NORTHERN GOVERNORS DUMP RUGA SETTLEMENT POLICY FOR LIVESTOCK PLAN

Governors of 19 Northern states on Thursday dumped the proposed controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) policy for the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

The governors who met in Kaduna, capital of Kaduna State under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) said the new plan will tackle regular clashes in the region between herders and farmers.

The governors also resolved to continue to adopt a sustainable and holistic approach towards tackling the security challenges in the region.

Forum Chairman and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said at the opening that the NGF had raised a committee under the chairmanship of Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari to develop a comprehensive regional action plan to tackle insecurity in the North.

He said: “Another major issue we shall also deliberate on is the livestock management in the country and, in particular, our region, which has continued to generate discourse, controversy, misinformation and even politicisation.

“At this meeting, we shall deliberate on the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which was commissioned by the National Economic Council chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and seeks to support and strengthen the development of market-driven ranches in the livestock ecosystem for improved productivity through breed improvement, pasture production, efficient land and water utilisation.

“As a region that holds the comparative advantage in livestock management as an economic and socio-cultural vocation, we need to come up with a common front on how to synergise and draw from the funds available for the programme and ensure that we derive maximum benefits for our people.

“This is important because of the urgent need to cultivate the buy-in of all stakeholders and provide a conducive environment for nomadic herders and those who rear livestock, using the private/public partnership model to key into the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.”

Lalong told reporters that the NGF adopted the NLTP, which according to him, “lays out clear path for modernising pastoral activities”.

He said: “On agriculture, the forum was well-informed about the NLTP and its disparities with the RUGA plan. It is expected that the plan would ensure resettling and addressing the dislocated populations in the key conflict zones to enable them become part of the agricultural modernisation process.

“In the same vein, it would provide a mechanism for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation in the affected communities towards a harmonious mutually beneficial future.

“The forum, therefore, adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan which lays out clear path for modernising pastoral activities. It further encouraged other states not included as pilot states to endeavour to join the plan.”

On the security challenges, Lalong said: “The current challenges of insecurity which seems to be persisting despite the concerted efforts by all tiers of government was also deliberated based on insightful analyses and the best possible ways to address the menace which is currently bedeviling the region.

“Consequently the forum resolved to continue to adopt a sustainable and holistic approach towards tackling this challenge in the region.

“It is the forum’s unwavering determination to rescue the region and reposition it to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our people, especially in the areas of security, economy and social development.”

Lalong said the forum has received a brief on the almajiri phenomenon in Northern Nigeria, which he said, is not only endemic but pandemic.

He said: “We noted the challenges of the system despite its conception on high religious and moral importance. Currently, many children are increasingly exposed to vulnerability and resultant exploitation, thereby making them susceptible to criminal activities.

“The forum after in-depth discussions, resolved to collaborate with experts in this field with a view to finding implementable recommendations to solve the almajiri phenomenon and take children out of the streets.”

Benue State Deputy Governor Benson Abuonu gave a condition for the implementation of NLTP.

The deputy governor, who represented Governor Samuel Ortom at the meeting, said: “One thing is fundamental, as far as the implementation is concerned, whichever state that has keyed into the programme will have it as its own programme, in other words it is going to be owned by the state even if some help regarding the funding is going to come from the Federal Government.

“Of course, it depends on whichever state is willing to key into it. But at this initial stage, there are seven states at the pilot stage but with regards to Benue, whatever is going to happen in this area of animal husbandry that thing has to be in conformity with the local laws of Benue that is in existence.

“Principally that law says there should be no open grazing and there should be ranching of animals that anybody is going to rear.

“Therefore, as long as the programme is in conformity with our laws then it would be acceptable to us.”

WHY WE DISMISSED ATIKU/PDP'S PETITION CHALLENGING BUHARI/APC'S IN ITS ENTIRETY - TRIBUNAL

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed the petition of Atiku Abubakar challenging President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, in its entirety.

The five-man panel of justices led by Justice Mohammed Garba, held that the petitioners (Atiku, PDP) failed to “evidently prove” their case beyond “reasonable doubt.”

“The petitioners have a duty to prove all the allegations which are criminal in nature beyond reasonable doubt,” the lead judge (Mohammed Garba) said in his ruling.

He listed some of the allegations the PDP and Atiku raised in their petition to include, ‘compromised printing of election materials’, ‘manipulation of ballot boxes’, ‘manipulation of card readers’, and ‘manipulation of accreditation and collation'.

Others are, manipulation of security agencies and militarisation of election, manipulation of election materials’ delivery, arbitrary arrest of petitioners’ supporters and massive thumb-printing of ballot papers.

“Under these issues, the petitioners alleged the election was marred by irregularities, misuse of scarce resources, manipulation of result sheets, over-voting, wrongful recording of results, intimidation of voters among others in 11 ‘focal states’,”Justice Garba said.

The petitioners’ 11 focal states are, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Yobe and Zamfara States.

The tribunal insisted that the allegations levelled under issues 4 and 5 (above) were criminal in nature that must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The tribunal also said the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof that Buhari was not elected by a majority of lawful votes.

Reports have it that three members of the five-man panel of justices agreed with the lead judge (Mohammed Garba) in his ruling.

The Tribunal, therefore, stroke out the entire petition of Atiku and the PDP against Buhari and the APC, for lacking merit, and failure to evidently prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

WHY LIFE BAN VERDICT AGAINST ME SHOULD BE UPTURNED - SIASIA

     Samson Siasia

FORMER Super Eagles’ Chief Coach Samson Siasia has appealed the life ban slammed on him by world football governing body FIFA.

Siasia disclosed at a press briefing held at the Media Center of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium yesterday that his lawyers filed the appeal to FIFA on August 27, 2019, while the other appeal was sent to the Court of Arbitration for Sports on the 29th of August, 2019.

Siasia, however, denied involvement in the illegal activities that are contrary to the ethics of football.

“I wish to state that I have never been and would never be a party to any form of unethical conduct or perversion in the discharge of my duties in any capacity. I built my career in the football industry on the foundation of hard work, integrity, consistency and God.

“In all my career, I have done nothing but serve my country clubs to the best of my personal and professional ability, with all my strength and might, with discipline, pride and passion and an awareness that it is a privilege to be an ambassador of our great nation. It is my greatest hope and belief that my Country also stands by and with me at a time like this.

“The entire proceedings and decision were only brought to my notice on the 16th of August, 2019 when the news broke in the public domain and friends and family started to call. I was unaware of the proceedings until I heard about FIFA’s decision.

“While I may not be able to publicly divulge the details and specifics, I think it fit to inform you that I have appealed against FIFA’s Decision and you all will probably hear the results as you hear about the ban. I am currently taking legal advice. My lawyer Mr Austin Otah has been liaising with the NFF and their counsel.

“I thank everyone who has supported me in one way or the other. I must state that this is the most trying period of my life. I am still dealing with the pain and challenges of my mother being kidnapped again and fighting to secure her release. I urge the nation to support me with prayers, goodwill and support of all kinds. The demands are very heavy”, Siasia disclosed.

His lawyer Mr Austin Otah also reacted on the appeal. “We have assisted Mr Samson Siasia to file his appeal and we are awaiting FIFA to acknowledge the receipt of the appeal. We are awaiting feedback from FIFA and CAS.

WHY RIVERS STATE GOV’T SUSPENDED MUSLIM PILGRIM BOARD – JNI

Jamaatu Nasril Islam, (JNI)

The Vice President-General of Jamaatu Nasril Islam, (JNI), Alhaji Abubakar Orlu said that Rivers State government suspended the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board because of fraudulent activities and the unsatisfactory manner the board was being run.

Alhaji Orlu in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday also said that the state government did not demolish a completed Mosque building in the state.

He alleged that some fraudulent persons had in the past hijacked hajj seats in Rivers State to other states given credence to why the state government suspended activities of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. 

On the alleged demolition of a Mosque, Alhaji Orlu said that some people wanted to use the issue to stoke the embers of disunity among Christians and Muslims and tarnish the image of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

DELTA STATE ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL SACKS JAMES MANAGER, ORDER FRESH ELECTION IN DELTA SOUTH

James Manager

The Delta State election petition tribunal, panel two, sitting in Asaba, has sacked Senator James Manager of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as Senator representing Delta South in the National Assembly.

The three man panel presided over by Justice C O Onyaebo, said the election was marred by irregularities and ordered the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued Senator James Manager and conduct a fresh election.

Delta South Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had dragged Senator James Manager to the tribunal, arguing that the election was marred by fraud and irregularities.

Also, the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege defeated Evelyn Oboro of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Evelyn Oboro had dragged Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress, APC to the tribunal citing election  irregularities.

But the tribunal in its judgment declared that Evelyn Oboro could not sufficiently prove her case.

ROBERT MUGABE IS DEAD

Robert Mugabe, Ex-President of Zimbabwe

Report reaching our news desk host that the former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is dead. He died at the age of 95.

Mugabe reportedly died in a hospital in Singapore on Friday morning.

Recall that Robert Mugabe served as prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017.

Fadzayi Mahere, Zimbabwe’s Education, Sport, Art and Culture Secretary, tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe.

“My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece. However, for now, deepest condolences to his family”, his tweet read.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, the Zimbabwean president, also confirmed the incident on Twitter.

It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

President of Zimbabwe

✔@edmnangagwa

It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe's founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe (1/2)

7,860

UPDATED: SOUTH AFRICA SHUTS DOWN HIGH COMMISSION IN NIGERIA​

The South African high commission in Nigeria has shut down operations temporarily. This is definitely not unconnected with the Xenophobic reprisals by some Nigerian youths.

The shut down, According to eNCA (a South African media house),  was necessitated by the need for safety of workers in the commission.

Lunga Ngqengelele, spokesperson to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said: "We have been in communication with the Nigerian government and we have been assured of the protection of the businesses belonging to SA".

Why We Closed Our Embassy In Nigeria – South Africa

The South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, on Thursday confirmed the closure of the country’s missions in Nigeria.

Ms Moroe told News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday that the closure was sequel to the directive from his country’s government.

The envoy said she had subsequently directed the Abuja and Lagos offices of the mission to suspend all consular activities until the situation improved.

The acting head of mission said that the closure was necessitated by fear of attack by some Nigerian youths.

The South African Government had in a statement by Naledi Pandor, the Minister of the Department of International Relation and Cooperation, on Thursday announced the closure of its Nigerian mission.

Ms Pandor expressed disappointment over the decision to support the closure of the South African High Commission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos.

She said both offices were closed following concerns reported to the minister by officials working in those places.

Ms Pandor said the closure “followed the receipt of threats against mission staff as well as the property of South Africa’’.

“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders as well as a security assessment of threats, the mission and the department took the decision to close the offices.

“At this point, there has been no direct physical threat to any of our diplomats and citizens.

“However, we view their safety as a priority and have thus taken the precautionary measure of closing while the situation remains somewhat unpredictable.’’

The official expressed displeasure at misleading reports circulating on social media about a direct physical attack on the acting head of mission.

She described the reports as totally false.

“Our acting head of mission is in constant communication with the department and with the authorities in Nigeria, who are providing extra security at South African offices.

“The department has received reports of marches by demonstrators to South African companies as well as attempts to attack them.

“We are communicating with businesses that have branches in Nigeria and have requested their senior managers to remain in close contact with the department and the ministry,” she said.

She said tradition in foreign policy provides that diplomatic missions enjoy protection from host countries but added that the department remained perturbed at threats directed at the mission.

“We are grateful to note that the security forces and the government of Nigeria are upholding this long-established practice of foreign policy.

She, further, confirmed directive to the mission that links be encouraged between the youth of South Africa and Nigeria and that the Nigerian students’ association visit South Africa.

She said that several meetings with students’ organisation were held at the mission and that a committee had been established to sustain their dialogue and work towards the proposed visit.

Ms Pandor said the department and the ministry would remain in constant contact, continue to assess the situation on ground and provide feedback as new information was made available.

She, however, said that the ministry planned to meet the African Heads of Mission to South Africa next week.