Painting new picture for Asian Games, creating better future for Asia

By People’s Daily

This is the moment of passion and strength, the moment of hopes and dreams.

On the evening of Sept. 23, the 19th Asian Games grandly opened in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang province. On the autumnal equinox, a solar term on the Chinese lunar calendar symbolizing bumper harvest, athletes from across Asia gathered beside the West Lake, to write a brand-new chapter of peace, friendship and progress.

The Hangzhou Asian Games is the largest and highest-level international comprehensive sports event held in China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It has attracted nationwide and global attention.

Hangzhou becomes the third city in China that host the Asian Games following Beijing and Guangzhou. Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese government and people have full confidence in hosting a splendid Asian Games in Hangzhou.

Hosting the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games is a major event in the work of the CPC and China this year.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Zhejiang province has adhered to the concept of “green,” “intelligent,” “frugal,” and “civilized” in organizing the Games since Hangzhou won the bid to host the Games. With an aim to deliver a streamlined, safe, and splendid event, it has made every effort to excel in all aspects of the preparatory work.

After 8 years of unremitting efforts, China has the confidence and ability to present to the world a wonderful sports event with Chinese characteristics and Asian styles.

Sport is an important symbol of social development and human progress, and a bond of friendship among people.

As the largest comprehensive sports event in Asia, the Asian Games promotes the spirit of sports, showcases the charm of Asia, and fosters friendship and solidarity. It continuously improves the level of competitive sports in the region and has become an important platform for Asian sports solidarity and cooperation.

The Chinese people have a great passion for sports and the Asian Games, and they have always been firm participants, active promoters, and important contributors to the Asian sports cause. The Asian Games has ignited the enthusiasm of the Chinese people to participate in sports and witnessed the sports achievements in China.

The number of participants in the Hangzhou Asian Games has reached a record high. The Hangzhou Asian Games is by far the Asiad with the most participants, most sports, and largest overall scale. It fully demonstrates the diversity and inclusiveness of Asian sports culture and will undoubtedly make a lasting impression in the history of the Asian Games, injecting new vitality into this important sports event.

The Asian Games is a stage for competitive sports and a platform for athletes to strive for new heights.

More than 12,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions in Asia are taking part in the Hangzhou Asiad. It is expected that athletes will respect and inspire each other, push their limits, showcase the charm of sports and achieve extraordinary accomplishments through passionate competitions.

China has sent a delegation of 1,329 members to participate in 407 events of 38 sports. They will vigorously promote the Olympic spirit and the Chinese sportsmanship, take on their responsibility, work hard to surpass themselves, and strive for glory for the country. It is believed that they can show the world the formidable strength of sports practice in pursuing Chinese modernization.

Today, changes of the world, of the times and of history are unfolding in ways never seen before. The building of a community with a shared future for mankind is the common aspiration of people from all countries.

As Xi said, “We need to continue developing and strengthening Asia, demonstrate Asia’s resilience, wisdom and strength,” and through efforts towards such a community for Asia, promote a community of common interest for all mankind.

The slogan of the Hangzhou Asian Games, “Heart to Heart, @Future,” aligns perfectly with the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” It represents a profound vision of embracing the future and jointly building a community with a shared future for Asia and humanity.

From the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games with a theme called “Surging Tides,” to the torch, mascots, and medal designs that incorporate elements of Chinese traditional culture, and to other supporting activities, the Asian Games utilizes sports as a bridge to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

This will undoubtedly open new prospects for cultural exchanges, cultural integration, and people-to-people bonds in Asia. It will inject profound and lasting cultural strength into the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Tonight, the light of civilization from the Liangzhu ancient city lighted the torch of Asian solidarity, and the time-honored Chinese civilization and the passionate sporting event shined on each other. Let dreams be the sail and struggle the oar, to paint a new picture for the Asian Games together and create a better future for Asia together.

Wish the 19th Asian Games every success!

Bayelsa Guber: 28 Lawyers Seek APC’s Sylva, Running Mate Disqualification

• Disqualification based on alleged criminal records

• Set to address the world on emerging facts surrounding Maciver’s nomination

Ahead of the Bayelsa State governorship election slated for November 11, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, strong indications have emerged that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Timpre Sylva and his running-mate, Joshua Maciver, risk disqualification.

This was disclosed on the heels of a suit filed against the defendants, Sylva, Maciver, and INEC, by the plaintiff, Incorporated Trustees of the Trustfield Empowerment Initiative at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The plaintiff in the suit raised issues about Maciver’s jail term still running over a criminal offence, hence the party’s governorship candidate, Sylva does not have a valid running-mate for the election.

The plaintiff also queried INEC to allow Maciver to become a running-mate to Sylva knowing quite alright that Maciver is serving a criminal jail term.
The court summon leaked through an insider working at the court, indicates:

Whether having regard to the provisions of Sections 175(1), 182(1)(d) and (2)(c) and 187 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended) and in view of the conviction of the 2nd Defendant for a sentence of imprisonment, the 1st Defendant does not have any valid candidate as his associate for his running for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election?
Whether having regard to the combined provisions of Sections 175(1), 182(1)(d) & (2)(c) and 187(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), the recognition and listing of the 2nd Defendant, who is under a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the 1st Defendant in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is illegal, unlawful, null and a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended)?
Whether upon the community reading of the provisions of Sections 175(1), 182(1)(d) & (2)(c) and 187(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), the 2nd Defendant having been convicted for a criminal offence with a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, is not eligible to be recognised or listed by the 3rd Defendant (INEC) as the associate of the 1st Defendant for his running for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election?
Whether in view of the conviction of the 2nd Defendant for a term of imprisonment, his recognition by the 3rd Defendant (INEC) as the associate and running mate of the 1st Defendant for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is not at variance with the Constitution of the Federal of Nigeria, null and void ab initio?
WHEREOF the Plaintiff seeks the following Reliefs:
(a) A DECLARATION that in view of the conviction of the 2nd Defendant for a sentence of imprisonment, the 1st Defendant does not have any valid candidate as his associate for his running for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election.
(b) A DECLARATION that recognition and listing of the 2nd Defendant, who is under a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, as the Deputy Governorship candidate of the 1st Defendant in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is illegal, unlawful, null and a gross violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), null and void ab initio.
(c) A DECLARATION that the 2nd Defendant having been convicted for a criminal offence with a sentence of imprisonment, without Presidential Pardon, is not eligible to be recognised or listed by the 3rd Defendant (INEC) as the associate of the 1st Defendant for his running for the office of Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election.
(d) A DECLARATION that in view of the conviction of the 2nd Defendant for a term of imprisonment, his recognition by the 3rd Defendant (INEC) as the associate and running mate of the 1st Defendant for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election is at variance with the Constitution of the Federal of Nigeria, null and void ab initio.
(e) AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 3rd Defendant (INEC) by itself, agents, servants, privies or howsoever described from recognising, listing, publishing or in any other manner whatsoever according any recognition to the 2nd Defendant as the associate and running mate of the 1st Defendant for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election.

LOCUS STANDI
THE CASE IN QUESTION HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH PRIMARY ELECTION, NOMINATION OR SPONSORSHIP OF A CANDIDATE IN AN ELECTION. THIS IS WERE THE ISSUE OF LOCUS CAN BE RAISED.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PRIMARY ELECTION OF THE APC CANDIDATE OR SPONSORSHIP OF THE APC CANDIDATE IN THE ELECTION.
IT IS PURELY A CASE OF CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION. IT HAS TO DO WITH THE INTERPRETATION OF WHETHER SOMEONE WHO IS UNDER A LEGAL DISABILITY OF A COURT SENTENCE OR IMPRISONMENT CAN VALUDLY BE A RUNNING MATE IN AN ELECTION IN VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
IT IS PURELY A QUESTION OF THE INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION; IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PRIMARY ELECTION WHERE A LOCUS NEEDS TO BE ESTABLISHED.
THE CASE BOTHERS ON CORRUPTION.
THE CASE ALSO BOTHERS ON INTERPRETATION WHICH MEANS THAT ANYBODY HAS A LOCUS TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO INTERPRETE THE PROVISIONS OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION.
AN NGO HAS THE LOCUS TO APPROACH THE COURT TO SEEK IF THE CONSTITUTION IS BEEN VIOLATED VIS-A-VIS THE MATTER.

Faces of the BRI: share your story!

The Belt and Road Initiative, announced by China in 2013, is marking its 10th anniversary this year. During the past decade, the BRI has seen the expansion of cooperation with a growing number of participating countries and projects.

It has now established its place at the heart of international collaboration – not only regarding trade but also cultural, financial and technological exchanges.

And, most importantly, it has touched the lives of millions of individuals: from scientists, entrepreneurs, planners, and constructors to journalists and citizens from all walks of life.

Do you have a story where the Belt and Road Initiative has played a part? Or do you just want to share your feelings about what it has brought to your country or the world in general?

No matter where you are or who you are, join us in our project to collect accounts of what the BRI means in real life.

Your story could be featured on China Media Group’s multimedia platforms and you’ll have the possibility of participating in live television broadcasts as well.

We look forward to wonderful stories, building a bridge of friendship and a platform for cooperation. Let’s pave the “Belt and Road” together with happiness and a spirit of global collaboration.

How to take part:

Please send your contribution along with your name to cgtnafricadigitalmedia@gmail.com. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Hon Akpanke’s Achievements In First 100 Days in Office Excites Constituents

Member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Hon Peter Akpanke, has assured that his performance of 100 days in office is a prelude to greater service and effective representation of his people.
Hon Akpanke also said he is not elected for self-aggrandizement but to ensure he changes the narrative in his constituency by meeting the yearnings, aspirations and expectations of his people who graciously and confidently gave him their mandate via the ballot box.
He also said despite the challenges he has been able to touch lives of the people via job creation, various people-oriented projects, aids and interventions, including sponsoring of bills, and on the spot assessment of issues within the constituency, collaborations and partnerships, and carrying every constituent along.
Recall that In the February general elections, the people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency (OBO) ushered a new dawn when they signed a social contract with Hon. Peter Akpanke by massively electing him as their Representative in the Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
His victory came as a product of hope from his campaign promises for an effective, responsive and active people’s-oriented representation that will give priority to the wellbeing of his constituents.
Basically, the MP has been a grassroots politician who have first-hand knowledge, experience and information about the people and their demands, hence he had placed value and resources to ensure these demands are met and others they are yet to ask for.
Meanwhile, he has been active on the floor of the hallowed Green Chamber since he was sworn-in along with his fellow lawmakers in Abuja.
Some of the projects he had provide for his people include; Installation of solar street lights in some communities in Obanliku LGA; Construction of solar powered borehole in Sankwala Market; Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Obudu LGA.
Distribution of sewing machines and motorbikes to selected constituents in Obudu; Construction of solar powered borehole at Obudu Central Market (Old Park); Distribution of sewing machines and motorcycles to selected beneficiaries in Bekwarra LGA.
Construction of solar borehole and toilet in Bekwarra Motor Park; Distribution of hand pumps and herbicides to farmers in Bekwarra; Distribution of hand pumps, herbicides and liquid fertilizers to Obanliku female farmers.
Entrepreneurial training/empowerment of young ladies in hair dressing and makeup business in Obanliku LGA; Distribution of motorbikes to 20 Obanliku youths; Entrepreneurship training and distribution of hair-making and makeup kits for hair stylists in Obudu
Meanwhile, Hon Akpanke gave aids and interventions; Launching of the Akpanke Health Scheme for the benefit of his constituents; Distribution of food stuffs to about 200 widows across the ten wards of Obudu; Payment of hospital bills for patients in Bekwarra General Hospital; Payment of hospital bills for the less-privileged in different hospitals across Obudu.
Distribution of food items to widows across the political wards of Obanliku LGA; Distribution of food stuffs to over 200 widows and people living with disabilities in the 10 wards of Bekwarra; Distribution of incentives, gift packages and cash to constituents, unions and associations across Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra LGA for new yam celebrations.
Timely response to the collapsed of Kafa-Bridge linking Lishiche/Shikpeche and eight other communities of Bishiri North and South where he sponsored temporary paths while waiting for the relevant government agencies to commence rebuilding work on the collapsed bridge.
It is also a major milestone of performance by Hon Akpanke to create jobs within his 100 days in office, indeed a very short period to gave a new lease of life to the people.
Five of his constituents that are currently undergoing training in NDLEA camps and two of his constituents who have resumed work at the Federal College of Education,Obudu.
Being a grassroots leader, Hon Akpanke knows how to fuse and sustain community relationship and partnership, this was even before he was elected to represent his constituency, and this has made him to form a strong partnership with the people for the smooth distribution and execution of constituency projects.
His strategies include; Needs Assessment Tour: He embarked on needs assessment tour with elders, stakeholders, youths and opinion molders across the three LGAs of OBO Federal constituency.
On-the-spot assessment of uncompleted and abandoned federal projects in OBO. He is in discussion with the various ministries, departments and agencies to rehabilitate/complete the construction of such projects.
On-the-spot assessment of Economic sites like the Obudu Dam Resort, illegal mining sites in Utanga, Obanliku LGA etc. for possible attraction of government’s attention so that royalties could accrue to the host communities.
Being a politician and leader who knows why threw his hat into the ring, as soon as he was sworn-in to represent Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency of Cross River State, he immediately hit the ground running as a legislator.
He has been very active on the floor of the Green Chamber without hesitation, and within his 100 days in office he has been able to present notable bills;
A Motion for the immediate rehabilitation of the abandoned Obudu Dam Resort.
He co-sponsored a motion (with other Cross River law makers) which raised alarm that the country was on the verge of losing some parts of Cross River State to Cameroon.
He presented a petition on the floor of the House from some constituents who felt that they were unjustly withdrawn from the University of Calabar.
He sponsored a bill for the establishment of a Federal University of Technology in Obanliku, Cross River State.
According to SSA Media and Publicity to Hon Peter Akpanke, Awade Friday, “It is evident that the first 100 days of Hon. Peter Akpanke in the House of Reps have been quite impactful and promising.
“The MP has no plans of slowing down in his quest to deliver the dividends of democracy to OBO Federal constituency.
“He is determined to leave no stone unturned until he delivers on his campaign promises of harnessing opportunities for his constituents, emancipate women, empower youths, support children education and better the lot of his people.
“The MP admonish all his constituents to remain steadfast and continue to pray for him as he continues to put their interest first.”

NSIB DG Honourer with Integrity, Anti-corruption Award

The Director General , Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Engr. Akin Olateru has been honoured with the ‘Integrity and Anti-corruption Ambassador’ award by the Nigerian youth against Corruption and Transparency Initiative.

According to the group, the award is in recognition of the transformation and developmental strides the Bureau has witnessed under his leadership.

Presenting the Award at the Bureau’s Headquarters, in Abuja on Wednesday, the Group Coordinator, Engr. Abdul Malik Usman, said members of his group decided to confer the award on the Bureau’s Director General in recognition of his contributions to the development of the nation’s aviation safety through rapid transformation of the Bureau to emerge as one of the best accident investigating bodies in the world.

“Our Organisation is very proud of the transformation and developmental strides in the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau( NSIB) which cannot be overemphasised. Your unrelenting dedication to a corruption-free society, contribution to nation building, among others, called for appreciation and recognition and to this end, we decided to honour you with this award”, he stated.

Receiving the award, Engr. Olateru appreciated members of the organisation for recognising his modest contributions to aviation safety through the Investigation of occurrences and timely release of reports along safety recommendations which he described as the by product of the investigation usually addressed to industry stakeholders such as, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), the affected airlines, Air craft Manufacturers, among others, to prevent the reoccurrence of the incident.

The Bureau established in 2006 according to him, and had done its best under his leadership since 2017 when he became its head in the fulfilment of its mandate to probe into air accidents / incidents and timely release of reports for a safer airspace in Nigeria and beyond.

He informed the organisation that the government, in recognition of the roles played by the Bureau, signed into law the NSIB Act 2022 for the expansion of its mandate and scope as a multi-modal agency to investigate not just air accidents and incidents, but maritime, railway and any other modes of transportation across the country.

“And that has put Nigeria at par with countries like United States of America, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, among others , to have a single agency doing all the investigations,” he stated.

Explaining further, Engr Olateru said the reason behind this, is to ensure transparency and objectivity in the investigation of occurrences.

“There are 3 legs to any transportation system. You have the service providers, you have the regulators, and then, the Investigators. During occurrences, sometimes it could be the regulators that might have caused the reason for the occurrence. That is why you can’t be regulator and the Investigator all together”.

He recalled between 2003 to 2005 during which period Nigeria had such situations which led to numerous air crashes in the country.

“Nigeria used to have this arrangement, but the wisdom of government to separate regulatory from investigating responsibilities has not just improved air safety, it has also enabled air transport business to dramatically rised in Nigeria.

“Gone are the days when people hesitated boarding an aircraft” he stressed further, saying in the past people would rather travel by road instead of aeroplanes for safety considerations.

“Today, this is not so as the conscious efforts that had been put in place by the Bureau in collaboration with other relevant agencies which have ensured a safer airspace for the flying public.


“Safety is not achieved by accident. It is not something that just happened at ago. Conscious efforts had gone into it . For a safer airspace to have been in place, the regulatory body, the investigating agency and other industry stakeholders must have contributed their bits to the overall safety networks”.

Olateru assured of the Bureau’s continuous prompt response to occurrences and timely release of its reports along with right safety recommendations to deal with the reason why that particular occurrence happened. This, he said, is the only way the agency can continue to protect the system from reoccurrence.

He noted that the Agency under his leadership enhances air safety from the rear which explained his delight for been spotted and honoured with the award .


“We enhance safety from the rear. And that is why am so happy that you spotted us. I really want to thank you for this initiative and for giving us the encouragement to do more, “ he added.

GOVERNOR OBASEKI’S ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY : A CALL FOR CAUTION

The political melodrama going on presently inside Dennis Osadebe House in Edo State has left many students of politics with no doubt as to how endangered democracy is becoming by the day. Political watchers are at a loss as to how the office of the deputy governor is being violated by the governor, to the extent that a governor is locking out his deputy from office over the perceived political ambition of the latter.

It is important to note that the governor’s action is not an isolated case as there are several instances of governors in Nigeria treating their deputies unfairly. This trend is worrisome and goes against the spirit of democracy as deputy governors, like every other citizen, are entitled to their fundamental human rights, including the right to political participation.

Governor Obaseki’s undemocratic attitude towards his deputy is presently heating the polity in Edo State and is already causing further division and disunity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state.

Unfortunately, the people elected both the governor and his deputy to work harmoniously for the progress and development of the state, however, the governor’s actions of abandoning governance for personal fights with his deputy are presently creating tension among residents and this is beginning to affect the governance of the state. The reputation of the state is at stake, and the governor’s actions are not setting a good example for future leaders.

The governor’s insistence on preventing his deputy from having political ambition is undeniably, an infringement on his deputy’s fundamental human rights as every individual has the right to aspire for any political office, they deem fit if they meet the requirements stipulated in the constitution. To say it is undemocratic and unlawful for anyone to prevent another from exercising their constitutional rights is to state the obvious. The locked-out was simply an erosion of constitutional order.

Mr Obaseki must be reminded that the office of the deputy governor is a creation of the constitution; it does not exist or function at the discretion of the governor. The governor’s action must be condemned by all believers in constitutional democracy. The governor’s undemocratic attitude towards his deputy has caused division and disunity in the state.

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s actions are tantamount to dictatorship and a complete disregard for constitutional democracy and are an indication that the governor is unfit to hold any public office, as he has shown that he cannot uphold the constitution of Nigeria. This is worrisome because the position of the governor is a vital one, and the governor should be an example of good governance.

The actions of Governor Obaseki could lead to a political crisis in the state and must be avoided. The mandate given to him by the people is to serve them and not to lord over them. The governor must put the interest of the state and the people he governs above his interest.

The governor must realize that he is a public servant, and as such, he is accountable to the people and must respect the oath of office he took and the constitution of Nigeria, which is the supreme law of the land. The governor should realize that democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.

Some analysts have questioned the governor’s understanding of democracy as democracy is not just about winning elections but also about respecting the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. Trying to prevent his deputy from pursuing his political ambition is an assault on political legitimacy, the governor is acting in an undemocratic manner and eroding the gains of democracy in the state.

The actions of the governor bring to the fore, the need to review the nation’s democratic system, by structuring it in a way that prevents tyrannical leaders from emerging or thriving. The political system should be designed to promote equity, fairness, and justice, and prevent individuals from using their positions to stifle the rights of others.

The undemocratic attitude of the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, against his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade. Philip Shaibu is a cause for concern. The governor’s actions are a violation of his oath of office and a complete disregard for constitutional democracy. The governor must be reminded that he is a public servant, and he is accountable to the people. The people of Edo State should rise and demand accountability from their leaders. The future of their state and the nation at large depends on it.

Dr. Denis Osanmuyi
Writes from Benin

Aviation Minister Inspects Safety Equipment in Norway

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN has in Larvik, Norway where inspected some safety and communications’ equipment meant for Nigerian airports.

The Minister was accompanied on the journey by the Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency-NAMA, Engr. T. Odunowo and the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Engr. Farouk A. Umar including other NAMA technical experts.

In company of his team, the Minister Monday visited Jotron, a company that specialises in design, development and manufacturing of communications and safety equipment for the aviation industry. This was disclosed in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.

In line with one of his 5-point agenda of improving the infrastructure in the Nigerian aviation industry, the Honourable Minister visited the Scandinavian country to personally assess and officially accept the communication equipment to be purchased by the Federal Government.

These safety and communications equipment are meant for twelve of our control towers in Nigeria. These control towers are the ones located in Akure, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Ilorin, Jos, Kaduna, Minna, Owerri, Sokoto, and Yola.

The Minister on Tuesday rounded off his official duty in Norway before joining the President in New York for the ongoing session of the 77th United Nations’ General Assembly-UNGA.

Exposed: Real Reasons Some Senators Are Plotting Akpabio’s Ouster

••• Want Him To Checkmate Tinubu On Alleged ‘Yorubanisation’ Of The Finance, Economy Sectors

Fresh details on the agitation against President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio emerged over the weekend with the revelation that the disaffection on committee appointments was only diversionary.

The real angst of the group of senators, it was reliably gathered, is the suspicion of the incapacity of the Senate President to checkmate what some northern senators are calling the Yorubanisation of the country’s financial system and economy.

Besides the alleged perception of Akpabio’s lack of capacity to checkmate the purported domination of the Yoruba ethnic nationalities in the financial ecosystem, is also his alleged refusal to deal with some powerful interest groups, particularly some petrol importers and the electricity distribution companies on some proposed financial deals bordering on 40 percent electricity tariff hike and payment of outstanding money to fuel importers.

Newspaper publications had last weekend alleged a plot by some unnamed senators against Akpabio alleging lopsided distribution of Grade A committees mainly in favour of his supporters and to the discrimination of those who opposed him during the leadership contest.

While it was gathered that the allegation may have some substance, it has, however, emerged that some rivals of the Senate President may have regrouped using as a reason, his apparent failure to check the lopsided appointments by the President in favour of the Yoruba, especially in the financial sector.

Among the senators, who are alleged to have regrouped with a mission of standing up to Senator Akpabio are some former governors drawn from the North and at least one from the South-South.

The group has now formally come out by presenting Senator Elisha Abbo, APC, Adamawa North as the face of the group.

Senator Abbo, in newspaper interviews at the weekend, accused Akpabio of marginalising his rivals in the leadership contest and their supporters in the distribution of the committee positions.

However, sources within the Abbo group have now revealed that the angst of the group was far more and go beyond the Senate President.

“The main issue is our fear that Akpabio cannot check this Yorubanisation of the financial system that is going on now,” a source within the group revealed at the weekend.

The source who spoke on the basis of confidentiality alluded to the appointments at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Customs, among others that have recently been infused with Yoruba leadership. The control of the agencies is besides the appointment of Yoruba Ministers in the financial sector and the blue economy.

“Yes, the reason why you can see that Northerners are mostly involved is that most of those being removed and replaced with Yoruba are northerners,” the source further revealed.

It was further gathered that the aim of the senators is to enthrone a senate president the group believes can checkmate President Bola Tinubu.

Besides the appointments, the group is also said to be working on behalf of some interest groups in the economy who believe that they were shortchanged after reaching agreements with the president and Akpabio on the payment of subsidy to the petrol importers.

It was gathered that an arrangement had been reached with the presidency that funds generated from the removal of fuel subsidy would be used to settle petrol importers within the first two months of the removal of subsidy. The fund amounting to N2 trillion has, however, not been so used but rather pushed to palliatives intervention.

Another interest group said to have infiltrated the ranks of the dissident senators were some Electricity Distribution companies who were said to have also reached an agreement with the presidency and Akpabio for an upward review of 40 percent of tariff. That agreement was, however, discountenanced on the Senate floor by Akpabio.

Just like those being pushed out in the appointments in the financial sector, Northern business interest groups, are believed to be more affected by the decision not to pay the petrol importers.

Nasarawa Assembly constitutes 24 house standing committees.

“… as Speaker tasks them to live above board, protect the integrity of the House…”

Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has constituted Chairmen of the 24 Standing Committees, their members and Secretaries to conduct the affairs of the legislature.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, while announcing the names of the committees in Lafia today Monday, urged them to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

The Speaker also urged the committees not to compromise while performing their oversight functions.

“We have been sworn in for two or close to three months now, hence the need for the constitution of this Standing Committees to pilot the affairs of the House.

” I urge you to live above board while discharging your duties

” We must protect the integrity of this Institution by ensuring that right things are done for the betterment of our people,” he said.

He said that the rules and business committee is to be chaired by Hon Daniel Ogazi, Judiciary committee Chairman is Hon Barr. Esson Mairiga, Women Affairs is to be Chaired by Hon. Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim.

Public complaints and Petition is to be Chaired by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House while, Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Deputy Majority Leader is to head the committee on Education.

Hon Mohammed Garba Isimbabi is to chair Youth and Sports while Housing and Environment is to be chaired by Hon Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, the Majority Leader of the House.

Similarly, SDGs is to be chaired by Hon Onarigu Onah Kana, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is to be chaired by Hon Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, NASIEC is to be headed by Hon Jacob Ajegina Kudu.

Others are, the committee on Works and Transport is to be chaired by Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, Information Committee is to be chaired by Hon John Ali, Finance and Appropriation is to be chaired by Hon Hudu A Hudu,

The Chairman, House committee on Land is Hon Emmanuel Manding, Hon Solomon Akwashiki is to chair committee on Public Account, Health committee is to be chaired by Hon Larry Ven Bawa, NUDB is to be chaired by Hon Musa Gude.

Furthermore, Agriculture committee is to be chaired by Hon Dr Peter Akwe, Hon Ovey John is to chair Water Resources while Capital Market, Commerce and Industry is to be chaired by Hon Mohammed Onyaki.

House Welfare committee chairman is Hon Aliyu Yusuf Chunbaya, committee on Pilgrims is to be chaired by Hon Ibrahim Aliyu Nana, Projects Monitoring is to be headed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala and Selection and Appointments is to be chaired by Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House

The speaker further urged them to start preparing for their various oversight functions in order to assess the level of the 2023 budget performance of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The State Number Three Citizen wished them well in their committee works.

China-Laos cooperation bears fruits in Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone

By Sun Guangyong, Zhang Jinruo, Yu Yichun, Hu Zexi, People’s Daily

About a 30-minute drive northeast of downtown Vientiane, the capital of Laos, there lies the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone (SDZ), with factories neatly arranged.

It is the only state-level overseas economic and trade cooperation zone established by China in Laos, as well as Lao’s national-level special economic zone.

As an early fruit of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the SDZ plays an important role in promoting Laos’ industrialization and fostering China-Laos economic cooperation.

Chinese garment enterprise Best Garment Group has a 20,000-square-meter factory in the SDZ. In the factory workshop, local workers were busy on production lines to make garments for export to Europe.

“We have introduced advanced automated cutting machines and computerized sewing equipment, carried out training, and adopted lean production management and production execution systems. We are committed to building a first-class clothing factory in Laos,” said the general manager of the factory Sun Linhua.

Headquartered in east China’s Jiangsu province, Best Garment Group established its Lao branch in the development zone two years ago. The factory has 40 production lines and hires 2,000 employees, with a designed annual production capacity of 20 million sets of various knitted garments sold to European, American and Japanese markets.

So far, the SDZ has attracted 131 companies from China, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and other countries and regions, with a total investment of over $1.5 billion, creating 6,000 jobs. After all the companies currently stationed in the zone come into operation, the SDZ is expected to generate a total output value exceeding $1.8 billion each year and create more than 10,000 jobs.

“The SDZ has introduced many well-known enterprises, bridging the gap in a number of manufacturing sectors in Laos such as electronics manufacturing, biomedicines, agricultural product processing and textiles. This has played a significant role in promoting the overall industrial development of the country,” said the director of the investment service center of the SDZ.

Blue new energy vehicles, white new energy buses and trucks are always seen running on the roads in the development zone, where solar-powered smart streetlights are lined on both sides of the road. These 3,000 sets of streetlights were all manufactured in China.

The Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone is a cooperation project jointly launched by China and Laos in the SDZ to address climate change in the framework of South-South cooperation. It is one of the 10 low-carbon demonstration zones built by China in other developing countries.

According to a memorandum of understanding signed between China and Laos, the two sides will launch a series of cooperation, including promoting a low-carbon lifestyle through low-carbon transportation and improving green infrastructure construction through low-carbon lighting.

“We hope that the Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone can gain valuable experience in green development for other parts of Laos,” said Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Laos.

The demonstration zone plays an important role in helping Laos achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, and will strongly promote the sustainable economic and social development of Laos, she added.

The Vientiane South Station of China-Laos Railway, ten kilometers away from the SDZ, showed a busy scene. Lao agricultural products and manufacturing goods were on their way to China along the railway.

Since the opening of the China-Laos Railway in December 2021, the SDZ has embraced better development. It is reported that the development zone has a customs service center, where goods manufactured by enterprises in the zone can be exported to China through various transportation methods after completing customs clearance procedures.

With more convenient logistics and significantly lowered costs, the advantages have become more prominent in the SDZ, and many enterprises there were planning to expand their production.

With the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in January 2022, foreign-invested enterprises in the SDZ can enjoy more favorable policies.

The head of Laos Alliance Pharmaceutical Group said that the implementation of the RCEP has reduced the company’s production and sales costs, and it is more convenient for enterprises in the SDZ to process and export products.

Sommad Pholsena, vice president of the Lao National Assembly, said he hoped the SDZ would be built into a model for Laos’ special economic zones, and expected Laos and China to continue strengthening relevant cooperation and drive the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, so as to assist Laos in industrial upgrading, and benefit more Lao people.