By liu Yang, People’s Daily
The Chinese box office is extraordinary and unprecedented this summer. Multiple domestically produced films sparked waves of buzz as genre films reached new heights.
Gong Kanning in Beijing took her child to the animated film “Chang An” featuring some of China’s most well-known poets. She told People’s Daily that the audience in the cinema erupted into a standing ovation when the film ended, with some even reciting Tang Dynasty (618-907) poems.
Zhou Kun, a resident in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, watched the inspirational comedy “One and Only” with his child. While leaving the cinema, the child said that he had developed an interest in learning street dance.
The above scenarios are just common this summer.
According to the China Film Administration, China’s box office revenue this July reached nearly 8.72 billion yuan ($1.22 billion), a significant 25 percent rise from the previous July record of 7.02 billion yuan set five years ago.
As of Aug. 6, the total summer box office revenue this year had hit 14.68 billion yuan, increasing 24.02 percent from the same period in 2018 and 20.01 percent from 2019.
These figures boosted industry confidence. Insiders estimated that the rebound of the film market would continue this August, with a high probability of shattering the summer box office record set in 2019.
“This summer’s hits, spanning various genres and topics, are showing an impressive quality leap from previous years, and have effectively sparked moviegoers’ enthusiasm,” said Professor Yin Hong of Tsinghua University.
These films are expected to make the movie market bigger and lead it to a vicious cycle, he added.
One notable highlight is the record-breaking market share of China’s homegrown films this summer, which have won critical acclaim and popularity with their quality. Their exploration beyond the boundaries of conventional genres represents a significant advancement.
The animated film “Chang An” focused on the fine traditional Chinese Culture. “We wanted to create a story about the Tang Dynasty, about poetry and about the ideals and pursuits of poets, to showcase the spirit and artistic accomplishments of poets in the Tang Dynasty and their works,” said Xie Junwei and Zou Jing, directors of the film.
It is learned that 48 classic poems are presented in the film, and the production team consulted over 100 relevant books to study the folk culture, poetry and aesthetics of the Tang Dynasty. The film represents a breakthrough in both topic and artistic expression.
Chinese fantasy epic “Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms” is adapted from Chinese novel “Fengshen Yanyi,” or “The Investiture of the Gods.” It carries rich Chinese cultural elements and its industrialized production standards rival world-class levels. The movie marks the rapid progress of China’s film industry.
Suspense thriller “Lost In The Stars” opened a brand-new narrative model. Its producer Chen Sicheng said that the movie creates information asymmetry for the audience, hoping to improve the audience’s engagement. So far, the movie has surpassed 3.5 billion yuan in box office, the highest among all summer hits this year.
As a sports movie, “One and Only” has expanded the boundary of its likes. Its director Dong Chengpeng noted that the movie is inspirational for everyone, though it is themed with street dance. It hails ordinary people’s passion for the things they love, Dong added.
Sci-fi action film “Meg 2: The Trench” is co-produced by teams from both China and the United States. It manifests the Chinese nation’s traditional caring for the nature.
In addition, films like “Never Say Never” and “No More Bets” continue Chinese movies’ tradition of focusing on realistic matters by incorporating social issues into their narratives. These movies carry profound social significance, evoking resonance and empathy from audiences.
Global South confident in building equal, orderly multi-polar world
By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily
For some time, discussions on the “Global South” have proliferated around the world. The term refers to the whole of emerging economies and developing countries, and mirrors their collective emergence on the international stage.
As profound changes unseen in a century are evolving rapidly in the world today, these discussions signal an intensifying aspiration of these nations for independent development, solidarity, and cooperation. These countries are becoming a non-negligible force in the international landscape.
I.
In the 1950s and 1960s, some countries that had broken free from the shackles of colonialism and embarked on the path of independent development began using the “South” concept to indicate the systemic inequality between developing countries and industrialized countries, or the “North.” Over several decades, the “Global South” has always pursued peace, development, fairness and justice.
The current focus on the “Global South” has its special context. Since the Ukraine crisis escalated, the international community’s attention to peace, security and development has been raised to new heights.
Some major countries in the West are exploiting the crisis to stir up camp confrontation, and continue to pressure countries whose positions differ from theirs. They even attempted to coerce emerging markets and developing countries to pick sides.
Some Western countries frequently wield unilateral sanctions as a weapon, exerting impacts on the stability of global finance, energy, transport and supply chains. This further drags down the struggling world economy.
Facing such a complex and grim situation, emerging markets and developing countries have maintained a rational attitude. They support peace talks, promote dialogue and negotiations to resolve the Ukraine crisis, firmly resist the hegemony of a few Western countries, and explicitly oppose all forms of unilateralism and the forming of blocs and exclusive groups targeted against particular countries.
Recently, the summit of the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States(CELAC) was held in Brussels, Belgium. During the summit, Latin American countries rejected unilateral demands put forward by the EU on issues such as the Ukraine crisis and trade negotiations, insisting on their own reasonable positions.
This once again demonstrated the increasing focus of emerging markets and developing countries on safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests on the international stage, and on gaining a bigger say in the global governance system.
The sobriety demonstrated by emerging markets and developing countries in a volatile world fully demonstrates their rising strategic independence.
Some international observers believe that the world is witnessing a new “non-aligned movement” as more and more countries are refusing to submit to the United States and pick a side.
Former director of Policy Planning for the U.S. Department of State Anne-Marie Slaughter believes that developing countries’ reactions to the Ukraine crisis represent a much bigger shift in the international order than most American and European analysts give credit for.
A Washington Post article wrote that the non-Western world, the long-neglected Southern Hemisphere, or what is usually referred to as “the rest,” is making its voice heard.
The increasing confidence demonstrated by the “Global South” on the international stage highlights the diverse values and interests of the developing world, reflecting the urgent need to safeguard peace and development and defend fairness and justice.
II.
From a long-term historical perspective, the focus on the “Global South” is an inevitable result of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries.
During the Cold War, many developing countries had no choice but to survive between the cracks of the two major camps, with no strategic independence to speak of. Today, the “Global South” represents the vast majority of the world’s population and accounts for half of the global economy. It now stands in a completely different historical position, with an even stronger desire for peace, development and cooperation, as well as greater determination for solidarity and self-strengthening. Its ability to resist hegemony and power politics has significantly improved.
Independence is the political foundation of the “Global South.”
Most developing countries had once been invaded, colonized or plundered. They cherish peace and independence. However, power politics and hegemonic practices are disrupting world peace and have become the biggest destructive factors challenging international peace today.
The “Global South” remains highly vigilant about this and jointly opposes all forms of hegemony and power politics, Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards. It plays a crucial role in maintaining world peace and stability.
Development and rejuvenation are the historical mission of the “Global South.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned that without fundamental reforms, the richest countries and individuals will continue to pile up wealth, leaving crumbs for the communities and countries of the Global South.
As the global economic recovery lacks momentum, developing countries face particularly daunting development challenges. Standing at a critical juncture of global development, the “Global South” widely believes that the international community should work together to make global development more inclusive, universal and resilient, and accelerate implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The world should adhere to win-win cooperation, reject narrow-minded beggar-thy-neighbor and selfish policies, abandon unilateral approaches that monopolize development advantages, safeguard equal development rights for all countries, and promote common development and prosperity.
Equity and justice are the common proposition of the “Global South.”
A few Western countries incite ideological confrontation, form exclusive cliques, undermine international solidarity and impede global cooperation.
The “Global South” generally believes that the international community should unwaveringly uphold the international system with the UN at the core and the international order underpinned by international law.
It holds that state-to-state relations should be coordinated and regulated through proper institutions and rules, and the strong should not bully the weak. Decision should not be made by simply showing off strong muscles or waving a big fist. Multilateralism should not be used as pretext for acts of unilateralism.
The “Global South” rejects the “rules-based international order” hyped and imposed on the developing world by Western countries. It advocates making the international order more just and reasonable, continuing to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries, and promoting the building of an equal and orderly multi-polar world.
In recent years, the “Global South” has seen increasing highlights on the international stage.
The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(COP 27) successfully established a loss and damage fund to provide financial assistance for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters.
Countries including China, South Africa and Brazil are committed to promoting a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and steadily building international consensus for peace talks.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is steadily advancing its membership expansion, with its cooperative philosophy gaining wider influence.
The BRICS countries are exerting growing influence, with more countries applying to join.
The rise of emerging markets and developing countries has not only led to historic changes in the international balance of power, but also brought new ideas about handling international affairs, injecting new vitality into the entire international relations system.
III.
In June this year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remarks at the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact deeply resonated with emerging markets and developing countries: African countries “felt like we were beggars when we needed access to vaccines.” He noted that Western countries were hogging vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic while African countries were helpless when they needed vaccines most.
In February this year, Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also expressed similar disappointment at the Munich Security Conference. He said some Western countries only took care of themselves and disregarded other countries in urgent need of help.
In the eyes of the “Global South,” some Western countries have long dominated international affairs and prioritized self-interests while neglecting their international responsibilities. Facing the increasingly confident “Global South” in strong demand of strategic independence, a few Western countries feel unaccustomed, uncomprehending, and even furious. They have resorted to threats, inducements, and division, which reflects their ignorance of the history of emerging markets and developing countries, their neglect of the realistic needs of the “Global South,” as well as their arrogant and biased detachment from reality.
Since this year, on multiple occasions like the G7 summit and NATO summit, some Western countries have stepped up their empty show of “paying attention” to emerging markets and developing countries. However, the value of such “attention” can only be tested by actions.
If these Western countries really valued the “Global South,” they should not have fueled the flames in Ukraine and caused the crisis to expand and prolong, or even labeled calls for ceasefire from emerging markets and developing countries as “unacceptable.”
They should not have imposed sanctions and “decoupled” when the “Global South” faced development difficulties, which added serious risks to global economic recovery. They should not have paid only lip service without following through on official foreign aid commitments and funding support for developing countries to cope with climate change.
Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, pointed out in his article “The west must recognize its hypocrisy,” that many countries view the United States and European major countries as “selfish, self-satisfied and insincere,” and this view makes perfect sense.
The “Global South” should not be an arena for international political rivalry, nor should it become a tool for major power competition and geopolitical games.
If Western countries really value the “Global South,” they should keep pace with the times and adjust their thinking on international affairs. They should earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, earnestly respect the rights of emerging markets and developing countries to independently make policies and develop, patiently listen to the latter’s demands, and help them develop and address global challenges like climate change.
Singaporean scholar Kishore Mahbubani said, a reality that the West must accept is that the people of non-Western countries, who today comprise almost 90 percent of the world’s population, want a bigger say in global affairs. The world can only make the right decisions to strengthen multilateralism and the international order based on the UN Charter, otherwise “disorder” will dominate the world, he noted.
China is an ex-officio member of the “Global South” and will always be a member of the big family of developing countries. The increasingly louder voice of the “Global South” in international affairs fully demonstrates that the historical trend toward greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. As emerging markets and developing countries play an increasingly important role in global governance, the forces defending the basic norms of international relations, upholding international fairness and justice, and promoting world peace and development will continue to grow.
Chengdu Universiade promotes cultural exchanges, reinforces friendship
By Dai Kairan, People’s Daily
The 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games just lighted up its host city Chengdu. Apart from exciting games, it also created an opportunity for young people around the world to enjoy rich and splendid cultural activities.
During the event, a series of cultural exchange activities blending international elements, Chinese characteristics and Sichuan local styles unfolded in spectacular fashion, giving the world new gateways to understand the Chinese culture.
From the amazing symbol of Golden Sun Birds presented at the opening ceremony, to the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance that sparked cheers before an awards ceremony, and from intangible cultural heritage activities hosted in the Universiade village, to the picturesque cultural tourism routes showcasing Sichuan’s splendor, young members of each delegation have fully experienced the unique charm of the Chinese culture.
These cultural exchanges helped enhance friendship among youths worldwide.
During the Chengdu Universiade, “Be Together” themed shows were staged every night at the Art Center of the Universiade village and met with thunderous applause. A concert of Guqin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument, demonstrated the captivating charm of Chinese music, and a performance of Chinese ethnic songs and dances showcased the infectious energy of Chinese art.
Facundo Corvalan, a basketball player from the Argentine delegation, told People’s Daily that attending the themed shows was something that he expected every day.
The Chengdu Universiade nurtured a sound environment where young athletes from around the world were able to build friendship and enhance mutual understanding in relaxing and joyful cultural performances.
These cultural exchanges witnessed the skills and wisdom of Chinese artisans.
During the Chengdu Universiade, Tulen Rafael Yvon, a fencer from the Netherlands was a frequent visitor to the interactive experience center of the Universiade village. Under the guidance of instructors there, he tried his hand at Sichuan Opera masks and weaving bamboo handicrafts, which he would later gift to family and friends interested in the Chinese culture back home.
These days, Sichuan embroidery, bamboo weaving and Sichuan Opera face mask drawing were all trendy in the Universiade village. Young athletes from across the world, led by inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, immersed themselves in the skills and wisdom of Chinese craftsmanship.
Whenever the night fell, “cultural markets” just bustled with hands-on activities like pottery, jar tossing, drumming, and ancient soccer, transporting participants through a traditional cultural wonderland brimming with antiquity. The convergence of culture and the Chengdu Universiade nurtured an embrace between tradition and youth.
These cultural exchanges highlighted the magnetism of China’s rich culture.
The mascot of the Games Rongbao, a panda with flame elements, was broadly welcomed; the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding remained a hot destination for delegations; panda-themed toys, clothes and ice pops were seen everywhere in the city of Chengdu. The cute image of giant panda delivered a heartwarming message – Chengdu always opens its arms wide to embrace friends from across the world.
The organizing committee of the Games launched 11 cultural tourism routes to showcase the beauty of the park city of Chengdu and its laid-back vibe, so as to better present Chengdu and China to the young members of delegations from different countries.
Nekifor Maria Erika, a fencer from the Hungarian delegation, said the Universiade allowed her to appreciate the unique Sichuan culture, and she hopes for more opportunities to experience the profound Chinese culture.
Civilizations have become richer and more colorful with exchanges and mutual learning. The diverse cultural exchange activities highlighted the Chengdu Universiade. They helped young athletes from across the globe deepen mutual understanding, writing vivid chapters of friendship and solidarity
China contributes its part to global biosecurity governance
By He Yin, People’s Daily
The Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) kicked off on Aug. 7 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting is one of the outcomes of the Ninth BWC Review Conference held last year, and its aim is to further reinforce the effectiveness of the BWC and promote comprehensive compliance.
Biosecurity concerns the common interests of all humanity. Currently, global biosecurity governance faces both new challenges and important opportunities. On one hand, advancements in biotechnology promote productivity growth and the well-being of mankind. On the other hand, as the intension and extension of biosecurity are broadening, traditional biosecurity issues overlap with emerging biosecurity risks, making the global biosecurity landscape even more complex. How to strengthen global biosecurity governance and better balance security with development has become a common task for the international community.
Facing the new situation, challenges, and issues in the sphere of biosecurity, China adheres to systematic governance. While continuously fortifying its own biosecurity defenses, China actively participates in global biosecurity governance and makes positive contributions with Chinese wisdom and solutions.
China has solemnly put forward the Global Security Initiative and officially released the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, calling on all nations to stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. It encourages all countries to practice the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance, and work together to address global challenges including biosecurity.
The BWC is an important cornerstone of global biosecurity governance. In over 50 years since it became open for signature, it has played a vital role in preventing biosecurity threats and promoting the peaceful use of biotechnology.
China has unequivocally advocated strengthening the BWC and vigorously promoted the establishment of a verification mechanism through multilateral negotiations to fundamentally ensure compliance.
The country has always advocated the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction, including biological weapons, and firmly opposes the proliferation of biological weapons and related technologies.
China is firmly committed to the BWC’s purposes and objectives, comprehensively and strictly fulfills its obligations, and actively participates in and supports multilateral processes to enhance the BWC’s effectiveness.
In April 2021, China’s Biosecurity Law formally took effect, providing a stronger legal and institutional basis for China to implement the BWC. China has also actively advocated negotiations on an international convention on the suppression of acts of bioterrorism to further address gaps in international law.
In recent years, the risks of misuse and abuse of biotechnology have attracted great attention. China supports BWC State Parties to keep pace with the times, uphold the vision of universal security and shared development for all mankind, strengthen deliberations on biotechnology development under the BWC framework, promote responsible biological research, and formulate necessary voluntary codes of conduct.
Based on this position, China engaged in in-depth discussions with various countries and reached the Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists in July 2021, putting forward ten major guiding principles including ethical standards, laws and norms, responsible conduct of research, research process management, and international cooperation.
Covering the whole process and entire chain of biological research, the Tianjin Guidelines fully reflects the consensus of the international community and makes important contributions to promoting the healthy and orderly development of global biotechnology.
During the Ninth Review Conference and the Meeting of States Parties of the BWC, the Tianjin Guidelines received extensive attention and acclaim. Originating from a Chinese proposal but belonging to the whole world, the Tianjin Guidelines fully demonstrates the determination of the international scientific community to further standardize biological research activities. It also fully proves that science-based and highly representative international processes can become an effective approach to strengthening global biosecurity governance and related international cooperation.
Responding to the demands of developing countries for sharing the dividends of sci-tech development in biological and other fields, China proposed the resolution “Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security” at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This launched an open and inclusive dialogue process under the UNGA framework, which is of great significance for building a more just and reasonable export control order, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of all countries for the peaceful use of science and technology, and addressing the security challenges posed by sci-tech advancements.
This resolution has been adopted at the UNGA for two consecutive years and widely welcomed by the international community.
As a Chinese saying goes, “The journey ahead may be long and arduous, but with sustained actions, we will eventually reach our destination.” China will continue to uphold the banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, promote global biosecurity governance together with the international community, and make greater contributions to achieving universal security and common development.
Sinoma Hosts Cultural Event to Strengthen Chinese-Nigerian Bonds
Sinoma Nigeria Limited, a global powerhouse in construction materials, recently organized a cross-cultural celebration for its employees, showcasing both Nigerian and Chinese traditions.
Dubbed “Family Gathering of Nigerian and Chinese Team Members,” the event unfolded on August 9th at Sinoma’s headquarters in Abuja’s Katampe extension. The primary objective was to foster deeper cultural connections between Nigeria and China.
During the event, Mr. Jakie Dai, Executive Deputy Managing Director of Sinoma Nigeria Limited, spoke to the media, explaining that the occasion aimed to uplift employee morale and offer fresh perspectives on Nigeria. He emphasized the company’s desire to contribute positively to Nigeria’s progress.
Dai underscored Sinoma’s role in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and its key involvement in the cement industry, partnering with prominent groups such as BUA, GIGA, and Lafarge in Nigeria. He highlighted the significant growth of the company, attributing it to Nigeria’s vibrant business environment.
With a workforce of 1,200 Chinese and 30,000 Nigerians (including 5,000 direct employees), Sinoma Nigeria Limited regards its staff highly and invests substantially in their development. The company operates three branches in Abuja, with headquarters in Katampe Extension and additional locations in Kuje. The organization also maintains a presence in Sokoto, Kuje, and Ogun States.
Mr. Dai asserted Sinoma’s commitment to expansion, job creation, and technical expertise provision for Nigerians. He expressed the company’s dedication to aiding Nigeria’s technological advancement, paralleling achievements seen in China and other advanced nations.
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Han Ti Chao, Assistant Managing Director, Chi Fei Hu, Chris Loni, Marketing Manager Wu Shuang, Mrs. Obiageri C. Henshaw, and Daniel Mejabi. The celebration further fortified the ties between these two diverse cultures.
CSO Rejects Calls for Resignation of the Senate President
… tackles Timi Frank, others
Rising-Up for a United Nigeria, a civil society organisation that advocates for good governance and democratic reforms has rejected in strong terms, calls by Timi Frank and other individuals for the resignation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio over flimsy and frivolous allegations following the transparent and diligent screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate.
In a release made available to journalists in Abuja by its National Convener, Amb. Solomon Adodo, the CSO wondered who has made mockery of Nigeria’s democracy more between Timi Frank and the Senate President who has been very transparent, diligent and committed in the discharge of his duties to the nation.
Part of the statement reads, the accusation by Frank Timi and his co-travelers that the lawmakers are insensitive for embarking on a holiday is misplaced. Lawmakers are supposed to periodically visit and consult with their constituents. The fact that Nigerians are facing hardships at the moment does not stop the lawmakers from doing their jobs. In fact, it is in interacting with their constituents that they will know the root causes of the challenges and face them headlong. That the Senate President publicly announced the vacation and the statutory allowances does not make him insensitive but transparent.
The CSO lamented the mischievous misrepresentation of facts with the intent of tarnishing the hard earned image of the Senate President to achieve their sinister motives. As a pro-people leader, Akpabio as Senate President will articulate the vision and mission of Mr. President for the overall good of the society, attacking his humane decisions instead of supporting him is uncalled for and needless.
“It is clear from the reactions online that the Senate President was taken out of context. As a pro-masses leader, he was basically talking about the efforts the Senate has made for the Senators to reach out to their constituents in terms of welfare and not giving out funds for the Senators’ exclusive use and enjoyment. He was similarly taken out of context when he stood against an anti-masses legislation, insisting the poor should not be suffocated with hardship but ‘allowed to breathe’. It is shameful that some persons take delight in twisting facts and injecting unnecessary rhetorics to cause disaffection against leaders”.
The group warned those paid goons hiding under a veil of deceitful patriotism to attack the integrity of the Senate following the non-clearance of some ministerial nominees to desist from heating the polity and accept the fact that the tenth Senate under Godswill Akpabio will continue to operate an open government in order to build trust and confidence in our democratic experience regardless of who is affected.
“Those calling for the resignation of Senator Akpabio should come and out clear and tell Nigerians that they are paid to do a hatchet job for some disgruntled politicians. Those dissatisfied with the screening process should go and face security agencies and sort out their challenges instead of venting their anger on the Senate President. For a man who is showing great accountability in his stewardship, accusing him of insensitivity is akin to insanity. Nigerians should kindly disregard those who’s only contribution to our democracy is to offer themselves as paid hands to destroy impeccable persons and institutions”, the statement concluded.
N1.9 BILLION FRAUD ROCKS AMNESTY OFFICE
The Presidential Amnesty Office is being rocked by a raging controversy over N1.9 billion deducted from trainees and beneficiaries of the programme.
Investigations revealed that the alleged fraud involves the office of the Head of Reintegration of the office.
The N1.9 billion was alleged to have been deducted from contracts that were executed under the Train, Employ and Mentor Programme initiated by a former Interim Administrator, Col Dikio.
Under the TIEM, the beneficiaries of the programme were to be trained, employed and mentored to prevent them from straying after the programme.
Investigations revealed that when General Ndiomu (Rtd.) took over, there were 1,200 delegates in training which he stopped. He was said to have conducted graduation for all of them as he was under instruction to bring the programme to an end.
It was gathered that the contracts were renegotiated and the Reintegration Department removed the ‘Employ and Mentor’ component with the promise that the beneficiaries would be outrightly empowered.
It was gathered that the Integration Office deducted funds from the contracts and kept N1.9 billion meant to empower the delegates.
After waiting endlessly for the outright empowerment, the beneficiaries and office staff are complaining that the N1.9 billion component deducted from the contracts have been diverted by the office.
Investigations revealed that the contractors include Bradama International Skill Works Limited (400 delegates), Sunup Logistics Limited (200) delegates, Krisdera Agro Allied FArms, (200 delegates), Teecentenel Nigeria Limited (110), Betrieb Limited (50,) and Vika Farms Limited.
Some delegates under Krisdera Agro Allied Farms and Teecentennel Nigeria Limited that were interviewed are pointing accusing fingers in the direction of the Head of Reintegration.
After renegotiating with the contractors, deducted a substantial amount from the contract sum, they went to the various training Centres to offer each delegate Seven Hundred and Fidty Thousand Naira (N750,000) to completely delist them from the Amnesty Programme.
The delegates collectively rejected the said amount. The office promised to get back to them all to no avail. The amount deducted from the negotiations with the contractors is N1.9Bn
They claim he was responsible for the mastery around delay or disappearance of their Two Months In-Training Allowance which had earlier been paid by the Office to the contractor for onward disbursement to the delegates.
Our investigation revealed that Mr. Wilfred Musa who is the HoR instructed the contractors to withhold the money since the delegates did not complete the eight months they were initially required to spend.
That money has not be returned to the government coffers.
It was further gathered that the Head of the Amnesty Office has directed the security unit to seize the phones of Amnesty staff for investigation because of the purported “leakage of information” and his clash with Chief Timipre Sylva. The investigation commenced two weeks ago.
Penultimate week, all the staff of the office were made to tender their phones for scrutiny by the Head of the office.
Some of the delegates who resisted it moved and threatened to file a case against the office were redeployed.
The meeting held in December 2022 and since then the delegates have been kept waiting.
There are fears that the money may have been diverted.
Some of the delegates who came to protest in Abuja were molested with military personnel with military tanks temporarily hired by Indiomu to stop the delegates at all cost.
The concerned delegates who fear they might not receive the money are calling on the office of the NSA which supervises the PAP to look into the books of the agencies.
NiMet lauds ATACA collaboration on information dissemination
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Mansur Bako has appreciated the partnership that exist between the Agency and Abuja Transport and Aviation Correspondents Association (ATACA) in disseminating weather information to the public.
Speaking in Abuja at the presentation of an ATACA Magazine that features the organization’s 20 years Anniversary by the Association’s Exco, Bako thanked the Association for feeding the Nigerian public with critical information on weather which is currently making the lives of many sectors better.
He said “we deal with perishable products, services and information, so we need a clearer platform to get this information fast to the public”.
Bako explained that, “one of the components of our strategic plan is collaboration, so this is one of such very helpful collaborations which enables the public to know what we are doing as an Agency”.
While presenting the magazine to the DG, ATACA Chairman, Mr. Leonard Oru lauded the Agency for recognizing the media, especially for their contributions in supporting the Agency.
“We are here to seal the collaboration between ATACA and NiMet. The Agency has been of great support to us, they appreciate the support that we are giving to them and it is encouraging.
“Therefore, we came up with a magazine that featured the 20 years Anniversary of NiMet, we didn’t leave critical things that the Organization is doing, like the N500 billion NiMet has saved, above all the losses that were saved for Nigeria.
“If you are talking about good leadership, then you will talk about the ability to recover debts and manage losses, in this regard, I think NiMet has done well” he stated.
Over the years, the media, particularly ATACA members have been on the forefront of disseminating information about NiMet to the public, especially weather information.
Ministerial Screening: Call Senate President, DSS to Order APC Support Groups Urge Presidency
A coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the circumstances surrounding the screening of former governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir El-rufai and two others over the claim by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio that the trio were yet to be cleared by the security agencies.
The group led by Engr. Jator Abido, Prince Danielson Momoh, and Comrade Chinedu Livinus in a statement jointly signed and made available to journalists in Abuja described the action of the Senate as unjust attempt to pitch prominent members of the party who gave their all for the party’s victory against each other.
The group particularly urged the President to rein in the Senate President and the Department of State Security (DSS).
Recall that the President had recently transmitted to the Senate a list of 48 ministerial nominees to be screened by the Senate. However, on the 7th of August, 2023 and after a rigorous screening, the Senate announced that it has screened and cleared only 45 of the nominees, leaving out three nominees including Stella Oketete from Delta State and Nasir El-Rufai from Kaduna State under the guise of a security report.
The group described the action of the Senate as unjust and wondered why the Senate President would choose to work against his party’s interest.
According to the statement, “it’s unfortunate for Akpabio to be implicated in actions that seem detrimental to the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the election of President Bola Tinubu, prominent figures like Governor El-Rufai and Stella Oketete played pivotal roles, ensuring that Tinubu secured victories not only in in their wards but states and the nation at large and must not be treated with utmost disrespect like the Senate just did”.
The group equally wondered why there was no security report against Nasir El-Rufai and Stella Oketete all through the electioneering campaigns, only for some overzealous security agencies working for enemies of the state to spring up imaginary security reports that are nothing but fictitious imaginations concocted to the tarnish the image of the nominees and deprive them from enjoying their hard work.
“The contributions of Stella Oketete who worked as the Secretary of Election Monitoring Committee and that of El-Rufai who served as the Governor of Kaduna State during the elections demonstrated their commitment to the party’s success and they deserve to be rewarded.
Akpabio’s stance in the screening of ministers shows that he is not a true partyman and a clear indication that he has a hidden agenda behind his recent actions. It’s obvious he has an evil agenda which is potentially harming the unity and progress of the APC”, the statement added.
The group listed some of Governor El-Rufai’s contributions which they described “as invaluable, as he stood steadfast in various challenges including a showdown with the former president over the introduction of new naira notes, and even confronting notable party figures like former Chairman Abdullahi Adamu and ex-Senate President Ahmed Lawan in the interest of the nation”.
The group finally appealed to the President and all relevant stakeholders to call the Senator Akpabio to order, emphasising the importance of maintaining party cohesion and addressing any internal conflicts that may hinder the APC’s overall progress.
CSOs condemn Malicious attack against FCC Chairperson
The attention of over 100 frontline anti-corruption civil society organizations (CSOs) comprising of rights activists and media executives, has been drawn to the unprofessional manner that the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Parastatals and Tertiary Institutions on Mismanagement of Personnel Racketeering and alleged Gross Mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) chaired by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi.
The organizations raised serious objections and alarm on what they referred to as “the shoddy treatment meted out to the Executive Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muyeebat Dankaka.” The group said the issue now looks like a witch-hunt, “because her organization has been hand-picked with different stories emanating from the Commission as a result of a gang-up of some Federal Commissioners and disgruntled former staff Haruna Kolo.
“We are compelled to react due to the fact that the FCC has been on media trial for the past three weeks with dirty linen from the Commission dished and served to the Nigerian public by the Ad-hoc Committee and arm-twisting the Management of FCC, not to address the press to rebuff and do a rejoinder of all the unhealthy, bias statements and mischievous fallacies dished to the public,” the CSOs asserted.
They further added: “We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, this lackluster attitude of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee led by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi,” adding, “He who asks for equity must come with clean hands. You cannot lampoon and bastardize the hard-earned image of the Chairperson of FCC and, at the same time, not allowing her and her loyal and patriotic Commissioners at FCC to respond.”
The groups observed that such was “subjudice,” because the Committee is still investigating these allegations. “The Ad-hoc Committee should have known better, in the first instance, that it is investigating the issues and conduct itself in a professional manner, instead of the media trial the Commission has gone through, maligning the image and reputation of the Chairperson to high heavens all in a bid to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” the CSOs insisted.
Accordingly, the Coalition is enamoured and shocked that the Ad-hoc Committee did not take notice of the Federal Commissioners of Osun and Lagos ambushing Haruna Kolo when he arrived the premises of the National Assembly Complex and the threats, including inducement offered to the former disgruntled staff Haruna Kolo by the duo of Osun and Lagos states respectively.
These moves, the Coalition gathered, are aimed at influencing Kolo to go after the jugular of the FCC Chairperson. The Coalition also revealed that there was never a time that the relationship between an executive and a former staff had become so condescending to the level of the former, asking for cash transactions from the former protocol officer in whatever guise.
“We all know that, for any banking or PoS (Point of Sale) transaction, there must be an offer and acceptance, (i.e. there must be a receipt from any transaction), not to even mention the enormous funds involved,” the Coalition asserted.
It also continued: “Mr Haruna Kolo should produce all the receipts covering the transaction, including cash allegedly received by his former boss. This is because, there must be empirical evidence, so that the Ad-hoc Committee would not depend on mere hearsay: We believe there must be instructions to the later by his former boss either in documents or hard copy from Dr Dankaka to Haruna Kolo or vice-versa. This is to prove the veracity of Haruna Kolo’s claims against Dr Dankaka. It would further prove that the relation thus exists this far and official receipts also from the Point of Sales agent (PoS) to buttress the alleged facts at stake, instead of mere allegations and pointing of accusing fingers. It is not enough to merely assert that because the transfer of the huge sums of money was done through PoS, hence there is no documents to back up the claim.”
A press statement signed by the Coordinating Activist of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Activists, Comrade Ishaya Isa Saka and Spokesperson, Comrade Bamidele Akanbi, lampooned the manner the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee handled the issues thus far as “a calculated with-hunt deliberately orchestrated as if the Committee was only out to deal with Dr Dankaka in the midst of so many other MDAs that have been left in the lurch and the FCC singled out for these phantom dramas and fallacies.”
The Coalition continued, “In view of the foregoing, we therefore call on patriotic Nigerians, the Press and the entire members of the National Assembly (NASS), to disregard, discountenance these machinations in all ramifications. Let the Ad-hoc Committee in particular, or the National Assembly in general, not swallow these allegations line, hook and sinker. Already, a lot of damage has been done to the personality of Dr Dankaka, which has caused her trauma, psychological torture in the eyes of discerning Nigerians and her nucleus family.”
“Forcing her to swear on the Holy Quran with her photographs lavishly and prominently published by the press, alone is enough humiliation which should be stopped henceforth,” the Coalition avowed, adding that, “this is a calculated mischief carried too far to smear the Commission, in spite of the many infractions taking place on daily basis in other MDAs.”
The Coalition noted that “The huge sums of N38.5 million, as well as N75 million as proceeds of employment racketeering found in Kolo’s various accounts show that he is a real master-mind in consultation with the disgruntled few Federal Commissioners, and should face the wrath of the law by been arrested for when he came for the hearing. This is informed by the fact that he wilfully swindled innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money for a phantom and non-existent jobs. We earnestly yearn that Kolo should be arrested forthwith and forced to face the law for having such an amount in his accounts as a Public Servant, an action which is against the Service Financial Regulations and extant laws.”
The group has therefore posed these questions: “Why is the Federal Character Commission the main pre-occupation of the Ad-hoc Committee members, while they are supposed to be investigating other MDAs and Parastatals?” Again, “who has Dr Dankaka offended?” or “Who is afraid of her being in the saddle at the FCC?”
After a thorough investigation, the Coalition found out the following pertinent facts cannot be contradicted:
The investigation proved that Haruna Kolo has never been sighted at the residence of FCC Chairperson, Dr Dankaka.
That the speech read by Haruna Kolo when he appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monday (August 7, 2023), was written for him by the Osun Commissioner who happens to be a Lawyer.
That on Haruna Kolo’s way into the Chambers, he was ambushed, ushered in, and teleguided on what to say to the Ad-hoc Committee.
That all the disgruntled and aggrieved Commissioners have special interest, because they have been those responsible for the racketeering when Dr Dankaka commissioned a disciplinary committee to look into the affairs of their underground dealings due to petitions from states and the Lagos Commissioner was involved.
The few aggrieved Commissioners are illiterates, that is why they are easily used by Osun and Lagos Commissioners.
Checks show that the letterheads used for their nefarious activities were letterheads used before Dr Dankaka assumed the mantle of leadership of the FCC. But immediately after she was on board, she changed the letterheads.
Haruna Kolo was a planted mole who had been in the FCC system for more than ten (10) years and the master-mind with few of his cohorts as racketeers/cabal.
Also, findings at the residence shows no one has ever seen or related with Haruna Kolo, even the security officers, comprising of the DSS (Department of State Services) and the Nigeria Police have never seen Haruna Kolo near the residence of Dr Dankaka for over four years they have been with her.
The Coalition has appealed to Nigerians to completely disregard these smear campaigns of calumny against Dr Dankaka’s person and called for support from Nigerian women, the youths and believers in good governance, to support Dr Dankaka in her efforts to rebrand the Commission.
In the period thereto, the Coalition asserted, “Through our painstaking investigation at the FCC, during Dr Dankaka’s rebranding efforts at the Commission, there was no recruitment of about 300 employees whatsoever nor any letters of appointment issued to such number of employees.”
The Coalition is therefore strongly convinced that Nigerians will attest that there was no advertisement in any Nigerian newspaper, nor were there any names published. All these so called figures, the Coalition came to understand, are in the imagination of the hallucinating Haruna Kolo, “who, in connivance with the Commissioners, are aggrieved and have an axe to grind with the Chairperson, and are ready to put the Commission in public ridicule and odium.”
“However, if there was any employment, it must have been carried out by the Federal Character Commission with Haruna Kolo, without the knowledge of Dr Dankaka,” the Coalition observed, using the old official letterheads of the Commission.“
From our investigations, no one has threatened the life of Haruna Kolo, because, he would have sought for the protection of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) or he would have written a letter to the authorities before now that his life was being threatened. Therefore, we refer to all of these as another figment of his imagination in a desperate bid to seek relevance. All the stories being peddled by Haruna are malicious lies, fallacies and fabrications laced with falsehood, but without documentary evidence,” the Coalition of CSOs asserted.
Also, “We have it on good authority that this mudslinging against the Commission is a calculated attempt by the Ad-hoc Committee, to discredit Dr Dankaka. Other conspirators include the Federal Commissioners and disgruntled staff, all these as part of the thick plot to bring Dr Dankaka to her knees, because of her avowed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her repeated stance not to open the treasury of the FCC to these hawks.”
According to the Coalition: “We condemn these malicious attacks on Dr Dankaka’s personality, religion and for the fact that she is a woman with no godfather and support base. And, as such, the conspirators are unjustifiably planning to make her a scape-goat.”
The Coalition states categorically that “We will resist any attempted blackmail or campaign of calumny, religious and gender bias against Dr Dankaka and descend heavily on untold and unwarranted attacks,” adding that “These orchestrated mudsling and smear campaign lack merit and not backed by empirical evidence and should be discarded and discountenanced by all well-meaning Nigerians, for this is hogwash and fake news. Therefore, these same Commissioners have had cause to threaten Dr Dankaka severally, that they will deal with her if she does not succumb to their blackmail tactics.”
So long as the Coalition is concerned, “Nigerians should not be surprised about the involvement of all used as pawns against Dr Dankaka for pecuniary benefits and a mesh of porridge.”
“We are opposed to Dr Dankaka being forced to swear by the Holy Quran as a last resort to prove her innocence. Therefore, if justice must be seen to have been carried out or done, the former Protocol Officer should have been arrested by now and the disgruntled, non-patriotic Commissioners would have been suspended for exposing classified documents and leaking official secrets to the public, against the Oath of Secrecy,” said the Coalition.
The Coalition further stated that they condemn the “gestapo and gangster approach orchestrated by the honourable members, stopping the Chairperson from telling Nigerians, through the press, her own side of the story as well as not to address the Press, while she is presently undergoing savage media trial.”
Subsequent upon the foregoing, therefore, “We call on the House of Represenatives Ad-hoc Committee to tow the line of professionalism and stop this with-hunt and media trial of Dr Dankaka forthwith,” for “she has the right to protect her office against savages and hawks who are vehement to share the so-called National Cake among themselves,” the Coalition warned.