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Osun state warns against sales of uniforms by school authorities

Vincent Ufuoma
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Osun state warns against sales of uniforms by school authorities

THE Osun State Government has warned authorities of schools not to sell or distribute uniforms to students in their domain as part of the protocols of the reversal to old uniforms with effect from the 2020/2021 academic session.

Funke Egbemode, the state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, revealed this to newsmen on Monday shortly after the State Executive Council weekly meeting.

While enjoining all parents to embrace the state’s commerce-driven guideline by patronising traders and businesses within the state for the educational consumables of their children and wards, she added that uniforms are to be purchased in the open market from textile dealers in the state and should be also produced by tailors in the state.

“The Council decided that no school authority or principal is allowed to assume the duty of selling or distributing uniforms to students. It is not the monopoly or exclusive preserve of any school or individual to do so,” Egbemode said.

“The Council has established this commerce-driven guideline to provide an avenue for businesses within the state to receive a boost during this period.

“The Ministry of Education had earlier done a systematic stakeholders’ engagement with the Parent’s Forum, Old Students’ Association and School Authorities, and these guidelines have been properly communicated.”

She added that the government expects schools to revert to their traditional uniforms at the resumption of the 2020/2021 academic session on Monday, November 16, 2020. To accommodate any form of logistical setbacks, the government also approved a two-week window for the full implementation of the reversal, which means that by Tuesday, December 1, 2020, the reversal should have been fully implemented.

The state government also commended the gesture of Old Students’ Associations that have taken it upon themselves to support their Alma Mater with uniforms, and also work with the government for the smooth return of the pride and honour of their schools.

The government had earlier announced, as part of the review of education policies in the state, that every school should return to its old-established and recognised public uniform with effect from the new academic session, as against the current single uniform regime in the state.

Dangote border waiver : Nigeria is rigged in favour of well-connected persons, says Atedo Peterside

Lukman ABOLADE
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Dangote border waiver : Nigeria is rigged in favour of well-connected persons, says Atedo Peterside

ATEDO Peterside, an economist and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank has said that Nigeria is rigged in favour of well-connected persons.

He made this comment in reaction to the exemption given to Dangote Cement to move its products across the Nigerian border despite FG’s border closure.

 In a tweet, he questioned the action of the government that exempted only Dangote Company from complying with the land border closure.

“Allowing legitimate exporters and importers to move their goods across the border should be a no-brainer. Why refuse everybody else and allow only one company (Dangote)? This is why some of us argue that the Nigerian economy is rigged in favour of a handful of well-connected persons,” Peterside posted.

According to media reports, Dangote company has been authorized by the Nigerian government to export cement to neighbouring African countries.

The report was said to have been confirmed by Michel Puchercos, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Cement.

Dangote group of companies is owned by Aliko Dangote, the African richest man.

Earlier in October 2019, the Federal government ordered the closure of all its land borders to curb smuggling and encourage internal production of food in the country.

 Nigerians on social media have condemned the FG’s decision that allowed one company to strengthen its monopoly.

“It’s the duty of government to discourage monopoly and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive thereby creating more billionaires. Dangote is the biggest cabal in Nigeria,” said a Twitter user who identified himself as Olayinka.

Osifeko Mark Olaniyi said the culture of ‘knowing someone’ to get things done in the Nigerian system has brought about injustice and inequality in the country.

“It is unfortunate that we run a “Man Must Know Man” economy in Nigeria. To get anything done in business, hospitals, schools, government institutions etc, you must know people. This has enshrined injustice, inequality, incompetence. It has built up anger and hatred. It is sad,” he stated.

Another Twitter user, who identified as Austine argued that Dangote’s business is not the only company affected in Nigeria, yet only his company was exempted.

“Is Dangote the only business affected by the bother closure, why single him out, why does Dangote keeps getting waivers,” he said.

Some claimed that before the exemption,  Dangote trucks have always been allowed to export through the Seme border to the Benin Republic.

“They have always been passing, even when borders were closed. Ask those who live around or ply the Seme border. Dangote trucks have always been passing even when the borders were closed,” Enyinwa John claimed.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Ogun State government also exempted Dangote trucks from the restriction of vehicular movements in the state.

The exemption was contained in a letter signed by Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government.

“This is to confirm that Dangote Plc. trucks are exempted from the restriction of movement and total lockdown of the State as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. You are requested to permit the trucks to move freely within the State because of essential multi-sectoral services the company renders to the public,” the letter read.

Fayemi sets up committee on creation of LCDAs in Ekiti

Vincent Ufuoma
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Fayemi sets up committee on creation of LCDAs in Ekiti

KAYODE Fayemi, Ekiti State Governor, has set up a committee to look into the creation of Local Government Councils Development Areas(LCDAs) in the state.

Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, revealed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the move is in a bid to bring government nearer to the people and ensure more rapid development in the rural areas in line with the Fayemi administration’s five-pillar development agenda.

The committee which has three months to complete its assignment is to Review the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State 2014 and make recommendations on its relevance in view of current legal developments in Ekiti State.

The committee is also expected to consult extensively with the communities where LCDA secretariats were created by the Local Government Development Council Law, Ekiti State 2014 and make recommendations on their current economic viability and suitability with a view to ensuring uniformity, equity, fairness across the Local Government Areas.

Similarly, they are to recommend to the state government the practical steps for the creation of Local Council Development Areas out of the existing 16 Local Government Areas in Ekiti State.

Members of the committee are Segun Oluwole, Chairman; Shola Gbenga-Igotun, Secretary; Femi Akinola Victor Akinola, Sade Daramola, Joseph Olaito, Emily Fagesi, Remi Obaparusi.

Other members are Representative, Ministry of Justice, Representative of Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Representative of Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Representative of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Ekiti State, Representative of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Fayemi had in 2014 during his first tenure as governor of the state established 19 LCDAs. These were in addition to the existing 16LGAs recognized in the 1999 Constitution.

But Ayo Fayose, his successor and now predecessor scraped them off when he assumed office this same year.

MRA files suit to challenge NBC’s powers to impose fines on Radio, TV Stations

Vincent Ufuoma
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MRA files suit to challenge NBC’s powers to impose fines on Radio, TV Stations

THE Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, to challenge the powers of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcasting stations since it is not a judicial body.

It is asking the court to set aside the fines of N3 million each imposed by the NBC on three television stations on October 23 as unlawfully imposed and therefore null and void.

In the suit filed on behalf of the organisation by Ibadan-based lawyer, Boluwatife Sanya, MRA is asking the court to declare the fines imposed by the NBC on ARISE Television, Channels Television and the Africa Independent Television (AIT) over their coverage of the #ENDSARS protests null and void; set aside the fines as unlawfully imposed; and issue a perpetual injunction restraining the Commission from imposing sanctions or fines or other unlawful or unconstitutional restrictions on television and radio stations in Nigeria.

The suit, brought under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009; Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended; and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as preserved by the Ratification and Enforcement Act (Cap A9), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,  is founded in part on MRA’s contention that the imposition of sanctions and fines of N3 million each on the three stations contravenes section 15.2.2 and other provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code relating to sanctions and fines as well as the doctrine of fair hearing as provided for in the Constitution.

Specifically, MRA is seeking the following reliefs: A declaration that the NBC’s arbitrary act of sanctioning and imposing fines of N3 million each on ARISE TV, Channels TV, and AIT purportedly in line with Sections 5.6.3 and 5.6.9 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code creates a chilling or stifling effect on freedom of expression and is likely to interfere with the right of MRA’s members  to freedom of expression, particularly their right to receive ideas and information without interference as guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter;

A declaration that the fine of N3 million each imposed on the stations constitutes an interference with the rights of MRA’s members to freedom of expression, particularly their right to receive ideas and information without interference guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter;

A declaration that the NBC, not being a judicial body, lacks the power to impose fines on any broadcaster, including fines imposed on the three stations, and that the imposition of such fines is null and void;

A consequential order setting aside the fines of N3 million each imposed on the three stations as the fines were unlawfully imposed; and

A perpetual injunction restraining the NBC, its officers, agents and/or representatives from imposing sanctions or fines or excessive, disproportionate, unlawful and unconstitutional restrictions on television or radio stations which will interfere with the rights of MRA’s members to freedom of expression, particularly their right to receive ideas and information without interference.

The suit is supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit deposed to on behalf of MRA by Mercy Abudu, in which she recounted the circumstances surrounding the imposition of the fines on the three stations and concerns of censorship of the television stations expressed by members of MRA and their fears that the action would infringe on their rights to receive information and ideas from the stations.  

In his written address in support of MRA’s suit, Mr. Sanya accused the NBC of acting as the accuser and the judge at the same time in its own case in contravention of the well-established human rights principle, which is also guaranteed in the Nigerian Constitution, that “you cannot be a judge in your own cause.”

Besides, he said, the Court of Appeal had made clear in NOSDRA v Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (2018) LPELR-44210 (CA) that “the imposition of fines by NOSDRA was contrary to its powers on the basis that penalties or fines are imposed as punishment for an offence or violation of the law and the power as well as competence to establish that an offence has been committed belongs to the courts and not a regulatory agency.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

 

South West leaders call on Buhari to open nation’s land borders

Vincent Ufuoma
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South West leaders call on Buhari to open nation’s land borders

THE southwest governors and traditional rulers have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reopen the prolonged nation’s land borders that have remained closed a year ago, saying it has caused untold economic difficulties to the people, especially those in border communities.

“We believe that the prolonged closure of the border has caused economic difficulties and should be re-examined to alleviate problems of the people in the border communities and prices of some essential commodities. There is a need to review the closure and permit resumption of economic and trading activities,” the leaders said.

This was part of a communiqué issued at the end of stakeholders meeting with President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Ministers, Inspector General of Police, Director of Department of State Services (DSS), among other security agencies held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday.

The communiqué which was jointly signed by Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo State Governor who also is the Chairman of Southwest Governors’ Forum, and His Royal Majesty Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi. the Ooni of Ife, had in attendance all the southwest Governors and key traditional rulers in the region.

The communiqué expressed appreciation to the president and his administration on the responsiveness to the initial demands of the #ENDSARS demonstrators and for his firm handling of the aftermaths of the protest.

The region condemned the fallout of the #ENDSARS protest with its attendant negative consequences in Lagos, and called for specific measures and proposals to repair damage done to physical infrastructures and economic assets of the South West.

“While there are legitimate concerns contained in the initial #ENDSARS movement, these have been hijacked by criminals and other elements with ulterior and negative forces and degenerated into anarchy.

“There is a need to undertake preventive actions aimed at prevention of repeat of what happened in the country following the #ENDSARS demonstrators. Security needs to be strengthened in all states.”

It wants more police presence in communities in the zone as it called for adjustment in the nation’s security architecture to adequately address the threats and realities of insecurity in the country.

“We wish to encourage the Nigeria Police by responding to their needs and appeal to them to do more to protect lives and properties and enhance security all over the country.”

“We recognize the damaging and negative impact of fake/false news and worry about its destructive and dangerous potency of fake news. We call on the federal government to use the instrumentality of existing laws and those regulations bench-marked from other countries to provide safeguards against the spread of fake news. the 2015 Cyber Act will also be fully used.

The Southwest also called on the federal government to ensure that technology is used effectively for the advancement of the Nigerian Security and not its destruction by working with the technology cum social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc to allow for checks and gate keeping.

While calling for concerted efforts to urgently resolve the impasse between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government so that students can return to school in earnest, the Southwest also urged the federal government to come up with a comprehensive programme that addresses youth employment, empowerment and a review of the curriculum of tertiary institutions with emphasis on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

“A comprehensive programme that addresses youth employment and empowerment should be prioritized. Closer coordination and complementarity between the states and the Federal Government. In this regard, the curricular of tertiary institutions should be reviewed, with emphasis placed on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

“We urge that every effort should be made to resolve the impasse between ASUU and the federal government so that students can return to school in earnest.”

It endorsed the call by traditional rulers’ call for regular consultations with state governors and federal authorities on challenges facing the state and for appropriate recognition of their role in the Constitution.

Other demands expressed in the communique are a “review of reports of constitutional conferences including the 2014 National Conference and implement some of the recommendations especially with reference to security, economy, equal treatment for citizens all over the country.”

INEC appoints acting chairman as Yakubu finishes first tenure today

Vincent Ufuoma
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INEC appoints acting chairman as Yakubu finishes first tenure today

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appointed Ahmed Mu’azu, one of its National Commissioners representing the North-East Zone, as acting chairman of the commission.

Mu’azu’s appointment was announced today at the INEC headquarters in Abuja  by Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure expired today as chairman of the commission.

While stating that the choice of Mu’azu was the decision of the remaining National Commissioners, Yakubu added that it will be inappropriate for him to still remain in office while his reappointment by President Muhammadu is yet to be confirmed by the senate.

“As you are already aware, the renewal of my tenure as Chairman of the Commission has been announced, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Our work as election managers requires us to enforce the law, regulations and guidelines. In doing so, we must demonstrate strict respect for, and compliance with, the Constitution of Nigeria and subsidiary laws. Consequently, it will be inappropriate for me to remain in office beyond today, 9th November 2020, without confirmation by the Senate and swearing to another oath of office as provided by law,” he said.

“Pending the conclusion of the statutory process, the remaining National Commissioners have resolved that AVM Ahmed Mu’azu (rtd) will oversee the affairs of the Commission. It is therefore my pleasure to hand over to him in the interim. We have worked as a team for the last four years. Therefore, there is nothing new to anyone of them.”

He expressed his appreciation for the support of the commission members, the Resident Electoral Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, the Director-General of the Electoral Institute, Directors, members of the technical team, heads of the various security agencies deployed to INEC and all staff of the Commission nationwide.

Yakubu, who succeeded  Attahiru Jega was first appointed by Buhari as INEC chairman in November 2015.

Over 3,600 Ivorians flee to Liberia following post – election violence —UN

Amos ABBA
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Over 3,600 Ivorians flee to Liberia following post – election violence —UN

OVER 3,600 Ivorians are confirmed to have fled to neighbouring Liberia, in a bid to escape the electoral violence triggered by the controversial presidential elections, according to a United Nations, UN report.

President Alassane Ouattara of Cote’d’Ivoire had won a third term in office on October 31 by a landslide in a controversial election, after the opposition had boycotted the poll after accusing him of breaking a two-term limit which was unconstitutional.

While Cote’d’Ivoire has a limit of two presidential terms, Ouattara insists a new constitution in 2016 gives him a chance to run for the elections.

Cote’d’Ivoire’s Constitutional Council also formally ratified President Ouattara’s re-election to a third term despite the tense election that has been marred by clashes and an opposition boycott.

“Alassane Ouattara is proclaimed elected in the first round,” the Council President Mamadou Kone said on Monday in a national broadcast.

At least 40 people have been killed in clashes between political supporters, protesters and security forces since Ouattara first announced he would run for the third term in August.

In early March, Ouattara said he would not seek another mandate, which seemed to end months of speculation that he would extend his stay beyond the two-term mandates.

However, Ouattara revised his position five months later following the sudden death of his handpicked successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly.

Roseline Okoro, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ representative in Monrovia, said that the numbers had risen in the past week.

“We have 3,600 people who have already crossed from Ivory Coast to Liberia,” she said.

According to Okoro, about 1,600 Ivorians arrived in Liberia the day after the election, and most are younger people who are staying in local communities rather than refugee camps adding that the UN was distributing food, but shelter was “becoming a problem”.

With a population of 4.8 million people, Liberia is still recovering after back-to-back civil wars from 1989 to 2003 and West Africa’s 2014-2016 Ebola crisis.

Sester Logan, the director of the Liberian government’s refugee agency, said the country is not “economically ready to host the influx of refugees”.

He added that the actual numbers of people fleeing electoral violence were difficult to determine because of the porosity of Liberia’s border with Ivory Coast.

On Saturday, opposition leader Pascal Affi N’Guessan was arrested for creating a rival transitional government.

While other opponents to President Ouattara are under investigation for the insurrection in the country, alongside prosecutors who are pressing “terrorism” charges against more than a dozen of those who called for an election boycott.

Re-looted assets: Malami inaugurates committee to sell recovered items

Lukman ABOLADE
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Re-looted assets: Malami inaugurates committee to sell recovered items

ABUBAKAR Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has inaugurated a committee to sell looted assets recovered by anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.

Malami, during the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, disclosed that the committee would be chaired by Dayo Apata, the Solicitor General of the Federation.

He added that the committee is tagged ‘the inter-ministerial committee on the disposal of Federal Government of Nigeria’s forfeited assets.

According to the AGF, the committee is drawn from relevant agencies that deal with the recovery and disposal of Federal Government of Nigeria’s assets.

“Your mandate is to ensure the expedient disposal of all FGN Forfeited Assets and generate revenue for the Federal Government of Nigeria. I wish to implore the inter-ministerial committee to work as a formidable team with the relevant agencies in accordance with extant laws and regulations. It is also my hope that the proceeds from this exercise will be a source of additional revenue for the country,” Malami stated.

Apata assured that the committee would be guided by principles of transparency and accountability in selling the assets.

He called on all assets recovery agencies of the Federal Government to urgently send records of recovered assets to the committee’s secretariat, which is the Assets Tracing Recovery and Management Unit in the office of the AGF.

Members of the committee are said to be drawn from the office of the Chief of Staff to the President; Federal Ministry of Justice; Federal Ministry of Finance; Federal Ministry of Works and Housing; Auditor-General of the Federation; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices (and other related offences) Commission.

Others include Nigerian Army; Nigerian Navy; Nigeria Police; Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; Department of State Security; National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Department of Petroleum Resources; National Oil Spillage, Detection and Response Agency; and the Bureau of Public Procurement.

Representatives of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); a representative of the youth organisations, a representative of the media; and “any other Nigerian with exceptional expertise that could add value to the committee as deems fit by the Attorney General of the Federation were said to have been included.

Dog guarding bones?

Various controversies have surrounded looted and recovered asset by anti-corruption agencies of the federal government.

Most recently is the suspension of the former acting EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu who was alleged to have ‘re-looted’ assets recovered by the commission under his watch.

According to 2018 reports, Magu failed to give a proper account of missing 332 out of the 836 recovered real estate properties.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a report by the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) said the unaccounted property was worth billions of naira.

The PCARA report read that “For instance, EFCC stated 836 as the number of Recovered Real Estate in the Original Returns it made to the President on 07/04/2017.

“However, in its 1st Returns to PCARA on 13/12/2017, EFCC short-changed the system and gave the figure of 339 thereby failing to account for 497 properties.

“It is interesting to note that when the Acting Chairman was further queried on this lapse, he made further contradictory 2nd return of 504 on 09/03/2018 thereby bridging the gap to 332 properties.’’

In his defence, Magu through his lawyer accused Malami of selling vessels belonging to the Nigerian government, a function beyond the purview of his office.

Tosin Ojaomo, Magu’s counsel said Malami authorised contractors to sell vessels seized by the Nigerian Navy and handed over to EFCC without approval.

Magu called on the ICPC to investigate Malami over the sale of the vessels.

It should be noted that the newly inaugurated committee chairman, Apata works under the AGF.

Also in March, Ekoi Obona-Obla, the former chairman of the defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) was arrested by the ICPC over allegations of misconduct.

In October 2019, ICPC said it received petitions from Nigerians against Obona- Obla, alleging that he was living above his income and collecting gratification from suspects under the investigation of the SPIP.

IWPR partners ICIR, others to expose COVID-19 related fake news

Abeeb ALAWIYE
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IWPR partners ICIR, others to expose COVID-19 related fake news

THE Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Information Resilience, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting and Africa Uncensored, is set to launch a unique programme to fight disinformation in the age of COVID-19.

The organisation is currently seeking passionate people committed to fighting the Covid-19 infodemic to join the programme.

The Africa Resilience Network programme aims to build a network of journalists, activists and analysts to identify and expose Covid-19 related disinformation in Kenya and Nigeria.

Successful applicants will receive support to develop, publish and promote research and reporting exposing Covid-19 disinformation.

Applicants will be exposed to training in the latest tools and techniques to identify and expose disinformation, focusing on open-source intelligence and network analysis.

They will also have access to expert mentors who will provide personal and professional support to support the counter-disinformation mission.

Upon graduating from the programme, they will become members of a global community, with lasting links to disinformation experts and fellow practitioners around the world.

Training and support will primarily be conducted online, with supplementary in-person support, as the ongoing health emergency allows.

Introductory sessions are expected to be held in December 2020, followed by training and networking sessions delivered in two cohorts between January and April 2021. The programme will require a commitment of at least eight hours per week for two months.

For registration, click here. 

US Election: China, Mexico react to Biden’s election victory

Vincent Ufuoma
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US Election: China, Mexico react to Biden’s election victory

THE Chinese and Mexican governments have reacted to the outcome of Tuesday’s United States presidential election that produced Joe Biden as the winner.

Wang Wenbin, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson told newsmen in Beijing on Monday that his country observed that Biden was the one that “declared he is the winner of the election.”

He added that China will only act according to international practices to congratulate Biden.

“We understand that the outcome of the general election will be determined in accordance with the laws and procedures of the United States. We will handle the issue of the statement (of congratulations) in accordance with international practice.”

On the other hand,  Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexican President, has also said it is too early to congratulate Joe Biden, as president-elect of the United States.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday, Obrador said his country would wait for “all legal issues” in the election to be resolved before congratulating the winner.

“We don’t want to be imprudent. We don’t want to act lightly and we want to respect people’s self-determination and rights,” Obrador said.

“We have a very good relationship with the two candidates. President Trump has been very respectful with us and we have reached very good agreements, and we thank him because he has not interfered and has respected us. And the same goes for Biden.”

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has joined other world leaders to congratulate Biden on Saturday. 

The president in a  statement signed by Garba Shehu, his senior special assistant said Biden’s election was a reminder that “democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.”

 

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