Don’t report insecurity as rising, Buhari begs journalists by Segun Adewole

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has urged the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into security and safety measures. In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday, Buhari said the term “rising insecurity” should be replaced with the “reality of declining insecurity.” The statement was titled, ‘President Buhari Felicitates With Muslims On Eid-el-Maulud, Reassures That Significant Gains Are Being Made In Combating Insecurity.’ It partly read, “The President urges Muslims to strive for forgiveness and closeness to the noble life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) whose birthday is being marked on this blessed day. On this auspicious occasion, I wish you all the blessings of today. “The President uses the occasion to give a snapshot of the increased activities the Armed Forces, Police Force, and intelligence agencies have embarked upon to effectively respond to the security challenges in the nation. “He says the government fully expects and intends for these trends to continue, and calls on the media to address the tone, content, and standards of reporting into security and safety measures. Time has come to revise the prefixes “rising insecurity” with “declining insecurity.” “The President adds that increased cooperation and collaboration from the citizenry, coupled with reinvigorated, dynamic, and energised police, security and military leadership is helping the administration score more victories against terror, criminality, and economic sabotage. The reality of declining insecurity should replace the inaccurate narrative of rising insecurity in the country.” Shehu quoted Buhari as saying, “While there is work to do, the men and women in uniform who are helping the nation to achieve this goal, desire our collective appreciation and encouragement to do even more. The whole country and its mass communication systems have a duty in this regard.” The President concluded his message by appealing to road users to drive with care and avoid needless accidents.

Colin Powell dies of COVID-19 complications

Colin Powell, a US war hero and the first Black secretary of state who saw his legacy tarnished when he made the case for war in Iraq in 2003, has died of complications from Covid-19. He was 84. “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” the family said in a statement posted to social media on Monday. The retired four-star general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served four presidents made his reputation as a man of honor distant from the political fray — an asset in the corridors of power. “General Powell is an American hero, an American example, and a great American story,” George W. Bush said as he announced the nomination of Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants who became the Republican president’s secretary of state in 2000. “In directness of speech, his towering integrity, his deep respect for our democracy, and his soldier’s sense of duty and honor, Colin Powell demonstrates… qualities that will make him a great representative of all the people of this country.” Read Also Ihekweazu hands over to Adetifa as NCDC DG COVID-19 cut purchasing power but boosted e-commerce – Visa Nigeria boss COVID-19: FG lists fresh conditions to inbound travellers But he found it hard to live down his infamous February 2003 speech to the United Nations Security Council about the alleged existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq — the evidence he presented was later proven to be false. “It’s a blot… and will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It’s painful now,” Powell said in a 2005 interview with ABC News. Tributes nevertheless poured in from Congress, where Democratic Senator Mark Warner praised Powell as “a patriot and a public servant,” while House Republican Peter Meijer described him as a rarity in the modern age: “a true soldier statesman.” The family statement said Powell had been fully vaccinated.

INEC awaits Buhari’s nod on e-transmission of results by Olalekan Adetayo,John Alechenu, Sunday Aborisade, Friday Olokor, Leke Baiyewu, Solomon Odeniyi and Dennis Naku

The Senate bowed to pressure from the public on Tuesday when it passed a bill which gave the Independent National Electoral Commission the sole power to determine the procedure for the transmission of election results. The red chamber also approved direct primaries as the method to be adopted by all political parties to elect candidates for all elective positions. The amendments were made on Tuesday by the Senate to some clauses of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) bill 2021, passed on July 15, 2021. In its reaction, INEC told The PUNCH that although it had the capacity to transmit elections results electronically, it said it could only adopt the method after the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had signed amendments to Electoral Act. Also on Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party and civil rights groups faulted the approval of direct primaries by the Senate. Justifying its U-turn on electronic transmission of results, the Senate explained that its decision to subject the amended clauses of the bill to re-committal was reached after a critical examination by the Senate Committee on INEC. The chamber added that some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative actions were observed by the Senator Kabiru Gaya-led INEC Committee in the bill. Accordingly, the chamber in a bill for re-committal, re-amended certain aspects of the bill contained in clauses 43, 52, 63 and 8. The upper chamber in Clause 52 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed almost three months ago, had approved that “the Commission (INEC) may consider the electronic transmission of results, provided the national coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by the National Communications Commission and approved by the National Assembly.” The Senate’s position contradicted that of the House of Representatives, which gave INEC the go-ahead to adopt electronic transmission of results. The upper chamber was heavily criticised by INEC and other stakeholders over its decision in July However, the Senate, on Tuesday amended the clause when the bill was subjected to re-committal to provide that, “subject to section 63 of this bill, voting at an election and transmission of results under this bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission (INEC).” The Senate in approving direct primaries for political parties amended clause 87 which earlier allowed for either direct or indirect primaries. Clause 87 has to do with nomination of candidates by parties. It now reads, “Clause 87. (1) “A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the commission.” In indirect primaries, party members elect delegates who in turn elect the party’s candidates on their behalf. But in direct primaries, registered members of the party vote for who they want to be their candidates. Delegates are not involved. Members of the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021, are expected to meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to harmonise the two versions passed by both chambers The Senate decisions on electronic transfer of results and direct primaries attracted different reactions on Tuesday. While the lawmakers were commended over electronic transfer of results, they were criticised on the adoption of direct primaries. A former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, commended the Senate for reversing itself on electronic transmission of results, saying it was a huge victory for the nation’s democracy.

UPDATED: UI names Prof Adebowale as 13th VC By Yinka Adeniran

Professor Kayode Adebowale has been named as the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan in Oyo State. Adebowale, a Professor of Chemistry, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) of the University until he was named. His emergence followed the final screening by the Joint Senate-Council Selection Board of the University at the Adeoye Lambo Senate Chamber on Thursday. - Advertisement - The board had reduced the number of candidates to eight on Wednesday after screening the 15 applicants for the position. The eight successful candidates participated in the final interview on Thursday after which three candidates were selected. - Advertisement - Those who scaled through screening on Wednesday include the Acting VC Prof. Adebola Ekanola; Professors Yinka Aderinto, Adebowale, Ademowo and Salako. Unveiling the new VC at a press conference which at the Conference room of the VC’s office, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governor Council, John Odigie-Oyegun said the candidate emerged after a rigorous exercise. Oyegun said: “On Wednesday, 13 October, 2021 Council interacted with all 15 candidates. All members of Council scores the candidates using approved Council guidelines. At the end, eight candidates in order of merit were shortlisted for the final interview. “At the meeting two members of Council as required by law were also appointed. Earlier in the week, Senate had elected two members of Senate to serve on the Selection Board for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor. “Today, Thursday the Joint Council-in-Senate Selection Board interviewed the eight candidates shortlisted. Two representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education were in attendance. “At the end of a very thorough, transparent and highly competitive exercise, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale emerged as the best candidate for the position if the Vice Chancellor. “The Governing Council as it’s just concluded meeting today considered the report of the Selection Board and approved the recommendation of the Board to appoint Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.” Speaking after his presentation, the new VC said he was not the best candidate but God gave him the opportunity because there is work to be done. He said: “It is a privilege for me to serve. The Professor Adebowale seated here is not the best out of the candidates. “God just want me to serve. The University has gone through some challenging times and there are so many things we have learnt there. “I am not the best but God just put me there because there is a work to be done. “With the support of Council, Senate, workers, congregation and all others, we shall move this university to a greater heights.” The post became vacant on December 1, 2020. The process of appointing a substantive VC has been married with some crisis which led to the appointment of an Acting VC, Prof Adebola Ekanola currently his second term of six months.

How Mustapha’s Turaki of Ilorin Title Ruptures Existing Power Blocs

The recent turbaning of a national chairmanship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Saliu Mustapha, as the Turaki of Ilorin, a position previously held by a former Senate Leader, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and his son, a former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has potentially ruptured the power blocs in Kwara State, Chuks Okocha reports The ancient Hausa-Fulani kingdoms’ chieftaincy systems recognise the Turaki as an officer at the palace court, but the title means more than that in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, considering its history and significance of the previous occupiers to the power dynamics of the emirate and state’s politics at large. The revered Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, recently filled the position, which had been vacant for over two years. He announced this amongst other traditional titles conferred on eminent and illustrious sons of the ancient city including the new Matawalle of Ilorin, formerly held by the late AbdulRazaq Ganiyu, the father of the incumbent Governor of the state and the first attorney in the entire northern Nigeria. The eldest son of the father of the Kwara State governor, Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq, now holds the title. But of all the nine titles, one stood out — The Turaki of Ilorin, which was bestowed upon Saliu Mustapha on the account of his enormous contributions to the emirate and his unending acts of philanthropy. The aspiring Chairman of the ruling APC, believed to be an underdog in the tight race with former governors and senators, might have added another feather to his cap by clinching this title. Political observers say the development shows Mustapha’s influence and also a power shift from the Saraki hegemony in Kwara State. This is because, the patriarch of the Saraki dynasty and a Second Republic Senate Leader, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, was the first most visible bearer of the title after the billionaire business mogul, the late Alhaji Sani Okin. The strong man of Kwara politics later relinquished the position after he rose to the rank of Waziri of Ilorin, a title he held until his death in 2012. Saraki’s eldest son and a former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, was named the Turaki in 2006, while serving as the governor of the state. And like his late father, he was elevated to the office of the Waziri in 2018. After the elevation of the former Senate President to the position of Waziri, watchers of Kwara politics had expected that someone from the Saraki dynasty or one that matches its influence would fill the vacant Turaki title. It was therefore not surprising that the expectation was quite high at the annual Bareke where the big announcement was made. However, the power dynamics was disrupted with Sulu-Gambari’s announcement of Mustapha as the new Turaki, which was greeted with wild jubilation from the mammoth crowd present. In view of his overwhelming acceptance, some observers argue that his appointment is a liberalisation of the political space in the Ilorin Emirate from what used to be an absolute dominance by the Sarakis in the emirate’ affairs, having ruled the state for more than three decades until the APC won landslide in the 2019 election. For other observers, Mustapha represents a new order as he is the youngest ever who has held the title, and the first that has not held an elected postion in the past. It will also be gratifying for President Muhammadu Buhari to know that an office formerly held by his political rival is now occupied by his ally of nearly two decades. In 2009, when a breakaway faction of the ANPP led by Muhammadu Buhari formed the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mustapha was the national deputy chairman of the party, a position he held until the party merged to form the APC. Mustapha was also a key member of the Buhari Campaign Organisations in all the years the former military general contested presidential elections until the fourth successful bid. While some have argued that Mustapha’s political alliance with Buhari may not count when considering a consensus candidate for the post of the national chairman of the APC, the growing influence of Mustapha in Kwara politics and beyond is pronounced with the new title. Most importantly, being the youngest title holder in the Ilorin emirate, he appears to have ticked a box, demonstrating his ability to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations of the party. The APC, considering the wide dichotomy amongst different age grades, needs a thoroughbred party man who can marry the interests of both ranks. “I have the widest experience so far. The records are there to show. I’ve learnt to manage people, I have learnt to accommodate different interests, and I have learnt to stabilise political platforms from some of the best hands that have managed political parties before in the history of politics in Nigeria. I have also paid my dues,” the 49-year-old had reportedly said in an interview. By and large, analysts believe that Mustapha is a man to watch, not only in the political dynamics of Kwara State but especially at the national level as the APC national convention, in which he is a key player draws near. The Mutawalle title, like the Turaki which passed from the late elder Saraki to his son, Bukola, was also last held by the late patriarch of Abdulrazaq family, AGF Abdulrazaq Ganiyu, who was the first Commissioner for Finance in the Kwara State as well as the first lawyer in the whole of northern Nigeria. Others honoured at the event include Ilorin-born Islamic scholars, Sheikh Farouq Suleiman Onikijipa, who was appointed the 4th Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Professor Yakubu Aliagan, who was conferred with the title of Seriki Malami of Ilorin, Sheikh AbdulRahman Sholagberu who was appointed the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin, among others.

Jubilation, Tributes As Saliu Mustapha Becomes Turaki Of Ilorin

The recent appointment of Mallam Saliu Mustapha, a national chairmanship aspirant of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Turaki of Ilorin has attracted wide plaudits and deepened the historical course of the coveted title, Abdulkareem Alabi reports The cancellation of the annual Durbar festival could not stop the grand post-Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, which witnessed a massive turnout last week. A major highlight of the annual ‘Bareke’ (the traditional Sallah homage to the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq by the Emir of Ilorin) was the announcement of some new honorary traditional titles to illustrious sons and daughters of the emirate as decided by the Ilorin Emirate Council. The new titles, including the revered Turaki of Ilorin, were conferred on nine illustrious sons of the emirate by the Emir, HRH Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari CFR. The ranking title holders are Mallam Saliu Mustapha (Turaki of Ilorin); Sheikh Yaqub Aliagan (Sarkin Mallamai of Ilorin); Dr. AbdulKadir Alfa Oba-Solagberu (Mallami Ubandoma of Ilorin); Dr Alimi Abdulrazaq (Mutawalle of Ilorin); Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa (Grand Mufty of Ilorin); Alhaji Yakubu Gobir (Dawaki of Ilorin); Alhaji Saka Onimago (Shetimma of Ilorin); Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (Tafida of Ilorin); and Alhaji Kawu Agaka (Dan Iya of Ilorin). But the announcement of the Turaki of Ilorin, due to its significance and the prominence of the previous holders was greeted with wild jubilation from the enthusiastic audience. The responses were among others that, “’He’s someone that everybody knows in Ilorin Emirate; He is someone who spends his wealth for the growth and development of the emirate; He is also trying his best to propagate Islam.’ “We do not just give titles; we bestow titles on the people who are deserving of them. The title we want to give him is the Turaki of Ilorin,” HRH Sulu-Gambari said of the APC national chairmanship aspirant. Shower of encomiums Hardly had the Emir announced the coveted title than tributes and encomiums started pouring in for Mallam Mustapha and that continued to dominate the airwaves in Ilorin. Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq and many other dignitaries have congratulated Mallam Mustapha and the other title chiefs over the conferment of deserving titles on them. The governor prayed to Allah to grant Mustapha success and long life in the service to the people of Ilorin and the nation. “I congratulate all the new title holders as announced by Mai Martaba the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR). I am convinced that the decision of the Emir is based on the track records of these illustrious sons of Ilorin over the years. “I have no doubt that they will discharge the duties of their offices to the admiration of all,” the governor said in a statement. The immediate past Turaki of Ilorin and Senate President, Bukola Saraki, commended the traditional ruler for always striving to bring development to Kwara State and seeking the progress of indigenes of the Emirate. “The new traditional title holders should see the conferment of titles as a challenge to work harder for unity, development and peace in the Emirate, in particular, and Kwara State, in general,” he said in a statement issued by his aide, Yousuph Olaniyonu. Also, the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara State has felicitated with Mallam Mustapha, who is a patron of the union. “Sir, we are incredibly proud of you. This is a well-deserved recognition going by your giant strides in the development of the Ilorin Emirate, and your indiscriminate philanthropic gestures that have impacted many lives and organisations in the state and beyond over the years. “We are indeed very proud to be associated with you as the patron of our chapel. And as always, we assure you of our continued support and partnership,” a letter signed by the chapel’s Chairman and Secretary, Abdulhakeem Garba and Kayode Abdulazeez respectively, read. Other individuals including eminent sons of Ilorin Emirate in different strata also praise the Emir for the worthy conferment. A former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Modibbo Kawu, described the Turaki as a very important title in the community, which he said was conferred on Mustapha in recognition of his contributions to the development of the ancient city. “The new Turaki is a very young man, but a young man with a tremendous sense of responsibility. “Over the past three, four years, he has played a lot of roles in terms of contributing to community development efforts. “That is what the emir recognized; that is what the community is celebrating. It is very vital that this has happened today,” Kawu said. Prof. Yusuf Lanre Badmus, a former Dean of the Postgraduate School of the University of Ilorin, said the conferment of the title on the APC chieftain was well-deserved considering his numerous contributions to the development of the ancient city. “Turaki is a quality title. When you look at the first Turaki of Ilorin, he was a quality indigene of the city; the same thing with the second and the third, and this is the fourth. “So it is a round peg in a round hole. The honouree has been a very big benefactor to many people, especially in things that he is doing without making noise; without calling journalists to come and see. “So we are happy and proud and this is the greatest honour that the emir has done to Gambari environ,” said Badmus during a thanksgiving visit to the Emir’s Palace. Justice Idris Haroon, a former Grand Khadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, urged other sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate to emulate Mustapha’s humility and sense of responsibility that earned him the recognition. He urged the honouree to emulate the late political icon and second Turaki of Ilorin, Dr Olusola Saraki, by touching the lives of the downtrodden the more. “The new Turaki has a role model to emulate and that is Baba Saraki who touched the lives of the masses particularly the downtrodden. “So what I will advise as already advised by His Royal Highness is to continue on the righteous way he is living and do whatever he feels the city needs to promote its course. I feel honoured – Mustapha The newly appointed Turaki of Ilorin, in his reaction, said he felt honoured by his community for finding him worthy of the coveted seat, assuring that the people should expect more of his good deeds. “I feel highly honoured and elated that I have been found worthy of this title – the Turaki of Ilorin. “I want to thank His Royal Highness and the good people of Ilorin Emirate for finding me worthy of this title. “I pray to Almighty Allah to guide and give me the wisdom, and good health to continue to do the good works that they have appointed me for. “For my people, they should expect the good work that the title holds.” Mustapha, the founder of Saliu Mustapha Foundation, is the fourth Turaki of Ilorin. He replaced former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who was promoted to the position of Waziri, Prime Minister of the emirate, in 2018.

Vaccines prevent severe Covid, even Delta variant -Study

Vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe cases of Covid-19, even against the Delta variant, a vast study in France has shown. The research published Monday — focusing on prevention of severe Covid and death, not infection — looked at 22 million people over 50 and found those who had received jabs were 90 percent less likely to be hospitalised or die. The results confirm observations from the US, the UK and Israel, but researchers say it is the largest study of its kind so far. Looking at data collected starting in December 2020, when France launched its jab campaign, the researchers compared the outcomes of 11 million vaccinated people with 11 million unvaccinated subjects. They formed pairs matching an unvaccinated individual with a vaccinated counterpart from the same region and of the same age and sex, tracking them from the date of the vaccinated person’s second jab to July 20. Starting 14 days after a second dose, a vaccinated subjects’ risk of severe Covid was reduced by 90 percent, according to the research conducted by Epi-Phare, an independent medicines safety research group that works closes with the French government. Read Also Nigeria records 6,746 COVID-19 vaccine side effects cases Take the jab or get another job, UK minister tells care home staff 76th UNGA: Okonjo-Iweala canvasses global COVID-19 vaccine equity Vaccination appears to be nearly as effective against for the Delta variant, with 84 percent protection for people 75 and older and 92 percent for people 50-75. That estimate, however, is only based on a month of data, since the variant became dominant in France only in June. “The study should be followed up to include results from August and September,” epidemiologist Mahmoud Zureik, the head of Epi-Phare, told AFP. The study covers vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and AstraZeneca jabs, but not Jannsen which was authorised much later and is far less widely used in France. The results also suggest that over the period of study — up to five months — vaccination protection against severe Covid did not diminish. (AFP)