Tuesday 6th March 2018

ARISE Fashion Week Back With 45 Designers from 16 Nations Funke Babs-Kufeji Due to popular demand, ARISE Fashion Week (AFW 2018) will make a robust return from March 30 to April 2 at the Lagos Continental Hotel (formerly known as Intercontinental

Hotel). It is destined to be an Easter extravaganza like no other, showcasing 45 designers from 16 countries. Eleven years ago, Africa’s fashion industry became truly global with the birth of ARISE, the acronym for

“Africa Rising”. ARISE Fashion Week helped to put Nigeria firmly on the global fashion map, showcasing and promoting African designers on the runways of the world, from London’s famous Royal Albert Hall, to Washington

DC’s powerful Kennedy Center, to the legendary triple appearance during the iconic New York Fashion Week (NYFW), to vivacious Lagos and Abuja, to magnetic Johannesburg and Cape Town, and to fabulous Paris.

The AFW runway has seen global fashion icons and leading models such as Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, Liya Kedebe, Oluchi Orlandi and others showcase the best of Africa. The event has also seen internationally acclaimed

designers such as Gavin Rajah, Ozwald Boateng, David Thale, LaQuan Smith, Lanre DaSilva, DEOLA, Jewel By Lisa, Ituen Basi, Odion Mimonet and more fly the African flag. Continued on page 10

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LIRS Chairman, Subair Explains Rationale for Hike in Land Use Charge Says residents can appeal, Lagos targeting N720bn IGR in 2018 Shaka Momodu and Obinna Chima The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Ayodele

Hamzat Subair, yesterday hinged the recent decision by the state government to significantly increase the Land Use Charge (LUC) by between 200 and 500 per cent

on the need to raise the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), in order to bridge the wide infrastructure gap in Lagos. Subair said this while

speaking in an exclusive interview with THISDAY and its sister television network, Arise News Channel. In a bid to increase the IGR and expand its tax base, the

Lagos State Government recently repealed the Land Use Charge Law of 2001, and replaced it with a new Land Use Charge Law this year. The government also

extended the period for the payment of all annual LUC demand notices for 2018 to April 14, 2018. Continued on page 8

At Last, Starting from Taraba, Buhari Kicks off Visits to Troubled States

Benue, Yobe, Zamfara, Rivers on his schedule PDP: It’s a political gambit, afterthought President urges traditional rulers to end violence, fails to see victims, IDPs Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Wole Ayodele in Jalingo and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Months after violence claimed hundreds of lives and property worth millions of naira in some parts of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday finally visited Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on the first leg of his scheduled visits to the troubled states of Benue, Yobe, Zamfara and Rivers. The president has come under heavy criticism for failing to visit the troubled

states, with many accusing him of insensitivity to the suffering of the people of the affected areas. But his visit to Taraba State yesterday and the scheduled visits to others, appeared not to have swayed his critics, including the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, who dismissed it as a belated gambit to shore up the president’s declining popularity. Continued on page 8

Security Operatives Invade Residence ISHAKU BOWS AND SCRAPES… President Muhammadu Buhari (left), being welcomed by Governor Darius Ishaku to Taraba State (in red cap), when the of Ex-Acting NIA DG, Dauda… Page 43 president visited the state yesterday to condole with the victims and bereaved families who had lost loved ones and property to the violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state in recent weeks

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PAGE EIGHT AT L AST, STA RT I N G F R O M TA R A B A , B U H A R I K I C KS O F F V I S I T S TO T R O U B L E D STAT E S Presidential adviser for media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had in a statement in Abuja said the president had, after receiving briefings from the delegations that he sent to the affected states, decided to visit them to obtain an on the spot assessment of the situation and commiserate with the victims and their families. Yesterdaay’s visit to Jalingo was, however, still fell short of expectations as the president only met with the governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, and stakeholders, including traditional rulers, senators and members of House of Representatives, and commiserated with them over their enormous losses during the internecine violence that enveloped some parts of the state earlier in the year and as recently as in the last few days. However, Buhari neither visited the theatre of the crisis in the Mambilla Plateau, nor any of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Jalingo, where the victims were kept, drawing further swipes from the indigenous people of the state, who accused him of showing more concern for the violence in the Mambilla Plateau, where the Fulani were more affected, than other areas of the state that

the Fulani were perceived as the aggressors. The president is scheduled to visit the other troubled states after his return from a state visit to Ghana.

Traditional Rulers Urged to End Clashes Speaking to stakeholders in Jalingo, the president asked traditional rulers in the state to find a lasting solution to the recurring communal clashes between the Fulani and the indigenous Mambilla residents in Sardauna Local Government Area of the state. He said traditional institution rather than the federal or state government was better placed to find a lasting solution to the crisis due to its closeness to the people. Buhari, who noted that he was in the state to condole and sympathise with the victims of the Mambilla crisis, tasked the traditional rulers to go and sit down with the people to find solutions to the problems, just as he urged them to continue to preach peace. Justifying his position, the president, who was accompanied on the trip by three ministers

– Alhaji Lai Mohammed (Information and Culture), Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (Defence) and Senator Aisha Alhassan (Women Affairs) – stressed that he and Ishaku would one day leave office as president and governor but the traditional rulers would remain with the people. The president said: “I am in Taraba State to condole with the victims of the Mambilla crisis and sympathise with them over their losses. The traditional rulers are in a better position to find solutions to the problems. “Myself as president and the governor would leave office, and only the traditional rulers will remain with the people. Therefore, the traditional rulers should go and sit down with the people to find solutions to the problems and continue to preach peace.� Buhari further noted that he chose to visit Taraba ahead of other troubled areas because more people were killed on the Mambilla Plateau than in Benue and Zamfara States. Responding to the president’s charge to the traditional rulers to resolve the communal clashes in the state, the Chairman of Taraba State Traditional Council,

The Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyo Masa Ibi, said the traditional institution should be strengthened for it to carry out the responsibility. Also speaking, Ishaku noted that what was happening in the state was criminality, saying those fomenting trouble in the state were not herders but criminals. He stated that at inception, he met a polarised state and his administration was confronted with the problem of cattle rustling, which he said he had tackled successfully, just as he thanked the president for finding time to visit the state. Among the stakeholders present at the meeting were the three senators representing the state led by Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, members of the House of Representatives and the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Alhassan. Over 150 people have lost their lives in the various crises that occurred in different parts of the state particularly in Lau Local Government Area, where 68 persons were killed by Fulani herdsmen in January, 2018. The victims of the Lau crisis, who were killed in the five villages of Donadda, Lavoro,

Katibu, Didango and Maku, were given a mass burial on January 10, while 15 others were said to be still missing. Also, on January 27, a farmer was killed on his farm at Gidin Dorowa in Wukari Local Government Area by herdsmen who equally attacked the convoy of the local government chairman who had gone to the scene to assess the situation.

Accusation of Bias The president, however, come under serious condemnation by the representative of the Yangdan people in Lau local government, Dr. Alfred Kobiba, for being silent on the Lau killings. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting with the president, Kobiba noted that he wrote a letter to Ishaku detailing the number of casualties recorded in the crisis as well as those missing and copied same to the president, DG DSS, National Security Adviser and the Chief of Staff to the President, but was shocked that the president did not make any comment on Lau but was only interested in Mambilla. According to him, “When Fulani herdsmen perpetrated the

worst evil in our land in January, I wrote to the governor stating that 68 people were killed and 15 others missing and copied the letter to the president, DG DSS, NSA and Chief of Staff to the President, but we are shocked that the president only talked about Mambilla without saying anything about the killings in Lau.�

Political Gambit Reacting to the presidential visit, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described it as an afterthought and a move to further hoodwink the people ahead of the 2019 general election. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP lamented the eleventh hour decision of the president to pay a condolence visit to the affected states months after tragedy struck. It said: “Many Nigerians have dismissed the planned visits of President Buhari to these states as a cosmetic afterthought. Nigerians have already formed their opinion of him, and rightly so, as a president that has never Continued on page 10

‌Despite Heavy Security Presence, Herdsmen Continue Killing Spree in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Despite the heavy presence of security agencies, suspected herdsmen yesterday evening attacked Omosu village in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least ten persons, while many others sustained critical injuries. The attack on Omosu came on the heels of similar attack by suspected herders of cattle on Umenger in Guma Local Government Area of the state on Sunday night when two people

were reportedly killed. According to the Chairman of the Okpokwu Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Olofu, who spoke to THISDAY on the phone over ten bodies of the victims were taken to St Mary hospital Okpoga last night, while many other residents were still missing. He said the attack took place around 5 p.m. The chairman also disclosed that the state governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, and the security agencies would visit the area

today for an on spot assessment. Another resident of the area disclosed that over forty members of the community had been killed by the herdsmen who attacked the area and were shot at anyone in sight. He said several women and children were killed in the attack. A call to state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Omoseni, to confirm the latest attack proved abortive as did not pick his call or return a text message from THISDAY.

On the Sunday night attack at Umenger in Guma Local Government Area, an eyewitness, who managed to escape the incident, said the suspected herdsmen ambushed some residents who were on their way back from their farms. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Paul Hemba (rtd), confirmed the deaths involving a man and a woman. He explained that the victims had gone to check their burnt houses and were returning

when the herdsmen laid ambush and murdered two of them. Hemba said: “The villagers were on a bike and heading to Umenger, which is close to Gbajimba that houses the headquarters of the military operation in the state known as Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, when the herdsmen who had occupied the area hid on a hill and attacked them. “The motorcycle rider managed to escape but the occupants could not as they were murdered. The police in

the area complained that they do not have functional patrol vehicle to pursue the attackers. “The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.� He also disclosed that the soldiers planned to carry out an operation in the area to fish out the herdsmen. When contacted on phone, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said the police were investigating the attack.

look at the profiling of our IGR and take it down to what is generated by LIRS, the salaried workers are the ones that are really paying taxes. “Seventy to 75 per cent of our numbers (as a percentage of LIRS’ generated revenue) come from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and direct assessment. “PAYE alone is between 70 and 75 per cent, while direct assessment which is usually what high networth individuals pay, is about five per cent of our total collection. “So, we can see that it is a bit lopsided and really and truly, there has to be other means of this type of taxation. “You mentioned that the Land Use Charge has gone up and will be transferred to tenants. Yes, at the end of the day, the ultimate person who bears the brunt could be the tenant, but it is really the property owners that we are looking at.� He added: “We are not just raising revenue to put up infrastructure, there is also provision for social services. There are all sorts of social services that need to be overhauled. “It is a total regeneration as far as the administration is concerned over this issue of infrastructure. Really, if you look at the performance of this administration in the past two years, there have been a lot of

investments in infrastructure. “If you go to Lagos East and Lagos West, there is a big impact on the lives of people. If you go to Alimosho, Iju, and several other areas, lot of streets are now opening up.� He further disclosed that the Lagos State Government was targeting an IGR of N720 billion this year, while the target for the LIRS in 2018 was put at N440 billion. According to Subair, in 2017, LIRS alone generated about N285 billion, while the state generated a total of N340 billion in the same year.

L I R S C H A I R M A N , S U B A I R E X P L A I N S R AT I O N A L E F O R H I K E I N L A N D U S E C H A R G E This, it explained, would enable property owners and affected occupiers take the option of enjoying the discount available for prompt and early payment of LUC invoices. However, the recent amendment of the LUC Law has been described by the organised private sector and residents in the state as draconian, alienating and a gross disregard by the state government for the well-being of both corporate and individual residents in Lagos State. Several residents have vowed to challenge the enforcement of the new LUC law in the courts and have questioned if they are getting value for the high taxes, charges and levies imposed on businesses and residents in Lagos State. They have also warned that the new LUC law would inevitably be transferred by landlords to their tenants who are already contending with jobs losses brought on by the economic downturn, dwindling disposable incomes, and an inflationary environment. In reality, the new law will require property owners in Lagos State to pay at the very minimum over 200 per cent and in some instances over 500 per cent as LUC. The law, which also contains penalties for payment default within the stipulated period, has

continued to attract condemnation from stakeholders. But the LIRS boss explained that Lagos has a huge infrastructure gap, pointing out that following the drop in oil prices as well as the reduction in the Federation Account allocation to the state, the only way the state could fund its massive infrastructure projects was to raise its IGR, the LUC inclusive. “Basically, we have to try and raise our taxes within the state. The Land Use Charge is just one of the various types of charges that have been introduced. “Now, if we start to catalogue what the state needs to expend in terms of developmental projects, it is huge. And already you can see that under the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, he is very eager to try and turn things around in Lagos. “There has been a lot of neglect over the past and it has built up for so many years. There is serious under-investment in infrastructure projects,� Subair explained. He, however, noted that a lot people in the state most times mistake levies for taxes, saying that taxes generally are compulsory payments that are made by residents and they don’t have to get a direct benefit from the taxes. On the other hand, charges

and levies are payments that they make, for which they have direct benefits. According to Subair, the previous law on the LUC in the state was a bit defective in the way it was being computed. He added: “You would see different buildings of similar description having wide-ranging disparities on the charges. So, there was the need for the increase and standardistion. “Again, the Land Use Charge has not been renewed for about 16 years. So, the government deemed it fit to try and review the law. In the past, a lot of property were seriously undercharged. “You could see a house on Queens Drive, Ikoyi, that is paying N18,000 and the house is worth probably hundreds of millions of naira or even billions.� Subair revealed that currently, the formula for computing the LUC has been simplified, saying that it now comes with valuation of the property. Property owners in the state, he further pointed out, are allowed to carry out a selfassessment on the LUC, adding that the formula is very easy to follow and the market value can be obtained from qualified real estate agents or surveyors. He explained: “One can self-assess and pay ahead of the demand notice. And if you have

self-assessed, you will qualify for the discount because you paid ahead of time. “The good thing about this Land Use Charge Law again, is that everybody has the right to appeal. You can appeal it if you feel that it is an unjust amount. It is very easy. “There is a help desk at the Lagos State Ministry of Finance and they are willing to listen to everybody. At the same time, there is going to be an appeal tribunal. So, anybody who feels aggrieved can write to the tribunal and get justice. “Nobody will seal off your premises within that period. The tribunal almost acts as a court of competent jurisdiction. So, the moment that you file an appeal, everything is put on hold. “Again, it is not always good to look at percentages because if something had been very low for many years and then you try to increase it, if you look at the percentage, you might say it is a 400 per cent hike. “But if you look at the quantum itself, it might not really be that great. So, lets us not look at it in terms of percentages.� Also, while responding to a question on the implication of the astronomical increase on households and firms, especially in an economy that is just emerging out from recession, Subair said: “Generally, if you

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Oil Production Cost Per Barrel Down to $20, Says NNPC To source pipes for 683km AKK pipeline in-country Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said its cost of producing a barrel of crude oil from Nigeria’s oil fields has further dropped to $20, adding that it was targeting to lower it further to $15 per barrel soon. It also said it would ensure that all the pipes to be used in the construction of the 683-kilometre Ajaokuta-AbujaKaduna-Kano gas pipeline approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) are sourced from pipe mills in Nigeria, in adherence with the Nigerian Content Law. Speaking during at the ongoing technology and innovation expo organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who was represented by NNPC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gas and Power, Mr. Seidu Mohammed, explained that the corporation had been innovative

in its operations, hence the drop in the production cost per barrel of oil. “What NNPC will like Nigerians to know is the drive we are making to bring down costs. The more we bring down the production cost of oil and gas, the more money that comes eventually to the federal government and the pockets of the states and local governments. That is the kind of thing we are trying to do. “We have been innovative in our work to bring down the cost. Many Nigerians don’t even know that we have started the local content drive. We have brought down the cost of producing a barrel of oil today to the neighbourhood of $20 and our target is to make sure we are at $15 and we continue to match forward.� The NNPC had in August 2017, disclosed that it had driven down the cost of oil production from $78 per barrel to $23 per barrel, representing a 70.5 per cent drop in production cost. Baru equally explained at the expo that the corporation would

Baru continue to work with agencies like the Nigerian Content Development Management Board (NCDMB) to ensure that cost of production in the country’s oil and gas sector is competitive. He said: “Engineering and technology are the bedrock of oil and gas, without that we may not have been where we

are today. But then, what have we been doing at the NNPC? We have been trying to make sure that all the activities are domiciled in Nigeria. “There was a time when even tender documents had to go to London for evaluation, but today, we have fully domesticated the engineering aspect of it.

“We have, in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development Management Board, gone ahead to get Nigerians who are innovative and willing to invest in fabrication. “In other words, what we want to do is to also domesticate the big chunk of where we spend the money, that is procurement, and we have gone far. “Today, there are fabrications going on in areas of line pipes and valves. What we are doing in NNPC is to support all forms of innovations in the upstream, midstream and downstream,� he explained. On the AKK pipeline and how NNPC plans to use locallysourced pipes to build it, Baru, stated: “I said engineering is part of it, so when you come to the procurement of the project, The main input in that project is the line pipes. “And what we have done to drive the Nigerian content agenda is to make sure that until we fill the capacity of existing mills in Nigeria, we

cannot import pipes. “So, those who are coming in to build this pipeline will bear it in mind that at the end of the day, they may have to come in with their mills to manufacture the line pipes here. “As for the other areas of services, Nigerians are there, and mostly Nigerians will construct the lines and do all the pre-commissioning and commissioning processes.� He added that the rehabilitation programme for the NNPC refineries would also take into cognisance the requirement for local content in executing it. According to the NNPC boss, “Upfront, we have already started training Nigerians that will eventually manage the place. But the whole process of revamping the refineries involves all the facets and Nigerians have to be there. “Services will be provided by Nigerians and after revamping we expect a lot has to be done to ensure that the inputs to make it work will be provided by Nigerians.�

“We are excited to bring world class fashion back to Lagos in the real sense of it. The bar will definitely be raised once more with strong collaborations, innovation and creativity,�said Co-Producer Ruth Osime. The official designers for this year’s fashion showcase

will be unveiled this week. For more information on ARISE Fashion Week 2018 please follow @ arisefashionweek on Instagram For media enquiries please contact: funmi@ roberttaylormedia.com

face of mounting body count attracted searing criticisms from a scandalised public, with the leading opposition party, the PDP, challenging him to show human compassion by paying courtesy calls on the victims and their families.

will intensify our efforts until all the girls are found,� Gaidam said. He lauded the efforts of security organisations, which he said, had recorded unprecedented success to the admiration of all. According to the governor, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have deployed their personnel to schools across the state to build more confidence in parents and the students. Gaidam solicited for a comprehensive strategy to mop up the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east. The chairman of the committee, Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe, said they were in the state to discuss with stakeholders to uncover the circumstances surrounding the abduction. He said that the committee had interacted with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and other senior military officers engaged in the operation. He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include: to ascertain the circumstances of the abduction; determine the exact number of persons abducted; and confirm presence and disposition of security operatives and communications facilities in Dapchi. Others are: to suggest to government measures to locate and rescue the students, measures to forestall future occurrence, and recommend any other measures that can assist the government.

A R I S E FAS H I O N W E E K B AC K W I T H 4 5 D E S I G N E R S F R O M 1 6 N AT I O N S From March 30 to April 2 at the Lagos Continental Hotel, ARISE Fashion Week 2018 will once again showcase the best and brightest fashion designers from around the world. Still the most prominent fashion show in Africa, ARISE

Fashion Week 2018 continues to hold its prestige as the premier event where the global fashion elite will once again converge: the intersection of the international and the African, where a global audience of buyers, financiers, retailers, the fashionista and

the media gather; where authenticity and originality meet innovation and style; where fashion truly matters. The ARISE Fashion Week 2018 runway event in Lagos will feature 45 designers from 14 countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania,

Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, India, France, Morrocco, the United Kingdom, United States, the Caribbean and Nigeria. As is custom, the best of these will be selected to showcase their best designs during the NYFW in September this year.

AT L AST, STA RT I N G F R O M TA R A B A , B U H A R I K I C KS O F F V I S I T S TO T R O U B L E D STAT E S shown them concern in their time of need. “It is alarming that Mr. President will consider visiting some of these states months after marauders, insurgents and bandits committed their havoc. “Mr. President has been in the country and never thought it necessary to pay a condolence visit to any of these states until Nigerians raised the alarm alleging a manifest indifference on his part. “It is even more pathetic that in Benue State, President Buhari summoned the leaders of the bereaved people to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, rather than complying with the agelong tradition of Africans by visiting the bereaved.� In his reaction, Fayose, dismissed Buhari’s visit as an afterthought and an attempt to curry favour for sympathy votes in 2019. “Obviously, the president is more concerned about his reelection in 2019, and his visit to those states that he abandoned during their time of trouble is to seek for votes, not to sympathise with the people of the states on their losses,� Fayose said. The governor likened the president to a selfish king who went on making merry while his people were in agony, only to show up when the people had already buried their loved ones who were gruesomely murdered and had gotten over their anguish and moved on with their lives. A statement issued on yesterday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and

New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, quoted the governor as saying it was the height of cruelty that the same president, who promised to lead from the front in the fight against Boko Haram, could not visit Dapchi, Yobe State where 110 school girls were abducted by the insurgents, but elected to go on merry making in Kano. He said: “On January 9 and 12, this year, 88 victims of herdsmen attacks were given a mass burial in Taraba State. Also on January 11, 2018, another 73 persons killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue State were buried in a mass grave in Makurdi, the state capital. “Meaning that in Taraba and Benue States alone, 161 Nigerians were given mass burials within three days! This never caught the attention of our president. Rather, it was a visit to Nasarawa, a neighbouring state to Benue that was important to him. “To further demonstrate his lack of compassion for Nigerians, while the entire nation, especially parents of the 110 abducted schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, were still in anguish, President Buhari went to Kano last Saturday to attend a social function, thus sparking negative reactions from Nigerians. “Apparently, it was the negative reactions of Nigerians, especially on the social media and the effects on the president’s re-election bid that necessitated his hurried visit to Taraba State today (yesterday), and planned visits to Benue, Zamfara, Yobe and Rivers States. “I am sure the people of Taraba State won’t be

hoodwinked by the president’s cosmetic sympathy, show of concern and crocodile tears, which he never bothered to shed when hundreds of indigenes of the state were being killed by suspected herdsmen.� While declaring the visits as belated and an afterthought, Fayose added: “Nigerians can no longer be deceived by a president who never cared for them when they needed him most. Therefore, no amount of hurriedly organised campaign visits will sway the people, who never saw the president to protect them from being killed and console them when they lost their dear ones.� Earlier yesterday, Adesina had said Buhari would from yesterday visit Taraba and subsequently proceed to Benue and other states. He said the president’s scheduled visit was driven by the recent terrorist attacks, criminal activities and communal clashes in some states of the federation, leading to the tragic loss of lives as well as the kidnap of 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State. Apparently responding to public criticism of the late visit, the president’s spokesman said the president had immediately after the tragic incidents, tasked the armed forces and other security agencies to compile comprehensive reports on the various incidents. According to Adesina, having received and studied the reports, the president deemed it fit to undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the various occurrences and

consequently meet and console the communities affected. Disclosing that the president had been receiving daily briefings over the incidents and was also in constant touch with governors of the affected states, Adesina stated that Buhari equally advised Nigerians to cooperate with the security agencies with a view to nipping the matter in the bud. He stated: “From today (yesterday) he (the president) will visit Taraba, and subsequently Benue, Yobe, Rivers and Zamfara States. “President Buhari has been receiving daily briefings, and has been in constant touch with the governors, and has been updated with situation reports. “The president calls on all Nigerians, especially those in the affected areas, to cooperate fully with the security agencies to enable them curb the spate of crimes, bring those responsible to justice and prevent further occurrences.� The new year opened on a violent score in Benue and Rivers State as gunmen went berserk, murdering innocent and defenceless souls in their sleep. In Benue, 73 persons were felled by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, while scores who were returning from a cross-over church service were cut down. The killings subsequently spread to Taraba, Zamfara and Kaduna States where latent anger over land between herdsmen and farmers boiled over. The president’s reluctance to visit the troubled states in the

Panel Visits Yobe Meanwhile, the presidential committee set up by the federal government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of 110 students of Government Girls’ Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, visited the state yesterday with the governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, calling for the intensification of aerial surveillance to rescue the abducted Dapchi schoolgirls and enhance the general security of the state. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Gaidam commended the Buhari administration for its committed zeal in fighting the insurgency in the North-east and said the visit by four different delegations sent by the federal government underscored its commitment to rescue the schoolgirls. The governor also commended the Nigerian Army for acting with dispatch and realigning the checkpoints in Ngelzarma and Damagum to beef up security. “I am optimistic that with the kind of inspiring concern exhibited by the federal government, other patriotic Nigerians and indeed, the international community, we

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COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE DAPCHI SCHOOLGIRLS’ABDUCTIONS The government should be more pro-active in fighting terrorism, writes Adewale Kupoluyi

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once asked a close ally why she hardly watches or monitors the news. The answer that she gave was simply that, there is nothing positive or good that ever comes out in the news. She maintains that what we get to hear, watch or read in the news is one bad story or another. I was discussing with this same person when reports filtered in that about 110 schoolgirls have been abducted in Yobe State by Boko Haram terrorists! Should the media be blamed for all the negative stories? I don’t think so. The media are simply performing their multi-faceted roles in the society. Theories like the cultivation analysis, development media, spiral of silence, media logic, symbolic interactionism and the agenda-setting, among others, have attempted to interrogate the place of the media in our modern day world. It is saddening to note that the ages of the abducted Dapchi girls range from 11 and 19 years. The raid, which was described as a ‘well-planned attack’, has shown that the terror group still has the ability, capability and means to stage major attacks, as against the repeated claims by the military that the sect, which killed over 20,000 people in over 10 years, had been heavily decimated. Eye witness accounts say a convoy of at least 12 to 15 vehicles was used in the dastardly act to criminally abduct the students of Government Girls Science and Technology College, Dapchi while few lucky ones escaped. Many factors could have encouraged the dastardly act that beat the nation’s security apparatus, hands-down. According to the Yobe State governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, soldiers stationed at strategic checkpoints in Dapchi, were recently redeployed leaving only uniformed police to protect the town. It means that security mechanism put in place had been whittled-down before the latest raid by the insurgents. Why this? Speculations are also rife that the Dapchi attack was master-minded by the Boko Haram faction headed by Abu Mus’ab al-Barnawi, whose leadership is said to be recognised by the notorious Islamic State group (ISIS). What this means is that those who ravaged the school are likely to be heartless, die-hard and international terrorists. Hence, apprehending them would certainly take more than is necessary to apprehend a mere gang of criminals. A critical look at the nature of the attacks would convey a trend that clearly points to the fact that Boko Haram terrorists always prefer women as their targets because ‘they have a high value as hostages’. It would be recalled that in 2013, the absence of the soldiers in the troubled area was equally blamed for the attacks on another science secondary school in Buni-Yadi in which no fewer than 30 students were said to have been killed, as the state government claimed that it had spent about N16 billion in the last three years on fighting the Boko Haram. What lessons did we learn from previous attacks? What use was made of the intelligence report at the disposal of the state governor? It is curious to note that the Dapchi attacks happened about four years after the same Boko Haram insurgents invaded a female school in Chibok and taken into captivity, over 200 girls, out of which about 100 are still missing till date. I don’t know why the Yobe State government was not pro-active enough to avert this calamity by simply asking the students to quit the hostel, if the state was unable to provide alternative security arrangements following the withdrawal of military from the area. The decision to withdraw the entire battalion was certainly unwise and a miscalculation. One does not need rocket science to know that the entire north-east states are terribly prone to Boko Haram attacks than other parts of the country. Agreed that military action seems to be more effective in wading-off insurgency, but why must such calamity happen before public

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT OWES NIGERIANS IS THE IMMEDIATE RESCUE AND SAFE LIBERATION OF BOTH THE CAPTURED CHIBOK AND DAPCHI SCHOOLGIRLS

attention is drawn to this danger? The alarm raised by the governor was simply unhelpful and too late. Furthermore, the environment of the school in question is terrible for any student to study and learn properly. It is only hoped that the abductions were not an effort carried out to score cheap political goals against the federal government. The reasons for this thinking are twice-fold: Firstly, why is this coming almost at the same time when the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari administration has about one year to go? This reminds us, again, the way Chibok schoolgirls were abducted at the tail end of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. We recall that at the initial stage, the authorities disclosed that none of the schoolgirls was missing, but only for the military and the state government to later claim that the military had rescued some students. Thereafter, Governor Gaidam recanted and tendered an apology, alleging that he was misled by a false intelligence report from a security agency. To be sincere, the whole story has been marred by contradictions and inconsistencies. The response of the both the state and federal governments have not been too impressive. It is only hoped that the 12-man panel, headed by Rear Admiral Victor Adedipe committee that was put in place to unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the innocent girls would come out with meaningful and useful findings that would gladden the hearts of people such as the one earlier mentioned above that always blamed the media for spreading ‘bad’ news. It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria has presented itself before the whole world as a nation that is incapable of learning from its experiences, as we move from one problem to another. The Dapchi abductions should not be allowed to linger on in the manner that the Chibok schoolgirls’ episode took place without any clues till date on the way out. The girls must be rescued without further delay. The international community should urgently intervene on humanitarian grounds, to save these children from imminent dangers in the hands of terrorists while appreciating the advocacy of individuals and local groups. The federal government should re-strategise and admit that the fight against insurgency has not been totally won, as they’ll want us to believe. The government should be more pro-active in fighting terrorism in the country. Boko Haram insurgents should let peace reign in Nigeria. For now, hostel and boarding schools should be suspended in the north-east because of insurgency. Since the abductions of the schoolgirls, their colleagues, parents, guardians and sympathisers from all over the world have been keeping vigil and hoping for their safe release. It is such a traumatic experience that no one ever prays to witness. I’m sure the plight of the captured girls could be more pathetic in terms of the mental and psychological torture they would be passing through in the hands of their abductors. That is why a repeat should never be allowed, again. What the government owes Nigerians is the immediate rescue and safe liberation of both the captured Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls. Aside Borno and Yobe, other northern states should wake up from their slumber and be more security-conscious. The use of intelligence is imperative. Religious and traditional rulers should join forces to fight terrorism because it has become apparent that government cannot do it alone. This is not the time to trade blame or play politics with people’s lives. It is time to really save our country from national embarrassment. The missing schoolgirls must be rescued. Kupoluyi wrote from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

THE VALUE OF COACHING

Akintola Benson –Oke writes that training enhances individual and organisational performance

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he ultimate goal for all organisations is to attain that optimal state of performance and effectiveness where its units and teams and departments are headed by persons who understand what leadership means and who have developed their leadership potential and have enhanced their performance skills. It is only at such a point in time that organisations can experience exponential growth. However, no matter how often or how seriously one discusses the importance of leadership skills for every officer of the Lagos State Public Service, the efforts would be meaningless until a clear path to acquiring the critical leadership skills is created and adopted. As I have indicated at several other fora, once the Lagos State Public Service is able to attain that optimal state of effectiveness and productivity through the aid of coaching, no problem will be too complicated, no task too herculean, no challenge too huge for it to confront head-on. Indeed, this is the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration for the Lagos State Public Service: that the state government would invest in every public officer by designing and delivering coaching instructions that would increase the knowledge and skills of every officer such that the multiplier effect on the public service would be dynamism, responsiveness, effectiveness, machinelike precision, and exponential productivity.

I wish to call your attention to the general benefits of coaching as has been identified by top human resources and productivity practitioners. The Institute of Coaching has identified both personal and organisational benefits of coaching. According to the institute, the personal benefits of coaching are as wide-ranging as the individuals involved. Numerous clients report that coaching positively impacted their careers as well as their lives by helping them to: establish and take action towards achieving goals; become more self-reliant; gain more job and life satisfaction; contribute more effectively to the team and the organisation; take greater responsibility and accountability for actions and commitments; work more easily and productively with others (boss, direct reports, peers) and communicate more effectively. Coaching in organisation and leadership settings is also an invaluable tool for developing people across a wide range of needs. The benefits of coaching are many; 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills. Some 86% of companies report that they recouped their investment on coaching and more. Furthermore, coaching provides an invaluable space for personal development. For example, managers are frequently presented with employees struggling with low confidence. The traditional

approach would be to send them to an assertiveness course and hope this addresses the issue. In the short-term, the employee learns new strategies for communicating which may improve confidence. Unfortunately, in isolation these courses rarely produce a sustained increase in confidence. Although external behaviour may change; it needs to be supported by changes in their internal thought processes. This is often where coaching is most effective. Indeed, superiors have been advised not to underestimate the impact of coaching on their people as it frequently creates a fundamental shift in their approach to their work. For example, increased self-confidence enables employees to bring more of themselves into the workplace. This results in employees being more resilient and assertive. In terms of benefits for the organisations such as the Lagos State Public Service the following benefits have been identified: One, it empowers individuals and encourages them to take responsibility. Two, it increases employee and staff engagement. Three, it improves individual performance and, therefore, organisational performance. Four, it helps identify and develop high potential employees. Five, it helps identify both organisational and individual strengths and development opportunities. Six, it helps to motivate and empower individuals to excel; and seven , it demonstrates organisational commitment to human resource development. As a matter of fact, it is clear by

the public statements and actions of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration that, in envisioning a civil service peopled by leaders, we are mindful, as Robin Sharma observed, that “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.� The purpose of training, therefore, is to begin the monumental task of helping every officer of the Lagos State Public Service become impactful, influential and productive to such degrees that the output of the civil service will inspire our dear citizens. To be clear, what we want to achieve is where every public officer is able and empowered to set a clear vision regarding his/her duties and effectively communicate it to colleagues, providing them with a clear understanding of the desired direction; understands that effective planning is important when it comes to meeting organisational goals; is able to provide stability, inspiration, courage and direction during times of crisis and when dealing with relationships between co-workers; aims at improving employee relations and more closely aligning the team and individual objectives and an indispensable contributor to growth such that the public service maintains its effectiveness, productivity and competitiveness. Dr. Benson Oke is Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Trainin and Pensions

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T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ ʹ ˜ 2018

EDITORIAL THE ELECTORAL AMENDMENT BILL 2017 Withholding assent to the electoral bill might set in motion problems that could mar the 2019 elections

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he alarm by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) that it has in its custody a mountain load of uncollected permanent voter cards (PVCs) aside the increasing incidence of double registration, calls for concern. But coming at a time the nation is inundated with overwhelming evidence of the existence of underage voters on the register, INEC needs to do more than raise alarm. Once the register is dubious, a credible election becomes impossible. Thankfully, with the transmission, last week, of the Electoral Act No 6, 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2017 to President Muhammadu Buhari by the National Assembly, INEC has more opportunities to consolidate its preparations for the general elections. The amendment bill contains far reaching reforms that are intended to make the electoral system deliver cleaner elections in the country. Introducing about 18 fresh features, the bill deemphasises reliance on human discretion that had been subject of abuse over the years by legalising the use of technology in WE DO NOT SEE HOW THE the electoral process. CURRENT PROVISION Subsequently, INEC INJURES THE BASIC is now mandated to OBJECTIVE BY INEC TO use full biometrics CONDUCT FREE AND FAIR for accreditation and POLLS voting, while results are not only to be recorded on prescribed forms but must be transmitted electronically to the collation centres immediately after the close of polling. And besides manual register of voters, INEC is required to maintain an electronic register on its website for public scrutiny, at least, 30 days before an election. The bill also addressed some grey areas of the electoral processes that manifested in past elections, including the provision for replacement of a candidate that dies before the declaration of results. The affected party now has a 14-day window to organise primaries for the nomination of a replacement for a fresh election to be conducted by INEC within 21 days. The amendment bill harkens to complaints about

Letters to the Editor

overbearing conduct of political parties’ executives during primaries and enforces internal democracy by prescribing that all members are entitled to vote in the nomination process for delegate or direct primaries elections. Other arbitrary practices, including excessive nomination fees and disqualiďŹ cation of aspirants based on criteria other than those stipulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended, have been curtailed. The bill stipulates nomination fees payable, ranging from N150, 000 for councillorship to N10 million for presidential candidates.

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eanwhile, the controversial aspect of the bill is the provision which mandates INEC to appoint dates for the elections to be held in the following order: National Assembly; State Houses of Assembly and Governorship; and Presidential. This amendment reverses the prevailing order announced by INEC last month, which ďŹ xed National Assembly and Presidential elections for February 16, 2019, while the state Houses of Assembly and governorship elections would come up two weeks later on March 2, 2019. There are arguments for and against the reordering of the sequence of elections by the legislature. For us, the most compelling is the additional cost of a threestage election to the nation’s purse. This newspaper had argued in the past for a one-day process by which elections into all positions would be held same day and we maintain that remains the best way to go. It would have therefore been advisable, in the circumstances, to retain a two-stage process in which all the legislative elections would hold on one day, while the executive elections would on the other day. However, in the absence of any meaningful attempt by the executive to engage the legislature before passing the bill, the matter has become quite complicated. Besides, we do not see how the current provision injures the basic objective by INEC to conduct free and fair polls. To therefore withhold assent at this stage, as being suggested by some presidential advisers, could set in motion wide-ranging controversy and generate unnecessary tension that we do not have the luxury of time to deal with.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

OF THE HIJABITES AND THE NUNS

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here is no much difference between the head cover used by the Muslim women and the Christian nuns. This piece of cloth, it is unarguable, gives the women beautiful outlook and prevents them from social harassment. This is the simple truth, accept it or reject it! I have witnessed, read and heard of situations where women who cover their heads are admired by their fellows wherever they are. The only difference that I have constantly observed is that majority of the Christians prefer to make caricature of Muslim women who wear the head covers. In addition, the Christian women do not copy the model set for them by Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ who they believe is the source of their salvation. Above all, those who don the head cover – veil or scarf possess spiritual protection that no human can easily explain. I have read and heard of situations where women with their heads covered in adherence to the divine instruction of their religions were mysteriously secured from physical injuries and spiritual attacks. There have been cases when armed robbers terrorised passengers on the roads but would protect the Muslim women in Hijab and the nuns. There are also cases when spiritual consultants rejected Muslim females for sacrifices. The story of a sage in defence of women covering themselves is interesting. The sage told his questioner to pick two candies. He then told the questioner to throw one of them

into the dust and pick it up; then he asked the questioner to choose between the dirty candy and the one yet covered. The questioner quickly chose the covered one. That was the conviction that, no matter the perceived detestation for women who cover their heads, no sane human would prefer dirty things to clean things. Medically and hygienically, covering of consumables and fragile things are recommended. Naturally, women are fragile and their bodies are prone to attraction and assault by men. This is why the women who prefer to move about with nudity in the name of civilisation meet different kinds of harassment. The rising level of rapes in African societies, at least of the adults, can be linked to the costumes which women wear. Some of the victims wrap themselves, dress half-naked or even put on underwear to seduce or attract suitors, though men are becoming wiser these days. No normal Muslim woman dresses abnormal. But a lot of Christian women do dress abnormal for the mere reason of mimicking the Western world which, apparently, has code of dress for different occasions. Nowadays, it is ladies who seduce men with their atypical dresses and yet cry wolf when hassled. If the Christians do really believe in Mary, why do they refuse to cover their heads? Yet, the nuns amongst them dress like Mary. Again, the height of hypocrisy is displayed whenever they want to pray. While praying, some of them would place a piece of paper, a handkerchief or part of their

wrapper on the head. I often laugh silently when I see them do this in public places especially in buses. This attitude is observable even in churches. But on a serious note, why should Christians derive joy in fighting Muslim women who wear veils like Mary, the mother of Jesus? In Nigeria, all government agencies which require the capturing of the photo of the citizen allegedly treat the Muslim women with disdain. The latest of these series of ill-treatment and denial of the fundamental rights of Muslim women in Nigeria was Amasa Firdaus Abdulsalam who was not permitted by the Body of Benchers to enter the International Conference Centre on December 12 where the call to bar is usually held. Firdaus wore her new gown but insisted on wearing the wig on top of her Hijab. It was a violation of her right to freedom of religion as protected by Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution. In an interview, she maintained her convictions to set a precedent for Hijab-wearing Muslims during the call-to-bar ceremony. This singular action has triggered controversies amongst the local and international law bodies and human rights activists and organisations. We are worried that this matter is gradually degenerating into another religious confrontation between Muslims and Christians of Nigeria. And we ask: Haven’t we had enough of these religious wrangling? Muhammad Ajah, Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 07054786260 SMS ONLY

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

Lessons from Dapchi Had the federal government recognised the dire security situation in the country, it would not have been caught napping by the abduction of 110 students of the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe, writes Tobi Soniyi

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have been done if we have done the following: we have created a centre for protection of national infrastructures, put in place an urban security strategy. It considers the security requirements for each sector such as education, hospital and so on; and adoption of preventive terrorism initiatives . “We have a manpower deficit. I am surprised government has not taken measures to recruit people given the level of our unemployment. “By now we should have a very large army given the mutilplicty of crises we have in this country.”

n February 19th, Nigerians woke up to the heart wrenching news that 110 students of the Government Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State, had been kidnapped. It was unbelievable, but it was true. How could this happen when the country is still battling to secure the release of 270 Chibok Secondary School girls kidnapped in 2014 by Boko Haram. CNN News anchor, Isha Sesay’s reaction to the news said it all. She said: “#Nigeria’s President #Buhari calls abduction of #DapchiGirls ’a national disaster.’ That’s an understatement - it’s a national disgrace. More girls taken - again??#Yobe #ChibokGirls.” For a government that campaigned and won election based on promises to tackle insecurity, rescue the Chibok girls and fight corruption among others, the invasion of Dapchi and the abduction of those girls were a major blow. It is a blow from which the government will find it difficult to recover from. No Lessons Learnt from Chibok According to Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim , four years after the massacre of fifty-nine male students at Buni Yadi and as we approach the fourth year in captivity of the remaining 112 Chibok schoolgirls, it is shocking that we have not learnt lessons on how to make our schools safe. There are several lessons for the country from the abduction of the Dapchi girls. One of such lessons is that as a country we did not learn any lesson from the 2014 abduction of the Chibok girls. To begin with, the immediate response to the abduction was awful. Government initially claimed that no girls were kidnapped. Latter it said all the girls had been rescued but the parents faulted that claim. Eventually, government rose to the challenge and admitted that 110 girls had been abducted and that none of them had been rescued. “What happened subsequently was shameful,” said Dr Ibrahim . The situation could have been better handled. Nevertheless, the handling was an improvement on what transpired in 2014 when the Chibok girls were kidnapped. If however, it is true that parents of the kidnapped girls were detained and harassed for saying that none of the kidnapped students had been rescued, that would amount to injustice. Conspiracy Theory Dismantled After the Chibok girls were kidnapped, a conspiracy theory emerged that the story was a ruse and that no kidnapping had taken place. Many asked how more than two hundred girls could be kidnapped so easily. Others who admitted that the abduction took place said it was micromanaged. Now that Dapchi had happened, those who said it was impossible to kidnap so many girls should not have difficulty understanding how it can happen. But this is Nigeria, another conspiracy theory may emerge soon. If there is anyone who understands how painful it is to play politics with the lives of kidnapped school children, it is no other person other than the governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima. While on a sympathy visit to Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe in Damaturu over the abduction, Shettima, who is also chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, said the unfortunate incident in Dapchi reminded him of conspiracy theories regarding the Chibok abduction. He advised politicians to learn a lesson on the need to separate politics from issues of security.

Could Ransom Payment Be Fuelling Abduction? Government has never admitted paying ransom to secure the release of some of the Chibok girls. But there had been reports that ransoms were paid. What is certain is that Boko Haram could not have released the Chibok girls for free. Stan-Labo suspected the insurgents want more ransoms. He said: “At the end of the day, it will boil down to ransoms. If we are serious, we will get the girls. Boko Haram are factionalized. It appears that another faction wants its own share of ransoms.” In the light of this, government should re-examine its strategy in the fight against the insurgents. Boko Haram might have chosen to cary out the latest abduction to prove that it had not been defeated yet. If that is the case, government should also step back from its position that it had defeated the insurgents. This leads to the next lesson, should we believe the government’s claim that the insurgents had been defeated? Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai

He said: “Your Excellency, I have been in your shoes since 2014 when schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok. I know exactly how you feel. When our daughters were abducted in Chibok, only God understood how I felt and I can imagine how you also feel, and the trauma you are going through. “The parents of these girls would always look up to you with hope in the midst of agony. I know you are pained but I also believe that insha Allah, these girls will be rescued very soon. “I think the difference between the Chibok incident and this one, is that the federal government didn’t react in denial, doubt or formed a conspiracy theory. The federal government assumed responsibility which we hope will lead to rescue of the schoolgirls. When schoolgirls were abducted in Chibok, some people said there was no abduction because Borno was in the opposition. “Those who admitted there was abduction came up with a conspiracy theory that the APC leaders perpetuated it in order to win the 2015 elections. Now, this abduction took place in an APC-controlled State under an APC-led federal government. “What this reminds us, in a very painful way, I should add, is that as political actors,

We should learn to separate politics from issues of security. Human lives are very precious

we should learn to separate politics from issues of security. Human lives are very precious in the sight of Allah.” Nobody Takes Responsibility There has been a trend in this government and that is nobody takes responsibility when things go wrong. Is it not a shame that both the police and the army are blaming each other for the security lapse that allowed the abduction to happen so easily? Lapses happen because nobody is held accountable. This is a trend in this government. When the media cry out that those given the responsibility to secure the country are incompetent, the Presidency takes offence. The Presidency could have saved itself the embarrassment caused by the Dapchi’s kidnapping if only it had listened to the voice of reason. The inability of President Muhammadu Buhari to take the bull by the horn and appoint the right leadership to lead security institutions will continue to haunt him. As it is, he is in for more embarrassment. Failure of Intelligence In any war, intelligence is key to winning. It is even more important in asymmetric warfare. A retired colonel, Mr Hassan Stan-Labo blamed the Dapchi kidnapping on what he described as a failure of intelligence not just on the part of the security agencies but of citizens participation. He said terrorism is intelligence driven. “It is expensive and it calls for greater citizens participation”, he added. According to him, the citizens must have seen something including he vehicles used. Their appearance should have attracted the attention of the civil populace. He said: “This could have been avoided. I don’t like playing the blame games. It could

Has Boko Haram Been Defeated? Captain Bish Johnson a retired United States of America’s army officer has rightly observed thus: “T he incident that happened on Monday (Dapchi kidnapping) shows that Boko Haram have not been defeated. “For Boko Haram to pull off this, it means that they have not been decimated. We should not underestimate them. They are still very potent. If we don’t recognize that fact before Monday, then we should do after Monday.” That is something the federal movement does not want to hear. Everyday, the government keeps telling Nigerians that Boko Haram had been defeated. The government is already behaving in such a way that the insurgents had been defeated. But the fact that they could come to Yobe and take away 110 school children without security agents stopping them could only mean one thing: the insurgents remain very potent. It is also time we changed our approach to the fight against terrorism. Porous Borders to Blame There is a glaring factor which the government has conveniently overlooked. Captain Johnson clearly understood the issue when he said: “We have porous borders. People come in we don’t know who they are. We have to remove sentiment, religion, politics and ethnicity to address security issues.” Whether the government admits it or not, our inability to protect our borders is a challenge. Many of the hedsmen, militants and gunmen terrorising Nigeria come in and go out so easily. But because of some sentimental issues, we are unable to stop them. Nigeria will remain unsafe as long as we are unable to police our borders. Period. To resuce the kidnapped girls, Captain Johnson said: “If we work with our Neighbours they could be found. They could not have gone beyond Niger. We need to seek help from our neighbour. Nigerian government will have take the lead.”

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 6, 2018

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TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Grooming Proficient Marksmen Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that to achieve proficiency in weapons' handling and marksmanship, especially in the light of insecurity bedevelling the nation, the Nigerian Navy recently held its annual Small Arms Firing Exercise

The FOC Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, leading other personnel at the shooting range in Owode, Ogun State

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t was a very wet Monday. The rains were not letting up as they unleashed their fury on the earth at the wee hours of the day. Despite the rains, the contingent drawn from all the units and divisions under the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Apapa, Lagos, mustered at the parade ground of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra at about 5 a.m. The reason was not far-fetched. It was the kick off of the 2018 Small Arms Firing Exercise (SAFEX), also known as range classification. After the opening prayers, the contingent as well as Defence journalists, set off for the Nigerian Army firing range of 192 Battalion in Owode, Ogun State. Even the usual traffic snarl along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway was not a deterrent at all for the personnel who were geared to train and test their proficiency in weapons handling and marksmanship. After the three-hour long journey, the officers and men, who are constantly in the line of enemy fire, got to the firing range at Owode and took their places for the exercise proper. Thus, to prepare a formidable military that is not lacking in weapon handling and marksmanship, especially in the light of the current security challenges facing the nation, the range Classification Exercise, one of the oldest programmes in the military, has indeed come to stay. The exercise as the name implies puts a soldier to test at the shooting range to test the individual's accuracy of shots and efficiency in handling weapons. Therefore, to ensure that the Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel, especially those drafted to battle insurgency in the crisis-ridden North-east region and other pockets of insecurity, are combat ready, the need to constantly train and retrain them especially

in weapon handling for improved shooting skills and professional efficiency in line with global best practices, came to bear as the service flagged off its annual SAFEX

To ensure that the Nigerian Navy personnel, especially those drafted to battle insurgency in the crisis-ridden Northeast region and other pockets of insecurity, are combat ready, the need to constantly train and retrain them especially in weapon handling for improved shooting skills and professional efficiency in line with global best practices, came to bear as the service flagged off its annual SAFEX for the year 2018

for the year 2018. During an earlier informal debriefing, the navy said the objective of the exercise was to test the proficiency of the personnel of the command in weapon handling. It was also noted that the exercise is aimed at improving not just the weapon handling skills and proficiency in marksmanship, but also develop personnel intuitive skills and response initiative under battle-like conditions.The exercise had naval personnel from all units and formations under the command test their skills in weapon handling and marksmanship. The exercise was declared open by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile. Shooting at the range Following the arrival of the participants, the next step was the registration and mustering of the firing party before the reading of range safety rules and regulations. The commencement of firing began with the arrival of guests and the special guest of honour. Buttressing the point that leadership is only effective when the leader leads by example, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, took to the gun like fish to water as he hits target several times to the admiration and disbelief of all. This he did with his 'Team A' members at the ceremonial shot and falling of plates. These falling of plates activities were done within the 100 metres radius. The firing party A and B were made to lie and take their firing position with the target being the white small plates, which they are supposed to bring down with their bullets. After team A headed by the FOC brought down their five plates, both teams switched and team A again repeated their

winning streak. That batch led to the formation of 1other batches of participants who took to the range to test their proficiency. While the event held, the many personnel from units and establishments under the command who took part in the exercise, often hit or missed the bulls eye from their respective targets. During the course of the exercise, the participants who were made to fire different weapons at different positions, all had safety instructors attached to them, to ensure all kept in line with safety rules and regulations. At the end of the exercise, the scores were tallied and the professional marksmen were noted down as they would participate on a larger platform later in the year with other personnel of different commands nationwide. Also present at the range were the representative of the Air Force, Commander, Base Service Group, Logistics Command, Air Commodore Mike Olatunji; Commander NNS Wey, Commodore Patrick Yekwe and the Commander Special Boat Services, Commodore Ibrahim Shettima. The FOC's Address Prior to his watering the ground with his shots on target, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, said, "SAFEX is a part of NN schedule of events for 2018. Also, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas, had made it clear that all commands and units must be proficient in the firing of small arms. "It is important because where it’s assumed that at the point of entry in the navy, whether as an officer or the other ranks, we were taught to fire. However, given our different deployments, we might not have been given the opportunity to continue to handle such weapons all the time.

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FEATURES The ďŹ ring exercise is aimed at improving not just the weapon handling skills and proďŹ ciency in marksmanship, but also develop personnel intuitive skills and response initiative under battle-like conditions

A cross section of some of the Navtrac personnel at the ďŹ ring range in Owode

good, you still need to brush up your skills." Exchanging the pen for the gun Although it is often said that the pen is mightier than the sword or gun, at the range it was a different ball all together as the Defence reporters from different media houses were geared up in the safety helmets and vests to participate and they dropped their pens in exchange for the guns. At the firing range were Defence correspondents from NTA, Madam Lyn ; The Nation Newspaper, Precious Igbowelundu; The Sun Newspaper, Philip Nwosu; FRCN reporter, Mary Fatile and of course this reporter. For this reporter, shooting from range three, the target was 200 metres and after the magazine was brought, this reporter fixed it, corked the AK47, which was the choice for the shooting, took the shooting stance and looking into the thin pin hole, slowly released the cache. Firing one shot to the other, by the time the entire 15 rounds were shot, this reporter was adjudged the best amongst her contemporaries at the range. The involvement of journalists was in a bid to task their proficiency in marksmanship and weapon handling.

The winning team_ Commodore Patrick Yekwe, the Commander, NNS Wey (L) and the Flag OďŹƒcer Commanding, Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile

THISDAY reporter and other defence journalists getting ready to ďŹ re the AK47 rie

"So, this is to improve our proficiency in small weapons handling given that the nature of navy vessels where we have guns onboard, our personnel might not have the opportunity to handle such small weapons. "Basically, the navy has big guns onboard our warships like the 127MM and the 40MN

that is onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Aradu. But when it comes to internal insecurity, it deals with a lot of security issues on land. "Also, the navy is very much involved in confronting these security challenges and when involved in internal security

operations, you use small arms like the FN rifle, the AK47 and the SNG. "For you to be proficient and skillful in handling such, the importance of Small Arms Firing Exercise comes to bear. Some of us finished our targets within the allotted time. However, even if you are 100 per cent

About the SAFEX Undoubtedly, such firing exercises are designed to ensure a combat- ready force, better positioned to tackle contemporary challenges and as such, the aim of the exercise is usually to test the proficiency of officers and men in the command. Also, the operation is deemed as a form of fitness exercise, which in turn leads to physically fit officers and men. The firing exercise is also important and strategic to naval operations so that whenever they are deployed for operations, they will not see the weapons they are carrying as a visitor. Another objective of the exercise is to test the proficiency of the personnel of the command in weapon handling with a view to selecting the best to represent the command at the general NN Small Arms Firing Competition. It is noteworthy to state that SAFEX also exerts discipline on the men because once a weapon is handed over to you, it takes discipline to control your anger and not respond impulsively. The end goal however is that the lesson learnt from the exercise would be a rewarding one in the field. In closing, Ofodile who commended the officers and men who participated, expressed satisfaction that the objectives of the exercise were achieved based on the satisfactory performance of those that participated. But before the FOC and his team left the range, gifts were handed over to the senior officers and then all were declassified to ensure none left the area with empty cartridges or empty live rounds, as being found with such outside the range is a criminality punishable by law.

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Quick Takes Chevron Named Best Gas Suplier Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has been adjudged by stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as the best in the production of gas for Nigeria’s domestic market and consumption. CNL was also declared the best upstream international oil company (IOC) that has contributed more to the social aspects of Nigeria’s development. Both awards, which were for the operational periods of 2016 and 2017, were given to the company at the just concluded maiden edition of the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) held in Abuja. Certificates and plaques for the two awards: ‘top domestic gas producer in 2016/2017 and the best performing upstream international company in social contribution for 2016/2017,’ were presented to CNL at a dinner to mark the event. The General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs of CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, received the awards from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and Chief Financial Officer (COO) of the NNPC, Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, who represented the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru. Brikinn stated in his remarks at ceremony that CNL was delighted to have been recognised by the industry for its commitment to it and Nigeria.

2018 SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK

L-R: The Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Trace Naija, Sam Onyemelukwe; Founder, LEAP Africa, Ndidi Nwuneli; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu; Chief Operations & Information OďŹƒcer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Gbolahan Joshua, during a mainstage session organised by the Bank and tagged: ‘How Millennials Are Changing The Financial Landscape’, at the 2018 Social Media Week held in Lagos...recently

PTDF, NCDMB’s Payment Default Cripples Petroleum University Ejiofor Alike The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun in Delta State, Professor Akaehomen Akii Ibhadode has raised the alarm that the failure of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to remit two per cent of their yearly budgets for research programmes in the university is hindering the institution from realising its mandate. Section 9 (2) of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, (Establishment)

ENERGY Act of 2017 as gazetted by the federal government, provides that “the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Petroleum Technology Development Fund and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) shall provide two per cent of their annual budgets for research programmes in petroleum technology acquisition, and facilities in the university.� Section 9 (3) also provides that the “Petroleum Technology Development Fund shall contribute at least two per cent of its gross revenues for the academic and infrastructural

development of the university,� while (4) states that “the general fund shall be applied for the purpose of the university.� But speaking when he visited THISDAY’s Corporate Head Office in Lagos, along with the university’s Registrar, Mr. Ejikeme Uchendu and the PRO, Mr. Boniface Oyendi, the institution’s Vice Chancellor stated that these agencies have not remitted any funding to the university. According to him, paucity of funds has hindered the capacity of the institution to realise its core mandate of “producing socially mature, skilled personnel with capability not only to understand, use and adapt

existing technology in petroleum industry, but also improve on and develop new ones.� The vice chancellor noted that even though the university was set up in 2007, it was only in 2017 that the enabling law was passed, adding that prior to the passage of the enabling Act, the university had faced teething challenges, which led to low student enrolment. “When other universities such as the University of Lagos and the University of Benin are talking about having 40,000 students, we have only about 3,000 students. So, we cannot raise funding from students,� Continued on page 22

Minority Shareholders Accuse SEC of Shielding Oando from Probe Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Minority shareholders of Oando Plc under the aegis of the Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PROSAN) have petitioned the House Committee on Capital Market and other Institutions, accusing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of shielding Oando Plc from probe. The allegation was contained in a fresh petition, signed by Mr. Taiwo Oderinde and Barrister Nnodu Okeke, the National Coordinator and Legal Adviser respectively of the association,

ENERGY dated February 21, 2018 and titled ‘Dangerous and Malicious Deliberate Attempts By the acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to Cover-up Oando Nigeria Plc and Protect the Company from Forensic Audit’. While commending the House Committee on its unrelenting efforts to sanitise the Nigerian capital market and to make it one of the best in the world, PROSAN said the time had come to take decisive action on the forensic audit of

Oando Plc. PROSAN had earlier petitioned to the lawmakers on the state of Oando Plc, prompting them to direct the SEC to investigate various allegations against the oil giant. The shareholders further added: “Being the regulator that is primarily responsible for protecting Investors in the Capital market, SEC instituted a consortium of experts commissioned to carry out a forensic audit on the company.� They alleged: “Upon the announcement of the consortium, the management of Oando

Nigeria Plc has continued to desperately explore diverse avenues to frustrate the forensic audit, which the management of the company clearly fears would reveal more than is already known. “The company sought to stop the forensic audit by challenging the decision in court, but appropriate justice was delivered and the company lost,� the petition stated. “Since Mr. Munir Gwarzo was suspended as the DirectorGeneral of SEC by the Minister Continued on page 22

ITUC Tasks NLC on Membership The International Trade Confederation (ITUC) is seeking support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to enable it perform optimally in order to swell its ranks higher and give fair representation to workers across all the sectors in the country. This is even as the Somali Trade Federation has commended Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its role at the formation and continuous existence of the labour centre in the war torn country. The ITUC, Africa Region during a visit to the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) recently said (NLC) has the capacity to double the number of the organised workers in the country. Coordinator , Human and Trade Union Rights, ITUC Africa Regional Organisation, Joel Odigie, charged MHWUN to support the Ayuba Wabba led NLC executive at tripling the size of the organised workers in Nigeria. He said: “Part of the assistance that should be given to Ayuba is for the union to be relentless in organising. Organising at the NLC should be given more emphasis, now the number is 6 million, but I believe that we can have 18 million. This can be done within a year.�

Obaseki Tasks FG on Modular ReďŹ neries Chairman of Brass LNG Board of Directors and former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki has said that the refining business cannot be treated as a social service project but be based on sound economics and the infusion of private equity in its ownership and operations. Gaius-Obaseki who made the remark at the 15th Aret Adams Foundation Lecture Series noted that the massive importation of petroleum products being witnessed was contrary to what transpired between 2001 and 2003 when these same troubled refineries were run at operating levels that enabled export of some products. “Although we are currently going through a hiccup in the distribution system but given the ongoing efforts and commitment, I believe normalcy would be re-established soon,â€? he said.

“It is almost like that the organised labour in the industry believes that the only way to get attention from us is to go on strike, but it shouldn’t be� Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

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BUSINESSWORLD PTDF, NCDMB’S PAYMENT DEFAULT CRIPPLES PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY

he said. “As a specialised university, we are supposed to impact the oil and gas industry positively and we are telling the federal government to challenge us. We are talking of modular refineries in the country. Why can’t the government challenge us to set up mini refineries? We want a challenge from the industry and the government. We need funding and we need to be challenged by the government and the industry,� he explained. MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS ACCUSE SEC OF SHIELDING OANDO FROM PROBE

of Finance Kemi Adeosun on November 29, 2017, the present management has shown a lack of willingness to continue with the forensic audit of Oando as directed by the lawmakers�, the shareholders stressed. They therefore prayed the lawmakers to “urgently invite the acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Abdul Zubair for questioning, to ascertain the authenticity of the forensic audit team set-up to probe Oando Nigeria Plc�. They also want SEC to convince shareholders that there will not be compromise in the Oando probe. “It may interest the honourable chairman that shareholders who bought the shares of Oando Nigeria Plc at N95 have lost more than 90% of their investments while the company’s CEO is acquiring new expensive automobiles and jets. “Many of our members have become victims of hypertension watching their investments tumble without any hope for salvage in sight. Many have even died as a result of this uncertainty that has engulfed the company,� the group alleged. Oando Plc, in a filing to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week stated that the release of its financial results for the year ended 31, 2017 would be delayed owing to the decision of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) to undertake a more detailed review of its audited financial statements.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

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NEWS

NNPC: Border Smugglers Hindering Nigerians from Enjoying Cheap Petrol Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has stated that Nigerians are being denied the benefits of the government’s insistence on keeping the pump price of petrol at N145 per litres across service stations in country by the unwholesome activities of cross border smugglers of petroleum products. NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru disclosed this to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Hameed Ali, when he recently visited him in Abuja to initiate a partnership that could arrest the increasing incidences of petroleum products smuggling. Baru explained that because of the low price of petrol in Nigeria as compared to prices per litre within West African countries around her, smugglers are taking advantage of this to divert loaded tankers of products from their destinations in-country to service stations at border towns to supply to countries like Niger, Ghana, and Benin Republic, amongst others. He specifically laid the blame of smuggling on independent petroleum marketers, adding that such diversion and crossborder smuggling impacted efficient supply and distribution of products in Nigeria. According to him, increasing fuel price in the international market and the corresponding increase in petrol imports have brought about a big price differential between Nigeria’s regulated market and the deregulated market in neighbouring countries.

He noted that while Nigeria sold petrol at N145 per litre, Ghana sold at N311, Togo – N308, Benin Republic – N292.8, Niger – 367, Chad – 326.35, and Cameroon at N400 per litre. “There has been a heightened consumption growth from less than 30 million litres per day in August 2017 to an average of over N50 million litres per day with a peak of 84.2 million litres on Dec. 8, 2017. The high consumption volume indicates hoarding, diversion and possible smuggling to neighbouring countries. During the recent petrol supply and distribution

challenge, it was observed that unpatriotic marketers were exploiting both land and coastal borders to smuggle out petroleum meant for the Nigerian market due to sheer greed. This unwholesome act is supported by price differential between Nigeria’s petrol official cap of N145 per litre and that of neighbouring countries,� Baru, told Ali. He said the activities of the smugglers were helped by, “their ability to move petroleum products in trucks, cars motorcycles, drums, jerry cans and other means of evacuation.�

“Their movement is especially from filling stations along land borders as well as ships, barges, vessels into neighbouring countries for sale at higher unregulated prices is quite worrisome. “NNPC is worried that continued cross-border smuggling of petroleum products will deny Nigerians the benefits of federal government’s benevolence of keeping a fixed retail price of N145 per litre,� he added. Indicating areas he would want the Customs to look deeply into, Baru, said: “There are 235 registered filling stations

in Lagos but there are also 150 illegal filling stations there. We have close to 2201 filling stations across the borders but there must be close to that amount that operates illegally. “There is need for your marine patrol to be very active. We have a lot of problem with Akwa Ibom and Cross River. These are two states where we have utmost difficulties in clearing queues. We sent a lot of trucks there but the trucks virtually vanish. We liaised with civil defence to monitor each truck but the trucks still don’t get to their destinations.

GOOD TO HAVE YOU HERE

L-R:Chief Operating OďŹƒcer (COO), Deloitte Nigeria, Anthony Olukoju, and National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olabintan Famutimi, when Famutimi paid the COO a courtesy visit in Lagos...recently

Kachikwu: Modular Refineries’Equipment to Arrive Nigeria Soon The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has disclosed that the federal government’s plans to have modular refineries built in Nigeria has begun to gain some traction as equipment for some of them were expected to arrive the country soon. Speaking through his Senior Technical Adviser on Efficiency, Mr. Johnson Awoyomi, at the 2018 edition of the annual Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) organised by the Society for Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Abuja, the minister explained that institutional investors had also begun to show interests in investing in the Niger Delta. Kachikwu had recently also stated through another of his technical advisers, Mr. Rabiu Suleiman, that the government was in talks with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) amongst others to provide contributory finance to investors in modular refineries in the Niger Delta region. He also stated that the government would as part of incentives to encourage investments in modular refineries, guarantee regular crude oil supply to them, in addition to tax and customs

duties waivers that would be given to them. However, in his remarks at the recent OLEF, Kachikwu, noted that the government has made tremendous progress in its modular refineries campaign to improve Nigeria’s capacity to refine petroleum products in-country. He said: “The efforts in Big Win 2 - Business Environment and Investment Drive, on improving our business environment have yielded positive results. We have been able to attract investors into the entire value chain. Our assiduous refinery drive has resulted in an almost-concluded process that would stimulate the flow of private investments into the revamp of our three refineries. “Modular refineries have also successfully garnered traction, with already established modular refinery equipment on their way to the ports of Nigeria. Institutional investors are portraying confidence in the productive engagements we have had with the Niger Delta.� The minister equally added in his remarks: “Via our Big Win 5 - Transparency and Efficiency, we have successfully implemented necessary actions that have lowered the unit technical cost of production.

A specific example is advocating for more collaboration across the entire value chain of our

petroleum industry; this has resulted in elimination of duplicated efforts. Costs decline

due to lesser capital that would have initially being expended in exerting single efforts.�

TUCTasksFGonPaymentofMarketers’Outstanding Subsidy Claims Ugo Aliogo and Kehinde Lawal The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the federal government to begin the immediate payment of all outstanding subsidy claims to petroleum marketers under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) to avoid looming job losses. In a communiquÊ signed by the President of TUC, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, the union noted that payment of wages and salaries were being hampered in the downstream sector and warned that the situation should not be allowed to degenerate further. Kaigama, in the communiquÊ, called on government to reimburse the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in order to enable it perform its primary obligations to the country. TUC also charged the government to engage the marketers as social partners under a special intervention arrangement that enables

product marketers to access foreign exchange (FOREX) at concessionary rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The congress also commended government for the commencement of the Minimum Wage Committee and implored the committee to speed up proceedings to ensure that a new minimum wage would take effect not later than the agreed third quarter of the year. It further observed that that the fight against corruption would not achieve the desired result without addressing the injustices being perpetrated by political office holders who collect multiple pensions and gratuities, while still serving government in another capacity. “This is not good for the economy,� TUC added. Kaigama stressed that the political terrain has become volatile once again, and therefore, enjoined all political leaders to ensure that peace and order are maintained amongst their followers. He maintained that public

office holders should avoid hate speeches so that both the common man and workers can attain fulfillment. TUC also called on State Governors owing workers to pay and not convert public funds and workers’ salaries for election purposes. “The NEC-In-Session is worried about the security situation in the country and in particular condemned the recent killings across the country by Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and militiamen. The NEC enjoined federal government to take drastic action to build citizens confidence in the system and ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book. The federal government should declare emergency in the power sector as no nation can develop without power. TUC notes with dismay the several billions of naira which has been expended in the sector to no avail. The call for tariff hike cannot be a solution and it shall be resisted,â€? the communiquĂŠ added.

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NLNG Targets Zero Fatality, Injuries in Operations Ejiofor Alike The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Mr. Tony Attah restated the commitment of his company to attaining its goal of ensuring zero incidents and fatality during its operations. Speaking to the chief executives officers of contractors’ companies at the Second Contractors’ CEOs Safety Leadership Conference held recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Attah added that NLNG’s HSE focus is on safety leadership. “Nigeria LNG’s vision for this year is to drive Consolidation and Growth of our business through a strong focus on achieving Goal Zero. This can only be achieved if again, we all re-commit to the agreements we reached last year. Our HSE focus is on Safety Leadership, to ensure that systems are working instinctively to ensure that all personnel in our operations including our contractor personnel are kept safe at all times. Demonstrating care, promoting the freedom to speak up and

respectful intervention will help us achieve this goal,� Attah said. “The essence of this gathering is to repeatedly remind ourselves that we are all critical stakeholders with a common interest – to keep our business profitably afloat and all our personnel; safe from harm of any kind. To achieve this, NLNG’s position is that every personnel is empowered to say something or do something if you observe any threat to our HSE culture. We can only achieve this if we take a collaborative, all-inclusive approach today. Together, we can commit daily to an injury/ incident free workplace where every personnel takes safety personal and demonstrates care to ensure the safety of others,� he added. In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, said HSE goal zero remains the backbone of NLNG’s operations, adding that “we always strive towards ensuring that no one gets hurt, no one dies and there are no leaks in our operations�. The conference featured two panel sessions, focused Safety Leadership and a participatory

syndicated session titled “Injury and Incident Free Company: Work Site Hazard Management, Personnel Safety and Road Transport Safety� by the CEOs of contractors’ companies. The conference ended with a signed charter by management of NLNG and the contractors’

CEOs where they committed to conducting regular site visits, interact with work force on HSE and obtain feedback; lead HSE meetings, staff engagement and participate in toolbox talks; achieve an incident and injury free year in operations; create an enabling environment for all

staff to work and return home safely; as well as empower staff say something and do something when they observe any unsafe act or condition. Other commitments in the charter include demonstrate safety leadership and integrate care for people in the business;

build a competent workforce through HSE campaigns, trainings, and worksite hazard management programmes; and recognise and reward staff contractors who have demonstrated exemplary behaviour towards achieving Goal Zero.

House Commends BoI’s Disbursement of Intervention Fund Jonathan Eze The House of Representatives committee members on industry, trade and investment have lauded the Bank of Industry (BoI) for its disbursement to support industrial and entrepreneurship development in the country. The commendation was made when the committee members, led by the Chairman, Abubakar Moriki, embarked on an oversight function to some of the industrial firms supported by the Development Finance Institution (DFI) in Lagos. The commendation came as the BoI stated that it has set aside about N50billion for genuine food processing companies in the country, to save the huge foreign exchange the country spends yearly on food imports while also achieving food security for the nation’s growing population. Moriki stated that the DFI has a crucial role to play in revamping industries that have gone moribund as a result of inadequate funding to carry out their operations. According to him, the bank’s mandate to drive industrial growth in the country has helped to save the country from spending its hard earned foreign exchange on products it has the competitive and comparative advantage of producing. “The committee is here in Lagos to oversight the activities and operations of the BOI. We are here to interface with them and also to know their challenges. We have been briefed of the bank’s historical evolution and its equity structure, balance sheet over the years and indeed, I will say at this juncture that as a typical development finance institution, the bank is doing very well�, he said. He however called on the management of BoI to seek

ways on how to reach a balance on how to make its intervention funds more accessible to prospective customers without compromising on its stringent conditions. On the stringent conditions put in place by the bank for prospective customers to access BoI loans, he said the loans have to be protected, but stated that this move by the bank would not deter more prospective customers to access loans from the bank. “We want them to see the aspirations of people against the background of the stringent conditions put in place in order to see how a balance can be reached between the stringent conditions and the wishes of the people to have soft loans without conditions. By so doing, something could be achieved in the interest of the bank not without compromising the conditions which would also be possible for the prospective industrialist to take advantage of the financing,� he said. The Managing Director, BoI, Olukayode Pitan, represented by the Executive Director, SME, BoI, Waheed Olagunju, said more than 96 per cent of its risk assets are performing, maintaining that the bank closed the financial year of 2016 with a non performing loan (NPL) ratio of 3.7 per cent, which he described as the lowest in the country. “The industry average of that year went up to about 15 per cent put against the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) threshold of 5 per cent. He said so far, with the support of the federal government and the National Assembly, the bank was able to guarantee a line of credit worth over $500 million from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) that required a sovereign guarantee.

CAPACITY BUILDING

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, presenting a Cheque of N1 million revolving loan to Mrs. Grace Oduok, a trader at Etaha Itam Market, during his endorsement for continuity in oďŹƒce by the State Traders Association and Presentation of 3rd Phase of the State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund/ Loans to traders and cooperative societies in the state...recently

Eko Disco Partners Nigerian Army to Curb Energy Theft, Vandalism Ejiofor Alike The Nigerian Army has pledged its readiness to partner the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to curb energy theft and vandalism in the company’s franchise areas. This followed a sustained campaign by the company against energy theft, vandalism of its equipment and violent attack and harassment of its staff by electricity consumers. Giving the promise of support on behalf of the army was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of Nigerian Army in Lagos, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh when the management of Eko Disco led by the MD/CEO of the company Mr. Adeoye Fadeyibi paid him a courtesy visit in his Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island office in Lagos. Udoh noted that the responsibility of protecting electricity equipment and staff of the distribution company against violent attack and harassment does not primarily belong to the army. He, however, added that the army could still support the campaign by facilitating synergy between the company and other security agencies, especially the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and

the Nigerian Police. Udoh further also noted that although EKEDC is now a private company, he stressed that the services it renders is public-oriented and therefore, requires the support of all patriotic citizens. According to him, protecting electricity facilities against vandalism is for the socio-economic development of the country and as such a task to be taken serious by all patriotic citizens. Commenting on the debt owed by the army in respect of electricity bills, the army chief said the army, not being a profit generating outfit, depends largely on funding from the federal government to meet its financial obligation. He further disclosed that a committee to review electricity bills owed by military formations nationwide had been set up and assured that every debt owed by the armed forces would eventually be settled. Udoh also assured that EKDC officials would be allowed free access into the barracks to carry out their official duties without any fear of harassment or molestation. While advocating for bulk metering of residential quarters and offices within the barracks, Udoh said mammy markets and other commercial concerns

should be supplied with prepaid meters to make operators of such commercial ventures pay for energy consumed. Speaking earlier, Fadeyibi said the visit to the GOC was to further strengthen the already cordial relationship existing between the army and the company.

Adeoye also said that the drive towards quality and regular power supply in the country is one that should not be left in the hands of the Distribution Companies alone adding that regular electricity supply would trigger unprecedented socio-economic growth across the country.

LCCI to Hold Dialogue Session on Lagos Land Use Charge Law The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is set to hold a Dialogue Session on the new Land Use Charge Law in Lagos. This is aimed at examining the provisions of the recently passed law viz-a viz its implications for residents and businesses operating in Lagos and its environs. The dialogue session, according to LCCI, is scheduled to hold on Friday, 9th March, 2018 at Commerce House, 1, Idowu Taylor Street, Victoria Island, Lagos by 10am. Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf said: “In continuance of its Public Policy Advocacy Initiative, it behooves (LCCI) to provide a platform, such as this, to aggregate the views of

stakeholders (both public and private) on the new Land Use Charge Law in Lagos, which has generated heated debate in the public space.� Yusuf further stressed that, “this platform will enable stakeholders in the Real Estate, Construction and other related sectors to engage the Lagos State Government on the recently passed Law and renegotiate its grey areas. The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase is expected to preside over the session.� Yusuf also emphasised that seasoned professionals, leaders of businesses in the private sector and top public sector officials will be available to dialogue with participants at the event.

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Imperatives of SON’s Establishment Act Jonathan Eze writes that the new Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act will empower the agency to do more in the war against sub-standard products in the country It is no news that fake products have dominated the market space and even those that are allegedly ‘original’ are paraded for sale even though they fall below standard. Consequently, there was, without doubt, a need to ensure quality control of manufactured and imported products in Nigeria as the high volume of substandard products either manufactured or imported into the country have continued to have deadly implications on the health of Nigerians and in some cases, resulted in loss of life and property. It was in the light of this that stakeholders, over the year, have been clamouring for amendment or total overhauling of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Act, 2004. This clamour is largely due to the fact that the SON Act, 2004 as it was, did next to nothing in ensuring that standards relating to products are being met. This was due in part to the fact that the Law did not impose strict penalties for offences and also saddled the officers of the organisation with minimal functions and powers. It was in a bid to cure the ‘defects’ in the SON Act, 2004 that the Standards organisation of Nigeria Act of 2015 (the “Act�), was enacted. The Act was enacted for the purpose of providing additional functions for the organisation, increasing penalty for violations; and for related matters. The Act also repeals the Standards organisation of Nigeria Act Cap 59 Laws or the Federation of Nigeria, 2004[1]. The SON Act, 2015 maintained, to a large extent, the provisions of the SON Act, 2004. It however added some major provisions to ensure efficacy of the organisation, more stringent penalties for offences and so-on. Some of the salient provisions introduced are as follows: Additional Functions of the Council A statutory Organisation can only function to the extent of the ability (Powers and functions) conferred upon it by the enabling statute. Thus, the first thing the SON Act, 2015 did to properly position and equip the Organisation to function optimally was to increase its function. The Act expands the scope of duties of SON by vesting the Council with additional powers. For instance, the Act has saddled the organisation with the responsibility of evaluation of quality assurance activities, including certification of systems, products and laboratories throughout Nigeria. Similarly, the organisation has now been empowered to impose fees, fines or penalties on a person who contravenes any import or export surveillance, certification or conformity assessment scheme. They are also, amongst others, given the additional responsibility to undertake registration of all manufactured products distributed, marketed and consumed throughout Nigeria; carry out training and undertake the accreditation of training institutions and organisations for purposes of international standards such as ITU, IEC, ISO, OIML, or Codex, standards or system certification throughout Nigeria; establish a register for National standards, Standard Marks, Certification Systems and Licences into which all matters relating to standards referred to under the Act shall be entered; undertake appropriate investigations into the production premises and raw materials and establish relevant quality assurance systems, including certification of the production sites for regulated products; and administer and enforce the provisions of the Act. As seen above, quite a number of the additional functions introduced by the Act are to assist the organisation in being more proactive in the prevention of substandard products in Nigeria. The organisation has also been given an oversight function. The Act provides that for the purpose of uniformity of standards in Nigeria, all regulatory agencies or organisations dealing with matters pertaining to or related to standards shall do so in collaboration with the SON. Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop in Jimeta, Yola, capital of Adamawa State, last week, the SON DG, Osita Aboloma, described the Act as a revolutionary document which has been deployed to carry out massive measures towards delivering on its mandate to sanitise the Nigerian landscape, markets,

Aboloma everywhere, of unwholesome products. “Let me inform you that the big hauls of seizures which the agency made recently is testimonial that we mean business by harnessing to the fullest the enormous powers which the Act has accorded us, “ According to him, within the last few months, the standards body has confiscated fake and sub-standard products worth billions of Naira across the country, maintaining that it had since embarked on arraignment and trial at the various courts of some of the suspects linked with the impounded goods. “We are not resting on our oars. We therefore appeal to all to be aware of the Act, comply with its provisions particularly areas dealing with how operators should do the right thing for their businesses to grow,� he advised. He however, stated that the work of standardisation is to grow Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), promote agro-allied sector, as well as ensure industrial and economic development, saying that this became imperative to engage stakeholders in different sectors of the economy. In his words, “We need to use the instrumentality of SON Act NO.14 2015 to attain economic development. We are spreading our tentacles to the states and geo-political zones. Product counterfeiters have no place to hibernate. With the re-invigorated monitoring and enforcement strategies we are putting in place, our dragnet will get economic saboteurs anywhere, anytime,� he said. He pointed out that the theme of the workshop, ‘SON Act 2015: Catalyst for economic development’ was indeed germane and quite in tune with the current efforts by the federal government to turn around the nation’s economy. “We decided to conduct nationwide stakeholders sensitisation workshops on the Act not only in order to enlighten people on the provisions of the Act but equally to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement and collaborations. The positive outcomes and impact of the sensitisation exercises in places where they have been conducted so far have been so encouraging. This forum would therefore not be different in eliciting attention and challenging participants on the issues to be raised by our competent facilitators and resources persons,� he stressed.

A Principal Partner of Agbonhese, Agbonhese & Co, Dr. James Agbonhese, in his presentation tagged “SON ACT 2015: Vehicle For Quality and Standard Products� explained that the new Act was a remarkable improvement on the old Act which gave SON extremely limited powers to pursue its mandate. On his part, the Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), North East Zone-Alhaji Ahmed Jarma, pointed out that the socio- economic, health and safety implications of the protracted menace of substandard products in the country necessitated the need for a specific date to ensure that Nigeria is totally free from the dangerous reality. Hence, he stressed that all stakeholders and indeed all Nigerians-must join hands with SON in the national quest that substandard products-whether imported or locally manufactured- are no more in the country’s shores and that Nigeria is on the path to sustainable economic growth. Jarma insisted that the consequences of the prevalence of substandard products in the country are so devastating that nothing short of his recommendation would do. In Lagos, Aboloma added another angle to it. He stated that its reinvigorated SON Act 2015 is aimed at revamping the nation’s ailing industries while also creating an enabling environment to attract both local and foreign direct investments into the country. He explained that with the proper implementation of the SON Act 2015, the business community and industries would grow, bringing about massive job creation and employment, while also creating a market for certified Made-in Nigeria products globally. The SON boss stated that concerted efforts are been made to bring back the industries that hitherto dotted the landscape of Lagos, Aba, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan, Benin City, Kano, Kaduna and other cities in Nigeria, stressing that the standards body is currently deploying the use of standardisation and quality assurance to boost Nigeria’s industrialisation drive. Aboloma who was represented by the Director, Inspectorate and Compliance, SON, Bede Obayi, said the essence of Ease of Doing Business initiative by federal government is to drive business and industrial growth across the country, stating that creating an enabling environment would promote steady growth

and development. “With standardisation, we want to ensure industrial Speaking at growth, we need to make Nigeria emerge as an investment destination and hub in sub-Saharan Africa. “We, at SON, want to empower and strengthen the growth of MSMEs. We have already started doing this, we are granting waivers to over one million SMEs on their products registration and certifications. We must endeavour to put in place structures and policies that would enable us to be exporting finished goods than raw materials,� he said. In his words, “Industrialisation would create enough jobs for our teeming population and guarantee development. In achieving these, the federal government is paying due attention to the manufacturing sector. The national clinics for MSMEs operators, EODB, PEBEC, ERGP, among others are geared towards industrial growth.� “Therefore, using the instrumentality of the Act, Nigeria should be able to attain industrial development via standardisation, quality assurance and control as well as monitoring and compliance. The Act stresses the need for all stakeholders to be involved and carried along in its implementation (hence the need for sensitisation workshops which we have embarked upon. Therefore it is a clear proof of our determination to engage in robust public-private partnership that works,� he said. Also speaking at the event, the Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf, said issues of non- compliance to standards is an ethical issue, saying that unfortunately for the country the unethical players are crowding out the ethical players. He however, called on the federal government to support the standards body with adequate funds, saying that logistics requirement across the country is very huge while also stressing that if the funding is inadequate it would hinder SON to deliver its very important mandate of sanitising the nation’s market of fake and substandard goods. “My appeal to government is that we need to scale up the funding of SON because the responsibility is so huge and the budgetary allocation must be commensurate with these responsibilities,� he said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Manufacturers of Electronics to Subsidise Recycling at End-of-Life As Hinckley trains scavengers on e-waste handling

Millions of tons of e-waste are released into public space in Nigeria daily and now there is a plan to introduce a legal platform known as the Extended Producer Responsibility to compel manufacturers of electronics to pay for their recycling at their end-of-life. Regardless, a recycling company in Nigeria, Hinckley Group, has taken it up itself to train people who scavenge these materials on how to protect themselves. Bennett Oghifo reports

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n effective plan for the management of electronic wastes in Nigeria has been produced from subsequent meetings held as follow-up to the first stakeholder meeting of manufacturers, importers, NESREA, Federal Ministry of Environment and some large end-users of electronics, held in October 2015, on the need for effective management of e-waste in Nigeria. The meeting discussed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); how manufacturers of these appliances would pay for their end-of-life disposal. This is the norm with the environmental laws in the United States of America, particularly through the EPR, being spearheaded in Nigeria by Coca Cola The Managing Director of the Hinckley Group, Mr. Adrian Clews said the EPR enables responsible recyclers to compete. “The way it works is that the producer, which is defined as the importer of the electronics takes responsibility for the end-of-life of the electronics.

So, the people that are making the money from the sale of the electronics will subsidise the recycling of it at end-of-life. So, if you’re Samsung and you import a million phones into Nigeria, definitely, you’re going to create a million units of e-waste somewhere down the line, maybe in 10 years they become waste. It is at the point of bringing it into the country that they take responsibility for those electronics by using extended producers responsibility, supported by legal framework and supported by the Nigerian government that would say Samsung, or LG or HP or whoever it is, you brought in this electronic waste, you now need to pay an amount of money to subsidise the cost of recycling the electronics. Responsible recyclers will receive those funds and that will enable them to offer a little extra beyond what they would give without the EPR system in place. “ That way, he said they would remove a larger part of electronic waste from homes, offices and dumpsites and process them responsibly. Regardless, before this

Training on safe handling of e-waste

matures, the Hinckley Group believes there is a need to train scavengers of electronic wastes to be environmentally responsible and they do this as purely corporate social responsibility (CSR). That was what Mr. Clews said they intend to do regularly, in addition to carrying out blood work on these people to determine levels or absence of contamination. “I have been working on this project for seven years, trying to establish a reputable, responsible and compliant electronic recycling facility in Nigeria. This

has been my passion for quite a long time.” Clews said there seems to be very serious issue with individuals (scavengers) collecting electronic wastes from companies and people’s houses and taking them to dumpsites to try to extract some of the valuable materials from the electronics, like the copper, and other metals, the mother boards, circuit boards, which they sell. The issue, he said is that “we have seen is that they mismanage the hazardous materials in the electronics. So, on the phones, they leave the

Haven Homes Presents Richmond Gate Estate as Preferred Abode Haven Homes’ Richmond Gate Estate in Lekki, Lagos is fast becoming a preferred abode for stars in the entertainment industry, leading officials of the firm to see it as the “Beverly Hills” of Lagos. According to a statement by the company, Richmond Gate Estate, which is located around the 4th roundabout of the Lekki-Ajah expressway, “is a neighborhood where you are just as likely to see the Marketing Director of your favourite telecoms company, as you are to see your favourite Musician or Actor pulling out of their driveway; earning the nickname “the Beverly Hills of Lagos. “When one thinks of luxury housing in the Lagos metropolis, a few neighborhoods normally come to mind. On the island, most people will immediately think of Banana Island, ParkView, Victoria Island, Old Ikoyi, and even Lekki Phase 1. However, this neighborhood

Exterior of Haven Homes

has quietly established itself as the latest, most in-demand, highly rated area for successful, upwardly mobile business people and celebrities alike; I’m talking about Richmond Gate Estate by Haven Homes. “With ultra-luxurious structures and airtight security (the guards would not let me past the gate without an appointment), it has become the neighborhood of choice for prospective homeowners who want exclusive luxury accommodation, but at a price point that does not require you to be a billionaire or a politician.” A prospective buyer only need to deposit 30% “to begin a flexible-enough payment plan, so it makes perfect sense that a lot of Artists, Actors, and Business people are flocking to this neighborhood in droves. “While Richmond Gate Estate is completely sold out, word-on-the-street is that

Haven Homes has embarked on yet another groundbreaking project due to be completed sometime in 2018.” Richmond Gate Estate 2, officials said “has already sold out over 50% of

the available units. In existence since 2006, Haven Homes is showing no signs of slowing down; instead, they seem intent on not just maintaining but raising their standards.

Visionscape to Employ Scavengers at Epe Landfill Fadekemi Ajakaiye Visionscape Sanitations Solution has disclosed that it will employ the adult scavengers at the Epe landfill, in a bid to boost the social impact of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative. The environmental utility company also said it would train the under-aged among the scavengers so they could be reintegrated in the future. Currently, there are over 200 scavengers at the Epe Landfill, the first engineered landfill in West Africa. This was disclosed to journalists by Chief Operations Officer of Visionscape, Thomas Forgacs, at a recent lunch organised by the VSS for journalists, PSP operators and other stakeholders in the waste management value chain. The lunch immediately followed the tour of the Epe landfill by the stakeholders. Forgacs said that there were

previously 500 scavengers on the site but the number had dwindled to 200. He said they had been categorised into two, those who fell within the 18 to 50-year category and those who were less than 18 years. Forgacs said the landfill, would be completed between 12 and 18 months. Also speaking at the event was the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti who said that the landfill being built in Epe was in steady progress. He said that the landfill, being a critical aspect of the waste management value chain, was accorded the deserved priority by the Lagos State Government as it had concessioned the 880,000-square metre landfill to deliver the construction of weighing areas and road ways, leachate collection ponds and sediment pond as well as material recovery facilities, among others.

batteries, on the flat screen monitors, they are leaving the screens, on the bigger TVs, they are leaving the screens and the plastics surrounding them. At times, when the try to extract the valuable materials like the copper from the cables, they burn the plastic to get the copper but that plastic is PVC that has been treated with chemicals and we believe that as they are burning them, they are inhaling those chemicals. We believe that it would be leading to issues with their health. It is the reason we called in a medical centre

today (last Friday).” The week-long training on how these scavengers should handle e-waste took place at the company’s recycling facility at Ojota, Lagos and it ended with blood tests administered by Juli Laboratories, last Friday. Hinckley picked these initial 11 trainees from the Association of Vendors of Used Computers and Allied Products but they plan to do more and go to other locations outside Lagos. “We are working with Ogun state to try and do a programme there to train and test 45 people. We are hoping to do that next month. Hinckley has been doing this as part of our CSR. We hope to attract more sponsors to come and support this programme. “Apart from knowing the health status of the informal recyclers, we also want to know the impact on the environment around the dumpsite with all these toxins going into the soil and water and the animals that are drinking from the water and the plants that are growing from the soil; consuming them, we believe they will be having some impact on people’s health.”

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NIGERIA: THE NEED FOR STATE POLICE?

06.03.2018

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris

2/DASHBOARD

06.03.2018

Joint Trial: When Discharge of Accused Person Won’t Result in Discharge of Co-Accused PAGE 4

Lagos Chief Judge Kick-Starts Project to Decongest Court of Backlog of Cases PAGE 5

Law Dictionary Editor Organises Quiz Competition for Young Lawyers PAGE 5

Lagos Committed to Justice Delivery, Says Attorney-General

QUOTABLES ‘There is nothing sacrosanct about the sequence of elections in Nigeria. Between 1991 and now, we have tried all manner of experiments.....but at the end of the day, whether you hold the Presidential election first or the National Assembly election first, the so-called ‘bandwagon effect’, is imaginary. In 2015, the PDP influenced the holding of the Presidential election first, and you know it was a disaster. When we have had National Assembly election first, many sitting Legislators lost their seats.’ – Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Activist ‘The legal regime that we have had, that is, the Arbitration and Conciliation Act of 1988, has proved not to be the optimal kind of legislation we could have had. It hasn’t solved for instance, the problem of after you have finished Arbitration, Parties then rush to court, and you start as if you had never done Arbitration at all in the first place....So, instead of having 15 years of trying to resolve a dispute (in court), you could actually have 20 years, because of the time also spent in Arbitration. That is a disincentive to arbitrating in many African countries....’ – Tunde Fagbohunlu, SAN

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‘Every Lawyer Must Engage in Critical Thinking and Continuous Self-Development’ PAGE 6

Is Feminism Such a Bad Word? PAGE 7

COLUMNIST ABUBAKAR D. SANI Abubakar D. Sani holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Maiduguri, and has been in active private legal practice since he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.He is the Principal of Abubakar D. Sani & Co., which has offices in Abuja and Kano. " INSIGHT" aims to unravel, analyse and proffer solutions to numerous anomalies in Nigerian law and practice, particularly statutes, vis-a-vis the Constitution, International Treaties and Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, Judicial Precedent and other relevant statutes and issues.

Corporate Governance from Boardroom to Practice PAGE 14

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

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Like Chibok, Like Dapchi

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t the risk of sounding like a broken record, if we were in Japan, by now, the Heads of the Security Forces would have taken bows of shame before the people, and resigned, maybe except for the Navy Chief, since the recent attack in Dapchi, Yobe State does not seem to have involved the sea or waters. What have we learnt from the 2014 kidnap of the Chibok girls? Not much, I would say! It seems that Nigeria lacks credible surveillance, intelligence, strategy and capacity, to be one step ahead of these Boko Haram terrorists; if not how would they be able to reconstruct almost the same scenario as Chibok, and successfully execute it, almost in broad day light? The name of the terrorist group itself, ‘Boko Haram’ means “Western or nonIslamic education is a sin”. It doesn’t take Einstein to figure out that, people with such an archaic, outdated and illogical mindset, would be totally against women, most especially, getting a formal education. Therefore, it follows that educational facilities/institutions for females in Nigeria, more particularly in the areas where their attacks are concentrated, would be prime targets. Also, because, as we have seen in the case of the Chibok girls, these females are used by the terrorists, to satisfy their sexual and domestic requirements, as a matter of course, female institutions must not be left unguarded by the security forces, not even for one second. Failure of Government The recent Dapchi incident, only goes to show that again, Government has been found wanting in its constitutional mandate to protect us. Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2010) (1999 Constitution), provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of Government”. Government is meant to fulfil this obligation (and expectation), using the security forces, that is, the Police, Army, Air Force, Navy etc. Sections 214(1) and 217(1) of the 1999 Constitution, respectively provide for the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces, while Section 4 of the Police Act and the Armed Forces Act provide for the functions of the Nigeria Police and Armed forces, which include protection of the life and property of Nigerians (Police) and the defence of Nigeria by land, sea and air (Armed Forces). Fighting terrorism, is not at all like

Inspector General of Police,Ibrahim Idris

fighting conventional warfare. It requires strategic thinking and action ‘outside the box’. It also requires cooperation between all the security agencies, and not competition, rivalry and that kind of shifting of blame, as to whose fault it was, that the Government Girls Secondary and Technical College, Dapchi was left unguarded, thereby making it a “sitting duck” for the abduction attack it suffered. Protecting Nigerians, by virtue of the constitutional provisions and statute, is the responsibility of all the security agencies, and not just the Army. Troubling Questions Why is that in Nigeria, such attacks like Dapchi, are never foiled in advance? Why is it that, it is only after the Herdsmen or terrorists have struck, that the security agencies go running to the scene? Why is it that, just before the Dapchi attack, army troops were deployed to Kanama (75 miles from Dapchi)? Though, the Army has given an excuse for redeploying it’s troops to Kanama, as I listened to Honourable Sani Abdu, APC Member representing Alkaleri/Kirfi Federal Constituency, Bauchi State, saying that the recent abduction of the Dapchi girls was a complete embarrassment, especially because he believes that there are moles and saboteurs within the system, and there needs to be a proper investigation to fish these undesirables out, I could not help but feel that he was making good sense. I recall a kidnap incident in Kebbi/ Sokoto States about 5 years ago, in which British Chris McManus and Italian, Franco Lamolinara, both Engineers, were killed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists, as Nigerian soldiers and the British Special Boat Squad tried to rescue them. I was in London at the time of the murder, and I read an analysis of what had transpired in one the dailies, Daily Mail I think. The conclusion was that, the rescue operation was going smoothly, until the Nigerian authorities were included in the plan. It was suspected, even as far back as then, that our security agencies had been infiltrated by enemy informants. As the foreign rescuers approached the house where the kidnappers had kept the abductees, the rescuers walked straight into a trap, as the kidnappers opened fire on them. Alas! unknown to rescuers, the kidnappers were expecting them. The rescuers escaped just by the skin of their teeth, the two abductees were killed, and the rescue mission was an abysmal failure. Who had forewarned the kidnappers and spilled the beans about the rescue plan?

Fighting Boko Haram In our Nigerian context, it is my humble opinion that the Boko Haram brand of terrorism, is not really borne out of any ideology. It is borne out of hunger, poverty, gross ignorance and downright wickedness. All of us citizens, have a role to play, in combatting this evil. Everyone must be on the alert, and report any unusual movements or anything that seems to be out of the ordinary. Every Mosque and religious establishment in Nigeria, should start to teach people that rape (which is also what kidnapping young innocent girls, coercing them into having sexual relations, and getting them pregnant, at the threat of killing them or never seeing their families again etc amounts to), is completely forbidden in Islam and punishable by death. That Islam enjoins men to protect women and treat them with kindness and fairness, as opposed to turning them into sex salves. That such acts are seen as humiliating women, and are classified as a form of ‘hiraba’, which means terrorism or crimes of violence. Likewise, a group of people killing cattle or destroying agriculture, is also seen as hiraba. That cold blooded murder and suicide bombing, is a sin of the highest order. That such actions, are not likely to be rewarded with Paradise or Bab al-Jihad, but the Blazing fire (Jahannam). The Armed Forces, apart from actual physical battle with the terrorists, must study them intensely to know their ‘modus operandi’, that is, what strategies and methods they adopt to carry out attacks. So far, Boko Haram have shown their penchant for attacking Girls’ schools. Therefore, no Girls school in the North East, should be left unmanned. Ditto for IDP Camps. Most of Boko Haram attacks, are land attacks; for instance, in the case of abducting the girls, they came by road with trucks, which were then used to ‘spirit’ away the girls to unknown destinations. All roads in those areas, must always have heavy armed military presence. There have been speculations that, some of the Dapchi girls have been taken to Niger Republic. The distance between Dapchi and Niger is 676 kilometres, that is more than double the distance between Lagos and Ilorin. How would such a vast area in a ‘war zone’, be left totally unsecured by security forces, so much so that these terrorist kidnappers were able to escape with the girls, without detection? Boko Haram also has a proclivity for using suicide bombers, in places

Chief of Army Staff , Tukur Buratai

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com

“THAT COLD BLOODED MURDER AND SUICIDE BOMBING, IS A SIN OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. THAT SUCH ACTIONS, ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE REWARDED WITH PARADISE OR BAB ALJIHAD, BUT THE BLAZING FIRE (JAHANNAM)” like markets and motor parks. Defences must be set up and there must be better fortification of public areas, to forestall any attacks before they occur. Without intelligence and state of the art surveillance equipment, especially those that see everything from up above, the war cannot be won. There are a lot of Technology giants around the world, like in USA, Israel, France and Korea, that will certainly have a lot of useful technology that can assist us in this fight. The Government also has several important roles to play in the war against Boko Haram, not just in terms of security objectives, but in achieving economic goals that will benefit Nigerians as a whole, with a view to eradicating hunger. Government needs to revamp the economy and create jobs, as a matter of extreme urgency. The idle mind, is certainly the devil’s playground. A person who is not gainfully employed, has all the time in the world to sit outside the Mosque after busy people have left for work immediately after prayers, and be indoctrinated with ridiculous and senseless ideas by fellow jobless people, while waiting for ‘sadaka’, alms etc from people, just to be able to eat. A person must have absolutely nothing to live for, to be able to blow up themselves for any amount. Government must reduce the level of corruption in the country. As it stands today, according to the recent Corruption Perception Index just released by Transparency International, out of 180 countries, Nigeria has fallen from 136th position to 148th. The truth of the matter is that, if the Dapchi girls are not rescued immediately, and it turns out to be another Chibok saga, it will further dent Government’s credibility, and cast serious aspersions on its claim to have defeated Boko Haram. Though terrorism can certainly not be stamped out in one day, I hope that the outcome of the Dapchi incident does not reveal the fact that, we are more or less back to square one, having not made any significant progress in the war against Boko Haram in the last 4 years.

4/LAW REPORT

06.03.2018

Joint Trial: When Discharge of Accused Person Won’t Result in Discharge of Co-Accused

T Facts

he Appellant and a certain Alhaji Mohammed Arzika Dakingari, were charged before the High Court of Kebbi State on a 20-count Charge for offences relating to fraud contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. The Appellant was alleged to have conspired with Alhaji Dakingari, the Accountant-General of Kebbi State and one Ibrahim Usman, to fraudulently obtain 25 units of Iveco Trucks valued at N175,000,000.00 (One hundred and seventy-five million Naira), properties of another company, by false pretence. The trial Court found the Appellant guilty on the first and second counts of the Charges, and sentenced him to six month imprisonment. Dissatisfied, the Appellant lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal. The Respondent, who was also dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial Court, particularly the six month term imprisonment, filed a Cross-appeal. The Court of Appeal affirmed the conviction of the Appellant and reviewed his sentence from six months imprisonment to seven years imprisonment. Aggrieved, the Appellant filed a further appeal to the Supreme Court. Issues for Determination The Appellant filed his brief of argument in which he formulated four issues for determination as follows: i. Was the Court below right in law, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for the offence of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act, the Appellant’s Co-Accused having been discharged in relation to same offence? ii. Was the Court below right in law, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for the offence of aiding contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act, the Appellant’s Co- Accused having been discharged in relation to same offence? iii. Did the Court below, not impute personal evidence in the consideration of the appeal before it? iv. Was the Court below, on the totality of the evidence adduced in the records, justified in affirming the conviction of the Appellant for the offences of criminal conspiracy and aiding contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act? The Respondent on the other hand formulated three issues for determination thus: i. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for conspiracy to obtain property by false pretence under Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, even though it discharged and acquitted Co-Accused - Alhaji Mohammed Arzika Dakingari who was charged together with the Appellant in the same count one of the Charge for the same offence. ii. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for aiding the obtaining of property by false pretence under Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, even though it discharged and acquitted Co-Accused Alhaji Mohammed Arzika Dakingari who was charged together with the Appellant in the same count two of the Charge for the same offence. iii. Whether the Court of Appeal was right, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for conspiracy to obtain property by false pretence and aiding one Alhaji Abdullahi to obtain property by false pretence under Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, on the grounds that the Respondent had proved its case against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt on both allegations. The Supreme Court however, summed all the issues formulated by the parties into one issue thus: Whether the Court below was right, when it affirmed the conviction of the Appellant for the offence of obtaining by false pretence under Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act. Arguments The contention of Counsel for the Appellant, was that the Respondent bore the burden of proving the offences he was charged for beyond reasonable doubt, and this also means proof of all the elements of the offence. He argued that, having discharged and acquitted the 1st Accused Person with whom the Appellant was charged, and in view of the fact that one other person whose name

Hon. Sidi Dauda Bage, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 15th Day of December, 2017 Before Their Lordships Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Clara Bata Ogunbiyi Amiru Sanusi Sidi Dauda Bage Justices, Supreme Court SC.124/2017 Between Musa Yusuf .........Appellant And Federal Republic of Nigeria ......Respondent (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Sidi Dauda Bage, JSC)

“IT IS NOT IN EVERY CASE WHERE AN ACCUSED IS TRIED JOINTLY WITH ANOTHER, THAT THE DISCHARGE OF THE ONE MUST LEAD TO THE DISCHARGE OF THE OTHER, AS THE APPELLANT IS PUSHING FORWARD, AS IT IS THE LAW THAT WHEN THE EVIDENCE AGAINST ONE ACCUSED IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT AGAINST THE OTHER, A DIFFERENT CONCLUSION WILL CERTAINLY ARISE, AT WHICH ONE MAY BE DISCHARGED AND THE OTHER CONVICTED”

was mentioned in count one of the Charge was never arraigned, the Appellant also ought have been left off the hook, since the evidence relied upon in discharging and acquitting the said Alhaji, and the evidence used in convicting the Appellant, were like Siamese twins that cannot be separated. Reliance was placed on the case of EMMANUEL EBBRI v THE STATE (2005) 1 NCC 1 at 18 to submit that, the Court relied on the same evidence to arrive at a different conclusion. He argued that, the Court below rejected the evidence of criminal conspiracy, but used the same discredited evidence to convict the Appellant. Counsel submitted further that, there was no evidence before the trial Court that the Appellant benefitted from the transaction leading to his conviction, and that his conviction was based on a mere suspicion. Counsel cited COP v UDE (2011) 17 WRN 120 at 126, ratio 4. Counsel for the Appellant, also contended that, although a total of 20 exhibits were tendered, the Respondent was unable to prove that the Appellant was the maker of all the purported fraudulent documents. Based on the foregoing, he urged the Apex Court, to allow the Appellant’s appeal and discharge and acquit the Appellant. In his response, Counsel for the Respondent submitted that, contrary to the argument of Counsel for the Appellant, the count on conspiracy also had other Accused persons as Co-Conspirators, and the discharge of the said Alhaji Mohammed Arzika Dakingari, could not have resulted in the discharge of the Appellant. He further argued that, the evidence of conspiracy against the Appellant was not discredited, as there were concurrent findings of fact by both the trial Court and the Court of Appeal. He submitted that the Court of Appeal, rightly affirmed the inference of conspiracy against the Appellant by the trial Court. He relied on ARABAMBI v ADVANCE BEVERAGES INDUSTRIES LIMITED (2005) 19 NWLR (PT. 959) 1 AT 43. Counsel for the Respondent, concluded by stating that there was sufficient credible direct and circumstantial evidence, to warrant the conviction of the Appellant by the trial Court, and the affirmation of same by the Court of Appeal. Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding the sole issue as reformulated, the Supreme Court held that conspiracy is an offence inferentially deduced from the acts of the parties thereto, which are focused towards the realisation of their common or mutual purpose; it is not an offence that is usually established by direct evidence, since the Conspiracy or agreements thereto are usually contrived in secret. Though there cannot be conspiracy unless two or more persons are involved, however, the most important thing is for the Accused Person, to have the intention and be aware of the purpose of the criminal conspiracy, and to this extent, the Courts are allowed to draw reasonable inferences from the overt acts of the Conspirator, to establish reasonable conspiracy. The Apex Court held further that, by its nature, the offence of criminal conspiracy is established once the prosecution adduces credible evidence, which is not debunked by the Accused to show criminal design and intent. The Court placed reliance on cases of DABOH v THE STATE (1977) 5 SC 197 and ODUNEYE v THE STATE (2001) 2 NWLR (PT. 697) 311 AT 325 In addressing the submission of Counsel for the Appellant on the failure of the trial Court to discharge the Appellant upon discharging the Co-Accused Person, the Supreme Court held that it is not in every case where an Accused is tried jointly with another, that the discharge of one must lead to the discharge of the other, because it is the law that when the evidence against one Accused is different from that against the other, a different conclusion will certainly arise. Each case is considered on its own merits, and in the instant case, there were some extenuating circumstances which inured to the advantage of the Co-Accused Person, and the Appellant could not have been so considered, in view of the overwhelming evidence which tied him to the fraudulent transaction, and which made a distinct peculiar presentation from that of his Co-Accused, who was discharged and acquitted. Appeal Dismissed. Representation I. Abdullahi for the Appellant. Chike Okoroma with C. Okongwu for the Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR))

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LAW SEMINAR

COLLOQUIUM L-R: Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Chairman of the Occasion, Chris Onyemenam, Covener, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN and Mr. Sebastine Hon, SAN at a Colloquium on Social Media and Freedom of Expression organised by Professor Azinge last week in Abuja Photo: Julius Atoi

Immediate past Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta (left) and Dr. Oluwole Akinyeye, Head of Maritime Unit, Olisa Agbakoba Legal making a presentation on the place of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act in enhancing the Blue Economy Concept at the 7th Strategic Admiralty Law Seminar for Judges Organised by NIMASA at Victoria Island, Lagos, recently

Lagos Chief Judge Kick-Starts Project to Decongest Court of Backlog of Cases Stories by Akinwale Akintunde Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke has announced the commencement of a court decongestion project, which is aimed at getting rid of the backlog of old cases that have been pending in court for as far back as 20 years. Justice Oke said, it was not heartwarming that Lagos State Judiciary had the highest number of cases pending in court in the country. The Chief Judge disclosed this last Friday, at a press conference held at the Ikeja High Court, to announce the official commencement of the project called ‘Court Decongestion Project’, also known as Backlog Elimination Programme. Justice Oke said, the move was not just to decongest the courts, but also to ensure speedy dispensation of justice in the State. She noted that President Muhammadu Buhari in a 2017 speech, had pointed out the high back log of old cases in Lagos courts. Justice Oke disclosed that, there are a host of lawsuits that have lasted over 20 years before various courts in the State

without being resolved. According to her, 376 of such cases had been identified for review in the State High Court, and may be referred to Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) for adjudication. The Chief Judge also noted that lawsuits bordering on land disputes, account for 67.5 per cent of the number of the backlog cases. Justice Oke noted that the Lagos State Judiciary, which deserve a world-class judicial system, has been affected by the backlog situation. “The Lagos State Judiciary is elated to announce the official kick off of its Court Decongestion Project, which primarily focuses on the timely disposal of all age-long cases for Courtroom effectiveness and efficiency. “This purpose-driven project which commenced on the 22nd of January, 2018 at the High Court of Lagos State, shall be achieved by undertaking a case-by-case review of all pending cases before the Court, to ascertain the cause of delay and put in place feasible modalities, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms inclusive, for the disposal of each case. “The Lagos State Judiciary, is convinced that the successful

completion of this project, God willing, shall give the justice system in Lagos State a new lease of life. “Over the years, congestion in our Courts has been widely identified and accepted, as a major factor militating against the speedy dispensation of justice. “Court congestion, impedes the objective of the rule of law and robs litigants of their fundamental right to fair hearing within a reasonable time, thereby causing a delay in the dispensation of justice and clogging its wheels. “I mean, to what end is the right to fair hearing, when the litigant loses his voice in a helplessly long wait to justice? Such litigant will eventually become too weary to speak out, and probably have the curtains drawn on his chances to fair hearing in the long run. “It is on record that the Lagos State Judiciary has cases that date back to 20 years and beyond, and this image, if it persists, is hazardous to the economic wellbeing of the State and Nigeria ultimately. “In fact, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, while declaring open the Bi-Annual Conference of

All Nigeria Judges of the Superior Courts held between 20th and 24th of November, 2017, and organised by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, noted the fact that Lagos State Judiciary has the highest number of pending old cases. “This situation apparently damages the brand of a “GLOBAL LAGOS”, and one which I do not intend to see continue. Global Lagos requires and truly deserves, a world class judicial system. “Being mindful of the challenge of court congestion which has bedeviled the Lagos State Judiciary for such a long time, we have taken the bull by the horn, by the commencement of a Court Decongestion Project as promised in my inaugural address on the occasion of my official swearing in on the 20th of October, 2017”, she stated. The Chief Judge explained that, the project was in collaboration with 14 law firms, who had volunteered to help in the screening of all old cases pending before the courts. She said the screening was to ascertain the suitability of the cases, for resolution by Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms.

The volunteer law firms are to work in collaboration with an Ad doc Task Force Committee on Old Cases, made up of 10 Judges of the High Court. “The Court Decongestion Project, otherwise known as Backlog Elimination Programme as recognised by the National Judicial Policy, requires a strict but fair approach, extra work, more effort and resources”, she stated. “To this end, a good number of Law Firms have volunteered to participate in a forensic screening exercise, under the co-ordination of Mr. Charles Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, SAN. The Law Firms are Strachan Partners, Copley Partners, AELEX Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators, Abraham and Co., Principles Law, Babalakin & Co., Kenna Partners, GRF Dalley Partners & Co., ACAS-LAW, Olawoyin & Olawoyin, Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe & Belgore, Argyle and Clover, Patrelli Partners and SPA Ajibade. “The main object of this screening exercise, is to carry out a case-by-case review of all pending cases before the High Court of Lagos State, to determine, as accurately as possible, the causes of delay and to make recommendations for

the disposal of each case. More specifically, cases are also to be reviewed, to ascertain their suitability for resolution by Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) mechanisms. “In synergy and simultaneously with this case-by-case screening review, an Ad-hoc Task Force Committee on Old Cases has been constituted, in furtherance of this Backlog Elimination Program (BEP)”, she added. Justice Oke however, solicited the cooperation of all court users and members of the Bar, to make this project work, because judicial officers cannot achieve this feat in isolation. “The Lagos State Judiciary therefore, solicits the cooperation of all court users and members of the Bar, to make this project work, because judicial officers cannot achieve this feat in isolation. “Let us come together, to confront the monster of back log, and set the pace in judicial service excellence in Lagos State. This will aid to achieve a sufficient level of access to justice, for the purpose of maintaining or improving the quality of the judicial system as a whole, and the restoration of public trust in the Judiciary.”

Nwude , Two Lawyers Docked at Ikeja Law Dictionary Editor Organises Quiz Competition for Young Lawyers High Court, Over Alleged Fraud In a bid to deepen the culture of reading and knowledge of legal terminologies among young Nigerian lawyers, the Editor of a Nigerian Law Dictionary, Olumide Babalola, has set up an annual national quiz competition for young Lawyers. The entry for the quiz competition, which will hold on June 1, 2018, will be open strictly for young Lawyers between 0 and 7 years post call on March 10, 2018. Speaking at a press conference to herald the quiz competition, Babalola said the aim of the competition, is to among others, deepen the knowledge, study and discourse of legal terminologies; serve as another platform for continuing legal

education among young Lawyers; reward the study and improved knowledge of legal terminologies among young Lawyers, and serve as an avenue to encourage and improve the welfare of young Lawyers, as there are the prizes to be won, and potential career opportunities open to the successful participants. Babalola, who is the Editor of ‘Babalola’s Law Dictionary’ said prizes to be won include N250, 000 and one year subscription of electronic Law Report for the overall winner, 2nd winner will take home N150, 000 and hard copies of Law Report, while the 3rd winner will go away with N100, 000, adding that there are consolations prizes, which include Practice Books and journals, for other participants.

According to him, eligible participants which will have to register online by visiting www.bldictionary.com, must have been called to the Nigerian Bar; must have paid Bar practicing fees for 2018, must have paid NBA dues for 2018, and must have purchased a copy of Babalola’s Law Dictionary, since all questions shall be set there from. Speaking on the Law Dictionary, Babalola, who is a Lagos-based consumer rights Lawyer with 4 law books to his credit, said “Babalola’s Law Dictionary is a compilation of 2130 (two thousand and one hundred and thirty) judicially defined words and phrases,

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A serial fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, who was convicted in 2005 for defrauding a Brazilian Bank of the sum of $242m, has been arraigned again before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, over alleged fraud. Nwude was arraigned alongside two lawyers, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Roland Kalu, before Justice Mojisola Dada, for forging legal documents for a property forfeited to victims of a crime through judgement. The Defendants, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, were all remanded in prison custody, pending the perfection of the bail conditions granted to the 2nd and 3rd Defendants (Ilechukwu & Kalu), who were said to have 29 years experience each, as

legal practitioners. They are facing 15-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, making documents without authority, dealing with forfeited property without authorisation, and transfer of forfeited property to nominees preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Other charges include; making false statement to a public officer, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, attempt to pervert the course of justice, fabricating evidence, giving false evidence under oath, and giving false information to the EFCC. According to Mr. Nnaemeka Omewa, the prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, the Defendants committed the fraud on a prop-

erty which had been ordered to be forfeited in a High Court judgement given in 2005, by Justice Joseph Oyewole. Justice Oyewole had in the judgement, ordered that the property be forfeited to victims of a crime perpetuated by Nwude, the first Defendant. He said "On Jan. 12, 2011, the Defendants forged a power of attorney issued in the name of Mankris Ventures Ltd, purporting that Mankris Ventures is the owner of the property located at Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson St., Oregun, Alausa, Lagos. They did this with the full knowledge that the property was forfeited, as restitution to victims of a crime in a judgement given

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06.03.2018

Lagos Committed to Justice Delivery, Says Attorney-General Akinwale Akintunde Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, has promised Lagosians that the Ministry will continue to give out its best in terms of Justice delivery, to its citizens. Kazeem made the promise at a three-day management retreat for 2018, which was organised by the Ministry of Justice. The retreat with the theme ‘Justice Delivery Agenda - Reflection & Projection’ held at Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was organised by the Ministry, in order to meet with various Head of Departments and Agency's under the Ministry of Justice to deliberate on ways and methods that could be used in order to move the State forward. The Attorney-General commended all the departments and agencies for a job well-done, and also asked for more to move the Justice

System in the State to an enviable position. He also used the occasion to ask the departments and agencies, to avail him with the challenges they might be facing in carrying out their duties, in order to find a lasting solution to it. Also to deliberate on areas which need urgent attention, in order to improve on the existing ones. On behalf of the heads of Directorates and Agencies, the Permanent Secretary and SolicitorGeneral, Mrs. Funmilola Odunlami, thanked the Attorney-General for his cooperation and understanding in moving the Ministry forward; she promised to work together with all the various departments and agencies, to make justice available to Lagosians. The 3day retreat was organised by the Ministry, to bring all heads of departments and agencies together, in order to discuss their challenges and finding lasting solutions to them.

L-R: Lagos State Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami, Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and Director, Administrator-General and Public Trustee, Mrs. Mariam Olaniyi at the 2018 Ministry of Justice Management Retreat, held at Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island.

LAW DICTIONARY EDITOR ORGANISES QUIZ COMPETITION FOR YOUNG LAWYERS by the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court since 1955. “The book is unique because: a. It combines the Appellate courts’ reliance on definitions from Black’s Law Dictionary, Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary, Words and Phrases Legally Defined, 2nd Edition, The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, The Webster’s Dictionary, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary etc; “b. It makes reference to the cases where the words and phrases were defined; “c.. It is indigenous, and addresses the peculiar circumstances of the Nigerian legal firmament; “d. It is the only Nigerian book, that has over 2000 defined words and phrases; “Further information on the book, can be assessed at www.bldictionary.com”. He added, “The idea of editing a Law Dictionary, first flashed through my mind sometime in 2010 when I needed to ascertain the judicial meaning of “discountenance” – a regular practice-word which was neither in the Black’s Law Dictionary, nor other materials at

my disposal at that time. “When the omission was later confirmed in the decision in Ezeugo v The State (2013) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1360) 508, I thought to myself – a vacuum for the publication of the Nigerian Law Dictionary stricto sensu, has been created.

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“The challenge of harmonising the manuscript which I had gathered since 2013, however, remained floating in my mind until early 2017, when I was literarily confronted by a series of judicial dictionaries for many jurisdictions: from Bryne’s Law Dictionary to Jowitt’s Dictionary

of English Law, to the Austrian Legal Dictionary, and then, the South African Legal Dictionary by Williams Henry Sommerset Bell etc. Alas! The Nigerian version was conspicuously missing”, he said.

NWUDE , TWO LAWYERS DOCKED AT IKEJA HIGH COURT, OVER ALLEGED FRAUD on Nov. 18, 2005 by Justice Joseph Oyewole, in Federal Republic of Nigeria v Emmanuel Nwude and six others with suit number ID/92c/04. "The victims had subsequently, sold the property to Rossab Industrial Design Ltd, and the company had assigned the property to G.C Nweze and Company Ltd. "The forged power of attorney was issued to Kalu, and ownership transferred to him in order to sell and dispose of the property. "On Aug. 22, 2014, the Defendants instigated a team of police officers from PSFU, Force Headquarters, Abuja, to forcefully take over

ownership of the property, by giving them false information about the true state of affairs of the property. "On Oct. 15, 2014, the Defendants also gave false information about the property to another team of policemen from Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Adeniji Adele, Lagos. "The policemen from SARS took over and invaded the property, because they were made to believe that they were acting on the orders of Mankris Ltd." Omewa told the court that the Defendants had also instituted two lawsuits over the property,

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in the High Court and Magistrate Court. The EFCC Prosecutor, said the Defendants also forged some legal documents, which include a statutory notice to quit the property, and a statutory notice of owners intention to recover possession of the property. Justice Dada in a ruling, granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum for the Lawyers, and ordered the remand of Nwude in prison custody. The judge adjourned the case till March 6 for hearing of the bail application of the 1st Defendant and March 14 for trial.

Legal Personality of the Week Richmond Ekhosuehi Idaeho

‘Every Lawyer Must Engage in Critical Thinking and Continuous Self-Development’ My name is Richmond Ekhosuehi Idaeho. I hold a Diploma in Law (graduating as the best student), and degrees in Philosophy and Law from the University of Benin, where I served as Attorney-General of the Students Union Government. I attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and shortly after my Call to the Nigerian Bar, I was engaged by the law firm of Jackson, Etti and Edu, Victoria Island, Lagos, where I currently work as a litigation and dispute resolution practitioner. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb. UK), Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN), INSOL International, the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, as well as Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators. I am a writer, poet, and I love music and tours. Richmond Ekhosuehi Idaeho

Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges? There are times that attending court could be somewhat frustrating, especially where the court does not sit or does not usually sit on time, or where cases have to be mentioned out of turn. In some instances, I could have a matter in court listed among the first 5 cases for that day, and which proceedings may not take up to 10 minutes, but I could end up spending the whole day in court, because the court had allowed cases listed on the Cause List to be called out of turn. Sometimes, you find Lawyers arguing with each other over years of call. Apart from members of the Inner Bar, who have the privilege of calling their cases out of turn, the idea of other Lawyers

calling cases out of turn, on the basis of seniority, is quite unhealthy! I would suggest that courts should adhere to their Bar/Cause List in calling out cases. More so, you have to contend with the demands of court, work and the home, and managing or balancing these three aspects of life could be quite tasking. What was your worst day as a Lawyer? That was sometime in February 2018, when the Court refused my application to strike out a suit on the ground of being incompetent, and went on to almost embarrass me in Court. It was quite annoying, as the Court virtually descended into the arena.

What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer? I would say that I have had lots of memorable experiences in my professional life. My most memorable would however, be a matter I conducted recently at the High Court of Lagos State, which involved a Claimant who had sought for the Court to quash and vacate a Consent Judgement entered by the Court. We challenged the suit, and the Court upheld our submissions and dismissed the suit. This case is memorable to me for two reasons. One, the pace at which the case was disposed of, within a life span of 6 (six) months, is quite commendable. Secondly, the fact that we won the case. This was a case, where the Court applied the trite principles of law of res judicata and abuse of court process. This case to me, represents a speedy dispensation of justice, which is the essence of the judiciary. Who has been most influential person in your life? My father, A. E. Idaeho (christened Eghianruwa N’ Ovue Ogbe), has greatly influenced my life and my career path. He was Judge of the Customary Court, and while growing up (during my holidays), I would sometimes join him in court, to observe the proceedings. I thought to myself that I would like to be a Judge, and for me to become a Judge, I would have to first and foremost, become a Lawyer. He introduced me to a life of learning, and the arts of teaching and writing. He taught me a lot of life’s principles, and gave me discipline and lessons, which I have continued to live with to date. He had once said “knowledge is a growing phenomenon, such that

even the wise can learn from the fool”. Why did you become a Lawyer? I admired the legal practice while growing up. Lawyers, I was taught, were social transformers. Everything in the society is regulated by law. Thus, good laws could only make our society better. My desire was to contribute my quota to societal development/transformation. By becoming a Lawyer, I would be well equipped to contribute to the development of the law, for a better society. What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in Law? The practice of law, requires a lot of critical analysis. You must be ready to sieve through the facts of your case, so as to understand how best you can handle it. You must be ready to engage in intensive reading. Law is not all about argument, as many people would think, but critical thinking and continuous self-development. Abilities to write, conduct rigorous research and communicate effectively and articulately, are crucial parts of the profession. If you had not become a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen? Well, I would have pursued my career as a Philosopher to the fullest. I had an invitation to teach Philosophy at the University of Benin (having graduated as second-best student in my class), and I would have embraced that passion and gone into lecturing. Where do you see yourself in ten years? As a Lawyer, my goal is to rise to the peak of legal practice, and I see myself achieving that, and being at the top of my game in the next 10 years.

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Is Feminism Such a Bad Word? On March 8 every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated, to pay tribute to the movement for women’s rights and to recognise the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women. The theme for 2018 is“Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women’s Lives”. Debola Oni writes this piece also to commemorate the Day, explaining that the meaning of the word‘Feminism’ is generally quite misunderstood, admitting that she herself denied being a Feminist due to her lack of understanding of the meaning of the word, and the idea that it could clash with her Christian faith. She however, realises that to be a Feminist among other wrong beliefs, does not mean hatred of men and God, and concludes that, she is indeed, a Feminist. Happy International Women’s Day!

W

hile being interviewed by a national newspaper shortly before publishing a review of my book, “Overcoming Painful Emotions : A Guide”, I was asked by the reporter : “ in view of the contents of your book, would you say you are a feminist, Mrs. Oni? “ I shuddered inwardly and quickly replied that I was not a feminist and had nothing to do with the feminist agenda. I wanted to be as far away from feminism as possible, without even understanding what it meant. In the Charismatic/ Pentecostal circles where I belong, to call one a feminist is virtually an insult, almost like you are denying your faith. When speaking at an all women’s event, the first statement I made was that men and women are equal. In my naïveté I thought that was pretty obvious, but I was almost stoned out of the hall. In horror, I listened to women accuse me of stating near blasphemy in their own minds - equality of the sexes. After a very difficult session in which more than half of the women vehemently disagreed with me, a woman met me outside and accused me of subtly trying to introduce my feminist agenda into the system. She even quoted George Orwell in Animal Farm - some animals are equal than others. I was so offended at being linked with feminism, and was literally stewing days after. When I got back to my base, I was still angry; firstly, at being labeled a feminist and secondly, that in the 21st century even

“.....I HAD TO ADMIT THAT, YES, I AM A FEMINIST, BECAUSE I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT MEN AND WOMEN ARE EQUAL IN VALUE, BUT DIFFERENT. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT EVERY WOMAN, SHOULD BE ENABLED TO ATTAIN WHOLENESS AND EXPRESSION, THEREBY MAXIMISING HER GOD GIVEN POTENTIAL. I BELIEVE IN EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK” educated people still think that women are inferior to men. I didn’t understand that I was contradicting myself. I was so furious that I recorded something for You-tube, which, thankfully, my son deleted by mistake or providence, because it was so laden with emotion and would have exhibited my ignorance (the recording was my way of ventilating my angst). Different Types of Feminism The word “feminism” and its derivatives have dogged me for the last few years. I even listened to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on ‘Ted Talks’ make a case for feminism - “Why we should all be feminists”.I asked a professor friend who has written several dissertations on gender issues about it, and for the first time I learnt that there are different kinds

of feminism, including Liberal feminism, Marxist feminism, Socialist feminism, Radical feminism, Separatist feminism, Ecological feminism, Christian feminism, Biblical feminism and Islamic feminism. With mouth open, I asked her which group she fell into and she declined to give an answer. See another one running from that word! “Yes! I am a Feminist” So what’s with this word? Another friend and I discussed the issue, and when she asked me if I was a feminist, I couldn’t avoid answering. By this time, we had both learnt that feminism is actually open to so many interpretations. She finally pinned me down for my own interpretation, and I had to admit that, yes, I am a feminist, because I firmly believe that men

and women are equal in value, but different. I also believe that every woman should be enabled to attain wholeness and expression, thereby maximising her God given potential. I believe in equal pay for equal work. Even after this confession, I was still in awe of this word, so one evening, I typed in my search engine, “what’s all the brouhaha about feminism”, and to my delight, I happened on a collection of essays edited by Margaret Helen Hobbs and Carla Rice titled, ‘Gender and Women studies in Canada: Critical terrain’. I was able to see that my fear of the word feminist, is actually because of the negative stereotypes associated with the word such as feminists hate men and God, feminists cannot be stay at home mums, all feminists are pro-choice, feminists hate the idea of family, all feminists believe in the same thing, and men are not feminists. Definition of Feminism Going by a dictionary meaning of the word ‘feminism’, which is (a) a belief in the socio, political and economic equality of the sexes and (b) the movement associated with this body then I am unashamedly a feminist and a Biblical feminist for that matter. That’s why I am joining my voice with millions all over the world to wish us Happy International Women’s Day. Let’s make it our day, and do what we can to truly make a positive difference in the lives of women, and foster gender equality. We don’t all have to picket or carry placards, but let us do something which could be as little encouraging that teenager to fully express her God given talents, telling that woman to go for that job or start that business, or say no to that abuse. Debola Oni

Court Remands Businessman in Prison Court Frees Anglican Church Member for Allegedly Forging SON Logo Accused of Kidnap Akinwale Akintunde Justice Saliu Saidu of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has remanded a businessman, Nonso Udoye of Agastorm Limited, for allegedly cloning the logo of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in a bid to perpetrate fraud. Udoye, who was arraigned on 15 counts of forgery and counterfeiting of SON production registration logo, was remanded in prison pending the hearing of his bail application. He however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the Prosecution counsel, Mrs. Amaka Allen-Ngbale, the Defendant committed the offence at a warehouse on 219, Borno Way, Ebute Metta, Lagos, and that SON officials discovered the warehouse on January 19, 2018. The alleged offence, contravenes provisions of the SON Act of 2015 and Criminal Code Act of 2004. Justice Saidu adjourned matter till March 23 for trial. The charge sheet read in part “That you Nonso Udoye, male,

adult of 36 Ayara Street, Surulere, Lagos, the Managing Director of a company known as Agastorm Limited, on or about 07 November, 2017, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and fraudulently forge a counterfeit production registration seal or mark of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and thereby committed an offence under section 468 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C39 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 467 Criminal Code Act CAP C39 LFN 2004. “That you Nonso Udoye, male, adult of 36 Ayara Street, Surulere, Lagos, the Managing Director of a company known as Agastorm Limited, on or about 07 November, 2017, did forge a counterfeit production registration seal or mark of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on 147 cartons of NSNOWS GAS REFRIGERANTS of twelve (12) cylinders each, stored at the warehouse situated at No. 219, Borno Way Ebute-Metta, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent that they may in any way be used

or acted upon as genuine, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 465 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C39 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C39 LFN 2004. “That you Nonso Udoye, male, adult of 36 Ayara Street, Surulere, Lagos, the Managing Director of a company known as Agastorm Limited on or about 07 November, 2017, made an impression of a production registration counterfeit seal, knowing the seal to be counterfeit, of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on 147 cartons of NSNOWS GAS REFRIGERANTS of twelve (12) cylinders each, stored at the warehouse situated at No. 219 Borno Way, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent that they may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine, and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 465 of the Criminal Code Act and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C39 LFN 2004.

Akinwale Akintunde Nine persons, including an Anglican Church member, accused assaulting and kidnapping the priest of Cathedral Church of Christ (Anglican Communion), Venerable Nathaniel Bamidele Oluwatade, have been discharged and acquitted by the Ilaro Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Yewa South Local government of Ogun State. The Defendants, who were arraigned before Chief Magistrate E. A. Adekunle, on a five-count charge of conspiracy to assault Venerable Oluwatade are Gbenga Elegbede and his wife, Bukola; Oke Atunrase, his wife, Elizabeth; Solomon Adeniji, his wife, Adedeji; Adebisi Ogunwunmi; Ololade Akinwunmi and Omoniyi Adedeji, were arrested on 1st of May, 2016. The Defendants were also accused of conspiring to breach religion peace, as well as attempted kidnap of the Anglican priest. Ruling on the ‘No Case submission’ filed by the defence

counsel, Segun Koleola, the trial court discharged and acquitted all the Defendants, on the ground that the Prosecution (Police) failed to prove their case against all the accused persons. Chief Magistrate Adekunle said the Police Prosecution led by Sgt. Ibrahim Azeez, were just playing to the gallery. In his ruling, the Magistrate observed that the Prosecution called only one witness, Sgt. Rodoye Oladimeji, whose only connection to the alleged crime was that he obtained the statements of the accused persons following their arrest. According to the court, the witness said: “An unnamed authority, did not give him room to conclude investigation due to the religious nature of the case”. The Court held that "The accused persons in this case, stand charged with the offence of conspiracy, assault, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, disturbance of religious worship, and attempt to kidnap one Venerable Oluwatade. The prosecution is therefore, required to establish the ingredients of these offences, to

such a degree as would require the court to call on the accused persons to enter their defence. "The Police called only one witness and tendered 12 exhibits through him. Exhibits P1, P2 and P3 being extra judicial statements of one Venerable Oluwatade. It is trite that in criminal cases, the Prosecution can discharge the burden of proof placed upon it through either the confessional statement of the accused, circumstantial evidence, or eye witness evidence." The Court further held that, it was apparent that there was nothing linking the accused persons to the commission of any of the counts as stated in the charge sheet. "None of the essential elements of any of the counts, has been established by the Prosecution”. "At the risk of sounding like a broken record, there was no eye witness evidence in this case, no circumstantial evidence, and no confessional statement, upon which the court can find a basis to call the accused persons to enter their defence".

10/COVER

06.03.2018

State Police: The Rising Call for Decentralisation of Police Force in Nigeria

T

he call for the establishment of State Police has been on the rise, following the endorsement given to it by Vice President Prof. Osibajo at a two-day summit organised by the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Review of Current Security Infrastructure in Nigeria. Other prominent persons and groups have also lent their voices to this campaign, including State Governors through the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), former police chiefs. A vote conducted by NOIPolls, also indicates that many Nigerians are in favour of a State Police. What is State Police? One would ask then, “What is State Police?” In the Nigerian context, State Police simply is the decentralisation of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to allow each State of the Federation man its own police. The NPF operates a centralised police system, where the national police centrally commands and controls through a vertical chain of command and has unlimited jurisdiction throughout the territory of the country. Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, ensures that no other police can be established in any part of the Federation, other than the NPF. Centralised police system is not peculiar to Nigeria alone as virtually all African countries and several other countries such as Chile, El Salvador, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Thailand etc. operate a centralised police system. Most western countries, on the other hand, have a decentralised or semi decentralised police system. Countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Spain, U.K, U.S, Switzerland, Japan, Pakistan have an organisational structure that allow for State, Provincial, Municipal or Local police. Arguments in Favour of State Police In this call for State Police, arguments have been weighed both in favour and against the decentralisation of the national police. In favour of the State Police, proponents have stated that a country as populous as Nigeria, cannot be realistically policed centrally from the Federal Capital, given the current size of the police force. Due to the shortage of manpower and inadequacy of police equipment, the NPF can no longer effectively handle the recurring security challenges across the nation. Another argument made in favour of the State Police, is that it will enhance intelligence gathering needed for preventive actions, rather than the delays we experience currently, which only lead to wastage of lives and property. Also it may be recalled that prior to 1960s, Nigeria had operated a decentralised police force; therefore, this is not a new terrain for the country. If the regional police had effectively worked in the first Republic, there’s no doubt that it will work at the State level today. Opposition to State Police On the other hand, in opposition to State police, it has been argued that if adopted, given the peculiar nature of our country’s politics, it may be subjected to abuse by State Governors who may use it to torment their oppositions. Secondly, so many States in the Federation, cannot realistically fund or manage a State police. In a country where we are still battling with the millions of debts owed by the States, States are incapable of paying salaries, we cannot increase the burden on States’ resources, by giving them the responsibility of policing, which is very paramount to citizen’s wellbeing. Another argument against State police, is that our heterogeneous nature in the

Yoruba OPC Boys

Hisbah Islamic Police in Kano

lines of multiple ethnicities, is not suitable for State policing, as it could be used to dangerously settle ethnic scores, and this is not good for the unity of the country. In response to these arguments, the canvassers of the decentralised police system, have noted that in order to guide against abuses, efficient mechanism for checks and balances, will be put in place. Functional laws in the State, will prevent any abuse of State police. Secondly as regards funding, not all States should have a State police at the onset of the reforms, those that can afford it should, as the arguments against it is not sufficient to disregard the benefits of decentralisation. In considering these arguments, the first thing that comes to mind is “if the nation had successfully operated a decentralised police system during the first republic, why then move to a centralised system?” The simple answer is, convenience. It was nationalised in the 1960s, for easier administration and not for ineffectiveness. Having said that, globally, the primary duty of every Police is maintenance of law and order, crime prevention and detection, and every police official must uphold the security of the nation, by combating crime and to ensure that others are in compliance of rules, regulations and governmental laws.

Regardless of the arguments for and against State police, one thing is prominent, which is fact that the Nigerian police, currently, is ineffective in achieving these duties. Problems of Nigerian police can be listed to include corruption, inefficiency, ineffectiveness, unresponsiveness, lack of citizen engagement, lack of resources, and lack of innovation. This is not peculiar to Nigeria, as it is common in most developing countries. Several countries’ police at various times, have had to undergo reforms, with the object of rendering them more efficient and effective in the delivery of their services to the people who look upon them to do so. Centralised Policing v Decentralised Policing Both the centralised and decentralised police systems, have their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, while centralised policing promotes uniformity of services and service delivery, decentralised policing promotes innovation and provides adaptive and flexible services and delivery, to meet local needs. Centralised policing reduces administrative duplication, whereas decentralised policing allows local citizens to have control over the police. Also while centralised policing reduces local political interference and corruption, decentralised policing reduces political interference and corruption from

“DECENTRALISATION NO DOUBT, MOVES THE GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE CITIZENS, AND ENHANCES RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM, AND THIS MAKES FOR A HIGHER LEVEL OF CITIZEN TRUST IN THE POLICE”

the Federal level. However, in all of this, what should be of major concern to us in Nigeria, are reforms that will increase the efficiency and output delivery of the police. In most effective reforms, the target is institutional changes. A move from a centralised police system to a decentralised one, is an institutional change that usually leads to a change in behaviour and performance of the police, and more closely reflects citizens’ request for police. Decentralisation no doubt, moves the government closer to the citizens, and enhances relations between them and this makes for a higher level of citizen trust in the police. Economically, decentralisation is posited to reduce costs and improve outputs of public service delivery. Countries with decentralised police systems have been shown to employ fewer police officers. In the 1970s and 1980s for instance, amidst the decline of central economic planning and management, Governments of both more and less developed countries, began to decentralise hierarchical bureaucracies in order to achieve more efficient and inclusive public service delivery. China, for instance, gradually transferred a substantial degree of authority and responsibility, to subnational governments. International organisations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have also played important roles in promoting and assisting decentralisation reforms, particularly, in developing countries In a centralised system, the police are usually not evenly distributed, and the distribution is hardly tailored to adapt to the needs of each locality. This cost of maintaining a large security outfit which does not reach the needs of the citizens, is drastically reduced in a decentralised system, as each State knows its needs better and the police will be structured to adapt to these needs. In Nigeria, there are so many security outfits including Police, Armed forces, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Peace corps, vigilante groups and several others, yet we are plagued with unceasing security misery. In fact, regardless that many African countries have national police forces; policing functions are known to be commonly performed by the private sector, and sometimes even by the populace itself, as the safety of the people has not been guaranteed by these National Police. The creation of JTFs (Joint Task Forces) with local vigilantes in communities ravaged by insurgents, is a clear illustration of the need for local intelligence which can be improved with the State police system. Decentralised policing promotes innovation, and provides adaptive and flexible services and delivery to meet local needs. Geographically, other than Indonesia, most countries with larger population than Nigeria, operate a decentralised or semi decentralised police system, countries like China, India, United States, Brazil and Pakistan. Politically also, decentralisation is argued to enhance accountability and responsiveness, increase political education, leadership and citizen engagement, while also promoting liberty and equality, and strengthens national integration Based on the concepts discussed above, Decentralisation is a very important policy decision for every country, and the call for a State police in Nigeria, should not be disregarded but looked into after a thorough study is carried out, using Nigerian indices and peculiarities to carry out effective reforms in our policing. Kingsley Amakwu, Lawyer, Senior Special Assistant to the Senate President on Policy and Strategy

06.03.2018

COVER/11

STATE POLICE: THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH

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Nigeria Police Force

investigation is shoddy, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to secure the conviction of even a hardened criminal. Perhaps one should recall some of the tragic instances of extra judicial killings, murders and assassinations that the nation has witnessed, and the Police has failed abysmally to have a successful in-depth investigation, leading to the apprehension of the criminals and/or their successful prosecution and conviction. In December, 2001, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, SAN, was murdered right there in his residence at Ibadan, Oyo State. In September, 2002, Mr Barnabas Igwe, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Onitsha Branch and his wife Amaka, were tragically murdered on the streets of Nnewi, Anambra State. In March, 2003, Chief Marshal Harry, the former National Vice Chairman of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), was assassinated. In June, 2003, Mr. Ajibola Olanipekun, a distinguished Lawyer and politician, was murdered in Ibadan, Oyo State. Mr. Funsho Williams, a PDP governorship aspirant, was murdered in his home in Lagos, in July, 2006. So also was Mr. Bayo Otu, the Guardian Assistant News Editor, on September 20, 2009. Of course, I must not forget to mention the assassination of Mr. Dele Giwa, in October 1996, a journalist and founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch Magazine, which pioneered the long list of assassinations. This, is in addition, to other forms of crime and criminal activities, including but not limited to, armed robbery and kidnapping that are going on in Nigeria today. It is not that crimes of this nature, do not happen in some other nations of the world. They do happen, although not in the same magnitude or frequency as it is witnessed here. The difference however, between what happens in other nations of the world and Nigeria in this regard, is that the perpetrators of such crimes are not only fished out and promptly arrested, but they are also prosecuted and sanctioned. Hardly can such crimes in other nations of the world go unresolved, as occurs here in Nigeria. The emphasis is, arrest and punishment of the offenders. This is totally lacking in Nigeria. I am not aware if any of the incidences listed above, have been successfully investigated, and the culprits arrested and punished. Let us situate the above picture, with the terror incident that took place in Boston, USA, against some world athletes sometimes ago.

The swiftness with which the Boston Police Force solved the riddle, including the arrest of the surviving terrorist was something else. Need for State Police: Untenable Arguments Against State Police In the face of all this, some people in Nigeria, still argue that we do not need a fundamental departure from the monolithic Police system that we have in Nigeria today, to a pluralistic arrangement that permits the establishment of State Police. The truth, no matter how inconvenient, is that the need for State Police has become so pronounced and made manifest, that having State Police has become inevitable for effective preservation of law and order, for prompt detection of crime, for swift apprehension of offenders, and efficient and effective protection of the lives and properties of our people. We can only continue to deceive ourselves, by arguing to the contrary. The substantial argument against the plurality of Police Force in Nigeria i.e. State Police, is that it will be subject to abuse and misuse by political office holders. This, to me, is an untenable argument. The plurality structure, will not operate arbitrarily or discretionarily without the necessary regulatory framework capable of containing or removing possible abuses. Furthermore, the rules of engagement, will also be well structured, so as to make incidences of abuse minimal. I believe that we have outstanding legal draftsmen in the legal profession, who can take care of this for the respective States. The potency of the argument on the abuse and misuse of State Police though presumptuous, is defeated, I submit, if we accept the truth that even the present monolithic Police system, is not only subject to abuse and misuse, but has in fact and indeed in some cases and situations, been abused and misused. I ask the question, is the situation in Rivers State today not a clear expression of improper use of the Police Force? Was the abduction of a sitting Governor in Anambra State from the Governor’s office right in the presence of a Commissioner of Police of the State and other Police details who were expected to protect the Governor, not a definitive case of abuse and misuse of the system? There was a noticeable abuse of the Police force in Ondo State, following the Political riot post the 1983 elections in that State. At the time the National Party of Nigeria

“DO WE ALSO RECOGNISE TODAY, THAT WHERE AND WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE SOME LEVEL OF EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE BY THE POLICE, IT IS LARGELY DUE TO THE GRACE OF THE STATE GOVERNMENTS OF WHERE THEY OPERATE? IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE, THAT STATE GOVERNMENTS PROVIDE EQUIPMENT, OPERATIONAL VEHICLES.....TO THE POLICE”

controlled the Federal Government while the State Government was controlled by the rival Unity Party of Nigeria. It has also been argued that creating a multiplicity of Police Force, will lead to the squandering of scarce resources. For me, this argument is unacceptable. Right now, it is arguable if we get our priorities right on issues of National life. Besides, no spending on maintenance of law and order and security of lives and property can be too much, because this is the very essence of governance. For me, no effort can be too much to achieve this fundamental objective. Similarly, the argument that the strong may use the State Police to oppress or suppress the weak, is also not sacrosanct. I must not fail to mention the other argument, to the effect that Nigeria is not yet mature or developed for a State Police. It is interesting however, that the proponents of this argument have failed to tell the Nation the bench mark for assessing a Nation’s maturity, neither have they told us when we will be matured enough to have it. In the words of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the then Governor of Ekiti State, himself a security expert; “For our Police to become efficient, we need to function efficiently as it is done everywhere in the world, where you have a federal system. It is a norm all over the world, anywhere you have a federal system, you always have a Police System at every level of the Federation; In the United States, Australia, Canada, India and everywhere there is federalism, the police exist at the local level, even at the city level; you have State Police and Federal Police” His Excellency continued when he said that: “To say a Federal Police will be better law enforcement agents, for instance, in my community in Ekiti State, than a police that is resident there, and has its legal source from a local legislation, and staffed by people of that State to police the community of that State, is false. The issue is, is the centralised police system the best form of policing for a huge nation that is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, highly diverse nation like Nigeria?” He answered the question “I don’t think so”. Comparative Analysis - Countries with State Police: United States of America By way of comparative analysis, let us make reference to few examples. In the United States of America, there is a Federal Police which enforces the Federal laws of all levels, through the platform of several agencies. State Police, are a Police body unique to each State. They have State wide authorities to enforce law and investigate crimes. Generally, they perform functions outside the jurisdiction of the country such as enforcing traffic law on State high ways and interstate expressways, overseeing the security of the state, protecting the Governor, training new officers for local Police forces. All the States have their own Police formations, maintaining law and order within the States. Ethiopia In Ethiopia, They have a Federal Police, that is saddled with the responsibility of investigation of federal crimes and enforcement of federal

laws. The State Police have powers to also enforce State laws, and investigate crimes committed within their territorial jurisdiction. Indeed, the State Police in Ethiopia co-operate with the Federal Police, when there is need to do so. India In India, the States have independent Police formations headed by the Commissioner of Police or Director General of Police. Every State and territory has a State Police, and its own distinct State Police Service. In addition to the State Police, major cities have their own Police force called the Metropolitan Police, which is quite similar to other normal Police services, except their different rank designations. Australia In Australia, each State has its own State Police force. Unlike India, Cities and Municipalities do not have Police forces. It is the duty of the State Police force, to police the geographical area within their respective States. I understand that Australia has no national Police force. The Australian Federal Police role, is to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth, both criminal law and civil law, as well as to protect the interest of the Commonwealth, both domestically and internationally. Pakistan Pakistan also has a Federal Police, four provincial organisations with clearly defined jurisdictions and sets of offences that they cover. Argentina In Argentina, there is a Federal Police and 23 Provincial Police forces, that are policing the entire landscape called Argentina. Most routine police functions in Argentina, are carried out by the Provincial Police force, which is the equivalent of what Nigerians are asking for. Germany As for Germany, the Landespolizei (or LaPo), is a term used in the Federal Republic of Germany to donate the law enforcement services that perform law enforcement duties in the States. The German Constitution, delegates the law enforcement responsibilities to the 16 States that make up the Federation. These Countries, operate the same Federal system as we do in Nigeria. I am not yet aware of any issue of life that does not have two sides, in the sense of having advantages and disadvantages. The creative ability and knowledge of man must be brought to bear, to minimise the disadvantages and enhance the advantages. Leadership responsibility, demands the taking of hard decisions. It is a product of courage and bravery, and I think this is what we require as a people. The time has come to take the bull by the horn, and confront our problems as a people. No problem is ever solved, by technically avoiding the problem. Dele Adesina, SAN, Past NBA General Secretary

12/COVER TIME FOR STATE POLICE IS NOW establishing State Police under a proper legislative framework, will definitely prevent State Governors from misusing them. For example, there could be established a Federal regulatory body that establishes minimum standards, qualifications and requirements for employment into the Force; make rules to prevent jurisdictional and territorial conflicts and related inter-state and inter- border problems. It could also maintain a basic training school, for all Policemen to have some uniform procedures and processes. This argument, as attractive as it is, it requires various interrogation. The reasons is that creating State Police, undoubtedly requires constitutional amendment. The 1999 Constitution as it is today, places the policing of the entire nation on the shoulders of the Federal Government. Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the Nigeria Police Force shall be under the full and exclusive control of the Federal Government. Furthermore, section 215 (2) of the same Constitution, provides: “the Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector-General of Police and any contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a State shall, subject to the authority of the IGP, be under the command of Commissioner of Police of that State”. This is quite anomalous for a heterogeneous, multi-ethic, and religiously diverse country such as Nigeria. After all, the very policing of the citizens of this country should be the duty of the various States that are close to the people, and not the Federal Government. This argument finds support from the fact that in the United States of America, the Federal Government owns the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while various Police Forces or Departments are owned by the States, county councils, municipal authorities and even territory institutions. Apart from the US, countries like Australia, Spain, Canada, Brazil and India, also operate State policing systems. I humbly submit that, with State controlled Police, security, law and order would be more effectively maintained within the State. The personnel of such a force, being mostly indigenous, would be better able to contend with any uprising- be it Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, Kidnappings or armed robbery incidences. Besides, some State Governments already have their own vigilante groups, quite akin to State Police established by law. For example, in the Southwest, we have the Odua People’s Congress (OPC). In the North, Hisbah is the Sharia Police in Kano, and they work in cooperation with the Federal Police. In the South-East, there exist the Bakassi Boys, IPOB and MASSOB. The South-South boasts of the Egbesu boys. The existence of these semi-Police Forces, is a pointer to the truth that there exists a policing gap across the States of the Federation, which these groups are admirably filling. Some Opponents As salutary as this argument is, many Nigerians are opposed to the creation of State Police for various reasons, some equally convincing. Some argue that to have State Police, is to have replicated in our localities, the very inefficiency, corruption, and failures, that the Police at the Federal level has been saddled with. They urge that the urgent need of our time, is simply to have a Police Force that is professional both in outlook and content; a reform that is targeted at addressing structural, institutional and attitudinal challenges. Few of these pressure areas, they argue, are those

06.03.2018 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps

that relate to recruitment, nature and content of the curriculum and internal discipline. The training manual must be civilian -friendly and 21st century-compliant, especially as regards the human rights content. For recruitment purposes, there must be a deliberate policy to undertake effective background checks, argued Professor Cyril Ndifon of the University of Calabar, who believes it is a case of “garbage in, garbage out”. Dr.. Samson S. Ameh, SAN, adds his voice: “We should maintain the Nigeria Police on the exclusive legislative list of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. The idea of having a State Police is a good one, but the time is not ripe for it yet. We should remember that Nigeria started as a British colony, indeed a creation by a foreign power and thereby, any institution like the Nigeria Police which emphasises our image as a nation, as one country, should be encouraged for now. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, forcefully argues that: “Unless Nigeria thinks through the necessary amendments/provisions to be made with regard to the following: (a) 2011 Constitution (as amended) (b) the Revenue Allocation Formula; and (c) infrastructure, and until it puts into effect those amendments for effective State policing, it may not be expedient to whimsically dismantle the existing police structure. “The fact that the Nigerian Police Force is under the command of the IGP, an appointee of the President of the Federal Republic, means that all Commissioners of police report directly to him, and have limited powers/authority to make on-the- spot or far reaching decisions and in maintaining and securing public safety and order. This is a constitutional matter, which must be expressly addressed, in order to decentralise the Police Force. “Also of constitutional significance, are matters such as purchase of fire arms, ammunition, explosives, banking, financial crimes, fingerprinting, identification and criminal records, all of which are on the Exclusive Legislative list in the 2011 Constitution (as amended). These matters should be put on the concurrent list, to give States necessary and relevant powers to enable them prevent, investigate and prosecute such crimes independent of Federal police. This

would give the Federal police the opportunity to concentrate on Federal crimes which would have by then been clearly determined such as, Interstate, cross-border crimes and national security issues”. She argues for strengthening the police; to cope with the current insecurity in the country, requires optimal professionalism; the need for up-to-date technological and scientific expertise, robust and comprehensive criminal justice training especially in areas like psychology, forensic investigation, report writing, handwriting analysis, voice analysis, interrogation, negotiation, fingerprinting analysis, study of bomb composition and disposal, Cybercrime, deep sea diving etc. has to form part of the ongoing training program”, the purchase of hi-tech equipment, etc. Yet, some others argue that, creation of State Police is simply an invitation to anarchy, because even if we create State, LG, clan, community or family police, it is the same corrupt Nigerians and corrupted institutions they will manage. They remind us of the havoc Native Council and Emirate Police caused Nigerians, during colonial times and the first Republic. Chief John Ochoga notes that: “modern type policing began in London with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, whereas the Nigeria Police Force, started as a body to meet the British colonial needs. The Consular Guards was established in Lagos in 1861, and later, by 1879, became the Hausa Constabulary, an armed force. Subsequently, there was the Northern Nigerian Police (1886), Royal Niger Constabulary (1888), The Niger Coast Constabulary (1894) and The Southern Nigerian Police Force (1906). By 1906, three distinct police forces existed in Nigeria. And in 1930, they were amalgamated - thus, the present name of The Nigeria Police Force. “It is, therefore, clear that our colonial history, produced our current policing status. We can therefore, not separate our political development from our police force. Nigeria’s 1966 political experience of coups, counter-coups, civil war and military regimes, have made our democracy “a learning process”, even at the age of 53 years. “In Northern Nigeria, opposing politicians and their Lawyers, were detained at electoral/

“THERE IS THE CLEAR AND URGENT NEED, TO HAVE STATE POLICE. IT ACCORDS WITH COMMON SENSE, MODERN TRENDS AND TRUE FEDERALISM. WE COULD STILL HAVE A FEDERAL POLICE LIKE THE FBI, THAT DEALS WITH CROSS-BORDER CRIMES, HIGH PROFILE CRIMES, TREASONABLE AND DRUGS AND NARCOTICS MATTERS” polling units, to ensure nomination forms and documents were not filled against the ruling NPC (Northern Peoples Congress). Multi-party democracy was nothing but a big sham... The primordial nature of Nigeria, still makes State Police an idea whose time has not come. Our leaders are still emperors in pretentious democratic garbs”. Merits of State Police The following are considered by some schools of thought as the merits of establishing State Police Forces in Nigeria: r *U XJMM IFMQ DVSC UIF SJTJOH UJEF PG JOTFDVSJUZ amongst other social vices in Nigeria. r *U XJMM SFEVDF UIF SBUF PG VOFNQMPZNFOU as more people would be recruited into the State Police, in proportion to the population of each State. r *U XJMM IFMQ DIFDL DSJNJOBM BDUJWJUJFT BOE corruption within the Police Force and the society (Chief Chekwas Okorie as quoted by Bulus, 2012). r *U XJMM DVSC UIF BUUJUVEF PG 1PMJDFNFO XIP hardly go to their States of origin to work, but go to other States which they consider to be lucrative to make money, even when they do not know the terrain of such States. r 4UBUF QPMJDJOH XJMM QSFWFOU BOZ BUUBDL and imposition of Islam or other ideologies in some States. r *U XJMM SFEVDF UIF àOBODJBM CVSEFO PO UIF central Federal Government. r *U XJMM IFMQ BCBUF UIF VHMZ USFOE PG LJEOBQpings and militancy in the Southern part of Nigeria. r *U JT FBTJFS UP PQFSBUF DMPTF TZTUFNT TIPSUFS processes because of less loops, error percentage and you know your target (Mr Ekene Nwogbo quoted in Kehinde, 2013). r *U XJMM IFMQ JOTUJUVUF USVF GFEFSBMJTN BOE localise/confine criminal activities. Every State knows its peculiar problems and challenges. r *U XJMM IFMQ SFEVDF DPSSVQUJPO JO UIF 1PMJDF because in community policing, every citizen knows the Police officer up to his pedigree and genealogy. Demerits of State Police The following are considered by some schools

Egbesu Boys of Niger Delta

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

06.03.2018

THE LIGHTER SIDE/13

LEGAL HUMOUR Q: What do you have when a lawyer is buried up to his neck in wet cement? A: Not enough cement. Q: Did you hear they just released a new Barbie doll called "Divorced Barbie"? A: Yeah, it comes with half of Ken's things and alimony. Q: What's the problem with lawyer jokes? A: Lawyers don't think they're funny, and no one else thinks they're jokes.

We Hold Your Brief TOBI SONIYI Dear Counsel, The activities of road traffic officials in Lagos State has become so worrisome and menacing, that it calls for more light to be shed on the more serious aspects of the traffic laws that are operative in Lagos. Kindly, explain some of the extant traffic laws of Lagos State, so that we can know how to avoid this harassment from LASTMA and other road traffic officials, whom we encounter on a daily basis on Lagos roads. O.E., Ajah, Lagos. Dear O.E., When the new Lagos Traffic Law came into force in 2012, the Lagos State Government reiterated that it was designed to protect law abiding road users. It is also designed, to ensure that those who flout any of its stipulations, are made to face the consequences of their actions. Lagos State Government said ‘Traffic offences are called strict liability offences: you do the offence, you pay the consequence. However, the traffic management regime, is not designed to empower officials of any agency of the State, to molest, intimidate, extort, or make a law breaker out of any Lagos resident/stakeholder, through the demanding and giving of bribes, so as to avoid unsavoury situations’. Some of the offences and the stipulated penalties are itemised below:r %SJWJOH XJUIPVU WBMJE ESJWFS T MJDFODF *NQPVOE WFIJDMF r %SJWJOH CZ QFSTPO VOEFS BHF ZFBST àOF r %SJWJOH XJUI GBLF QMBUF OVNCFST ZST JO prison r %SJWJOH XJUI GPSHFE QBSUJDVMBST NPOUIT JO QSJTPO r %SJWJOH XJUI GBLF ESJWFS T MJDFODF NPOUIT JO QSJTPO * Driving without road worthiness - Impound vehicle r ,BCV ,BCV XJUIPVU QFSNJU *NQPVOE WFIJDMF r %JTPCFZJOH -"45." 0GàDF PS *NQPVOE vehicle r 4NPLJOH XIJMF ESJWJOH *NQPVOE WFIJDMF r 1IZTJDBM BTTBVMU USBGàD PGàDFS PS NPOUIT in prison r %SJWJOH XJUIPVU GVMM MJHIU

TIME FOR STATE POLICE IS NOW

r %SJWJOH XJUI XPSO PVU 5ZSF r %SJWJOH XJUIPVU TQBSF 5ZSF r %SJWJOH TNPLJOH WFIJDMF r /P àSF &YUJOHVJTIFS r #SPLFO XJOETDSFFO r 5JOUFE XJOETDSFFO r &BUJOH BOE ESJWJOH XJUI POF IBOE NPOUIT JO QSJTPO r 0OF XBZ ESJWJOH ZST JO QSJTPO r %SJWJOH XJUIPVU GBTUFOJOH TFBU CFMU r /P QBJOUJOH PG DPNNFSDJBM WFIJDMF JO BQQSPWFE DPMPVS r Staying within the yellow junction box (offside SVMF TU TVCTFRVFOU r 'BJMVSF UP ZJFME UP SJHIU PG XBZ PG QFEFTUSJBO BU [FCSB DSPTTJOH TU TVCTFRVFOU OTHERS r6OEFS TVCTFDUJPO DPNNFSDJBM NPUPSDZDMF SJEFST BSF expected not to carry more than one passenger at a time. r *U BMTP TUBUFT UIBU B QSFHOBOU XPNBO B DIJME CFMPX 12 and an adult with a baby or heavy load placed on her head or which can obstruct normal sitting, shall not be carried as a passenger. r 4FDUJPO PG UIF MBX TUBUFT UIBU JO TFOUFODJOH B person convicted of committing an offence, the court may, in addition to the prescribed sentence, direct suspension or revocation of the driver’s licence, and direct the person convicted to render community service. r 4VCTFDUJPO BOE PVUSJHIUMZ HJWFT QPXFS UP -"45." officers to arrest where appropriate, and allow alleged offenders to be fined the stipulated amount for the offences committed, and prosecute any persons reasonably suspected of having committed any offences under the provisions of the law. r )PXFWFS UIF QPXFS UP QSPTFDVUF CZ -"45." JT subject to the provisions of the Section 211 of the 1999 $POTUJUVUJPO PG /JHFSJB "MTP VOEFS UIF TBNF TFDUJPO the court can direct a convicted person, to attend courses BU UIF -BHPT 4UBUF %SJWFST *OTUJUVUF -"4%3* GPS TFWFO days at his cost. The person might also be sentenced to both community service and enrolment, in the drivers’ institute.

Q: How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb? A: Fifty four. Eight to argue, one to get a continuance, one to object, one to demur, two to research precedents, one to dictate a letter, one to stipulate, five to turn in their time cards, one to depose, one to write interrogatories, two to settle, one to order a secretary to change the bulb, and twenty-eight to bill for professional services. Q: Where can you find a good lawyer? A: In the cemetery. Q: What's the difference between a porcupine and a Mercedes Benz full of lawyers? A: The porcupine has pricks on the outside. Q: When attorneys die, why do they bury them 600 feet underground? A: Because deep down, they're really nice guys. Q: If you drop a snake and an attorney off the Empire State Building, which one hits first? A: Who cares? Q: How can you tell the difference between a dead skunk and a dead attorney on the road? A: The vultures aren't gagging over the skunk. Q: What's the difference between an attorney and a pit bull? A: Jewellery. Q: What do lawyers use for birth control? A: Their personalities.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

of thought as demerits and disadvantages of establishing State Police in Nigeria. r 5IF TZTUFN JT TVTDFQUJCMF UP BCVTF CZ EJDUBUPSJBM 4UBUF Governors who wield enormous influence over their subjects r *U JT UPP DPTUMZ BOE SFTPVSDFT DPOTVNJOH UP NBJOUBJO 4UBUF QPMJDF $IJFG 1BSSZ 0TBZBOEF RVPUFE CZ #VMVT r 4UBUF FYFDVUJWFT DBO VTF 4UBUF 1PMJDF UP IBSBTT BOE JOUJNJEBUF QPMJUJDBM PQQPOFOUT 4UBUF (PWFSOPST DBO BCVTF JU UP UIF EFUSJNFOU PG UIFJS QPMJUJDBM PQQPOFOUT BOE PQQPTJUJPO r *U DBO MFBE UP TFDFTTJPO XIFSF POF QPXFSGVM (PWFSOPS DPOTJEFSJOH IJT GVMM DPOUSPM PWFS TFDVSJUZ QFSTPOOFM BOE BSNT XPVME EFDMBSF IJT PXO DPVOUSZ /XBDIVLXV r 5IFSF JT MJLFMJIPPE PG DPOáJDU PG KVSJTEJDUJPO CFUXFFO 4UBUFT FTQFDJBMMZ XIFSF UIF DPOáJDUJOH 4UBUFT BSF SVO CZ EJGGFSFOU QPMJUJDBM QBSUJFT ,FIJOEF r 5IF MBDL PG VOJGPSNJUZ JO àOBODJOH NBZ BMTP QPTF B HSFBU challenge to the establishment of State Police Forces in Nigeria. 4PNF 4UBUFT BSF àOBODJBMMZ TUSPOHFS UIBO PUIFST 4PNF (PWFSOPST DBO CF SFDLMFTT CZ HFUUJOH UIF NPOFZ CVEHFUFE GPS BOE OPU àOBODJOH JU QSPQFSMZ r *U DBO MFBE UP B EJWFSTJPO PG DSJNJOBMT BOE DSJNJOBMJUZ GSPN POF TUSPOH 4UBUF XJUI FGGFDUJWF QPMJDJOH UP BOPUIFS XFBL TUBUF XJUI QPPS DPNNVOJUZ QPMJDJOH r *U XJMM MFBE UP BOBSDIZ BOE DIBPT XJUI OP NPEFSBUPS BQQFBSJOH UP CF JO DPOUSPM r 4UBUF 1PMJDF XJMM CSJOH BCPVU USJCBMJTN OFQPUJTN DSPOZJTN and favouritism. r 5IFSF NBZ CF DPOáJDU PG JOUFSFTU CFUXFFO UIF 'FEFSBM 1PMJDF Force and that of States. r *U JT OPU àOBODJBMMZ GFBTJCMF "INFE RVPUFE JO /XPHV

"DDPSEJOH UP B 3FQPSU SFMFBTFE PO UI "VHVTU EVSJOH 1SFTJEFOU (PPEMVDL +POBUIBO T SFHJNF CZ UIF 1SFTJEFOUJBM $PN mittee on reorganisation of the Nigeria Police and the Forum PG GPSNFS *OTQFDUPS (FOFSBM PG 1PMJDF *(T UIFZ XBSOFE UIBU UIF JOTUJUVUJPO PG 4UBUF 1PMJDF JO /JHFSJB XJMM CF B QSFMVEF UP UIF EJTJOUFHSBUJPO PG UIF DPVOUSZ &WFO GPSNFS *(1T UIBU JODMVEF "MIBKJ .VIBNNBEV (BNCP +JNFUB "MIBKJ *CSBIJN $PPNBTJF .S 4VOEBZ &IJOEFSP BOE 4JS .JLF 0LJSP IBWF TJODF BSHVFE UIBU UIF DMBNPVS GPS 4UBUF 1PMJDF JT BO JOWJUBUJPO UP BOBSDIZ CFDBVTF JU XBT OPU JO UIF JOUFSFTU PG UIF OBUJPO T EFNPDSBDZ 5IFZ BSHVFE UIBU UIF NPTU VOSFBTPOBCMF UIJOH GPS BOZ BENJOJTUSBUJPO UP EP BU UIJT UJNF JT UP BMMPX 4UBUF 1PMJDF UP FYJTU TUSFTTJOH UIBU XJUI UIF DVSSFOU AQPMJUJDBM DMJNBUF JO PVS DPVOUSZ B 4UBUF 1PMJDF XPVME POMZ CF B UPPM JO UIF IBOET PG QPMJUJDBM MFBEFST BU UIF TUBUF MFWFM My Humble Submission /PUXJUITUBOEJOH UIJT QPXFSGVM MJOF PG UIJOLJOH JU JT NZ IVNCMF TVCNJTTJPO UIBU UIF DVSSFOU SBUJP PG XIJDI UIF /JHFSJB 1PMJDF JT PQFSBUJOH PO JT HSPTTMZ JOBEFRVBUF BOE GBS CFMPX UIF 6OJUFE /BUJPO T SBUJP 5IJT OPUXJUITUBOEJOH BMTP UIF GBDU UIBU BCPVU 1PMJDF PGàDFST XFSF SFDFOUMZ SFDSVJUFE UP àMM UIF HBQ 5IJT JT TUJMM B GBS DSZ GSPN UIF 6/ SBUJP PG 1PMJDFNFO UP QFPQMF PS 8JUI UIJT UP NFFU VQ XJUI UIF 6/ SBUJP UIF /JHFSJB 1PMJDF SFRVJSFT BEEJUJPOBM 1PMJDF PGàDFST GPS UIF OFYU àWF ZFBST 8IBU XJUI UIF VHMZ TQFDUSF UIBU B MBSHF DIVOL PG UIF PGàDFST BOE NFO PG UIF /1' BSF BUUBDIFE QSJWBUFMZ UP UPQ FMJUFT QPMJUJDJBOT DPNQBOJFT BOE NPOFZ CBHT 0VS BSHVNFOU GPS UIF EFTJSBCJMJUZ PG 4UBUF 1PMJDF JT TUSFOHUIFOFE

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onclusion 5IFSF JT UIF DMFBS BOE VSHFOU OFFE UP IBWF 4UBUF 1PMJDF *U BDDPSET XJUI DPNNPO TFOTF NPEFSO USFOET BOE USVF GFEFSBMJTN 8F DPVME TUJMM IBWF B 'FEFSBM 1PMJDF MJLF UIF '#* UIBU EFBMT XJUI DSPTT CPSEFS DSJNFT IJHI QSPàMF DSJNFT USFBTPOBCMF BOE ESVHT and narcotics matters. &NFSHJOH DSJNJOBM CFIBWJPVS IBWF OFDFTTJUBUFE UIF DSFBUJPO PG 4UBUF 1PMJDF UP BEESFTT UIF WBSJPVT OFFET PG UIF 1PMJDF JODMVEJOH QSPQFS GVOEJOH BOE TUBGG TUSFOHUI 4UBUF 1PMJDF XJMM BMTP CSJOH TFDVSJUZ DMPTFS UP UIF QFPQMF XIJMF NBLJOH UIF QFPQMF QBSU PG UIF OFX TFDVSJUZ BSSBOHFNFOU .PEFSO DPNNVOJUZ QPMJDJOH BQQFBST UP CF UIF JO UIJOH OPXBEBZT *O BOZ FWFOU 4UBUF 1PMJDF JT OPU HPJOH UP CF DSFBUFE GPS BOZ QBSUJDVMBS QFSTPO BT UIFSF XPVME CF MBXT UP SFHVMBUF JUT PQFSBUJPOT 8F DBOOPU CFDBVTF PG GFBS PG UIF VOLOPXO SFTJTU BO JEFB XIPTF time has come. Now is the time for State Police. Chief Mike A.A. Ozekhome, SAN, OFR, FCIArb, Ph.D, LL.D, Constitutional Lawyer and Human Rights Activist

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06.03.2018

Corporate Governance from Boardroom to Practice In this article, Dr. Adesola Falaiye discusses the essence of Corporate Governance, defining it as a system of rules, practices and processes by which a company is run. She examines the role it plays, in balancing the interests of various stakeholders in a company, and concludes that an active Corporate Governance approach must be adopted, to create an effective company

I

Introduction: The Gist about Corporate Governance n every organisation, institution, body, or activity, there are rules of engagement. The rules are certainly not meant to bind, but to free. They are made to serve as guideposts for checking violations and obedience, and for measuring successes and failures as well. We know by now, that governments and agencies are run by a system of organised laws. We are not as well, oblivious of the fact that our ivory towers do come alive and are sustained by relevant laws. We are also witnesses to the dos and don’ts by which any kind of sporting activity that appeals to us are guided by. Where there are no rules by which an organisation or activity runs, where there are no frame of checks, things may go awry. Companies, like any organised set up, also have their own system of rules to guide their operations. One of these system of rules, can be put under the umbrella term of corporate governance. Entailed in Corporate governance, is a system of rules, practices and processes, by which a company is run. It essentially, has to do with balancing the interests of different stakeholders of a company. The stakeholders may or may not own shares in a company, and traditionally include such categories like shareholders, management, employees, customers, suppliers, financiers, government and the community. To a large extent, the backbone of any thriving organisation, is good corporate governance. It determines both the internal operations of a company, and its relations to the market generally. But what ensures a company’s internal and external relations, is a viable leadership. In a whole sense, this is what determines the ‘fate’ of any company. Companies struggling to cement their place in business, are in that position, because they lack a dependable leadership structure. In the same manner, those that have successfully integrated and sustained their management, have depended on a robust governance structure. To preface the point that I am trying to make: weak companies have weak corporate governance structure; strong companies erect strong corporate governance. And as we may well know, when a company is weak in terms of its framework of leadership, it succumbs to financial crises and sometimes fraud. It becomes really imperative, that companies have a strong and sustained governance structure. In a hugely competitive world where premium is placed on performance and stability, a solid governance framework, is central for any company hoping to surmount the pressures of competitors and to attract business investors. The Development of Corporate Governance When the idea of Corporate governance was espoused by those who developed the Agency theory, it was done with an overwhelming purpose in mind: to fully account for the relationship between principals and agents in business. The said relationship between and the roles of the principals – the company’s shareholders – and the agents – the directors – is in turn well-defined beyond doubt in this theory. And it is that in any company, there are directors whose duty is to manage the company’s affair for and on behalf of shareholders. For the benefit of those who may not be aware, Directors may not necessarily own shares in a Company. Since the directors are not the same as shareholders, there are occasional conflicts of interests. Directors may have plans that may not go down well with shareholders. Certainly, this can strain relationship between both. One effective way this strain may be handled, is

to apply the principle of corporate governance. In fact, one way of analysing the plans that directors may have for a company and the desire for maximum profit of shareholders, is to deploy the principle of corporate governance. Corporate governance therefore, develops to reconcile the divergent interests and ensure that companies are governed in such a way as to attain their objectives. Laws Regulating Corporate Governance in Nigeria Various laws addressing corporate governance have been developed by different countries, in order to solve the crises of interest that may arise between directors and shareholders of companies. In Nigeria, for instance, there is the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) and the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA). Primarily, these have been made to take care of matters relating corporate governance. Apart from the above laws, Nigeria also has corporate governance provisions. Some apply to companies that a given statute may have direct authority and, for this reason, may be regarded as industry-specific. Others apply to all companies registered in Nigeria. Key of the industry- specific provisions made in Nigeria are: Corporate Governance for Banks in Nigeria Post- Consolidation (2006), the Code of Corporate Governance for Licensed Pensions Operators (2008) and the Code of Corporate Governance for Insurance Industry in Nigeria (2009). Only the Code of Best Practices on Corporate Governance in Nigeria, issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2003, applied to all companies in Nigeria, regardless of whether or not they were listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The code was however, replaced by the Corporate Governance in Nigeria in 2011. What is fascinating about the code is that, it has a clause which indicates that in the event of a conflict situation between SEC’s code and those of other provisions, especially as it relates to companies under the obligation to abide by their own code and that of SEC’s, that with stricter provisions shall apply. This certainly has implications for corporate governance, seeing the way various companies’ interests overlap into those of SEC’s. Interestingly, other codes have been initiated, to cover up for the flaws that another may have. For instance, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) issued the National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) in 2016. This

code was designed specially to take consideration of all the activities of all organisations in Nigeria: private, public and not-for-profit. Becoming effective in October of 2016, the code seemed to take care of issues of enhanced management credibility, preserve long-term investment, improve access to new capital and lower cost of capital, as they relate to corporate governance. This code was well-intentioned. Its introduction was meant to boost transparency and accountability, in Nigeria’s business environment. In spite of its good intent, it was suspended by the Federal Government, owing to scandals and controversies that rocked some sections of the code. I understand that a Technical Committee was set up in January of this year, to review the suspended code, and make recommendations for its improvement. This is quite commendable and I do hope that the lacunae in this code and others like it, will be filled. In the same breath, it will be interesting to see how the controversial sections of NCCG, when put to rest, will harmonise corporate governance codes in Nigeria, in the coming years. An Effective Corporate Governance Framework Many have been severely critical, about the process of corporate governance. Some have considered it, as slowing down decision making. Some have criticised it, as allowing for bureaucracy and red tape that should have been easily avoided. In their reasoning, corporate governance slows down the ability to ‘make things happen’. These opinions are not unexpected – for most of them are products of sheer ignorance, total lack of faith for innovation, a consumed sense of impatience, not to say anything of their sense of total business vacuity. Nevertheless, what I am

“TO A LARGE EXTENT, THE BACKBONE OF ANY THRIVING ORGANISATION, IS GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. IT DETERMINES BOTH THE INTERNAL OPERATIONS OF A COMPANY, AND ITS RELATIONS TO THE MARKET GENERALLY”

concerned about, is the potency of corporate governance in Nigeria. How truly effective is corporate governance, especially when taken from the boardroom to actual practice? There is an overwhelming opinion among financial market experts, that a prospering company is one that abides by core principles of corporate governance. Most experts believe that, corporate governance reflects the value of a company. They believe just as well, that it legitimises a company’s identity and authenticates its decisions and reporting. If this is true, then it is fitting that a comprehensive corporate governance framework should be adopted. This will certainly address the conflicts of relationships that thrive in a company. Corporate governance will do so in the following key areas: one: it will aid the oversight of a company’s performance, and add to the corporate success of directors. Two: it will create cordial relationships between directors and shareholders. Three: it will set the terms for appointment and performance of directors. Four: it will regulate the conduct and roles of directors. Five: it will regulate the ethics of a company and make its conducts transparent. And six, it will guarantee corporate compliance and provide the framework for internal control. Among many others, these are the benefits of adopting a corporate governance framework. A Call for Practical Corporate Governance My duty here is to encourage active corporate governance, so as to create an effective Company Board that can balance experience and professionalism. Although, a board occasionally may manifest imperfections, it should strive to perform its oversight role. It should, at all times, sustain a company’s vision and mission, direct strategy and policy, and perform duties that may increase capital growth. In like manner, the roles of shareholders need to be strengthened, with the creation of more media that will encourage their participation. Here, an active governance system, is needed in trying to create the atmosphere for identifying competitive advantage. This system will strengthen a company’s compliance with the laid down ‘rules of the land’. One dependable way of pushing for compliance is to review extant policies, systems and practices that conflict with the vision of a company. The involvement of all company stakeholders is required for this, and will also bring about a whole range of benefits. Among many others, there are the benefits of adopting a corporate governance framework. Few of such benefits, are the strengthening of profits, increase in market shares, and the boosting of shareholder’s value. Well, of course, the most interesting benefit for shareholders, is in terms of maximising capital. In order to firm this up, there is need to adopt a more practical approach to corporate governance. Doing this, requires a proper mapping out of any corporate governance system. It, in turn, requires that the mechanism for risk management and crisis control must be executed, whenever necessary. There must also be the need to activate the framework for communication between a company’s board and its shareholders. Important as well, it is necessary to seriously implement the corporate social responsibility of shareholders. Equally fitting is a system for evaluating board performance. In one clear sentence: the true face of corporate governance will come to light, when it is taken beyond boardroom to practice. Dr. Adesola Falaiye, Ph.D.(Commercial Law), Company Secretary, Legal and Administrative Consultant, Lagos

06.03.2018

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INSIGHT ABUBAKAR D. SANI

xL4sure@yahoo.com

SAN Rank: An Unusual Take

F Introduction

ew issues in the legal profession are arguably as controversial as the annual award of ‘silk’, i.e., the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, popularly known by its acronym, SAN. This is by no means an exaggeration, as it was even the subject of litigation at the behest of the ‘No’ group, led by the venerable nonagenarian, Pa Tunji Gomez. Thankfully, the suit was withdrawn, for the issue to be resolved internally as a family affair. But is it really? Given that the award and its conferring body, the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) were created by statute, the Legal Practitioners Act, should any grouse about the award’s legitimacy not focus on that enabling legislation? In any case, what can be objectionable about a system for formally recognising excellence in any profession, in the case of law, by conferring a special rank on a Lawyer who “has achieved distinction in the legal profession”? This piece attempts some answers, but from an entirely different perspective than the usual arguments so far deployed, for the abolition of the rank. Before going further, however, a few clarifications. I concede that as a legal practitioner who is not (yet) a SAN, this intervention risks being construed as a case of ‘sour grapes’. This is far from the truth, however, as, believe it or not, it is my personal aspiration to also be conferred with that rank in the not-too-distant future - even if it is a merely honorary one, as Mr. Steven Kola-Balogun, once famously suggested! What is wrong with the Rank? The antagonists of the award (at least Pa Gomez and Co.), allege that the privileges it confers on its beneficiaries give them an ‘unfair trading advantage’ over their non-SAN colleagues. Others allege that the criteria for the award are not objective, as they are sometimes waived, if not sacrificed altogether, on the altar of the so-called ‘federal character’ principle. By this, they allude to the notorious ‘Nigerian-factor’, which demands a semblance of balance, in terms of geographical spread of the awardees. For instance, it is alleged, an applicant who is otherwise fully qualified in terms of criteria, is often overlooked in preference for another applicant who might not be that qualified, for no reason other than the fact that the former comes from a region or part of the country, that is perceived to be ‘over-represented’ among the applicants in that particular year, compared to the latter who might be one of the relative few applicants from his (or her) own part of the country, and is thus, perceived to be disadvantaged. To be fair, however, the conferring body, the Privileges Committee, has sought to address such concerns by frequently tweaking the criteria. Needless to say, such interventions have failed to assuage the ‘No’ Group, who dismissed them as mere palliatives. Hence, the agitation has continued unabated, albeit in relatively muted tones. At any rate, given that the award is a privilege and not a right, there is only so much that the ‘No’ Group can realistically hope to achieve. Is the Award or its kind Peculiar to Lawyers? This brings us to my view, that the problem might lie with the enabling legislation, hence a review of same is apposite at this juncture. Section 5 of the Legal Practitioners Act empowers the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee to award the rank of SAN, based on such criteria as it might determine from time to time. As previously stated, the object of the award is to recognise excellence in the legal profession. But then, law is not the only profession in Nigeria. Item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution empowers the National Assembly to regulate “professional occupations as may be designated by the National Assembly”. By virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part III of the 2nd Schedule to the Constitution, the National Assembly may designate a thing, either by passing an Act or through a resolution passed by both Houses of the Assembly. The National Assembly has exercised this power in respect of a number of professions including Medical and Dental Practitioners, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Public Relations, Marketing, Nursing and Midwifery, Accountancy, Insurance Brokers, Science Laboratory Technology, Animal Science, etc. See in this regard, the Medical and Dental

First Male SAN, Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams

First Female SAN, Chief Folake Solanke

Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 LFN 2010, the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors and Valuers Act, 1975, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Practitioners Act, Cap. N.114, LFN 2010, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers Act, Cap. N.148, LFN 2010, the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Cap. N.144, LFN 2010, the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration, etc) Act, Cap. N.143 LFN 2010, the Nigerian Institute of Management Act, Cap. N 149, LFN 2010, the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology Act, Cap. N. 150, LFN 2010, the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science Act, Cap. N. 160, LFN 2010, etc. The common feature of all these statutes, is the absence of identical or even similar provisions to those of Section 5 of the LPA, which authorises the conferment of the SAN title on Nigerian lawyers. With a few exceptions (Accountants, Insurance Brokers, Animal Scientists, etc), none them even discriminates among its members. Those that do, broadly recognise three categories of members: ordinary members, associates, fellows and honorary fellows. This is in stark contrast to the legal profession, where, apart from those privileged to take silk (i.e. SANs), no distinction of any sort exists by law among its members, at least none that I am aware of. Besides, none of the enabling laws of the other professions establishes any body comparable to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, with similar functions. The reason for this may not be far-fetched, because none of them awards a comparable privilege to its members in such terms, i.e., explicitly. Rather, in virtually all of them, elevation from one membership level to the next is virtually a right, awarded by the number of years (usually 10) after acquiring the requisite academic qualification, or on attaining the preceding grade as the case may be. This is particularly true in the case of accountants, insurance brokers and animal scientists. I might be wrong. But, what do Lawyers have in common with accountants, insurance brokers and animal scientists, you may ask. Simple: they are all professions by virtue of

the provisions of Item 49 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution. Accordingly, they are all deemed to be similarly circumstanced. It is wrong under the law, for any legislature to confer a privilege or impose a liability on any person or group of persons which is denied to another person or group with whom the former is similarly circumstanced. Any such law, in this case, Section 5 of het LPA, would violate the right to equal protection of law. See Article 3(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right. According to Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th Ed., page 577, “equal protection guarantees that the Government must treat a person or class of persons the same as it treats other persons or classes in like circumstances . . . equal protection means that a legislation that discriminates must have a rational basis for doing so.” See also N.N.P.C. v FAWEHINMI (1998) 27 NWLR pt. 559 @ 616 where the Court of Appeal, per Ayoola, JCA (as he then was) held that “The guiding principle is that all persons and things similarly circumstanced shall be treated alike, both in privileges conferred and liabilities imposed... (the rule) forbids discrimination between persons who are similarly in similar circumstances or conditions”. I believe that, the aforesaid differences between the provisions of the LPA and the enabling laws of other professions in Nigeria, directly impinge on the validity of the former, and therefore, the title of SAN. Why? Because, as previously stated, such a privilege should be shared across all professions according to the same legislative fiat. Accordingly, there ought also, presumably, be Senior Accountants of Nigeria (SAN!), Senior Medical Doctors of Nigeria, Senior Engineers of Nigeria, Senior Surveyors/Valuers of Nigeria, Senior Marketers of Nigeria, Senior Nurses/Midwives of Nigeria, etc. While this might seem far-fetched and even farcical, I submit that, it is but the logical outcome of applying the rule against discrimination between persons whom the law regards as being similarly circumstanced. It is not enough, in my view, that comparable provisions in the enabling statutes of other professions, merely recognise different categories of their members as aforesaid. That is precisely my point: the legal profession does not recognise such gradations. Why?

“THE FACT THAT ALL PROFESSIONALS, ARE SIMILARLY CIRCUMSTANCED IS A CONSTITUTIONAL TRUISM. ACCORDINGLY, THERE IS NO RATIONAL BASIS FOR DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN THEM, THE WAY SECTION 5 OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT CLEARLY DOES”

Conclusion This article might be something of an own goal, given the author’s declared aspiration to be bestowed with the rank in question. Nevertheless, the interests of objectivity, if not scholarship, trump such concerns.. The fact that all professionals, are similarly circumstanced is a constitutional truism. Accordingly, there is no rational basis for discriminating between them, the way Section 5 of the Legal Practitioners Act clearly does. To the extent that no law authorises any other profession to confer that kind of privilege on its members, such discrimination is illegitimate and invalid.

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Nigeria: The Need for State Police? The clamour for the creation of State Police in Nigeria, has over the years gathered momentum. Initially viewed with some measure of suspicion and apprehension, the idea of State policing has since gained wide acceptance and followership, especially in the face of the huge security challenges that the country is presently experiencing. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Dele Adesina, SAN, and Kingsley Amakwu, maintain that the time is ripe for Nigeria to join the rest of the developed world, in creating and maintaining State Police Forces, while still retaining a Federal Police structure

State Police: The Inconvenient Truth

T

he issue of State Police, is a highly controversial one indeed; that is, the issue of the desirability or otherwise of State Police in Nigeria. I think this is one of the issues, that has been so greatly debated in Nigeria today. Somebody once said that Nigerians like controversies. They love debates. It is my contention that any argument against the establishment of State Police in Nigeria, having regard to our myriad of security challenges, the structural and systemic inadequacies of the present monolithic Police system, is nothing but a “convenient untruth”. That State Police has become inevitable today in Nigeria, is the truth, no matter how inconvenient. Some Causes of Insecurity It was Martin Luther King that said the true test of a man, is not where he stands in the time of comfort, but where he stands in the time of controversy and trouble. Nigerian leaders must take their stand on the issue and do the needful, so that Nigeria can move forward. There is a consensus of opinion, that the Nigerian State today, is no longer enjoying the best of times in terms of security of lives and property in the nation. The situation may become worse, unless something urgent and compelling is done, with regard to the massive unemployment of Nigerian youths. Graduates are roaming the streets in hundreds of thousands, seeking earnestly for jobs that are non-existent. They are largely idle, despite their acquired skills. The Nigerian youths who are said to be the leaders of tomorrow, have become victims of a situation they did not create. There is the insurgency of Boko Haram, in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. We hear of bombing of institutions and properties. Reading about killings and maiming of people in the National Daily Newspapers, is no longer news to anyone. In some other parts of Nigeria, kidnapping has become the order of the day. No one seems to be safe anywhere. Even in the South West, where admittedly there is a resemblance of peace and safety, one can only sleep with his or her eyes closed, at his or her own peril. Over and above this, the economic and political systems that our leaders are practicing, are continuously widening the gap between the rich and the poor. While a very few percentage of the population are showing off their wealth through the acquisition of private jets and armoured cars, the preponderance of the majority of the nation’s population, are living in abject poverty struggling to have three square meals a day. These are criminal breeding factors, and they are present with us, untreated and unaddressed. In a paper delivered by Chief Wole

Olanipekun OFR, SAN titled “The Law as an Endangered Specie”, at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies recently, the Learned Senior Advocate, captured the helplessness and hopelessness of the security situation in Nigeria. Even though the security situation appears to be more worrisome presently, there has always been serious concern for State security, effective maintenance of law and order, and the safety and security of lives and property of Nigerians. The challenge posed by insecurity, has been one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria. The Nigeria Police Force, which is the main security organ in Nigeria for maintenance of law and order, was established by Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The Section provides that; “There shall be a police force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provisions of this section no other police shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof.” Section 4 of the Police Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 states the statutory responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to be; “the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, protection of lives and properties and enforcement of all laws and regulations” The fundamental question is, how well has the Nigerian Police force been able to live up to this bidding? Let me also ask, can one in all truth and sincerity, say conveniently that the insecurity graphically described above has not overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, as it is presently constituted as a centralised and monolithic Police force? Does the Nigerian Police as it is today, have the capacity to bail Nigeria and Nigerians out of the current situation that we are in today? Is the Nigerian Police force, living up to our expectations? Do members of the public, still have confidence and trust in the ability of the Nigeria Police to protect them and their properties? I understand that there are about 400,000 Police men and women in Nigeria, policing 180 Million people. What average is that? About 1 Police man to 450 Nigerians. I was also made to understand that about 24 million people populate Lagos State, with an allocation of about 31,000 Police officers and men, resulting into the ratio of 1 Police Officer to 700 Lagosians. Is this workable? It is important to recognise that, the determinant of law and order in the society, is the capacity of the law enforcement agent to enforce the law; a function that is the primary responsibility of the Police force. In spite of the provisions of Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, have the Nigerian people and even Government, not admitted the failure of the present monolithic system by their subtle actions? Let me give

Time for State Police is Now

N Introduction

igeria is currently in a state of security quagmire. There are so many biting challenges facing our beloved country. Insecurity of lives and properties, has taken the centre stage. For over a decade now, Nigeria has been facing the heinous torture of Boko Haram, Fulani headsmen, kidnapping, armed robbery and militancy, all of which have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives of innocent Nigerians. With these wanton killings, many have wondered if truly Nigeria indeed has security agencies, paid with tax payers money, to protect lives and properties. Notwithstanding the existence of the Army, Navy, Airforce, Nigeria Police Force, DIA, NIA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Services (DSS), unspeakable crimes still take place unabated. Of all these security agencies, the Nigeria Police Force is the one that is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of the day-to-day protection of lives and properties of Nigerians. While Nigeria is still reeling from the April, 2014 abduction of Chibok girls, one year to the 2015 elections, the spectre of yet another abduction of school girls has just been reenacted at the Government Girls Secondary and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State. It was perpetrated by the same Boko Haram insurgents. Many concerned Nigerians have cried out, and suggested ways and means to improve on our security situation. One of such suggestions is the creation of State Police.

Northern Nigerian Constabulary 1950

a few observed acts of the authorities. I. TheFederalGovernment,hasgivenap provaland authority to the Civil Service Defence Corps to carry arms. It was not like that before, apparently to supplement the shortfall and compliment the inadequacies of the Police force. II. The Federal Government, has awarded contracts for the protection of oil pipe lines in Nigeria to Militant Organisations, not only in the Niger Delta, but also reportedly to the Odua People’s Congress (OPC). III.Do we also recognise today, that where and when you experience some level of efficient performance by the Police, it is largely due to the grace of the State Governments of where they operate? It is common knowledge, that State Governments provide equipment,

operational vehicles, as well as incentives such as an enhanced insurance cover to the Police within their territorial influence and power. We witness this on the television every now and then. In a nutshell, one can contend that the states now collaborate

“THERE IS A CONSENSUS OF OPINION, THAT THE NIGERIAN STATE TODAY, IS NO LONGER ENJOYING THE BEST OF TIMES IN TERMS OF SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY IN THE NATION”

with the Federal Authorities to finance and fund the Federal Police. IV. The implication of the above, is that the State Governments are actively funding a federal agency to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. If this is so, the question is, why can’t the States have their own State Police to be funded by them directly? Crime Investigation Let me talk very briefly on investigation, which is an essential factor in the jurisprudence of criminal justice. The quality of investigation, is directly related to the quality of criminal prosecution. The evidence acquired in the course of Police investigation, may be decisive of the outcome of a prosecution. Where CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Origin and State of Policing in Nigeria “Police” is a word derived from the Greek word, “Polis”, which consists of non- ecclesiastical administration that has to do with safety, health and public order of the State. Though derived from the Greek, it was the Romans that actually perfected the system, with the Roman “Policies”, which equated with the Greek “Politeira” – a symbol of power that resided in a central authority. In the UK, policing developed as a local affair, which makes every person maintain law and order. State or Provincial Police, constitutes a type of sub-national territory Police Force that abounds particularly in the Oceania, South Asia and North America. State Police simply means the absence of a centralised national Police Force, which is outside the control of the IGP. This means a death blow to the over bleated, behemoth Federal Police Force, established under sections 214 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. Section 214 thereof provides for a unified and centralised Police Force that operates from the centre, and prohibits the establishment of any other form of policing in Nigeria. By virtue of section 215(3), the President or Minister of Police Affairs, may give directives to the IGP on matters bordering on maintenance of law, public order and safety. Although section 215 of the Constitution makes the Governor of a State the Chief Security Officer of the State, section 215(4) however, takes away this authority, by

providing that a Commissioner of Police given certain directives by the Governor may insist that such matter be first referred to the IGP or President, before he can take action. This was why and how Governor Ortom of Benue State, cried out. Herdsmen had given him notice of a future attack. The State Commissioner of Police was aware. The helpless Governor, cried to the centre in Abuja. No help came. The herdsmen attacked. The Governor wept like a baby. Lives were lost. A Mass burial took place. The world was shocked. It appears that Nigeria is the only prominent democracy in the world, that still maintains a unified central Police Force over a population of 180 million people, 36 Federal States, and 774 LGAs. The New York Police Department, is one of the most organised Police Forces in the world, founded by the New York City government that is headed by a Mayor. In the UK, there are about 45 territorial Police Forces and three special Police Forces. So, why must Nigeria retain her non- functional centralised Police Force? What is State Police All About?: The Concept State Police can be described as a body of Police Force, unique to each State of the Federation, having state wide authority to conduct law enforcement activities and criminal investigation, across that particular state. The concept of state policing, is not altogether a new phenomenon in Nigeria. It has been widely recommended, as one of the means to address the issue of insecurity in our country. This concept has received wide acceptance by most Nigerians, for their peculiar exclusive reasons. The government has recently joined. Some say that the Federal Police Command is incompetent, or has failed in its duty of securing Nigerians. Some others believe that the closeness of State Police to the people, will help for more effective policing. I belong to this school. I have, over the years, advocated for state Police and community policing. From the 2005 National Political Conference (where I had the Civil society group); to the 2009 Vision 2020 (where I participated in the Law and Judiciary Thematic area); up to the 2014 National Conference (where I headed the sub group on the outcome of the Conference, within the legal, Law Reforms and Judiciary Committee), I have always shouted myself hoarse, on the desirability of embracing this true federalism concept. I stand by it. Its advantages, far outweigh its demerits. State policing has therefore been defined as a Police Force under State authority, rather than under the authority of a federal, city or local government in the State. It has also been defined as the Police organised and maintained by a State, as distinguished from that of a lower sub-division (as a city or LGA) of the State Government (Mersim, 2012). However, in the Nigerian context, State Police consists of a kind of sub-national Police Force, which is organised, maintained and operates under the jurisdiction of a particular State Government, as against the Federal Government. Arguments for and against the establishment of State Police Forces, have been going on for a

“PROPONENTS OF STATE POLICE LIKE MY HUMBLE SELF, ARGUE THAT THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUE FEDERALISM AND DECENTRALISATION OF POWERS; AS THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD ENABLE THE STATES TO EFFECTIVELY MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER, ESPECIALLY DURING EMERGENCIES” very long time. Proponents of State Police like my humble self, argue that this is consistent with the principle of true federalism and decentralisation of powers; as the arrangement would enable the States to effectively maintain law and order, especially during emergencies. Such proponents criticise section 215(4) of the 1999 Constitution, for hindering Governors from the exercise of their power as Chief Security Officers of their respective States. We contend that, the Nigeria Police Force as it is today, cannot adequately protect Nigerians. The present Federal Police structure, is too detached from the more than 180,000,000 people. They cannot be effectively policed, with a force of less than 500,000 Police personnel; and hence, the need for States to start their own policing system. It is a truism that most crimes, like politics, are local. Consequently, States’ response to crimes must also be local. This may however, be done in collaboration with the Federal Police, as operates in developed nations of the world. Similarly, Nigeria’s geographical area, is too large and complex for a central Police Command. Thus, policing citizens should be the sole responsibility of the respective States, as this goes a long way in reducing criminal activities within the States and local government areas. The Police as a security agency, should not depend on donations from individuals and corporate organisations. It should be maintained from the resources of such States, to avoid compromising its independence, impartiality and effectiveness. The Fears No doubt, the Nigerian Federation is very dysfunctional. It requires urgent restructuring. The creation of State Police, is one of the fundamental requirements of the call by patriots for the operation of true federalism in Nigeria. Some fear that State policing, would make Governors possess absolute powers to make use of State Police for some selfish and devious ambitions, such as illegal arrests and detention of opponents, without trial. While this assertion may be correct,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 6, 2018

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T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ MARCH 6, 2018

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Ination Rate Predicted to Drop Further Obinna Chima Analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank have anticipated a yearon-year drop of inflation rate to 14.31 per cent in February 2018, from the 15.13 per cent recorded in January 2018. The expected decrease in the inflation rate was largely attributable to the base effect of previous year. In addition, they noted the decrease in some major food prices, as well as the slowdown in the price movement in some categories of non-food items in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket. “The prices of most of the food items we monitored in February 2018 increased marginally, leading to 0.80 per cent increase in our Food and Non-Alcoholic Index. “The Food and Non-Alcoholic Index increased by 17.50per cent,

from 224.77 points in February 2017,� the firm added in a report. FSDH Research noted a potential increase in local prices of imported food items because of the faster than expected increase in international food prices. This may have negative impact on inflation rate going forward. It put its revised average inflation rate forecast for 2018 at 10.76 per cent, lower than 16.55 per cent recorded in 2017. “However, we maintain that the yields on the FGN Bonds will rise, in the short-term, higher than the current levels. “The major drivers are increase in the interest rate in advanced economies and the strategy of the Debt Management Office (DMO) to restructure the public debt in favour of longer-tenored instruments,� the report added.

In another development, FSDH observed a slowdown for the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the second consecutive month. This was contained in the latest PMI report that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) published for the month of February 2018. Although the PMI figures were above 50 points, the slowdown, according to FSDH may reflect the rising uncertainties in the country. “Some businesses have expressed concerns over the rising social unrest in some parts of the country and delays in fiscal and monetary policies announcement. “Policy makers and economic mangers in the country need to pay urgent attention to the declining trend in the PMI to nip it in the bud,� they added.

Access Bank Sensitizes Farmers on $250m Loan Facility Ademola Babalola Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜ Access Bank Plc has said that its $250million loan support scheme to Nigerian farmers and small and medium scale enterprises is yielding economic growth as Nigerians are accessing it for the optimal growth of businesses across the federation. The bank said it was doing so in line with the federal government economic diversification policy captured under the Economic Regeneration and Growth Plan (ERGP). Not only that, the Access Bank said being one of the principal partners and commercial banks in the country, it was also providing support and guaranteeing

intending bank’s subscribers to access the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N220billion Agricultural loan to Nigerian farmers. The bank made this known during a breakfast meeting with farmers and stakeholders in other sectors of the economy in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. The bank’s Group Head, Agricultural Business, David Ajayi, told participants that the bank had loan package for all types of businesses under the Central Bank of Nigeria financial intervention at single digit interest rate, and the bank’s private intervention geared towards helping farmers and other businesses.

According to him, the bank had $250m available to finance agriculture in Nigeria, stressing that apart from giving the loan, Access Bank helped farmers to succeed on their farms so that they could pay back their loans. Ajayi said, “Nigeria is diversifying away from oil and gas to agriculture and mining. There is a lot of emphasis on agriculture and we want to take it to the next level. In Access Bank, we have a lot of packages for Nigerian farmers irrespective of what aspect of agricultural endeavour they are into. We also do things differently to achieve excellence and demonstrate our commitment to our value.

Unity Bank Takes Agency Banking to North-West As part of its retail banking strategy, Unity Bank Plc has extended its agent banking services to the north-western states of Kano and Jigawa as a vehicle to reach out to the unbanked and deepen financial inclusion. The bank explained in a statement that it situated its agent banking services at Gumel in Jigawa state and Rijiya-Lemu in Fagge Local Government area of Kano state. According to the General Manager Products & Channels Directorate of Unity Bank, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, prioritising the North-west was borne out of the need to tap into the huge unbanked population in

the region. Agent Banking model is conceptualised to evolve as a model of community and rural banking where basic banking services are brought to the level of rural financial activities, said Bonaventure. The roll-out, which witnessed the opening of many agency outlets in the areas, was attended by numerous locals, customers and prospects, who were all excited to be able to avail themselves of financial services without travelling long distances to a bank branch. The customers were able to open accounts with Unity Bank, perform cash-in (deposit), cash-out (withdrawal) as well

as bills payment transactions at the new agent banking outlets, the statement revealed. The bank’s Group Head, Retail & SME Banking, Olufunwa Akinmade, explained that an important part of the roll-out in any location, is a two-day customer education session organised to bring customers up to speed with the basic tenets of the scheme. On the security of the customers’ funds, Akinmade said the mitigant on the withdrawal side is that the service is running on MCash-a secure phone-based withdrawal system backed by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) while at the deposit end.

Ghana Becomes AFC’s Sovereign Shareholder Ghana has marked its 7th anniversary as a member state of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) by becoming a sovereign shareholder in the corporation, making an initial equity investment of US$10 million. The Government of Ghana has also committed to invest a further US$40 million in the corporation; representing the second tranche of its U$50 million commitment to purchase AFC equity. Ghana has been a Member State of AFC since February 2011. Investments in the equity of AFC can be made by its Member States, by international organisations, as well as by private sector

corporations. Commenting on the development, a statement quoted the President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, Andrew Alli, to have said: ““This investment not only strengthens the partnership between AFC and Ghana, it also serves as an acknowledgement of AFC’s efforts thus far in the development and financing of infrastructure in Africa and acts as an incentive for AFC’s continued commitment to infrastructure development in Ghana�. Also, the Deputy Minister of Finance of Ghana, Charles Adu Boahen noted thatAFC remains

an infrastructure development partner of choice for the Government of Ghana. “The corporation has proven its commitment to the socioeconomic development of the country, in particular; in addition to its growing presence across the continent and stands as a beacon of Corporate PanAfricanism. “Ghana strongly encourages other African nations to invest in AFC to enhance the fulfillment of her mandate, to facilitate the continuous delivery of sustainable infrastructure assets and projects in the countries and the respective regions,� he added.

Market

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2017 Broad Money (M2)

21,851,454.31

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,890,813.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,523,239.91

---- Demand Deposits

8,367,573.19

-- Quasi Money

11,960,641.22

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,732,990.89

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,118,463.42

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,821,446.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,824,226.22

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,834,536.74

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

--3,010,310.52

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,997,220.59

--Other Assets Net

--14,702,983.39

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,486,804.65

--Currency in Circulation

1,868,735.07

--Banks Reserves

3,268,266.17 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2017

Inter-Bank Call Rate

22.63

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.35

Savings Deposit Rate

4.08

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.86

3 Months Deposit Rate

10.14

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.51

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.40

Prime Lending rate

17.69

Maximum Lending Rate

31.20

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT FRIDA MARCH 2, 2018

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $61.58 a barrel on Friday, compared with $62.18 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

NSE All-Share Index Gains 1.49% as Bellwether Stocks Boost Market The Nigerian equities market opened the week on a positive note following gains recorded by Dangote Cement Plc and other bellwether stocks yesterday. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index rose 1.49 per cent to close at 43,513.93, while market capitalisation added N229 billion to close higher at N15.6 trillion. A total of 32 stocks appreciated compared with 25 stocks

that depreciated. Although the top gainers’ were mainly low capitalised stocks, gains by Dangote Cement Plc, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Total Nigeria Plc among others boosted the performance. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc led the price gainers with 9.9 per cent, trailed by Japaul Oil and Maritime Plc with 9.5 per cent. First Alumium Nigeria Plc chalked

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up 8.8 per cent, while Seplat garnered 8.5 per cent. Seplat on Wednesday posted a net profit after tax of N81billion ($265million) in the 2017 financial year ended December 31, 2017up from N45.3billion ($166,094) reported in the corresponding 2016 financial year. Operating profit stood at N34billion ($112million) over the 2016 figure of N45billion or ($158million). Profit before deferred tax stood at

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N13.45billion ($44million) compared with N47.4billion ($173million) in 2016. The firm’s audited results for the year ended December 2017, obtained from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that it’s revenue rose to N138.28 billion ($452million) in 2017, up from N63.38billion ($254,217million) recorded in the corresponding year 2016. A company statement explained that tax credit of

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N68.3million ($224million) provided significant boost to profitability. Consequently, net profit after tax hit N81.1billion ($265million) from N45.3billion ($166million) reported in the corresponding 2016 financial year. Other top price gainers included: Presco Plc (7.2 per cent); Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc (6.9 per cent); Fidelity Bank Plc (5.0 per cent); Beta Glass Plc, Unilever Nigeria

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Plc and Vitafoam Nigeria Plc (4.9 per cent apiece). Conversely, Regency Alliance Insurance Plc led the price losers with 4.5 per cent, trailed by Learn Africa Plc with 4.9 per cent, just as UNIC Diversified Holdings Plc shed 4.4 per cent. Eterna Plc and Wema Bank Plc went down by 3.9 per cent and 3.5 per cent apiece. A look at the sectoral performance of the market showed all the sectors closed bullish.

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Investors Receive N102 Per Note as NESF Doubles Coupon Payment Investors in the Nigeria Energy Sector Fund (NESF) have received a coupon payment of N102 per note for the financial year ended March 31, 2017. NESF is a closed-end mutual fund quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The coupon payment represents an increase of 100 per cent over the N51 paid in the previous year and also translates to a yield of 18.47 per cent at the current market price of N552.20 per note. The coupon was paid on February

16, 2018, to the noteholders whose names appeared on the Fund Managers register on the close of business on February 16th, 2018. Reviewing the performance of the fund during the period, the Acting Managing Director of SCM Capital Asset Management Limited, Omololu Ajediran, noted that its gross earnings increased by 162.87 to N203.52 million in 2017 from N77.42 million recorded in the previous period of 2016. The profitability also grew by

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

99.26 from N50.9 million in March 2016 to N101.98 million in March 2017. He attributed the significant growth in the top and bottom-line to timely switch of investment strategy amongst various asset classes within the Trust Deed of the Fund. “We were also able to optimise return from the equities market as against the challenges in the oil & gas sector in the previous year and the prevalent of bearish market mood occasioned by weak macroeconomic

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 02-Mar-2018, unless otherwise stated.

environment,” he said. Also commenting on the impressive returns achieved by the fund, , the Group Managing Director of SCM Capital, Gaventa Otono said: “The fund since inception has continued to witness growth and deliver value to note holders in terms of coupon payments that is second to none in the industry.” According to him, they kept their investment philosophy and adopted sound methodology to continue to sustain the fund`s

performance. “The challenge of the sector notwithstanding, we will continue to adopt effective, flexible and forward looking asset allocation strategies to mitigate risks and deliver value to noteholders” Gaventa re-emphasized the determination to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the market as the economic recovery gathers momentum. He urged investors driven by passion to earn regular stream of income to invest in the NESF for

exceptional return. The NESF is constituted under a Trust Deed with United Capital Trustees Limited as the Trustees and UBA Global Services Limited as the Custodian to the fund. NESF has SCM Capital as the fund manager. The fund was created to mobilize investible funds from individuals and corporate entities both domestic and foreign for investment in the energy sector of the Nigerian economy.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 195.73 196.29 9.33% Nigeria International Debt Fund 245.45 246.02 5.97% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.86 0.87 5.01% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 4.12% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.95% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 165.76 166.92 9.27% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.65% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.59% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN QUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,182.42 1,183.58 3.01% FBN Heritage Fund 151.56 152.98 17.32% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 114.45 115.05 1.39% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 114.43 115.04 1.47% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 193.65 196.63 13.42% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.42 1.44 8.39% Legacy Debt Fund 2.95 2.95 2.28% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,154.20 3,195.28 5.79% Coral Income Fund 2,530.01 2,530.01 3.42% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.51% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 14.99% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.21 2.24 4.78% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.89% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 117.49 117.84 2.15%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.17 1.19 1.93% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,054.60 1,054.60 2.28% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 16.53 16.69 17.34% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.32% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 8.44% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.32 11.41 2.68% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.01% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund N/A N/A N/A SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.53 1.53 2.74% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,382.38 2,401.71 6.20% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 178.52 178.52 1.17% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.10 1.12 9.90% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 227.54 227.64 3.33% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 190.89 193.07 6.60% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.91% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,465.21 10,609.52 8.24% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.07 1.07 0.94% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 13.56 13.77 7.90% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.93 14.10 6.00% Zenith Income Fund 19.51 19.51 3.15% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.40%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

10.00 133.65

-11.35% 0.90%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.58 162.63 121.89

12.68 166.15 124.18

3.78% 13.88% 11.58%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

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N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

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Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Davidson Iriekpen Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Tax Evasion: FG Targets Property Owners in Abuja, Lagos Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Armed with vital documents on property owners across the country, the federal government appears set to swoop on tax evaders with property in exclusive areas of the country, particularly in Abuja and Lagos. First to come under the searchlight for tax evasion are property owners in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki ll and Wuse ll, all in the Federal Capital

Territory (FCT), Abuja as well as those in Banana Island and the environs, Magodo, Lekki, and Ikoyi in Lagos State. A top presidency source disclosed yesterday that the federal government had already, via its data mining agency, “Project Lighthouse� taken possession of documents on property owners across the country, from state governments. He disclosed that the first set of property owners to come

Security Operatives Invade Residence of Ex- Acting NIA DG, Dauda Armed security operatives yesterday invaded the official residence of the immediate past Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Dauda Muhammed. The official residence located in the Maitama District of Abuja, was invaded by security agents believed to be officials of the Department of State Security (DSS). Journalists who were at the residence located at No 3 Osara Lane, off Osara Close, Maitama,

under the searchlight for tax defaulting compliance are those with property in Maitama, Wuse ll, Asokoro, and Garki ll as well as those in Banana Island and environs, Magodo, Lekki, Ikoyi in Lagos State. According to him, tax records and bank account details of these property owners are being reviewed by the team of “Project Lighthouse. He said: “The extension of the searchlight on these property owners is not unconnected with

Illicit Financial Flow (IFF). Most of these people are diverting their incomes to properties and are not paying taxes.� Some state governments, the source added, in collaboration with the federal government had provided electronic searchable database for both individual and corporate property owners with such vital information as name of owner, plot number, location and Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) number. He stressed that the federal

government was extending the searchlight to northern states, the South-east and South-south geopolitical regions, adding that the resort to focus on highbrow property was because “it has been observed that most of the taxpayers’ lifestyles do not reflect in their tax payment.� The federal government had on July 1, 2017 launched a nine-month amnesty allowing taxpayers a grace period to regularise their tax statuses under the Voluntary Assets

and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS). Last week, it vowed to name, shame and prosecute tax evaders from April 1, 2018, at the expiration of the nine-month tax amnesty on March 31. Under the VAIDS programme, state governments will be major beneficiaries of the programme because after the recovery, the money will go to the states, a major reason the states are cooperating with the federal government on the tax scheme.

saw about 10 armed operatives outside the gate of the property. Sources said the operatives were there to evict the ambassador so that the new DG, Dr. Abubakar Rufai, could move in. Prior to his appointment as the acting head of the NIA, Muhammed was based in Chad as an operative of the agency, The agency was recently embroiled in a leadership crisis after Rufai’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Constitution Review: Rivers Assembly Approves 9, Reject 6 Amendments Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž The Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday approved nine and rejected six proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution as it considered the Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill 2017 transmitted to it by the National Assembly. At its sitting yesterday presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, the Assembly approved alteration number 24 which outlines the process for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution where the president withholds his assent. The assembly also approved Fourth Alteration Number 27 which provides for the reduction of the age for qualification to contest the position of president, governor, National and State Assembly seats in order to accommodate youths in the electoral process. The assembly further voted to approve alteration number eight which permits immunity for legislators during sitting and to strengthen the legislative process. Also approved by the assembly was alteration number 28, which specifies the period within which the president or state governor must present an appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration. It also voted to approve alteration number 4 which confers financial autonomy on State Assemblies and alteration number 2, which reduces the period that the president or state governor can spend money before the

passage of the next budget from six months to three months. However, the assembly rejected alteration number 5, which seeks to abrogate the local government joint account and permit local government councils to operate separate accounts. It further rejected alteration number 9 which seeks to permit INEC sufficient time to conduct by-elections and de-register political parties. It also rejected alteration number 14 which seeks to provide for independent candidates in the course of elections. In his remarks after the assembly voted on the 15 alterations of the Constitution (Fourth Alteration) Bill 2017 transmitted to it by the National Assembly, Speaker of the state assembly, Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, urged the National Assembly to revisit the issue of devolution of power, as too much powers are concentrated at the National Assembly. He explained that the over concentration of powers at the federal level is making the country to drift to a unitary system. Ibani said by the voting on the proposed amendments, the Rivers State House of Assembly has contributed to the process of deepening the nation’s democracy. He directed the clerk of the assembly to immediately transmit its resolutions to the National Assembly for necessary action.

PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU, DON’T LEAVE US

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (left) and National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when he visited the senate president in his residence as part of his assignment to reconcile the party in Abuja..recently

Malabu: Italy Court Postpones Trial of Eni, Shell to May 14 Ejiofor Alike åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ? An Italian court yesterday postponed the commencement of a trial of the executives of Royal Dutch Shell and Eni over alleged corruption in the 2011 acquisition of Nigeria’s Oil Prospecting Lease (OPL) 245, reputed as one of Africa’s most valuable oil blocks, to May 14. A Milan judge ruled in December 2017 that the companies, along with present and past executives, would face trial, which was originally expected to start yesterday but has been postponed. Milan prosecutors alleged that bribes were paid to win the $1.3 billion offshore field, which has not been developed. Reuters, which reported the postponement of the trial, had stated the Milan tribunal had earlier informed lawyers that the court, which had been due to hear the trial had too many cases and could not guarantee that it would do so in a reasonable period of time. THISDAY had reported that a judge had last year, ordered the two oil giants and their key figures including Eni’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Claudio

Descalzi, and his predecessor, Paolo Scaroni, to stand trial, together with former Royal Dutch Shell staff members. Shell’s officials facing trial include Malcolm Brinded, the second most powerful person in Shell when the deal was struck. Others charged are former vice-president for Shell’s subSaharan Africa operations, Peter Robinson, as well as Guy Colegate and John Copleston, former Shell employees and ex-MI6 agents. Eni has, however, denied any wrongdoing in the OPL 245 transaction. “Eni’s Board of Directors has reaffirmed its confidence that the company was not involved in alleged corrupt activities in relation to the transaction,� Reuters quoted Eni as saying in a recent statement. “Eni expresses its full confidence in the judicial process and that the trial will ascertain and confirm the correctness and integrity of its conduct,� the statement added. The Italian oil giant insisted in particular that “chief executive, Claudio Descalzi was not involved in the alleged illegal conduct.� Also in its reaction to the order

by the Milan judge, Shell said it was disappointed over the decision. Shell said in a statement on its website that it believed that the trial judges will conclude that there is no case against it. Shell and Eni have already been charged with corruption in Nigeria over the OPL 245 deal, which was brokered by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The deal saw the federal government acting as an intermediary between the oil majors and Malabu Oil and Gas, a Nigerian company allegedly controlled by former Petroleum Minister, Mr. Dan Etete. Following the allegations of corruption and bribery over the years, Shell and Eni have repeatedly maintain that they acquired the rights to the lucrative block in line with Nigerian law. However, e-mail exchanges between Shell management cited in a report by corruption watchdog Global Witness, and seen by AFP, suggested that Shell was aware the money was likely to be funnelled to individuals, including Etete. Etete was also ordered to stand trial by the Milan court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed corruption charges against Shell and Eni in March 2017, accusing 11 defendants, including Etete, of “official corruption� in connection with the oil block deal. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami recently wrote to Buhari urging him to back off on his administration’s legal battles with some of the principal actors in the controversial OPL 245 deal. Jonathan has denied receiving kickbacks, saying that he had not been “accused, indicted or charged for corruptly collecting monies� linked to the deal. OPL 245 has been a source of contention for almost two decades. In 1998, the block was awarded by then petroleum minister, Etete to Malabu Oil and Gas. Etete was accused of awarding himself the block while in office under former military head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha. OPL 245 holds significant hydrocarbon reserves and will increase Shell’s reserves by a third. Two oil and gas discoveries have been made on the block.

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Smile Holdings Raises Concern over Sale of 9mobile, Calls for Review Emma Okonji The reserve bidder in the sale of 9mobile, Smile Telecoms Holdings, has raised concern over some perceived anomalies in the handling of the sale of 9mobile by Barclays Africa, and has called for a review of the entire bid process. Barclays Africa, the financial adviser handling the sale of 9mobile had penultimate week, declared Teleology Holdings as the preferred bidder for the sale of 9mobile, and had transmitted an official letter to Teleology Holdings, informing it of its emergence as the preferred bidder. Disturbed by the letter from Barclays Africa to Teleology Holdings, coupled with the manner in which the bid exercise was carried out, Smile Telecoms Holdings wrote a protest letter to Barclays Africa, expressing its dissatisfaction in the entire bid process that produced Teleology Holdings as the preferred bidder.

Smile’s protest letter, which was addressed to Barclays Africa, was dated February 21, 2018 and signed by Templars, the company’s solicitors. In the two-page letter, Smile expressed surprise and disappointment at the manner in which the selection process for the preferred bidder and reserve bidder was conducted. Of particular concern, to Smile, is the fact that the selection of the preferred bidder was announced before the stated deadline of February 26, 2018 as set out in the process letter. The company therefore requested Barclays, to as a matter of fairness and urgency, provide a practicable with verifiable and preferably third-party authenticated proof that the party that has been selected as the preferred bidder has indeed satisfied all the conditions precedent to that selection. Barclays Africa, THISDAY gathered, replied Smile’s protest letter on February 26,

2018, and promised to “be in touch with Smile to discuss any updates on the transaction, to the extent considered necessary.” It expressed gratitude for Smile’s continued interest in the transaction but noted that its clients exercised their rights at their sole discretion to pursue an alternative path to completion of the transaction. Barclays restated its willingness to explore transaction completion with Smile should the pending process not reach a satisfactory conclusion. THISDAY gathered from a reliable source close to Smile that

Barclays Africa’s letter evaded the critical issues of due process and eligibility of the announced preferred bidder. The source wondered if the preferred bidder was able to meet the laid down requirements for the transactions that required it to reach agreement on any required financial accommodations with the syndicate lenders and the trade creditors. The requirement also entails the preferred bidder to have firm, unconditional and committed funding for any cash payments and to provide a binding offer that

is unconditional, excluding the formal licence approvals. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has however reassured that only investors with the required technical expertise and financial muscle will buy 9mobile. A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, stated that the commission would ensure that all relevant statutory and regulatory processes are duly complied with in the process leading up to the emergence of new owners for the telecoms company.

Some stakeholders who have been following the entire bid process have commended Teleology for emerging as the preferred bidder. They however said its emergence signaled a strong test to the financial capability of Teleology to pay the $50 million non-refundable fee within the 21-day window given it since February 21, and as well pay the $500 million bid money. The ability of Teleology to pay these money within the stipulated time, will prove its critics wrong, the stakeholders said.

Buratai: Why Buhari Okayed Massive Military Expansion in All Regions Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday explained why President Muhammadu Buhari directed the military to build more security infrastructure throughout the regions of the country. The Army Chief who spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Nigerian Army Barracks, Camp Buratai at Elebele in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, noted that the rising sophistication of crimes in the country demanded that the armed forces should have a firm grip of all its areas of operation. According to him, the 16th Brigade located in Yenagoa, the 6th Division and 6th Brigade of the Nigerian Army in PortHarcourt, Rivers State, the 17th Brigade under the new 8th Division with headquarters in Operation Lafia Dole in Monguno and several others were to enable the military effectively surmount the security challenges in the country. “The establishment of 6th Brigade in Port Harcourt, 6th Division in Port Harcourt and the 16th Brigade in Yenagoa forms an important part of the president’s desire to have a balanced and widespread footprints of the Nigerian army to deal with the myriads of security challenges facing the country in conjunction with other security agencies. “Our current national security realities have compelled the armed forces and other government security agencies to act together in operations in many parts of the country to stem the tides of criminalities and other untoward behaviour that hurts us as a country. “To achieve this, we the leaders and instruments of fate must therefore, put in place necessary measures, to look

after the wellbeing of officers of soldiers saddled with the responsibility of keeping Nigeria safe,” Buratai said. He added that the federal government under President Buhari placed premium on the welfare of soldiers fighting to keep the country safe. “It is for this reason that the government will continue to provide decent living and working environment for troops, their families and dependents while they are away in far-flung and isolated locations at the mercies of adverse weather conditions and sometimes enemies of the state. “Thus, this barracks that we are about to commence its construction underscores the importance the government under the leadership of President Buhari places on troops’ welfare,” he noted. He said the ground-breaking was made possible following Governor Seriake Dickson’s fulfilment of his promise to allocate and approve the parcel of land acquired by the army, noting that the Brigade will receive deserved attention immediately the 2018 budget is passed. Earlier, Dickson had lauded the Army Chief for the establishment of 16th Brigade as well as the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps at the Agge Deep Sea port, which he noted, would enhance security and investments. “I am pleased with what the Nigerian army is doing in terms of security in the state and its development efforts at the Agge Deep sea port, which we are building to enhance our economic and tourist potential. “Going forward, we will like to work with the Nigerian army to undertake the building of low cost houses, bridges and other developmental projects,” he said.

FRIENDLY NEIGHBOUR

L-R: Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; and Speaker of Ghana’s parliament, Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye, at a symposium to mark 25 years of the parliament in Accra.....yesterday.

TCN: Discos Still Limiting Volume of Electricity Supply to Nigerian Homes, Offices Chineme OkafoÜ ÓØ ÌßÔË The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said the extent of works it is doing to improve the quality and quantity of electricity available to power homes and offices that are connected to the national grid are still being limited by the inability of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) to invest in upgrading their distribution networks. TCN explained in a statement from its General Manager, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, in Abuja, that it knows locations of its networks with operational shortfalls, and was working to rectify them, but that at the moment, the Discos were not taking as much electricity as they should. It however added that until the deficiencies in the distribution networks are fixed by the Discos, Nigerians may not fully enjoy the benefits of the ongoing expansion of its transmission network. According to it, a couple of its transmission assets comprising of high voltage power transformers had been completed and energised last week in the Lagos, Katsina, Calabar and Enugu areas, with some more expected to

be completed within the next couple of days in Abuja, Akwa Ibom, and Kaduna. “Although, the Nigeria electricity industry is still facing liquidity problem, the only way that TCN’s rehabilitation and expansion programme can give maximum benefit to the nation is if a commensurate investment is done on the various distribution networks nationwide. “Presently, inadequacies in the distribution networks are limiting the amount of power delivered to end-users on daily basis. This problem is pronounced anytime there is heavy rainfall. This calls for significant investments in the distribution network,” said the TCN in the statement. It added: “The incident of Thursday 22nd at Lokoja substation was caused by the weak distribution network that dropped significant load due to heavy rainfall which caused high voltage that shattered lighting arrestor that punctured the cooling fan of the 150MVA transformer and more than 10 drums of transformer oil gushed out. TCN stand by its press release on this issue last week.” “TCN is aware of locations in its network where improvement is still required and assured that they are being addressed

through various installations. It is equally looking forward to working in harmony with other sector players to ensure Nigerians derive maximum benefit from these investments in its network,” it stated. On the new transmission facilities that it said have been installed and energised, the statement explained that it completed the installation of 1X60MWA power transformer in Katsina substation, 1X100MVA transformer in Ejigbo substation and 2X60MVA in Odogunyan substation both in Lagos, 1X60MVA transformer in Old Abeokuta substation, as well as 1X60MVA transformer in Calabar substation. “TCN has also energised the 5 kilometres transmission line built with the collaboration of Enugu state government to power the 1X30MVA Nsukka substation. TCN wish to commend the effort of the Governor of Enugu state for the collaboration that enabled the completion of the line. “The transformers have been energised and supplying various communities where they are located. They add to the several transformers, substations and transmission lines completed across the country either by TCN in-house engineers or by

contractors and are ready for the official commissioning by the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,” it noted. It further said that with this developmet, the power supply rationing recently experienced by customers of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company around Ejigbo when the old 1X30MVA was removed to pave way for the installation of the new 1x100MVA is expected to stop. It added that installation of another 1X100MVA to replace the second 1X30MVA in the same substation has also commenced, and that its completion would further boost transmission capacity in that axis. “The installation of the 1X60MVA transformer at Karu substation, in Abuja has been completed but is undergoing pre-commissioning tests. It is expected to be energised before Friday March 8, 2018. Similarly, installation of 1X60MVA at Dan Agundi substation in Kano has reached advanced stage, so also is the replacement of 1X60MVA LEEEC Model transformer razed by fire during installation in Uyo last week by TCN contractors, Messrs. T&D Technologies Limited.

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Obasanjo: I Wish My Parents Didn’t Die Early APC, Jonathan, Omisore greet ex-president at 81 Senator Iroegbu ÓØ ÌßÔË ËØÎ Femi Ogbonnikan ÓØ ÌÏÙÕßÞË Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday expressed regret over the inability of his parents to live to reap the fruits of their labour and the sacrifice they made before death came calling and snatched them very early in life when he was young. Speaking at his 81st birthday celebration in Abeokuta, Obasanjo stated that he wished his parents were alive to appreciate his growth and success in life, in order for them to reap the fruits of their labour over him. According to him, “One thing I always miss and remember is that my parents left this world too early. The sacrifice they made, they did not wait to see the results. How I wish they had waited to see and eat the fruits of their labour,” Obasanjo lamented. He, however, said his consolation is predicated on a popular Yoruba belief-system that “the dead doesn’t sleep in death but always looks after the one that is left behind,” while expressing optimism that with that belief-system, he was sure his late parents would still be happy in their graves till date for his great leap in achievements as a one-time Head of State and President and Commander in-

Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “But going by what Yoruba believe in and says that the dead always watch over their beloved ones and see to good things happening around them, I am convinced that my parents are happy in their graves, as they watch over me,” he emphasised On the 81st birthday, Obasanjo said he would continue to appreciate, praise, adore and worship God, just as he admitted that all those who worked and are still working with him, are loyal, and also expressed his appreciation to them. He admitted that his recorded successes and achievements so far, cannot be complete without the relevance, support and cooperation of all his workers and aides, emphasising that they were all committed and loyal to him and he prayed for them. Obasanjo also seized the occasion to call on Nigerians on the need to serve humanity, noting that it is when humanity is served that one can serve God, stating that he did not believe that God has created bad situation for Nigeria, or any particular country in Africa. “We must be able to serve humanity. If we can’t serve humanity, we can’t serve God. I do not believe God has created bad situation for Nigeria, or any particular country in Africa. If

things are not going right, we must blame ourselves,” he said. The former president therefore, emphasised further that governance and values among other things must be accorded serious attentions, in order to get things right. “For me, this day, I have nothing to say but to continue to thank God, appreciate Him, and praise Him and worship Him and adore Him for all that He has done for me personally, for my family members, for my extended family, friends, peers and those who have worked with me. “Where people talk about my achievements, not mentioning or remembering that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve

anything all by myself alone. I believe it could amount to a serious omission because many of those who worked with me worked loyally, worked committedly, and some of them are still doing so up till today.” Meanwhile, Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo who turned 81 yesterday. Jonathan’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, said in a statement that the former president described Obasanjo as a man of great achievements. In a goodwill message to Obasanjo, Jonathan wrote: “Your Excellency, I write to most sincerely congratulate you on your 81st birthday. On this very special

anniversary, I join you, your family and other well-wishers to give thanks to Almighty God for a life of great achievements and inspiring service to humanity,” he said. Also, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described Obasanjo as the bastion of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria. “Our party joins family, friends, well-wishers and associates in celebrating the retired army general who has emerged as the bastion of democracy, good governance and development in Nigeria and beyond. On his part, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator

Iyiola Omisore, described Obasanjo as an unrepentant nationalist who wants the best for his country. Omisore, in a statement issued to congratulate Obasanjo on the occasion of his 81st birthday, extolled the former president for his consistent interventions on issues relating to the general well-being and survival of Nigeria as a country. According to the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, the fact that Obasanjo loves and is ready to risk his life for the good of Nigeria is never in doubt. “He has demonstrated that as one of the Nigeria civil war heroes, who fought to keep this country one,” he said.

IPI Seeks Release of Detained Journalist Paul Obi ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed deep concerns over the continued detention of the Abuja Bureau Chief of Daily Independent Newspaper, Mr. Tony Ezimako, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday and signed by its Secretary, Raheem Adedoyin, the institute said Ezimako was

arrested last Wednesday for undisclosed reasons and has been in detention since then. “Ezimako should be released or charged to court if he has violated any Nigeria law. The government must adhere to the due process at all times. “We join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other professional bodies to call on the government to clarify the status of the detained journalist,” it added. Meanwhile, as campaign to

free Ezimakor, a journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper, Abuja, intensify, a group, OurMumuDonDo, is to stage a protest tomorrow at the headquarters of the Department of State Service (DSS) in Abuja. In a statement signed by Charles Oputa, OurMumuDonDo; Deji Adeyanju, Concerned Nigerians, Ariyo Dare Atoye, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy, Bako Abdul Usman, Campaign For

Democracy; the groups said it was unconstitutional for the DSS to keep Ezimakor in its detention facility against his will. They said: “Following the continued detention of Ezimakor by the DSS, and the continued disregard for his rights to freedom of speech, right to dignity of the human person, and right to fair hearing as guaranteed by the Constitution, we have decided to occupy the DSS Headquarters in Maitama by 9a.m. onMarch 7, 2018.

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Saraki: Education, Trade, Creativity Vital to Good Governance in Africa Damilola Oyelade ÓØ ÌßÔË Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has listed qualitative and universal education, increased intra-African trade and support for creativity and innovation as vital factors that would engender good governance in Africa. He spoke on the theme: ‘The Future of Good Governance in Africa’ at a symposium to mark 25 years of the Ghana’s parliament and said African leaders could best deliver on good governance if they first ensured that the people were sufficiently educated to make the right choices. “If we are to deliver good governance to the next generation of Africans, and if the democratic dividend is to come to fruition, education is key,” Saraki said, adding: “We must invest in primary, secondary and tertiary education, up to the 26 per cent of the national budget, as recommended by the United countries.” According to a statement by Mr. Sanni Onogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Saraki said it must be mandatory for every child to go to school, contending that African governments should ensure that there are incentives for those that send their children to school, and penalties for those that do not. The senate president stated that it was unacceptable that Africa’s trade with Europe far outstripped that between African nations. According to him, British foreign investment in Africa

totalled $54.1 billion in 2014 and China had an estimated 2,650 projects ongoing on the continent in 2015 while Africa’s share of the global trade stands at 3 per cent and inter-Africa trade is 11 per cent. “Let us ask ourselves: ‘What about Africa? Not a moment can be spared in our efforts as Africans to cover our flanks in trade,” Saraki said, adding: “We must devise an economic model that produces and manufactures primarily for the African market and then use that as a basis upon which to engage with the wider world.” He said he believed strongly that Africans’ talent for innovation and enterprise makes them the continent’s most valuable resources and that it is the duty of its leaders to give the people opportunities to translate these into going concerns. “This will create wealth and enable us to compete globally,” he said. Besides, he called on African leaders to add value to the abundant natural resources replete in the continent in order to make the raw material the mainstay of its economies. Saraki said: “We are the richest continent in resources and yet we are the poorest, because we have allowed ourselves to be pigeonholed as the supplier of raw materials to the world. “The leaders of our two countries are clear in their stance on the raw materials pivot of our economies. President Muhammadu Buhari has said that ‘Our vision is for a Nigeria in which we grow what we eat.’

“And President Akufo-Addo is unequivocal: ‘We must add value to [our] resources, we must industrialise and we must enhance agricultural productivity.’ The two leaders have identified this flaw in our economies, and we in parliament must support them with appropriate legislation in order to realise their vision.” He said that African leaders must remain vigilant and alive to their responsibilities to sustain its democracy. According to him: “Let me use this opportunity to reecho my long-held belief that democracy is not a destination, it is a journey. We cannot therefore take it for granted. “Unless we are eternally vigilant and alive to our duties to provide our people with effective and responsible governance, which guarantees that we listen to them at all times and ensure that their needs are met we run the risk of derailing our hard-earned democracy in the region.” He noted that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has a key role to play to make the African continent succeed. “If the African continent is to be a success story – or even the AU for that matter, ECOWAS must play a key role. And for ECOWAS to lead the charge, Ghana and Nigeria must step up to the plate, and fulfil their leadership role on the continent. So, my colleagues, let us take the first step on that journey today, and do so together,” Saraki said.

Former DMO DG Proffers Solutions to Sustainable Education Funding Former Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, yesterday delivered a public lecture on sustainable funding of education in the country at the Bayero University Kano. The lecture which held at the Musa Abdullahi Auditorium, with theme: ‘A Framework for Sustainable Funding of Education in Nigeria’, was hosted by Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello. At the lecture, Nwankwo identified ‘Weak economy, unreliable funding base, as some of the factors responsible for poor funding of education in the country. He said about “40 per cent to 45 per cent 0f domestic funds meant for basic education is misused, there is need to go beyond these set of process problems and recognise that there are overriding macroeconomic conditions, structural rather than process-derived, which have determined the fate of the sector.” “If an economy is not

growing at a reasonably high and sustainable rate, relative to its population dynamics, it will not have the resources to fund a largely-social service sector such as education,” he added. As a way forward to solving the challenges, the former DMO boss advised that the Nigerian government must “go beyond increasing budgetary allocations and other conventional (governance) problems” and rather “emphasize a framework which assures sustainability.” Nwankwo said a good education should reflect the economic and social system, the level of development of the country, the degree of economic productivity and generation of surpluses that could be channeled to the social sector and development priorities. He equally stated that the quality of the country’s economic management – in terms of technical competence, leadership sincerity and sufficient consensus around common national goals should all reflect in its education.

On the role the private sector can play to improve the country’s quality of education, the former DMO DG said the sector should accept responsibility for “entrepreneuring” and funding tertiary education. He further said the private sector can play the role of “recognising education as both a public good and a private good,” as this will determine what should be the appropriate degree of allocation of different levels of education funding between the sector and the public sector. Concluding, Nwakwo called on all stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers, trade unions, governments, amongst others to discard selfish and sectional interest in order to achieve a new sustainable paradigm. Nwankwo, who served as DMO DG from 2007 to 2017, has authored several books on Economics and Literature. He has also published articles in international journals and one of his book have been adapted into a movie, “TATU.”

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com g y

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

PSG Banks on Paris Crowd to Upstage Real Madrid Paris St Germain are hoping p g their Parc des overturn a 3-1 Princes crowd will help p them over deficit in their Champions p League g las last-16 return try to cope leg g against g Real Madrid as they tr without the injured j Neymar. y The talismanic Brazilian forward was ruled out of the g game tonight g after u undergoing foot surgery, g y but PSG coach U Unai Emery is confident the home fan fans will play a key y role. “You p play y a g game ga with your head and y y your heart. On Tuesday y (tonight), g the heart will thing,” be the most important importa p Emery y told a news conference yesterday. y “And we will b be playing players tonight with 12 player p y because we will wil have the backing g of the crowd.” PSG has lost l its last five return legs in the Champions League, Champio notably going out in the last 16 last season

Cavani

2nd Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival Begins Over 12,000 athletes from primary and secondary schools across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State are expected to feature at the 2nd Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival for primary and secondary school pupils and students starting today through March 11, 2018. The event which will feature 23 sports for secondary schools and 14 for primary schools is expected to be declared open by the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel while Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung will be in attendance as a Special Guest. This edition of the Games has a prize money of N18million up for grabs for the first three positions. Governor Emmanuel is

expected to light the festival torch and watch activities including the opening ceremony of the games. Meanwhile, athletes have arrived camp in preparation for the games and the provision of facilities by the Main Organising Committee for the games have been excellent as athletes expressed happiness on the welfare given to them. The opening ceremony will feature callisthenic displays, musical performance, relay races and parade of the 2017 team Akwa Ibom contingent to the 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin Kwara State where Akwa Ibom State placed second overall. The ceremony will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

D E LTA P R I N C I PA L’ S C U P

Okowa Applauds Zenith Bank, Promises Bus for Next Winner The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has heaped praises on Zenith Bank, the sponsors of the state’s Principals’ Cup football competition for secondary schools after a successful completion of the second edition. Marvel International School, Ughelli, at the weekend emerged champions after defeating St. Paul’s College, Ozoro 6-5 on penalties in the final. Full time ended 1-1. The governor said the support from Zenith Bank had been immense as he also announced that next year’s winner would win a school bus as star prize. He also announced the start of Headmasters Cup, with the winner also getting a school bus. “The future still holds a lot for students of Delta state,” he said. “I must thank our sponsor Zenith Bank for what they have been doing because this is the second edition, we are very proud of Zenith Bank. “I hope they will continue to help the state and hope by next year, the schools that qualified for the final will be camped together for some days before

the game, so that they will be able to display more football prowess. “Last year I said we need to go back to the grassroots and catch them young, so we are going to be having the Headmasters’ Cup next which had already received approval. “Apart from the sum of N200,000 that will be giving to the best performers like the Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, by the year 2019, the school that will win the final will go home with a bus and also the winner of the Headmasters’ Cup.” Meanwhile, the MD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo, who was ably represented by the Zonal Head, Asaba of the bank, Lucky Ighade, has assured of the bank’s commitment to the completion. The MD gave kudos to the finalists as he described all of them as winners having gone from the preliminary stage to the final.

EPL Result Cry’ Palace 2 - 3 Man Utd

when it slumped p to a 6-1 loss at Barcelona after beating the Spanish side 4-0 in Paris. p “Our team, even without Neymar, is able to y beat the best Real Madrid team,” said Emery. y “With Neymar, PSG is stronger, y g but we are still strong without him,” fullback, Dani Alves said. “Theree are two options: p either we sit and cry, or we stand tand on our feet and fight.” g If the Paris team is going g g to knock out the defending PSG will need to bee ng g champions, p more focused ocused than during g the first leg, when en it conceded two goals in the last ast 10 minutes. “In the first leg g we played better, had the best opportunities. unities. But this time we need d to do that for 90 minutes,, not just 80,” Alves said.

TODAY AY (8:45 pm)

PSG Vs Real Madrid Liverpool ol Vs FC Porto

TOMORROW ORROW Man City y Vs FC Basel Tottenham am Vs Juve

Ronaldo

WORLD CUP 2018

Weah Meets Buhari, Canvasses Good Funding for Eagles Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Liberian President, George Weah, yesterday met President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and charged the federal government to give every required support that Super Eagles need to triumph at the World Cup. Weah who described the Nigerian team as a model, said if Nigeria wins the tournament, it will be the pride of the entire Africa, pointing out that the bane of African football is denying the players their due benefits. “I think Nigerian team is a

model, we all followed them. I had played with great Nigerian players. I played against them. Now, you have a new generation, the fact that they qualified is a good thing for Nigeria. “But I hope that they will prepare very early because they are going to represent Africa and we will be there to watch them, for them to bring the trophy for the first time if it is possible. But I think the seriousness to go to World Cup is not to pay players to go. I want every African government to know that if you win World Cup, it is pride to Africa, it is

not just to Nigeria. So, we must do everything to ensure that the players are not stressed, make sure they concentrate, make sure their incentives are given to them to motivate them. “Some of the things you see at the World Cup, you will see an entire team go to represent a whole country and you will hear that one minister took the money; they did not pay these players and the players are causing problem. When players are going to camp is to relax and focus and for them to be in camp they must have everything there for them not

to worry. “Remember I played in European setting. When we go to camp, we had nothing to do. The only thing we had to do was to take a shower and prepare for the game. Everything is laid down here and so, you have no excuse. So, let the players not have excuse, support them and let them go and bring that cup,” he said. Weah, a global sporting superstar in the 1990s remains the only one to have won the Ballon d’Or, European and CAF Player of the Year winner.

NRFF on the March Again after Ratification of its Constitution Femi Solaja The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has now put behind the problem that affected the smooth running of its activities following the ratification of the federation’s constitution by the elected board led by Kelechi Mbagwu. With this, NRFF has taken a giant step towards getting readmitted by the International Rugby Union who had mandated the Nigerian body to hold it Annual General Meeting

and ratify its constitution. At an extra-ordinary Annual General Meeting, attended by delegates from the various state chapters, and representative of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Ministry of Youth and Sports, and an EXCO member of the continental governing body, Rugby Afrique, the federation endorsed the constitution and set out a programme of action for the 2018 season. Speaking after the meeting,

elated boss of NRFF, Kelechi Mbagwu said, “I feel relieved at this stage because if we had failed, we would have been back to square one. A country that is not internationally recognised is not going to live up to its full potential,” he remarked. He commended members of the board for their show of solidarity and said the board was now set for business and hoped to actualised most of its programme this year following

the interest of several corporate bodies who are waiting in the wings moments the international body endorses the legitimacy of the board. On his part, Khaled Babbou who represented Rugby Afrique said he was happy with what he saw. “This is what we have been waiting for and rugby is set to open a new chapter in Nigeria and we will be happy to welcome the country back to the international fold.

ICC Backs Nigeria Cricket Federation to Host Sub-regional Tourney in April The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has been given the final approval by the International Cricket Council to host the ICC Sub-regional T20 Qualifying Tournament at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos between April 12 and April 22, 2018. ICC Representative Mr. Kuben Pilay and members of the LOC have agreed on plans for security, catering, accommodation, transportation, medical and media during the tournament. Pilay also hinted that the ICC was pleased with level of preparedness by Nigeria to host

the regional tournament. According to him, “we are impressed with the level of work done so far and the level of commitment by members of the LOC.” He also expressed optimism that this will be the first in a series of international competition to be hosted by Nigeria. Speaking on the hosting, Vice President of the NCF, Mr. Uyi Akpata, explained that the rationale for hosting this competition was born out of the board’s desire to reposition the sport since assumption of office eight months ago.

Uyi who also doubles as the chairman of the LOC of the tournament, stressed further that the NCF board under the leadership of Professor Yayaha Adam Ukwenya, would do everything humanly possible to package one of the best cricket competitions ever in Nigeria. He also stressed that the board already has Eroton Exploration and Production Ltd and Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc as the federation’s sponsor but will continue to work round the clock in getting more sponsors to make NCF less dependent

on the ICC and government for its funding. The Technical Representative on the NCF Board, Mr. Dahiru Enesi, assured Nigerians that the country would present the best players for the qualifying tournament in April. “Currently we have 21 players out of 33 players invited to camp that scaled the first trials and much later three foreign-based players namely: Shola Anyia (United Kingdom), Saheed Akolade (Australia) and Dotun Olatunji (Canada) would join up starting from Monday, March 12, 2018 during the second phase”.

Tuesday March 6, 2018

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MISSILE PDP to APC

“Nigerians watched with rude shock as President Buhari, the African Union anticorruption champion, directly superintended over the worst kind of corruption in a political party by overthrowing its constitution and democratic processes, all in the bid to shut out other contenders in the presidential race, a development which further confirms that the president has lost popularity even in his own party.” – The opposition Peoples Democratic Party mocking tenure extension for the executives of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Africa: A Continent Without Democrats

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he second wave of democratization in Africa, beginning in the 80s, and the gradual establishment of democracy as the new normal in the continent brought much hope and excitement. As we have seen in the recent intervention by the military in Zimbabwe, coup d’etats have become unpopular and unacceptable in the entire continent in deference perhaps to dominant global politics. In the past two decades, there have been many electoral transitions across the continent indicative of a pattern of democratic consolidation. In reality, however, mercenaries of democracy, dictators and a military culture dominate African politics. The form of governance may have changed, but the form of politics has remained seemingly unchangeable. We are forcefully reminded of this by certain recent developments across the continent. In Burundi, President Pierre Nkurunziza has just ensured that the officials of a football team, which rough-tackled him during a football match last year, have been sent to prison. Nkurunziza, a graduate of Sports Education (1990), loves to play football, even as President. He owns a football team, Haleluia FC, and a choir, “Kameza gusenga” which means “pray non-stop”. President Nkurunziza is a member of his football team and he actually joins them to take part in tournaments, friendlies and other matches, fully attired in the club’s colours. A day may well come when the President may decide to play for the national team, prompting concerns across Burundi that the President plays too much football, instead of attending to state matters. Nkurunziza had his day on the field when Haleluia FC met Kiremba FC. If in previous matches the President was treated with respect, and even allowed to score, the Kiremba soccer team was not ready for that. They played man to man, and treated the match with professional seriousness. They tackled the President each time he had the ball. He fell on the pitch several times. It is for this reason the administrator of Kiremba FC, Cyriaque Nkezabahizi and his assistant, Michel Mutama are now in prison, having been charged and tried for a curious felony called “conspiracy against the President”! Nkurunziza may be a sports graduate, and even taught the subject for a while at the university level, but he is not in any way a sportsman. Like his other colleagues across Africa, he is a dictator who likes to have his way. Football is a body-contact sport, like rugby, boxing and wrestling. Not even the almighty Lionel Messi or Neymar or the skillful Cristiano Ronaldo, with all their accomplishments in the sport expect to be treated like royalty in a football match. Like Nkurunziza, most African leaders do not like to play by the rules. They like to cheat and force their options down the people’s throats. This same Nkurunziza who came to power in 2005, refused to go after the expiration of his constitutional tenure of two terms in 2015. He insisted on having a third term. Protests by the people were suppressed, media houses were shut down, journalists were detained, members of the opposition were harassed, after two months more than 200 persons had been killed and hundreds of thousands had fled into exile. Nkurunziza had his way. He likes jogging, but when members of the opposition also began organizing Saturday morning joggings, he placed a ban on jogging across the country. He is the only one who is allowed to enjoy the pleasure of jogging as he wishes, in a country of 12 million people. He is not the only African leader however who has been able to get away with a third term in office through a violation and manipulation of the Constitution. To

President Muhammadu Buhari many African leaders, the Constitution does not matter at all. In Rwanda, Paul Kagame, President since 2003, completed his constitutionally stipulated second term in 2017, but the constitution was altered to allow him serve for a third term, and now the constitution has been further altered to keep Kagame in power till 2034. The excuse is that he is doing a good job and that there is no alternative to him. The only person who summoned the courage to challenge Kagame in 2017, a lady, Diane Rwigara was harassed and detained. Her nude pictures were posted on the internet. This no-alternative thing is a dubious misinterpretation of democracy in Africa. And it is one of the stupid points being canvassed in Nigeria, currently, by those who want President Muhammadu Buhari to remain in office beyond 2019, despite growing protests that he should be a one-term President. Nigeria is a country of about 200 million people. Is it not the height of idiocy to say that there is no alternative to Buhari? Africa is not in short supply of mercenaries who mouth such idiocy and actively give effect to it. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 46-year old Joseph Kabila whose two terms in office expired close to two years ago has refused to organize elections. He negotiated a one-year extension till 2017, but despite protests, and international objections, he has extended the election time-table till December 2018 on the ground that there are “logistical problems”. Now, the country’s electoral commission has further announced that no Presidential election can possibly take place in the DRC before April 2019. Various militias, rebel groups, and civil society organisations, backed by the Catholic Church are insisting that Joseph Kabila will not be allowed to rule the DRC forever. Widespread violence has made the DRC politically unstable and fragile, but Joseph Kabila cannot be bothered. The standard African response is to descend on the opposition, including political parties, journalists, writers, human rights activists and thinkers as harshly as possible. The African man of power does not understand that the right to protest, to differ and to express an opinion is part of democracy. In Togo, there is an ongoing popular protest titled “Faure Must Go”. President Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005. He succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years. With the Constitution of Togo not indicating any Presidential term limits, the Togolese opposition has been leading a series of protests to demand for such term limits – a restriction to a maximum of two, five-year terms and a two-round

voting system. Faure wants to rule forever like his father, and so, even in spite of mediation by Ghana and Guinea, he has been sending soldiers after the protesters. The opposition in Africa is probably the most abused in the world. Go to Egypt. Egypt goes to the polls on March 26 but incumbent President Abdul Fattah el-Sisi does not want any opposition. He has taken every measure to scare away every person who has shown interest in competing with him for the office. One Presidential aspirant, Colonel Ahmed Konsowa was accused and convicted for “expressing political opinions as a serving military officer”. Another, Lt. Gen. Sami Anan, after being detained by the Egyptian military, had to call off his presidential bid. He was accused of “blatant legal violations (and) a serious breach of the laws of military service.” Other aspirants – Mortada Mansour, Khaled Ali and Mohammed Anwar al-Sadat have all dropped their presidential ambitions because they could not stand the climate of fear imposed by President Sisi. Only one aspirant is still standing, Mousa Moustafa Mousa and he is, because the court saved him. The ruling party had asked for his disqualification on the grounds that he does not have a certified university or higher education degree. This is a minimum requirement for the Presidential office in Egypt. I hope some Nigerians would take special note of this! The Supreme Administrative Court has now ruled that Mousa Mousa indeed holds an MA in Architecture from a French University, and the National Electoral Authority has certified this, thus putting paid to the orchestrated possibility of President Sisi getting a second term unopposed. Still Sisi is not prepared to lose. He has declared that anybody or “forces of evil” who defame the country’s security forces through “the broadcast and publication of lies and false news” would be charged for “high treason.” He is of course referring to himself and not necessarily the military operation in the Northern Sinai Peninsula. Absolute power corrupts and so it is also with Cameroon’s Paul Biya and Equitorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. Cameroon has been battling secessionist rebellion in North West and South West parts of the country. The Biya government has done everything possibly negative to suppress the people of the proposed Ambazonia Republic including detention, police brutality, internet black-out, curfews, arrests and intimidation. When about 50 of the rebels, including their leader, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe fled across the border, they were chased all the way to Nigeria, where they were arrested by the Nigerian authorities on Cameroon’s request and repatriated. This couldn’t have been a difficult request for the Buhari government to accede to, given the fact that it had also launched a military operation against would-be secessionists in the Eastern part of Nigeria. Paul Biya also probably learnt a lesson from Nigeria or perhaps it was the old fox just being himself. He has just appointed two persons from the aggrieved North West/South-West of Cameroon into his newly reconstituted cabinet to assuage fears of marginalization by the Ambazonians. One of the portfolios is that of the Minister of Interior. The average African leader is manipulative and trickish. In Biya’s case, it is worse. He is 85, he has been in power for more than three decades, and he still plans to run for election this year. His opponent from the main opposition party, the Social Democratic Front (SDF) is likely to be a 49-year old, Joshua Osih. Biya is Cameroon’s Mugabe. His sit-tight colleague in Equitorial Guinea is no better. Last week, Mbasogo proscribed the main opposition

party in the country, the Citizens for Innovation (CI) for allegedly undermining state security. In November 2017, there were clashes between CI supporters and armed policemen. Party leaders have argued that their supporters did not carry any arms, and that they were only campaigning. 21 of them have been sentenced to 26 years imprisonment for sedition, and 10 years for breach of authority, and fined 210,000 Euros along with their party! I suspect that CI’s main offence would be that of having the audacity to win one seat in parliament in that country’s last elections, while the ruling party won 99 seats out of 100 seats. That makes Teodoro Mbasogo uncomfortable: he cannot afford the growth of opposition in his country, or anything that would threaten his plan to hand over power eventually to his first son, 48-year old Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue who is currently the First Vice President in charge of defence and security and the oil and gas sector. First sons and first daughters are often part of the political equation. Togo’s Faure, DRC’s Kabila, Equitorial Guinea’s Teodorin, and Angola’s former first daughter, Isabel dos Santos. They share power with their father and possibly succeed him, and if not, they could become as wealthy as Isabel. This is why it baffles me that Nigerians are always hypertensive anytime they see first or second sons and daughters in the corridors of power enjoying privileges extended to them by their fathers. The Minister of State for Health received Yusuf Buhari at the airport and they won’t allow us rest. What if the President had sent Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to the airport? He would refuse to go? The sad part of the African story is that even when you discover a President who seems to be doing well, he does well only for a while, before he begins to misbehave like the rest. Take John Pombe Magufuli, the developmental President of Tanzania, the “Bulldozer.” In nearly three years in office, he has brought fresh energy and creativity to governance in Tanzania. He has waged war against indolence, incompetence, corruption, ghost workers, bad infrastructure, but he is also now waging war against democracy. His government has banned public rallies by the opposition. It has introduced a law, which criminalises free speech on social and electronic media, and jailed at least two politicians for “hate speech”. Magufuli has also banned the smoking of Shisha, and famously declared, that “no pregnant student will be allowed to return to school…” In Tanzania, it is an offence to “annoy” the government, but okay to rape young girls! When an African leader finally decides to leave, he insists on choosing his own successor. Sierra Leone goes to the polls tomorrow, for example, with 16 parties and six leading candidates on the ballot, but the fight is between the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Outgoing President Ernest Bai Koroma has, in the meantime, handpicked his former Foreign Minister, Dr. Samura Kamara (APC), as his successor, because according to him, “he knows exactly what he needs to do…” Our democracy suffers in this manner in part because the people themselves play what the Sierra Leonean musician, Daddy SAJ calls “watermelon politics” (2007) - the people not knowing what they want or what is good for them. Nigerians have made that mistake too often. But then, is there something in the African DNA that is anti-democracy? Is this about African culture or the truth about universal democracy? Whatever it is, as they go to the polls tomorrow, Sierra Leoneans should eschew “watermelon politics” and vote wisely.

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