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ة ...first in breaking the news www.aljazirahnews.com Vol. 2 No. 189 JUNE NIGERIA N200 28 – July 4, 2021 INSECURITY Inter-agency Rivalry
Hampers War PAGE 9
Distribution Politics Increases COVID-19 Risk In Africa 10 PAGE NCC Begins Senate Fresh Relevance Corruption Hindering Review Of Investigates As NADECO Nigeria’s Efforts To Telecoms Licence NIMC Over N229m Eradicate Malaria Structure Contract Award Joins Calls For
PAGE 21 PAGE 21 Restructuring 22 PAGE PAGES 14 & 24 EDITORIAL Why 2023 Should Be Tempered ith heightened insecurity across the the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral nation, the Independent National Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, aroused Electoral Commission (INEC) offices and public consciousness on the imminent dangers and inherent facilities have become targets of attacks by consequences of the attacks on the general elections coming hoodlums and bandits with motives still in the first quarter of the year 2023. In various media he Wvague but clearly primitive, a situation that is already raising stressed that the series of attacks on the commission’s concerns among stakeholders that the 2023 elections may facilities may undermine its capacity to organise elections be jeopardized. and negatively impact the country’s electoral processes. These seemingly organized attacks and destruction of The INEC chairman expressed concerns over a series of INEC offices and facilities have been on the increase in accidental and coordinated fire outbreaks on INEC’s facilities recent times, especially in the south –eastern part of the across the country, dating back to 2019, even before the country and this has generated a lot of concerns as to why general elections of that year. the electoral body has suddenly become a subject of attacks. As the spate of these attacks became prevalent, CONTINUE ON PAGE 5
Press Council Act Amendment Sparks Controversies 11 PAGE NCDMB, NEXIM Import Crisis Corruption Case International Looms As External Friendly: ‘Home Sign $30m MoU Reserves Hit Predates Nami’s Based Eagles Need On Oil Sector 13-Month Low Appointment – FIRS To Be Self Confident’
Retrenchments 20 PAGE PAGE 13 PAGE 8 PAGES 16 – 17 الجزير نيجيريا
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Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’allah (5th, left) and other participants during a workshop on newborn screening in commemoration of the 2021 World Sickle Cell Day celebration in Abuja on Thursday, June 24. PHOTO: OLAJUMOKE FASEMOYIN/BJO/NAN. NASS Threatens To Sanction Erring MDAs BY AHMED IDRIS servant that is given public Chairman of SPAC, respond to the committee’s Service. He noted that MDAs who fund for public good and Senator Matthew Urhoghide, invitation to defend queries Others are the Ahmadu claimed their documents The Senate has pledged has questions to answer and said seven MDAs had refused against them to include Bello University Teaching were with the anti-graft to publish the names of refuse to appear to answer to appear before the panel to the Nigeria Maritime Hospital, Zaria, Ministry of agencies were the Federal Ministries, Departments should have no business defend the AuGF’s queries Administration and Safety Police Affairs and Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, and Agencies of the Federal in government because all against their agencies. Agency, Federal Ministry of Ministry of Information Bayelsa State and Pensions Government that failed to of us are supposed to be Urhoghide listed the Health, the Nigeria Police and Culture (Information Transitional Arrangement defend queries raised against accountable to the people.” agencies that failed to Force, and the Federal Fire Sector). Directorate. them by the Auditor General for the Federation. The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, made 2nd Peer Review: Buhari Approves APRM Report the pledge following the BY JOEL AJAYI presentation of the report Governing Council, led once again the President We thank God for the is a product of meticulous of the Senate Committee on by the Chairman, Senator had demonstrated through cooperation and support of process started in 2019 Following the Presentation Abba Ali, accompanied by his approval of the report, stakeholders across every as part of President Public Accounts on the 2015 of Country Self-Assessment Princess Gloria Akobundu, report of the AuGF. his strong commitment sector of the economy and Buhari ‘s commitment Report (CSAR) of Nigeria’s Secretary of the Council and believe in the Review National life. to good governance and Lawan said, “This is one Second Peer Review Process and CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/ Process. We highly appreciate Development of the of our major responsibilities by Mr. Boss Mustapha, APRM Nigeria; Dr. Louis as a parliament, to hold Secretary to Government According to Akobundu, APRM Continental for its nation focusing on the Mandama, and Prince Ugo given the President’s guidance and cooperation four APRM thematic Areas the executive to account of the Federation (SGF) Beke, Members of NGC, and whoever is given the to the Federal Executive commitment to the Review, towards the success of the namely: Democracy and presented the CSAR while recommendations of the exercise,” she said. Political Governance; Socio- responsibility and the trust Council (FEC) during its Dr. A. A. Karim, Deputy of running any agency weekly Meeting on 23rd Report will get Federal On 24th June,2021, Economic Development Commandant and Director Government’s attention. Akobundu along with, Dr. ; Corporate Governance ; with public funds must June, 2021, President of Studies at National be accountable to the Muhammadu Buhari President Buhari Mandama, Prince Beke and Economic Governance and Institute For Security approved the conduct of Dr. Karim, as well as Mrs. Management; as well as parliament on behalf of the approved the Report, Studies, Abuja, the Institute now ready for validation Nigeria’s Second Review, 11 Adefunke Adimula, Director, Cross-cutting Issues, after people. that carried out domestic You have indicated a by the Country Review years after First Review. He APRM Department in the the first Review was carried Mission (CRM) of African Review of the Report was ensured that the necessary Agency visited Hon Prince out in 2008. certain number of MDAs also in attendance. who failed to come to the Peer Review Mechanism structures were put in place Clem Agba, Hon Minister With the approval of the (APRM), a voluntary self- Princess Gloria Akobundu, including the inauguration of State for Budget and President, all is now set committee after invitation. National Coordinator/Chief I want you to go through assessment instrument of of the National Governing National Planning, Federal for the Country Review African Union to deepen Executive Officer, African Council Members, drivers of Ministry of Finance, Budget Mission Team, led by your documents, the Union Development Agency- invitation letters or the Good Governance and the Process. and National Planning, Ambassador Mona Attia, Development. New Partnership for Africa’s The NGC and the National as follow up to SGF’s who are expected in the reminders, this Senate will Development/ African Peer publish the names of these In a statement signed Secretariat keying into the Presentation of Country country to validate the by Media Assistant to NC/ Review Mechanism (AUDA- President’s passion for the Self-Assessment Report CSAR by conducting town agencies for the public to NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria, know. CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM process, ensured rapid and (CSAR) of the Second Peer hall meetings, Sectoral Nigeria lauded President Buhari careful implementation, Review of Nigeria to the Consultations and meeting “This Senate will insist that for his unwavering support any public servant or civil Abolade Ogundimu in even amid COVID-19 Federal Executive Council. with key stakeholders across Abuja said the National to the Process, adding that pandemic. Nigeria’s Second CSAR the six Geo-Political zones. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 3 ةالجزير نيجيريا
ة The Entrepreneur ...encouraging young entrepreneurs in Nigeria INSIDE THIS WEEK 28.06.2021 – 04.07.2021 fashion & style Handbag: Integral Part Of Society Ladies PAGE 26
PAGE 27 entertainment AU Unveils Calendar Of Events For AFRIMA 2021
CHABA GIWA PAGE 30 Phone Number: business & economy JUSTINA 09079008891 HAIR STYLIST Facebook Sylva Itz Tinasha Advocates Office Address: Synergy Among Opp. Omax Filling Station, Kpeyegi, Abuja. Regulatory Agencies Chaba Giwa Justina is a passion Against Pms’ driven, well talented hair stylist who specializes in making stunning Smuggling hair styles for ladies, ranging from PAGE 21 big braids, small braids, fixing of weave-on and wigs. She also renders services including manicure, pedicure, hair washing, nails fixing, politics & policy eye lashes and more. As a graduate of Mass APC communication from Federal Congress: Polytechnic Nasarawa State, she is passionate about giving her Reps Member customers desired hair appeal to add Accuses to their beauty and also earn income from her skills. Fayemi Of Justina hopes to expand her small Imposition scale business to a larger one to better her lots as well as provide utmost PAGE 23 services to those that patronize her. Her motive is to satisfy customers and impact positively in society by helping to impact the skills of people Get breaking that are willing to learn. news from aljazirahnews.com الجزير نيجيريا
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ة Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news review e-mail: [email protected] Monday, June 21, 2021 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 Fashola Reveals When 2nd Niger Bridge Will I Have Been Fair, Inclusive With My Top Stories Be Completed Appointments, Policies – Buhari The Minister of Works and President Muhammadu special report Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Buhari has said that he Safe Blood Bank: Crucial has reaffirmed that the has been fair and inclusive construction of the Second with his appointments and For Emergencies In Nigeria Niger Bridge will be completed policies. PAGE 11 in 2022. special report Increasing National Development Wednesday, June 23, 2021 Thursday, June 24, 2021 Through Frequent Monitoring Of Farouk Lawan Sentenced To 7 Years In Buhari Government Has Taken Sides In Nigeria’s Constituency Projects Prison Tribal War – Gumi PAGE 12 A former member of the House President Muhammadu Buhari- of Representatives, Farouk led government has been accused sports Lawan, has been jailed for 7 by an Islamic cleric, Ahmad years for demanding a bribe Gumi, of taking a side in the 9 Years After Eagles Returns of $3million and receiving ongoing tribal war in Nigeria. To Abuja Stadium – Sports $500,000. Minister PAGE 15 business & economy Friday, June 25, 2021 Saturday, June 26, 2021 NDPHC Seeks Water What We’re Doing To Improve Security – Osinbajo Nwaoboshi Dumps PDP For APC Resources Ministry’s Support On Hydro Projects PAGE 20 The Vice President of Nigeria, The lawmaker representing Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, Delta North in the Senate, disclosed what the Federal Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, politics & policy Government is doing to end has dumped the Peoples insecurity in the country. Democratic Party (PDP) for Countdown To Anambra 2021 the All Progressives Congress (APC). Guber Election PAGE 22 PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Cross-section of beneficiaries after the skills acquisition training for VVF survivors organized by UNFPA, in Maiduguri, Borno on Friday, June 25. “Photo: By Abiodun Lawal/NAN الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 5 ةالجزير نيجيريا
VISION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT To operate a world class print media Our mission is to create hard-breaking national organisation collocated with and international news, as it unfolds. We deliver ة positive journalistic ethics and unparalleled perspectives across multiple practices at its peak to our beloved categories including politics, health, entertainment, readers in Nigeria. education, classy, judiciary, parliament, foreign editorial affairs, business, sports and more. Why 2023 Should Be Tempered
FROM COVER struggle should be seen as the last resort which should be engaged when all moral, legal and legalistic approaches Evidently, a number of INEC offices around the country have been exhausted. have been destroyed, with critical infrastructures affected, While we acquiesce to the position that there could thereby stretching the commission’s capacity to manage be some inadequacies and flaws in the constitutional elections. provisions of the polity and indeed governance, These increasing attacks, will undoubtedly, put the AljaziarahNigeria takes exception to recourse to violence commission on the edge, especially if critical tools like the as this would aggravate rather than resolve a worsening electoral register and card readers are affected. situation. The media and civil societies have been unequivocal on With 2023 around the corner, it is expected that all parties their stance against the torching of INEC facilities in parts who by virtue of the subsisting constitution which is yet to be of the country as the situation they hold would impact abrogated or amended as the situation may turn out, should negatively on its capacity to deliver on its mandate. The yet work within the fragmented clauses to ensure a hitch-free Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, Cynthia Mbamalu, general elections until a new dawn enters. for instance has said the recent spate of attacks on INEC We also urge the authorities to be wary of moles and self- offices are getting out of hand and have grave impacts on serving individuals who would stop at nothing to infiltrate the the commission’s preparations for the next elections with ranks of counter-insurgency fighters and thus compromise the potential to affect the implementation of its activities the huge efforts being deployed. This is possible by engaging towards the off-cycle governorship elections and the 2023 more in intelligence gathering rather than a wholesale military elections. affront. According to her, this also comes with a huge cost There is a need for better security provision for all INEC implication on INEC’s budget, especially with some of its offices and structures as a matter of national emergency. offices/structures and election materials burnt/destroyed. “The spate of attacks is beyond mere coincidence and AljazirahNigeria sees this worrisome trend as requires in-depth investigation to ensure the culprits and their preposterous and a situation that is likely to have grave sponsors are apprehended and prosecuted. consequences in terms of cost implications for a nation We urge the Federal Government to beef up security at INEC already prostrate and riding on half its projections, given offices nationwide to ensure 24-hour surveillance in order the paucity of funds occasioned by dwindling internal and to arrest those behind the attacks and prevent further external income. incidents. We urge agitators to be circumspect in their approach to “With CCTV cameras in all INEC offices, identities of seeking redress which suggests that there is a tendency those behind this crime will be unmasked; they will be towards anarchy as against reason and propitiation. Arms arrested and prosecuted,” one analyst. Who SAID What? IN THE NEWS
“The war against drugs is a war that must be fought by all, it is, therefore, my pleasure, to declare on behalf of the good people of Nigeria, a War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), not just as a slogan, but a call for civil action for all Nigerians to take an active part in this war. “Let me say that this war is more deadly than the insurgency we have in the Northeastern part of the country or the acts of banditry in the Northwest or the acts of kidnapping that transcends all the geopolitical zones of this country, because it is a war that is destroying three generations because I’ve seen clips of where grandparents are on drugs, parents are on drugs, and by extension, their wards, their children are on drugs” – President Buhari الجزير نيجيريا
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ةLike our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news e-mail: [email protected] FAO: 65,800 Benue Distributes Improved Leaking Roof: No Borno Farmers Money Released To Kicked Out By Seedlings To Farmers Across LGAs Nass For Renovation BY HENRY IBYA, MAKURDI cropping season held at the Mass production of the crops Benue people including the – Basiru Terrorists office of Bureau for Local provided especially cassava displaced community through IRMAN of the Senate Com- BY VICTORIA OCHIGBO Benue State Governor Government and Chieftaincy which is of global demand such programs as payment Samuel Ortom, reminded the mittee on Media and Public Affairs in Makurdi, said the with the view to providing of subsidy on agricultural Affairs Ajibola Bashiru has The Food and Agricultural Federal Government on the seedlings were not only meant food for consumption and inputs, provision of tractors need to demonstrate more denied reports that N37 Organisation of the United to cushion the effect of the the raw materials needed at subsidized rates as well as billion had been released Nations has raised the alarm commitment by being more looming food crises caused to sustain the agro based his dogged stand against open realistic in the fight to end by the constant attacks on industries springing up in the grazing the reason for the to the leadership of the Na- of impending food insecuri- tional Assembly for the ren- ty in the North-East region, herdsmen invasion of Benue the farming community of state. killing of innocent farmers on communities, to enable the ovation of the National As- saying insurgency has de- the state. Governor Ortom, their ancestral homes. farmers go back to their According to the governor, also promised that his While the special adviser sembly Complex. nied 65,800 farmers access ancestral homes to continue In a statement released to agricultural inputs in the the move was equally a huge administration would remain on Local Government and their farming activities in step towards economic committed to providing Chieftaincy Affairs to the on Wednesday, Basiru not- area. whose absence the country ed that the National As- Speaking at the inaugura- diversification aimed at subsidy for fertilizer and other governor Mr. Kenneth has been thrown into hunger adding value to export market farm inputs for Benue people Achabo, said the improved sembly was not responsible tion of the 2021 rainy sea- over the years recently. for maintaining the Nation- son farming interventions in order to improve the living in order to make agriculture seedlings distributed Governor Ortom, who made standard of the people. meaningful with the aim of which would go to 1000 al Assembly building and at the Farm Centre, Maid- the reminder at a ceremony The governor who satisfying both the basic needs beneficiaries across the 23 had not received any fund- uguri, the Country Repre- to flag off distribution of encouraged Benue people of food and the provision of Local Government Areas ing for its renovation. sentative of FAO in Nige- assorted variety of improved never to give up but instead jobs for the teaming graduates was an initiative of Local While it is true that an ria, Fred Kafeero, lamented seedlings and crops including continue to stand firm against roaming about the streets Government Councils, in line that inaccessibility to im- initial appropriation of the 4,666 improved rice seedlings, all manner of intimidation without jobs. with the governor’s policy above stated sum was made proved seeds and fertiliz- 690 tins of melon seedlings as by engaging in massive In his remarks on agriculture and expressed ers, resulted in food insecu- due to the decaying nature well as 10,000 cassava stems agriculture in order not to commissioner for agriculture gratitude to the governor for of the complex which has rity and poverty among the earmarked to distribute leave any land vacant to attract and natural resources Dr. demonstrating commitment populace. to 1000 farmers per local not witnessed any major open grazing also appealed Timothy Ijir, commended the to his campaign promises to maintenance or overhaul- He disclosed that the government area for this to the people to engage in governor for his concern for Benue people. launch was the sixth rainy ing since construction, the season farming intervention said amount was reduced to being conducted by FAO in N9 billion after the break- Borno, Adamawa and Yobe out of COVID-19 pandem- states since 2016. ic. Kafeero said supporting Even with this reduction, rainy season farming was the sum of N9 billion or any key to the entire insurgency amount is yet to be cash affected region, adding that backed or released to the farmers’ harvests contribut- National Assembly. None ed significantly to food secu- of this amount is even ap- rity and income generation propriated for the Nation- throughout the year. al Assembly bureaucracy or Access to agricultural in- its leadership,” he said. puts for high yields also Basiru stressed that the saves lives and livelihoods Federal Capital Develop- of farmers,” he added. ment Authority (FCDA) According to him, the dis- was responsible for the tribution of seeds and fertil- maintenance of the build- izers has contributed to the ing, adding that the leakag- building of people’s resil- es recorded during a rain- ience to conflict. fall on Tuesday justified He said this year, 65,800 the need for urgent reno- household farmers were vation of the dilapidated supported with agricultur- structures in the complex. From left: Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service Federation, Mr Mahamuda Manman; Chief Imam of Abuja Central al inputs and livestock re- Mosque, Dr Muhammed Adam and representatives of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Nasir Gwazomu, during the The National Assembly stocking for fattening, while Jumaat prayer to mark 2021 Civil Service Week in Abuja on Friday, Junme 25. PHOTO: ALBERT OTU/JAU/NAN Complex was flooded fol- 40,000 farmers were target- lowing a heavy downpour ed for the distribution of in- recently. puts. The sum of N9 billion Kafeero, while lamenting U.S. Charges Pan Ocean Oil’s Chukwuemeka Onyegbula With Wire Fraud naira had been approved food insecurity, said, “The BY WISDOM ONYEISI enforcement linked an Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) various electronic evidence for the renovation of the latest CH analysis results email account belonging to page on the Small Business such as phone numbers and IP complex, which was built projected that over four mil- A U.S. grand jury in Seattle Mr Onyegbula but using Administration’s website and addresses. The email account in 1999. lion people will be in need has charged Pan Ocean Oil the name ‘Phillip Carter’ submitted applications for contained information such of food assistance between Chukwuemeka Onyegbula to at least 253 fraudulent EIDLs using the stolen PII of as a visa application receipt, with conspiracy to commit June and August, 2021.” unemployment insurance residents of Washington and banking information, and wire fraud and multiple filings in Washington, other states. Nearly $54,000 homework assignments by He warned that there counts of wire fraud and would be an increase of 19 Arizona, California, was paid out in fraudulent Onyegbula’s son.” aggravated identity theft. Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, disaster loans. The cyber evidence also per cent in food require- Acting U.S. Attorney ments. Kansas, Massachusetts, Mr Onyegbula allegedly included dozens of tax Tessa Gorman announced Michigan, Minnesota, used variations of a single return information for U.S. The Borno State Gover- the indictment in a Missouri, Montana, Ohio, email address in a manner citizens, said the authorities. nor, Babagana Zulum, who Department of Justice Nevada, Rhode Island, intended to evade automatic Evidence gathered indicated was represented by his Chief statement. According to Texas, and Wisconsin. Nearly detection by fraud systems. Mr Onyegbula was employed of Staff, Prof. Isa Hussaini, the announcement, Mr $290,000 was paid out in By using this practice, as an IT engineer with Pan said the state had been dev- Onyegbula, aka Phillip unemployment claims, said Onyegbula made it appear Ocean Oil Corporation astated by insurgency, add- Carter, is currently detained the DOJ. that each claim was Nigeria Limited and a ing that 70 per cent of farm- in Nigeria. The U.S. authorities also connected to a different email graduate of the University of ers were affected with the In the indictment and an accused Mr Onyegbula and his account,” said the DOJ. “The Benin. His CV on LinkedIn destruction of their means unsealed criminal complaint co-conspirators of accessing email account used for fraud showed he had been with the of livelihoods. sworn June 6, 2021, law the COVID-19 Economic was linked to Onyegbula by oil firm since 2009. Bashiru الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 7 ةالجزير نيجيريا
Like our facebook page ة www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news e-mail: [email protected] Benue To Army Reacts To Partner Rivers Gumi’s Allegations Govt In Agric, On Bandits BY WISDOM ONYEISI
Industries The Nigerian Army has reacted BY HENRY IBYA, MAKURDI to claims by Sheikh Ahmad Gumi that the Nigerian Benue State Government military was colluding with during the week resolved bandits responsible for to partner its River various crimes and atrocities State counterpart in across the country. agriculture, commerce The Islamic scholar and industries. made the allegations when Benue State Governor he featured on ARISE TV Samuel Ortom, who made Morning Show on Wednesday. Government position Brigadier General Onyema known Wednesday, Nwachukwu, Director of June 23 during a Army Public Relations in a ceremony to present statement condemned Gumi’s letter of appointment allegations. Nwachukwu said the as the new chancellor of President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd L) President Ijaw National Congress, Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba; Chairman of Conference of Ijaw military arm has conducted its Benue State University Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers Amanyanabo of Twon. Brass, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff (M) Vice constitutional responsibilities Makurdi, to the Owokori President of Ijaw National Congress, Mr Atamuno Atamuno; and Vice President2 Alabo Nengi James during a meeting of the President with most professionally in line 9th of Amanyambo of Ijaw National Congress National Executive Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, June 24. PHOTO: CALLISTUS EWELIKE/NAN with global best practices Abonema, Chief Dezree of adherence to the rules of Bob Mannuel, at his engagement and protection palace in Rivers said of fundamental human rights. the collaboration will Senate Indicts NSA Office Over Diversion Of $2.3bn He noted that Gumi’s avail the people many BY WISDOM ONYEISI comment was a calculated opportunities to exploit approved by the Federal by the Federal Executive of the Committee, Sena- attempt to denigrate the to the advantage of both Executive Council (FEC). Council.” tor Urhoghide, followed a Nigerian military and The Senate has indicted Presenting the report The Senate panel or- report by the office of the states now and in the the Office of the National undermine the sacrifices of before the Senate at ple- dered that the NPA should Auditor General of the fed- patriotic troops, who are future. Security Adviser (ONSA) nary, Chairman, Sen- revert to the PICOMSS ac- eration. Governor Ortom, in an alleged diversion of working tirelessly to restore ate Committee on Public count, all monies in local In the report, the com- peace and stability across the who was represented N1, 075, 266, 599.06, $2, Accounts, Senator Mat- and foreign currencies di- mittee disclosed that the during the visit by country. 301, 329.54 and €196, thew Urhoghide (PDP verted to the NSA. contract sum of N417, It is essential to remind the commissioner for 257.42 by the Nigeria Edo South) also disclosed This include the sum of 099, 309.06 as disbursed education Prof. Denis ourselves that this same Ports Authority (NPA). that the NPA received re- N1, 314, 214, 737.18, $2, by the NPA was not duly military, being accused of Ityavyar, who led a The money which con- minder for the settlement 539, 870.34 and €364, approved by the Feder- Benue delegation told connivance, are the ones who sists of local and foreign of annual PICCOMS con- 478.06 al Executive Council, and recently put their lives on the the Owokori-9th that currencies, was meant for tributions from 2008– Besides, the Senate or- was also not approved by line to rescue abductees of the people of the state the Presidential Imple- 2012 totaling N238, 948, dered the Nigeria Ports the Tender Committee of the Government Secondary have taken the contact mentation Committee on 138.12, $238,540.80 and Authority (NPA) to refund the agency. School, Birnin Yawuri from established with him Marine Safety and Securi- €168, 220.64 respectively. the sum of $37,672,939.75 The report also accused kidnappers. and his people seriously ty (PICOMSS). He said: “The agency also to the federation account, the agency of refusing to While the NA will not adding that subsequently A report by the Senate failed to provide evidence meant for contingency furnish the Federal Execu- attempt to excuse the Government will involve Committee on Public Ac- to show that the money provision on the contract tive Council with detailed possibility of black sheep the leadership of the counts stated that the fund was used for marine safe- for the rehabilitation of information on the utili- amongst its fold, it must be Benue chamber of was diverted into the NSA ty and security as directed the Lagos Harbour moles. zation of the contingen- stated unambiguously that commerce to interact account contrary to a Feb- by the Federal Ministry of The query submitted to cy fund before it was ap- it will not condone any form with his people for the ruary 21, 2007, directive Transport and approved plenary by the Chairman proved by FEC. of sabotage or aiding and purpose of expanding assisting the enemy by any frontiers that would be personnel, as provisions for beneficial to the two dealing decisively with such state. NIN Has Eliminated Exam Frauds, Says JAMB acts are crystallised in Section Responding, the The National Identification the introduction of NIN is concerned, having Consequently, it is the 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Owokori-9th, expressed Number (NIN) affected the revenue of a realistic number of board’s firm belief that Act CAP A 20 Laws of the appreciation to the introduction has eliminated JAMB and caused it to drop candidates sitting for its the introduction of NIN Federation of Nigeria 2004. governor for the honor It must also be pointed multiple registrations, to N5.8 billion. examination is a major has helped in addressing out, that while the military and promised to do impersonation, and other He maintained that achievement which only the one of the fundamental everything possible to is very much receptive to malpractices associated JAMB was neither a partnership with NIMC has channels of perpetrating constructive criticism, it sustain the relationship with UTME, says the revenue-generating agency made possible. examination malpractice should not be perceived as between the two states, Joint Admissions and nor aspired to be one. “It is our resolve not to by way of multiple a gateway for derogatory for mutual economic and Matriculation Board He explained, “JAMB is ever compromise on the applications, among comments that have the cultural benefits. (JAMB). not a revenue-generation integrity of its processes others,” he added. potential to embolden Earlier, leader of the Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s entity and, as such, is not on account of generating criminals. delegation, Prof. Ityavyar, spokesman, disclosed this interested in the ever- fat operating surpluses.” It is also necessary to who equally delivered the in a statement in Abuja. ballooning number of The spokesman noted reiterate that patriotism must response of the Owokori- He said the partnership candidates. that NIN was a good be taken to a trajectory where 9th to Governor Samuel with the National Identity “Rather, JAMB is initiative because it helped subversive conversations on Ortom, at Government Management Commission concerned with how to clean the system and the state are brought to the House in Makurdi, said (NIMC), which mandated address loopholes being restored JAMB’s credibility. barest minimum.” during the visit, they the use of NIN in the used by fraudsters to JAMB greatly appreciates The Army advised opinion had sought partnership registration process, made distort national data in a the partnership with leaders to demonstrate with the traditional ruler it virtually impossible bid to compromise public NIMC, which has led to patriotism in building in many areas including for exam mercenaries to examinations.” the inadvertent benefit of peace, rather than being agriculture adding agents of destabilization register multiple times. Speaking further, the revealing the actual number and aggravating the current that the journey was He, however, refuted a JAMB spokesman stated, of candidates registered successful. security challenges facing the report that claimed that “As far as the board annually. Oloyede nation. الجزير نيجيريا
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ةLike our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news e-mail: [email protected] Group Accuses Corruption Case Predates Scores Of Bandits NECO Staff Of Neutralised, Ak- Engaging In Nami’s Appointment – FIRS 47 Recovered By BY YAHAYA UMAR Nigerian Army continue to have confidence BY SANI MUHAMMAD SANI, GUSAU Exam Fraud, in its capacity to deal with The Federal Inland Revenue internal issues while not also Troops of 8 Division Demands Probe Service (FIRS) has clarified lose sight of its mandate of that the ongoing graft case Nigerian Army, while on generating tax revenue for a fighting patrol, were A media organisation, against the agency by the the government. Signature TV, has called on Economic and Financial attacked by well-equipped The Federal Inland armed bandits operating the Independent Corrupt Crimes Commission (EFCC) Revenue Service (FIRS) Practices and other related predated the appointment has partnered Interswitch along Mayanchi-Dogon offences Commission to of its current executive Group to enable taxpayers Karfe and Fagantama probe some staff of the chairman, Muhammad Nami. to file naira-denominated villages in Talata Marafa National Examination The agency’s Director, tax returns through its Local Government Area, Council for engaging in Communications and Liaison gover nment-approved LGA, of Zamfara State. examination malpractices Department, Dr.Abdullahi payment gateway. Director Army Public at a centre in Kaduna Ismaila Ahmad, gave The Interswitch payment Relations, Brigadier General State. indication in a statement gateway has been deployed Onyema Nwachukwu has The Chief Executive made available to Premium on FIRS’s new Tax revealed Saturday, June 26. Officer of the station, Mr News on Wednesday, June Administration Solution The bandits were 23. (TaxPro-Max) e-filling overwhelmed by the Vinmartin Ilo, stated this His clarification came during the inauguration of platform. superior firepower of on the heels of the Abuja Taxpayers and tax the troops in the fierce a TV show, Corruption Tori Federal High Court’s Season Two, in Abuja. consultants are expected encounter that ensued, commencement of the to file their tax return on “This led to scores of A statement last week hearing of a case of fraud Nami FIRS TaxProMax, click on bandits being neutralized, said Corruption Tori involving some ex-directors Interswitch logo to generate is an anti-corruption and some members of staff of 2017 and 2018. At the latest disciplinary processes to be the troops also recovered the Document Identification one PKT riffle, large cache programme supported by the Federal Inland Revenue hearing of the matter on activated to deal with the Number (DIN) and make the MacArthur Foundation Service(FIRS). Wednesday, June 23, 2021, situation. payment using Interswitch of ammunition, and a and aired on the network The members of staff the court fixed the trial date He added the Human Paydirect at any bank branch motorcycle.” services of the African are answering charges for the case on September 28, Capital Management nationwide or pay online via The troops in another Independent Television concerning embezzlement 2021. Department of the FIRS Quickteller Mobile App/Web. development neutralised and the Nigerian of the Duty Tour Allowances The agency’s spokesman subsequently investigated Besides,the registration on 5 bandits in another Television Authority to (DTA) approved by the recalled that the alleged the matter and issued TaxProMax is mandatory as encounter at Bingi village, cause attitudinal change erstwhile management. violation being tried in the queries to the concerned taxpayers that are yet to get in Bungudu LGA also in and make Nigerians They were arraigned on a court took place between members of staff to give the their user credentials are to Zamfara State. demand accountability and 42-count charge bordering January 2017 and December serving officers a fair hearing. register online or visit the During the gun duel, transparency from leaders. on corruption, fraud, and 2018 and concerns Duty According to him:’’The nearest FIRS tax office to be the bandits withdrew in Ilo in his remark at the criminal misappropriation Tour Allowances (DTA) Service had since completed onboarded. disarray having sustained event explained that the of funds punishable under approved by the former the internal administrative Interswitch Group’s severe gunshot wounds station recently uncovered the Money Laundering management for travels processes as provided in its Divisional Chief Executive while troops recovered one how some NECO officials (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as that were allegedly not Human Resources Policies Officer for Industry AK 47 riffle, one Motorcycle colluded with prospective amended in 2012). undertaken. handbook as it relates to the Ecosystem Platforms, and 3 mobile phones from candidates to undermine The ongoing trial of the He explained that on the officers still in service. The Chinyere Don-Okhuofu, said the routed criminals. staff of the Service followed assumption of office by the outcome of this procedure the company is committed the integrity of their a petition to the Economic new management, the Board has been kept in abeyance The Chief of Army Staff, examination. to supporting the FIRS and Financial Crimes of the Service promptly pending the outcome of to deepen effective tax Major General Faruk He said, “The story, Commission (EFCC) about directed it to take the the ongoing court process. collection, which is critical to Yahaya urged the military which was published the alleged fraudulent matter before the Staff and The Management of FIRS national economic prosperity to sustain the aggressive by more than 25 media practices which the accused Management Disciplinary wishes to appeal to esteemed through its robust digital posture in order to defeat houses a day after it broke, allegedly committed between Committee for necessary taxpayers and stakeholders to payment platform. all criminal elements led to the flagging up of operating in the North the examination centre in West and other parts of the Kaduna by NECO and an country. investigative enquiry was Kogi: Works Commissioner Urges FG To Order Contractors Back To Ganaja Road Yahaya further urged set up by the NECO board.” BY ABDUL SULEIMAN spoke with Journalists after he three months, like the case of expressed satisfaction with the communities in the North The media owner visited the road in Lokoja on the Ganaja road and you are not pace and quality of work on the West to support the troops lamented that despite The pain being experienced the sideline of inspecting the working on it, it becomes very Ganaja flyover bridge, saying by motorists and residents of ongoing Ganaja flyover bridge retrogressive.” that “Kogi has been turned with useful information at NECO’s promise to send Ganaja/Gadumo communities all times to enhance anti- its findings to the ICPC in the state capital. The Reporters,an online into a huge construction site, along Ganaja road in kogi state He,therefore, appealed to news medium, reports that courtesy of Gov. Yahaya Bello.” banditry operations. for further investigation, otwithstanding,reconstruction the Federal Government to Ganaja road is a major facility He assured the people that nothing had been heard work on the road has been order the Contractors handling that links the state to the the Ganaja flyover bridge would of the case again. abandoned. Ganaja Junction to Ganaja eastern part of the country as be delivered in December 2021. He called on the anti- The Kogi State Village to return to site. well as the north. The Commissioner also corruption agency to wade Commissioner Works and The Commissioner expressed The reconstruction on expressed optimism that into the case and bring Housing, Engr. Abubakar dismay that the abandonmen the 17-kilometre road from having achieved the level of anyone culpable to justice. Ohere, disclosed when he had worsened the condition Ganaja junction, through work thus far, “it is possible Speaking at the event of the road, compared to its Gadumo to Ganaja village, to deliver the Ganaja flyover on the topic, ‘Corruption former state of existence. started November 2020 with bridge by the planned date.” Fighting Back,’ the ICPC Engr. Ohere, who disclosed the hope that the work would The Commissioner Chairman, Prof. Bolaji that abandoning the road be completed within three disclosed that the bulk of the Owasanoye, who was was not in the best interest months. state’s resources were being represented by an assistant of the state, urged the federal Motorists and other road chanalled into infrastructure director, Mr Hassan Salihu, government to intervene users plying the road described development inspite paucity said it was only natural for and push the contractors to the condition of the road as of funds, adding that the those who benefited from complete the job on time. much more terrible and worse aim of the Yahaya Bello-led the status quo to oppose The Commissioner said:”If than what it was before the government was to turn the you do stone base, the abandoned reconstruction State into a big construction any reform aimed at maximum it can last is 21 work. site for the benefit of the fighting corruption. Ohere days, but if you leave it for Ohere, however, who people. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 9 ةالجزير نيجيريا
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Baba Insecurity: Inter-Agency Rivalry Hampers War
BY CYRIL OGAR the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, the Nigerian that the increasingly sophisticated spate of He said the police had recorded situations Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the violent crimes, necessitated the deployment of where due to poor inter- agency collaboration, Amid heightened insecurity, inter-agency rivalry State Security Service, SSS, and the Nigerian all available security assets, conflict resolution they had been victims of friendly fire from other remains one of the major factors limiting the Immigration Service, NIS, had benefited from mechanisms and other peace building measures security agents who responded to scenes of crimes capacity of security agencies to effectively tackle the support. to enhance internal security arrangements in the where police operation was already ongoing. the current menace in the country. However, According to him, security agencies, including country. According to him, a critical example was the inter-agency rivalry is not peculiar to Nigeria, the various security training departments and He said the retreat would provide the platform Aug. 6, 2019 incident, where some police personnel but one that has a global outlook but the security colleges had been supported to optimise the to critically look at the various departments and attached to the Intelligence Rapid Response Team situation in the country makes it peculiar to quality of their training. The Minister of Police agencies of the Nigeria Police Force. of the Force were killed in Taraba by a military compare with other climes. Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi, said the According to him, this is with a view to opening detachment. He said the operatives who were This issue having become a recurrent decimal in retreat was meant to deepen the realisation of new frontiers, through fostering synergy, on legitimate investigation activities to arrest the security circles, especially since the advent of President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire to advance coordination, renewed loyalty to the system and firm a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Taraba were terrorism and banditry, it has repeatedly taken a policing in Nigeria. commitment to professionalism to achieve the set killed and the suspect set free by the military front space in the national discourse. To promote He said the desire would be realised through objectives. “The retreat will also bring to the fore, detachment. inter-agency collaboration in the security sector equipping, sustainable reforms, internalisation the state of our border security and implications “To address the challenge of inter- security therefore, a German Foundation, Konrad-Adenauer of community policing arrangements, enhanced of poorly policed borders on internal security. agencies collaboration, upon my assumption of Stiftung, KAS, recently conducted a review of legal welfare and capacity development, adding Attention will also be focused on pivotal policing office as the Inspector-General, I visited service provisions of the various security agencies with that the rate of violent crimes and secessionist departments, intelligence, operations, research and chiefs and heads of some security and intelligence Nigerian experts. Dr Valadimir Kreck, Resident agitations in some parts of the country have planning, ICT and other key segments of policing agencies. In the course of the visits, pathways for Representative of KAS, Nigeria, said the review reached unacceptable heights. According to him, arrangements. This is to engender a rebirth of new deepening collaboration were discussed. revealed, among others, that, ineffective joint the violent crimes and agitations had snowballed security architecture to meet global best policing “I am happy to note that this initiative has paid approach to curb crime and terrorism as well as into attacks on security formations and other standard practice”, he said. off as inter-agency trust and collaboration between inter-agency rivalry were caused by overlapping or symbols of authority in the country. The Inspector General of Police, Mr Usman Baba the police and other security agencies is being conflicting mandates. The Minister said; the need to put in place said the unhealthy inter-agency rivalry was a major increasingly strengthened. This has occasioned an He said to solve the problem; KAS commenced sustainable measures to tackle the security issue limiting the capacity of the police to achieve increased intelligence sharing process and a more strategic engagement with the Executive and the challenges threatening the peace, security, its internal security mandate, and that the trend effective joint operation across the country”, he National Assembly to discuss reforms that could growth and development in parts of the country had been of concern to a cross section of Nigerians added. create more effective security apparatus in Nigeria. reaffirmed the importance of the retreat, and over the years, but added that it was not peculiar to The participants at the end of the retreat stressed “Considering the present security challenges in Nigeria. Baba said weak inter-agency cooperation the need to improve collaboration and synergy in Nigeria and the overstretching of security agencies, and collaboration accounted for the 9/11 terror order to ensure organisational effectiveness. They it becomes clear that neither the armed forces nor attack in the US. also said it was necessary to deepen engagements the police or any other Nigerian security agency can He said the weak collaboration manifested in the with the Nigeria Police Force, Police Service address the problem alone. Only joint collaborative failure of strategic security institutions to share Commission, Nigeria Police Trust Fund and Ministry approaches will bring the prospect of success needed intelligence and work together to advance the of Police Affairs to create a platform for information in the country”, he said. “I am happy to note national security interest of the country. “In essence, exchange and management. It was to boost collaboration that KAS, in the challenge of inter- agency rivalry must be seen They urged individual agencies to examine partnership with the Ministry of Police Affairs that this initiative has and acknowledged as a global challenge that haunts their mandates to see where their constraints had organised a three-day retreat on “Strengthening paid off as inter-agency internal security of modern states. Inter-agency restrained effective collaboration and engagement. Inter-agency Collaborations and Organisational friction constitutes a major threat to internal The participants underscored the importance of Effectiveness for the Ministry and Related Agencies.” trust and collaboration security and national cohesion. It accounts for training and retraining of senior police personnel, Participants were drawn from the Ministry of Police budgetary wastages, duplication of functions, rank and file along with senior officers and staff of Affairs, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Police Trust between the police and mutual suspicion and encroachment on each all relevant agencies to enhance their proficiency and Fund, the Police Service Commission, Police other security agencies other’s legal and operational space by competing professionalism in the performance of their duties. Academy and the academia. agencies. Inter-agency rivalry exposes security It is hoped that this continued rivalry within Kreck said KAS has been supporting security is being increasingly agencies to public ridicule and possible loss of the security sector is addressed forthwith as reforms in Nigeria in the areas of capacity “ public confidence in ability of such agencies to Nigerians across geopolitical divides now live in building, among others. He said officers of strengthened. perform their statutory functions”, he said. constant fear. الجزير نيجيريا
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Ehanire Distribution Politics increases COVID-19 Risk In Africa The World Health Organisation, WHO, recently high income countries alone, 1 in 4 people have have received enough, and some are not receiving some encouraging takeaways, she reported, raised the alarm that sudden increase in been vaccinated, a ratio that drops precipitously second-round allocation on time. The problem is making clear the untapped potential in Coronavirus cases in parts of Africa could be due to 1 in 500 in poorer countries. not getting vaccines out of COVAX. The problem developing countries to step up production, and to the unequal distribution of vaccines worldwide. The meeting, held in virtual format with the is getting them in,” he noted. the availability of resources to bankroll such Earlier, the number of new infections in Liberia, theme “A Vaccine for All”, brought together senior He said WHO is working with Gavi, the investment. WTO members have reduced export Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda doubled, said officials from the United Nations, governments, Vaccine Alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic restrictions from 109 in nearly 90 countries, to WHO crisis coordinator, Mike Ryan, on Friday business, the scientific community and civil Preparedness Innovations to scale up production 51 in 62 countries, she said, adding that, with in Geneva. “This is the consequence of the current society. They explored ways to guarantee equal and supply. A COVAX manufacturing task force pragmatic engagement, they can find ways to unfair distribution of vaccines, The trajectory access to vaccines as a global public good, and has been formed, and promisingly, the African bridge concerns over intellectual property rights. is very, very concerning,” Dr Michael Ryan, strengthen the readiness of countries for their Union will form the New Partnership for African She went on to express hope that such efforts Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies distribution. The Director-General said that Manufacturing, he noted. It aims to build five will lead to a framework agreement on trade Programme said. rapidly spreading variants, the inconsistent vaccine production hubs on the continent, and health, preferably before the twelfth WTO Only a very small part of the population has application and premature easing of public health starting with three mRNA facilities in Rwanda, Ministerial Conference in December. been vaccinated against COVID-19 there, in spite measures, fatigue with social restrictions and the Senegal and South Africa. WHO is also developing Munir Akram (Pakistan), President of the of repeated appeals by the WHO. “We are going dramatic inequity in vaccine coverage have all led regional regulatory capacity through the African Economic and Social Council, said that, as well to pay a heavy price for that inequity. To assume to an alarming spike in new cases and deaths. Medicines Agency, he reported. as being a moral imperative, universal vaccine that the next wave in Africa is a small passing “This is a time for partnership, not patronage. Calling upon countries with enough vaccine coverage is the only realistic way out of the shower and not a storm is very, very premature,” We have the tools to end this pandemic,” he said. to cover their populations “many times over” pandemic. He called for scaling up production, he added. “The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator to make immediate donations to COVAX, he addressing intellectual property issues, Ryan also warned the rest of the world against (ACT-Accelerator), created by WHO and its underlined the vital need to explore every option supporting weak health systems, removing export assuming that a wave of infection would resemble partners, as well as the COVAX Facility, can for boosting production. They include voluntary restrictions - and importantly - funding the WHO previous ones. “Every wave is unique,” he said, prevent mistakes of 40 years ago, when the world licences, technology pools, flexibilities on trade- ACT Accelerator and COVAX Facility. Decisive adding that it depended on the season, virus was slow to deploy life-saving antiretroviral drugs related intellectual property rights and waiving steps towards universal access to vaccines is a variants and the intensity of transmissions. to poor countries during the HIV/AIDS crisis. certain intellectual property provisions, and prerequisite for economic recovery, he stressed. It would be recalled that during the Economic Today, COVAX has distributed 40 million doses to investing in local vaccine manufacturing. WHO Volkan Bozkir (Turkey), President of the and Social Council’s Special Ministerial Meeting 100 countries, but that is nowhere near enough,” will continue to provide technical assistance and General Assembly, emphasized: “No topic is earlier this year, the Head of the World Trade he said, stressing that WHO had expected to to add manufacturing bases across Africa, Asia as relevant or pertinent to the world today as Organization had said that disparities and have distributed 100 million doses as at April as and Latin America, he said. that of vaccines,” while acknowledging: “Our inequity in the COVID vaccine distribution is against the 40 million distributed at that time. He urged all countries to carry out measures efforts have not been perfect.” He stressed that morally unconscionable, urging practical means “Some countries have received nothing, none that work - surveillance, testing, contact tracing, “we must finish what we have started”, pressing to tackle hurdles supportive quarantine and compassionate care Governments to recommit to the principles of “With the number of new COVID-19 cases - emphasizing that never in the 75-year history human solidarity and cooperation. The progress around the world nearly doubling over the past of the United Nations has its role been more made to date is the result of countries working few months, approaching the highest infection important. “We cannot defeat this virus one with hundreds of companies and thousands of rate observed during the pandemic, the unequal country at a time,” he stressed. “We can only do scientists — “multilateralism at its finest” he said. distribution of vaccines is not only a moral it with a coordinated global effort, based on the With a view to ensuring the goal of “vaccines for outrage, but economically and epidemiologically principles of solidarity, equity and sharing.” all”, he continued, Member States should extend self-defeating,” the head of the United Nations WHO will continue Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the resources to COVAX; invest in vaccine research, health agency told the special ministerial meeting World Trade Organization, WTO, described the production and distribution; donate vaccines to of the Economic and Social Council. In a similar vaccine disparities as “morally unconscionable”. countries in need; and tackle misinformation to vein, director General of the WHO, Tedros to provide technical Addressing inequity is a task that forces the world ensure that everyone is educated on the benefits Adhanom Ghebreyesus in his opening remarks to grapple with daunting technical, logistical, of inoculation. “It is the job of the United Nations at that time, said: Vaccine equity is the challenge assistance and to add policy and political hurdles, but they can be and its Member States to act on these demands,” of our time, and we are failing. overcome in a practical, empirically informed he stressed. Driving that point home, he reported that, manufacturing bases manner, she said. While the impulse to conserve Throughout the day, ministers and other senior of the 832 million vaccine doses administered, supply is understandable, securing personal officials explored ways to bridge financing gaps, 82 per cent have gone to high- or upper middle- across Africa, Asia safety is not enough, she emphasized. “We must build national capacities and maximize vaccine income countries, while only 0.2 per cent have find a way to share.” supply and rollout, as they engaged in two panel “ discussions addressing the related problems. been sent to their low-income counterparts. In and Latin America... A recent WTO vaccine equity event had الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 11 ةالجزير نيجيريا
ة Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng cover extra e-mail: [email protected] media regulation should not be the sole responsibility of the government. “It must involve all critical stakeholders coming together to fashion strategy to curtail some of the worries expressed by practitioners”, he said. According to Isiguzo, currently, there is no media house without an online presence, so everybody must be involved in the move to regulate the media both off and online, so it is imperative to involve all practitioners because we all have an online platform. He said that if the government was allowed to completely take charge of the amendment, there will be a huge problem as the power of the media to checkmate government activities will be completely eroded. “We understand we need some level of responsibilities in the media, but the stakeholders should be involved in any decision in the course of amendment before it becomes a law”, Isiguzo emphasised. Mr Lanre Arogundade, the representative of International Press Centre, IPC, in his contribution, urged the committee to throw away the issue of defamation in order to forestall unnecessary litigation in courts. “As media, we fought for this democracy, we want this democracy to survive Lai-Mohammed beyond us, we should not look at today but tomorrow when we are no longer in office”, he said. He said that members of the NUJ, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Guild of Editors Press Council Act Amendment should be on the board of NPC to ensure effective performance. He said that the power to sanction any erring media house should be vested in the court and not on NPC because it could be subjected Sparks Controversy to abuse and witch hunt of perceived political enemies. BY JOEL AJAYI (WITH AGENCY REPORTS) and related media houses”. He said that Resolution, ADR, mechanism that would Mr Sanni Zoro, a former NUJ the term “related media houses,” should help in reducing the barrage of litigations President, said that it will be a misnomer United Nations Secretary-General be limited to “online media,” and should in courts. Nwosu also said that the if the NPC is saddled with the power Antonio Guterres, underscored the now read “to regulate print and online NPC would continue to maintain and to withdraw the licence of media need for press freedom when he said: media”. promote high professional standards practitioners at will as being proposed in “A press that is free and independent He further noted that the inclusion of for the Nigerian press. the bill, and that the “online print media” is the globe’s greatest ally in combating fake news in the new amendment is a Mr Chris Isiguzo, the National should rather be changed to “online misinformation and disinformation”. welcome development, adding however President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, news organisation” because virtually all Just recently, the House of that the proposed Act should define NUJ, decried the proposed amendment the media organisations now have an Representatives Committee on what would constitute fake news for and accused the committee of not online media platform, while Facebook, Information, National Orientation, easy interpretation. He suggested that a appropriately inviting stakeholders in Twitter should be referred to as online Ethics and Value, embarked on the provision against hate speech should be such a critical bill that will have direct blogger. amendment of the Nigerian Press included in the amendment, noting that effect on practitioners. According to him, Zoro also expressed displeasure over Council, NPC, Act. Stakeholders in the freedom of the press should be amended you cannot undermine the importance the way and manner journalism is being media on June 17 stormed the National as “freedom of expression and the press”, of the media, the media play strategic practised in the country, preferring to Assembly for the public hearing. as guaranteed by the constitution. roles be it print, electronic and online call journalism in Nigeria a “craft” and The amendment is seeking to remove Nwosu reiterated the commitment of media. He stressed that stakeholders’ not a profession. To him, journalism goes bottlenecks affecting the performance the NPC to foster cordial relationships, engagement is critical for the success of with certain qualifications that must of NPC, according to Mr Francis Nwosu, adding that the NPC serves as a the proposed bill. be attained, adding that a professional the Executive Secretary of NPC. He said people oriented democratic, efficient To him, media regulation is important, journalist must have a requisite that the amendment would provide and inexpensive forum for hearing especially the social media that have qualification and belong to organisation the NPC regulatory and institutional complaints. He said that the NPC served as harbinger of fake news, hate such as NUJ, with a regulatory body that framework that would be in tune with would provide an Alternative Dispute speech and other vices that had led to the will enforce the code of ethics. current realities in regulating the press, death of many, noting that unregulated According to Zoro, medical doctors, noting that the Act has been a subject social media can culminate in crisis, lawyers, engineers all have functional of controversy and litigation since 1999. war among other vices. He said: “If the bodies, saddled with the responsibility He said that efforts to resolve perceived media decides to report panic, there will of enforcing code of conduct. He said disagreements have been carried out be panic, if the media decide to report that nothing should stop journalists by former ministers of information tension, there will be tension, and if it from having a functional body with and former members of the National The media is strategic is fear that the media decide to report, power to sanction. Zoro said he believed Assembly but some issues continued to to inform, mobilise, there will be fear. The media is strategic in dialogue between the executive and linger. to inform, mobilise, entertain and shape the media to serve as a better platform In the proposed amendment, Nwosu is entertain and shape society, which is why the media set an before the amendment takes effect. He suggesting that the NPC should regulate agenda”. stressed the need to reach compromise the print and online media, unlike in the society, which is why the The NUJ President, however, between the government and media former law, which clearly stated that the media set an agenda”. emphasised that the discussion about practitioners. NPC should regulate the “print media “ الجزير نيجيريا
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Adeyeye How Community Pharmacists Save Lives BY CHIKA MEFOR-NWACHUKWU pharmaceutical products we gathered from professionals is where their expired products Research in NAFDAC, Pharm Mrs. Chizoba our members. The value of the product are? This is a question that should be asked Maduagwuna, with the support of the Drugs that are expired are harmful to the destroyed today is about 400m. We are regularly. The government, NAFDAC should look environmental officers of Kuje Area Council. health of a consumer. Expired drugs could destroying it under the supervision of at this and make this a routine so that we will The Association had also called on the federal be less effective or risky due to a change the National Agency for Food and Drugs get the drugs from these people and ensure that government to harness the untapped potentials in chemical composition or a decrease in Administration Control, NAFDAC, and with they are destroyed. This will help Nigerians not to of its members so as to promote quality delivery strength. To know an expired drug, health the support of the environmental officers of be at the mercy of these people who see medicine of health services in the country. experts have advised consumers to always Kuje area council. as an article of trade rather than a tool to save their During the 2021 Pharmacy Week organised check the expiration date. “The products are already bad. They are lives”, he said. by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Branch The expiration date is a critical part of not fit for the consumption of humanity. Adekola, while lamenting the loss incurred by of the Association, Adekola had stated that deciding if the product is safe to use and if it This is a demonstration of our commitment their members through expired drugs, urged the Community Pharmacists are mostly the first will work as intended. The date can be found as pharmacists to the oath that we swore to government to support community pharmacists point of call when for patients adding that this printed on the label or stamped onto the bottle protect the lives of the people even at our own with soft loans that will help cushion the effect of advantage should be utilised by the government or cartoon. Experts have always advised that it is expense,” he said. Adekola expressed sadness their losses. “I want to challenge the government. to bring about quality and accessible health care important to stick to the expiration date on the over the activities of unprofessional who If pharmacists are doing this to save lives, what services to the masses. medicine because using expired medical products is the government doing for them? Where is the Adekola is of the opinion that a lot would have is risky and possibly harmful to one’s health. continued to relabelled expired drugs, thereby However, in Nigeria, many drug dealers have putting Nigerians’ lives in danger and called on recognition from the government? If people can been achieved in the fight against the COVID-19 ignored the havoc expired drugs cause by relabeling the government to protect the masses by being voluntarily surrender their fortune to be destroyed virus if the government had included Community their drugs and selling them off to unsuspected vigilant and arresting those selling expired because of their belief to save lives, how can they pharmacists as COVID-19 vaccination immunisers Nigerians. This practice, experts say, is illegal and drugs. be compensated? We challenge the government to in the country. He expressed sadness that the unethical as the drugs are unsafe. That is the reason “Ordinary, for people who are businessmen come out and make a statement on this and also Pharmacists have not enjoyed the support of the the Association of Community Pharmacists in and women, these products we are destroying take deliberate action to support the pharmacists. government attributing the lack of support to the Nigeria, ACPN, has always preached to Nigerians will be recycled and relabelled. We have a report They can support the pharmacist with soft loans so feud existing among the various professionals in to buy their drugs in a licensed and registered three days ago, from our members of a group as to help them support their businesses,” he said. the health sector. pharmacy. The Association which is a technical arm of persons in Enugu relabeling a drug. It was Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association While speaking on the theme of the of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PCN, has in the FCT, Pharm Wuyep Nankap urged Nigerians event, ‘Community Pharmacists Untapped also urged for the destruction of expired drugs so supposed to expire early in the month of next as to protect the lives of Nigerians. year and they relabelled then to expire in 2024. to go to a registered pharmacy to buy their drugs Potentials in Primary Healthcare Delivery’, Recently, the Association decided to show by “One burning question in my mind about so as to avoid buying expired drugs that could Adekola stated that the theme derives its root example as they destroyed expired drugs worth these handlers of medicine who are not destroy their health. “What we advise people to from the Association’s National Conference about N400m. Speaking during the destruction in do is to patronise a registered pharmacy. In a of 2020 where the members renewed their Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory, registered pharmacy, you will see the practicing commitment to the provision of primary FCT, the National Chairman of the Association, license displayed and always make sure that a health care services in Nigeria. Dr. Samuel Adekola explained that the destruction pharmacist is there to attend to you. The health Speaking more on the event, the chairman of the expired drugs were part of the activities to implications are enormous. There could be liver of the Planning Committee, Pharm Edwin celebrate its 2021 Pharmacy Week adding Adekola revealed and kidney failure. It can affect the entire system Ikechukwu said that the event was aimed at that the expired drugs were gathered from and can be transferred through genetics to the educating their members on steps to take to the pharmacies of their members in the FCT. that the products next person and you have a deformed birth. It achieve the best practice for the good of the Adekola revealed that the products were can also affect the economy. When the health sector and the nation. destroyed because they were no longer fit were destroyed of the nation is failing, it affects the economy,” Also speaking, Former PSN Chairman, FCT for consumption adding that it was also to he said. Branch, Pharm Mrs Otote Bridget, spoke on demonstrate the pharmacists’ commitment because they were The destructions were done under the the need for the inter-professional feud in the to protecting the lives of the people even at no longer fit for supervision of the Director General of NAFDAC, health sector to be buried while calling for their own expense. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye who was represented utilization of the potentials of the pharmacists “We are here to destroy expired consumption...“ by Assistant Director, Drugs Evaluation and in the country for the growth of the sector. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 13 ةالجزير نيجيريا
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Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng special report e-mail: [email protected] the currency, which closed on Friday at 412 to the dollar. Foreign exchange reserves are assets held on reserve by a monetary authority in foreign currencies, quite often used to back liabilities and influence monetary policies. They could be in the form of foreign banknotes, deposits, bonds, treasury bills and other foreign government securities. Oil revenue constitutes about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s revenue and 90 per cent of Nigeria’s source of foreign exchange earnings, even though it accounts for just nine per cent of the nation’s GDP. Oil prices have been relatively stable recently, with Brent price selling above $70 per barrel. External reserves, historically, had been an increasing function of oil prices. But for the first time, the country’s reserve in dollars is falling while the oil market is bullish. Reacting to the daily slump in external reserves, a former deputy director of the Central Bank, Stan Ukeje, told our correspondent that the situation could have been worse if there were no ban on importation of certain items classified under the prohibition list. He also explained that the oil prices might not have a positive impact on the reserve because not all oil cargos have off-takers. “The rise in price in the spot market for oil does not affect Nigeria’s oil revenue because the country sells on contract. A rise in price in the futures market will materialise only in the future after delivery. Buhari “Also, not all oil cargoes have off-takers. Only international oil companies (IOCs) have steady market access because they are linked with oil refineries, petrochemical plants and strategic storage facilities. Politically connected firms, Import Crisis Looms As External which are awarded oil lifting contracts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have neither vessels nor market access,” Reserves Hit 13-Month Low he explained. Ukeje, a financial and investment expert, noted CYRIL OGAR of the oil-producing countries. For instance, it 53rd as the country has dropped further down that “some of Nigeria’s oil outputs are pledged is less than 10 percent of that of Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Kazakhstan, whose reserves were to export-import (EXIM) banks and other state Nigeria’s economy could be leaning against the world’s leading oil-producing nation, in nominal previously below Africa’s biggest economy. lenders in repayment of infrastructure loans,” wind as the country’s external reserves fell to a terms. The real disparity is even wider when Nigeria’s romance with a nose-diving foreign while the portion so pledged does not bring in 13-month low last week, tumbling quickly to $30 the populations and import values of the two reserves began in August 2008 (at a time the foreign exchange inflow “even as the foreign billion, the level it was between 2015 and 2017. countries are compared. country’s import was less than what it is today) contractors from the lending countries do not Last Thursday, the figure slid to $33.79 billion, With a population of 35.3 million, Saudi when it hit an all-time high of about almost $64.8 bring money into Nigeria.” The contractors, as it dropped by $30 million. This represented Arabia’s foreign exchange (FX) reserve per billion. the ex-CBN banker said, spend the proceeds in a 0.09% decline compared to $33.824 billion capita is over $12,000 while Nigeria’s is about Data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) their countries of origin, which is part of the recorded on Wednesday, June 16. A total of $169, though the imports of the Arab nation revealed that the country’s import value as of reason the bullish crude does not translate to $1.58 billion has been lost in reserves year-to- far outweigh that of Nigeria with its 2019 yearly quarter one (Q1) of this year was N6.85 trillion a robust external reserve. Another investment date, while month-to-date loss stands at $405.33 imports standing at $144 billion as against (or $16.7 billion). This suggests that the current expert, David Adonri, warned that every million, hardly reflecting the marginal gains in Nigeria’s $55 billion. reserves can only fund six-month imports, which import-dependent country, which Nigeria is, rising oil prices in recent months. Other oil-producing countries such as Kuwait, Bode Ashogbon, an investment consultant and needed adequate foreign reserves to meet the The reserves fell by $222.3 million between Libya, United Arab Emirate (UAE), Iraq, Iran economist, said would put enormous pressure on rising level of imports, as a key component for May 31 and June 10 to $34.0 billion, according to and Qatar are ahead of Nigeria in both real and the monetary authority’s capacity to stabilise the economic stability. Adonri, who has called for full figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria. nominal reserves. troubled naira. liberalisation of the FX market, said the reserves The last time it fell below that mark was between With respective forex reserves values of $54.1 As experts raised concern over the slide of the depletion amid rising oil prices was one of the June and July of 2017. billion and $40.3 billion respectively, South external reserve last year, the Governor of the costs of a managed float FX. “The value of the The country’s forex reserves continue to trend Africa and Egypt, which are Nigeria’s regional Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, naira and foreign investors’ confidence in the downwards despite the positive rally recorded in economic rivals, are way ahead in nominal allayed fears, saying the amount could sustain economy is tied to the level of foreign reserves the global crude oil market, with Brent crude terms. Interestingly, the two countries are not seven-month imports. Notwithstanding the available. As it depletes, foreign investors’ currently trading at $73.5 per barrel. It has near Nigeria in terms of population and growth CBN boss’ assurances, analysts have cautioned confidence in the economy is being eroded. sustained a steady troubling decline in the past in imports, implying that they have given Nigeria that unforeseeable market risks, especially as “The main source of forex inflow is earnings two months after a short-lived upswing that took a much wider margin in real terms. underscored by COVID-19, call for larger external from crude oil export held by CBN in foreign it to $35 billion. On a global scale, Nigeria currently ranks reserves. reserves supported by diaspora remittances and The foreign reserves lost $120.18 million last Coming at a time Nigeria is battling with her export proceeds. As the major provider of forex Tuesday, the highest single-day loss recorded reserves, India’s hit an all-time high of $605 in the economy, CBN can determine the value of since February 22, 2021. billion earlier in the month, providing an import the naira and influence imports. With depletion This is largely attributed to the decline in cover of about 15 months. Yet, the intellectual of the foreign reserves, that power is diminished crude oil sales, due to the effect of the COVID-19 community of the Asian country is kicking as considerably,” Adonri, who is also the Vice- pandemic on the buying capacity of India, which they feel the amount does not provide a sufficient Chairman of Highcap Securities Limited, said. is one of the world’s largest importers of oil. Coming at a time buffer. The declining reserves at a time when oil prices However, reports suggest that India’s oil Their argument is understandable as the are rising, he said, leaves room for suspicion imports are beginning to pick up after months Nigeria is battling with current reserve of its regional rival, China, can on the tidiness of the national economic of lessened activities due to the pandemic’s effect clear import bills of 16 months while Japan has management. With protracted COVID-19 and on its economy. This also comes as good news her reserves, India’s hit enough to last 22 months. Those of Russia and other economic risks tailspinning into reduced to Nigeria as India remains one of the highest Switzerland are enough for imports of 20 and 39 diaspora remittances and foreign capital inflow, importers of Nigeria’s crude oil. an all-time high of $605 months respectively. economists have continued to balk at the The falling reserves, experts have warned, could As at last September, India’s holding in external country’s ability to stabilise the reserves. leave the country’s embattled economic outlook billion earlier in the currencies could only cover 17 months’ import, Ashogbon said the country would need to worse off as the confidence of foreign investors a reason the country’s economists are not aggressively address insecurity and increase local is partly influenced by the size of the reserve. At month, providing an impressed with the recent growth in the nominal production to control reliance on imports and the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the figure “ figure. increase export to save the situation. The lowest- oscillated between $34 billion to $36 billion and import cover of about The CBN, which operates a managed float, hanging fruit, he suggested, was helping the rural even crossed $36.5 billion occasionally. periodically supports naira from the reserves, and dwellers displaced by bandits and terrorists to Nigeria’s current reserve is among the poorest 15 months. a lower reserve is expected to affect the value of return to their farms. الجزير نيجيريا
ةالجزير نيجيريا June 28 – July 4, 2021 www.aljazirahnews.com 14
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Corruption Hindering Nigeria’s Efforts To Eradicate Malaria BY ABIODUN DEBORAH it was an offence when they give the nets for any individuals or organisations or He, however, admitted that the to him and others to hawk? cartel that is involved in such to desist protracted pilfering of bed-nets is While the Federal Government, as Umar and his kin sell the nets for from such acts as it will just set us back adversely derailing the progress of well as other concerned organisations between N2,000 and N3,000 depending in the fight against malaria. We continue malaria grant implementation. have committed to eradicate malaria in on the bargaining power of an individual to call on people that when these nets are Mosquito nets prevent mosquito, the Nigeria, public officials and others have buyer. When asked how many nets he provided they should sleep under them vector that carries the malaria parasite, consistently worked against such efforts. sell on a average daily, he said it ranged to prevent malaria,” he said. from reaching or biting humans who One area of such counter efforts is the between five and seven or eight pieces Without adequate control and use the nets. It is, thus, a major way practice of conspiring with traders to daily, but there are some days he can sell monitoring by the authorities, several of preventing the disease. Decades of sell free donor-funded mosquito nets as little as two pieces or non at all. vendors have joined the trade in investment in solutions to prevent and to Nigerians. sells each net for N2,500. The reporter LLIN, buying the free products from treat malaria yielded innovations such With about 81,640 deaths annually bought the net for the price after the government officials and their agents as the LLIN that have become one of from malaria, Nigeria accounts for trader refused to bring down the price. and selling them to unsuspecting the most powerful tools deployed in the over 20 per cent of the 400,000 annual He said he had gotten a contract to Nigerians. When the government fight against malaria. deaths, globally, from the disease. While supply the nets to two private boarding occasionally clamps down on the More than 500 million nets have been there is now huge potential for a malaria schools. network, like the jailing of two health delivered to sub-Saharan Africa in the vaccine, Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets, But while the sales of these nets is workers in 2013, some sellers resorted past decade and as nets have been more LLIN, have long been identified as one seen across the country, Mr Emmanuel to importation and purchase of fake widely used, incidences of malaria have of the best ways to prevent the disease. Shekerau, a senior official of the NMEP mosquito nets which they pass off as fallen. Between 2000 and 2012, global For years, the National Malaria had told a popular online newspaper that treated and approved, which they easily malaria mortality dropped by 42 per Elimination Programme, NMEP, in said the agency is not aware of any sale of pass off as the real ones. The difference cent and a conservative estimate is that Nigeria has been coordinating the free nets being distributed through the between the genuine and the fake nets mosquito nets have helped to save at distribution of free LLIN across several programme. “However, what I can say is can hardly be detected on the package least 3 million children’s lives. states. The initiative is funded through as the counterfeiters produce nets But despite hundreds of millions of donors such as the Global Fund. But with NAFDAC registration numbers such nets deployed in Nigeria which while these nets are meant to be free, obtained from the original mosquito carries a disproportionate amount of boldly written not to be sold, they nets, investigation revealled. the global burden of malaria, progress are still being sold by vendors who “Sometimes people confuse nets from has remained slow, as malaria remains procure them from corrupt programme commercial as if they are from the free endemic in Nigeria with about 53 million managers, investigation revealed. component and therefore being illegally cases annually and nine deaths per hour. Abdulahi Umar, one of the many “Sometimes people sold. It may not be so. However, the Apart from the pilfering of free nets, vendors selling nets marked not to confuse nets from reports of free nets being sold made investments by donors such as the Global be sold in Abuja, the Federal Capital the implementers to introduce certain Fund are not translating to equivalent Territory along Dutse Alhaji in the full commercial as if interventions. It is being checked and and much-expected results due to sharp view of the Police and other government addressed effectively. Whenever it is practices in the management of funds. officials. When asked if he knew that it they are from the discovered, the implementers work with That was why the Global Fund set up the was an offence to sell the nets marked free component police to drill down and name and shame Office of the Inspector General, OIG, to “Not To Be Sold,” and with the Nigerian those involved,” Omokhudu Idogho, safeguard the fund’s assets, investments, coat of Arms and lit number on them, and therefore being the managing director of the Society reputation and sustainability through he asked if the medical personnel and “ for Family Health, SFH, was quoted to CONTINUE ON PAGE 24 other government officials did not know illegally sold. have said. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 15 ةالجزير نيجيريا
الجزير نيجيريا
ةالجزير نيجيريا Belief is the most important thing ة ة ...first in breaking the news www.aljazirahnews.com NIGERIA in football. Not quality, running, or being strong but belief, faith, and Sports fight.– Mauricio Pochettino
How Nigeria, 2021 Total We’ll Celebrate My Teammates You - Minister Abandoned Me Division One Tips Off In Lagos Tells Anyanacho, – Siasia Oshonaike
27 Years After, FG Fulfils Promise To 1994 Super Eagles
FCT Teqball Association, International Friendly: Sports Council Partner To ‘Home Based Eagles Need Develop Future Stars To Be Self Confident’ الجزير نيجيريا
June 28 - July 4, 2021 www.aljazirahnews.com 17 ةالجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 16
ة sports news FCT Teqball Tokyo 2020: Lagos Supports Six Athletes With Cash UEFA Scraps Away-Goals Rule In All Club Competitions European football governing body UEFA away from their home venue declared winners. Aleksander Ceferin said: “The impact of the In order to motivate and gear them up for the athletes to intensify their training and ensure they task ahead, Lagos State Government has doled secure medals for the country. said on Thursday (June 24) it had approved a But it came under scrutiny last season with rule now runs counter to its original purpose Association, out cash to support six of the state’s athletes who The six athletes include: Jide Omotayo (Table proposal to remove the away-goals rule from some matches being held at neutral venues as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams will represent Nigeria at the Olympic. Tennis), Seye Ogunlewe (Athletics), Ahmed Koleoso all its club competitions involving men’s, without spectators due to the Covid-19 – especially in first legs – from attacking, Sports Council The qualified athletes have commenced (Para table tennis), Adijat Olayori (Weightlifting), women’s and youth teams, beginning with pandemic. because they fear conceding a goal that would intensive training both within and outside the Anuoluwapo Olayori (Badminton) & Godwin Ofolu the qualifying phase of the 2021-22 campaign. Instead, two 15-minute periods of extra time give their opponents a crucial advantage.” country in order to be in top shape for the fast (Badminton). The away-goals rule, introduced by UEFA will be played at the end of the second leg, He added: “There is also criticism of Partner To approaching games. The state has been busy in the last one week in 1965-66, has been applied when the score followed by a penalty shoot-out if the teams the unfairness, especially in extra time, of The amiable governor of the state, Babajide hosting athletics competitions as athletes continue to of a two-legged tie is level on aggregate after are still tied. obliging the home team to score twice when Develop Sanwo-Olu gave a whooping N20 million to the fight for qualification tickets for the games. 180 minutes, with the team scoring more goals Explaining the decision, UEFA President the away team have scored”. Future Stars 27 Years After, FG Fulfils International Friendly: ‘Home Based Eagles Need To Be Self Confident’ BY JOEL AJAYI BY JOEL AJAYI training and getting ready for the match slated “Talking about Mexico, they are not an “So far they are doing well, there’s little The Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) for next month in Los Angeles, United States. easy team but it’s a challenge for the players, improvement to be made because it’s a new Sports Council and the FCT Teqball Promise To 1994 Super Eagles Ahead of the international friendly match While speaking to the Super Eagles media, it’s a challenge for everybody that’s here.” thing for them but what we’ve seen so far it’s against Mexico, assistant coach of the home Association (FTA) have partnered BY JOEL AJAYI states of preference, noting that six players former Enyimba coach believed the match “I think it’s for them to go all out, feel quite positive,” he stated. towards developing future stars in based Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Paul Aigbogun is a big challenge for the players but said confidence which is what we are trying to put Meanwhile, the home-based Eagles will and three members of the technical crew have has said the team need some self-confidence. Teqball in the nation’s capital. Twenty seven years after, the Federal received their houses already.” they are working to make sure they have in them and to take the opportunity ahead of depart Nigeria’s shores to the USA for the Both parties made the pledge when the Government has fulfilled its promise to the The Federal Government named those to All the invited players are already in camp self-confidence. them to make the nation proud.” game. FCT Teqball Association (FTA) board Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations winning benefit from the house property to include members led by its Chairman, Alhaji squad given President Muhammadu Buhari’s “Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Abubakar Galadima, paid a courtesy approval of the allocation of a 3-bedroom Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Dare visit to the FCT’s Acting Director of house each to all the players and officials that Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Sports, Mr Luka Istifanus in his office took part in the historic tournament. Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel on Thursday, June 24 in Abuja. The fulfilment is contained in a statement Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and We’ll Celebrate Mr. Istifanus, commended the Teqball issued on Thursday, June 24, in Abuja by Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased). Senior Special Assistant to the President on “Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), association for its giant strides towards Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu which stated Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi placing the nation’s capital on the world that the approval mandated each beneficiary (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin You - Minister map as regards Teqball, while adding to take up a 3-bedroom house in a state of Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. that,the FCT administration would their choice. Aromasodun.” support the association’s quest for According to the statement, President The 1994 African Cup of Nations Final took Tells Anyanacho, developing future stars. Muhammadu Buhari has approved allocation place on 10 April 1994, and was the final match “On behalf of the FCT administration of 3-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles squad of the 19th edition of the tournament. I want to commend the FCT Teqball that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, It was played in the Stade El Menzah Oshonaike Tunisia, in 1994, making a promise by the in Tunis, Tunisia. Nigeria won its second Association for the great work they BY JOEL AJAYI have been doing so far to ensure the Federal Government. championship, beating Zambia in the final 2−1. “Following a memo by Minister of Works development of the sports in the FCT. Emmanuel Amunike was the hero of the final Less than N25 days to the “Our doors are always open to provide and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the after his two goals in the 5th and 47th minutes President approved the allocations in their gave the Eagles a 2-1 victory over Zambia. commencement of the Tokyo 2020 all the needed support to the association, Olympics, the Minister of Youth and both human and technical support, Sports Development, Mr. Sunday towards taking the game to all the six Dare has reassured Olympics-Bound area councils in the FCT” he said. Athletes Elizabeth Anyanacho and Earlier, the chairman FCT Teqball How Nigeria, My Teammates Funke Oshonaike that the country Association, Alhaji Galadima, said will look forward to celebrating their that the association was out to make podium success after the Olympics. Teqball a household name in the nation’s The Minister gave this assurance capital, adding that the game would be Abandoned Me – Siasia when he hosted Anyanacho and introduced to schools in the FCT. BY SALOME UNWUCHOLA done well when it comes to my case. So I’m Oshonaike in his office in Abuja. He further revealed that preparation not happy.” According to him, “the next 26 are in top gear to host a successful Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia “The most disappointing moments were days we will be racing non-stop. Teqball competition in the FCT next has expressed disappointment over how the when your colleagues that you played with I recall when I visited Elizabeth’s month. Nigerian government and his Super Eagles never called you to ask you how you’re doing. camp in Maitama, Abuja, I saw teammates allegedly abandoned him during his “Even the legend games – I don’t know what her and two others who are also life ban from football. FIFA ban had to do with legend games – they African champions training. I saw In 2019, Siasia was banned for acceding to don’t even invite me or put me amongst whatever the commitment, dedication and we match in exchange for a bribe. But Siasia denied they are doing. So I’m very disappointed with made a commitment to support her the allegations, appealing FIFA sanctions. that,” Siasia said. which we did almost immediately. Earlier in the week, AljazirahNigeria Sports reported how Siasia’s life ban from football We got her adopted on the spot after was reduced to a five-year ban by the Court of we made a pitch for her, the adopter Arbitration for Sports (CAS). A fine of CHF processed and paid the cash that 50,000 (US$50,000) imposed by FIFA on Mr same day. Siasia as part of the sanctions was also “set “Elizabeth is a young, exceptional aside”. and extremely promising lady who Siasia, however, said in spite of his sacrifice is almost at the zenith of her career, for Nigeria as a player and a coach, he was even if it is just at the African abandoned by the Nigerian government, while 2021 Total Division One Tips Off In Lagos continent level. She earned the his teammates showed no concern during his ticket to the Olympics as a result of ordeal. BY JOEL AJAYI Atlantic Conference are competing for Apa Flames (Benue), Kano Pyramid handwork”. “The minister for sports came in a few weeks four available slots in the Total sponsored (Kano), Zamfara Shooters (Zamfara), Speaking on Oshonaike who is after my ban. Exciting times are back again for lovers finals. Yobe Desert Warriors (Yobe), AHIP Giants making a record 7th appearance at And the minister called me and said, ‘coach, of the big men game, as the 2021 Total Preceding the games was a pre-match (Kano) and Gombe Jewels (Gombe) will the Olympics, he said “This lady has I know about your problem, but we don’t have Basketball Division One league tipped technical meeting slated on Saturday. compete in the Savannah Conference, been terrific and through a lot, any money,” Siasia told journalists in Abuja on off in Lagos Saturday, on June 26 at Friday, June 25. Eleven teams in the Savannah conference other teams other young person would have given the Indoor Sports Hall of the National and nine teams in the Atlantic Conference The Atlantic Conference has Nigerian up in this country. She struggled “I think what he could’ve done was to go Stadium, Surulere. to the president because I’m a legend – I’ve will be competing for four available slots Air Force Rockets, OS Lions from Osun, through school and she’s remained played, broke my legs, coached for this country. Eleven teams in the Savannah in the Total sponsored National finals Comets Lagos Police Bombers, Lagos committed and has continued to “But, unfortunately, the government has not Siasia Conference and nine teams from the billed for 7th and 12th July, 2021. Brave Heart amongst others. excel accordingly. الجزير نيجيريا
June 28 - July 4, 2021 www.aljazirahnews.com 17 ةالجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 16
ة sports news FCT Teqball Tokyo 2020: Lagos Supports Six Athletes With Cash UEFA Scraps Away-Goals Rule In All Club Competitions European football governing body UEFA away from their home venue declared winners. Aleksander Ceferin said: “The impact of the In order to motivate and gear them up for the athletes to intensify their training and ensure they task ahead, Lagos State Government has doled secure medals for the country. said on Thursday (June 24) it had approved a But it came under scrutiny last season with rule now runs counter to its original purpose Association, out cash to support six of the state’s athletes who The six athletes include: Jide Omotayo (Table proposal to remove the away-goals rule from some matches being held at neutral venues as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams will represent Nigeria at the Olympic. Tennis), Seye Ogunlewe (Athletics), Ahmed Koleoso all its club competitions involving men’s, without spectators due to the Covid-19 – especially in first legs – from attacking, Sports Council The qualified athletes have commenced (Para table tennis), Adijat Olayori (Weightlifting), women’s and youth teams, beginning with pandemic. because they fear conceding a goal that would intensive training both within and outside the Anuoluwapo Olayori (Badminton) & Godwin Ofolu the qualifying phase of the 2021-22 campaign. Instead, two 15-minute periods of extra time give their opponents a crucial advantage.” country in order to be in top shape for the fast (Badminton). The away-goals rule, introduced by UEFA will be played at the end of the second leg, He added: “There is also criticism of Partner To approaching games. The state has been busy in the last one week in 1965-66, has been applied when the score followed by a penalty shoot-out if the teams the unfairness, especially in extra time, of The amiable governor of the state, Babajide hosting athletics competitions as athletes continue to of a two-legged tie is level on aggregate after are still tied. obliging the home team to score twice when Develop Sanwo-Olu gave a whooping N20 million to the fight for qualification tickets for the games. 180 minutes, with the team scoring more goals Explaining the decision, UEFA President the away team have scored”. Future Stars 27 Years After, FG Fulfils International Friendly: ‘Home Based Eagles Need To Be Self Confident’ BY JOEL AJAYI BY JOEL AJAYI training and getting ready for the match slated “Talking about Mexico, they are not an “So far they are doing well, there’s little The Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) for next month in Los Angeles, United States. easy team but it’s a challenge for the players, improvement to be made because it’s a new Sports Council and the FCT Teqball Promise To 1994 Super Eagles Ahead of the international friendly match While speaking to the Super Eagles media, it’s a challenge for everybody that’s here.” thing for them but what we’ve seen so far it’s against Mexico, assistant coach of the home Association (FTA) have partnered BY JOEL AJAYI states of preference, noting that six players former Enyimba coach believed the match “I think it’s for them to go all out, feel quite positive,” he stated. towards developing future stars in based Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Paul Aigbogun is a big challenge for the players but said confidence which is what we are trying to put Meanwhile, the home-based Eagles will and three members of the technical crew have has said the team need some self-confidence. Teqball in the nation’s capital. Twenty seven years after, the Federal received their houses already.” they are working to make sure they have in them and to take the opportunity ahead of depart Nigeria’s shores to the USA for the Both parties made the pledge when the Government has fulfilled its promise to the The Federal Government named those to All the invited players are already in camp self-confidence. them to make the nation proud.” game. FCT Teqball Association (FTA) board Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations winning benefit from the house property to include members led by its Chairman, Alhaji squad given President Muhammadu Buhari’s “Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Abubakar Galadima, paid a courtesy approval of the allocation of a 3-bedroom Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Dare visit to the FCT’s Acting Director of house each to all the players and officials that Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Sports, Mr Luka Istifanus in his office took part in the historic tournament. Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel on Thursday, June 24 in Abuja. The fulfilment is contained in a statement Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and We’ll Celebrate Mr. Istifanus, commended the Teqball issued on Thursday, June 24, in Abuja by Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased). Senior Special Assistant to the President on “Others are: Uche Okafor (Deceased), association for its giant strides towards Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu which stated Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi placing the nation’s capital on the world that the approval mandated each beneficiary (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin You - Minister map as regards Teqball, while adding to take up a 3-bedroom house in a state of Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. that,the FCT administration would their choice. Aromasodun.” support the association’s quest for According to the statement, President The 1994 African Cup of Nations Final took Tells Anyanacho, developing future stars. Muhammadu Buhari has approved allocation place on 10 April 1994, and was the final match “On behalf of the FCT administration of 3-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles squad of the 19th edition of the tournament. I want to commend the FCT Teqball that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, It was played in the Stade El Menzah Oshonaike Tunisia, in 1994, making a promise by the in Tunis, Tunisia. Nigeria won its second Association for the great work they BY JOEL AJAYI have been doing so far to ensure the Federal Government. championship, beating Zambia in the final 2−1. “Following a memo by Minister of Works development of the sports in the FCT. Emmanuel Amunike was the hero of the final Less than N25 days to the “Our doors are always open to provide and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the after his two goals in the 5th and 47th minutes President approved the allocations in their gave the Eagles a 2-1 victory over Zambia. commencement of the Tokyo 2020 all the needed support to the association, Olympics, the Minister of Youth and both human and technical support, Sports Development, Mr. Sunday towards taking the game to all the six Dare has reassured Olympics-Bound area councils in the FCT” he said. Athletes Elizabeth Anyanacho and Earlier, the chairman FCT Teqball How Nigeria, My Teammates Funke Oshonaike that the country Association, Alhaji Galadima, said will look forward to celebrating their that the association was out to make podium success after the Olympics. Teqball a household name in the nation’s The Minister gave this assurance capital, adding that the game would be Abandoned Me – Siasia when he hosted Anyanacho and introduced to schools in the FCT. BY SALOME UNWUCHOLA done well when it comes to my case. So I’m Oshonaike in his office in Abuja. He further revealed that preparation not happy.” According to him, “the next 26 are in top gear to host a successful Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia “The most disappointing moments were days we will be racing non-stop. Teqball competition in the FCT next has expressed disappointment over how the when your colleagues that you played with I recall when I visited Elizabeth’s month. Nigerian government and his Super Eagles never called you to ask you how you’re doing. camp in Maitama, Abuja, I saw teammates allegedly abandoned him during his “Even the legend games – I don’t know what her and two others who are also life ban from football. FIFA ban had to do with legend games – they African champions training. I saw In 2019, Siasia was banned for acceding to don’t even invite me or put me amongst whatever the commitment, dedication and we match in exchange for a bribe. But Siasia denied they are doing. So I’m very disappointed with made a commitment to support her the allegations, appealing FIFA sanctions. that,” Siasia said. which we did almost immediately. Earlier in the week, AljazirahNigeria Sports reported how Siasia’s life ban from football We got her adopted on the spot after was reduced to a five-year ban by the Court of we made a pitch for her, the adopter Arbitration for Sports (CAS). A fine of CHF processed and paid the cash that 50,000 (US$50,000) imposed by FIFA on Mr same day. Siasia as part of the sanctions was also “set “Elizabeth is a young, exceptional aside”. and extremely promising lady who Siasia, however, said in spite of his sacrifice is almost at the zenith of her career, for Nigeria as a player and a coach, he was even if it is just at the African abandoned by the Nigerian government, while 2021 Total Division One Tips Off In Lagos continent level. She earned the his teammates showed no concern during his ticket to the Olympics as a result of ordeal. BY JOEL AJAYI Atlantic Conference are competing for Apa Flames (Benue), Kano Pyramid handwork”. “The minister for sports came in a few weeks four available slots in the Total sponsored (Kano), Zamfara Shooters (Zamfara), Speaking on Oshonaike who is after my ban. Exciting times are back again for lovers finals. Yobe Desert Warriors (Yobe), AHIP Giants making a record 7th appearance at And the minister called me and said, ‘coach, of the big men game, as the 2021 Total Preceding the games was a pre-match (Kano) and Gombe Jewels (Gombe) will the Olympics, he said “This lady has I know about your problem, but we don’t have Basketball Division One league tipped technical meeting slated on Saturday. compete in the Savannah Conference, been terrific and through a lot, any money,” Siasia told journalists in Abuja on off in Lagos Saturday, on June 26 at Friday, June 25. Eleven teams in the Savannah conference other teams other young person would have given the Indoor Sports Hall of the National and nine teams in the Atlantic Conference The Atlantic Conference has Nigerian up in this country. She struggled “I think what he could’ve done was to go Stadium, Surulere. to the president because I’m a legend – I’ve will be competing for four available slots Air Force Rockets, OS Lions from Osun, through school and she’s remained played, broke my legs, coached for this country. Eleven teams in the Savannah in the Total sponsored National finals Comets Lagos Police Bombers, Lagos committed and has continued to “But, unfortunately, the government has not Siasia Conference and nine teams from the billed for 7th and 12th July, 2021. Brave Heart amongst others. excel accordingly. الجزير نيجيريا
ةالجزير نيجيريا June 28 - July 4, 2021 www.aljazirahnews.com 18
ةLike our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news from saudi e-mail: [email protected]
MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, right, meets with Daniel Benaim, the US deputy assistant secretary of state for Arabian Peninsula affairs, in Riyadh. Shoura Speaker GCC, Muslim World League, Saudi Human Highlights Rights Commission Chiefs Meet US Official Saudi Arabia’s RIYADH: Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, existing strategic partnership visit. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad, Role In Arab secretary-general of the Gulf between the GCC and the US. The meeting was attended to discuss ways to enhance Security Cooperation Council (GCC), The two sides also discussed by Martina Strong, charge bilateral cooperation in the CAIRO: Saudi Arabia is playing a met with Daniel Benaim, the views on issues of common d’affaires at the US Embassy in field of human rights. pivotal role in pioneering initiatives US deputy assistant secretary interest, the GCC said in a Riyadh, and Elizabeth Norman, Al-Awwad highlighted to safeguard Arab national security of state for Arabian Peninsula statement. the embassy’s political officer. Saudi Arabia’s reforms and and counter blatant interference in affairs, and his accompanying Dr. Mohammed bin The meeting reviewed pioneering steps in protecting the affairs of Arab countries, Sheikh delegation in the Saudi capital, Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary- issues of common interest and promoting human rights, Dr. Abdullah Al-Asheikh, speaker in Riyadh, on Thursday. general of the Muslim World and prospects for cooperation women’s empowerment, and of the Saudi Shoura Council, told During the meeting, they League and chairman of between the two parties. sustainable development, the Arab Parliament in Cairo on discussed ways to enhance the the Association of Muslim Benaim also met with the in accordance with the Saturday. importance of cooperation Scholars, also held talks with President of the Saudi Human leadership’s directives and in Al-Asheikh’s comments came within the framework of the Benaim in Riyadh during his Rights Commission, Dr. light of Saudi Vision 2030. during a speech in a session of the Arab Parliament during which he received the Arab Excellence Medal. He said that the Kingdom’s leadership has encouraged joint Saudi Officials Prepared To Receive Hajj Pilgrims Arab action, “establishing a JEDDAH: Officials in Saudi (COVID-19) pandemic, the account COVID-19 health vaccinated against the virus, promising stage of solidarity and Arabia said they have completed Ministries of Health and Hajj requirements to preserve public according to the Kingdom’s unity of positions, and confronting all the organizational, service, announced earlier this month health and safety while also vaccination measures. everything that threatens and and health preparations to that a total of 60,000 pilgrims facilitating the performance Hajj pilgrims should be targets the security and stability provide the best services to will be allowed to perform of rituals and worship in the fully vaccinated, or those of our Arab societies.” pilgrims upon their arrival at the pilgrimage this year as Grand Mosque. who took one dose of the Al-Asheikh praised the role of the the Grand Mosque in Makkah registration is only open to Those wishing to perform COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 President of the Arab Parliament, during this year’s Hajj season, citizens and residents of the Hajj must be free of any chronic days before, or those who are Adel bin Abdulrahman Al-Asoumi, which will begin mid-July. Kingdom. diseases, and be within the vaccinated after recovering in commending Crown Prince Authorities will take into ages of 18 to 65 years for those from coronavirus infection. Mohammed bin Salman’s Saudi The General Presidency for Green and Middle East Green the Affairs of the Two Holy initiatives, which have been Mosques said that all field Saudi Ambassador Presents Credentials To Swiss President adopted by the parliament. and administrative agencies Referring to the crisis in and departments are working BERN: Swiss President Guy Mirdad conveyed the greetings The Swiss president also Yemen, the speaker said that to improve the outputs of Parmelin met Saudi Ambassador and wishes of good health, expressed his appreciation to the humanitarian situation in business and services through Dr. Adel Siraj Mirdad, who development and prosperity on the king and the crown prince, the country demands a serious pre-prepared plans and presented his credentials to behalf of King Salman and Crown wishing them and the Saudi response from the international programs. the chief of state at the Federal Prince Mohammed bin Salman to people good health and further community “to put an end to this Due to the coronavirus Palace in Bern. Parmelin and the Swiss people. development and prosperity. tragedy.” الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 19 ةالجزير نيجيريا
Like our facebook page ة www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng news in hausa e-mail: [email protected] Qungiya Ta Gargaxi KDSG Ta Matasa Game Qaddamar Da Da Kwaxayi, Da Manufofinta Na Munanan Xabi’u Samar Da Abinci Wata qungiya mai zaman kanta da ke zaune a Abuja (NGO), ‘Save Mai Gina Jiki Our Heritage Initiative’ (SOHI), ta A ranar Alhamis xin da ta gabata gargaxi matasa game da kwaxayi da ne gwamnatin Jihar Kaduna ta sauran munanan xabi’u. Mis May qaddamar da manufofinta kan Ikokwu, Babbar Jami’ar qungiyar abinci da abinci mai gina jiki a ce, ta yi wannan gargadi cikin wata wani vangare na qoqarin magance tattaunawa da AljazirahNigeria a matsalar rashin abinci mai gina jiki Abuja ranar Asabar. Ta ce aikata a jihar. Har ila yau, an fitar da shi aikata manyan laifuka za su ragu don tabbatar da aiwatar da manufar sosai idan matasa suka koma ga yadda ya kamata shi ne tsarin tsohuwar qimar wadatar zuci, dabarun Multi-Sectoral Strategic of tawali’u da aiki tuquru. Ikokwu ta Action on Nutrition (KDMSPAN), nuna rashin gamsuwarsa game da 2020-2024. yawaitar aikata laifuka da lalacewar Da yake qaddamar da manufar tarbiyya a cikin al’umma, sannan ta da KDMSPAN a Kaduna, Gwamna xora alhakin ci gaban a kan haxama Nasir El-Rufai ya lura cewa matsalar da son zuciya. Ta bayyana cewa Shugaban Hukumar hana Sha da fataucin miyagun kwayoyi (NDLEA), Muhammed Marwa (na 3 R); rashin abinci mai gina jiki na a da, matasa suna ba da horo da wakilan Shugaban Ma’aikata na Tarayya, Dr Nasir Gwazomu (R); Sakatare na dindindin, na ofishin buqatar xaukar matakin gaggawa. kuma zurfin fahimtar xabi’u duk da shugaban ma’aikatan farar hula, Mista Mahamuda Manman (6th R) da sauran musulmai muminai, a El-Rufai, wanda ya sami wakilcin fuskantar jarabawa ta rashin kuxi. lokacin da suke gudanar da Sallar Juma’a don bikin ranar 2021 ta Ranar Duniya ta Yaki da Shan Miyagun kwamishiniyar lafiya, Dakta Amina “A cikin al’ummu da yawa, an Kwayoyi da Fataucin Mutane a Abuja a ranar Juma’a, 25 ga Yuni. HOTO: JOHNSON UDEANI/NAN Muhammad-Baloni, ta ce manufar fi son nagarta da girmamawa ga ta zayyano nauyin duk masu ruwa kuxi musamman lalata da dukiyar da tsaki wajen aiwatar da ita. da ba ta dace ba. “An yi amfani da “Burinmu shi ne mu tabbatar da girmamawa da kyawawan halaye a Qungiyoyi Sun Yaba Wa Gwamnati cewa manufofin sun yi aiki sosai matsayin sunaye da laqabi, xabi’a a jihar, kuma duk ayyukan da aka sun kasance masu kiyaye mutuncin Kan Yaqi Da Fatucin Miyagun Qwayoyi zayyana a KDMSPAN an aiwatar tsofaffin tsara. da su sosai. Qungiyar ‘The International Society hukumar. halayyar xan’Adam a Jami’ar Nnamdi Ya qara da cewa KDMSPAN na Majalisar Dokokin of Substance Use Professionals’ Ya lura cewa an samu qaruwar Azikiwe, Awka, ya buqaci Gwamnatin nuni da vangarori daban-daban (ISSUP), qungiya ce mai zaman kanta, adadin NDLEA a ko’ina bayan qarin Tarayya da gwamnatocin jihohi su na abinci mai gina jiki da kuma Sakkwato Ta Zartar ta jinjina wa Gwamnatin Tarayya bisa girma da aka yi wa ma’aikatanta, qara ba da qwarin gwiwa ga qwararru hanyoyin vangarori da dama da aka Da Qudurin Dokar sabunta alqawarin da na sake qarfafa kimanin ma’aikata 7,000, wata qila - masana halayyar xan’Adam, likitocin tsara don magance matsalar. yaqi da shan qwaya da fataucin hakan na nuna samar da qarin kuxaxe qwaqwalwa da masu ba da shawara. “Burinmu shi ne mu tabbatar Cin Gashin Kan mutane a qasar. Shugaban shiyyar ga hukumar. Ya ce: “Wannan shi ne tabbatar da da cewa manufofin suna aiki sosai Kudu maso Gabas na ISSUP, Farfesa A cewarsa, wannan ya sake sanya cewa waxannan qwararrun suna cikin a jihar, kuma duk ayyukan da aka Vangaren Shari’a Michael Ezenwa, ya yi wannan yabo Hukumar yin aiki tuquru wajen cibiyoyin gwamnati daban-daban don zayyana a cikin KDMSPAN an A ranar Laraba ne Majalisar a ranar Asabar a Enugu yayin da yake magance shan miyagun qwayoyi da samar da ayyukan rigakafi da shiga aiwatar da su sosai. Dokokin Jihar Sakkwato ta zantawa da AljaziahjNigeria. kuma amfani da abubuwan da ‘yan tsakani saboda shaye-shaye suna “Ina kira ga dukkan masu ruwa zartar da qudirin dokar ikon cin Ezenwa ya yi magana ne a gab da qasar ke amfani da su wajen zama lalata qasarmu musamman tsakanin da tsaki, musamman abokan haxin gashin kan vangaren shari’a da ranar yaqi da shan miyagun qwayoyi manyan abubuwan da ke haifar da matasa. gwiwa na ci gaba da kuma qungiyoyi na Majalisar. AljazirahNigeria ta ta duniya ta bana da kuma matakan laifuka da tashin hankali a qasar. “Idan ka ga bayanan da suka shafi masu zaman kansu da aka tsara, ruwaito cewa Alhaji ne ya xauki da qasar ke xauka don duba matsalar Ya ce: “Sakamakon kamun da aka hujja game da amfani da qwayoyi a da su sadaukar da dukiyoyinsu nauyin qudirin biyu musamman a tsakanin matasa. yi na kwasar qwayoyi da yawa a cikin qasarmu za ka damu. da qoqarinsu, don cimma buri da Maidawa Kajiji na (APC- Ya lura cewa a cikin watanni shida qasa da kuma a matakin kwamandojin “Don haka, muna buqatar manufofin manufar da shirin. Shagari) da Malami Basakkwace da suka gabata sabon Shugaban jihohi suna nan a cikin jama’a. gwamnati ta xauki masu ilimin “Gwamnati za ta yi iya qoqarinta (PDP-Sokoto ta Kudu II), bi da bi. Hukumar hana Sha da fataucin “Tun da Gwamnatin Tarayya ta likitancin, likitocin qwaqwalwa don tabbatar da cewa dukkanin A ranar Laraba ne Majalisar Miyagun Kwayoyi (NDLEA), kawo Birgediya Janar Marwa, wasan da masu ba da shawara shawara a ma’aikatun da ke sassan, da Dokokin jihar Sakkwato ta Birgediya-Janar Buba Marwa (mai ya canza kuma qasar ta hanyar ofisoshin gwamnati tare da kafa ma’aikatu, da kuma qananan zartar da qudirin dokar ikon cin ritaya), ya hau jirgi tare da qarin gwamnati na ci gaba. ‘’ sassan rage magunguna don samar hukumomi 23, sun samu damar gashin kan bangaren shari’a da ayyukan qarfafawa da kuma gyara Ezenwa, farfesa a fannin ilimin da ayyukan rigakafin. samun kuxaxen da aka ware don na Majalisar. AljazirahNigeria samar da abinci mai gina jiki a cikin ta ruwaito cewa Alhaji Maidawa kasafin kudin,” in ji shi. Kajiji (APC-Shagari) da Malami “Gwamnati za ta yi iya qoqarinta Basakkwace (PDP-Sokoto ta Majalisar Nasarawa Ta Marawa Gwamna Sule don tabbatar da cewa dukkanin Kudu II) ne suka gabatar da ma’aikatun da ke sassan, da qudurin. Baya Kan Nuna Gaskiya Da Riqon Amana ma’aikatu, da kuma qananan Da yake gabatar da rahoton hukumomi 23, sun samu damar kwamitin shari’a da na kare Majalisar Dokokin Jihar Nasarawa Sauran Batutuwan da aka haxa da Lamurran da aka haxa da Ita. Haka samun kuxaxen da aka ware don haqqin xan’Adam kan yadda ake ta yunquro don ba Gwamna ita. nan Okpoku, Shugaban riqo na samar da abinci mai gina jiki a cikin tafiyar da kuxaxen na vangaren Abdullahi Sule goyon baya na doka Mista Abdullahi Angibi, kwamitin, ya gabatar da rahoton. kasafin kuxin,” in ji shi. shari’a, Kajiji ya ce kwamitin domin bunqasa nuna gaskiya, riqon Mataimakin Shugaban kwamitin Honarabul Mohammed Okpoku, A nasa jawabin, Kwamishinan ya tuntuvi dukkan masu ruwa amana da kuma nuna son gudanar ne ya gabatar da rahoton. Rahoton Shugaban riqo na kwamitin. Tsare-tsare da na Kasafin Kuxi, da tsaki wajen tabbatar da da shugabanci na gari a jihar. A kan na biyu shi ne Haxin Gwiwar Rahoton na uku shi ne Haxin Mista Thomas Gyang, ya gode wa shawarwarin da suka dace don haka ne, majalisar ta tattauna kan Kwamitin Hada-hadar Kuxi da gwiwar Kwamitin Hada-hadar Kuxi qungiyoyin Nijeriya (CS-SUNN), bunqasa zartar da qudurin. wasu qudurori uku na zartarwa Kudade / Asusun Jama’a a kan / Asusun Jama’a kan qudirin Dokar “Kwamitin ya ba da shawarar don tallafa wa qaddamar da kuma aka sanya ranar 28 ga Yuni Dokar don Dokar da za a bayar don Kare Ofishin Kula da Bashin Bashi takardun a hukumance. cewa a shigar da Babban don karanta na uku. Shugaban Kafa Ofishin Babban Odita-Janar na Jihar Nasarawa da kuma Sauran Magatakarda Kotun xaukaka qara Gyang ya ce manufar ta yi daidai na Shari’ah da kuma Hukumar majalisar, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, na qananan hukumomi da sauran Lamurran da Aka Haxa Da Ita. da hangen nesan jihar na tabbatar Kula da Harkokin Shari’a a cikin ya bayyana hakan ne bayan majalisar lamurran da ba su tabbata Ba. Haka nan Okpoku, Shugaban riqo da cewa dukkan mutane sun wadata haxaxxun kwamitin kula da ta yi shawarwari kan rahoton Honarabul Mohammed Okpoku, na kwamitin, ya gabatar da rahoton. da abinci mai gina jiki ta hanyar kuxaxen. “Cewa kuxin babban qudirin zartarwa a yayin gudanar Shugaban riko na kwamitin shi ya Ga Dokar Audit ta Jama’a ta Jihar haxin gwiwar vangarori da dama Alqalin da Grand Khadi za su da aikin a ranar Laraba a Lafia. gabatar da qudirin. Nasarawa 2021, kwamitin ya ba da da kuma tsoma baki. kasance Naira miliyan 10 yayin Rahotannin su ne: Haxin gwiwar Rahoton na uku shi ne Haxin shawarar cewa Hukumar Kula da Ya ce duk da qarancin kuxaxe, da Babban Magatakarda da Kwamitin Kuxi da Kasafin Kuxi / gwiwar Kwamitin Hada-hadar bincikar kuxi za ta kasance qungiyar gwamnati ta himmatu wajen Sakataren Hukumar Kula da Asusun Jama’a a kan qudirin doka Kuxi / Asusun Jama’a kan Qudirin da aka zava don ba da shawarar ga tabbatar da ci gaba ta hanyar Shari’a za su zama Naira miliyan don kafa Dokar binciken kuxi ta Dokar Kare Ofishin Kula da Bashi Gwamna Mai Zuwa wanda za a naxa aiwatar da wasu ayyuka na 1. Jama’a ta Jihar 2021 da kuma na Jihar Nasarawa da kuma Sauran a matsayin Babban Odita-na jihar. musamman a jihar. 20 June 28-July4,2021 business & economy On Oil Sector Retrenchments NCDMB, NEXIM Sign $30m MoU NEXIMnairainconverted (to be at of thesame amount tobe provided fundsby matching by boosted be would $30m of size fund the that thefund would beJuly 1,2021 and working of capital”. provision the with firms these support we how say to committee Nigerians off their payrolls. take and downsize to threatening shutdown and their members were anymore. do to nothing had members their of most and struck COVID-19 the when PETAN from letters similar how we letters can support this”. several receivingparticularly from IPPG trying to see recall I COVID-19thepandemic.bystruck of funding. challengesto due them to services provide to contractorsindigenous most of before inability the raised NCDMB the point some at had downsizing their staff. made consider had companiesto the of most this as firms, services oil confronting challenges funding Independent Nigeriaofhadraised concerns over and Association TechnologyPetroleum Group Section, Producers Petroleum Trade monitoring agency. Abuja office of the Nigerian content Managing signed the funding agreement at the and Director,Bello,Abba Bank, NEXIM Wabote, Simbi and gas services firms. capacity building fund to support oil workingcapital$30mand a signed sector Export-Import Bank oilon Wednesday Development the curb MonitoringBoard and Content the Nigerian Nigeria, to Nigerian in bid retrenchments a In BY CYRIL OGAR during the Minister’s visit to NAN Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, June 6. Buki NigeriaMr(NAN),Managing Petroleum,Director,ofAgencytheTimiprie for(left);News ChiefwithStateSylva Minister of ae o ti, e hn e u a up set then we this, on Based werecompanies because is “This receivingrecallalso “I added,He especiallygot “This was we when IPPG and OPTS “The said: He Producers Oil the said Wabote NCDMB, Secretary, Executive Wabote noted the roll-out date for prevailing official exchange rate). oetc rdc i lkl to likely approach is its 2010 level by the end product domestic knowncountry’sthattheitgross Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. President under is likely Nigeria to be lost by the in end of 2021 growth economic of decade full a says BankWorld economic downturn. the of effect adverse Nigerian recession, masseswill continue tosuffer the 2020 the World from recovery gradual country’s the the despite by that estimated Bank report (NDU) Nigeria The Development Update BY ALYIU GALADIMA a to service belonged which oil providers Nigerian comprised he stated. term contracts/service obligations”, low-end equipment to service short- discounting including acquisition of building, oil service contracts, invoice working capital support and capacity Nigeria Loses Ten Years Of Economic Gain Under Buhari Wabote The scheme shall cover loans for loans cover shall scheme The e ad h tre market target the said He The international bank made bank international The the by authored report new A www.aljazirahnews.com
rm eeso, rjcig the projecting recession, from recovery despite capita per GDP government’s response saved the savedgovernment’sresponse the saidWorld Bankthe 2020, in decadesfour recession indeepest effect of the economic downturn. willcontinue to suffer the adverse masses Nigerian recession, 2020 country’s gradual recovery from thethe despite that estimated Bank than its economy. country’s population to grow faster a constant decline (NDU) in the report series Updatesaid that there will be Development decade of economic full growth. a reversing thus year the of of borrowing”, Wabote said. exchange rate prevailing at the time orits naira equivalent at the official borrowedby a single obligor is $1m Nigerian oil firm. international oil company or a major a industry with gas business relationship viable with either an commercially and theand oil in Nigerian association professional Bello PHOTO: JIMAH SULEMAN/MO/NAN. aiu aon ta cn be can that amount Maximum The bank in its bi-annual Nigeria Despite Nigeria experiencing its World the by report NDU The
country’s نيجيريا
نيجيريا recessions in 2016 and 2020. which has had two-record economybreaking negatively Nigerian the impacted has administration recession. policiesarelargelyblamedforthe controversialandfiscal monetary incomplete, are and the government’s reforms critical several that recovery. economic speedy for investment reformsthatallowsprivate sector the recent its advising deepen to government while condition, economic deteriorating country’s taking bold steps in reforming the situation from deteriorating. month, after provision of 0.5 per cent equalshareinterestof income each on loan repayment and be entitled to monitoring and necessary functions. given to designated NCDMB staff to for access portal with process, dedicated the facilitate a avail and would be through the web. applications all as documentation, requiredall provided applicant the date the from days working 21 be would time processing maximum loan”. be fixed throughout the tenor of the denominated loans and the rate shall percent all-in perannum for naira- dollar-denominated loans and eight be five per cent per annum a months. loans with a moratorium of up to 12 up to three years for capacity building months for working capital loans and ol ba 5 pr et rdt risk credit cent per 50 bear would NEXIM) and (NCDMB scheme the e ad EI wud develop would NEXIM said He the said boss NCDMB The shall interest applicable rate The The report noted that the current TheBank commended Buhari for Wabotestatedthat toeachparty He added, “Tenor shall be up to 12 The Bank, however, also noted also however, Bank, The
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ة الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 21 ةالجزير نيجيريا
ة business & economy NCC Begins Sylva Advocates Synergy Among Regulatory Another Strike Review Of Looms In Kaduna Telecoms License Agencies Against PMS’ Smuggling Over Breach Of Structure BY CYRIL OGAR across the depots. We know it is not required, we know it MoU By el-Rufai BY MARIAM SANNI Minister of State for is inappropriate and we also BY MARIAM SANI Petroleum Resource, Chief know that something wrong The Nigerian Communica- Timipre Sylva has called is happening that somebody The Nigeria Labour Congress tions Commission (NCC) has for synergy between the is chasing something. (NLC) is prepared for another initiated a process for the Nigerian National Petroleum “But we in NNPC, we are strike as Governor Nasir El- review of existing licensing Corporation (NNPC), not in control of that, we Rufai’s imbroglio with Kaduna structure in the telecommu- Petroleum Equalisation Fund are not in every depot, we civil servants worsens over the nications industry, accord- (PEF), Petroleum Product don’t keep products in all the breach of a Memorandum of ing to Ikechukwu Adinde, Pricing Regulatory Agency depot but when the volume Understanding (MoU) his the Commission’s director (PPPRA), the Economic and goes down, it comes down administration signed with Financial Crimes Commission for public affairs. to us, when there is tight the union. The Commission said that (EFCC) and other security The NLC president, Ayuba agencies in the country in supply, it comes back to the move was in demonstra- the NNPC and we solve the Wabba, said this while tion of its responsiveness to to tackle the increasing problem,’’ he said. addressing journalists at the global trends and the new smuggling of Premium end of an emergency National dynamics in the Information Motor Spirit (PMS) across The NNPC boss said that President Muhammadu Executive Council (NEC) and Communications Tech- the nation’s porous borders. meeting of the congress in nology ecosystem. Speaking at a stakeholders Buhari had directed that smuggling must stop adding Abuja on Tuesday. In a statement on Tues- meeting organized by the Sylva Mr Wabba accused Mr El- that it was the reason for day, in Abuja, Mr Adinde Nigeria National Petroleum down to around 52 million The Group Managing Rufai of failing to respect the said the NCC Executive Vice- Corporation (NNPC), in inviting all stakeholders to MoU between the NLC and litres, may be the number Director (GMD), NNPC, chart the way forward. Chairman, Umar Danbatta Abuja, on how to best to stop of vehicles have suddenly Mele Kyari, who convened his administration brokered had already inaugurated an smuggling in the country, on He said that the by the federal government. reduced, but you will agree the meeting, said the current corporation had in-house Standing Com- Tuesday, Chief Sylva said the with me that something situation had kept the After exhausting all mittee to carry out the task only solution to halting the is wrong that is why the country in a state of bleeding, incorporated the EFCC, the avenues, including writing towards achieving the set criminality surrounding the tracking of trucks loading as it could not sustain the Department of Security letters to President goals. smuggling of PMS is for all products is essential for us payment of subsidy that Services (DSS), the Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Danbatta, while in- stakeholders to work together to move forward on this accompanies the volume put Customs services (NCS), the labour minister Chris Ngige, augurating the committee, to ensure that the trend is issue of subsidy removal,’’ at 100 million liters. Nigeria Security and Civil he said the NLC decided to stated the need for the re- halted. the minister said. Kyari said that the Defence Corps (NSCDC), on resume the strike. view as being informed by NNPC, on Tuesday put the Sylva added that illegal introduction of Operation a platform to achieve this. The NLC had, on May the wide range of technolog- consumption of PMS at 103 export of products through White and involvement of “Mr. President has 17, embarked on a five-day ical advances and the con- million litres per day in the the borders whether the the EFCC had helped the directed us that we must stop warning strike over the sack vergence of technologies and month of May. land or sea must be stopped, situation adding that “from smuggling or round tripping of thousands of workers in the services, which have charac- He said “I would like to put adding that Operation White the truck out report from if there is anything like that, Kaduna public service. terized the global telecoms it on record that whatever that was commissioned the PPPRA database, we and so we must stop it by Following the federal space over the years and we are trying to do in the in 2020 had not worked have seen collapse of load every means necessary, and government’s intervention, whose impact was increas- area of deregulation will effectively until the EFCC out average move from 70 we must do anything to the NLC suspended the strike ingly being felt in Nigeria. not make sense without us came into the picture. million litres to 60 million stop it. That means we have after three days, and an MoU The current licensing knowing exactly the actual “I believe that with the litres just in one month, to work outside the box. We signed between the parties on structure is almost 20-years- consumption of PMS. EFCC in the picture, I think that means we can do with know that there are layers of May 20. old, he noted, hence the need When I first came in as that the system will work less than 70 million, the controls that have been there According to Mr Wabba, for an urgent review to re- minister, I was informed better and know that the balance, I don’t know where that are not working and that the NLC has resolved to flect new licensing trends that the daily consumption Petroleum Equalisation Fund it goes to but we know for is why we must work outside withdraw all services and in line with international in the country was around is also working on product sure that it is not consumed the box,” he further stated. protest the “neo-liberal and standards, while providing 60 to 62 million litres a day, tracking arrangements. For in this country”. “That is why we are happy extreme right-wing policies”, opportunities for improved which to me sounded a little me, I am happy to see that “In very recent data, we see to drag in the EFCC, DSS, which will take effect “without revenue for the government. bit outrageous considering the EFCC is working with us what we really want in the NSCDC, and even the NCS further delay”. “Therefore, it is evident- the number of cars we have and if we can get this right, I beginning of May and June, on different platforms that Mr Wabba explained, ly clear that this Standing on the road. think our movement toward there was a day where we will enable us to control this Mobilisation of all our state Committee, drawn up from “But somehow, the figures, deregulation will be better loaded out about 103 million volume and we have seen it councils and all affiliates competent hands in various I understand today have come assured,’’ he said. litres of PMS within one day work,’’ he added. should take place immediately, departments of the Commis- and that all employers of labour should be put on sion, is perfectly suited and notice, as required by our capable of addressing the extant laws. enormous task of reviewing Senate Investigates NIMC Over N229m Contract Award BY YAHAYA UMAR information from the agency. “There was an initial misappropriation of funds. ”We make bold to say the existing license structure that all those falsehoods (by of telecom licensees in Nige- The query partly read, “Audit payment of N103.4 million “Management’s response: The Senate Public Account observed that capital payment vide payment voucher number No response was received from Mr El-Rufai’s government) ria”, the NCC official added. Committee is currently and propaganda would be Mr Danbatta noted that vouchers reference number: NIMC/01/016 CA/18 dated management at the time of our investigating the authorities NIMC/LS/IGL/1/11/105, responded to appropriately the work of the commit- 19/01/18, representing 45% report. Recommendation: The because we thought that in of the National Identity dated 25th October 2017 for of the contract sum as against Director-General is required tee would be carried out in Management Commission over a modern-day democracy, phases, to ensure effective N229.7 million showed that the mobilisation fee of 15 per to refund the sum of N229 our politicians should always the alleged non-compliance NIMC procured 22 units of HP cent. The other subsequent million.” delivery of its task and en- with the Public Procurement speak the truth and should not able the NCC to institute a blade servers for Morpho BSS payments were not also backed However, the Director- be used to falsify information.” Act in the award of a N229m upgrade. process that would lead to contract. by an interim performance General of NIMC, Aliyu He further noted, the review of the terms and “The items were supplied. certificate as required by Abubakar Aziz, said that particularly, the issue of The SPAC hinged the probe There was no evidence of conditions of the various li- on the query contained Section 35(2) of the public the contract fell within the citing Decree 2, which has cense categories. in the 2017 report of the Ministerial Tenders Board procurement Act 2007. threshold of the Commission’s been abolished by the current These, the EVC said, would Auditor General for the approval, thus, negating the “This is an indication of Tenders Board because it is democratic dispensation. include licensing fees, as well Federation which it is currently mandatory Open Competitive weakness in the internal classified under ‘works’. Decree 2 is only known to as identification of the limi- scrutinising. bidding. Public advertisement control system at the National He said that all the servers the military era. Therefore tations of the various license The Chairman of the Senate in at least two national dailies, Identity Management had been supplied before the if El-Rufai wants to return categories, with a view to panel, Senator Matthew as required by Financial Commission. initial payment of 45 per cent to the era of militarisation clearly determining licens- Urhoghide, sustained the query Regulation 2907 (1) and “This could lead to poor which represents part payment of our democracy, I think it es that should be phased out at the sitting of his panel on section 251(ii) of the Public value for money and possibility and not mobilisation due to is something that should be or amended. Tuesday and demanded further Procurement Act was absent. of misapplication and paucity of funds. condemned. الجزير نيجيريا
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From left: Deputy President of the Senate, Sen Ovie Omo-Agege; Sen Peter Nwaoboshi; President Muhammadu Buhari and Chairman, APC Caretaker Committee, Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe when the President received Sen Nwaoboshi who decamped from PDP to APC at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, June 25. PHOTO: SH/ICE/NAN Fresh Relevance As NADECO Joins Calls For Restructuring country were fueled by what it called As Buhari bows to pressure the obvious policy of Fulanisation policy and the president’s refusal to BY MUSTAPHA SULEIMAN was in the vanguard of the clamour discontinue the operation of the for the rebirth of democracy in 1999 Constitution as altered. The agitation for constitutional Nigeria during the military regime amendment is certainly not new It said: “In all the circumstances of late Gen. Sani Abacha, leading of this matter, NADECO has in the nation`s political history. to the return to civil rule in 1999, The debate as to whether the 1999 no alternative but to join in the in an open letter to the president, insistence that there better be no Constitution should be completely pressed for the suspension of further jettisoned for a new one, or whether more elections under the 1999 so- elections until the country gets a new called federal constitution, until it should simply be amended, has constitution. been ongoing for a while now. The we return to the negotiated 1960 The letter, dated June 15, 2021 and 1963 federal constitutions discourse is always centred around was signed by its General-Secretary, whether: “The Constitution should to which Nigerians subscribed at Mr. Ayo Opadokun. independence and when we became & be renewed or reviewed?” While Another letter by the group also a republic.” some support the drawing of an dated June 15, 2021, and signed by entirely new constitution, others NADECO also expressed concern Opadokun, to the Secretary-General, about the inequitable distribution seek the reintroduction of State United Nations Organisation (UN), Constitutions, while some seem to of political posts between the Mr. António Guterres, requested the North and the South, saying that prefer the option of constitutional global body’s intervention to halt amendments. out of the total of 360 House of the fast deterioration of national Representatives members, the South Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba Group, security and political instability in Opadoku through its leader, Chief Ayo has 169, while the North has 191. Nigeria. It also decried the injustice in the Adebanjo recently called for Nigeria The letter to the UN copied to the of the House of Representatives to revert to the 1963 Republican aided by your hound dog, the distribution of oil revenue. UN Security Council; the President of Citing the Nigeria Bureau of Constitution, while others have the United States; the Speaker of the Minister of Justice, public service called for an amendment or officers all, with specific functions Statistics report of 2017, NADECO Congress and Leader of the Senate stated that the North-central redrawing of the extant Constitution of the United States; the European set out in the constitution, find the to include the resolutions of the justification to judge yourselves receives 20 per cent of oil revenue Union and European Parliament; and contributes 0.00 per cent, while 2014 National Conference. the Prime Minister of the United entitled to jump uninvited, with In a recent television interview, decrying statements, into the the North-east receives 16 per cent Kingdom and the House of Common and contributes 0.00 per cent. the Deputy Senate President, and the President of the Christian compendium of frays between Senator Ovie Omo-Agege stated trespassing Fulani herdsmen and It added that the North-west Association of Nigeria (CAN), receives 21 per cent from the oil that there is no provision for a new Buhari as well as the President of the ancestral land owners exercising Constitution in the present one, only their primordial rights to decide revenue and contributes 0.00 per Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs cent. amendments by virtue of Section 9 of Nigeria. whom they want or do not want on of the 1999 Constitution. their lands.” NADECO said every month, NADECO, in the letter to the the 19 Northern states receive a But pundits faulted Omo-Agege`s president, accused him of fuelling NADECO said perhaps Buhari’s position, arguing that the fact that interest in supporting the herdsmen minimum of 57 per cent of 100 per secessionist agitations through what cent of oil revenue to which they his assertion is not strictly true, since it termed “Fulanisation” policy of his was due to the fact of his being the Section 9(1) allows the alteration patron of the Fulani herdsmen contribute 0.00 per cent. administration and its disregard for According to it, the South-west of any section of the Constitution, the constitution. and cattle traders, (Miyetti Allah), which could pave way for the making him to push for the receives 16 per cent, contributes 6.36 It also decried the deterioration per cent, while South-east receives amendment of all the sections which of national security and political suspension of land owners’ rights amounts to the redrawing of a new “in awe of such trespassers.” 11.00 per cent; contributes 3.12 per instability under Buhari’s cent and South-South receives 16.00 document! administration. It stated that it is such defence for NADECO, in its letter to President especially preferred ethnicities that per cent and contributes 70.64 per It said: “Other than diminishing cent. Muhammadu Buhari over the rising democracy to a virtual dictatorship, had led to the various discomfort security challenges in the country experienced by other groups, Working with the data from the NADECO wonders by which Section office of the Accountant General of called for the return to the 1960 of our Ill-founded and presently including Ndigbo and the whole and 1963 Constitutions to replace of the Middle Belt and Southern the Federation, as published by the extremely beleaguered so-called Ministry of Finance (2013 April), the extant 1999 grundnorm, which the Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria, which now want to opt out it said the military imposed on of Nigeria. NADECO stated that the 357 LGAs Constitution 1999 do the trio of of the 17 Southern states received Nigerians. your good self, Mr. President, the NADECO argued that the growing The pro-democracy group, which President of the Senate, the Speaker secessionist tendencies in the CONTINUES ON PAGE 23 politics politics الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 23 ةالجزير نيجيريا
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call for an obscure conference to come and can Nigerian states make the judiciary discuss how we can move forward as a nation. independent? ...NADECO Joins Calls For Restructuring That can never be done and no country will “Rather, we ask Nigerians to put focus FROM PAGE 22 country to return Nigeria to the independence agree to that,” Buhari said in a message to the on putting pressure on National Assembly 45.1% and contributed 100 per cent, while the constitution as negotiated by the founding launch of the Kudirat Abiola Sabon Gari Peace members to make sure that the local 419 LGAs of the 19 Northern states received fathers and upon which Nigeria sought Foundation in Zaria, Kaduna State. government autonomy as enshrined in our 54. 9% and contributed 0.00 per cent. membership of the United Nations, but would The President, who was represented as constitution is respected and implemented. NADECO added: “The foregoing narrative rather accuse the protagonists of seeking to Special Guest of Honour by the Executive “So, if that were to be done, some of explains why the owners of Nigeria were break up the country whilst ridiculing and Secretary, Revenue Mobilization, Allocation the issues like insecurity, you will find a not given the opportunity to participate in threatening them with the charge of secession. and Fiscal Commission, Alhaji Mohammed situation where local government chairmen, constitution-making whilst the Tables of It said it was based on this that it decided Bello Shehu, said those calling for the in collaboration with traditional rulers, will Rights of the component parts of the country on behalf of Nigerians to put world leaders on balkanization of Nigeria were only doing so form a chain a communication to figure out show the reasons why you, Mr. President, and notice through the open letter. to destabilise his government. what is really happening. your preferred citizens, will forever not allow It said its reason was that the federal “There is no government in the world that “So, those who are doing that (agitating) Nigeria to go back to what was agreed and government had failed to fulfil its will cede their authority to the people that are should go back and meet their representatives formed part of the independence constitution; constitutional responsibility as contained in not elected,” he said. in the House of Assembly and ask for making one Nigeria the biggest fraud ever.” section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as He wondered what the advocates of whatever amendment of constitution. Due NADECO decried what it regarded as the altered, which states: “The security and welfare restructuring wanted precisely, saying: “Those process should be followed. nepotism, ill-treatment, inequitable and unjust of the people shall be the primary purpose of who are discussing restructuring, my question “Those agitating for secession are ignorant nature with which the Buhari administration government.” is what are you going to restructure? of war and its consequences, because Nigeria has governed Nigeria. But President Muhammadu Buhari has “If you ask many Nigerians what are they is a dominant force in West Africa. It said since Section 6 of the 1999 vowed not to cede power to unelected people. going to restructure, you will find out that “My appeal to each and everyone here is Constitution ousted the jurisdiction of courts, He also said that those that were agitating they have nothing to talk about. to try and educate their children. We are there was no local Nigerian legal forum the for restructuring or secession were not only “Some of them have not even studied the better as a nation. There is no way we can be entrapped ethnic nationalities who constitute naïve but “mischievously dangerous”. 1999 Constitution. The 1999 Constitution is separated. the majority and are occupying four out of the The President declared that his government almost 70 to 80 per cent 1979 Constitution. “And I said also that majority of those six zones in the country can seek redress. had no time for any obscure conference; a “It is okay to demand for restructuring, calling for restructuring are people that are NADECO accused Buhari of rejecting all veiled reference to calls for a constitutional renewal of constitution, but what is most so afraid to go into partisan politics. And even entreaties and appeals by eminent Nigerians conference. important now is how can Nigeria states if they were to go into partisan politics, they and ethnic nationalities leaders for the “You are telling us to dissolve a system and make local governments functional? How will not win.” APC Congress: Reps Member Accuses Fayemi Of Imposition STORIES BY MUSTAPHA SULEIMAN past anomalies and lend a potent tooth to allow any such imposition in our party again. people will keep demanding for their rights to the coming one through fair, equitable and “Never again shall we fold our arms and wash equity and fair play, until justice is entrenched Former Ekiti House of Representatives participatory contests. our rights being taken by fiat by a governor through people’s-oriented leadership from our member, Oyetunde Ojo has accused Governor “The current development in Ekiti State whose loyalty to the APC is in doubt. Never wards, up to the state level,” Ojo said. Kayode Fayemi of imposing his loyalists as where the Governor is compiling lists of only shall we allow a governor who once robbed us But in a swift reaction, APC Ekiti Caretaker officials of the All Progressive Congress(APC) the people he is disposed to and muzzling of our hard-earned victory in 2014, force us Publicity Secretary, Ade Ajayi, denied the ahead of its forthcoming congress. opposition by stopping all ward meetings and into another political Siberia. allegations, saying the party was committed to Ojo alleged that the Governor and his other such gathering, is simply dictatorial and “This is why a quick step is required to arrest conduct free, fair, credible and most acceptable co-conspirators have begun the process will not be tolerated. the ongoing attempt to sweep the rights of the congresses in the state. of compiling names of preferred officials “We are calling on the National Caretaker majority of our party members in Ekiti State Ajayi added that the ex- lawmaker lacks with a view to hijacking the structure and Committee of our party, the leaders of the APC, under carpet. the locus standi to make such damaging architectural soles of the Ekiti chapter ahead to be alive to this subterranean move and act “We are sure the nocturnal action will allegations, having been suspended from the of the June 16, 2022 governorship poll in the accordingly as the people have resolved not to eventually blow open and curtailed as the party for alleged anti party activities. state. The APC chieftain, in a statement, alleged that Fayemi, stopped all ward meetings purposely to block all dissents from raising Gov Abiodun Heads APC Anambra Primary Election Committee objections. He described the Governor’s actions as BY MUSTAPHA SULEIMAN He heads a seven-man Committee with the Party’s Candidate for the Governorship undemocratic, warning it could throw the Senator John Enoh as Secretary. Election for Anambra State in line with the Governor Mai Mala Buni Chairman of the A statement by the party’s Caretaker provisions of our Party’s Constitution and party on a path of perdition. All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/ He said, “We are aware that the Governor Committee Secretary, Senator John James Guidelines for the nomination of candidates.” Fayemi led administration has sent a Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee Akpanduoehehe, said the primary election is Other members of the committee are directive to all wards to compile lists of (CECPC), has approved the appointment of scheduled for Saturday, June 26th, 2021. Barrister Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Rt. (Hon.) party representatives from Wards to local Ogun state Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun The statement reads: “In this capacity, Goodluck Opiah, Cathleen Oby Nwofor, Alhaji government level and these have been as chairman of the Primary Committee for the seven-member committee is expected Shitu Muhammed and Barrister Sylvester forwarded to him for imposition in the coming Anambra Governorship Election. to conduct the Primary Election to elect Imohanobe. congresses. “This is an aberration to the norms of all democratic practices which we all fought at a time in our party, and which led to the Oshiomhole Tackles Obaseki Over Lawmakers dissolution of former party officials and the enthronement of the current caretaker Former National Chairman of the All Oshiomhole, who addressed an enlarged Assembly and those influenced by the Minister committees which role is to correct the Progressives Congress (APC) Adams meeting of APC leaders in Edo North at of State for Budget and National Planning, Oshiomhole has faulted Governor Godwin Iyamho, his country home, said it was Clem Agba.” Obaseki over the non-inauguration of 14 APC unjustifiable that the 14 lawmakers-elect had He added: “The unity of Edo North House of Assembly members-elect. not been inaugurated. Senatorial District must be maintained, Oshiomhole also accused Obaseki of He said: “The 14 members elected to the serviced, and sustained. The only way to marginalising Edo North Senatorial District Edo House of Assembly on APC platform, till sustain it is through unity of purpose and by not siting a single project there. now, have not been inaugurated. But, they constant meetings at all levels.” The 14 APC members were elected more committed no sin. Oshiomhole pleaded with the APC faithful than two years ago, but their inauguration “They are being denied their right to be to keep faith with the platform, in spite of the was stalled due to the battle between the sworn in to represent their constituents. God current challenges facing them in the state. former governor and Obaseki over the party’s will deliver justice to them in His own way and “Since 2012, APC has not lost any position governorship ticket for last year. at His own determined time.” in Edo North Senatorial District, from Edo Obaseki, who was an APC chieftain, The former governor said he believed that House of Assembly, House of Representatives defected to the Peoples Democratic Party APC members in Edo North were “proud of to Senate, not because the people elected (PDP) when APC denied him a rerun ticket. themselves”, despite the fact that “as of today, are perfect, but because our people are The remaining 10 members of the House no project by Obaseki is ongoing in their determined, based on party discipline, that of Assembly loyal to Obaseki sit in the Senatorial district, apart from constituency we must vote for the party’s candidates at all Fayemi Government House, Benin. projects by APC legislators in the National times.” الجزير نيجيريا
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ةLike our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng special report e-mail: [email protected] ...Hindering Nigeria’s Efforts To Eradicate Malaria FROM PAGE 14
its audits, investigations and advisory work. The latest OIG report attributed the new challenge of mosquitoes becoming resistant to the insecticides used in making bed nets partly to manufacturers reducing the quality of chemicals used in making them. The report published in March indicted TANA Netting FZ- LLC, TANA, a firm that supplied LLIN to Nigeria and many other developing countries between 2017 and 2018, of using an invalidated chemical formula to produce the mosquito bed nets. The nets had reduced life spans and were outside of the required product specification due to being under-dosed with insecticide. Earlier in 2014, the Global Fund OIG audit report had accused the NMEP of fraudulent practices and other procurement irregularities between 2008 and 2010. NMEP is the Nigerian agency responsible for formulating and facilitating policies and guidelines, as well as coordinating the activities of partners and stakeholders on malaria control. It is one of the principal recipients of grants for malaria intervention in Nigeria. Some of the accusations against the programme include fictitious airline ticket reimbursements; irregularities in the procurement of six motor vehicles and; irregularities in the procurement of IT equipment. Mr Shekarau, the programme’s spokesperson, said the issues have been rectified and the national programme has “really put in Ehanire the very good risk management and mitigating measures in order not to illegality in the organisation’s handling doubt and through all transparent and donor funding dependency. Many of have such issues going forward and you of the grant. “Let’s clear this up. SFH was accountable process SFH runs its donor Nigeria’s key health interventions, will realize that since that time there to implement free net distribution but at sponsored projects. SFH remains the including vaccination programmes, hasn’t been any such report implicating the same time through the commercial sub-recipient for the Global Fund malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and the national programme as it pertains sector was also distributing cost- project and is doing extremely well in maternal and child health, remain to this.” recovery nets. The planned arrival of maintaining accountability,” the official largely dependent on foreign donors. As But the OIG also, in 2014, indicted the nets was delayed and SFH obtained had told newsmen when confronted. donor money starts to shift away, and SFH, another principal recipient, permission and procured the free nets the clock runs out to establish a locally and an NGO championing malaria from the commercial end through a Malaria endgame threatened backed replacement, health advocates intervention and other health-related very transparent process. There was no The failure of the Millennium say the government should source for programmes in the country. The OIG illegality in it. Global Fund eventually Development Goal 6 for 2015 – to more local funding for malaria. accused SFH of fraudulent practices and insisted that the usual mark-up on the combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other According to the Minister of Health, other procurement irregularities in the cost-recovery nets (which SFH uses to diseases – brought about the latest 2030 Dr Osagie Ehanire, about N1.89 trillion management and procurement of bed maintain its logistics and distribution target. The target is to reduce malaria will be needed if Nigeria is to achieve nets (LLIN) between 2008 and 2010. mechanisms) be removed. cases and deaths by 90 per cent and to malaria prevalence rate of less than 10 The OIG accused SFH of not “This was refunded, again through a end it in countries such as Nigeria where per cent and reduce mortality rate to complying with the terms and transparent process. SFH accountability malaria has remained endemic. Apart less than 50 deaths per 1,000 live births conditions of the grant agreement by of donor funds have never been in from the sharp practices in the use of by 2025. Mr Ehanire in a statement not accounting for and using the profits donor aids for several interventions, ahead of the World Malaria Day which earned from the mark-up of bed nets, there are several other factors pushing holds in April, said the country has solely for the purpose of the grant Nigeria further off-track from reaching developed a five-year malaria strategic programme. “The OIG determined that the target. plan to sustain gains already made the total profit earned by SFH from the Mr Idogho of the SGF listed other and chart a pathway toward achieving bed nets mark-up was US$ 300,982, or factors derailing the target to include: a malaria-free Nigeria. However, an average of US$ 0.71 per unit, for the Nigeria’s domestic reduced domestic funding, competing considering the prevailing economic 426,000 bed nets which had been self- funding for disease emergence which takes up circumstance, the government may procured by SFH. SFH fully cooperated scarce funds and attention, global not have the required amount, he said. with the investigation and in November malaria has been economic downturn which reduces “If funding stops from the donor 2013, SFH repaid US$ 300,982 to the donor funding. human resistance to agencies, it will affect our reaching Global Fund relating to the bed nets poor leading to adherence to interventions, vector any malaria target,” Mr Shekarau, mark-up,” the report said. resistance to insecticides, COVID-19 said. But beyond funding, Nigeria Responding to the OIG indictment, donor funding disruptions, and climate change. must strengthen its monitoring and Omokhudu Idogho, the managing dependency. Nigeria’s domestic funding for accountability process if the country is director of SFH, said there was no “ malaria has been poor leading to to eradicate malaria. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 25 ةالجزير نيجيريا
Like our facebook page www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng ة Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng special feature e-mail: [email protected] were using bureke but now we are using Guinea Brocade, satin and so many other materials. So, to improve on adire production, we need funding,’’ he said. Sharing similar sentiments, the Director, Pan Atlantic University of Life Earth and Sciences, PAULESI, Prof. Titilayo Akinlabi, says entrepreneurship is of great importance because it has the ability to improve standards of living and create wealth not only for the entrepreneurs but also for connected businesses. She observes that the institution’s council, having realised the importance of small scale enterprise to individual and societal development, includes entrepreneurial skills acquisition as part of its curriculum. “If we equip our students they can then go out there and make good use of the skills learnt to create the jobs,” she said. She explains that the institution understands the numerous benefits of entrepreneurship more, especially towards the achievement of PAULESI strategic plan, and that the PAULESI Entrepreneurship Hub is to equip students and staff with the skills and mindset of entrepreneurs. “The hub will provide opportunities for students who desire to go into entrepreneurship and ensure that they are funded and supported. Teaching entrepreneurship skills will also promote transformative research, education, innovation and business start-ups in PAULESI. “Through the innovation hub, there will be seed grants so students would like to take Adire-Making: Budding their skills further. They will be getting some seed grants to launch what they want to do and they will have the space and funding to develop Neighbourhood Entrepreneurship it further. These will help them to establish themselves in the entrepreneurship skills we are teaching them,” she observes. Some students of PAULESI who have been For Job Creation taught how to make soaps, sanitizer and “adire” at training facilitated by Mukaila, notes that acquiring entrepreneurship skills provides them BY MARIAM SANNI (WITH AGENCY REPORTS) to her, the government is ready to drive more proceeds of the business. with ideas that they can turn into profit-making entrants into the industry with the hope of “Soon after I completed my education, I ventures. Also, Amina Hussein, a postgraduate The products of tying and dyeing of fabrics are became committed fully to the business, taking engaging unemployed youths. student at PAULESI from Sudan, says she has called “adire” cloths among the Yoruba while it as a full time occupation, because I couldn’t Beyond this, the initiative will increase learnt how to make soap and sanitizer. “I have its production and use is believed to have secure a job. My mother was into “adire” the production of “adire’’ to enable more also learnt how to produce Nigerian adire, evolved among the Egba in Ogun. Traditionally, making from 1978 and I was born in 1979. She entrepreneurs to tap into the benefit of the though it’s not alien to me as we do it in Sudan. the production chain of “adire” presents trained me with the proceeds from the business African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, We print but the method here in Nigeria is job opportunities for the locals in different to export products duty-free. This initiative has right from primary school level to National different, using colours, I really like it. vocations such as dye experts, designers, cloth also brought relief to some youths that have Diploma, ND level. I also sponsored myself “Whenever I have the chance, I would like to sellers and distributors, among others. expressed concern about unemployment rate for my Higher National Diploma, HND, produce my own soap, sanitizer and even adire. Researchers note that the craft used to be across the country. programme with the profits I made from a family business in Egba which has become If I have a chance to set this up as a business, I For instance, Mr Adeola Mukaila and like this adire business,” he said. would love to explore the knowledge gained from popular and acceptable among Nigerians and other entrepreneurs in Abeokuta, note that According to him, “adire” making has the neighbouring countries, irrespective of its the entrepreneurship workshop from PAULESI “adire’’ has offered priceless opportunities and taken him far and wide - from one higher to establish my own business,” she said. origin. According to them, “adire” is the major ingenious pathways to economic empowerment. institution to another - where he has been Mr Babafemi Obideyi, another student of local craft by the women who use a variety of dye Mukaila runs a tied and dyed “adire” factory called upon to facilitate training on the art. the institution, says he intends to use the techniques in their entrepreneurial and artistic in Abeokuta that he takes over from his family He disclosed that he has trained students ideas of tie and dye of the “adire” fabric that he efforts to produce various design of “adire” after graduating as a Higher National Diploma in at the Pan African University of Life Earth learnt from the workshop to build a profitable textile for both the local and national market. Accounting at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and Sciences, PAULESI, Ibadan on how to business. “I have been seeing it (adire) around Leveraging the job opportunities presented Abeokuta. He explains that his foray into the dye and tie. He urged youths in the country but having practical knowledge of it gives me by this sector, the Ogun government recently “adire” business dates back to his undergraduate not to undermine the opportunities of small a chance to think of what else I can do, what took a decision to provide training and support years by which he was paying his tuition from scale entrepreneurship. According to him, for entrepreneurs to access skills on “adire” other materials I can bring in, and how I can vocations such as “adire” production can make my own designs. I will like to come up fashion. In the view of the state government, provide jobs for unemployed youths, who the initiative will drive the industry, create jobs with something specific and spectacular about may subsequently become employers of my design, and from there, upscale it to become and improve the livelihoods of communities. labour instead of looking for white collar The government says it is supporting small an entrepreneur. If I find myself in another jobs. “This work has been of great benefit to environment where the craft is not popular, I firms to move up the value chain with potential me, I live in my own house and I am sending for neighbourhood growth and development can export it there and make some profit while For instance, Mr Adeola my children to school from the proceeds of promoting the Nigerian tie and dye, the adire,” by upgrading the textile design and fashion this very lucrative business. production hub in the state. Mukaila and like other he explained. Similarly, the former Deputy Vice- “Youths should not look for white collar jobs Chancellor (Development), Federal University Commissioner for Industry, Trade and entrepreneurs in as there are many alternatives in Nigeria that Investment, Kikelomo Longe, says the plan of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Lateef Sanni, can provide stable income,” he notes. explains that “adire” sector will equip the youths of the government is to establish an academy Abeokuta, note that Mukaila appreciates government’s initiative for high-potential designers and fashion to create job for themselves and become self- “adire’’ has offered but pleads for more funding of the sector to reliant. He observed further that the role of entrepreneurs to produce unhindered. She says develop the tie and dye method of cloth-making. youth as a catalyst and engine of growth, as the academy will increase number of “adire” priceless opportunities “We are still using the methods of the18th well as the primary source of opportunities businesses in the state by training workers to centuries in the 21st century in adire-making. and ingenious pathways to for productive employment, has widely been sew, cut fabrics, make patterns and operate “ In the 18th century, they were using kaliko economic empowerment. recognised. emerging technology in fashion. According fabric to make adire and in the 19th century we الجزير نيجيريا
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Handbag: Integral Part Of Society Ladies andbags play an essential role in the life of modern find different ways which will make them look their best. women. These days, there is a large variety of Even if these designer handbags are quite expensive, women stylish handbags available in the market; you can constantly search plenty of options just to buy a handbag choose any of them depending on your choice. which will make them stand out. HWomen handbags are considered a fashion statement Usually, women prefer to buy handbags of black and brown which can either break or make style. which can go along with any dress. These two colors are the Using these stylish bags, women can easily carry their best colors in handbags which match almost every dress. important personal belongings along with them, or easily But handbags these days are manufactured in different keep their medicines, wallets, cosmetics and many other colors and styles. valuables which they need on a daily basis. It is important to Nowadays, you can get these handbags in all colors such as note that these handbags are not only used for carrying daily green, yellow, blue, pink etc. Based on your dress, style, and items but are also used as a style statement by ladies. occasion, you can choose these bags. Going to another place without handbags is too hard for And as the yuletide approaches, women are already women. Handbags are not only used for style purposes but purchasing different hand bags for the season. are also useful in carrying daily items. Women keep their So, as handbags become a ‘must have,’ make sure you different belongings such as phones, keys, money and many choose a nice handbag which will make you feel both fabulous others in bags. and smart. Luxurious and designer handbags are shopping items A proper handbag can flawlessly compliment a woman’s which women can’t avoid purchasing. Women always try to individuality. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 27 ةالجزير نيجيريا
for Transport include the extension of the Sydney Light Rail Dulwich Hill Line from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill; the phased introduction of the Opal card; and ة commencement of construction of the North West Rail Link. She was also Transport Minister at the time the NSW government stopped trains running to Newcastle Station, which now terminate at Wickham. The former rail corridor has now been re-zoned by Newcastle City Council and a proportion of that land is expected to be sold.
Deputy leadership On April 17, 2014, Mike Baird was elected Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party, and hence Premier, following the resignation of Barry O’Farrell. Berejiklian was elected as Baird’s deputy. In a subsequent ministerial reshuffle, in addition to her existing responsibilities, on April 23, 2014; Berejiklian was sworn in as the Minister for the Hunter. Berejiklian was appointed as Treasurer of New South Wales and Minister for Industrial Relations following a cabinet reshuffle announced on April 1, 2015 by Premier Baird, after the 2015 state election. As Treasurer, Berejiklian oversaw New South Wales’s return to surplus. This was the first time New South Wales had been declared debt-free in more than 20
e-mail: [email protected] years. She also oversaw the part-privatisation of the state’s electricity network.
Premier of New South Wales Following the resignation of Mike Baird as NSW Liberal leader and Premier on January 19, 2017,
Like our facebook page Like our facebook Berejiklian announced her intention to succeed him as the leader of the Liberal Party, and hence to become
www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng the 45th Premier of New South Wales. Baird endorsed Berejiklian as his successor, declaring that she would be “An outstanding Premier. No doubt about it.” A Classy is an insert of AljazirahNigeria Newspaper GLADYS deal was struck between the moderate, centre-right, and right factions of the Liberal Party, facilitating @aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter Follow the moderate Berejiklian’s rise to the leadership, with conservative Dominic Perrottet as her deputy. The next day, Ministers Andrew Constance and BEREJIKLIAN Rob Stokes - Berejiklian’s only serious leadership challengers - decided not to contest the leadership, and instead opted to endorse Berejiklian. This left Berejiklian to take the leadership unopposed at the Premier Of New South Wales ensuing leadership contest held on January 23. She was duly sworn in as Premier later that day, becoming ladys Berejiklian was born on manager, Youth Retail Banking and Government & the second woman to hold the post. The first was September 22, 1970. She is an Industry Affairs. Berejiklian supports the Australian Labor’s Kristina Keneally, who served in the position Australian politician serving as the republican movement. from 2009 to 2011. 45th Premier of New South Wales and In October 2018, Berejiklian permitted advertising the leader of the New South Wales Parliamentary Career for “The Everest stakes” to be projected onto the sails GLiberal Party, offices which she assumed on January Berejiklian won Liberal preselection for Willoughby of the Sydney Opera House (a move spearheaded by
23, 2017; following the resignation of Mike Baird. in 2003 when former Opposition Leader Peter radio broadcaster Alan Jones), drawing widespread JUNE 28 – July 4, 2021 4, July – 28 She has been a member of the New South Wales Collins, who had represented the Willoughby condemnation and criticism from many in the Legislative Assembly since 2003, representing the area since 1981, decided to retire. Willoughby has community, with a poll declaring that 80% of seat of Willoughby. historically been a comfortably safe Liberal seat even respondents opposed this decision. Before becoming Premier, Berejiklian was the by northern Sydney standards; counting its time as Berejiklian led the Coalition into the 2019 state treasurer of New South Wales and Minister for Middle Harbour, it has been held by the Liberals, election, becoming the third woman to take a major N200 Industrial Relations in the second Baird government, their predecessors or a conservative independent party into an election in NSW. With polls showing the ة and Minister for Transport in the O’Farrell and first for all but one term since 1927. However, she faced a race at a knife-edge, the Coalition suffered a swing of Baird governments. She was also the Deputy Leader spirited challenge from Pat Reilly, the longtime mayor six seats, cutting its numbers down to 48 seats, a bare of the New South Wales Liberal Party between 2014 of the City of Willoughby, who nearly took the seat majority of two. This made Berejiklian the third woman and 2017. On March 23, 2019, she was re-elected on Labor preferences. Ultimately, Berejiklian won by elected as a state premier in Australia, after Anna Bligh as Premier of New South Wales when the Liberal- 144 votes, with the Liberals suffering a swing of 10.9 and Annastacia Palaszczuk from Queensland, and National Coalition won the 2019 state election. points. However, Berejiklian easily saw off a rematch the first non-Labor woman to lead a party to a state with O’Reilly after picking up a healthy swing of 14.5 election victory in Australia.
Background points, enough to reverse Willoughby to its traditional In August and September 2019, Berejiklian ة الجزير Berejiklian was born in Sydney, the eldest of three status as a comfortably safe Liberal seat. She hasn’t expressed support for the Reproductive Health daughters born to Armenian immigrant parents, faced a serious challenge since, with Labor often being Care Reform Bill, a private member’s bill aimed to Krikor and Arsha. Her grandparents were orphaned pushed into third place. decriminalize abortion in New South Wales. Berejiklian in the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Berejiklian spoke Berejiklian joined the front bench in 2005 as allowed a conscience vote on the bill in her party. Many only Armenian until she was five years old, when she Shadow Minister for Mental Health and was appointed conservative parliamentarians of the Liberal Party began learning English. She has remained involved in to the opposition front bench portfolio of Transport opposed the bill. Three of these parliamentarians, MP Tanya Davies and Legislative Council members the Armenian-Australian community, serving a term on by Peter Debnam in 2006. Following the 2007 State الجزير Matthew Mason-Cox and Lou Amato, “expressed
the Armenian National Committee of Australia. In 2015, election, she was given the shadow portfolio of she attended a commemoration ceremony in Yerevan Citizenship by Opposition Leader O’Farrell in his dissatisfaction with Berejiklian’s handling of the bill.” for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Shadow Ministry. They had repeatedly asked Berejiklian to intervene Berejiklian attended North Ryde High School, Following the election of the O’Farrell government to stop the ‘fast-tracking’ of the bill and establish a joint select committee into the legislation reform.” ;which became Peter Board High School from 1986, a at the 2011 state election, on April 3, 2011 نيجيريا public, co-educational school in North Ryde. She was Berejiklian was appointed Transport Minister. However, their requests were rejected by Berejiklian. On September 16, 2019 the trio announced they
a member of Girl Guides and continues to support the The major achievements in her term as Minister
Vol. 2 No. 189 2 No. Vol. ...first in breaking the news www.aljazirahnews.com organisation. She has a Bachelor of Arts (1992) and a would hold a party leadership spill motion against graduate diploma in international studies (1996) from Berejiklian the following day. Senior ministers, the University of Sydney and a Masters in Commerce including conservative ministers who opposed the نيجيريا from the University of New South Wales (2001). She bill, backed Berejiklian and condemned the actions joined the Liberal Party in 1993 and was president of of the trio. The right-wing faction of the party also the New South Wales Young Liberals from 1997 to clarified that they did not sanction the spill. The trio 1998, being the third female president in its history. Following the election of called off the spill the next morning, after the trio She also served as delegate to State Council (1996– claimed to have received “further concessions” on 2003), Urban Representative of the NSW Liberal the O’Farrell government at amendments to the bill, meaning their amendments Party State Executive (1997–2003), Campaign would be considered in the debate in the Legislative Director for State seat of Willoughby (1999) and the 2011 state election, on Council. The bill eventually passed Parliament with Chair of Convention Committee (2002). Berejiklian April 3, 2011; Berejiklian was amendments on September 26, 2019 and came also worked for Peter Collins and Senator Helen into force as the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019 on appointed Transport Minister. October 2, 2019.
NIGERIA Coonan and the Commonwealth Bank as general
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Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng e-mail: [email protected] health STORIES BY CHICA MEFORE-OKAFOR COVID 19: Nigeria Receives $1m 15.2m Nigerians Use Cannabis, Equipment From Saudi Arabia Opioids, CADAM Says Nigeria through the King Salman Christ Against Drug Abuse one year. Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre. Ministry, CADAM, has revealed “The Moji Balogun Rehabilitation He acknowledged the extensive that an estimated 10.6 million Centre in Abeokuta caters to efforts of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia people had used cannabis in the undergraduates and workers in by combating blindness, cataract and past year while opioids accounted a 3-month intensive program. glaucoma in addition to other sight for 4.6 million. Through our prevention programs, weakness and disorders. The Director-General of CADAM, we have been able to engage many “He expressed Federal Government Dr. Dokun Adedeji lamented that communities with well thought readiness to utilize the kind gesture that despite the campaign against out evidence-based preventive care of medical equipment positively and the use of drugs, an estimated programs. distribution of items into various 14.4 per cent of the population in “After 30 years of doing good medical centres. Nigeria between the ages of 15 to and restoring hope, CADAM plans “He later commended the 64 years used drugs in 2017. to do more by extending services Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its role According to Adedeji, the figure to other states of the federation as a key partner in global health and represented a prevalence rate of in the near future in partnership development. He also eulogize the almost three times of the world with both private and public Kingdom for being in forefront of average and added that one in institutions,” he said. combating the menace in order to five of these suffers from drug use save human lives and preserve global disorder. health,” the statement said. Speaking in Lagos ahead of the The statement further said: “In his World Drug Day awareness walk remark, the Ambassador of Kingdom slated for 26th June, Adedeji said that in Nigeria, one in seven Ehanire of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Faisal Ibrahim Alghamdi emphasized the persons aged 15-64 years had used The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has “In his goodwill message, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government a drug as compared to the global donated COVID-19 equipment worth Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie plan to organize twelve (12) voluntary average of 1 in 20. $1 million dollars to Nigeria. Ehanire ably represented by the medical campaign to compaign to He disclosed that CADAM as The equipment includes 23 Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, combat blindness, heart surgery and a faith-based NGO under the ventilators, surgical sterile gowns, Alhaji Abdulazeez Mashi Abdullahi cataract in which medical campaign is auspices of the Redeemed Christian non-sterile surgical gowns, surgical thanked the good people of Kingdom planned for six (6) Geo-political zones Church of God had treated and mask, and nitrile gloves. of Saudi Arabia for the tremendous of the country. rehabilitated over 3,000 people A statement signed by the donation. “He also mentioned different with drug use disorder. Director, Media and Public Relations “The Permanent Secretary humanitarian assistance being “Our rehabilitation and of the Federal Ministry of Health, reiterated Nigeria Government effort rendered by the Kingdom of Saudi treatment services are offered free Olusegun Adetola, said the handover to fight COVID-19 pandemic to total Arabia to displaced persons in the to all beneficiaries at the world- of the medical equipment donated level of eradication. North-Eat, Food basket worth class, 200 bed Enoch and Folu of Ten Million Dollars have been Adeboye Rehabilitation Centre in to the Government of Nigeria in “He appreciated the Government Epe at a program which runs for order to combat the ramifications of of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for distributed to families in some parts Adedeji COVID-19 pandemic took place in its continuous contribution to of the country like, Borno, Yobe, and Saudi-Arabia Embassy in Abuja. the growth of Health Sector in Zamfara States.” Woman Fabricated Given Birth US Allocates 55m COVID-19 Vaccine Doses To Ten Babies, Officials Say South African woman Gosiame Tembisa hospital on 18 June To Nigeria, 30 Others Countries Sithole, who said she had given 2021, and various medical As part of its plans to fight and end birth to a world record-breaking tests were conducted on her to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United ten babies, fabricated the determine her state of health. States has allocated 55 million doses pregnancy, officials had confirm. “Initially, she was meant to be of COVID-19 vaccines to Nigeria and Sithole, 37, had made headlines kept at the hospital for 72 hours, 30 other priority countries. saying she had seven boys and which lapsed on Tuesday. The Joe Biden administration had three girls in Pretoria this month “Upon completing their earlier promised to distribute 80 but doubts about her claim preliminary examination, her million doses from the US supply, with emerged when the supposed doctors recommended that she 25 million doses already allocated. father, Teboho Tsotetsi, said he be kept at the hospital for a The allocation plan for the 55 had yet to meet his children and further seven days for further million doses includes 41 million to accused his lover of a hoax to observation, in accordance with be shared through COVAX, the global make money. the Mental Healthcare Act. vaccine alliance; about 14 million of Miss Sithole was then admitted “It has now been established by the vaccine doses will go to selected to a psychiatric hospital. medical practitioners that Miss countries in Latin American and the After an investigation into her Sithole did not give birth to any Caribbean, 16 million in Asia, and 10 claim about birthing dectuplets, babies in recent times. It has also million in Africa. revealed that doctors at Tembisa been established that she was not Also 41 million doses will be shared Hospital near the South African pregnant in recent times.” to “regional priorities and other capital found Miss Sithole did not The editor of the news agency recipients” including Nigeria and previously stated, the United States abiding by U.S. and host country give birth to any babies in recent who first reported her claims has about 30 other countries. will not use its vaccines to secure regulatory and legal requirements, to times. now apologised for not checking In a fact sheet released on Monday, favours from other countries.” facilitate the safe and secure transport The report conducted by local or verifying her claims before the US stated that its goals remain “Sharing millions of U.S. vaccines of vaccines across international government officials added: “It publishing. to “increase global COVID-19 with other countries signals a borders.” has also been established that Piet Rampedi sent his staff vaccination coverage, prepare for major commitment by the U.S. About 2.7 billion shots of the she was not pregnant in recent an email which said he knew surges and prioritise healthcare Government,” the fact sheet noted. coronavirus vaccines have so far been times.” the couple involved and had no workers and other vulnerable “Just like we have in our administered globally including in the In a statement, the Gauteng reason to doubt them. populations”. domestic response, we will move US where the vaccination rate is said Provincial Government said: It read: “I used no investigative It stated: “And, as we have as expeditiously as possible, while to be 1.13 million doses per day. “Miss Sithole was admitted to tool or checklist. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 - July 4, 2021 29 ةالجزير نيجيريا
Like our facebook page ة www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng vox pop e-mail: [email protected] Sale Of Public Assets: Nigerians Speak Following the recent announcement by the Federal Government to sell off some national assets to fund the 2021 budget deficit, AljazirahNigeria’s WISDOM ONYEISI went round the City of Abuja to get the responses of the public.
ALE CALEB help this country to grow and not to What a government. Sincerely, the move that they have sold the assets. We cannot Selling national assets that are liabilities make it static. is not encouraging and it shows the continue like this. We can’t go forward by to fund the #13.58 trillion 2021 Budget incompetence of the present government. selling our assets. Nigeria needs resetting is something we should not talk about. ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM They have failed in every area. They should and rebranding. It is condemnable by me because the You see, selling assets to sustain a give the opportunity to the younger ones FG wants to use it to fund the budget country, instead of building more assets to restructure and rebrand this country. GODWIN IWU instead of proffering solutions to youth is a setback. It shows the country is not It’s not about selling or not selling. It’s unemployment. growing. It is a big disappointment. HABBIB ALI about management. Nigeria government I am not against selling national assets Government should be able to make You know, I have always known that our has lost management skills. If they sell that are liabilities. If sold, it should be proper plans and strategize on how to leaders can shock us at any time. I was not national assets to fund the budget, they used for other things that will benefit fund the country without selling off what surprised to hear it. That is the only solution will still mismanage it. Nigerians have lost the unemployed graduates. they used money to build. To me, it’s a bad they can think of because they are looking confidence in this government. What they This is not the first time Nigeria move and bad news. I am ashamed of this for ways to dry up this country. They want have budgeted for will at the end not be government is sponsoring an annual government. to fund the budget they will embezzle. achieved because of mismanagement. budget, if they claim that there is no They did not disclose those assets they They should use it to do what will benefit fund, they should reduce the salaries TOSIN DELE wanted to sell. I am even surprised they Nigerians and also what will boost the of our political office holders, use it to Our leaders have finally brought shame announced it. I was expecting to hear economy of the country. sponsor this year’s budget. to this country. They should sell Nigeria too. It’s funny and very annoying. They MERCY WILLIAMS have subjected the country to debt They should continue; very soon upon debts, now they want to start indigenes would be sold to fund the selling national assets to fund the budget 2021 budget. What do we have left if they will embezzle. No good citizen will all the assets are going to be sold, what be happy to hear this bad news. When happened to the abandoned properties other countries were developing and owned by government officials? How lending money to other nations, Nigerian many estates does one public office government was busy borrowing and r e a c t i o n s holder own? If they sell all the assets selling national assets. It’s a big shame. which they started last year. What is the We regret electing this government. Follow us on twitter Like our facebook page alternative plan for rebuilding? Or is that @aljazirahnewsng www.facebook.com/aljazirahnewsng e-mail: [email protected] how they will continue selling assets DANJUMA CLEMENT each year? Like I said, they will soon sell Well, it’s not a bad move. With proper indigenes planning I believe we can still build more A’Ibom Shuts School As Student Cultists Give Principal 24-Hours To assets. Those who do not understand may Recall Expelled Colleagues VIVIAN EDMUND criticize the move because they do not Every time they are saying they don’t understand what it takes to run a country. Reached: 56,274 have money and they want to lend There are assets that are becoming a Engagement: 3,791 money from one sector to another what liability to the country, if they can no they are using the money for; I don’t longer be managed, they should be sold Likes: 624 even know off to build better ones. My advice to the Well, I can’t say anything but observe government is to channel and use the Udom Denies Ordering Expulsion Of Final Year AKSU Student Who how things are going in this country. budget without diverting it. Nigerians are Abused Whatever that they like they should watching the government, they should do with the country. We are tired and make a positive outcome with the fund Reached: 43,308 disappointed already. they will generate from those assets that Engagement: 1,312 will be sold. CALEB ELUE Likes: 428 Think that it will be better if it will go in CHINONSO EZE the right direction since the government This is a clear sign that these people will FG Establishes New Universities In Jigawa, Akwa Ibom; Upgrades 4 cannot manage national assets. What is sell everyone in this country one day. the need of having useless assets that They borrowed a lot of money and now are gulping so much money to maintain they want to sell national assets. Where Reached: 13,153 even without generating income for the are we heading to? Do they really consider Engagement: 704 country? They should go ahead and do the future of this nation? Why is this the right thing and make sure Nigerians government trying to cripple this country? Likes: 301 are not disappointed again. Nigeria has all it takes to fund the budget. We generate revenues from different NIN Eliminated Multiple Registrations, Impersonation In BABATUNDE THOMAS sectors of this country. Adjustment UTME – JAMB It’s a pity! Selling national assets to should be made on the huge salaries of Reached: 9,747 fund the budget is not the challenge. the politicians in the National assembly Our leaders are heartless. They sell and House of Representatives. The money Engagement: 329 those assets to themselves and also recovered from looters is even enough Likes: 165 share the money. I am weeping for this to fund the budget but they cannot be government. A group that has chosen traced. It’s too bad. Website Clicks For The Past 7 Days to dry up the resources of the country without investing on tangible things that PAUL OLUWASEUN Day Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri will boost the economy of the country. That is exactly what happens in a country Date Whether they sell national assets or where there is no proper structure. 19/06 20/06 21/06 22/06 23/06 24/06 25/06 not, they have failed the people. There No structure and proper planning, no are possible adjustments that can be accountability. They have finished this done in different sectors in the country country, now they want to sell national Views 12615 10400 18233 14220 16037 17213 16671 to generate funds. Government should assets, Nigeria is completely finished.
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Follow us on twitter @aljazirahnewsng e-mail: [email protected] entertainmentSTORIES BY VICTORIA OCHIGBO & arts event of the 2021 AFRIMA calendar and officially opens globally on www.afrima.org to African music professionals either living on the continent or in the diaspora from Monday, June 28, by 12:00noon Central African Time, CAT, and closes on Friday, August 20, 2021. Further details on entry submission guidelines are available on the AFRIMA website, www. afrima.org. The submission of songs and videos must be produced or released under the year in review i.e. June 1, 2020 to August 20, 2021. African music artistes, managers, producers, record label owners, recording companies, video directors, Disc Jockeys, Choreographers/ dancers, and International acts are eligible to submit their works or submit on behalf of their clients via the official AFRIMA website www.afrima.org for a possible nomination in one or more of the forty (40) categories of AFRIMA. Other activities slated on the calendar includes a ‘Pre-Screening process, where submitted entries will go through screening carried out by the Screening Committee of AFRIMA. The screening process would be done within the period of August 21 to 28 2021, after which the AU Unveils Calendar Of International Jury of AFRIMA comprising a 13-man panel of experienced, respected African music experts and practitioners will carry out the AFRIMA Events For AFRIMA 2021 Adjudication process from August Speaking on behalf of the scintillating musical culture of 29th to September 6th. Call for entries starts on June 28 African Union, the Director of Africa by featuring exhilarating Pan- The Adjudication process Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Africa events through the lifespan of involves the International The Calendar of events for the headquarters in Addis Ababa, jury members carefully and 2021 edition of the All African Ethiopia on June 23. Social Development, Mrs. Cisse the calendar year in 2021 and we are Mariama Mohamed, noted that, looking forward to celebrating the painstakingly assessing and Music Awards, AFRIMA ceremony The unveiling activity marks selecting the very best amongst has formally been unveiled by the the formal opening of AFRIMA “the COVID pandemic resulted in richness of the African continent multiple setbacks for the continent, alongside AFRIMA in November submitted entries to occupy the African Union, in partnership with 2021 and features a line-up of AFRIMA 2021 Nominees’ List. the International Committee of undertakings and events that would but AFRIMA is commitment to this year.” uniting the continent through According to a document signed On completion, a ‘World Media the awards. The unveiling event take place between June 20 and Announcement of AFRIMA 2021 took place at the African Union November 21, 2021. entertainment and honoring by Mrs. Mohamed, the submission their tradition of celebrating the of entries, marks the first official Nominees’ List’ will take place on September 7 to publicly unveil the African artistes and works by Africans in Africa and the diaspora Osinbajo, Marwa Attend Premiere Of ‘The Silent Baron’ that have been nominated. On September 8 the AFRIMA Vice President Yemi Osinbajo impression in the lives of Nigerians; Academy as well as African music and Buba Marwa, Chairman, we want them to see that it is not fans and followers around the National Drug Law Enforcement all that glitters in gold. globe begin to participate in the Agency, NDLEA, on Friday in “We want people to know, even ‘AFRIMA Public Voting’ process to Abuja attended the premiere of the family units to understand that be conducted on www.afrima.org movie, “The Silent Baron’. sometimes when somebody says, during which the 2021 nominees The movie, which premiered I live abroad, it is not really a will receive votes that could lead at the Silverbird Cinema, is in profession. commemoration of the United “So, we want people to them to emerging winners in the Nations Day Against Drug Abuse understand that this drug war is various categories of the awards. and Illicit Trafficking. something that everybody needs The voting process, which closes The vice president, afterwards, to take ownership.’’ 24 hours before the main awards interacted with the movie Ukaeru, enjoined Nigerians to ceremony, would be monitored producer, cast and crew and posed support and encourage the NDLEA and audited by a reputable for pictures with them. in its fight against drug trafficking. International Auditing Firm. In synopsis, a handsome young He said that by so doing, Nigeria Finally, the main awards man Anselm specialises in using would be a better place to live. ceremony, set to hold from young ladies in his illicit drug The producer said that more November 18th to November 20 trafficking business. movies aimed at tackling drug in the host city, features a three- He promises to marry a lady, lures abuse and trafficking were day fiesta of music, glamour, her with gifts and sweet words, underway. Afrocentrism and entertainment. convinces the parents that he is He said that that the NDLEA The event commences with honest and gainfully employed, Drug Administration as a result of “It is not just a film; it is a provided adequate assistance in the Welcome Soiree followed only to use the unsuspecting beau increased flow of drug activities in project; it is a call for surveillance; bringing the movie to fruition. by the AFRIMA Music Village, as a drug Courier. Nigeria. for Nigerians to take responsibility “This is just movie; we have the Host City Tour, the Africa A lot changes as Anselm crosses According to Mr Ifeanyi Ukaeru, and be alert in this fight against others to come; what we have done Music Business Summit, and the path with Frank, an NDLEA officer, the Writer and Producer, the movie drug trafficking and illicit drug now is just reduction in supply; exclusive Nominees Party and saddled with ensuring that Nigeria was driven by the desire to have a abuse. we are planning to talk about concluded with the live Awards is not decertified by the American drug free society. “We want to make a lasting reduction in demand. Ceremony. الجزير نيجيريا www.aljazirahnews.com June 28 – July 4, 2021 31 ةالجزير نيجيريا
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FCT Now Haven For Thieves, Burglars As Residents Groan
BY JOEL AJAYI with apprehension and panic. reports were nothing but a mere stories until “We worked overnight and around 3:30am AljazirahNigeria gathered that, dozens he became a victim. some people forced the door open and they took Indeed, there are two sides of a coin in life as of car batteries have been removed from Narrating how he had woken up quite early away all the cloth. I don’t know what to do or often said by many. However, it also follows different cars parked outside several homes that Monday morning and was keen to rush what to tell people that gave me the work now. that both sides are hardly the same in content within different areas in FCT recently. The to an office meeting by leaving home in good “We reported the situation to the police, we are and looks. fact that all the incidents were reported in time. By the time, he was dressed; he stepped yet to hear anything from them. We have been The axiom perhaps paints the picture less than one month constitutes a cause for out of his flat and proceeded to get into his car going to police station but there is no positive of what the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, concern. but realized that the car was vandalized. result. What they are saying is merely repetitive: portrays today as thousands of residents in In the process of stealing the car batteries, According to him, “I was dumb founded Come today, come tomorrow. Let me tell you this Nigeria’s capital city are trying to eke out a the thieves usually end up vandalizing the because it has not happened to me before, this country is not secure. Security agencies need to living amid poverty, hunger and insecurity cars involved as they force their way into the is our car park not outside while raising alarm change the tactics. Youth are unemployed so, the currently ravages, others are busy to car to steal peoples’ belongings. my neighbours in another flat came out and outcome is what we are witnessing right now. We perfecting the art of stealing, vandalization of On June 21st, the car battery thieves said that the same way he was dumbfounded are not alone however, as there are several reports properties among other rising vices. invaded Zalanga Close, Area 7 in Abuja carted weeks before when his car was vandalized in of theft and burglary across the city, we pray God These hoodlums rob their victims like away batteries from cars that were parked the front of his house. see us through.” he prayed. spirits. Speed, energy and professionalism outside the homes of the owners. “Few weeks ago a complete Air Conditioner As for a journalist working with Liberty TV, are utilized in such a way that their preys are A resident of Area 7 who identified himself was stolen in our compound the situation is Jeremiah Umahi who resides in Area one of the always caught unawares. as Ezekiel Okeize said he had assumed the getting worse, this means we can’t sleep with capital territory, he was attacked in his house At the moment, AljazirahNigeria can our two eyes closed any longer. recently. reliably report that the FCT metropolis “We are appealing to government at all Narratting his ordeal, Jeremiah said; “My currently sits atop the list of cities that have levels that security of life and property is of house was robbed on Sunday night and they been invaded by thieves, whose business is importance they need to handle it with little carted away my properties including my phones. to steal car batteries, brain boxes, burgle cars seriousness before it gets out of hands.” The robbery attack came 9 days after an accident to remove valuable items, raiding houses to For people of the At Durumi a fashion designer, Mr. Sam I am recuperating from. Honestly, I don’t know steal property like phones, laptops, television Olowu as at the time of filling this report is our offence in this country I don’t have money, I jewelries to mention but a few as well as many FCT, car theft, house in serious problem now, as thieves reportedly am struggling to make a living; see what wicked atrocities that have beclouded the beautiful burgled his house while sleeping to steal people did to me. I am heartbroken.” He groaned. city of Abuja and its satellite towns. burglary and many people’s materials given to sew and some of However, AljazirahNigeria gathered the For people of the FCT, car theft, house his valuable items. reported case is like ice drop of the countless burglary and many other acts are like adding other acts are like Speaking with AljazirahNigeria Mr Olowu cases, of stealing, vandalization and burglary that salt to injury, giving that kidnapping is on adding salt to injury, explained; “I don’t have light in my area to has been happening in FCT. the loose, killing persists, while the general work in Kuchingoro and people are on my Meanwhile, many residents expressed that security situation is nothing but zero in the giving that kidnapping neck to collect their work. I decided to go and Nigeria police are overwhelmed and there is a general area. use my friend’s place in Durumi who is also a need for them to fine-tune their modus operandi The situation which appeared to have is on the loose, killing fashion designer. I decided because they have and wake up to their responsibility of securing life caught the nation’s security apparatus light for me to finish people’s work. and properties of every resident. napping left many entering these months persists... الجزير نيجيريا
الجزير نيجيريا N200 ...first in breaking the news www.aljazirahnews.com Vol. 2 No. 189 June 28 – July 4, 2021 This space ة is for sale Guest ةColumnist Joseph C.P. Christopher
Analysing The Police And Its Self-Defence (I) ately the Acting Inspector General Consular Guard metamorphosed into what of Police, Mr Usman Baba Alkali, at became the Hausa Guard. By conformance to the presidential villa, during a weekly rules, laws and customs creating a Constabulary briefing organised by the Presidential for the Colony of Lagos, the Hausa Guard Communication Team, blubbered became constituted in 1979. It was largely Labout the diminished aptitude of the Nigerian paramilitary in scope, but brought off some police to grapple with insecurity in the country, civil police functions. owing specifically to last year’s #EndSars The Niger Coast Constabulary was in 1894 protests. As avouched by him, “the morale of formed from geographic regions known as our personnel has been a little diminished since Rivers, Cross-River and Delta states, trailing the the #EndSars came and went away. With the promulgation of the Niger Coast Protectorate proscription of SARS and the establishment in 1893. However, in 1888, the Royal Niger Baba of SWAT, which has not been able to take off Constabulary was evinced in Northern Nigeria fully, we have a vacuum in tackling most of the protests that took place last year, in their which later separated into Northern Nigeria violent crimes from a position of strength in thinking, did not make weak the edifices Regiment and Northern Nigeria Police force. terms of having a strike force that is dedicated of enthusiasm, confidence or loyalty of the Latterly, in 1914, the Southern and Northern for that, rather than having our conventional police force, rather, the protests denuded police forces were pooled and in 1930 the police doing the policing in a conventional way.” derelictions of serious enormities prevalent current Nigeria police was fully established. The quality of intellection in the IG’s claims in the entire security architectures in the In fact, the conflation of Southern and lubricated conversations on social media and country. Embedded in the IG’s claims is Northern police forces in 1914, necessitated One Mr other information outlets across the country self-evident deniability about the decline of the establishment of special police units as Kehinde who about the role of Nigeria Police in maintaining morale and the subsequent vacuum in the Criminal Investigation Department, Police abandoned his security in a climate sliding into anarchy. force. Deniability is to a large extent one of Colleges, Immigration and Passport Control, wife in General To begin with, many Nigerians questioned the reason why Nigeria is handicapped in the Police Band, the Central Motor Registry Hospital, Epe the IG’s deflective effort to for fend Nigeria crevice of its own deed. to name a few. By 1992, the Special Anti Police Force from criticisms regarding to its The Nigerian police was established in Robbery Squad, SARS, was contrived to over N131,000 unpaid incapacity to perform optimally especially 1861 by the British colonial administration. deal with crimes associated with robbery, bills, three months in light of the astronomical onslaughts and It was first mandated to administer sanitary kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, cattle after his wife gave birth the rash of arson attacks on its structures regulations in Lagos. Subsequently, the rustling and illegal procurement of firearms. to twins. and personnel across the southern part of British colonial administration responsible On a general note, the agglomeration of the the country. for the superintendence of Lagos got on to forces made it exigent to contend other spine- Be warned! My compatriots see the IG’s deflection the task to maintain law and order. It was later chilling acceleration in such malefactions as in admitting the grim realities affronting granted permission in 1861, from London, counterfeiting, theft, illegal mining, murder, the police force as a new low. The #EndSars to establish the Consular Guard. In 1863, the manslaughter to name a few.
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