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Coups, civil war, political crisis tests of Nigerians resolve for unity–Osinbajo

Unity

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018(NAN) Military coups and counter-coups, civil war, political crisis among others are tests of the resolve of Nigerians to remain united, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said.

Osinbajo expressed this viewpoint in his address at the Photo Exhibition to mark the 2018 Independence Day Celebration at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday.

The theme of the exhibition is “the Footprints of Nigeria’s Political Leaders.’’

Osinbajo said that he was extremely pleased to join in the celebration of Nigeria’s independence through the medium of photo exhibition.

The vice president commended the Ministry of Information and Culture for the innovative way of celebrating Nigeria’s independence and its political history.

According to him, there are three reasons the historical excursion is important.

“The first is that it helps us to recognise the incredible leadership of our political leaders, from the colonial days till the moment.

“All of these incredible leaders – men and women who have shown such great wisdom and wit at various times; such dedication and courage at various times; this exhibition celebrates them.

“The second is that we are reminded of the twists and turns of our history; the colonial phase, the independence, the first republic, the political crisis, the coups  and counter-coups, the civil war,  the short restoration of civil rule and another military incursion and then civil rule since 1999.

“Each phase has tested our resolve to remain united, to maintain the integrity of the country known as Nigeria.

“Each phase has tested the commitment of our leaders to the Nigerian project; it has tested their ingenuity and their wisdom in navigating the frequently tortuous and turbulent waters of our national story,’’ he said.

He said that at every turn, the strength of the Nigerian resolve to build a nation and the valiant attempts of the leadership at state building was seen.

On his part, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the exhibition, as a build up to Nigeria’s 58^th Independence celebration, was a special day to all Nigerians.

Mohammed, who is the convener of the exhibition, said that it was a reflection of Nigeria’s unity, patriotism and commitment to nation building.

“There is no doubt that this day is special to every Nigerian; it is a day to reflect on our country; our unity, patriotism and commitment to nation building.

“Over the years the country has gone through trials; the first of October is a day for celebration and thanksgiving because it occupies a very important place in the political history of our country.

“It also serves as a reminder and appreciation of the labours of heroes past,’’ he said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of prizes to FCT students who excelled in Mini-Photo Exhibition Competition held as part of the event.

Osinbajo commended the students, adding that represented the prosperous generation that Nigerians hoped for.

The prizes went to Master John Chinyere of Federal Government Boys College, Gudu; Miss Unique Shadow, Stella Maris College, Garki; and Vincent Davies of the Model Secondary School, Maitama.

Afterwards, the vice president went round the exhibition arena where pictures of colonial and post colonial leaders of Nigeria were showcased.

The exhibition attracted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, representatives of the Ministers of Health and that of Labour and Employment as well as the diplomatic corps. (NAN)

CJ/IA

Centre

By Suleiman Shehu

Ibadan, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar will lead prominent Islamic leaders to Ibadan on Sunday to raise N1.5 billion for the construction of the International Islamic Centre for Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS).

A statement issued on Tuesday by the MUSCOYS Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will also the governors of Osun, Ogun, Kano and Kaduna states attending the event.

Balogun said Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, Alhaji Ahmed Raji (SAN), Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola are also expected to raise money for the project.

Other dignitaries expected at the launching include Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-land including Edo and Delta, as well as the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba land and other Islamic title holders.

Balogun said the multi-purpose International Islamic Centre, the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, belongs to all Muslims. (NAN)

SYS/AAB/MZA

Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Maharazu Ahmed

Nigeria shining example in democratic processes across continents – Indian Envoy

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Nigeria

Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Mr Nagabhushana Reddy, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, says Nigeria has in the last two decades emerged as a shining example in the democratic processes across contents.

Reddy made the remark stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Leadership Effectiveness and Accountability Dialogue (LEAD) organised by the Savanna Centre for Diplomacy and leadership Development (SCDDD) for registered political parties in the country.

“What I can say as an outsider from Indian, is that Nigeria has emerged as a shining example of democratic processes.

“Nigeria is a lead example, it is followed across the continents anywhere there is democracy and they are trying to find their feet on the ground.

“The importance of Nigeria as a shining example of democracy and democratic processes is well known, it is in this light that the contribution that everyone makes in making it stronger will go a long way.

“It is my humble submission that in the last two decades, Nigeria has really emerged as a very successfull democratic country, “ he said.

He said that though Nigeria`s democracy had been presented with some challenges, the success story behind its democratic journey was great.

The Indian envoy, however, said that democracy was a work in progress all the time everywhere, including his country India, adding that there were always challenges.

He said some of the challenges faced in every democracy were the greater and larger “aspirational demands” that citizens placed on a particular process that was in place at a given time.

“The challenges we face in my country are very different from the challenges you face in your country.

“The most important thing is commitment to remain democratic at the end of the day,” he said.

Reddy noted that Nigeria had strong media, Judicial institutions and Civil Society Organisations that could play binding roles in ensuring that there was better accountability and transparency in the democratic processes.

He said his country would be happy to continue to support Nigeria to succeed in every way in its democratic processes.

Amb. Abdullahi Omaki, SCDDD Executive Secretary, while speaking at the event, however, said that institutionalisation and sustenance of democratic culture of conducting peaceful, free, fair and credible elections were critical for effective governance and sustainable development.

Omaki said the aim of the dialogue among others, was to reappraise and underscore political parties’ unique roles and strategic importance in leadership scheme, their membership and the people’s ownership.

He said it was also to discuss the strategies for the institutionalisation and sustenance of democratic and peaceful processes by which political parties conduct and guide the selection, grooming and the emergence of knowledgeable, credible, patriotic and visionary candidates.

He said the centre would use the opportunity of the meeting to advocate and seek the cooperation and collaboration of all registered political parties to institutionalise internal party democracy.

Omaki added that it would also be used to  create structures and platforms that would throw up credible and worthy candidates, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity or religious leaders who were willing and ready to serve the country with dedication and selflessness.

He said the LEAD project was to be driven over a period of four to five years, in the first instance, by the centre’s Council of the Wise.

 According to him, the council will be made up of seven notable, knowledgeable, experienced and widely respected men and women carefully selected from the country’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Since the commencement of the fourth Republic in 1999, four successive elections have been held and powers transferred, commendably, from one democratically elected government to the other without interruptions.

“However, because the processes have not been satisfactorily democratic, results are always controversial and often marred by violence and loss of credibility, “ the executive secretary said.

He said the LEAD project was therefore,  part of the centre’s way of contributing and advocating for collective efforts toward the transformation, institutionalisation and sustenance of the democratic culture of conducting peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the country.

He also that the desire of the centre was to get relevant institutions and stakeholders involved in the processes of choosing credible men and women for public offices to understand and to collectively commit to ensuring that the 2019 general elections and subsequent ones were conducted in accordance with democratic dictates.

Omaki said the centre shared in the belief that poor leadership and leadership deficit, with their causative and consequential impacts of corruption had been among the major causes of Nigeria’s discredited elections and underdevelopment since independence.

The centre he said, also strongly shares the belief that there were many Nigerians with excellent leadership qualities, adding that part of the way out, was the institutionalisation of the processes through which such Nigerians emerged as leaders at party and other levels of governance.

He noted that debate around leadership selection processes for effective governance in Nigeria today, was one of the burning issues in the minds of the electorate.

Omaki said in the world over, it was servant leaders that had made the positive difference in the lives of their people over time through vigorous and committed pursuit of positive changes with great respect for the people and societal values.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that India is the biggest democracy in the world.

Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), is a Non-Governmental and Non-Profit Think-Tank founded by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.

The Centre is committed to research, advocacy, training and public policy analysis in the areas of conflict prevention, management, democracy and sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.(NAN)

EEM/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NiMet predicts rains, cloudy weather for Wednesday
Weather
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted prospects of scattered rainfall and thunderstorm activities with cloudy conditions over most parts of the country on Wednesday.
NiMet’s Weather Outlook on Tuesday, predicted cloudy morning over the Central region with chances of thunderstorms over Mambilla Plateau, Yola, Lafia, Gombe, Bauchi and high ground of Abuja.
It predicted chances of scattered thunderstorms over most places in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 30 to 32 and 17 to 27 degrees Celsius respectively.
The agency predicted that Northern States would experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of thunderstorms over Yelwa and Southern Borno axis during the morning hours.
It also predicted scattered thunderstorms are over most parts later in the day with day and night temperatures of 33 to 36 and 22 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.
According to NiMet, Southern States will experience scattered thunderstorms and rain showers over throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures of 27 to 30 and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively. (NAN)
OYS/ABI
========
Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Funding
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Dr Omojola Awosusi, a former Registrar of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, says underfunding remains the major problem of public universities in Nigeria.

Awosusi said this  while delivering a public lecture at the Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, with the theme ” The university Culture and Organisational Citizen Behaviour of Administrators In the Nigerian University.’’

The lecture was organised as part of activities to mark the end of the tenure of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Debo Adeyewa.

Awosusi said the problem of underfunding had affected all public universities, noting that several of them were beginning to have difficulties with regular payment of salaries.

“Most affected are state universities and the worst hit in the South West region is the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH.

“A few universities are currently owing salary arrears coupled with the challenge of having to provide massive infrastructure for teaching and learning which requires a lot of funds.

“In such a situation, one can deduce that management of general welfare of staff will be problematic,’’ he said.

Awosusi also identified ‘evil’ influence of political leaders as another problem facing public universities.

“People in government have virtually bastardised the process of admission for students, recruitment of staff and award of contracts by way of inundating the vice chancellor with an avalanche of unbelievable notes conveying unbelievable requests that the impossible should be done,’’ he said.

Awosusi also said that politicisation of university employment selection process and recruitment through temporary appointments without going through proper interview had flooded many universities with low-quality employees. (NAN)
VE/KOLE/OJO
===========
(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Mufutau Ojo)

Elections: Commission implores FG to integrate braille on ballot papers
Braille
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, Sept. 25, 2018(NAN) The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) has called on government to continue the integration of braille on ballot papers in future elections, to encouraged the participation of visually impaired persons in the country.

The commission made the call in a preliminary report it released on the Osun governorship election of Sept. 22.
The report was signed by the Executive Secretary, Mr Tony Ojukwu on Tuesday in Abuja.

The commission said it observed that braille was available in a few polling units with record of registered visually impaired persons.

“It is important to adopt this deliberate and institutional initiative to aid all persons living with disabilities to discharge their voting right during elections in consonance with intendment of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

The commission also expressed concerns for persons with other disabilities noting that they were not adequately sensitised on provisions made to facilitate their access to exercise their right to vote.

“In Jagba Area, for instance, (Polling Unit Code 004 ) of Irepodun LGA, we saw a physically challenged person under a tree (not in the queue) and asked him why he was not making effort to vote.

“He responded that he was tired and could not stand. One of our monitors urged him to go to the front of the queue; and watched to see what would happen.

“When he got there, he was allowed to vote. So it seems that persons with disabilities are not aware of the provisions made to facilitate their access to exercise their right to vote.

“It therefore becomes important for civil society organisations, INEC and Political Parties to engage more with associations of people living with disabilities during voter education sessions to enable them realize their franchise.”

The commission further decried the low participation of women in the election saying it observed that it was disproportionate to men.

“In many of the polling units visited, the number of women who were seen on the queue was less than men.

“The fact that women may have to vote and go home or stay at home to attend to domestic issues may explain the disparity.

“How to encourage more women to participate in politics in order to exercise their rights to vote or be voted for, becomes an issue necessitating urgent attention.”

While noting that there were pockets of incidents of vote buying in some locations, the commission said it observed that elections were generally peaceful.

Ojukwu said that the final report would be released after the supplementary elections on Sept. 27.(NAN)
WS/EAL
=======
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Minimum wage: Kaduna TUC members set for strike

Strike

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, Sept 25,2018(NAN)The Kaduna State Chapter of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), says it has mobilised its members to join Thursday’s nationwide strike over minimum wage called by organised labour.

The state TUC Chairman, Shehu Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Tuesday that the TUC national secretariat had already directed them to get prepare for the action.

“We will comply by the directive of the national body, so we are on standby.

“We are just waiting for further directive of the TUC national body to comply immediately,”Shehu said. (NAN)

TJ/MZA

Impeachment
By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa
Owerri, Sept.  25, 2018 (NAN) An Owerri High Court presided over by Justice Benjamin Iheaka on Tuesday nullified the impeachment of  Imo Deputy  Governor,  Eze Madumere.

Iheaka,  in his verdict,  said the seven-man panel set up by the Chief Judge of Imo,  Justice Pascal Nnadi, to investigate allegations against Madumere erred in its  duty.

He said the panel did not comply with the provisions of  Section 185 of the constitution in discharging  its  duties.

The judge also  said the panel was constituted only after seven days prescribed by the constitution,  making the panel illegal.

Iheaka urged the Imo government to immediately reinstate Madumere as deputy governor of the state.

In his reaction, counsel to Madumere,  Ken Njemanze (SAN),  thanked the judge for what he described as sound ruling.

He said the judgment would serve as deterrent to unlawful politicians in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Madumere was impeached in August  following  indictment by the panel  set up by Nnadi.

Madumere, however, challenged the report of the panel at the Imo High Court and urged the judge to nullify his impeachment

The decision of the court had, however,  continued to generate reactions in the state.

A notable legal practitioner and human rights  activist, Mrs Blessing Iweajunwa,  said the decision of the court was  well-deserved.

She advised politicians to always adhere strictly to court orders whether they were positive or negative.

The lawyer also commended the judge  for taking a bold step in resolving the case.  (NAN)
IWE/AAB/OJO
============
(Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Mufutau Ojo)

31 ships carrying various products expected at Lagos ports
By Aisha Cole
Ships
Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is expecting 31 ships to bring petroleum products, food and other goods from Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.
This is contained in NPA’s daily publication tagged “Shipping Position’’ in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that nine of the 31 ships will sail in with petrol.
The other 22 ships are carrying buckwheat, general cargo, bull sugar, bulk gypsum, frozen fish and containers carrying different goods.
According to the NPA, 10 ships have arrived the ports waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, buckwheat, container and petrol.
NAN also reports that six ships are expected to berth at River ports with petrol, bulk salt, container and frozen fish.
According to NPA, a total of 11 ships also expected to berth at Delta port (Warri) with crude oil, frozen fish, petrol, ceramic tiles, butane, diesel and bitumen.
The document indicated that eight ships were waiting to berth at Delta port with petrol, wheat, inballast and diesel. (NAN)
AIC/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NSE market indicators record 2.04% growth
Shares
By Lilian Okoro
Lagos, Sept. 25, 2018 (NAN) Activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) improved on Tuesday with the market indicators appreciating marginally due to price gains by some blue chips.

The market capitalisation rose by N242 billion or 2.04 per cent to close at N12.089 trillion against the N11.847 trillion recorded on Monday.

Also, the All-Share Index rose by 704.27 points or 2.17 per cent to close at 33,114.44 from the 32,440.17 posted on Monday.

Nestle led the price gainers’ table, gaining N95 to close at N1,495 per share.

Dangote cement followed with a gain of N5 to close at N210, while International Breweries and Stanbic IBTC added N2 each to close at N32.5 and N44 per share, respectively.

GTBank appreciated by N1.75 to close at N37 per share.

On the other hand, Total Oil topped the price losers’ chart, shedding N9.7 to close at N180 per share.

Mobil Oil trailed with a loss of N3.8 to close at N175.2, while Presco declined by N3.45 to close at N56.55 per share.

Zenith Bank was down by 55k to close at N20.45, while Lafarge Wapco lost 5k to close at N22.5 per share.

NAN reports that investors traded a total of 222.956 million shares valued at N3.28 billion in 3,327 deals.

This was against the 190.568 million shares worth N3.306 billion exchanged in 2,942 deals on Monday.

Zenith Bank was the most active stock, exchanging 43.28 million shares worth N1923.64 million.

International Breweries followed with 36.95 million shares valued at N1.11 billion, while UBA traded 35.25 million shares worth N291. 52 million.

Fidelity Bank sold 16.02 million shares valued at N26.33 million, while Diamond Bank exchanged 10.08 million shares worth N11.96 million. (NAN)

LUC/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi