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Re: An Open Letter To The Federal Minister Of Education

Education

Law & Society Magazine

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September 9, 2020

Re: An Open Letter To The Federal Minister Of Education

By Ahmed Joda

Iread on one of the social media platforms an open letter to Malam Adamu Adamu, the Honorable Minister of Education by our Ambassador in Mexico, to which I think I should make a contribution that may interest the minister in addressing the issues at stake.

In February 1971, almost 50 years ago, I became the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education. When I entered the office, I found two files on the table. One was the handing over note by the departed Permanent Secretary, the other was a very thick file that contained four sets of documents: the first was a report from the Federal Scholarship Board describing the processes that led to the selection and recommendation of awards of the Federal Scholarships and Bursaries for the 19171/72 Academic Year. The second was the full list of the names of the successful candidates and third, the Council Memorandum by the Federal Minister of Education recommending the Federal Executive Council to approve the list and the fourth, the Council Conclusion giving its approval.

All that was required of me was to sign for the public announcement of the awards for that academic year. Even if I was of the mind to go through the three thousand names on the list, I could not have changed anything because all the necessary processes had been complied with and the highest authority in the land had approved.

The awards were duly published and all hell was let loose. In 1971, the Federation of Nigeria had 12 states; the six northern states and six southern states. There were 3000 awards. These were shared about 2,750 to the six southern states and 250 to the six northern states.
When further analyzed, more than 500 went to the two North Central states of Kwara and Benue Plateau. No one analyzed what the figures for the two main religions were.

There was an angry outburst at the “lopsidedness of the Award” for the North. The anger was targeted at me personally, because I was the Permanent Secretary who signed the “Release Document” and because as a northerner just having “crossed the Carter Bridge and drank the lagoon water”, I had forgotten my roots. The governors, the Kaduna press and radio were unanimous in calling for my immediate removal.

While I was trying to understand the situation I had found myself in, I received a midnight call from the Head of State who asked me whether I had been reading the northern press and listening to their radio. And whether I had any satisfactory explanation to give.

At that point I realized that although the attacks were directed at me personally, any response must be the government’s response and must be based on all the available facts. I requested 48 hours to prepare the response.

Within those hours, the facts were gathered and subjected to detailed analysis. The conclusions were inescapable. The defunct government of Northern Nigeria and the successor governments of the six Northern states bear the full responsibility for what they were now complaining about. Not the Federal Government of Nigeria. Why is this so? Because of the following:

a) Under the Constitution of Nigeria, Primary and Secondary Education including Teachers education is the responsibility of the Regional/State Governments NOT that of the Federal Government. It is also not a responsibility that is shared between the two tiers. The class of students in consideration are candidates who have completed their secondary education

b) Only those who apply in response to invitation to apply for Federal Government scholarships and who qualify can be considered. In some of the Northern states only very few applications were received. The official explanation was that newspapers did not circulate in the North generally and that, in any case most northern students either did not have access to newspapers or did not have the reading culture of newspapers

These points were obviously not taken into account by the board. In subsequent years, action was taken to remedy the situation, but it did not lead to increased numbers of applications from the northern states. The reason given was that the northern governments’ scholarships were more attractive than the federal ones.

The federal offer to northern students who receive federal awards, for them to accept the federal awards, accept the federal allowance and receive the difference from their states, was rejected.
This incident led the Federal Ministry of Education to undertake a critical examination of the educational imbalance in the country. It was recognised that it was a time bomb, which must be quickly defused.

While the political and social implications of the education crisis could be foreseen, it was difficult for most to appreciate that it is not an issue that has a political solution. It is an issue that is determined by the natural development of the human being. That it is the physical and mental development of the human child that we are dealing with.The child must be born. He must attain the school going age of six years. He must spend six years in primary school, six years in secondary school and at least four years in the University etc. This time period cannot be compressed.

At this time in 1971, Lagos State was enrolling nearly 100% in primary schools, the Mid West was recording about 90%, the West well over 60% while the North West, North East and Kano were enrolling less than 5%. It would take at least two decades to draw parallel and draw level for the whole country. But account must also be taken of the fact that the more educationally advanced states would not be standing still. They would be galloping forward.
Taking all these factors into account the Federal Ministry of Education made far reaching recommendations to prepare for a giant leap forward in the development of education for the whole country.

First, it was decided that immediate steps be taken to expand the teacher training effort. A crash programme for teacher training was initiated using expanded facilities in Teacher Training Colleges around the country.

Three Advanced Teacher Training Colleges were to be immediately set-up. Three polytechnics were also established. Grants in Aid were approved and disbursed to all secondary schools, which ran Sixth Form Classes and the Colleges of Preliminary Studies run by the Ahmadu Bello University campuses in Zaria and Kano.

The federal government also approved special grants to expand all existing State Secondary Schools in the six Northern States.
On top of all of the above, the federal government with the assistance and collaboration of UNESCO and the involvement of all the five existing universities in Nigeria, embarked on the ambitious project of introducing Universal Primary Education beginning 1st January 1976 that would ensure education of every Nigerian child born after the official end of the Nigerian Civil War in January 1970.

I have gone over the history of the education crisis from 1971 when I became involved to today in order for us to understand where we are coming from.
The figures in the Open Letter to Adamu Adamu have similarities to the situation I found in 1971. I do not know what level of studies these awards were. But the distribution is somewhat similar, suggesting that the situation now remains somewhat the same to that of 1971.

We need to relate these figures to what we know to be the education crisis in Nigeria today. In about 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan lamented that there were 10 million out of school children in Nigeria. Obviously meaning that these out of school children are in Northern Nigeria. He set out to build Almajiri Schools in the belief that that would address the situation.

His successor, President Muhammadu Buhari has been quoted as saying that the figure of out of school children in the country is now 12 million, meaning the figure has grown and is likely to continue to grow.
I know that from 1973, funds for the preparation for the UPE were being paid to every state in the country not only for building the schools that would be needed but the expansion of teacher training facilities and the provision of teaching materials.

After the elections that brought President Obasanjo, the Universal Basic Education was introduced and money was being transferred to every state of the federation. It is now 20 years since the introduction of the UBE Programme and that much money has been expanded.

We must ask the question, where are those millions of out of school children to be found? Obviously in Northern Nigeria! We have been spending money in the belief that we are providing education for every one of the children we bear for 50 years without making progress.

Who is to account for what has been happening and is continuing to happen?
Surely the fault lies with us. And by us I mean us in Northern Nigeria. Both the leaders and the led.

Ahmed Joda, an elder statesman and former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, writes from Yola, Adamawa State.

2015 to now: Milestones and prospects in Nigeria’s telecom sector, By Umar Garba Danbatta

Opinion

Law & Society Magazine

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September 9, 2020

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2015 to now: Milestones and prospects in Nigeria’s telecom sector, By Umar Garba Danbatta

SPEECH BY THE EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (NCC), PROF. UMAR GARBA DANBATTA, FNSE, FAEng., FRAES, FNIEEE, AT THE INTERACTIVE SESSIONWITH MEDIA CHIEFS AND NEWS EDITORS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

I am indeed very delighted to be with you at this exclusive first virtual interactive media session and it is my pleasure to welcome you all. Let me begin by thanking you on behalf of the Board and entire Management team of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the immeasurable support you have given to the Commission over the years in reporting our regulatory activities accurately, timely and adequately.

An event of this nature should ordinarily be taking place in a location outside Abuja, as has been our practice. However, the prevailing COIVD-19 situation with the attendant restrictions has forced us to hold this important meeting via a virtual platform. That notwithstanding, I am very hopeful that our interactions will be engaging, interactive and fruitful.

As you are aware,at the expiration of my first-term of five years in office as the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the NCC on August 3, 2020, I was reappointed by President MuhammaduBuhari, GCFR, in June, 2020 and subsequently confirmed by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on July 21, 2020. I, therefore, consider myself privileged to be entrusted with the task of steering the regulatory affairs of our telecoms industry for another five years, and I am grateful to President MuhammaduBuhari, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and the Senate for the vote of confidence and more importantly, for your unreserved support.

The current Board of the NCC is comprised of technocrats and seasoned professionals.

AdeoluAkande assumed Chairmanship of the Board of the Commission in February 2020 after his nomination by President MuhammaduBuhari.
UbaleMaska remains Executive Commissioner, Technical Services,
Barrister AdelekeAdewolu is the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management.
Non-executive Commissioners include Mr. Clement OmeizaBaiye, Prof. Millionaire Freeborn Abowei, Mr. AliyuSaiduAbubakar, Malam Salman Abdulazeez and Chief UcheOnwude. Together, the new board of Commissioners will raise the bar of leadership and ensure positive industry growth.

Strategic Vision Plan (The 8-Point Agenda)

Gentlemen of the Press, the last five years have been very exciting for me as the task of leading the regulation of a dynamic sector such as the Nigerian telecommunications industry presents enormous opportunities and challenges.

Let me begin,however,with our Strategic Vision Plan(SVP).
The 8-point agenda rested on a tripod of ‘A’s which include Availability, Accessibility and Affordability of service.
Through diligent implementation of each of the elements of the agenda,has significantly and measurably improved digital access and deepened broadband penetration thus expanding the frontiersfor a truly national digital economy.

2.1 Facilitating Broadband penetration

In 2015, broadband penetration in Nigeria was less than 6%;
We have an impressive 42.02% in broadband penetration as at July, 2020.This achievement is as a result of key policy initiatives to improve broadband penetration embarked upon by the Commission.These include increasing the number of licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCo) to six across the geo-political zones, spectrum refarming,spectrum re-planning, spectrum auctions, and administrative spectrum assignments, among others. The Commission is presentlyin the process of finalizing the six Infraco’s counterpart funding agreement to ensurethefull rollout of broadband infrastructure on an Open Access Model (OAM) and this will ensure there is Point of Access in each of the 774 local governments in the country.

The increase in broadband penetration has enabled the growth of the subscriber base which was 199,307,796 as at June 2020. Teledensityhas risen to 104.41 while the percentage contribution to GDP in Q2 2020 was 14.2%.

The NCC is working with the Nigeria Industrial Policy and Competiveness Advisory Council(Critical Infrastructure Sub Committee) under the auspices of the Vice President,YemiOsibanjo GCON, on various initiatives towards improving Broadband Penetration.

To underscore the importance of the sector to the economy, in June 2020, the Federal Government designated telecoms facilities as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and all security agencies have since been notified of Mr. President’s directive to that effect.

2.2 Improving Quality of Service

On assumption of office in 2015, the Commission gave priority to Quality of Service and observed that two prominentfactors identified as “technical” and “non-technical” were impacting its delivery. We took steps to address the issues by constitutingan Industry working group on QoS, Short codes and Multiple Taxation; Deployment of QoS and SpectrumTools, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Colocation Service Providers.In 2018, the adoption of 3G and 4G KPIs was formalised, as well as thatof Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Collocation Service Providers (CSP) and their monitoring has since fully commenced. These regulatory initiatives have put operators on their toes to improve quality service delivery to consumers.

2.3 Optimising usage and benefits of spectrum

To optimize the usage and benefit of spectrum, a number of initiatives such as spectrum trading, infrastructure sharing, satellite infrastructure and wirelessinfrastructure have been put in place to drive socio-economic development. For instance, the transfer of the spectrum licence of 2X 10MHz in the 900MHz E-GSM Spectrum band from Intercellular Nigeria to Airtel networks Limited amounted to the sum of N8.9 billion. The amount generated through that singular initiative has brought significant revenue to Government.

The Commission has also remitted N362.34 billionfrom 2015 to date to the Federal Government Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) through spectrum fees and operating surplus, which has helped to boost the revenue-generation drive of the current administration.

It is interesting to mention that all the initiatives above have helped the Commission in identifying potential frequency bands to be harmonized for 5G deployment, which include26 GHz, 38GHz and 42GHz.

2.4 Promoting ICT Innovation & Investment Opportunities

In recognition of the fundamental role of research in innovation, in 2016, theCommission created a Research and Development Department. The department has continued to collaborate with the academia to support the development of innovative services and life-changing solutions with the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) to promote Indigenous Content Development.The Commission has so far awarded the sum of N336.4 million as research grants to the academia and has endowed professorial chairs in two Nigerian universities.

More importantly, we have empowered Nigerian youths by promoting their ingenuity and innovation in the development of locally-relevant technology solutions. The latest of such was the 2020 NCC Virtual Hackathon, where we gave N9 million in grant to three top promising tech startups for solutions aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and epidemic diseases in the thematic areas of Health, Community, Productivity, Economy and Transportation.

TheCommission recognizes that the key to the survival and growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria is sustained investments. In the last five years, the Commission has deliberately and consistently engaged investors in different fora to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). We showed investors the Commission’s roadmap for Broadband, which includes the Open Access Model Initiative, the Infraco Project, our 5G readiness and the AccessGaps for market opportunities that new entrants could leverage on in the Nigeria’s telecom space.

To build confidence in the sector and ensure that current investors and new players flourish, the NCC has activated mandatory compliance tothe Code of Corporate Governance for the telecoms industry. This initiative seeks to further strengthen telecoms entities, sustain sector’s role as a driver of economic growth and social transformation, and attract investments.

2.5 Facilitating Strategic Collaboration and Partnerships

One of the areas I identified as deserving increased attention on assumption of office in 2015 was the need for the Commission to increase stakeholders’ partnership and collaboration. Accordingly, we made this one of the cardinal pillars of the 8-Point Agenda.

In the last five years, the Commission has engaged key stakeholders, includinggovernment agenciesand the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF)in several consultations, which have helped to address the issues ofmultiple taxation, multiple regulations and minimum uniform Right of Way (RoW) charges, as well as address other issues impeding telecoms infrastructure deployment in some states. Ekiti,Imo, Plateau and Katsina States have complied with the National Economic Council (NEC) resolution, with Kwara State reducing RoW charges to N1 per linear meter of fibre, while Anambra and Kaduna States, waived the charge. Ogun State, also, waived 250km for Mainone to lay fibre in Ogun State.

The NCC has continued to collaborate with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the banks in the area of National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS). Today, Mobile network Operators (MNOs) participate fully in the provision of mobile money services to help actualize the 80% financial inclusion target of the Federal Government by the end of 2020. Through the issuance of USSD Short Codes to banks and other financial institutions, we have helped to boost financial inclusion.

2.6 Protecting and empowering consumers

The consumer is king, hence our consumer-centric regulatory initiatives to ensure consumer protection, information and education have continued to top our agenda. To further empower consumers, in 2016 we introduced the Do-Not-Disturb (DND), 2442 Short Code, which gave consumers the power to opt-in or -out of unsolicited messages on their respective networks.

We prioritised consumer satisfaction by declaring 2017 as “the Year of theConsumer”, and set out with various projects to bring telecoms consumers closer to the Commission and their various network operators.

The Commission also upgraded the NCC Toll-free Number 622 as secondary complaints mechanism to further empower and resolve consumer complaints.

We also issued Directions on Data Roll-over and another on Forceful Subscription of Data Services and Value-added Services (VAS). The two directions have ensured effective protection of telecoms consumers.

In 2019, we revised the NCC Consumer Complaints and Service Legal Agreement (CC/SLAs) with the Operators in order to ensure prompt response to consumer complaints while we have also reviewed the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations at a Public Inquiry. The draft regulations are being concluded for publication in official Gazette.

We initiated the Mobile Devices Management Systems (DMS) in collaboration with other agencies aimed at protecting consumers from the negative effects of substandard devices on the networks and the health of telecom consumers. The DMS project, when fully implemented, will help in combating the proliferation of fake, counterfeit and cloned communication devices in the telecommunications industry.

Similarly, we have developed Regulations on E-Waste. The Regulations will ensure that, we are also able to rid our environment of indiscriminate disposal of malfunctioning and disused gadgets, which are capable of posing health risks to consumers.

I also need to mention our commitmentin protecting the lives and property of telecoms consumers bygetting rid of improperly registered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards. We conduct periodic audit of the networks to ensure the MNOs do not harbour improperly registered SIM cards on their networks any further.

I am happy to reportthat nineteen (19) Emergency Communications Centres (ECC)have been activated across the country. The 112 National Emergency Numberallows Nigerians in distress toget helpin emergencies. The Commission has received special recognitions for its role in enhancing security of lives and properties of Nigerians and by implication, promoting the protection of telecoms consumers.The 112 number hasbecome a major channel of communication during this COVID period asover one thousand two hundred and nine (1,209) COVID-19 related calls were made to the 112 national emergency toll free number between March and June 2020 from the various ECCs across the country.

2.7 Promoting fair competition and inclusive growth

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, also worthy of mentionis the NCC’s proactive intervention in nipping the cases of call masking and call refiling in the bud. In the wake of 2017, the Commission started receiving complaints about cases of call masking/call refiling and SIM boxing, which was an anti-competitive practice and a threat to national security. Working with the Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA), wetook drastic actions to identify culprit licensees, sanctioned them accordingly and barred mobile numbers identified to have been involved in masked calling from their networks. We also went further to carry out a Proof of Concept (PoC) and MNOs have now developed technology solutions to prevent, detect and filter masked calls on their networks.

Our regulatory interventions in the area of issuance of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Short Code to banks and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) have helped in deepening financial inclusion. To further ensure fair play between the MNOs and the banks regarding applicable charges for USSD, the Commission in July 23, 2019, issued a Determination for USSD Pricing. The Determination defined a USSD session as 20 seconds, the price floor per USSD session is N1.63k, while the Price cap per USSD session is N4.89k.

As you may be aware, an attempted commencement of the end-user billing by the MNOs for USSD usage was greeted by public outcry, necessitating a temporary suspension of the provision of the USSD determination by the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, pending when there would be proper understanding among stakeholders. However, the NCC has revised the USSD determination putting an end to a protracted dispute between MNOs and financial institutions on the applicable charges for USSD services and the method of billing.

The Commission also determined that MNOs must not charge the consumers directly for the use of USSD channels for financial services in the form of end-user-billing. Rather, the transaction should be between the MNOs and the entity to which the service is provided (i.e. banks and OFIs).

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, I am sure you are aware that the efforts of the Commission, through its firm regulatory approach and foresight, also culminated in the listing of telecoms companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). I am proud to say that the telcos’ listing has helped to translate into action an important objective of the Commission, which is to promote indigenous investment and ownership in the telecom sector. Since their listing, the quoted telecoms companies have been keeping the Nigerian bourse upbeat and bullish with prospects for more listings in the future.

3.FOCUS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

Ladies and gentlemen, our plan for the increased growth of telecom in Nigeria is clear. We will leave no stones unturned, we will not on oarsto ensure we achieve our goals. We have our job cut out for us andwe willstart with broadband because that is the key to touching the lives of every Nigerian. We hope to takebroadband penetration to 70 per cent to at least 90 percent of the population by 2025 in line with new target in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NBBP), 2020-2025.

We want to continue to protect consumers and ensure they have value for their money. We want to continue to support and fast-track the digital economy drive of the Federal Government of Nigeria and this has led to the creation ofa Digital Economy Department in the Commission.

The Commission is placing emphasis on growing the digital economy in collaboration with sister agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE).

We hope to consolidate onspectrum trading to ensure maximum and efficient usage of available frequencies; continuous SIM registration audit to provide security and curtail incidences of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery; completion and commissioning of Emergency Communications Centres (ECCs) in the remaining states to enhance security and provide relief to citizens in distress.

Finally, we are committed to the execution of the counterpart Funding Agreements with the Licensed InfraCo to facilitate increase in fibre deployment in the country and ensure, at least one Point of Access (PoA) in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria to enhance digital transformation.

0.4 CONCLUSION

Gentlemen of the Press, the foregoing is by no means, the complete portfolio of our focus. As you are aware, our role is to drive major digital initiatives and policies of the government, hence, we have continued to work with government as a critical stakeholder.

The NCC remains committed to driving the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the NBBP 2020-2025 for advancing the digital economy vision of the Federal Government.

I will not conclude this address without making reference to the recently unveiled new NCC Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2020-20204. The SMP is the NCC’s visioning document for planning and defining its strategic goals and set objectives. The strategic plan has five strategic pillars, which include regulatory excellence, universal broadband, promote development of digital economy, market development; and strategic partnering.

The SMP provides the focus for us, as a regulator of the telecoms sector, for effective and efficient utilisation of internal processes and resources towards growing the sector and satisfying external stakeholders. It provides for us the pedestal for meeting government’s expectations from the Commission with respect to delivering on its mandates of driving digital economy by advancing industry growth through strategy, professionalism, innovation and regulatory excellence in the next five years.

I also want to use this opportunity to, once again,extend my gratitude to you all and to request your continued support for the programmes and activities of the Commission. We will continue to work with the various media institutions as partners in achieving our goals because you are a critical stakeholder in the sector. In the spirit of this partnership which we share, I will also expect that you will be very objective in your coverage of our regulatory activities and the industry, as you have been over the years.

I, therefore, invite you to be part of our aspirations to create more awareness of the Commission’s regulatory activities among our stakeholders, especially the consumers of telecommunications services.

Thank you for listening.

Professor Umar GarbaDanbatta, FNSE, FAEng, FRAES, FNIEEE

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO

September, 4, 2020

UK To Ban Social Gatherings of More Than Six People

Foreign

Law & Society Magazine

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September 9, 2020

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UK To Ban Social Gatherings of More Than Six People

A ban on groups of more than six people gathering in homes, parks, pubs and restaurants in England is being imposed by Boris Johnson in the biggest coronavirus crackdown since lockdown rules were eased.

First offenders will be fined £100, which will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200, the prime minister will announce in a bid to stem an alarming surge in COVID-19 cases in the UK.

“We need to act now to stop the virus spreading,” Mr Johnson will declare at a Downing Street news conference coinciding with a new government advertising campaign entitled “Hands. Face. Space.”

“So we are simplifying and strengthening the rules on social contact, making them easier to understand and for the police to enforce,” the PM will announce.

“It is absolutely critical that people now abide by these rules and remember the basics – washing your hands, covering your face, keeping space from others, and getting a test if you have symptoms.”

The crackdown comes after warnings from government medical chiefs that the public – particularly young people – are now too relaxed about coronavirus, with the result that COVID-19 rates are now above 20 per 100,000 people.

The PM’s announcement follows the Health Secretary Matt Hancock imposing a ban on socialising with people from other households in Bolton, with restaurants in the town limited to serving takeaway food and a 10pm-5am curfew on all venues.

Ahead of Mr Hancock’s Bolton announcement, England’s deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, warned of a “bumpy ride over the next few months” unless the virus was taken “incredibly seriously”.

The health secretary also issued a warning to young people this week not to spread the virus to older, more vulnerable relatives, telling people in their late teens and early 20s: “Don’t kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on.”

Mr Johnson will announce that from next Monday any gathering over six people will be illegal, unless it meets one of a limited list of exemptions: a household or support bubble of more than six or a gathering for work or education.

Further exemptions will also apply, such as for weddings, funerals, and organised team sports in a COVID secure way.

The full list of exemptions will be revealed by the government before the law changes on Monday.

Explaining the reasons for the new crackdown, Downing Street sources claim putting the new, lower limit in law will make it easier for the police to identify and disperse illegal gatherings.

The new rules follow a Zoom roundtable the prime minister had with police forces last week, where officers expressed their desire for rules on social contact to be simplified.

According to No 10, cabinet ministers, the Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance have jointly agreed that urgent action is necessary after seeing the number of daily positive cases rise to almost 3,000 recently.

Coronavirus infections are rising among young people – these charts show where

The latest figures reveal there were a further 2,460 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Tuesday, following 2,948 on Monday and 2,988 on Sunday, which was the largest daily figure since May.

The government says the new rules will apply across England, to all ages, to gatherings indoors and outdoors, in private homes, public outdoor spaces and venues such as pubs and restaurants.

Downing Street claims the rise in UK cases is following a similar pattern to other European countries, with increasing infection rates causing rising hospitalisations in Spain and France and deaths in Spain now rising too.

The new government public information campaign will highlight how everyone can help stop the spread of the virus by remembering to wash their hands, cover their face and make space.

“Hands. Face. Space” will run across TV, radio, newspapers, online, billboards and display displays at bus stops and other transport venues, with a new video being released to show exactly how coronavirus spreads indoors.

Downing Street says that with people expected to spend more time inside during the winter, the film – produced with the help of scientific experts – encourages the public to follow simple steps to reduce the risk of infection.

SKY NEWS

Rape: Woman chased out of home for demanding Justice

News

Law & Society Magazine

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September 9, 2020

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Rape: Woman chased out of home for demanding Justice

Eight year- old daughter raped by her tenant.

Ifeyinwa Ezukamma, a 40-year old mother of five has been chased out of her matrimonial home by her husband’s family, for insisting on justice for her 8-year-old daughter, raped by her tenant.

Ezukamma told newsmen that the incident took place in their country home, Ogidi, Idemili North Council Area of Anambra.

She said though she caught the suspect, who claimed to be 57 years old in the act on July 23, she claimed the man had been violating her daughter since March.

The woman, who had since packed to her relatives’ home, alleged that her husband had been compromised, and therefore warned her not to pursue the matter because it would bring disgrace to their family.

“I noticed an unusual noise and movement in the bathroom. So out of curiosity, I went to check if everything was normal, to my amazement, it was a tenant in our house, an old man was having sex with my daughter.

“I called my daughter and asked her what happened, she said the old man had been raping her for some months and had threatened to kill her if she told anybody about it, that was why she did not tell me,” she said.

Ezukamma alleged that her husband collected money and asked her to do the same, and her travail started when she refused, insisting that she would get justice for her daughter.

She said the family chased her and took away her teenage daughters from her for insisting on bringing disgrace to the family and reporting the matter to a child rights organisation, after the matter was reported at a police station.

“It was my insistence to pursue this matter that led to my husband and his family asking me to leave my matrimonial home, taking my children away from me.

“I said I will not collect money to stop pursuing justice for my little daughter that was raped,“ she said.

Preliminary reports from Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital, Ogidi, where the child was taken to on Aug. 4 and examined, showed that there was penetration, but noted that the private hospital where she was taken to on the date of the incident, did not carry out a physical examination of the child.

The document signed by Dr. Madubuike Chinelo said the history was sturdily suggestive of sexual abuse.

“The episode had happened up to five times prior to the most recent encounter.

“The examination done in the presence of a chaperon showed there was hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa, no obvious vaginal discharge, and a hymen, that had already been tampered with, the client was placed on some drugs for the vaginitis,” it stated.

Child Right Brigade International (CRIB), an NGO said the matter was reported to its office on Aug. 12.

CRIB vowed to resist any cover-up; and would ensure that the suspect was charged to court and prosecuted.

Obiora Nnaemeka, Coordinator of CRIB in Anambra, said the information the organisation gathered was that the father of the victim, Mr. Alex Ezukamma, collected some money to get strike out the case from the police.

Nnaemeka said CRIB had written the Divisional Police Officer at Ogidi Station to effect the arrest of the suspect and the father of the child, and bring up the matter for investigation and prosecution.

He said this would serve as a deterrent for other would-offenders and stem the tide of rising rape and pedophilia in the society

On his part, the father of the victim confirmed to newsmen that his daughter was raped and that the man had been arrested, detained, and granted bail.

He added that the suspect had also been warned not to return to the house.

Ezukamma denied collecting any form of gratification for his raped daughter, saying though he was a pagan, he would never touch such money but would prefer to do some cleansing.

He said his family was not in support of the wife’s push for prosecution because of the shame it would bring to the family and the stigma it would leave on his daughter.

“She disobeyed me, and my elders and junior ones order not to drag our family name into the mud, and the shame it will bring to us and our daughter, that is why I asked her to leave my house.

“My wife can go to any length she wishes, but our name must not be involved,” he said.

When contacted, CSP Remigus Ekuri, DPO, Ogidi, confirmed the incident and said the matter would be charged to court as soon as the medical report was available.

(NAN)

SERAP Condemns Arbitrary Electricity Tariff, Fuel Price Hike

News

Law & Society Magazine

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September 9, 2020

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SERAP Condemns Arbitrary Electricity Tariff, Fuel Price Hike

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned “the patently unfair and arbitrary hike in electricity tariff and fuel price by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is unjust to many people living in extreme poverty, and entirely incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director said in a statement today: “The hike will endanger lives and increase inequality and poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. SERAP will challenge this travesty in court if the Federal Government does not immediately drop these retrogressive measures against the Nigerian people.”

“Specifically, the increase in electricity tariff and fuel price clearly violates Nigeria’s obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which the country is a state party, not to take ‘deliberately retrogressive measures’ unless there are no alternative options and full consideration has been given to ensure that the measures are necessary and proportionate.”

“SERAP urges President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately drop the misguided hike, and to establish independent impact assessment of the increases on the poorest segments of society, and to identify alternative measures, such as cutting the bogus allowances of people in the Presidency and members of the National Assembly.”

“The hike is lacking in compassion, as it will hit the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians the hardest, increase inequality levels in an already very unequal Nigeria. It definitively signals that socio-economic rights are a very low priority for this government.”

“President Buhari should reconsider these arbitrary measures and put human rights at the centre of his government’s policies.”

[DOWNLOAD] Draft Of The ‘Controversial’ National Water Resources Bill, 2020

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September 9, 2020

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[DOWNLOAD] Draft Of The ‘Controversial’ National Water Resources Bill, 2020

The draft Bill seeking to regulate water resources in the country has turned out to be quite controversial, known as National Water Resources Bill, 2020.

The proposed law was first sent to the parliament by the executive in the eighth national assembly.

While the Bill passed in the house of representatives, it failed at the senate. Godswill Akpabio, minority leader at the time, led opposition senators to kick against the Bill.

Bukola Saraki, former senate president, had suggested that the Bill be stood down and brought back again for consideration after some adjustments may have been made but that never happened till the end of term of the eighth Senate.

In July, the proposed law resurfaced in the lower legislative chamber and has since passed second reading.

While calling for a public hearing, some lawmakers from the middle belt region of the country alleged that the Bill was smuggled back into the National Assembly.

The Bill is a consolidation of existing laws; Water Resources act 2004, National Water Resources Institute act, River Basin Development Authorities act, and the Nigeria Hydrological Services act.

Click below to download the draft Bill in PDF Format

[Highlights Of Water Resources Bill] Licence For Borehole Drilling, States’ Control Subject To FG’s Policy

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[Highlights Of Water Resources Bill] Licence For Borehole Drilling, States’ Control Subject To FG’s Policy

The bill seeking to regulate water resources in the country has turned out to be quite controversial.

The proposed law was first sent to the parliament by the executive in the eighth national assembly.

While the bill passed in the house of representatives, it failed at the senate. Godswill Akpabio, minority leader at the time, led opposition senators to kick against the bill.

Bukola Saraki, former senate president, had suggested that the bill be stood down and brought back again for consideration after some adjustments may have been made but that never happened till the end of term of the eighth senate.

In July, the proposed law resurfaced in the lower legislative chamber and has since passed second reading.

While calling for a public hearing, some lawmakers from the middle belt region of the country alleged that the bill was smuggled back into the national assembly.

Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate and one of many who have kicked against the bill, argued that it is designed to give “absolute control” of the country’s water resources to the federal government.

The bill is a consolidation of existing laws; Water Resources act 2004, National Water Resources Institute act, River Basin Development Authorities act, and the Nigeria Hydrological Services act.

Here are highlights of the bill;

ESTABLISHMENT OF WASH FUND

Section 1(1) of the bill ensures that the nation’s water resources are “protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled” while taking into account “citizens’ right of access to safe water and basic sanitation; meeting the basic human needs of present and future generations”, among others.

Section 151 provides for the establishment of Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) fund.

“There is hereby established the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (in this Bill referred to as ‘the WASH Fund’) for the purpose of financing the development of water resources as well as for expanding access to Water Supply and Sanitation facilities and for the promotion of Hygiene practices across Nigeria,” it reads.

STATES MAY CONTROL WATER SOURCES BUT UNDER FG’S POLICIES

Section 2(2) provides that “states may make provisions for the management, use and control of water sources occurring solely within the boundaries of the state but shall be guided by the policy and principles of the federal government in relation to Integrated Water Resources management, and this bill.”

YOU DON’T NEED LICENCE TO USE WATER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES

Section 3(1) provides that you do not need a licence to use water for domestic purposes.

“Notwithstanding the provisions set out in section 2 of this Bill, but subject to Regulations issued by the relevant State Agency identified pursuant to Section 79 hereunder, and in overriding Public Interest, a person may, without a licence; (a) take water from a water source to which the public has free access for the use of his household or for watering domestic livestock,” the article reads.

“(b) use water for the purposes of subsistence fishing or for navigation to the extent that such use is not inconsistent with this Bill or any other existing law;

“(c) where a statutory or customary right of occupancy to any land exists, take or use water without charge from the underground water source, or if abutting the bank of any watercourse, from that water course, for reasonable household use, watering livestock and for personal irrigation not for commercial purposes; or (d) store and use runoff water from a roof.”

ESTABLISHMENT OF WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL, COMMISSION

The bill provides for a body known as the National Council on Water Resources and Water Resources Regulatory Commission.

“There is established an advisory standing body to be known as the National Council on Water Resources (in this Bill referred to as ‘the Council’),” section 4(1) states.

“(2) The council shall meet at least once every year and at other times as directed by the chairperson (minister of water resources).

“(3) The Council shall establish committees and subcommittees as required to investigate and analyse issues tabled for discussion before the council and to formulate recommendations.”

Section 16(a) states that the “[Commission will] regulate, protect, conserve and control water resources identified in this Bill as water sources crossing state boundaries in accordance with section 2 as well as the first schedule of this act for equitable and sustainable social and economic development and to maintain environmental integrity.

“(b) regulate the allocation, supply and distribution of water resources for all uses, and to promote equitable, sustainable and efficient best practices and conduct;

“(c) ensure that licensees, authorised developers, as well as other users of water resources whether for consumptive or non-consumptive purposes and their infrastructure meet the technical, social and commercial requirements and obligations specified under this Bill in a manner which promotes fairness as well as the well-being of all citizens;

“(d) protect licensees and the public with regard to quality of service in the sector and the determination of and payment tariffs;

“(e) ensure that licensees achieve the highest possible level of accountability and responsiveness to environmental and community needs.”

FUNDING OF COMMISSION

According to section 43(2), “there shall be paid and credited to the fund established in subsection (1) of this section;

“(a) fees, charges and other income accruing to the Commission from licensees and other things done by it in terms of this Bill, excluding any fines or penalties recovered pursuant to this Bill;

“(b) 2% of the Nigeria Ecological Fund; (c) funds allocated to the Commission by the National Assembly, pursuant to a request by the Commission for additional funds required to meet its reasonable expenditures.”

COMMISSION’S DECISION BINDING

According to Section 37, whatever the commission decides is binding and enforcement may be done by the federal high court “as if the decision is a judgment of such Court provided that the Commission has issued a certificate to the Complainant for leave to proceed to the Court for enforcement of the decision.”

Licensees that, “without reasonable cause”, do not comply with the directive as given, under section 37(3), “shall be liable to a penalty of up to N1,000,000 (one million naira) and a further penalty of not less than N50,000 for every day during which the non-compliance continues.”

POWERS OF THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES

Section 11(1) states that the minister shall chair the management of the country’s water resources.

Section 11(2) states that the minister “may delegate the power under subsection (1) of this section to any person or Institution as deemed appropriate.

“12(1) The minister may, in consultation with the Federal Executive Council, by notice in the gazette, establish a committee to coordinate implementation of any international agreement entered into by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a foreign government or any other international body or organisation relating to; (a) investigating, managing, monitoring, and protecting water resources; (b) regional cooperation on water resources;

“(c) acquiring, constructing, altering, operating or maintaining waterworks connected to such agreement; or (d) the allocation, use and supply of water according to the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization and avoidance of significant trans-boundary harm.

“13(1) For the purpose of this Bill, the functions of the Minister shall be; (a) to formulate national policy and water resources management strategy to guide the integrated planning, management, development, use and conservation of the nation’s water resources and provide guidance for formulation of hydrological area resources strategies under section 94 of this bill.”

YOU CAN’T DRILL BOREHOLE FOR COMMERCIAL USE WITHOUT A LICENCE

Section 75 states that no corporate organisation or individual shall commence borehole drilling business in Nigeria unless such driller has been issued a Water Well Driller’s Licence by the commission.

As contained in section 77, “a drilling permit shall; (a) authorise the construction of one or multiple wells in specified locations in compliance with the conditions of approval specified for the purpose; and

“(b) be given at the catchment level by the CMO subject to licensing provisions under this PART V of this Bill and any regulations made pursuant hereto.”

On failure to comply with the provisions of the bill, section 78 holds that such a driller “commits an offence and is liable to a fine of N500,000 or to imprisonment for a term of 1 year”.

ESTABLISHMENT OF CATCHMENT OFFICE, WATER INSTITUTE

The bill provides for the establishment of a Catchment Management Office (CMO), in each hydrological area, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency and National Water Resources Institute.

Section 52(2) states that “the purpose of a Catchment Management Office shall be to implement in each Hydrological Basin over which it has responsibility, the regulations and Policies of the Commission in accordance with this bill.”

On the institute, this is covered in section 114(1), which notes that there shall be “established an institute to be known as the ‘National Water Resources Institute’ (in this Bill referred to as ‘the Institute’) which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.”

“(2) The Institute shall be responsible for the promotion and development of training courses in water resources management and related fields and without prejudice to the generality of the fore-going shall; (a) advise the Minister on national water resources training needs and priorities;

“(b) perform engineering research functions related to such major water resources projects as may be required for flood control, river regulation, reclamation, drainage, irrigation, domestic and industrial water supply, sewage and sewage treatment.”

Section 94 (1) makes provision for “the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (in this Bill referred to as ‘the Agency’),” while section 100 (1) lists the functions of the agency.

“The Agency shall; (a) advise the Federal and States Governments on all aspects of hydrology and hydro-geology;

“(b) project, prepare and interpret Government policy in the field of hydrology; (c) work with local and international meteorological services Agencies and Institutions, to issue forecasts for floods and other water related issues.”

OFFENCES

Section 147 provides that “any person who, in any declaration required to be made under this bill, makes any statement which he knows to be false or does not have reasonable grounds to believe it to be true, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of 100,000 Naira or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months or to both.

According to section 148 (1), “No person shall; (a) use water otherwise than as permitted under this Bill;

“(b) fail or refuse to provide- (i) access to any books, accounts, documents or assets; and (ii) data or information, when required to do so under this Bill;

“(c) fail to comply with any condition attached to a license issued or deemed issued under this Bill;

“(d) fail to comply with a directive issued by the Commission; (e) unlawfully and- intentionally or negligently tamper or interfere with any water works; (f) fail to procure a licence or other approval required under this Bill upon the expiration of an existing right to use water recognised upon the commencement of this Bill.”

Section 148(2) states that “Any person who contravenes any provision of subsection (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable, on-

“(a) first conviction, to a fine of N50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or both; (b) second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a period not, exceeding 10 years or both.”

Culled from TheCable

Kingsley Kuku Never Purchased Airplanes For Us ― Air Peace

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Kingsley Kuku Never Purchased Airplanes For Us ― Air Peace

Air Peace has said that contrary to a recent online report, the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, Mr Kingsley Kuku never purchased aircraft for the airline. It said the report was a rehash of old, false stories.

In a statement from the company’s Solicitors, Alegeh & Co, Air Peace said the report is not true, emphasizing that Kuku is neither a shareholder nor a director in the company and was not involved in any way with the airline.

“We are Solicitors to Air Peace Limited and Chief Allen Onyema. Our Clients have just become aware of an online story, claiming that Kingsley Kuku, the former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Office, purportedly used “billions of Naira stolen from the Presidential Amnesty Programme………. to purchase airplanes to start Air Peace”.

“The online story, in a bid to appear credible, refers to the United States Department of Justice [“DOJ”] as the source of this information”.

“On behalf of Our Clients, we hereby state unequivocally and for the records that the said online story is untrue, false, baseless and a rehash of old, false and untrue stories.

“Kingsley Kuku did not at any time purchase any airplanes for our client, Air Peace Limited, and he is not a shareholder or Director of Air Peace Limited.

“Kingsley Kuku is not in any way and/or manner connected to and/or involved in the ownership and operations of Air Peace Limited,” the statement said.

The company also stressed that Air Peace Limited was set up with legitimate funds borrowed from Nigerian banks and that of the owner and this has been investigated and verified over time.

“Air Peace Limited was set up with legitimate funds of Our Client, Chief Allen Onyema, who has been recognized and honoured internationally and locally for his work in promoting peace and ethnic harmony in Nigeria and with banking facilities obtained from banks.

“This false, untrue and baseless online story is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image and legacy of Our Clients. There is no iota of truth in the said story and same should be ignored and disregarded,” the statement also said.(thenigerialawyer)

Again, Fulani Herdsmen Attack Southern Kaduna Communities, Kill Reverend, Three Others, Abduct Many

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September 9, 2020

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Again, Fulani Herdsmen Attack Southern Kaduna Communities, Kill Reverend, Three Others, Abduct Many

Armed Fulani herdsmen have again attacked residents of Southern Kaduna communities, killing many including a Christian cleric and abducting many.

The attacks, which took place in Kemari Rimi, Kallah, Gefe, Libere, Maraban Kajuru, Maraban Rido, Rafin Roro, Kawuwan Magani and Buda ward all in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State between August 16 and September 6 claimed a total of four lives.

Those killed in Buda are Reverend Alubara Audu, 45, Adamu Tata, 40, and Ishaku Peter, 37, while Sani Peter, 25 and Esther Sani Peter, 20, were abducted during the attack.

Until his death, Reverend Audu was a senior pastor of ECWA Hausa Buda LCB.

Few minutes away, the terror group simultaneously launched another attack on neighbouring Kemara Rimi where they abducted Ojo Aminu, 35, Danfulani Makaranta, 37, Namiji Gwamna, 36, Ali Musa, 36, and Grace Mathew, 16.

On August 16, the attackers struck again in Kallah Village on the banks of Kaduna River, killing a farmer, Danladi Abarshi, who attempted to go back to his village that was previously attacked and is currently occupied by the invaders.

His corspe was recovered few days later by the police, who discouraged native Adara people from going on the recovery mission.

Eleven days after on August 27, the terrorists laid siege on Maraban Kajuru, shooting one Sunday Barau and abducting Daniel Shuaibu and Abednego Paul.

Pius Hargai was also abducted from his family house in Maraban Rido.

They remain with their abductors, unable to meet the demand for ransom at the time of this report.

On September 2, four persons were again abducted from Rafin Roro Village in Kasuwan Magani Ward of Kajuru LGA.

One person escaped while others remain in captivity.

Awemi Dio Maisamari, National President of the Adara Development Association, said the purported peace dialogue happening in the area was turning out to be a ruse and a diversionary tactics to enable the attackers continue their activities.

He said, “With the continuation of such hostilities by Fulani herdsmen even when various peace moves are being initiated, it is becoming clearer that the purported dialogue is serving as a diversion to enable the attackers to continue their diabolical activities. We are left wondering whether it is worthwhile engaging in such dialogue and peace talks if this continues.

“The Adara Development Association wishes to state that the time for civil and security authorities and even Fulani community leaders to continue feigning ignorance of the perpetrators of these crimes and their whereabouts has since gone. Also, the challenge thrown by Governor el-Rufai asking for details of occupied villages in Southern Kaduna has since been adequately answered. Any further failure to adequately address these issues will be a confirmation that government is only interested in reeling out rhetoric while their actions and inactions serving as encouragement are speaking loudest.”

Recall that the Nigeria Bar Association cancelled the invitation of Governor el-Rufai of Kaduna State from speaking at its annual conference over alleged gross human rights violations and complicity in the Southern Kaduna genocide.

El-Rufai had also controversially said that some leaders in the state wanted money for peace to reign but his administration won’t appease ‘trouble makers’.

His statement generated national outrage with many accusing him of siding with the attackers instead of protecting all.