China actively promotes international cooperation on cross-border flow of data

By Li Jiabao

Data is a new type of production factor in the era of digital economy. As an important link of digital economy, the cross-border flow of data has evolved into a foundation for the exchange and sharing of global capital, information, technology, talent and goods.

Recently, China has made new progress in international cooperation on the cross-border flow of data. It signed with Germany a memorandum of understanding on cross-border data flow, and had exchanges with Singapore on relevant cooperation at the inaugural meeting of a bilateral digital policy dialogue mechanism.

Such collaboration marked a positive signal of China promoting international cooperation on the cross-border flow of data. In recent years, the country has been advocating safe and orderly cross-border flow of data, working with all relevant parties to build an open and win-win international cooperation in the data field.

Zhang Pengyang, a professor with the College of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Technology, said that China has enacted a series of laws to cement the legal foundation for the cross-border flow of data, including those on cybersecurity, data security and the protection of personal information.

Besides, the country has been constantly optimizing its business environment and standardizing the management of cross-border data flow, so as to better facilitate foreign enterprises, Zhang said, adding that this demonstrated China’s resolution and confidence in opening up.

China also participates in the making of relevant international rules, Zhang noted. It has signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, and is working to align itself with the high-standard economic and trade rules of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.

Furthermore, China and some other countries and regions have signed bilateral and multilateral agreements on cross-border data flow.

At the border between China and Laos, specialized data that ensure cross-border railway transport are transmitted via information networks, enabling end users to operate in their respective systems and thus guaranteeing the smooth operation of the China-Laos Railway.

Patient treatment data from a clinical data research platform at Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, are securely processed and transmitted halfway across the globe to the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, in a bid to support joint research efforts between Chinese and Dutch medical experts.

Today, foreign purchasers can browse and obtain relevant information about Chinese suppliers with only a few clicks on their mouse on Chinese e-commerce platforms.

Such cross-border flow of data will become even more active as China deepens its cooperation and exchanges with other countries in various fields.

At present, the cross-border flow of data has become a new driver for global growth. It is expected to contribute $11 trillion to global GDP by 2025, according to a McKinsey & Company report.

“The cross-border flow of data is crucial for supporting international trade activities, global scientific and technological cooperation, and the sharing of data resources worldwide. It calls for international cooperation and sharing to promote the safe and orderly cross-border flow of data, Zhang said.

Zhang believes that China’s proposals and actions to promote such international cooperation would help global trade transit from commodity trade to digital trade and open up more opportunities for international cooperation on science and technology, culture, education and more fields.

Besides, these proposals and actions would improve China’s institutional opening up, further optimize the country’s business environment, expand the value of data, fully release the potential of data factor, stimulate enterprises’ passion for innovation, and finally promote regional and even global economic growth, Zhang added.

However, as data are extremely replicable and non-exclusive, the cross-border flow of data comes with a series of security problems, bringing challenges to data sovereignty, privacy protection and even national security.

According to statistics, as of May 2023, more than 70 countries and regions had formulated regulations on the cross-border flow of data, and more than 180 regional trade agreements newly added specific articles or terms related to digital trade, including the cross-border flow of data.

In September 2020, China proposed the Global Initiative on Data Security, calling on countries to foster an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for mutual benefit, win-win outcomes and common development.

Zhang said the Global Initiative on Data Security stresses that countries should respect the sovereignty, jurisdiction and governance of data of other countries, and jointly safeguard the security and order of the global data flow. They should not only focus on their own data security, but also respect other countries’ rules on cross-border data flow.

This initiative demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility in global digital governance, and will inject new vitality into building a fair, inclusive and efficient global digital governance system, Zhang added.

To unlock door of history with key of technology

By Feng Tianyu, People’s Daily

A world-class archaeological project has made new progress. Recently, China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration announced the latest archaeological findings from the Northwest Continental Slope No. 1 and No. 2 Shipwreck sites in the South China Sea.

Underwater archaeology and cutting-edge technology have teamed up to crack open a “time capsule” that’s been lying on the seabed for centuries, more than a kilometer below the sea surface.

These long-lost treasures are finally seeing the light of day, stunning the world with their beauty. Each artifact tells its own tale of history while showcasing just how far technology has come.

“Retrieving” history from the vast, deep sea is no easy feat. In the past, when deep-diving technology was not this developed, China’s underwater archaeology was mostly confined to coastal and shallow waters. Deep-sea archaeology seemed like an impossible mission.

But in August 2017, China’s second manned deep-sea submersible, Deepsea Warrior, successfully completed its first manned dive, marking the beginning of China’s deep-sea archaeology efforts.

The submersible played a crucial role in the recent archaeological survey of the Northwest Continental Slope No. 1 and No. 2 Shipwreck sites in the South China Sea. Its long baseline positioning system acted like a lighthouse, providing precise navigation. 3D laser scanners and high-definition cameras served as its “eyes,” keenly capturing every detail in the murky underwater environment. The newly upgraded flexible robotic arms could steadily extract artifacts while preventing any damage.

Thanks to these technological advancements, archaeology has ventured into the blue depths, allowing us to reach deeper and further into the underwater world and explore the deep-sea imprints of Chinese civilization.

Artifacts are the keys that unlock the memories of history. With the power of technology, more and more artifacts are being unveiled, revealing their mysterious stories.

From the Northwest Continental Slope No. 1 and No. 2 Shipwreck sites, pottery and porcelain pieces have been extracted. Some of them bear inscriptions such as “Fu (fortune),” “Zheng (righteousness)”, “Taiping (peace),” and other information. These inscriptions not only serve as marks of their origin but also represent fragments of history. They reflect the daily lives of people from centuries ago and depicting the social landscape of that era. They narrate tales of joy and hardship, exploration and perseverance.

Each recovered artifact serves as crucial evidence. From the exported ceramics to the imported timber, and to the exotic Fahua pottery, the treasures found within the depths of the sea from the two sunken ships vividly depict the prosperous maritime trade during the mid-Ming Dynasty. They bear witness to the significant exchanges of trade and culture along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, showcasing the vibrant interactions between China and other nations.

Technology is expanding the boundaries of human cognition, enabling people to deepen their understanding of themselves through various means.

Carbon-14 dating has been utilized to establish a unified “time scale” for comparative research on different cultures, types, and archaeological sites, and ancient DNA studies were conducted to comprehensively comprehend the migration processes and social forms of ancient populations. Besides, organic residue analysis is used to understand the processing and utilization levels of organisms by our ancestors.

By harnessing technology effectively, archeologists can bring to light and revive the glory of those civilizations that have been buried by thick soil or submerged in seawater for thousands of years, allowing them to “speak” once again.

Technology is also breaking down barriers that once stood between ordinary viewers and the cultural relics. Virtual reality, augmented reality, holographic projection, artificial intelligence, and other technologies are increasingly being applied in the field of cultural heritage.

For example, the new building of the Sanxingdui Museum in southwest China’s Sichuan province employs naked-eye 3D technology to recreate the archaeological site, allowing visitors to witness the moment when the relics were unearthed. The Grand Bao’en Temple Museum in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu province has developed a metaverse program, enabling visitors to explore the  Grand Bao’en Temple back in Ming-Dynasty(1368-1644).

Modern technology allows historical scenes to transcend time and space. Visitors can gain a more intuitive understanding of the value of cultural relics and experience the charm of culture and the profoundness of history. Only when cultural relics enter people’s lives and hearts in a more dynamic way can their vitality be sustained.

Archaeology serves the purpose of decoding the past and also embarking on the journey towards the future. By using the key of technology to unlock the door of history, people will be able to better trace the origins of Chinese civilization and continuously expand the historical memory of human civilization.

China strengthens carbon footprint management

By Kou Jiangze, People’s Daily

Inside the headquarters of Shanxi Tianbao Group, a flange manufacturer located in Dingxiang county, north China’s Shanxi province, a smart digital display shows real-time information about the energy consumption and carbon emissions of manufacturing equipment. Near the digital screen, Yang Zhenqiang, a carbon sink measurement appraiser, was helping the company review its carbon footprint.

“By monitoring companies’ carbon footprint in real-time, we can help them reduce carbon emissions, take more effective control measures, and maintain a surplus of carbon emission quota, ultimately leading to lower cost and higher production efficiency,” said Yang.

Carbon footprint is the sum of greenhouse gas emissions and removals by a product, individual, household, institution or business, usually expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. The consumption of carbon-rich resources like oil and coal results in greater carbon dioxide emissions and a larger carbon footprint.

Better managing carbon footprint can encourage enterprises to develop and produce eco-friendly products and thereby foster a low-carbon market environment. Besides, it helps create consumer demand for these products, contributing to green, low-carbon, and high-quality development and China’s goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Recently, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with 14 other government departments, published a plan to build and implement a unified carbon footprint management system (hereafter referred to as “the Plan”), providing guidelines for better managing China’s product carbon footprint in the coming period.

“As the most widely applied concept within the carbon footprint framework, product carbon footprint measures the total carbon emissions generated during the entire life cycle of a product, including raw material production, transportation, distribution, use, and disposal. It serves as an important indicator for assessing the levels of green and low-carbon development of manufacturers and their products,” said Pei Xiaofei, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

For example, the production of plastic bags consumes a significant amount of petroleum resources; therefore, using plastic bags would increase carbon footprints. Solar water heaters, in contrast, rely on solar power instead of traditional energy sources, leading to a decrease in carbon emissions and carbon footprints.

Tian Chunxiu, deputy head of the Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said that establishing a carbon footprint management system and tracking carbon emissions from the beginning of production will facilitate carbon emission reductions throughout the entire supply chain.

Besides, the carbon footprint is also used as a way for consumers to identify eco-friendly products, boosting brand value and low-carbon consumption, Tian added.

The Plan includes setting up an institutional system, building a working framework, promoting international trust in rules, and bolstering capacity building.

It provides a comprehensive list of 22 key tasks that address all aspects of carbon footprint management, including accounting factors, certification, information disclosure and other processes of product carbon footprint management, as well as full-chain products such as basic energy and raw materials.

It is reported that the Plan was drafted following a thorough review of opinions from different stakeholders. It gives full play to the decisive role of the market while leveraging the supportive role of the government, and welcomes the participation of research institutions, industry associations, and enterprises.

Based on building a carbon footprint management system, the Plan aims to promote exchanges and mutual recognition of product carbon footprint rules between China and most other countries around the world, especially the Belt and Road partner countries, and contribute to the development of international standards and rules related to product carbon footprint.

“Establishing a carbon footprint management system with Chinese characteristics and international influence and better connecting Chinese and international rules will help improve China’s capabilities in carbon footprint management and respond to new situations in international trade policies related to carbon,” said Tian.

The Plan closely focuses on China’s goal of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, and sets clear targets for building the carbon footprint management system: By 2027, China aims to establish a unified national system for managing carbon footprints and set rules and standards for around 100 key products; by 2030, the system will be further refined, and the number of key products with specific carbon footprint calculation rules and standards will increase to 200.

Establishing a robust carbon footprint standard system can further standardize product carbon footprint management and certification.

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has started to compile carbon footprint accounting standards for key products. Following market-oriented principles and to address urgent needs, pilot products have been selected to provide references for standard development in the whole country, including cement, electrolytic aluminum, photovoltaic modules, flat glass, new energy vehicles, and lithium batteries.

Hainan explores compensation mechanism for better conservation of rainforest

By Sun Haitian, People’s Daily

Originating from the Angriling Mountain in Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county, south China’s Hainan province, the Tengqiao River winds its way for over 50 kilometers. After passing through the Chitian Reservoir in Haitang district, Hainan province’s Sanya, it flows into the sea via the Tengqiao Port.

As a famous coastal tourist city in China, Sanya has a high demand for water, and the Chitian Reservoir is the city’s main source of drinking water. However, Sanya, downstream of the reservoir, only has jurisdiction over a small part of the reservoir’s watershed, while 89 percent of the reservoir’s water comes from Baoting.

On the other hand, Baoting county has 227.75 square kilometers within the boundaries of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. It has a relatively weak economy, but it bears most of the responsibility for environmental management of the Chitian Reservoir.

Faced with this conflict, Sanya and Baoting have been exploring the possibility of establishing a cooperative governance mechanism.

The two places signed a compensation agreement for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021. The agreement stipulated that if the quarterly water quality measurements at the Sanya-Baoting boundary section of the Chitian Reservoir met the required standards, Sanya would provide compensation funds to Baoting. This arrangement followed a “quarterly assessment, year-end settlement” approach.

In August 2021, the two places reached another agreement, designating the period from 2022 to 2024 to be the first assessment period. Relevant departments of Hainan, Sanya, and Baoting will contribute 330 million yuan ($45.38 million), 180 million yuan, and 90 million yuan respectively to form a 600-million-yuan fund for the ecological protection and compensation of the Chitian Reservoir basin. The assessment will be based on three dimensions: water quality, water quantity, and actions, with the ecological condition as the standard for allocating the fund to Sanya and Baoting.

Through years of intensive remediation, the overall ecological environment of the Chitian Reservoir basin has been greatly improved. The surface water of the reservoir has been graded to Class II, up from Class III in the country’s five-tier water quality system.

As the main source and upstream catchment area for Hainan’s major rivers, the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest safeguards the province’s primary drinking water sources. Using the Chitian Reservoir’s cross-regional ecological compensation mechanism as a model, Hainan is exploring a basin-wide horizontal ecological protection compensation system across the province.

This approach follows the principle that areas upstream protect water resources, while areas downstream provide compensation. The system has been implemented across several watersheds, encompassing nine cities and counties that are either fully or partially within the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park area.

“After moving out of the mountains, everything has become so convenient,” said Huang Jincao, a villager from Shuixian village in Shiling township, Baoting county.

Two years ago, in response to the national park’s ecological relocation policy, 357 villagers from Shuixian and Shidong villages moved out of the mountains and into bright, new resettlement homes.

Today, the new cement roads are wide and flat, whose both sides are lined with rows of houses. Nearby shops are bustling with activity, and not far away is a lively farmers’ market. New energy charging stations have even been set up along the roadside.

After the ecological relocation was completed, how was the livelihood ensured for villagers who had lived off the land for generations?

“The government allocated one shop to each relocated household and 5 mu (about 0.33 hectares) of farmland per person. Plus, there’s a production subsidy of 500 yuan per mu annually for five years,” said Liang Di, a villager from Shidong village.

“The government has implemented direct forest ecological benefit compensation. Through this direct subsidy, villagers in areas surrounding important ecological zones receive appropriate compensation, which increases their income,” an official in Baoting county told People’s Daily.

Besides, Hainan continues to promote forest ecological benefit compensation and natural forest protection subsidies, implementing vertical ecological protection compensation. So far, these two forms of ecological compensation have achieved full coverage in the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest. In 2023, central and provincial government funds allocated 223.74 million yuan to seven branch offices of the management bureau of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest for non-commercial forests and natural forest resource protection projects.

Moreover, local authorities are engaging residents’ enthusiasm to jointly protect the green mountains. “Through various means such as signing cooperative protection agreements and creating eco-friendly public service positions, we’re attracting local residents to participate in the management of the national park,” said Zhong Shijin, director of the Wuzhishan Mountain branch office of the management bureau of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest.

“Wuzhishan city currently has appointed 11 municipal-level forest chiefs, 529 village-level forest chiefs, and nearly 1,000 forest rangers, most of whom come from households that have been lifted out of poverty,” Zhong added.

As of August 2023, the seven branch offices of the management bureau of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest have collectively hired over 2,300 conservation staff to participate in the protection and management of non-commercial forests and natural forests. Of these, more than 1,300 are local residents.

Rivers: Group blasts pro-Wike lawmakers for calling for arrest of CTC chairmen, members

accuses them of trying to destabilise the state

A pro-democracy group, the People’s Congress, has slammed the factional Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for calling on the Nigeria Police Force to arrest the chairmen and members of the 23 LG Caretaker Committees in the state.

In a statement issued today, Dr. Nicholas Udenta, President of the group, said the Martin Amaewhule and his co-travellers are simply calling for anarchy in the state and their call should be disregarded by the law enforcement agencies.

“It’s obvious that Martin Amaewhule and his co-travellers are still brooding the lost of their membership of the the Rivers State Assembly following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. They have themselves to blame; they were aware of the position of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on defection of lawmakers before choosing to commit political suicides,” the statement said.

“Their continous vendetta and plots against the government and people of Rivers State are getting out of hand and they need to stop playing politics with the development of the state.

“The latest show of shame by these imposters, pretending to be lawmakers was their unlawful call for the Police to arrest the duly-constituted Caretaker Committee Chairmen and members in Rivers State. The world knows that after the expiration of the tenure of the LGA Chairmen, the Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration constituted Caretaker Committees to man the affairs of the local governments pending the next election as any responsible government would have done.

“But in their usual nature of witch-hunting any progress made by the Fubara’s administration, the disgruntled former lawmakers are now shamelessly calling on the Nigeria Police to arrest the members of the duly-constituted Caretaker Committees.

“Their call is tantamount to calling for anarchy. We urge the good officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies to disregard the call of the saboteurs pretending to be lawmakers. They are out to destabilise Rivers State and should be completely ignored or better still, arrest for attempting to incite anarchy in the state.”

Youth Network Lauds Tinubu, Ben Kalu Over South East Development Commission

The Nigerian Youth Network (NYN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on the signing of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law.

In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Francis Arinze, the group praised President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to the development of the South-East region.

According to Arinze, the assent to this bill demonstrates his administration’s dedication to addressing the region’s infrastructure deficits and promoting economic growth.

The group further hailed Ben Kalu, the main sponsor of the bill, for his tireless efforts in championing the cause of the South-East.

Arinze noted that his leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this legislation to fruition.

“The SEDC bill is a landmark achievement that will have far-reaching benefits for the South-East region,” he said. 

“It will facilitate the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, promote economic development, and enhance the quality of life for the people of the region.

“Moreover, this bill comes as a beacon of hope for a region still reeling from the devastating effects of the civil war 54 years ago.

“The SEDC will play a crucial role in rebuilding and restoring the region, bringing healing and closure to the people.

“Furthermore, the SEDC will not only fast-track development in the southeast but also help in restoring peace to the region.

“By addressing the underlying issues of poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure decay, the commission will help to reduce tensions and conflicts, creating an environment conducive to peace and stability.”

The group, therefore, urged all stakeholders, particularly the youths of the South-East, to rally round President Tinubu and support his administration’s efforts to develop the region. 

“We believe that the signing of the SEDC bill into law marks the beginning of a new era of development and prosperity for the South-East,” Arinze added.

“We are confident that President Tinubu’s administration will continue to work tirelessly to address the region’s challenges and promote its growth.

“We commend the Deputy Speaker for his leadership and commitment to the development of the South-East. We pledge our support for the President’s administration and urge all Nigerians to do the same.”

NDDC Contractors begs FG to delist Commission from TSA, says it will fastrack Development

The Contractors Association and the indigenous Contractors Association of Niger Delta of NDDC has called on President Bola Tinubu to exclude the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) from the Treasury Single Account to enhance the speedy execution of projects in the region.

The contractors also threatened to take legal action against the International Oil Companies operating in the Niger Delta region for allegedly refusing to remit the three percent contribution to the NDDC.

They added that this trend has continued for over five years thereby slowing down the implementation of projects for the good of the Niger Delta people.

The President of of the Contractors Association Sylvester Tonye, in a statement issued in Abuja , disclosed this, noting that there is an urgent need for Tinubu to prevail on the IOCs to fulfil their responsibilities to the commission.

The statement reads, “It is through the leadership of Dr Samuel ogbuku and is team that Niger Delta has seen positive developments and progress within the region. While we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, it is evident that there is still much work to be done to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta for instance the east west road

“In this regard, we call on Mr. President to consider exempting the NDDC from the Treasury Single Account system. Such an exemption would enable the NDDC to operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby enhancing its performance and impact on the region.”

Comrade Tonye also, commended president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former president Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and is team stakeholders and traditional rulers on the recent summit held in port HARCOURT for championing accelerated development to the Niger Delta region. 

He also,  salutes the MD for putting up the summit after some years of negligence and vowed to make his administration succeed. 

He further added that  the IOC’s ecological funds to remit their contributions and monies due to the NDDC promptly.

“As a concerned association, we will not hesitate to institute legal action against the IOCs if, at the end of August this year, they refuse to remit their dues to the commission.

“It is very clear that contractors are being owed by the commission because of the inability of the oil majors to pay their dues to the commission,” 

Meanwhile, at the sidelines of a graduation held in the United Kingdom, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, underscored the need to celebrate academic excellence. Also appel to the youth in the region to make themselves useful by supporting the Dr Samuel Ogbuku and his team to enable them carry out their work Rader than going to the media to start saying things that is not existing

Ex- AGF Aondoakaa, SAN Denies testifying against FG in Arbitration at ICC

** describe report as fake news 

The former minister of justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN  has denied the report making round that he has agreed to testify against Nigeria in the ongoing arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, France.

The former chief law officer of the Federation also, described the report as not only been a fake news but an outright mischief .

His words “I have denied testifying against Nigeria in sunrise arbitration against Nigeria. I filed an independent statement denying the unfounded allegations against me in certain paragraphs 165 and 166 in the  FRN statement of defence and  counterclaim. 

Chief Aondoakaa contended that since the offensive  averments against him in FRN statement of defence and counter claim were not supported by any of the FRN  witness statements, the Arbitral Tribunal should expunged them from its records.

Aondoakaa stated further that apart from his official action as directed to him by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR  concerning Mambilla hydropower project ,he is not for or against any party in the on going Sunrise Arbitration against FRN.All his actions  concerning the said project were documented as official public documents of the Federal Republic  of Nigeria. The said public documents of his actions concerning Mambila Hydropower power project in Tabara State can be obtained at the Federal Ministry of Justice ,the Presidency and EFCC .His said independent statement filed at ICC paris can be obtained at the Arbitration Centre paris or any of the parties to the Arbitration

Sunrise Power, a company promoted by Leno Adesanya, had, on October 10, 2017, started arbitration against Nigeria at the ICC seeking a $2.354 billion award for “breach of contract” in relation to a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW plant in Mambilla, Taraba state, on a “build, operate and transfer” (BOT) basis.

The Nigerian government has maintained that Olu Agunloye, then minister of power, acted outside of his powers when he awarded his contract.

Nigeria is also alleging fraud and corruption in the award and in the subsequent settlement agreements reached in an attempt to settle the dispute.

Agunloye is currently on trial in Nigeria for his alleged role in the contract saga. He denies all allegations.

Contrary to the report that Adesanya was  represented by Mohammed Seidu Diri, a Senior lawyer who served as special assistant to Aondoakaa when he was AGF.

 Investigations reveals that Mr. Diri, been a career civil servant, served as Senior Assistant to Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, before Aondoakaa even became AGF. 

He was also a Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the federal ministry of justice after Aondoakaa left the office as HAGF and retired as the Director of legal services at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum and Director legal Services Federal Ministry of Health barely two years ago, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. 

Presently Mohammed Saidu Diri SAN is practising as a lawyer with his lawfirm M S Diri (SAN)& CO in Abuja. 

Ex- AGF Aondoakaa, SAN Denies testifying against FG in Arbitration at ICC

** describe report as fake news 

The former minister of justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN  has denied the report making round that he has agreed to testify against Nigeria in the ongoing arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, France.

The former chief law officer of the Federation also, described the report as not only been a fake news but an outright mischief .

His words “I have denied testifying against Nigeria in sunrise arbitration against Nigeria. I filed an independent statement denying the unfounded allegations against me in certain paragraphs 165 and 166 in the  FRN statement of defence and  counterclaim. 

Chief Aondoakaa contended that since the offensive  averments against him in FRN statement of defence and counter claim were not supported by any of the FRN  witness statements, the Arbitral Tribunal should expunged them from its records.

Aondoakaa stated further that apart from his official action as directed to him by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua GCFR  concerning Mambilla hydropower project ,he is not for or against any party in the on going Sunrise Arbitration against FRN.All his actions  concerning the said project were documented as official public documents of the Federal Republic  of Nigeria. The said public documents of his actions concerning Mambila Hydropower power project in Tabara State can be obtained at the Federal Ministry of Justice ,the Presidency and EFCC

Sunrise Power, a company promoted by Leno Adesanya, had, on October 10, 2017, started arbitration against Nigeria at the ICC seeking a $2.354 billion award for “breach of contract” in relation to a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW plant in Mambilla, Taraba state, on a “build, operate and transfer” (BOT) basis.

The Nigerian government has maintained that Olu Agunloye, then minister of power, acted outside of his powers when he awarded his contract.

Nigeria is also alleging fraud and corruption in the award and in the subsequent settlement agreements reached in an attempt to settle the dispute.

Agunloye is currently on trial in Nigeria for his alleged role in the contract saga. He denies all allegations.

Contrary to the report that Adesanya was  represented by Mohammed Seidu Diri, a Senior lawyer who served as special assistant to Aondoakaa when he was AGF.

 Investigations reveals that Mr. Diri, been a career civil servant, served as Senior Assistant to Chief Bayo Ojo SAN, before Aondoakaa even became AGF. 

He was also a Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the federal ministry of justice after Aondoakaa left the office as HAGF and retired as the Director of legal services at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum and Director legal Services Federal Ministry of Health barely two years ago, he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. 

Presently Mohammed Saidu Diri SAN is practising as a lawyer with his law M S Diri (SAN)& CO in Abuja. 

Group accuses Zamfara governor of strong links with banditry

..Asked to Explain Source of Video Attempting to Indict Matawalle

The Citizens United Against Terrorism (CUAT) has accused Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State of having a strong connection with bandits.

The group also asked the governor to explain the source of a video which attempted to link predecessor and Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, to banditry.

The Citizens United Against Terrorism made this known at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja. 

In his address, Comr. Obinna Francis said the state has witnessed a surge in attacks by bandits who are allegedly receiving protection, benefits, and favours from the governor.

He noted that alarming reports have surfaced indicating that bandits are now utilizing more advanced weaponry than ever before, exceeding the arsenal previously seized from vanquished bandit groups during the preceding administration. 

The group cited the video released by a notorious bandit leader supposedly implicating the Minister of State Defence as the handiwork of the governor. 

“This alarming revelation has sparked widespread concern and scrutiny, prompting questions about the potential collusion between political figures and criminal entities,” he added. 

“A pertinent inquiry arises regarding the circumstances under which the spokesperson of the Governor of Zamfara State was the first to view the video, raising suspicions about their possible connections with the bandits.

“The fact that the incriminating video, featuring the Minister of Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, surfaced publicly through the spokesperson of the current Governor of Zamfara, warrants a thorough examination.”

The Citizens United Against Terrorism also expressed concern over Governor Lawal’s inability to stem the tide of banditry, despite his oath of office to serve and protect the people.

“We firmly believe that this situation warrants a heightened scrutiny of the current governor’s actions, rather than solely focusing on the past administration’s tenure,” Francis said.

The group accused Governor Lawal of abandoning his duties and absconding to Enugu State, where he indulged in celebratory festivities, while the security situation in Zamfara continued to deteriorate.

“We regret to say that Governor Dauda Lawal has proven himself unworthy of leading a state like Zamfara, and his despicable actions in the face of these recent events demand a thorough and rigorous investigation into his alleged connections with the bandits responsible for the chaos,” Francis said.

The group, therefore, demanded that Governor Lawal provide a comprehensive explanation to the people of Zamfara regarding the nature of his relationship with the bandits and seek clarity on the concrete measures he is taking to address the escalating crisis.