent, possibly to avoid being stigmatised.

Thus, very few survivors or their loved ones go public with their experiences, and a common

Hopewell Chin’ono: Whistle-blowing Zimbabwean journalist arrested

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Zimbabwean journalist who recently exposed alleged government corruption involving coronavirus supplies has been charged with inciting public violence.

Hopewell Chin’ono livestreamed his arrest before being told to put his phone down.

An opposition politician, Jacob Ngarivhume, has also been arrested in Harare on the same charges.

In a statement, Zimbabwe’s police appeared to confirm that the two arrests were connected.

The US embassy called Mr Chin’ono’s arrest deeply concerning, while his lawyer called it an abduction.

“We’re not sure where he has been taken. His helper says they did not produce any warrant when they came to his house,” human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said in a video statement.

Motioning to a smashed patio door at Mr Chin’ono’s home, Ms Mtetwa said eight or so security agents were involved in the raid.

Campaign group Amnesty accused Zimbabwean authorities of “misusing the criminal justice system to persecute journalists and activists” and said “the arrests

of Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume are designed to intimidate”.

This video streamed on Facebook appears to show the moment the investigative journalist was confronted inside his home: What did Mr Chin’ono report about?

Mr Chin’ono’s reporting on alleged Covid-19 procurement fraud within the health ministry led to the arrest and sacking of Health Minister Obadiah Moyo.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Mr Moyo earlier this month for “inappropriate conduct” over the $60m (£47.5m) medicines supply scandal.

Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party said the state was persecuting a journalist for exposing government corruption.

A government official later responded by tweeting that journalists were not above the law.

Who was the arrested politician?

Jacob Ngarivhume leads a tiny opposition party called Transform Zimbabwe.

But he appeared to be organising plans for an antigovernment protest on 31 July.

Hopewell Chin’ono has embarrassed the government with a string of exposés Like Hopewell Chin’ono, the opposition politician was detained in the capital, Harare, on Monday in what critics said was a concerted move to stifle criticism of the government.

What’s happening in Zimbabwe?

BBC Africa correspondent Andrew Harding says the incident comes at a time of rising tensions in Zimbabwe, with hyperinflation strangling the economy, and talk

of a new round of mass protests against Zanu-PF, the party that has run the country since independence.

Zimbabwe’s government promised reforms and economic growth after former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power three years ago.

But critics say it has reverted to its old habits of repression and corruption.

Source: BBC

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Israel ‘thwarts Hezbollah infiltration from Lebanon’

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srael’s military has opened fired on Hezbollah militants who were trying to “infiltrate our territory”, PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said up to four militants crossed the border in the Mount Dov area, part of the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

A Hezbollah statement said it had not engaged in any clashes, instead blaming a “nervous” enemy.

The area has been tense for days after the death of a Hezbollah fighter.

He was killed in an alleged Israeli air strike in Syria.

Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied it carried out the strike in the early hours of last Monday, had warned Hezbollah not to retaliate.

Israel and Hezbollah: On the road to all-out war?

The IDF said “the terrorists

He added: “Hezbollah and Lebanon bear full responsibility for this incident and any attack from Lebanese territory against Israel.

Hezbollah should know that it is playing with fire.”

Israeli media, citing unnamed military sources, said the Hezbollah cell was planning to attack an IDF post. The reports said Israel had been tracking them and its forces opened fire once the militants crossed the so-called Blue Line - the UN-recognised boundary between Israel and Lebanon.

Reports say the Israeli army fired artillery shells in their wake. There are no reports of casualties on the Lebanese side.

Israel has sent reinforcements to the Lebanese border in recent days

fled back to Lebanon” after being shot at on Monday.

Mr Netanyahu, in a televised address, said he took

a “grave view of this attempt to infiltrate our territory”.

“By making those choices, we will for example be able to hover over Olympus Mons (the largest volcano in the Solar System) as Olympus Mons moves through different times of day. And at other times, we’ll be letting Mars

Hope probe: UAE launches historic first mission to Mars

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he United Arab Emirates’ historic first mission to Mars is under way, after a successful lift-off in Japan.

The Hope probe launched on an H2-A rocket from Tanegashima spaceport, and is now on a 500-million-km journey to study the planet’s weather and climate.

Two previous attempts to launch the probe in the past week had to be called off because of adverse weather.

Hope’s arrival in February 2021 is set to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s formation.

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, the science lead on Hope, spoke of her excitement and relief in seeing the rocket climb successfully into the sky. And she stated the impact on her country would be the same as that on America when its people watched the Apollo 11 Moon landing 51 years ago, also on 20 July.

“It was an anchor for an entire generation that stimulated everyone that watched it to push further and to dream bigger,” she told BBC News.

“Today I am really glad that the children in the Emirates will wake up on the morning of the 20th of July having an anchor project of their own, having a new reality, having new possibilities, allowing them to further contribute and to create a larger impact on the world.”

The UAE craft is one of three missions heading to Mars this month.

The US and China both have surface rovers in the late stages of preparation. The American

The mission will be commanded from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre inn Dubai mission, Perseverance, sent its congratulations to Hope. “I cannot wait to join you on the journey!” its Twitter account said.

Why is the UAE going to Mars?

The UAE has limited experience of designing and manufacturing spacecraft - and yet here it is attempting something only the US, Russia, Europe and India have succeeded in doing. But it speaks to the Emiratis’ ambition that they should dare to take on this challenge.

Their engineers, mentored by American experts, have produced a sophisticated probe in just six years - and when this satellite gets to Mars, it’s expected to deliver novel science, revealing fresh insights on the workings of the planet’s atmosphere.

In particular, scientists think

it can add to our understanding of how Mars lost much of its air and with it a great deal of its water.

The Hope probe is regarded very much as a vehicle for inspiration - something that will attract more young people in the Emirates and across the Arab region to take up the sciences in school and in higher education.

The satellite is one of a number of projects the UAE government says signals its intention to move the country away from a dependence on oil and gas and towards a future based on a knowledge economy.

But as ever when it comes to Mars, the risks are high. A half of all missions sent to the Red Planet have ended in failure. Hope project director, Omran Sharaf, recognises the dangers but insists his country is right to try.

“This is a research and development mission and, yes, failure is an option,” he told BBC News.

“However, failure to progress as a nation is not an option. And what matters the most here is the capacity and the capability that the UAE gained out of this mission, and the knowledge it brought into the country.”

Robotic probe: Hope has taken six years to develop How has the UAE managed to do this?

The UAE government told the project team it couldn’t purchase the spacecraft from a big, foreign corporation; it had to build the satellite itself.

This meant going into partnership with American universities that had the necessary experience. Emirati and US engineers and scientists worked alongside each other to design and build the spacecraft systems and the three onboard instruments that will study the planet.

While much of the satellite’s fabrication occurred at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, considerable work was also undertaken at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai.

LASP’s Brett Landin believes the Emiratis are now in a great place to do another mission on their own.

“I could give you the process for fuelling a spacecraft, but until you’ve put on an escape suit and

transferred 800kg of highly volatile rocket fuel from storage tanks into the spacecraft, you don’t really know what it’s like,” the senior systems engineer said.

“Their propulsion engineers have now done it and they know how to do it the next time they build a spacecraft.”

What science will Hope do at Mars?

The Emiratis didn’t want to do “me too” science; they didn’t want to turn up at the Red Planet and repeat measurements that had already been made by others.

So they went to a US space agency (Nasa) advisory committee called the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) and asked what research a UAE probe could usefully add to the current state of knowledge.

MEPAG’s recommendations framed Hope’s objectives. In one line, the UAE satellite is going to study how energy moves through the atmosphere - from bottom to top, at all times of day, and through all the seasons of the year.

It will track features such as lofted dust which on Mars hugely influences the temperature of the atmosphere.

It will also look at what’s happening with the behaviour of neutral atoms of hydrogen and oxygen right at the top of the atmosphere. There’s a suspicion these atoms play a significant role in the ongoing erosion of Mars’ atmosphere by the energetic particles that stream away from the Sun. Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

feature

Viewpoint from Sudan - where black people are called slaves

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n our series of Letters from African journalists, Zeinab Mohammed Salih writes about the horrific racial abuse black people experience in Sudan.

Warning: This article contains offensive language As anti-racism protests swept through various parts of the world following AfricanAmerican George Floyd’s death in police custody in the US, Sudan seemed to be in a completely different world.

There was little take-up in Sudan of the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. Instead many Sudanese social media users hurled racial abuse at a famous black Sudanese footballer, Issam Abdulraheem, and a light-skinned Arab make-up artist, Reem Khougli, following their marriage.

“Seriously girl, this is haram [Arabic for forbidden]... a queen marries her slave,” one man commented on Facebook after seeing a photo of the couple.

Facebook Live from honeymoon There were dozens of similar comments - not surprising in a country where many Sudanese who see themselves as Arabs, rather than Africans, routinely use the word “slave”, and other derogatory words, to describe black people.

Sudan has always been dominated by a light-skinned, Arabic-speaking elite, while black Africans in the south and west of the country have faced discrimination and marginalisation.

It is common for newspapers to publish racial slurs, including the word “slave”.

Sudan was a major slave-trading area in the 19th Century A few weeks ago, an Islamist columnist at Al-Intibaha, a daily newspaper supportive of ex-President Omar al-Bashir, who does not approve of women playing football, referred to the female football coach of the Gunners, a wellknown youth team for girls, as a slave.

And almost all media outlets describe petty criminals in the capital, Khartoum, as “negros” as they are perceived to be poor and not ethnically Arab.

When I asked Abdulraheem for his reaction to the racial abuse hurled at him and his wife, he said: “I couldn’t post more pictures on my social media pages for fear of receiving more [abuse].”

Instead, the 29-year-old and his 24-yearold wife did a Facebook live during their honeymoon, saying they were in love and their race was irrelevant.

Few black faces In another recent instance, the head of a women’s rights group, No To Women Oppression, commented on a photo showing a young black man with his white European wife by saying that the woman, in choosing her husband, may have been looking for the creature missing on the evolutionary ladder between humans and monkeys.

Following an outcry, Ihsan Fagiri announced her resignation, but No To Women Oppression refused to accept it, saying she did not mean it.

There have been some small anti-racism protests in Sudan Racism is insidious in Sudan, historically and since independence when most senior positions have been filled by people from the north - the Arab and Nubian ethnic groups.

Almost all senior military officers are from these communities, which has also allowed them to use their influence to dominate the business sector.

Today if you go into any government department or bank in Khartoum, you will rarely see a black person in an important role.

There are no reliable statistics on the ethnic breakdown of Sudan’s population, let alone their relative wealth, but a Darfuri-based rebel group fighting for the rights of black people estimates that 60% of Khartoum residents are black.

Slave traders ‘glorified’

Reem Khougli and Issam Abdulraheem faced abuse for marrying each other

Sudan was a major slave-trading area in the 19th Century

There have been some small anti-racism protests in Sudan The racism goes back to the founding of Khartoum in 1821 as a marketplace for slaves.

By the second half of the century about twothirds of the city’s population was enslaved.

Sudan became one of the most active slaveraiding zones in Africa, with slaves transported from the south to the north, and to Egypt, the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions.

Slave traders are still glorified - a street in the heart of the capital is named after al-Zubair Pasha Rahma, whose 19th Century trading empire stretched to parts of what is now the Central African Republic and Chad.

Historians say he mainly captured women

“

from the modern-day Sudanese areas of Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains, as well as South Sudan and Ethiopia’s Oromia region. He was also known for his slave army, made up of captives from South Sudan, which fought for the Ottomans.

Another street is named after Osman Digna - a slave trader and military commander, whose lucrative business was curtailed by the thenBritish colonial administration when it moved to outlaw slavery.

The practice was only officially abolished in 1924, but the decision faced strong resistance from the main Arab and Islamic leaders of that

Sudan became one of the most active slave-raiding zones in Africa, with slaves transported from the south to the north, and to Egypt, the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. Slave traders are still glorified - a street in the heart of the capital is named after al-Zubair Pasha Rahma, whose 19th Century trading empire stretched to parts of what is now the Central African Republic and Chad.

era, among them Abdelrahman al-Mahdi and Ali al-Mirghani, who many believe had slaves working on the vast tracts of land they owned along the Nile River.

They wrote to the colonial administration urging them not to abolish slavery, but their request was ignored.

The two men, along with their political parties - Unionist and Umma - continued to wield enormous influence after independence, entrenching notions of Arab superiority in the new state by reserving almost all jobs for Arabs and failing to develop areas inhabited by black people.

Mahdi’s grandson, Sadiq al-Mahdi, served as prime minister from 1966 to 1967 and again from 1986 to 1989, when Mirghani’s son, Ahmed, became president in a coalition government the two men had formed.

Two Sudanese academics, Sulimen Baldo and Ushari Mahoumd, publicly alleged in 1987 that they had uncovered evidence of some northern-based Arab groups enslaving black people from the south. They say these groups were armed by Sadiq al-Mahdi’s military - and were the genesis of the Janjaweed militias, which were later accused of ethnic cleansing in Darfur.

The slave-raiding allegations were denied at the time by the government of Ahmed Mirghani and Sadiq Mahdi, who remains influential in Sudanese politics and is close to the current government, which took power after the overthrow of Mr Bashir in 2019.

21st Century slave raids The superiority complex of many members of the Arab elite lies at the heart of some of the worst conflicts to hit Sudan since independence, as black people either demand equality or their own homeland.

The southern slave raids were widely reported to have continued until the end of the civil war in 2005, which led to the mainly black African South Sudan seceding from Arabicspeaking Sudan five years later.

The women and children abducted by Arab groups to work for a “master” for free often never saw their families again, though in some cases their freedom was controversially bought by aid groups such as Christian Solidarity International.

And since the Darfur conflict started in the early 2000s, the pro-government Arab Janjaweed militias have repeatedly been accused of arriving on horseback in black African villages, killing the men and raping the women.

Little has changed there in the last year, with reports of rapes and village burnings continuing despite the peace talks organised by the powersharing government, which is leading the threeyear transition to civilian rule.

The transitional government was formed by the military and the civilian groups that led the 2019 revolution, but it is unclear whether it is genuinely committed to tackling the structural racism within the Sudanese state.

The Sudanese Congress Party (SCP), a key member of the civilian arm of the government, says that a law has been proposed to criminalise hate speech. Under the proposal, the punishment for using racial slurs would be five years in jail, SCP spokesman Mohamed Hassan Arabi told me.

But many black people are uneasy about the military’s role in government, given it was part of Mr Bashir’s regime.

One of the few black ministers, Steven Amin Arno, quit within two months of taking office, saying in a resignation letter which appeared on social media that nobody was listening to him.

The government did not comment on his allegations, which he says proves his point.

“What happened with me shows the marginalisation and the institutional racism in the country,” he told me.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, TUESDAY, july 28, 2020

26

issues

CLASSIFIED

The do’s and don’ts in the month of Dhul-Hijjah

wishes. Abu Qataadah (RD) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: ‘’Observing fasting on the Day of Arafat; I hope Allah to expiate all the sins that were committed during the previous year, and the sins that will be committed in the year after’’. ( Muslim)

Written by Huseyn Zakaria

A

ll praise is due to Allah who has chosen for us the divine path of Islam. We are ever grateful to Him for this nonpareil and matchless bountifulness.

The dynamism of Islam is peerless to all previous and modern religions. It is a very invigorating and enlivening set of divine ordinances and injunctions to both the inner fulfillment and outer vivacity of every believing soul.

In this segment, I intend to discuss something very old but, ever anew matter because of its reoccurrence every year around this time; the Sunnah of Dhahayyah; animal sacrifices in every month of Dhulhijjah. I will also mention few virtues of this great and sacred month which enhances one’s portfolio of good deeds before Allah, the Almighty.

The hadith of Abdullah Ibn Abbas has taken over stage in regulating the ethics of intending animal sacrifices offeror. For the purpose of updating the Ummah and putting the records straight concerning the etiquettes of elayya, let me refer to the tradition for easy understanding.

The Apostle of Allah said: “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” In another report he said: “He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin.” (Reported by Muslim) This authentic hadith indicates that the one who wants to offer animal sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hajj until he or she has offered his sacrifice on the allowable days.

Some scholars have even gone to the extent of making any of the prohibition as haram; unlawful act. Others maintained a gentler position by making the observation of the don’ts as mere facultative or nonmandatory only.

The Hadith, like the Qur’an is distinctive among revered scriptures in accepting the principles of abrogation in which later pronouncements of the Prophet, outrightly declare null and void his earliest declarations. Thus, the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas narration has suffered the fate of abrogation by that of the Mother of the Believers; A’ishah (RA) in which she authoritatively declared that his narration has been obsolete by the more recent actions and pronouncements of the Messenger of Allah. She narrated thus: ‘’Allah’s Apostle used to send the Hadi (sacrificial lambs) from Medina, and I used to twist the garlands for the Hadis and he did not keep away from any of these things which a Muhrim keeps away from’’.

[Bukhari: Vol 2, Book 26. Pilgrimage (Hajj).

Hadith 755.]

Additionally, in the Book of Muslim, ‘Aishah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (saw) sent his sacrificial animals from Medina to Mecca. I wove garlands

for his sacrificial animals (and then he would hung them round their necks), and he would not avoid doing anything which the Muhrim ( an intending pilgrim) avoids.

[Book 7. Pilgrimage. Hadith 3033.] Another hadith similar this has been transmitted on the authority of Ibn Shihab.

The hadith which was earlier reported

by Ibn Abbas had a very wider spread even amongst the Sahabas because it was the first promulgation by the Prophet of Allah on the very onset of the sunnah of dhahayyah; animal sacrifices. The following hadiths which I have selected from many on my submission will put our discussion into a better perspective: Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Abu Bakr bin ‘Amr bin Hazm: That ‘Amra bint ‘AbdurRahman had told him, “Zaid bin Abu Sufyan wrote to ‘Aisha that ‘Abdullah bin Abbas had stated thus, ‘Whoever sends his Hadi (to the Ka’ba), all the things which are illegal for a (pilgrim) become illegal for that person till he slaughters it (i.e. till the 10th of DhulHijja).’” ‘Amra added, ‘Aisha said, ‘It is not like what Ibn Abbas had said: I twisted the garlands of the Hadis of Allah’s Apostle with my own hands. Then Allah’s Apostle would put them around their necks with his own hands, then send them with my father; Yet nothing permitted by Allah was considered illegal for Allah’s Apostle till he slaughtered the Hadis.’ “[ Vol 2, Book 26. Pilgrimmage (Hajj). Hadith 757.]

Another relevant hadith was reported

by Imam Muslim was reported by Masruq: I heard ‘Aisha (RA) clapping her hands behind the curtain and saying: I used to weave garlands for the sacrificial animals of Allah’s Messenger (saw) with my own hands, and then he would send them (to Mecca), and he never avoid doing anything which a Muhrin avoids until his animals were sacrificed. [ Book 7. Pilgrimage.

Hadith 3044] These aforementioned Hadiths, therefore, should put to final rest any further interpretation and counter interpretation regarding the earlier ruling of the hadith of Ibn Abbas, or any other scholar who has contrary information from that of the Mother of the Believers or not fortunate to accessing the tradition during his life time.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

The ruling is very clear and distinct, leaving no further room for in-depth jurisprudential analysis or abreaction. That means as far these Hadiths portray there is absolutely nothing which is haram or forbidden to both men and women who are willing to sacrifice animal for the sake of Allah on the 10th. day of Dhul-hijjah, such as shaving, barbing, clipping of nails, bodily manicure, plaiting, shampooing or setting the hair.

Thus, everything which is halal before the month of Dhul-Hijjah, remains absolutely lawful.

The significance of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah cannot be over emphasis in Islam. In fact, there is no day on which Allah frees more people from the hell-fire than on the day of Arafah. On this day all accumulated minor sins are forgiven and all major repented offences that are violation of the rights of Allah are completely pardoned. On that day, Allah turns out to be closer to His servants than any other day in readiness to answering all prayers and requests of his servants as He

“

The significance of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah cannot be over emphasis in Islam. In fact, there is no day on which Allah frees more people from the hell-fire than on the day of Arafah. On this day all accumulated minor sins are forgiven and all major repented offences that are violation of the rights of Allah are completely pardoned

So fasting on the day of Arafah is highly recommended in line with the Sunnah of our beloved Apotle; Muhammad (saw) but it’s only for all non-hajjis even if they reside in the Holy Land.

On the 10th. Day, and that is on Eid day, it is recommended to be rehearsing aloud the takbir i.e. ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Great)! Rehearsal aloud of takbeer, tasbih, the tahlil and tahmid in these days are loved

by Allah and are highly rewarding. Allah, the Exalted says: ‘’And mention the name of Allah in certain days’’ [Qur’an, 2:203].

We find in the Hadith of Abdullah ibn Umar, “Make tahlil, takbir and tahmid much on these days.” Imam al-Bukhari while commenting on this Hadith, said that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurayrah would go into the market places in the first ten days and shoutout the takbir and the people would repeat after them.

The `Eid day is a day of thankfulness to Allah to be indicated in the increase of our deeds of righteousness. Therefore, it should not be considered as a day of wildness, smugness and narcissism. Our youngsters must understand that Eid day it is not a season of disobedience, uncontrolled amusements or indulging in intoxications, and the transgression of the bounds of Allah. It is the day of the Great Pilgrimage (al-Hajj al-Akbar); the day of praise for Allah and of His remembrance as well as of repentance.

Generally, accomplishing good deeds of obligatory and voluntary statuses such as: Salaat, Charity, Jihad, Qur’an recitation, enjoining good and forbidding wrongs during these days, are unsurpassed in excellence and rewards and as in the first ten days before Allah. In fact, good deeds in these days are better and more beloved to Allah than other righteous observances including physical Jihad, except for one who has completely perished along with his or her possessions in the glorious engagement.

Finally, those who are blessed to offering of animals sacrifices on the 10th. day, they should not bathe or comb them as that will decrease their rewards due to the falling hairs. Also they should never engage them into beat hollow of competition with other animals as that may harm or cause bodily defects to them thereby making them unfit for the sacrifice!

Those who slaughtered their animals are at discretion to either share all the meats to their friends and families as gifts, gave it out as charity to the indigents and the needy or hoard and preserve all of it for their personal future usages. Whatever one chooses, he or she is without blame!

May Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomimngs, amin! Barka da Sallah!

Huseyn Zakaria

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2. Hon.mrs. Nancy onyegbule.

3. Engr. Charles, iroha.

4. Mr. Miracle, onyegbule.

5. Pastor, chibuike. Uhie.

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the

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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 INFORMFOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) MUHAMMAD DAHIRU DODO (2) MAIMUNA LADI IBRAHIM. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : (1) To provide a platform to create awareness and sensitize the general public as to the causes, means of protection, remedies and effects of blood cancer.

(2) To carry out research on the cure for blood cancer using alternative medicine.

(3) To provide affordable and effective treatment for those in need.

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 : AYUBA ABDUL, ESQ SOLICITOR 08036373769.

Public Notice

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To protect and entrepreneurs..

The young ones 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 DR HENRY NZEKWU 2 MUHAMMED TASIU'S 3MRS EBELE EMEKA 4 MR EMMANUEL CHENYE 5 NAGIMAH O SADIQ 6 DR MARIANE J NGOULLA 7 MR EDWARD NNADI 8 ALHAJI IBRAHIM GONI 9 MRS AKPABIO 10 PROF COMELIUS AFEBUA OMONOKHUA 11 SENATOR GBENGA ALUKO 12 DR BETTY NNADI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : TO PROMOTE PROTECT AND ENCOURAGE CHILDREEN IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

HABITATION OF HOPE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the Amendment of it's Constitution under part 'C' of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The trustees unanimously agreed that an object should be added to the Constitution and read as follows: Provision of primary health care and diagnostic services.

All other Objectives and Articles remain the same in view of the addition 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 28 days of this publication.

Signed Secretary

loss of document

This is to inform General public of loss of ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY ( R of O) in respect of Plot No. 53 with file No.BO.10622 at WUYE DISTRICT CADASTRAL ZONE B03. Bearing MUSTAPHA MOHAMME. All efforts made to trace the missing Document prove abortive. If found please return it to the nearest police station or AGIS. Abubakar I, Formerly known as Abubakar Abdullahi now wish to be known and addressed as Abubakar Abdullahi sadiq. My Date of birth is 31/12/1998. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

Sports

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

tuesday, july 28, 2020

FG shows commitment to youth on investment fund - minister

By Albert Akota

T

he newly established Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) will reduce Youth restiveness, unemployment, provide succor and bring to the fore ideas, skills, talents enterprise of the Nigerian Youth, even as it would turn them into entrepreneurs, wealth creators and employers and lead to national development.

This was the assertion of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, when a group of All Progressive Congress (APC) Youth leaders visited the Ministry to commend the Minister for securing Federal Executive Council’s approval for the establishment of the NYIF. Mr. Dare asserted that the approval of NYIF by President Muhammadu Buhari is fait accompli to his staunch belief that our young people are the greatest asset and demands collective responsibility for their success. ‘’The NYIF joins the slew of youthfocused programmes already in place by the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government, as part of a National plan to combat Youth unemployment and drive innovation, fuel entrepreneurship as well as support youth SME’s.’’

He further affirmed, ‘’NYIF provides a single window of investment Fund for the Youth, thereby creating a common bucket for all Nigerian youth to access government support. Providing a less cumbersome access to credit and finance for the average Nigerian youth with an approved work plan or business idea will help lift thousands of youth out of poverty and birth a whole generation of entrepreneurs.”

The Nigerian Youth Fund will generate a minimum of N25billion each year in the next 3 years, totaling N75billion to ring fence the NYIF. The Fund will strictly cater to the investment needs of persons between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

While commending Mr President and his fellow Cabinet members for their unflinching support, Mr Dare enthused that the NYIF is timely and demonstrates the commitment of the Buhari administration to ensuring that the dreams and ideas of our innovative youths become a reality.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, commended the APC Youths for

Sunday Dare expressing their gratitude to Mr President for approving the creation of the NYIF, even as he acknowledged the efforts of the Minister in bringing this youth transformation agenda into reality.

The Team Leader of the APC Youths, Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, stated that the NYIF is a legacy that the Buhari administration will bequeath to successive governments to build upon,

emphasizing that for the first time, the nation has a Minister of Youth and Sports Development, truly committed to investing and transforming the lives of Nigerian Youth.

Uzoho seals Nicosia permanent transfer

>>PG 30

>>>PG30

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S p r t Okenwa gone not forgotten NFF

By Albert Akota

T

he remains of Chidi Ofo Okenwa, Member of the Board of Nigeria Football Federation, Chairman of the Nigeria National League and Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, was interred at his family compound, Ogonogo Eji by Akpugo in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu on Friday 24th July 2020, amidst a torrent of tributes. It was the closure of the final chapter in the

life of a most effervescent, ebullient and charismatic figures in the history of Nigerian Football.

From far and near they came: Members of the NFF Executive Committee, Chairmen of State FAs, NFF Management and Staff, Board members and officials of the Nigeria National League, Board members and officials of the Enugu FA, top-of-the-range football stakeholders, former Nigeria internationals, coaches, referees, et cetera.

Okenwa, a man of impact and substance,

NFF commiserates with bereaved Staff member

By Albert Akota

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with its Head of Inter-Club Competitions, Mr. Danlami Alanana, who lost his father on Thursday.

Ironically, Alanana was with the NFF delegation heading to Enugu for the burial of former NFF Board Member, Hon. Chidi Ofo Okenwa, when he received the unfortunate news that his aged father had passed on. He had to change direction and head for Makurdi instead.

The NFF delegation, on its way back from Enugu on Saturday following

the burial of Hon. Okenwa, headed to Makurdi to condole with the Alanana family.

The delegation was received by the deceased’s eldest son, Alhaji Bayero Alanana, and sympathized with the 87 –year old widow, Mrs Aisha Ematu Alanana and other members of the family.

NFF deputy General Secretary. Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme made a short speech of commiseration, in which he prayed that God would grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and grant those he had left behind the fortitude to bear the big loss.

Osimhen in Paris with Chukwueze ahead Napoli move

V

ictor Osimhen is having a nice time in Paris with close pal Samuel Chukuweze ahead of his longawaited move to Serie A club Napoli.

Osimhen and Chukwueze were part of the Nigeria U-17 side that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015.

The duo, who have formed a close relationship since then were also included in the Super Eagles squad that came third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in

Osimhen and Chukwueze

Egypt.

Osimhen has already a sealed a move to Napoli from Ligue 1 club Lille with a formal announcement expected soon.

The 21-year-old scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Lille in the 2018/19 season.

He joined the Great Danes from Belgian outfit Sporting Charleroi last summer.

revered for his deep knowledge of the Statutes, Rules and Regulations governing all aspects of association football, breathed his last on Tuesday, 5th May 2020, after a brief illness.

News of his demise was like a thunderbolt, leaving the Nigerian Football family crestfallen.

A simple, humble and devoted servant of the game, Okenwa pursued projects and tasks handed to him with uncommon gusto, infecting all around him with his enthusiasm, concerned only with successful execution of assignments.

His preferred outcome for tasks was ‘executed’, not ‘excuses’. His famous mirth, good humour and readiness and willingness to assist the other man, borne out of character traits of humility and humanity, will ensure that though he is gone and his body interred, the image of the man will remain with us for much, much longer.

At the final rites of passage for the departed Okenwa on Friday, Chairman of Chairmen of Nigerian Football and Member of the NFF Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau described Okenwa as “a hero and encyclopedia. His knowledge of the game was quite vast. He lived a good and virtuous life and will always be in our hearts.”

Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Member of the NFF Board and Chairman of Enyimba FC, described Okenwa as a “pace-setter” and “innovator” with grassroots development programmes, promising that this would be sustained in the South-East region.

Mr. Lawrence Katken, chief operating officer of the Nigeria National League, said Okenwa, his former boss, was “a true professional and an embodiment of hard work.”

In a tribute delivered to the family, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick wrote: “Everyone connected in one way or the other with Nigerian Football realises that a big tree has fallen in our country’s game and this particular tree would be hard to replace.

Okenwa started his education in football administration quite early and learnt so well that at the time he died, he was right there at the top of his game and in the vanguard of those who could be termed the chief custodians and

M

Chelsea

S

p

Austrian Open: Warren holds nerve to win first title in six years Marc Warren started the weekend as a 150/1 outsider

r

t

Buhari salutes Kamaru Usman for retaining UFC title

Nigerian Nightmare Kamaru Usman wins again

P Iheanacho celebrates after scoring for Leicester City Chidi Ofo Okenwa oracles of the Statutes, Rules, Regulations and Conventions of association football within the Nigerian territory and beyond.

“His wide and deep knowledge of the game at all levels made him a stand-out Member of the Congress of Nigerian Football, long before he became a Member of the NFF Executive Committee, where he continued to play the same role with gusto, effervescence and elan.

His death at this time has, without any gainsaying, robbed Nigerian Football of a colourful, capable and diligent administrator, whose enthusiasm was unmatched by many and whose sense of duty fiercely challenged senior colleagues, peers and youngsters.”

Man United, Chelsea pick UCL tickets as Leicester miss out Bournemouth, Watford relegate

anchester United and Chelsea have qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League while Bournemouth and Watford have been relegated, after a dramatic final day in the 2019/2020 Premier League campaign.

Leicester pressed could not break Manchester United down and their misery was compounded when Evans was sent off against his former club for a wild, late lunge on Scott McTominay.

Manchester United confirmed the

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, july 28, 2020

formalities seconds from time when substitute Jesse Lingard robbed Schmeichel and rolled the ball into an empty net.

It is a result that fulfils the usual minimum requirement of Champions League qualification for Manchester United.

But while Leicester City’s fifth-placed finish is highly creditable and earns a place in the Europa League, this will undoubtedly be a huge disappointment and anti-climax after being in a position to reach the Champions League for so long.

S

cotland’s Marc Warren clinched his first European Tour title in six years by winning the Austrian Open by a single shot.

The 39-year-old overnight leader was a shot clear going into the final hole at the Diamond Country Club and held his nerve to edge out Germany’s Marcel Schneider with a score of 13 under.

Scotland’s Craig Howie and Connor Syme finished three behind and tied fourth.

Warren’s victory is his fourth on the European Tour.

“It’s massive,” Warren, who

was carrying his own bag, told the European Tour. “Going from a few hours ago I didn’t have full status, now to be in a winner’s category and plan the year a little bit is good.

I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, trying to hit one shape all the time and when I do play try and do that and try not to mess about too much.”

The win now opens up access to the Rolex Series for the remainder of the year as well as other events for the Scot who was a 150/1 outsider going into this weekend’s action just outside Vienna.

resident Muhammadu Buhari congratulated Kamarudeen Usman on the successful defence of his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title with an emphatic win over Jorge Masvidal.

This was conveyed in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja yesterday.

Buhari commended the fighter for finishing strong inside the octagon, proudly flying the green and white colours in distant lands.

According to the president, as the first African-born and Nigerian UFC Champion, Usman has reminded the world that good things and great people still come out of Nigeria.

While the global COVID-19 pandemic may have brought gloom to many families and nations, the President expressed delight and appreciation that Usman has lifted the nation

Mourinho continues dominance over Arsenal in Spurs

Chelsea striker suffers J racist abuse again

C

helsea striker Tammy Abraham has again been subjected to racist abuse from some of the London club’s fans.

Abraham was on the end of vile attacks earlier this season following a penalty miss in Chelsea’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Liverpool.

The lanky forward revealed that the abuse left his mum in tears after fans attacked him for missing a crucial penalty in the shootout.

Following a shock 3-0 defeat by Chelsea at Sheffield United, Abraham has received yet more horrible abuse.

A number of fans – many with Chelsea-related avatars and usernames – branded the England striker ‘Apebraham’ on social media.

Thankfully, it appears Twitter took swift action with many of the accounts, deleting the tweets and banning the accounts by the time this article was published.

However, a search of the term shows

that some references to the word remain on the site.

Speaking back in September, Abraham said: “I remember speaking to my mum, she was emotional, she was in tears.

“It’s obviously not nice, seeing your son getting abused. My mum was just thinking, ‘Why him?’

“For me, I am a strong character, it doesn’t affect me as much, but it could affect people who don’t have my personality.

“I was sat in the changing room straight after the game and went on my phone. I wasn’t going to shy away from the situation, although I did have some supportive messages. The other side is not nice to hear.

“I went through a lot of emotion after the penalty miss. I had experience of taking penalties last season, big ones as well. Everyone misses penalties. To miss the penalty I was devastated and I had a lot of abuse after.”

spirits with another professional performance.

He said this had also proven that things would surely get better at the fullness of time “when we remain committed to our vision’’.

The president wished Usman the very best and more victories in his career and prayed that like fine wine, he improves with age.

However, it was all too much for him as Usman proved a hard nut to crack and he got the job done to retain his belt.

The victory for the champion leaves him with a professional record of 17 wins and just the one defeat, whilst Masvidal now has a record of 35 wins and 14 defeats.

The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ as Usman is fondly called was oozing with so much confidence as he sang and danced his way to the Octagon and inside the cage as well. Usman was just unstoppable.

ose Mourinho continued his dominance over Arsenal following Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 comeback home win in yesterday’s North London derby.

The win means Mourinho has not lost to Arsenal in 10 Premier League home games, recording six wins and four draws.

Alexander Lacazette opened scoring for Arsenal before goals from Heung-Min Son and Toby Alderweireld late in the game, sealed the win for Spurs.

Spurs are now unbeaten in their last six home league games against Arsenal (four wins, two draws).

Also, Arsenal have not won any of their

last 27 league away games against ‘big six’ sides, with their last victory coming against Manchester City in 2015.

Sunday’s win took Spurs above Arsenal in eight position on 52 points while their city rivals are in ninth spot and have 50 points.

Lacazette opened the scoring on 16 minutes from the edge of the area with a superb strike that found the top corner.

But three minutes after Arsenal’s goal Spurs equalised as Son pounced on a mix-up in the Arsenal defence to level immediately.

And in the 81st minute Alderweireld then rose highest to head Son’s corner beyond Emiliano Martinez in goal for Arsenal.

. . . putting the people first

TuesDAY, july 28, 2020

SPORTS latest

Mustafi out of Arsenal, Chelsea FA Cup final with Injury

A

rsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring problem – meaning he will miss the Emirates FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed something of a career renaissance at the Emirates Stadium since Mikel Arteta took charge in December.

He became an integral part of Arteta’s side – starting all-but two of their last 14 Premier League games prior to his injury.

The 2018 World Cup winner was forced off late on in Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup semifinal win over Manchester City.

Arteta said that Mustafi would be doubtful for the final against Chelsea on August 1, with the club announcing a day later that he is definitely sidelined.

Mustafi was also forced to watch on from the sidelines as Arsenal beat Chelsea in the 2017 FA Cup final, missing the victory through illness.

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Autism: The real heroes

N

igerians, especially the elites are slowly being aware of autism. Still there is a big gap in our understanding of it for, majority of Nigerians as elsewhere in Africa is ascribe negative things to it. It is generally associated in this part of the world with ‘insanity’, to put it bluntly.

And so, it is that many parents with autistic children often lock them up in the house because of the stigma that goes with it. They are usually in denial. Disappointment, guilt and fear characterize these parents. Some families, under pressure from outsiders, namely so-called friends, associates, even consign them to traditional and religious ‘healing’ homes where they are to all intents and purposes effectively abandoned. Needless to say that such forceful detachment from their home of birth does more harm than good to them as they are removed from their loved ones to a strange, cold, environment.

Each child is a gift and loan to the parents for they can be taken away from them by the Almighty at any time and each will attract the child it needs in accordance with the law of homogeneity. And no matter the condition in which a child is born to a family (no matter whether the handicap is brought about through negligence or naturally), they all will benefit spiritually through the experience.

The parents could through the experience of having a child with special needs learn the virtue of humility, appreciation and respect for all children no matter their physical condition. Autistic children are not mentally ill people as such but people with special needs like visually and other physically handicapped persons.

We have transited over the years from referring to aforementioned persons as blind/deaf persons, disabled persons, people with disabilities to physically challenged persons, physically handicapped, (visually impaired) physically impaired people to the current nomenclature of ‘people with special needs.

The term ‘special needs’ apply to persons with one form of disability or the other. However, experts now call autistic children/ people not ‘persons with slow learning abilities’ as some people do but as ‘persons with delayed development’.

Because of this, they require more special attention.

Notwithstanding that physically

0806 564 8620 0814 292 9046 0803 587 5846 08074420617

Tuesday Column

By VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO vikeano@yahoo.co.uk 08033077519 handicapped persons have now been accepted in our society more or less in that there are now formal, organized institutions and unions to cater to their needs and welfare, autistic persons are still largely disadvantaged.

Thanks to the Guarantee Trust bank which over the years has been raising awareness on autism by bringing together experts from various parts of the world to talk about and give useful information/insight on how to better handle various needs of autistic children. This year’s conference which held on Monday and Tuesday was the tenth in the series. And it was unique in that it was held online because of COVID-19. This means that more people could join in from any part of Nigeria (indeed the world) than the relatively fewer people that could have made it were it held in a particular physical venue, because of travel and financial constraints.

The resource persons made their presentations from their bases.

This is one advantage of this COVID-19 pandemic – webinairs, that is, online conferences, seminars, workshops etc., are getting popular, leading to the democratization of information, knowledge. That is how I joined in although I could only listen to the first three presentations before my data ran out.

One commends GT bank for this initiative. Corporate social responsibility is not just about donating money, equipment to

“

government/society to fight a particular cause or donating certain structures to them, it is also about disseminating/sharing knowledge on something that is beneficial to people. When this knowledge concerns a particular, minority segment of society that are often overlooked and disadvantage, it makes it a noble endeavour.

Knowledge of course, cannot be quantified in naira and kobo…

With the theme, ‘Autism: Focussing on Similarities rather than Differences’ the two-day conference kicked off with a keynote address by the chief executive officer/managing director of the sponsoring bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje who among others, remarked that autistic children the development trajectory also grow to be adults.

The first paper on the topic, ‘Creating a community of support for people living with Autism’ was given by the senior vice president, Public Health and Inclusion, Autism Speaks, USA, Dr. Andy Shiih; Dr. Pamela Dixion director of clinical services and Inclusion, Autism Speaks, USA presented the second paper titled, ‘Implementing training in the home postCOVID-19’. while Dr. Loretta Burns, Founder/chief executive officer of Advanced Behaviour and Educational Clinics, USA took on the topic, ‘Re-imagining learning spaces for children with special needs. It was stressed among other things that home lessons for autistic persons has to have frequent breaks apparently

The presentations were by slides but the speakers were happy to make their papers available online and also dropping their contact addresses for those wishing to get in touch for more or specific information or to be linked with some other organisations working on autism

because of their relatively low attention span. Later in the day, Dr. Brook Ingersoil a psychologist and director, MSU Autism Lab, USA presented the fourth paper on ‘Using Telehealth to deliver parent training’; Lanre Duyile, Board Certified Behaviour Analyst, Canada, spoke on ‘Addressing Behaviour difficulties in children and adults’. The last paper for the day was by Maleshwane Mauco another Board Certified Behaviour Analyst from South Africa whose topic was on ‘Managing eating difficulties with Autism.

The topics are indeed diverse touching on various aspects of the special needs of autistic persons.

They emphasized the need for evidence-based data, constant research to monitor things to be able to identify problems and their solutions. The question and answer sessions were also instructive, with parents with such children making enquiries too. It means such parents are now coming more and more to the open. The presentations were by slides but the speakers were happy to make their papers available online and also dropping their contact addresses for those wishing to get in touch for more or specific information or to be linked with some other organisations working on autism. They spoke of upcoming publications by the World Health Organisation and their own organisations based on research findings. Kudos go to caregivers of autistic persons, including their educators and researchers. They are the true heroes.

Dan GAYE gaye DAN

NDDC boss slumps at Reps investigative hearing —News

There is God ooo!

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