Thursday, June 9, 2022 Edition

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INEC seeks partnership NDLEA nabs 100 suspects, dismantles with armed forces over 14 drug joints in Kaduna State >>>PG 5 election logistic delivery As Marwa seeks drug test for youth corps members PG 7 >>PG 3

How Tinubu beat Osinbajo, Amaechi to clinch APC presidential flag >>PG 5

Wins landslide with 1,271 votes against Osinbajo’s 235, Amaechi’s 316

L-R: President Buhari with APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu as he presents the party flag to the candidate, at the closing of the APC National Convention, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

FIRS, NEPZA sign MoU for tax collection in free trade zones Cocoa production to No blackmail’ll make us pay N80m for TV hit 500,000 tonnes by 2024-Minister programme – Delta Govt PAGE 8

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Council seals 25,000 illegal pharmaceutical premises-Registrar PAGE 10

>>PG 18

2023: Kwankwaso emerges NNPP presidential candidate PAGE 16

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

NEWS CONTENTS News

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Op.Ed

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Politics

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Stock Watch Business Metro

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World Analysis 22 Africa News

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World News

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Safe food production enhances economic opportunities — Ehanire

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he Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, says safe food production enhances economic opportunities by enabling market access and productivity. He said this on Tuesday in Abuja at an event to commemorate the 2022 World Food Safety Day. Commemorated on June 7 every year, the 2022 global observance day has “Safer Food, Better Health” as its theme and “Food Safety is Every One’s Business’’ as slogan. Ehanire said that unsafe or contaminated food leads to trade rejections, economic losses, food loss and waste. According to him, safe food allows for prosperous national food markets and stable food export and trade.

“It reduces the strain in healthcare system. In 2016, World Bank estimated that in Nigeria alone, the productivity loss from foodborne diseases was approximately seven billion dollars, with the most in Africa. “This is in addition to loss of earnings in foreign exchange due to the ban of Nigerian foods in the international market because of unsafe application of chemicals.” The minister, however, said that most foodborne diseases were preventable with proper handling and education. According to him, the way food systems are built and how food supply chains are organised can prevent infectious and toxic hazards. He said “we need to transform food systems to deliver better health, and we need to do so in a sustainable manner.

“Food safety has a direct impact on health. Safe food allows for the uptake of nutrients, promotes long term human development and achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs). “Recognising the systemic connections between the health of people, animals, plants, the environment and the economy will help us to meet the needs of the future.

“There is no food security without food safety. Only when the food is safe will it meet nutritional needs and help adults to live an active and healthy life and children to grow and develop”, he added. The minister identified the key challenges facing the enhancement of food safety for all tiers of government and societies, saying they include the lack of awareness of socio-economic importance of food safety.

He listed other challenges as paucity of data and information on incidences of foodborne disease outbreaks, the lack of understanding of food safety and quality standards as outlined in international agreements. To this end, he said, farmers, producers, processors, distributors, marketers and handlers should see food safety as a critical issue and embrace good practices.

The good practices include good hygiene, good biosecurity and good environmental waste management to keep hazards and contaminants out of food or at the lowest possible levels. He said the Ministry of Health, with support of stakeholders and partners, was pushing for the passage of the National Food Safety and Quality Bill before the National Assembly.

He added that the Bill, once passed and signed into an Act, would harmonise and legalise all food safety and quality operations in the country. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Mahmood Mohammed, said the Federal Government was committed to providing

an enabling environment for local and foreign investments in agriculture and nutrition to thrive. Represented by Mr Oyeleke Rasaq, the Head of Food Safety and Nutrition Division, Mohammed said the ministry would continue to strengthen synergy with relevant stakeholders in agriculture and the international community. He added that “on our own part, the ministry is leading a consultation of stakeholders that will jointly develop and implement a national project on Aflatoxin Management and control. “This national project will complement the ongoing support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN in the area of aflatoxin control.

“Also, the ministry is driving a project tagged “Agro Zero Reject” initiative to increase sensitisation, creation of awareness and training of farmers on Globally Accepted Agricultural Practices (GAP).” He said that the project was aimed at producing safe and wholesome foods for local consumption and ensuring acceptability at the global market. The Deputy Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Alexander Chimbaru, said “women are important players in the promotion of food safety and home hygiene. “WHO in Nigeria trained 345 women leaders from Edo and Ondo states on food hygiene and domestic sanitation toward the prevention of Lassa fever. “During the first quarter of this year 2022, we have also integrated and operationalised food safety awareness campaigns as part of Water, Sanitation an Hygiene (WASH)/ Environmental Health interventions in the control of Cholera outbreak in 18 areas of Cross River. “WHO, FAO and other

UN agencies will continue working with health authorities to advocate food safety as an important component of health security and for food safety in national policies and programmes in line with the International Health Regulation.” He also pledged the organisation’s continued support to Nigeria in ensuring operationalisation of National Food Safety Policy and implementation of guidelines. On his part, Dr Michael Ojo, the Country Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), said that for the country to achieve food safety, there was need for increased awareness on the harmful effects of chemicals in food preservation. He said “one of the problems that we have is people trying to use chemicals to preserve foods, especially when in storage or on display. “We have had a lot of health incidences linked to the use of sniper or other chemicals and people do not understand how dangerous these chemicals are. “There is need to be a lot more focused and have awareness on these issues so that as people are trying to maximise profits, they do not create food safety problems which often result to death.’’ Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of 11 Market Food Safety Champions/Watchers to enlighten traders on the dangers of some of the ways they preserve foods in markets. One of the traders, Mr Uzor Lonjys, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they play an advocacy role to enlighten other traders on the essence of safety of foods. Lonjys, a food dealer in Bwari market, FCT, said that at the workshop they attended, they were trained extensively on what they are supposed to do as watchers. NAN

Abba clinches NNPP guber ticket in Kano, promises to fight corruption if elected Page 14

Digest

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Feature

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Sports Back Page

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Delegates from Kano state, during the APC 2022 Special Presidential Primaries Elections, at the Eagle Square, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Ganduje congratulates Tinubu, commends Buhari for providing level playing ground From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

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ano state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election.

In a congratulatory message he personally signed, the governor said the emergence of Tinubu as flagbearer of the APC in the 2023 general election would be a victory

for the Nigeria project.

He said the Jagaban has the capacity to provide the needed leadership that would consolidate and continue to ensure the country’s democratic gains.

Ganduje commended President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the enabling environment that produced the standard flagbearer, the National Working Committee, the delegates and all other organs and structures of the party across

the federation for the collective efforts in ensuring the success of the convention.

The governor also hailed other aspirants for their remarkable sportsmanship which they displayed throughout the painstaking consultation period up to the convention and particularly Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who submitted themselves to transparent democratic exercise.

He also called on Tinubu as

party leader to bring his political and socio-economic experience to bear on party leadership and members to close ranks and work for its victory in the forthcoming election.

Ganduje equally charged all party members to remain United and focused as the party marched with Nigerians to victory in 2023.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

NEWS

North East PLWDs want special intervention from FG

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lhaji Ali Goro, North East Zonal coordinator for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), has called for special intervention of the Federal Government.

Goro, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria , in Gombe on Wednesday, said the Federal Government should introduce a special intervention in the area of education and empowerment of members.

“For us, everyday is a struggle because of the multiple barriers limiting our access to education; and which is a great obstacle to our wellbeing and fulfillment of our children’s dreams.

“We want the Federal Government to do the needful to make education at all levels accessible to our children.

“We equally want government to empower disabled communities, particularly the women who are more vulnerable and have become victims of sexual abuse by wicked people.

“Empowering our members will go a long way in reducing the number of beggars in the society,” he explained.

He said the population of PLWDs was increasing daily as a result of terrorists activities in the region.

According to him, most of the International organisations coming to North East do not have specific interventions or programmes designed for PLWDs. “Our estimated population in the region is over 700,000 PLWDs, hence the need for government intervention,” he said.

Goro also called on the six states in the region to consider PLWDs in their appointments. (NAN)

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Ag News Editor, Tobias Lengnam

INEC seeks partnership with armed forces over election logistic delivery

By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja

I

n its determination to address the perennial issue of logistics in the movement of materials on election day, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought stronger support from the Nigerian Armed Forces with a view to addressing the issue ahead of the Ekiti and Osun state governorship elections, as well as the 2023 general election.

The Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu appealed for the support of the security personnel when he led a team of National Commissioners, and other top management staff of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal, Isiaka Oladayo Amao, at the Nigerian Airforce Headquarters, Abuja yesterday.

Professor Yakubu noted that election constitutes the most extensive mobilisation and complex logistics operations that could happen in a country in peacetime, adding that in handling such a huge national assignment, the

Commission cannot do it alone.

According to the INEC Chairman, “every national asset must be mobilised. It is in realization of this objective that the law empowers the Commission to seek the support of the security agencies in general and the Armed Forces in particular in delivering materials for election and the protection of election officials”.

Explaining the huge logistics task ahead of the Commission in 2023, Professor Yakubu said that; “on 25th February and 11th March 2023, the Commission will deploy personnel and materials to about 190,000 voting and collation locations nationwide for 1,491 executive and legislative offices across Nigeria.

“These activities must take place simultaneously, stretching over 923,768km2 within a space of six voting hours (8.30am – 2.30pm) involving a projected population of 90 million voters”, he said.

Towards this end, the INEC Chairman said the purpose of the visit was to “explore more effective ways of ensuring that working

together as provided by law, we address aspects of the perennial issue of logistics in our elections in which we believe the Air Force has a critical role to play in the movement of materials”.

Continuing, he said, “This will be extended to other Armed Services in our determination to efficiently deliver materials and more efficiently serve Nigerians on Election Day”.

Harping on the urgency of the need for stronger ties, Professor Yakubu said “There is no time to waste.The 2023 General Election is only 261 days from today. However, the Ekiti State Governorship election is holding in the next 10 days on Saturday 18th June 2022 while the Osun Governorship election holds in 38 days on Saturday 16th July 2022.

“We will seek the support of the Air Force in handling the delivery of outstanding election materials to the two States while the Commission bears responsibility for all subsequent deployment within the States to the Local Government Areas and beyond as has been the

practice”, he added He continued: “In doing so, I wish to reassure Nigerians that the Commission will always work together with all stakeholders, particularly agents of political parties and candidates, observers and the media to inspect and accompany the movement of all materials to various locations in a transparent manner”.

In his response, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao commended INEC under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu for the steady improvement in the electoral process.

Air Marshal Amao said the Airforce in its Social Responsibility commitment to INEC, is preparing its transport aircrafts to assist the Commission with its set objective.

He assured that the Airforce will convey electoral materials to designated areas, and stated that a bilateral Committee will be set up immediately to look into the request of the Commission for effective election logistics delivery.

Mechanic docked for alleged criminal breach of trust

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39-year-old mechanic, Agio Diddie, was on Wednesday docked in an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for alleged criminal breach of trust.

The police charged Diddie, whose was not provided with damage to L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao with Chairman, National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, property and breach of peace.

Photo: Mahmud Isa The Prosecution Counsel, E.O. during the INEC Chairman’s visit to Air force Chief, at the Air force headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Adaraloye, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Jan.,14 at about 11a.m.in Onifade Adeleye, Ayetori-Itele area of Ota. his emergence as the presidential of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, purpose in the party, just as he Adaraloye alleged that the By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja flag bearer of the APC for the 2023 the Jagaban will bring to bear his vast lauded his colleagues in the northern complainant, Mohammed Sumainah, ormer Vice President and General election. wealth of experience and network governors forum for supporting gave the defendant his ”Xterra” Jeep presidential candidate of the Reacting to the overwhelming as a former Governor, Senator and power shift to the south in the with registration number, LN 535 AAAPeoples Democratic Party, victory of Tinubu at the just- political leader to hit the ground spirit of equity, fairness and bond to service.

Special Convention running and build on the successes of of brotherhood which he noted will He added that the defendant PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has concluded congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed ( Presidential Primary 2022) of the Buhari-led administration in all further strengthen the party and damaged the vehicle engine and Tinubu on his emergence as the the party held in Abuja, Governor facets of human endeavour. He said engender cohesion in the country. connecting wires.

The Gombe State Governor The prosecutor said that the presidential flag bearer of the All Inuwa, in a congratulatory message, Senator Tinubu has proven that he is defendant further refused to reinstall the Progressives Congress, APC, for the described his emergence as a good able and capable to lead the nation, said the successful conduct of the omen and an expression of national having governed Lagos state with a Presidential Primary is an indication damaged parts, after the complainant next year’s general elections.

Atiku specifically attributed the unity of purpose. magic wand. that APC is rock solid, resolute and bought new parts.

He said his victory is a While commending President formidable more than ever before and Adaraloye said that the offence victory of Tinubu to hard work and manifestation of his years of personal Muhammadu Buhari for providing is poised for greater exploits. contravened the provisions of sections tenacity.

The former Vice President sent his commitment, sacrifice, tenancy, leadership and guidance that led to He noted that members of 240(d) and 451 of the Criminal felicitation to Tinubu via his verified political experience and service to the the enthronement of a transparent the party have shown candor and Code,Laws of Ogun,2006. nation. internal democratic process which character in the quality of leadership, The defendant, however, pleaded Twitter handle yesterday in Abuja.

“Congratulations, @officialABAT, Describing Sen.Tinubu as an resulted in the successful conduct maturity and commitment displayed not guilty to the charge Magistrate A.O. Adeyemi on your emergence as your party’s enigmatic leader and strong pillar of the APC Special Convention and by both delegates and aspirants admitted the defendant to bail in the presidential candidate. It has been with immense influence, Governor Presidential primary, the Governor throughout the process.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya who sum of N100,000 with one surety in a hard-fought contest, but that you Inuwa expressed confidence that urged other aspirants, party stalwarts prevailed confirms your tenacity. the APC standard bearer, has the and faithful to rally round the flag played a significant role as the like sum. capacity, acumen and sagacity to bearer to ensure victory at the 2023 Chairman of the Budget Committee Adeyemi ordered that the surety -AA”, Atiku wrote.

Similarly, Gombe State Governor, mobilize support across the length Polls. of the Special Convention and must reside within the court’s He also praised the Abdullahi Presidential Primary election, jurisdiction and be gainfully employed Muhammdu Inuwa Yahaya has and breath of the country to give the national working assured of his continued personal with evidence of tax payment to Ogun congratulated national leader of ruling party a resounding victory at Adamu-led the All Progressives Congress, APC the forthcoming general elections. committee, NWC for organizing a commitment and support of the APC Government.

He also expressed optimism that free, fair, peaceful and transparent in Gombe State to deliver victory for She adjourned the case until June and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on when eventually elected as President election and ensuring unity of the party in 2023 at all levels.

21 for further hearing. (NAN)

Atiku, Gombe Gov congratulate Tinubu on emergence as APC presidential flag bearer

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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NEWS

Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria, Japan, UNDP launch counter-piracy project

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artin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday in Abuja, unveiled a Counter-Piracy and Response in the Gulf of Guinea.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was sponsored by the Government of Japan.

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clement Agba, said the Gulf of Guinea had remained the epicentre of sea criminalities of the years Agba, who was represented by the Director, International Cooperation, Dr Lanre Adekanye, said the growing number of criminal activities in the region underscored the need for the project.

He said that sea piracy had continued to have adverse effect on economic growth and pose threats to the livelihood of the coastal communities in the Gulf of Guinea.

He commented the government Japan and the UNDP for funding the project, complementary partnerships and provision of technical support where necessary.

“Let me on behalf of the government of Nigeria, acknowledge and appreciate the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and the government of Japan.

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, said the Gulf of Guinea has been described as the world’s most challenging piracy zone.

Matsunaga, who was represented by the First Secretary, Tomoyoshi Maehira, said that piracy in the region had also been a recurrent phenomenon with serious concern to the countries bordering the area and the international community.

He said that the phenomenon had continued to discourage foreign investment, hampers international trade and businesses along the corridor.

According to him, it equally terrorises seafarer communities, weakens state control of coastal and offshore areas, slows development of blue economy and emboldens illicit trade and illegal fishing.

“The activities of piracy does not only remain a serious threat to trade and businesses of the coastal communities, but also retards the economies of the GoG countries, particularly Nigeria.

“Against this backdrop, the Government of Japan decided to fund the Regional and National Counter – Piracy Project to ensure peace and stability in the Gulf of Guinea and to boost regional and global trades.

“The project is critical to ensuring the security and safety of tradesand seafarers and aims to increase international trade, contributing to sustainable development in the region,” he said.

Matsunaga urged officers responsible for the fight against piracy in the area as well as hear their opinions on expected contributions from Japan in the future.

The Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP, Mr. Lealem Dinku, said the region had continues to be a dangerous hotspot area for seafarers with 43 per cent of global reported piracy incidents.

Dinku, who was represented by the Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, Matthew Alao, added that all 40 kidnapped crew incidents occurred in the region in the first quarter of 2021.

He said that concerted efforts of regional and international navies especially Nigerian Navy had led to reduction in piracy incidents from 16 in quarter one of 2021 to seven over the same period in 2022.

“In spite of this, piracy and maritime crimes continue to pose serious threats to international trades, the safety of seafarers, and regional and global development.

“The realisation of the economic importance of this maritime route to regional and international trades and businesses prompted the intervention of the Government of Japan, in partnership with UNDP, to fund projects in this area.

“This project is a continuation of the maiden project – ‘Capacity Building on Anti Piracy for MLAILPKC – implemented between March 2021 and March 2022 by MLAILPKC. “The current project signposts the enduring strong partnership among the Government of Japan, MLAILPKC and UNDP which began in 2014,” he said. (NAN)

Monkeypox: Enugu State Govt steps up health surveillance T he Enugu State Government has stepped up surveillance against the spread of monkeypox in the 14 local government areas of the state.

Dr George Ugwu, the Executive Secretary of Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA),made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.

He said that disease surveillance officers in council areas had been sensitised and placed on alert to detect monkeypox.

NAN reports that Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. ”Enugu is bordered by three states in the South-East region and two states in the North Central region.

”We have retrained our local disease surveillance officers on symptoms and signs to watch out for emerging and re-emerging diseases. ”Monkypox has not been detected in Enugu State; but we are not resting on our onus since we are a multi-bordered state.

“We have stepped up all perimeter of local disease surveillance against monkeypox, other emerging and reemerging diseases in order to safe-guard the health of all in the state.

“However, we want our residents as well as individuals and families living in the state to up their personal and environmental hygiene and cleanliness levels.

“The issues of taking good care of one’s hygiene and observing those protocols of personnel and family hygiene as during the heat of COVID-19 especially that of regular

hand washing and sanitising.

“Our people should also be careful on how they handle or touch home pets and animals since the disease is first transmitted from animal to human as well as infected human to another normal human”.

Ugwu noted that the agency, its affiliates and partners have also sharpened their response time to any suspected case of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

NAN reports the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently said that the country recorded 21 confirmed cases of the Monkeypox disease in the last five months with one death.

The NCDC further disclosed that in the month of May, only six new confirmed positive cases were reported in four states with Bayelsa (two), Adamawa (two), Lagos (one) and Rivers (one). (NAN)

Entrance of the APC convention during the 2022 Special Presidential Primaries Elections, at the Eagle Square, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Absence of judge stalls Fani-Kayode’s ex-wife’s trial

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he absence of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court, Abuja has stalled the hearing in a suit filed by a former senator, Mrs Grace Bent against Precious Chikwendu, ex-wife of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode. The matter, which was on number 12 on the day’s cause list, could not proceed due to Justice Egwuatu’s Absence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the judge was a participant at the on-going three-day judges’ seminar holding at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja.

The case was consequently adjourned till Oct. 6 for trial commencement.

NAN reports that Chikwendu was, on March 10, arraigned by the Nigeria Police on allegations bordering on defamation of character and cyberstalking. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to her. Following her not guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Victor Okoye prayed the court for a date to commence trial and also prayed the court to remand Chikwendu in the Correctional Centre in Kuje. He said the defendant should be remanded pending the hearing and determination of the matter. However, counsel to Chikwendu, Mr Alex Ejesieme,

SAN, had opposed the application. The judge, who admitted Chikwendu to bail in the terms of the administrative bail earlier granted her by the police, adjourned the matter for trial commencement. NAN reports that Chikwendu, an ex-beauty queen, was, on Feb. 14, docked before a sister court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo for attempted murder of her former husband, Fani-Kayode. However, in an amended 14-count charge marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/01/2022 dated and filed by John Ijagbemi on behalf of Commissioner of Police, FCT Command on April 22,, the exwife was said to have committed attempted culpable homicide on Nov. 24, 2018. She was alleged to have carried two kitchen knives threatening to kill Fani-Kayode, the children and other occupants of the house at Asokoro within the court jurisdiction. She was also accused of making false allegations on Nov. 24, 2018 with doctored pictures with intent to deceive members of the public and make them believe that the injuries in the pictures were inflicted on her by her exhusband. Besides, Chikwendu was alleged to have “criminally uploaded doctored/ photo-shopped pictures” of her biological child, Liam Femi Fani-Kayode, who was four years old, in order to deceive members

of the public that the child sustained injury on his forehead. The police authorities had also accused the estranged wife of threatening the lives of witnesses lined up in the alleged attempted murder charge against her. Others arraigned alongside Chikwendu in the 13-count charge dated and filed Jan. 7 were Emmanuel Anakan, Prisca Chikwendu and Osakwe Azubuike as 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants l, while others were said to be at large. They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges. NAN reports that Chikwendu, who was accused of infidelity by the former minister, was also said to have withdrawn various civil cases filed against Fani-Kayode. The former minister said Chikwendu had always been given access to her children under closed supervision due to her alleged mental challenges which could result to hurting the children. The former minister had also alleged that Chikwendu stopped calling the children on telephone for about seven months now contrary to her habit in the past. An Abuja Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 had, also recently, restrained the exwife from making comments that could lead to the identification of the children whose custody issues had been submitted before it for determination.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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NEWS Primaries: How Tinubu defeated Osinbajo, Amaechi to clinch APC presidential flag • Wins landslide with 1,271 votes against Osinbajo’s 235, Amaechi’s 316

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

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ormer Lagos Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday defeated the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, with a very wide margin to secure the tickets of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election.

The election which started Tuesday evening, lasted through the night to Wednesday afternoon, after which Tinubu won the primary elections by 1,271 votes.

He defeated his closest rivals, Rotimi Amaechi and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who scored 316 and 235 respectively.

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan scored 152 votes; Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello got 47 votes; David Umahi, 38 votes; Ben Ayade, 37; Ahmed Yerima, 4, while former Science and Technology Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu and former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba got one vote each.

Pastor Tunde Bakere, Senator, Rochas Okorocha, businessman, Tien Jack-Rich and former Information Minister, Ikeobasi Mokelu got 0 votes respectively.

Recall that shortly after the commencement of the election process Tuesday night, seven Presidential aspirants, including: Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, senator Godswill Akpabio, Uju Ohanenye, senator Ajayi Boroface, Dimeju Bankole, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, surprisingly stepped down for Tinubu, while Pastor Nickolas Felix, stepped down for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

NDLEA nabs 100 suspects, dismantles 14 drug joints in Kaduna State

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has dismantled 14 illicit drug joints and arrested 100 suspected peddlers in the last four weeks in Kaduna State.

The State Commander, Mr Umar Adoro, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Kaduna.

He said operatives of the agency dismantled 14 drug joints in a serires of raids conducted in Kaduna and Zaria city in the month of May 2022.

Adoro listed the 14 dismantled drug joints to include Abakwa; Malali, Tirkaniya, Rigasa, Romi, Filin Minister, Chikaji, Sabon Gari among others.

He said the apprehended peddlers comprised 93 males and seven females, adding that the Agency also seized drugs and other narcotic substances during the operations.

The commander said the drugs included Cannabis Sativa 192.549kg, Cocaine 0.008kg, Heroin 0.002kg, Tramadol 4.954kg, psychotropic substance 196.960kg and methamphetamine 0.007kg.

“The total weight of drugs seized is 394.480kg within the period under review,” he said.

He said the fight against illicit drug and drug abuse was a collective responsibility, and urged parents to monitor their children to protect them against drug abuse.

While reitrating commitment to the fight against drug abuse, Adoro urged the people to give credible information to security agencies to curb the menace in the society. (NAN)

Speaking after he was declared victorious, Tinubu said the convention shall be recorded as a shining moment in the evolution of APC and the life of Nigeria.

“I must thank you all for making me the standard bearer of our progressive party.

And I humbly accept the nomination of this convention to be the presidential candidate of our enlightened, humanitarian and great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“I also offer my sincere gratitude to President Buhari for his calm and prudent leadership throughout this process. I thank him, also, for his steadfast determination to ensure a level playing field and a free and fair primary process for every aspirant.

Without him, I would not be standing here today as the new flagbearer of Nigeria’s party.

“I thank the governors for their invaluable contribution to internal democracy and unity. I commend the party leadership and organizers for the conduct of a successful convention.

“Thank you, the delegates, for the confidence you have shown in me. I will prove that your choice was a wise one. You have moved our party and country towards its best future. On your mandate I shall stand.

“I commend my fellow aspirants. It is a difficult thing to run for president. The stiff and bold competition you offered made our party stronger and made me better. I must say a special word of thanks to the seven aspirants [Alhaji Badaru Abubakar; Sen.; Ibikunle Amosun; Sen. Ajayi Borrofice; Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; Sen. Godswill

Akpabio; Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Barr.

(Mrs.) Uju Kennedy] who chose to step down their personal ambitions for the good of the party and the unity of our purpose.

“The competition is now over. Those who did not support me, you have nothing to fear. I hold no grudges or grievances. Let us each agree to join hands in defeating the PDP and beating back our common foes of poverty, terror and violence. We now have a date with destiny in February 2023. Let us win so Nigeria can become the nation it is intended to be.

“To my campaign team and close advisors. Your dedication, long hours, and sound advice have brought me to this point. I thank my beautiful wife, Oluremi, for her patience and wise counsel. Thank you for standing by my side. I am indeed a fortunate man.

“Now, permit me to address the nation.

Yes, we face serious problems. But I believe that we have it within us to reach our finest destiny. With help from God, we shall make this nation better for the generations to come.

“President Muhamamdu Buhari has already laid a solid foundation in security, economy, and anti-corruption. We will build upon this for the salvation of our people.

“So, I ask you: Do we dare reform our national economy such that prosperity grows as poverty vanishes?

“Yes, we dare. Do we dare provide meaningful education and jobs for our youths so that they may strive for a better future?

“Yes, we dare. Our teeming youth

population is our nation’s greatest asset.

We will create jobs for our youth from the Zamfara and Osun gold deposits to the vast agricultural lands across the country. We will create new ooportunities in the FINTECH sector, the creative and entertainment industries, digital skills and other areas.

“Do we dare feed our nation and provide the farmer a solid income for his toil? Yes, we dare. Do we dare construct a society where the vulnerable, the weak, the disadvantaged and the elderly are attended to and loved?

“Yes, for we must care for those who cannot care for themselves. Do we dare muster our collective strength to conquer terrorism, kidnapping, and violent evil of any form?

“Yes, we dare. After the PDP convention, I commended Abubakar Atiku. The ensuing contest between our party and his will be one of competing visions. Our vision is of progress and the future that can be. We must defeat the PDP’s reactionary ideals.

“Our better, more progressive vision of Nigeria shall secure a better society for all Nigerians. May this be our task arising from this convention. Let nothing stand in the way of our achieving a more just society and a greater Nigeria”, he said.

In his brief remarks, the chairman of the APC Convention Planning Committee and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, commended the Committee members and party faithful for their patience, saying the election process was free and transparent.

Minister decorates 5 new DCGs for NSCDC

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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he Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbosola, has decorated five new DCGs of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) alongside four of their counterparts from the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by DCC Olusola Odumosu, Director, Public Relations, NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja.

It said while congratulating the newly decorated officers on their elevation, the Minister who doubles as the Chairman, Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), charged the nine newly confirmed DCGs to see their promotion as a call to higher service and advised each of them to provide quality leadership in their various services by leveraging on their wealth of experience to play extra-ordinary roles in their agencies, noting that their acceleration has come at the most challenging time in Nigeria’s history.

According to Aregbesola, threats arising from insecurity perpetrated by those he described as enemies of the country require experienced players like the crop of newly decorated DCGs to deal with the problem decisively and expressed confidence in their capabilities considering the local and international training and exposure they have had over the years, which, has bestowed on them the required knowledge and skills to solve the myriads of security challenges in the country today.

Specifically, Aregbesola tasked the new Deputy Commandants General of NSCDC to go after the perpetrators of the gruesome murder of innocent worshipers in a Catholic church in Owo town, Ondo state, by playing direct roles rather than a complementary one in confronting the menace of bandits attacks and killings of innocent souls across the country.

“We must put an end to all criminals playing with the intelligence of the Nigerian state, you have no excuse whatsoever not to perform going by the level of training you have received both locally and Internationally and I charge you to launch your arsenals against the perpetrators of Owo church attack, play a direct role and not a complementary role but synergize with other security agencies to fish the criminals out and let’s bring them to Justice”, the Minister said.

He further admonished the Commandant General to use his instruments of grassroot penetration and Intelligence to unearth the heartless criminals and effect necessary arrest of those nefarious elements attacking innocent citizens and disturbing the peace of the nation.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, on his part, remarked that the promotion of the DCGs was guided by extant laws and regulations after thorough screening and urged the officers to deploy their experience in the attainment of their agencies mandates because the interior ministry has recognition for dedication, patriotism, effeciency amongst other considerations.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Honourable Commissioner in charge

of Appointment and Promotion, Major General Etim Bassey (Rtd), said the criteria considered for the elevation of the DCGs who represent different Geopolitical zones include written examinations, oral interviews, merit, seniority and annual performance appraisal.

Responding at the end of the ceremony, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, thanked the Minister of Interior, the Permanent Secretary and the Management of the Board for confirming the DCGs for the NSCDC, stressing that the service will not disappoint the ministry of interior and by extension Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He charged the newly confirmed DCGs to improve on their performance in order to achieve the vision and mission of the Corps, He commended the Minister for his leadership style and for always bringing all the agencies under his purview together to refocus their operational lenses through constant mentoring and support, noting that such action promotes cohesion, sense of belonging, determination for success and above all, motivation for all personnel of the agencies under the supervision of the Ministry.

Each of the DCGs were symbolically decorated with their new ranks by the Minister of Interior assisted by spouses and relations after their citations were read by the Board Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Rufai.

Among the DCGs decorated for NSCDC were DCG Nnamdi Ikechukwu Nwinyi, DCG Bassey O. Bassey, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc, DCG Cladius Yakubu, and DCG Dauda Danladi Mungadi.

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

NEWS

No blackmail’ll make us pay N80m for TV programme – Delta Govt

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elta Government says it will not succumb to any blackmail to pay N80 million for a TV programme allegedly proposed by Mr Felix Akugha, presenter of AIT Inside Niger Delta programme.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday, in Asaba on alleged attacks on the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led government by the Port Harcourt-based AIT presenter, Akugha.

Aniagwu, who made available the copy of the proposal duly signed

by Akugha, to newsmen, said the essence was to make everything clear to the public.

The commissioner noted that the essence of the briefing was to educate the general public on why Akugha had chosen the part of blackmail instead of speaking facts about Delta government.

“Akugha, the Anchor of Inside Niger Delta, an AIT programme in Port Harcourt, for sometime, we have been quiet because we did not want to expose the reason why he had gone offensive for a very long time. ” Long before now, Akugha had approached us and he brought

a proposal to that effect, that we should be paying him N80 million annually to project what we are doing in the state.

“He had approached us verbally, but in September 2021, he brought this proposal and we said that apart from the fact that the amount was on the high side, the numbers of the things you want to do, we are already handling.

“Besides that, he listed the number of media outfits to be deployed but did not include our local broadcasting stations in the state,” Aniagwu said.

The commissioner added, “we, however, advised him to progress but take a second look at the cost he was presenting and to also incorporate our local media outfits in Warri and Asaba.

“All he wanted was to push his way through but we say that is not how we work.

“Since that time, he went on the offensive believing that he could blackmail us into doing his bidding.

“He called the programme, ” Inside Niger Delta” but what he ended up doing is inside the politics of Delta State.

“So, for every edition of the

programme, he looks for his co -travellers to attack whatever we are doing even though he progresses in error.”

According to Aniagwu, even when government has explained what it wanted to do with the N150 billion bridging finance, Akugha went about castigating the intent of government.

“Akugha claimed that we have abandoned the ongoing AsabaUghelli dualization project (Federal Government Road) that efforts are on by the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led government to complete.

“Beyond that, when we announced that we were going to build an International Conference Centre, he queried why we needed to give advance payment to mobilise the contractor.

“But I did explain to him on the need for the advance payment, particularly when speed was of essence and given the spiral inflation but rather than agreeing, Akugha went on a voyage of destruction.

“Even in his edition of Monday, given the rising profile of Gov. Okowa largely due to his performance and achievements, Akugha and his co- travellers

painted a picture that is at variance with the reality, saying that nothing is happening in Delta.

“But we want to make it clear that the number of attacks from Felix Akugha, will not make us to engage him or pay him the N80 million he is demanding.

“If he wants to do business that is legitimate, we don’t have problems with that but he can’t force our hands to pay him.”

Also Speaking, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, added that Gov. Okowa had all it takes to be the president of Nigeria.

According to him, Okowa is more national than most persons who had occupied the Vice Presidents positions in the country.

“Okowa has a remarkable credential that made the All Progressive Congress (APC) engage him on several occasions, particularly during the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) ” It is wrong for anyone to hide under the guise of journalism to make defamatory statement about the state government,” he said.

In his reaction, Akugha told NAN in a telephone interview that he was never a politician nor

Owo attack: Nigerians in UK task security agents on killers

Chairman APC Governor’s forum/ Chairman APC Convention Committee/Governor of Kebbi state, Senator Atiku Bagudu (right) with members of the Committee, during the APC 2022 Special Presidential Primaries Elections, at Eagle Square yesterday in Abuja.

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igerians in the Diaspora Organisation, United Kingdom South (NIDO UKS), has called on security agents to deploy proactive measures that will check perpetrators and collaborators of evil enterprise in the country.

Amb. Susan Waya, Chairman of NIDO UKS, made the call in a statement on Wednesday in reaction to the killing of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Parish in Owo, Ondo State on June 5.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 38 worshippers were killed inside the church when terrorists attacked the church.

Waya said that the security agents should be proactive with a view to arresting and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“Our attention has been drawn to the senseless, unwarranted and unprovoked massacre by agents of darkness at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, last Sunday.

“On behalf of NIDO UKS, I express our disgust and condemnation and to state further that we are highly disturbed and piqued by the senseless killing of innocent people who came purposely to worship God but met their untimely death in such a tragic circumstance.

“While condoling with the Catholic Parish, people of Owo and families that lost their beloved ones in the dastardly act, we pray fervently for the fast recovery of those receiving medical treatment in the hospitals,” Waya said.

She enjoined Nigerians and other citizens in the country to be security conscious as they collaborate with the government and security forces to find a lasting solution to the security challenges bedeviling the nation. (NAN)

belong to any political party.

Akugha, however, noted that what sparked off the recent issues with the Delta government was his Monday presentation on Arise television where one of the participating lawyers made comment about the governor and that he should not be considered for the vice president position.

According to him, the report was balanced as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor also reacted in the same programme.

As regards the N80 million proposal, he admitted but said he played no major role in generating the proposal and the figure therein.

He, however, said that the proposal was raised by his head of marketing and he personally never went to follow it up.

“I never went to them with the proposal and I never followed it up because I was not interested,” he said.

“On the Ughelli -Asaba dualization, I tried to balance my report and I said that UghalliAsaba road which has be on going for 14 years now that the state government should complete the project with the proposed N150 billion loan.(NAN)

Photo: Mahmud Isa

2023 presidential primaries: MURIC congratulates Atiku, Tinubu By Folorunso Abuja

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Alagbede,

n Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has congratulated the winners of the presidential election primaries in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

MURIC’s congratulatory message was contained in a press release issued by the director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Wednesday.

The right group reminded both Atiku and Tinubu on the pertinent need to pursue the coming presidential election in 2023 with a spirit of sportsmanship, fairness and tolerance.

MURIC further urged the two candidates to allow the true teachings of Islam on

peacefulness, truthfulness and honesty to guide their footsteps by eschewing thuggery, hooliganism, ballot-snatching and election rigging.

According to the statement by MURIC, “The results of the 2023 presidential election primaries of the two major political parties have shown that two giant political figures have emerged winners.

“They are Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We are particularly impressed by the brilliant, excellent and wonderful performance of the duo during the exercises.

“For instance, the APC flagbearer, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mesmerized other aspirants by scoring a whopping 1,271 votes as against his closest

rival in the South West, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who scored 235.

“MURIC congratulates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We commend them for their reticence, dilligence and determination. However, we charge them to be magnanimous in victory, humble in triumph and accomodating in their hours of greatness. Finally, we charge them to work towards uniting the country.

“We remind both Atiku and Tinubu that as Muslims, both of them must pursue the coming presidential election in 2023 with a spirit of sportsmanship, fairness and tolerance.

“We urge them to allow the true teachings of Islam on peacefulness, truthfulness and honesty to guide their footsteps by eschewing thuggery, hooliganism, ballot-snatching and election rigging.

“Although the PDP did not abide by the principle of rotation, we give kudos to Northern politicians in the APC whose leaders unanimously stood by the unwritten principle of rotation thereby making it possible for a South Western candidate to emerge”, he said.

The statement added, “It will be recalled that MURIC had been calling for a Yoruba Muslim president for the past three years.

It was this show of solidarity from the North and their readiness to identify with our call that made our dream a fait accompli.

“We therefore see freedom in the horizon for the Muslims of Yorubaland who have for long been oppressed, downpressed and repressed”, it said It added, “Finally, we doff our hats for President Muhammadu Buhari for resisting temptations to go autocratic in the matter of his party’s presidential primaries.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

Man, 18, nabbed for murder of a nursing mother, 1yr old child in Adamawa From Umar Dankano,Yola.

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8 year old suspect (Volamu Kalbes) has been arrested by police for alleged murder of a nursing mother and her one year old child.

Both the suspect and his victims are both residents of Sabon-Layi village in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa state.

Disclosing the development in a press statement issued on Tuesday, Spokesman of the Adamawa state Police Command,SP Suleiman Nguroje said that the suspect was apprehended on Monday 6/6/22 for brutal murder of Talatu A.Usman,36yrs old and her child.

SP Nguroje explained that the slain Talatu was said to have resisted an attempt by the suspect to rape her as he overpowered and subdued her by allegedly pressing her forcefully in to a river until she died.

“The victim was said to have resisted an attempt by the suspect to rape her but to no avail,as he overpowered her as a result of which he subdued and pressed her down in to the water where she died.

“As this was not enough,the suspect took the child who was crying uncontrollably on the river bank and pressed him in to the water until he became lifeless”, the statement added.

2 docked for alleged theft of N150, 000 cell phone

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wo men, Ibrahim Jamiu 22, and Ayomide Giwa 21, were on Wednesday docked in an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan for allegedly stealing a Samsung phone worth N150, 000.

Both men whose residential addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy and theft.

The prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, told the court that the defendants conspired and stole the phone belonging to Ayobami Subar on May 28, at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan.

He said that the offences were contrary to Sections 516 and 390 (9) of the Criminal laws of Oyo State 2,000.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs Abimbola Amole-Ajimoti granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50, 000 each and two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until July 18, for hearing.

(NAN)

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NEWS

Marwa seeks drug test for youth corps members

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

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hairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has asked that youth corps members undergo drug test as they report for their mandatory one year national service at the various orientation camps across the country.

This, the NDLEA boss said is part of drug demand reduction efforts of the anti-narcotic agency.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Babafemi,

Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, said Marwa made the call when he hosted the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Fadah who led his management team on a courtesy visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday 8th 2022.

The NDLEA chief painted a picture of Nigeria’s drug problem with facts and figures from the 2018 national drug survey while calling for collective efforts to change the narrative.

According to him, “There is

the need for drug test for our youth corps members as they report at the orientation camps.

Once they know there’ll be drug test at the camps, they will abstain from it. The whole essence is to ensure help gets to those who test positive early. This is part of our War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, initiative.

“Nigeria has a drug issue.

We’re determined to ensure this is changed but we can’t do it alone, we need organisations like NYSC to reduce and control demand for drugs. Nigeria has insufficient rehabilitation and counselling centres. We need counselling

centres in the primary health care centres at the grassroots, where we don’t have enough manpower to cover and this is where the young men and women of NYSC come in. We can train them in their numbers to serve as counsellors at the grassroots level because majority of drug users only need counselling.”

Speaking earlier, Brig. Gen. Fadah said he came on the visit to appreciate NDLEA for past support to the scheme and also ask for further collaboration as NYSC prepares to open the gates of orientation camps across the country.

L-R: Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao with Chairman, National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and Chief Policy and Plans, Air force headquarters, Air Vice Marshal CA. Ohwo, during the INEC Chairman’s visit to Air force Chief, at the Air force headquarters, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NAF partners OSGoF to produce large scale Nigeria map

By Ochiaka Ugwu

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he Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have come to agreement to collaborate towards the production of large scale map of the country.

Speaking during the courtesy call on the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, the Surveyor General of the Federation (SGoF), Surv. Abudulganiyu Adeyemi Adebomehin with the large scale map, government can take quick decisions on governance and administration and various parts

of the territorial area that makes up Nigeria.

In a press statement released in Abuja Wednesday signed by OSGoF Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Abu I. Michael, it noted that Surv. Adebomehin pointed out the various advantages of a large scale map which he said included the development of a smart city where vehicles could be put on roads without drivers (auto vehicles), quick estimation of the population of the people, and estimation of revenue drive.

According to him, one can at a glance see everything thing within an area in the large scale map which according to him has become very useful tool of

decision-making for political leaders and policymakers.

While thanking Air Marshal Amao for his commitment towards safeguarding the country’s territorial area and advancement of activities of NAF, the SGoF also said OSGoF could produce various maps that could help NAF in their various operations.

In his response, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao thanked the SGoF for extending hands of fellowship that emphasized the sort of synergy needed among agencies of the federal government for a common goal.

Air Marshal Amao expressed interest for the production of

forest maps that could enhance operations and charts that could also help in the navigation of aircrafts because of mountains, hills, installations especially at the airports that may constitute obstacles.

He pledged his support for the management of the Nigerian airspace in line with the Survey Coordination Act of 1962 that is being implemented by OSGoF to discourage violations.

Highlights of the occasion were the exchange of presentations between the two Chief Executive Officers and also the explanation of Nigeria Administrative, Forest and sample of the large scale maps by the SGoF.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 8

NEWS

Niger Gov. congratulates Tinubu From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha

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iger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has congratulated former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his victory as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.

Senator Bola Tinubu who is the APC National Leader, emerged the flag bearer at the party’s just concluded Special National Convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.

The Governor, in a congratulatory message , said the choice of Tinubu amongst other qualified candidates is an expression of confidence of the teeming party delegates across the country.

He described the process of the APC Presidential primaries as free, fair and credible, reaffirmed that the emergence of a Southern candidate as a standard flag bearer of the party is in the best interest of justice, fairness, unity and political stability of the nation.

Governor Bello urged fellow presidential aspirants, leaders, stakeholders and members of the APC to rally round the party’s standard flag bearer and work relentlessly to ensure that the party is returned to power at all levels in the 2023 general elections.

Cocoa production to hit 500,000 tonnes by 2024 -Minister T he Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to increase Nigeria’s cocoa production from the present 340,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes by 2024.

A statement by Mr Mohammed Gana, Information Officer II, in the Ministry said the minister made this known during a courtesy visit by Mr Arrion Michel, Executive Director, International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO), on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister said that Nigeria was ranked number four among cocoa producing countries in the world.

He assured that Nigeria could achieve an increase in cocoa production based on the present drive of the Federal Government

and relevant stakeholders towards utilisation of improved varieties.

“Recently, Nigeria has made a remarkable move to join the Living Income Differential (LID) initiatives which was established

by Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana in 2019 which aims at guaranteeing the livelihood of small holder farmers through LID of $400 of cocoa beans sold. ” The two countries are benefiting while Nigerian cocoa farmers are at disadvantage of this benefit due to unregulated and liberalised cocoa industry in the country,” he said.

Abubakar said that the interactive meeting between Nigerian delegation and Ghana cocoa board had yielded a positive result with the recent approval by ministry to establish the National Cocoa Management Committee

(NCMC).

“The committee will consist of all relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian cocoa industry, develop a framework for the regulation and monitoring of all activities in the cocoa sector in order to achieve transparency, traceability and sustainability,” he said.

He said that the NCMC would be powered by legislation through the National Assembly to give the process a legal backing.

The minister pledged that the ministry would implement the LID system as the country strives to take cocoa production to a new height.

Earlier, Michel thanked the minister for his hospitality and revealed that Africa produces about 80 per cent of cocoa ” but the price is determined in Europe and there is need to address the

issues of market force”.

He also pointed out that “Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Ecuador are the major producers of cocoa while Nigeria is the fourth producer of the product, saying that the product is a key to small holders farmers in many countries.”

In his remarks, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, represented by Mr Bendard Ukattah, a Deputy Director in the ministry commended the minister for his commitment to ensure that country cocoa value chain strives.

He also appreciated Michel and his team and the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment for their efforts and pledged the ministry’s cooperation to move the cocoa sub sector forward.

(NAN)

SCAAD partners Mailafiya Global Venture to train 25 youths in Adamawa From Umar Dankano,Yola

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non governmental Organisation,Sustainable Collective Advocacy Initiative(SCAAD) in partnership with Mai-Lafiya Global Venture Yola trained 25 youths on entrepreneurship.

Program Manager of the NGO (SCAAD),Mrs Angela Sale gave the assurance in Yola yesterday while on an excursion visit to the Mai-lafiya Global recycling company with the 25 students.

Mrs Sale said the rationale behind partnering the recycling firm was for the targeted youths to have a practical experience on the modus operandi of recycling business so as to develop theirs too.

Sale maintained that the knowledge to be impacted on the younger ones will be having multiplier effects when the trainees step it down to the larger society.

L-R: President Buhari with APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu as he presents the party flag to the candidate, at the closing of the APC National Convention, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NLC urges FG to end strike by ASUU, others

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he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to end the strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other university-based unions.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, made the call in his contributions to the report of the Director-General, International Labour Organisation, during the 110th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The conference which opened on Tuesday has the theme: “Social justice, decent work”.

According to Wabba, the NLC has written to the Federal Government on how to end the universities’ workers strike.

“We call on government to bring this strike to an end without further delay,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while the Federal Government continue to work on the demands of the unions, academic activities across all public universities have been suspended.

Wabba said that the NLC had written to President Muhammadu Buhari on how to use a high-

powered delegation to end the strike.

He said that one of the main issues in contention was the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution, a salary payment platform developed by ASUU. “I think the process has been concluded, what we are waiting for is for that process to be reconvened again and for that issue to be resolved. We opened that channel of intervention among others.

“I am also aware that the Interfaith Religious Council

also met with Mr president and the thinking was in the same direction.

“We will be very committed in reviewing that process and making sure that our children are made to go back to school.

“The best way to resolve disputes under the ILO rule is through a social dialogue process that works and that respects collective bargaining agreements. ”That will be a lasting option to actually addressing some of those issues and disputes, and I think it is high time that’s done,” he said.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

Society seeks renewed commitment on cyber security

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he Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) on Tuesday called on stakeholders to strengthen their commitment towards promoting cyber security in the country.

The President of NCS, Prof.

Adesina Sodiya made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of a cybersecurity forum scheduled for June 8 to June 10, in Abuja.

He said that the current local and international reports indicated that cyber-attacks in the country were still on the increase, adding that many attack incidences in Nigeria were not reported.

“Today, individuals, governments and corporate organisations are losing huge sums of money and property as a result of cyber-attacks.

“Threat to landscape continues to change rapidly, and attacks are increasing in might and sophistication. It is also believed that this trend will continue in the nearest future,” he said.

Sodita said that the trends of cyber-attacks had also taken another dimension since the current pandemic of COVID-19.

“This has forced many individuals, governments and corporate organisations to move most of their operations and activities online.

“We have also seen recent reported attacks on the public who face cyber security issues in Nigeria. Consequently, concerted effort is needed to enhance Cyber Security in Nigeria.

“NCS is the umbrella body for all IT practitioners and interest groups with a core mandate of supporting government towards the realisation of a safe and secured deployment and use of IT resources.

“NCS intends to make this stakeholders’ meeting a pungent platform for analysing the situation critically and provide reliable solutions to the Nation’s Cyber Security challenges, ” Sodiya said.

He, however, said that experts from various aspects of the economy would be invited to lead discussions at the meeting.

Sodiya said the association remained committed to IT development and had scheduled many programmes geared towards addressing the factors mitigating against efficient use of IT for leapfrogging development.

NAN reports that NCS is also the national platform for the advancement of Information Technology Science and Practice in Nigeria. (NAN)

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NEWS

Defection rocks Kebbi APC From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

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assive defections has rocked Kebbi State All Progressive Congress

(APC) as two Senators, one House of Representatives member and some state House of Assembly members with thier supporters defected to People Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Confirming this to newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi, the former APC spokesman Alhaji Sani Dododo said that the defection became necessary due to the fact that the present administration

failed to practice justice during the primary elections.

He explained further that the two Senators are Senator Adamu Aliero and senate leader, Yahyah Abubakar Arugungu and others.

L-R: Presidential aspirant Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prince Adewale Adebayo, Presidential aspirant Social Democratic Party Chief Mrs Dorothy Nuhu Amen and chieftain of the party / former Minister for Youth and Sport Development Mr Solomon Dalong during the Dorothy Nuhu step down her aspiration to enable prince Adewale Adebayo as Sole presidential aspirant according to the party zoning President to South West, yesterday in Abuja . Photo: Justin- Imo-owo

Rectors urged to use consultancy services to improve IGR From: Yakubu Mustapha Minna

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igerian Polytechnic Rectors have been urged to improve their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through consultancy services units of their institutions.

Chairman of the Forum of Directors of Consultancy Units of Polytechnics in Nigeria, Mallam Labaran Ibrahim made the appeal at the 15th Regular Meeting of the Forum held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida.

He expressed optimism that the Consultancy Units of each

polytechnic has the capacity to turn around the economic fortunes of the polytechnic if given the necessary support.

Ibrahim therefore urged the Rectors to each, provide their Consultancy Services Units with the needed support to progress in its business dealings to ensure the

success of the unit.

Speaking earlier at the opening of the meeting, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Dr. Abubakar Abdul Dzukogi assured the Forum of the Polytechnic’s support for new ideas that can improve the revenue base of the institution.

Varsity don urges urgent measures to tackle environmental challenges

P

rof. Nasiru Idris, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, on Tuesday called on government and relevant stakeholders to take urgent steps toward addressing environmental challenges in the country.

Idris made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja while celebrating the annual World Environment Day marked on June 5, since 1972.

NAN reports that the Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.

Idris expressed the desire for collaborative efforts to ensure

strong and effective restoration of planet earth.

He said that this year’s theme: “Only One Earth”, was aimed at creating more awareness on importance of living in harmony with nature.

He said that collaborations among relevant stakeholders, both local and global, would help to implement the environmental policies and programmes effectively.

“There is a need for urgent action to address these pressing issues.

“The celebration will strongly provide an awareness campaign which will encourage people to put in place more measures to address the challenges.

“One of the measures is tree planting within our immediate environment so that we can connect people with nature.

“Also, when you plant those trees, ensure they are maintained; for any one tree cut down, ensure it is replaced without delay.

“The celebration is also a route to protecting this unique and beautiful planet, making it to remain a comfortable home for humanity,” he said.

Idris said that marking the day had been a major forum to address environmental issues ranging from marine pollution, human overgrowth, wildlife crime, among others.

He said that the theme was very critical as plants and animal species

were facing extinction, urging stakeholders to remain focused and work on the theme.

“Clearly, 2022 is a year for urgency, ambition and action to address the crisis facing our nature.

“So, I am encouraging all relevant stakeholders to accelerate, amplify, engage and support government to take action on critical environmental challenges facing the planet.

“This is necessary so that we can preserve and restore the only earth we are having and in return, the ecosystem will provide us with its services.

“The services include food availability, water supply, fresh air, among others,” he said.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 10

NEWS Leadership Challenges: Institute equips members with management skills

T

he African Institute of Public Health Professionals (AIPHP) has expressed determination to strengthen the performance of health professionals through various leadership and management skills to meet the latest global health challenge.

Prof.

Wondimagegnehu Alemu, Chairman, Governing Council of AIPHP said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the beginning of a three-day training workshop for health professionals.

Alemu said the training became imperative to equip health professionals not only in Nigeria but other African countries with robust mix of leadership competencies, skills and behaviours.

“Well informed senior and midlevel health leaders and managers are critical to successfully lead and influence performance of programme implementation for effective prevention of public health threats.

“It is evident that there exist leadership crises/incompetence in public health due to inadequate training, hence the need to train effective leaders in public health, to move the system forward.

“The limited resources available in the health sector of African countries also call for effective management based on good leadership,” Alemu said.

Registrar of the Institute, Mr Ayodele James, said that the leadership challenges in the health sector in Africa must be tackled for it not to linger.

He said participants should at the end of the training be able to take up their leadership positions with vigor and strength.

“If you have a good leader, no matter the outbreak, including monkey pox, they will be on top of the game,” he said.

Prof. Abdulraheem Ibraheem in his presentation titled “Leading by example: Personal effectiveness required of a good leader,” said leaders must always make sound judgments to salvage situations.

Ibraheem listed other qualities of a good leader to include setting positive examples, looking out for the well-being of others and developing a sense of responsibility in your team members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training workshop expected to end on Thursday has in attendance the Ministry of Health, National Primary Healthcare, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other health stakeholders.

The event was organised in partnership with World Health Organisation, Pathfinder International, RAHI, International Health Consultancy in Georgia, Atlanta and Environmental Health Officers registration Council of Nigeria. (NAN)

Council seals 25,000 illegal pharmaceutical premises -Registrar

T

he Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed up no fewer than 25,000 illegal pharmaceutical premises in eight years.

Dr Elijah Mohamed, Registrar of the council, made this known on the sidelines of the Public Presentation of his Scorecard on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the premises were sealed due to poor documentation, poor hygienic environment, non regularisation of papers and inappropriate and unethical behavior or conduct.

The registrar said “the scorecard is an account of my stewardship as registrar of PCN from June 2014 to June 2022.

He further disclosed that before he was appointed eight years ago, there were 17 pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences faculties in the country, however, eight years after, the number of faculties have increased to 30, some will kick-start in the next few months.

“The illegal pharmaceutical premises that we closed down within the past eight years are over 2,5000 across the federation.

“They were closed down due to various reasons including poor hygienic environment, poor documentation, improper regularization of papers and improper behaviours in the shops and premises,” he stressed.

Speaking on achievements he said the PCN is in charge of the control and regulation of the pharmacy education, training and practice.

“In education, we have been able to put in place a new programme which is Doctor of pharmacy which combine both clinical and non-clinical concept of pharmacy practice.

“Before now, the practice was product focused, but now it is patient focused. What that means is that whether you are in production, sale, distribution or dispensing of drugs, the patient is the focus and what impact it

is going to have on our patient and with that concern, everybody is sitting up now to ensure that whatever product is coming out, the patient is paramount.”

Mohammed further noted that some of the challenges the PCN was confronted with within the past eight years were that human resources and infrastructure.

“We don’t have enough human resources, two; is infrastructure, we don’t have enough vehicles to go round to monitor and carry out enforcement across the community,” he noted.

He, however, applauded regulatory agencies including NAFDAC, the Nigeria Police Force and the others for their cooperation and support over the years.

“The Federal Ministry of Health have been very wonderful in our operations. They have been giving us all the policy support.

The judiciary has also been supportive in terms of dispatch of cases,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the PCN, Prof. Ahmed Mora, applauded the outgoing Registrar for putting together the scorecard saying that his efforts in mobilizing development partners to support the activities of the Council made the difference.

While describing Mohammed as a very lucky person, Prof Mora, said: “One of the many things that he excelled as Registrar is his relationship with Development Partners.

“The capacity building programmes initiated by these partners have been wonderful.

Indeed, the Development Partners were to some extent deeply immersed in the implementation of the mandates of the Registry.

“Today’s programme, which is with the full support of Society for Family Health (SFH) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is one of such commendable collaborations for which the Council is very appreciative.”

(NAN)

Members of Parliamentry Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) protesting over the unpaid allowances at the entrance to National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NLC condemns employers that violate labour standards

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned those violating international labour standards in different countries and workplaces.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said this while making a presentation at the ongoing 110th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILO) on Wednesday in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year’s conference had:”Social Justice, decent work” as its theme.

Wabba was reacting to the report of the DirectorGeneral of International Labour Organisation(ILO), Mr Guy Ryder.

According to him, we are appalled and opposed to the growing resistance against trade unionism through obstructions of freedom of association, freedom to organise, freedom to collectively bargain.

“The right to strike and the irresponsible violation of collective bargaining agreements especially by multinational companies is appalling,’’ he said.

He noted that globally, workers are concerned about the rise

of fascism, ultra-nationalism, unilateralism, irresponsible capitalism, and despotism.

He noted that this had threatened not only the fabrics of harmonious industrial relations but also the foundations of global peace and our collective survival.

Wabba further noted that the aggression by Russia against Ukraine had turned about seven million Ukrainians into refugees, maimed and killed thousands more.

According to him, we should be worried that the war in Ukraine almost brought the world to the doorsteps of a nuclear winter.

“Currently, the global food and energy supply chain has been severely serrated by this war leading to hyper-inflation, hunger and destitution in many countries. “ It is workers and their families that suffer most during senseless wars like this.

“The working people of the world unequivocally denounce the ongoing human tragedy in Ukraine.

“We stand in solidarity with the workers and people of Ukraine. We demand a stop to the aggression

now. We implore Russia to embrace dialogue, ‘’he said.

He added that the opening statements of the Director General of the ILO sum it up – “those who resort to war deny social justice”.

“I must add that “those who choose war admit and advertise the failure of their humanity.”

The NLC president said that succinctly put, “wars in the 21st century mock any claim to grand milestones in civilization.

“Just as we arebspeaking out against the violation of the UN Charter by the aggressors in Ukraine, we also condemn those violating international labour standards in different countries and workplaces.

He, however, condemned the recent military coups in parts of Africa and Myanmar.

“We call for the restoration of genuine democratic, plural and participatory governance in the affected countries.

“We call for a new social contract anchored on a humancentered approach to recovery and which prioritizes decent work, social dialogue, social protection,

just transition to green economy.

“That is inclusive and sustainable development and the resolve to make and operationalise Occupational Health and Safety as a fundamental right at work in line with the demands of the ILO Centenary Declaration and the Global Call to Action,’’ he said.

He also commended the commitment of the social partners in Nigeria for institutionalising Social Dialogue through the resuscitation of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC).

Wabba also noted that the tripartite structure had completed the process of reviewing of five Labour laws expecting the government to forward the laws to the Nigerian parliament without delay.

He also said similarly, the NLAC had also been utilised to process ILO Convention 190 for ratification.

“We are confident that this ratification will happen very soon.

“Together, we can make the world a better place to live, work and raise our families,’’ he said.

(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

Akeredolu owo attack Black Pentecost Sunday

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n June 5, Catholics in Owo, Ondo state, were celebrating Pentecost when, suddenly, armed men arrived at St. Francis Church and attacked worshippers, 81 in number, according to authorities.

In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A “strong, driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand one other.

of innocent children cut down in their prime and some severely injured by the mindless attackers. At Owo, the anger was palpable. The tension was at an abrasive level just as the urge for reprisals was high. Without doubt too, the ripple impact of this heinous act as well as the understandably angry reaction across the state could not have been different. I urge our people to be calm but remain vigilant. Do not take the law into your own hands. Leave the rest for government to shoulder.”

The outside world has expressed shock as well, calling on the Nigerian government to go after the killers and bring them to book. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, Tuesday, said “attacks on places of worship are abhorrent.”

The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission - to go out and preach the Gospel Strident and to all nations. It fulfills strong as the the New Testament public outcry and promise from Christ condemnation of (Luke 24:46-49) that the attack have To be sure, the the Apostles would be been, the follow up “clothed with power” action to fish out government is before they would be the perpetrators has doing its best to been slow in coming. sent out to spread the Gospel. However, in Akeredolu stop the reign of Gov. Owo, gunmen clothed told bereaving worshippers at St. terror sweeping the families to “leave Francis Church an eerie nation. However, it the rest ( action) to cloak of death. The the government to bishop of Ondo Diocese, does not have the shoulder.” But this Jude Arogundade, human and material has been the usual Tuesday, said 38 response resources to take government person’s had been to such man made confirmed dead in the on the very mobile tragedies.

Sunday attack. “But we terrorists. know that many people To be sure, the were taken to private hospitals. Even government is doing its best to stop some people came to take the bodies the reign of terror sweeping the of their loved ones. We are trying to nation. However, it does not have trace those people so that we can have the human and material resources a recount for all,” he said. to take on the very mobile terrorists.

For instance, in last Sunday’s church Owo is the hometown of the state attack, the killers operated for over 25 governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who had minutes unchallenged, evening telling to cancel a scheduled trip to Abuja to their victims not to expect help from attend his APC party’s presidential anywhere. In deed, no help came. primaries. In a broadcast to the people of the state, Tuesday, the governor But we believe help could have described the attack as “a gory war- come if eyewitnesses reported the like scene. The Federal Medical attack quickly enough to the security Centre, Owo, the St. Louis Hospital, forces. We must not only condemn Owo, the General Hospital, Owo as belated government action but make well as some private hospitals in Owo sure to play our part in defending life were filled with the injured, most of and property. The security forces need them in critical conditions.” He added, early intelligence to act and only we “The most unfortunate part is the lives can and should provide this.

“

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Letter to the Editor

Muheeba Dankaka and the Federal Character principle

T

he federal character principle which has been enshrined in Nigeria’s constitutions since 1979, seeks to ensure that appointments in the federal public service fairly reflect the linguistic, cultural, religious and geographical balancing in the country.Application of the principles in the Federal Civil Service and the military has amounted to a confused balancing of the merit principles and the quota system based essentially on the state of origin.This has had adverse effects on both institutions in terms of discipline, morale and general effectiveness and efficiency.

Faithful implementation of the universal primary education and the imaginative rehabilitation of all secondary and tertiary institutions would serve as veritable tools in ensuring equal opportunities for all to compete for opportunities in the country’ss public service. This too will be done on the basis of merit because any country that sacrifices merit on the altar of greed or federal character would be forever shooting itself in the foot. As regards the military, only rapid implementation of the continuous training and the sticking of the country to civil and democratic rule can guarantee the survival of the federal character principles in Nigeria.With President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Dr Muheeba Dankaka, who hails from Offa, Kwara state, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, FCC, a position she roundly merits, the issue of capable leadership in the institution that serves as the ombudsman for the implementation of the country’s federal character principle has been resolved.Her appointment is coming at a time when there are many criticisms of the federal character principle and its implementation in the country.

She is an avid believer of the federal character principle as a tool for unity through equality. She believes that the call for the abrogation of the federal character principle is hasty.

The policy, she opines, still ensures that no single tribe controls or dominates any government agency or the government itself and this is a departure from the system of the past that makes this possible. Without the federal character principle, it would have been relatively easy for a dominant tribe in Nigeria to control the federal government. Indeed, there is a perception that the North, a catch-all region in Nigeria, controls the military and the police.

However, now with Dr Muheeba Dankaka at the helm of affairs of

the commission, such perception can be checked through the faithful implementation of the federal character principle. Through her leadership, the perception that is always held that the commission is a toothless bulldog will be a thing of the past. When the FCC barks, it must be heard because the legal instruments to ensure it is heard are enshrined in the extant 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, simple and clear.

She is already working on a framework to improve on our federal character principle, perhaps reforming the FCC, to ensure more transparent criteria and a recourse to merit as overall arbiter on who gets what. As tribal debate spurs tension, the FCC helmsman would be addressing the details of the new framework to make widely acceptable by its careful legal drafting. A useful legislative framework would be the use of a more holistic act that would ensure that available positions are publicised in all parts of the country to tackle inequality of opportunity.

This is a cardinal part of her plans.

She believes beyond this approach, emphasis must be placed on qualifications, ensuring that merits are not sacrificed on the altar of diversity.That said and promised, Nigerians should not believe that fixing the federal character principles is a magic wand.

Beyond tokenism representation, we ought to hollistically push for policies that are representative and promote equity on issues that revolve around resource allocations, as well as criminalise hate crimes and speeches or any other form of tribal discrimination.

This Muheeba Dankaka is also working on. The federal character principle guarantees some semblance of balance in the federal public service, but the price of this is the catalogue of unqualified civil servants branding public office without qualifications.

More so, it breeds a new type of tribal discontent as Nigerians become dissappointed with the quality of government officials.

This, she would be working hard to eliminate through sound policies and legal frameworks.We ought to have pursued reforms here long ago, to do so now, Nigeria needs to break bad character. Our amazon of reforms in the federal character principle and commission is here.

Let’s support her for the nation’s unity.

Musa Wada, Abuja

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 12

Opinion

Dear Oyo State parents and Amotekun operatives

By Segun Adebowale

I

t is imperative for me to write and salute your courage to raise up in the face of insecurity confronting our dearest nation Nigeria. I strongly cherish the courage summoned especially by most of our youths and some aged in the Southwest region of the country to secure their father’s land from being captured by the terrorists and bandits that was greedly inflicted on our generation by the age bracket of those who were appointed by the Oyo State government, in particular his Excellency Eng. Seyi Makinde, the executive governor of Oyo State, to over see the affairs of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun). The appointment of these set of people is not problem at all, because they are so appointed based on their wealth of experience as retired colonel and retired general in the Nigeria Army which is one of security outfits in Nigeria, who officers and personnel can not denied the fact, if not directly involved, indirectly they know much about the origin of insecurity threatening the Nigerians” peaceful coexistence.

Without being bias, these set of individual, who has eaten and enjoyed every good opportunities of the country that citizens of a Nation should enjoy, with doubt are best for the appointment of any newly security outfit like the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), but the unprofessional administration intentionally adopted to govern the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) is a sign that the retired colonel and retired general appointed want to bring in their own form of insurgency to Oyo State. Which must not be allowed at all.

Let all go back to memory lane of our nation Nigeria, can whose age is between 45 years upward, especially those appointed in the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) tell us, we that are between age 44 downward, what is year and which of agency of Nigeria governrnent and Oyo State government embarked on the stupid missions (unprofessionalism and in securing work and forceful traditional Oaths taken) that Colonel Olayinka Olayaju and his leading administrators in the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) is embarking on, despite their corrupt nature we unconsciously inherited from their generation. Please I need thier open response as they are reading this letter. Advice them to reply, please.

I want to believe that Oyo State Amotekun operatives are made up of Traditinalist, Christian and Muslim, which the level of their dedication or commitment of each operatives” faith to their respective religion is can not be determined by man but the almighty God. The only thing that is sure is that there are devoted worshippers whose faith will never allow them to dig their fingers in the oil that can tarnish their white clothes. I can see people that Yoruba refer to as “Omoluabi” and vice versa among the Oyo State Amotekun operatives. This was confirmed when I employed my close ally to dramatise a crime incident that Amotekun offices in approximately 14 out of the 33 LGA in Oyo State was attended to, honestly speaking a wise and just decision was reached on the case, but the fools among the Amotekun’s operatives also displayed their foolishness among the selected LGA. This experiment make me see reasons

why some citizens in the Oyo State Local Governments prefer taking cases to the Amotekun rather than …

The Oyo State citizens and the State Amotekun operatives, let be honest to ourselves, who among you that is not Christian can hold the holy Bible to swear, on non Muslim that can hold the holy Quran, or the traditionalist that can swear with either Bible or Quran? None. Why should colonel Olayinka Olayaju and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) want to create a chaos and tense religion atmosphere in the State.

Everyone one in the universe is without doubt, is looking for means of earning what to eat, but I beseach you all let what you get be through legitimate and Godly manner. Be wise, don’t allow the greedy and tyranny Colonel Olayinka Olayaju and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) forced you to do what was not done to them while calling for this service by the Oyo State government. Even our politicians promised to bring heaven down on earth if voted for by us and eventually has the opportunity, especially the governors and president who is head of every government that decide what to do on generated revenue and allocation were neither wear for non forced to swear traditionally. How dare forcefully swear for you that is paying a monthly salary of forty six thousand, seven hundred and twelve naira twenty nine Kobo (46,712,29) which am very sure you can not boastfully entirely depends on it to feed you and your wife (s) not to talk of children and other basic needs of daily living in a traditional way. The only Oath you are lawful to take is an Oath of Allegiance rooted in the Nigeria and Amotekun’s law

2020 prepared by the Oyo State House of Assembly to guide the day to day administration of the Agency you are working with.

Which Colonel (rted) Olayinka Olayaju the Oyo State Amotekun commandant and General (rted) Kunle Togun has failed to use in the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) to ease and clear the administrative problems confronting the Agency. Please be wise, those holding juicy positions in the Agency are not call to swear traditionally. A word is enough for the wise.

The Amotekun Board of Governance Chairman; General Kunle Togun and other members, the King pharaoh of Oyo State Amotekun; Colonel (rted) OPC Olayinka Olayaju the Amotekun commandant, Mr OPC Akinro the State 2ic, the executive governor of Oyo State, Eng Seyi Makinde, Honourable Members House of Assembly, the Oyo State head of Service Mrs Amidst Ololade Agboola, The Permanent Secretary the State Government Mr F.N Oladehindeto, the Attorney general of Oyo State Pfro Oyelowo Oyewo (SAN) and other Oyo State public office holders you are all parents, imagine the Oyo State Amotekun operatives are your children would you keep mute on the unprofessional ways colonel Olayinka Olayaju is directing the affairs of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun)?

Or would advice these Amotekun operatives as your children, friend and family to undergo this traditional oath taken that Colonel (rted) Olayinka Olayaju and the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) is presently administring. Anyway, “Omolomo laa ran nise ma saide toru-toru” a bi? Please come together to call for and implement professionalism in

the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) Colonel Olayinka Olayaju is using one Yoruba proverb use by Akintola to Obafemi Awolowo that “a to t’oje no Olosa lowo, o ku baba eniti yoo bo”.

Colonel (Rted) Olayinka Olayaju, if nobody, even the his Excellency that crowned you as Oyo State Amotekun commandant, in Oyo State cannot remove you from that seat, remember that ” A to de ade kiniun (Lion), ko sehin Olodumare” As the tenure of your king maker is coming to an end, so also your tenure. Only almighty God can make king, and He alone can dethroned the king”.

As the Oyo State citizens and Oyo State Amotekun operatives are helpless in your hand today, so also your children… “Ewoo, abiyamo ki I sepe” (hold it, a parent never coarse). Colonel Olayinka Olayaju your children are not at fault, I cannot, but pray for them that they shall not meet a merciless person as your very self in their life’s journey (amen and amen) for one should not pay evil with evil. But forget not the law of distributive Justice in life.

Oyo State citizens like me and Oyo State Amotekun operatives, lets join hands together to pray for this State of pacesetter that God almighty should repay Colonel Olayinka Olayaju and any other person involving in running the affairs of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) in an unprofessional ways that can not make the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) to attained a standard world view security outfit that will be able to easily get corrupt Oyo State Amotekun operatives and also apprehended to prosecute criminals in a lawful way.

Segun Adebowale is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Osinbajo, law professor, pastor and dream for Nigeria’s presidency

By Clement A. Oloyede

A

s acting president when President Buhari was out of the country on medical issues, Osinbajo wielded power with his firing of Lawal Daura, the then State Security Service boss on August 7, 2018, seen as a move that pitted him against the cabal of the presidency.

If he succeeds in clinching the ticket, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s dream of becoming the candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election will put him in a pole position to succeed his principal and become just the second number two citizen elected president since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Osinbajo, a law professor and pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has been one of the poster children of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration since 2015 oftentimes suffering similar if not more criticism as his principal.

His first major foray into politics

dates back to 1999 when the then governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appointed him as a member of his cabinet wherein he served as AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice from 1999 to 2007.

As Attorney-General of Lagos, he was credited with undertaking far-reaching significant judicial reforms in the state, addressing critical areas such as judges’ recruitment, remuneration, training and discipline.

He addressed access to justice

for the poor by establishing appropriate institutions in the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and the Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC) thereby repositioning the ministry from a “law and order” agency under the military, to a citizen-focused department of justice.

Before then, he had, between 1988 and 1992, served as an Adviser (Legal Advice and Litigation) to the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola.

“

He was with the University of Lagos as a lecturer since 1981 before his appointment as an adviser in 1988. Upon completion of his term with Ajibola, he returned to the university and in 1994, he became a professor of Law following which he was appointed Head of Department of Public Law, University of Lagos.

He would later become a Senior Partner at SimmonsCooper Partners, Nigeria (a commercial law practice).

Osinbajo gained national

It is understandable that money is of substance but of course, it may not be the key to happiness. A wrong perception harboured by individuals not so endowed with riches is that wealthy people are the luckiest.

attention in 2015 when he was selected to run as a running mate for then opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of the APC. The duo won the election and their reelection in 2019.

As acting president when President Buhari was out of the country on medical issues, Osinbajo wielded power with his firing of Lawal Daura, the then State Security Service boss on August 7, 2018, seen as a move that pitted him against the cabal of the presidency.

But after the re-election in 2019, Osinbajo’s power was whittled down following the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

When he announced his intention to run for the presidency, several individuals suggested that his decision was a betrayal of his erstwhile political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had also entered the race.

Clement A. Oloyede is a Public Affairs Analyst.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

Comment

Debt and national development in Africa

By Olufemi Oyedele

L

oans are taken to service debt and recurrent is higher than capital expenditure. In any country where corruption is not put under control and external debts are used to fund it, the situation of infrastructure in Nigeria, despite its huge debt, will be experienced.

In Public debt and growth, an article published by International Monetary Fund in 2010, Manmohan S. Kumar and Jaejoon Woo posited that “The sharp increase in advanced country sovereign debts as a result of the global economic and financial crisis has led to serious concerns about fiscal sustainability, and their broader economic and financial market impact.

A key issue relates to the extent to which large public debts are likely to have an adverse effect on capital accumulation, as well as productivity, and reduce economic growth.” Debt has the possibility of stifling the economic development and growth of nations if ‘misused’. Where income is less or equal to the amount used to service debt, it portends danger for a

nation!

Debt is the amount of loan collected for temporary usage by a debtor from a creditor or statutory financial obligation owed with the promise of paying back the loan or obligation with interest or paying back interest regularly and the actual cost (principal) later. Government debt in Nigeria increased to $95779.64m in the fourth quarter of 2021 from $92626.41m in the third quarter of 2021. In 2020, the national debt of Nigeria amounted to approximately 35% of the gross domestic product.

As of December 2021, the ratio was 22.47%, which still remained within the country’s limit of 40% of GDP. This discourse is about answering two questions: What makes national debt toxic and at what level is debt a bad procurement? To answer these questions, it is pertinent to ask: Can poor nations survive without debt?

Or, how can cash-strapped nations develop their resources (human, material and natural)? Economists, all over the world agree that economic development and growth of nations are determined by four natural

factors: human resources, especially human capital; physical capital; natural resources and technology development. Human resources and their qualities in terms of skills, age bracket, education background and health are essential to the wealth creation of nations. They are what differentiate advanced and developing nations. All nations, where there is a scarcity of funds, must source loans to develop these four factors.

Africa has a fair share of human resources but not human capital.

According to StatisticsTimes.com, Africa has 1.37 billion people as of July 1, 2021. This is 18.95% of the 7.753 billion of the world’s population. Europe has 9.6%, the lowest continent but high capital of the world population. Africa has a good number of natural resources but how to exploit them is usually a challenge. Africa’s natural resources include arable land, solar energy, with two-thirds of the countries in Africa being in the tropics and having timber and arable land. Physical capital is the wealth of the nation, otherwise called investment. Technology development is, no doubt, the change agent of world

A view on cost of living crisis

By Lanre Babalola

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n May 1, 2022, the U.K. Observer published an editorial titled, The Observer view on the cost of living crisis. The editorial focused on the challenges of the rocketing cost of living in Britain, caused by falling real household incomes as compared with higher energy and food prices because wages fail to keep pace with rising bills. The article outlined the impact of the crisis, the UK government’s inadequate responses and the measures that could be adopted to urgently raise living standards.

There are certainly parallels to be drawn here to the economic situation in Nigeria. Not only have living standards in Nigeria been falling at an unprecedented rate for the past two decades but government responses have been tepid and have failed to halt, let alone reverse, the troubling trend. The depth, pace and duration of the fall in living standards are difficult to gauge with any certainty in a country known for poor data and record keeping. Checks on official sources reveal little. The best source left is inflation statistics. While they tell us how quickly prices are rising, they spotlight neither the vertiginous fall in living standards that is set to continue as energy and food prices continue to increase nor how wages fail to keep pace with rising bills.

A detailed examination of different issues reveals the depth of the cost of living crisis in Nigeria. While nominal income per capita has been on an upward trend over the last 20 years, the jarring inequalities that accompany economic growth in Nigeria and macroeconomic disequilibrium mean that the impact of the rise in the cost of living has not been felt equally. For those at the helm of affairs, both in the private and public sector, this will barely register. For some families, skyrocketing prices have meant making difficult decisions when choosing how to cut back on consumption, such as forgoing specific staple food items and other necessities.

For many Nigerians, the rise has stretched budgets that were already barely adequate to breaking point, forcing more and more into poverty as they struggle to balance meagre resources to cover the costs of food, energy, transport, accommodation and healthcare bills.

The situation is compounded by a pronounced absence of urgent policies to reverse the poverty spiral, despite

the increasing number of people being sucked into it. The latest statistics put the figure at over 80 million Nigerians.

The lack of relevant data, however, makes it difficult to be precise on how deep and widespread the crisis is and which parts of the country are affected most. Perhaps this simply goes to show the unresponsiveness of government to a problem of such magnitude.

Government’s actions over the last few years can be reduced to populist social investment programmes that have little to do with investment in any meaningful sense and pandemic palliatives that were simply ineffective and not well thought out to have any real impact. In other words, there has not been any concerted effort to address the crisis in living standards. This leads to the conclusion that the attention of ministers and government officials has been trained on the pursuit of their own interests and the 2023 elections with a view to self-perpetuation rather than to improving public service and elevating public interest. This is evident in the increase in the level of tax burden imposed on citizens as fiscal constraints and falling revenues have caused government to increase VAT while also significantly increasing public debt to fund budgets.

Unfortunately, the preponderance of public expenditure goes on salaries and other recurrent expenditures.

Government actions are contrary to the standard economic tenet of stimulating economic activities and have instead exacerbated the cost of living. It is difficult not to conclude from this that the hardship people are enduring is of no consequence to those in government with the authority to meaningfully address the crisis.

The worrying lack of appropriate policies and measures ought to be of concern to those in authority as it may be construed as indifference, poor appreciation of the dimensions of the crisis or lack of understanding in formulating necessary solutions to address the harsh economic circumstances that are reshaping and defining Nigerian society and lives.

What we have seen so far are not only ineffective policies but expenditures on projects that have neither positively impacted the cost of living nor created real jobs but have instead worsened the fiscal position of the government

as increasing levels of local and foreign debts are being contracted.

Nigeria is experiencing a prolonged economic malaise. Real wages are on a downward trajectory, productivity has remained stubbornly low, the economy is moribund, policies are wrongheaded and together these factors have sent prices skyrocketing. Our productivity in every economic endeavour and cost of production rank unfavourably against comparable countries both globally and on the continent. The implication is we simply cannot compete.

Sadly, there are no shortcuts to increasing living standards. Any approach must be multi-pronged. In this context, there are three main avenues, at the minimum, we must embark upon to address falling living standards.

Firstly, economic policies need to focus strongly on boosting productivity and then ensuring that the gains and benefits are shared evenly among the various economic agents—financiers, producers, employers and consumers.

One of the reasons why poverty rates have risen is that unemployment has increased in geometric progression whereas economic growth has not even experienced appreciable arithmetic progression. Indeed, where jobs do exist, wages and income do not pay enough to ensure a minimum standard of living however we define it.

This situation can only be tackled by economic policies that focus firmly on job creation, on overcoming disparities between rural and urban areas, on income and on gender inequalities. This will require, at the very minimum, a radical rebalancing of government capital expenditure vis-a-vis current expenditure of public versus private sectors. To do so, the government must encourage far more efficient allocation of resources, more purposeful investment in social and economic infrastructures, and on skills acquisition to boost domestic production.

Climate change, the effects of the pandemic, fluctuating global demand patterns and supply chains, and graft, will only make the task harder. These factors combined, can unfortunately be expected to exert downward pressure on living standards, thereby increasing inequalities and poverty. If the standard of living crisis is not addressed fairly and squarely, the combination will increase pressure and undermine the existing social contract.

wealth and all nations must embrace it.

There are two sources of debt for a nation. One is local loans from banks and the second is foreign loans from international finance institutions.

Ghana’s debt to GDP in 2019 was 62.59% while the highest rate in Africa is that of Eritrea at 175.1% of the GDP. Despite this low debt rate to GDP of Nigeria, the citizens lack trust in public debt!

Whether debt is good or not is a factor of what it is used for. If debt is used as an investment, that is to develop physical and soft infrastructure that is necessary for the running of a country and not to finance recurrent expenditure or allowed to go down the drains through corruption. Debt is a liability even to the generation yet unborn. It is only necessary when it is invested in a development project. The corruption index of Nigeria is 24% and positioned at 154 out of 186 countries assessed. Nigeria holds key interest rate at 11.5%. The key economic indicators to view before assessing the suitability of a nation for loan are GDP, inflation, unemployment and trade. In financial management, gearing is the

ratio of a debt to the value of national asset of a nation. The national asset, both physical and natural, must also be evaluated.

At 123rd position in the global Infrastructure table produced by World Economic Forum in 2021, Nigeria seems not to have anything to show for its huge debt! Housing deficit was put at 17 million units in the 2018 World Bank Report and the state of road infrastructure is nothing to write home about. There is food insecurity with Nigeria being the capital of poverty in the world. Security and welfare of citizens, the two primary functions of governments are missing; education, rail, water transport and health are abysmal. Loans are taken to service debt and recurrent is higher than capital expenditure. In any country where corruption is not put under control and external debts are used to fund it, the situation of infrastructure in Nigeria, despite its huge debt, will be experienced.

Secondly, we must urgently revisit and reformulate the raft of fiscal and monetary policies such as subsidies, exchange rate management, regressive taxation, custom charges, etc., that at present shackle economic activities and impact negatively on living standards. For a nation with a significant proportion of low-income earners, record-high unemployment and severe underemployment (especially among the youth), a dizzying proportion of the population in poverty, serious gender and income inequalities, yawning urban-rural gaps and the spectre of food insecurity, government will need to put effort immediately into increasing disposable incomes of the poor and vast majority of the population.

Again, instead of doing what will improve the lives of the vast majority, successive governments have, in the face of stagnant revenues, maintained subsidy regimes that have spiralled out of control leaving very little resources for infrastructure development. Neither has, at face value, spurred economic activities nor created jobs. On the contrary, the situation has led to a greater debt and tax burden, which ordinarily may be justified if they were designed to boost economic activities and alter consumption decisions, instead they have emerged because of fiscal policies to bolster government revenues.

Thirdly, to tackle the high cost of living, the government needs to implement structural reforms in two areas: The most important of economic and social infrastructure, transportation, energy, ICT, and water, account for the former; and education, skills acquisition, healthcare, the latter.

Various administrations have attempted to increase aggregate supply, albeit unsuccessfully, without taking full cognisance of the role of aggregate demand. The unintended consequences were, in terms of outcomes, a reduction in real wages, increasing inflationary pressures, and diminishing overall social welfare. To put it bluntly, it is the poor in Nigerian society that have been adversely impacted the most.

Two areas of structural reforms can immediately and effectively impact favourably on high cost of living.

First of all, the economy desperately needs infrastructure to promote and expand agriculture, rural development, a functioning transportation sector

and energy in urban areas to support economic growth and social development. By the same token, secondly, housing is a major challenge for most Nigerians. Neither government nor the private sector has provided adequate and affordable housing for the generality of Nigeria, leaving most unacceptable living conditions. Housing has the propensity to kick-start the economy, addressing the corollary of rural-urban drift. Nigeria urgently needs a programme of investment in housing development to create affordable homes for rent and purchase, which will spur the construction sector and concomitantly create jobs.

These are long-term economic reforms that require sustained investment. Even if the capital is mobilised, the investments will take time to fully deliver for the economy. For if the current and subsequent administrations are to tackle the deep and structural social and economic crises that envelop the nation, the will to address the underlying causes of crises must be resolute and unambiguous. And it must be combined with the capacity to plan for the next decade and future generations.

Otherwise, the lackadaisical approach that has become the order of the day will consign us to jobless growth, while the high cost of living will drive more people into poverty.

Last, and most importantly, security as the key element in a business enabling environment must, without equivocation, be factored into the calculus of economic growth and development. In addition to the persistent threat to life and property it poses, insecurity exacerbates food insecurity and negatively impacts economic activities especially agricultural outputs and the distribution side to the food supply chain.

While the measures highlighted above are important and are expected to increase aggregate supply, any approach that will comprehensively address the cost of living crisis must include measures that positively impact aggregate demand. The latter must spur real income, positively impact consumption patterns and consumer behaviour, which in turn will stimulate domestic production, and lead to a more sustainable outcome Dr. Babalola is a director of The African Politeia Institute, an Abujabased think-tank.

Olufemi Oyedele, an estate surveyor and valuer, writes from Lagos

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 14

NEWS

L-R; NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Muhammad Kaku Fadah receiving copies of some in-house publications from the Chairman, CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) during his visit to the NDLEA Headquarters, yesterday in Abuja . Justin Imo-owo

ATCN Abba clinches NNPP guber ticket in Kano, promises to fight corruption if elected trains 100 N drivers on road safety From Kano

By Abubakar Yunusa

T

he president of automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria (ATCN), Ishaku Bamaiyi has retreated that he would not rest until road crashes across the country are reduced to the barest minimum.

Bamaiyi made the promise during the training of 100 private and commercial drivers in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, to prevent further crashes.

He disclosed that ATCN recently trained 500 students drawn from 11 schools in the FCT on various topics like, identifying road signs, importance of road safety, application of first aid, SR4 under the school rating etc.

Mustapha

Adamu,

ew Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has affirmed former gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Abba Kabiru Yusuf, as its governorship candidate for 2023 election in Kano state.

The affirmation exercise, which took place at the premises of Sani Abacha Youth Centre in Kano on Monday, was conducted under the party committee, chaired by Musa Aujara.

He explained to newsmen that

Mr Yusuf is the only candidate contesting for the governorship seat in Kano, adding that according to the elections guidelines of the party, he is going to be affirmed by the delegates on a yes-or-no basis.

He told newsmen at the commencement of the voting that there are 1,452 delegates, with three from each of the 484 wards that will affirm his candidacy.

Speaking after the affirmation exercise, Yusuf said that loyalty and continuity in the fight against graft would be one of his major cardinal thrusts, if voted to power

as the executive governor of Kano State.

Addressing tens of thousands of party supporters who converged on Sani Abacha Youth Centre in Kano at the affirmation of his candidacy Monday, Yusuf stated that as an off-shoot of the immediate past administration of Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso he would strive to forge ahead with the giant strides of his boss in myriad spheres of human endeavour adding that his loyalty to Kwankwaso and Kwankwasiyya ideology would remain unshakeable throughout

the tenure of his leadership.

In a press statement made available to news men by his Spokesman, Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa the NNPP gubernatorial flag bearer posited that, his administration was determined to reposition the State on its rightful stage through people oriented and inclusive government, where every stakeholder would be engaged in the critical policy formulation and implementation, expressing optimism that the NNPP has gathered momentum not only in Kano but in Nigeria as a whole.

Destruction of ‘Okada’ by Lagos govt is unacceptable -CNG

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A group under the auspices of oalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has warned that the ongoing seizure and destruction of Okada motorcycles directed by the Lagos State

C

government is unacceptable.

This was contained in a statement by its Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

CNG noted that it is rash, irrational, insensitive and wicked

that the Lagos State government would in just 72 hours of announcing the ban on Okada, seize and subject 7,548 bikes, mostly owned and operated by northerners to be crushed.

“We note that of recent, State governments in the South

have resorted to imposing and enforcing controversial, unfriendly and damaging legislations that effectively curtail the right to freedom of movement of the northern people living in their midst”.

committee under the leadership of Senator Bala Adamu Kariya to reconcile aggrieved members.

Bauchi state Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad said that the commitee will be saddled with

the responsibility of contacting all the party members and aspirants who were not satisfied with the conduct of the just concluded state and National Assembly primary elections in the state.

He said that members of the commitee were selected after a careful understanding of their pedigrees, profiles and leadership positions in the society.

Bauchi PDP inaugurates reconciliation committee

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

T

he People Democratic Party in Bauchi State has inaugurated a reconciliation

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

Omo-Agege congratulates Tinubu over APC presidential ticket victory

By Musa Baba Adamu

D

eputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the newly-elected presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Omo-Agege, the standard bearer of APC in the 2023 governorship election in Delta State, expressed optimism that Tinibu would emerge victorious in next year’s presidential election.

He particularly lauded President Muhammadu Buhari and the governing APC for giving all aspirants a level-playing field.

He commended the 2022 APC Special Convention Committee for successfully conducting the primary, even as he showered glowing tributes on APC Northern Governors for setting the pace by zoning the Presidency to the South.

While calling on Tinubu to be magnanimous in victory, OmoAgege stressed the need for all presidential aspirants to join hands with the APC Presidential candidate and the party in ensuring victory.

“Not everyone gave APC a chance to conduct a free, fair, credible presidential primary.

With the undercurrents in the buildup, some had predicted that our great party would go into extinction after this Convention.

“But with the transparent process that saw the emergence of Asiwaju Tinubu as our party standard bearer, I am confident more than ever before that this is the beginning of even greater tidings for our party.

“We proved our critics wrong.

We have shown that with unity of purpose, the sky is our starting point,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President called on Nigerians to support Tinubu and other APC candidates at all levels in the forthcoming polls.

PAGE 15

With Asiwaju as candidate, APC confident of victory in 2023 Presidential poll - Lawan

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said on Wednesday that the emergence of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has reassured his party of winning the 2023 presidential poll.

In a letter of congratulation that he personally signed, Lawan who was also an aspirant in the primary said the outcome of the election process had shown that Tinubu was the popular choice of his party.

In a statement he issued yesterday, Lawan said “The Presidential Primary of our great

party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the 2023 General Election has come and gone.

“I am elated and proud that the Presidential primary was manifestly free and fair, and conducted within our APC Family under a most convivial atmosphere.

“The success of the event again demonstrates the capacity of our great party to run its internal affairs smoothly and devoid of rancour.

“As Your Excellency is aware, I offered myself alongside your good self and other patriotic members of the party to fly its highly coveted flag in the 2023 presidential election.

“I did so in the belief that I have the knowledge base, ideas, experience and desire to provide

leadership for our dear country at these most trying times.

“However, the outcome of the election process has shown that Your Excellency is the popular choice of our party for that assignment.

“I do not have an iota of doubt in the wisdom of that decision by our Party’s delegates from across the country.

“Your glittering track record of public service, foresight and grit in party building and administration, as well as the courage you continue to demonstrate in fighting for the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria make you worthy of the high esteem and trust of our party members everywhere in

Nigeria as exhibited at the National Convention.

“It is on this note that I heartily congratulate you on your welldeserved victory at the primary.”

Lawan also said he has no doubt that with his credentials, experience, antecedents and political sagacity, APC will go into the 2023 contest confident of victory.

“As a loyal party member, I remain committed to the party at all times and will always be available to work for its success.

“Once again, I congratulate Your Excellency on your well-deserved nomination as the standard bearer of our party and, insha Allah, next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.

APC Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a handshake with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the APC convention Photo: Mahmud Isa

Sen Aliero dumps APC for PDP over provocation, ridicule

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Works and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adamu Aliero has left the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and decamped to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over controversies.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Media Aide, Houd Aliero, the two terms governor of Kebbi State and Former FCT Minister said he left the ruling party because of the great provocation, ridicule and flagrant persecution, to give opportunity for peace, reconciliation and harmonious existence.

Senator Aliero further said it is

baffling and alarming for his State Governor to get away with the fraudulent act of composing the list of delegates, saying these were the major reasons why he left the ruling APC. He said it was after extensive consultations with all the important stakeholders that he had to come to the difficult but inevitable decision to pitch his political tent elsewhere; where he could enjoy greater sense of belonging and where the interest of Nigeria would be best served.

“For the past three years, my people and associates have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same

time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government within a government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why we decided to seek accomodations elsewhere”, Senator Aliero said.

He appreciated the National Chairman of APC for his interventions and efforts at containing the excesses of the Governor during the difficult time.

The former governor hoped that the APC will respect the choice he has made as a democratic right so that he could not become enemies of one another despite political differences.

Some bigwigs who joined

Senator Adamu include former Governor of Kebbi State, Alh. Sa’idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari, Senate Leader and Senator Representing Kebbi North, Senator Yahayya Abdullahi, former Deputy Comptroller of Custom, Alh. Muhammad Mera (Ciroman Kabob Argungu), National Chairman, Federal Road Safety Corps, Hon. Buhari Bello, Members House of Representatives, representing Birnin Kebbi Kalgo and Bunza, Hon. Bello Yakubu Rilisco, His Colleague, representing Aliero, Gwandu and Jega, Hon. Muhammad Umar Jega, and Hon. Abdullahi Zimbo, Member Representing Dandi and Arewa in the House of Representatives, among others.

CNPP congratulates APC on successful presidential primary

By Christiana Ekpa

C

onference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the successful conclusion of its presidential primary on Wednesday.

The CNPP is a statement signed by its Secretary General,

Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that “in a democracy, the majority should always be allowed to have their way while the rights of the minority to have their say must equally be respected”.

“As Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, politicians are hereby advised to ensure that their campaigns and political discussions are issue based to

enable voters make informed choices and cast their votes without being intimidated or harassed.

“As we await the results of the remaining primaries of other political parties, the CNPP will continue to urge political actors to play the game according to the rules as part of deliberate efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

“Therefore, in our democracy,

citizens must be allowed to freely exercise their rights to vote and be voted for.

“We hereby congratulate the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the successful conduct of its presidential primary election.

We commend the APC for borrowing a leave from the opposition Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) in the smooth conduct of their primary and overcoming earlier temptation to impose a candidate on the party.

“Democratic processes may be imperfect and my not produce the best but the beauty of democracy is in the respect for the wishes of the majority while, at the same time, not stifling the voices of the minority”, the statement read.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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POLITICS

APC youths congratulates Tinubu, expresses confidence in his ability

By Abubakar Yunusa

A

PC Youth and Students Movement (APC-YSM) has congratulated former Lagos State Governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu on his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Standard Flag bearer.

Senator Bola Tinubu, the APC’s National Leader, emerged victorious at the party’s just concluded Special National Convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja yesterday.

Its National Coordinator, Comrade Olamide Odumosu, in his congratulatory message said the choice of Tinubu amongst other qualified candidates is an expression of confidence of the teeming party delegates across the country.

According to him, the victory of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu represents confidence in his ability and capacity to rework the country, reestablish the waning confidence of the people and propel the turnaround of the nation’s dwindling economy in the shortest possible time.

“On behalf of APC-YSM,we wholeheartedly congratulate and rejoice with him. It is an affirmation of his wide acceptance and a clear demonstration that the APC National Leader is credible, capable and has the ability of spearheading a march towards the country’s rebirth”, he said.

Comrade Odumosu also described the process of the APC Presidential primaries as free, fair and credible, reaffirmed that the emergence of a Southern candidate as a standard flag bearer of the party is in the best interest of justice, fairness, unity and political stability of the nation.

He, however urged fellow presidential aspirants, leaders, stakeholders and members of the APC to rally round the party’s standard flag bearer and work relentlessly to ensure that the party is returned to power at all levels in the 2023 general elections.

“The transparent and successful conduct of the election and the cooperation of party members, it has become a great stepping stone for the party’s victory in the forthcoming elections next year”, he added.

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring that the APC Presidential primary election became a source of consensus rather than division stressing that his guidance has been inspirational to the party.

Odumosu commended the party’s Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu and all members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for ensuring a hitch-free and successful presidential primaries.

He also applauded party members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner and expressed appreciation to security officers for providing the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the primaries.

Primary: Kwankwaso emerges NNPP presidential candidate 2023 elections

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ormer Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has emerged as the standard bearer of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), as he is set to battle other presidential candidates, including Atiku Abubakar, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Peter Obi, among others in the 2023 presidential election.

This is just as Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, also a

former Governor of Kano State, expressed confidence that Kwankwaso will win the 2023 presidential election.

Shekarau at the convention of the NNPP held at the National Stadium Abuja, disclosed that Nigerians yearn for purposeful leadership.

He disclosed that Kwankwaso represents the desire of the majority of Nigerians, adding that “today is a great day in history. A memorable day. The

beginning of a journey to enter a new nation of our dreams, a new nation of hope.

“Our sincere plan is to better the lives of Nigerians. Nigerians have been waiting, we want to change the progress, change the sincerity of progress, change the lives of the youth for the better.”

We want to bring a leadership that will give a sense of belonging to every citizen. The NNPP convention is successful because Kwankwanso will by the grace of

God emerge president in 2023.”

In his remarks, the National Chairman of NNPP, Rufa’I Alkali, said they have men and women of integrity that will change the leadership vacuum of the country.

Kwankwanso emerged as the presidential candidate of the NNPP by delegates affirmation because he is the only aspirant that bought the presidential forms and was screened.

Supporter of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of APC jubilating for his victory, during the APC 2022 Special presidential primaries election, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Enugu PDP primary: We’ve accepted outcome – Guber aspirant, Edoga

By Musa Baba Adamu

O

ne of the governorship aspirants in the recently conducted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in Enugu State, Chijioke Edoga has said he and his team have accepted the outcome of the election, though disappointing.

Edoga, who went into the primary election as one of the favourites, lost to Peter Mbah, who is now the governorship candidate of the party.

He has not uttered a word ever since, leading to several speculations.

But in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, the former commissioner said though the outcome was disappointing, he had accepted it in good faith.

He pledged to work with Mbah in order to move the State forward.

His statement reads, “The past

three months witnessed a political movement and awakening which is unprecedented in the history of Enugu State, from the moment I Chijioke Edeoga, commenced the campaign to become the gubernatorial candidate of my party the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Our organization set the State aglow; volunteers worked in every part of the state. They bought into my message of justice, equity, fairness and above all, character and competence. The message resonated with all and sundry.

“The cyberspace came alive; there were billboards, posters, T-shirts, caps everywhere echoing the message.

During our consultations, the clergy, the traditional rulers, the intelligentsia, the stakeholders, were in full support. When it was time for the primaries, we were confident of victory.

“However, at the point when we

thought victory was within reach, the unexpected happened. The disappointment was profound, an uneasy calm enveloped the state, you could hear a pin drop.

Although we were deeply disappointed with the outcome of the primary election, we have accepted the results in the interest of peace and stability of our beloved State.

“In the heat of the moment, numerous concerned persons suggested we take our message and members to a different party to seek a fresh platform on which to actualize our dreams. However, after giving it a careful and pragmatic thought, we decided to remain in PDP and support the flag bear Barr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah.

“Peter has reached out to us and stretched out a hand of fellowship; we are disposed to support him; the wellbeing of our people and our dear state being of utmost consideration.

Now is the time when intra party jostling should take the back seat. Now is the time to heal and the time to lend a hand towards building up our dear state. In view of the foregoing, I hereby urge all my supporters and the people of Enugu State at large to rally behind Mr. Peter Mbah for the tasks ahead.

“I want to thank each and every one of you, family, friends, relatives, associates, my teeming supporters, for your contributions to our campaign. We have shown what’s possible when we come together and unite behind an idea.

“Thanks for your sweat, time, money, talents, intellect, which were so generously deployed in the course of our great campaign.

The whole world has taken notice and because of you, events in Enugu State will now be in public consciousness. Thank you so much. May God bless you and may God bless Enugu State.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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POLITICS

L-R: Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakuzak, special guest, Hajia Aisha Babaginda, the Chief Executive Officer, Ago Africà, Mr.Lexy Mojo-Eyes and the Director, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Ody Anumba, during the official Launch of Agogo Africa fashion platform, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Shame on those who bought coffins for APC – Bola Tinubu attacks PDP

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T

he 2023 presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed anger at those who wished the party death.

Speaking during his acceptance speech on Wednesday, the former Lagos State Governor accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to destroy APC. He said the main opposition party had wasted 16 years of the country and her resources when it was in power.

He said, “Shame on those who already bought coffins for APC, our party is still alive. We are here very confident and courageous.

“They called themselves PDP 16 years of misery and failure we said step aside. We are courageous that this nation is back on track”.

Afenifere expresses delight as Tinubu emerges APC presidential candidate

By Musa Baba Adamu

T

he Pan Yoruba sociopolitical organization, Afenifere, has expressed delight over the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Afenifere said the emergence of Tinubu, who comes from the Southern part of the country, was delightful.

Speaking to journàlists, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, said: “It is a known fact that the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum, of which Afenifere is a key member,

has been in the forefront of those advocating that power must shift to the southern part of Nigeria come 2023.

“For power to move to the South, there must be a Southern candidate or candidates. That was why we were strident in our calls on the political parties to field Southern candidates in the forthcoming Presidential election. By electing former Lagos State Governor, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to fly its flag, the All Progressives Congress has met that minimum condition of fielding a Southern candidate.”

Ajayi also noted that a return to true federalism through the

restructuring of the country has been an article of faith for Afenifere for a long time.

“It is our hope, indeed our demand, that the next President must get the country Restructured immediately on assumption of office if the present administration under retired General Muhammadu Buhari failed to do so before leaving office.

“Not only that, the next administration owes us the duty of ensuring that the country is not only safe for everybody, the operational system must be such that no section or group would be in a position to dominate the

other”, the statement said.

“In summing up, the emergence of a person of Southern extraction is highly welcomed. It is our hope that this will translate into power shifting to the South come 2023”, it added.

He went further to say that the suffocating insecurity situation in the country must be tamed immediately, adding that among other things, allow for the establishment of State Police right now.

“As well as putting a stop to the kid glove manner with which bandits and terrorists are being treated by the federal government today,” he added.

APC Primary: Denial of Igbo presidency will come with consequences – Ohanaeze

By Christiana Ekpa

A

pex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted to the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Tinubu was declared winner of the APC presidential primary after he polled 1271 votes to beat his closest rival, Rotimi Amaechi and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who polled 316 and 235, respectively.

In a statement by Ohanaeze Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, he said

the refusal of the leading political parties to give presidential ticket to the South-East would come with consequences.

Recall that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar earlier emerged the presidential candidate of PDP. The Ohanaeze scribe, in his reaction, however saluted all the aspirants from the South-East for their “heroic outing.”

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo salutes Igbo Presidential aspirants in both the APC and the PDP for standing firm to the end, in the face of utter betrayal by both parties.

“Indeed, the usually calm Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu appropriately captured the mood of Ndigbo,

especially the South-East, when he asked a very pertinent question while speaking at the APC primary: ‘where is the Justice?’.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo salutes the Southern and Middle Belt Alliance (SAMBA) for insisting that it is the turn of the SouthEast, come 2023.

“We commend in a very special way, elder statesmen like Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Niger Delta Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Middle Belt Leader, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, etc for rising above ethnic sentiments to be true heroes of Nigerian democracy,” he stated.

Isiguzoro warned that “the 2023 Presidential Election shall make or mar Nigeria if the citizens fail to rise above ethno-religious sentiments to ‘take back Nigeria’ from the vicious grip of the kleptomaniac politicians.

“The denial of presidential ticket to the South-East will come with consequences as it will fuel agitations.”

He urged the youths to continue the ongoing massive campaign for Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR), describing it as a “proof that their super firepower on social media can be converted to real votes to salvage their beloved country, Nigeria.”

PAGE 18

DMO: Nigeria’s debt increased

by N2.04trn in three months — hits N41.6trn

T

he Debt Management Office (DMO) says Nigeria’s total public debt (federal and state governments) hit N41.6 trillion at the end of the first quarter (Q1) of 2022.

This represents an increase of N2.04 trillion compared to the N39.56 trillion recorded at the end of December 2021.

In a statement on Tuesday, DMO attributed the increase to new domestic borrowing by the federal government to partly finance the deficit in the 2022 budget, the $1.25 billion eurobond issued in March 2022, and disbursements by multilateral and bilateral lenders.

The agency said that there were also increases in the debt stock of the state governments and the federal capital territory (FCT).

“The total public debt stock as at March 31, 2022, was N41.60tn or $100.07 billion,” the statement reads.

“The amount represents the domestic and external debt stocks of the federal government of Nigeria, the thirty-six state governments, and the FCT. “The comparative figures for December 31, 2021, were N39.56tn or $95.78billion.”

The debt management agency said the total public debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio was 23.27 percent as of March 31, 2022.

This, it explained, is still below Nigeria’s self-imposed limit of 40 percent.

According to the agency, the momentum by the government to grow and diversify revenues remains a priority in order to ensure debt sustainability.

“Initiatives in this regard are yielding results as actual revenues for January to November 2021 at N5.51 trillion was 39.21 percent more than the N3.96 trillion recorded in 2020,” the statement adds.

“Similarly, the share of nonoil revenue grew to 80 percent compared to 61 percent in 2020.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

FIRS, NEPZA sign MoU for tax collection in free trade zones

By Abubakar Yunusa

T

he Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for the effective administration of taxes in free trade zones (FTZs).

Speaking at the signing event, Muhammad Nami, executive chairman of FIRS, said the importance of the agreement was to foster greater collaboration between the two agencies.

He said the intention was to

promote the smooth operation of activities or approve enterprises in the zones and ensure effective administration of taxes applicable in the operation of zones under NEPZA. “Reason why we have been a bit careful, is that we have two mandates and the mandates are conflicting,” Nami said.

“FIRS is asked to generate revenue for the government to be able to fund its budgetary requirements.

“This is also for the government to be able to provide social amenities, critical infrastructure

and ensure the security of lives and properties.

Nami, noted that NEPZA was tasked with attracting investments, hence the need for this collaboration “so that we don’t disagree in the course of pursuing our respective mandates.”

The FIRS boss said while FIRS would ensure that her operations and processes would not hinder the smooth operation of the approved enterprises, it is expected that they would be prompt in filing tax returns.

He said that FIRS would have access to the zones to conduct tax

compliance checks at periodic intervals in line with the MoU. According to him, if there are any challenges, they would be resolved with the speed of cordiality.

On his part, Adesoji Adesugba, managing director of NEPZA, said that the MoU is aimed at unbundling and strengthening the tax schedule for compliance purpose in line with section 19 of the NEPZA Act. He added that the importance of growing the country’s zones in order to grow the nation’s economy could not be over emphasised.

L-R: Director, Trade Information, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Gertrude Ukoanam, Executive Director, International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), Mr. Michel Arrion, Executive Director/CEO NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak and Deputy Director (FMITI) Mr. Tuayeringha SOG during a visit by ICCO to NEPC Headquarters, yesterday in Àbuja. Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Access Bank to acquire Kenya’s Sidian Bank for N15bn Abubakar Yunusa

A

ccess Bank Plc says it has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire 83.4 percent equity stake held by Centum Investment Plc, a Kenyanbased investment company, in Sidian Bank Ltd, for the sum of about N15 billion ($37 million).

T h e f i n a n ci a l ins t it ut ion announced the acquisition in a statement on Wednesday.

Access Bank said the purchase consideration includes the price to “book multiple of 1.1x” based on the audited March 31, 2022 shareholders’ equity of Sidian.

“Sidian will be merged with Access Bank’s subsidiary in Kenya, Access Bank Kenya, to create a stronger banking institution better positioned to serve the Kenyan market,” the statement reads.

Commenting on the transaction, Herbert Wigwe, the group chief

executive, Access Corporation said: “This growth transaction being implemented in Kenya represents the relentless focus and execution of our strategic objectives within our banking subsidiary even as we grow the other businesses within Access Corporation’s core segments.”

“The acquisition of Sidian is a significant step-up in scale and potential for Access Bank in Kenya which represents the largest market and trade corridor in East Africa.

“The significant increase in scale and customer base presents us with enormous opportunities to support growth in the various ecosystems we are building in our trade and payment business. The economies of scale that derive therefrom will continue to drive and enhance contributions to all stakeholders.”

On his part, Roosevelt

Ogbonna, chief executive officer, Access Bank, said the transaction builds on their earlier acquisition of the former Transnational Bank Plc (now Access Bank Kenya) “and underscores our resolve to strengthen our presence in Kenya, a key African market that fits into our strategic focus for geographic earnings growth and diversification.”

Ogbonna said the acquisition and intended subsequent merger would create a strong and competitive balance sheet for Access Bank in Kenya.

He added that the acquisition also positioned the bank to be well-placed to promote regional trade finance and other crossborder banking services in the East African Community (EAC) and broader Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.

The bank said the transaction

is subject to regulatory approvals in Kenya and Nigeria.

The recent buy is the bank’s sixth acquisition in five years.

In 2018, the lender acquired Diamond Bank through a merger and acquisition deal, completed in 2019.

In the fourth quarter of the same year, it acquired Transnational Bank (Kenya) Plc. In August 2020, the bank also announced the acquisition of Cavmont Bank Limited through a merger deal and finalised the process in January 2021.

It also acquired Grobank in South Africa.

Other banks it acquired include Marina International Bank Limited, Nigeria, Capital Bank International Plc, Nigeria, and African Banking Corporation in Mozambique.

BU$IN€SS

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 19

PenCom: We’ve recovered N422m from employers who defaulted on pension remittance

By Abubakar Yunusa

T

he National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it has recovered N422.34 million from defaulting employers who failed to remit pension contributions by their employees to respective pension fund administrators (PFAs).

This is contained in the 2022 first-quarter report released by the commission on Tuesday.

The figure is 30.6 percent lower than the commission’s recovery to the tune of N608.55 million in the first quarter of the preceding year.

PenCom said the amount comprises N124.89 million principal contribution and N295.45 million penalty.

It added that the sum was

recovered from 23 defaulting employers during the quarter under review.

Meanwhile, it said six defaulting employers have been presented for appropriate legal action.

“Following the issuance of demand notices to defaulting employers whose pension liabilities were established by the recovery agents (RAs) appointed by the commission, the sum of N422.34 million representing principal contribution (N124.89 million) and penalty (N295.45 million) was recovered from 23 defaulting employers during the quarter under review,” the statement reads.

“Meanwhile, six defaulting employers have been recommended for appropriate

legal action for refusing to remit pension contributions of their employees after all administrative actions to make them comply failed.”

The commission said the total pension contributions remitted to individual retirement savings accounts (RSAs) in the first quarter of 2022 stood at N191.44 billion, out of which the private sector contributed N101.11 billion or 52.82 percent, while the public sector accounted for N90.33 billion or 47.18 percent.

“The cumulative pension contributions from inception to the end of the first quarter of 2022 amounted to N7.77 trillion, which is an increase from N7.58 trillion as at the end of Q4 2021,” it added.

PenCom noted that the aggregate pension contributions

of the public sector increased from N3.92 trillion in the last quarter of 2021 to N4.02 trillion at the end of Q1 2022.

Similarly, the aggregate pension contributions of the private sector increased from N3.66 trillion in Q4 2021 to N3.76 trillion at the end of Q1 2022.

From January to March 2021, PenCom said it received a total of 11,200 applications from private sector organisations for the issuance of pension clearance certificates (PCCs).

“Out of this number, PCCs were issued to 10,541 organizations, while 659 applications were in the approval process as at March 31, 2022,” PenCom added.

“The records showed that the 10,541 organizations had remitted a total of N59.39 billion into

the retirement savings accounts (RSAs) of their employees, totaling 45,170.”

The total value of pension fund assets as at March 31, 2022 was N13.88 trillion.

“The amount comprised of N9.81 trillion in RSA’ Active’ Funds (RSA Funds I, II, III and V); N1.10 trillion in RSA Retiree Fund (Fund IV); N1.54 trillion in CPFAs; N1.42 trillion in Approved Existing Schemes.

Fund VI Active and Retiree Fund amounted to ₦23.16 billion,” it said.

The commission noted that employers are mandated to remit workers’ monthly pension contributions to their retirement savings account (RSA) for the exclusive purpose of providing retirement income.

Jitters as Femi Otedola offloads 834 million shares of FBN Holdings

O

ne of Nigeria’s most respected bank holding companies, FBN Holdings announced its largest single shareholder Femi Otedola has sold down about 834 million shares of FBN Holdings in a deal valued at about N9.28 billion only.

The transactions were reported

by FBN Holdings as part of its Insider Dealing notification to the exchange, a mandatory filing required to be disclosed whenever a significant shareholder is selling shares. Nairametrics first reported the back-to-back sales on Friday, June 3rd, and Monday, June 6th, 2022. with 274 million and 600 million respectively.

According to the series of filings posted on the website of the Nigerian Exchange, Mr. Otedola and his entities sold about 834,939,764.00 units representing about 30% of his shareholdings in the bank holding company. The sale also reduces his shareholding from about 7.57% to about 5.24%, thus 2.3% of the bank shares have been sold in a matter of 3 days.

The sale comes after a protracted board room tussle over who owns the largest shares of the company. The confusion culminated in several press releases by the bank forcing the Nigerian Exchange to wade in and clarify the issues. The latest audited accounts of the banks placed the billionaire at 7.57% of the ownership of the bank.

It is also unclear who is buying the shares from him (Otedola), however, transactions like this are often acquired by institutional investors or similar billionaires like Mr. Otedola with deep pockets.

The latest sale is befuddling to most investors who wonder why the billionaire is selling when he should have been buying thus, arousing suspicion that he may be exiting the bank.

Traders who spoke to Nairametrics on the condition of anonymity expressed concern about the sale fearing that it could impact the valuation of the bank that has just experienced its best price rally in years.

FBH Holding’s share price has risen from about N6 to over N12 when it was revealed that the billionaire investor was mopping up shares of the bank triggering a scramble.

L-R... Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Ministry of Environment Mallam Jonah Stanley, Permanent Secretary, Alh, Hassan Musa-, Special Assistant to FCT Minister on Environment and Climate Change Mrs Rekiyat Fache, and Ambassador of the European Union Samuela Isopi during the year 2022 world Environmental Day celebration , yesterday in Abuja .

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Stakeholders to FG:Take advantage of AfCFTA to improve trade performance

By Abubakar Yunusa, Abuja

T

he African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and other stakeholders have urged the federal government to deploy mechanisms to leverage the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to improve the country’s trade performance.

They stated this at a breakfast meeting organised by the NigerianAmerican Chamber of Commerce (NACC) in Lagos.

The meeting, themed ‘One Year of AfCFTA: Opportunities, Challenges and the NigerianAmerican Partnership’, had trade experts in attendance who emphasised the need to harness the benefits of the AfCFTA. Speaking at the meeting, Mike Ogbalu, chief executive officer, PanAfrican Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), said there was a need for Nigeria to utilise the efficient payment system to facilitate Intra-African trade.

He said the PAPSS, being a product of AFREXIM Bank, was a supporting platform that facilitates instant cross-border payments in local African currencies.

He added that the platform

would save African traders about $5 billion annually in currency convertibility if fully utilised.

“Intra-African trade is about 15 to 18 percent which is by far the lowest intra-continental trade globally. High cost, high dependence on foreign exchange, and inefficient payment systems contribute to these poor statistics,” he said.

“Cross-border transactions are very expensive leading to an estimated $5 billion in payment charges annually.

“Most cross-border payment transactions originating from African banks are cleared outside the continent with less than 20 percent of the total payment flows being cleared in Africa.

“We need to solve these challenges to grow trade in the continent.”

On his part, John Isemede, former director-general, Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said the federal government should be more fully prepared to participate in the AfCFTA. He added that Nigeria, which is supposed to be at the forefront, lacked adequate structure,

coordination, and communication needed to implement and take advantage of AfCFTA. Isemede, therefore, called on the government to have regular dialogue with the organised private sector to share templates and collaborate on the right structures to enhance Nigeria’s trade performance.

In the same vein, Abubakar Bello, managing director, Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, said the firm, through its products and services, would continue to support exports and drive the implementation of AfCFTA. Bello was represented by Daniella Jarikre regional head, NEXIM Bank Lagos.

He said the bank was committed to promoting export diversification through the provision of finance, risk-bearing, and advisory services in line with the government’s trade policies and best practices.

Bello expressed the willingness of the bank to partner with NACC to facilitate export expansion from the Nigerian market to the United States of America.

“NEXIM Bank was established with the mandate of driving all nonoil exports sector by stimulating

business engagement and transactions in the manufacturing, agricultural, solid minerals, and services sector of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

“It was also established to support all home-grown non-oil businesses, creating employment for Nigerian citizens, strengthening trade collaborations from the national to international levels, and generating foreign exchange for the economy.“ Also speaking, Dame AdebolaWilliams, national president, NACC, said Nigeria was yet to maximise opportunities of AfCFTA despite its vast non-oil exports potentials.

Adebola-Williams who was represented by Thomas Tunbosun, deputy national president, NACC, said Nigeria had largely underperformed and was yet to take advantage of various opportunities such as the African growth and opportunities act (AGOA).

“We will, therefore, continue to broker healthy interactive discussions with relevant facilitative government and private agencies that are capable of providing useful information that may help our members who are already into exports,” she said.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

PAGE 20

BU$IN€SS

Telcos At Risk Of Becoming Internet Service Providers Only —Operators

T

elecommunication companies are at risk of becoming predominantly Internet access providers as a result of a shrinking business model according to GSMA, the global association for operators in the world.

The association disclosed that as consumers shift online, they spend more time and money there. It added that since 2015 the Internet had continued to grow at pace and there were over 4.6 billion users in 2020, representing 59 per cent of the world population.

It said the revenues of the segments that make up the Internet value chain were $6.7tn

in 2020, up from $3.3tn in 2015.

In its ‘The Internet Value Chain: 2022 (May 2022),’ report, it said, “At a time when a greater load is being placed on Internet connectivity infrastructure, requiring network operators to increase speed, capacity and coverage, their business model is being squeezed.

“First, enterprises are replacing high margin MPLS and VPN services with more basic internet access services, resulting in an overall loss of revenue and margin for the operators. Second, the scope of operator activities is being narrowed.

“As virtualisation of core

network functions takes place, hyperscalers can develop and run these services at a global scale, playing a greater role in core service and network orchestration, while operators in many markets are separating their infrastructure (i.e., into fibre and tower companies) and selling selected assets.

“If these trends play out to their full extent, telecom operators risk becoming predominantly Internet access providers, fulfilling the sales and service function but with significant capex requirements to build and maintain the access infrastructure.”

GSMA stated that while the

Internet value chain is growing, the benefits and returns are flowing principally to players in the online services segment, while the telecom operators that are building and running the connectivity infrastructure which underpins these services are not benefitting as strongly as expected.

It added that even though operators continue to invest in complex networks that enable the entire ecosystem, the low returns raise questions about the robustness of continued investment in capacity, coverage, and speed of the networks to connect internet users with services.

It said telecom operators were

dealing with declining returns by carving out the infrastructure assets and sharing them to increase asset utilisation. It stated that there were also tapping into infrastructure investment funds to meet capex needs.

GSMA explained that in financial terms, this replaces the upfront capex need with a long-term opex cost, pressuring operators’ margins and returns.

It said, “The clear consequence of such an outcome is that with lower revenues and margins, the potential to invest in the critical access infrastructure could also be reduced in the long term.”

L-R; NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Mohammad Kaku Fadah during his courtesy visit to the former Head of State and Founder of National Youth Service Corps, General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR) yesterday in his office in Abuja. Photo: NYSC

Foreign Investment In Agric Sector Drops By 99%

F

oreign Investment in Nigeria’s agriculture sector tumbled by 99.23 per cent from $237.83m in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $1.76m in the first quarter of 2022.

This means that there was a 99.23 per cent decline within three months.

This was contained in the Nigerian Capital Importation report for Q1 2022 released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

President Muhammadu Buhari has always encouraged Nigerians to go back into agriculture.

He has asked for the involvement of more Nigerian youths in agriculture, urging agencies involved in agriculture to further streamline their priorities in the inclusion of the youth in driving modern methods of farming.

The President has also said he looks forward to 2023 when he will hand over power to a new president and return to tending to his farm.

However, in July last year, Buhari expressed sadness over the small portion of arable land being cultivated in the country while urging more Nigerians to embrace

farming.

He also acknowledged that the low agricultural land use was closely linked to the spate of insecurity in various parts of the country, directing security outfits to work more with communities to create a more friendly environment for farmers.

In January this year, it was reported that at least 352 farmers had been killed and kidnapped in 12 months amid the rising insecurity in the country. The 352 comprised 216 killed farmers and 136 kidnapped farmers.

The figures were obtained from the Nigeria Security Tracker, a project of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Africa, as well as media reports.

The figure exceeds 352 as there were cases of killings and kidnappings of farmers with unknown numbers.

The Federal Government in its National Development Plan 2021 – 2025 admitted that food insecurity was a major concern, noting that food security, which is essential for development, had declined in the country.

The government admitted that a rising security issue was threatening food supply and increasing uncertainty around food prices.

The Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Gabriel Idahosa, however, identified the issue of insecurity as it affects Nigeria’s investment in the agriculture sector.

“A significant part of this country, as we know, is being impacted by banditry and terrorism.”

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

METRO

PAGE 21

Abuja Scrap dealers seek enabling environment to operate

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n the wake of recent upscale of demolition of notorious scavengers’ spots, the Abuja Association of Scrap Dealers has urged the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello to provide more enabling environment for them to operate.

Making this point yesterday, Chairman of the Association, Sagiru Garba, pleaded with the FCT Minister to consider making a provision for the scrap dealers to have a genuine market where

they will be carrying out their business activities.

Garba made the appeal when he led other officials of the Association on a courtesy visit to FCT Ministerial Taskforce on City Sanitation in FCT Administration’s secretariat, in Area 11, Garki-Abuja.

This is coming on the heels of the recent intensive demolition of Apo-Dutse Panteka market

by FCT Administration, in furtherance of its reinvigorated city sanitation exercise.

The Leader of the Scrap dealers, however, explained that

‘babanbolas’ are not members of scrap dealers and should not be identified as scrap dealers.

According to him, members of the association will always adhere to the FCT Administration extant laws in maintaining sanity across the territory.

“Despite the loss we experienced during the demolition, we still remain law abiding citizens of the Country and submissive to the authority of the FCT. “We have no business with scavengers (baban-bola) neither are we part of them. We are

legitimate owners of scrap trading business, dealers in old cars and spare parts”, he stressed.

Responding, the Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to the minister of FCT, Comrade Ikharo Attah advised the scrap dealers not to allow refuse collectors to stay where they are doing their business.

Attah said: “ I thank you all for the support that you have show to us before, during and after the demolition exercise, this is the first time that the victims will be coming to thank us for

demolishing their property.

“The request you people have presented about a genuine scrap market we be taken to the minister, you people have requested for a permanent site for your business, It is a general believe that anywhere scrap dealers are you will see banbabola, so anywhere you are doing business don’t allowed them to come close.

“You are dealing in scrap and second hand items, don’t ever allow refuse collectors to come near you, they wreck havock on the city, and the city is coming after them” he said.

Group harps on justice for Dei-Dei traders

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

ollowing the crisis that rocked several major markets within and around area of Abuja, the nation’s capital city, which resulted in the destruction of lives and property, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stressed the urgent need for the government to provide security operatives, so as to avert a repeat.

The Political group, also said it would assist in providing legal services if need be to ensure that affected traders get justice.

National Chairman of the party, Raph Okey Nwosu made the assertion recently, when he visited the area on an assessment tour.

He noted that an international market of that magnitude should be protected, given the high revenue the FCT administration generates from it.

Members of Parliamentry Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) protesting over the unpaid allowances at the entrance to National Assembly, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Housing: Qatar Charity hails FCT Minister for propelling growth

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Executive Chairman of the Qatar Charity, an international charity organisation, Yusuf Ahmad AlKuwari has commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello for his developmental strides in the FCT. Al-Kuwari gave the commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony of 10 projects being executed by Qatar Charity in the Gaduwa District of the FCT. He also commended the Minister for creating the enabling

environment for well-meaning individuals and organisations to contribute their quota towards the growth and development of the Territory.

Furthermore, the Executive Chairman commended residents of Abuja, especially those in Gaduwa District for their cooperation with his organisation.

He stressed that his organization was happy to collaborate with the FCT Administration and residents of the Gaduwa community for the projects.

In his address, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad

Musa Bello, commended Qatar Charity for siting the projects in the nation’s capital.

He said: “Let me also use this opportunity to convey the sincere appreciation of the Administration and the entire residents of the FCT to Qatar Charity for these laudable projects, which will not only bridge service gaps in the FCT, but also create jobs for our teeming populace”.

The Minster, who was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Bashir Mai-Bornu, also reiterated his appeal for the siting of the Qatar charity’s African headquarters in

Abuja.

He adds: “I had proposed the establishment of African headquarters of the Qatar Charity in Nigeria, preferably in Abuja and a collaboration between the FCTA and the Charity for a world class hospital and other such projects in Abuja.”

He therefore expressed optimism that Qatar Charity will accede to his request in the near future and pledged the FCTA’s continuous support while also thanking them for the ongoing construction of an housing estate for widows and orphans in the Wassa District of Abuja.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman, of Gaduwa community association Alhaji Usman Bukar also commended the FCT Minister, for the projects saying that they will have positive impacts on the residents of the area.

It was gathered that the projects to be executed include, a standard clinic, a secondary school, an orphanage, a shopping plaza and a 15,000 litres solar borehole.

Others are staff quarters, children’s playground, a green area, a bakery and 1000-capacity mosque.

PAGE 22

world news

Uvalde mass shooting: Survivor, 11, testifies before US lawmakers

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Allison Fluke-Ekren faces up to 20 years in prison

K Miah Cerrillo in a screengrab from her video testimony to Congress

A

fourth grade student who survived the Uvalde shooting by covering herself in a classmate’s blood said she doesn’t feel safe at school after the massacre.

Speaking in a pre-recorded message to US lawmakers, Miah Cerrillo, 11, said that she fears that a similar shooting may happen again.

The Texas shooting has led to renewed US national debate about gun regulations.

But efforts to advance national guncontrol regulations have often stalled.

The school shooting claimed the lives of 21 people, including 19 young children.

In emotional testimony before a congressional panel looking into US gun violence, the young Ms Cerrillo recalled the terrifying shooting, which for her began when a teacher told students to hide after seeing the gunman, an 18-year-old local.

The gunman shot her teacher as children took cover behind her desk and their book bags.

“He told her goodnight, and shot her in the head,”she said. “And then he shot some of my classmates.”

Ms Cerrillo was wounded by fragments in her shoulders and head. During the incident, she pretended to be dead before using her teacher’s phone to call 911 and ask for police.

“I thought he was going to come back to the room, so I grabbed the [her classmate’s] blood and put it all over me,” she said. “I just stayed quiet.”

Miah’s father, Miguel Cerrillo, said that his daughter is suffering from lingering trauma from the event.

“She’s not the same little girl I used to play with,” he said tearfully. “Schools are not safe anymore. Something really needs to change.”

Later on Wednesday, the complete US House of Representatives is scheduled to debate a bill that would see the minimum age to buy some guns raised from 18 to 21. The bill is unlikely to pass in the Senate.

Only a handful of the 50 Republican senators appear open to new gun legislation, with Democrats seeking narrower gun measures to compromise with their Republican colleagues.

Proposals with the greatest support include a “red flag” law that would prevent individuals with mental illness or a criminal history from purchasing firearms and expanded background checks on gun purchasers that would include private gun sales.

Speaking at a rally in Washington DC, Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, a gun control advocacy organisation, told the BBC that the testimony of survivors and widespread public calls for change can be a “powerful” call to action.

“There’s focus on the issue,” she said.

“When there’s a national shooting tragedy, we finally see more people in America decide they are going to get off the side lines.”

Source: BBC

ansas woman admits to training allfemale IS battalion in Syria.

A US woman has confessed to leading an all-female squadron for the socalled Islamic State group in Syria, as well as plotting attacks on American soil.

Allison Fluke-Ekren pleaded guilty to one count of providing support to the group and admitted to training over 100 women and girls for violence.

The mother and teacher-turned IS leader left the US in 2011, and worked with a terror group in Libya before Syria.

She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison at her sentencing in October.

Fluke-Ekren, 42, a former biology student and school teacher, travelled to Syria to join the group after living in Egypt and Turkey.

While with IS, she led Khatiba Nusaybah, an all-female battalion based in its de-facto capital of Raqqa, Syria.

Her primary role was to teach women and children to use weapons, ranging from AK-47 rifles and grenades to suicide vests, according to officials.

In a Virginia court on Tuesday, she admitted to training the all-female group, but claimed she had never attempted to recruit children.

“We didn’t intentionally train any young girls,” she said, according to CNN. Some of the women she trained are expected to testify against her at her sentencing hearing.

Fluke-Ekren, who was known by the moniker Umm Mohammed al-Amriki, also lived in Mosul, Iraq, after it was captured

Allison Fluke-Ekren faces up to 20 years in prison

by IS fighters.

According to prosecutors, one witness testified that her level of radicalisation was “off the charts”, and an “11 or 12” on a scale of one to 10.

She also admitted to discussing attacks on US soil, including at a university and shopping mall.

She “considered any attack that did not kill a large number of individuals to be a waste of resources”, a witness said, according to the plea agreement.

The documents also reveal her second husband was a member of Ansar Al-Sharia, the militant organisation that attacked a US compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012.

She and her husband, who was later killed in an airstrike, drafted a report for the leadership of the group after analysing US documents taken from the Benghazi attack.

In court, she wept when asked by the judge if she was taking the plea agreement because of her large number of children.

Her family members have previously asked the court to ban her from contacting them.

According to one US prosecutor, the relatives say she left a “trail of betrayal” and they may issue statements against her at her sentencing on 25 October.

Berlin: One dead and others hurt as car drives into pedestrians

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olice say the driver, a 29-year-old man, was detained by passers-by and arrested at the scene.

Emergency officials said it was unclear whether the incident, which happened shortly before 10:30 local time (08:30 GMT), was intentional or an accident.

The incident took place in the heart of western Berlin, on one of its busiest shopping streets.

The woman who died has been identified as a schoolteacher who was on a trip with a class of teenagers from the central state of Hesse. “There are seriously injured people among the more than a dozen injured,” police spokesperson Thilo Cablitz said.

The driver has dual German and Armenian citizenship and lives in Berlin.

Police said they could not confirm reports that he had left a note in his car.

Witnesses described seeing a silver Renault Clio veering into a crowd of people on the pavement near Berlin’s busy Kurfürstendamm shopping avenue, before driving back on to the road and crashing into a shop window.

Some 130 emergency workers went to the scene and a body lay in the middle of the road, covered in blankets.

It happened opposite Breitscheidplatz, where 12 people were killed in a terrorist attack in 2016 when a truck was deliberately driven into a crowd of people at a Christmas market.

Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey said it was too early to know if the area had been chosen deliberately, but she said: “It’s a

A woman has been killed and other people badly injured after a car drove into a crowd on a busy Berlin street.

Mr Barrowman later told the BBC situation where you think, for God’s sake, that the car had careened through tables not again!”

The actor John Barrowman tweeted of people sitting outside having breakfast, that he was nearby when the incident took before smashing into the storefront.

“It was just horrific”, he said. “I saw place and in a video posted from the scene said the car had repeatedly mounted the somebody being resuscitated, I saw footpath before crashing into the storefront. somebody being literally thrown onto a “The police presence is unbelievable. stretcher and put into an ambulance.”

After the Christmas market attack in They are clearing out the area,” the actor said. “There’s helicopters coming in now to 2016, the militant group Islamic State (IS) said it was behind the killings which had airlift people.”

The BBC is not responsible for the been carried out by an unsuccessful asylum content of external sites.View original seeker. He was later shot dead by police in Italy. tweet on Twitter

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Belgian royals in DR Congo: King Philippe laments racism of colonial past B elgium’s King Philippe has decried the racism meted out in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the colonial rule of his ancestors.

“This regime was one of unequal relations, unjustifiable in itself, marked by paternalism, discrimination and racism,” he said.

King Philippe is on a week-long visit to DR Congo at the invitation of President Félix Tshisekedi.

The king was speaking in the grounds of DR Congo’s parliament in Kinshasa.

“On the occasion of my first trip to Congo, here, in front of the Congolese people and those who still suffer from it today, I wish to reaffirm my deepest regrets for these wounds of the past,” the 62-yearold monarch said.

Belgium’s colonial record in DR Congo was one of the bloodiest in Africa.

Why was Belgium’s colonial rule so brutal?

• Belgium controlled the vast, mineral-rich central African country, which is 77 times its size, from the 19th Century until independence in 1960 • The entire country was initially declared to be the personal property of King Leopold II • More than 10 million Africans are thought to have died during his reign from disease, abuse, and while working on plantations for him • Authorities would chop off the limbs of enslaved people when they did not meet quotas of materials such as rubber demanded by the crown Earlier on Monday King Philippe handed over a giant Congolese mask, one of about 84,000 artefacts taken during the colonial era which Belgium has agreed to return.

The mask, called Kakungu, was previously exhibited at Belgium’s Royal Museum for Central Africa.

The newly returned mask was used during healing ceremonies by the Suku community, from the south-west of the country.

It was bought by an art dealer 70 years ago before being exhibited at the Belgian

King Philippe is vising DR Congo with his wife, Queen Mathilde

The mask was previously held at a museum near Brussels museum.

King Philippe said the object was on “indefinite loan” to DR Congo.

It is currently not legally possible for Belgium to donate objects from a federal collection, according to Belgian news site, vrt news.

“I wanted, during our visit at the National Museum and in your presence, to

Zuma allowed to sue over medical records leak

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outh Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been given permission to privately prosecute Billy Downer, the lead prosecutor in his arms deal corruption trial.

Zuma laid a criminal complaint against the lawyer for allegedly leaking his medical records to the press. The former president wants him to be removed from the arms deal case, accusing him of lacking independence and impartiality.

The director of public prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal province says there is not have enough evidence to pursue the case against Mr Downer, though Zuma can do so privately.

The latest development is seen as yet another delaying tactic by

Zuma’s legal team to avoid the trial, which is expected to resume in August.

The former president is facing charges of racketeering, corruption, money laundering and fraud for allegedly accepting bribes from French arms company Thales to secure lucrative defence contacts from the South African government.

Mr Zuma has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

If he goes ahead with the private prosecution, it needs to be instituted within three months.

Last September, Zuma was released on medical parole nearly two months into his 15-month prison sentence for contempt of court in a separate case.

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and tiny arms.

Fossils of the new species which belongs to the abelisaurid dinosaur family - were discovered at

return to you this exceptional work in order to allow Congolese to discover and admire it,” the king said.

“It marks the symbolic beginning of the reinforcement of the cultural collaboration between Belgium and Congo,” he continued.

Many more artefacts are to be returned from the Royal Museum for Central Africa, nearly 70% of whose art objects were seized

during the colonial period.

After the handover an agreement was signed to open cultural collaboration between DR Congo’s National Museum and the Royal Museum for Central Africa, but the details have not been made public.

King Philippe’s aunt, Princess Esmerelda told the BBC it was right that the looted objects were returned.

“Former European colonial powers should own up to the past,” she told the BBC’s World Tonight programme.

“I strongly believe that artefacts that were stolen from so many countries in Africa and elsewhere should go back to where they belong.”

Millions of Congolese suffered acts of cruelty under colonisation, particularly during the reign of King Leopold II, who owned the Congo Free State as his personal property.

King Leopold II ruled Belgium from 1865-1909 Wednesday’s expression of regret over colonisation was not King Philippe’s first olive branch.

In 2020, he wrote to President Tshisekedi on the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence expressing his “deepest regrets” for the colonial abuses committed under his ancestors.

But Princess Esmerelda said more was needed: “I feel that probably the apologies should be coming soon, formal apologies for the past and for the colonial atrocities that were committed”.

King Philippe’s week-long visit, his first since ascending the throne in 2013, has received a mixed reception from people the BBC spoke to in Kinshasa.

“I’m very happy about this visit, because the country has been going badly since the Belgians left,” one person said.

While another was less enthusiastic: “The president decides to invite the Belgian king, to do what, to loot us again?”

As part of the trip, King Philippe also met Corporal Albert Kunyuku, the last surviving Congolese World War II veteran who fought alongside the Belgians. At a memorial of former fighters a wreath was laid, and King Phillipe presented Corp Kunyuku with a medal.

Belgian king reiterates regrets for DR Congo abuses

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elgium’s King Philippe, who is on his first visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, has reiterated his “profound regrets” for his country’s colonial past.

He made the remarks during a speech on the first full day of his historic visit to Belgian’s former colony.

DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019, had extended the invite to the royal couple several years ago.

In front of the People’s Palace in the capital, Kinshasa, the 62-year-old monarch said the colonial regime was based on exploitation and domination.

“This regime was that of

an unequal relationship, in itself unjustifiable, marked by paternalism, discrimination and racism,” he said .“On the occasion of my first trip to Congo, here, in front of the Congolese people and those who still suffer from it today, I wish to reaffirm my deepest regrets for these wounds of the past.

“Sincere regrets that I expressed in the letter that I sent to you, Mr President, two years ago now, for the 60th anniversary of independence.”

Belgium controlled the central African country from the 19th Century until it won its independence in 1960.

Millions of people died during

Belgium’s bloody colonial rule.

King Philippe called for the two countries to write a “new chapter together” - without forgetting the past.

Earlier in the day, he and President Tshisekedi unveiled a famous mask at Kinshasa’s National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is one of more than 80,000 artefacts that were looted during colonial rule that are being returned by Belgium.

The king ended the speech with the words: “Long live the Congo, long live the BelgianCongolese friendship!”

Source: BBC

Bulldog-like dinosaur remains found in Egypt

cientists in Egypt say they have found the remains of a new type of large predatory dinosaur, with a face like a bulldog

the Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert.

The Egyptian scientific team say the dinosaur - which has yet to

be named - was around six metres (19.6ft) tall and similar to the Tyrannosaurus Rex. They say the fossils date back

around 98 million years.

The Bahariya Oasis is one of the richest deposits in the world for dinosaur fossils.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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NEWS FROM ASIA

Russian superyacht ordered to leave Fiji on US warrant

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Russian-owned superyacht that allegedly sailed to Fiji to escape seizure has been taken away to the US after a court upheld a FBI warrant.

US police had for months been tracking the 106m (350ft) Amadea - linked to sanctioned oligarch Suleiman Kerimov.

Agents had boarded the boat upon its arrival in Fiji in April, but the boat’s owner had launched a legal battle to stop the seizure.

They had argued the warrant contravened the Pacific island’s local law.

However on Tuesday, Fiji’s Supreme Court dismissed that argument and ordered the boat’s removal, pointing out the giant yacht’s docking in the port of Lautoka had cost the local government “dearly”.

US authorities in their submission had argued that the $300m (£238m) boat was estimated to cost about $25-30m to keep running per year.

For the public benefit, it was better for the boat to be removed, Chief Justice Kamal Kumar said.

He found the vessel had sailed into Fiji waters “without any permit and most probably to evade prosecution by the United States”.

The defence team for the boat’s registered owners, Millemarin Investments, had argued the boat was not the property of Mr Kerimov’s and instead belonged to another Russian businessman, who is not facing sanctions.

But US authorities allege that Mr Kerimov still has a beneficial connection to the boat.

The FBI alleged the boat had also tried to escape detection “almost immediately” after the war began by turning off its automated tracking system.

US authorities first sanctioned Mr Kerimov in 2018 over a slew of moneylaundering charges. The Russian has been sanctioned by other nations since, including by the EU block after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions said the court ruling on Tuesday demonstrated his nation’s commitment to external assistance requests and international law.

The court accepted the validity of the US warrant and agreed that issues concerning money laundering and ownership need to be decided in the court of original jurisdiction,” said Christopher Pryde.

Western authorities have stepped up a crackdown on the assets of dozens of Russian oligarchs in the wake of the Ukraine invasion in February.

Source: BBC

Train derailment in eastern Iran kills 21

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t least 21 people have been killed and dozens more hurt after a train derailed in eastern Iran, state media report.

The train, which was carrying 348 passengers, came off the line between the cities of Mashhad and Yazd about 50km (31 miles) from Tabas.

The deputy head of Iran’s railways said the accident happened when the train hit an excavator near the track.

Emergency services warned the death toll could rise because many of the injured were in a critical condition.

Five of the train’s 11 carriages were knocked off the line, Mehdi Valipour of the Iranian Red Crescent told state TV. Pictures posted online by local media showed several carriages on their side, as well as a yellow excavator on its side beside the track.

National rescue service spokesman Mojtaba Khaled told reporters that three helicopters and 24 ambulances were dispatched to the scene after the accident, which happened at around 05:30 local time (01:00 GMT).

State TV broadcast footage from a local hospital where the injured were receiving treatment. One of them told a reporter that they felt the train brake suddenly and then slow before the derailment.

An investigation has been launched by the Tabas prosecutor to establish how the train came to strike the excavator.

Iranian officials said the train collided with an excavator before derailing One official suggested that the excavator might have been part of a repair project, the Associated Press news agency reported.

The accident comes after a 10-storey building collapsed last month in the southeastern city of Abadan, killing 43 people and sparking protests in which people denounced the authorities for negligence and corruption.

Iran saw its deadliest train disaster in 2004, when a train loaded with petrol, fertilizer and cotton crashed near the north-eastern city of Neyshabur, killing almost 320 people.

And in 2016, 49 people were killed when a train that had broken down was hit by another train in the northern province of Semnan.

North Korea could carry out nuclear tests ‘any time’, warns US official

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orth Korea could conduct a seventh nuclear test “at any time”, a US official has warned.

Sung Kim, US special representative to North Korea, made the warning days after Pyongyang test-launched a record eight ballistic missiles on Sunday.

Any such nuclear test would be met with a “swift and forceful response”, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told reporters.

Pyongyang has not carried out a nuclear test for five years.

However, tensions have been rising on the Korean peninsula. Speaking from Jakarta, Mr Kim said North Korea had tested an unprecedented number of missiles this year - 31 compared to 25 during the whole of its last record-breaking year, 2019.

“And it’s only June,” he told reporters during a briefing in Jakarta, Indonesia.

He added that rhetoric used by North Korean officials had suggested a willingness to use tactical or small-sized nuclear weapons as well.

When asked by reporters when the next round of testing would take place, Mr Kim warned it could happen “any time” including as early as this week, according to news outlet Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Ms Sherman told reporters in Seoul - where she has been meeting South

File photo of a North Korean missile test in January Korean and Japanese officials - that any such test “would be in complete violation of UN Security Council resolutions”.

“I believe that not only ROK [South Korea] and United States and Japan but the entire world will respond in a strong and clear manner,” she said.

North Korea is yet to respond to the US

assertions.

However, the US - which, with its ally, South Korea, responded to Pyongyang’s recent launches by launching eight missiles in response on Monday - remained committed to engaging diplomatically with North Korea “without preconditions”, Mr Kim said.

Joe Ferrari: Ex-Thai police chief convicted of suspect killing

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former Thai police chief has been sentenced to life in jail after being found guilty of murder by torture, in a case that sparked national outrage over police brutality.

Thitisan Utthanaphon was nicknamed Joe Ferrari for his many luxury cars.

In August, he was arrested after a leaked video surfaced showing him and colleagues wrapping plastic bags around the head of a 24-year-old drug suspect during an interrogation.

The suspect later died.

On Wednesday, a Thai court found the 41-year-old guilty of murder by torture and sentenced him to death. However the death sentence was immediately reduced to life

imprisonment.

The court cited his attempts to revive the suspect, Jirapong Thanapat, and that he had paid for the funeral expenses for the family.

Five of the six other officers involved in the interrogation were also convicted of murder and given life sentences. A seventh received a smaller sentence due to his testimony.

The father of the victim said he felt “helpless during the ruling, and my wife was crying,” AFP news agency reported.

Jakkrit Klandi said outside the court on Wednesday: “All seven officers should learn their lesson and pay for their crime.”

‘I did not intend to kill him’ Footage of the brutal police interrogation

went viral last year, prompting Thitisan to flee his post.

He later surrendered to police, and in a press conference organised by police, he claimed the suspect’s death was an accident.

“I did not intend to kill him... I intended to get the information so I can destroy the drug business,” he said.

He also denied accusations that he had demanded a bribe from the suspect during the encounter.

According to local reports, the alleged torture occurred after the suspect was told to double a bribe that had been agreed for his release and that of his girlfriend.

He was ordered to pay 2 million baht (£46,000; $58,000) to have his charges

dropped and was attacked when he refused, according to The Bangkok Post newspaper, which cited a whistleblower’s complaint lodged with the police.

The case struck a nerve in Thailand where the police force has been accused of being incompetent and corrupt.

In the investigation into Thitisan after his arrest, authorities found that he lived in a luxury home in Bangkok, and estimated that he had amassed a fortune of at least 42 cars.

One of them was a rare Lamborghini Aventador Anniversario, of which only 100 were made, priced in Thailand at 47 million baht ($1.3m; £1.1m) - about a thousand times more than his monthly salary.

ISSUES

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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Vincent Olatunji: The challenges of securing the Data of every Nigerian

By Bashir Ibrahim Hassan

On this, Olatunji says: “We know that unemployment is a major issue in Nigeria and within three years, under NITDA, we were able to create 8,000 jobs. You can now imagine what will happen when you have a Bureau mainly in charge of that.” The target in the next three years, is to have about 350,000 Certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs). According to him, there are about 3.1 million companies registered with the CAC. There are also about 800 MDAs, and so many multinationals in Nigeria. The start-up ecosystem is about 27.1 million, and all these organisations process data in one way or the other, though some may not be up to 1,000. However, a lot of them process more than 2,000. By so doing, they are supposed to file audit report with the agency. He assumes that if each of these organisations employs one DPO, at least one million jobs could be created.

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f there is one sector that can boast of the readiness to take Nigeria to the desired height in global competitiveness, a state of development that will signal Nigeria’s capacity to overcome its myriad challenges, it is the Information and Communication Technology sector. Ever so proactive, the leadership of the sector has created the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

The agency has the mandate of ensuring that data are adequately protected by taking measures to ensure the integrity of people handling data, in terms of what knowledge they have, how they want to process the data, compliance to requisite regulatory instruments and other issues.

Put in charge of the agency as its National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, is Vincent Olatunji, the erstwhile Director of e-Government Development and Regulations Department at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). A one-time acting DG of the agency, he has also headed several of its departments and committees. Quite significantly, Olatunji was involved in the crafting of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for the country, to drive Nigeria towards achieving a National Digital Economy.

The creation of the agency followed a request by Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who stressed the NDPB’s establishment in line with global best practices, focusing on data protection and privacy for the country, among others.

Olatunji says of the challenge of ensuring safety in the ICT sector, with a population of over 200 million people, over 104 million Nigerians use the Internet. They have one thing or the other to do on various social media platforms. There is so much to do online -- banking transactions, even company registration, and international passport processing. And when doing this, people put every information that can be used to identify them– name, date of birth, state of origin, religious background etc.

When these are put out, there is a need to, as the global practice, put in place appropriate measures to ensure that the data put there are safeguarded, adequately protected and regulated by a Data Protection Supervisory Authority to ensure that rights and freedom are not infringed on because there are some basic rights people are entitled to when sharing their data.

With his vast experience of practical acquaintance with government operations in Nigeria, having worked over 30 years in the Public Sector, he has demonstrated an ability in building result-oriented relationships between ICT and national development in Nigeria, the West African sub-region and globally. He joined the public service as a Research Officer 2 under Federal Urban Mass Transit Agency. Then he moved to NITDA in 2002, and started the Planning Research and Statistics Department of NITDA, where he helped put measures in place to drive appropriate policies and strategies to promote the agency.

He is bringing on board significant experience in team building, research activities, policy development, strategic planning and implementation on various development initiatives across the three

National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Vincent Olatunji tiers of government in Nigeria. Ekiti state-born Olatunji obtained a Ph. D in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos. He also has an advanced diploma in Computer science, a Certified Public-Private Partnership Strategist and a Certified Data Protection Officer. His preparation for his present position was provided by his qualifications, career progression and experience in the public service as well as the chairmanship of the Data Protection Implementation Committee and that of NITDA Issued Regulatory Instruments Compliance and Enforcement Committee. He oversaw a process that has produced the following: Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January, 2019; NDPR Implementation Framework, 2020; the first Data Protection Regulation Performance Report for Nigeria, detailing achievements, challenges and opportunities for the future; various awareness and sensitization workshops and seminars on the NDPR; licensed 103 Data Protection Compliance Organisations; the Guidelines on the Use of Personal Data by

“

Public Institutions; generated over 8000 jobs within two years, over 4 Billion Naira for sector players and over 100 Million Naira revenue for the Federal Government.

On the extent to which Nigeria has gone in achieving its objectives in Digital Economy, Olatunji provides highlights: “ICT’s unprecedented contribution of about 17.9% to our GDP in 2021 laid credence to the massive contribution of the sector.

This is as a result of the implementation of NDEPS. Also since we have a regulation to protect the rights, privacy and freedom of citizens online and even offline, for those that collect data manually, the global practice is to have a full-fledged independent institution to be in charge of implementing that regulation or law. That was why Mr. President, in his wisdom, created the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau on the 4th of February 2022.”

The Bureau has journeyed from being a department to an independent agency.

The challenge now is how it will impact on the economy of the nation, and how soon Nigerians will begin to feel its presence.

The creation of the agency followed a request by Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who stressed the NDPB’s establishment in line with global best practices, focusing on data protection and privacy for the country, among others.

“Now, Imagine that one million organisations file their audit report , and pay an amount when they do, even if it’s N20,000 for instance, that can amount to N20 billion generated to the purse of the government. This is apart from the cost of licencing, and certification. We will have a Data Certification Authority to certify DPOs. So, it’s a huge data generating platform for government. It will create jobs, it will generate revenue, it will also assist in the ease of doing business. Other countries in the world have recognised Nigeria as a country that is serious about data privacy and protection, and are willing to do business with us. Even DPOs in Nigeria can work for companies all over the world. The perception about the country globally, which is intangible and cannot be measured. If you are among the white list countries, it gives credence, confidence, and trust, for people to do business with you. And you know what that means, in terms of our economy and Foreign Direct Investment,” he said in an earlier interview.

On his vision and plans regarding the discharge of this constitutional mandate, Olatunji opens up thus: “The first thing is to see myself as a Nigerian. The interest of the country is very paramount to me.

That’s the global picture that I am seeing.

Secondly, my pedigree, qualification and experience in public service I have been in the public sector for over 30 years. I moved from a Research Officer 2, to the level of a Director, up to Acting DG in 2016, and the Director e-Government Development and Regulations. I have garnered a lot of experiences here and there, that really prepared me for this job.”

When the agency started it believed that awareness is really key. What do Data Subjects really know about their rights?

What do Data Controllers and Processors know about their obligations to Data Subjects? Not much is really known about that. Now, as a Bureau, within the next three years, the target is tens of thousands of companies filing their audit reports and this cannot be achieved without awareness.

It is important he says, for people to know what they need to do, and the importance of data protection and privacy; the regulations they’ll need to obey and how to process data of Nigerians, such that companies become aware of the need to have Data Privacy Policy, conduct data audit, conduct data process impact assessment and file audit report with the Bureau.

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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FEATURE

Goldman Prize: The activists who battled mining with drones

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wo indigenous activists from Ecuador who successfully fought against mining on their ancestral lands have won an international environmental prize.

Alex Lucitante and Alexandra Narváez were awarded the Goldman Prize, which recognises grassroots activism.

They used drones and camera traps to document mining on their land.

Their evidence was crucial in securing a legal victory which resulted in 79,000 acres of rainforest being protected from gold mining.

Alex Lucitante, 29, and Alexandra Narváez, 32, are part of the Cofán community, a 1,200-strong indigenous group which has lived in the tropical forest of north-eastern Ecuador for centuries.

Alexandra is a founding member and the first woman to join “La Guardia”, a group of 25 volunteers which patrols the area.

It was members of La Guardia who in 2017 first came across heavy machinery on their land

Alex Lucitante (left) and Alexandra Narváez led the legal battle against mining on their land along the banks of the Aguarico River, Alex Lucitante told the BBC. “When we started investigating, we found out that the Ecuadorean state had issued 20 mining licences to several companies and 32 further were

Members of the community first came across mining machinery at this spot

waiting to be approved.”

Mr Lucitante, a rights defender who wants to become a lawyer, says that when the complaints the Cofán raised with the authorities went unanswered, the community decided to take legal action.

Mr Lucitante says that the aerial images the community took with the help of drones and the detailed record they kept through photo traps of incursions into their territory were key to their fight.

After a legal battle which lasted almost a year, the community achieved a remarkable victory.

A court in their home province of Sucumbíos ruled that the Ecuadorean authorities had failed to seek the free, prior and informed consent of the Cofán needed to legally grant the mining licences.

The court nullified both the existing and pending licences and ordered that the mining activities be stopped.

An appeal by the Ecuadorean government resulted in another victory for the Cofán when the court ruled that they were the ancestral owners of the land and their right to a healthy environment and clean water had been violated.

against the state, she had to prove herself inside her own community.

“It’s been very difficult to be the first woman to join La Guardia, I received a lot of criticism at first from both men and women,” she says.

“Traditionally in our community it’s been said that women should stay at home looking after the children and the home. So when I said I wanted to be a member of La Guardia, that caused a big stir.

“But I told them, I have to do this not just for myself but for my two daughters and all the women in the community.”

Ms Narváez says that eventually she managed to convince the doubters in her community that knowledge traditionally held by women could prove valuable to La Guardia.

“We are the ones who fetch water, who collect medicinal plants and seeds to make our necklaces, and therefore we have a deep connection to our territory.

“The world needs to hear our voice and that voice is saying ‘we’re going to defend our land with our lives!’”

Ms Narváez is proud that since she opened up the indigenous

The court ruling was a great personal victory for Alexandra Narváez (left) and Alex Lucitante

There are now six women in La Guardia including Alexandra Narváez (third from left)

Alexandra Narváez told the BBC that the ruling was absolutely key to the Cofán “because our territory is our life”.

“We know this territory, we have walked through it, we know the sacred sites, the places to go hunting, where animals come to eat. It’s full of life and it’s everything to us,” she explains.

“A Cofán without territory is not Cofán,” she says of the importance of their ancestral land to her people.

Ms Narváez says that even before taking on the legal battle

patrol to women, five more women have joined.

And she says that in moments when she had come close to quitting because she felt she did not spend enough time with her two daughters, it was them who encouraged her to carry on.

“They tell me ‘Mum, go on patrol, we’re fine and we want to be like you. Once we finish school, we want to wear the Guardia uniform and follow in your footsteps.’ That’s what gives me strength.”

Source: BBC

ENVIRONMENT

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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Nigeria committed to sustainably living -Minister

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

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he Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi,said that Nigeria is committed to actions that support living sustainably in harmony with nature.

He made the disclosure at the commemoration of the World Environment Day in partnership with the European Union and French Embassy,themed:#Only one Earth” “together we can protect it”,held in Abuja recently., Abdullahi represented by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment,Engr. Hassan Musa,said that everyone has a major role to play in trying to improve on our environment.

The Minister recalled that the country has achieved alot in a short while with regard to actions against climate change.

He said Nigeria submitted her National Determined Contribution (NDC) last year which was reviewed before the Cop 26 at Glasgow, and have the Climate Change Act, which would allow the country to tackle the climate change challenges.

“We also have the energy transition program which we’re working with Federal Ministry of petroleum and power to see how we can reduce our emissions into the climate” he added.

Also speaking,at the event, the European Union(EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States Samuela Isopi,said warned that micro plastic particles may outnumber fish in the Seas across the globe by the year 2050.

Isopi said that already there are as many as 51 trillion micro plastic particles in the seas, stressing that the number is 500,000 times more than the stars in the galaxy.

According to her, micro plastics are now part of the world food chain since

marine animals injest them, hence they have been found in our drinks, beer, water, honey, among other daily edibles.

“Plastics are everywhere, they are cheap, they are convenient, they are light.

Our addiction to plastics is leading to serious consequences, especially single use plastics which we use only for a few minutes, but which can last for hundreds of years in our environment. By 2050 there could be more plastics than fish in the sea.

“There are as many as 51 trillion micro plastic particles in the seas than is 500,000 times more than the stars in our galaxy. Micro plastics have been found in our drinks, beer, water, honey, and since marine animals injest them, they are now part of our food chain. And therefore they can impact our health in ways that we might not be aware of today” she said.

Isopi said that the danger posed by plastic particles in the everyday lives of the world’s inhabitants, informed the coming together of EU, the French Ambassy, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and other development partners, and launched a symbolic clean up of the Jabi Lake weekend.

The EU Ambassador expressed hope that the symbolic clean up would be followed by concrete steps, stressing that the EU is committed to supporting the action in every way possible to ensure maximum success.

In her remarks, French Ambassador to Nigeria,Emmanuelle Blatmann, the, said that France is deploying a comprehensive diplomacy to respond to the urgency of climate environmental crisis in Nigeria, According to Blatmann, the French Embassy, the French Development Agency, AFD and their partners including the Ministry of Federal Ministry of Environment are working hard to spread these convictions and support to support initiatives of the civil society aiming to

L:R-French Ambassador to Nigeria,Emmanuelle Blatmann,Permanent Secretary, Engr. Partners, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment,Engr. Hassan Musa(Middle),the European Union(EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States Samuela Isopi and stakeholder’s at the 2022 World Enviroment Day celebrated in Abuja . reducing the impact of climate change in Nigeria.

“This year for instance, we are supporting the Center for Renewable Energy and action on climate change and also different foundations or associations that are working on, you know, training in climate smart farming practices or solar water irrigation systems. And also nursery tree nursery beds for instance. In Sokoto state” she said.

Also, speaking,Energy and Environmental expert to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, Yomi Banjo reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment in supporting Nigeria in promoting sustainable industrialisation without compromising the environment.

“UNIDO is a specialised Agency of the United Nations which promotes

inclusive and sustainable industrialisation in developing countries and economic transitions. Our activities in Nigeria falls under three key areas, poverty reduction, capacity building, environment and energy” he said.

Banjo, noted that UNIDO is also assisting the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Environment to fulfill its obligations on multilateral environment conventions toward achieving a more sustainable and safer environment.

“UNIDO is presently implementing several environment projects in Nigeria, working actively with the Ministry of Environment and other national and international stakeholders. One of this project is the circular economy on plastics of which implementation will start by July this year and is funded by the government

of Japan” he added.

Meanwhile, Representative of Oxfam, a stakeholder in the environmental sector, Kenneth Akpan, he appealed to the government to empower every community and equip them with the right knowledge on how to segregate and dispose waste properly.

“Regardless of class, tradition, religion or gender, every citizen needs the same level of information, resources, aid and intervention to ensure we have an environment that is clean and healthy.

Clean water, fresh air, healthy soil, and biodiversity should not be a privilege but a fundamental right of our people,” Akpan explained.

He further said Oxfam is also helping poor people adapt to shifting environmental conditions to ensure they attain their fair share of natural resources.

Nigeria spends N526bn annually on tobacco induced diseases

• Says 3.5m hectares of land destroyed annually

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

A

s Nigeria joins the rest of world to mark this year’s World Tobacco Day. The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, (CAPPA),said Nigeria government spend N526bn annually on tobacco induced diseases.

The Executive Director, CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, made this known at a press briefing to mark the World No Tobacco Day 2022 in Abuja, recently.

Oluwafemi said the essence of the World No Tobacco Day 2022,is that the World Health Organisation, WHO, and its country partners draws attention to the health risks associated with tobacco use and encourage governments to adopt effective policies to reduce smoking and the fallouts of its use.

According to him, the message behind the theme of WNTD 2022, ‘Protect The Environment’ is the fact that, throughout its lifecycle, tobacco contaminates the environment and impacts adversely on the health of consumers and non- consumers alike.

He said: “From cultivation which involves the use of pesticides that are harmful to tobacco growers, to the cutting and burning of trees for tobacco curing which leads to deforestation (about 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed each year) and the use of large quantities of water to cultivate tobacco, the health of man and the ecosystem is negatively impacted, and climate resilience reduced.

In the manufacturing of cigarettes, tobacco companies are believed to contribute 84 megatons of carbon

dioxide equivalent to greenhouse gases.

Disturbingly, because of stringent laws in the Global North, most of the tobacco corporations have relocated to low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

“As these companies continue their active marketing of lethal products in Africa, so do they also concentrate about 90% of tobacco production in the same region which now bears the highest environmental burdens.

“80 per cent of over 8 million people that die every year due to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke live in low- and middle-income countries under, which Nigeria is categorized.

“It is therefore fitting that as Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating the 2022 WNTD, the Nigerian government and the public health community look inwards and revisit the status of tobacco control in the country, especially the enforcement of the smoke-free public places policy contained in the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015.

“The indoor public places where smoking is restricted listed in the Second Schedule of the Act include healthcare facilities, primary and secondary education facilities, shops, police stations and prisons, higher education facilities, transport facilities, theaters, cinemas, and stadiums among others.

“Unfortunately, Section 9 of the Act provides for designated smoking areas to be created where there are “sufficient number of rooms” where smoking is prohibited.

He said CAPPA recommendations are the enforcement the smokefree

public places policy; Enforce the ban on Tobacco Advertising Promotion and Sponsorships (TAPS) ban as it pertains to the entertainment and movies sector; Promote inter-agency collaboration and synergy in the enforcement of the ban on TAPS and the smokefree public places policy.

Initiate or strengthen schemes to make tobacco manufacturers responsible for the environmental and economic costs of tobacco product waste; Provide support to tobacco farmers to switch to alternative, more viable and sustainable livelihoods to reduce the environmental impact of tobacco growing, curing, and manufacturing.

Also, the Sub-regional Coordinator for West Africa, Hilda Ochefu, called government to enforce the law on Designated Smoke Areas, DSAs. “Until establishments apply to build Designated Smoking Areas, DSAs, that means any area that is designated is illegal. We will like to call on the government to step up and enforce”, Ochefu said.

However, she called on Nigerians to take responsibility, and not wait for government to enforce the law because it is about their health.

She also made it known that in the African region in terms of smoke in public places, and generally implementing the laws a lot of countries have stringent laws.

“For example Senegal, Ethiopia and Uganda they have 100 per cent Smokefree Public Places.

“What that does is that there is no conversation around Designated

Smoke-free Areas because everybody knows and adheres to it. Nobody is smoking and endangering the health of others.”

She urged the Nigerian government to provide an alternative livelihood for tobacco farmers as it is in Kenya, where farmers have been able to transit from tobacco farming to other crop farming like beans, maize and others.

Similarly, The Project officer, Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, NTCA, Chibuike Nwokorie, called on Nigerians to join hands to discourage smoking in open places as Nigerians working in such places are already suffering from second-hand smoking.

“There should be close and effective collaboration where Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, FCCPC, and others come together to make sure our public places are smoke-free.

“We have a law and people are behaving as if there is no law on prohibiting smoking in public places.”

He said NTCA equips Nigerians against second-hand smoking and to obey the law through sensitization, training, use media advocacy.

“These are the ways to empower people, and let them know that he is aware that there is a law, and also to be aware and obey the law”, he said.

He also assured that the NTCA will keep all partnership and collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure the environment is free from tobacco smoke.

Also speaking was a Research Associate, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, CSEA, Austin Iraoya, who expressed doubt over the

claim by tobacco companies on huge employment of Nigerians because most of them have huge technology integration and how many Nigerians sell and survive with tobacco, and added that they lie to government about it.

He also said second-hand smoking currently affects Nigerians, and the whole of Africa, Nigeria has the least price for tobacco, but when taxes are raised on tobacco it will lead to cessation in tobacco consumption.

“Even at 30 per cent of tax cannot effective reduce tobacco consumption, and it is high time Nigeria come to terms to end tobacco smoking.

“It is only in Ekiti State the laws are minimally enforced. We all have role to play to enforce the law as non-state actors”, he said.

He added that, “A pregnant woman that is exposed to second-hand smoking has higher chances of complications during and after birth.

“We also see that for children that are exposed to second-hand smoking also have higher chances of picking up n or initiating tobacco smoking.

“For the direct impact, the death rate annual in Nigeria of tobacco induced decease is about 29, 000 people. Nigeria’s health system spends about N526 billion annually on tobacco induced diseases that is about $1.7 billion annually.

“Most of this money comes from out of pocket expenditure. This is a serious economic burden to Nigeria.

“Government makes only 10 per cent from tobacco taxes from this expenditure.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

US troops back in Somalia to fight al-Shabab

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he redeployment came after former US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of the troops in December 2020 following years of strained relations with his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmajo”, who was voted out of office by Somalia’s lawmakers.

The US considered him to be a failure both in terms of governance and the campaign against Islamist militant groups al-Shabab and the much smaller Somali branch of the Islamic State (IS) group.

The announcement of what US Africa Command (Africom), describes as a “small, persistent US military presence” will come as a relief to Somalis who have experienced a surge of Islamist attacks since their departure - and to the US troops in neighbouring Djibouti who went in and out of Somalia to fill the security vacuum created by Mr Trump’s decision.

According to The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, the number of al-Shabab attacks rose from 1,771 to 2,072 in the year following the US pull-out, an increase of 17%.

The number of battles with the security forces went up by 32%. Last month, security officials said that about 450 al-Shabab fighters attacked an African Union base in southern Somalia, killing at least 40 Burundian soldiers.

United Nations experts have described al-Shabab as al-Qaeda’s most powerful and wealthy affiliate. They estimate it has as many as 12,000 fighters and an ability to raise a monthly revenue of about $10m (£8m).

“Having American troops back on the ground in Somalia will make a big difference,” says Samira Gaid, the executive director of the Hiraal Institute, a Mogadishu-based think tank focusing on security issues.

“It will not win the war but it will give the new administration space to set its security priorities.”

As well as training, advising and equipping what Africom describes as “partner forces”, the US military will have standing authority to target about a dozen al-Shabab leaders.

A previous campaign of US air strikes disrupted the group’s activities, preventing senior militants from moving around and making it more difficult for al-Shabab infantry to carry out big attacks.

Some are sceptical about the return of the US military, highlighting that ordinary people have become victims of US drone attacks.

“Civilians have been killed in US airstrikes,” says Halima Ahmed, a university student whose father was blown up in an alShabab suicide attack in September 2021.

“Cutting the head off the snake will only produce more snakes,” she says, in reference to targeted killings of militant leaders.

‘Sinister’ US-trained commandos In some cases, the US has instructed and equipped soldiers only to have them turn on each other.

In December 2021, an Americantrained counter-terrorism force in the semiautonomous region of Puntland split apart.

The two sides started fighting using weapons supplied by the US. More than 20 people were killed including children.

Another problem is that the US is not the only foreign country training and equipping the Somali security forces.

On a recent trip to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, my guide pointed out soldiers and police wearing a bewildering number of different uniforms, carrying a wide assortment of weapons.

The US-trained elite commandos, known as the Danab or Lightning Brigade, are the most sinister. They often wear black balaclavas, adopting menacing poses with

The US’ decision to redeploy 500 troops to Somalia to help in the fight against militant Islamists is a clear sign of its support for new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Al-Shabab has been waging a long-running insurgency to overthrow Somalia's government their big guns.

The Gorgor, or Eagles, learn their skills in a Turkish base in Mogadishu, its largest overseas military facility.

The UAE, Qatar, the UK, the European Union, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti and others have also been involved.

This has led to a lack of coordination within the security forces. In some cases, troops trained by a particular country become aligned with a particular political group.

In April 2021, fierce fighting erupted between different factions of the security forces in Mogadishu sparking fears of a return to the catastrophic civil war of the 1990s.

The line between the regular army and political and clan-based militias is very thin. A soldier can act in the interests of the country as a whole on one day, and his or her particular clan or political group the next.

‘Preferring’ the US to China and Russia In addition to redeploying troops to

Somalia, the US has cast its gaze northwards towards the self-declared republic of Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia 31 years ago but has not been recognised internationally.

“In March, we were invited on what turned out to be a very productive trip to the US,” says Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Essa Kayd.

“A key focus was closer engagement on security and intelligence.”

Two months later, the US reciprocated, despatching to Somaliland its top military man in Africa, the Africom commander, Gen Stephen Townsend.

Mr Kayd could not be drawn on the general’s visit to the port city of Berbera, which included a viewing of the airport’s four-kilometre-long runway built by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Rumour is rife in Somaliland that America is planning to build a military base

in Berbera.

“All I can say right now is that the US visits will become more frequent,” he says.

“We expect help in training our security forces and coast guard. Lots of superpowers, including China and Russia, are interested in establishing a footprint in Somaliland but we prefer the US because of our shared values.”

According to Africom, the purpose of the general’s visit was “to assess potential operating locations to be able to prepare for contingencies, exercise readiness or adjust force posture as needed”.

There are plenty of reasons for the US to be interested in Somaliland.

The territory is in a highly strategic location. Its 800km (500-mile) coastline stretches along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

Its tiny next door neighbour, Djibouti, is chock-a-block with foreign military bases, including Chinese and American ones.

Berbera offers an attractive alternative.

It is close to some of the world’s most unstable places, including Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia, which has been a key US ally in the ‘War on Terror’ but is now wracked by internal conflict.

“Our small unrecognised country is doing the whole world a favour in terms of keeping it safe,” says Mr Kayd. “We are a beacon of stability, standing guard in a turbulent region.”

The US will have to tread carefully if it is serious about engaging more closely with Somaliland. Any such move is likely to anger Mogadishu which sees the territory as an integral part of Somalia.

But in terms of trying to improve stability in the volatile Horn of Africa and Red Sea zone, winning the war against al-Shabab and keeping up with its global rivals, the US has no choice but to focus on them both.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY

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THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

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Nigeria vs Sierra Leone: Fading Eagles Face Leone Stars For AFCON Rebirth

By Amaechi Agbo

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uper Eagles of Nigeria, three-time Africa Champions, will on Thursday, June 9 begin their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifying matches against Sierra Leone’s Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Nigeria is paired in Group A along Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone The qualifier would be the 3rd match the Eagles are playing since their 29th match 2022 World Cup fallout in Abuja against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Since that ill-fated clash that saw Ghana pick the 2022 World Cup ticket at the expense of the Super Eagles, the team are yet to rediscover their rhythm again.

With no win in four matches dating back to January 23rd 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia in Cameroon, the team are yet to win any other match including their last two friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador last month both of which ended in defeats.

The appointment of a Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro as the technical adviser of the team in May, which received stern criticisms from stakeholders in Nigeria football franternity particularly the media considering the coache’s uninspiring curriculum vitae, the first two matches overseen by the coach, against Mexico and Ecuador, though friendless, ended in defeats. Peseiro thus becomes the first Nigeria coach to start his first match with a defeat.

Mr Peseiro was officially presented to the Minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare on Wednesday, June 8 2022, less than 24 hours to the crunch 2023 AFCON duel with Sierra Leone.

However, hope is fading among the football enthusiasts as the Super Eagles face Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on Thursday in the first game of the Group A matches in the 2023 AFCON race to be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.

Peseiro’s Appointment, Weak Eagles The appointment of Mr Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles Coach by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF did not inspire hope and optimism. This is because his managerial experience lacked the prerequisites to be considered for such a job.

Moreso, Mr Peseiro is coming in at a time that many Nigerians are still fuming in anger following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and the attendant lack of character and hunger exhibited by the players in the field of action Peseiro, appointed after series of interviews with other high profile coaches including former Netherlands star, Philip Cocu, erstwhile Barcelona handler Ernesto Valverde and France 1998 World Cup winner Laurent Blanc, however, unfortunately, with the other three coaches possessing intimidating curriculum vitae, NFF opted for the Portuguese and his first two matches, without a win, has reignited the doubts over his capacity to deliver.

Sierra Leone’s early arrival, past records against Eagles The Super Eagles would be aiming to begin their 2023 Afcon qualification bid on a winning note against the Leone Stars but it won’t come easy Nigeria have failed to win any of their last five matches in all competitions – losing

Photo: Super Eagles training in Abuja on Tuesday three and drawing on two occasions.

Their last victory came on January 19, 2022, when they defeated Guinea Bissau 2-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations encounter inside Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua Cameroon.

The Super Eagles’ most recent outing was an international friendly against Ecuador, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

This stat could be a worry as they continue preparations for Thursday’s fixture against John Keister’s side.

The Super Eagles and the Leone Stars met twice in 2020 during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers and both games failed to produce a winner. The first leg on November 13 saw the Leone Stars came from 4-0 down to snatch a point in the final whistle with the spoils shared at 4-4. Lackadaisical Eagles fumbled at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Edo State South-South Nigeria.

The return leg in Freetown, on November 17, saw a rather inspid game as the match ended in a drab scoreless affair.

With both teams set to rekindled their established rivalries once more beginning Thursday, June 9, the Leone Stars indicated their intent and purpose of the match after they arrived the country on Saturday, five days ahead of the match date. With much time to acclimatise and become accustomed to harsh Nigerian weather, this could be an added advantage for the visitors.

While the visitors arrived on Saturday, the Super Eagles arrived on Monday from the United States of America’s two friendly matches only to began training same day in the night.

Difference in Ranking Sierra Leone are far behind the Super

Eagles with respect to FIFA’s global rankings for May. Nigeria are ranked the 30th best team in the world on the last FIFA ranking and the third-best country in Africa. The Leone Stars, meanwhile, occupy the 24th spot on the continent and they are 108th in the world.

Nigeria remain the dominant side after 16 games between both countries.

The three-time African champions have won nine of their previous outings with four draws.

The last outing between the teams ended 0-0 at the Siaka Stevens National Stadium in Freetown.

Nigeria are hoping to qualify for the African football showpiece for the 20th time in their history.

However, they must negotiate their way past Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, and Sao Tome & Principe in Group A. In Cameroon 2021, they crashed out in the Round of 16 after losing 1-0 to 2004 African champions, Tunisia, in Garoua.

Although the visitors would hope to shock the Super Eagles at the MKO Abiola Stadium, what could hinder that ambition is their poor away form in Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches.

Sierra Leone have never won an AFCON qualification match away from home. Of all 17 matches played, ten ended in defeats while seven ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

FIFA Ban Takes effect The Nigeria Vs Sierra Leone will be played without fans as FIFA’s ban placed on the NFF takes effect.

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday reiterated that Thursday’s 2023

Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will be played without fans in the stands.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said in Abuja on Tuesday that the situation is a consequence of the one-match ban placed on the country by world football –governing body, FIFA over the fracas that followed the end of 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff round against the Black Stars of Ghana in March.

Nigeria were hit with a one-game stadium closure and fined 150,000 Swiss francs after fans invaded the pitch in Abuja following their play-off defeat by Ghana.

The absence of fans, who gathered in their thousands for the World Cup play-off match against Ghana will not be there for the Super Eagles. This would make the atmosphere calmer and afford the visitors plenty of confidence to play.

Nigerians want their national teams to win every game - Dare The minister of youth and sports, Mr Sunday Dare spoke in unequivocal terms on Wednesday, during Mr Peseiro’s official presentation that Nigerians want to win every game.

This statement, no doubt comes with it’s weighty pressure that the new coach would want to absorb and the match tomorrow will determine whether Nigerians will welcome him with the arms of love or with a repulsive anger.

With the kick-off set for 5pm WAT, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a fading image and the match against Sierra Leone will mark its global rebirth or further deterioration.

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Dare to Peseiro: Nigerians want their national teams to win every game

By Amaechi Agbo

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he Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare on Wednesday charged the new Head Coach of Super Eagles, José Santos Peseiro to make the squad a blend of the very best of professional players based at home and abroad, saying the Ministry will assist in the rebuilding process by providing a conducive environment for the Portuguese to use his best efforts and endeavour to restore the confidence of football –loving Nigerians and the Government in the Super Eagles.

At a brief ceremony in Abuja, where the NFF formally presented Peseiro to the Government of Nigeria through the Sports Ministry, Dare told the gaffer in no uncertain terms that Nigerians want their National Teams to win every game, even though this is an impossibility in sport. “Whenever the team does not win, it must be clearly seen to have demonstrated high-level commitment, fervour, consistency and discipline on and off the pitch.

“In order to be able to appreciate the deep love of our people for the game and why they want their team to win all the time, you have to live in our country, enjoy our food, our

Mr Jose Peseiro and Sunday Dare, Sports Minister during the presentation on Wednesday in Abuja weather, our hospitality. I want to let you know that the process that produced you was governed by diligence, commitment and spirit of team work, and indeed very thorough. I believe that you will use this opportunity to make a mark by leading the Super Eagles to new heights.” The Minister then told Peseiro to ensure a solid win for the Super Eagles against

the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Abuja on Thursday, in a Day 1 encounter of the qualification series for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, Earlier, NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko, who stood in for President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, thanked the Minister and the Sports Ministry for support and

guidance during the process that produced Coach Peseiro, and reiterated that the Portuguese ticked all the boxes for the Federation having coached in four continents, worked with big clubs and big players and demonstrated a keen desire to work with the Super Eagles.

While the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji

Ismaila Abubakar challenged Peseiro to work assiduously hard and with passion to achieve his mandate, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said he has been impressed with the Portuguese tactician’s training methods and work ethic, prior to the friendlies with Mexico and Ecuador in the United States of America.

Peseiro, on his part, thanked the Government and people of Nigeria for the opportunity to tinker the Super Eagles, and said he is fully committed to the objective of winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire next year summer.

“I have always loved the Nigeria team, ever since I watched them play at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. It is a team with solid pedigree. Presently, we have both quality and quantity of players and it is always a good situation for any team.”

Also at the occasion were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola; NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Special Assistant to the Minister, Mary Onyali; Super Eagles Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor; SA (Multimedia) to the Minister, Toyin Ibitoye and; Media Assistant to the Minister, Kola Daniel.

Boxer taken to hospital after punching invisible opponent during fight F ans feared for South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi after he began to throw punches at an invisible opponent midway through his fight against Siphesihle Mntungwa.

South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi worried fans when he started to punch the air mid-fight South African boxer Simiso Buthelezi worried fans when he started to punch the air mid-fight Lightweight boxer Simiso Buthelezi is receiving medical treatment after worryingly punching thin air in the final round of his latest fight when seconds from victory.

The South African appeared close to clinching the WBF African lightweight title when his fifth bout took a worrying turn. Buthelezi is understood to have been comfortably beating Siphesihle Mntungwa late in the 10th and final round when his opponent fell back through the ropes.

Mntungwa returned to his feet and was ready to resume the fight when Buthelezi seemed to lose his bearings. The fighter’s first instinct was to bear down as though the referee was his target, only to then

Boxer, Simiso Buthelezi held by the referee after he started punching an invisible opponent move into the corner and start Mntungwa opts not to advance. wrote on Twitter that Buthelezi throwing fists as though shadow The official swiftly steps in to end was “almost certainly” on track the bout seconds later, waving off for a decision victory before boxing.

Realising his opponent is no the result out of fear for the at-risk the unexpected finish. He later clarified the fighter was in a “stable longer in full control of his faculties fighter’s safety.

Boxing enthusiast Tim Boxeo condition” and being monitored and with his back to the ring,

after receiving medical care in Durban.

Some spectators on social media wondered whether the episode was caused as a result of heat exhaustion. Doubts were raised over the possibility of that being the cause, however, considering it’s currently winter in South Africa.

Buthelezi came to the Greyville Convention Centre with a 4-0 record but came away having suffered his maiden defeat. That may be considered a small price, however, considering the initial confusion caused by his airpunching panic.

Boxing has witnessed a number of deaths inside the ring so far in 2022. Teenage prospect Ali Tazeem—who was hailed as ‘the next Amir Khan ‘— died after a car accident in April soon after signing his first pro contract.

That followed the death of Indonesian boxer Hero Tito, who died following a knockout loss against James Mokoginta. Former Ukrainian champion Oleg Prudky was killed just last month fighting against Russia’s invasion of his homeland.

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South Africa club banned for life after winning a match 59-1, with 41 own goals

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uper Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has debunked insinuations that he has retired from national team football.

Musa insists that he never told anyone that he was calling it quits with international football, adding that if the coaches consider him good enough for an invite, he would always answer any call to serve his country “I didn’t tell anyone that I am done with Super Eagles. I said I might consider retiring after the World Cup if Nigeria had qualified. The new coach has called me to come and play in the AFCON qualifiers and I cannot say no to him because it is a call to serve my country,” Musa said “AFCON is next year and I am still active playing in Turkey and if the coaches find me good to be at the AFCON in Ivory Coast, I will gladly go and help my country to win it.

I will always honor invitation to serve my country and give my best.”

On the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Musa said we he owe Nigerians and the fans of Super Eagles apologies.

The former Kano Pillars winger stated: “It is not easy to forget the exit in front of our home fans in Abuja. I still don’t believe we have played that match against Ghana and crashed out.

“It was painful experience and I and other players have yet to overcome the shock.

But we have to move on.

We shall try and restore the confidence our fans have in Super Eagles. I still don’t believe that Nigeria will not be at the World Cup. “As part of the plans to restore the confidence Nigerians have in Super Eagles, we shall hopefully, Insha Allah, beat Sierra Leone on Thursday in Abuja and in subsequent games.

We are not unmindful of the embarrassment that saw us drop a 4-1 lead to play 4-4 draw in Benin City two years ago “They [Sierra Leone] have proven to be a good side judging from their performance in the last AFCON and we shall go all out to win. We won’t allow the mistake in Benin City to repeat itself,” Musa concluded.

I

t sounds like a fairytale, but it is a fact that a South African Club have been handed a life ban after it won a league match by 59-1 with 41 of the goals scored by their own players.

A lower division South African club, Matiyasi FC, have been banned for life after scoring 9 goals in one match.

Matiyasi FC, who were hunting

for promotion to the Provincial ABC Motsepe League, beat Nsami Mighty Birds 59-1, with 41 of the goals scored as own-goals in onesided scandalous match Another player who was given a red card in the first half also scored a goal in the second half putting football authorities at a loss as to the possibility of such a scenario happening without any

match fixing The incident occurred last two weeks and the South Africa’s football authorities, the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) have now proscribed the Matiyasi Football Club.

SAFA’s regional office in Limpopo summoned both Matiyasi FC and Nsami Mighty Birds to a Disciplinary Committee

hearing on 25 May 2022 in Giyani.

Both teams were charged and found guilty of corruption and going against the association’s statutes.

SAFA then announced that Matiyasi FC has been permanently banned from all football activities while both teams have also been given a five-year suspension within the region.

Jealous Liberia footballer murders girlfriend, runs away

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iberian footballer, Agogo Barry is on the run after murdering his girlfriend for breaking his heart after abandoning his family because of her.

He also left a note apologizing to his parents for not listening when they advised him to end the relationship.

Agogo Barry wrote: That decision I took led me to what I am today. Fellow brothers and sisters, please be careful and do not make the same mistake I made in my life listen to your mother and father.

The woman that I abandoned my family for is the one that destroyed my life and future, she dash me at a point that I have lost everything in this world.

All I am asking for is for my mother father brothers sisters friends and fans to forgive me for what I have done.

I know what I am about to do is sinful but I can not live with it.

I love you Mama and Papa, and will always love you, if I would have listen to your advice than I am on another level but I can not stand it, I can not live with it.

Please take Care of my daughter Mary Barry

. . . putting the people first

PEOPLES DAILY, THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

SPORTS Atiku, Tinubu should embrace southLATEST

Liverpool reject £30m Bayern Munich bid for Mane

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iverpool have rejected a deal worth £30m for Senegal forward Sadio Mane from Bayern Munich.

The Reds have been left bemused after the German club returned with the offer after an initial bid, reported to be worth up to £25m, was turned down.

Liverpool are understood to want about €50m (£42.8m) for 30-year-old Mane considering Bayern’s similar valuation of 33-year-old Robert Lewandowski.

Mane and Lewandowski both have one year remaining on their current deals.

Mane has scored 120 goals for Liverpool since arriving from Southampton for a fee of £36m in June 2016, helping the club to success in the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.

Saul returns to Atletico Madrid after unsuccessful loan at Chelsea

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helsea have confirmed Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez will return to Atletico Madrid this summer following the completion of his one-year loan spell.

The midfielder’s time at the London club did not go as planned, making just 23 appearances for the Blues, with 12 of them from the start.

He played the final 45 minutes of Chelsea’s extra-time Club World Cup triumph against Palmeiras, and scored his only Chelsea goal in the FA Cup win at Luton Town.

In a farewell message to the club’s fans, Saul thanked the club for the time and memories; “Hello Blues, I’m writing to take my leave of you. I would like to tell you how I felt during this adventure. Things didn’t start well at all. After a long time at home, changing everything wasn’t easy.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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east and end the apartheid

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t has been seven years of attrition, hatebartering and exhausting recriminations. A new epoch is on the horizon, but the psychological mutilations from these years of anger may shape up to be the frustrations of the next administration. Nigeria needs healing. The country needs a healer to mend the sectional cleaving and to nurse it back to health. It needs a carpenter to rebuild the ruptured foundations and to restore hope and confidence in government. It needs a unifier both in deed and manner.

Providence has come for Bola Tinubu – with a basketful of beautiful promises. Against vigorous high-level conspiracy, he prevailed to become the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). For what it is worth, Jagaban has shown an uncanny ability to build consensus and mobilise consciences towards a cause.

Jagaban’s victory is deserving. He has watered many seeds which have burgeoned. He has nursed many fledging political careers to maturity. He has created opportunities for many who were without a compass.

He has invested his life and resources in building people.

And he gave oxygen to the APC, machinating the deracination of an incumbent president at a time everyone thought it was impossible.

But can Tinubu be that unifier of a sundered Nigeria needs? What are his antecedents as regards respect for diversity and sensitivity to inclusion? As governor of Lagos, Tinubu had a diverse cabinet; in fact, he is reputed to be one of the few governors who appointed non-natives, including Igbo citizens, to their cabinet at the time -- when bringing non-indigenes into state cabinets or government positions was unstylish.

However, Tinubu’s very obvious circumvention of the south-east during his tour of states for APC delegates’ support ahead of the presidential primary election is stoking concerns and fears of a reprise of the current policy of

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Thursday Column By

Fredrick Nwabufo exclusion against the region if he becomes president.

Jagaban is also reported to have made scathing comments about the Igbo in the past, and he is accused of being a tribesman – and not a statesman. Tinubu must understand the enormity of the office he is seeking, and should begin now as presidential candidate to show the prospects of unifying a diverged country.

The reality is, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari mismanaged Nigeria’s diversity. Buhari made no pretension about his insular intentions when he infamously declared, ‘’those who gave me 97 percent votes cannot honestly be treated the same way as those who gave me five percent votes’’, shortly after winning the 2015 presidential election. Nigerians and the south-east do not want a rehearsal of this deliberate policy of exclusion.

Tinubu showed his expansiveness as Lagos governor. He was generous and amiable towards Igbo citizens and their businesses in the state. Jagaban should

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reconnect to his innate nationalist if in any way experiences of the past years sullied his trust in divergent humanity.

There is a strong feeling of disconnection by the Igbo from the rest of Nigeria. And rightly so. With the return of democracy in 1999, the southwest held the office of the president for eight years, and with the coming of Buhari and a deputy from the south-west, the zone will have held the vice-presidential position for eight years by 2023.

By the same token, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar became presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the demand for an orbiting in the current geography of power.

So, the feelings of exclusion by the Igbo are not out of place. Like Ogbonnaya Onu and Hope Uzodimma (both APC leaders from the southeast) said, justice has not been done to the Igbo. It was by the sheer emotional burden of this fact that some of them worked for a return of the APC presidential ticket to the north. The permutation was, if the north returns to central

Jagaban’s victory is deserving. He has watered many seeds which have burgeoned. He has nursed many fledging political careers to maturity. He has created opportunities for many who were without a compass.

power in 2023; the region can only do eight years, and the power pendulum swings back to the south, preferably to the south-east. But if it goes to the south-west in 2023, it could take 16 or more years for the south-east to produce Nigeria’s president.

It is important that the presidential candidates of these two leading political parties begin now to show prospects of inclusion and of sensitivity to diversity in their dispositions, plans and policy paradigms. It is important that they show there will be no perpetuation of the present exclusivist proclivities which deepen national strife and insecurity.

The two leading candidates – Atiku and Tinubu --- should reach out to the south-east, their traditional rulers, political leaders and everyday citizens with genuine intentions and plans of bringing them into one composite fold where all Nigerians can exist under justice, equity, peace and harmony. No one should be excluded.

Also, the south-east should by now have learnt from the perils of political naivety and unrequited loyalty. I suggest, they should be fair and equitable in their support for Atiku, Tinubu or Peter Obi. What is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander.

Scorched-earth politics will only leave the land barren.

In this contest of capricious interests, may Nigeria not suffer.

By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo is a writer and journalist.

DAN GAYE DANGAYE

48 hours to primaries: Peter Obi dumps PDP, quits presidential race

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For fear of defeat?

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