DAVIDO PROVES WHY HE’S ‘TIMELESS’ WITH HIS BRAND NEW ALBUM

 By Kefas Yohanna 

known by his name Davido – has been at the forefront of Nigerian music and afrobeats this last decade. In his illustrious twelve-year career, there have been many defining moments along the way. From the release of his debut album Omo Baba Olowo which made an impression in the afrobeats scene to his rise to international prominence with the release of hit singles like “Fall” and “If”. The run that Davido went on from the mid-2010s and leading into the early 2020s has established him as one of Nigeria’s biggest talents. Coupled with the release of his second and third studio albums in 2019’s A Good Time and 2020s A Better Time, Davido has helped push afrobeats to become one of the most popular genres in the world. Now in 2023, at the peak of his musical powers, Davido treats us to his long awaited fourth album entitled Timeless.

Timeless serves as Davido’s first musical release after he’s had some major shakeups in his life, notably the unfortunate death of his son Ifeanyi in October 2022. Timeless also marks Davido’s first album release since A Better Time, an album peaked at No. 4 on Billboard‘s World Albums chart and featured an array of various superstars including Young Thug, Nicki Minaj,Tiwa Savage, Lil Baby and more. He was also featured on one of the lead singles of official soundtrack for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” alongside Trinidad Cardona and AISHA, which he performed at the closing ceremony.

The album itself is seventeen tracks long and has a runtime of just under 50 minutes. The project sees Davido call upon features from Skepta, Asake, Dexta Daps and more. The production credits see Davido work with some of Nigeria’s best including Magic Sticks, 1da Banton and Yung Willis as well as many other talented producers.

From the opener “Over Dem” we are treated to a soothing, almost hypnotic start to the project, the song’s saxophone production and Davido’s vocals create a comforting and jovial atmosphere that continues for the rest of the album’s runtime. It truly sets the mood for the whole project as the same can be said for many of the tracks on the album like “Na Money” where Davido is assisted by Caveman and Angelique Kidjo and the amapiano inspired “Champion Sound” produced by Caltonic SA & Tee Jay and features South African artist Focalistic.

One of the standout features is from Big Smoke himself, Skepta. The UK Grime and rap legend is no stranger to afrobeats, having collaborated with another Nigerian giant Wizkid in the past to great success. On “U (JUJU)” he once again shows his versatility, hopping over the soft production with his signature delivery and serenading lyrics. The solid features don’t stop at just Skepta, other notable appearances on the album include Morravey on one of the album’s highlights “In The Garden”. She lends the track her idyllic vocals which are perfectly complimented by the guitar based instrumental. Fave on “Kante” is another notable addition to the album, bringing a soulful presence to the album with her melodies.

The beat selection across the board is great with a consistent sound typical of Davido’s past projects, but distinct enough to offer a new vibe to his already stacked catalogue of music. Timeless sees Davido work with producers like Blaisebeatz who’s collaborated with other Nigerian artists like Fireboy DML and Tekno and previously worked on Davido’s last project A Better Time’. With other producers like Damie and Rore, the album combines many different elements from genres other than afrobeats including African house, amapiano, EDM and techno; creating a blend and blurring the lines between genres. Between the features, producers and Davido himself; we are treated to a project that gives us a taste of different sounds while still keeping true to Davido’s roots sonically.

All in all, Davido returns to form on this album, displaying different feelings like longing, joy, love and wanting to protect one’s peace seamlessly. Enjoyment and vibes truly sum up the project with Davido going for a feel-good atmosphere that makes you want to just relax and take in life. On the flip side the album is also full of tracks that aim to get you moving like “Bop” and “No Competition” which features rising afrobeats star Asake. The replay value of the project mustn’t be understated either. Davido manages to create a plethora of tracks on the project that will definitely be on repeat whether it be due to the catchy choruses, head-bopping instrumentals or the great features, all of which just add to the replayability of Timeless

El-Rufai government inaugurates committees ahead 2023 census_NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

 By Kefas Yohanna

The Kaduna Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC), has inaugurated media and publicity and security committees for the May 2023 population and housing census in the state

Inaugurating the committees in Kaduna on Thursday, Umma Aboki, PBC commissioner, explained that the committees would ensure a hitch-free census.

Ms Aboki explained that she would chair the media and publicity committee, with the deputy director of state planning, as the secretary. She identified other committee members as the commissioner for human services and social development and special adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on media and communication.

They also include the zonal manager of the News Agency of Nigeria, the zonal director of the National Television Authority, the zonal manager of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and the state director of the National Orientation Agency.

Others are the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, and the co-chair of the Open Government Partnership.

According to Ms Aboki, the committee will be responsible for awareness creation and community mobilisation for the exercise.

“The committee will also develop television and radio jingles, carry out media engagements and carry out community sensitisation and advocacy to relevant community stakeholders for a hitch-free exercise,” she stated.

(NAN)

Buhari Deployed More Soldiers For Election Than When Bandits Were Killing Our People To Punish Me, El-Rufai, Ganduje For Challenging Naira Swap Policy –Governor Matawalle

 By Kefas Yohanna

Matawalle said this during an interview with DW Hausa which was monitored and reported by DAILY NIGERIAN on Tuesday, while reacting to his defeat in the governorship election which was held on March 18, 2023.

Governor Bello Matawalle has blamed his failure to win re-election as Zamfara State Governor on his opposition to President Muhammadu Buhari government's naira swap policy.

Matawalle said this during an interview with DW Hausa which was monitored and reported by DAILY NIGERIAN on Tuesday, while reacting to his defeat in the governorship election which was held on March 18, 2023.

Mr Matawalle, who sought reelection under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, lost to the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Dauda Lawal.

In response to the election results, the governor expressed concern about a large deployment of military personnel on Election Day.

Matawalle claimed that the military deployed many soldiers for the poll in Zamfara, something they had never done to curb insecurity in the state despite repeated requests by his government to Buhari’s administration.

He said, “I warned my people against rigging in my favour. I wanted to be voted genuinely and allow the people’s will to be respected.

“But the kind of soldiers that were deployed for this election were alarming. We have never had this kind of military presence in the state. On seeing that, I knew that there was a hidden agenda, and that was why I didn’t even bother. I got an intelligence report of plans to punish me, (Kaduna Governor, Nasir) El-Rufai, and (Kano Governor Abdullahi) Ganduje.

 

“Our offence was challenging the naira policy of the federal government at the Supreme Court.”

“We have been having security challenges in the state and have been crying for help, but nobody has answered us. But a few days before the election, over 300 military trucks were sent to the state,” the governor added.

Despite losing the election, the governor said he was satisfied with his performance in office in the last four years.

He also noted that he was not interested in challenging the 2023 election outcome.

He continued: “The election has been concluded, and everyone saw what happened in Zamfara, but as a Muslim, I can only give gratitude to God for the outcome.

“When God gave me the power, a lot of people never thought I would become the governor of the state, and God gave it to me.

“And if he chooses to take it back, I can’t question him. God has destined that I will serve one term, and I am fulfilled with that.

“I’m not bothered at all about losing the election. If you recall, sometime last year, I lamented to you about the security situation in Zamfara State and told you I was weary of being the governor. As a leader, it’s not good to see your people being killed or kidnapped on a daily basis.

“After my time on earth, I will give accounts of these incidents to my Creator, and they bother me every single day.”

“So, for a very long time, I got fed up with the power due to what was happening in the state. I tried my best to address the security situation, but it was beyond my powers; only God can end it,” he added.

We’ve commenced paying pensioners without bank accounts, says Kaduna

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The Kaduna state government says processes for the payment of beneficiaries of retirement and death benefits who do not have bank accounts have commenced.

In a statement, Salamatu Isah, executive secretary, Kaduna State Pension Bureau, said the beneficiaries would be identified by local government pension desk officers as well as their counterparts at various ministries, departments and agencies of government.

Isah said that 112 of the beneficiaries were in batch 21 of state pensioners while 134 local government pensioners fall under batch 19 of the category.

She added that verification payment would be done next week at various zonal headquarters.

Recently, the Kaduna state government said it released N920 million for the settlement of outstanding pension liabilities, which include death benefits and gratuity.

In the payment schedule, state pensioners were expected to get N400 million while local government beneficiaries would receive N520 million.

In November 2022, Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, had approved N900 million for the payment of accrued rights for retirees and families of deceased beneficiaries under the new contributory pension scheme (CPS).

‘For fairness, equity’ — observers ask INEC to review Kaduna guber poll

 By Kefas Yohanna 

A coalition of accredited observer groups has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the Kaduna governorship poll.

Uba Sani, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 730,002 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Isa Ashiru, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who scored 719,196 votes.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Romanus Ugwu, leader of the coalition, said through its member organisations, 2444 observers were deployed to the 23 LGAs of the state for the March 18 governorship poll.

Ugwu alleged that the poll was “massively characterised by open vote-buying”, adding that there were reports of violence in some areas.

He said INEC “failed in meeting the parameters for credible, free, and fair elections it set for itself and promised Nigerians”.

“The election was massively characterized by open vote buying using cash, food and cloth items, most especially in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Igabi, Lere, Kubau, Ikara, Sabon Gari, etc,” Ugwu said.

“Though, there were some arrests by the personnel of the economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC), who handed over the culprits to the police only to be released after a short period of time.

We have successfully gathered the names, pictures, and videos of senior government officials who were involved in this and shall make it available to the appropriate quarters when we complete our final report.

“There is no doubt that violence was the order of the day in some polling units in some of the LGAs. Like Gidan Gayan, Rigachikun, Zangon Aya, Sabon Birnin Daji wards in Igabi LGA. The election was marred by so many irregularities, flagrant and reckless cancellation of result sheets duly obtained from the polling units.

“The number of  PVCs collected in the affected areas where election was cancelled are well above 70,000 against 10,806 votes recorded as the margin of lead of the declared winner of the election.

“In this obvious circumstance, with the provision of section 51(4), we align with the position of the agent of one of the party in the sense that the returning officer should have tarried a while and declare the gubernatorial election inconclusive, so as not to disenfranchise over seventy thousand voters, cut across the state.

“The conduct of some INEC staff especially at the ward and local government levels was ignominious and a betrayal of the people’s trust in them. They willfully connived with politicians and compromised the process disgracefully.

“Results of election peacefully conducted at the polling units and result sheets uploaded on the IReV portal were willfully cancelled at the ward and local government collation centres.

“Some collation centres literarily became more like cancellation centres. For example, election result from the entire Kukui and Aribi wards of Kagarko local government area and all that of  Kauran Wali North and Garu inwards in Kudan LGA were cancelled when their results were declared and posted on the IReV before taking it to the collation centre.

“Also polling units in Saulawa, Kuya, Anchau wards, etc. in Ikara local government were cancelled without any justifiable reason.”

The observers added that in the “spirit of fairness and equity”, the election should be reviewed.

Kaduna: PDP appeals for calm as INEC presents certificate to governor-elect, Uba

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Kaduna State has appealed to all members and stakeholders to remain calm as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, presents certificate of return to Senator Uba Sani as governor-elect today, Friday.

Abraham Alberah Catoh, the State Publicity Secretary of the party in a statement on Thursday, urged all supporters to be patient and calm as all legal avenues would be taken to ensure they reclaimed their mandate.

According to him, the presentation of Certificate of Return is a normal procedure by INEC, “but it is going to be temporary because the real winner of the gubernatorial election (Hon. Ashiru Kudan), would soon recover his mandate through the competent court of law.”

Our candidate, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Isa Ashiru, won the election convincingly and all legally acceptable processes are on ground to claim back the people’s mandate,” he said

We submitted our Application for Review of the election last Friday, in accordance with Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022 and are awaiting response from INEC National Headquarters,” he added.

"The party congratulated all its members that won different positions during the election.

Breaking: PDP chairman, Ayu steps aside

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu has stepped aside as the chairman of the party.

Ayu was replaced by the Deputy National Chairman, (North) Umar Iliya Damagum.

Damagum will assume office as the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, pending the determination of the case in court.

Recall that a High Court in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, had restrained embattled Ayu from parading himself as chairman of the party pending the determination of the substantive suit which has been adjourned to April 17, 2023 for hearing.

A member of the PDP from Benue, Terhide Utaan, who is the plaintiff before Justice W. I Kpochi, obtained the order restraining Ayu from parading himself as national chairman of the party.

Addressing journalists in Makurdi after obtaining the court order, the plaintiff said following the suspension of Ayu by his Igyorov Ward Exco on Sunday, it is wrong for him to keep up with the office of national chairman and further disunite the party.

Ayu was suspended late last week for anti-party activities in the wake of the party’s loss in the presidential election.

But in a Monday statement by his media aide Simon Imobo-Tswam, the former lawmaker argued that only the ward lacked the powers to suspend him.

Ayu’s political rival in the PDP and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday, said he is elated that Benue State ward exco passed a vote of no confidence in him.

“I am not from Benue State, but I am happy, and now that Benue State has done it, we would now come out and say we are in support of it,” he said.

Prior to this development, there had been intense calls for Ayu to step aside for a Southerner to take over as the Chairman of the party.

The Economy of Nigeria 🇳🇬

 By Kefas Yohanna 

Nigeria is a West African country that is regarded as one of the largest economies in Africa. The economic landscape of Nigeria is certainly one of a kind, with agriculture being the primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population. However, with advancements in technology and the gradual shift towards industrialization, the economy of Nigeria has become more diversified, although still heavily dependent on oil production.

Over the years, Nigeria has been able to develop a strong and resilient economy that is capable of withstanding various shocks, both from within and outside the country. This can be attributed to various factors such as the country's vast natural resources, its strategic location as a gateway to the African continent, and its large population which is an important market for various industries.

One of the significant drivers of the economy of Nigeria is the oil and gas sector. Nigeria is the largest oil producing nation in Africa and the 12th largest in the world. The country also has vast reserves of natural gas, which has been used to generate electricity and provide fuel for industries across the country. The oil and gas sector, as well as the related industries, account for over 90% of the country's foreign exchange earnings and about 60% of the government's revenue.

The government of Nigeria has, over the years, put in place policies and initiatives aimed at improving the economic landscape of the country. One of such initiatives is the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) launched in 2017, aimed at transforming the economy and achieving sustainable growth. The ERGP focuses on key sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and solid minerals, among others, to diversify the economy and reduce the country's dependence on oil.

Despite the various efforts to diversify the economy of Nigeria, agriculture remains a key sector and a significant contributor to the country's economy. Nigeria is blessed with a fertile land suitable for various crops and agricultural produce such as cocoa, palm oil, cassava, yam, maize, and rice, among others. The agricultural sector has the potential to be a major contributor to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and provide employment opportunities for millions of people.

In conclusion, the economy of Nigeria has come a long way, with significant strides made towards diversification and growth. The country's vast natural resources, strategic location, and large population provide ample opportunities for growth and development. However, the government needs to put in place policies that will encourage the growth of other sectors such as manufacturing, solid minerals, and technology, among others, to boost the economy and reduce the dependence on oil.

INEC says govs, lawmakers-elect to get certificates of return Wednesday

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The Independent National Electoral Commission says governors, deputy governors and state House of Assembly lawmakers-elect will receive their certificates of return between Wednesday and Friday.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, in a statement on Saturday said the decision emanated from a meeting the commission held on Saturday.

He added, “By the provisions of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the commission is mandated to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been returned elected under the law.

Pursuant to the above provision, the commission has fixed Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th and Friday 31st March 2023 for the issuance of certificates of return to governors and deputy governors-elect as well as state Assembly members-elect. The presentation will take place in INEC offices in each state of the federation.

“Specific dates for the issuance of the certificates shall be communicated to those elected by the Resident Electoral Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries of the various states.”

NEWSRamadan: Kaduna Muslims pray for political leaders, peace in Nigeria

 By Kefas Yohanna 

As Muslims across Kaduna joined the Ramadan fasting, prayers were offered for continuous peace and loving kindness in the state and Nigeria at large.

The Muslim faithful also offered prayers for elected political office holders in the state and Nigeria, beseeching God to give them wisdom, knowledge and understanding to be able to provide dividends of democracy to the people of the state and the country.

The imam of Kakuri Mosque, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa noted that the holy month of Ramadan is specially for prayers to God, for blessings in all aspects of life.

According to him: “Whatever we ask God from the depth of our hearts, believing with our hearts and works of righteousness, must surely come.”

Also, Alhaji Tijani Ahmadu Bello, the imam of Nasarawa mosque, stressed that the holy month of Ramadan is specifically set aside to seek forgiveness, and ask God for specific needs.

We tender our requests before God, praying without ceasing. We commit the leadership of Kaduna State into the hands of God as we progress further. God will surely hear us, from our clean hearts,” he prayed.

Terrorists kill Kaduna clergy, abduct wife, release over 100

 By Kefas Yohanna 

Terrorists have reportedly shot dead Rev. Musa Mairimi, the minister in charge of Ecwa Church, Buda two, Kasuwa Magani in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Joseph Hayab confirmed the incident to The PUNCH on Saturday.

He said the attackers invaded the community on Thursday after killing the clergy, they also abducted his wife while over 100 people who were abducted from different parts of the state were released.

He explained that reports have it that over 100 people were abducted and have been in the terrorists’ camp for over six months, especially in Local Government Areas of Kauru, Jaba, Kachia, Kagarko and Kajuru.

He disclosed that just after the presidential election, three clergies were abducted and the terrorists were demanding the sum of N50 million as ransom from one of the clergies who is still in their custody.

“But the negotiation that started from N50 million has now come down to N5 million. That’s the kind of situation that we have found ourselves in Kaduna State.

“Who will you cry to and who will you run to, after all, since the carnage of kidnapping started in Kaduna, no concrete arrests have been made,” Hayab lamented.

While commenting on the just concluded governorship and state House of Assembly election in Kaduna State, he said by a mere rumour that a particular party had won, the state went agog in celebration, which shows the people are angry with the present administration.

“Whoever emerges as the new leader in the state understands the mind of the people, their anger and is willing to do something different, it won’t take long before there would be a new sigh of relieve,” Hayab concluded. 

The Atyap People of Souther

By Kefas Yohanna 

 Deep in the heart of Southern Kaduna, an area famous for the Nok Terra-Cotta figurines, are a very unique and industrious set people called the Atyap. The Atyap, who are believed to have migrated from the East, are mainly found in Zangon-Kataf Local Government Area, though Atyap settlements are also common in parts of Kaura and Kauru Local Government Areas, all in Kaduna State.

The Atyap derive their name from their language, Tyap, a descriptive name meaning “the people who speak Tyap”. Before now, the Atyap  people were commonly known to the world as the “Katab” or “Kataf” people, a name given to them by their Hausa neighbours as a result of the large amount of camwood (Katambari in Hausa) which the Atyap used as an important item of trade in those days. Hence the name Katab for the Atyap people, from Katambari.

The history of the Atyap people, as is commonly told in oral tradition, is the story of a people who migrated from the “East” from where they later settled around present day Katsina. In search of greener pasture and protective enclaves, the Atyap are said to have continued their long migration southward to their present area, from where they fought and displaced the Atsam and Attachirak and first settled around Mabatado (present day Zangon-Kataf town). Oral tradition, dating back to 1767, recounts how one Mele, an itinerant Hausa trader from Niger Republic, was given a portion of land in the heart of Mabatado to settle after many years of trade relations with the Atyap. Mele was soon joined by his Hausa kinsmen. Hence, the name Zango-Kataf (which means transit camp in Kataf Land).

The Tyap dialect forms one of the most prominent parts of the West Plateau language group recently known as the Nerzit (our people), a group of languages or dialects who understand one another. Among this group are the following tribes: the Atyap, who speak the Tyap language; the Oegworok, who speak the Gworok language; the Asholio, who speak the Sholio language; the Atakad, who speak the Takad language; the Fantsuam, who speak the Fantsuam language; the Bajju, who speak the Jju language; and the Ham, who speak the Hyam. Others are the Gwong, the Nikyob, the Adara, the Akurmi and all other tribes in Southern Kaduna. 

Similarly, the close relationship in language and culture between the Atyap and their immediate neighbours and with those of the high Jos Plateau is an evidence that they must have shared a common ancestor at some point and must have lived in the same geographical area.

In fact, it is as a result of their close linguistic affinities that C.K. Meek classified this people as the “Katab Group of People”, comprising the Atyap and the Rukuba, the Irigwe, the Afizare and the  Berom of the Jos Plateau on one hand, and the Bajju, the Ham, the Oegworok, the Angan, the Nikyob, the Fantswam, the Attakad, the Attachirak, the Gwong, the Atsam, the Bakulu, the Ninzo and the Adara in Kaduna State, among many others.

The origin of the Atyap cannot therefore, be studied in isolation from those of their neigbhours to whom they are related. This indicates that if the Atyap migrated at all, it could not have been far away from the area which they now occupy.

One remarkable feature of the Atyap is the manner in which responsibilities are shared among its four clans, each of which has sub-clans and sub-responsibilities. The Agba’ad clan has 3 sub-clans: Akpaisa, Akwak and Nje. Aminyam clan has 2 sub-clans: Aswon and Fakan. Aku clan and Shokwa have no known sub-clans.

Traditionally, the states and clans had complementary functions. The Shokwa were in charge of rainmaking and flood control rites. The Agba’ad clan had primacy in both cavalry and archery warfare, and led the army. The Aku clans were the custodians of the paraphernalia of the Abwoi cult, and performed initiation rites for all new initiates.

Today, there are no distinct settlements for specific clans or sub-clans as all the clans are highly intermingled, driven by the mass movement of people occasioned by need for land on one hand, and the 19th century raids and British colonial policies aimed at effective exploitation of the Atyap on the other hand.

Atyap consciousness began to develop in the 19th century when the Fulani jihadists tried to extend their control over Atyap land and other parts of North Central Nigeria. This was met with strict resistance until the British conquered Northern Nigeria in 1903 through the indirect rule system. As a reward to the then Emir of Zazzau (Zaria) for the role he played in aiding them, the British colonialists gave him increased powers over the Atyap and other surrounding tribes, who were now ruled through the village heads that emir appointed.

Because of the Atyap resentment for the Hausa and their religion (Islam), Christian missionaries found fertile ground in Atyap land which worsened the delicate relationship between the two.

When General Yakubu Gowon became the Head of States (1966–1975) 6years after the turn of independence he introduced reforms, the Atyap were now chanced to appoint their own village district heads, though the appointees were subject to approval by the emir, and were therefore often seen as puppets.

Finally, the Atyap Chiefdom was created in 1996 following the recommendation of a committee headed by Air Vice Marshal Usman Mu’azu that investigated the remote causes of the infamous 1992 Atyap-Hausa Zangon-Kataf Riot which claimed hundreds of lives and properties worth billions of naira. The chiefdom was upgraded to first class status in 2007 and it has it headquarters in Zango-Kataf.

One interesting thing among the Atyap, though also a common phenomenon among other neighbouring tribes is how marriage was being contracted. There were basically two ways:

1. Nyeang Alala (Marriage by Necklace): at announcement of the birth of a baby girl within the neigbourhood, parents of a young boy who is yet to be booked down a wife would come and put a necklace or a ring on the infant girl with the consent of her parents, signifying that she has been betrothed (engaged) to their son, and the dowry is paid immediately. At the turn of adolescence, the girl is then taken to her husband’s house to complete the marriage process, and this is normally accompanied by a feast.
2. Khap Ndi (Farming Dowry): this type of marriage is contracted between young people who do not necessarily come from the same neighbourhood and marriage is not contracted at birth. Here, a girl is betrothed to a young man or a boy when she is around the age of 7 and is usually marked with a feast. The dowry is paid during the engagement visit.

Year after year, the young man comes with his friends to farm for his azwam (in-laws) until the girl matures when she is then taken to the boy’s home to complete the marriage cycle amidst celebration.

Equally worthy of note is the Atyap traditional religion known as the Abwoi. The Abwoi cult includes elaborate initiation ceremonies, and belief in the continued presence of deceased ancestors. It was, and is still, secretive in some places, with incentives for spies who reported saboteurs and death penalties for revelation of secrets. For six months of the year, women were restricted in their dress and travel. After this, there was a celebration and loosening of restrictions. The Abwoi cult was and is still common among other Nienzit tribes.

Alleged fraud: ICPC arraigns ex-JAMB registrar, four children

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The Federal Government is to arraign Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on seven counts bordering on money laundering at a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Ojerinde is being arraigned alongside his four children; Mary Funmilola, Olumide Abiodun, Adedayo and Oluwaseun Adeniyi, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ojerinde and his companies are currently facing a money laundering charge to the tune of N5 billion before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

He was accused to have diverted public funds while he served as National Examinations Council and NAMB registrar. 

However, in this fresh charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/119/23, the ex-JAMB boss and his four children were included.

Also joined in the charge are all his companies which include: Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Ltd, Cheng Marbles Ltd, Sapati International Schools Ltd, Trillium Learnings Centre Ltd and Standout Institutes Ltd.

Ojerinde and the ten defendants were yet to take a plea as at the time of filing the reports.

2023 Elections: Politicians Plan To Sponsor Violent Protests, Says Kaduna Govt

By Kefas Yohanna 

The Kaduna State Government has raised the alarm that some politicians in the state are planning to instigate their followers to embark on public protests aimed at breaching public peace.  The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement on Thursday, that the state government is in receipt of credible intelligence reports of such plans which include storming the streets in a manner which could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

 “In view of the reports, the Government continues to monitor the situation closely, in tandem with security agencies,” he stated.

“It must be emphasized that persons or groups who engage in actions which could lead to civil unrest, a threat to life and destruction of property, will not be spared as the full weight of the law will be applied accordingly.

“The suspension of street protests or processions remains in place, in the overall public interest. Parents, guardians and community leaders are also advised to educate their wards against being used by persons who seek to prey on vulnerable emotions and volatile atmospheres to generate chaos.”

This is coming two days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Uba Sani of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the March 19 governorship poll in Kaduna State.

Sani polled 730,002 votes, to defeat Hon. Mohammed Isa Ashiru of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored a total of 719,196 votes.

‘INEC Used Third-Party Device To Manipulate Results For Tinubu’, Atiku Alleges

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of installing a third-party device to “manipulate” results of the February 25 poll in favour of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Tinubu.

Atiku lodged the allegation in a 66-page document with Petition No: PEPC/A/05/2023 filed before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) sitting at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Atiku and the PDP are first and second petitioners respectively while the INEC, Tinubu and the APC are first, second and third respondents respectively.

The petition partly read, “The petitioners contend and shall lead evidence to show that contrary to the original design of the BVAS machine to upload data directly to the electronic collation system and the IReV portal, the 1st Respondent contrived and installed an intervening third-party device (Device Management System) which, in its ordinary usage, is meant to secure and administer the 1st Respondent’s technological ecosystem for the elections but as it relates to the presidential election, was used to intercept the results, quarantine and warehouse same, and filter them before releasing same to the IReV portal.

“The 1st Respondent used the said Device Management System to manipulate the election results in favour of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents.”

“The petitioners state and shall lead expert evidence to show the critical components of the 1st Respondent’s Information and Communications Technology, ICT, including but not limited to the BVAS which is an Android Device manufactured by Emperor Technologies China and supplied to the 1st Respondent by Activate Nigeria Limited.”

The Voter Accreditation System (VAS) which is the software that is used on the BVAS was previously designed and configured in-house and installed on the BVAS by the ICT Team of the 1st Respondent headed by Mr. Chidi Nwafor.

“The VAS was subsequently handed over to Emperor Technology China prior to the Presidential Election and they then preconfigured and installed the software on the BVAS before supplying the devices to the 1st Respondent through Activate Nigeria Limited.

“As it relates to the IReV, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) is a web-based data entry and aggregation portal designed also by Chidi Nwafor’s team and is hosted on Amazon Web Service (AWS).

“The server system for the device and the portal are hosted on Amazon Web Service (AWS),” the petition added.

Tinubu, 70, came out tops in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states, and secured significant numbers in several other states to claim the highest number of votes — 8,794,726, almost two million votes more than his closest rival — former Vice President

Atiku, 76, who has now run for president six times, got 6,984,520 votes, while the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, who, in less than a year, galvanised young voters in a manner some have described as unprecedented finished the race with 6,101,533.

Both Atiku and Obi are in court to challenge the declaration of Tinubu as winner and President-Elect.

NLC protests: CBN to flood banks with old naira notes

 By Kefas Yohanna 

The Central Bank of Nigeria has finally concluded plans to release all N1,000, N500 and N200 notes in its custody to Deposit Money Banks, The PUNCH can report authoritatively.

This decision is expected to end months of hardships and pains Nigerians have been going through following a controversial CBN naira redesign policy that has caused a severe shortage of old and new naira notes across the country.

The CBN’s latest decision came several weeks after the Supreme Court ordered that old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes should remain legal tender until December 31, 2023.

On Wednesday night, top officials of the CBN and commercial banks confirmed to The PUNCH that the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had directed the DMBs to begin the disbursement of old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes to members of the public effective Thursday (today).

According to him, the CBN will also start releasing old notes to commercial banks from Thursday.

The PUNCH learnt Emefiele met with the chief executive officers of the DMBs on Wednesday evening where he told them that the central bank would start releasing all old notes in its custody to commercial banks effective Thursday (today).

Sources at the meeting said the CBN would also be cancelling all the controversial cash withdrawal limits it put in place in recent months.

Also, it was learnt the CBN would start by releasing crisp old notes to DMBS after which the ones deposited by commercial banks will also be released.

Furthermore, the CBN stated at the meeting that bank customers would no longer be required to generate any code before depositing their old notes.

One of the bank CEOs at the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The CBN governor met with bank CEOs this evening virtually. It was a short meeting that lasted for just about 15 minutes. The governor said all old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes will be released to commercial banks beginning from Thursday. The CBN will start with crisp old notes after which the ones deposited by DMBs will be returned. The plan is to flood the economy with cash and ameliorate the challenges Nigerians have been passing through.“

Top bank chief

The top bank chief added, “Also, the CBN will be cancelling cash withdrawal limits it put in place recently. This means that individuals can now withdraw up to N500,000 across the counter while corporate bodies can do N5m. The CBN is expected to release a circular to this effect later tonight or tomorrow morning (today). But effectively, things should be back to normal as far the cashless policy is concerned.”

Further findings by The PUNCH confirmed the CBN would begin to release the old notes into circulation by Thursday. It was also gathered that banks would begin to pay their customers the old notes immediately to ensure the cash circulate across the country.

According to reliable sources in the CBN, banks have been also been directed to report to the old offices to collect the old naira notes they deposited with the apex bank.

They noted that before the end of the week, the country would be awash with naira notes.

Meanwhile, a top source close to the CBN said the apex bank took the decision to avert the planned picketing of the CBN offices nationwide by supporters and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

NLC protests

Earlier, The PUNCH had gathered that the NLC would on Wednesday picket the CBN headquarters and state offices in protest against the lingering naira crisis and fuel scarcity in the country.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday, lamented that people’s hardships over the naira crisis had worsened.

 The union had penultimate Monday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the scarcity of naira notes and fuel which had compounded the hardships being faced by Nigerians.

Though the CBN said then that it had complied with the Supreme Court judgment which directed that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes should remain legal tender till December 31, banks have continued to ration the amount of cash issued to customers, indicating that they have not received cash supplies from the apex bank.

The three states of Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara which sued the Federal Government over the naira redesign policy had threatened to file contempt charges against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN and the CBN governor, Emefiele for not fully complying with the Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Ajaero said the planned picketing of CBN offices became imperative following the apex bank’s failure to comply with the one-week ultimatum given to it to make cash available for Nigerians.

Ajaero explained that the union took the decision when it noticed that the situation appeared to be getting worse despite the Supreme Court order allowing the old N500 and N1000 notes to circulate with the new notes till December 31.

He directed all NLC’s affiliate unions and their state councils to begin mobilisation on Friday for the nationwide mass action, saying the Federal Government and the CBN have not shown any commitment to address the situation.

Giving an update about the ultimatum at the briefing which was held at Labour House, Ajaero said workers could no longer access cash to pay fares to their respective workplaces or buy food for their families.

He said, “Last week at the end of our CWC (Central Working Committee) meeting, we gave a one-week ultimatum for the Federal Government to address immediately, among other issues, the issue of cash crunch that was caused by the policy. As of this morning when the CWC met again to review the situation, we discovered that not much improvement has been made.

“The situation is still almost the same. People are still buying our currency with our currencies. People no longer have access to the currency and the government seems to be very adamant about this. No moves have been made to reduce the suffering of Nigerians.

One-week notice

“Consequently, the CWC-in-session resolved to go into the process of actualising the one-week notice. From Friday, there will be a mobilisation of all state councils through a NEC meeting. All unions have already been directed to mobilise all their organs and their branches.

“By Wednesday, next week, all Central Bank of Nigeria offices nationwide will be picketed. All central banks from the CBN headquarters will be shut till further notice. Workers are directed to stay at home and join in the picketing exercise.

“We call on Nigerians to understand the circumstances we are operating in. People will be telling you about the political situation. The political situation is self-inflicted and the economic situation is worse than the political situation because people cannot eat.”

 The labour leader described the proposed demonstration as “total”, saying the workers have been pushed to the wall.

He added, “Workers can no longer go to the office and nothing is happening. So, we have been pushed to the wall having given one week (ultimatum) and we thought they could address the situation which is not addressed.

“We have decided to take our destiny into our hands. So, comrades, the mobilisation commences immediately and when we talk of action from Wednesday, it’s total; until further notice.’’

The labour leader explained that the lingering fuel scarcity and cash crunch were important issues for the NLC as they affected every Nigerian.

The Secretary-General of the National Union of Aviation Transport Employees, Ocheme Abah disclosed that the unions would comply with the NLC’s directive on the picketing action.

Responding to inquiries from The PUNCH, he said,” Yes, of course, we will comply as NLC directed. Yes, all the unions in all airports.

Meanwhile, the acting Director of Corporate Communications at CBN, Dr Isa Abdulmumin, said he could not immediately comment on whether the CBN would be releasing the old notes to commercial banks.

He said the apex bank would communicate its position on the matter on Thursday.