Walsh missed the Lionesses’ 6-1 win over China on Tuesday after injuring her knee against Denmark this time last week.

Scans have since shown the 26-year-old has not injured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee and England clearly hold some hope she can play again at this World Cup.

The Lionesses trained this morning at the Central Coast Stadium and Walsh was the only member of the squad missing.

She is a doubt for Monday’s last-16 game against Nigeria in Brisbane, but her recovery is progressing.

Walsh was at the Central Coast Stadium, where England are training here in Australia, for the first time since injuring her knee.

England played in Adelaide on Tuesday and Walsh did not travel to the game. The squad then had a recovery session on Wednesday before travelling back to their base in Terrigal.

The players had a rest day yesterday and trained this morning as they gear up for Monday’s game against Nigeria.

Walsh was training away from the group and has been given an individual programme to follow. England have built a temporary gym at the Central Coast Stadium, which is located behind one of the venue’s stands.

Without Walsh in the team, England played a 3-4-1-2 formation against China on Tuesday and it worked well.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem came into the midfield for Walsh and she will hope to keep her place alongside Georgia Stanway.

Stanway is one of three England players who will be suspended for the quarter-finals if they are booked.

Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze are in the same position, with yellow cards not wiped at the tournament until after the quarter-finals.

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Prominent Nigerians and groups have cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take military action against coupists in the Republic of Niger. 

ECOWAS, which has the backing of the western countries and United Nations, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the military junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum as democratically elected president or face a range of stiff sanctions. The ultimatum will lapse tomorrow. 

Those who spoke on the stalemate in Niger include members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF); former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; legal luminary Femi Falana; ex- naval chief, Suleiman Sa’idu (retd); former Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Almustapha Haruna Jokolo; former Wazirin Katsina, Sani Abubakar Lugga, and prominent columnist and former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi.

They said the best way to go is to use diplomacy, and when it fails, deploy serious sanctions that would compel the coup plotters to rethink and go back to the barracks for democratic authorities to return. 

They also emphasised the humanitarian crises that would come with military action, especially for millions of people in northern Nigeria, who have strong affinity, social and economic ties with Niger. 

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria shares elaborate borders with Niger in many states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno. 

In some border communities, it is very difficult to identify the artificial boundaries as residents from the countries mingle together day and night, transact businesses using the currencies of the two countries with some having their wives and children on both sides of the divide. 

Currently, there are over 300, 000 Nigerian refugees who were forced to flee to Niger  by Boko Haram terrorists and bandits; with pundits saying once war breaks out in Niger, all of them would have to return even as Nigeriens would also push their way into Nigeria. 

ECOWAS’ dicey decision 

Daily Trust reports that ECOWAS had tasked all Chiefs of Defence Staff of the member-states to proceed for an emergency meeting to strategise on effective ways to implement a possible military operation to restore constitutional order to office. 

In the face of the military threat, the military junta in Niger has sought Russia’s help. 

The transitional leaders of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are also backing the military authorities in Niamey against ECOWAS. 

Any military intervention against Niger “would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they threatened in their joint statement on Monday. 

They added that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”. 

ACF cautions 

Leading the caution on Tinubu yesterday was the ACF. While expressing its support to restore democratic rule in Niger, however, it called on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the chairmanship of Tinubu to toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the impasse and certainly not force. 

The body in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna and signed by its Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, urged Tinubu to consider the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of force. 

The statement said in part, “Nigeria and Niger share a long historical border of more than one thousand five hundred kilometres with families, communities sharing common facilities including farmlands, markets, cultural bonds and languages for many centuries predating the Trans Saharan Trade and colonial times.

“The two countries have enjoyed harmonious brotherly and mutually beneficial inter communal relationships from time immemorial.

“While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the coupists but nevertheless, the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria and the community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century; certainly not an adventure to be led by Nigeria.

“Democracy has taken root in Nigeria and her leadership role has inspired many countries in ECOWAS to embrace democratic governance structure. We shouldn’t throw that away for some misadventure against our brothers and sisters on the other side prejudicial to our non-interference in a country’s internal affairs posture and attendant legal implications.”

Atiku, Falana, Adeniyi, others caution 

Also, Atiku in a statement on Thursday cautioned that the crisis in Niger required diplomatic engagements, adding that the channels for dialogue should be well sustained. 

“This is undoubtedly a challenging time for the West African region. However, any actions taken towards the prompt resolution of the crisis in the Republic of Niger must prioritise democracy as the ultimate victor,” the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election in Nigeria noted. 

On his part, Falana advised the bloc against military interventions and asked the organisation to explore other alternatives. 

“Apart from suspending Niger from ECOWAS, the leaders of the sub-regional body should refrain from attending international conferences with coup plotters as was recently witnessed during the recently concluded Russia-Africa summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

“While the resolve of the ECOWAS leaders to resort to force to restore President Mohamed Bazoum is understandable, the acceptance of the coup by the majority of the Nigerien people must be seriously considered. 

“Having not invaded Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali when power-drunk soldiers sacked democratically elected governments, ECOWAS leaders should not play into the hands of the enemies of Africa by launching a military attack on Niger,” he said. 

In the same vein, Admiral Sa’idu (retd) told Daily Trust that the current standoff in the Sahel country is an internal affair of an independent country that ECOWAS should rather mediate. 

“In warfare, fighting a war requires two things: dialogue and battle. It’s only when dialogue fails that one resorts to battle. 

“We’ve many examples of the United States’ actions in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan where the battle was won but the objective wasn’t achieved. In fact, in all these cases, the US came out with a bloody nose,’’ he said. 

There’s apprehension in North – Jokolo

 In a post on social media, former Emir Jokolo went down history lane to lay credence to why Nigeria should not mull using force against coup makers to restore democratic government in Niger. 

The former emir, a retired military officer, said the Nigerien military was helpful toward Nigeria during the Biafran War. 

“Again, during Abacha’s regime when terrorists hijacked the Nigerian Airways, the then National Security Adviser, Ismaila Gwarzo, was in touch with the jet’s pilots and they landed in Niger when the republic’s commando unit impounded the plane and rescued its passengers unhurt. They later held the terrorists who were later convicted. 

“Cameroon built a dam along River Benue; while the Niger Republic didn’t do that on River Niger. We have River Niger Basin Authority headquartered in Niamey, the capital city of Niger. 

“We import foodstuffs such as beans and cows, sheep, camels, goats, and even rams during Eid el Kabir. We do intermarriage with their citizens,” he said. 

5th Wazirin Katsina warns against military intervention 

Also, Waziri Lugga in an exclusive interview with Trust TV in Katsina, suggested more consultations, dialogue and diplomacy in resolving Niger’s crisis other than military intervention. 

He warned that a military action would further compound the socio-economics and security challenges confronting Nigeria, especially in the Northwest region. 

“When you want to restore a civilian administration, I think it should be done in a civilian way not in a military way. First of all, we should avoid war. We should use diplomacy as much as possible. Modern history has shown that after every war, there is always dialogue at the end.

“Secondly, in the event of war, it will be only Nigeria versus Niger Republic because out of all the neighbours of Niger Republic, it’s only Nigeria that has accepted to go into war.’’

Also lending his voice on the issue, Adeniyi, who served as spokesman for late President Umaru Yar’adua, backed Falana’s position. 

He said, “With hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Sudan already invading Chad, the fear is that many will end up in Nigeria given our porous borders. To unwittingly create a condition for an influx of migrants from Niger will therefore be unwise. That’s what will happen in the event of an armed attack by ECOWAS which for all practical purposes means Nigeria.” 

He pointed out that the coup leaders in Niger were looking towards the Russian mercenary paramilitary group, Wagner, for support. Wagner is currently operating in Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Sudan, Chad, Mozambique, Libya, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.

 On his part, Dr Umar Ardo, SDP governorship candidate in Adamawa State, said the war would only lead to the disintegration of ECOWAS and plunge the sub-region into more violent conflicts to the benefit of the armed industrial West to sell their arms and further plunder Africa’s vast natural resources.

 “It will also increase poverty, death and destruction, insecurity, insurgency and terrorism in the sub region.

 “At the current height of the ideological war between the west and the east, we will only turn the sub-region into a proxy war theatre of foreign superpowers,” he stated. 

On his part, Babafemi Badejo, a former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, warned that Nigeria should do costs and benefits analysis for the short, medium, and long-term, especially under the current financial problems Nigeria is facing before venturing into any war.

 “Given the refusal to reimburse Nigeria’s efforts in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the past, is Nigeria able to fund a possible war with the Niger Republic as others in ECOWAS cajole her to lead, and as usual carry most, if not all of the yoke?

 “How will the ECOWAS leadership close Niger’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso – countries with sympathetic military regimes to those in power in Niger and the possible availability of counter air power instruments?

 “Has Nigeria pondered on a perceived weak Niger Republic entering into a wider alliance(s), including with other stronger governments, organised and unorganised terror franchises? 

“Is Nigeria acting swiftly to please external interests, without a thoughtful consideration of the all-round implications for ECOWAS, Nigeria, and its people, if a Libya type internationalised war starts next door?” he queried. 

Badejo, therefore, posited that preventing coups in West Africa is not by sanctions and threats but by addressing leadership deficit and corruption, curtailing negative external pressures, as well as the building of credible institutions to provide for the needs of the people.

Military action, last option – DHQ 

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the proposed military actions being considered by the ECOWAS is the last option against the juntas who have taken over the government in Niger. 

It also clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had not received any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action, adding that appropriate actions would be taken after a two-day extraordinary meeting at the nation’s capital. 

The Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, who made the clarifications at Defence Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, said the mandate to proceed on such a mission must come from the Authority of Heads of States and Governments of Member States of ECOWAS. 

“At the moment, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.”

Abdulsalami, Sultan meet with coup plotters 

Meanwhile, former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Retd), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray yesterday met with the coup leaders in Niger.

The meeting was at the instance of President Tinubu with a mandate to expeditiously resolve the current political impasse in the country.

 A statement in Abuja by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, said the action was in line with the resolution reached at the end of the extraordinary summit of the ECOWAS held last weekend in Abuja. 

The president has also sent a separate delegation led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to engage with the leaders of Libya and Algeria on the Niger crisis.

 Briefing the two delegations, President Tinubu charged them to engage all stakeholders robustly with a view to doing whatever it takes to ensure a conclusive and amicable resolution of the situation in Niger for the purposes of African peace and development rather than a move to adopt the geopolitical positions of other nations.

[DailyTrust]

Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey has held talks over a possible transfer move to Juventus.

Sky Italy reports that Partey has agreed personal terms with Juventus to join the club this summer.

The Serie A giants will now lodge an offer for the Ghanaian international, but are aware they need to sell one or two players before they can buy him.

However, it is unclear whether Arsenal would let Partey leave Emirates after midfield partner Granit Xhaka also departed the North London club this summer.

Partey joined Arsenal from Spanish La Liga giants Atletico Madrid for £45million in the summer of 2020.

[DailyPost]

THE new military rulers in Niger Republic, the country which marked independence day on Thursday, August 3, 2023 have a Sunday ultimatum from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS. It is that they give up power and restore elected President Mohammed Bazoum to power or face serious measures, including possible invasion.

ECOWAS also imposed sanctions, including border closures, a no-fly zone and the freezing of Nigerien assets. The options seem to be that if former Presidential Guard head, General Abdourahamane Tchiani and his boys do not give up power by that day, ECOWAS would either add more sanctions and pressure, or invade Niger. The issues are, however, not as straight forward; there are many complications, including foreign interests.

As for war, you can only know its beginning, not how it will end; the logic of war is that it has no logic except death and destruction. For instance, ECOWAS can invade Niger only to also be faced by the armies of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Algeria. Nigerian soldiers can be sent into Niger, only to find out that they are essentially continuing France’s unholy wars of occupation, domination, exploitation, theft and assassination of uncooperative leaders in Africa.

The new leaders in Niger accuse France of planning to invade the country because they have asked French troops to leave the country. France has refused to either confirm or deny the allegation but it will be logical for France to want to hold on to Niger after its troops have been kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso. Those expulsions leave France with only two major military bases: Niger and Chad. In comparison with these, the other French military bases in Africa such as Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Senegal and Gabon, are small.

While ECOWAS motives may be pure, its signals can sometimes be confusing. For instance, the envoy it sent to Niger is Chadian coup plotter, General Mahamat Idriss Deby from Chad, a country that is not even a member of ECOWAS. Mahamat was seven when his father, Idris Deby overthrew the Chadian government. In preparing Mahamat to take over the Chadian government, Deby made his son a General at 26. Deby transitioned into an ‘elected’ president with a constitution.

When he died on April 19, 2021, constitutionally, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Haroun Kabadi was to act as President for 40 days after which fresh elections were to be held. But Mahamat next day overthrew the government, sacked the executive, dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution. The international custodians of democracy generally gave a nod to the coup. France was more direct. Its Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said the coup was justified on the basis of security, adding that overthrowing democracy in Chad was acceptable as: “There are exceptional circumstances.”

Big Brother Nigeria also supported the Chadian coup. Its then Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Jideofor Onyeama, said Nigeria supported the coup because it does not want a power vacuum. Then Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari followed up by inviting Mahamat to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja where the young General in uniform with military boots thudding the floor, was given a red carpet. Buhari assured him: “We will help you in all ways we can.”

So, what is the logic in anti-coup ECOWAS sending a coup plotter to meet a fellow coup plotter in neigbouring Niger? Is it to set a thief to catch a thief or in the hope that General Mahamat would take advantage of esprit de corps to persuade the Nigerien military to restore constitutional rule; the very thing he has for two years refused to do in Chad? The reason why the Chadian military would not allow democracy of the ballot box is because it is controlled by a tiny ethnic group, the Zaghawa or Beri, which is one per cent of the population but has been in power for the past 33 years.

While the motives of ECOWAS might be pure, those of some of its leaders at the meeting may not be. For instance, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire whose dedication to France is not in doubt, is in his third term in office when the country’s constitution provides for a maximum two terms. Another ECOWAS leader is Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe who has been in power for 18 years now. When his father, former Sergeant Gnassingbe Eyadema died on February 5, 2005 after 37 years in power, Faure overthrew the elected Togolese government.

He was in power for 20 days before installing a puppet, Bonfoh Abass in office for 68 days, after which he returned to power. Can the son of a coup plotter, and a coup plotter in his own right, really be against coups? Those who advocate the immediate invasion of Niger may be oblivious of the fact that President Bazoum, his family and some officials of the Niger administration are being held by the coup plotters; or would they be mere collateral damage?

In my analysis, were there to be an invasion, Nigeria will play a lead role. Yet, its military is bogged down by secessionist violence in the South-East, terrorists in the North-East, armed militia storming through the Middle Belt and bandits rampaging throughout the country, especially in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger states. So, would it be wise to pull out troops from this same military and send them into Niger with which we share a 1,000-kilometre border?

In any case, should an heavily indebted Nigeria, unable to maintain vital subsidies for its populace, spend resources sending and maintaining troops in a foreign country? If the money comes from other countries, at what costs and what guarantees? On the other hand, the invasion of Niger can be sourced to Chad, whose French-backed military is essentially mercenary which has fought in countries like Mali and the Central African Republic, and can source troops from its Zaghawa kith and kin in Darfur, Sudan.

Also, before we invade Niger, let us think through some basic facts. First, the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are said to be in response to Islamic jihadist movements. These terrorist movements have their ancestry in the Mujahedeen created by the Unites States and its allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bin Laden’s Al Qaeda grew out of that Mujahdeen.

Then the West with its Gulf allies created the Islamic State, ISIS, which spilled out of control, spreading terrorism to various countries, including Mali where the Nigeria Boko Haram members were trained, financed and armed. Yet, another vital link. The West bombed Ghadafi and his government out of existence turning Libya not just into a basket case, but also the source of free arms and itinerant terrorists. Before we invade Niger, let us pause and think. Dacor (Okay?)

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday promised to reposition the platform for growth and victory in future polls.

He spoke in Abuja shortly after he was elected as the sixth chair of the 10-year-old party during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Also endorsed as the Secretary is Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.

Basiru was the spokesman of the ninth Senate, representing Osun West. A consummate lawyer and former Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice in Osun, Basiru holds a Ph.D. in Law.

Ganduje replaced Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, while Basiru replaced Sen. Iyiola Omisore. Both of them resigned last month.

The NEC was also empowered to fill the remaining six vacant party positions during the meeting presided over by the former acting chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari. Kyari’s Deputy Chairman (North) position is also vacant, having been nominated for a ministerial position and screened by the Senate.

Five other positions in the National Working Committee (NWC) are vacant due to ministerial nominations and resignations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party leader, who attended the meeting, enjoined the leaders to support his administration in its bid to fulfil his campaign promises.

Read Also: 10 things to know about new APC chairman Ganduje
He said the policies being rolled out by his administration are not meant to punish Nigerians.

Tinubu reaffirmed that the February 25 election that brought him into office is one of the freest ever conducted in the country.

Benue State Governor Hyacint Alia urged Ganduje to work for the unity and stability of the party.

Since he assumed office on May 29, Tinubu has introduced policies that have been criticised by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP).

Some of the Federal Government’s bold policies include the unification of exchange rates and the removal of petrol subsidy, which has resulted in the high price of commodities and transportation.

Tinubu said his administration intended to tackle Nigeria’s problems “squarely” without inflicting hardship on citizens.

He said: “We will face it squarely to re-engineer the economy of this country.

“We must find a way to satisfy the yearnings of the common man and we must ensure that all the policies we roll out work for the common man. Our policies are for the people not to punish the people.

“Yes we are facing challenges in the court, but I think this is the most credible election in Nigeria.

“So, we must congratulate ourselves. As democrats, those who cannot accept the results of a free and fair election do not deserve the joy of victory.

“There are governance issues and we are taking it heads on. We must oil the wheel and grease it and we are.

“I have submitted ministerial lists to the Senate for screening and approval. We are in the process of establishing fully the government of the people, for the people and by the people.”

Ganduje promised to promote unity and sustain the winning capacity of the party so that it can have more governors and lawmakers at the state and national levels.

He said: “Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and make party functional throughout the year.

“More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape

“We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the challenges that Nigerians confront daily.

“The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

“I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy has been in shambles for years.

“I believe the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr President when his administration fully takes shape will surely turn around things for the better.

“Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.”

Reiterating his readiness for effective leadership, Ganduje said: “It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

“We will ensure a level playing field for all party members who want to contest elections on the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.

“Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

NEC cedes power to NWC

Before bowing out, Kyari said in line with Article 13(2) of the APC Constitution, the NEC had ceded its powers to the NWC to fill the six vacant positions in the administrative organ of the party.

The vacant positions are National Deputy Chairman (North), National Vice Chairman (North West), National Legal Adviser, National Women Leader, National Welfare Secretary and Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

The NEC also appointed new External Auditors to audit party accounts.

President Tinubu requested the NEC to cede its power to the NWC to fill the positions, following a motion moved by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seconded by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who is also chair of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF).

The President noted that during the last NEC meeting of April 20, 2022, it had ceded some of its powers to NWC for smooth party operations, thanking the party organ for effectively utilising that mandate.

Kyari said the ruling party was conscious of its new challenges.

Paying tribute to the founding members, he said the party had achieved significant milestones and made a positive impact on Nigerians since its establishment 10 years ago.

He congratulated the President, the Vice President and other elected party members on their victory, describing the recent election of President Tinubu as chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government as a foreign policy triumph for Nigeria.

He promised that the party would continue to stand with the President, “no matter the complexities of the challenges ahead.”

Vote of Confidence in INEC over 2023 polls

Uzodimma raised an issue of national importance, accusing the opposition of blackmailing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the outcome of the last general election.

He also alleged that the opposition was responsible for the controversial European Union (EU) report on the election and the recent incitement of members of the public against the judiciary over the ongoing cases at the tribunals.

Moving a vote of confidence motion on the electoral body, Uzodimma said well-meaning Nigerians should condemn the opposition for unnecessarily attempting to overheat the polity.

The motion, which was unanimously passed, was seconded by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor AbdulRaham AbdulRasaq.

At the NEC meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senator Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, governors, members of the NWC, former Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, lawmakers and state chairmen.

Abbas hails Ganduje, Basiru

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas congratulated Ganduje and Basiru, wishing them a successful tenure.

He said Ganduje will take APC to a higher level, noting that the former Kano State governor is a consummate politician with a lot of experience.

He said Ganduje’s emergence is a testament to his years of dedication and commitment to the party.

Abbas said the party has set a great example of internal democracy for other political parties in the country.

He urged the new leaders to unite the party and mobilised support for the Tinubu administration.

As a loyal party member, the Speaker said he looked forward to working with the new national chairman and the entire members of the APC NWC.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, also lauded Ganduje and Basiru on their emergence.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Barau said with Ganduje in charge, the ruling party would be repositioned and strengthened for the benefit of all its members.

The lawmaker added that with the vast experience of the former Kano governor, the conflict resolution mechanism of the APC would be enhanced to reduce internal wrangling.

“His Excellency is coming on board with enormous experience spanning decades in politics and governance.

“With him piloting the affairs of our party, internal democracy would prevail,” the statement said.

Northern governors: we have confidence in Ganduje

Gombe State Governor and Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum Inuwa Yahaya said an opportunity has been bestowed on Ganduje and Basiru to continue their services to the party.

Inuwa, in a statement by his Director General, Press Affairs, Malam Ismaila Uba Misilli, said Ganduje’s election not only reflected his exceptional leadership abilities, but also underscored the trust and confidence reposed in him by the party.

He said: “Your distinguished tenure as the governor of Kano demonstrated your commitment to the welfare of the people and the development of our great party and nation.

“As the newly elected national chairman, you hold a critical position in steering our great party towards a united and prosperous future.

“Your experience and strategic vision will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead and harnessing the collective strength of the APC to bring about positive change for all Nigerians.

“I am confident that under your able guidance, the party will chart a course of progress, inclusivity, and good governance that will resonate with citizens across the country in line with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra.”

Alia to chairman: unite APC

Alia urged Ganduje to foster unity and stability in the party.

He spoke with reporters after visiting Shettima at the Presidential Villa.

The governor emphasised the need for Ganduje and Bashir to promote national unity in the country.

He said: “We call on them to work for the unity of the party, unity of the nation, and to continue the hard work that was done in the past.

“We need continuity. We have this regime of Renewed Hope. We all have to make our nation continually great. And it’s nothing less that is expected of the new leadership.”

Basiru’s election sparks jubilation in Osogbo

Osogbo, capital of Osun State and hometown of Basiru went agog when the news filtered in that he had been elected to the exalted position.

APC members in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas converged on Oja-Oba, near Ataoja of Osogbo’s palace and marched through Station Road, Post Office, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Aregbe, after which they terminated the walk at the state party secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa.

State Secretary Kamarudeen Alao described Basiru’s emergence as a plus for the chapter.

He said: “The choice of Basiru by the national leadership showed that the party has not abandoned its progressive ideology.

“Basiru understands party politics and the concept of good governance. He will liaise effectively with elected public officials to ensure that the party manifesto is not jettisoned. We also commended President Tinubu for nominating ex-governor Adegboyega Oyetola as Minister.

“We commend Chief Bisi Akande, former governor Gboyega Oyetola for their tenacity and support for the former senator, we are sure the party will move to higher ground both at the national level and state.”

Similarly, the former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Olalekan Badmus, congratulated the new leadership.

To Basiru, he said: “Your success in succeeding Senator Omisore, another remarkable figure from our great State of Osun, is a testament to your abilities and the trust placed in you by the leadership of our party.

“Your elevation to such a prestigious position reflects your outstanding capabilities, values, and commitment to the betterment of our party and our nation.”

PDP criticises Ganduje’s choice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chided the APC for making Ganduje chairman. It spoke through a statement by its national secretary Debo Ologunagba.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has partnered with NIPCO Group to deploy 35 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations nationwide.

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Malam Mele Kyari said, the initiative is in addition to the phased deployment of 56 CNG stations planned by NNPC Retail across the country.

He said at a briefing that once the partnership takes off, the stations could serve over 200,000 vehicles daily.

Kyari said: “The fuel subsidy removal has caused some spike in the cost of premium motor spirit (PMS) (or petrol).

“To this end, we have engaged our principal partner in the CNG business in the country – NIPCO Gas Limited.

“Under the NNPC/NIPCO strategic partnership, 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations will be constructed nationwide, including three other stations.

“Once fully operational, the stations can serve over 200,000 vehicles daily, thereby reducing the cost of automobile fuel in Nigeria and reducing the cost of transportation.”

He noted that the market will determine the price of the CNG, stressing that it would still be three times cheaper than the price of petrol.

According to him, the CNG is safe and is widely used by the heavily populated India and Pakistan, especially for fueling tricycles.

Kyari said many kits conversion companies have agreed to come and establish their firms in Nigeria.

Kyari said the landmark collaboration aims to expand CNG infrastructure, improve access to CNG, and accelerate the adoption of cheaper and cleaner alternative fuel for buses, cars and tricycles, which will significantly reduce the cost of transportation and engender sustainable national economic growth.

According to him, under the NNPC-NIPCO strategic partnership, 35 CNG stations will be constructed nationwide, including three mother stations.

Once fully operational, the stations can service over 200,000 vehicles daily, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions and associated impact on climate.

He said the project will be rolled out in phases.

The first phase comprising 21 CNG stations will support intra-city transportation and be ready by the first quarter of 2024.

The second phase, comprising 35 CNG stations, will support inter-city transformation and will be ready by the first quarter of 2025.

NNPCL, Kyari added, has floated NNPC Prime LNG Limited for domestic LNG production and supply.

He added that NNPCL is also collaborating with Miju Auto Gas, a leading CNG kit Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) based in India, to set up training and conversion centres to facilitate in-country conversion of vehicles from petrol to CNG.

Kyari said NIPCO Gas is currently operating 14 CNG stations across Nigeria and has converted over 7,000 vehicles to run on CNG.

He added that NIPCO’s technical competency and field experience will bolster this initiative’s success and amplify its positive impact on the nation’s economy.

According to him, this forward-thinking initiative will leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to bring multiple benefits to Nigerians, including access to cheaper fuel, reduced cost of transportation, reduced carbon emission, create new business value chains and streams of job opportunities.

NIPCO Managing Director, Mr. Mahendra Verma, acknowledged a long-standing relationship with NNPCL.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has jeered the All Progressives Congress (APC) for choosing the immediate past Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje as its national chairman, describing Ganduje as “ethically challenged”.

The PDP said the ruling party settled for Ganduje “in spite of the stinking corruption and bribery allegations against him in the public domain”.

A statement by the spokesman for the PDP, Debo Ologunagba said the choice “further confirms that the APC is a cesspit of corruption and a haven for thieves, bribe takers and treasury looters”.

The statement said: “By appointing Ganduje, notoriously referred to as ‘Gandola’ by Nigerians over the infamous video of him barefacedly stuffing his gown with US Dollar notes as bribe allegedly from a contractor, while serving as Governor of Kano State, further validates that the APC is a putrid party of embezzlers and charlatans.

“It also underscores APC’s impunity and insensitivity to the demands of honesty, integrity and moral rectitude required of public office holders”.

The PDP recalled a recent report of a forensic analysis by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), which confirmed the authenticity of a 2017 viral video which captured the ex-Kano Governor stuffing dollar bills under his garment.

“It speaks volume of the APC under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Ganduje, who should ordinarily be under prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged bribery is rather crowned and rewarded with the position of the APC National Chairman.

“Such can only happen in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) like the APC which, according to the former Director General of Progressive Governors’ Forum, is replete with political bandits,” the statement added.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intensified its pressure yesterday on the Niger Republic junta to restore democracy.

The chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Governments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dispatched two delegations, one a mission to warn Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani of the consequence of failing to respect the position of ECOWAS that President Mohammed Bazoum should be reinstated.

Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan of Sokoto ALhaji Sa’ad Abubakar on behalf of the sub-region met with junta leader in Niamey, after taking briefing from President Tinubu in Abuja.

The second delegation was led by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe with a mission to persuade leaders of Libya and Algeria – Niger’s Northern neighbours – to lend their support to the pressure on the military usurpers.

The sub-regions Chiefs of Defence Staff, after concluding their meeting in Abuja, have returned to their respective countries to brief their Commanders in Chief on their decisions and readiness for a military offensive, if necessary.

United States (U.S.) President Joe Biden, also yesterday gave his total support to ECOWAS decision that the junta should step down.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale explained in a statement that the President acted in line with the resolution reached at the end of last weekend’s extraordinary summit of ECOWAS in Abuja.

Niger has been embroiled in crisis since July 26 when a military junta overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The coup drew condemnations from the international community, including ECOWAS which gave the junta till August 6 to reinstate Bazoum. The sub-regionional body went on to announce a number of sanctions against Niger with Nigeria taking the lead by cutting off power supply to the troubled nation.

Niger, with a population of over 27 million, shares border with Nigeria in the North.

Yesterday, Defence Headquarters clarified that it had yet to receive an order to deploy troops against the Niger junta headed by 62-year-old Gen Tchiani.

Already, Washington has directed its non-emergency embassy officials in Niger to exit.

Ngelale added that Tinubu while meeting with the Abubakar-led team , charged the members to engage all the Niger stakeholders robustly with a view to resolving the crisis.

“We don’t want to hold brief for anybody. Our concern is democracy and the peace of the region,” he quoted the President as saying.

Before their departure, Abubakar told reporters that ECOWAS leaders were unhappy with the developments in Niger.

He said: “We have just been giving our marching orders to go to Niger and convey the feelings of our Heads of State in the region that they are not happy with what happened.

“And they gave them an ultimatum that the coup leaders should desist from what they are doing and give back power to an elected President and again, to make sure that this message is sent loud and clear to them.

“ So far, we are going there to convey this message to them and hear their response and report back what they have said.”.

Kingibe said talking with Libya and Algeria would stimulate the solidarity required for peaceful talks.

“Of course, this kind of situation requires solidarity. It requires coordination with all parties that are relevant to the situation.

“In that regard, Libya and Algeria are also very important neighbours of Niger. So, my mission is to go there with a message from President Tinubu. To brief them on the ECOWAS position and solicit solidarity and cooperation.

”We hope to find a diplomatic solution. Nobody wants to go to war, especially with neighbours that they share a common language, culture and religion.”

Senegal gained a measure of revenge over West Africa rival Mali to record a sensational win en route to night’s final at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

Senegal denied Mali back to back final appearance with 75-65 points victory at the BK Arena on Thursday night in the second semi final of the competition and the 11 times champions will now face Nigeria’s D’Tigress in the final.

Senegal had initially lost 72-49 points to Mali in the group games in which they actually lost both games but they came back when they had another chance through the qualification to the Quarter final and they have seized it with both hands.

They have won a the three games they have played against Egypt, Cameroon and now Mali.

Senegal won the first quarter 20-16 points but they were behind 38-36 points at the end of the first half. They had their best spell of the game in the third quarter which they won with 13 points and despite losing the last quarter 16-15 points they were still able to win the game by 75-65 points.

They will face D’Tigress on tonight after playing thrice in the final in 2005, 2017 and 2019. They lost all the three against the Nigerian team.

Senegal are the record winners off the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship with 11 titles in their kitty. They also hold the record for consecutive wins which they set in 1981 having it for four consecutive periods in 1974, 1977, 1979 and 1981.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress are aiming to equal that record having won the last three editions of the competition from 2017 to 2021 and they will achieve that if they beat Senegal in tonight.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday in Lagos moved to resolve some of the administrative challenges encountered in the 2023 general elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at the post-election review of the 2023 general elections with some administrative secretaries.

Yakubu said the meeting with the administrative secretaries was to identify some of the administrative issues that affected INEC’s performance in the last general elections.

The chairman noted that the review of the administrative secretaries was important because Nigerians judged the commission based on the performance of the administrative officers in their respective states.

He said some of the administrative secretaries discharged their responsibilities effectively and the commission appreciated their dedication and commitment.

However, Yakubu, said there were still many areas that required rededication, commitment, improvement and, where necessary, sanctions to erring INEC officials.

“This meeting is to identify the areas of strength with a view to consolidating where necessary.

“Also, the meeting with the administrative officials was to identify the weakness, in other to come up with actionable recommendations for improvement in future elections.

“Therefore, based on the feedback from the public, the commission has also identified these challenges and how to resolve them for future elections.

“Among them were late arrival of election materials to some polling units, inefficient service at polling units by trained officials, management of the BVAS technology and insecurity of facilities and personnel,” he said.

Yakubu explained that to achieve prompt collection of polls nationwide at the appointed hour, the administrative officers in their respective states must get their logistics right.

He said the commission wanted to know the obstacles to the full implementation of these arrangements.

“Does INEC have the required vehicles and buses for road and maritime transportation during election?” he said.

The chairman noted that Nigerians still complained that they hardly expected prompt service at polling units by well-trained officials whether they were regular staff of the commission or ad hoc staff.

Yakubu said with regard to the management of the new technologies, the commission wanted to know the challenges the administrative secretaries encountered during the elections.

The chairman noted that in terms of security of facilities and personnel, the commission would like to know their experience on the field and how INEC could improve in this respect.

He urged the administrative secretaries across the state to frankly speak on issues that were identified.

Yakubu said it was by so doing that the challenges encountered in the field at the last general elections could only be addressed.

(NAN)