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G20 Must End World Poverty – Ban …As G8 Tasks African Leaders, Pledges $5bn For Maternal, Child Health
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has urged leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) industrialised and developing economies to take urgent steps to help the poor and make ends meet through investment.
Speaking at a working dinner on Saturday in Toronto, Canada, Ban said governments must mobilise investments and not depend on consumption alone to recover from the global downturn.
He cautioned that in spite of rising budget deficit and severe fiscal problems, the G20 countries should resist the temptation to “balance budgets on the backs of the world’s poorest people”.
Ban took part in the two-day summit to highlight the need for world leaders to step up efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
He urged world leaders to invest in three areas of high return, which he identified as agriculture, green recovery and health systems.
“Healthy populations, particularly women and children can leverage countries out of poverty,” Ban said.
He also urged the G20 to make concrete commitments for the recently released Joint Action Plan for Women’s and Children’s Health.
Experts said the plan would require 15 billion dollars for immediate implementation in the 49 least developed countries, and up to 45 billion dollars per year by 2015.
“Let us be determined to turn around these three areas of high-return investments into a reality.
“Tomorrow, the G-20 can make clear its intention to do so,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Secretary-General met on the sidelines with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.
In addition to discussing the summit and the upcoming MDGs conference in New York, Ban commended the Prime Minister for his leadership in co-chairing the Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing.
The UN chief head to additional bilateral meetings on Sunday in addition to taking part in the main discussions at the summit.
The G20 Toronto Summit focused on recovery from the global economic and financial crisis and the implementation of commitments from previous G20 summits.
It is also expected to lay the foundation for sustainable and balanced growth.
President Goodluck Jonathan who was invited for the G8 meeting left Canada on Friday after attending a special session between African leaders and the leaders of the world’s largest economy.
Jonathan also participated at a G20 business meeting on Thursday.
The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union (EU), including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia and Italy.
Others are Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and U.S.
Meanwhile, the eight rich nations of the world, otherwise called G8, has called on African leaders to meet their primary responsibilities to their citizens especially on good governance.
“We call on developing country governments to meet their primary responsibilities for social and economic development and good governance, in the interests of their citizens,” a communiqué issued at the end of G8 Summit in Huntsville, Canada said.
The G8, which comprises the U.S., Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia, said its support for development, would be based on mutual responsibility and a strong partnership with developing countries.
The G8 communiqué said Africa remained a cornerstone of the G8’s approach and reiterated that it would pursue a comprehensive approach to development, aiming at sustainable outcomes.
“We reaffirm our commitments, including Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and enhancing aid effectiveness.
“ Since the most vulnerable states have made the least progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), we will place special emphasis on helping them build the foundations for peace, security and sustainable development,’’ the communiqué noted.
The G8 leaders, which met with seven African leaders at the Summit including President Goodluck Jonathan, commended the increased ownership that Africa had over its development process.
The rich-nations leader noted the high economic growth rates that had been attained in Africa immediately prior to the onset of the global economic and financial crisis.
The communiqué explained that they reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued collaboration to advance economic development of the continent, in addition to entrenching a more stable, democratic and prosperous Africa.
It noted that G8 and African Leaders recognised that the attainment of the MDGs was a shared responsibility and that strategies based on mutual accountability are essential to going forward.
“They noted that, while significant progress has been made in some areas, greater efforts are required by all actors in order to achieve the MDGs in Africa.
“In this regard, African Leaders expressed support for the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Muskoka Initiative.
“Mindful of the central importance that maternal and child health has to development and Africa’s ability to achieve the MDGs and of the consequent need for urgent action, leaders undertook to explore how to accelerate progress in the implementation of their respective commitments in Africa,’’ the communiqué said.
On security, the G8 communiqué noted that African leaders also welcomed the G8’s continued efforts to help strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
It said the eight developed nations were assisting in institutional capacity, to prevent and manage conflict through, peacekeeping training centres in Africa.
The G8 leaders also acknowledged the important contribution of African leaders to the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative.
The major highlight of the 2010 G8 Summit was the financial pledge of $7.3 billion by the Group for maternal and child health issues in developing countries.
The eight G8 countries pledged $5 billion with Canada contributing 20 per cent of the funding or $1.1b and other non-G8 countries and foundations such as Gates Foundation and the UN Foundation contributing the remaining $2.3 billion.
However, development agencies have strongly criticised the amount, saying it fell short of the amount that was hoped, although the funds would still be useful.
UN estimates that about $12 billion in budgetary allocation are needed annually to check pregnancy-related deaths of mothers and under-five children.
UN figures estimate that each year, between 350,000 and 500,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth while
3.6 million children die within their first month of life and 5.2 million more die before the age of five.
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.