may We did not attack monitoring Igbo Group Decries hit 100,000 team in Akwa Ibom P.4 cases of –Christ Embassy Church Continues COVID-19 Marginalization by Sept. Over One Thousand of Southeast in — IHVN CEO Erosion Sites in Abia Federal P.2 P.6 P.4 Appointment

www: theeducatornewspaper.com

INNOSON VEHICLE MANUFACTURING June 22-28, 2020 peoples’ educative journal VOL. 3 NO.2 N100 www.innosonmotors.com IPOB not Nigeria’s problem, fight insecurity, groups tell FG By Henry Uwalaka the Federal Government led by Pres- ple of IPOB using false alle- “Both are using the cover of this largesse.” ident Muhammadu Buhari is using gations of persecution of Christians Christianity and calling for a US Spe- Reacting on the issue, Ohanaeze uman Right group and IPOB as an excuse to their inability against the Nigerian State. cial Envoy to be appointed to stop Ndigbo described the claim of the other pro-Igbo groups to protect lives and properties of According to the statement the “genocide” of Christians in Nige- presidency against IPOB as a com- Hhave described the recent Nigerians. which was widely used in media, “A ria. But the real purpose is to drive a plete case of chasing shadows. claim by the presidency who alleged It could be recalled that recently very deep and wide investigation by wedge between the Nigeria govern- The Publicity Secretary of that the Indigenous People of Biafra the presidency issued a statement an agency of the Nigerian govern- ment its US and UK/European Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Uche Achi- IPOB led by Nnamdi Kanu was through the Senior Special Assis- ment, working with international allies...” Okpaga in an interview with Van- using persecution of Christians in tant to the President on Media and partners have made us become Shehu further revealed that the guard said the presidency was Nigeria to ignite war in Nigeria as publicity, Garba Shehu disclosing aware that there are two, intercon- alleged divisive campaign, “...is interested on drawing attention to colossus lies and pretence. that government of Nigeria has nected campaigns being run con- being funded with a monthly an allegation of persecution of The groups in their separate uncovered a misleading campaign currently by the IPOB in this spending of $85,000 since October reactions were in agreement that spearheaded by the Indigenous Peo- regard”. 2019, with no record of the source of Continue on page 4 TOTAL BOW Will Orjis Visit to Orji Kalu Reunite the Family Again?

By Henry Uwalaka lysts. Though, the main objective of t is said that there is no perma- the visits was to Felicitate with Orji nent enemy or Friend in poli- Uzo Kalu for his victories at Itics, but permanent Interest. Supreme and Federal High Courts The recent visit made by Sena- that saw his release from incarcera- tor T. A Orji, Former Gov- tion. ernor and Senator Representing But analysts say there is more to Abia Central at the National Assem- the visits going by the speech of the bly and his son, the speaker of Abia Abia speaker, Rt Hon. Chinedum House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Orji. Chinedum Orji to Senator Orji Uzo Media reports have it that the Kalu, Senator Representing Abia Abia State House of Assembly North and Former Governor of Speaker, Rt Hon. Chinedum Orji Abia state has attracted reactions from political observers and ana- Continue on page 7

The home of quality breweries with quality great taste 2 June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR News How Police Busted Kidnap Syndicate in Imo he Commissioner of diately swung into action". P o l i c e , C P I s a a c "Upon painstaking and TA k i n m o y e d e h a s discreet investigation, they paraded suspects who kid- stormed the hideout of the napped a businessman in hoodlums at Umuokpo, Emeabiam in West Emeabiam in Owerri West LGA of , alongside LGA. On sighting the opera- others in various crimes. tives, the hoodlums engaged Recall that operatives of them in gun battle and after the Anti- Kidnap unit of the the gun duel, two of the sus- Imo State Police Command, pects sustained fatal bullet Owerri, headed by CSP Linus wounds as a result of which Nwaiwu had carried out a brav- they gave up the ghost. " ery action on Monday 8th "The third suspect was June, 2020, when they arrested alive and is cooperat- bursted a kidnap syndicate led ing with the operatives in their by one Sampson Okorafor and investigation" gunned down two others dur- Samson Okoroafor who is ing an exchange of gun fire. alleged to be the kingpin is a The incident which took 31yrs old indigene of Obinkita Child Trafficking: place at Emeabiam, in Owerri in Arochukwu, the late West LGA of Imo State, was Emmanuel Sunday 28yrs, is Imo may top the chart after a tip off to the Anti- from Osisioma Isiala Kidnaping Special Unit of Imo South, while the other, police command of four distress call of four armed gun duel, which left two dead Uchendu is from . as Market turns to armed bandits terrorising resi- men with ash colored Volks- from critical injuries sus- Two AK 47 rifles, Ninety dents of the area and kidnap- wagen car who allegedly tained from the gun fight. rounds of 7.62mm live ammu- Selling Children ping wealthy individuals. blocked and kidnapped the According the release by nition, an ash coloured Vento Operatives were said to businessman. The SARS were the Police spokesman, the Volkswagen car with reg. no f the confession of a paraded suspect for child have swung into action follow- said to have immediately underlisted suspects were not PF 637 ENU, hammer, trafficking is anything to go by, Imo state may ing the kidnap of one Mr mobilized and stormed the Imo indigenes but from Abia machete, chair and ropes were certainly top the chart for child selling in the Chijioke Amadi aged 42 years I kidnappers hideout at and Ebonyi state. exhibits recovered at the federation. old, a native of Okwuato Umuokpo, Emeabiam in It reads, "Sequel to the kid- crime scene. This is not the first time; children are discov- in Aboh LGA but resi- Owerri West LGA equipped nap of one Ejemonu Emman- ered to be trafficked from various parts of the coun- dent at Naze, in Owerri North with intelligent information uel Izuchukwu, Emmanuel try to be sold in Imo. LGA of Imo State. about the suspects. Egom and Chijioke Amadi, all One of the principal suspects, Victoria Joseph It was gathered that the It was reported that hood- of Imo State, operatives of the 28yrs, who incidentally is an aunt to the victim, her arrest was made, following a lums engaged operatives in a Anti-Kidnapping Unit imme- 2yrs old nephew, informed newsmen when queried that, she stole the boy from his grandmother. She further informed that, the boy's mother was her relative and she took advantage of the relation- Igbo Group Decries Continues Marginalization ship to steal him, knowing she could be trusted with the child. Victoria who confessed that it is not her first, of Southeast in Federal Appointment revealed that, she and her accomplice were in Imo state to look for buyer for the boy. Ifeanyi Ashikodi, On why youth restiveness Parading the two suspects, Victoria Joseph and agitations persists in the 28yrs and Joy Ugorji 33yrs at the Imo state Police command recently, the Commissioner of Police, n Igbo pan cultural region, Sir Nnanta blamed it CP Isaac Akinmoyede informed while addressing group, Igbo World on marginalisation of the peo- newsmen that, they stole the child from Kakuano Union (IWU) has ple. He said with unemployed A to be sold in Imo, but were intercepted decried the continuous youths watching as the by operatives of the Anti- Vice Unit of the com- marginalization of Ndigbo in national cake is being shared mand. Nigeria especially in federal without carrying them along, appointment and character it was natural for them to Part of the release reads, "On 30th May, 2020, operatives of the Anti-Vice Unit of the Command This was made known in a react. while on stop and search duty, intercepted the statement made available to Speaking on 2023, Sir above- named suspects with a boy of about two (2) the press, the President Gen- Nnanta said with the south years and on interrogation, they confessed that eral of the group, Sir Meshach west, South South and North they stole the child at Kakuano LGA, Rivers State N n a n t a w h o i s a l s o having had their fair shot at and brought him for sale." Gburugburu Ndigo dum says the presidency, it was natu- that over the years, Igbo has rally turn of South East to "The boy has been safely kept in the motherless been relegated to the back- have it now. babies' home while effort is being made to locate ground with the attendant con- He reminded President the parents while investigation is ongoing." sequences. Muhammadu Buhari about "The Command therefore enjoins members of “Since the end of the civil his promise when he met him the public whose child was stolen or who knows war which is almost 5 decades at Aso Rock that he would anyone that has lost his child recently to contact now, No Igbo man has handover to somebody from posed by South East gover- based on true federal charac- Imo State Police control room or the Police Public emerged as president. From South East in 2023. nors, the IWU leader call on ter is adopted, Nigeria as a Relations Officer.” the Vice-president slot in the Sir Nnanta thus calls on the inspector General of Police country could be heading second Republic to senate the presidency to pursue fair- to allow the region adopts its towards something similar to president under President ness and equity by balancing own security template similar what it experienced in 1967- APC crisis: Buhari, APC Olusegun Obasanjo till date, political appointments across to Amotekun in the south 70 with its bitter conse- no Igbo man or woman has the 6 geo political zones. west. quences. Governors in crucial meeting occupied any of the 3 top posi- On the South East joint Nnanta declared that r e s i d e n t tions of governance. Security Initiatives being pro- unless fairness and equity M u h a m m a d u PBuhari is cur- rently meeting with rep- resentatives of the All Progressives Congress, Why Rivers APC SEC APC Governors at the Presidential Villa, suspends Aguma, Abuja. The meeting is taking place in less than 24 hours after the Presi- appoints Davies dent of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan met with he State Executive Com- Secretary of the party. the President over the mittee, SEC, of the All Addressing newsmen in Port crisis threatening to tear Abubakar Badaru. TProgressives Congress Harcourt, Sen. Andrew the ruling party apart. (APC), in Rivers State have Uchendu, noted that the sus- Recall that Gover- suspended the Acting Chair- pension of Aguma was based At the meeting are nor Bagudu made spir- man of the party in the state, on alleged anti-party activities the Chairman of Pro- ited efforts to mediate in Hon. Igo Aguma. being exhibited by him, gressive Governors the differences between Forum and Governor of The SEC also disowned Aguma. Uchendu, however, G o v e r n o r G o d w i n announced that SEC after its Kebbi State, Atiku Obaseki of Edo state suspension of Victor Giadom Bagudu, Chairman of as members of the National emergency meeting attended and the suspended by 28 out of 38 members, have Northern Governors National Chairman of Executive Committee of the Forum and Governor of APC, and the swearing-in of appointed Mr. Sokonte the APC, Comrade Davies, to Chair the party in Plateau State, Simon Adams Oshiomhole but Hon. Wogu Boms to replace Lalong, and the Gover- Giadom as National Deputy acting capacity. all to no avail. Hon. Igo Aguma Mr. Sokonte Davies of APC nor of Jigawa State, June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR 3 4 June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR We did not attack monitoring team in Akwa Ibom –ChristCOUTESY O FEmbassy MINISTRAY OF INFO ChurchRMATION, ABIA STATE he Christ Embassy Church, government and are all out to use team show that there was no form of Uyo, has denied attacking mem- mechineries of government to intimi- altercation between the parties Tbers of Akwa Ibom State Gov- date, oppress, harass and malign involved. In an era of social media, the ernment/Christian Association of Christ Embassy Church in Akwa Ibom team claimed it was assaulted, yet Nigeria, CAN, COVID-19 monitoring State for stating without equivocation there is no video to capture the act, team during its Sunday service. Pastor that the Church is not and has never rather what has been pushed out to Kelvin Atang in a statement made been a member of the Christian Asso- the public domain are mere still pho- available to newsmen Monday in Uyo ciation of Nigeria" tographs. " As a Church that respects explained that the state government Atang explained that upon the rule of law, we had envisaged this sealed the church by acting on false- inquiry, Pastor Emmanuel Effiong gang up and also took steps to seek IPOB not Nigeri's problem, fight hood, noting that it was even the team informed them, that when Enobong protection of the law by approaching that assaulted the church's camera- Uwah and other members of the moni- the Federal High Court of Nigeria sit- insecurity, groups tell FG man when they arrived the church pre- toring team arrived the Church pre- t i n g i n U y o , i n S u i t N o . mises. mises and were told that Church ser- FAC/UY/FHR/106/2020, between Continued from P.1 people in the streets and He stated, "To set the record vice for the day had ended they Pastor Emmanuel Effiong v. Rev. Christians in Nigeria but farmland, rapping our straight, we totally debunk the fabri- insisted that they tried to force their (Dr.) Ndueso Ekewre & 2ors., this failed to draw attention to women, daughters and cated stories making the rounds way into the compound. He called on obviously must have also contributed the seemingly intractable mothers, killing everybody. which the Akwa Ibom State Govern- the state government to uncondition- to today's drama. "We totally con- insecurity in the country. There is statistics over that. ment acted on. "The fact is that ally release Pastor Emmanuel Effiong, demn the closing down of our Church “Would they (presi- These are confirmable and Sunday the 21st day of June, 2020, we and a member of the church media and detention of our Pastor, Pastor dency) also say that there is justifiable facts. Nnamdi held our usual service which started team, Gabriel Ekpa, who was Emmanuel Effiong, who has been no insecurity in the country? Kanu proclamation on inse- by 8:30am and ended at about assaulted and brutalized by Uwah, detained by the Commissioner of All over the country people curity in Nigeria among 10:45am, while adhering strictly to and confiscated the camera which con- Police, without giving us the right to are posting on the spot audio looming genocide is abso- the widely circulated guidelines as pro- tained a true reflection of what fair hearing and state that this action and video records of sense- lutely right and correct. vided by the National Center for Dis- occurred. "It is highly preposterous is borne out of malice, deep seated less and targeted Killings. Also, the Awake Defence ease Control (NCDC). "It is unfortu- that the team has turned round to play hatred and calculated attempt to “I think now that the ova- Action Movement (Adam), a nate that the Akwa Ibom State Gov- the victim card, when in actual sense, malign the Church for disassociating tion of the presidency's pro-Igbo group says Nigeri- ernment has chosen to act based on the Church was deliberately targeted. herself from the Christian Association actions and body language ans are not blind that they tissues of lies and absolute falsehood It turns fact and objective reasoning of Nigeria" "We have been partners in have become loudest, cannot see, neither are they that only occurred in the figment of heads down for a team that goes development with the Akwa Ibom attracting condemnations deaf that they cannot hear the imaginations of those peddling around with armed policemen to State Government and chosen to from highly pedestaled and about the massacre of Chris- same. "As a Church, we are shocked claim that it was attacked by unarmed remain bi-partisan at all times", Pas- well-meaning Nigerians, tians and Biafrans in Nigeria that government has lent itself out as a men and they did not make an arrest. tor Atang stressed. including the latest letter especially in the North. willing tool to individuals and groups " Facts are sacred and from even the from Col. Abubakar Umar, The Leader of Awake who see themselves as appendage of pictures circulated on behalf of the the next available response Defence Action Movement as is usual in their colour is (ADAM), Bro Thankgod to heap some blame on a Igwekani in an interview given quarter as the IPOB with The Educator said the and deliberately divert group was in total support attention from the issue”, for international community Uche Achi-Okpaga said. without wasting time to Peoples Right Organisa- come and interven over the tion PRO, a human right killings of Christians and group said Federal Govern- Biafrans in Nigeria. ment was only panicking “That the Fulani nation over the letter of Nnamdi is working on their plans to Kanu of IPOB calling on US totally eliminate Christians Special Envoy and Interna- and Biafrans and occupy tional Community to look their lands are no longer a into insecurity in Nigeria. hidden agenda in Nigeria. C o m r a d e P a u l The present Federal Gov- Ikechukwu Njoku, who e r n m e n t l e d b y spoke for the group in an Muhammadu Buhari is not interview with The Educator in any way fighting insecu- said; “The presidency has rity, rather they want to reacted which we termed as allow Fulani nation to per- colossus lies and pretence as fect their plans.” if there is no insecurity in “if the Federal Govern- Nigeria. Even in president ment is sincere in fighting Buhari's home State, over 60 insecurity, they should people were slaughtered. In change the security chiefs Borno, Boko Haram slaugh- and entire security appara- tered over 80 persons. So, tus. They should empower there is ongoing unconven- state governments and allow tional genocide in Nigeria them to have their internal under the Buhari led admin- security system. Why are Chairman, House of Representatives, Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolupe Sadipe, (2nd left), Assistant Comptroller General, bor- istration. they preventing states from der management, Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Josephine Kwazo, Comptroller, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Nigerian “Statistics has proven having their internal secu- Immigration Service, Mrs. Sa'adat Hassan with others, during the oversight visit to Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport on the issue that Nigeria is in high level of rity arrangement. They even of Human Trafficking in Abuja. insecurity. In other words, failed to respect the security the presidency is deceiving agreement they had with themselves not even Nigeri- South East Governors.” ans because Nigerians who “we as a group stand to voted for them, allegedly fault the statement of presi- Over One Thousand Erosion Sites in Abia though, are certainly aware dency against Nnamdi Kanu Ifeanyi Ashikodi, Umuahia He appealed on man to go back to speaks the officers are in the streets that they do not have secu- of IPOB, and add our voice nature, plant trees and flowers to beau- sensitizing people on need to plant rity. And international com- in calling on international tify and maintain friendly environ- trees and beautify their environment. munity too is aware that we community to intervene on he acting permanent secretary the deliberate act of geno- ment He revealed that massive road con- do not have security. Boko of ministry of Environment Mr cide of Christians in Nigeria The perm sec. nominee said the struction, desilting of gutters and Haram onslaught is very TTom Okoro says there are over unbearable, and even the because is a well-known fact state has17 forestry reserve spread flood control in Aba is currently ongo- 1000 active erosion sites in the state and verifiable", ThankGod across the state, pointing that as he ing adding that after that planting of billboards of president He stated this to mark this year Muhammadu Buhari was Igwekani said. World Environment Day, reiterated trees and beautification of the envi- ronment would commence across Aba destroyed in his home state. Igbo Youths Movement that this year theme. "Biodiversity, So, what could have caused IYM in their reaction Time to Go Back to Nature" is apt espe- the commercial centre and Umuahia the state capital. the destructions if the youths through the media and pub- cially this period of Covid-19 pan- in Katsina were not angry licity secretary, Emma He rated the five years of Okezie demic. with him. When they were Enyinnaya described the Ikpeazu administration very high and He said to mitigate the effect of doing that they were actually statement of presidency scored him 85% in clean environment environmental degradation and ero- saying that Mr. President is against IPOB as “a state- adding that since the inception of this sion the state government is nursing not securing them, he ment of a confused Govern- government environmental sanitation one million assorted species of plants should resign. That he is the ment who are looking for an exercise have been very active and to be planted across the state to help Commander in Chief of the excuse for their failure to pro- have gone down well with the people. checkmate environmental degrada- armed forces yet he is not tect innocent lives and prop- tion and erosion. The perm sec used the opportunity doing enough to protect erties of Nigerians”. to pray and commiserate with the fam- He reiterated that through the their lives and properties. They therefore advised ily of Dr Solomon Ogunji the commis- office of NewMap they are tackling the So, if Buhari cannot protect the Federal Government to sioner for Environment who died erosion problem adding that five ero- his people, is it you and I he accept failure and seek for a recently. sion sites have successfully been con- will protect when Fulani better way to fight insecurity trol and commission across the state. Gov Okezie Ikpeazu Herdsmen are slaughtering in the country. Editorial June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR 5 The First House Roar: A Sad Story For The Future ince the enthronement of General Muhammadu ADC, Shugaba discharged his weapon in the premises of the immediate causes of latest disturbances in the Presi- Buhari Rtd. as President of the Federal Republic of the President's newphew. The gunshots forced Yusuf to dential Villa". SNigeria, Nigerians have been regaled with some seek refuge in the home of his uncle, Mamman Daura. The PDP further urged the National Assembly to save unpleasant news of internal squabbles, powerplay and Yusuf's argument was that he was not the only aide of the nation by wading into the unabated infighting in the implacable resentment between the First Lady, Aisha Mr. President who had travelled to Lagos, citing the case Buhari presidency as those in charge of the Presidential Buhari and some relations and aides of the President. of the new Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who he Villa have not demonstrated the required capacity to It all started during the first tenure of the President, claimed had been traveling to Lagos every weekend with- effect the orderliness for productive governance. when Mrs. Buhari decried the unexplained web of out anyone pressuring him to self-isolate. A former chairman of the Governing Council of the intrigues that had become common place in the Presi- The presidential aide did not stop there as he also National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi dential Villa. The First Lady boldly stated that a cabal in accused the daughters of the 1st Lady, Zahra and Halima Odinkalu called for a thorough investiga tion into the Aso Rock had hijacked state power at the expense of the who he claimed had travelled for an in-law's internment. shooting saying the action could be treasonable. nation. The firing of gunshots at the Villa constitutes a serious A public commentator, Isaac Adewale told National Although she did not mention names, but news breach of security. As a result, the ADC to Mrs. Buhari Mandate that the recent disturbances at the Presidential became rife that the late Chief of Staff to the President, and all security aides that accompanied her to Yusuf's resi- Villa are a troubling commentary that will definitely Mallam Abba Kyari was the arrowhead and ably assisted dence were ordered arrested by the IGP, Adamu. throw Nigeria into international opprobrium. by the President's powerful cousin, Mamman Daura, Issa While her aides were in detention, now released, the "These are things that should not come up in the 21st Funtua, Lawal Daura (of DSS infamy) and Babagana First Lady sent out a series of tweets; "Covid-19 is real and century. It is uncivilized, demeaning and smacks off irre- Kingibe. still very much around, in our nation is not in doubt. Con- sponsibility and failure of leadership. In the last five The situation we understand deteriorated badly that sequently I call on all relevant government agencies to years, Nigerians have been inundated with news about the late Kyari was an unwelcome guest at the official resi- enforce the quarantine act signed by Mr. President and infighting at the Villa yet the President has not risen to dence of the Buharis. ensure no one is found violating the law and the NCDC the occasion to put his house in order". In yet another melodrama, the daughter of Mamman guidelines especially on interstate travel without the nec- "If the President cannot put the Villa in order by sim- Daura, Fatima engaged the First Lady in an avoidable essary exemptions for movement of essentials. ply drawing the line between his relations and the 1st fam- shouting bout over occupancy issues at the Villa. The The Villa incident has attracted a horde of criticisms ily, then how would this same President guarantee sanity unfortunate situation went viral and simply portrayed a form notable Nigerians and organizations. Mr. Kola in governance? Adewale fumed. rudderless situation at the Presidential Villa. Ologbondiya, the National For National Mandate, it behooves all the actors of Nigerians are wondering why the president has Publicity Secretary of the main opposition, the PDP governance indecency at the Villa to rethink all their pre- decided to be reticent and look on while his extended fam- said, "Our party is disturbed by such ugly situation in the vious egregious actions and retool their psyche to present ily members and a few aides ride roughshod over his Buhari presidency which has already heightened appre- Nigeria in good light. nucleus family. hension in the public space over the apparent failure of The relations of the President should realize that the Then the most alarming and disgusting of all the the security architecture and central command systems Presidency is not a dynasty as all negative actions at the "comic episodes" occurred on Thursday June 11 when in the presidency, leading to such reckless and irrespon- Villa would induce commentaries that would be very Aisha Buhari along with her children and Aide-de-Camp, sible breaches". unkind to the President long after he leaves office and Usman Shugaba accosted Sabiu Yusuf, a nephew of the "The chaotic situation in the Presidential Villa only they themselves would not escape the attendant national President to go into self-isolation having traveled out of points to the failure by President Buhari to provide a lead- backlash. Abuja to Lagos. ership that can guarantee orderliness in governance and For madam 1st Lady, while she may have a strong The situation turned ugly as Yusuf resisted all entreat- effectively ensure the security of our nation." point in the ongoing imbroglio, she should thread care- ies to have him reason on the line of self-isolation. Yusuf "Our party also demands an immediate inquest into fully and avoid the traps of sentiments in dealing with had returned from Lagos after vising his wife who was the security breaches as well as the alleged violation of those untoward attitudes from the relations of her hus- recently delivered of a baby. Covid-19 ban on inter-state travels by officials and rela- band. If not, she would also slide into infamy as her tor- In an attempt to apprehend Yusuf, the First Lady's tions of Mr. President, which was reported to be part of mentors.

Mission: To give the masses the right sense of belonging, and to educate the them for better understanding and societal development. Vision To continuously present issues meant to rightly educate the people. The Educator High Commission building: FG summons Ghana envoy over demolition peoples’ educative journal Published by Henguka Publiscations igeria summoned a senior Ghanaian diplomat to com- ian authorities over the matter. 12 Idowu Lane Computer Village, Ikeja Lagos plain over "attacks" on its High Commission com- "We strongly condemn two outrageous criminal attacks in www: theeducatornewspaper.com Npound in Accra that saw a building demolished, for- Accra, Ghana, on a residential building in our diplomatic pre- facebook: facebook.com/theeducatornewspaper eign minister, Geoffrey Onyeama said on Monday. mises by unknown persons in which a bulldozer was used to twitter: twitter.com/Educatornews24 "Summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the High Commis- demolish the building," he said. The Ghanaian authorities said Tel: 09070670038 sion of Ghana to Nigeria, Ms Iva Denoo to demand urgent they would probe the incident. explanation on the recent attacks on a residential building in "Accordingly, investigations are ongoing to unravel the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief our diplomatic premises and reinforcement of security facts of the matter and bring the perpetrators to book," Obinna Ndubuisi around diplomatic premises and staff," Onyeama wrote on Ghana's foreign ministry said on Sunday. The incident came Twitter. Armed men reportedly entered the Nigerian High Editor five months after the foreign ministry denied reports that the Olabisi Olaitan Commission compound in Ghana's capital Accra on Friday to Nigerian diplomatic mission in Ghana had been evicted from supervise bulldozers to demolish a building under construc- Accra. Traditional rulers in the city have complained that the South-East Senior Correspondent tion. Onyeama on Sunday demanded those responsible must Nigerian High Commission was encroaching on land they Henry Uwalaka be punished, adding that Nigeria was in talks with the Ghana- owned. 08036980612 | [email protected]

Earlier today, I REPORTERS: Femi Olawale | Oby Chukwuna was at the Presiden- BE OUR REPORTER tial Villa on a visit to You can be our reporter, send us your articles, views MARKETING: Betty Ndubuisi | Kemi Nelson and information about what is happening around His Excellency, Presi- your environment, institutions, and offices. Design/Production: K-CONCEPT dent Muhammadu Buhari where we Make sure that all you send to us are factual and verifiable. Include pictures where necessary. All correspondence to the: The Educator: amongst other things Email: [email protected] | Tel: 09070670038 discussed the crisis in All correspondence to; Email: [email protected] our great party, the Phone: 08099872712 (Text only) EDITORIAL BOARD All Progressives Con- OFFICES gress (APC). Lagos State: 12 Idowu lane computer village, Ikeja Lagos. Chief Chekwas Okorie Abia State: 8, Crowther Street, Umuahia, Hon. Steve Orji Port Hercute: 23 market Rd Rumuekini, Hon. Chukwudi Fred Ezinwa Abuja: Suite B3 Murg plaza Area 10 Garki Abuja, Bishop Chigozirim Onyegbule 6 June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR News Nigeria may hit 100,000 cases of COVID-19 by Sept. — IHVN CEO

sures to tackle the spread. Specifically, Dakum said the 36 State governors have to take responsibility to tackle the spread by ensuring aggressively testing in each of the states. Dakum said the state gov- ernments should take deliberate mea- sures to ensure that every state has more than one testing centres to ensure that more people are tested. "Another impor- tant measure in this aggressive drive is to be able to at some point narrowed this infection to communities and clusters and the only way we can do that is that except every state governor take respon- sibility in testing. Take responsibility for additional testing sites. Spend the money as a governor and get additional centres. When you are fighting a war you need to concentrate on where the enemy is. This COVID-19: Commercial enemy is a virus we can find out by test- ing. We should rate every Governor on the COVID-19 by the number of tests sex workers not on essential they have carried out and now when we have now identified the positives, there will be clusters." The IHVM boss stressed duties, FCTA warns CEO, IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum the need for state governments to begin to implement some measure of enforce- he Federal Capital Territory Administration, he Chief Executive Officer of the two or three months Nigeria may get over ment of the guidelines, adding that com- FCTA, has warned commercial sex workers Institute of Human Virology of 100,000 cases. It is just an estimate bining both soft and hard measures operating in the territory to respect all the Nigeria, IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum because the virus behaves the way it would help drive the response. T T COVID-19 protocols, especially the 10p.m. to 4a.m. on Monday predicted that Nigeria may behaves. It is a new virus; it is like build- "Sometimes unless people see some- curfew, noting that they are not on the exemption record over 100,000 cases of ing a ship and sailing the ship at the same body taking the brunt through some level list of workers on essential duties. Coronavirus in the next two or three time. We are learning about it and taking of disciplinary measures it is difficult for The Administration also warned operators of months (September) even as he urged action. Together, we will support every- them to relate to it. He said although, the 36 state Governors to take responsi- one to take responsibility." Continuing, nightclubs, bars, and gardens across the city not to there is knowledge about the disease open for business until the COVID-19 restriction bility in tackling the spread of the virus. he said the rise in over exponential rise in across the country, many Nigerians are COVIID-19 cases requires an exponen- order is lifted. Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Speaking on a television programme, yet to get the message. "For example, Enforcement Task Force team on COVID-19 Dakum who said the country may not tial response. Dakum said: "We are not standing on the pulpit and just say wear yet in the second wave. For Nigeria, my Restrictions, Ikharo Attah, handed down the warn- experience a second wave of the virus your face mask is not enough anymore. ing at the weekend, when the team went round said the current rise in cases was just an prediction is that there may not neces- But the message must go down to the lit- sarily be a second wave but there may Kubwa, Gwarinpa, and Wuse to monitor the level exponential rise and not second wave. He tle communities. Somebody needs to of compliance by operators. Addressing journalists said: "It is extremely difficult to put a fig- just be one big wave that is prolonged for debunk the myths. We have done enough a period of time. It is something we just after the operation, Attah noted that "the ban on ure to it but from what we have now on the knowledge but the practice is very nightclubs, parks, and bars is yet to be lifted, hence because from 5,000 a month, we get to saw coming and aggressive prevention low. And to get that attitude we must go measures could have slowed down but the need for us to sustain routine inspection and another 5,000 a month and now you get down to interpersonal communication," ensure compliance. We believe that if we relax too 17,000. If we don't do anything about unfortunately, we are where we are now he added. and therefore, we just have to deal with much, with the number of positive COVID-19 cases the people that are infected because most on the rise, it would not be good for the city." Attah, of the new infections were a result of the the situation the way we have found it," he added. He said presently, Nigeria who expressed satisfaction with the high level of carelessness of people, we are still going compliance by the nightclub operators, was how- to see that as we move on. requires extraordinary measures cou- pled with the already put in place mea- ever unhappy with the high number of suspected "If we are not careful within the next commercial sex workers around buildings housing the nightclubs at Kubwa. He pointed out that "the presence of the ladies of the night is a violation of the curfew because they How Ize-Iyamu emerges Edo APC governorship candidate are not on the exemption list of essential workers. "Their presence made us carry out full checks on some nightclubs which are truly closed. At ...As Protesters demand sack of NWC moments like this, we expect them to stop the unholy trade in their own interest, because the men astor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has on board. who may patronise them may be COVID-19 posi- emerged the governorship candi- According to them, the aims and tive." Speaking on the shutting down of a bar at Pdate of the All Progressives Con- objectives of the Party are being bastard- Wuse 2, the chairman said: "We got several calls gress (APC) governorship aspirant for ized while the legacy of President that Reset Nightclub and Bar located at Lobito Cres- the September 2020 election in Edo Muhammadu Buhari is being destroyed cent in Wuse 2 was fully operational. "But when we state. Hope Uzodinma of Imo state and "his hard-earned reputation is being got there we discovered that it wasn't true. A bar declared Ize-Iyamu winner of the direct dragged by the incessant activities of the operating in a plaza located opposite the nightclub, primary defeating Pius Odubu and Osaro National Working Committee of our as we all found out this night, was the one operat- Obazee Party". Reading the text of their address, ing and playing very loud music, which necessi- Meanwhile, protesters on Monday the leader of the protesters said; "This tated the calls and complaints we got from resi- stormed the National Secretariat of the present National Working Committee dents of the area." The team shut down the bar and APC, demanding the sack of the entire has caused us to lose seven States to the confiscated some of its loudspeakers, which were members of the NWC of the party. The opposition. APC had 24 Governors handed over to officials from the Abuja Environ- protesters, under the aegis of Concerned before the present National Working mental Protection Board, AEPB. Attah explained APC Members and who were led by Committee. Today, we have 18 Gover- that the team would be extending its checks on Okpokwu Ogenyi lamented that the for- nors. Just yesterday, the Deputy Gover- nightclubs to the suburbs while appealing to FCT tunes of the party have dwindled since nor of Ondo State left us and joined the residents to stay at home during the curfew periods the present members of the NWC came opposition Peoples Democratic Party, ruption before corruption kills Nigeria, and not endanger their lives. PDP. Are we making progress or going as a Party, we must do away with the pres- backwards? ent National Working Committee before "Today, we have four individuals who it kills the Party completely. The time is are members of the National Working now! "We are calling on the highest deci- Committee parading themselves as Act- sion-making body, the National Execu- ing National Chairmen of our Party. tive Committee, NEC of our great Party, What a dance of shame! We are being ridi- to immediately call for NEC meeting and culed on a daily basis. The same National dissolve the National Working Commit- Working Committee caused the Party tee with immediate effect. "We also call not to feature candidates in Zamfara and on President Muhammadu Buhari Rivers States in the 2019 general elec- whose integrity the Party is still surviv- tions. "In 2019, our Party, the All Pro- ing, the National Leader of our great gressives Congress built on integrity and Party, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the anti-corruption sold its nomination President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad forms 300 percent above all other politi- Lawan, Speaker of the House of Repre- cal parties even when we cried out, they sentatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajablamila went ahead with their evil plot against to support the dissolution of the present concerned Party Members. National Working Committee if we must "Fellow patriotic members of the move on as a Party", the group stated. APC, just as the administration of Presi- dent Muhammadu Buhari is killing cor- Cover June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR 7 Will Orjis Visit to Orji Kalu Reunite PHOTO NEWS the Family Again? Continued from P.1

Allen Onyema L...R..... APC National Vice Chairman ,South South,Hillard Eta,National Secretary ,Arc. Waziri Bulama, National Women leader, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar and National Organising secretary, Emma Ibediroh during the National working committee meeting on their affirmation of told Orji Kalu to assume his rightful political “I foresee a new political realignment in Senator Ajimobi as the acting Chairman of the party in Abuja. position as the leader of Abia State noting Abia State in 2023. There is perceived politi- that all the current political leaders from the cal permutations from Ngwa nation that state are products of Kalu's sagacity. made me believe that they are coming back “whatever I am today, it is because of in 2023”. you; whatever my father is today, it is Many believe that Abia zoning arrange- because of you. But I am sure you must have ment favours Abia North in order to start the known Abia State better now and that is why rotation from where it started as every zone I brought my uncles here to show you that I has gotten a fair share. But there are am here with all my heart. rumours that serious political calculations “... Now is the time for the family to stay aimed at destroying the Abia charter of together” equity are going on. So, irrespective of whatever, the para- The same rumour had it that Abia mount thing is that respect should be given speaker, Rt Hon. Orji had been scheming to to whom it is due” become governor in 2023, but his public dec- “We are not in competition with you for laration of not having interest in Abia 2023 leadership. You are the leader. In the heat of governorship race seemed to have settled everything, you are the leader. That leader- that rumour. ship means a lot. You are leading us. Forget Also, Ngwa nation is perceived to have about political platform”, a media report working on Old Bende and Ukwa Ngwa for- quoted Rt. Hon. Orji. mula to hold back power in 2023. Some anal- T. A Orji who was Orji Uzo Kalu Chief of ysis reveal that the calculation of Ngwa Staff for eight years when Kalu was Gover- nation is based on that old Bende has govern nor became his successor through his help. for sixteen years and Ukwa Ngwa should go But unfortunately, the duo has been in a the same way. From left: Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu; frosty political relationship few months after It is said that Ngwa nation passed a lit- Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu; and Director-General, National T. A Orji became governor. mus test of testing their political strength in Troupe, Tar Ukoh, during an official visit of the Acting Chairman of EFCC to VON headquarters in There are believes that the disagreement 2019 general election, and would be ready to Abuja, recently. between Orji and Kalu was caused by some do the same in 2023 to retain power. elements who never wanted the strong rela- These insinuations of Ngwa nation plan- tionship of the two, and bent to destroy it. ning to hold power beyond 2023, comrade However, there are interpretations to the Paul Njoku said may not be unconnected seen pally between Orjis and Kalu other than with Rt. Hon. Orji suing for reunion with the felicitation visit. Orji Uzo Kalu irrespective of party affilia- A political analyst and Human Right tion. Activist, comrade Paul Ikechukwu Njoku The question many are asking Now is; said the visit of the Father and Son is preg- though it is said that there is no permanent nant, and would give birth with time. He enemy or Friend in politics, but permanent said; “for a critical analyst like me to see Rt. interest. But following the political differ- Hon. Chinedum Orji I know to bow for Orji ences, interests and intrigues, will the politi- Kalu, and asked him to come and assume his cal Family of Kalus and Orjis be reunited rightful position as Abia political Leader Again? Time they say will tell. means more to that felicitation visit, and is not unconnected to 2023 ambitions. Why Malami's Calls for Magu Replacement recommends CP, retired DIG, AIG as replacement for Magu L-R: Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Tope Smart; Chairman Board, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, and a Director, Chief Ede Dafinone, during the 50th Annual General Meeting of he names of the three NEM Insurance Plc held in Lagos. nominees recom- Tmended the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to Presi- dent Muhammadu Buhari to pick as a replacement for Ibrahim Magu have emerged. Top on the list is a retired Dep- uty Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Sani Usman, who is believed to have been vetted by President Malami Magu Muhammadu Buhari for the retired police commissioner in and misconduct. But the AGF job. Niger State, as replacement for has kept mute on the develop- Also recommended by Magu, who has been on the ment, as he neither denies nor Malami for the job, according post in acting capacity since confirms sending the memo to to an online medium, is the cur- November 9, 2015, following Buhari. The Acting Chairman rent FCT Police Commissioner, the 8th Senate's rejection of his of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, Bala Ciroma, who had previ- nomination twice. Malami last appears unperturbed over the ously served as the EFCC Head week wrote the President rec- move to oust him. carrying on of Operations, and a retired ommending Ibrahim Magu's with his job without any Assistant Inspector-General of immediate sack as head of the qualms. But one way or the Police, AIG, from Kebbi State. anti-graft agency over alleged other, Buhari will either retain Pix from left Mr Edward Kallon, Resident Representative in Nigeria, United Nation Development Buhari is said to have also multiple serious offences bor- or remove Magu. Programme UNDP with Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora vetted retired DIG Usman and dering on diversion of recov- Commission during a courtesy visit to Mr Kallon to discuss areas of partnership between NIDCOM Ms. Diseye Nsirim-Poweigba, a ered assets, insubordination and the UNDP held in Abuja, recently 8 June 22-28, 2020 | THE EDUCATOR Opinion Who Will Succeed Nnia Nwodo in 2021? (Part-1) By Paul Ikechukwu Njoku State to Ika, Ikwere, Igba, Ekpeye, Egbema abroad and home, he is very good at formu- I recall when a great achievement was to Arochukwu to Izzi of is desir- lating objectives that enhance organiza- recorded by him in 2003 being the memo- t is no longer a pertinent breaking news able. tional functions and successes. He is a rable year he restored peace at Ukpuala that by January 2021, a new President- In my view, Ndigbo should painstak- dependable follower and a reliably dedi- Amakohia in Ikeduru Local Government IGeneral of Ohaneze Ndigbo will ingly search for a leader in Major General cated good leader as well an experienced Area of Imo State after six years of complex rotationally emerge from Imo State but the Collins Remy Ugo Ihekire (rtd) of Imo State negotiator with a good understanding of and intractable conflict between various fac- demanding question is to know who will who can unite Ndigbo with quality forma- political, economic, cultural and social envi- tions in the town. The conflicts that qualifiedly and confidently succeed Chief tion and leadership hospitality. General ronmental purviews. stopped all developmental programs in the Nnia Nwodo, the seating President - Ihekire has strong and charismatic leader- He is a man who believes in rural com- town for six years attained unacceptable General of Ohaneze Ndigbo who has woe- ship qualities. He is a unique man whom I munity security and development. He con- level as lawlessness reigned whilst death fully failed in the past years to resiliently wish to partake in the competition of the tributes tirelessly for its development threats became the order of the day with the unite and pilot the affairs of Ndigbo to the Ohaneze Ndigbo Presidency come 2021. If through the repaired and rehabilitation of usage of dangerous weapons against oppo- promised land. he whatsoever reason has no such ambition, rural roads, community policing and provi- nents. The problem with the Apex Igbo Cul- somebody should please compel him to sion of amenities. He is a philanthropist Using his wealth of experiences as a tural leadership is lack of focus and broth- serve the Igbos. He is a man I know with no who renders selfless service to all and sun- peacemaker of both within and outside Nige- erly unity which have caused the abysmal arrogance, pride and infidelity. dry especially the sick and poor. He has also ria, he initiated and convened the 'Ako-Udo death of political leadership in the South- General Ihekire should be willing to con- made tremendous contributions to building Committee' (Hand of Peace) where he east region. Ndigbo need an inspired leader sider the opinions of people who want him human capital development for the com- served as the Chairman to tackle the crisis in capable of addressing the problems of the to succeed Nnia Nwodo as the next Presi- munity by sponsoring the education of his hometown. As a result of this, Amakohia as we have not only been bit- dent-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo World- many underprivileged in various profes- was spared the fate of other neighbouring terly invaded and conquered by the wide. In him, I see a leader who must not sions. He has assisted many people to be communities whose traditional rulers had Janjaweed elements but utterly enslaved by polarise and divide Ndigbo to the Northern employed both in Government and private to go on exile because of crises in their King- the Fulani caliphate and their appendages. and Southern nomenclature. The Igboman agencies. His assistance is not limited to his doms. The peace which Amakohia has been The forthcoming new Ohanaze leader must pick and choose a leader who is not locality alone but to none-Igbos and Mus- enjoying since October 2003 is as a result of must be resilient, watchful, sincere, broth- egoistic or a bigot. To my best of knowledge, lims. He has assisted all types of people his initiative. erly, patient, resourceful, intelligent and Mr. Collins is articulated, focused and a per- across the length and breath of Nigeria and He is a patron of 'Amakohia Vigilante deeply knowledgeable. He must not be a sonable gentleman who always strive for has received several honours in apprecia- Group' and Patron of the 'Okpuala stooge to the political and Fulani ruling excellence. He loves challenges. He is a good tion including 'Dike di ora mma of Umunna Amakohia Oganihu Age Grade'. class and must not sabotage his Igbo breth- builder of organizational capacity and Orlu'. He is also the 'Ochiagha N'igbo 1 of In 2007, General Collins instituted ren for the purpose of serving the Sokoto development of those around him. As a Niger State and Otun Jagunmolu of Ilu 'Ikeduru Annual Festival of Arts and Cul- Caliphate. The regional security and lives retired Army General who studied in Owa, Osun State. ture' initiated and still sponsors by him till and safety of Ndigbo must be guaranteed by today which had earned him the title of 'Isi his dogged articulation and insomnia. He He is a man who believes in rural community security and development. Uzo Omenala' by the Council of NdiEze must have the capacity to plan with other He contributes tirelessly for its development through the repaired and reha- Comparing 25 traditional rulers in Ikeduru. Igbos to defend our collective interest for He is separately also a Patron of both salvation, unity, peace, sovereignty, love, bilitation of rural roads, community policing and provision of amenities. He is Ikeduru Renaissance Club of Nigeria and economic restructuring, self-determination a philanthropist who renders selfless service to all and sundry especially the Odinma Ikeduru Forum. or regional government with true fiscal fed- sick and poor. He has also made tremendous contributions to building human eralism that guarantee resource control. Igbos are disunited and fragmented. A capital development for the community by sponsoring the education of many United Igbo extending from Igbanke in Edo underprivileged in various professions. ...deconstructing "ingratitude" And Or "disloyalty" In Naija Politics!

By Prof. Obiaraeri rituals (like oath taking and blood cove- moral dilemma on how to measure grati- not death sentence either. nants, swearing before deadly shrines and tude and loyalty in public office- is it loyalty Gratitude is a matter of good con- he least you owe a benefactor is grat- religious altars, taking and keeping nude to the people or is it loyalty to a few individ- science and loyalty to the people and fear of itude. pictures) in order to "protect their invest- uals? GOD is more paramount than slavish obe- T ments" or forestall disappointments. A popular saying is that "if you are help- dience to an egocentric cabal. No doubt, the fowl never forgets the This chant of ingratitude is more pro- ing someone and expecting something in It is only fair and just that a kingmaker benevolent person who plucked its feath- nounced where there is open rift or quarrel return, you are doing business not kind- allows the King he made to reign in peace ers during the rainy season in order to save between a godfather/benefactor and a god- ness." and dignity! its life! son/beneficiary. The greatest dishonour is ingratitude True generosity means accepting For obvious reasons, the gratitude of Make no pretence about it, the bloody but PRAY, you do not have an overbearing, ingratitude, so says an anonymous source the fowl does not however extend to the godfather versus godson fight is usually greedy and insatiable godfather who, so to but there are no generous godfathers! person who plucked its feathers with hot not unconnected with access to public speak, helps you attain political office but Political godfathers drive hard bar- water. funds, sharing of juicy contracts, appoint- wants to retain control of everything. gains. A popular Igbo adage maintains that ments into plum positions and allied It can be killing and unnerving as such When next you hear the accusation of the crab does not like any sports or joke booty. overweening and domineering godfathers "ingratitude" and "disloyalty" flying that involves bending of the arms back- Many cases of godfather versus godson would, literally speaking, require that you around in politics, please disregard such wards. fights have happened in the past but the take permission from them every day charges if the quarel is not about how to Gratitude is a soul filling response and most current case is the ongoing deadly before you go to sleep with your spouse. improve the welfare of the people or do it helps the heart. *roforofo fight* between Comrade Haba...talk of a person riding a bicycle public good with public resources. A grateful person will enjoy peace of Oshiomole, the embattled APC National and another person matching the brakes. Sadly, the labels of ingratitude and dis- mind on earth and likely make heaven but Chairman, and his successor and political Truth be told, a wolfish and ravenous loyalty in Naija are more about the godson a person who is blindly loyal to an unjust godson Governor Obaseki of Edo State. godfather is a pain or millstone in the neck not making enough returns to the godfa- cause in the name of gratitude is certainly Governor Obaseki has been roundly as he has no scruples doing everything and ther to the detriment of public interest. not a candidate of heaven (unless he branded an ingrate and disloyal person by making demands that make his godson It was Fashola, former two term Gover- repents). Comrade Oshiomole but the urbane Gov- look and act like a puppet, zombie or living nor of Lagos State and now Minister, who The game of politics is replete with the ernor of Edo State says he is grateful but dead whether in private or public spheres. made an epic statement regarding loyalty charges of ingratitude and disloyalty but remains most unwilling to let Oshiomole The ideal and golden rule is, if you in politics during his first Ministerial alas, it is seldom for public interest. have unfettered illegal access to the trea- make a King you bow. screening to the effect that- sury and funds of Edo people. It often happens that some public office It is the order of nature that people “The concept of loyalty is a strange holders forget their days of humble begin- Obaseki says to whoever cares to listen must help people to get into prominent one...may our loyalties never be tested. I nings or plebian pasts and act as though that he chose loyalty to Edo people over positions in life. always pray that may my loyalty never be they are god (notice the small letter "g"). and above loyalty to the unconscionable However, no egocentric or money- tested.” and unreasonable demands of Oshiomole, grubbing godfather wants to hear this as he Well, Governor Obaseki's loyalty is on The allure and trappings of power are his estranged godfather. so sweet and blinding that not a few public sees the godson as his surrogate or slave in test today in Edo State. office holder get carried away to the extent No one knows how this epic clash perpetuity. He says, he prefers loyalty to Edo peo- that they forget those who staked their all between Oshiomole and Obaseki will end How long can a beneficiary in public ple over loyalty to the godfather. as Governor Obaseki presenting himself (lives, resources and contacts) to make it office continue to be loyal to such a diffi- How will his second term governorship happen. for re-election not too far from now but it cult, if not impossible godfather who is gives every right thinking Nigerian so quest end and how will posterity record all Some power beneficiaries are so opposed to working for the people with the combatants? many things to worry about our type of public resources? insanely cruel that they even turn around unhygenic politics. We leave all those to the future and to to undo their benefactors in many devious Gratitude to a benefactor is not a sen- the omnipresent and omniscient GOD. ways including seeking to remove or break This Obaseki versus Oshiomole saga in tence to life imprisonment. Edo State once more presents a heavy All in all, may your loyalty not be tested or completely destroy the ladder through Loyalty to a godfather/benefactor is and if tested may you be loyal to doing pub- which they climbed. lic good as opposed to self-aggrandizement This is ingratitude and disloyalty of the of a select few. worst order and such people usually end in Truth be told, a wolfish and ravenous godfather is a pain or mill- Commitment to the people is the true disastrous manner in politics. stone in the neck as he has no scruples doing everything and mak- test of loyalty and gratitude. Of a truth, the roguish business of poli- A new normal is possible! tics has lots of ungrateful people as its ing demands that make his godson look and act like a puppet, patrons. zombie or living dead whether in private or public spheres. The Prof. Obiaraeri, the 5-Star Civil- This is why many spiritually barren and ian General. morally bankrupt powermongers resort to ideal and golden rule is, if you make a King you bow. subjecting beneficiaries to many satanic June 22-28, 2020 All correspondence to the: The Educator: The Educator Email: [email protected] | Tel: 09070670038 peoples’ educative journal Where you shop matters: How thinking local can help kick-start COVID-19 recovery By Kemi Okusanya way that many consumers shop. The tackle the challenges facing them today, majority say that they have optimized Visa has launched 'Where You Shop Mat- s countries around the world begin their purchasing – buying in bulk, cutting ters'. Through this initiative, we aim to pro- to reopen businesses, restart econ- out impulse purchases and luxuries, and vide focused support for small businesses Aomies and assess the cost of buying non-perishable food. Depending and to encourage consumers to support COVID-19, there are many unknowns. on the local market, between half and the businesses in their communities. We However, we all recognise that the impact three-quarters of shoppers are trying to have conducted our survey to understand on small businesses has been severe and avoid the busiest periods in store. Custom- the needs of consumers and businesses. that many are facing an uncertain future. ers are also more particular about the Based on the findings and insights, we will To gain a deeper understanding of the hygiene of where they shop. Over half state be rolling out a number of different pro- impact of the pandemic on commerce a preference for outlets that enforce grams to help get local economies adapt- across Central Europe, Middle East and hygiene measures and are avoiding ing faster during and after the crisis, and Africa (CEMEA) region, Visa has con- unwrapped produce. For dining out, peo- to build resilience for a better future. This ducted a survey of merchants and con- ple are even more particular. Since the includes a 'Small Business Hub', which sumers – the COVID-19 CEMEA Impact start of the pandemic, there's been an will include resources for small busi- Tracker. The findings show just how increase of consumers who have pur- nesses, including a digital toolkit with severely some of our local businesses have chased from online groceries and pharma- information and articles on how owners been affected by COVID-19. At least half of cies for the first time1– in some markets as can enhance their business or start a new the merchants surveyed have suffered a many as 70 per cent of consumers have enterprise, and how to adapt to new digital high impact on their business, and 70 per begun shopping online in these categories ways of working. We will be encouraging cent and above say they have suffered a due to COVID-19. In response, more mer- consumers to think about where they medium-to-high impact. These small busi- chants are developing or acquiring spend, and how shopping local can sup- nesses have also seen less visits from cus- eCommerce capabilities. Prospects for port sustainability, build community spirit tomers, and customers are spending less future growth remain optimistic, with mer- and create economic opportunities for all. when they do shop – between 60 per cent chants, from 21 per cent to 31 per cent At Visa, we are committed to making a dif- and 89 per cent of merchants say they anticipating an incremental increase in ference, and we hope 'Where You Shop have seen average spending decline, and it online retail across CEMEA. Matters' can contribute to helping busi- is an issue that has impacted almost every Visa recognises the importance of sup- ness owners and their customers become segment of commerce. With such a porting these local merchants in the com- a part of rebuilding local economies and decline, it is no surprise that many entre- munities where they are present. Small create businesses that can thrive. VISA preneurs are experiencing an enormous businesses are a vital part of our economy. COVID Impact Tracker – Study among amount of anxiety about their future. Mer- A c c o r d i n g t o t h e W o r l d Consumers & Merchants, (Fieldwork took chants are concerned about cash flow, Bank'sInternational Finance Corporation, place between May 17 and May 26, 2020, whether they can afford to pay salaries or small-to-medium enterprise contributes in UAE, KSA, Russia, Ukraine, South to keep all of their staff, and not being able more than half of employment and GDP in Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, involving 2,216 consumers and 786 merchants, By Kemi Okusanya to engage with their customers. At least most countries irrespective of income lev- half say they are suffering severe anxiety els. Small businesses create jobs and sup- across 13 merchant categories) and stress since the outbreak. port innovation, and as we have seen dur- Although many countries are attempt- ing the COVID-19 crisis, local businesses ing to reignite business, recovery may not can be a focal point for community inter- be straightforward. Visa's survey has also action and initiatives. With all this in shown that COVID-19 has changed the mind, and to help small businesses to Giving Youths A Chance In Nigeria's Politics of the country, through the different political Shortly after his NYSC, Festus Oseni had undertaken the fencing of transformers parties in the country. Also, the youths have an apple opportunity to travel to the United which are not only prone to vandals but also so far come up with various other methods to States of America in search of greener pas- capable of putting lives to danger in Idjerhe ensure that they have their way. They have tures. As fortunes started smiling at him over kingdom. Festus Oseni is a promise keeper particularly done so by spearheading differ- there in the US, he thought of contributing his who believes in action speaking louder than ent pressure groups to fight for their rights. quota to the economic development of his voice. No wonder then he was a recipient of They are also fighting for their rights in country, Nigeria. And today, he is a multi- several awards of excellence over the years, the press and socio-media forums. Even, dimension businessman. For instance, he is having been tested and trusted. Even as a stu- more importantly, they have come up with a the CEO/MD Amikan Entertainment, Lagos. dent back then in school, he meritoriously political party, with which they even aspired According to him, Amikan Entertain- served the National Association of Urhobo to have the highest office in the land, the pres- ment is part of his efforts to discover and Students (NAUS), Polytechnic, idency. The trend with which the youths are freely nurture the young talented youths espe- Ogwashi-Uku, in the capacity of a treasurer agitating for their right is the same across the cially in his country home of Idjerhe king- and he was active campus politics and was country. dom. And since its establishment, a great one of the key players who were instrumental In Delta State for example, in the current number of youths have benefitted. He is also to the emergence of the first Urhobo student build-up for the local government elections in the CEO/MD Novono Table Water and as a president of the Students Union Govern- the state, one of such youths has signified his Amikan Farms, Jesse. ment (SUG); a thing that was almost insur- desire to contest for the chairmanship seat in He is one of the promoters of the Agricul- mountable prior to his admission into the Ethiope West Local government council. He tural sector in Nigeria. He is also into palm Polytechnic. is Festus Emoefe Oseni, who also goes by the production just as he plans to explore other As a politician, he is a card-carrying mem- sobriquet, Eni, which means Elephant in areas of the country's agriculture in the ber of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Urhobo dialect. future. where he worked tooth and nail for the emer- He was born on 12th October 1988 into Among his folks, he is seen as a rare breed gence of some political leaders from his con- the family of late Reverend Johnson Oseni and a gift not only to his family but also to stituency and beyond. Atikpanoro, a native of Uduighe, Jesse, the Idjerhe kingdom in particular and Ethiope As a result, many believe that considering Festus Emoefe Oseni administrative headquarters of Idjerhe king- West in general. He is an epitome of magna- the track records of this Idjerhe born young dom, Ethiope West Local Government Area nimity, compassion, loyalty, humility, benev- enterprising gentleman, who from all indica- of Delta State. He attended the Catholic Mis- olence and kind-heartedness and he is one of tions is driven by the passion to serve his peo- By Team Oseni 2021 sion School (CMS) now Idjerhe Primary few Nigerians who believe that successful life ple selflessly and creditably, it will be good for School, Jesse, where he obtained his First is not measured by the volume of material the people of Ethiope West to give him the s Nigeria youths take their destinies in School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1999. things but rather the number of lives affected opportunity to serve in the capacity of a coun- their hands in Nigeria's political land- He then proceeded to Idjerhe Grammar positively. cil chairman in the next political dispensation Ascape, the agitation in the minds of School, Jesse, for his Post Primary education Festus Emoefe Oseni has remained unwa- in the area. many observers is, whether the old politi- from 1999 to 2005. vering, steadfast and focused in his determi- It is my candid advice that other council cians, who have dominated in the country's In 2008, Festus Emoefe Oseni got admis- nation to put a smile on the faces those areas across the country should toe the same politics from the colonial to the post- sion into the Delta State Polytechnic, around him through his philanthropic ges- line by recognising, empowering and giving independence era, would allow the youths to Ogwashi-Uku, where he bagged Higher tures which have benefitted thousands of per- political offices to the younger generation of have their way. National Diploma in Mass Communication. sons, and he is also known for his community politicians with a view to achieving a great Not daunted with this scenario, the He had also served his fatherland through the development services to his people. He tomorrow in Nigeria. youths have kept pushing for their luck, even compulsory National Youths Service Corps recently single-handedly donated school note- as the old ones have continued to remain (NYSC) between 2014 and 2015. He is cur- books, chairs, desks and other educational Team Oseni 2021, wrote in from Oghara, unshakable by the plights of the youths who rently undertaking his Post Graduate materials to primary and secondary schools, Delta State. have been constantly struggling for their Diploma (PGD) program with the Delta State across Idjerhe kingdom. inclusion in the decision-making mechanism University, Abraka. As if that was not enough, Oseni has