Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 Edition

Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu; Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

Mohammed Musa Bello; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, President

Muhammadu Buhari, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology Senator Uche Ekwunife and Chairman, House Committee on Science Research Institutes, Prince Olaide Akinremi during the commissioning of the Newly-Built Technology and Innovation Complex at National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Headquarters in Abuja.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

JAMB boss calls for review of civil service law to address retirement issues

By Maryam Abeeb

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, has called for the review of relevant civil service laws to address the lacuna bothering on the death of a staff on the eve of retirement.

Oloyede made the call in Bwari, Abuja at the retirement ceremony held in honour of 24 staff of the board who have attained the compulsory retirement age of 35 years of service.

He lamented that the current laws on retirement leave a lacuna such that if a staff dies on the eve

of his retirement, he would not be entitled to even a posthumous check of retirement benefits.

The JAMB boss described the retirement ceremony as a joyous event as the staff were retiring without blemish when there are some who started with them but we’re not there to finish.

He urged the retirees to be thankful to God for a meritorious service to the country and the grace to peacefully retire.

He disclosed that six directors were among the retirees while Dr Yusuf Lawal, who was the Former Director of Test Administration at JAMB, has transferred his services to University of Abuja.

Oloyede could not hide his admiration for lawal, and the outgoing staff whom he noted have contributed enormously toward the attainment of the goals of the board.

The board also showered cash on its retiring staff for their meritorious service to the country.

According to Oloyede, all the retirees have spent 35 years prescribed in the civil service laws, some of who commenced their services with the federal civil service in 1987.

Earlier, the Director of Human resources, Mr Mohammed Shehu, while congratulating the retirees, appreciated them for their

contribution towards the growth of JAMB.

The retiring directors include: Dr. Halilu Bakori Mohammed, Raphael Ofala Oise, Isyaku Muhammad Kankiya, Babatunde Benjamin Bamisaye, Dupe Ayoson, Sunday Adeleke Aladegbaye and Akinyele Oyetunde Ariyo.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, Dr Haliru Bakori, thanked the board and management for honouring them; as well as their costaff for being part of the journey through their years of service to the country.

Bakori prayed for those still in service that they would also retire hale and hearty.

Niger Govt receives MICS report to raise sectorial interventions

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Niger state government has urged Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to proffer options for prompt interventions through policy and programs indicated in the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) reports.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello gave the directive during

the presentation of the MICS report at the Sensitization and Dissemination of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) by the State Ministry of Planning Commission in partnership with the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office held in Minna.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane expressed concern over areas not doing well

like open defecation, water and sanitation, maternal and mortality and out -of -school children.

Matane noted that “data is a reflection of who or where you are which must be adopted to ensure interventions, hence the need for embarking on sensitization and dissemination.

United Nations Children Fund UNICEF, has revealed that over 60% of children in Niger state

were multi dimensionally poor and 10% of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding in the state.

The Chief of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Donald Norris represented by a medical expert, Dr Idris Baba stated that MICS data indicated that the learning achievement situation in the state has improved while urging the state government to tackle the situation.

Ribadu withdraws suit against Senator Binani

From

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC and Gubernatorial Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa state, Nuhu Rubadu has set aside his legal suit challenging the emergence

of the party’s candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru.

In his letter submitted to his party, APC in Adamawa yesterday, Ribadu stated his change of mind on the legal voyage, saying he would not approach the Supreme Court in the interest of the party.

Ribadu disclosed his decision not to approach the apex court

despite the fact that he disagreed with the court of Appeal judgement which reinstated Binani.

He however pledged to work assiduously for the party to reclaim its stolen mandate by the peoples Democratic Party in the state, urging his teeming supporters to work for all the party candidates for the 2023/

election.

“At the end of the governorship primaries held on May 26, 2022, our agents reported clear cases of breach of law and irregularities, this fact was confirmed by the reports of the police, INEC and the Appeal Committee of the party but no internal redress came forth”.

Umar Dankano, Yola

President Muhammadu Buhari ( 2nd L) in a warm handshake with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya ( 2nd R) while Sen. Muhammad Danjuma Goje ( R) and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ibrahim Pantami ( L) look on during a special courtesy visit by Gombe State delegation to the President in Abuja, yesterday

By Maryam Abeeb

The Federal Government has introduced new curriculum for university education in the country to reflect the 21st century realities.

At the unveiling of the new curriculum in Abuja, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said the development was part of effort to make university education more responsive to needs of the society.

Professor Osinbajo represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha said the introduction of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Standard to university education also addresses local issues, meet international standards and uplift scholarship in our universities.

He commended the NUC in the unbundling of such disciplines as Agriculture and emergence of three courses namely Allied Health Sciences, Architecture and Communication as well as the media services, the three new courses in Nigerian Universities.

“This document has truly taken cognisance of the need to provide greater academic autonomy to universities with regards to development of some percentage of course content.

“I commend the commission of

COEASU launches 13th journal for teachers in Adamawa

From Umar Dankano,Yola

The College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU),North East has launched its 13th Edition of school journal of Teacher Education (SJTE) in Adamawa State.

President of the Union, Dr.Smart Odunayo Olugbeko said the union holds its annual conference as a tradition to examine the academic contributions of its members with a view to finding solutions to problems facing the educational sector.

Dr. Olugbeko explained that this year’s conference was the 14th in the series which provides a medium for intellectuals to present academic papers which are selected to form journals as a global best practices requirements in the academia.

He announced that the North East’s COEASU has been punctual for the past 15 years without break in holding its annual conference, noting that this year’s event was unique with a paradigm shift in teacher education for social cohesion, national development and productivity in the 21st century.

In his address,Provost of Federal College of Education Yola, Dr.Muhammad Usman Degereji welcomed the delegates to the conference, urging them to contribute meaningfully.

Dr. Degereji said the academic community is changing the narratives from pursuing bread and butter issues to problems solving education.

FG unveils new curriculum for varsities

this decision to share the minimum credit unit required for graduation in the Nigerian university in the ratio of 70 to 30 per cent. This will further create institutional peculiarity,” he said.

He further applauded the foresight of other disciplines like agriculture and the emergence of three new disciplines in the Nigerian university system such as allied health sciences, architecture and communication and media studies.

The Executive Secretary of the National Uniersities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed said in keeping with its mandate of making university education in Nigeria more responsive to the needs of the society, the National Universities Commission commenced the journey to restructure the Benchmark

Minimum Academic Standards BMAS in 2018, introducing in its place, the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), to reexamine existing and introduce new disciplines and programmes in the Nigerian University System.

He said the new CCMAS is a product of sustained stakeholder interactions over two years.

‘’the composition of each panel took into consideration, the triple helix model, as a unique feature. This involved a blend of academic experts, academies, government (represented by NUC), professional bodies and of course, the private sector represented by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). In order to enrich the draft documents, copies of each discipline were

forwarded to all critical stakeholders including the relevant academic units in Nigerian Universities, the private sector, professional bodies and the academies for their comments and input.

These inputs along with the curriculum of programmes obtained from some foreign and renowned universities served as major working materials for the various panels constituted for that purpose.’’ He stated.

According to professor Rasheed, ‘‘the new curriculum unbundled the Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and the Bachelor of Architecture Programmes, while establishing some emerging specializations in these fields as obtained globally.

This is in furtherance of the

goal of producing fit for purpose graduates. The Allied Health Sciences was also carved out as a new Discipline from the existing Basic Medical Sciences discipline’’.

Professor Rashheed explained that the CCMAS documents are uniquely structured to provide for 70% of core courses for each programme, while allowing universities to utilise the remaining 30% for other innovative courses in their peculiar areas of focus.

In addition to the overall Learning Outcomes for each discipline, there are also Learning Outcomes for each programme and course. In general, programmes are typically structured such that a student does not carry less than 30 credit units or more than 48 credit units per session.

Buhari assures of sustained investment in aviation sector

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), that Nigeria will continue to make significant investments in the provision of aviation infrastructure for safe, secure, environmentally friendly and sustainable economic development of international civil aviation.

President Buhari made the commitment Tuesday in Abuja when he received in audience the ICAO President, Salvatore Sciacchitano.

Recalling the long history between Nigeria and ICAO, the President declared:

“Nigeria has been a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) since 1962, and has continued to make valuable contributions to the ICAO Council’s work and it’s activities.

“This country has been playing key role in supporting the implementation of ICAO Policies and Programmes internationally, and particularly in the African region.

“To this end, Nigeria has ratified all international air law instruments like the Montreal Protocol and amendments to some articles of the Chicago Convention,” President Buhari said.

He told his guest that Nigeria was championing the cause of Aviation safety, security and facilitation in Africa.

According to President Buhari, “I have recently signed into law Civil Aviation Act 2022. This is to reposition the industry to ensure continuous compliance with ICAO standards and to meet the challenges of a dynamic and rapidly growing air transport sector,” while assuring the ICAO President that “aviation industry in Nigeria is increasing by leaps and bounds.”

“I have approved also the establishment of Aviation and Aerospace University in Abuja to cater for research and development in the sector as well as the managerial challenges. In this regard, Nigeria has already started receiving the support of ICAO members like Qatar under the No Country Left Behind

Initiative,” he noted.

The President expressed confidence that the aviation sector in Nigeria would continue to grow, affirming that “the roadmap of the Ministry of Aviation superintended by Senator Hadi Sirika, is on course and together with other reforms of this administration will be sustained.”

While congratulating Mr. Sciacchitano on his re-election as President of the ICAO Council for the second term, President Buhari also appreciated the support Nigeria had enjoyed under his leadership, which, according to him, culminated in Nigeria’s re-election during the 41st Session of the ICAO Assembly.

The Nigerian leader informed the ICAO President that the aviation

sector under this administration has more than doubled, noting that “It became the fastest growing of our economy Pre-COVID, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).”

According to him, “Passenger numbers were raised from 830 million. The five new airport terminals have added 50 million passengers to our capacity. All these within the time we are in government, namely seven and half years.”

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, in a brief remark, informed the President that the ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) event being hosted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority “will provide States, either on-site or

participating remotely, with a central meeting place to conduct bilateral, regional or plurilateral air services negotiations and consultations, as well as networking opportunities for policy makers, regulators, air operators, service providers and other stakeholders.”

He expressed delight at the postCOVID recovery of the country’s aviation sector, describing it as the second best in the world.

The ICAO President, told President Buhari that the meeting offered an opportunity of interaction between the participants from about 160 countries and the Civil Aviation Authorities in the country, adding that more than 4,000 agreements are being signed by way of bilateral agreements.

2023 elections will not break Nigeria -Sultan

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The President of Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has chided those saying that 2023 elections will make or break the nation, stating that it is only God that would decide the fate of Nigeria.

Sultan Sa’ad who made this known in Abuja Tuesday at the 4th Quarter of 2022 Meeting of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) noted that a lot of people make comments about 2023 as a make-orbreak election for Nigeria.

Sultan while making his opening remarks, said a lot of people make comments about 2023 as a makeor-break election for Nigeria, “And I don’t believe in that, I refuse to believe in that. It is just an election that people will go out, cast their vote in peace and whoever emerges the leader will be the leader of this country”

“So, I don’t believe it is a make or break election, and we must not play into the hands of those elements of Nigeria who keep on parading those issues as this is the election that will decide the fate of this nation, only Allah decides the fate of this country”.

Sultan urged politicians and

electorate to go out and campaign peacefully, elect the leader they think is best for Nigeria during the elections and the rest would be left to Almighty Allah.

“Let us have the fear of Allah in whatever we do and have this Nigerian project at heart so that we counsel our followers, we the traditional and religious leaders will counsel our followers, so that we do what we believe is best for all of us as one big family with different background.

“We must come together, put ethnicity and religion behind us and face the reality of life. Whatever we do, we must fear almighty Allah because he is going to ask us”, he added.

President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Co-Chairman of NIREC, Archbishop Daniel Okoh noted that questions and doubts were being expressed about Nigeria’s capacity and political will to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

He said since independence in 1960, violence and electoral irregularities have become constant features of the process of electing the country’s leaders and the most worrisome point is always the number of deaths associated with them.

“Politics of corruption,

intimidation, exclusion and violence are now regarded by some elements in the society as necessary weapons of political victory in our country. This ugly trend robs Nigerian voters of the opportunity to freely choose their leaders.

“As we navigate the process to the 2023 general elections, the world is watching to see if there will be a relatively peaceful transition, or a repeat of the familiar ugly past always filled with pre-and postelectoral violence” he said.

While delivering his speech, Secretary To the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha said he was glad that the meeting comes at a time when the nation was preparing for its general election which was expected to be free, fair and credible that will eventually translate into National rebirth.

He said the leadership of NIREC have a critical role to play in this forthcoming General Election because they are regarded as the spiritual head, influences of society and also custodians of theology and ethics which the followers look up for guidance.

Mustapha noted that at this critical period of active political activities, the leadership of NIREC are expected to be apolitical in any of their dealings and should be father for all.

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) has been advised to follow due process in prosecuting and investigating the case involving the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kano Central Senatorial Candidate, Abdussalam Abdulkarim Zaura popularly known as A. A. Zaura with a Kuwaitii National.

In a press conference addressed in Abuja Tuesday by Personal Assistant and Spokesman for AA Zaura campaign organization, Ibrahim Garba Iceman it noted that in as much as they appreciate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) role on the matter, they appeal for a fair hearing on the matter so that a proper investigation is done. so as not to ridicule the process because of his hard-earned reputation which was earned through hard work many years now.

“We have seen how great people are made and we also have seen how great institutions collapse for lack of selfevaluation, our only appeal to the EFCC is that they should meet us at the Supreme Court to test the law to avert infractions.

“Our principal is not evading court procedures but we appeal to a section of the media not to be biased on this matter. We urged them to please take a step further in asking the right questions so that facts can be established before rushing to the press.

“AA Zaura is first a Nigerian with all rights and privileges and also a man of honour that is testing the political waters. This too will make him stronger and more committed to his passion for mankind.

“We appreciate our teaming support groups and friends waiting with their PVCs ahead of the 2023 general elections to vote for AA Zaura.

“Together we shall create a new path toward sustainability and growth for our generation and the next if we vote wisely.

“We are also advising EFCC to reduce media showcase and focus on its Constitutional mandate as Zaura’s appeal was pending before the Supreme Court in appeal No.Sac/ CR/45_/2022” the statement concluded.

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved N559 billion budget for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the 2023 fiscal year.

The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on Telecommunications by the Committee of Supply, chaired

by Ahmed Wase, deputy speaker who presided over the plenary.

The sum of N86.7 is for recurrent expenditure, N5.2 billion is for capital expenditure and the sum of N35 billion only is for special project out of the total amount of N559 billion,

Also the sum N16 billion is allocated for transfer to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) while N416 billion will be transferred to the Federal

Government of Nigeria, for the period ending December 31 2023.

2023 Appropriation: Reps approve N559bn budget for NCC EFCC urged to follow due process in Zaura’s case

The Chairman of the Committee on telecommunications, Akeem Adeyemi presented in the report which read:”Report on insurance from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the Nigerian Communications Commission, the total Sum of N559,080,711,000.00 only of which the sum of N86, 752,963,000.00 only is for

recurrent expenditure, while the sum of N5, 224,501, 000. 00 only is for capital expenditure.

“The sum of N35,089,649 000.00 only is for Special Project, while the sum of N16,000,000 (sixteen billion) only is for transfer to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), N416, 013, 598, 000.00 only will be transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeriafor the period ending 31 December, 2023.”

Group urges govt to address PWDs challenges

As the world mark International Day for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has identified areas of challenges faced by the PWDs in Nigeria.

IFA is a non governmental organisation that champions advocacy for enhanced inclusiveness of the PWDs in the electoral process in the country, using Access Nigerian Campaign.

Speaking in Abuja to mark the International Day, Executive Director, IFA, Grace Jerry said while the country had made some gains in the inclusion of the PWDs community in its electoral process, there was still alot left to be done.

According to her, Nigeria’s implementation of Disability Act remains, saying despite efforts put by IFA and other organizations, the exclusion gap seems to be getting wider instead of smaller.

She also said although advocacy by groups such as the IFA had pushed electoral inclusiveness of the PWDs to such some level, there was still much to be desired, as it was observed during the 2022 Ekiti and Osun off-cycle governorship elections that it was difficult for voters with disabilities to enter the polling units and vote.

She said while the country had made issues of climate change impacts on the people a priority and putting measures to curtail its impact, the thought of how these affected the PWDs was an “afterthought,” adding that organizations such as NEMA were yet to mainstream issues of PWDs at the inception of any idea or program to cater to any emergencies.

IFA therefore, called on the federal and the state governments to accelerate the implementation of the Disability Act, 2018, while calling on the states yet to pass

such Law to do so before next year’s general elections.

It called on various candidates running for elections in the 2023 general elections to commit and sign the Governance Agenda for Inclusive Nigeria (GAIN) by January 2023.

It urged governments at all levels to engage the PWDs in the democratic process in order to “combat discrimination and abuse, counter prejudice, protect their rights and ensure their inclusion in all facets of life on an equal basis with other people.”

It further calledo on the government to employ working strategies in line with present realities to speed up the implementation of the Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

It urged government to ensure that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) was fully funded in the 2023 appropriation Bill currently

before the National Assembly.

It called on: “All CSOs, DPOs, development partners, corporate organizations, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to support the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in implementing policies that would help PWDs live fulfilled lives on an equal basis with other Nigerians.

“As a matter of urgency, INEC should make necessary arrangements for citizens displaced as a result of the flood to cast vote during the 2023 general Elections, and in continuation of their good work, ensure that all relevant assistive materials get to the designated polling units for use by PWDs on election day.

“We urge National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to develop a PWD emergency national action plan to respond to the needs of PWDs during natural disasters and climate change such as floods etc.”

L-R Brigade Commander in charge of Akure 32 Artillery, Brig. Gen. Mukhtar Adamu; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; and Security Adviser to the Governor, Brigadier-general Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd); during a meeting at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti… on Monday.

2023: We won’t allow manipulations -Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday reiterated once again that the 2023 general elections would be free, fair and credible, as manipulations would not be allowed in any form.

The President spoke at State House, Abuja, while playing host to West African Elders Forum Pre-Election Mediation Mission, led by former Sierra Leonean President, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma.

“Thank you for accepting to do this service for our sub-region,” the President

told his guests, citing off-season elections held in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, as pointer to the fact that the Federal Government would allow people to choose leaders they want.

“That right is guaranteed,” President Buhari affirmed. “We are settling down, and making progress. People should vote whoever they want, in whatever party. We shall not allow anyone to use money and thugs to intimidate the people. Nigerians know better now, they are wiser, and know that it is better to dialogue than to carry weapons. Elections are even more difficult to rig now.”

Former President Koroma, who led a team made of Fatoumata Tambajang, former Vice President of The Gambia, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, and Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, said they had met with stakeholders across the parties, civil society, and Independent National Electoral Commission, among others, “and we commend you for making it clear both locally and internationally that the elections would be free and fair.”

He commended President Buhari for not

listening to voices that may have tried to convince him to seek a third term in office, against the laws of the country, noting that “other countries look up to Nigeria for direction.”

“When we had issues in Sierra Leone and Liberia, it was Nigeria that came in to stabilize the system,” the former President said.

He urged the Nigerian leader to look into other areas of concern as raised by the stakeholders, including security, and issues that may cast doubts on the clarity and credibility of the elections.”

Resume $14.4bn East-West rail line project now, Reps tell FG

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked the Federal Government to reverse its earlier decision on the $14.4 billion East - West rail line project, by continuing its implementation because the economic importance of the project to the nation.

The House’s decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Dozie Nwankwo, the member representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra State at plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Nwankwo said the Federal Executive Council had, in April 2017, granted approval for the construction of 1,400km Standard Gauge East-West Coastal Rail Line Project linking LagosOre-Benin-SapeleWarri-YenagoaPortHarcourt-Aba-Uyo-CalabarAkamkpa-Ikom with a branch line from Benin to Asaba-Onitsha-Port Harcourt-Onne Deep Seaport.

He noted that the opting out of Exim Bank of China, the contractor to execute the project, the Federal Government, in March 2021, made arrangements for $11billion alternate counterpart funding with

Standard Chartered Bank out of the $14.4 billion required to execute the project.

The lawmaker said the House was; “Aware that in August 2021, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of a contract valued at eleven billion, one hundred and seventy-four million, seven hundred and sixty-nine thousand Dollar ($11,174, 769, 000bn) for the project.

“Also aware of the importance rail line project to the socio-economic development of the country which necessitated the accelerated completion of the project.”

Nwankwo expressed worry

that the Federal Ministry of Transportation stopped the project this year, despite the concluded arrangement with Standard Chartered Bank and the Federal Government’s N30 billion commitment to the contractor.

He was also worried that: the non-completion of the Rail Project has aggravated the problems of travelers who suffer delay due to the deplorable state of the road coupled with check-points along CalabarLagos road.

“Cognizant that the inability to complete the project within the projected Six (6) years period will

continue to put pressure on the two (2) Sea Ports located in Port Harcourt and Lagos and the existing roads.”

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to review its 25-Year Railway Strategic Plan part of which is to unbundle and commercialize the Nigeria Railway Corporation.

It mandated the Committee on Land Transportation to liaise with Federal Ministry of Transportation and other relevant government agencies to ensure that the EastWest Coastal Rail Project is captured in the 2023 budget estimates.

Call to Bar: NBA boycotts ceremony as Olanipekun refuses to resign

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Chairman of the Body of Benchers (BoB), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, failure to resign, necessitated the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, shunning the Call to Bar ceremony of 4, 711 new lawyers that were admitted into the legal profession. There action was communicated in a statement signed by the National President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, said the 4, 711 new lawyers that were admitted into the Bar on Tuesday, met all the required conditions that were set by the Council of Legal Education.

In a letter it also copied to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, NBA asked Chief Olanipekun to step aside as leader of the BoB, following a claim by a leading partner in his chamber, Ms. Adekunbi Ogunde, that he influenced judges to deliver favourable judgements for his clients.

The NBA said it had inview of the weighty nature of Ogunde’s claim and the negative impact it has on the overall image and integrity of the legal profession in the country, urged Chief Olanipekun, SAN, to allow his Vice Chairman, Justice Mary Odili, retd, to preside over the Call to Bar ceremony scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Maikyau, SAN, noted that he had in the said letter dated December, 4, made position of the association known to the BoB Chairman.

“In that letter, I requested the Chairman of the BoB to recuse himself from presiding over the Call to Bar Ceremony scheduled for 6 and 7 December 2022, for reasons clearly articulated therein.

“I sent the letter to the Chairman and all Benchers by email on 4 December 2022, I also submitted a hard copy of the letter on 5

December 2022 to the Secretary of the BoB along with one hundred and fifty (150) copies of the letter for circulation to all Benchers.

“It would be recalled that my predecessorin-office had, on 22 July 2022, written to the Chairman of the BoB to recuse himself from office on the same grounds set out in my letter, but the Chairman refused to acknowledge the said letter nor bring it up for consideration more than 5 months since its delivery to the BoB.

“My present letter is to bring to attention the earlier call made by my predecessor and to emphasise the damage being done to the legal profession by reason of our collective silence over such devastating issue, with the expectation that the Chairman will see reason to show remorse and for the BoB to ask the Chairman to recuse himself knowing that no one is bigger than the legal profession.

“At the meeting of the BoB held on 5 December 2022, I drew the attention of the Chairman to my letter and called for deliberations on same since it directly impacts on the propriety of the Chairman presiding over the Call to Bar ceremony, but this was not done nor were the hard copies of the letter distributed to the Benchers.

“The meeting of the BoB was adjourned to January 2023, on a date to be fixed by the Chairman.

“In the circumstances therefore, having regard to my firm persuasion that the matters raised in my letter should have led the BoB to ask the Chairman to recuse himself in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the Legal Profession, I am in good conscience unable to attend and participate in the Call to Bar Ceremony.

“The NBA under my leadership cannot

be part of the ceremony superintended by the current Chairman of the BoB for all the reasons stated in my letter under reference.

“To do so will be to endorse, celebrate or condone a practice that I consider unwholesome and unprofessional, by virtue of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2007.

“The NBA under my leadership remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the Bench and the Bar and will not shirk that responsibility.

“I assure all members of the NBA that the sole motivation for my letter to the BoB is my conviction on the need to salvage the image, reputation, and integrity of the legal profession in Nigeria, which has been negatively impacted by the email by Adekunbi Ogunde, a Partner in the Law Firm of the Chairman of the BoB.

“I congratulate our colleagues – the new wigs, for the great feat they have attained by fulfilling the requirements for joining the noble profession of Law.

“I pray that God Almighty will keep and preserve them as they contribute their quota in building the legal profession and the nation at large.

“The NBA remains committed to the protection of our legal space and shall spare no effort to stop any external incursions or actions amongst members that can destroy our dear profession of law.

“Be assured of our support and preparedness to provide sincere mentorship to you through colleagues who have distinguished themselves in various fields of legal practice and exhibited high regard for ethics and professionalism. Once more, congratulations!!

“Long live the legal profession!”, NBA President stated.

The BoB is a statutory body that is responsible for the formal call to Bar of persons seeking to become legal practitioners as well as disciplining of erring lawyers.

Members of the body are categorized into Benchers and Life Benchers.

According to the NBA, Olanipekun’s partner, Ogunde, sent an email to Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd to solicit for a brief, after the Rivers state government preferred charges against the company over allegations of $130million fraud.

Though the firm of Henry Ajumogobia, SAN, was already defending the company, however, Ogunde, allegedly told the management to consider hiring Olanipekun & Co to take over the case.

NBA noted that Ogunde had in the said email, claimed that her principal, Olanipekun, SAN, has more “influence” with judges across all courts.

“A quick research about Wole Olanipekun & Co., will show that the law firm is the leading litigation firm that has helped other multinationals in sensitive, highly political matters.

“It will also reveal that the presence of our lead partner, Chief Olanipekun SAN, OFR, in the matter will significantly switch things in favour of SAIPEM.

“Chief Olanipekun SAN, OFR is currently the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, which is the highest ruling body in the Nigerian legal profession, made up of Supreme Court Judges, Presiding Justices of the Court of Appeal and Chief Judges of all State High Courts, including the Rivers State High Court. In order words, Chief Olanipekun SAN, OFR, is the head of the entire legal profession in Nigeria.

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday unfolded his dream to develop local capacity in machine building for industrial development.

He said he will leave industrial

2023: PWDs demand accessibility to polling units

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

As the 2023 general election draws closer, representatives of different clusters of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Kaduna Central have called for accessibility to Polling Units, (PUs), and equal voting rights for its members.

This was contained in a communique issued and signed by the following: David Pius Association of Persons with Albinism; Rahmatu Ahmad, WWDSRF; Queen David, NAB; Suleiman Abdullazeez, JONAPWD Chair; and Abubakar Sadiq, NAB; at the end of meeting of PWDs in Kaduna Central yesterday.

The statement stated that in previous elections, PWDS suffered to access polling units, especially as experienced by PWDs that voted at the Polling Unit not cited at the Disability Centre.

The statement added that at some polling units, PWDs experienced difficulties crossing big gutters to access the voting area.

Even though the amended Electoral Act (2022) has some provisions for ensuring voting is made easier for PWDs, more still needs to be done.

While lamenting the poor education inclusion, the group called on the State Government to prioritize inclusive education and intensify efforts so that all disability types would be carried along; and increased budgetary provisions for materials needed to enhance inclusive education e.g. braille, typewriters, interpreters, among others.

Buhari unfolds industrial dream, as NASENI sets tone for tech self sufficiency

capacity legacy for the next administration in 2023.

He said the nation will henceforth look inwards for the maintenance and sustainability of its key national infrastructure.

But the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna said the agency will soon provide innovative technology solution to crude oil theft and bunkering.

Buhari made the commitment during the commissioning of Muhammadu Buhari Technology and Innovation Complex at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Idu, Abuja.

He said: “ NASENI has a long history of establishment and has been in existence for over 30 years now, but the agency has been facing myriads of challenges that were mitigating against the realization of her full potential in line with the Act that establish the agency.

“However, under my Chairmanship, NASENI is undergoing reinvention and transformation to become a Technology and Innovation hub for our national development strides.

“Consequently, I have strategically repositioned NASENI to develop local capacity in machine building and fabrication, which is critical to Nigeria’s industrial development.

“The agency is now empowered through the provision of adequate financial, human and material resources and the autonomy and independence to forge international partnerships to acquire the relevant technologies for socio-economic and industrial advancement of the country.

“The agency is now domesticating foreign technologies and product development through backward integration. The recent attraction of 250 million Czeck Koruna or US$10.5million Research and Development grant to Nigeria by NASENI is evident that our transformation is achieving result of building a globally competitive agency.”

Buhari said the nation will henceforth look inwards for the maintenance and sustainability of its key national infrastructures.

He said: “The present administration has invested heavily in diverse infrastructural facilities

in the roads, rails, water, and aviation among other sectors of our national economy.

“Beyond my administration, the maintenance, resourcing, and sustainability of these critical infrastructures would have been a challenge on the medium to long term basis.

“However, with our deliberate repositioning of NASENI to be at par with other similar agencies of government across the world and optimal performance, we are convinced that the future maintenance and sustainability of our key national infrastructures are ascertained.

“New NASENI is undoubtedly among the most important legacy my administration is bequeathing to the next Government in 2023.”

In his remarks, Haruna said the agency will soon provide innovative technology solution to crude oil theft and bunkering among others.

He said: “Furthermore, NASENI is ready and will God willing soon provide innovative technology solution to stopping crude oil theft and bunkering; vandalization of power line and pipelines as well as surveillance and monitoring

devices for our rails, roads and seaways.”

On the security challenges facing the nation, he said some of the equipment required by the military will now be locally innovated.

He said: “We commend your Excellency’s administration for supporting the military to defeat non-state actors through constant procurement of military hardware in attending to our multifaceted unconventional security challenges.

“NASENI has observed that the military is the highest user and importer of highly technical equipment in the country. Accordingly, the agency discerned the need to collaborate with military to study various aspects of their technical needs in order to combine the capabilities of both organizations for national sustainability.

“Of course, new weapons and state-of-art capabilities must be locally innovated and developed with the intent to counter and disrupt perceived enemy capabilities as well as shield the Nation from unforeseen sanctions and capital flight.”

L-R: Secretary Presidential Committee on Correctional Service Reform and Decongestion, Mrs Leticia Ayoola-Daniels; Controller General of Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa; Chairman of the Committee, retired Justice Isaq Bello; Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice JeddyAgba and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the National Stakeholders Roundtable Review of Borstal Institution and Remand Centre Act in Abuja

Nigeria may lose over 30 billion naira annually on motorcycle ban, says Razaq

By Albert Akota

The President of Riders and Owners of motorcycle association of Nigeria, (ROMAN), Alhaji Olusola Razaq, has advised the Federal

Government that an outright ban of Commercial motorcycle as a means of transportation may have serious negative impact on Nigeria's economy.

Alhaji Olusola Razaq, gave the word of advise in Abuja

while attending a one day seminar workshop organized by the Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association ATACA.

He stated that if the action on the ban is not reviewed,

such may impose serious unemployment across the nation as well as increase insecurity and loss of about 30 billion naira revenue generated from the unions across the 36 states and FCT.

Tinubu’s conduct at Chatham House shameful -Atiku Support Group

The Atiku Support Organization has described the conduct of All Progressives Congress presidential candidate Bola Tinubu at Chatham House, London as a colossal shame.

They also said that seeing Tinubu delegate questions directed at him to his party men in the conference room was proof that he does not have an atom of ability to govern a country like Nigeria.

The PUNCH had previously reported that the former Lagos governor was at Chatham House on Monday to speak to Nigerians in the diaspora about why he should be elected in 2023.

Asked by the moderator to answer a few questions, Tinubu said that he would assign some members of his entourage to do so.

He assigned Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to speak on how his government (led by Tinubu) would address insecurity and asked APC Presidential Campaign Council Director of Strategic Communication Dele Aleke to answer the question about oil theft.

In a statement from the support group, dated Monday, December 6, 2022, and signed by its National Secretary for Publicity, Dr. Victor Moses, it said in part: “The fact that Bola Tinubu was unable to provide

answers to basic questions, especially on how to enhance bilateral ties in the defense area with the UK, but asked El-Rufai, Gbajagbiamila, Betta Edu and co to rescue him, which shows that Nigeria may face a great calamity ahead.

“Indeed, the entire APC program at Chatham House was a show of shame and embarrassment for Nigeria.

“It is now clear to all Nigerians why Tinubu dodged the AriseTVTownHall debate. His mental facilities have shown a complete mark of deterioration, and he cannot face a debate or one-on-one conversation about his plans for Nigeria.

The continuation of the APC rule will be a huge disaster for Nigeria.

“As the 2023 election approaches, we wish to call on Nigerians not to be fooled by the APC to bring calamity to the nation. We have had enough with President Mohammadu Buhari,” he added.

The group further called on the electorate to support and vote for the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, whom they said was an experienced politician, an experienced administrator, a compassionate philanthropist and an accomplished businessman.

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

Bauchi State Police Command has recovered double barrel gun and two Bajaj motorcycles.

SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Police Public Relations Officer, of the Command stated this in a statement distributed to reporters in Bauchi.

He said, “On 02/12/2022 at about 5:30pm information received from a reliable source indicated that, some

We have over 500,000 contributors in Kaduna health scheme

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

There are currently over 500,000 contributors on the Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) from both the formal and informal sector, including the most vulnerable, the Director General KADCHMA, Malam Abubakar Hassan has said.

Speaking on Monday after receiving Government Agency of the Year Award from the League of Extraordinary Achievers Award 2022, Hassan said the award is a proof that the efforts of the management and staff of KADCHMA is recognised.

He added that the award will spur them to do more as health is wealth and the scheme will stop unnecessary out of pocket spending.

“Knowledge of the scheme has gone up and its utilization due to sensitization has also increased with high impact on maternal and child mortality in the state. We are beginning to raise the numbers. On behalf of the entire staff of KADCHMA, I feel excited and delighted about the award and more challenged to do more having been selected to receive this award.

“As of January this year, the Authority has less than 2,500 informal sector enrolments but as at the close of October, the numbers have risen to well over 20,000. The scheme today, which include both formal and informal sector and the vulnerable programme is well over 500,000.

“The introduction of the flexible payment option has given hope to the people now in the majority that cannot pay one off and this is a major feat.”

Police clear forest, recover double barrel gun, motorcycles in Bauchi

suspected hoodlums’ numbers not ascertained were sighted around Yalo village Alkaleri LGA, riding on motorcycles in the bush along cattle route near Yankari Forest.”

Wakil said “on the strength of the information, a team of detectives and local hunters led by DPO Alkaleri Division immediately swung into action and engaged the hoodlums.

Consequently, the hoodlums ran into nearby bushes with possible gun wounds and abandoned one locally made double barrel gun and two unregistered Bajaj motorcycles”.

He said patrol of the area is being intensified to arrest the culprits and appeal to public to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station.

Legal practitioner calls for reconciliation in Benue

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

ASenior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Mamman Osuman has stressed that the time has come for rationalization, harmony and reconciliation in Benue State.

Osuman who is counsel to All Progressives Congress, APC Governorship candidate Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia stated this

while speaking to newsmen in Makurdi after securing victory for his client.

He explained that the case FHC/CS/869/2022 was filed by 39 persons within the party against the Reverend father, challenging the conduct of the gubernatorial primary.

According to him, “I filed a preliminary objection stating that the case was status barred and I also said that the persons

have no locus standi.

“The court held that the matter was status barred in the sense that the suit was supposed to be filed within 14 days but they filed it within 15 days and that violated the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Government as amended.

“The court also, held that they do not have locus standi because under section 285 sub section 14 of the Constitution

of the Federal Republic as amended only two categories of persons, an aspirant or political party can file an action and complain about the conduct of a primary. It turned that none of these persons were either an aspirant or a political party. So, on these two grounds, the matter was dismissed and the court inflicted on them a cost of 100,000 in favor of my client Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.”

Zamfara 2023: Former Gov Yari assures Matawalle’s 2nd tenure

Former Zamfara State

Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has charged all members of the just inaugurated twenty campaign committees to work in earnest with a view to ensure success for the second tenure of Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle come 2023.

Yari, who handed over appointment letters to members of subcommittees today (Monday) in Gusau the state capital under the main campaign committee led by

himself, said a single tenure spent by a Governor in office is not in anyway enough to be assessed especially in Zamfara State where lingering security challenges had taken all needed attention.

The former Governor further informed that, though despite all challenges, Governor Bello Matawalle has performed wonderfully across sectors within his three years in office especially as he amongst numerous achievements constructed and rehabilitated 147 primary health care facilities across the fourteen local government areas of the state.

“Although, we have not formally kick start the campaign yet, but I am reminding you that, Governor Matawalle is not a hard-to-promote stock, there are number of developmental projects on the ground to convince and encourage electorates to vote massively in favour of the ruling APC”, Yari has stressed.

He said, many have been mockingly waiting to see what Governor Matawalle would show or tell the political gatherings during campaigns that will serve as reason to be reelected into Governor’s office during the forthcoming 2023 elections.

The former Governor further called on the good people of the state to utilise their votes in favour of all candidates on the platform of the APC right from Presidential, gubernatorial and other contesting political offices across the state.

Also speaking, the Director General of Governor Matawalle campaign, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, warned the committees to abandoned their beds so as to achieve the target, adding that, “You are required to work frequently in contact with each of the committees to avoid possible misunderstanding and or clash of ideas”.

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

R--L Haliru Nababa Controller General Nigerian Correctional Service, Min. of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Rt. Hon. Anayo Edwin, Chairman House Committee on Reformatory Institution during the Commissioning of Vehicles in Abuja

NCNE urges stakeholders to enrol 3.5m nomadic children back to school

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) has appealed to its stakeholders to ensure that 3.5 million out of school nomadic children were enrolled in their schools.

Speaking while declaring open a 3 day workshop in Kaduna on Monday where the NCNE would train 56 nomadic youths on different entrepreneurship skills, Executive Secretary of the NCNE, Prof Bashir Usman told stakeholders that, ”while commending you in your effort to give quality education to our veryhard -to reach nomads, I urge you to be more determined in ensuring that all out -of school nomadic children totalling 3.5 million are enrolled in our schools.”

Prof. Usman said the workshop for their youths and other participating stakeholders from the states was very apt and timely, adding that “the Commission has at this promising moment taken a leading role in addressing the frightening challenges of nomadism in present day Nigeria.”

Represented by the NCNE Director of Quality Assurance, Mr Akin Akinyosoye, the NCNE Executive Secretary said it has been established that over 1 billion people were involved in rural menial jobs globally, with more than half of these depend on livestock, agriculture and emerging innovative entrepreneurship skills for livelihoods.

He said the Commission’s initiative of empowering the youth through skills acquisition and sustainable livelihoods can go a long way in reducing poverty in many societies and reducing social ills.

According to him, when a youth learns skills, he can use the skills to feed, send his children to school, assist others with employment and even invest for the future.

He said when the youth are empowered through need based skills, their society becomes a good place to live as they would assist in the economic activities of the society where they find themselves and in turn, both families and the entire nation benefit.

In his remarks, Director of Extension Education and Skills Development, Dr Abdu Umar Ardo, in his remarks, said 56 nomadic youths were carefully selected from seven states of the country in order to build their skills based on their needs and their various community needs, for the development of their various communities and the society at

PDP’s continuity in Benue will ensure improved condition of life for people, says Ortom

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Benue State Governor, Dr Samuel Ortom has assured the people of the Southern Senatorial district of the State that the continuity of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration in the state will further work for the improvement of its conditions and that of the people.

The Governor gave the assurance in his remarks at the rally held in Oju, the headquarters of Oju local government of the state to flag off the re-election bid of the former Minister of Interior and Senator representing the district, Comrade Abba Moro

Governor Ortom, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nathaniel Ikyur, commended the people of Benue South for their commitment to the party and promised that those elected on the platform of the party will continue to do their best to bring development to the state.

According to him, “You have done us well, you have given us support and the only thing we can pay back to you is to ensure that we work to ensure that Benue State is better and that is what we are doing.”

He pointed out that despite the various challenges and paucity of funds, his administration remained committed to meeting its obligations to the people.

The Governor, who decried the marginalization of the state despite his administration’s commitment to development, enjoined the people to vote for PDP candidates whom he noted were committed to the collective good of the state.

Speaking at the rally, Senator Abba Moro expressed the firm belief that Governor Ortom, as the leader of the party, has the capacity to resolve issues within the party in Benue State.

In the words of Senator Moro, “I believe that the Governor, as the leader of the party, has the capacity to resolve issues within the party in Benue State and even as a leader in the G-5, he has the capacity, together with his colleagues, to ensure that the right thing is done and all parties to the crisis in PDP do the needful to make sure that we go into 2023 as united forces of PDP to win the election.”

The Senator made it clear that he never made any comments, either directly or indirectly, during the inauguration of his campaign council in Otukpo earlier in the week as alluded to in the news report.

His words, “During the last inauguration of my campaign council, some persons went to town with a story and I want to quote it: ‘PDP crisis: the call for the ouster of Ayu is absurd- Senator Abba Moro’. For those of you who attended that event, did I say anything like that? It was not my duty to say so.

“I want to say here that, whatever is happening at the national level is left for those people who are playing national politics to resolve the matter. And if they don’t resolve it, I will call you and I will inform you and ask you what direction we will go”, he said.

Senator Moro disclosed that he had sponsored 13 bills in the Senate, some of which include, a bill canvassing for the establishment of the North Central Development Commission, rotation of power among political blocs and local government autonomy among others.

The Senator representing Benue North-East, Dr. Gabriel Suswam in his goodwill message, said that he had come to give solidarity to Senator Moro because “ he is a grassroots politician and a voice that cannot be ignored in the Senate and politics of Nigeria.”

The Deputy Governorship candidate of PDP in the State, Sir John Ngbede who spoke on behalf of the PDP Governorship candidate, Engr Titus Uba, noted that the PDP was sending a balanced team to the National Assembly and tasked the people to collect their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs and vote en masse for PDP candidates in the polls.

The Acting State Chairman of PDP, Hon Isaac Mffo who presented the party’s flags to candidates of the party in the zone, affirmed that the “PDP is an inclusive political platform” and charged the candidates to carry everyone along in their campaigns.

Earlier, Director of Benue South Senatorial campaigns, Dr. Elijah Adakole stated that with the track record of performance of Senator Moro in the areas of health, infrastructure and education the people of the zone were ready to re-elect him and vote for all PDP candidates.

The Chairman of the occasion, Elder Christopher Abah and Chairlady, Mrs. Ene Edache in their separate remarks pledged their readiness to mobilize support for all PDP candidates.

Kolmani oil find: Gombe leaders pay thank you visit to Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

Adelegation of political, religious and business leaders from Gombe State was at State House, Abuja, Tuesday to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for his role in the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in the Kolmani area.

The President jocularly told them: “Thank you for coming to say thank you to me for doing my job. Thank you for appreciating the efforts.”

Going down memory lane, President Buhari said when he served as Petroleum Minister for over three

years in the 1970s, “we developed the feasibility studies, believing it would further stabilize our polity. So, you should congratulate yourselves, rather than me for the oil find.”

On the political situation in the country, preceding the 2023 general elections, the President said offseason elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States have shown that the government respects Nigerians, “and would allow them to choose their own leaders without interference or manipulation.”

He also said irrespective of what some people say, the administration he led had made strides in stabilizing

the security situation in the country, reviving and diversifying the economy, and fighting corruption.

President Buhari described the visit as a “morale booster.”

Leader of the delegation, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, said Gombe people came to express “profound appreciation and gratitude for the successful flag-off of the Kolmani oil project.”

He added that such gigantic project was a milestone for the entire country, “as it will enhance our socioeconomic fortunes, create jobs, and benefit farmers, business people, indeed, everyone.”

Governor Yahaya assured of community support for the venture, promising that along with Bauchi State, where the oil field is jointly situated, “we will ensure success of the project.”

He said President Buhari had done his best for the country, despite the tumultuous time in which he served, and history would be kind to him.

He appreciated the President for other projects in the State like takeover of the airport by the Federal Government, siting of an Air Force Base, a Federal Polytechnic, among several others.

KADCHMA bags 2022 govt agency of the year award

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna state Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA) received Government Agency of the Year Award from the League of Extraordinary Achievers Award 2022, for his role of ensuring that out of pocket spending on healthcare is reduced.

Expressing his excitement over the feat, the Director General KADCHMA, Malam Abubakar Hassan said the staff and management of the Authority has worked tirelessly to have over 500,000 contributors to Kaduna state Health insurance scheme

According to him, the award is a proof that the efforts of

the management and staff of KADCHMA are recognised, adding that the award will spur them to do more health is wealth and the scheme will stop unnecessary our of pocket spending.

“Knowledge of the scheme has gone up and its utilization due to sensitization has also increased with high impact on maternal and child mortality in the state. We are beginning to raise the numbers. On behalf of the entire staff of KADCHMA, I feel excited and delighted about the award and more challenged to do more having been selected to receive this award.

“As of January this year the Authority has less than 2,500

informal sector enrolments but as at the close of October the numbers have risen to well over 20,000. The scheme today, which include both formal and informal sector and the vulnerable programme is well over 500,000.

“The introduction of the flexible payment option has given hope to the people now in the majority that cannot pay one off and this is a major feat. Improved quality assurance visits as well as impact of monitoring and evaluation of our operations are major critical success factors that we believe were also responsible.

“We’ve also built credible relationships with our providers and this is impacting on the speed of response in terms of delivery

of service. Improved and timely delivery of services, dynamic operation, more products and multiple options for different groups and individuals are some of the reasons why we are seeing increased enrolment.

“I can only congratulate His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai for what we are beginning to see as successes due to the wisdom in choosing to be dynamic in leadership that led to the set up of the scheme in Kaduna state. It is my prayer that his generation will continue to reap from his selfless, dedication to the growth of Kaduna State,” the DG added.

NGO empowers 30 households on gender action skills in Bauchi

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

An NGO, Attah Sisters

Helping Hands Foundation (ASHHF) with funding from Women for Women International (WFWI) has empowered 30 households on gender action learning skills in Bauchi and Ganjuwa local government areas of Bauchi State.

Speaking at the end of the 10 days training of the households, Mrs Comfort Attah, Executive Director (ED) of the Foundation at weekend in Bauchi, said 15 households from Ganjuwa and 15 households from Bauchi LGAs, were trained under the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) project.

Attah said Gender Action Learning System focuses specifically on changing gender transformation linking change at individual, household, community and macro-levels.

“It develops participatory visioning and planning skills and strengthens social networks for women and men at all levels.

“It includes livelihoods, value chain, leadership, organizational development, financial services, food security, environment, civil society development and conflict resolution”.

Attah explained that GALS tools are mainstreamed in organizations and with multiple stakeholders to increase effectiveness of any development process and produce information for gender justice advocacy.

“Developing gender action learning skills of vulnerable stakeholder groups in the value chain, to enable them to identify and implement sustainable strategies to increase incomes, resources, economic choices and negotiation power,” she said.

Kano govt, APPEALS partner Moroccan institute on agriculture

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano State Government and Agricultural Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project have signed a memorandum of understanding with the School of Agriculture (Ecole National D’ Agriculture) Morocco for facilitating technical support to technology demonstration on improved agricultural practices.

In a statement by Hassan Musa

Fagge, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of the state, the partnership is for improvement of agricultural activities in the state.

Other areas signed in the agreement, according to the statement, include capacity building and training to project beneficiaries,staff and other projects’s stakeholders as well as research and exchange program between the partners.

During the elaborate ceremony, held on Monday at the School of Agriculture

Meknes, Morocco, Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Yusuf Jibril Rurum signed on behalf of the Kano State Government, while Prof.Sa’id Amiri on behalf of the Moroccan School Agriculture.

They both affirmed their commitments towards the success of the agreement in the presence of the National APPEALS Project Coordinator, Mr.Jobdi Muhammad.

Others who witnessed the historic occasion include

the Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr.Junaid Yakubu,Special Adviser to Kano Governor on Agriculture Alh.Hafiz Muhammad,State Project Coordinator APPEALS Dr.Hassan Ibrahim,Directors from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,Representatives of the APPEALS National Coordinating Office,Consultants and other stakeholders.

NDE disburses loans to beneficiaries of small stock production in Kaduna

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed loan to 42 beneficiaries after attending small Stock (,Goat) Production Training in Kaduna State.

Speaking at the Flagg-off and Commencement of Disbursement of Four Different Agricultural Loans under the NDE Rural Employment Promotion in Kaduna, the State Coordinator Madam Victoria Dada said Goat

production is an economically viable business venture.

She said the goat production has a great employment potential and enjoys a very wide market share with all the goat products and bye products in high demand especially in the post pandemic recovery period and the current insecurity situation in the country.

She said the loans given were for four schemes which include Sustainable Agricultural Development Empowerment Scheme (SADES), Graduate

Agricultural Empowerment Scheme (GAES), Agricultural Enhancement Scheme (AES) and Community Based Agricultural Empowerment Scheme (CBAES).

She explained further that the benefits of engaging in goat production along it’s value chain are vast and unique because of the depleting population of the goats in the rural areas due to activities of bandits.

In his remarks, NDE DirectorGeneral Malam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo represented by

Mac Bernard Ishaya call on the beneficiaries yo make use of the loan accordinggly in order to achieve the desired objective of employment generation, wealth creation and eradication of poverty.

He said the loan is to be paid back to an ke those who were not privileged to also benefit. He commended the state government for continuous collaboration with NDE in uplifting the standard of its citizens.

NDE disburses agric loans to unemployed in Niger

National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed agricultural cash loans to no fewer than 42 unemployed youths and women beneficiaries after their training in Niger state.

Director General of the agency,

Alhaji Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo at the flag off of the disbursement said the participants were drown from 4 different agric loan schemes of SADES, GAES, AES and CBAES under Rural Employment Promotion (REP) Department.

Represented by the Niger state coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Danchoho Mohammed urged the

beneficiaries to make use of the funds judiciously aimed at wealth creation, employment and eradication of poverty in the country.

He explained that it’s a loan not a grant, hence to be paid back after a 6 months period.

He added that the participants will pay N4,550 per month for 3 years.

In his remarks, Mac Bernard who represented the department director, Edem O. Duke said the present administration has prioritized agriculture.

One of the beneficiaries, Usman Umar appreciated the NDE and federal government for the training program and loan to start up their business to be self employed.

HYPPADEC marks health week to provide staff medical services

From

Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has provided free of charge medical services for the staff of the commission to

improve their productivity.

Managing Director HYPPADEC Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa advised the workers to avail themselves for the opportunity provided while declaring the Health Week opened at the commission’s headquarters

in Minna.

Represented by the state Coordinator HYPPADEC, Musa Alhaji reiterated that this had became necessary because a healthy staff will no doubt promote a healthy commission that would help to fast track the

attainment of its mandate.

Yelwa stressed the need for medical practitioners to exhibit high sense of confidentiality and professionalism in discharging their duties during the week long event to achieve maximum results.

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Yakubu Mustapha Minna

L-R: Special Assistant to Director-General National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dadi Nautim Mullah, Director Planning, Research and Statistics NAFDAC Dr. Abimbola Adegboye, Director Chemical Evaluation and Research Dr. Patrick Leonard Omokparieha, Director of Public Affairs Dr. Abubakar Jimoh and Director FCT Abdulsalam Ozigis, during the flag off of media sensitization workshop on dangers of bleaching creams and regulatory controls, yesterday in Abuja Photo: Mahmud Isa

CSOs want state of emergency on political violence

Worried by the gruesome murder of the Labour Party women leader, Victoria Chintex on November 28, 2022, and other politically motivated killings across the country, Civil Society Organisations have called on the presidency to declares a national state of emergency on political violence, sending a strong message of zero tolerance against any form of violence, and clearly communicating actions that will be taking against perpetrators.

The CSOs which included: Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF); ElectHER; DAI; Yiaga Africa; The Albino Foundation (TAF); International Press Center (IPC); The Kukah Center; IMS; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy (CISLAC); CAPPA; JDPMC and SOS Children Village, also want the presidency to set up a joint task force committee on the safety of women as candidates and electorates.

The statement said the the task force should comprise of relevant security agencies should be set up within the next two weeks, with commitment to release a publicly accessible comprehensive prevention and emergency response action plan on all forms of violence against women in the 2023 general elections.

“While we commend the current provisions in the 2022 Electoral Act which condemns violence in elections and states penalties for infractions at 12 months jail term or a maximum term of N500,000, we recommend stricter sanctions with more severe implications as a demotivating factor to discourage the indulgence of political violence.

“An immediate ratification of the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) Act in states where the law has not been domesticated in Nigeria and also call the attention of the states who have domesticated the law, to effectively implement same, as this this law covers all forms of violence.”

Abductors of Benue Commissioner demand 11m

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Abductors of the Benue state commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Dennis Ekpe Ogbu are demanding 11 million naira to secure his release.

Peoples Daily reliably gathered that the abductors made contact with family of the kidnapped Commissioner on Monday.

A very close family source who pleaded anonymity however,

disclosed that the bandits have reviewed the amount to 5 million naira.

As at the time of filing this report, it could not be ascertained if the family will raise the money or whether the Benue state government will wade in.

This is just as there has not be any official statement issued by the state government about the incident.

But Spokesperson SP

Catherine Anene told Peoples Daily on phone that their team which have since been deployed to the area, is yet to do anything.

Another family source told Peoples Daily that the family was distraught when the news of the commissioner’s kidnap broke out. Family relatives, friends and sympathisers could be seen thronging the house in his Ukwunyo, Utonkon area of Ado local government council.

The source said that since the

news of the kidnap broke out, “there has been prayer sessions in his house with different groups and his wife”.

Mr. Ogbu was abducted on Sunday at 4pm at Otobi in Otukpo local government area while travelling to his country home Utonkon in Ado local government area after attending a Thanksgiving service organized by Sen. Abba Moro for his recently inaugurated senatorial reelection campaign team.

Group faults PDP over comments on Zamfara security

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Northern Elders Professional Group (NEPGO), Zamfara State Chapter has condemned in strong terms the statement credited to the People’s

Democratic Party (PDP) on the alleged clamp down on some of its members over the political crisis facing the party’s fall-out with the governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Dauda Lawal.

The Zonal Coordinator Lawal Murtala Zawiyya, stated this in

a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The group described such claims as poor judgment, exuberance of communications order, ignorance and intentional acts to destabilize the brighter peaceful atmosphere of Zamfara

state.

The statement added that the utterances by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba is a plain comedy by someone who is ignorant of the political development in Zamfara and the North.

Buhari to receive highest honour of Guinea Bissau today

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Wednesday in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, be decorated with the country’s highest honour in recognition of his contributions to the political stability of the West African nation.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a

statement Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, President Buhari would honour the invitation by President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissolo Embalo for the special ceremony that will be held at the Presidential Villa, which will include commissioning of a road named after him, Avenue President Muhammadu Buhari, at the capital city.

The one-day celebration will

highlight the leadership role of President Buhari in the West Coast, particularly in Guinea Bissau, regularly counseling and motivating leaders on virtues of peace, political inclusiveness, integrity and stimulating a strong economy that drives collective prosperity, the statement added.

During the visit to Bissau, President Buhari and the Nigerian delegation will participate in a

bilateral meeting, the statement also noted.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed B. Monguno (Rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the statement said.

FMC Hong kick-starts clinical services for public

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

The new Federal Medical Centre Hong has commenced clinical services to the populace in the area.

Medical Director of the hospital, professor Nyandaiti Yakubu in his welcome address

at the opening ceremony in Hong on Monday said the upgrade is a welcome development.

Prof. Yakubu applauded the effort of president Muhammadu Buhari for making the dream a reality under his administration.

Yakubu stated that the hospital will attend to the needs of the people of northern

Adamawa, Borno and parts of Chad and Cameroon republics who have to travel hundreds of kilometers to access tertiary medical care.

He announced that the hospital is well equipped and has state of the art facilities to provide effective and efficient services to the people of the area.

“The hospital has well equipped 100-bed mother and child friendly complex with state of the art equipment with 20 incubators, ultrasound machines, oxygen concentrators, ventilators and equipment, including theatre units with 120 KVA solar energy that power the complex.”

Chairman Protocol Trade fair Faruk Suleiman,- President Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Sulaiman Aliyu,- and Chairman Organising Committee, Ishaya Idi,- during the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Press Conference on the Level of Preparations of the 44th Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna on Tuesday 6/12/22

Is sex education not child abuse?

By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye

It isnot surprising that the recent directive by the Minister of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu, to the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to expunge Sex Education from the basic education curriculum in Nigeria has been greeted with serious opposition from groups and persons who 0bviously derive some of benefits from the callous sexualisation of the tender minds of Nigerian pupils.

I am sure that many parents and concerned persons who have heard about the minister’s directive are highly relieved and happy and hoping that no amount of pressure from these misguided interest groups will compel the government to have a change of mind. Indeed, this is a major move towards sanitizing our primary and secondary education curriculum and salvaging the moral health of the younger generation which has been badly corrupted and diseased by very pernicious teachings that can only mould them into badly flawed characters.

When some years ago I was shown the topics covered in “Sexuality Education” or “Sex Education” which was being taught as a compulsory subject in both junior and secondary schools in Nigeria, it was shocking to see that mere kids, some as young as ten or even nine, were put in the hands of teachers, who deploy every energy, talent and creativity to saturate their tender minds with every detail about sexual immorality and the use of contraceptives.

When I first raised alarm on this issue in my now rested newspaper column, a concerned parent wrote me to say that the ‘Teacher’s Guide’ given to the Integrated Science teachers (who handled this subject) mandated them “to teach the children that religious teachings on issues like pre-marital sex, contraception, homosexuality, abortion and gender relations are mere opinions and myths! They are also to teach the students how to masturbate and use chemical contraceptives (designed for women in their 30s). The ‘Teachers Guide’ equally lays a big emphasis on values clarification; this empowers teenage children to decide which moral values to choose since the ones parents teach them at home are mere options.”

It was difficult to imagine that any normal person could have the mind to design such a subject even for the children of his worst enemy! In my view, this clearly qualifies as child abuse, which, sadly, was unabashedly endorsed by the authorities. But many Nigerian parents are highly elated today at the intervention of the Education Minister which has put an abrupt end to the whole sickening madness!

How can parents and concerned citizens smother the tormenting fears that some of the Sex Education teachers might aim to deftly deploy this subject to titillate their tender victims instead of giving them healthy education? One can imagine how easy it would be for a teacher who has been targeting a female student to use his creative elaboration of this subject, to get the girl so overwhelmed she would become easy meat.

I am told that there are two main reasons for the introduction of this subject in our schools. One is to empower school children with adequate knowledge about their bodies and how to “safely” indulge in pre-marital sex without falling victims to teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS.

The second reason is to demystify sexual immorality, give it a positive image as something to be cherished and enjoyed without any fear, as long as it is done “safely” and consensually. The belief is that with the age-long “superstition” built around sexual immorality which ‘stigmatizes’ it as an evil and sinful activity, some kids tend to go into it with fear and dread, and so develop psychological problems arising from the guilt they feel afterwards.

But these reasons are simply hollow and unconvincing. They are built on the assumption that in the present age, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for unmarried people to abstain from sex. And so,

instead of teaching the kids to place appropriate value to their bodies and maintain their self-esteem by abstaining from sexual immorality as our own parents had taught us, they are emboldened to behave like dogs. But the difference between human beings and animals ought to be the ability to reason and determine the consequences of actions, and then exercise discretion and self-control. Why not tell a kid the consequences of an action and use that to dissuade him from indulging in it? Has that not worked for ages?

Looking at the earnestness with which this policy is being pursued despite oppositions from informed parents and other concerned parties, one is forced to suspect that there may also be some commercial angle to it. Are we sure that substantial profit is not accruing to the initiators of this programme and their collaborators in government from the sales of the several books being written and printed on the vile subject? Support may equally be coming from manufacturers of contraceptives and the well-oiled NGOs they are promoting who certainly see in Sex Education a lucrative venture to promote and sustain.

Now, how far has this subject helped in reducing teenage pregnancies and STDs in the Western nations where it has been taught, assimilated and practiced for many years now? It is a fact that these teachings have, for instance, been introduced in both the United States and Britain for many years now, but as I write now, I have before me, a BBC report saying that Britain has the highest record of teenage pregnancy in the whole of Western Europe. Also, another report has it that the United States has the highest number of teenage pregnancies in the entire Western world. Again, in the United States, it is reported that new infections of HIV are still on the increase.

That naturally leads us to the contentious issue of “safe sex.” So, what is all this fetish about “safe sex” and how “safe” can sex actually be? The truth is that a lot of studies and findings have effectively punctured the dubious confidence built over the years on condomuse. We know that with an effective magnifying lens, it is easy to see that several objects, especially rubber and plastics, have tiny holes through which very minute micro organisms could pass.

I read somewhere recently that the “HIV virus is only 0.1 micron in size while the naturally occurring holes in a latex condom is of the order 5 to 50 microns in diameter.” So where then is the “protection” we have heard so much about if the deadly virus can indeed pass through the wall of a condom? Is this not why we have often heard reports of people contracting HIV even though they had practiced the so-called “protected sex”? This is the time to rethink all this stuff behind which some fellows have hidden to pollute the minds of kids with ruinous teachings.

Fortunately, we have one precaution that does not fail. And that is the good old abstinence, which has been proven and tested to be the only reliable protection against deadly STDs and teenage pregnancies? We must hasten to realize that what is at stake here is human life, and should not be toyed with, for whatever reasons. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand this desperation to create an immoral and ungodly society by misleading the youths? Now, if not for reasons that are less than noble and wholesome, why would Nigeria be eager to import a policy that is failing even in more advanced nations?

Okay, here is another point to ponder: HIV is 500 times smaller than spermatozoa, yet research has established that spermatozoa are able to sometimes pass through the wall of a latex condom to cause conception. Now, if this is the case, are we not by this subject leading our youths through the minefield? The example cited earlier of the worrisome rise in fresh infections of HIV in a place like the US where years of successful Sex Education has achieved overwhelming attitudinal change in favour of condom-use should serve to buttress this point.

Now, with this policy in place and flourishing, where is this nation

Nigeria and the mists of malnutrition

By Kene Obiezu

The cost for Nigeria is better imagined. It is close to an existential threat with many children facing multiple threats on multiple fronts to their health and well-being.

Nigerian children have never had it easy growing up. The challenges which have always been around seem to mount with each day that passes , bringing many to the inevitable conclusion that to be a child in Nigeria is almost akin to a death sentence.

For many years now, Nigerian children have had only very little time to digest the fact that there is a country within the country that is the giant of Africa and that that country is such a difficult place to be a child.

Indeed, according to the 2021 Global Childhood Index of Save the Children, an international Non-Governmental Organization committed to the welfare of children, Nigeria is one of the most difficult countries in which to be a child.

The revelation came as little surprise because what poverty leaves behind in the lives of Nigerian children, insecurity rips apart.

The fact that since 1960 Nigeria has struggled to get its acts together

has affected children the most because by reason of their tender age, they are often the demographic most likely to be affected by conflict and dysfunction.

Nigeria currently has close to twenty million out-of-school children. In a country gravely challenged by crime and insecurity, it is frightening the pool of conscripts this shameful failure of planning and development is creating.

Now, going into 2023, another stark warning issued by experts has rattled those interested in protecting the interests of Nigerian children.

First to speak up was the United Nations Children Emergency Fund(UNICEF) which said that 100 children die every hour in Nigeria with malnutrition as the underlying factor which translates to 2400 deaths a day and 876,000 deaths a year.It also means that about 801,600 children died between January 1 and November 30,2022.

Echoing the harrowing concerns by UNICEF, stakeholders in the health and nutrition sector have called for more to be done to save a great number of Nigerian children from what is a grave challenge.

The figures available go on to show just how much of a challenge it is for children to find just the right amount of nutrition in Nigeria.

really heading to? What is the use living, if one must live like a dog?

I would, therefore, want to advise the school boy or girl reading this piece to please pause awhile and ask himself or herself what the initiators of this policy hope to achieve in his of her life by giving him or her these teachings? Such a youth should wonder how they still expect him to concentrate on his studies after they have saturated his mind with filthy teachings that only fill his mind with distractive lusts.

Now, if his instructors (who are mostly parents) are encouraging him to freely indulge in sexual immorality at this early stage of his life, what type of future leader do they expect him to become? After “empowering” him to go on the rampage, wouldn’t they have succeeded in giving him a disease deadlier than even the AIDS they are presuming to save him from – which is the destruction of his moral fibre?

What is the guarantee that he would be able to build a healthy family afterwards by shunning the promiscuity that this subject is surely preparing him for, and which, as we all know, results in the proliferation of broken homes which has become the nightmare of today’s world?

It is instructive that The Guardian on Sunday, July 18, 1999, carried a report that a cross section of American college (mostly female) students were regretting the limitless freedom their parents had allowed them and had resolved to devote themselves to pursue a “no-sex” campaign. But in Nigeria of today, sexual immorality has been deregulated and democratized.

But concerned Nigerian parents cannot afford to be intimidated and just watch helplessly as some fellows whose intentions are less than noble go all out to ruin their kids for them. And so, they should be able to ask: To what extent should the government interfere in people’s lives and families?

Where does the government derive the authority to invade somebody’s home with ungodly teachings and inflict them on the person’s kids, just because he gave his kid to the government to educate in its schools? Shouldn’t an open and clear expression of disaffection towards this gross violation by stakeholders have since led to its reappraisal and possible removal from the school curriculum?

Again, and very importantly too; most people have strongly accepted and hold very dear to their hearts the teachings they have received from the religious faith of their choice (which we as civilized people must respect) that sexual immorality which is a grievous sin against God attracts eternal damnation; and they are eager to ensure that both themselves and their kids escape this terrible doom; how then can we accommodate and respect this their belief (which is sacred to them) in this unwholesome insistence on teaching and encouraging their children to freely indulge in fornication? Should we just dismiss and callously tear down a belief they hold so sacred and dear, and with which they have determined to successfully raise their children to become morally healthy kids? As if it does not matter?

It is heartwarming that, at last, the Minister of Education has agreed with those of us who have continued to insist that this policy is ruinous and has ordered its removal from the school curriculum since it denies a large a number of people the option of choice. Many parents are not even aware that such a teaching is being generously forced down the throats of their precious children, thereby destroying all they have taught them at home.

Certainly, there are centres where some NGOs have established to propagate these pro-pre-marital sex teachings. Interested parents can take their children to those centres, while the objecting parents are spared the trauma of watching their kids being subjected to a menu they firmly believe is terribly unhealthy and ruinous. Their right to dissent must be respected.

*Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye, a Nigerian journalist and writer, is the author of the book, “Nigeria: Why Looting May Not Stop”(scruples2006@yahoo.com)

The cost for Nigeria is better imagined. It is close to an existential threat with many children facing multiple threats on multiple fronts to their health and well-being.

Many children also continue to face genuine questions about what the immediate future holds for them in a country that appears desperate to restrict the opportunities available to children.

Hunger is a real problem as is the desperate poverty that gnaws ferociously at the few opportunities available to families who must scratch and scramble just to get by.

If nutrition which is basic is a problem,what else is a problem? Available statistics show that education is a problem as is housing as well as the environment children need to thrive. There is no doubt that if Nigeria expects to one day be counted among the countries that are on the right path because the interests of children are being taken seriously, the interests of children would actually need to be taken seriously.

Until this is done, Nigeria will continue to be considered as a country where anything goes.

Discrimination, inefficiency, fraud in the fuel subsidy regime

By Eze Onyekpere

The official position is that subsidy has ballooned from 35 million litres a day in 2015 to the present 68 million litres. Recall that the oil probe in the National Assembly and the Executive in the President Jonathan era established conclusively that the subsidy claims were inflated, with companies claiming petrol supplies that were never imported, with ships that were nowhere near our waters.

The Nigerian petroleum sector is one of the most poorly administered sectors of the economy. From crude oil theft, unmetered oil production, gas flares, malfunctioning refineries, corrupt fuel subsidy regime, to all kinds of negative stories, the challenges are legion. Incidentally, this sector is directly under the control of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.). It was supposed to benefit from the fabled integrity, competence of the president and great attention from the highest level of governance.

The sticky part of the challenges in the sector is the fuel subsidy imbroglio, the price as well as the availability of fuel for every Nigerian and business to use for production, service delivery and pleasure. However, despite the humungous fuel subsidy bill, premium motor spirit is not available for all and there is no predictability of its availability across the federation. There is a price per litre for PMS as announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. The rule is that all marketers are supposed to lift fuel from depots at a controlled price and to sell to Nigerians across the federation at the same price at filling stations. Over the last couple of years, the truth is that dispensing fuel from the pumps at the official price is only done in Abuja, Lagos and a few states in the South-West region of Nigeria.

In the South-East, for instance, PMS is sold at filling stations for N250 per litre. No one raises an eyebrow, not even NNPC or task force or any authority disturbs, seals off, prosecutes any marketer for selling at this price. In other parts of the federation, prices are fixed by marketers and no one complains. The marketers insist that they are not buying at the controlled price from the depots; that the increased pump price is a response to the market stimuli based on what they buy from the depots. The petroleum authorities have not denied this fact and have simply

kept mum in the pretence that they neither hear nor in any other manner perceive of what is going on. In all these litres, officially sold at N250, NNPC still claims the same margin of subsidy. Thus, the taxpayer is cheated, the system is defrauded and the petroleum authorities get enriched at the taxpayers’ expense.

As of today, when there is purported fuel scarcity in Lagos and Abuja, filling stations in the South-East are selling and you simply drive in and fill your tank if you have the money. It is normal, it is legal in that part of Nigeria, it is the norm and everyone has accepted the practice. This brings up a jurisprudential poser. Are the residents of the South-East or any other part of Nigeria where fuel is officially sold beyond the official price not being subjected to discrimination contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution? The 1999 Constitution prohibits discrimination in S.42 under the fundamental rights chapter. It states that “a citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person; be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject; or be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political opinions.”

The price per litre of PMS is a product of law, executive and administrative action. Enforcing the administrative order to the extent that persons residents in Lagos and Abuja pay a lower price than persons resident in other parts of the federation is clearly discriminatory and violates the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution. The Abuja and Lagos communities have been expressly accorded in the practical application of petroleum laws privileges and advantages not accorded to residents of others parts of Nigeria.

Surprisingly, the media and organised labour only draw attention, seek to hold the government accountable, and threaten showdown only when Abuja and Lagos PMS supplies dry up or the price is increased. The NNPC as the sole importer of petroleum products keeps churning out stories of billions of

litres of PMS in their storage facilities. Yet, the pumps in Abuja and Lagos are dry. But the people do not seem to understand the games of NNPC and the petroleum authorities. Unveiling this game for all to understand is critical to an appreciation of the need for this subsidy scam to be stopped.

In the presidency days of Goodluck Jonathan, NNPC was reported to have been remitting about $3bn per month to the federation account for sharing by the three tiers of government. Since January 2022, it has hardly remitted anything to the federation account. Stories upon stories have been the norm despite the high oil prices, a product of the Russian-Ukraine War. Apart from this, fuel subsidy for the first six months of 2023 is projected at N3.36tn, when translated to US dollar, this will amount to $7.71bn. For 2022, we will be ending up with not less than N5tn in the phantom subsidy.

The official position is that subsidy has ballooned from 35 million litres a day in 2015 to the present 68 million litres. Recall that the oil probe in the National Assembly and the Executive in the President Jonathan era established conclusively that the subsidy claims were inflated, with companies claiming petrol supplies that were never imported, with ships that were nowhere near our waters. It was simply about the manipulation of shipping papers and inordinate opportuning. The ballooning subsidy claim is not supportable by empirical evidence. Since 2015, Nigeria has passed through two recessions, unprecedented insecurity that has negatively impacted economic activities, massive factory closures, and the highest unemployment rate since independence. Energy consumption is inextricably linked to economic activities and growth.

It is time for Nigerians, in our enlightened self-interest, unanimously to call for a stop to this massive scam, the fraud called fuel subsidy, which has provided the opportunity for the greatest state-sanctioned stealing in the history of humanity. The petroleum authorities are treating Nigerians like a cigarette lit from the top and the lower part. We pay subsidies, do not get regular fuel supply; get supplied adulterated fuel from time to time; the same subsidized fuel is sold at higher than official prices in many parts of the federation, etc. This is insane and needs to stop.

Eze Onyekpere is an Abuja based Legal Practitioner.

2023: Beyond sentiments, Nigeria needs a good leader to reposition the economy

By Isaac Asabor

It is not an overstatement to say that there has been a worsening crisis of misgovernance, noticeable undemocratic practices, increasing cases of insecurity, clear shreds of evidence of poor political representation, and apparent signs of general underdevelopment in Nigeria as a democratic country. All these are largely due to pervasive and widespread prebendalism and primordial sentiments that have been with the democratic system of government since its adoption in 1999. In fact, with each passing political dispensation, there have been worrisome prebendalism that is getting more pervasive, critical, and damaging as it continues to eat deeper into the nation’s political fabric so much so that Nigeria and Nigerians have for the umpteenth time suffered due to the wrong choice of inept leaders.

However, as Nigeria stands on the threshold of mismanaging or managing the opportunity that the next political dispensation, come 2023 presents, we must consider the critical role that leadership plays in the running of a country.

There is no denying the fact that the country needs good leadership in every aspect of its activity. To put it clearly, the country needs good leaders that possess vision, and not raw ambition to manage its affairs. Simply put, leadership is the ability to lead and motivate a nation to achieve its desired goals.

In fact, a retrospective glimpse into the book of the world’s political history shows that not a few nations are replete with examples of leaders that saved their nations from great economic or military crises while other leaders failed at their mission, with tragic results for their people in the short and long term. The foregoing shows that some leaders were groomed by mentors over many years and given progressively more challenging assignments to hone their skills, test their temperament, and allow them to evolve into leaders who can deal with temporary setbacks and disappointments, as well as a great success, while others just thrust leadership position upon themselves; probably as a result of the bucks and perks that are inherent and derivable from political leadership positions.

These situations are either accompanied by great arrogance or necessary humility and hardly anything in between. Other leaders arise from almost nowhere, seizing the moment of opportunity, and sometimes perform with little difference in success or failure from those schooled to lead.

In as much as there have been arguments on whether good leaders are born or are created, it is my belief that the intrinsic qualities of good leaders are in-born, but are either stifled or developed by circumstances and socialization. Above all else, leaders must have passion and patriotism and be willing to make personal sacrifices for their country, and be trustworthy, not deceptive. A leader must empathize, be able to feel the pulse of the people, and act on principle, and put his or her country first above personal or party political gain. This is also diagnostic of good leadership and failed leadership.

The leadership of a nation is an awesome responsibility. It embodies the power of life or death over the entire population and can create or destroy critical relationships with other nations in the global community of nations. There is usually little room for error. There is rarely a second chance if opportunities are missed or mistakes are made.

Nations usually get the leaders they deserve and that reflects their present situation and aspirations.

Given the foregoing view, it is expedient to ask fellow Nigerians, “As February 2023 is around the corner, is anyone still thinking about voting for any political aspirant based on the tribe, religion, or party he or she is affiliated with?” Put in another form, “Is anyone still thinking of voting for a candidate based on his popularity?” To the view of this writer, it is high time such criteria for deciding whom to vote for be jettisoned. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as the challenges that Nigeria is faced with at the moment, and which Nigerians would want the next crop of political leaders to patriotically solve or address are of utmost urgency and concern, rather than resorting to primordial sentiment.

Against the foregoing backdrop, permit me to opine in this context that I am not flabbergasted to see some seemingly blind political followers who are merely after their well-being or their stomachs rooting for a presidential candidate that from all ramifications seems physically and mentally incapable to preside over the affairs of the country, and worse still may not be able to withstand the pressure that may be exerted on him as a result of problematic issues that would no doubt be emanating by each passing day. Against the foregoing backdrop, it is apt to understand that good leadership provokes good followership. In fact, unruly people are likely to spawn leaders who are undemocratic and autocratic and reflect their norms and values. A disciplined nation often selects

leaders who adhere to discipline and good governance, and who are likely to carry out the tasks of the state in a manner conducive to good public order and the well-being of its people.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the dark side of leadership is arrogance and a narcissistic belief in one’s destiny and right to lead the people, which is in the ongoing electioneering called “Emilokan”.

The offensive political slang coined by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) denies the reality that the selection of the country’s leadership should be resident in the will of the people who form the electorate, and who periodically have a real choice as to who will govern them, and how they will be governed. Politicians that believe the arrogantlyconceived political term called “Emilokan” are no doubt ignorant of the fact that true leaders must first show humility in return for the great trust placed in them by their people.

Be that as it may, it is expedient to say that the future president of Nigeria must take a more strategic approach to reposition the economy around a new set of principles that are not reliant on trickle-down economics and the primacy of skewed incentives to the upper end of the private sector and provide better policy execution. A better balance must be achieved. No matter who emerges victorious as next Nigeria’s president during the much-expected presidential election come February 25, 2023, he must be mentally, emotionally, and physically equipped to face the daunting task of fixing a nearcomatose economy.

Though the next president and his administration will encounter monumental economic, security, and political challenges, and also be greeted by a distraught populace bedeviled by rising poverty, inflation, unemployment, and unprecedented levels of insecurity, it is advisable to say that he should be seen to be able to withstand the pressure therefrom.

So, given the primacy of Nigeria’s economy and its prevailing unappealing security situation, it is expedient to urge Nigerians not to vote for any political aspirant on the basis of primordial sentiments. As all Nigerians are resolved to fix the country by contributing our individual quota, it is expedient we vote for whom we know is capable of repairing the country without any “comma” or question mark in his credential or antecedent as to his age, the schools he attended, his source of wealth and the lifestyle exhibited in the distant past.

Isaac Asabor is a Public Affairs Analyst.

2023: Choose leaders with fear of God — Bauchi CAN Chairman

From Ahmad Muhammad Bauchi

The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State, Reverend (Dr) Abraham D. Dimieus has urged Christians to choose leaders who have the fear of God, respect for the rule of law, justice and fairness for all.

Dimieus made the call at the 6th State CAN Carol Service of Nine Lessons with the theme: “O Come Let Us Worship The King (Matthew 2:2) held at ECWA Goodnews Church, Bauchi.

According to him, “The year 2023 is a year of elections, and it is characterised by so many uncertainties. But one thing i request from the church in Bauchi is to apply wisdom in order to come out of this elections, strong and victorious.”

Okowa donated N5 to Igbo community

From: Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

Governor Ifeayin Okowa of Delta State and Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has donated the sum of N5 million to the Igbo community cultural day and the end of 2022 celebration.

Okowa who was represented by Kebbi State PDP Deputy Governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general election and a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Samaila Salihu Bui announced the cash donation onbehalf of Vice Presidential Candidate.

He said, he is very happy to hear about the cordial relationship between the Igbos and indigens of Kebbi State.

FG, stakeholders set to review Borstal institutions, remand homes

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justices, Abubarka Malami, SAN has conveyed it’s collaboration with other relevant stakeholders to review Borstal Institutions and Remand Homes.

According to the AGF, the mandate is to reform and reintegrate inmates, most especially children caughtup in the web of terrorist and violent extremist activities as well as guarantee the protection of children in conflict with the law in accordance with the internationally accepted standard.

The Ministry alongside the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) held a one-day stakeholder round

session on the review of the Borstal Institution and Remand Centre Act.

“The objectives of the review are two-fold. First is to bring the provisions of the Act in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Child Rights Act, 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as the Correctional Services Act of 2019. The second objective of the review is to reflect current realities in terms of administrative structures and operational realities in present day Nigeria.

“The ultimate objective therefore is to bring the Borstal Act in line with international practices in a way that it will align with the best interest of the child requirements under the United Nation’s Child’s Right Convention.”

According to malami the

necessity for the review became even more compelling in view of the ongoing developments regarding our children entangled in acts of terrorist activities.

Represented by JedyAgba, B. E (Mrs.)SolicitorGeneral of The Federation and Permanent Secretary, AGF said,” The Final draft Bill, which will emerge from your joint deliberations, will be presented by Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to the President for onward transmission to the National Assembly. “

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeola in his goodwill message stated that on the assumption of duty was perturbed by the deplorable state of the bolster institutions vis – a – vis the constitutional rights of the children in custody and their rights as contained in the Child Rights Act.

However said, having taken a cursory look at the bill to be considered and saw that the innovative sections have been incorporated into the bill. “ They include the administration of the correctional institutions, trainings, skill acquisition and educational programmes, early release and after–care reintegration programmes,” he noted.

Also in a goodwill message, Comptroller General of NCoS, Haliru Aliru, stressed that “Nigeria, being a member of the international community, has ratified the convention on the rights and welfare of child (CRWC) and as such committed to establishing a reformatory and rehabilitative system that will guarantee the protection of children in conflict with the law in accordance with the internationally accepted standard.”

Senator Yaroe launches 12th medical outreach for constituents

The medical support aimed at addressing health challenges of his constituents especially the vulnerable is the second phase of the intervention holding at the General Hospital in Jada,head quarters of the council.

Declaring the exercise open

yesterday,Senator Yaroe said the medical outreach was scheduled to mop up cases that have not been attended to in the previous outings with a view to cover more of his constituents with health related issues.

Senator Yaroe announced that

the programme was in collaboration with the commissioner of works and Energy Development and son of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar,

Adamu Atiku Abubakar,

that well being of their people are their top most priority.

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe representing Adamawa southern senatorial district has launched the 12th free medical outreach in Jada local government in Adamawa state.

Hon,

noting

L-R: Former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onayikan; Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter- Religious Council (NIREC), Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustaoha, and President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh during the fourth quarter NIREC meeting with the theme “Enhancing Peaceful and Credible Elections in 2023 for National Renaissance in Nigeria” held yesterday in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

By Christiana Ekpa

Ben Kure, Kaduna State Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has been removed following a vote of no confidence passed on him by the State Working Committee of the NNPP at its meeting and deliberations.

Hosea Baba, Zone 3 Vice Chairman, moved the motion for the removal of the chairman and was seconded by the Kaduna State NNPP Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa’ad Idris Kudan.

Also removed along with the chairman was the legal adviser of the party in the state, Ibrahim Ahmed.

Kure has since been replaced by the former Kaduna State caretaker chairman of the NNPP, Nuhu Audu.

Audu who was the interim chairman of Sanga Local Government Area of the state has been declared the authentic State chairman of the party.

Kaduna NNPP chairman, legal adviser removed, accused of anti-party actions

Col. Albehu Dauda Gora (retd), Kaduna State Publicity Secretary of the party, in a statement, explained that shortly after the meeting, both Kure and Ahmed breached the provisions of Article 31 (1) of the NNPP Constitution and sections 82 (1) (3) (5) and 83(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to the statement: “The Kaduna State Working Committee of the NNPP held a meeting on Tuesday 6th November 2022 and after deliberation at the instance of a motion moved by Zone 3 Vice Chairman, Hon. Hosea Baba, and seconded by State Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa’ad Idris Kudan, have unanimously passed a vote of no confidence against NNPP

Kaduna State Chairman, Ben Kure and State Legal Adviser, IB Ahmed, Esquire, respectively.”

The statement further explained that the removal of the former state chairman and legal adviser from office was based on a plethora of complaints in respect of their failure to discharge their responsibilities, neglect and dereliction of duty, misconduct in office, breach of provisions of the party’s constitution, dishonesty and fraudulent activity, fictionalizing the state executive committee of the party, negligence in carrying out lawful directives of the party, sabotage, and engaging in antiparty activities and conduct which have detrimental and adverse

effect capable of bringing hatred, contempt, disrespect and ridicule on the party.

It alleged that on the 5th of October, 2022, the deposed legal adviser, on the directive and instruction of the former chairman, had appointed and inaugurated a State Deputy Chairman for the party without consent nor prior meeting and approval of the executive committee, thereby breaching the provisions of the NNPP Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022 respectively.

When contacted through a telephone call, Ben Kure simply replied via SMS, saying, “I will call you back.” The beleaguered exchairman has not called back at the

Anambra Assembly passes 2023 budget of N259.9bn

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Less than one month after Governor Chukwuma Soludo presented the 2023 estimated budget of Anambra State to the House of Assembly, the lawmakers passed the budget, to the tune of N259.9 billion.

The bill was passed on Tuesday, following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary.

Nonso Okafor, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee during the passage said the capital expenditure was increased from the initial N164.2 billion to N164.4 billion based on the needs of the ministries, departments and agencies, representing 63.2 per cent of the budget.

Okafor said that the recurrent expenditure was N95.4 billion, representing 36.8 per cent.

“In carrying out the assignment given to the committee by this house, we organised and invited MDAs for bilateral discussions and thorough scrutiny of the 2023 Budget.

“We recommend that the budget

size be retained except for little adjustments based on the needs of some ministries, departments and agencies.

“That the sum of N259,938,121,905 be approved for the service of the Anambra State government for the year ending, December 31, 2023, and for related

Peter

purposes,” he said.

The Speaker of the House, Uchenna Okafor commended the committee for thorough scrutiny of the budget, while presiding over a voice vote for the adoption of the report.

The house passed the bill after the voice vote and the speaker

directed the clerk, Mrs Esther Anaetoh, to send a copy of the bill to Gov. Soludo for his assent.

“I commend all the standing committees for carrying out their mandates as expected. We recognised the place of budget to accelerate and drive good governance in the state. We urge

residents to continue to support Gov. Soludo’s administration,” he said.

The Speaker also announced that the House will hold a valedictory session on Dec. 8, for the Late Dr Nnamdi Okafor, Majority Leader of the House, who died on August 24 in South Africa.

Obi loses top presidential campaign council member to death

By Musa Baba Adamu

Irouno Chukwunonye, the Labour Party’s (LP) House of Assembly Candidate for Okigwe, Imo State, is reportedly dead.

Chukwunonye, it was gathered, slumped on Monday evening and was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday.

He was a former Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State

and a member of the Obi-Yusuf Datti Presidential Campaign Council.

Chukwunonye was also the founding chairman of the Imo State Entertainment and Carnival Commission.

by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like Do you want to take advantage of this years market movements?

The late politician was scheduled to anchor Peter Obi’s presidential rally in Owerri today, Tuesday.

Anambra Assembly passes 2023 budget of N259.9bn

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Less than one month after Governor Chukwuma Soludo presented the 2023 estimated budget of Anambra State to the House of Assembly, the lawmakers passed the budget, to the tune of N259.9 billion.

The bill was passed on Tuesday, following the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary.

Nonso Okafor, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee during the passage said the capital expenditure was increased from the initial N164.2 billion to N164.4 billion based on the needs of the ministries, departments and agencies, representing 63.2 per cent of the budget.

Okafor said that the recurrent expenditure was N95.4 billion, representing 36.8 per cent.

“In carrying out the assignment given to the committee by this

house, we organised and invited MDAs for bilateral discussions and thorough scrutiny of the 2023 Budget.

“We recommend that the budget size be retained except for little adjustments based on the needs of some ministries, departments and agencies.

“That the sum of N259,938,121,905 be approved for the service of the Anambra State government for the year ending, December 31, 2023, and

for related purposes,” he said.

The Speaker of the House, Uchenna Okafor commended the committee for thorough scrutiny of the budget, while presiding over a voice vote for the adoption of the report.

The house passed the bill after the voice vote and the speaker directed the clerk, Mrs Esther Anaetoh, to send a copy of the bill to Gov. Soludo for his assent.

“I commend all the standing committees for carrying out

their mandates as expected. We recognised the place of budget to accelerate and drive good governance in the state. We urge residents to continue to support Gov. Soludo’s administration,” he said.

The Speaker also announced that the House will hold a valedictory session on Dec. 8, for the Late Dr Nnamdi Okafor, Majority Leader of the House, who died on August 24 in South Africa.

time of filing this report.

Ben Kure

Peter Obi

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lamented over the poor turnout in the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) in Kogi State ahead of the 2023 general election.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet disclosed this during an interview in his office on Tuesday.

He said voters in Kogi State are expected to be 1.9 million which include those who registered between 2019 to June 2022.

Longpet said as of 2nd of December 2022, out of 154,984 voters cards which were produced for voters who registered in 2019, only 13,689 were collected while 141, 295 have not collected their

2023: Peter Obi, best choice for Nigerians

INEC laments over 160,966 uncollected PVCs in Kogi

2019 voters cards.

For the fresh registration between 2021 and June 2022, Longpet said the commission expected 38,505 people to come forward and collect their cards, but unfortunately, only 18,924 voters have collected their PVC while 19,671 cards have not been claimed.

Continuing, the REC said: “I have always used every opportunity to express my displeasure over the poor collection of PVCs in Kogi State. We have 32,508 people who transferred their PVC from one polling unit to another. But so far, we have seen only 5,977 who have come to collect the transferred PVC. And You will agree with me that it is not an encouraging figure.

“However, we are under strict order at all state offices of INEC. From today 6th December, we have started sensitizing people, engaging Civil Society Organizations, [and] media to start helping people to come and collect their PVC,” he added.

the rounds that a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria has ordered INEC to resume registration of voters ahead of the election.

The Kogi INEC REC also debunked the information making

“We discussed this in Lagos during the INEC stakeholders

meeting in Lagos. There is no court that asked INEC to resume the registration of voters. It is all false and should be disregarded by the public,” he added.

While assuring Nigerians

that the commission is ready for a transparent, free and fair election, Longpet noted that the introduction of BVAS by INEC has gone a long way to reducing electoral malpractice.

– Social crusader, Ogidi-Paul Court dismisses suit seeking to sack Rivers AA governorship candidate

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Asocial crusader and member of the Labour Party (LP), presidential campaign team, Moses Ogidi-Paul, has said his party’s flagbearer, Peter Obi is the panacea to Nigeria’s years of frustration and rejection.

Ogidi-Paul, National Coordinator, Yell Out Nigeria, explained that the group’s mandate is to sensitize Nigerians on the need to reclaim the country from wicked politicians.

According to him: “Nigerians have endured years of frustration and dejection at the hands of a corrupt political system leading to the precipitation of negative energies that are inimical to progress in the polity if inappropriately applied. But their anger must be redirected into credible choices at the ballot.”

He urged Nigerians to defend their right to choose their leaders and fight against any attempt to upturn their will.

By Musa Baba Adamu

Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit by one of the governorship aspirants of the Action Alliance, AA, Aleruchi Williams against the governorship candidate of the party, Dawari George.

Williams, who reportedly came second during the party’s governorship primary election,

had approached the court to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to disqualify Dawari George and declare himself as the rightful candidate of the party.

The plaintiff had contended that George had never been a member of AA and does not have the right to substitute him as the party’s governorship candidate.

The presiding judge, Justice Patricia Ajoku in her judgment

dismissed the suit for lack of locus standi and also for filing out of time.

Justice Ajoku said the plaintiff failed to participate in the August 10th, 2022 primary that brought in the AA governorship candidate but participated in the first primary election and therefore did not have the locus standi to contest the exercise.

The judge thereafter

dismissed the matter for lacking merit.

Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, Ibiene Amachree who represented Dawari George described the judgment as a “family judgment which will help in strengthening the party” and its members.

On his part, counsel to the plaintiff, Celestine Wosa said he will consult his client to know the way forward.

Reps mull criminalizing abandonment of newborn babies, offenders risk 6 months

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, passed a bill for a second reading to criminalise the abandonment of newborn babies by parents.

The bill, if passed, will introduce a fine of N200,000 or six months imprisonment for anyone convicted of abandoning a child after childbirth.

The sponsor of the bill, Sergius

Ogun, in his lead debate, stated that the bill seeks to amend the Child Rights Act by introducing punishment.

“This bill, therefore, seeks to specifically make provision within the Child Right Act against the practice of child abandonment by parents, by introducing a new Subsection 3 into the extant Section 14 of the Act.

“Subject to the provision of this act, no child shall be abandoned at the time of place

of birth, the condition of his birth notwithstanding.

“When a parent abandons a child at the place of his birth, he/ she shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to fine [of] N200,000 or imprisonment for 6 months or both,” the proposed section reads.

Speaking in support of the bill, Nicholas Ossai said the government has a responsibility to support families in taking care

of children. He stated that with growing unemployment, a lot of parents have no job to support their families.

“It is the duty of parents that brings a child to the world to cater for that ward/child. The government also has a responsibility to complement the duty of parents. Every person has an obligation,” he said.

The bill scaled the first reading after Deputy Speaker Idris Wase put it to question.

2023: Why we may relocate to Cameroon if Peter Obi loses – Babachir Lawal

By Musa Baba Adamu

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has said that he and other political bigwigs supporting the Labour Party’s presidential

candidate, Peter Obi, would relocate to Cameroon if he loses the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.

Lawal disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at an interactive session with Obi and the stakeholders of the LP from the North East.

Lawal, who belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, expressed shock that the APC had not expelled him from the party, despite his stance against APC’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

“We want (Obi) to win this election and

must win this election. If we lose this election, we’ll all migrate to Cameroon because of the shame and disgrace of failure to win,” he said.

He added that next year’s presidential election is a must-win for Obi, given the current state of the country.

Ekiti APC primary great model for other parties – Adelugba on Oyebanji’s victory

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olubunmi Adelugba, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his victory at the Supreme Court which affirmed his candidacy for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary held on January 27.

Adelugba said the final judicial stamp of the Supreme Court validating Oyebanji’s victory at the APC primary was a welcome development that would help the Governor concentrate on the serious

2023: Gov Uzodinma receives Peter Obi in Imo

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma on Tuesday received the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in Owerri, the state capital.

The former Anambra governor is in Imo for the flag-off of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign.

The part which made the disclosure in a tweet on its verified Twitter handle claimed that Obi would be the next president of the country.

The tweet reads, “Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma welcomes the People’s President @PeterObi, to the Eastern Heartland for @NgLabour 2023 Presidential Campaign Flag-off.

“Even APC know the next President of Nigeria. A New Nigeria is Possible! Forward Ever! Vote labour Party! #PeterObi4President2023”.

business of governance to the benefit of the people of Ekiti State.

The Speaker in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Odunayo Ogunmola, described the Supreme Court verdict as a big plus to the ruling party in the state and a celebration of the best form of internal democracy.

He said the apex court’s verdict was a confirmation that the January 27 primary which produced Governor Oyebanji as APC flag bearer for the June 18 governorship election was credible, transparent, free, fair and a model to other political parties for the conduct of their primaries.

Describing Oyebanji’s triumph at the Supreme Court as a victory for democracy, justice and the rule of law, the Speaker noted that the Judiciary has helped to uphold the truth and safeguard the mandate given to the Governor by over 100,000

party members who voted at the primary.

Adelugba emphasized that the validation of the Governor’s candidacy was incontestable proof that the APC is the most democratic party in Nigeria and the best in promoting internal democracy with the direct mode of primary which was adopted in Ekiti passing the highest judicial scrutiny.

She hailed the justices of the Supreme Court for dispensing justice without fear or favour and upholding the truth noting that the latest landmark verdict has helped to enrich the nation’s jurisprudence.

“The nation’s highest court has spoken at last on the Ekiti APC governorship primary election and their Lordships have confirmed that the January 27, 2022 primary was valid and legitimate. This is a big plus to our party and a celebration of internal democracy.

“Congratulations to Mr.

Governor, congratulations to all our party leaders and congratulations to all our teeming party members on this victory. Democracy is the biggest winner,” she said.

The Speaker urged all party members to close ranks and unite behind Governor Oyebanji to translate the six pillars agenda of his administration into reality for

the benefit of the people of the state.

A contestant in the APC governorship primary, Engr. Kayode Ojo, having been dissatisfied with the declaration of Oyebanji as the winner had taken his case to the Supreme Court after losing at the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti and the Court of Appeal, Ado Ekiti.

2023: Relief for Adamawa APC as Ribadu withdraws guber suit

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu who has been challenging the governorship ticket of the party, says he has rested his case.

Nuhu Ribadu, who lost the governorship primary of the party to Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani had challenged the primary, following which the Federal High Court annulled it and declared that the party had no governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Adamawa State.

The Court of Appeal, however, restored the initial winner last month, following which Ribadu said he would go to the Supreme Court.

However, Ribadu, in a letter, has said he would let the matter rest.

In the letter on Tuesday evening, Ribadu said he had decided to forego his interest for the larger good of the party.

Ribadu reiterated that he decided to take the difficult decision in the interest of the party, and urged all his supporters to support Binani’s gubernatorial ambition.

“I have been in consultation with my family, political associates and party leaders at different levels on the next step. In addition, I have reflected deeply on my mission in politics, especially my aspiration for the Adamawa governorship.

“My motivation in aspiring to govern the state is for an opportunity to serve my dear

state as my contribution to a more purposeful future for the state,” Ribadu stated.

He said he had approached the court in the first place because he found no internal redress for

his complaints but that after the Appeal Court reinstated the candidate declared winner of the primary, “we disagree with the judgment but I have no intention of dragging this any further.”

Shehu Sani says Doguwa’s threat to constituents will hinder peaceful election

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Former lawmaker

Senator Shehu Sani has reacted to an alleged threat by a member of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa to members of his constituency.

Sani expressed his concern on Tuesday in a post via his Twitter handle.

Doguwa was caught on video issuing a threat to his constituents to either vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, on election day or be dealt with.

According to the report,

Doguwa, who spoke mainly in Hausa and also used abusive language to threaten prospective voters, said:

“To God who made me, on election day, you must vote for APC, or we deal with you.

“I’m saying it again: on election day, you either vote for APC, or we deal with you.

“Repeat after me, in Doguwa, you either vote for APC or we deal with you,” he said amidst a chorus of applause from the audience.”

Senator Sani has taken to his verified Twitter handle to express his concern.

He wrote: “The threat

to deal with anyone who refuses to vote for the ruling APC in Kano is unfortunate and a serious threat to peaceful elections. I advise the ranking Honorable member involved, who is still a lawmaker for over two decades to withdraw this statement.”

Governor Biodun Oyebanji

Malam Nuhu Ribadu

The newly inaugurated Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)local Oil and gas traders/operators have been advised to leverage technology if they truly desire to join the global oil and gas community.

This position was canvassed at the weekend by Mr Osagie Ediale, the Chief Executive of Flagship Energy Limited in a statement released in Abuja.

The deployment of technological initiatives for procurements in the oil and gas sector, will certainly boost operations and by this adoption, Operations in the sector will be

Nigeria may lose $23b in 2023 if crude oil theft is unchecked, says NSA

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno, has estimated that the Federal Government may lose $23bn in 2023 if crude oil theft continues.

He made the comment on Tuesday during the inauguration of a special investigation panel set up to check crude oil theft in the country.

General Monguno expressed worries that the nation currently produces one million barrels of crude oil per day as against the two million barrels daily target by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

While lamenting the poor revenues accruing from the petroleum sector, he charged members of the committee to work towards bringing reducing the menace.

The committee is expected to submit its report by February 21st, 2023.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said last October its cooperation with security forces was reducing theft and will bring production consistently back up.

Critics say oil theft in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest petroleum producers, is a much wider problem of corruption involving elements of the security forces and local political leaders.

How technology will boost oil and gas business

seamless as all the perceived or imagined bottlenecks will become things of the past.

The Flagship Energy Limited,boss said in the statement, that technology is fast dominating every operation and all human activities, so introducing it to the oil and gas sector especially in both the upstream and downstream areas should be encouraged.

“Elsewhere in the global community, technology has been adopted in virtually everything and so we should leverage on this locally by making it a way of life” Ediale submitted.

While giving kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for his consent of the PIA, Ediale said indigenous operators like

Flagship Energy are looking forward to supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy through technological innovations and efficient business strategies in the light of the complexities in the oil and gas sector.

‘’Knowledge of information technology driven discipline, which requires specialized skills set and deep financial capability are key drivers of the sector,” he explained.

According to Ediale, the Federal Government realises its main stay for the economy from sales of crude oil, gas and condensates and so much is needed to boost its revenue streams by adopting technology to block all the leakages since the

economy will remain glued to the oil and gas sector for a long time to come considering its strategic importance.

“It will be wise to put in everything necessary to cushion it despite the implications of the current global energy transition.”

He admitted that “ there are inherent risks in production and sales of the crude such as supply side disruptions and price violations that pop up through geographical factors that could negatively affect government revenue and national budget”.

In this regard, Flagship Energy ,he said,is strategically positioned to work with the NNPC Limited to device cutting edge strategies to mitigate the risk and revenue

losses associated with oil price volatility.

Ediale further explained that “ As the global energy transition gathers momentum, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to maximise the full potentials of its significant gas deposits which are expected to enjoy strong demand well into the future as a transition fuel, since renewable energy economy is evolving at a rapid pace with focus on wind, solar, and hydro for transmitting to a low carbon, greener world”,

“ Flagship Energy is eminently positioned to offer value in this regard with its deep expertise and experience in the renewable energy sector,he added.

Nigeria moves to become gateway to AfCFTA, signs MoU with Vietnam

The Nigerian government, in a bid to boost trade with South East Asia and maximize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, has announced plans to make $336 billion exporter Vietnam use Nigeria as a gateway into the African market.

This was disclosed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a statement following his ongoing state visit to one of Asia’s largest exporters.

The Nigerian government also stated it will support Vietnam’s quest to establish relations with ECOWAS and is prepared to sign, specifically trade and industry agreements.

Vice President Osinbajo stated that there are vast

opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Nigeria and Vietnam, especially in the digital economy space.

He said, “We have a growing telecoms market, possibly one of the deepest penetrations of telecoms in the developing world. A large percentage of our citizens use telecom equipment or devices. Our broadband connectivity has also vastly improved.

He stressed that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and this puts the country at the centre of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which opens up trade in what will become the world’s largest free trade zone.

“We think Nigeria as

the gateway to the rest of Africa is strategic, and we hope that with some of the collaborations that we will be able to sign, specifically trade and industry agreements, we believe Vietnam will see the opportunity in using Nigeria as a staging post into AFTZ.

“Nigeria will certainly support Vietnam’s quest to establish relations with the Economic Community of ECOWAS” he noted.

The vice presidents of both countries witnessed the signing of a defense cooperation agreement on Monday evening as Ambassador Hassan Adamu Mammani signed for Nigeria, and for Vietnam, Deputy Minister of Defence Snr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien.

For the record: The vice president arrived in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Sunday, where he planned to meet top Vietnamese government officials, including the president, vice president, and prime minister. His itinerary also includes the Nigerian and Vietnamese business communities to deepen the bilateral relations between both nations.

Vietnam reported a 19% growth in exports last year, as it saw its trade surplus with the United States grow to an all-time high. Vietnam’s total exports came in at $336.31 billion, while its imports rose 26.5% to $332.23 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.08 billion.

In the middle,Zion flames ministries senior Pastor Apostle Promise Momo in group photo during his visits to orphanage to donate relieved material, in Lagos

Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

TikTok challenge exposes participants to data theft, NCC warns

Abubakar Yunus Abuja

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has warned about the potential harm of taking part in the Invisible Challenge on the short-form video hosting service, TikTok.

The NCC-CSIRT advisory said threat actors took advantage of the viral Invisible Challenge to disseminate an information-stealing malware known as the WASP (or W4SP) stealer.

The WASP stealer, which is high in probability with critical damage potential, is a persistent malware hosted on discord that its developer claim is undetectable.

How it operates: The NCCCSIRT explained that the Invisible Challenge involves wrapping a somewhat transparent body contouring filter around a presumed naked individual.

Attackers are uploading videos to TikTok with a link to software that they claim can reverse the filter’s effects.

“Those who click on the link

and attempt to download the software, known as “unfilter,” are infected with the WASP stealer. Suspended accounts had amassed over a million views after initially posting the videos with a link.

Following the link leads to the “Space Unfilter” Discord server, which had 32,000 members at its peak but has since been removed by its creators.

“Successful installation will allow the malware to harvest keystrokes, screenshots, network activity, and other information from devices where it is installed. It may also covertly monitor user behaviour and harvest Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including names and passwords, keystrokes from emails, chat programs, websites visited, and financial activity. This malware may be capable of covertly collecting screenshots, video recordings, or the ability to activate any connected camera or microphone,” the regulator explained.

The Team said some of the ways to forestall such an attack include avoiding clicking on suspicious links, using anti-

malware software on your devices, checking your app tray and removing any apps that you do not remember installing

or that are dormant, and embracing healthy password hygiene practices such as using a password manager.

Airtel, IFC sign $194 million facility to connect millions of Africans to fast internet

Airtel Africa Plc has announced the signing of a $194 million credit facility with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

A corporate disclosure seen by Nairametrics said the new financing facility aligns with Airtel Africa’s strategy to increase debt within its operating companies.

The facility has a tenor of eight years and will be used to support the telecom firm’s operations and investments in some of the African markets it operates. The markets are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Republic of Congo and Zambia.

Supports Airtel’s ESG: Commenting on the development, Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya, said the $194 million credit facility aligns with the company’s determination to meet its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments. He said:

VP Osinbajo says 120 million Nigerians now use telecom services

ABUBAKAR YUNUS,Abuja

Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that telecoms penetration in Nigeria is one of the deepest in any developing country.

According to the Vice President, close to 120 million Nigerians now use one telecom service or the other.

He stated this on Monday at a bilateral meeting in Vietnam, where he sought the collaboration of the Vietnamese government in the digital economy space.

During the meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, Võ Th Ánh Xuân, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, Osinbajo acknowledged both countries’ market potentials in digital economy, telecommunications, agriculture (especially cashew nut processing) and trade.

Opportunities for collaboration: According to a statement issued by the VP’s Spokesperson, Laolu Akande, Prof. Osinbajo spoke extensively about the immense

opportunities that exist and the need for both countries to collaborate.

He said:“There are vast opportunities that exist for cooperation and collaboration, especially in the area of digital economy and telecoms, and we look forward to the signing of some of the agreements that we have spoken about – the trade and investment agreements, trade projection agreements, double taxation agreements.

“We think that there are opportunities for collaboration between Nigeria and Vietnam, especially in the “Digital Economy space. We also have a growing telecoms market, possibly one of the deepest penetrations of telecoms in the developing world. We have close to 120 million of our citizens who have put to use telecom equipment or devices. And also, broadband connectivity is vastly improved. We hope that by 2025, we will have broadband connectivity for all of our over

200 million people.”

Osinbajo further noted that despite the COVID-19 disruptions and other events that have adversely affected the economy, Nigeria has been able to, over the past few years, build valuable companies that are engaged in fintech and e-commerce.

Prof. Osinbajo also called for collaborations between Nigeria and Vietnam towards boosting food security.

“Given the food crisis that the world faces today, and is likely to continue facing even in the coming years, I like to say that the way forward is for our countries to collaborate. For instance, establishing cashew processing plants in Nigeria. What has happened in the past was the export of raw cashew, but at this point, we are concerned about value addition. We will like to see value addition.”

While noting that Vietnam has significant advantages and experience in the area of cashew processing, he called

for the establishment of cashew processing in Nigeria, saying this would enable the country to add value to raw cashew and both countries would derive benefits from the value chain.

On her part, the Vietnamese Vice President commended Nigeria’s leadership role in the ECOWAS sub-region and Africa generally, especially in the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international laws, and in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capability to resolve challenges confronting the continent and sub-region and sought the country’s support for Vietnam’s quest to establish relations with ECOWAS.

She also spoke about the advance of digital transformation in Vietnam, and also stated the country’s commitment to the global energy transition, adding that her country would continue to work with Africa to meet its aspirations in agriculture, clean energy and digital penetration.

“I am very excited to announce the signing of this new facility with IFC. Not only does it align with our focus on improving our balance sheet through localising debt within our OpCos, but as we make progress on our sustainability journey it also supports our commitments and ability to meet strong ESG criteria. I look forward to working closely with IFC in the coming years as we explore further opportunities to support the economies and communities where we operate.”

The IFC’s Vice President for Africa, Sérgio Pimenta, also commented on the deal saying that the deal will help more people to connect to affordable highspeed internet. He said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made mobile connectivity even more urgent for both social and economic development. Helping more people connect to affordable and fast internet networks is a priority for IFC in Africa, especially in the continent’s lower-income countries. The partnership with Airtel Africa will help achieve this.”

Airtel Africa said it has committed to complying with the applicable requirements of IFC’s Performance Standards on Social and Environmental Sustainability and has put in place a dedicated Environmental and Social Action plan.

Danbatta

•Calls on Vietnam for collaborations in tech and agriculture

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Stock Watch: Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Symbol

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Low OPEN Volume Close High Symbol CHANGE Trades 0.11 0.21 0 0.21 0.21 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.43 0.43 0 0.43 0.43 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 1.05 2.05 261 2.05 2.05 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 124.80 184.80 0 184.80 184.80 MOBIL 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 970 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 3.50 3.50 0 3.50 3.50 NAHCO 0.00 0 18.00 18.00 0 18.00 18.00 NASCON 0.00 0 78.50 78.70 0 79.50 79.50 NB 0.80 0 0.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.78 NEIMETH 0.00 0 2.60 2.60 0 2.60 2.60 NEM 0.00 0 552.20 552.20 150 552.20 552.20 NESF 0.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 0 1,475.00 1,475.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 1.60 1.65 0 1.60 1.60 NPFMCRFBK -0.05 0 4.60 4.80 0 4.60 4.75 OANDO -0.20 0 80.00 76.20 0 80.00 80.00 OKOMUOIL 3.80 0 64.00 64.00 0 64.00 64.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 12.30 12.30 0 12.30 12.30 PZ 0.00 0 4.20 4.20 0 4.20 4.20 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.20 0.21 0 0.20 0.21 REGALINS -0.01 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 RESORTSAL 0.00 0 0.21 0.23 0 0.21 0.22 ROYALEX -0.02 0 640.00 640.00 405 640.00 640.00 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.21 0.21 SOVRENINS 0.01 0 46.50 46.00 0 46.50 46.50 STANBIC 0.50 0 102.00 102.00 122 102.00 102.00 STANBICETF30 0.00 0 1.97 1.96 0 1.97 1.97 STERLNBANK 0.01 0 203.00 203.00 0 203.00 203.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 6.10 6.10 632 6.10 6.10 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.15 1.21 0 1.16 1.18 TRANSCORP -0.05 0 9.60 9.60 0 9.60 9.60 UACN 0.00 0 1.74 1.92 0 1.74 1.74 UAC-PROP -0.18 0 7.60 7.80 0 7.90 7.95 UBA 0.10 0 6.00 6.05 0 6.00 6.05 UBN -0.05 0 2.89 2.94 0 2.89 2.91 UCAP -0.05 0 36.30 37.00 0 36.30 36.30 UNILEVER -0.70 0 0.27 0.27 0 0.27 0.27 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 1.00 0.99 0 1.00 1.00 UNITYBNK 0.01 0 2.04 1.97

0.72 0.72

0.00

0.52 0.49 0 0.52 0.52 LIVESTOCK 0.03

1.83 1.83 0 1.83 1.83 MANSARD 0.00

2.45 2.45 0 2.45 2.45 MAYBAKER 0.00

METRO

Abuja Masterplan: FCT Minister suspends site development at Katampe Extension

By Stanley Onyekwere

To mitigate alleged distortion of Abuja Masterplan, the FCT Administration has ordered for the immediate suspension of all site clearance, engineering works and other activities in Katampe Extension area of Abuja, the Federal Capital City (FCC).

This, followed a strong directive by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello issued yesterday, in the wake of a purported proliferation of illegal quarry activities and estate development, allegedly causing serious environmental

challenges in the area, which is against the principle guiding the development of the city.

Making this disclosure during a routine monitoring exercise, the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Umar Shuaibu noted preliminary inspection revealed that all the ongoing development in the area were illegal, as no approval had been given to anybody to commence development there.

Shuaibu warned that anyone that is caught while carrying out earth works and other nefarious activities, will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

The AMMC boss, who was accompanied by the representative of all the relevant departments and agencies in the development of the city, including the Police that provided security cover to the officials at the site, said the activities are going to be subjected to scrutiny by the relevant professionals.

“The FCT Minister has directed that all development in that area must be suspended henceforth. He also directed all matters relating to quarry activity should be channeled to the newly established Department of Solid mineral and allied matters, which

is the regulatory authority.

“So, from now, we have stopped whatever activity that is taking place here for any type of development, as whatever development that is going on here is illegal, because we have not given approval to anybody to commence development here.

“And that is why we are having environmental challenges. People are blasting rocks here, thereby endangering the houses around, so there is no way we can allow it to continue.

“Whatever development that involves rock blasting, must go through the Solid mineral and

Allied matters Department, which is created to take care of that now.

“ And anybody that is blasting rocks and clearing land here is doing so illegally, and anyone that is caught in the act will be arrested”, he stressed.

However, three persons caught supervising ongoing earthworks at three sites for the development of estates in area, were apprehended and taken to the facility of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in Area 3, for further question on their involvement in the menace.

L-R: The President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Solomon Adodo, Executive Director, Initiatives for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria (ILEWN), Comrade Splendor Agbonkpolor and the Director General, Oyo State Liaison office, Abuja / Lago’s, Hon. Wale Ajani, during roundtable on Economic diversification 2022, Organise by ILEWN, yesterday in Abuja.

FCDA distances self from alleged move to reclaim Embassy plots

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has distanced itself from a publication accredited to the Executive Secretary on revoking and reclaiming some Embassy plots in Abuja.

FCDA, in a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations, Richard Nduul, yesterday, which was made available to PeoplesDaily, stated that at no time had it announced that it reclaimed plots belonging to any embassy in Nigeria.

Making clarification on comments made by the FCDA Executive Secretary during its end of year press briefing on the activities of the organisation held on Wednesday November, 23, 2022,

the Agency insisted that he never stated that it reclaimed the Ghana, Malaysia or Thailand embassies.

The statement reads, “the attention of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been drawn to a Punch Newspaper report in its edition of Monday December 5th, 2022 with the above caption and attributing the statement to the Executive Secretary, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad.

“What happened was that during the question and answer session at the end of the Executive Secretary’s presentation, a question was asked about the challenges with some diplomatic plots and whether the issue has been resolved.”

It explained that part of the reasons for developing Guzape layout is to handle

some of these Diplomatic plots that had to be consumed by infrastructure development.

It however then quoted the FCDA boss as saying, “Actually, really some Diplomatic plots were affected by the RR1/Goodluck Jonathan way interchange around the stadium. You know when you have an issue with an embassy; it is like you are having an issue with the government of that nation and everything that must be avoided must be done to see that it is avoided. It is not just about getting a plot and saying go there.

“When you are inside an Embassy, you are completely outside Nigeria. We have gotten replacement plots and the affected embassies have indicated

readiness to accept”.

While acknowledging that there are challenges with some of the embassy plots, the statement emphatically stated that, “it can therefore be seen from the above response that while it is true that the Executive Secretary acknowledged that we actually do have challenges with some embassy plots at the Ring Road 1 by the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX)/Goodluck Jonathan way around the stadium, and that efforts are being made to address the affected cases, he never listed the name of any embassy.

“This is the true and correct representation of what happened during the Executive Secretary’s Media Briefing and it is hoped that the submission of this facts will also put the matter to rest”.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

world news

Conservative peer Michelle Mone to take leave of absence from Lords

Tory peer Michelle Mone is to request a leave of absence from the Lords “to clear her name”, amid allegations she benefitted from a company she recommended for a Covid contract.

It means she would not attend sittings of the House, vote on any proceedings or be able to claim any allowance.

Baroness Mone has been linked to PPE Medpro, which won government contracts during the pandemic.

Her spokesman said the allegations had been “unjustly levelled against her”.

It was Baroness Mone’s decision to seek a leave of absence, her spokesman added.

Her request could be rejected by the Lords authorities - but if it is approved she does not have to register any changes to her financial interests.

A House of Lords spokesman said a decision would be made once a formal request had been received.

Baroness Mone, who joined the House of Lords in 2015, has not taken part in a vote since April this year and has not spoken in a debate since March 2020.

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was “too weak” to remove the whip from Baroness Mone - which would mean she was expelled from the parliamentary party - and had left her “to finally read the writing on the wall”.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper also called for Mr Sunak to suspend the whip from Baroness Mone, adding: “This is more proof if any were needed that Sunak’s pledge of integrity has been reduced to dust.”

Downing Street would not comment on Baroness Mone’s decision because of an ongoing mediation process between PPE

Medpro and the Department of Health.

A No 10 spokesman said it was a matter for the whips whether she should be expelled from the parliamentary Conservative party.

Between May and June 2020, PPE Medpro was awarded two government contracts worth £203m to supply masks and medical gowns.

Unusually, the company was only a few weeks old when it signed the first of these agreements.

In December 2020, BBC News reported that millions of medical gowns the firm supplied, worth £122m, had never been used.

PPE Medpro said at the time that it had delivered 100% of the contract to the terms specified and that it had supplied equipment “fully in accordance with the agreed contract, which included clear terms as to technical specification and performance criteria of the products”.

Glasgow-born businesswoman Baroness Mone is being investigated by the Lords commissioner for standards over her “alleged involvement” in procuring contracts for the company.

However, the commissioner says he is unable to finalise or publish his report because “the matter is under investigation by the police or another agency as part of a criminal investigation”.

Properties linked to the company were searched by the National Crime Agency earlier this year.

Emails released under Freedom of Information laws show Baroness Mone referring the company to a government minister during the pandemic.

Last month, Labour accused the government of a “total failure of due diligence” and a “conflict of interest” in awarding the contracts to PPE Medpro.

It was responding to an

investigation in the Guardian based on leaked documents that alleged Baroness Mone had financially benefited from the company.

Ms Rayner told MPs it appeared “tens of millions of pounds” from the money awarded to the company “ended up in offshore accounts connected to the individuals involved”.

Asked in December 2020 about reports she was linked to the company, Baroness Mone’s lawyers told BBC News she “had no role or function in PPE Medpro, nor in the process by which contracts were awarded to PPE Medpro”.

It comes as Labour is trying to force ministers to release correspondence, documents and advice relating to government contracts awarded to PPE Medpro.

The party will present a motion

calling for the documents to be published in a Commons debate later.

If the motion passes, the government would have to publish the documents, although they may argue they can be redacted for legal reasons or because of commercial sensitivity.

Conservative MPs are expected to abstain from the vote, which would allow the motion to pass.

Ms Rayner said ministers “must now set out clear timelines on when, where, and how this information will be released”.

The Department of Health said: “Due diligence was carried out on all companies that were referred to the department and every company was subjected to the same checks.

“We acted swiftly to procure PPE [personal protective equipment]

at the height of the pandemic, competing in an overheated global market where demand massively outstripped supply.”

The department is currently in mediation with PPE Medpro over what it has described as an “underperforming contract” and said it was unable to comment on specifics.

Separately, Matt Hancock has accused Baroness Mone of being aggressive and threatening when trying to secure another government contract for Covid tests.

In his book, Pandemic Diaries, Mr Hancock claimed she had demanded “urgent help” to secure contracts in an email in June 2021, when he was health secretary.

Mr Hancock has not named the firm but the Daily Mail reported it was not PPE Medpro.

Onshore wind rules to be relaxed after Tory revolt

The government has pledged to relax restrictions on building onshore wind farms in England after a threatened rebellion from Conservative MPs.

A rule requiring new turbines to be built on pre-designated land will be rewritten, the levelling up department said.

Around 30 backbenchers had threatened to make the change through a planning bill going through Parliament.

New wind farms would still be subject to local approval.

The precise method of measuring local opinion will be part of a wider consultation which will conclude by next April.

The concession comes after the government agreed to water down housing targets on Monday, to put down a separate rebellion from Tory MPs.

The rebellions had prompted the government to delay the progress of its Levelling Up Bill

through Parliament.

Former minister Simon Clarke, who led the rebellion on wind farms, said the concessions offered by the government were a “really sensible package”.

He added that it would ensure decisions on new projects are made locally “rather than have Whitehall rule it out”.

Labour’s shadow levelling up secretary Lisa Nandy, said ministers had been “forced into this position because they’re too weak to stand up to another backbench rebellion”.

She said her party would “need to see the detail” - but warned against a possible “fudge that leaves in place a very restrictive system for onshore wind”.

She added that Labour’s own plan, under which the approvals process would be aligned with other energy infrastructure, would lead to a doubling of capacity.

Source: BBC

Michelle Mone became a peer in 2015

Image source, Getty Images

Cyril Ramaphosa: How Arthur Fraser landed South Africa’s president in trouble

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is fighting back after being politically wounded by allegations that he stashed a huge sum of foreign currency in a sofa on his game farm, and then covered up its theft.

He has rallied his governing African National Congress (ANC) to back him in parliament, while his high-powered legal team is seeking to annul the damning findings against him by a panel of legal experts in the biggest scandal to rock his presidency.

Mr Ramaphosa’s accuser is former spy chief Arthur Fraser, whose allegations against the president appear to be straight out of a John le Carré novel - except that they are contained in statements he made to law-enforcement agencies, and have been included in the panel’s report, which parliament is set to debate next week.

Mr Fraser alleged that a close aide of Mr Ramaphosa, Bejani Chauke, brought “large sums” of US dollars from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Equatorial Guinea, and, adding to the intrigue, he alleged that the aide hid the money in a couch at his home in a plush suburb in South Africa’s main city Johannesburg, before taking the cash to Mr Ramaphosa’s game farm with his “full knowledge and acquiescence”.

But in a nightmare for the president, robbers, allegedly working in cahoots with one of his employees, stole what is “speculated” to be somewhere between $4m (£3.3m) and $8m.

That is small change compared to the spymaster’s other allegationthat a whopping $20m was “moved” to a South African citizen, whom he named, after he asked police to investigate the president.

While some would dismiss Mr Fraser’s claims as nothing more than a good bed-time read, they have given Mr Ramaphosa a huge political and legal headache, as about eight bodies - including the central bank - became involved in investigations.

Mr Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing, and the panel - led

by a former chief justice - said it could not “verify” the allegations, while “the President has rightly criticised the evidence contained in Mr Fraser’s statements as full of hearsay”.

Mr Chauke had also denied the allegations.

What Mr Ramaphosa did admit was that $580,000 had been stolen from his farm in February 2020.

While Mr Fraser alleged that this was part of the cash previously stashed in Johannesburg, the president gave a completely different version of events - that his lodge manager had sold 20 buffaloes to a Sudanese businessman on Christmas Day 2019, and this was the money stolen.

But in a blow to Mr Ramaphosa, the panel said there was “substantial doubt” that this sale took place, noting that neither the lodge manager nor the Sudanese national had confirmed this is what happened.

“We think that the President has a case to answer on the origin of the foreign currency that was stolen, as well as the underlying transaction for it,” the panel added.

It also questioned whether only $580,000 was stolen, saying the information at its disposal suggested that an apprehended suspect had confessed to stealing $800,000, while an investigator, in an audio clip, mentioned an amount of “20 million”.

“Whether the investigator was referring to US$ or ZAR [South African rand] this amount is far more than $580,000 that was alleged to have been hidden inside the sofa [at the president’s farm],” the panel said.

The panel said that in another “troubling feature”, the theft was neither reported to local police as an “ordinary crime” nor to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the police unit responsible for stamping out money-laundering and organised crime in South Africa.

The panel said this was despite the fact that, in its view, the president, as the farm’s owner, was required by the Prevention and

Combating of Corrupt Activities Act to report it to the DPCI.

It believed there were grounds for an impeachment committee of parliament to investigate whether or not Mr Ramaphosa had committed a “serious” violation of the Act, which, the panel noted, imposes a fine or a prison sentence on anyone who fails to report a theft of more than 100,000 rand that they become aware of.

“A person who keeps huge sums of illicit money concealed at his or her house is unlikely to report the theft of such money for fear of being discovered that he or she is involved in money laundering,” the panel said.

“For this reason, the legislature considered it prudent to require any person who has knowledge of the commission of the offence of theft to report it,” the panel added.

The panel also concluded that the head of Mr Ramaphosa’s bodyguard unit, Gen Wally Rhoode, put together a team that “surreptitiously” investigated the theft, tracking down suspects in Cape Town and across the border in

Namibia.

Despite this, no-one has been prosecuted or convicted of the theft, the panel’s report said, adding: “All of this occurs amid accusations of torture and bribery of the suspects to buy their silence.”

The panel also said that the information before it suggested that Mr Ramaphosa had sought the help of his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob to apprehend a suspect, and Gen Rhoode had travelled to Namibia as part of the investigation.

The panel said it had noted that Mr Geingob’s office issued a press statement earlier this year denying any wrongdoing on the Namibian leader’s part, but “significantly” it did not deny that President Ramaphosa had approached him.

“Nor does it deny that the request was acceded to,” the panel added.

In another damaging blow to Mr Ramaphosa, the panel went on to say that the South African leader “abused his position as Head of State to have the matter investigated and seeking the assistance of the Namibian President to apprehend a

suspect”.

As if that was not enough, the panel said it appeared that Mr Ramaphosa had “thrust himself into a situation where there was a conflict of interest between his official responsibilities as the Head of State and as businessperson involved in cattle and game farming” and he had “acted in a manner that was inconsistent with his office”.

As a result, the panel felt there were sufficient grounds for parliament to establish an impeachment committee - which would have the power to subpoena witnesses, and documents - to carry out further investigations, before deciding whether or not the president should be removed from office for endangering “our constitution and the rule of law”.

“The authority to impeach is deeply rooted in the principle of accountability,” it said.

However, Mr Ramaphosa has challenged the panel’s report in South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, with his lawyers describing it as “unlawful” and saying it should be annulled.

Tanzania to spend cash on schools instead of independence day

Some $445,000 (£364,000) had been set aside for Friday’s 61st independence day festivities, but that will now be spent on improving schools.

President Samia Suluhu said the dormitories will be built in eight rural special needs schools to help many leaners, some of them who walk daily between 5km and 10km (3-5 miles), to attend classes.

The government said the move was aimed at improving the learning environment for children with special needs.

Ethiopia sends troops to troubled Oromia region

Ethiopia has redeployed federal troops to quell violence in the populous Oromia region

which has been stricken by repetitive attacks by armed groups.

Amhara militants have been blamed for the latest attacks that have left dozens dead and thousands displaced in Anger Gute and Kiramu border towns in East Wollega zone bordering Amhara region.

However, the Amhara community who are minority in the area, blame a group affiliated with the Oromo OLA rebels for the deadly attacks.

Among the dead in Kiramu are a local judge and members of a regional police force.

“There has been an improvement since federal forces entered Anger Gute town,’’ a local official told the BBC.

Local authorities say there is an urgent need for humanitarian aid as haphazard roadblocks put up by armed groups have hampered

movement in the region.

Residents have been telling harrowing stories about the atrocities blaming the government for failing to protect them.

A yet to be authenticated graphic video showing two decapitated heads of alleged rebels went viral online sparking protests in Oromia on Tuesday.

The state-funded Ethiopia’s Human Rights Commission says it is investigating the atrocities committed in the region.

The national government have not commented on the attacks which have been condemned by opposition groups.

Violence in Oromia, the home region of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has been overshadowed in the last two years by the war in Tigray.

Concern over renewed fighting in region of South Sudan

The South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), an umbrella group of 10 opposition political parties, has urged the government to urgently intervene and defuse the ongoing hostilities in the northern oilproducing Upper Nile state.

International ceasefire monitors based in the country, who are assessing the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement, reported on Tuesday that there was “renewed fighting” between the national army and the opposition forces in Maiwut area.

The Ceasefire Transitional

Security Arrangements

Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) also said there was renewed fighting reported in Fashoda area.

It did not provide details regarding casualties, but said “it was concerned that these incidents might pose a real threat to the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement”.

Local media reported that countless numbers were killed in the Fashoda clashes.

Brig-Gen Samuel Chan Mut, a senior representative of SSOA said, he feared that renewed fighting between the parties that are signatories to the revitalised peace agreement would impose “immense humanitarian challenges” and displacement of civilians.

Source: BBC

Indonesia passes criminal code banning sex outside marriage

Indonesia’s parliament has approved a new criminal code that bans anyone in the country from having extramarital sex and restricts political freedoms.

Sex outside marriage will carry a jail term of up to a year under the new laws, which take effect in three years.

The raft of changes come after a rise in religious conservatism in the Muslim-majority country.

Critics see the laws as a “disaster” for human rights, and a potential blow to tourism and investment.

Several groups of mainly young people protested against the legislation outside parliament in Jakarta this week. It is expected the new laws will be challenged in court.

They apply equally to locals and to foreigners living in Indonesia, or visiting holiday destinations such as Bali. Under the laws, unmarried couples caught having sex can be jailed for up to a year.

They are also banned from living together - an act for which people could be jailed for up to six months. Adultery will also be an offence for which people can be jailed.

Sex before marriage was already banned prior to the approval of this new criminal code, but the law was often not enforced.

The old law defined adultery as sex between a married man and someone who was not his wife, while the new law bans all sex outside of marriage, including between unmarried couples. The sentencing for those caught has also been increased from nine months to a year.

Supporters of the new legislation say changes were made to accommodate concerns of critics - for prosecutions to start

a complaint must be filed by the children, parents or spouse of the accused couple.

Ajeng, a 28-year-old Muslim woman living in the West Java city of Depok, said she was now at risk for living with her partner for the past five years.

“With the new law, both of us can go to jail if one of the family decides to make a police report,” she told the BBC.

“What if there’s one family member who has a problem with me and decides to send me to jail?

“I think living together or having sex outside of marriage is not a crime. In my religion, it’s considered a sin. But I don’t think the criminal code should be based on a certain religion.”

She said she had joined the nationwide protests in 2019 when the law had first been broached. She took the sign: “For the right to cuddle, I took to the streets.”

However on Tuesday, parliament unanimously approved the new code of over 600 articles.

Rights groups say the new provisions disproportionately affect women, LGBT people and ethnic minorities.

Many businesses had also been opposed to the legislation, saying it discouraged visitors and investment. But lawmakers have celebrated overhauling laws dating back to Dutch colonial rule.

“It is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind,” law minister Yasonna Laoly told parliament.

The new legislation contains scores of new clauses criminalising immorality and blasphemy and restricting political and religious expression.

Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director Elaine Pearson told

the BBC it was a “huge setback for a country that has tried to portray itself as a modern Muslim democracy”.

The group’s Jakarta-based researcher, Andreas Harsano, said there were millions of couples in Indonesia without marriage certificates “especially among Indigenous peoples or Muslims in rural areas” who had married in specific religious ceremonies.

“These people will be theoretically breaking the law as living together could be punished up to six months in prison,” he told the BBC.

He added that research from Gulf states, where there are similar laws governing sex and relationships, showed women were punished and targeted by such morality laws more than men.

There are now also six

blasphemy laws in the code, including apostasy - renouncing a religion. For the first time since its independence, Indonesia will make it illegal to persuade someone to be a non-believer.

New defamation articles also make it illegal for people to insult the president or criticise state ideology.

However legislators said they had added defences for free speech and protests made in the “public interest”.

Indonesia is not a secular state. Atheism is unacceptable - technically you need to follow one of six prescribed religions. So it is a multi-religious state with an official ideology, Pancasila, which prioritises no faith over any other. That was Indonesia’s postindependence leader Sukarno’s idea, to discourage large parts of the archipelago where Muslims

are not a majority from breaking away.

But since the fall of his successor Suharto - who ruthlessly suppressed political Islamic groups - there has been growing mobilisation around Islamic values, the sense that Islam is threatened by outside influences and more conservatism in many areas of the island of Java, where more than half of Indonesians live. Political parties have responded to this and demanded tougher laws to police morals.

Current leader Joko Widodo is from the syncretic Javanese tradition that adheres to a more flexible form of Islam, but his main preoccupation is his legacy of economic development rather than tolerance and liberal values. He has shown, for example in the jailing of former Jakarta governor Ahok on blasphemy charges,

Iran protests: Ex-president Khatami says rulers must heed protesters’ demands

Aprotester wears a T-shirt saying “We will fight. We will die. We will take back Iran” at a protest in Karaj on 3 November

A former Iranian president has made rare public comments praising antigovernment protesters and urging the authorities to heed their demands “before it is too late”.

Mohammad Khatami, 79, said the “beautiful slogan” of “woman, life, freedom” showed Iranian society was moving towards a better future.

He also criticised arrests of students in the security forces’ crackdown.

The comments came in a statement to mark Student Day on Wednesday.

Students have been at the forefront of the unrest that began in mid-September following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab, or headscarf,

“improperly”.

The women-led protests have spread to more than 150 cities and 140 universities in all 31 of the country’s provinces and are seen as one of the most serious challenges to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution.

Iran’s leadership, including hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, has portrayed them as “riots” instigated by the country’s foreign enemies and ordered security forces to “deal decisively” with them.

So far, at least 473 protesters have been killed and 18,215 have been detained, including 586 students, according to the Human Rights Activists’ News Agency (HRANA). It has also reported the deaths of 61 security personnel.

Mr Khatami, a reformist who served two terms as president between 1997 and 2005, praised in his statement what he called the “perhaps unprecedented” involvement of students and professors

in the protests and criticised the punishments and restrictions they had faced as a result.

“It should not be allowed that freedom and security are placed in opposition to one another, and that as a result freedom is trampled under the pretext of maintaining security, or that security... is ignored in the name of freedom,” he said.

Addressing Mr Raisi’s government directly, he said: “I advise officials to appreciate this presence and, instead of dealing with it unjustly, extend a helping hand to them and, with their help, recognise the wrong aspects of governance and move towards good governance before it is too late.”

In a separate development, Iran’s judiciary said that five protesters had been sentenced to death after being convicted of “corruption of Earth”.

The unnamed defendants were accused of killing a member of the

paramilitary Basij Resistance Force in Karaj, west of Tehran, on 3 November during demonstrations marking the 40th day of mourning for Hadis Najafi, a young woman who has become a symbol of the anti-government unrest.

Eleven other defendants, including three children, were handed lengthy prison terms for “their role in the riots”, according to the judiciary.

“These people are sentenced after unfair processes and without due process,” Iran Human Rights director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam told AFP news agency. “The aim is to spread fear and make people stop protesting.”

Tuesday’s announcement means a total of 11 people have been sentenced to death in connection with the protests. The judiciary chief said on Monday that “some” of the sentences had been upheld and would be carried out “soon”.

Source: BBC

There were protests against the new code on Monday

Road intervention in tertiary institutions critical investment -Fashola

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola said the intervention in the internal roads of tertiary institutions across the country by the federal government is a critical investment in education.

This was contained in statement issued and issued by Director (Press and Public Relations), Blessing Lere-Adams.

The Minister stated this, yesterday during the official handing over of completed rehabilitation and construction of 1.175 kilometers road and drainages in the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, Gombe State.

Fashola represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Gombe State, Engineer Salihu Jibrin.

Fashola described the intervention as a critical support to education.

Speaking on the need to bridge infrastructure gap in tertiary institutions, he explained that “ We have successfully intervened in 64 internal Road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 83 “

While acknowledging that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of national life, including education.

Fashola pointed out that, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has stepped up in leading the process of getting the work done.

“The intervention has contributed immensely to increased in job creation initiative of the FG, revealing that 60 people had been employed during the road construction in the College”.

In his remarks, the College Provost, Dr Ali Boderi described the roads intervention in the College as timely as before now, some facilities already being threatened by gully erosion had now been reclaimed

Dr Adamu said “ Roads intervention in the College was timely and has tremendously assisted in reclaiming many of our facilities that were hitherto threatened by potholes and gully erosion, it has also brought relief to the entire College community as well as vehicular movement in the College”

The Provost appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola for the roads intervention in his school, praying that the College should also be considered as a beneficiary when similar intervetion is conceived in future.

In an interview, Dr. Nasiru Bello, a Principal Lecturer, Department of Education said that, before the intervention, the condition of the roads was extremely bad to the extent that some departments in the college were disconnected.

“ Some parts of the college were cutoff totally before this intervention, like the new school of science complex to staff quarters down to the college library” he said

Accordingly he said that, air pollution and visual distraction from pollution was everywhere in the college environment and had significance effect on the health of students before the intervention.

“ Now that crack pavement, potholes, uneven surface and collapse shoulders on the roads were newly constructed the benefits of this roads intervention to the learning environment in this college are unquantifiable” Dr Bello said

He further explained that such roads

construction in academic environments has reduced transportation time of goods and resources for effective teaching and learning and this also has a positive correlation with student’s enrollment, academic performance, health and safety in the college.

Dr Bello commended the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for witnessing this great deal of commitments to education, saying that the government realized that tertiary institutions in the country are reservoirs of agents of national development.

President of Students Union Government

(SUG), Comadrade Sahabi Alhassan, a Student of Computer Science Education described the situation in the College as devastating before the intervention.

He said “ We found it difficult to move around the school more especially in the night and during rainy season due to the effect of erosion within the school environment and fears of reptiles more especially snakes. Going to lectures, reading in the night is boring those days honestly”

Accordingly he stated that the roads intervention has helped a lot in opening the school environment and easying movement

within by allowing access to so many places that can’t be reached before because of erosion.

“ There is no more fear of such reptiles now. Our security has improved tremendously. Security as we all know is one of the major issue required by students on campus, but today the story is that security is now efficient and guaranteed “ he added

The SUG President thanked the College Provost for his determination in ensuring that the project was executed in the College, and also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for the job well done.

Road construction is life impacts asset -Fashola

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said that road construction is a life impacting asset that should not be toyed with.

He made the clarification at the celebration of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) 20th Anniversary held recently.

Fashola said the moment any road is opened for motorists to use that is when the life span and asset value of that road begins to go down which already is calling for maintenance.

“So from the day when you start to drive on the road, the asset value of that road begins to go down and therefore you are already generating a maintenance need and this is perhaps the way it should be and this takes us to the larger issue of the need for maintenance in the construction industry,” he said.

Fashola noted that engineers in road construction have a lot to do after each road construction and commissioning for motorists.

He said they need to teach people all the necessary things they need to know about road construction starting from how roads are built to the dos and don’ts that perhaps bring the biggest step of maintenance to the fore.

“Engineers have a lot of work to do. Teaching people how roads are built, and what roads do not like. In order for the teaching to stay long with people, the teaching must not be done with technical language.

There are engineers in almost every community in Nigeria, if people understand the do’s and don’ts of roads that perhaps is the biggest step towards the maintenance, which has started because roads are depreciating assets,” he said.

The Minister reaffirms that maintenance and operation create high number and lasting jobs for citizens and that is why President

Muhammadu Buhari appropriately signed Executive Order No 11 which states that maintenance is not a culture but an economy that we must appropriately nurture because of its bountiful nature.

“The experts will tell you that after design and construction all of which employ less than 40% of the work force, it is maintenance and operation that create the longest lasting jobs and employ the longest and largest number of people and this is why President Buhari has appropriately signed Executive Order No. 11, the Maintenance Order, saying to all of us that maintenance is not a culture, it is one that we must appropriately nurture because it is bountiful,” he said.

Fashola announced the institutionalization of facility maintenance in the system saying that it creates a lot of opportunities to the general populace both direct and indirect, creates long term jobs, a large supply value chain of small businesses, engaging the artisans and sustaining the larger economy. He added that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is undertaking maintenance in 24 Federal Secretariat complexes across the country with a facility manager assigned to each and at least 40 persons are employed which is expanding the implementation of the Executive Order No.11.

He added that very soon the importance of maintaining assets in turn will automatically reach every part of the country.

The Minister reiterated that road is a life impacting asset, a total economic package that many people’s lives and livelihood depend upon. He added that there is large economic dependence on the movement of millions of people on the highways at different points and parks on the highways.

Fashola congratulated FERMA on their 20th anniversary celebration and all the

invited guests for rejoicing with them. He admonished FERMA to keep the ball rolling and encouraged them to start advocacy work to compliment all their efforts and what the ministry is doing also.

During his welcome address, the Chairman Governing Board of FERMA, Babatunde Lemo,thanked the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for being extremely helpful and supportive to them. He appreciated the efforts of the former governing board of FERMA saying it is the foundation they laid that is keeping them moving. He welcomed all the guests and wished them all the best.

While delivering his keynote address, the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Nurudeen Rafindadi, presented a Book titled “FERMA @ 20, the Journey so far, challenges and way forward,” and thanked the Minister of Works and Housing and the Ministry as a whole for giving them the freedom to operate and being with them in all they do.

Speaking at the event the Minister of State Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim EL-Yakubu said: “Congratulations FERMA on your 20th anniversary and to all those who have supported your journey towards changing the future of our road network.”

Commenting also was the Chairman Senate Committee on FERMA, Sen. Gershom Bassey,who urged FERMA to achieve zero portholes on the nation’s highways and advocated for minimum of two options of traveling for travellers. You either go by road or by air not zeroing everyone to fly because the roads are bad.

In a goodwill message the Chairman House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Femi Bamisile, requested that FERMA should install weigh bridges on our roads to check axle loads and apportion appropriate sanctions on defaulters.

Representative of Hon Minister of Works & Housing, Engr Salihu Jibrin, the Federal Controller of Works Gombe State supported by the Provost College of Education Technical Gombe,vDr Ali Adamu Bolori at the handing over of 1.175km internal road in FCE (Tech) Gombe, yesterday.

Red Sea soul: Revolutionary cries for recognition in Sudan

In our series of letters from African journalists, Sudanese writer Zeinab Mohammed Salih samples some rhythms with a political agenda from Sudan’s Red Sea state.

Noureddine Atta Al-Mawla Jabar’s new album, Beja Power!, has been dubbed a soundtrack of Sudan’s recent revolution.

But the musician, better known by his stage name Noori, does not want his electrifying sound just to be a matter of historical record of the time in 2019 when long-time President Omar al-Bashir was ousted after mass protests.

For him the international release of the album by New York-based Ostinato Records is a continuation of his Muslim nomadic community’s resistance against successive regimes in Sudan.

The Beja people come from eastern Sudan, living between the mountains and the Red Sea coast, an area which is rich in gold and other resources but with little to show for it.

“Through music, I’d like to reflect my culture and to let people know about us and about our plight,” the 47-year-old told me as he sat on the west bank of the River Nile in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital.

As he spoke, he clutched what many see as the secret of his success - his electric “tambo-guitar”.

It is a hybrid instrument - his invention - combining the neck of an guitar with a traditional four-stringed tambour.

Noori started his musical career in Port Sudan, the capital of Red Sea state, at the age of 18 in the early years of Bashir’s rule.

It was a time when the Beja people felt neglected - and like many other communities in the country - squashed by the Islamist government.

Its attitude was summed up by Bashir after the secession of the mainly Christian and animist area of South Sudan in 2011.

He told a rally that without the south, Sudan could now be a country with one identity - Arab - and one religion - Islam.

‘Non-Arab music banned’

During Bashir’s nearly three-decade rule, the Beja’s language - Bidhaawyeetand their culture were repressed.

“In the past we didn’t have access to the platforms that are now available to perform, only Arabic music was allowed,” explains Noori.

“We were told that we don’t want music and songs in non-Arabic language. At some of the festivals, they used to tell us that our language wasn’t understandable.”

The Red Sea region, like elsewhere in Sudan, has had some armed opposition

groups - and there have also been deadly clashes with communities living in Kassala state to the south, violence some suspect of being orchestrated to stop a united opposition.

“I also play a role in stopping the tribal conflict that’s been going on in eastern Sudan, by playing my music,” said Noori.

The main point of contention for Beja community leaders is that they want a say over how their state is run - something, they say, the short-lived post-Bashir transitional government ignored as did the junta that took power just over a year ago.

Before the coup, the Beja began organising crippling protests at the busy port in Port Sudan, from where the country’s oil is exported, to drive home their demands.

They are also angry about a plan to build a new port, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 200km (125 miles) north of Port Sudan which would see Beja people moved from their land.

In November, Beja community leaders said they had lost patience with Khartoum over negotiations on the future of their region and announced they were setting up their own provincial government.

Noori, who wants to promote understanding, formed his band, Dorpa - meaning “mountains”, in 2006 with

“ We were told that we don’t want music and songs in non-Arabic language. At some of the festivals, they used to tell us that our language wasn’t understandable.” The Red Sea region, like elsewhere in Sudan, has had some armed opposition groupsand there have also been deadly clashes with communities living in Kassala state to the south

other musicians from marginalised communities.

One is conga player Mohammed Bilal from the non-Arab Angsana community in the Blue Nile state, who understands Noori’s passion.

“People don’t know much about the

Beja people with their long history,” the drummer said.

“I believe what we are doing now will let them know, will bring some light to them… their area is just so poor despite being rich in its resources.”

Source: BBC

Nori and his Dorpa band now have the freedom to perform in Bidhaawyeet

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Mailantariki FC build four standard football pitches ahead of 2022/23 NNL football season

By Albert Akota

The Owner of Mailantariki FC, Ahmed Mailantarki has said that the club have built four standard pitches to intensity preparation ahead of the 2022/2023 Nigeria’s second tier football league.

Speaking with sports journalists in Abuja, Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki said the Nigerian National League is a business that requires serious attention in order to achieve goals and objectives of the club.

Mailantariki noted that, the management is not leaving stone unturned in building sports infrastructure, sports complex that’ll be second to non in Abuja and beyond.

The erstwhile federal lawmaker also hinted that the sports complex has four standard football field with a hostel and a hospita.

“We’re getting ready for the NNL with my team promoted to play this season.”

“We are ready, that’s why we’re putting up a structure, a very big complex that’ll be second to non in Abuja”

“it’s a four standard football field with hostel and hospital, it’s the way to engage the youths and support them,”

When asked why the club is currently based in Abuja instead of Gombe State, he said, they’re resident in Abuja for some political considerations, which is not giving him the enabling environment to thrive, I belongs to an opposition party in the state.

“The team started in Gombe, I’m from opposition party, I’m not getting the enabling environment to play the professional league in Gombe State, some people thought it’s political”

“People are intimidated because the youths and everyone is gathering for mailantariki, that’s why we moved the club to Abuja to play in the NNL,” He reaffirmed.

Okonofua wins 2022 CBN gov’s golf cup in Abuja

Isaiah Okonofua has emerged overall winner of the 2022 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor’s Golf Cup in Abuja.

The annual golf competition staged inside the IBB International Golf and Country Club, witnessed 160 participants.

Okonofua, playing off handicap 14 with a gross score of 81 and a net of 67, finished as the overall winner of the cup competition.

Mohammed Suleiman playing off handicap 4 with a net of 79 emerged as men’s gross winner

He was closely followed by Julius Fadairo who played with a handicap of 7 to finish as first runner-up with a net of 85.

V.O Adedipe won the men’s division 1 (handicap 0-10) category after playing from the

Pele:

9 handicap with 81 gross and an impressive 72 net.

S.O. Sanya finished as first runner-up in the category playing off handicap 6 with 81 gross and 75 net.

In the CBN Staff category, R. Uje-Eje, playing off handicap 30 with a gross score of 90 and net 69 emerged winner.

K. Uwokike settled for the runner up position having played off handicap 24 with a gross score of 100 and net of 76.

There were also prices for best veteran ladies, veteran men, CBN retired staff, CBN guest, CBN staff among others. K. Uwokike settled for the runner up position having played off handicap 24 with a gross score of 100 and net of 76.

There were also prices for best veteran ladies, veteran men, CBN retired staff, CBN guest, CBN staff among others.

Brazil great’s condition ‘improving’ in hospital, say doctors

Ahmed Mailantarki

CBN governor Godwin Omefele

National Sports Festival: Bayelsa, Delta, FCT Win Gold Medals In Weightlifting Events After Day 1

By Amaechi Agbo

Bayelsa, Delta States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT are showing their dominance as the two states won three gold medals each and FCT won two hola medals in weightlifting events at the ongoing 2022 National Sports Festival, NSF, in Asaba, Delta Stat, on Monday.

Appah Emmanuel of Bayelsa State collected all the three gold medals in Snatch, Clean&Jerk and Total in 61kg men category.

He had 110kg in Snatch, 140kg in Clean

&Jerk and 250kg in Total to cart away the gold medals.

Tuesday Emmanuel of Lagos State won three silver after lifting 105kg, 132kg and 237kg in Snatch, Clean&Jerk and Total. Michael Stephen of Plateau State won bronze in Snatch with a 103kg lift while Ifeanyi Joseph Nwagu, Bayelsa State won two bronze medals in Clean&Jerk and Total with 123kg and 223kg, respectively.

Host state, Delta also amassed three gold medals in 45kg women category. Morufat Folarin recorded 58kg, 73kg and 131kg lifts to win three gold medals

in Snatch, Clean&Jerk and Total, in that order.

Christiana Allorma of Rivers State won three silver medals in Snatch, Clean&Jerk and Total with 55kg, 65kg, and 120kg lifts in same category

Blessing Andrew of Kwara State won two bronze medals in Snatch and Total with 55kg and 117kg lifts. Lagos State’s 12-year old Olarinoye Florence, claimed bronze in Clean&Jerk with 64kg lift in the 45kg women category

In the men 55kg category, Cara Elechi of Bayelsa State won gold in Snatch with

95kg, Adeleye Abayomi of Ekiti State claimed silver with 94kg lift while Solomon John of FCT won bronze with 93kg.

Solomon John showed dominance in Clean&Jerk and Total as he won the two gold medals after lifting 121kg and 224kg, in that order.

Owaseye Sunday, Ondo State, won silver in Clean&Jerk with 121kg lift, King Kalu of Cross River State won silver in Total with 222kg lift while 120kg and 212kg lifts in same categories fetched two bronze medals for Elijah Joshua of Kaduna State

Bayelsa Commissioner, Igali Lauds Dr Ibrahim Abdul’s leadership strides in weightlifting

By Amaechi Agbo

Commissioner for youth and sports development in Bayelsa State, Honourable Daniel Igali has lauded the leadership ingenuity of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF President, Dr Abdul Aladi Ibrahim in turning around the fortunes of the sport in the country.

Honourable Igali who disclosed this in a chat with NWF Media in Asaba at the ongoing National Sports Festival, NSF, called on the federal government to support the sport to grow in the country.

“Weightlifting should be a very important sport for Nigeria. We should be deliberate in ensuring that we improve the fortunes of weightlifting because virtually every multi-sports games, weightlifting has shown their capabilities, won medals in large quantities for Nigeria and I think it is time Nigeria shows same amount of respect and regard for the sport.

“The current board led by my good friend, Dr Ibrahim Abdul is doing a great

job. He has turned around the fortunes of weightlifting in the country,” he said.

On the expectations of Team Bayelsa at the festival, Honourable Igali who is also the President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation, said the state’s target is for the athletes to perform at their best.

The former wrestler advised athletes in power sports to eschew doping and use of substances to enhance their performance.

“For us, it is for the athletes to perform to the best of their abilities. We have trained and prepared. As long as they give all the best efforts here, by the time they come out, we will be very proud of them.

“There is always this tendency for people to do shortcut. Oftentimes they even put their lives at risk in attempting to use banned substances for short-term promise. Our advice to athletes is to stay clean, train hard, follow the rules of the game and avoid doping.”

Cara Elechi of Bayelsa State won gold in 55kg men snatch after lifting 95kilos on Monday.

S P R T

Pele: Brazil great’s condition ‘improving’ in hospital, say doctors

Brazil great Pele’s condition is improving in hospital, say doctors in Sao Paulo.

The 82-year-old was admitted last Tuesday and on Saturday reassured fans that he is “strong with a lot of hope”.

It followed a report in Brazil that Pele was beginning end-of-life care after not responding to chemotherapy.

The three-time World Cup winner has received regular treatment since having a tumour removed from his colon in

September 2021.

“The patient continues to show progressive improvement in his general condition, in particular the respiratory infection,” said a statement from his doctors.

“He remains in a standard room, with stable vital signs, conscious and with no new complications.”

Brazil players paid tribute to Pele after their last-16 win over South Korea at the World Cup in Qatar on Monday.

on

Olivier Giroud says breaking Thierry Henry’s French goalscoring record shows younger players “anything is possible”.

The 36-year-old became France’s alltime leading men’s goalscorer with his 52nd international goal in Sunday’s last-16 win over Poland in Qatar.

“I was not playing at a very high level when I was 20,” Giroud said.

“What I have done now shows even if it takes time, if you have the desire to succeed and work hard, you can climb mountains.”

World Cup TV coverage guide

Giroud began his professional career with second-tier side Grenoble in 2005 and spent several years in French lower leagues before making his international debut in 2011, 16 months after joining Ligue 1 side Montpellier.

He has gone on to win a number of domestic and international honours in spells with Arsenal, Chelsea and AC Milan and was in the French side that triumphed in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, he has not always been regarded as a first choice for Les Bleus with around 30% of his 117 appearances coming as a substitute in a period that included Karim Benzema’s lengthy international

exile.

In contrast to four years ago, where Giroud not only failed to score a goal but did not have a single shot on target in 546 minutes of action, he has already registered three goals this time around to help set up a quarter-final meeting with England on Saturday (19:00 GMT).

“That total of 52 makes me feel great. It has a lot of importance for me,” Giroud added.

“This record reminds me of the years that have gone by, 11 years with France with a lot of good memories and some not so good.

“If it can serve as an example that anything is possible, it’s great. It shows that you can’t get everything right away, like the youngsters want now, and that resilience and patience are key.

“The most important [thing] is to show a good example to the young players, to show them that even if the path they’re on is not a straightforward path, they can do it.”

Meanwhile, fellow forward Kylian Mbappe sat out training for France on Tuesday before this weekend’s last-eight tie against England, with the 23-year-old instead staying in the recovery room.

World Cup 2022: Olivier Giroud

breaking Thierry Henry’s French goalscoring record

Brazil players paid tribute to Pele after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar

Ronaldo replacement Ramos stars as Portual advance

This ship must not sink

Iwas honoured with an invitation to the launching of a book titled

“THIS SHIP MUST NOT SINK.”

The book and its content are a reflection of my perception of the Nigeria nation and it represents my position and stance on many issues that confront the country. In my stance with the author and the content of the book written by Sir AK Etta Peters, I borrow the title for my topic this week and create a reflection of the book for all Nigerians to see and reflect on.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos dropped Cristiano Ronaldo to the bench for the last-16 meeting with Switzerland and was rewarded with a hat-trick from replacement Goncalo Ramos and a stunning team display.

Santos expressed his displeasure at gestures made by Ronaldo when he was substituted in the last group game against South Korea and it was the first time in 31 games stretching back to 2008 that he had not started in a major tournament.

Portugal made light of the 37-year-old’s absence to put it mildly, as 21-year-old Benfica striker Ramos hit the first treble of this tournament on his first international start, to help set up a quarter-final against surprise package Morocco after their win against Spain on penalties.

Ramos started the rout after 17 minutes when he drilled a finish past Swiss keeper Jan Sommer at the near post before veteran 39-year-old defender Pepe doubled Portugal’s lead when he headed home Bruno Fernandes’ corner in the 33rd minute.

The dream full debut continued when Ramos effectively ended the contest with a near post swoop on Diogo Dalot’s cross six minutes after the break, the striker turning provider to set up Raphael Guerriero to round off a sweeping move with a powerful strike four minutes later.

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji pulled one back for Switzerland but Ramos swiftly got his third with a clever chip, which was the signal for the crowd at Lusail Stadium to noisily demand Ronaldo’s introduction.

When the weather condition becomes unfriendly, and there is an unabated wind on the sea, the ship crew becomes jittery; the more hit the ship receives, the more impact it takes from the boisterous wind, and the more likely it would sink to the bottom. Now, crew members are already deciding who is going down with the ship and who is taking the life boat to escape the sinking ship.

The ship in question is the nation Nigeria; getting hit from all sides non-stop. Our nation and only nation and regardless of our dispositions to its welfare, progress and sanity, the only nation we will always have to call our own and our home. Unfortunately, this dear nation has suffered dire attacks from within and without, but mostly from within, that have threatened its cohesion and survival; attacks that are grossly responsible for the economic challenges, the insurmountable insecurity and the disunity that is now a permanent feature of our national system. Nigerians, oblivious of the consequences of destroying the roof over their own heads have been busy for decades throwing stones at the glass house in the name of fights for lesser communities within the bigger community; we are fighting for religious communities, for ethnic communities and for political communities’ affiliation at the expense of the structure that houses these sub communities.

It got worse when the introduction of social media provided us with a greater tool to throw destructive tantrums at the nation under the guise of protecting or projecting our individual selfish biases on many fronts. The story of the destruction melted on the Nigeria nation via the social media over the last years and its consequences is laid open for all to see; and is grossly responsible for the inability of the nation to confront its many challenges; of course, a house divided against itself cannot stand. That is the reality of the Nigeria nation and the very bane of our development.

Years back, the United State of America predicted the end of our nation, referred to us as a ‘failed state’ and predicted the terminal

end of our cohesion. What were our responses? Some of us backed the American, they voiced our support for the splitting of Nigeria, and listed reasons why we must terminate the cohesion of Nigeria. Rather than standing by the nation, as patriots that we sing every day in our Anthem, we set up machineries to aid the disintegration of the nation. We evolved the Boko Haram, the Biafra agitation bred IPOB and the ESN to effect a breakaway, the Yoruba Nation began to echo loudly from many corners, and some individual actors set up systems to echo the deficiencies of the nation to drum supports for antagonisms to the cause of a One Nigeria.

At the launching of the book, the chief launcher and a fervent believer in the Nigeria Project lamented the posture of Nigerians to the Nigeria Project. We see only what is wrong with our estate, we pick on the things that are not working and spend our energies and resources to amplify the same to garner support against our dear nation. We are bent on turning Nigerians against Nigeria and to a large extent have succeeded, with a large population of citizens now totally unconscious of our responsibility to protect and defend the unity of the country.

Nigerians of today spend the day and year round discussing insecurity, talking about inflation and roundly concluding that Nigeria is gone with nothing good happening in the country. Yet, this is the same nation that is experiencing the great agricultural revolution in the rice production industry; something we always thought is impossible, suddenly became possible as we can now produce and refine rice to feed the Nigeria population - regardless of the price. Suddenly, the era of railway transportation began to return to the country, and is still expanding. Nigerians can now once again after some decades travel by rails again. Yet, we would not see this because we have chosen to see only the negatives. We see the negative,

talk of the negatives, spread the negatives, and create a rhetoric of a nation failing irredeemably until the nation becomes a jest of a nation, reflecting the image of it that we all created and propagated.

I quote from the book: “There was an important job to be done, and everybody was sure that somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was everybody’s job. Everybody thought anybody could do it; but nobody realized that everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that everybody blamed somebody, when nobody did what anybody would have done. Nation building is everybody’s business.”

Does that not reflect the reality of the Nigeria state; nobody is doing their part to establish the change we desire to see, but everyone is waiting to see the changes they are not willing and ready to contribute to. We spend the whole day round castigating those in government for what they have not done but fail to ask ourselves if we have done our parts as responsible citizens. We desire a united Nigeria but spend our time propagating tribal superiority and affiliations; spend our time arguing religious superiority and creating intolerance along critical boundaries; yet, turn around to blame some people in government for the disunity of Nigeria.

Imagine a people that saturate all available media with hate speeches targeting select ethnic groups, religious set; and enjoying the spread of the hatred they spread and the import of the messages they circulate, and then turn around to get worrying about the religious intolerance, the ethnic clashes and the resulting enmity that continues to polarise the country and make it ungovernable. Ironically, they suddenly frown at the operation of IPOB, ESN, Boko Haram, bandits and other separatist movements in the country and the harm they are causing to the system; the proceeds

of the seeds they planted.

The nation Nigeria has passed through so much and has survived much more than we can all imagine, because we are designed strong. The Americans expected us not to exist anymore by now but here we are stronger than we have ever been despite the unique challenges and our due share of global trials. We are the giant of Africa and the entire world wouldn’t ignore our existence because we always stand strategically when global issues are in consideration. Despite all the naysayers’ submissions, we remain the power house of our black military power, the economic mainstay of Africa, and the unavoidable economic engine of the black nations of the world. Nigeria has seen developments that intimidate the globe over time, the World Bank, IMF and similar global development measuring institutions have recurrently given the country thumbs up over the last few years, and even security indices are getting better.

This ship will not sink. This ship cannot sink. Having read the book, I frankly listed the elements that Nigerians need at this crucial time to revive and set the country on the pedestal of stability, sustained growth, and development and an enviable position in the committee of nations both in our continent and the global village. Individually and collectively, we must shelve and abolish the projection of all our self-motivated biases, emotional attachments to sectionalism, to religious and tribal jingoism. We must play constructive politics that is prompted with spotless desire to install the best of candidates in leadership positions. We must all become ready to exert our part willingly in the re-negotiation, rearrangement and reengineering of the Nigeria nation. This being done, we would all boldly be able to say, this ship, our nation cannot sink.

“

This ship will not sink. This ship cannot sink. Having read the book, I frankly listed the elements that Nigerians need at this crucial time to revive and set the country on the pedestal of stability