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Osun governorship re-run; APC urges electorate to resist plots to subvert their will

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Osun

Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Osun electorate to remain alert and to resist any plot to subvert their will and manipulate the state`s governorship re-run election fixed for Thursday, Sept. 27.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the APC National Publicity Secretary made the call in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the APC had received fresh reports from its field agents on the ongoing cloning of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents ahead of the re-run election.

`We view this development as bizarre and a sign of the desperation of the PDP to take over Osun State by all illegal means.

“While we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently investigate the development and promptly arrest persons behind the cloning, we strongly advise it to ensure that its voters register is not tampered with.

`Commendably, the police already have in its custody a PDP stalwart, who led other PDP leaders to buy-up voters cards ahead of Thursday’s governorship re-run.

“There, however, remains much to be done to ensure the credibility of the forthcoming governorship re-run election.

“The Osun electorate must remain alert and resist any plot to subvert the people’s will and manipulate the re-run election,” he said.

The APC spokesman also called on INEC and security agencies to speak publicly on measures being taken to stop the ongoing vote buying by PDP agents, which had become widespread in Osun.

He, however, called for calm in the face of the already tense situation, which according to him, is caused the PDP’s public rigging plot.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the APC had earlier called on INEC and security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities by stopping vote-buying ahead of the Osun governorship re-run election.

According to INEC, the last Saturday’s Osun governorship election was declared inconclusive and a re-run ordered because the number of cancelled votes was higher than the margin between the two top candidates.

The PDP candidate Ademola Adeleke led the race with 254,698 votes, 353 votes more than his closest rival, Gboyega Oyetola of the APC.

The margin was, however, less than the 3,498 votes in the polling units where voting were cancelled.

Consequently, INEC returning officer for the election, Prof. Joseph Afuape, declared the poll inconclusive and ordered for a re-run.

“Unfortunately, as the returning officer, it is not possible to declare any party as the clear winner of this election at the first ballot,” Afuape, had said.(NAN)

EEM/AFA

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Edited by Felix Ajide

Herbs

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) A Consultant Rheumatologist, Prof. Femi Adelowo, on Tuesday cautioned public against indiscriminate use of herbs and concortion, saying there is no scientific proof of their efficacies.

Adelowo spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the West African Rheumatology Conference organised by the Nigerian Society of Rheumatology (NSR) in LASUTH, Ikeja.

Theme of the ongoing conference is: “Rheumatology in West Africa: The Journey So Far.’’

Adelowo, who works with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), advised people with musculoskeletal diseases to avoid visiting herbalists for cure.

“We know that traditional medicines do not work; they are very harmful and have no peer review.

“Often times, out of 1000 people who took herbal medicines, we see only one person coming out to testify of how he took one herb and it worked.

“What about the remaining people? They should have also been invited to come and say it didn’t work for them,’’ the expert said.

The consultant rheumatologist advised patients to accept and use only orthodox medicine.

According to him, any drug given to patients usually went through certain steps and procedures.

“Those steps and procedures on the average take about seven to eight years.

“Because, it is first tried on animals to be sure it does not kill them before it is tried on human beings,’’ he said.

Adelowo said that the treatment and diagnoses of rheumatological diseases were expensive, urging the three tiers of government to subsidise some and make them affordable for people.

He mentioned some of the diseases as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus), Gout, Psoriatic arthritis, Scleroderma, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis, among others.

The consultant urged the Federal Government to boost the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and ensure that it was good and effective.

Adelowo said that the scheme should be implemented in a way that would make people to pay minimally and enjoy maximally. (NAN)
LED/COF/GOK
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Olagoke Olatoye

Aisha Buhari canvasses support for victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa

Victims
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday, called for continued support for victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa.

She made the call on her tweeter handle shortly after addressing the 21st General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLA) at the sideline of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The wife of the President said there was the need for communities to encourage the victims and shun any act of stigmatisation against them.

Mrs Buhari also urged the Spouses of African Leaders to make concerted effort in canvassing support and advocacy to tackle the epidemic.

She expressed her concern of the negative impact of the disease on women and children in Africa.

According to her, resources and energy must be continually spent to educate the public on the danger of the scourge.

She, therefore, called on relevant stakeholders to make strong commitment to end the spread of HIV/AIDS by ensuring that the living standard of the victims, especially women and children improved.

Mrs Buhari also had a separate meeting with the African First Ladies in their effort to stem the negative impact of communicable diseases affecting women and children in the continent (NAN).
AMU/OMO/AFA

Edited by Martins Odeh/Felix Ajide
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Syrup
By Martha Agas
Jos, Sept. 25, 2018(NAN) As the world marks pharmacy day, mothers in Plateau have urged pharmacists to restrict the sale of codeine cough syrup to people with doctors’ prescription.

Some of them, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Jos, regretted youths’ addition to the drug that destroys kidneys and triggers mental delusion.

“The drug has destroyed many youths. Government has tried to restrict its consumption but the efforts do not appear to deter the youths. The pharmacist should do more to save our youths,” Mrs. Yop Dauda, a mother of five, told NAN at Ungwan-Rukuba,

Dauda said that she had often watched youths misbehave and even become mentally unstable after getting addicted to the drug.

She said that most of the youths were school dropouts not willing to listen to parental counsel.

“The youths keep hanging around street corners and sometimes harass people for money to purchase the drugs.

“Sometimes, they snatch bags and cell phones to get money for drugs. The situation is just bad,” she lamented.

Dauda urged pharmacists to regulate the consumption of the drug so as to save Nigeria’s youths.

Mrs. Mairo Abdullahi, a grandmother, equally expressed worry over youths’ indulgence and dependence on drugs as stimulants to discharge their basic duties.

“I get reports from worried mothers in places like Ungwa-Rogo, Zololo and Bauchi road areas; many children insist on taking dangerous syrups before performing any task.

“Most bus drivers and their assistants, artisans and labourers all depend on drugs. Their eyes are scary and their hair unkempt. They hardly visit the bathroom. These youths are future leaders and must be protected from self-destruction,” she said.

According to her, the worst effect of the drugs is the tendency to get violent at the slightest provocation.

Mrs. Veronica Monday, a widow, accused pharmacists of selling cough syrups to children, especially minors, without prescription “just because of the money”.

“Some of these pharmacists are guilty of aiding and abetting this cough syrup addiction. They have sworn to protect lives, but they do not seem to care what happens to these children,” she said.

A pharmacist, Miss Judith Kuzanuam, however told NAN that only unlicensed pharmacies sell drugs without  doctor’s prescription.

She warned people against patronising such outfits.

“People, who patronise unlicensed pharmacies, may fall prey to fake or adulterated drugs that could lead to complications,” she said.

NAN reports that Sept. 25 is set aside to mark and recognise the role of pharmacists in health care delivery.

The theme for this year’s pharmacy day is: `Pharmacists as medicines experts”. (NAN)
MAA/ETS

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Osun re-run: EU,  UK,  U. S. call for free, fair election

Election

By Isaac Aregbesola

Abuja,  Sept.  25, 2018 (NAN) The Missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States have called for peaceful, free, fair and credible completion of Osun State governorship re-run election on Sept. 28.

The missions in a joint statement on Tuesday in Abuja called for support to ensure the success of the process as Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) re-runs the election in seven polling units in the state.

”We observed the voting in Osun State on Sept.  22 and commend the people of the state  for voting peacefully, the INEC for the improved organisation of the election, and security services for their conduct.

”We urge that all continue to support a peaceful, free, fair, and credible completion of the process as INEC re-runs the election in seven polling units where through no fault of their own — voters were not able to cast their votes and have them counted on Saturday  Sept. 22.

”We stress the importance that the re-run should take place without any violence, intimidation, or vote buying.

”Whoever wins the election after Thursday’s Sept. 28 vote should be magnanimous in victory, and whoever loses should be gracious in defeat,” they said

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the election, which held on Saturday, was declared inconclusive following inability to conduct voting in seven polling units across three local governments.

Candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Gboyega Oyetola and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Ademola  Adeleke were in a tight race at the polls. (NAN)

IAA/OFN/AFA

Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Felix Ajide

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Visitation

By Dorcas Elusogbon

Ile-Ife (Osun), Sept 25, 2018 (NAN) The Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Dr kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday visited Sen Iyiola Omisore, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), governorship aspirant in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Fayemi paid the visit to Omisore in his house at Oduduwa Estate, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife.

Fayemi, however, told newsmen that his visit was not on political issue, but personal.

“Don’t you know that I am Omisore’s in-law and I am free to visit him anytime I wish?

“Therefore my purpose of coming to Omisore is neither on political issue nor rerun election coming up on Thursday.

“But I came to visit him to show my concern and care for his welfare, “ he said.

Fayemi told newsmen that he would be sworn-in as governor of Ekiti State in the next three weeks.

He pledged not to disappoint the people who voted for him as governor. (NAN).

EDA/OOA/IA

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Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Idris Abdulrahman

Financial literacy: EFInA spends $18m on awareness creation

Literacy
By Rukayat Moisemhe and Olawunmi Ashafa
Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Mr Segun Akerele, the Chairman, Board of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), says the organisation has spent between 17 million and 18 million dollars for awareness creation on financial literacy in the country.
Akerele disclosed the figure on Tuesday in Lagos at a media forum on how EFInA and
financial services providers could stimulate the growth of financial
inclusion, especially to the critical masses.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EFInA is a financial sector development organisation that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria.
Akerele said that Nigeria was 41 per cent financially excluded populated country, while the effort was to reduce it by 12 per cent by 2020.
According him, the focus areas include agent networks, electronic payment, financial inclusive products and services, especially across northern Nigeria, women and financial literacy projects.
Akerele said EFInA would consider projects that would raise awareness of the proposed financial products or services and increase the ability of the under-banked to use the products or services.
“These proposed projects should incorporate appropriate consumer protection and redress mechanisms,” he said.
A financial expert, Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe, said there was the need for government to continually improve public confidence and trust.
Akinkugbe said the media could help build trust that could in turn lead to financial inclusion.
She also said that there should be more efforts centered on simplifying processes involved in financial inclusion.
She also said money games should also be used to educate Nigerians to be literate on their finances.
Akinkugbe said that media should see itself as a critical partner in financial inclusion, adding that the educational system, government agencies and research institutions should work with media to heighten public awareness and understanding of financial matters. (NAN)
ARM/AWA/TÁ
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Sen. Abe faults APC NWC’s decision on indirect primaries in Rivers

Primaries

By Azubuike Okeh

Port Harcourt, Sept. 25, 2018(NAN) Sen. Magnus Abe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Rivers has faulted the decision of the party’s  National Working Committee (NWC) supporting indirect governorship primaries.

Abe made the assertion in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while reacting to the NWC’s approval of indirect primaries in Rivers.

The aspirant, who represents Rivers South-East in the Senate, said that the NWC’s decision on the matter could not override the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) which sanctioned direct primaries.

He stated that APC’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had listed Rivers as one of the states to adopt direct primaries.

The senator said that NEC decided to adopt direct primaries in Rivers because of many legal issues facing the party in the state.

Abe urged his supporters to remain focused in their clamour to have direct primaries in the state.

“ We shall present our facts before the NWC in order to ensure that the right thing is done in the state.

“I have been informed of the decision of the NWC of APC to hold indirect primaries in Rivers State; that decision goes against the grain of reason,’’ he said.

The governorship aspirant said he would continue to mobilise the people and make efforts towards ensuring that the party members were given the opportunity to express their preferences. (NAN)

AZU/JEO/EMO

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Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Ejike Obeta

Trade
By Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said that the Federal Government has developed trade support infrastructure to boost trade between Nigeria and other countries.

This was contained in a statement by Mr Muhammad Idris, Director, Press and Public Relations, Nigeria Shippers Council on Tuesday in Abuja.

Amaechi made this known at the opening of a two-day Sub-Regional Workshop and Joint Standing Committee Meeting of the Union of African Shippers’ Council in Abuja.

The Sub-regional Workshop being hosted by the Nigeria is with the theme “Port Concession in West and Central Africa: Impact on Economies of Member States”.

Amaechi said that the infrastructure included functional railways, roads, establishment of Inland Dry Ports and Truck Transit Parks across Nigeria.

He stated that these infrastructure have been put in place in order to bring shipping closer to service users in the hinterland.

The minister noted that President Muhammadu Buhari in January commissioned the Kaduna Inland Dry Port as Port of Origin and Destination which was now operational.

He said that Shippers in the North-West Geopolitical Zone were already using it for their trade needs.

Amaechi called on landlocked countries to take advantage of the Kaduna Dry Port which was targeted at providing services to such countries for the carriage of transit goods through Nigerian Seaports.

The Minister stressed the fact that high freight rates, arbitrary imposition of surcharges remained key issues hindering the development of international trade in West and Central Africa.

He, however, noted that it required collective responsibility of stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to tackling these arbitrary and unjustifiable costs.

Amaechi urged the participants to thoroughly examine and evaluate the performance and impact of port concessions on the economies of the sub-region, implementation of World Trade Organization (WTO) and Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

He urged them to also look at the issues relating to port operations as well as Sea-link project which are key to the effective realization of the sub-regional maritime goals.

Amaechi further called on the participants to look at important issues that would be raised at the workshop with a view to advising governments of the member States on appropriate regulations and policies.

He added that such advice would help nation governments in realising the laudable goals of the sub-regional Maritime industry.

Also at the occasion, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni, Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stated that the workshop marked an important milestone for the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC).

He said that it was an important milestone in the pursuit of effective and efficient trade and transportation for sustainable economic development in the sub-region.

Buni stressed that the UASC Joint Committee Meeting at the workshop would be used for developing strategies for the negotiation of freight rates and other conditions of shipment of goods carried by sea.

He enjoined participants to arrive at far-reaching resolutions that would be adopted towards efficiency at ports and to maximise full benefits of port concession.

Buni explained that these benefits would be achieved by taking advantage of the enormous potentials of the regional maritime industry. (NAN)
TY/IS
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Gas

By Yunus Yusuf

Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Removal of obstacles through legal framework is key to the realisation of the projected investment in the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) said.

Mr Dada Thomas, the NGA President, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

Thomas urged the Federal Government to facilitate the passage of Petroleum Industry Governance and Fiscal Bills for the realisation of this goal.

“The “natural gas revolution” is the most significant energy thing in decades of the region development.

“The implications of this revolution, with a particular focus on what it means for West Africa region is important for our industry and the region economy to grasp,” he said.

Outlining its benefits, the NGA president said: “It is a clean-burning ally to renewables like wind and solar.”

He said that generating electricity from gas also required relatively low capital investment and would be highly flexible.

“It can be converted to liquid fuels, transported easily and used to make other products.

“For a sector with billions worth of investment opportunities, we are positive of growth in the economy and the potential for growth in such areas as LNG Plants, NGL Plants, Gas Transmission Pipelines, Gas Processing facilities.

“Gas based manufacturing industries, pipe milling and fabrication yards and financial services that exist in the gas sector,” he said.

Thomas said that turning natural gas into a profit-making venture required huge investments in infrastructure that would address the five component areas of gas availability, gas affordability, deliverability, funding, and the legal and regulatory framework.

“Government and operators alike recognise that the first step is to provide a legal and regulatory framework that will enable the removal of all the other obstacles.

“As we all know, the passed gas policy proposes reforms so profound that almost every new investment is on hold awaiting the resolution of the questions raised by this legislation,” he said.

The president announced that the 2018 NGA bi-annual gas conference had been scheduled to hold on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 in Abuja.

He said the theme of the conference is “Shift to Gas Economy: Pace and Scale of Innovation in the West African Sub-region”.

Thomas said the forum would provide a veritable platform to gauge the current status and the way forward.

“With this in mind, we at NGA have continued to ask ourselves the questions on the current state of the natural gas industry in Nigeria in addition to evaluating the potential for its future development across the West African region.

“Even with obvious challenges, companies are making significant strategic investments in gas pipelines and production to power Independent Power Plants (IPPs) and industrial customers and it is estimated that about 1,000 MW of IPP capacity is presently idle due to a lack of gas delivery.

“As the market moves towards the concept of “willing buyer, willing seller” and the government continues to make the investment environment more attractive, the country has massive prospects.

“We believe, Nigeria’s gas reserves could potentially be as high as 600Tcf (compared to the current proven level of 192Tcf) if deliberate steps are taken to explore for gas as opposed to coincidental discovery during oil exploration,” he said. (NAN)

YO/AOM/TÁ

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Tajudeen Atitebi