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  • German concerns delaying EU’s latest Russia sanctions

    German concerns delaying EU’s latest Russia sanctions

    Sanction

    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) Berlin is bogging down negotiations on the latest EU sanctions package intended to prevent Russia from circumventing existing punitive measures imposed over the war in Ukraine, dpa has learnt.

    Diplomats in Brussels said German concerned and requesting for changes were a decisive factor in the delay of the latest Russian sanctions package.

    They said it recently felt like Germany had become the new Hungary, referring to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has repeatedly delayed decisions on Russia sanctions at EU level.

    A spokesman for Germany’s permanent representation to the EU did not comment on the negotiations when asked by dpa on Thursday, saying that the discussions among the advisers of member states were confidential.

    The latest planned EU punitive measures were aimed at preventing the circumvention of existing sanctions, with Russia’s defence industry currently still able to benefit from Western technology.

    The technology that would help produces weapons for war in the neighbouring Ukraine.

    For the first time, the EU also plans to impose strict sanctions against Russia’s multi-billion-dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

    According to diplomats, the European Commission is looking to bar the shipment of Russian LNG to third countries from EU ports such as the one in Belgium’s Zeebrugge.

    The hope being this would reduce Russian LNG profits and thus available investments for the war in Ukraine.

    German reticence mainly concerns the planned measures aimed at preventing sanctions circumvention, according to EU diplomats.

    Among other things, Berlin is calling for a planned rule for subsidiaries to be held liable in the event of violations to be limited to certain goods or cancelled altogether.

    This is amid apparent fears that German companies could be held responsible for sanctions violations. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    COO/EAL
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    Edited b y Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • World bank, Kwara govt to collaborate on Asa Dam, others -Official

    Asa Dam
    By Toba Ajayi
    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The National Project Coordinator, Agro -Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL), Mr Abdulhamid Umar has expressed support for the planned revitalisation of Asa Dam water works in Ilorin.
    He said ACReSAL would support Kwara state government’s proposition to invest in revitalising Asa Dam water works in llorin for the purposes of providing portable drinking water for the public.
    Umar, disclosed this in Ilorin on Thursday during an assessment of Asa and Agba Dams; Eruda Bridge in llorin and other environmental challenging spots in the state.
    According to him, Asa dam is one of the proposition that Kwara government submitted as part of its shopping list from the water sector.
    The project coordinator said water hyacinth had taken over Asa dam , which should have served the purpose of providing portable drinking water to the public.
    He condemned the activities of the fishermen who regularly pollute the dam and assured of urgent government intervention to make the dam safe for public use.
    ” I am personally disappointed with what I saw here in Asa dam. The dilapidated, worn out and outdated facilities at the dam is worrisome.
    ” We are ready to revitalise the dam by investing in it for accumulative and other activities; This dam requires urgent rehabilitation and urgent intervention,” he said.
    Umar disclosed further that ACReSAL is funded and supported by the World Bank through the Federal Government to support and resolve issues bordering on environment
    He also said ACReSAL had secured a loan sum of $700 million to support the 19 Northern states including FCT to tackle environmental and ecological challenges.
    According to him, the project is anchored around three pillars namely; Dry land management, Climate smart Agricultural activities resilience and Strengthening policies and institutions.
    On her part, ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Agene, said that the project is aimed to support vulnerable communities and improve their livelihood.
    She said the project would specifically target the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, youths and the elderly.
    Agene urged the public to cooperate and work closely with ACReSA for the project to be achievable and benefiting to the communities.
    The Kwara Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Alhaji Shehu Usman said ACReSA and his team are in Kwara to identify with the communities and see things vividly to carry out their projects.
    Usman described ACReSA as a tripartite project that focused on Agriculture, Environment and Water.
    “As you can see , the team has been to Eruda bridge and Asa dam water treatment plant to access the situation independently. They want to make our environment condusive and safe for living,” he said .
    The Kwara Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Usman Lade in his remarks said due to the paucity of fund, the state seeks to collaborate with ACReSA in order to better the lives of the people.
    Lade said aquaculture practices has affected Asa dam and the state is partnering with ACReSA to ensure the dam is properly channelised to accommodate irrigation farming.
    He also disclosed that the state is looking on how to extend the intervention to the Three Senatorial districts in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ACReSA team with World Bank representatives , State representatives later embarked on facilities assessment tour to Asa and Agba Dams and Eruda Bridge for proper analysis and assessment by experts.
    NAN also reports that the team also paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari.
    The National Project Coordinator of ACReSA said they came to the palace to seek Emir’s blessings before they commence the highlighted projects.
    Umar said the people of Kwara deserved a clean portable drinking water and also proper channeling water for Agricultural practices.
    The Emir while responding assured the team of a friendly working environment in Ilorin and as well described Kwara as a peaceful state.
    He also assured the team of his maximum support when the need arises and wished them good luck in the execution of the task ahead.
    (NAN) (www nannews.ng)
    LEX/BEKl/EAL
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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Ekemini Ladejobi
    ACReSA team, Kwara officials at Eruda river

  • Educationist advocates improved education system for children’s development

     

    Pupils sitting on the floor to learn in a public community school.

    Educationist advocates improved education system for children’s development

    Children

    By Veronica Dariya

    Bwari (Abuja), June 13, 2024 (NAN) Ms. Roseline Yuhe, a proprietor and education consultant has urged government and all relevant stakeholders in the education sector to improve on the education system, for the development of Nigerian children.

    Yuhe gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Analysing the state of public schools in the country, she said that more value was needed for the future of Nigerian children, especially those in public schools.

    “Many public schools suffer from poor infrastructure, including inadequate classrooms, lack of proper sanitation facilities, insufficient learning materials, and poorly maintained buildings.

    “In some areas, students attend classes under trees or in dilapidated structures. Imagine little children sitting on the floor to learn and learning is supposed to take place in a conducive environment.”

    Another challenge, Yuhe decried, was overcrowded classrooms.

    According to her, the unfortunate challenge has extended to some private schools, where student-to-teacher ratios, far exceeds recommended standards.

    “This makes it difficult for teachers to give individual attention to students and manage classrooms effectively,” she said.

    Yuhe, however, said that improving school infrastructure was essential for creating a safe, healthy, and effective learning environment that benefited students, teachers, and the broader community.

    “Learning in a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing environment can have positive psychological effects on students, boosting their morale, confidence, and enthusiasm.

    “Investing in sustainable school infrastructure, such as energy-efficient buildings and environmentally friendly facilities, can teach students the importance of sustainability.

    “Improved school infrastructure can lead to better educational outcomes, which in turn contribute to economic growth, where graduates are more likely to secure better jobs, start businesses, and contribute positively to the economy,” she said.

    She added that supporting both public and private schools in communities with grants to further provide them with a conducive learning environment, was another proper way to invest in infrastructure development.

    Yuhe also advised that policy makers could draft and insist on master plans that refused to tolerate slightly overcrowded classrooms in both public and private schools.

    The process, she added, must be implemented and dedicated task forces of lawmakers could stay on top of such changes.

    The proprietor also called for the need for professional development for teachers in these schools, while noting that underqualified teachers were tied to poor outcomes for pupils and students.

    She added that policy makers must clarify standards for teachers seeking licenses to teach and also raise standards in areas where pupil/student outcomes were lowest.

    She also opined that a curriculum review, to include more relevant content, such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship, was crucial and could better prepare students for the future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DVK/OJI/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Expert backs Commission’s move to sanitise digital lending space

    Expert backs Commission’s move to sanitise digital lending space

    Lending

    By Rukayat Moisemhe

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Money Lenders Association, has commended the continuous actions by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to sanitise the digital lending space in Nigeria, saying it is a welcome development.

    Chairman of the Association, Mr Gbemi Adelekan, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, said efforts of the FCCPC resulted in growth of online lending applications.

    Adelekan, also Managing Director, Kwikpay Credit, said that the use of online lending applications, when compared to traditional financial institutions, had witnessed significant growth in the past few months.

    He, however, noted that this growth also led to increase in default rate due to the economic situation and financial constraint for some customers.

    He furthered stated that the growth in the industry had also attracted licensed players and some unregistered operators that were violating the consumer rights in the country.

    Adelekan recalled that in August, 2022, the FCCPC issued interim guidelines on the registration of digital lending platforms in the country.

    These guidelines, he stated, were necessary to curb these unlawful practices in the eco system and help to sanitise the industry.

    According to him, the FCCPC has made significant progress in monitoring this important sector as the commission continues to investigate and track most of these illegally operating DMLs.

    “While most licensed Digital Money Lenders (DML) are operating their loan app business ethically, in compliance with the prevailing laws of the land and lending principles, we also have a few bad eggs in the industry.

    “Most of these unscrupulous lenders are unregistered and without the required licenses, thereby contravening various regulations and guidelines introduced by FCCPC and the various regulatory bodies of the government.

    “These illegal operators use threatening and arm-twisting tactics as part of their collection strategy,” he said.

    Adelekan stated that the continuous investigation and surveillance by the commission demonstrate its commitment to tackling these unwholesome practices head on.

    He said that as of today, over 230 digital money lenders have been registered by FCCPC with 88 existing loan operators put on watch list.

    He noted that the commission had also delisted 47 Loan apps from operating online on the google play store and also blocked the bank accounts of lenders violating the contraventions.

    Adelekan charged the general public to desist from patronising illegal loan apps, saying any loan application that has approved and disbursed funds to you without the necessary verification was a red flag.

    “The association advises the general public to exercise caution when applying for loans online, to only select licensed and approved Digital Money Lenders (DML) on the FCCPC’s website.

    “This will help to reduce the rate at which these illegal loan apps name, shame and contravene the rights of consumers,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ARM/EAL

    =======

    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • UPDATED – Supreme Court reserves judgment in FG’s suit against LGs

    Judgment

    by Edith Nwapi

    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Supreme Court on Thursday, reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the governors of the 36 states of the federation over alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

    Justice Garba Lawal, who led a seven-member panel of Justices of the apex court reserved judgment after all parties adopted their various written addresses earlier.

    Lawal said the date for judgment will be communicated later.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, had on behalf of the federal government sued the 36 states over the manner the governors are running the LGs funds.

    In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF prayed the apex court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government executives.

    Fagbemi in the originating summons is praying the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    He also sought an order of the apex court stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.

    He applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the federation account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place.

    Fagbemi asked the apex court to invoke sections 1, 4, 5, 7, and 14 of the constitution to declare that the state governors and State Houses of Assembly are under obligation to ensure a democratic system at the third tier of government.

    The suit also wants the apex court to invoke the same sections to hold that the governors cannot lawfully dissolve democratically elected local government councils.

    In a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons deposed to by Kelechi Ohaeri from the AGF’s office, Fagbemi averred that filed the suit under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on behalf of the federal government.

    The deponent asserted that local government system recognised by the constitution is a democratically elected local government council and that the amount due to local government councils from the federation account is to be paid to local government system recognised by the constitution.

    That the governors represent the component states of the Federation with Executive Governors who have also sworn to uphold the Constitution and to, at all times, give effect to the Constitution, and that the Constitution, being the supreme law, has binding force all over the Federation of Nigeria.

    Other prayers include: that the constitution of Nigeria recognises federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, and that the three recognised tiers of government draw funds for their operation and functioning from the Federation Account created by the Constitution.

    By the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system, and the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than a democratically elected local government system.

    In the face of the clear provisions of the Constitution, the governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system, even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state.

    The failure of the governors to put a democratically elected local government system in place is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution, which they and the President have sworn to uphold.

    Fagbemi also said that all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place a democratically elected local government system have not yielded any result.

    The AGF said that the federal government continued to disburse funds from the Federation Account to the governors for non-existing democratically elected local governments to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution.

    He averred that in the face of the violations of the 1999 Constitution, the federal government is not obligated, under Section 162 of the Constitution, to pay any state funds standing to the credit of local governments where no democratically elected local government is in place. (NAN)
    (www.nannews.ng )

    NEO/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

  • How govt can reduce maternal mortality rate – health advocate

    How govt can reduce maternal mortality rate – health advocate

    Maternal
    By Victor Adeoti
    Osogbo, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Franka Okeke, a United Kingdom-based maternal health advocate, has appealed to government at all levels to improve on the health care facilities to reduce maternal deaths in the country.

    Okeke made the appeal in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday while recounting her near death experience during child birth in a government hospital in Lagos.

    She said as a way of minimising maternal deaths in Nigeria, there is urgent need for government to increase budgetary allocation to primary health facilities and make the health facilities more friendly for pregnant women.

    “Government at levels should invest adequate resources in infrastructure development, equipment and drugs for the adequate provision of basic and comprehensive emergency care in accordance with global standards,” the maternal health survivor said.

    Okeke, who noted that the high prevalence of maternal mortality was of concern, called for urgent action by the government to stop needless maternal deaths.

    “Government need to do something to stop the needless maternal deaths in Nigeria.

    “There is need to ensure proper monitoring of private hospitals because there are many with quack doctors, while government hospitals are also too slow and there are some conditions that are urgent.

    “Besides, government should provide comprehensive health coverage for Nigerians, especially pregnant women so that out of pocket medical expenses can be minimised”, she said.

    Narrating her ordeal, Okeke said, “God delivered me from near death experience while giving birth. There is so much to thank God for in our lives.

    “I had fluid in the lung, several complications, haematoma and sepsis. Even doctors misdiagnosed my condition.

    “I had preterm twin babies and I had to leave them for months, and go to Lagos University Teaching Hospital and other places, looking for solution.

    “The doctors said it was my womb that was protruded which led to sepsis and more complications.

    “Also I had surgery and doctors were not ready to repeat another surgery. My blood level was very low but God saved me”, she said.

    Okeke, who noted that she recently released a single track song titled “I’m loving you Jesus” on YouTube and other digital outlets, said the song was to thank God for saving her life during childbirth.

    Okeke also said that she had published a book titled “The Tears We Bleed’, endorsed by the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist of Nigeria, which chronicled maternal death and fistula issues in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

    VE/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

  • Democracy Day: Former PAC chieftain tasks nation’s leaders on good policies, programmes

    Democracy

    By Yahaya Isah

    Abuja, May 13, 2024, (NAN) Mr Charles Nwodo, former National Chairman of the defunct Progressives Action Congress (PAC), has urged Nigerian leaders to come up with good policies and programmes that can turn around the nation’s fortune for better.

    Nwodo gave the advice on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    He said those at the helm of affairs should display every sense of responsibility by coming up with good policies and programmes that can turn around the nation’s fortune for better.

    The former PAC chairman urged the nation’s leaders to consolidate on the dividends of democracy recorded for 25 years for the benefit of Nigerians.

    Nwodo said that though certain level of achievements had been recorded so far, but more could still be done for the benefit of Nigerians.

    According to him, there is need for the celebration because 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule is something that is commendable.

    He said he expected the country to rise to the level of the Asian Tigers in terms of development.

    “For 25 years of unbroken democracy, we are yet to get where we actually want to be, especially in area of economic reconstruction.

    “Even in our moral ways of doing things, this is because of some certain level of corruption in our system,“ Nwodo said.

    According to him, successive leaders of the country have Nigerians in almost all spheres of life.

    “So, to me, I think we have really achieved some certain level of developments after 25 years of democracy.

    “But putting the record straight, it is 25 years of striving to get where we actually want to be. Our educational system, health sector, among others need total overhaul for a better Nigeria.’’

    This, he added, would no doubt go a long way to prevent our children who are graduates of medicine and other related fields from leaving the country.

    “When youths and citizens are leaving a particular country, it simply means that certain things needed to be addressed or looked into to tackle the trend headlong.

    “It also means that we are yet to create an enabling environment that will accommodate our citizens, give them hope, security and life in terms of standard of living.

    “And we all know that failure to provide all these indices is not healthy for any nation that wants to achieve greater heights.

    “Our leaders need to up their games after 25 years if Nigeria is to get it right as a nation.’’

    Mr Abdullahi Jabi, Chairman, North-Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy and Civil Society of Nigeria, said that 25 years of democracy in Nigeria was worth celebrating as it was not gotten on a platter of gold.

    Jabi recalled that during the struggle, many lives were lost, properties worth billions of naira were destroyed, and sacrifices were made, including the life of the presidential flag bearer, Chief MKO Abiola.

    According to him, at the moment, the type of democracy we are practising, vis-a-vis presidential system of government, is not really suitable for us as a nation.

    “So, since we’ve been finding it difficult to really stabilise democratically, I will advise that we go back to parliamentary system of government which we began with in the first republic that was cost effective.

    “That way, we will be able to nurture it to maturity before switching to the present system.

    “But if we are to continue with the presidential system of government, it simply means we need a lot of magical interventions and very serious commitment to take us from where we are today,” he said.

    Jabi urged the present administration to take the bull by the horn by embarking on radical measures that could revive the economy for the betterment of Nigerians.

    He also urged President Bola Tinubu led-administration to, as a matter of urgency, look into other areas that had been of serious concern to Nigerians, especially in area of food security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YI/DCO/ADA

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab

    ==========

  • Agency deploys personnel to ensure accident-free Eid-el-Kabir in Ogun  

    Agency deploys personnel to ensure accident-free Eid-el-Kabir in Ogun

     Mr Seni Ogunyemi, Chief Executive Officer of TRACE

    Deployment

    By Bukola Adetoye

    Abeokuta, June 13, 2024 ( NAN) The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) said it has deployed its personnel and facilities to ensure accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.

    A statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, in Abeokuta on Thursday said the agency would do its best in this direction.

    He said the traffic management would cover all praying grounds and the 18 major traffic corridors prior, during and after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations..

    ” This is in line with the operational guidelines of the Eid-el-Kabir Special Patrol Schedule,” Akinbiyi said.

    He said the agency would collaborate with other safety and security agencies and all road users through the TRACE Traffic Whistle Blower Initiative.

    “The other initiatives that would be employed are TRACE Emergency Traffic Service and the Community-Based Traffic Management Scheme, among others ,” the spokesperson said.

    Akinbiyi said,,” All the agency’s Commanding Officers have been directed to ensure that  operatives are presentable, civil, professional, fair and firm, when the need arises..

    ”The Commander and Chief Executive Officer of TRACE, Mr Seni Ogunyemi, has admonished the Muslim faithful to reflect on the reason for the season and be safety-conscious.

    ” He has also urged them to observe strict traffic rules and regulations because any vehicle contravened for any traffic infraction(s) during the celebrations would not be released until June 25.

    “However, for feedback calls in case of emergency situations, the following hotlines can be reached: 0806 270 3568 and 0803 491 9165.” (www.nannews.ng)
    OBA/BRM
    ==============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG publishes list of institutions submitting data for students loan

    FG publishes list of institutions submitting data for students loan
    Submission
    By Funmilayo Adeyemi
    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is publish a full list of institutions that have submitted their complete students’ data for upload on June 24.
    The fund made this known in a statement by its Head, Media and Public Relations, Mr Nasir Ayitogo, in Abuja on Thursday.
    The fund said the list of both Federal and State owned institutions would be published onto the NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS) to ensure transparency and to encourage due access and participation in the scheme.
    It added that the list are for undergraduate applicants, and tertiary institutions.
    “It is commendable that many federal institutions have already completed the exercise having been the first wave.
    “The process of uploading the data to NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS) is currently ongoing for the state owned institutions.
    “In order for applicants to be able to access the fund, the individual’s details must feature in institution’s submitted data set sent to the NELFUND SVS, where automatic applicant verification can then occur seamlessly,” the fund said.
    The fund added that failure to have this verification would invalidate the application process and disadvantage applicants.
    It said it was therefore critical that the information provided by the tertiary institutions was not only complete, but also accurate.
    “The correlation or matching of JAMB numbers, Matriculation numbers and Admission numbers as well as applicants full names and dates of birth, will support the evaluation process.
    “Applicants are urged to enter their data into the portal accurately when applying, and to ensure that their email addresses are entered without error,” it added.
    The fund expressed delight  in the cooperation it had received from the tertiary institutions, at both state and federal level across the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FAK/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Electoral reforms crucial for true democracy says Banire 

    Electoral reforms crucial for true democracy says Banire

    Democracy

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Dr Muiz Banire, a lawyer and activist says for Nigeria to operate a truly democratic government, a comprehensive electoral reforms must be put in place.

    Banire said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Thursday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

    ”Frankly speaking I’m not too sure that we have democracy in Nigeria; I have always contended that what we have at best is civil rule.

    ”What we are practicing is not democracy, democracy is set generally to be where majority interests thrives but can you really say that now?

    “Go and look at the statistic of how many people always vote in each election, majority are not voting so how can that represent the interest of the majority to say leaders in the country were democratically elected.

    “For me there’s none, let’s say we have civil rule because we don’t have military men in charge so we can describe it as a rule”, he said.

    On what could be done to further authenticate the future of the country’s democracy, Banire a former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State called for reorientation of the electorate.

    “One of the fundamental things that we need to do is to enlighten the populace about the importance of voting, Nigerians still see it as a product or merchandise that you can sell and get money.

    “They don’t see the correlation between their lives and the vote and until they start appreciating that a singular vote that they have is their life, we are not heading anywhere.

    “Fundamentally that is the first thing to do, alternatively which some people will say is extreme, is to qualify the right to vote, meaning that not everybody should be voting”, he added.

    Banire, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), further told NAN that it took developed countries centuries before ascending to the fact that everyone from age 18 had the franchise to vote.

    According to him, the fact that you are 18 does not make you entitled to vote, you must have a stake, like I say to people it took America more than 200 years for them to start allowing everyone to vote, our own we just allow everyone to vote.

    “Those who don’t know their right from left determine the future of others that’s the challenge.”

    On the recent call for a parliamentary system of government, the activist told NAN that he believed in the advocacy for a unicameral system of legislature.

    ”Nigeria presently operates a bicameral legislature made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “But I share their position of those advocating for a unicameral system of legislature. We need to totally overhaul.

    ”I am one of the apostle of parliamentarianism, because what we are practicing in the country now is too expensive and the economy cannot absolve or sustain it.

    “That is why the economy is not progressing because of the pressure on it,” he said.

    On immortalising Abiola, Banire, said that nothing was too much for someone who paid the supreme prize.

    “Not really, when somebody pays the supreme prize it can never be enough, more can still be done,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/DCO/EAL

    ==========

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Ekemini Ladejobi