The 20th Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria has approved 160 and above as the national minimum benchmark for admission for the year 2020 into public universities.
The meeting held virtually, today, June 16, also approved 140 as minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination score for admission into private universities.
For public polytechnic, 120 UTME score was approved, while 100 was approved for Colleges of Education, innovative enterprises and institutes.
During the meeting, JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, urged tertiary institution heads not to increase admission screening charges above N2000.
Oloyede, in his speech, said that only 1,157,977 candidates had the required five credits with English Language and Mathematics that sat for the UTME held in 2019.
“Out of 1,157,977 candidates who sat for UTME in 2019, about 612,557 were admitted.”
According to him, candidates waiting their results would only be considered when they are uploaded on the website of JAMB.
The Federal Government has warned higher institutions against reopening without the Federal Government’s authorization.
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said: “while we look forward to easing the lockdown which will ultimately lead to re-opening of our campuses, I urge all the Heads of institutions not to wait till the announcement on reopening before putting in place all necessary measures in compliance with the protocols and advisories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
A renowned Environmentalist, Rev. Nnimmo Bassey, has asked the governments and oil industry regulators to investigate the cause of dead fishes littering the Atlantic coastline in Delta and Bayelsa States.
Bassey, who made the call in a reaction to reports of massive death of fish by coastline residents, noted that the development portends danger capable of wiping off fish species and depleting the biodiversity of thee Niger Delta.
Bassey, who holds a National Honours Award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic for Environmental Activism, spoke in an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
He said that littering of the coastline for more than three weeks may be an indication of increased toxicity of the coastline, adding that consuming the dead fishes may pose a public health danger.
“We have been listening to hear exactly what triggered the death of so much fishes that were washed onshore.
“By this time, NOSDRA should have made a definitive statement, especially since there are oil platforms not too far off that coast.
“While we wait to hear from those who should know, this is a serious health issue.
“The Ministries of Health and Environment at state and national levels should be concerned about the health impact on the communities and the wider region inhabitants who consume the obviously poisoned fish.
“Some stories we hear is that some toxic wastes may have been dumped into the sea by oil company operators.
“If that is found to be true, such a company should be held responsible for endangering the health of the people and for ecological damage and destruction of the people’s livelihood.
“This matter should not be swept under the carpet or locked away because we are focusing attention on the coronavirus pandemic.
“The dead fishes are smoking guns of a serious crime.”
The residents along Foropa and Sangana axis of the Atlantic coastline in Bayelsa State had reported sighting dead fishes littering the shoreline, since the middle of March.
Some of the residents said the occurrence was noticed since March 15 and had yet to abate fueling fears of pollution of the country’s territorial waters by toxic substances.
A forum of Community Development Committees, hosts to Chevron oilfields in Bayelsa State, had appealed to the federal and state governments to check the impact of suspected a toxic pollution across the Atlantic coastline.
They said the pollution was a threat to the predominantly fishing settlement and caused hardship to the host communities.
The forum, led by its Chairman, Chief Captain Patrick Ekubo, and Secretary, Biraladei Brisibe Wuka, said the call became imperative as the oil firms operating in the area had shown no concern.
Wuka said the strange increased toxicity of the Atlantic ocean is causing concerns for their health.
They urged oil industry regulators to trace the source of the pollution, and appealed to NOSDRA to immediately constitute a Joint Investigation Team to ascertain the cause of the toxic pollution that had endanger their lives.
The communities: Koluama, Ekeni, Ezetu, Foropa Fishtown and Sangana in Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, urged NOSDRA to wrap up the probe within 21 days or risk a total shutdown of oil facilities in the area.
However, Chevron Nigeria Limited, which operates oilfield near the communities in a response to requests for reaction by newsmen, said there were no leaks from its facilities in the area.
Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, denied any links with the alleged pollution with the operations of its oil firm.
“CNL and Star Deep confirm that there has not been any chemical release from any of our facilities,” Chevron said.
Idris Musa, Director-General, National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency, said the spill agency would commence an investigation as soon as the lockdown for the COVID-19 was lifted.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has described the concert staged in Jabi area of Abuja by Naira Marley as reckless, wicked, insensitive and utter disrespect and disregard both for the law and the wellbeing and welfare of fellow citizens.
The minister, who reacted angrily to what he called “the illegal music concert” held at the Jabi Lake Mall on Saturday, June 13, said that videos of the event which are still circulating on the social media clearly showed a concert going on with music and live performances by a band and dancers.
He said that the video also showed attendees dancing to the live performances on the elaborately constructed stage”.
According to him, several aspects of the guidelines as postulated by the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19 as well as the FCT Administration were violated with reckless abandon.
“For purposes of emphasis”, said Malam Bello, “the PTF and FCTA’s guidelines clearly states the following;
i. There shall be no gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace or places of worship.
ii. There should be mandatory use of face masks when in public
iii. There should be social distancing of at least 2 meters between 2 people while in public
iv. There is a ban on all congregational events such as parties, weddings, concerts etc
v. There is a closure of all clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theaters and so on
vi. Markets and business premises are to remain open between 8 am and 3 pm
vii. There is a ban on interstate travel
“All the guidelines as postulated above were clearly violated as the videos available on social media indicate.”
Muhammad Musa Bello said that his Administration has a responsibility to protect the lives of the citizenry and is therefore determined to prosecute all those involved in orchestrating these infractions to the full extent of the law.
The Court of Appeal has affirmed the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Lamido, the three man panel dismissed Oshiomhole’s appeal for lacking in merit.
The panel accordingly affirmed the decision of an Abuja High Court which had in early March this year, ordered the suspension of Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman.
President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned the people of Katsina State against taking to the streets to protest on the frequent attacks by bandits.
The President reminded the people that such protest can distract the military operations.
He appealed to them “not to give up on the military who over the years, have a strong track record of quelling crises once given enough time.
“The major forests in North Western Nigeria have been identified as home to the bandits in the region. The operation will clear all these forests.”
In a statement today, June 16 by a presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, President Buhari assured Nigerians that the nation’s armed forces are fully capable of dealing with the challenges of banditry and terrorism, even as he he pleaded for more patience as the military take appropriate steps to block gaps being exploited to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
President Buhari, who has approved a joint military and police operation, specifically targeted at combing Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States to rid the areas of bandits, assured that surveillance will be improved, with more night vision aircrafts already deployed under “Operation Accord.”
The operation was launched three weeks ago.
“Nigeria’s military has displayed its capabilities in the past and will show it again by dealing with the current challenges.”
The President appealed to the people of Katsina State in particular, to be patient and supportive of the ongoing military operations in the state, even as he expressed sympathy to those who are bereaved, injured and lost properties.
The future, it is often said, belongs to the youth.For as many times as he met youth leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari has said to them again and again that we are fixing the ailing state to hand it over to you.
It then amounts to a grave mistake, for this group of otherwise promising northern stars to dissociate themselves from Democracy Day and, in effect de-cognizing democracy as a chosen system of government.
Nigeria recognises Democracy Day because for many decades since independence, the fight for the right for Nigerians to choose their own government in their own name was not complete. A prominent citizen of the country, Chief MKO Abiola died trying to do just this.
When independence was won, and then swiftly replaced by unelected government, it was not much of a change.For the challenges Nigeria faces today, lack of universal suffrage or lack of elected politicians is not one of them.
We are facing severe hardships because of the coronavirus pandemic. And we continue to face the challenges posed by the terrorists Boko Haram.
Yet when groups such as the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put out statements claiming that Democracy Day holds no purpose and the government somehow wishes for the northern states to be struggling it is embarrassing not for the government but for the group, its members and their sponsors.
For a start, if the group dared to issue such a comment under non-democratic method they would have met a swift and harsh retribution from a dictatorial government. They should thank their stars that we are operating a truly democratic government where the rights of free speech are guaranteed and protected.
This government has done more than any other – elected or not elected – to curtail and beat back the terrorists.Similarly, no government has done more to foster democracy and freedom of speech in Nigeria than the current administration.
The fact that CNG is freely able to transmit garbage to the media in the hope they will be widely reported is a testament on the freedom of expression and media liberty that exists in our country today.
Equally, the fact that the government is issuing this statement, in response to the puerile message is a testament that today Nigeria is a country where disagreements can be aired publicly through the press, not through less gentlemanly methods used in the past.
We hope that CNG will consider the facts and reconsider the unhelpful and inaccurate message their statements contain when issuing them in the future.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President wrote in from Abuja.
Nothing has shocked me in my entire life in public service as the revelation from Nigeria’s First Quarter 2020 financial reports in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, which shows, alarmingly, that whereas Nigeria spent a total sum of ₦943.12 billion in debt servicing, the Federal Government’s retained revenue for the same period were only ₦950.56 billion.
This means that Nigeria’s debt to revenue ratio is now 99%.
No one should be deceived. This is a crisis! Debt servicing does not equate to debt repayment. The reality is that Nigeria is paying only the minimum payment to cover our interest charges. The principal remains untouched and is possibly growing.
We are at a precipice. If our revenue figures do not go up, and go up quickly, Nigeria risks a situation where our revenue cannot even sustain our debt servicing obligations. Meaning that we may become insolvent, and our creditors may foreclose on us, as has occurred in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
In my opinion editorial of December 17 2019, titled ‘Endless Borrowing Will Lead Nigeria to Endless Sorrowing’, I had cause to counsel the Federal Government to desist from indiscriminate lending, and offered suggestions on ways to both increase revenue, and reduce expenditure, however, my counsel fell on deaf ears. And now we have come to this.
Again, on May 15, 2020, I counselled that the Federal Government ought to reduce Nigeria’s budget by at least 25%, to reflect the economic realities of the times that we live in. Again, my entreaties were brushed aside.
As part of an administration that paid off Nigeria’s entire foreign debt, I am concerned by the alarming and avoidable unprecedented increase in our debt to GDP ratio and debt to revenue ratio. The alarm I sounded last year is now sounding louder.
Not only have we squandered our opportunities, we have also squandered the opportunities of our future generations by bequeathing them debt that they neither incurred or enjoyed.
As a matter of utmost urgency and importance, I call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to drastically reduce its expenditure, especially on wasteful projects, such as maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet, and unnecessary renovations of buildings that could serve as is, limousine fleet for top government officials, overseas travels and treatments, and the ₦4.6 billion Presidential villa maintenance budget, etc.
We cannot be on the verge of economic ruin, while still maintaining a Presidential Air Fleet that has more planes than the Presidential fleets of those from whom we take these loans. In fact, Nigeria must sell those planes and channel the revenue to other vital areas of need, while taking additional steps to reduce the cost of running our government.
The Federal Government cannot continue to justify these unsustainable numbers by pointing at Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio. That is only half the picture. Our debt to revenue ratio paints a much more realistic portrait of our financial situation, especially as our revenues are majorly tied to a mono product, oil and gas, which are very vulnerable to global shocks.
Again, I warn that Nigeria is facing a crisis, and we cannot continue to keep up appearances by taking out more loans to prop up our economy. That will amount not just to robbing Peter to pay Paul, but to robbing our children to pay for our own greed!
Embattled Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has finally dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on which platform he was elected about four years ago.
The governor, who was disqualified last week from taking part in the the June 22 primary for a possible second term in office, announced his resignation today, June 16.
He did not however announced the new political part he is going to pitch his tent with, but said that he will do that later.
He gave an indication that he will contest for a second term on the platform of the yet to be announced new political party.
The announcement of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Nigeria’s nominated candidate for the position of the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which would now be vacant by September 1, 2020, and not 2021, following the incumbent’s decision to take his exit a year earlier was received with great excitement among Nigerians. This enthusiasm is in itself a reflection of the high regard in which NOI, as she is otherwise known, is held by her compatriots. It didn’t matter that Nigeria’s President had withdrawn an earlier nominee for the post, Ambassador Yonov Frederick Agah, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and a long-serving WTO insider (since 2005). In a country where ethnic sentiments run deep and every public position is seen as an opportunity to re-enact primordial ethnic conflicts, it is significant that no one complained about an Agah being replaced with an Iweala as candidate for one of the world’s most visible positions. The resume of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala that was submitted along with her nomination by the Nigerian Government read like a national honours citation.
The general consensus is that Nigeria had chosen well. It was good to see Nigerians queuing up behind merit and accomplishment. A two-time Minister of Finance in Nigeria between (2003 -2006) and (2011 -2015), and a one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs (June – August 2006), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is so famous in her home country that many believe if there should ever be a first female Nigerian Vice President or President, she is the most suited for the position. In 2012, and again in 2019, she had shown interest in the position of the President of the World Bank. In 2012, she was Africa’s consensus candidate and in 2019, she was not nominated, but one of the key moments in her career was her outstanding performance as Managing Director (Operations) of the same World Bank.
Her brilliance in that position and as a renowned international technocrat makes her a role model for many Africans, especially young women for whom she represents a symbol as to the fragility of the proverbial glass ceiling, and a counter-figure for the naïve assumptions about the capacity of the girl-child. But WTO Directors-General are not elected by nationals guided by patriotic sentiments. The process requires nominations to be made, and each nominated person gets a chance to articulate his/her vision before the WTO General Council, representing the 164 member-states. A decision is arrived at through consensus, not voting. There is high-grade politics involved, as well as intense competition between developed and developing countries, and within an insiders’ club that seems to run the organization.
Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy received an early dose of this when shortly after her nomination by Nigeria, Egypt raised an objection on the grounds that the nomination was out of time because the African Union had set a deadline of February 10 for choosing a consensus candidate from Africa. Egypt argued that the nomination process by the African Union was announced in November 2019, and that in their reckoning, with Nigeria withdrawing the candidacy of Ambassador Agah, the AU was left with just two candidates from which it could choose, namely Hamid Mamdouh of Egypt and Eloi Laourou of the Republic of Benin. This caused some concern among Nigerians. But the matter was resolved when, June 9, the WTO acknowledged Nigeria’s nomination of Okonjo-Iweala. Apparently the AU process is unknown to the WTO as the organization does not have a provision in its rules that nominees must be consensus candidates from their regional blocs.
The AU must be commended however for taking a pro-active step. As far back as November 2019, African leaders were already preparing for a WTO succession that was scheduled to occur in 2021 when Roberto Azevedo’s tenure as DG effectively ends. The game changed in May 2020 when the Brazilian WTO DG announced that he would bow out a year earlier. The Chairman of the WTO Governing Council promptly announced a call for nominations, to commence on June 8 and end on July 8. Nigeria is not only within time, Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination is valid. Her nomination has been further strengthened by the Republic of Benin’s withdrawal of its own nomination. As at the time of writing this piece, three nominations are on the table: Egypt’s Hamid Mamdouh, Mexico’s Jesus Seade Kuri and Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The game is on, and between now and the close of nominations, more nominations are likely to be made. The name of Kenya’s Amina Mohammed has been mentioned. South Africa is said to be supporting Okonjo-Iweala.
I think African solidarity/unity is important. It is not too late yet for Africa to choose a consensus candidate. In the round of nominations for the position of the Director General of the World Health Organization in 2017, Africa spoke with one voice, and stood by Ethiopia’s Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. Even now that he is under fire from the United States over COVID-19, African leaders are solidly behind him. Nigeria must lead the process of building an African consensus. Many African leaders have said what Africa needs is trade with other continents, not aid. An African as the DG of the WTO could help facilitate that objective especially in the light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) which may have been short-circuited by COVID-19 and the fall-outs, but nonetheless remains a strategic continental plan. Post-COVID 19, Africa is bound to remain an important destination and source for global trade. Having strong, even symbolic presence at the WTO could be to the continent’s benefit.
The role of the DG, WTO is largely managerial and advisory, member-states reach their own decisions, still an African DG is not a bad idea. The timing for this could not have been better. An African incidentally has never been a Director General of the WTO, despite the fact that at least two African countries, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa, were founding members. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor of the WTO was led by Europeans from 1948 to 1993: United Kingdom (1948 -1968), Switzerland (1968 -1980), Switzerland (1980 – 1993), Ireland (1993 – 1995). When the WTO was formed in 1995, the DGs have been supplied by Ireland (Peter Sutherland, 1995, a carry over from GATT), Italy (1995 – 1999), New Zealand (1999 -2002), Thailand (2002 -2005), France (2005 -2013), and Brazil (2013 –August 2020). This profile not only shows that the WTO which is an intergovernmental organization, established to promote and regulate international trade has been dominated predominantly by Europeans.
There have been calls for a reform of the Organization, part of that reform should include making it more diverse and inclusive. The EU has already discussed the possibility of having a European successor to Azevedo, and a return of the DG office to a developed country, and names have been mentioned: the European Commissioner for Trade, Phil Hogan, who has openly expressed interest, his predecessor, Peter Mandelson and the Spanish Foreign Minister, Aranza Gonzalez. Africa must speak with one voice, and rally behind Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. It is not too late to persuade other African countries to act like the Republic of Benin and support Nigeria’s candidate and that includes Egypt. Nigeria must not see Egypt as the eternal rival: it must engage Egypt and other African leaders constructively. Africa’s failure to unite on the question of the WTO Director-Generalship could promote Europe’s domineering presence at the organization. There are openings for opportunities. It is not certain for example, that the United States, this time around, will support a candidate from Europe, although the US is still probably studying the emerging nominations. Nigeria should seek the support of the United States for the position, and also lobby China, although that may be tricky, given America’s touchiness about the Chinese. It is almost certain that the United States will not support Mexico’s Jesus Seade Kuri. The possibility of a Latin American (Mexico) succeeding an exiting Latin American (Brazil) may not offer good optics.
Nobody knows how many more candidates will show up before July 8, but it must also be noted that there has never been a female Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Gender-sensitivity should be one of the reforms urgently required at the WTO. The Organization is looking for the best possible candidate. I do not doubt the fact that other nominees are talented persons, Egypt’s Mamdouh is a WTO insider, Mexico’s Kuri has served in GATT and WTO and is a veteran of trade negotiations in addition to years at the Bretton Woods Institutions. Whatever any nominee has in terms of experience, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s credentials are just as formidable and exemplary, and should a short-list be attempted she will rank at the very first level. The main criticism that I have heard is that her expertise is more in finance rather than trade. That ciriticism is as misplaced as the Egyptian objection to her nomination. Her resume as submitted by the Nigerian Government does not show any shortcoming in any area in terms of her experience and exposure.
The WTO says it is looking for “candidates with experience in international relations, encompassing trade and/or political experience, a firm commitment to the work and objectives of the WTO, proven leadership and managerial ability; and demonstrated communications skills.” Okonjo-Iweala is eminently qualified on all counts. The talk about the difference between finance and trade is the product of the perpetual rivalry between Ministers of Trade and Ministers of Finance. As Nigeria’s Finance Minister on two occasions, the country’s Customs department reported to her. What is Customs if not trade? As Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala also led Nigeria’s negotiations within ECOWAS and with the Paris Club. Besides, she is a development economist, and trade is an essential part of that career leaning. It has also been said that WTO is organized like a boys’ and insiders’ cult. It is time to smash that cult and let in a breath of fresh air. The big consideration in choosing Mr. Roberto Azevedo’s successor should be: what kind of Director General does the WTO need at this time: a saviour or a survivor?
The WTO does not need a survivor who will seek to service old paradigms and promote the same assumptions that have affected the organization’s efficiency. The WTO is heavily challenged and embattled. It needs to be saved and strengthened. Both COVID-19 and the unending trade war and friction between the United States and China present serious challenges for the next WTO DG. The US is opposed to the idea of China passing itself off as a developing country-member of the WTO. It has raised questions about fair trade, competition, tariffs, intellectual property and the body’s dispute settlement mechanisms. China disagrees. Other countries have their grievances. The implications for a rules-based international trading system are dire. There is need to agree on a proper definition of what makes a country developed or developing, and move beyond the current self-classification regime. The WTO also needs to be repositioned for its trade liberalization objectives in the context of international regulatory co-operation. The next WTO DG must be a person of high emotional intelligence, a neutral advisor and certainly not a Geneva trade cultist with vested interests who simply wants to hold the position and survive. COVID-19 disruptions and an increased wave of trade protectionism have changed the dynamics of global trade. There is also the unfinished business of the Doha Round. The emergence of the next WTO DG must mark a new beginning, not the end of the beginning, and certainly not the beginning of the end for the WTO. Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala fits the bill.
Two brothers from Kano State, Alhaji Aliko Dangote of Dangote group and Alhaji Samad Rabiu of BUA group are back with bitter quarrel over the ownership of mining sites in Obu, Okpella in Edo State. The quarrel which had landed the two in court appears not yet abet as BUA Group accused Dangote group of twisting facts, disparaging the court, saying “no one is above the law.” Reacted to the Dangote Group’s claim that it owned the mining sites in Obu, Okpella in Edo State, BUA said that such claim is an attempt to disparage the court on the pages of newspapers. “Dangote, in its hurry to twist facts, failed to justify the alleged misinterpretation in its publication but stylishly stated that it has appealed the judgement whilst accepting the recent court order which granted BUA the right to peaceful possession and operations of three of its mining sites in Obu, Okpella in Edo State. “In the said publication by Dangote Group, it was alleged that the initial publication of the BUA Group was riddled with misrepresentations and deliberate distortions of facts. We however note that the Dangote Group failed to identify any specific fact, which was distorted. “On the contrary, the Dangote Group reiterated the fact that the judgment of the court indeed restrained DIL and the other Respondents, as contended by BUA, albeit stating that the judgment of the court constitutes complete aberrations and contains manifests contradictions; and it has exercised its legal right to appeal the decision of the court. “Whilst we consider this attempt to disparage the court on the pages of print media as an affront, we shall not be joining issues with the Dangote Group, as we are of the view that the court can protect itself and DIL reserves the right to appeal the decision of the court,’’ BUA said in statement by Mr O’tega, Group Head, Corporate Communications. The Dangote Group also questioned the right of BUA to institute the BUA fundamental right suit on the basis that it was a clear abuse of court process as there are two other pending suits – the BUA suit and suit No. FHC/B/CS/74/2016: Dangote Industries Limited & Anor. v. BUA International Limited &Ors (“Dangote Suit”). BUA noted with dismay Dangote Group’s use of the Police to disrupt its operations done brazenly after DIL had applied to court for a restraining order against BUA in suit no. FHC/B/CS/74/2016 which was granted ex parte, but set aside by the Court upon a robust challenge by BUA. “Interestingly, the Dangote Group did not deny resorting to self-help in its publication. It is our contention that no one should be above the law, no matter how highly placed, powerful or influential as the rule of law is the pillar and foundation of any democracy.” BUA dismissed claims by Dangote that it was granted mining lease by the Governor of Edo State, pointing out that the authority to grant a mining licence resides with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development through the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office which granted the BUA licences. BUA also dismissed Dangote’s claim to BUA’s mining sites in Edo as absurd and frivolous as Dangote’s mining licence was granted under Kogi State while BUA licences and mining sites respectively cover and are located in Obu, Okpella in Edo State. The statement said: “With respect to the Dangote Group’s interpretation of the consequence of its Appeal of the decision of the Court, it is trite law that an appeal does not amount to a stay of execution and the Dangote Group is only being mischievous by suggesting that BUA is refrained from taking benefit of the judgment which was in BUA’s favour. “BUA Group will not join issues with Dangote as the intention of its publication was to inform its shareholders and other stakeholders of the judgment of the Federal High Court which granted BUA’s and not commence a media trial. “Whilst we consider this attempt to disparage the Court on the pages of print media as an affront, we shall not be joining issues with the Dangote Group, as we are of the view that the Court can protect itself and DIL reserves the right to appeal the decision of the Court. “Paradoxically, the Dangote Group’s publication was fraught with untrue statements, which it touted as the facts of the matter in an attempt to misinform the general public.” Source: Persecondnews.
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Why Coalition Of Northern Groups Should Thank God We’re In Democracy, By Garba Shehu
The future, it is often said, belongs to the youth.For as many times as he met youth leaders, President Muhammadu Buhari has said to them again and again that we are fixing the ailing state to hand it over to you.
It then amounts to a grave mistake, for this group of otherwise promising northern stars to dissociate themselves from Democracy Day and, in effect de-cognizing democracy as a chosen system of government.
Nigeria recognises Democracy Day because for many decades since independence, the fight for the right for Nigerians to choose their own government in their own name was not complete. A prominent citizen of the country, Chief MKO Abiola died trying to do just this.
When independence was won, and then swiftly replaced by unelected government, it was not much of a change.For the challenges Nigeria faces today, lack of universal suffrage or lack of elected politicians is not one of them.
We are facing severe hardships because of the coronavirus pandemic. And we continue to face the challenges posed by the terrorists Boko Haram.
Yet when groups such as the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) put out statements claiming that Democracy Day holds no purpose and the government somehow wishes for the northern states to be struggling it is embarrassing not for the government but for the group, its members and their sponsors.
For a start, if the group dared to issue such a comment under non-democratic method they would have met a swift and harsh retribution from a dictatorial government. They should thank their stars that we are operating a truly democratic government where the rights of free speech are guaranteed and protected.
This government has done more than any other – elected or not elected – to curtail and beat back the terrorists.Similarly, no government has done more to foster democracy and freedom of speech in Nigeria than the current administration.
The fact that CNG is freely able to transmit garbage to the media in the hope they will be widely reported is a testament on the freedom of expression and media liberty that exists in our country today.
Equally, the fact that the government is issuing this statement, in response to the puerile message is a testament that today Nigeria is a country where disagreements can be aired publicly through the press, not through less gentlemanly methods used in the past.
We hope that CNG will consider the facts and reconsider the unhelpful and inaccurate message their statements contain when issuing them in the future.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President wrote in from Abuja.