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  • NSCDC arrests 14 suspected oil thieves in Abia

    Arrest
    By Kelechi Ogunleye

    Abuja, June 19,2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday said that 14 persons were arrested for allegedly stealing crude oil in Abia.

    A statement by the NSCDC Spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi in Abuja stated that the suspects operated an illegal refinery in a forest at Umelehi, Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

    Afolabi said that after the arrest of the nine male and four female suspects by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGsSIS), the illegal site got dismantled.

    He said that the Commander of the Squad, Apollo’s Dandaura, attributed the successful arrest to the credible intelligence provided to the corps by well-meaning Nigerians.

    “Our operatives were strategically positioned due to the quantity of already siphoned crude oil which were loaded in locally fabricated cooking ovens for refining into Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

    “Some had been refined into Kerosene and AGO with both stored in GP tanks, cellophane bags and many sacks,” he said.

    The spokesperson pledged that thorough investigation would be carried out to ascertain the level of involvement of the suspects.

    According to Afolabi, some of the recovered exhibits were; generator sets, pumping machines, hoses, galvanised metal pipes, shovels, head flashlights, cellophane bags, bags of cement among others.

    He reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to safeguarding all critical national assets.

    The NSCDC spokesman said that the corps would prosecute the oil thieves and their sponsors.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KAYC/DEB
    ================

  • South Africa’s Ramaphosa vows to fight inequality as power-sharing begins

    South Africa’s Ramaphosa vows to fight inequality as power-sharing begins

    Inequality

    Pretoria (South Africa), June 19, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) A weakened South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged on Wednesday that his new multi-party government would work to improve basic living conditions for all citizens as he was sworn in for a second term in office.
    Ramaphosa’s African National Congress will share power with five other parties after it was humbled in a May 29 election, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years of democracy.
    The voters “have been unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our performance in some areas where we have failed them,” Ramaphosa said at his inauguration ceremony in the capital Pretoria.
    He said the voters wanted everyone to have enough food, decent homes, clean water, affordable and uninterrupted electricity supply, well-maintained roads, good care for the sick and elderly, quality schools, and other basic services.
    “Today, I stand before you as your humble servant to say we have heard you,” he said.
    “In this moment we must choose to move forward, to close the distances between South Africans and to build a more equal society.”
    The ANC remains the largest party after the election, followed by the pro-business Democratic Alliance, a critic of the ANC’s record in office which has agreed to join the new government.
    While investors have welcomed the inclusion of the DA, which wants to boost growth through structural reforms and prudent fiscal policies, analysts say sharp ideological divisions between the parties could destabilise the government.
    Just before the election, Ramaphosa signed into law a National Health Insurance bill that the DA says could collapse a creaking health system. It was unclear what would happen to that law under the new government.
    The DA advocates scrapping the ANC’s flagship Black economic empowerment programme, saying it hasn’t worked — a highly contentious topic in a nation grappling with huge inequalities, some inherited from apartheid.
    Ramaphosa has yet to announce his new government, to be negotiated with members of the new alliance.
    A former liberation movement, the ANC came to power under Nelson Mandela’s leadership in the 1994 elections which marked the end of apartheid and had long been unbeatable.
    However, it lost its shine after presiding over years of decline.
    Weary of high levels of poverty and unemployment, rampant crime, rolling power cuts, and corruption in party ranks, voters punished the ANC, which lost millions of votes on May 29 compared with the previous election in 2019.
    “Our society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised,” Ramaphosa said.
    “We are divided between those who have jobs and those who do not work, between those who have the means to build and enjoy a comfortable life and those who do not.”
    African heads of state and dignitaries from as far afield as Cuba, a historical friend of the ANC, gathered outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the seat of the South African government, to bear witness to Ramaphosa’s inauguration.
    A ceremony full of military pomp and pageantry began with inter-faith prayers by Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, and traditional African religious leaders, reflecting the country’s diversity.
    Military helicopters flew past in blazing sunshine, trailing South African flags, to cheers from the audience. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
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    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Oil Spill: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Bayelsa

    Oil Spill: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Bayelsa

    Spill
    By Nathan Nwakamma
    Yenagoa, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 on Wednesday announced that the shutting of its Nembe Oilfields following a leak.

    AEEPCO in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Ndianabasi Mathew, said that the field was shut as a precautionary measure to safeguard the environment from further degradation.

    “AEEPCO, operator of the OML 29, confirms it has detected an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in OML 29, Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State. The leak was reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations.

    “AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team were immediately activated and all production from OML 29 shut down. This is a precautionary measure while mobilizing additional resources to contain the spill.

    “The cause of the spill is currently undetermined. However, we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects,” Mathew said.

    The spokesman quoted AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, as saying: “During our operations on Monday, June 17, 2024, the subject leak was detected. A Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of this incident.

    “While we regret the production losses to the Joint Venture and the nation and the potential environmental impact, our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.

    “Our joint venture partners and the relevant regulators; The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been notified of the incident.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that NOSDRA has scheduled a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause of the spill, estimated volume of crude spilled and its impact on the environment.

    Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, had told NAN on Wednesday that the agency was investigating the incident.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    NN/IS
    ======
    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Nollywood: Expert urges NFVCB to focus on classification  not ‘censorship’

     

     

    Expert

     

    By Joshua Olomu

    Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) Samuel Andrews, a US-based Nigerian  Professor of Intellectual Property Law, has urged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to focus more on classification of movies rather than censorship or banning.

    The expert, who  made the call in statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said ‘classification’ was in line  with global best practices.

    According to Andrew, an avid researcher  and writer on Nollywood, film regulatory bodies in other countries use  classification, aimed at  providing  prior information to prospective consumers as to the nature of media a content.

    He noted that ‘censorship’ or ‘ban’ was draconic and seems to militarise the industry practitioners and stifle creativity.

    “The Media reports recently in Nigeria that the government through the National Film and Video Censor Board  issued a directive to censor and ban certain categories of creative content is worrisome.

    “Does censoring or banning a movie  really work, effective or just political muscle-flexing?”

    “Cultural sensitivities have become a quasi-public policy of the National Film and Video Censor Board in its regulatory activities. NFVCB cites ‘

    “ Filmmaking is both a constitutional and statutory right of Nigerians, and it is also an internationally guaranteed right, which is stipulated by multiple international treaties of which Nigeria is a signatory to most.

     

    “Most content shown by Nollywood are realities of Nigerian culture, folklore and history, so why criminalise, illegalise or shame our culture?

     

    “The emergence and ingenuity of Nollywood are linked to the creativity and originality of the interpretation of Nigeria’s indigenous culture and folklore.

     

    “I am not stating that Nigerian culture or history is enmeshed solely in criminality or gruesome killings of her people.

     

    “However, if it happens, which is a fact, what is wrong or illegal in showing these events on cinematographic platforms or sharing these stories via songs,”he said.

    The IP scholar noted that Nollywood remains one of the relevant productive sectors in Nigeria and it has  continued to enrich Nigeria’s economy and boosts apositive reputation for Nigeria in the comity of nations.

    He therefore called for reforms in the statutory and operational framework of the censors board  to ensure a more effective approach to regulation of artistic and literary works.

    “The Nigerian government should revert to its drawing board and approach this issue more smartly based on the current global standards of classification of movies.

    “Banning goods or products that have recreational or entertainment benefits to its citizens generally does not work.

    “Sensible and effective national policy to regulate citizens’ conduct should not  be expanded to include arbitrary abuse of power or infringement of the citizen’s creative rights legally protected as private property by the constitution.

    “When laws or rules become anti-citizen, the essence of societal ordering becomes complicated.

    “In modern or contemporary governance, the formal and institutional arms of government conduct empirical and deep consultations with the people especially, those who may be fundamentally affected by a new law/rule.

    “This is to allow for filtration, analyzation and feedback on the overall significance of a new law/rule,” he said.

    Andrew argued that since it was near impossible to adequately regulate contents on digital platforms, a more realistic approach should be adopted for a win-win industry.

    He said censorship or outright banning of films could lead to   unintended consequences that will be the catalyst for the emergence of waves of the black-market in the Nigerian film industry.

    “According to studies and research, banning online content lacked the intended impact on piracy, is an obnoxious affliction on Nigeria’s socio-economic objectives) of audiovisual content.

    “In a digital era of creative production with ubiquitous distribution platforms powered by digital technology, how can NFVCB effectively enforce its  ban or censorship?

    “Can NFVCB ban the existence of smoking? So, why engage in the impossible; the focus of the NFVCB should be on the effective and realistic regulation of films not banning or censoring.

    “The desired outcome of the NFVCB properly implementing its duties should be to propel Nollywood’s creatives to spur Nigeria’s dire national economic situation towards growth,” he said.

    NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the films and video industry in Nigeria and is empowered by law to classify all films and videos, whether imported or produced locally.

    It is also the duty of the board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such outlets among other functions.

    The Censors Board issues a Certificate of censorship on all films and video works censored by its Committee and in the certificate the classification of the film or video is indicated.

    Some of its classification symbols and ratings include; ‘G’ to indicate for general exhibition; ‘PG’ to indicate intended for children under parental guidance; “C” to indicate intended particularly for children.

    Others are  ’12’ to indicate not recommended for children under 12 years, and ‘12A’ means that no one under 12 years may enter a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.

    It also has ’15’ to indicate not recommended to persons under 15 years and ’18’ to indicate for mature audiences (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    JOSH/EAL

    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

     

     

     

     

  • Ondo Govt. inaugurates youth body in agriculture

    Agriculture
    By Segun Giwa
    Akure, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ondo State Government, on Wednesday, inaugurated the Sunshine Youth Agricultural Empowerment Association, a group of youths involved in different agricultural value chain in the state.

    In a speech at the event in Akure, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, said he was happy that youths were showing interested in going into agriculture “at a time many of them are involved in different vices”.

    Aribo described agriculture as “the easiest job” and “one of the easiest ways to get rich quickly”.

    He identified the huge gap between the old farmers and current generation as part of the problems hampering the country’s quest to attain food sufficiency.

    He, therefore, urged the association to keep the flag flying in their chosen areas of agricultural value chain and assured them of government’s imminent intervention.

    “I am happy that all of you cut across all the different value chain of the business.

    “I am happy that you came together. Agriculture is the easiest job to do

    “If you want to be rich, you have to be self-employed.

    “And farming is the first business that was set up by God. The most prominent job in the Bible.

    “I will advise you that agriculture is not for lazy men.

    “If you want to be in agriculture, you must be genuinely interested.

    “Farmers are the greatest people with faith, they believe that there will be good weather, growth and harvest.

    “Now that I have seen you, my hope is rekindled, so please don’t disappoint me.

    “We will, as a government, try as much as possible to be there for you.

    “We must see that you are there. If you are doing very well, intervention will come looking for you.

    “We will be happy to use you as an encouragement to others,” Aribo said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Mr Femi Eniola, said It became necessary as youths to speak with one voice, adding that the group posed no threat to any other associations.

    Eniola said that the association was going to do what was right, in terms of food production and sufficiency, to put the state on the map of leading food producers in the country.

    “We are not here to pose a threat or act as if we don’t know that there are other associations in the state, we only want our voice to be heard.

    “And it became necessary to be here and speak with one voice

    “We are going to do what is right and will make the state proud,” he said.

    Other executive members included  Vice President Boluwaji Enahoro, Dr Iredele Sort (Secretary), Kemi Afolabi (Financial Secretary) and  Oluwole Olugbode (Welfare Coordinator), amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GSD/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • Church empowers members with cash gifts to cushion economic hardship

  • Policing Kano in a complex, unusual era: The AIG Gumel example

    Policing Kano in a complex, unusual era: The AIG Gumel example

    By Aminu Garko, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

    With an estimated population of over 14 million people, Kano Sate is bigger than many countries in Africa such as Togo (8.4 million) Benin Republic (13.4 million), Lesotho (2.4 million) Gabon (2.4 million), among others.

    During electioneering campaigns, it is said that the fear of Kano is the beginning of wisdom. There is hardly any riot in Nigeria that Kano is not regarded as a flashpoint.

    Its large voting population makes the battle for the soul of Kano literally a ‘do-or-die-affair’ for politicians.

    The complex nature of security in Kano can be attributed to the fact that it is the commercial nerve Centre of northern Nigeria. Kano is the melting point where people from different parts of Nigeria and even citizens of other countries such as Niger, Chad, Lebanon, Mali find convenient to do business.

    It is against this background that the police hierarchy in Abuja is always meticulous in posting a Commissioner of Police (CP) to the state.

    Before the appointment of Mr Usaini Gumel, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, as the CP of the Police Command in Kano State, in May 2023, the state had witnessed what could be described as chaotic and cacophonic deployments in months.

    Each of the CPs posted to the state was withdrawn and redeployed by Loius Edet House in quick succession as the police high command considered the sensitive nature of policing Kano State.

    Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, police chiefs in Abuja replaced then Kano CP, Mr Mamman Dauda; was replaced by Muhammad Yakubu. Mamman was redeployed to Plateau State.

    Shortly after, Mr Balarabe Sule, former Chief Security Officer to then governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje was appointed Kano State CP as Yakubu was dropped by Abuja.

    As expected, Sule’s posting was resisted by those opposed to Ganduje and hence his replacement with Faleye Olaleye. In another quick fire move, Olaleye was replaced with Ahmed Kontagora.

    Immediately after the election and ahead of Presidential Inauguration, Kontagora was redeployed, paving the way for the appointment of Gumel, who was the CP, Sokoto State Command.

    Recognising that the police alone cannot guarantee the safety of Kano State residents and their property, Gumel on assumption of duty emphasized the need for synergy among security agencies in the state.

    Gumel’s arrival has seen an upscale in the anti-robbery, anti-kidnapping, thuggery and other criminal activities. Just recently the command announced a harvest of 19 suspects for alleged armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnapping in different parts of the state.

    The spokesman of the command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the weapons recovered from the suspects included: 2 AK-47 rifles, one Smoke Pistol, one Pump Action rifle, 26 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 2 motor vehicles, 16 rams, dangerous weapons and house-breaking implements.

    Identifying criminal’s hideouts and smoking them are key elements of policing under Gumel; the Command discharged this responsibility effectively.

    It announced this in its Special Crime Bulletin on Thuggery Control Measures it unveiled the identities of 13 arrowheads of the gangsters in Kano metropolis

    “The Command has intensified efforts to dominate all attempts to reemergence of thuggery activities by some restive street boys infamously known as “Yan Daba” in some parts of Dala, Gwale and Kano Municipal Local Government Areas.

    “The recent surge in thuggery activities in these areas has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.

    “The Kano State Police Command is currently implementing series of proactive measures including the deployment of more personnel to curtail these unlawful activities and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the command said.

    The bulletin said the move was to restore sanity in Kano metropolis and save the residents from the “harrowing experience of phone snatching and infliction of life threatening injuries to unsuspecting members of the public including women and children.

    Perhaps the greatest challenge to the leadership of Gumel in the police command in Kano came with the dethronement of Emir, Ado Bayero and reinstatement of former Emir, Muhammad Sanusi II.

    The throne of Emir of Kano is strategic in social and economic life of Kano State people hence any action regarding the Emirship is handled with utmost caution.

    Following the reinstatement of Sanusi, many observers of security situation in Kano expected the city to be up in flames as both Emirs are currently operating from different palaces.

    However, so far, apart from skirmishes against Sanusi’s public appearance, the security situation has been well handled by the police.

    Some Kano residents acknowledged the complexity of this challenge.

    ‘’Amidst the heightened tensions, the Federal High Court sitting in Kano ordered Sanusi’s eviction from the emir’s palace, while the Kano State High Court issued an injunction restraining his eviction, resulting in a legal impasse.

    ‘’In this stalemate and volatile environment, Gumel played a pivotal role in maintaining the peace and preventing violence.

    ‘’When Bayero returned to the state two days after his removal and Sanusi occupied the main palace, the police commissioner promptly mobilised his men.

    ‘’He worked closely with the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies to ensure enhanced patrols and strategic house-to-house searches, preempting potential disturbances.

    ‘’The police commissioner took proactive measures to save the ancient city from a looming chaos that would have enveloped the whole state,’’ said Malam Ibrahim Umar.

    Gumel’s proactive measures, according to Mohammed Lawan, another Kano resident, included deploying additional Mobile Police personnel, making public appeals for calm and urging the residents to respect the rule of law, among others.

    “His efforts were instrumental in calming nerves and reducing the risk of violence. He ensured that both supporters of Sanusi and Bayero expressed their views without resorting to conflict.

    “By effectively managing the security apparatuses, CP Gumel ensured that the crisis did not escalate into widespread violence, showcasing his adeptness in handling complex, high-stakes situations,” he said.

    Generally speaking, Gumel’s tenure in Kano has been marked by innovative approaches to crime prevention. That strategy focuses on community engagement, professional conduct and the use of technology.

    “This approach has not only improved security but also strengthened the bond between the police and the communities they serve,” Lawan added.

    Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar of Charanchi, Gwale Local Government Area praised the outgoing Gumel for being there for the residents.

    He said the security measures already in place gave room for residents, especially in the metropolitan Local Government Areas, to move about without their lives and property being threatened.

    “We are not finding it easy before the coming of the outgoing Commissioner of police because hoodlums and thugs have taken over major roads snatching phones and bags from our children.

    “It is now history due to the various security measures initiated and implemented by the officers and men of the Kano command.

    “We hope the incoming commissioner of police will sustain the tempo for peace, progress and political stability in our state,’’ he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Hajiya Aishatu Abdulsalam of Hotoro quarters want the state government to give the incoming commissioner of police require support to sustain the fight against criminal elements in the state.

    Abdulsalam said that it was only by so doing that residents would go about their legitimate business in a peacefully atmosphere.

    Mr James Godwin of France Road, Kano, commended Gumel for being bold in tackling all form of criminal elements in and outside the state metropolis.

    Godwin urged residents to continue to support security agencies deployed with require information that could aid in apprehending bad characters in the society.

    “We must imbibe the culture of providing credible information on movement of dubious characters in our midst to enable the security personnel deal with them accordingly.’’

    Gumel has been redeployed to Force Headquarters to take charge of training; even in the twilight of his tenure in Kano he is still upbeat about his responsibilities.

    “Members of the public are hereby informed that joint security agencies will remain steadfast and resolute to maintain law and order in all parts of the State.

    “We also warn that the joint security agencies are committed to arresting whoever intends to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state.

    “No stone will be left unturned in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of any deviant,” he said.

    Conscious of the volatility of Kano and the activities of desperate politicians to exploit crisis situations such as the impasse over the Kano Emirship to make political gains, Gumel has sounded a note of warning to politicians.

    “We will remain focused on our mandate and will not be distracted from providing a peaceful atmosphere for residents.”

    The police chief, therefore, urged the public to provide the police with necessary information towards identifying, apprehending and prosecuting criminal elements in the society.

    “We will not be distracted in the course of providing the platform for peaceful coexistence of the residents.

    “The Police Command and all heads of relevant security agencies appreciate the continuing stakeholders collective supports, advise and direction that keep us together in sustaining peace in the state,” he said.

    But these feats did not come without some challenges such as inadequate communication equipment and operational vehicles, as admitted by Gumel.

    He believes that to overcome the challenges there must be more inter-agency collaboration, bridging the personnel gap and deployment of more constabulary personnel.

    He also recommended more partnership with vigilante groups, improvement for the Force, particularly in the area of operations and investigation as well as prudent management of available resources.

    Security experts say that given its huge landmass and population, police personnel in the command require more equipment and technology such as drones to discharge their responsibilities more effectively and efficiently.

    To adapt to the policing challenges of the 21st century, experts further urge more training for security personnel not just in Kano State but across the country. (NANFeatures)

    **If used please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

  • Egypt unlawfully deported Sudanese refugees – Amnesty Int’l

    Egypt unlawfully deported Sudanese refugees – Amnesty Int’l

    Deportation

    Cairo, June 19, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) Egypt has carried out mass arrests and unlawful deportations of thousands of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan, Amnesty International said in a report on Wednesday.
    The rights group said it had documented 12 incidents in which Egyptian authorities returned an estimated total of 800 Sudanese nationals between January and March this year without giving them the chance to claim asylum or challenge deportation decisions.
    It also said it had documented in detail the cases of 27 Sudanese refugees arrested between October 2023 and March 2024, 26 of whom were among those collectively expelled.
    Refugees had been held in cruel conditions ahead of their deportation, it added.
    The total number of arrests and deportations is unclear as there are no publicly available statistics.
    The UN refugee agency said thousands were deported late last year, many of them Sudanese.
    Egypt’s State Information Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Amnesty International said Egypt’s National Council for Human Rights denied its findings about a rise in the number of arrests and deportations of Sudanese refugees, asserting in a response to the group that authorities respect international law.
    The arrests were part of a campaign starting in September 2023 in which plain-clothes police have made random checks on Black people, arresting those not carrying valid identity documents or residence permits, Amnesty International said.
    The checks happen frequently in the capital Cairo and its sister city of Giza, where large numbers of Sudanese have settled, as well as in the southern Egyptian city of Aswan, where many Sudanese refugees stop on their way north.
    The war that erupted in April last year between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has created the world’s biggest displacement crisis, with over nine million fleeing inside Sudan or crossing to neighbouring countries.
    More than 500,000 people, or about 24 per cent of the total who have left Sudan, have crossed to Egypt, according to the International Organization for Migration.
    Less than two months after the war started, Egypt suspended a treaty commitment to visa-free access for Sudanese women, children, and men over 49, slowing entries.
    Arrivals led to occasional tensions, with some Egyptians blaming Sudanese and other foreigners for pushing up rental prices, and Egyptian TV commentators citing the “burden” of millions of migrants at a time of high inflation and economic pressures.
    After Egypt’s foreign currency shortage worsened last year many Africans arrested for not having valid papers were held in squalid conditions and asked to pay fees in dollars to avoid deportation, according to lawyers and witnesses.
    European states see Egypt as an important player in preventing mass migration across the Mediterranean.
    In March, Egypt and the European Union announced a strategic partnership underpinned by 7.4 billion euros of funding, an agreement widely seen as driven by European concerns about migration. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YEE
    ===
    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Police Recruitment:  Corruption allegation against PSC diversionary — Union

    Police Recruitment:  Corruption allegation against PSC diversionary — Union

    Corruption

    By Monday Ijeh

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Joint Union Congress (JUC) of the Police Service Commission (PSC), says the corruption allegation against the commission by the Nigeria Police over recruitment of Constables is diversionary.

    The Chairman of the Union, Mr Augustine Adoyi, said this while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Nigeria Police had alleged irregularities and corruption in the list of successful candidates released by the PSC for the 2022/23 batch of Constables recruited into the Nigeria Police Force.

    Adoyi said the allegations were unfounded, spurious, and speculative and did not follow the official channel of communication.

    He said it was a deliberate effort by the police to divert the attention of the public from their failure to open Police Training Schools for the successful recruits.

    “The allegation of fraud leveled against the commission is a deliberate effort to divert attention of the public from the real issues at hand.

    “The Nigeria Police Force seeks to leverage on this allegation to divert attention from their non-preparedness to open the Police Training schools, in spite of availability of funds for the exercise.

    “Their unwillingness to deploy funds as appropriated for the training schools must be investigated,” he said.

    The union chairman urged the Nigeria Police to come clean and submit itself for accountability and probity.

    He said the commission had it in good authority that the training schools were not in good condition to receive and accommodate the recruits for training.

    Adoyi said the allegation of corruption and irregularities against the commission were baseless, the selection process was conducted using comprehensive criteria, including Computer-based Test (CBT).

    He said gender inclusivity and sensitivity as well as Federal Character were put in place to ensure a fair, inclusive and merit based recruitment.

    The chairman called for a forensic review of both the commission’s list and the one the Nigeria Police sought to foist on the recruitment board.

    “This will help to ascertain the veracity of the allegation and determine where the truth lies,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IMC/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • China takes firm steps to prevent exchange rate surge

    China takes firm steps to prevent exchange rate surge

    Prevention

    Shanghai, June 19, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) China has taken firm steps to prevent the risks of exchange rate overshooting, said Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, on Wednesday.

    The RMB (Renminbi, the currency system in China), exchange rate has remained basically stable in complicated circumstances, Pan said at the 15th Lujiazui Forum held in Shanghai.

    Entering this year, the major advanced economies have postponed, yet again, their monetary policy reversal timing and the China-U.S. interest rate spread has continued to be relatively high, he added.

    Letting the market play a decisive role in the formation of exchange rates, China’s central bank has maintained the flexibility of the exchange rate.

    While strengthening guidance of expectations and taking firm steps to prevent the risks of exchange rate overshooting, Pan said.

    The governor said that through sustained efforts over the years, China’s foreign exchange market has achieved substantial progress, with market participants becoming more mature and transacting in a more rational manner.

    He added that as the RMB cross-border receipts and payments now account for 30 per cent of trade in goods, the exposure of enterprises to currency exchange risks has been reduced.

    An increasing number of business entities are using the tools for exchange rate risk hedging, Pan said.

    Pan said China is also more experienced in coping with foreign exchange market fluctuations.

    As major economies are gradually reversing their monetary policies this year and the dollar appreciation is weakening, the difference between the monetary policy cycles at home and abroad is narrowing, he said.

    Pan said  that these factors combined would help keep the RMB exchange rate basically stable and balance cross-border capital flows, thereby gaining more space for China’s monetary policy manoeuvres. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/BRM
    ==============

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Bashir Rabe Mani