Ortom: 18 of 23 Benue LGs under Siege by Herdsmen Says president addressing state’s humanitarian crisis George Oko in Makurdi Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom at the weekend gave a gloomy picture of the security situation in his state, saying about 18 of the 23
local government areas of the state are under the siege of attacks by Boko Haram and herdsmen. Ortom, however, said President Muhammadu Buhari was genuinely addressing the humanitarian crisis currently plaguing the state as a result
Agrees arrested livestock guard should face the law of the many attacks in different communities around the state. The governor also said the arrested livestock guard, Tershaku, in connection with Boko Haram attacks, should be allowed to contend with the full course of the law, after all, he
Govt commences criminal proceeding against Miyetti Allah
has an opportunity to prove his innocence if he truly was. He was addressing journalists in the state upon his return from China, where he had gone to observe his leave. But on the conduct and utterances of the Miyetti Allah,
an umbrella body for cattle rearers, he said the state had resolved to commence criminal proceeding against the group and that the process had begun already. Making excuses for the security agencies, Ortom said,
“They too have their deficiencies in terms of capacity, numbers, equipment, funding, and this is why I'll continue to call on my people to continue to support them, because the insurgency Continued on page 8
Oil Producers Reshaping Offshore Projects to Survive Price War, Says IEA Report ... Page 13 Sunday 6 May, 2018 Vol 23. No 8417
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Oyegun Shuns APC Ward Congress as Protests,Violence Mar Exercise Nationwide Buhari, Tinubu advise new executives, express satisfaction with congresses Our Correspondents Protest, boycott, and parallel voting marred a number of congresses held countrywide
yesterday by the ruling All Progressives Congress to elect new ward executives for the party. APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was conspicuously absent during the
Chairmanship aspirant killed in Delta
exercise in his ward in Edo State. But in his home state of Katsina, President Muhammadu Buhari, who participated in the ward congress that saw the return of key executives, urged the new
officers to be diligent and Godfearing in the discharge of their duties. “I call on you to fear God in whatever you do as we would transit to the next world and
Party suspends Ekiti governorship primary
account for our deeds before our creator,” Buhari urged party executives elected in his Sarkin Yara A electoral ward in Daura. The president said his administration was determined
to uphold the provisions of the country’s constitution and the rule of law. He stressed the need for Nigerians to play politics with Cosntinued on page 8
Senators Drop Impeachment, Consider Reprimand of Buhari over $496m Tucano Aircraft Payment President lobbies Saraki, Dogara
Omololu Ogunmade and Damilola Oyedele in in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari may have survived a strong bid by some members of the National Assembly to impeach him over the payment of $496 million to the United States Government for the purchase of 12 Tucano military aircraft without the authorisation of the legislature as required by the 1999 Constitution as altered. The Senate had asked its committee on Judiciary, penultimate week to look into the payment and determine if there had been a breach of the constitution, and if yes, what it should do in the circumstances. The committee’s report which was due last week, would, however, be laid on Tuesday. Reliable sources told THISDAY that the decision to jettison the impeachment bid stemmed from intense lobby of the leadership of the National Assembly, by the president and his aides. Perhaps aware of the impending soft landing, yesterday the president felt comfortable enough to tell the nation why he wanted a second term of office, saying
it is motivated by the desire to serve the people better and improve their welfare. Buhari had come under intense fire since THISDAY reported exclusively his letter to the National Assembly requesting its approval for the payment made for the military hardware without appropriation. Accused of breaching the Constitution, many legislators in both chambers had canvassed for his impeachment. He was, however, given some respite by Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who skilfully steered their angry members away from that direction and sought to buy time for tempers to cool by referring the matter to their appropriate committees for advice. Buhari had, in his letter seeking approval for the expenditure, explained that the payment was made to beat a February deadline stipulated by the military hardware manufacturers. But debating the request, many legislators, including Senator Matthew Uroghide (Edo PDP) and Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers PDP), had argued Continued on page 8
Explains why he wants second term
DINNER WITH MACRON'S DELEGATION… L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer; Chairman of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Femi Otedola; and Advisor to the French President, Ms. Marie Audouard, when Otedola hosted the delegation of French President Emmanuel Macron to a private dinner at his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos… recently
PDP Petitions UN over Alleged Clampdown on Opposition ...Page 10
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͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R
PAGE EIGHT SENATORS DROP IMPEACHMENT, CONSIDER REPRIMAND OF BUHARI OVER $496M TUCANO AIRCRAFT PAYMENT that the president's action was in clear breach of Section 80 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides, “No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.� They, therefore, urged their colleagues to invoke section 143 of the Constitution, which outlines the modalities for impeaching the president. Some senators, however, argued that the president’s offence did not warrant impeachment since he acted in the interest of national security. But as the debate raged, the leadership of both chambers applied moderation to find a breathing space for the president. This, THISDAY learnt at the weekend, paid off bountifully. A source disclosed that the president seized the opportunity to meet with Saraki and Dogara,
who then prevailed on the committees to give him a soft landing. The source further explained that the committee would find a way to slightly exonerate the president on the basis of section 83 (1) (2) of the constitution, which border on contingency fund. The sections read: (1) the National Assembly may by law make provisions for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund for the Federation and for authorising the President, if satisfied that there has arisen an urgent and unforeseen need for expenditure for which no other provision exists, to make advances from the Fund to meet the need. “(2) Where any advance is made in accordance with the provisions of this section, a Supplementary Estimate shall be presented and a Supplementary Appropriation Bill shall be introduced as soon as possible
for the purpose of replacing the amount so advanced.� According to the source, “The provision of these sections would be applied. It does not seem to really explain the case, because the National Assembly has to give approval for that advance spending, but they will find a way to say he was short on time.� The source further explained that the president would still receive some ‘bashing’ from the committee, because the National Assembly does not want to be seen as a rubber stamp. That bashing, said the source, would be in the form of a resolution, reprimanding the president and warning him to ensure that he abides by the Constitution henceforth. Buhari Explains Bid for Second Term Meanwhile, the president yesterday in Daura, Katsina State, said his drive for another term of office was borne out of his will to
serve and improve the people's lives, and not for frivolity or personal aggrandisement. Buhari who made this remark at the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress held at Bayagida Model Primary School, Daura said the passion to serve and see real changes in the lives of Nigerians informed his choice to join partisan politics in the first place, and inspired him to contest elections in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president disclosed that his decision to seek a second term in office was borne out of a deep passion to serve Nigerians, and not for personal gains. According to him, the president stated that his administration had already started the process of ensuring fairness, justice and equity, in spite of challenges, and would work hard to consolidate on the
gains. “I am not in politics for fun, frivolity or to amass wealth, I have always been driven by a deep sense of commitment to make a difference to the lives of our people. “After my retirement from the army, or forceful retirement, I sat back and watched as events unfolded on the political turf, and realised the country needed an intervention for fairness, justice and inclusion of Nigerians in the issues that affect their lives,’’ he was quoted to have said. The statement also said the president called for patience, maturity and orderliness as the 2019 elections calendar begins to unfold, and implored political parties, candidates and the electorate to put the country first and always remember that victory ultimately belongs to God. “After going to the court so many times to challenge results of elections in 2003,
2007 and 2011, and going up to the Supreme Court, I concluded that ultimately it is God who determines who will win elections, and in 2015 I got here,’’ he was further quoted. The statement added that Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, observed that the process of electing leaders of the party at the ward level was hitch-free, orderly and in compliance with the constitution of APC. “What we have here are our leaders that were chosen based on consensus and we are happy that it reflects the will of the people and the APC constitution. We followed the process to also ensure that there is affirmation,’’ he reportedly said. It also said the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Ward Congress, who is also the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the state, Ahmad Usman El-Marzuq, urged the party leaders to remain loyal and live up to expectations.
crisis.â€? The APC ward congresses conducted in Rivers State witnessed a flare-up of some violence in various places and a re-enactment of the lingering rivalry between Minister of Transport and former governor of the state, Chibuike Amaechi, and senator for Rivers South East senatorial district, Senator Magnus Abe. Amaechi and Abe blamed each other for the violence and vandalism at the state secretariat of the party in Port Harcourt on the eve of the congresses. Addressing journalists on the incident, Amaechi accused Abe of being behind the destruction at the party secretariat on Friday. He also dismissed rumours about a court injunction stopping the congresses in the 344 wards across the state, saying the exercise went on successfully with the adoption of Option A-4 as the voting method. Amaechi had earlier been quoted as saying, “A lot of people are complaining about internal democracy in the APC. So, why are they running away from internal democracy? Let's go and queue up behind the candidates we want. As early as 6am yesterday, I gathered that thugs had taken over the Rivers State secretariat of APC.â€? In apparent reference to Abe, the minister said, “What the governorship aspirant wanted to do was that there should be no congress. He took over the entire secretariat with thugs‌ If that candidate is popular, why didn't he ask his supporters to buy forms, go and compete at the wards?â€? But Abe stated, “I am amused by some of these allegations and stories that are making the headlines. For the records, the disagreement between me and the minister is political. He is the leader of the party, but he has said publicly on several occasions that he can never support me, that means the entire country knows that he cannot pretend to be neutral in any matter in which my interest and the interests of those interested in me are concerned. But as the leader, it is his responsibility to provide a level playing field for all of us. “We are politicians, tomorrow when we need voters, who will those people branded as thugs be? People paid for forms, they had their tellers and no one was telling them what was going on, they besieged the state secretariat for explanations. Rather than the leader to come and address them, they brought armed policemen to open fire on innocent party men and women. That is what led to damage at the secretariat.â€? The voting process in Bayelsa State went smoothly, despite a controversial court
order reinstating a sacked APC state chairman, Mr. Tiwei Orunimighe. Ex-governor of the state and APC state leader, Chief Timipre Sylva, accused the expelled chairman of procuring the judgement to cause confusion on the eve of the ward congresses in the state. Sylva also dismissed the court order as an aberration, saying there is “a subsisting appeal at the appeal court on this matter of chairmanship.â€? Accompanied by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, and other party leaders, Sylva said those who plotted to disrupt the exercise with Orunimighe’s reinstatement had failed. The congresses in Ondo State were marred by protests and allegations of thuggery. APC members, including the legislator for Akure South/ North Federal Constituency, Hon. Afe Olowokere, accused the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, of using members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to cause trouble at voting centres. The congresses in Niger State followed a rather strange pattern, as APC returned unopposed all the executives of the party in the 274 wards of the state. The congresses were postponed indefinitely in Cross River State after an alleged discovery of irregularities by stakeholders, who said, “This morning at Danic Hotel, Cross River vigilant members of APC discovered already prepared and filled result sheet and other incriminating document in an SUV vehicle parked in the hotel.â€? ‌Ekiti APC Primary Suspended IndeďŹ nitely Meanwhile, the governorship primary of APC in Ekiti State was yesterday suspended infinitely due to violence that erupted following electoral fraud allegations. The crowds at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium venue of the exercise erupted into shouting, heckling, and fisticuffs as agents of some governorship contenders accused security agents of compromising the voting process to favour the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and former governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi. Chairman of the primary committee and Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, who hurriedly left the venue after a meeting with the 33 aspirants, did not officially brief the press on thez discussion with the stakeholders. But two aspirants, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, and former Speaker, Hon. Femi Bamisile, said it was unanimously agreed at the meeting that the primary should be suspended indefinitely.
OYEGUN SHUNS APC WARD CONGRESS AS PROTESTS, VIOLENCE MAR EXERCISE NATIONWIDE decency and decorum. In Lagos, APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, lauded the peaceful congress in the state and advised members to conduct themselves according to the rule of law. “I am very happy and proud of our party,� Tinubu stated, adding, “We are demonstrating to the people across the country that we are a law-abiding political party; that we believe in the tenets of democracy and that we demonstrate the openness in the congresses across the country, particularly, I can speak emphatically on Lagos.� He said members who had complaints about the congress “should write to the party headquarters and just don’t take laws into their hands.� Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also commended the congresses in the 337 wards in the state. Ambode, who participated in the exercise at Ward A6, Luyepo Primary School, PapaEpe, in Epe Local Government
Area, said, “We are members of the same family and that is why we are doing it in line with our constitution. The party agreed that it is either we do election or we vote by way of consensus and that what we have done peacefully today.� He added, “We know that the APC can get stronger if there is always peace and consensus among all our members. Like in Epe division, elections have been conducted peacefully in all other divisions. This is the most beautiful ward in Lagos State presently.� However, in Delta State, a chairmanship aspirant at Okwagbe community, Jeremi 3 in Ughelli South ward 10, Jeremiah Oghoveta, was stabbed to death during the congress. Oghoveta was allegedly stabbed by one Tete Pippah after an argument involving accusations of hijack of electoral materials. THISDAY gathered that Oghoveta was leaving the scene where disagreement over the alleged hijack of materials had broken
out when an attacker stabbed him on the neck and fled. The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Andrew Aniamaka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident, adding that the command had started investigation into the incident. In a related development, the APC governorship primary held yesterday in Ekiti State ended in violence, which stalemated the exercise organised to pick a candidate for the July 18 election in the state, resulting in its indefinite suspension. The nationwide APC ward congresses followed the party’s revised timetable released on April 27, which postponed its national convention indefinitely and moved the ward, local government, and state congresses to May 5, May 12, and May 19, respectively. The congresses had earlier been scheduled for May 2, May 5, and May 7, respectively. While the exercise yesterday was peaceful in some states, in
many others, it was chaotic and prone to violent flare-ups. Odigie-Oyegun shunned the congress at his Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area, which was conducted by fellow Edo indigene and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, the exercise was peaceful and produced Mr. Osagie Edosomwan as consensus chairman for Ward 2, Lucky Abu as secretary, and Dorcas Ehoghai as women leader, among other elected ward executives. Edosomwan, who confirmed Odigie-Oyegun’s absence at the congress, described the exercise as “amazing and most peaceful ward congress I have ever seen in my life since I have been doing politics.� Chairman of the party in the state, Mr. Anselm Ojezua, said the process was smooth and “everywhere was peaceful across the state. There was no form of
ORTOM: 18 OF 23 BENUE LGS UNDER SIEGE BY HERDSMEN that is going on, as at today, out of the 23 local governments, you hardly count five local governments that are not under siege. “So, you can see the enormous challenge. There are several ways individuals, groups, communities can come in to support. We have the Vigilante Group, we have Livestock Guards, but these are not armed people, so, it becomes very difficult and when it comes to funding, you discover that the security personnel in the state are grossly underfunded and ill-equipped. “We need to support them. Where individuals or groups or corporate organisations have that kind of support, you can pass through government, you can pass through anybody or to them directly by way of mobility, funding or whatever that can be available to support the security agents to work.� Apparently impressed with Buhari’s intervention in the humanitarian crisis in the state, Ortom said, “We've identified all those flash points that these invaders come and attack our people and we've adequately made presentations to the federal government. As I speak, there's already a reinforcement going on by all security agencies to ensure that we're able to surmount this challenge, especially of attacking our people, because Mr. President, in my last discussion with him, was deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis that we're facing today in Benue State. “A committee was set up to assess the damage and to see how these IDPs can be rehabilitated to go back to their
various communities. But one thing that was identified was that areas that were attacked were not yet safe and while the committee was going round, despite the fact that they had adequate security personnel with them, they were also attacked in several places and, thank God, the security personnel were able to repel all the attacks that came upon them and no one was hurt till they finished their assignment and went back. “Mr. President had indicated that he wants a rehabilitation of these homes, because even when they go back, how are they going to stay in these places? So, we raised the issue of security in these areas and he did assure us and I've seen the sign. As at today, some of the personnel, the top senior people, are already in the state and by tomorrow (weekend), the Chief of Army Staff is visiting himself, just to try to also address this matter. All the security apparatuses are augmenting their personnel to help curtail these attacks and I believe that within the shortest time possible, it'll be done.� Speaking on the arrest of the leader of the livestock guards, the governor maintained, “As a law abiding governor and someone, who believes in the rule of law, I'll always support due process. Security agencies are at liberty to arrest, detain and investigate anyone, who they may suspect to be involved in security breach or perpetuating insecurity. “The arrest of Tershaku is one of such and as for me, as I always do, and you are witnesses to the fact that when it
comes to issues of security and prosecution, I don’t interfere. I've made a statement through my assistant after his arrest that due process should be followed; he should not be victimised but security men should be fair to him. “He should be investigated and if at the end, he is found culpable, he should be prosecuted. When my adviser was suspected of murder and a commissioner was also a suspect in a murder case, I asked them to resign. Although they were not convicted, I said for the purpose of credibility of this government they needed to give way and they gave way. They had to resign. “You are also aware that even when one of my appointees was convicted, I asked him to resign. Later though, he appealed the decision of the lower court and was exonerated and is now a free man. If I have another opportunity I'm going to appoint him again. So, I don’t want to talk about the arrest other than to say let the needful be done; let there be no victimisation. If at the end an investigation is carried out and he is culpable, let that be.� On the activities of Miyetti Allah, the governor, who claimed to be dumbfounded, noted: “I've said it repeatedly; I've written and will continue to write and continue to raise the alarm that the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore is responsible for the killings; for the mercenary work that is going on in Benue State. I still want to repeat that they are responsible. There are evidences; they are on tape, they have done
press conferences and none of them has come out to refute what was credited to them in the media. “They've said it is about Jihad; it's not about grazing. They said it is about occupation; about taking over the land. They've said it and the evidence is there. I've presented this to security agencies and I want to believe that it is a whole process; they're still working on it and at the appropriate time, these people will be apprehended, because they cannot go free. “After killing my people, they'll not be allowed to go free. I'll continue to say it that these people must be arrested, because they're responsible for killings in the state. The evidence is there; very clear for everyone, who wants to see to see. “Besides that, what we've decided to do as a government, since there is no response yet, is to initiate criminal proceedings against the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in court. I have been briefed that the case is coming up on Thursday at a High Court in Makurdi. We're beginning with the 73 victims of the New Year day attacks and several others will follow. “I believe that the court will definitely give us justice. These people are not going to be allowed to go free; justice must be served to us. Those people, who think that Ortom is making too much noise should, please, help me so that justice will be given to me and my people. That is all that I seek and nothing more than that. By the time you do that, I'll keep quiet; I'll not say anything again.�
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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SUNDAY COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
LET’S AVOID SECTARIAN VIOLENCE The security agencies could do more to contain the violence
O
n April 24, Reverend Fathers Joseph Gor, Felix Tyolaha and several other parishioners of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, UkporMbalom, Benue State, were murdered right inside the hallowed sanctuary. A few days later, some purveyors of blood again stormed another church in the same state where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were provided refuge and butchered many of them to death. These mindless assault and desecration of places of worship and the killing of ordained Whilewecallonthose priests have, quite natuwhospeakforthe rally, inflamed federalgovernment passions while tostoprationalising introducing a religious mix thekillingsand into the murdergivingexcusesfor ous ventures of murderers,itisalso the herdsmen importantforthe who are on the securityagenciesto prowl across the gettotherootofthe country. What compounds matterandbringto justicethosewhoare the situation is that the spreadingbloodshed security agencies have consistently demonacrossthecountry strated a lack of capacity for tackling the challenge posed by these violent men who move from one state to another, killing innocent people, especially in the rural areas. And that worries us because as more and more Nigerians seem to be losing faith in the ability of government to guarantee their security by dealing with the growing menace, ‘go and defend yourselves’ is becoming the refrain of the day. That, as we have said several times on this page, is nothing but an open invitation to anarchy. Following the Benue tragedy, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria accused President Muhammadu Buhari of ignoring repeated calls that the murderous activities of what is now associated with herdsmen are wearing an ethno-religious toga. They also allege that the federal government and the
Letters to the Editor
security agencies appear complicit, clueless or at best helpless. ‘‘Since the president who appoints the security chiefs has refused to call them to order, we can only conclude that they are acting out a script he approves of,” the bishops said in their statement.
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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITORS VINCENT OBIA, OLAWALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com
n the heels of the Catholic Bishops’ position, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) last Sunday successfully called out Christians across the country in protest against perceived assault on their religion. And with the religious dimension to which the sectarian attacks have assumed, the signs are ominous for the continued existence of the country, particularly on the eve of a general election. We therefore call on President Buhari to get the security agencies to be more decisive in dealing with the challenge. Unfortunately, what we get from President Buhari are mixed messages on these severe onslaughts on the right to life and property of Nigerians while his government has not provided any workable solution on how to defend our citizens against non-state actors who have turned our country into a killing field. While his Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali and Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris have made provocative statements without consequences, the president himself has not helped. Although he is now tracing the origin of the killings to the demise of former Libyan dictator, Muammar Ghadaffi, not a few people remember his earlier presidential appeal to the people of Benue to accommodate their ‘brothers.’ While we call on those who speak for the federal government to stop rationalising the killings and giving excuses for murderers, it is also important for the security agencies to get to the root of the matter and bring to justice those who are spreading bloodshed across the country. Unless we contain the barbaric and violent attack unleashed against our common humanity by these criminal gangs, there is a growing danger that sectarian violence is not too far away with all the dire implications. Meanwhile, we are concerned about the role of critical institutions in the management of the fallout. Our main appeal goes to the media. While we do not in any way advocate censorship, times like this call for restraint in the reportage (and slanting) of news so that we do not unwittingly provide platforms for purveyors of violence and hate. It is particularly important to note that giving undue prominence to incendiary remarks will not in any way advance the cause of peace which we really need for us to successfully navigate this troubled season.
TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific 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 (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.
New Trend In Adamawa Politics
T
he purported suspension of a governorship aspirant, Chief Emmanuel Bello by his party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is just a tip of the iceberg of what to expect in Adamawa politics. As the politics of 2019 gathers momentum, Adamawa politics has already gone strongly tripartite – the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) with each party having its own uniqueness and crisis, but being controlled by similar and familiar players. The PDP and SDP will face the core of their crises after their governorship primaries, but APC is already facing its own, which will escalate after its planned state party congresses. APC’s crisis is unique and historical. The current one began the day Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow became
a political orphan, after his ‘N500 million’ godfather, Atiku Abubakar left the APC for the PDP. The Adamawa APC was formed from former Governor Murtala Nyako’s political structures and most of the candidates fielded by the party in the 2015 elections were political products of the Murtala Nyako House. However, the Adamawa APC started witnessing crisis the day Atiku joined the party. Atiku’s arrival brought rivalry within the partyhe fielded opposing candidate to Nyako’s during two governorship primaries. Nyako defeated Atiku on the two occasions. The crisis Adamawa APC will face after the planned congresses will not only have impact on Adamawa State but also at the national level. The state congresses will be a contest between Governor Bindow and stakeholders
(Murtala Nyako, Nuhu Ribadu, Markus Gundiri, Lawan David Babachir, Senator Abdul Aziz Nyako and Senator Ahmadu Abubakar Mo’ Allahyidi, etc). With the odds seemingly against the governor, he is paying the price of political miscalculations and third-rate politicking, with the stakeholders prepared to give the governor a payback. Governor Bindow has the resources and incumbency, but lacks established political structures and grassroots party support. Bindow is like a general in a war, who has the most sophisticated weapons but easily gets frightened by a single shot. On the other hand, the stakeholders led by Nyako control a well-established political structure, grassroots party support and are always banking on Bindow’s inevitable flaws. Nevertheless, whichever group loses out, it will
be a minus to the APC - the party will witness anti-party activities and serious internal opposition. Reconciliation is almost impossible with the way politics is played in Adamawa. The PDP has witnessed its own crisis, but the ones it will witness in future may be mild. When Atiku rejoined the PDP he took over the structures of the party in a hostile manner which forced the members of the Abdulrahman Bobboi group to defect to the APC, leaving behind only Bobboi himself and Dr. Umar Ardo. Atiku neutralised the Joel Madaki group. The biggest casualty of Atiku’s hostile takeover of the PDP is Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Before Atiku, Fintiri had felt he was the anointed governorship candidate of the PDP because he has resources and in control of the party structures. But Atiku came and swept Fintiri under the carpet. Fintiri could have bargained with Atiku’s re-entry into the PDP, and used it to secure his backing for his governor-
ship aspiration, but Fintiri has some political deficits which the Atiku ‘caucus’ does not have the luxury of time and patience to balance. Furthermore, Fintiri’s unfortunate statement against Hausa/Fulani is still haunting him. In addition, Atiku will only present and support a political son and a lackey, a profile which Finitiri does not fit. Atiku now owns the body and soul of Adamawa PDP. In fact, Mr Tahir Shehu and Alhaji Abdullahi Prambe-led state party executives are now regular visitors to Atiku’s residence. The only threat to Atiku now is Dr. Ardo but his attacks won’t go beyond pen, paper and radio interviews. The SDP is growing and moving very fast, owing to its small size and the single goal to champion the cause of minority Christians. The party has no any established crisis. Emmanuel Bello is rebuilding the party. ––Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta
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SUNDAYNEWS
News Editor Abimbola Akosile E-mail: abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com, 08114495306 (sms only)
PDP Petitions UN over Alleged Clampdown on Opposition t "DDVTFT '( "1$ PG IVNBO SJHIUT WJPMBUJPOT Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has submitted a petition to the United Nations, alleging threat to democracy, rule of law, freedom and gross human rights violations by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
In a 55-paragraph letter signed by national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and addressed to the Secretary General of the UN, the main opposition party chronicled all instancesofallegedclampdown and human rights abuses targeted at members of the opposition by the federal government
and its agents. The alleged persecution ranges from illegal arrests, detention, biased prosecution and outright destruction of properties belonging to the opposition party and its members. The party said the federal government had recently
confirmed the persecution of opposition leaders in the guise of fighting corruption when it released a phantom list of alleged looters comprising only of persons who are members of the opposition PDP. According to the opposition party, “the federal government has shown unrivaled bias by arresting and hounded opposition personalities on phantom
corruption allegation while ensuring that members of the ruling party and their associates who faced more serious indictment were left off the hook. “Even persons who were facing criminal prosecution prior to the 2015 presidential elections who are now members of the ruling APC and other members of APC who are overtly known to be involved in known cases of
LEADING BY EXAMPLE L-R: National Women Leader, All Progressives Congress, Chief Kemi Nelson; National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu; Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Mr. Mojeed Balogun; and Mayor Alani Okikioposu, during APC ward congress at Ward F, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday
corruption were excluded from the list, while persons who have never been charged with any crime and who in fact have not held any previous government portfolio including myself were listed as ‘looters’. “ThePDPisalertingtheentire world of the increasing aggression and cruelty against opposition members and perceived opponents of government by the federal government, which is now using the apparatus of state power in their desperation to cow and subjugate opposition, suppress constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and association in our country. “Today, there is thoughtless abuse of human rights in our country and the people now live in fear. Opposition members are now being arrested, manhandled and detained, with some of them having their family houses demolished for holding and expressing legitimate but divergent opinion even under a democracy�, it said PDP also lamented that members and supporters in many states including Edo, Rivers Kaduna, Kogi, Borno, Adamawa, Delta and others were being hounded for expressing divergent political opinions, particularly on the exposed corruption, abuses, constitutional violations and alleged incompetence of the President Buhari administration.
Many Boko Haram Insurgents Tired of Carrying Arms, Says Mama Boko Haram t Promises involvement in negotiation until last abducted girl is freed Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“
Many of the Boko Haram insurgents are tired of carrying arms against the nation and are willing to come out and embrace peace, Barrister Aisha Wakil revealed yesterday. Speaking in Maiduguri at the unveiling of the ultra-modern field office of her Non-governmental organisation (NGO),
CompleteCareandAidFoundation, and fund raising for N500 millionNorth-easthumanitarian intervention, Wakil also said she won’t be tired of negotiation for the release of the abducted girls until the last of the girls is released. Shetoldjournaliststhatnoone likes the life of fugitives, always running from being caught by agentsofgovernmentandadded
Adeboye: Killings May Destabilise Nigeria t Asks Buhari to act now Tobi Soniyi
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has warned that Nigeria may not exist as it is if the spate of killings across the country is not quickly brought to an end. He spoke weekend at the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service where he warned that Nigerians would find it difficult to go out to votenextyeariftheyhavefearthat theycouldbekillediftheyventure out of their housesto vote. Theservice,whichhadthetheme, ‘Stronger Than Your Enemies 5’ withthesubtitle,‘Habitationofthe Almighty,’tookplaceatthechurch’s RedemptionCamp,inOgunState. Notinghisdistressatthekilling
ofChristianworshippersinBenue Staterecentlyandhowitprovoked hiswifetonudgehim,hesaid:“Isaid there is no father who would lose 19childreninadaythatwillnotbe quiet.Shesaidwhatdoyoumean, becauseshehadn’theardthenews that in a church, somebody went inandshot19people. “Itdoesn’tmatterthedenomination‌bythespecialgraceofGod, all Christians in Nigeria call me daddy.Sowhenanyofthemdies, it’smysonordaughterthatisdead,â€? Adeboyesaid. Urging the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to immediately stop the killings, he said:“Iamgoingtoaskyoutojoin meinprayer,becauseunlessthese killingsstop,andstopimmediately, evenNigeriamaynotlive.Iamnot talkingaboutindividualsnow,Iam talking about Nigeria itself‌
that the insurgents, after about a decade of living in isolation, would like to be reunited back with the society. Wakil,popularlycalledMama BokoHaram,said“theinsurgents arestillinarmedstruggleagainst Nigeria because they do not yet trust the amnesty plan of the federal government.� Wakil, who is believed to be part of the negotiation of many
oftheabductedChibokgirlsand recently the Dapchi schoolgirls, said she does not feel bad being calledMamaBokoHaram,asthe name only shows that she is one of the few that the insurgency group listen to. She said: “I am not called Mama Boko Haram because I sponsored insurgency but rather because the group listenstomeandrespectme.SoIdo not feel ashamed with the name
because I am only playing a role that will ensure that the society doesnotcompletelydegenerate.� She said she decided to take a step further by establishing an NGO to make the society to be healed from its illnesses and get back on track. Wakil said: “So far, with the little funds generated from messengers of peace and other well-wishersnamewithheld,we distributed food items to more than 500,000 displaced persons, andwealsoassistedwomenwith
medical needs. Education is also not left behind. “I also constructed a multimillion Naira complex for humanitarian activities. Our target istosponsorourdisplacedyouth for skills acquisition, exchange programme of education, nutritionandtocaremoreforwidows in Borno State and its environs.� She said with the anticipated success of the N500 million fundraising, more interventions would be done for victims of insurgency.
Police: Dino Melaye, Brother, Five Killed, Scores Injured as Others to Remain in our Custody Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc in Taraba Senator Iroegbu and Paul Obi in Abuja
Despite the ruling by a Kogi State High Court compelling the Nigerian Police to return Senator Dino Melaye to an Abuja Hospital pending his full recovery, the Police yesterday said there are no plans to release Melaye from his sick bed. The court ruled on Friday, mandating the Police to return MelayebacktoNationalHospital, Abuja where he was receiving treatment before he was forcefully taken to Lokoja before a Kogi State Magistrate Court to stand trial for criminal offence. But a senior Police officer who spoke to THISDAY in Abuja on condition of anonymity explained that “even though Sen. Dino Melaye is sick, he remains
under Police custody until the case comes up in court.� Asked how long Melaye would continue to be under Policecustody,thesourcestatedthat “until the court states otherwise, or give order for his release, he will be remanded in custody.� The source further added that Melaye would continue to be under guard by the Police pendingwhenthemattercomesupin court. On the detention of Melaye’s brother and other persons, thePolicesourcemaintainedthat they have all been remanded in Police custody by the court. Melaye’s brother, Moses Melaye alongside Femi Obalemo, Joseph Godwin, Kayode EmmanuelandFolorunshoMathew were also arrested during the take-over of Sen. Melaye’s house in Maitama, Abuja.
Wole Ayodele in Jalingo
At least five people were killed while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries as rainstorm wrecked havoc in Jalingo in the early hours of yesterday. Among those injured were eightYouthCorpsmembers,nine students of Taraba State University, Jalingo and the Chaplain of St.ThomasAquinasChaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Pontianus Jaffla. Besides, properties worth several billions of naira, includingprivateandpublic buildings, weredestroyedbytherainstorm, which started at about 6.00 am andleftmanyresidentscounting their losses. The incident is coming barely two weeks after a heavy downpour accompanied by a heavy
thunderstorm in the town left two people dead and several others injured. Amongthepublicinstitutions affected by the rainstorm were the Federal Medical Centre, State Specialist Hospital, NYSC permanent orientation camp, the State University, Police Officers mess and the Taraba State Property and Investment Company premises. The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the Specialist Hospital, Dr. Dashe Dasogot told newsmen that five corpses were brought to the morgue of the hospital after the rainstorm. Conductingjournalistsround the affected parts of the hospital, Dasogot stated that two among the injured were in critical condition at the accident and emergencysectionofthehospital.
T H I S D AY SUNDAY MAY 6, 2018
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NEWS Northern Leaders Seek Unity, Common Agenda Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Some politicians and leaders from the northern part of the country have started an initiative aimed at reconciling various groups in the region to agree to a common agenda for peace and development. The leaders, under the auspices of Northern Elders Assembly, have been rallying support of eminent political
leaders in the north such as former military Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Abdulsalam Abubakar, and former Vice President, Namadi Sambo. Speaking to journalists weekend at his residence in Abuja shortly after a meeting with some elders, former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar advised Nigerians to embrace peace and be ready to volunteer information
on the identities of perpetrators of the killings and destruction in parts of the country. The former Head of State said for the county to enjoy meaningful development everyone must allow peace to reign. He also charged politicians from all sides of the divide to join hands to ensure that there is peace in the country ahead of the 2019 elections, adding that without peace, there
would be no nation. “I have no other advice to give than solicit for peace. Peace is paramount to everything. If there is no peace, there is no nation, if there is no peace there would not be any politicking. So it is absolutely necessary for each and every one of us to put hands on deck to ensure that there is peace in the country,� he said. On his advice to political parties as they engage in cam-
paigns for the 2019 general election, the former Head of State said: “they should make peace. Once you have peace, you always solve any problem.� When asked about his concerns over spate of killings by armed herdsmen, Abubakar said the reason senseless killings and criminality had continued unabated was because people were not ready to identify the causes and those
ENHANCING THE DEMOCRATIC SPACE L-R: All Progressives Congress Chieftain and Balogun of Epe, Chief Lanre Razak; Independent National Electoral Commission oďŹƒcial, Mr. Friday Edobor; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Epe Local Govt. Chairman, Hon. Kehinde Adeniyi; and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Olawale Oluwo; during the Ward Congress of the APC at Ward A6, Luyepo Primary School, Papa-Epe, Epe, Lagos...yesterday
behind it so as to nip it in the bud. “These criminals, are they Nigerians or they are foreigners and if they are foreigners have we been told where they are coming from, are we given intelligence� And if they are Nigerians, are they not our brothers and sisters, don’t we know them? or can’t we expose them? So each and every one of us has a role to play,� he said On what he thinks can be done to put an end to the spate of killings in the country, he said: “you see I wander at people when start asking this question, me and you and every Nigerian have a role to play in ending this carnage. Abubakar said: “Government is not just all in the Villa; we and every person they represent are part and parcel of this government. Let us keep praying that God will look at us with mercy so all these criminality and other ills will come to an end and for us to have a peaceful country. “All these senseless killings and criminality that are going on will not serve any purpose. So please let’s try and make sure that we give peace a chance�. A top woman politician, a former minister, Hajia Inna Ciroma who volunteered to speak to journalists on the outcome of the various consultative a meetings with the leaders said they have agreed to support the agenda of the group to ensure the north speaks with one voice once again.
Assent to PIGB Now, Write Your Name in Gold, CSOs Urge Buhari Abimbola Akosile and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to grant speedy assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, which has been harmonised by the two houses in the national assembly and transmitted to him. If he can do this, stakeholders note, then he would have built a lasting legacy, promoted
transparency and accountability in the oil industry, boosted the drive for institutionalisation instead of individualism, and written his name in gold forever in the country’s history. The call was made by Civil Society Organisations, under the aegis of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) at a recent media roundtable organised in Abuja in collaboration with
Dr. Michael Uzoigwe and Mr. Anthony Ihianle of the Facility for Oil Sector Transformation (FOSTER II), a project of the UK department for International Development (DfID). The group, which were backed by members of the media, noted that the Bill awaiting Presidential Assent would strengthen governance and promote strong and independent regulation of the
sector, as one of the electioneering campaigns of the present administration ahead the 2019 general election. The forum, which drew experts and consultants including former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi; Technical Advisor to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Dauda Garuba, and keynote
presenter and legal practitioner, Mr. Chiagozie Hilary-Nwokonko, agreed that if President Buhari can assent to the vital bill within the tenure of the current administration, he would have written his name in gold and left a lasting legacy for the development of Nigeria, especially in the extractive sector. The Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, in his welcome remarks
at the forum, stated that “the Petroleum Industry Bill is an attempt to bring under one law, 16 different legislations to clarify the rules, procedures and institutions that will entrenched good governance, transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector and ensure favourable fiscal terms that will yield maximum government take and increase revenues from the sector.
Senate Orders Reinstatement of JAMB to Conduct Aptitude Test Pipeline Vandalism: Navy for Police Recruitment Applicants Sacked NDPHC GM, Mohammed Arrests 32 Suspects, Recovers them to be thorough and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja senate submitted on her be- 11,000 Litres of AGO Paul Obi in Abuja In an effort to ensure transparency, the Nigerian Police yesterday said the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will tomorrow conduct aptitude test for all applicants in the ongoing Police recruitment starting tomorrow. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Jimoh Moshood, “the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Training and Development, DIG Emmanuel Inyang has addressed Commissioners of Police and other Senior Officers nominated to serve as Heads of Police Recruitment Screening Committee in the Thirty Seven Commands of the Federation and warned
above board and ensure that the screening exercise, which will commence with effect from Monday 7th May, 2018 is smooth, hitch free and devoid of any form of corrupt practice. “He further warned the officers that will be participating in the screening exercise to remain impartial and ensure transparency.� Moshood explained that “for the first time, successful candidates, after the physical screening, will undergo a written aptitude test to be conducted by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure transparency and get the best out of the candidates. Furthermore, Medical Examination will be conducted for each candidate in the following areas before final selection.
The Senate has ordered the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to immediately reinstate the sacked General Manager (Audit & Compliance) Mrs. Maryam Danna Mohammed, who was sacked 19 months ago when President Muhammadu Buhari dissolved the board of the company. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Privileges found that Mohammed is not a member of the executive management of the company, who constitute the board of the NDPHC, and that she is one of 13 General Managers, with the remaining 12 GMs not affected by the dissolution. In her petition to the
half by Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (Borno APC), Mohammed had appealed to the Senate to ensure her reinstatement after 24 years of meritorious service in the service of Nigeria. Adopting the recommendations of the committee, the senate also directed the company, to pay Mohammed all her entitlements. The Committee Chairman, Senator Sam Anyanwu, who presented the report, said her disengagement was not in line with due process, as she was never queried or sanction for nay infraction. He explained further that her position is not an appointive one, but one attained while rising through the ranks, after 24 years of meritorious service.
Chiemelie Ezeobie
In line with the strategic directive of the naval authorities to curb the burgeoning menace of pipeline vandalism, its Forward Operating Base (FOB), in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has arrested 32 suspects for illegally siphoning and selling stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). Asides effecting the arrest of the suspects made up of drivers, marketers and loaders of the illegal products, they also recovered the stolen products and handed them all over to the police for onward prosecution. Also recovered were 370 jerry-cans of 30litres illegally refined AGO totalling about 11,100 litres, 13 vehicles, 31 phones and a sum of N3,199,000.
The arrested marketers were identified as Mrs. Comfort Muyijimi, Mrs. Olamojuba Favour and Mr. Abiola Ajibola. The loaders include one Mr. Ejigwa Austin, Muhideen Jimoh, Azeez Yusuf, Oluwafemi Koleola, Zachaeus Edward, Emmanuel John, Fasonu Olusegun, Adekunle Alex, Uchehna Ani, Ezenwata Michael, Abayomi Olubobade, Azeez Abdullahi, Akintunde Samuel and Okewale Oluwaseun. Drivers arrested include Temisan Oyewole, Ayodele Benjamin, Saheed Wasiu, Akeem Adekola, Surajudeen Bamidele, Adeosun Wosu and Chinonso Ojimadu. Others include Ibikunle Michalle, Gbadebo Adewunmi, Afolabi Sunday, Ola Oluwagbemiga and Ibikunle Niyi.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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NEWS Oil Producers Reshaping Offshore Projects to Survive Price War, Says IEA Report Chineme Okafor in Abuja To keep their various upcoming offshore projects profitable within the present low price regime, major oil producers across the world including Nigeria, have opted to re-engineer their respective deep offshore projects, a new
report by International Energy Agency (IEA) has disclosed. The IEA said in its Offshore Energy Outlook, which is part of the World Energy Outlook Series, obtained by THISDAY that hydrocarbon produced from offshore sources or locations have become major component
of global oil and natural gas supply. Therefore, the agency pointed out that, countries which their deep offshore oil projects had been impacted by the 2014 oil price slump, have now cut down on their production costs. The IEA examines the full spectrum of energy issues including
oil, gas and coal supply and demand, renewable energy technologies, electricity markets, energy efficiency, access to energy, demand side management and much more. Through its work, the IEA advocates policies that will enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability
of energy in its 30 member countries, seven association countries and beyond. It explained that these deep offshore oil projects were coming back fast, but much leaner and fitter than they were before to be able to become profitable when completed.
PROMOTING FASHION L-R: Founder, Runway Jazz Fashion and Music Festival, Afolabi Oke; CEO, Avantgarde by ElizabethR, Ibidunni Ighodalo; Founder, Step Up Initiative and Wife of the Vice
President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; General Manager, Wealth Management and Financial Institutions, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Moji Bakare, and CEO, Zaron Cosmetics, Mrs. Oke Maduewesi, during the Runway Jazz Fashion Masterclass powered by Sterling Bank in Lagos...weekend
Also, designs of these offshore oil projects, the market IEA noted, are now simplified, standardised and downsized in this regards. “Offshore oil and gas projects are being re-engineered for a lower price world. The costs of many offshore oil and gas projects have come down sharply in recent years, as companies try to ensure their viability in a shale-inspired lower price environment,” said the over 80page report. IEA further explained that, “In the aftermath of the oil price fall in 2014, proposed new deepwater projects were generally among the first to be delayed or cancelled as the industry moved towards shorter cycle investments, including shale. “But offshore projects are now coming back into the picture, typically looking much leaner and fitter than they did before. Only the best projects are going ahead, but capital investments in the Norwegian offshore and in the US Gulf of Mexico that once required a breakeven oil price of $60-80/barrel are now claimed to be robust at $25-40/ barrel. “Designs are being simplified, standardised and (in some cases) downsized, and a large overhang in the market for offshore services and equipment is also helping to exert downward pressure on costs – although this could be reversed as activity levels pick up.”
Alagbon Transmission Fire: Eko Disco Restores Power Supply to Lagos Residents Ejiofor Alike Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced that it has restored electricity supply to all areas of Lagos State affected by the incident at Alagbon Transmission Injection Sub-station where a 66MVA transformer caught fire. The spokesman of EKEDC, Mr. Godwin Idemudia said in a statement yesterday that the restoration of supply was achieved through the combined efforts
of engineers from the company and their counterparts from Transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) who were able to quickly effect a perfect back feeding arrangement while the repairs of the damaged transformer was ongoing. Idemudia said the restoration of supply was a testimony to the quick recovery rate of the company during crisis period. He expressed gratitude to all affected customers and the general public for their cooperation,
understanding and sympathy while the power interruption lasted. Many parts of Lagos were plunged into darkness on Thursday when a 66MVA 132/33kV power transformer at the Alagbon Transmission Substation in Ikoyi exploded and caught fire in the early morning hours. The facility, which belongs to the TCN, is located in the franchise area of EKEDC. The cause of the fire was still
unknown but Idemudia had described the fire incident as a “minor one,” adding that his company and TCN were working to restore power to the affected areas “in a matter of few days”. THISDAY gathered that the TCN had recently installed one 66MVA 132/33kV power transformer in the injection sub-station to increase the bulk load wheeling capacity of the station to 312MVA on 132kV voltage level.
Ndigbo’ll Never Fight Any Secession War Notorious Cultist Gunned Again, Says Ohanaeze President General Down in Ilorin Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu
President General of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo at the weekend declared that Ndigbo would never be involved in any other war for secession from the country again. He said they would rather partner other ethnic groups with similar ideology, to continuously engage the authorities through diplomatic warfare, in ensuring that Nigeria is restructured into a true federation as envisioned by the founding fathers of the country. The Ohanaeze leader spoke at
Enugu Sports Club, during the maiden edition of “Nkata Umu Ibe”, a monthly distinguished Speaker series organised by Centre For Memories, a proIgbo organisation. The former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu delivered the maiden lecture with the theme ‘Igbo Ekunie: Lessons from Post-War Recovery in South East Nigeria’. Nwodo also at the event said the people of Southern and Middle-belt regions of Nigeria will not vote for any presidential candidate whose party does not have restructuring in its manifesto during the 2019 general elections.
Hammed Shittu inIlorin Palpable tension yesterday pervaded Sakama area, off Niger road in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital following the reported death of a suspected cultist, Yusuf popularly known as Indomie. THISDAY checks investigations revealed that the suspected cultist reportedly died in the early hours of yesterday from the gunshot he allegedly fired at night guards in the area, which mysteriously returned and hit him in the process. It was learnt that Yusuf was sighted late in the night and was accosted by the guards, who suspected foul play. The deceased reportedly resurfaced from a hideout where he had been hiber-
Despite this recent upgrade, the sub-station still recorded a breakdown of some of its facilities last month, plunging Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Park view estate, Obalende, Idumagbo and other adjoining areas into darkness. Idemudia later confirmed the fire incident in a statement but added that the fire was quickly put out through the combined effort of firemen from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Union
Nigeria Facing Potential Drug Abuse Epidemic, Ex-NDLEA Commander Warns SegunAwofadejiinGombe
nating as a result of the killing of some rival cult members in some parts of Ilorin in the past. It was gathered that the deceased had been severally remanded on court orders for murder and cultrelated cases but usually found his way out of the prison custody. A resident of Niger Area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Indomie died after the bullet he fired at the night guards, who accosted him on his late night crawling, reversed and hit him instead. “We were told that he was coming from somewhere late in the night and was sighted by night guards, who challenged him to know where he was coming from by that time.
Bank, Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Fire Service. He had also acknowledged that the fire incident would result in power interruption in parts of Ikoyi, Moloney, Keffi and other parts of central Lagos. The EKEDC’s spokesman assured consumers in the affected areas that there was no cause for alarm as measures had already been put in place to sustain power supply to affected areas through back-feeding from alternative power source.
A former State commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohammed Kaka Jibrin has warned that Nigeria will soon get into an epidemic of drug abuse if the abuse of local substances are not checked. Jibrin spoke yesterday during a one-day Northeast zone drug free campaign organised by Arewa Young Leaders Initiative in collaboration with Big Church Foundation held at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe. He noted that a recent research has revealed that Nigerian youth had long gone into the abuse of unconventional psychoactive substances such as pawpaw leaf, paint, glue and petrol.
Others, he listed included, correction fluid, rubber solution, nail polish/remover,kerosene,lizardfund/ excreta, zakami (datura metal), soak-away or pit toilet fumes (biogenetic gas), unripe plantain bark, old newspapers, furniture polish ‘shisha’, sukodai (suck and die), gaddedi, goskolo, benylen+codeine, cement sniffing, licking of toad back, pineapple+milk and others. The former NDLEA Commander expressed regret at the unfortunate situation where the agency is busy enforcing the provisions of its enabling law in collaboration with other security agencies, government and nongovernmental organisations to control the abuse of the conventional hard-drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis among others.
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OPINION The Scourge of Drug Addiction All the stakeholders must do more to contain the menace of drugs among the youths, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi
R
ecent directive by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole banning sales of cough syrups containing codeine without prescription across the country is a sad reflection of the alarming state of drug addiction in the country, especially among the youth. According to Prof. Adewole, the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse of codeine usage in the country. Drug addiction is the excessive, maladaptive, or obsessive use of drugs for non-medicinal purposes. It is characterised by a compulsion to take drugs on a steady basis in order to experience its mental effects. Drug addiction leads to habitual dependence on drugs which gives rise to mental, emotional, biological or physical, social and economic instability. Drug addiction has distressing and extremely awful consequences on the society. Violence, crime, social deviance, mental disorders and premature deaths are some of the consequences of drug addiction. According to a 2011 World Drug Report, over 210 million people or 4.8% of the world population use illicit substances yearly. In Nigeria, the youths seem to be more involved in this deadly act. A recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Report shows that the age of first use in the country is 10-29 years. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concern over the increasing level of drug abuse and drug trafficking among Nigerian youths. According to the NDLEA, the situation is worsened by the affordability of substance of abuse such as cough syrups, lizard wastes, gums and cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp. Considering the delicate and sensitive position of the youth within the country, drug addiction among them remains a major threat to national growth and development. Environmental influence, especially during childhood,
is a very important factor in drug addiction. Parents or older family members who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who engage in criminal behaviour, can increase children’s risks of developing their own drug problems. Friends and acquaintances can also have a strong influence during adolescence. Drug-using peers can sway even those without risk factors to try drugs for the first time. Academic failure or poor social skills can put a child at further risk for using or becoming addicted to drugs. High stress level, especially occasioned by dire economic strains, severe trauma, psychological trauma, including loss of a loved one or chronic loneliness are some of the factors that could lead to drug addiction. Tackling the problem of unemployment in the country is relevant to reducing the menace of drug addiction among the youth in our society. According to a recent World Bank statistics, youth unemployment rate in Nigeria is 68%. But some put the figure at about 80%, many of them secondary school graduates, in addition to millions of universities and polytechnic graduates. What seems to be more worrisome is the fact that the nation’s universities and polytechnics continue
Considering the delicate and sensitive position of the youth within the country, drug addiction among them remains a major threat to national growth and development
to churn out more than 150,000 graduates annually to an already saturated market. Thus, idleness among youth could easily make drug addiction a fascinating option. Perhaps, more importantly, parents must spend time to inculcate moral values in their children. Undue struggles for economic survival should not be a justification for parents to neglect their natural role in the proper of upbringing of their wards. Of what essence is a family’s financial solidity if the children are not properly brought up? It is only when parents spend ample time with their children that they could really notice negative vices and quickly nip such in the bud. Similarly, public enlightenment campaigns on the harmful effects of drug addiction must be stepped up by relevant government agencies, NGOs, faith-based organisations, community leaders, traditional institution, etc. Ignorance remains a major factor in drug addiction and so relevant stakeholders must continue to enlighten the youth on the evils of drug addiction and trafficking. Indeed, schools could include drug-related issues in their curriculum. It is imperative that younger ones are taught the dangers that drug addiction pose to their health and future before they are exposed to peers’ influence in later years. Also, the NDLEA and other similar law enforcement agencies must step up the clampdown on the production and illicit trafficking of banned substances. As long as these substances remain in circulation, the youths will always be tempted into consuming them. Additionally, the NDLEA can equally increase the pulse of its efficiency through the deployment of technological devices that can boost its seamless detection of hard drug dealers or users. Given the enormity of the damage of drug addiction to mankind, no effort should be spared to curb its menace. Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.
2019 Elections: Tackling Indiscriminate Posters Idowu Omisore argues that regulatory authorities should set guidelines on the use of election campaign materials before the political campaigns
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he imminence of 2019 elections brings to mind the story of a revolutionary regulatory agency in Nigeria’s economic nerve-centre - the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) - and the need to ensure our environment across the nation does not become defaced during the political campaigns. Once upon a time, it was quite difficult to see a street or road in the city of Lagos without an eyesore of posters, without a jumble of advertising signs. Roads, medians, junctions and streets were literally littered with different signboards, banners of different sizes, A-frames, meant to advertise a product, service, event or organisation. Hardly did anyone see anything wrong in pasting posters indiscriminately, erecting hoardings haphazardly and writing or painting on city walls until the establishment of Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) in 2006 by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. As the pioneer outdoor advertising regulatory agency established by a state government in the country, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency was first faced with the herculean task of clearing all signs that constituted a visual blight – anything with an appearance that is either distasteful to the senses or diminishes the aesthetics of a place or property. It was probably the most taxing assignment the agency had to accomplish in its early days. Not many people understood why LASAA officials were aggressively taking down some outdoor advertisements, street after street, day after day. Before long, Lagos streetscapes became “born again� - wearing a refined look, transformation was visible across the state. The LASAA, currently under the leadership of Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi has continued to pursue its mission: to modernise, standardise and regulate the streetscapes to the advantage of the state, its citizens and visitors. Today, Lagos State stands out among all the 36 states not only because it rakes in the highest internally generated revenue (IGR), but also because of the outdoor aesthetically pleasing environment engendered by the regulatory efforts of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency. With an increasing number of innovative out-of-home (OOH) structures and signage, Lagos keeps living up to its appellation as the Centre of Excellence. Many states have come to learn the art of outdoor advertising regulation from LASAA. If not for the remarkable contributions of LASAA, the scenery of the outdoor sector would have become chaotic. The agency’s zero-tolerance-for-posters policy is yielding result as a complement to the Cleaner Lagos Initiative that is equally ongoing. Public places, city walls, major highways, bridges, directional signs and buildings should not be defaced with posters when there are alternative advertising platforms that can be deployed. Aside from using the television, radio, internet and mobile
platforms, politicians can also make use of billboards, street lamp poles, wall drapes, bus shelters, street furniture, stick-in-the-ground, banners, feather signs and A-frames at a cost. Roadshows can be organised with branded vehicles, customised T-Shirts, fez caps, flyers and souvenirs. The social media is one vast advertising platform but out-of-home (OOH) advertising seems to be the best way to reach out to all segments of the society. Unlike a radio or television advertisement, with outdoor adverts the electorate can’t change the channel. For the most part, people spend more time outside their homes and they are more aware of their surroundings and pay attention to advertising in their terrain of vision. Outdoor advertisements are somewhat inescapable because they are strategically designed and positioned to catch the attention of commuters or especially in traffic. Greater value is delivered in densely populated or trafficprone areas. People see billboards in the morning, noon and night. As a general rule of advertising, the typical consumer needs to see something at least 10 times before they take a call to action. The more the electorate sees the political candidates and read their manifestoes, the better. That you want to support a political candidate does not mean you should print tonnes of posters and start defacing the nooks and crannies of the city. Even if posters must be deployed, it should be on designated surfaces on inner streets and not on highways, major roads and high streets. After the election, it usually costs the government a lot of resources to do clean up. You can explore other means of selling your candidate to the electorate. This sensitisation must continue across the country. It is very wrong to paste posters on public utility structures such as street lamp poles, transformers, road directional signs, electric poles and other unauthorised surfaces. This writer is of the opinion that illegally deployed political campaign posters be removed without recourse to the owners. There must be punitive measures put in place. Recalcitrant offenders should be fined. Recently, it was reported in the news that Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi, LASAA’s current helmsman, personally caught one Samuel Ogunyando Olaitan, who allegedly defaced a public wall. The offender was writing “New workers needed at Millennium Hotel� on the wall when nemesis caught up with him. According to the news report, “the accused, who lives on Santos Street, Abule-Egba, a Lagos suburb, is facing a charge of breach of peace. According to the prosecutor, Police Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, the accused committed the offence on March 31 at 11.50 p.m. at Santos Avenue, Abule-Egba. Ajibode said the
accused, who sells GNLD products hid under the umbrella of Millennium Hotel to advertise and invite passersby to GNLD meetings. He said the Lagos State Government frowned at public walls defacement and had spent a lot of money on advocacy meant to dissuade such inimical acts. “The act is prohibited by LASAA enabling laws. It is also against the law and environmental aesthetics of Lagos State. “The apprehension of the accused had revealed that some companies are behind the illegal defacement of public walls,â€? Ajibode told the court. The offence contravened Section 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised). The section prescribes a six months imprisonment or a fine of N90,000 for offenders.â€? This writer believes that the campaign against indiscriminate posters ought to be reinforced by the apprehension of offenders. Multi-level marketing companies such as GNLD should engage advertising professionals to handle their publicity needs, instead of encouraging their marketers to use clandestine means. Regulatory authorities, across the nation, in charge of outdoor advertisements need to set forth the guidelines on the use of election campaign materials before serious political campaigns start. The guidelines will establish sanity and protect the environment from defacement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled/unregulated deployment/display of political campaign materials within the state during the electioneering season. The guidelines issued must be without prejudice to any political party, association or aspirant with a view to ensuring fairness amongst all concerned stakeholders. Leaders of political parties should educate party members not to deface the environment in a bid to show their loyalty to the party’s candidate(s). Instead of relying on just posters, campaign managers should explore alternative advertising platforms. As highlighted by this writer, the outdoor advertising has innovative formats that have powerful reach and great influence on the electorate. For those who do not see the essence of regulation, Molly Irvin, a famous American newspaper columnist, author, political commentator and humorist, has this to say: “It’s all very well to run around saying regulation is bad, get the government off our backs‌when you come to a stop sign, you stop; if you want to go fishing, you get a licence; if you want to shoot to ducks, and you can shoot only three ducks. The alternative is dead bodies at intersection, no fish, and no ducks. Okâ€?. Though so many emotions go along with election campaigns, we cannot throw caution into the wind and leave the outdoor space unregulated. ––Omisore, an advertising enthusiast, wrote from Lagos
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
LETTERS
NIGERIA AND OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP
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fundamental question which arose from the breakthrough of the internet was the expediency of giving everybody access. That question came at time in the early 80s after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the break-up of Communist USSR and the fall of the Cold War era, where state official and unofficial secrecy was the lifeblood of most dictatorships. In a letter addressed to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), originator of the internet Tim Berners Lee, together with 20 others argued that threats to openness in governance compromised basic human rights. That move helped to swing critical opinion in favour of giving the public access to the internet, demonstrated at the London 2012 Olympic Games where Berners Lee tweeted the message, “This is for everyone” and in LCD lights attached to the chairs of the 80,000 people in the audience. Working closely with the British government through his Open Data Institute, and the Alliance
Shittu, Minister of Communication
for Open Internet in 2009, Berners Lee helped promote the idea of making government and its data open and accessible on the Web. Most of that effort translated to the launch of the OGP in 2011 and with the UK’s hosting of the first Anti-Corruption Summit in 2016, under the Cameron Premiership. After the 2016
Anti-Corruption meeting, a host of nations signed up to the Open Government partnership (OGP). Most of them developed a national action plan based on a commitment to fight corruption and reduce poverty along four thematic areas – citizen participation, anti-corruption, access to information and fiscal transparency.
Nigeria signed on to the OGP in 2016. She demonstrated commitment by partnering with key civil society organisations to prosecute its own national action plan, ratified it at the Addis Summit and collaborated with civil society groups to attend the first Global Forum for Asset Recovery Summit which held in Washington DC, December 2017. The high point of that summit was the signing of an MoU with the Swiss government on the repatriation of the Abacha loot. As we speak, that loot has been returned to Nigeria with interest. Nigeria will join the rest of the world to celebrate the OGP Week May 7-11, wherein very important dignitaries will converge and make speeches and carry out an appraisal of the OGP in Nigeria. As part of the deliberations, two key organisations, ANEEJ & SERAP working on anti-corruption will jointly convene an anticorruption working group to x-ray issues germane to the anti-corruption agenda of Nigeria. One of the very important successes recorded
Buhari And The Nigerian Youths
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n the book titled, Summa Theologiae, Thomas Aquinas, stated that judgment may be considered lawful if the judge meets these conditions: follows justice, has authority, and does his duty prudently. According to him, if a judgment fails of justice, it is unjust or perverted judgment. If it comes from one unauthorised, it is a judgment by usurpation. And if it comes from imprudence –by reason of dubious evidence, improper motive, etc., it is called suspicion or rash judgment. Despite these universally adopted/domesticated guidelines against the unjust and rash judgment, Nigerian youths were, however, for the first time in the history of their existence recently received from President Muhammadu Buhari an unpalatable judgment that fell short of the above conditions. Mr. president while attending an international function, stated among other things that “a lot of them (Nigerian youths) haven’t been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil-producing country therefore, they should sit and do nothing and get housing, health care, and education’, a remark that Nigerian youths and vast majority of other Nigerians received with disbelief and rage. What is baffling about this remark is Mr. President’s choice of such a day, time and venue to pass such a
comment on the youths despite their unquestioning obedience to him and his administration since 2015 . Aside, the biggest flaw associated with Mr. President’s table of ideology, in my view is accentuated in the mirroring of Nigerian youths as irresponsible and visionless in the estimation of the right-thinking global audience; a state of affairs that has further confirmed the deep-seated fears among the youths that the federal government may afterwards not be feeling for the ordinary Nigerians. For discerning minds, the remark was further marred, as it was targeted at defending the government’s inability to provide employment to the teeming youths, thus, resorting to attack as best form of defence. Certainly, the statement as part of its ills, has propelled many down the highways of doubt about the government’s sincerity in providing a creative leadership while amplifying the worries nursed by others that, the government is allergic to accepting its past political mistakes, and not disposed to having its political future discussed, a posturing which many described as a bad morale and uncharacteristic of a responsive and responsible leadership. To further put things in perspective, it may, however, not be impossible that Mr. President, contrary to his handlers claim, may afterward be unaware of the present realities of the
youths under his care as majority of the leaders in Africa are ‘insulated by protocol’. If not, Mr. President should have known that Nigerian youths as currently postured the world over represent a generation that is well - able, well - informed, and of good company despite immense odds created by our poor educational sector and mismanaged economy. They have become successful even to the admiration of the global audience. Still, on the sunny side, we have in the recent times witnessed Nigerian youths in the corporate world and development organisations demonstrate an intimidating degree of self-confidence, competence, industriousness, and are well read and well briefed on every side; functioning as great representatives of this great nation. But, regrettably, this information gap demonstrated by Mr. President via the comment has again brought to the fore and understandably lent credence to the speculation among the youths that their leaders have only paid but lip service to alleviating the real condition of the poor, the deprived, or get into their lives and participate in their struggles. To the youths and majority of Nigerians, this particular remark and other sordid outings have made the masses to view the presidency as a reality that Nigerians should worry about.
Viewed differently, this turn of events did not occur by accident as occupying a political position in Nigeria and Africa translates to privileges, and privileges translates to perks for the family, relatives, and friends. If this is the prevailing condition around Mr. President, how would he know what other youths go through daily, occasioned by maladministration? But whatever the true intention of Mr. President may be, it will not in any form erase the universal belief that like a slum, illiteracy in any nation is propelled by the government’s failure to do the right thing. Essentially, to such comments, adequate replies are inevitable as critical minds have since viewed it as a position that is riddled with incongruence and likened to the proverbial opening of a paradox box; as Nigerian youths should be the ones doing the criticism over the government unfulfilled ‘change’ promise. As an illustration, a view of the nation’s educational sector will reveal a sector that has suffered a great deal of ‘reluctant respect’ from the successive administration, which has turned the sector unattractive and moribund. This and other sordid reasons bothering on not-toohealthy economy explained why most graduates of Nigerian universities seem unemployable despite their willingness to work. ––Jerome-Mario Utomi, jeromeutomi@yahoo.com.
so far by the OGP Nigeria is in being elected together with France and other countries as an OGP decision-making body for which Nigeria will serve three years. Nigeria is also a member of the Global Steering Committee, an executive function, has a self-assessment report and a guide for subnational engagement. Through concerted efforts by the co-chairs of the focal/thematic areas, five states in Nigeria - Anambra, Niger, Kano, Kaduna and Ebonyi – have already signed on to pursue governance through the prism of Nigeria’s 14 areas of commitments. Despite these achievements, only these five states have signed on. And the question then is this: why do we have only five states in a country with more than 30 states just signing on at subnational level? And how does this signing onto the OGP at both the national and subnational levels translate to bread and butter, kunu and tuwo for our people? The core of the OGP is openness and transparency, and this is with due respect to the four thematic areas and their allied commitments. But while we cannot discount the fact that the onus of transparency and accountability lies with government and its agencies, there are issues with ‘media’ involvement. One, even though there are positions for the NUJ at higher levels in the co-creation matrix, journalists are still far behind. Let me try and explain: recently some journalists at the second OGP dialogue engagement in Lagos said that they had not seen or read the Nigerian OGP self-
assessment report. While others do not as a matter of fact know about the OGP, there were concerns that journalists are not being carried along. As a way out, I join the OGP Nigeria communications advisor that OGP will begin to get to the grassroots if we build the capacity of journalists or those professionals known as the ‘media’. The media as we know it in Nigeria is a hydra-headed institution made up of individuals whose training is based on the ethics of their profession – balance, fairness and objectivity. That said, what do they really know about the development sector? And if they do, how many of them are really grounded on issues related to advanced story-telling techniques beyond the format prescribed by the newsroom? How many are good at data journalism and the new technologies being introduced to disseminate issues of development? How many are creative content developers, who use the media for campaigns that will lead to social change? The success to be ascribed to Nigeria’s OGP status will not be judged from the many successes which Nigeria already attained. What would count as success at the end is if the thematic areas can be translated to tangibles: good roads, food, electricity, communication and all the other frontiers. A rugged capacity building programme over a five-year period for the media along the themes earlier highlighted will give Nigerian OGP the edge. ––Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, ANEEJ communications manager
R AW SEWAGE ON T HE EXPRESSWAY
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t does not make sense to spend time and resources to invite “foreign investors” over and buzz about the “ease of doing business” if here at home the state of our public hygiene is close to the worst on earth. We ought to know these “foreign investors” are businessmen and women who are coming from climes where raw sewage do not freely flow onto the shoulders of their expressways and thus the thought of coming to Nigeria and getting exposed to risks of contracting typhoid fever and diphtheria easily discourages them. Those who come at all are the hardened Asians and Lebanese who have come to exploit and enslaved Nigerians. Our leaders should come to their
senses and realise that it is a big shame and a national disgrace if Nigerians still pipe urine from communal urinals in front of mosques and householders still pipe raw sewage from their communal bathrooms and channel these to our major expressways in full glare of all and sundry without a care in the world. There is nothing here to make justification that these are “poor” Nigerians living on the margins. No, poverty does not translate to madness. Above all, there should also be no religious justification for embracing raw sewage. It is especially bad at Zuba and on the DikkoMaje road close to Suleja. ––Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.
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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
INTERNATIONAL Honour inInternational Life and NationalDevelopment: Ayo Ajomo and Chris Ogunbanjo as a Case Study
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nternational life is an extension of international relations: while international relations deal essentially with inter-state relationships in which the main actors are all government officials, international life includes, not only what government officials do in their private capacity, but also what non-state stakeholders do but having considerable impact on international relations. Put differently, international life is about the involvement of private individuals and organisations in international relations directly through governmental invitation or indirectly through their own initiative to be involved. The coinage of international life is traceable to the Sorbonnard school of thought in Paris, France. The coinage is aimed at underscoring the point that there should be an analytical distinction between what the state does in its official capacity and what its agents do in their private capacity, and particularly what non-state actors also do within the framework of international relations. For instance, there is the NACCIMA(Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture), established in 1960 with a vision to supporting the growth and development of private enterprise and initiative. From its name, it is a group of non-governmental economic stakeholders. What is of particular interest and relevance about the NACCIMAis that, last week, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, a diplomatist in the true sense of the word, resumed duty as the Director General of the NACCIMA, meaning that, in addition to the requirement of administrative skills, he cannot but be expected to also bring in all his diplomatic experience in the promotion of the objectives of the NACCIMA: promotion, protection and development of all matters affecting business; creation of a conducive atmosphere for the pursuit of commerce, industry and all other forms of economic activities; and perhaps most importantly, ‘provision of a network for national and international business contacts and opportunities.’ The choice of an ambassador to engage in the provision of a network for business contacts, nationally and internationally, does not need much expatiation beyond the fact that one major preoccupation often contained in any Mission Charter of Nigeria’s missions abroad is the promotion of economic diplomacy, that is, the attraction of new foreign direct investments, more trade, and more economic friendship between Nigeria and the host countries of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions. In this regard, all ambassadors have to interact with both government officials and the business community in their host countries. Thus, all business communities in any country necessarily engage in international relations in one way or the other. This is why a distinction is often made among official, unofficial, and officious relationships under which international life is categorised. Regarding ‘honour’ it is, grosso modo, an objective that is hardly declared as part of foreign policy pursuit in both international life and international relations. However, the truth is that every member state of the international community is seriously struggling for, at least, a modicum of honour, because honour is a means and measure of international recognition. It is a measure of status and a major dynamic of observation of protocol and application of etiquette in all official transactions at both the national and international levels. More interestingly, it is not only an expression of quality of respectability and social standing, it is also a resultant of societal worthiness and allocation of responsibilities in international relations. Probably at this juncture, it should be argued that one Yoruba proverb explains it better: iri nisi ni isoni lojo (it is how you are perceived that you will be related with). This factor of perception plays the same role in international relations, especially within the context of power politics. It is because of honour that North Korea decided to defy all nuclear obligations and resorted to nuclear
Late Prof. Ajomo
VIE INTERNATIONALE with
Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846
e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com
armament. It is also because of need for national prestige and honour that President Donald Trump has come up with the policy of ‘America First.’ And true enough, honour is, by definition, largely predicated on nobility, integrity of purpose, high principles, uprightness, honesty and righteousness. This is what both the powerful and the weak countries of the world are all pursuing in a world where the sermon of sovereign equality is preached, but to no avail. Besides, honour can be used as a verb and can also serve as a noun. As a verb, it simply means fulfilment of an obligation or regarding with a great respect, as made clear in the following sentence: ‘I will honour the agreement as required and signed.’ As a noun it means pride and pleasure, high respect or great esteem, and doing what is right. Members of House of Representatives answer the title, ‘honourable,’ which is a derivative from ‘honour.’ Senators are referred to as ‘distinguished,’ simply to also suggest that they are men of honour. When one is said to be honourable or distinguished, what is the extent of being honourable and being distinguished? Etymologically speaking, honour is from Middle English, honour or honor or honur. Its origin is traceable to Old French, honor, and to Latin, honor. Basically, honour, which is also traceable to biblical times as contained in 1 Peter 2:4, is about human evaluation of one-self or of others. Human evaluation of other humans can be good, and it is generally good, but may not be good in the eyes of God. As contained in 1 Peter 2:4, ‘come to Him, the ever-living Stone, rejected indeed by men as worthless, but in God’s esteem chosen and held in honour.’ Consequently, it cannot but be difficult to determine the extent or quantum of honour an individual person has. However, it is the volume of work, contributions to societal development that are often considered in deciding and conferring honour of whatever kind. What is particularly noteworthy about honour is the fact that it is, more often than not, done in reaction to a development. It is generally given in acknowledgement of something done in service to humanity. Additionally, the evaluation of why an honour has to be given to someone can be informed by subjectivity of purpose. Nonetheless, there is a general belief in the popular Latin saying, that vox populi, vox dei, meaning the ‘voice of the people is the voice of the Lord.’ In other words, the public evaluation of life of some people is also considered the evaluation by God of the people he created. It is within this context that societal recognitions and awards of honour, in this case, Professor Michael Ayodele Ajomo, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, Officer of the Federal Republic and Commander of the Order of Niger, should be explicated and understood. Typologically, honour has a multi-dimensional form and aspects. It can take an academic form in which case it will be in plural: honours degree, such as First Class honours, etc. It can
Ogunbanjo
be by conferment of titles, such as honorary chieftaincy titles; professional membership awards, such as being a Member of the National Institute, Member or Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of International Law, etc. It can also take the form of organisation of public lectures, symposia, workshop, seminars, organisation of sessions of tributes, etc, in honour of people who have added value to societal development; giving of medals of honour; sporting competitions in honour of sports enthusiasts; conferment of citizenship on foreigners; etc. Without jot of doubt, last week witnessed the organisation of various activities to honour the living and the dead. For instance, the 10th Memorial Symposium of Senator Abraham Adesanya took place in Lagos. The symposium focused on ‘Leadership and the future of Nigeria’ as the theme of discussion. Whatever the opinion of the participants at the symposium, the intellectual challenge posed by the theme is apt: how is the current leadership of the country addressing the future? Has Nigeria a future of national survival? Before Abraham Adesanya passed on, he was much preoccupied with the future of Nigeria, by particularly agitating for restructuring in political governance, but to no avail in his life time. In his honour, and particularly to sustain what he stood for, a memorial symposium is put in place so that he can always be remembered. In the same vein, an annual lecture series has been inaugurated in honour of Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, who is still alive and actively engaged in societal development. This means that lecture series not only constitute an expression of honour, but can also be organised in recognition of the living and the dead. In fact, last week witnessed the 2018 Lecture in his honour. It was held in Lagos at the Metropolitan Club. What really is noteworthy about honour is the qualification for it. How do you qualify for it? Apart from qualification, what are the modalities for recognition of the qualification? Let us now look at the dynamics of the honour given to Professor Ajomo through the organisation of a session of tributes by the NIALS and the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos, as well as the lecture organised in honour of Chief Ogunbanjo so that future generations can emulate and draw lessons from them.
The Dynamics of Honour The issue of honour was raised in the lecture given by Professor Itse Sagay, Senior advocate of Nigeria and head of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), set up by President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2015, at the 2018 Chris Ogunbanjo lecture, held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos. The issue of honour was raised within the framework of the conflict of choice between liberal democracy as a dynamic of economic growth and development, on the one hand, and dictatorship or high handedness as a dynamic of economic growth and development, on the other hand. On the first hand, Professor Sagay noted five critical observations: first, Nigeria is one of the few liberal democracies available in Africa, even though the Freedom House ‘considers many of the officially democratic governments in Africa and the former Soviet Union to be undemocratic in practice, usually because the sitting government has a strong influence over election outcomes.’ Second, Professor Sagay has it that Nigeria’s Constitution confers many rights and privileges on citizens, but without comparative provisions on the duties of the said citizens. Consequently, he has posited, ‘this culture of rights without counterpart duties and responsibilities, has had a devastating effect on our polity.’ Third, Professor Sagay admits that the political and public service elite do know their rights and power and are also very conscious of them. However, he further noted, ‘rather than promoting these values, obligations and principles, our political elite have engaged in the opposite course of conduct, effectively destroying these critical good governance principles.’ And perhaps more saddening, ‘contrary to these provisions, those put in charge of managing the pensions of old and retired workers have indulged in helping themselves to the very funds they are engaged to protect and increase.’ Fourth, but more interestingly, Professor Sagay rightly recalled that ‘the political and public service elite of the pre-independence era and the First Republic, 1960-1966, had one thing in common, the spirit of whole hearted service without personal gain... There was not a whiff of corruption, acquisitive instinct, and accumulation of wealth, etc, in the orientation of any of these great men (Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo), and their colleagues all wanted to serve and sacrifice for Nigeria or their regions in Nigeria.’ Fifthly, and most significantly, Professor Sagay is not happy that ‘the rest of the world is moving on, we (Nigerians) are retrogressing or, at best, standing still in one spot.’ There was the time Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, as well as Indonesia, were at par. As at today, the modern elite in Nigeria ‘has indulged itself fully in its pursuit of money and vanity, without “giving a damn� about their corresponding responsibilities... They turn state institutions into personal fiefdom over which they preside like emperors in their vanity and emptiness, leaving the state in a hopeless condition.’ (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
BUSINESS
Editor Vincent Obia 08054681757 Email vincent. obia @thisdaylive.com
LAST WEEK Unemployment
The World Bank said Nigeria’s unemploymentandunderemployment ratesincreasedin2017.Therevelation was contained in the bank’s “Nigeria Bi-annual Economic Update,” according to a statement issued by the World Bank inAbuja. The report said Nigeria emerged from recession in 2017, but poverty in the country increasedslightly.Titled:“Connecting to Compete”, the report stated that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth reached 0.8 per cent, driven by an expansion in oil output and continued steady growth in agriculture. The World Bank said.”
Petrol Levy
Nigerian workers last week kicked against the introduction of a five per cent levy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, as proposed in the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill that was passed recently by the NationalAssembly. Speaking under the aegis of the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress as they commemorated the 2018 May Day, the workers also stated that the privatisation of the power sector had failed. Yuan (Renmimbi) and Naira currencies
PHOTO: Nairametrics
BVN
Nigeria-China Currency Swap’ll Mitigate Forex Risks, Say Analysts Kunle Aderinokun
The currency swap agreement between the Central Bank of Nigeria and Peoples Bank of China is generating interest among financial and money market analysts, many of who applaud the initiative and highlight its implication for Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and economy at large. Essentially, the analysts believe that with the deal, the risk of devaluation of the naira when the dollar falls would be mitigated. The CBN had on April 27 signed the bilateral currency swap deal with PBoC in Beijing at a ceremony, where CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele appended his signature for Nigeria’s apex bank and the PBoC Governor, Dr. Yi Gang, signed for the Chinese central bank. The news was broken last Thursday by CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, who said Nigeria was the third African country to have such agreement with the PBoC. The deal, which is coming after two years of negotiations between the two apex banks, is valued at Renminbi (RMB) 16 billion (the equivalent of about $2.5 billion). It is aimed at providing adequate local currency liquidity to Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses thereby reducing the difficulties encountered in the search for third currencies. Already, First Bank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Zenith Bank have been appointed the settlement banks for the currency swap deal. They would be responsible for settling the trade transactions between importers and exporters from both countries. Emefiele had at the just-concluded IMF-World Bank spring meetings, while responding to concerns that the deal was becoming too long in coming, assured that the plan would not only be consummated soon, but would also
be “excellently” executed. “The agreement has not failed. You must agree with me that transactions of this nature would usually involve very strenuous engagements between the countries and the central banks. I can assure that we are expecting excellent results very soon. I will leave it at that for now and by the time the news comes out, Nigerians would be very happy,” he had explained. Experts see the deal as a welcome development, saying it would help to lessen the pressure on the exchange rate of the naira to the dollar. Specifically, they point out that the Renmimbi-Naira deal would help mitigate the risk of devaluation whenever the dollar falls. CEO, Global Analytics Consulting Ltd, Mr. Tope Fasua, said regarding that Renmimbi-Naira swap deal, “It’s been in the works for a while. Many other countries have secured similar deals, which enable them to bypass exchange risks and costs of having to route local currencies through the US Dollar and onwards to the Chinese Currency.” Fasua added, “In view of the growing trade influence of China, as proven by the fact that almost 20 per cent of our foreign trade is with that country today, this deal makes eminent sense.“ However, he said, “We still have to understand that the traffic is largely one-way. It’s a bit depressing to note that the bulk of oil exports to China will be crude oil and some solid minerals.” In a similar vein, CEO, The CFG Advisory Ltd, Mr. Adetilewa Adebajo, noted that the deal will “put less pressure on the demand for dollars with the rising trade deficit with China and with the reserve levels where they are. I see no reason why the Naira is not trading between 220-235 to the dollar. Naira appreciation is long overdue against US$.” Similarly, Director, Union Capital Markets, Egie Akpata, noted that the naira, which has a de facto peg to USD,
currently suffers unfair devaluation when the dollar falls. He believed with the deal, this should be avoided. Akpata also said, “In theory, some demanding USD to convert to Chinese currency will just convert from Naira directly. So some USD demand will vanish.” He, however, cautioned that the Chinese were not going to keep Naira stable when it is losing against major currencies. In the same vein, Macroeconomist, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Chinwe Egwim, said, “Given that a decent volume of imported inputs for manufacturers are sourced from China, this is a good step forward as it should ease transaction processes.” The deal, which is purely an exchange of currencies, will also make it easier for Chinese manufacturers seeking to buy raw materials from Nigeria to obtain enough Naira from banks in China to pay for their imports from Nigeria. Indeed, the deal will protect Nigerian business people from the harsh effects of third currency fluctuations.
According to her, “The manufacturing GDP accounts for less than 15 per cent of Nigeria’s total GDP and with this agreement, a boost in manufacturing activities is very likely. Thereby, leading to a broader impact on the economy as a whole.” “Based on FBNQ PMI data, FX sourcing is a core factor for swings in the headline reading (that is, in addition to power supply ). The indirect impact of this agreement on the basis of the PMI data is a potential boost in output , stocks of purchases and employment,” Egwim also pointed out, adding, however, that, “if soft demand persists it could cripple expected impact.” Besides, Egwim added that the deal should “encourage export activities
from Nigeria to China as Chinese manufacturers would be able to obtain sufficient Naira from banks in China to pay for imported inputs from Nigeria.” “Essentially, creating more opportunities for economic diversification and a broader platform for locally produced goods.” In announcing the currency swap deal, Okorafor said among other benefits, “It would provide naira liquidity to Chinese businesses and provide RMB liquidity to Nigerian businesses, respectively, thereby improving the speed, convenience and volume of transactions between the two countries. “It will also assist both countries in their foreign exchange reserves management, enhance financial stability and promote broader economic cooperation between the two countries.” He added, “With the operationalisation of this agreement, it will be easier for most Nigerian manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cottage industries in manufacturing and export businesses, to import raw materials, spare-parts and simple machinery to undertake their businesses by taking advantage of available RMB liquidity from Nigerian banks without being exposed to the difficulties of seeking other scare foreign currencies. “The deal, which is purely an exchange of currencies, will also make it easier for Chinese manufacturers seeking to buy raw materials from Nigeria to obtain enough Naira from banks in China to pay for their imports from Nigeria. Indeed, the deal will protect Nigerian business people from the harsh effects of third currency fluctuations.” Okorafor said, “Both the Nigerian and Chinese officials expressed delight at the conclusion and signing of the agreement and expressed the hope that it would boost mutually beneficial business transactions between Nigeria and the Peoples Republic of China.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria said about 31 million bank account holders in the country’s banking sector had been enrolled in the Bank Verification Number (BVN) initiated by the apex bank. The initiative was introduced to ensure unique identifier in the Nigerian banking industry, address the absence of a unique identifier in the Nigerian banking industry, and facilitate the creationofinclusivefinancialservices environment. “As at December 2017, the implementation of the BVN Project recorded 31,426,091 registered BVNs and 43,959,282- accounts linked with BVN,” CBN Director, Banking and Payment System, Dipo Fatokun, disclosed while delivering a speech at the annual meeting of the ID4Africa movement in Abuja.
MTN
MTN Nigeria Communications Limited announced a year-on-year increase of 73.2 per cent in revenue fromdataservicesforthefirstquarter of this year. A statement issued by MTN’sPublicRelationsandProtocol Manager, Mr. Funso Aina, said the digital mobile operator grew its total revenue for the quarter by 14.4 per cent. The company, however, did not disclose what the earnings meant in monetary terms. It pledged to release detailed results on May 7. The statement said, “MTN Nigeria subscribers increased by 4.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 54.5 million. Constant currency (organic) service revenue increased by 14.4 per cent and data revenue increased 73.2 per cent year-on-year.”
Pension
Employers that failed to remit pension contributions of their employees paidfinesamountingtoN6.19billion to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) in the last four years. Data from PenCom showed that the fines were collected between the first quarters of 2014 and the last quarter of2017.Thedataalsoshowedthatthe defaulting employers equally paid the principle pension contributions forthe48monthsamountingtoN3.78 billion.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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BUSINESS/ECONOMY
Tightening the Noose around Money Laundering
With fears about the malevolent effects of money laundering rising globally, the Nigerian government is tightening its policy against the crime. Obinna Chima reports
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ince the outbreak of terrorist incidents in Nigeria, like the Boko Haram insurgency, killings by herdsmen, and other violent tendencies, the federal government has tried to make strict financial rules aimed at cutting funding for the extremist groups. This is as the number and types of terrorist groups as well as their tactics have continued to change globally, and they continue to refine their means of raising, moving, and using funds for their nefarious activities. Finance Terrorist organisations rely on numerous sources of income and they use a range of methods to move funds, often internationally, to avoid trace. They also raise funds through inherently criminal means (for example, drug trafficking) and through legitimate activities (for example, collection of donations). In most countries, terrorist financing is said to have occurred when a person directly or indirectly, unlawfully and willingly, provides or collects funds with the intention that they are to be used, in full or in part, to carry out terrorism. It also involves carrying out a transaction knowing or having reasonable grounds to suspect, that the funds or property involved are owned or controlled by terrorists or terrorist organisations, or the transaction is linked to, or likely to finance terrorist acts. Terrorist organisations require funds to carry out specific terrorist attacks and undertake preoperational surveillance. This includes travel to and from the target location, the use of vehicles and other machinery and purchase of a range of arms, from light assault weapons to improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Threat Corrupt officials, tax cheats, and the financial backers of terrorism tend to have one thing in common: they often exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems to facilitate their crimes, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF’s Managing Director Christine Lagarde stressed recently that money laundering and terrorist financing could threaten a country’s economic and financial stability while funding violent and illegal acts. “That is why many governments have stepped up the fight against such practices, helped by international institutions, such as the IMF,” Lagarde said. Tightening the Noose Against the background of the malicious tendencies associated with money laundering, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently rolled out a new set of penalties for organisations that flout its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) rules. The new rules stipulate heavy fines on banks, their directors and other key officials for 48 money laundering infractions. The new anti-money laundering regime is an improvement on the former regime, which only stipulates fines against financial institutions for money laundering infractions. The former rules were also perceived as obsolete. The CBN said the measures in AML/CFT are designed to prevent the misuse of the financial system. They call for the detection, reporting, and confiscation of suspicious financial flows and for sanctioning of criminals. The new policy was also developed to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendation 35. According to the CBN, banks and board members or chief compliance officers would all be sanctioned for 31 out of the 48 money laundering infractions listed in the new regime. For each of the 31 infractions, the new regime stipulates fines ranging from N500,000 to N1.2 million on board members or chief compliance officers or the internal auditor, and fines ranging from N1
CBN headquarters, Abuja
million to N20 million on the offending bank. The new sanction regime was communicated to banks and other financial institutions by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulations Department of the apex bank, Kevin N. Amugo, through a circular titled: “CBN Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (administrative sanctions) regulations, 2018.” Part of the circular stated, “Banks and other financial institutions are by this circular, informed of the attached ‘CBN AML/CFT Administrative Sanctions Regime’ the application of which comes into effect as at the date of the Gazette. Kindly ensure compliance.” Some of the infractions and penalties stipulated under the new regime include failure to approve the AML/CFT policies and procedures, which attracts minimum penalties as follows: N1 million on each member of the board and N20 million on the Deposit Money Banks (DMB). Others include failure to review/update the AML/CFT policies and procedures at least every three years, with minimum penalty as follows: N750,000 on the executive compliance officer in the first instance, and N750,000 for each year that the contravention continues. Another N500,000 is imposed on the chief compliance officer in the first instance and N500,000 for each year that the contravention continues. Also, a N5 million penalty would be levied on the bank in the first instance and N1 million for each year that the contravention continues. Similarly, failure to communicate the AML/CFT programme of the organisation to the employees would attract a minimum penalty of N750,000 on the executive compliance officer, N500,000 on the chief compliance officer, and N10 million on the DMB. In the same vein, failure of the board or its committee to supervise and ensure the effective implementation of the AML/CFT programme attracts minimum penalties as follows: N500,000 on each member of the board and N10 million on the DMB. The circular stated, “Failure of the officer to generate periodic reports on AML/CFT issues to
the board or its relevant committee, a minimum penalty as follows: N750,000 on the executive compliance officer, N500,000 on the chief compliance officer and N5 million on the bank. “Failure to classify ML/TF risks in the bank, failure to put in place guidelines for risk assessment and profiling of customers in institutions’ AML/CFT board approved programme, and failure to carryout risk assessment and profiling of each account, a minimum of N1 million on the chief compliance officer of the bank, a minimum penalty of N3 million on the bank for failure to put in place guidelines for risk assessment and profiling of customers in AML/CFT programme. “A minimum of N100,000 per account for failure to carryout risk assessment and profiling of account.” Collaboration Despite the new move against money laundering, Director General, Inter-governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Adamu Coulibaly, says money laundering and terrorist financing are not a new phenomenon in West Africa. Coulibaly believes there is need for increased collaboration among countries in the sub-region in order to effectively combat money laundering and its associated effects. According to him, “This is the reason why states in West Africa have a duty to act together in order to combat these threats. This has to be done not only as part of protecting the world economies, including Africa’s, against criminal infiltration, but also to enhance the rule of law, deepen regional integration and maintain regional peace and security.” Coulibaly points out that money laundering and financing of terrorism undermine sustainable development by eroding social and human capital, threatening social and political stability, causing an artificial rise in the cost of business, and driving away investment. On her part, Lagarde described combating of terrorism financing as a top policy priority, saying as terrorism becomes more pervasive in societies, there should be collective responsibility to choke
off the financial flows—both large and small—that enable terrorists to inflict unspeakable suffering on individuals, families, and communities. Combating the financing of terrorism increasingly requires harnessing the power of financial technology, she said. She explained, “Of course, fintech is a doubleedged sword. It can be used to promote and fund terrorism, including through the anonymity of virtual currencies. But it can also be a powerful tool to strengthen our defences against the financing of terrorism. “We can use fintech to identify terrorist financial flows, including in the case of very small transactions. Machine learning and other artificial intelligence tools can help identify patterns of activity that would otherwise be very difficult to detect.” Experts are agreed on the need for greater cooperation between financial institutions, governments, and all critical stakeholders in the effort to combat the menace of financial sponsorship of terrorist organisations by blocking their money laundering channels. They believe financial institutions must support the law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism by proving the required information. Many believe the bulk of the responsibility in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing lies with the banks. Money deposit banks are, thus, expected to be committed to applying enhanced and appropriate due diligence in relation to their customers engaged in sectors and activities which have been identified by competent authorities as being widely used for the financing of terrorism. This would include the adoption of specific policies and procedures on acceptance of business from customers engaged in such sectors or activities, and increased monitoring of the activities of customers who meet the relevant acceptance criteria. The stricter rules CBN has rolled out for the banks are in line with the general thinking that they have a greater role to play in the bid to rid society of terrorist financing. All eyes will now be on the CBN to see how well it can enforce the rules.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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BUSINESS/MONEY
FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange building, Lagos
Investors Staked N39.9trn on Fixed Income Currencies Instruments in Q1 Bamidele Famoofo
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nvestment in the Fixed Income and Currencies (FIC) Markets on the platform of the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange in the first quarter of this year stood at N39.93trillion (about US$130.7billion). The volume of cash that exchanged hands in the markets in a period of three months was big enough to finance Nigeria’s proposed 2018 budget of N8.612trillion about five times. Also, the turnover more than doubled the market capitalisation of equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as at end of April. The FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange recorded a progressive growth in turnover value from N11.71trillion in January to N12.56trillion as at end of February, representing 7.3 per cent growth. The figure as at end of March tripled the growth recorded in February, moving from N12.56trillion to N15.66trillion, which represents 24.5 per cent increase. Meanwhile, transactions in Treasury Bills (T.bills ) contributed the largest to overall turnover, accounting for 39.48 per cent of the market in first quarter ended March 31, 2018. Investors splashed N15.77trillion (about US$46.93billion) on T.bills in three months while FX market transactions (Spot FX and FX Derivatives) accounted for 36.74 per cent with turnover value standing at N14.67trillion (about US$43.69billion). Investment in Repurchase Agreements (Repos)/Buy-Backs product categories (Repos/Buy-backs) accounted for 16.30 per cent or N6.51trillion (about $19.39billion). Bonds and Unsecured Placements & Takings accounted for 6.60 percent and 0.88 percent of total turnover in first quarter respectively. Meanwhile, key drivers of turnover in the review first quarter period are top 10 dealing banks, which accounted for 75.08 percent or N29.98trillion of the overall turnover in the market. Three among the top Dealing Member (Banks) which include Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for
Africa Plc, contributed N17.89trillion to total turnover, which represents 59.69 percent. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc were the leaders in the value traded for the overall over-the-counter (OTC) market, ranking 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the review period. Other banks in the top 10 turnover rankings include Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited; Ecobank Nigeria Limited; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Zenith Bank Plc; First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Citibank Nigeria and Coronation Merchant Bank Limited. It would be recalled that transaction turnover in March amounted to N15.66trillion; a 24.68 percent (N3.10trillion) increase from the value recorded in February and 16.26 percent (N2.19trillion) increase year on year. The FX market in the month of March accounted for 39.06 percent of total turnover followed by Treasury Bills (T.bills) with 35.69 percent. Repurchase Agreement/Buy-Backs contributed 16.75 percent of total turnover while FGN Bonds was responsible for 7.37 percent of turnover. The value of transactions in the foreign exchange market settled at N6.12trillion (about $18.67billion) in March, representing
an increase of 44.59 percent or $5.76billion when compared with the value recorded in February ($12.92billion). According to the OTC Monthly report, liquidity flow through the I&E FX Window increased in March, as total volume traded for the month settled at $6.06billion, representing a 55.38 percent ($2.16billion) decrease from the previous month. “So far, the total volumes traded at the Window Year-to-Date stands at $15.21billion. Exchange rates for the Naira traded relatively flat, as the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window appreciated slightly to close the reporting month at $/ N360.20 from $/N360.41 as at February 28, 2018, whilst also trading at a discount to the Parallel Market which appreciated slightly to close the month at $/N362.00 from of $/ N363.00 as at February 28, 2018”, the report from FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange noted. Member-Client trades were the biggest contributor to turnover growth in the FX Market in the month, standing at $10.98billion, an increase of 47.50 percent ($3.54billion) from the previous month and an 84.12 percent ($5.02billion) increase YoY ($5.96billion). This was followed by Member-CBN trades which recorded $5.70billion in March
So far, the total volumes traded at the Window Year-to-Date stands at $15.21billion. Exchange rates for the Naira traded relatively flat, as the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window appreciated slightly to close the reporting month at $/N360.20 from $/N360.41 as at February 28, 2018, whilst also trading at a discount to the Parallel Market which appreciated slightly to close the month at $/ N362.00 from of $/N363.00 as at February 28, 2018
($4.11billion in February), representing an increase of 38.48 percent ($1.58billion) and a 277.17 percent ($4.19billion) increase YoY ($1.51billion) as the effect of the Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) continued to boost activity in the FX Market. Inter-Member trades recorded $2.00billion in March, an increase of 47.15 percent ($0.64billion) relative to the trades recorded in February ($1.36billion), and 237.28 percent ($1.40billion) increase YoY ($0.59billion). Turnover in the Fixed Income market in March settled at N6.74trillion, 7.50 percent increase (N0.47trillion) MoM. Transactions in the T.bills market accounted for 82.94 percent of the overall Fixed Income Market, a decrease from the 89.00 percent recorded in February. Outstanding T.bills at the end of the month stood at N13.21trillion (N12.56trillion in February), an increase of 5.18 percent (N0.65trillion). FGN bonds outstanding value also increased marginally to close at N7.82trillion, from N7.74trillion in February. Trading intensity in the Fixed Income market for the month under review settled at 0.42 and 0.15 for T.bills and FGN bonds, respectively, from 0.44 and 0.09 recorded the previous month respectively. T.bills within the six to 12-month maturity bucket became the most actively traded, accounting for a turnover of N2.93trillion in March while short and medium-term yields on the sovereign yield curve decreased by an average of 33 basis points (bps) and 11bps respectively while long-term yields gained an average of 0.13bps. The spread between 10-year and 3-month benchmark yields closed negative at -1.22bps for March 2018 (-1.17bps in February) indicating an inverted yield curve Money Market (Repos/Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements/ Takings). Meanwhile, activities in the secured Money Market (i.e. Repos/Buy-Backs) settled at N2.62trillion in March, which was 29.19 percent (N0.59trillion) higher than the value recorded in February (N2.03trillion). Year on year, turnover on Repos/Buy-Backs recorded 5.42 percent (N0.13trillion) increase from the value recorded in March 2017 (N2.49trillion).
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
BUSINESS/ENERGY
Electricity Discos’ Unending Complaint about Financial Loss As Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria ceaselessly allege that they are into a loss-making venture, Chineme Okafor examines the latest claim from the Kaduna Disco that the distribution companies suffer a collective loss of N20 billion monthly due to inability to fully collect charges for power sold to consumers
D
istribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria’s electricity market often complain about their challenges in the sector. In the almost five years in which the sector has run as a privatised market, the Discos have hardly kept quiet about their operational challenges. They raise arguments about their inability to operate with economic tariffs, saying the federal government has always found a way to interrupt the smooth implementation of cost-reflective tariffs from the regulator. At times, too, they tend to raise controversial arguments about their inability to collect enough monies for electricity supplied to their customers. Recently, an official of the Kaduna Disco told journalists that all the Discos in the country lost about N20 billion monthly to collection gap. According to the Chief Corporate Service Officer of Kaduna Disco, Mr. Uday Mishra, the major challenge of the Discos has remained their inability to collect all that is due to them from the electricity they supply to consumers. He noted that Discos in the country did not get paid for the power they sold to 60 per cent of their consumers. “All Discos are surviving hardly because they have just 40 per cent of legal consumers on their billing net while the majority of consumers are involved in bypassing, theft, non-payment of bills and direct hooking,” said Mishra. He then said, “We call on consumers to take care of their duties by paying bills and disengaging in any kind of electricity theft. The company disconnects as last resort which is also costly and time-wasting.” Mishra asked the government to provide some sort of subsidy for electricity consumed by agriculture-related projects, low-income groups and other poor members of the society living in slums across the country. Agreement Considering the various agreements signed with the government during the electricity privatisation process, and from which each successful core investors for the Discos emerged, the recent complaint of the Discos as raised by Kaduna Disco seems out of place. The privatisation of the Discos by the government through the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) was done using the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss reduction model. This model required that any of the investors who proposed in absolute percentage terms, the highest ATC&C loss reduction figures over a five-year period, would be deemed good enough to manage the distribution network and the shares of the Disco given to it as its core investor. Within the ATC&C loss reduction model, the core investors were expected to address the vital issues of high losses recorded in the operations of Discos under the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and these losses included technical, commercial and collection. It was for this reason that the ATC&C model was chosen over the sale evaluation method, where the highest bidding entity could have become the preferred bidder. In adopting the ATC&C model, the government wanted to ensure that the Discos would become successful at their enterprises when they invest monies and resources in network upgrade and expansions to cut down their operational deficits. Also, while the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
MD, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Garba Haruna
and BPE took into account the uncertainty of the credibility of some of the data from which aggregate losses would be calculated, and agreed that the reduction of aggregate losses will remain one of the primary factors for determining successful Disco core investors, they commenced a study to create a credible industry performance database, particularly that of ATC&C. NERC equally agreed that at the conclusion of the ATC&C database study, any differences in losses will be the subject of separate reduction targets to be agreed between it and the relevant Discos, and then corresponding cost implications will be subjected to a minor review consultative process. The technical losses, which the Discos record in their distribution businesses, include the electricity they lose as they take power from their various distribution points to consumption points where they are offloaded and used by consumers. As power flows through distribution facilities, some of it are lost along the way. As an electricity engineering norm, electrical systems and conductors are known to have technical losses that they record, and power systems are not different in this regards, hence the inclusion of technical losses in the privatisation procedures of the Discos. As regards commercial and collection losses, they are revenues the Discos lose from stolen electricity, bills that are not properly calculated, monies not collected from consumers who do not pay for services they got from the Discos, inaccurate customer database, revenues lost to unmetered or estimated consumers, revenues lost to wrong tariff classification by Discos and then electricity sent out to consumption points but were not accounted for by the Discos. Collection losses arise from the inability of the Discos to adequately collect or claim revenues for electricity they sell to consumers, and they often happen when the Discos fail to either use correct data in their billing of
MD, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Adeoye Fadeyi
consumers or collect enough on account of some inefficiencies, and when consumers default on their bills. As a tradition, this class of losses are usually regarded as non-technical losses, but are key in calculating the electricity tariffs NERC approves for the Discos in its Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) model. Hence, core investors in the 11 Discos who showed the highest ATC&C loss reduction percentages committed to effectively reduce ATC&C losses of the Discos they acquired and thus were expected to invest in network improvement and metering infrastructure in this regards. Further, their eventual ATC&C commitments were contained in a performance level agreement they entered into with the BPE upon the conclusion of the privatisation. If after five years they do not meet up with the promised ATC&C loss reduction figures, the government could take back their Discos from them and pay them one-dollar as compensation. Though the Discos have often pointed to instances of harsh operational environment, like a one-time cancellation of collection losses by the NERC as well as disruptions of the MYTO, as reasons for their inability to improve on their agreed ATC&C losses, the fact remains that there are agreements in these regard which they seem not to have fulfilled. Questionable Claim Providing some insights on the recent collection complaints by the Kaduna Disco, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Mr. Rumundaka Wonodi, told THISDAY that the Discos were given to their core investors to reduce the ATC&C losses, and as such the complaints on collection losses was questionable. Wonodi explained that by such complaints, the Discos might have judged themselves to have failed in their responsibilities. He said, “Whether the claims are right or
wrong, they were brought to bridge these collection gaps that they are complaining about now. Are they asking for pity or what exactly? “I think it is self-recrimination, they seem to have graded themselves poorly by these complaints, and if the Disco official is saying that, then it suggests that they are unable to do the work they got the distribution networks for.” Fresh Pledge NERC has promised to undertake its responsibilities honestly and in accordance with standard industry practices. Its new executive chairman, Professor James Momoh, who was recently inaugurated by the government, promised to introduce new ideas in the business processes of the regulator. Indications are that he intends to address the complaints of the Discos. At his inauguration, Momoh stated that NERC under his watch would be proactive and undertake a scientific review of electricity tariff in the market. He noted that electricity tariff calculations are not done by guesswork and that the commission would be looking to collate relevant data, which it would review and understand to enable it make decisions. Momoh stated, “I brought with me the knowledge, experience that I have, wisdom about power engineering and, of course, ability to work in teams, and to address quick wins. What can we do with respect to what we heard about estimated metering, how do we make sure that we get enough data so that customers are also convinced to pay for the power they use based on what we provide? “At the same time, we will bring to the industry the best practices to ensure that we have quality supply and reliable power. What we bring to the sector is also ensuring that there is innovation in the industry because if we remain the same and remain static, and not solve real problems, we will just be doing fire-brigade.”
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
BUSINESS/ENERGY
Momoh Resumes at NERC, Promises a Breath of Fresh Air Professor James Momoh was recently sworn-in as Executive Chairman of NERC, almost three years after the commission had its last substantive executive head. Chineme Okafor looks at the promises of the new chairman and the expectation from the electricity industry
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existing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in the industry. Commenting on Momoh’s appointment, a former Managing Director of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Mr. Rumudaka Wonodi, stated that the authority and independence of NERC must be safeguarded by Momoh to ensure that it regains the confidence of stakeholders. Wonodi noted that cases of operators, like the Discos, instituting legal actions against NERC, and the law courts placing injunctions on the regulations of the commission were unhealthy and should be checked by Momoh. Wonodi said, “The supremacy of the regulator is important, its authority and independence must not be undermined further. I expect that Professor Momoh will understand these things because he is coming with very rich experience. “I have never heard of the banks in Nigeria instituting legal actions against the CBN, or companies filing lawsuits against the CAC. Even the NCC, I have not seen any of the telcos sue it – maybe MTN attempted to but then it reportedly dropped the idea. When Discos sue NERC and the court places an injunction on its regulations, it only undermines the authority and independence of NERC, and I imagine that Professor Momoh will address this.”
he new executive chair of the board of commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor James Momoh, will really have his work cut out for him to effectively address the issues at the commission, and he seems to recognise that. From conversations with industry stakeholders, Momoh is highly regarded, especially for his works and accomplishments in the electricity engineering field. He would, however, need more than engineering experience to run NERC and regulate the country’s electricity market. Momoh was sworn-in last week as NERC’s chairman by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, after his confirmation by the Senate. His inauguration came almost three years after NERC last had a substantive head to drive its tasks of regulating Nigeria’s electricity market. His job is, no doubt, daunting and, yet, strategic. Trust Of all the troubles of the electricity market today, stakeholders believe the most virulent is the fact that it has lost much confidence and is unable to attract relevant interests. NERC is also accused of failing in its regulatory commitment to the market. Momoh would be expected to push through fresh processes that would restore investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s electricity market, as well as put NERC back on track as a fair and productive regulator with palpable independence and authority. Long-drawn Appointment Process The appointment of Momoh as NERC chairman did not come easy. It took the government about 28 months to find a replacement for the last chairman of the regulator. When the tenure of NERC’s board of commissioners led by the former chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, ended on December 22, 2015, it was expected that the federal government would be swift in either replacing or reappointing them to avoid a vacuum in a developing market. But the government did not act until late in 2016, when it nominated commissioners and inaugurated them in February 2017, without a chairman. While six of the nominated commissioners were screened and confirmed by the Senate, the chairman-designate, Professor Akintunde Akinwande, a United States-based professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was not confirmed because he did not turn up for reasons not known. The government inaugurated the six commissioners and asked the vice chairman, Mr. Sanusi Garba, to act as NERC’s chair until a replacement for Akinwande was found. However, for the over one year that NERC had no commissioners, its affairs were directed by another acting chairman, Dr Anthony Akah, a general manager in the commission whose interim management of the regulator was dominated by enforcement of regulatory actions against recalcitrant operators in an effort to keep the market from going under. Subsequently, Momoh was announced as replacement for Akinwande. He was screened and confirmed by the Senate last month. Enter, Momoh While announcing President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of Momoh as Akinwande’s replacement in April 2017, Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, had said in a statement, “President Buhari strongly believes that Professor Momoh has the technical knowledge, capacity and integrity to lead the commission’s effort to bring about the much needed change in
Momoh
Nigeria’s power sector.” The Senate confirmed him last week after considering a report read by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South). Momoh is a professor of electrical engineering and computer science, as well as the Director of Energy Services and Controls at Howard University in the US. He is equally reported to be a life fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers as well as a fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE). He has over three decades of teaching and research experience in power system, smart grid, optimisation, and power communications. Momoh is a 1987 recipient of the National Science Foundation-US White House Presidential Young Investigator Award. He has a doctorate degree in electrical engineering from Howard University, and Master’s degrees in systems engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, and electrical engineering from Carnegie University. He got his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1975 from Howard University, and is a widely published scholar with several professional leadership positions held in the academia. Expectation Many industry stakeholders who shared their thoughts with THISDAY said they were hopeful and confident that Momoh would perform. They identified areas that needed
urgent attention to include the repeated suspension of the tariff methodology of the market by the commission due to alleged political influence from the government. This situation has created a backlog of financial shortfalls for the sector. There is the reported inability of the regulator to step up actions against operators for repeated breach of
Momoh would be expected to push through fresh processes that would restore investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s electricity market, as well as put NERC back on track as a fair and productive regulator with palpable independence and authority
Innovation Momoh told reporters in Abuja after his inauguration that he had come with fresh ideas on how to proactively regulate the power market and ensure that electricity is delivered to Nigerians efficiently. He pledged to introduce some level of scientific regulatory practices in the business of NERC, as well as adherence to standards in its dealings with stakeholders in the industry. Momoh stated, “I brought with me, the knowledge, experience that I have, wisdom about power engineering and, of course, ability to work in teams, and to address quick wins. What can we do with respect to what we heard about estimated metering, how do we make sure that we get enough data so that customers are also convinced to pay for the power they use based on what we provide?” He further stated, “At the same time, we will bring to the industry the best practices to ensure that we have quality supply and reliable power. What we bring to the sector is also ensuring that there is innovation in the industry because if we remain the same and remain static, and not solve real problems, we will just be doing fire-brigade. The Gencos will tell you there is a blackout without knowing why. We are going to ask the questions – for me, I know why because I know the mathematics and economics behind it. “If we are able to teach people to know things go wrong, perhaps, we will learn from our mistakes. We will look back and use lessons learnt yesterday to solve tomorrow’s problems. We must begin to anticipate problems so that we can provide solutions.” Tariff Momoh said regarding the lingering issue of tariff, “It is not a challenge that you cannot solve. It happened; you learnt something about it last week, so you don’t have to re-learn the same lesson today. We should be able to ask questions to avoid the problem. “We have something called data science in the new thinking of the world where we have the idea of you collecting data, you learn from the information and you predict the future. If we don’t do that, we will be wasting our time. “We have no choice; we have to look at what computes a tariff. Tariff is not a guess work, there is a calculation you do to get there.”
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
INTERVIEW Omojokun: Nigeria’s Macro- economic Indicators Now Positive for Investment Mrs. Tope Omojokun is Managing Director of Investment One Fund Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investment One Financial Services Limited (formerly Guaranty Trust Asset Management Limited). In this interview with Bamidele Famoofo, Omojokun says now is the time for both retail and institutional investors to invest in Nigeria, as the macro-economic indicators are very positive. Excerpts:
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hat necessitated your transformation from Guaranty Trust Asset Management Limited to Investment One Financial Services
those monies are vested in two custodians, having custodian oversights. But more importantly, there is a trustee that ensures that all the interests of unit holders are protected. There is a document called the Trusted, also approved by the SEC, which more or less is a rule book for us. These parties are not related parties in any form and they are meant to guarantee the investors of the safety of their investments. So, the question about how safe is my investment here is already taken care of.
Limited?
Our change of name from GTB Asset Management Limited to Investment One Financial Services Limited as a Group was necessitated by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s pronouncement that banks should divest from their non-core banking businesses. I think that happened around 2012 and Investment One came on board. I think to the extent that our values are still the same, if you notice, our logo and colour remains the same as that of Guaranty Trust Asset Management Limited. The way we do our business has remained the same and the change of name has had no negative impact on our operations.
What are the major benefits that accrue to investors in your funds? We believe that every investor needs to be enlightened to succeed as an investor. Investing in a mutual fund helps any investor to edge market volatility, as opposed to individual investors going to invest on their own in highly volatile equities in the capital market without being armed by the necessary information that will help him to succeed. But for mutual fund investors, the opposite is the case, as somebody is available to provide the professional expertise, reviewing those stocks from time to time, knowing whether or not to go into a particular stock at a time and when to exit. One of the benefits of investing in a mutual fund is the opportunity of diversification, not putting all the eggs in one basket.
Can you discuss some of your core values? One of our core values is our deep market insight, which aids our professional expertise and management of investments. Because we have market insight, we have knowledge of the market. We counsel our clients to take informed decisions, as we provide our clients information across all markets (be it the fixed income, equity, real-estate based markets etc.). As you are aware, Investment One Group has several subsidiaries, which help our clients in making decisions that will help them make the best in their investment choices. So, at Investment One, we really value market research, which aids our clients in taking informed investment decisions. Also, on the part of our staff, knowledge is very vital for them to be able to guide our clients appropriately. Our staff have broad-based knowledge that transcends the traditional investment knowledge base. We achieve this by updating ourselves as often as possible as a Group. As a fund manager, if you don’t have market insight, it will be impossible for you to provide value for your clients. Besides having a deep market insight as a fund management company, provision of excellent service to our customers is another thing that stands us out even as a group. “I’m here to help our customers achieve their investment plan,” is the mission of all our staff. This has nothing to do with whether a staff is client-facing or not. Because we have that mission in mind, whatever happens, our customers must have that assurance that when they walk in here, somebody is watching their investment.
Let’s talk about your latest offers. As you are aware, we have two funds that we are launching. They are the Equity Income Fund and Dollar Vantage Fund. We are duly licensed and have the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to float these two funds. The offers, which opened in April, will close sometime in June. This speaks to the fact that as fund managers, we have a deep market insight, which helps us to identify the needs of the investment public, and we create products to meet these needs. By these IPOs, we are expanding our offerings to the public, especially the retail end of the market.
How do you view the drive for financial inclusion by the financial authorities in Nigeria? We are aware that SEC is very passionate about financial inclusion, trying to bring as many retail investors on board the financial market as soon as possible. The good thing about what we are doing, which falls in line with the financial inclusion agenda of government,
What are your major investible assets? Considering the Equity Income Fund (EIF), majority of the fund will be invested in equities. But the good thing about it is that there will some fixed income instruments to invest on, and then, a little in other instruments. But largely, we are looking at between 70-75 per cent investments in equities, as the name of the fund suggests. Also about five per cent cash will be retained to aid free exit for investors that are willing to pull out their investment before the maturity period. On the other hand, the Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) is targeted at Eurobonds, whether they are sovereign or corporate. Omojokun
is that retail investors can enter into any of the two new funds we are currently floating with as small as N50,000 and US$1,000. In addition, an investor will have the opportunity to engage professionals who have a good understanding of the markets to guide them. Besides that, the good thing about the Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) is investing in a dividend paying and high quality instruments quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). These particular companies in which money from VEIT will be invested are those that have paid dividend consistently for five years. They are equities that have been screened by the various credit rating agencies and it takes a deep expertise of the market to be able to select such companies through screening, streamlining, analysing them to invest for our clients. The entry point is not high, and you enjoy good benefits that ordinarily are not available to ordinary investors. This is because the fund is a pool of investment being managed by the fund manager. For the Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF), the good thing about it is that an investor can invest with as low as a dollar per unit. So with a thousand dollar, you are good to go. What we want to achieve with this fund is to access the Eurobond space, which no individual investor can access with just a thousand dollar. The good thing with this Mutual Fund is that everyone in the pool benefits equally.
How would you assess the level of trust and acceptance you enjoy among the investing
How would you evaluate the current investment climate in Nigeria? public? The beauty of Investment One Fund Management Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Investment One Financial Services Limited is that we are fund managers authorised by the SEC, and therefore the investment vehicles are those that are approved by SEC. There are various parties, which include and not limited to, trustees. These funds also have custodians. So,
There have been many improvements after the recession that lasted till second quarter 2017. We’ve seen steady increases in oil prices, we hope the momentum will be sustained. So, the economic indicators are positive for the country in the medium to long term
In terms of the economic clime that we have, the interesting thing is that for the retail space, we’ve seen inflation trend down and as such, we would expect that it will have a positive impact on investment. The issue is now, how knowledgeable is the retail investor to sail through? But the upcoming election period in the country poses some kind of uncertainties, which may force some investors to slow down to speculate the likely outcome. But for mutual fund investors, the good thing is that free entry and exit window. In terms of the macro, there have been many improvements after the recession that lasted till second quarter 2017. We’ve seen steady increases in oil prices, we hope the momentum will be sustained. So, the economic indicators are positive for the country in the medium to long term. All things been equal, we foresee that people will be willing to invest in the retail space. Of course, for the institutions, they can afford to hold the funds without investing but they are only going to be cautious in the kind of investments choice that they make. Back to the retail space, disposable income is likely to increase as inflation goes further down, and ability to invest is expected to go up.
What are your plans for the future? In the next five years, we would love to be an investment partner to at least a person in every family in Africa. We are committed to making that happen. But, of course, we won’t let out our plans to our competitors for now.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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BUSINESS/INTERVIEW
Kunle: NNPC’s $2.8bn AKK Pipeline Project Is Economically Unviable Dan Kunle, an energy finance expert, says, in this interview with Chineme Okafor, that current realities in the international energy market make NNPC’s $2.8 billion AjaokutaKaduna-Kano gas line project a wasteful venture. Excerpts:
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he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has signed a $2.8 billion contract for the AKK gas line; you had warned against the project before now. What do you think about its progress? I have maintained that this project has become a bad project. We missed it a long time ago, and the only way to justify gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to upper North of Nigeria is if you have excess gas in the southern gas province and you don’t know what to do with it – that is, you cannot export it for economic value and you cannot use it all in the South province. We have a proven gas reserve in excess of 180 trillion cubic feet, and all the power plants that President Obasanjo was accused of building in that zone are not getting adequate gas supply – both the ones owned by the government and private businesses. The two power plants in Ajaokuta (Geregu 1 and 2), where the line will take off from, are not getting enough gas to operate at full capacity. Even Dangote cement plant in Obajana does not get enough gas, so it has to substitute that plant with coal. From the history of this project, I am convinced this project is belated. If you look at when crude oil refineries were built in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt, you will discover that those in Warri and Port Harcourt were built within where crude oil was produced while that of Kaduna was built almost 700 kilometres away from crude oil. As I am talking to you today, the Kaduna refinery has never been profitable. The capex for the crude pipeline to Kaduna, and that of the construction of the refinery could not be recovered, not to talk of profit.
Are your views based on economic realities?
Dan Kunle....energy expert
Yes, some of these projects that we think we must politically induce to our zones – I’m from the North – are not economically justifiable because basic economic theory has proved that heavy industries must be located where you have comparative and competitive advantage of raw materials and all other supporting enablers. If you want to build a steel industry, for instance, you have to locate it near shipping routes, and Nigeria is lucky with over 1,000 kilometres of ocean front from Badagry to Bakassi. In that same way, if you want to build gas-based industries today in Nigeria, you have to make it where the gas is abundantly available so that the cost of piping from points would be minimised and you have what is called economy of scale advantage because facilities and infrastructure can be localised for everybody to have common access. But when you want to move gas from over 500 and 1,000 kilometres (from production points), the cost of maintaining the gas line and volume of gas needed would be considered because you must secure the line and guarantee quality and quantity of supplies.
to manufacture in Kano, who will buy what he will manufacture? Don’t forget we have moved gas from Escravos all the way to Ghana and others. Togo and Benin Republic ought to be getting gas per day. But today, the gas that is moved by ship could become the same price or even cheaper than that from Escravos to Ghana. Even if the unit price is different, the consistency of the LNG that is fed from ship to power plant in Ghana would force power plant owners in Ghana to jettison gas from Nigeria in pipelines because of the supply inconsistencies. Nigerians should demand to know the investors because from my experience in this industry, I have a feeling that this $2.8 billion will become $10 billion in 10 years’ time as a claim against this country because the Nigerian government is notorious for defaulting agreements. I am raising the antennas of everybody in Nigeria that we are walking into another trap that will cost us $10 billion in years to come because we are going to default on this project, which is not viable.
But NNPC argues that the project is economical and timely, stressing that its Public, Private Partnership funding makes it viable.
But why are you so certain that Nigeria will default?
Then they must show us the numbers – where is the cash flow details, who are the investors that are interested in funding the project, where are they raising their money from, what is the cost of the funds, what is the tariff rate for the line to recover the money, how many years will it take to recover their invested funds, and who is providing the guarantees for the project? NNPC must show Nigerians these numbers. If you move gas at $1 to Ajaokuta, by the time you are moving it from there to Kaduna, it has become $2 per 1000 cubic feet, if you reach Kano, who will buy the gas for $2.5 and what will he use it
Because we cannot meet the conditions that would be tied to the project.
Have you seen the conditions? The NNPC should show us. I am asking them to show us the numbers. I am curious to know who would finance a project of $2.8 billion in Nigeria today without sovereign guarantee. And, there will be conditions that include claims for defaults. Just tell me one transaction that is 100 per cent contractor financing in this very structure that they are adopting.
Does this mean that contractor financing is not workable even in other climes? I will answer you with a question: do these climes have the same atmosphere we have in Nigeria, who respects contracts’ sanctity in Nigeria? I am talking from experience because I was involved in projects when I was in government and witnessed how they were thwarted. This AKK was part of them; it was part of the MoU that was signed with Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) for two oil blocks. It is a component of the oil blocks for KNOC to build the line and other power plants with their money just like the
Some of these projects that we think we must politically induce to our zones are not economically justifiable because basic economic theory has proved that heavy industries must be located where you have comparative and competitive advantage of raw materials and all other supporting enablers
way Shell built Afam power plant. Zungeru and Mambila are big hydro power projects, what is the progress of works on them, have we even met our obligation to get Mambila off the table? And these two hydros are, from my experience in energy business, good for Nigeria because they will give you reliability and cheap power. If I have a way with this government, I’ll ask it to take its resources and get Mambila and Zungeru done to support industrialisation in the North and not this pipeline. I was involved in the plan to privatise Katsina and Jos steel rolling mills, which are the farthest in Nigeria, but at the moment nobody is willing to buy those plants because their locations do not support economic sense for any investor. Shipping steel from Brazil to Nigeria takes just two weeks.
Some have said the North does not have the kind of heavy industries that would support investment in the gas pipeline. If the motive is to stimulate industrial development in the North or rehabilitate the textile industries I grew up to know in Kaduna and Kano, how would that be done, how many of them can pay for the gas? And, if they are able to pay and use it to produce fabrics, would they be able to compete with fabrics from China. That to me suggests that we may be faced with subsidy because they will scream that the cost of electricity is too high and they need subsidy from the government since the owner of the power plant would not agree to sell at a price below his cost price. I am talking from basic economic sense, I am not sentimental or emotional about these issues because the people who are thinking that they can politically get this project done will eventually plunge all of us into huge debt when some of them would no longer be in office, then when the transaction ends up in the court.
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
BUSINESS/ECONOMY
As NDIC Reports N2.37bn Fraud in Banking Sector… Banks take the blame for the 56.3 per cent increase in the sector’s financial fraud, amounting to N2.37 billion, as reported by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), reports Bamidele Famoofo
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t the end of the financial year 2017, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says losses arising from fraudulent cases in the banking sector increased by 56.3 per cent to 26,132 in 2017 from 16,751 reported cases in the previous year. “The amount involved in the fraudulent activities documented increased by N3.33 billion from the N8.68 billion reported in 2016 to N12.01 billion in 2017 or 38 per cent, while expected or actual loss slightly decreased by N24.42 million or 1.03 per cent from N2.39 billion in 2016 to N2.37 billion in 2017,” NDIC reported. Meanwhile, the corporation pointed an accusing finger at the banks for failure to file returns reporting their officials involved in the fraudulent practices throughout 2017 to the regulatory authorities as the number of staff involved in the malpractice grew from 231 in 2016 to 320 in 2017. Statutorily, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) otherwise known as commercial banks are required to report to regulatory authorities on cases of frauds perpetrated by staff. “Sections 35 and 36 of the NDIC Act No. 16 of 2006 (as amended) require all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to submit monthly information/returns on forgeries and other forms of fraud to the corporation”, a statement from the corporation disclosed. Online Banking/ATM Financial frauds perpetrated through online banking and ATM/card-related activities were most pronounced in 2017 as it constituted about 93 per cent of total fraud accounted for in the review year. According to NDIC, the volume of fraud in this segment accounted for N1.51 billion or 63.66 per cent loss in the industry in 2017. The report also documented other miscellaneous crimes such as fraudulent transfers/ withdrawals, cash suppression, unauthorised credits, fraudulent conversion of cheques, diversion of customer deposits, diversion of bank charges, presentation of forged or stolen cheques, among others. Internal Collaboration The 22 licensed commercial banks and four merchant banks, which rendered 286 returns on dismissed/terminated staff as a result of fraud and forgeries during the year under review, showed that out of the 26,182 fraud cases reported by the 26 licensed banks, 320 cases were attributable to internal collaboration by bank staff. The NDIC report revealed that a total of 320 bank employees had their appointments either terminated or were summarily dismissed in 2017, as against 231 in 2016. “That represented an increase of 38.53 percent in the total number of fraud cases reported in 2017. However, the losses arising from the reported cases decreased from N760 million in 2016 to N682 million or about 11.43 percent in 2017.” Effect According to a financial analyst, who does not want his name to be mentioned, shareholders are the ultimate losers anytime any bank record losses due to fraudulent activities, which may arise from either internal or external sources. “Since shareholders are part owners of the business, they pay for the shortcomings of the managers of the business, which may be in form of loose internal control that leads to fraud. Without mincing words, the penalty, in most cases is cut in dividend at the end of the financial year as all losses arising from
A view of Marina in the central business district of Lagos
fraud must be fully provided for,” he said. Solution The Head of Communications and Public Affairs Unit of NDIC, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said there were plans to investigate banks, which disregarded the Act of the NDIC on submission of monthly reports on forgeries and other forms of fraud. “This followed the discovery from the corporation’s most recent report on its off-site supervision of the DMBs that the number of fraud cases attributed to internal abuse by staff of banks increased from 231 in 2016 to 320 in 2017, or 38.53 percent above the figure reported for the previous year”, Ibrahim said. The NDIC spokesman noted that the report relied on a total of 286 responses received from 26 banks during the period under review. Ibrahim shed more light on the outcome of the off-site supervision: “The 286 responses received from banks in 2017 cited 26,182 cases of fraud and forgeries which is 56.3 percent higher compared to 16,751 cases reported in 2016. “The corporation urges banks to implement additional internal control measures coupled with observance good corporate governance principles to check frauds. “Despite the Fidelity Insurance Cover taken by banks to address fraud perpetrated by staff, there is still need for the banks to further enhance their internal control and security measures, as the rising trend of e-Channels (Online banking & Card-related) fraud and forgeries in the Industry remains a serious cause for concern to the Corporation” Ibrahim added.
KPMG In its report titled ‘Top Five Fraud Trends in Nigeria’s Commercial Banks in 2016 ‘, KPMG, a foremost accounting firm submitted that “The complexity and reliance on technology by modern enterprises as well as the increasing ease of access to the internet by all and sundry, have created more opportunities for fraud and other forms of exploitation, especially on the internet and other electronic platforms”. In curbing growing crimes perpetrated in the Nigerian cyberspace, especially in the financial industry, KPMG suggested that stakeholders must look beyond technology issue alone. “Erroneously, some organisations perceive cyber-crime / e-fraud as a technology issue only, and therefore look only at technology to reduce the menace of cyber criminals. Rather, curbing the activities of cyber criminals, e-fraudsters as well as traditional fraudsters involve dealing with People, Process and Technology issues”, KPMG disclosed. On People, KPMG said continuous awareness for employees, vendors, customers and business partners, appropriate training for employees on fraud identification, prevention and detection techniques, commensurate due diligence for employees, vendors, customers (KYC), and business partners, etc are necessary to nip the menace in the bud. Process-wise, it says there is a need to develop, implement and monitor information security policy and procedures, incident response plan, security-focused disposal process, etc. In terms of Technology, the report recommends the deployment of appropriate technology such as network segmentation, up-to-date anti-virus and patches, multi-layered authentication, layered
security approach comprising both intrusion prevention and intrusion detection systems, transaction monitoring and data analytics tools, among others. CBN On its part, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented a number of initiatives in tackling the issue of cybercrime / e-fraud specifically, and fraud in general. The initiatives include: Implementation of a two-factor authentication for internal banking processes which started in January 2014; Review of operations of the NIBSS’ Instant Payment (NIP) System and other e-Payment options with similar features; Establishment of industry fraud desk; Introduction of the Bank Verification (BVN); and Deployment of the Central Anti-Fraud Solution. Raising the game “Further to the above, it is imperative to mention that fraudsters and cybercriminals are raising their game in the cloud and Internet of Things (IoT)”, KPMG lamented. It observed that this was in response to the pace at which businesses and consumers were moving to the cloud, because of its cost effectiveness, as well as “almost stress-free” lives enjoyed by consumers as a result of IoT, gaining mileage. “To securely prevent prevalence of fraud on cloud infrastructure and hacks into consumer devices in 2017 and beyond, organisations need to demand adequate security from the cloud infrastructure and service providers as well as demand that manufacturers of IoT devices improve security on central servers, rather than individual devices”, KPMG suggested.
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
BUSINESS/PERSPECTIVE
A Gateway to Growth Saleh Dunoma
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o harness their potential as gateways to growth, African airports must develop infrastructure, modernise processes, innovate and diversify revenue sources. No government today can, on its own, muster the funds required for the infrastructure, technology and human capacity development. Collaboration and cooperation with the private sector as well as with regional and international bodies like the Airports Council International (ACI) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), however, can turn our airports into engines of growth. The role of aviation as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic and human development can’t be overlooked. In Africa, the sector provides 6.8 million jobs (direct and indirect) and currently generates $72.5 billion in GDP. For over a week, the Federal Airports Authority Nigeria (FAAN) hosted over 300 international and regional aviation experts in Lagos under the aegis of ACI Africa. Delegates at the conference all agreed that our airports must move from being public service providers to efficiently managed commercial enterprises. The transformation of African airports is long overdue. Passenger traffic in this region of the world grew by 5.9% between 2016 and 2017, the third after Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Though income from aeronautical revenues (per passenger) was among the highest in the world, airports in the region generated the least overall per passenger in 2016. In the same period, African airports’ non-aeronautical revenues were the lowest: just over 20% compared to the world average of 39%. African airports lag the world when it comes to generating revenues from retail concessions, car parking, property and real estate, car rental and food and beverages. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), a benchmark that measures development of the Travel & Tourism sector in 136 economies, travel and tourism in sub-Saharan African economies remain mostly untapped despite sustained economic growth. Travel cost, connectivity and airport infrastructure are the biggest barriers. With higher business potentials than mature travel and tourism destinations, African airports must explore ways to transform their business models to meet the challenges of upgrading infrastructure and capacity, improving services and transforming customer experience. In other regions, a more commercial focus, spurred either by change of ownership or business models, has seen airports discard their perception as mere utilities. Infrastructure upgrade: more commercial space, better designed buildings, improved retail planning have helped airports around the world to diversify their revenues. In addition to increasing aeronautical and terminal capacity of airports, the best managers of airports in the world run them as businesses and pay attention to partnerships, operational efficiency, customer service and optimal capital expenditure. To make this transformation happen, a change of mindset is necessary. Technology, business innovations and human capacity development are also critical variables. Transforming Nigeria’s airports Faced with financial pressures and budget constraints, more African governments are granting concessions to the private sector to build new airports, and invest in or take over the management of existing ones. Private sector investment in African airports has played a critical role in improving services and increasing revenues. At the Murtala Mohammed International
Dunoma
Airport, a multi-storey car park was built by an investor in 2017. Deliberations at the conference reiterated the role of private sector partnership in the transformation process. Such partnerships are critical to the goals of the roadmap for the sector which was approved in 2016. So far, we have attained international safety certifications for the international airports at Lagos and Abuja – the objective is to certify our five international airports. The construction of new terminals at all five airports is expected to expand passenger handling capacity to 15 million a year.
Already, the executive order to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and constraints to doing business in Nigeria has eased the experience of travellers at our airports. Last year, Nigeria signed the agreement to become one of the ACI global training centres, to further advance the goal of human capacity development in FAAN and in Africa. The first training after the agreement was conducted in December 2017 where Nigeria received participants from other African countries. To better aid our understanding of passengers’ views and their needs, FAAN
signed up to ACI’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme, the world-renowned and globally established benchmarking programme measuring passengers’ satisfaction. ASQ which measures passengers’ reactions to access, check-in, security, finding way, airport facilities and environment ranks airports around the world based on their performance. Being ranked alongside our peers in the industry will keep us up to date with service standards throughout the world. Getting feedback from thousands of passengers who pass through our busiest airports daily will help us focus our priority, assist the process of changing mind-sets, determine the technology to deploy as well as define our approach to service delivery. Customers’ needs and expectations drive change. With a better understanding of what customers consider important, FAAN can work on the capacities, processes, procedures and policies to develop and deliver better service to customers. With feedback on passenger satisfaction, we can determine whether or not to innovate or adopt existing technologies to improve efficiency and profitability. Backed by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), FAAN is committed to infrastructural development and the implementation of policies aimed at facilitating the growth and sustainability of our airports. Overall, it was a delight to host the 59th ACI Africa Board and Committees meetings & regional conference and exhibition here in Lagos. In addition to the honour of hosting the conference, it was an opportunity to showcase recent achievements in the sector and our openness to investments. It also demonstrated yet again the commitment of ACI to develop human capacity, improve standards in areas such as safety, security and service. - Dunoma is the Managing Director FAAN & President, ACI Africa Executive Board
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TRAVEL
Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com
Marriot Opens First West African Hotel in Accra Demola Ojo
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n continuation of its rapid expansion in Africa, Marriot International last week announced the West Africa debut of Marriot Hotels, with the highly anticipated opening of Accra Marriott. Owned by African Hospitality Limited, Accra Marriot is strategically located opposite the Kotoka International Airport, making it the perfect “Gateway to West Africa”. Set in the heart of Airport City, a burgeoning urban development, the Accra Marriott Hotel is just a few kilometers outside of the central business district providing easy access to major corporate businesses, government entities and well known city landmarks. “We are thrilled to open the Accra Marriott Hotel, a highly anticipated addition to our Africa portfolio and a significant milestone in our journey” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Accra is the heartbeat of Ghana, a dynamic city bustling with energy. A commercial, manufacturing, and communications center with great shopping and excellent nightlife, it makes an interesting travel destination both for business and for leisure. The Hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities with 208 rooms, three dining venues, 800 square meters of meeting space, a pool and a fully equipped fitness center. The debut of Marriot Hotels in West Africa continues Marriot International’s aggressive expansion drive in Africa, as it recently announced the signing of seven new hotels across the continent with two slated for Lagos, Nigeria. Marriott was the first global chain to make a significant investment in Africa with the acquisition of Protea Hotels for $210 million in 2014 and the company is now targeting over 200 hotels with 37,000 rooms open or in the pipeline by 2022, equating to around $8.5 billion of capital investment by its real estate partners. Presently, the Marriot group operates 140 hotels with close to 24,000 rooms across 12 brands in Africa. The hotels announced will strengthen Marriot’s presence in Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia, while also marking a debut in
Accra Marriott Hotel Exterior
Cote D’Ivoire. This reinforces its continued commitment to expansion in Africa and solidifying its leadership on the continent. The investment is expected to generate substantial economic activity and around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs once the hotels open. One of the hotels in the pipeline is the Renaissance Landmark Lagos Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Owned and developed by Landmark Africa Group, Marriott International will manage the 216 room Renaissance Landmark Lagos Hotel, as well as a 44-room Marriott Executive Apartments. Slated to open in 2020, the hotels will be located within the Landmark Village precinct, a premier mixed-use, business, leisure and lifestyle development along the Atlantic Ocean waterfront in Victoria
Island, the central business district of Lagos. The 25-floor hotel will offer a wide range of amenities, including local and international restaurants, spa facilities, a fitness center, and an infinity pool with access to a 100-meter-long boardwalk overlooking a vibrant beach club offering exciting watersports. According to Kyriakidis, “Africa today makes a very compelling story. We are seeing unprecedented traction for our compelling brands, driving our momentum of growth. “We have always believed in the potential of Africa and the opportunities the continent has to offer. With economic growth, a rising middle class and rapid urbanization, the demand for travel and high quality lodging is growing, providing us with a significant opportunity to enhance our footprint and play our part in supporting many emerging markets across the continent,” he said.
Accra Marriott Hotel Deluxe King Room
Buhari to Commission Fraser Suites May 10 Nigerian Wins Dubai Duty Free Promo From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 10, commission the Fraser Suites Abuja. The hotel is touted as Nigeria’s distinctively iconic and newest luxury hotel by Frasers Hospitality in Africa. FCT Minister Muhammad Musa Bello, will on May 9 be the chief host of an exclusive, guests only ceremony, preceding the Grand Opening the following day by the President. A statement issued by Haroun Audu, the Marketing Communications Advisor to Fraser Suites, said Buhari, supported by members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international multilateral agencies, regional bodies and NGO’s accredited to Nigeria will unveil the historic commissioning plaque.
The following day, Fraser Suites Abuja will welcome Nigeria’s vibrant, corporate and business executives, specially invited to the full, luxurious taste of an exciting afternoon of facilities viewing, refreshments, soft entertainment, and networking. Developed and promoted in Nigeria by the international real estate developer and investor Royal Pacific Group, Fraser Suites Abuja, in less than six months of operations, won the globally acclaimed World Luxury Hotel Awards in December 2017, as well as the award for Global Winner for Luxury Business Serviced Apartments also in 2017. Fraser Suites is located in the Central Business District of Nigeria’s Federal Capital city, accessible to prime commercial areas, major corporations, foreign embassies, as
well as to the Three Arms Zone housing the federal bureaucracy, the Supreme Court, the National Assembly Complex, and the Presidential Villa. Its 126 guest rooms are designed for the contemporary business traveller; replete with modern facilities of complimentary high-speed wifi; Internet enabled television; a media hub for gadgets and large writing desks. Created to convey a sophisticated residence in the city, the hotel’s 126 suites each come with Nespresso coffee machines, Kitchenette and luxurious L’Occitane bathroom amenities. It has two restaurants with the Dining Room, characterised by its high ceiling. The 120-seat restaurant serves international and local flavours.
Air Peace Continues West African Expansion Air Peace has assured air travellers of seamless and safe flight operations as its spreads it wings along the West African region. The carrier which commenced regional operation into Accra, the capital of Ghana in February last year has continued to deepen its reach in the West Coast. A statement signed by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the airline was already realising its goal of guaranteeing seamless connectivity on the West Coast of Africa with the launch of its Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone
and Dakar, Senegal flight operations. The airlines said it fleet comprises Boeing aircraft with some of the best engines in the world and are built to ensure the safety as well as comfort of the flying public by running a strict fleet maintenance program. Air Peace gave this assurance as it announced plans to begin the third phase of its regional operations in the next few weeks with the launch of flights to Monrovia, Lome, Abidjan and some other West Coast destinations. “Our goal is to make air connectivity
on the West Coast and indeed the entire Africa seamless, comfortable, affordable and a refreshing experience. We are ready to take up the challenge and kick off the third phase of our regional operations with the commencement of our Monrovia, Lome and Abidjan services in the next few weeks. “It is the least we can do in appreciation of our esteemed guests whose support and loyalty have taken us to the top spot as leaders of the commercial flight business on the West Coast of Africa,” the carrier said.
Driving away in a luxury vehicle or even waking up with a million dollars in cash can become a reality with Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise Promotions. Such is the thrilling opportunity given to two lucky individuals in a draw conducted recently at Concourse D, Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport. It was early in the morning in Lagos when Mr. Ayodeji Fadoju heard the great news that he had become US$1 million richer, and in between conversation he could not help but exclaim Fadoju, the first Nigerian national to join Dubai Duty Free’s Millennium Millionaire’s list, has always participated in the US$1 million promotion, but it was the first time upon transiting in Dubai Airport sometime recently that he let his 15 year-old daughter select the lucky winning Ticket No. 3605 in Series No.224. Fadoju is looking forward to flying back to Dubai and visiting Dubai Duty Free again, in the hope maybe, of lightening striking twice.
T H I S D AY SUNDAY MAY 6, 2018
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T H I S D AY SUNDAY MAY 6, 2018
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WEEKLY PULL-OUT
06.05.2018
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ISSA AREMU FOR ME, A GOOD BOOK IS AKIN TO SEX Getting Issa Aremu, a leading figure in Nigeria’s labour movement, to talk about the relaxation culture among Nigerian workers is a bit of a sore point, reports Nseobong Okon-Ekong
n impressive scenario was witnessed last week at the Agege Stadium in Lagos at the 2018 celebration of Workers Day. It was the first time Governor Akinwunmi Ambode attended the ceremony in person since he assumed office three years ago. As usual, one of the rites-goodwill messages were being taken and they centred-on the physical well-being of workers. As customary with large outdoor gatherings, there was confused noise everywhere, drowning the voice of the speaker. The uproarious behaviour of the crowd defeated some of the purpose for which they gathered. This particular narrator from the Lagos State Ministry of Health was enumerating some of the fine points for healthy living, in line with this year’s theme: ‘Role of Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win.’ Making informed decisions on sex was obviously a strong concern of the state government as staff of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency mounted a conspicuous platform for testing and counselling willing workers. However, in the disorderly atmosphere, many workers were engaged in the very things they were being warned against-smoking, consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverage and open licentious behaviour with the opposite sex. Elsewhere in Kaduna, Issa Aremu, a leading comrade in the struggle of Nigerian workers was trying to return to Abuja after participating in the workers day celebration. Currently, the sub-African Vice President of IndustriALL Global Union, based in Geneva, Switzerland with 50 million members from 116 countries from 600 affiliate unions in Europe, Africa, America, Latin America and Maghreb, Aremu is also the General Secretary, National Union of Textile & Garment Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) and National Executive (NEC) member, of the Nigeria Labour
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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Í´, Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś
COVER
ISSA AREMU
FOR ME, A GOOD BOOK IS AKIN TO SEX
Issa
Congress, NLC, which he served as two term Vice President between 2007 and 2015. Getting Aremu to talk about the relaxation or leisure culture among Nigerian workers is a bit of a sore point. To get around the subject he tries to lead by example. Annually, he uses the period of his birthday to encourage a cycling contest. Every day, he takes a long walk and/or cycles. Regular reading of books on interesting subjects, playing football and listening to music are other ways in which he lets off steam and rejuvenates. His activist profile accommodates the enduring effort by the NLC to ensure that no worker is forcefully made to work more than eight hours for five days a week. If he chooses to work more than eight hours, he is entitled to overtime. What is the outlook for rest hours for workers in Nigeria? “The whole history of May-Day is about rest and hours of work for workers. There was once a world of work in which workers worked endlessly for 18 and 20 hours and even died at work with miserable pay. May Day has its origins in United States of America (USA) within the context of the first Industrial Revolution. The first generation workers devoted half of the 19th century to the struggle against wage exploitation and long hours of poorly paid work. The working class was in constant struggle to gain the 8-hour work day. On the May 1, 1886, more than 300,000 workers in 13,000 businesses participated in the first May Day celebration in history following earlier protests which led to persecution of labour leaders including mass hanging in ‘a democratic America’. Leave days are legitimate including maternity leave days for women. Nigeria labour laws are very progressive with rest hours for workers,� he said. He went on to settle the matter conclusively. “But with too many public holidays, the rest is getting too much and turning into leisure amidst poverty and deprivation. There is a Yoruba proverb: ‘work does not kill, it’s lack of work that kills fast.’� Between the different engagements that demand his attention, Aremu somehow manages to get things done in the most effective way he can. His response to a question on the last time he went on a holiday is shocking. “I am over employed such that I hardly rest. When you work for workers, it is (for) almost 24 hours. Workers think you must listen to them at anytime and anywhere too. I have however realized the need to take a leave. We unionists are like the healers who must also heal ourselves.� When the opportunity comes, Aremu looks to Plateau state for a period of relaxation. He gave reasons for this choice. “My preferred holiday destination is Jos, precisely Kuru. After my Senior Executive Course (SEC) 27 in 2005, I fell in love with Kuru with its temperate weather and good rainfalls.� Making a critical remark on the practice of collecting money in lieu of leave, Aremu blamed it on poverty. He was very unhappy about the trend and wished more workers would understand the harm to themselves by refusing to go on leave. “Encashment of leaves days is a sign of poverty. We must pay workers well such that they would not monitize leave days, rest well and give the best in terms of productivity. The logic is simple; rest with empty pockets, demand for food, rent and mounting school fees is restlessness.� A 2015 report by HealthDay News quotes a study that suggests that workers who take short, frequent breaks during the workday have more stamina and fewer aches and pains when they return to work. Breaks are particularly re-energizing if workers spend the time doing something they enjoy. Aremu offered an insight into his personal relaxation routine. Only his acts of piety and charity, he asserted, come before his routine morning physical exercise. “My best relaxation is reading. My sleeping tablet is contained in my iPad with e-books; from the holy texts to the political and economic, from bibliography to the historic. A good book is akin to sex appeal for me! A good book is my wake up call. I also love music; from the best of African rhythms to the best of global jazz. I like playing football, rather than watching. My best passion is cycling. It is my annual birthday celebration band. I love cycling. I loathe being part of a clapping society for global football stars who keep fit, making monies while their gullible fans drink away their energy in frenzy. Only prayer comes before early morning jogging and cycling for
me. Early morning cycling/walkout is a must before breakfast.� Realizing how important these rejuvenating activities mean to his overall well-being, Aremu takes them seriously as if his life depends on them. “My daily one hour solitary walk out decongests my mind and prepares me for the whole day,� he explained. The way he sees it, the benefits physical exercise rises into a spiritual value that cannot be quantified. “Listening to singing birds in a park early morning reaffirms my faith in Almighty Allah that He is the creator all living things must worship. My leisure walk out gets me closer to God spiritually in addition to the physical benefit.� He has long sought to place these advantage in the purview of all Nigerian workers. The NLC, he said, would not mind promoting leisure activities like sports, music, concert or art exhibition (solely or in partnership). “In my union, we agreed on monthly collective jogging exercise in both Lagos and Kaduna. But most comrades have not signed on. My experience shows that you cannot be a good unionist if you are not physically fit. This job is not meant for laybacks. Comrade Adams Oshihomole is one of the most successful unionists in Africa and the world. Apart from his legendary commitment, and enhanced capacity, he is also fit. He exercises daily covering kilometers on treadmills. He is a regular star at Okpeke 10 kilometer race made possible with his good governance in Edo State which opened up the beautiful Okpeke landscape to civilization through good quality road.� The International Labour Organisation, ILO, estimates that the annual cost to the global economy from accidents and workrelated diseases alone is a staggering USD3 trillion. Moreso, a recent report suggests the world’s 3.2 billion workers are increasingly unwell, with the vast majority facing significant economic insecurity: 77 per cent work in part-time, temporary, ‘vulnerable’ or unpaid jobs. What’s more, the labour force is growing older and less healthy: 52 per cent is overweight or obese and 38 per cent suffer from excessive pressure on the job. With a second class Economics Degree from the University of Port Harcourt and Masters Degree in Labour and Development Studies, The Hague, Netherlands, Aremu is a two term Secretary General of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI). He is also a labour commissioner on the tripartite Salaries and Wages Commission. Writing in an e-mail while journeying from Kaduna to Abuja, he affirmed that “workers are not just interested in the happenings in the world of work but in the country as a whole. We are citizens. We are as worried about deepening social and economic insecurity as well as physical insecurity. In the north-east, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) lost hundreds of teachers and pupils to Boko Haram indiscriminate madness. So we are also victims of violence.� Explaining how the NLC has impacted on the fortunes of Nigerian workers, Aremu said he was proud of the achievements of the organization in its 40 years of existence. “Our relevance is long dated and not a present fad. As a pan-Nigeria workers organization, NLC is as relevant as long as there are employers in both private and public sectors who want to produce at the expense of Labour. NLC’s relevance is to stop public wealth capture by the few exploiters, bridge the great divide between owners of means of production and the poor working men and women. Without organized labour, capitalist owners would take all the billion maximum profits without minimum and living wages for the working poor. Unarguably, NLC remains the biggest labour centre in Africa with over 7 million organized and potential 40 million members. NLC is the biggest independent trade union movement in Africa followed by South Africa’s labour Federation, Council of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU). The Congress is an activist affiliate of the Accra-based Organization of Africa Trade Union (OATUU) and Geneva based global union; International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). With negotiated four national minimum wages since 1981, NLC has commendably provided minimum pay standard for workers. South Africa’ COSATU just won the battle for minimum wage in South Africa this year. However, with neoliberal policies of Naira devaluation and deregulation it is clear that Nigerian workers on N125 (about $200 in 1981) ,in real terms were better than members on N18000 (less than $50) in 2018.
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ON THE COUCH
BASHORUN SIKIRU ALABI-MACFOY (CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT)
My Desire was to be a Medical Doctor Interviewed by Funke Olaode Can we have an insight into your background? I was born on January 23, 1946 in Olowogbowo area of Lagos Island. My mother traded in groundnut oil and she was popularly known as ‘Iya Olororo’. My father on the other hand was working with Elder Demster, a shipping company. He read up to standard six of those days. He was a Christian and his father was one of the early founders of Olowogbowo Wesley Methodist Church. In fact, he was baptized in the church in 1912. It was a privileged beginning. We had an average family. I was a little bit pampered because I had a laundry man while my contemporaries were washing their own clothes. It was when I started secondary school that my father insisted that I must know how to wash and iron clothes. He bought a coal iron for me. I started learning how to wash and press clothes.
go because accounting qualification from London was more recognized at that time. I travelled to London and began a part-time training in accounting. I got admitted to Polytechnic of North London now University of North London where I studied for my Higher National Certificate in Business Studies. While I was doing that I was also attending City of London Polytechnic in Moorgate reading for Chartered Institute of Secretaries (CIS). I combined both. I finished my HSC in June, 1973 and had CIS in December of the same year. I started work but there was still an urge to pursue accountancy in ACCA. I was lucky Lagos State gave me scholarship to go and do full time studies in London which I only did for two years because of my two qualifications in HSC and CIS. I finished in 1976 and did full time job because I had gotten a permanent stay in England.
How would you describe your memories of growing up in Lagos of old? It is very sad to see Lagos now compared to what it was. I grew up in ‘Lagos of old’ where communal living reigned supreme. When you mention your name in one area they can easily trace your background. There was discipline at home, in the community and even at school. Our headmaster took everyone as his own biological children. We dare not go to the swimming pool. If your teachers find out you would be flogged at the assembly. During the festivals, people used to dance freely. But the students must not be found dancing or merry making. The teachers will punish you because they believed that there is time for everything; that studies should be our priority at that period. Today, everything is let loose.
Where did you begin your career back home? Central Bank on Nigeria was recruiting and they came to London. I was recruited and was given a position of Assistant Manager foreign operations. Ironically, my stay at CBN was short-lived I spent only nine months because the job wasn’t challenging enough. In my section all I did was to look at the balance sheet and the transfer. I would sign the cable that would go out as well. I was a signatory in Bank of America and American Reserve Bank. But I wanted to practice as an accountant and my duty wasn’t challenging enough. I resigned and joined a private establishment, Allied Biscuit Company set up by Chief Chris Ogunbanjo. I left the place and joined Nigerian Oil Mills in Kano for about six years. I retired from my last employment with a private company in 2002 as a financial controller.
What factors shaped your life as a child? I am happy for my up-bringing in a Christian home. I am the quiet type but very determined. I concentrated on my studies. Encouragement from my parents and friends also played a crucial role in my life. My father was a very simple man. When he came back from work he would not go out again. He would sit down looking out through the window. And when it was time for him to sleep he would enter his bedroom. Even during the holidays when students enjoyed free days moving from one area to another, I wasn’t used to that. When my friends or classmates visited me, I would see them off to a certain place and turn back. What I saw
within my environment shaped my life. My father was a teetotaler and my mother too was a disciplined trader.
At what age did you start school? I started school at Patience Nursery School in Isale-Eko then around 1951. I later started primary school in 1952 at Zumratul Islamiya Primary School. I finished my primary education and moved to its secondary arm in Yaba in 1960. In fact, we were the first set in that school. I left secondary school in 1964 and started work as a Public Health Inspector in Lagos City Council. What was your childhood aspiration? My foray into accounting was an accident because my intention was to read sciences so I could study medicine. When I finished secondary school, I tried to get admission into Federal School of Science which was free because government was trying to encourage students to study the sciences. An incentive was also introduced as government gave out stipends to students. During our time, government introduced an unfavourable policy. When I couldn’t get into Federal
School of Science, I ended up in the Lagos City Council. I was very good in the sciences and Mathematics and a friend of mine was studying Book Keeping. And I also started studying Book Keeping and Accounting while working. It was a self-taught endeavour and later on I organized a tutorial and started teaching people who wanted to learn Book Keeping and Accounting for free which helped to develop my knowledge in that field. I did that till 1970.
At what point did you develop a passion for accounting? About 30 young secondary school leavers were recruited into the Lagos City Council then. But all of us were ambitious and anxious to pursue our education and after few months everybody travelled abroad to either United States or United Kingdom. While we were in LCC, there was School of Hygiene in Yaba where we were taught Basic Public Health and sat for an examination called Royal Society of Health. I obtained a Diploma in Public Health. I got promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Health on a salary of 480 Pounds per annum. My friends travelled to America but I didn’t want to
Looking at your life trajectory are there things you would have done differently? I thank God for directing my path. I have been religious right from my childhood which helped me to be focused, determined and not to derail. That helped me to fear God in what I do and my relationship with my fellow human being. . What lesson has life taught you? Life has taught me not to give up. I believe if you are with God and you adhere strictly to His tenets, He will help you. Again, if you obey God’s commandments, He will give you what you need.
FOCUS
Praise Fowowe, Ena Tobor for Third Edition of T.E.M. Vanessa Obioha
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ounder of Center for Sex Education and Family Life, Praise Fowowe alongside other speakers are billed as guests at the third edition of the Teachers Exploring Through Mentorship (T.E.M.). An initiative of the Funda Wazi Foundation, this edition will focus on the theme: “Strategies for effective prevention of children from abuse and related trauma�. According to the organisers, the effective intervention and protection of children in schools relies upon a sound understanding of the impact of abuse and related trauma by educators and the ability to implement mitigating or support plans for children.
“At the programme, we intend to enhance the capacity of parents, teachers, head of schools and caregivers to effectively reduce the social vices risk that children may be exposed to and create a safe and nurturing learning environment,� said Abisola Soneye, Coordinator of the Foundation. Founded by Nomthi Odukoya, the wife of the convener of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Funda Wazi Foundation since inception has carried out its mission to provide child-friendly and relevant resources and tools for children and adults that will assist them to learn and know how to address and control social challenges affecting children with a particular emphasis on child abuse in
different capacities. It launched T.E.M. last year as a platform where professionals act as role models, offer advice and guidance regarding education, knowledge, skills and for their mentees. Scheduled for April 6, the bi-annual program will also feature profound professionals like the Programme Manager, Trauma Care International Foundation Dr. Ena Tobor; Mental Health Advocate, Sanemind Advocacy Organization Dr. Rukayat Ogunbiyi; Clinical Psychologist, Certified Trainer and a Performance Management Coach Mr. Olumide Okeowo; a behavior analyst, Founder/Proprietress of the Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, Mrs. Dotun Akande and Mrs. Funmilayo Akinlami.
Nomthi Odukoya
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Overscenes
with LEKAN FATODU 08060140882
‌Happenings Around the Diaspora
It’s all Smiles from Washington Lekan Fatodu
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ontrary to the anxiety and cynicism demonstrated by some Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari remarkably stimulated enthusiasm in many compatriots during his latest foreign trip to Washington, United States of America (USA). Given the controversies that have trailed the President’s speeches during his previous foreign trips, particularly his participation at the just concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 in London during which a statement he made about Nigerian youths was largely deemed to mean that the President had characterised the youths as “lazy,� some Nigerians were basically waiting for Buhari to drop another hot line that will be subjected to critical reviews or instantly noted as embarrassing to Nigeria. But thankfully Buhari didn’t fall on the sword of his critics during his meeting with the President of United States of America (USA), Mr. Donald Trump, in Washington. It was clearly a good outing in the US for the Nigerian president. So instead of the usual knocks, Buhari has largely been getting thumbs-up especially with the manner
US President, Donald Trump and President Muhammad Buhari
he highlighted issues about Nigeria during his televised exchanges with Trump and his reactions to questions at the press conference in the White House. Therefore, it’s not surprising that most Nigerians on social media, who have become merciless inspectors of the actions of Buhari’s government, have been more positive in their comments on the President’s latest trip. From the young to the old, the reactions were filled with commendations and constructive suggestions that Buhari must sustain the steam and given that Trump also acknowledged the efforts of his government in some vital areas and expressed America’s willingness to strengthen his undertakings. Interestingly, the President’s wife, Aisha, who before now was seen as a key critic of his husband’s administration, also went on social media to shower “accolades� on her husband over the outcome of the US trip. “Dear President, you deserve some accolades,� Aisha captioned some pictures of Buhari and Trump smiling and shaking hands, which she posted on social media. It’s indeed all smiles from the US trip, and may this endure and inspire more actions in other areas of development.
UK-based renowned Filmmaker, Obi Emelonye, Partners Lagos in New Flick
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enowned and a w a rd w i n n i n g f i l m m a k e r, O b i Emelonye, has completed a new TV series which was strengthened by a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Government through its Ministry of Health. The series titled, “Heart and Soul,� contains meaningful themes on health care and improvement. Therefore, the Lagos State government was the best choice in bringing this critical subject t o t h e f o re t h ro u g h a n e x c e l l e n t T V
I
Emelonye
series. And the state was also swift to warmly embrace the idea and made available the facilities at the new c r i t i c a l c a re u n i t o f t h e L a g o s S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y Te a c h i n g H o s p i t a l , I k e j a f o r t h e p ro j e c t . Thus, the UK-based producer, whose productions are usually filled with deep and meaningful socio-economic and developmental subjects, has through the latest work, highlighted the remarkable endeavours of the Lagos State Government in providing
essential health facilities for its re s i d e n t s . H e h a s a l s o p a c k a g e d f o r Nigerians super entertainment and education delivered by a brilliant cast. In a statement made by the creative filmmaker, he thanked the officials of the Lagos State Government, especially t h o s e w i t h i n t h e h e a l t h m i n i s t r y. H e a l s o a ff i r m e d h i s c o m m i t m e n t t o empowering more youths from Lagos i n h i s f u t u re w o r k s h a v i n g e n g a g e d about 100 youths in the state in the c o u r s e o f t h e l a t e s t p ro d u c t i o n .
How Canada Plans to Halt Nigerian Asylum Seekers
t’s certainly going to be a long walk to the proverbial greener pastures for many Nigerians seeking better life abroad. Asides the tales of horror of those young and professional Nigerians who are taking the treacherous LibyaMediterranean route to Europe, the agonies of some in North America are better imagined than experienced. A re c e n t re p o r t b y n o t a b l e U S newspaper has something to say on the difficult experience of Nigerians who, having lived in or arrived the US and are uncertain about the future o f i m m i g r a t i o n u n d e r t h e Tr u m p ’ s a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , a re n o w r i s k i n g a walk from America to Canada to seek asylum. And guess what! The Canadian government is having none of that.
As such, apart from the plans to keep tougher checks on her borders to prevent the foot traffic of Nigerian asylum seekers, Canada is suggesting to America to put up more stringent visa procurement requirements to halt potential immigrants or asylum seekers from getting visas to the US which they’ve devised as means of reaching Canada. Really, one wonders how more difficult visa procurement can be with the demeaning encounters of Nigerians, both wealthy and poor, who line up under rain and sunshine for visas to different countries in North America, Europe and some parts of Africa. This ultimately underscores Nigeria’s need to work out her own plan of making the country more attractive and comfortable for its citizens.
Asylum seekers
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High Life
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Revealed! Immortal Bond between Access Bank’s Aig Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe Ëž Ă’ĂŁ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă˜ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ?
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ou could be forgiven for thinking the threads of their friendship was woven in the colourful fabric of ‘till death do us part.’ But unlike most mortal friends, Aig Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe neither rip apart nor plough through the great, deep, tightly woven fabric of loyalty that deďŹ nes their friendship. Aig and Herbert are truly friends like brothers. They have come a long way as buddies and business partners. It would be recalled that when they started Access Bank years ago, pundits in the banking sector believed the bank would not thrive and survive the gruesome years, but the smart, focused men weathered the storms of contemporary banking and today, they occupy enviable positions in the league of Nigeria’s most gifted and seasoned ďŹ nancial Czars. Aig and Herbert proved bookmakers wrong as they painstakingly forged Access Bank’s path to its esteemed height as one of the country’s top three banks today. When Aig quit the saddle as manager of the bank, it was believed that his successor, Herbert,
would act according to stereotype and commence a vicious plot to reduce and make irrelevant, his friend and predecessor but Herbert didn’t do so. This is because the bond between the two exceeds the common aďŹƒliation of colleagues and random business partners. Herbert remained loyal to Aig and together, they worked to improve the fortunes of their brainchild, Access Bank. And great thanks to the loyalty and vision of Herbert, the bank has grown remarkable leaps from the great height he inherited its saddle from Aig. Unlike other bank chiefs who do not have a mind of their own, Herbert is remarkably dierent. He is formidable in intellect, wisdom, experience and he is truly independent. Thus he stands tall. Little wonder the management and sta of the bank sing his praises to high heavens. Aig on his part has never grown jealous of Herbert’s success in the saddle. Rather he does his bit to encourage and assist him in running Access Bank and lifting it to greater heights. Beyond the walls of commerce, Aig and Herbert maintain very
LOVE ACTUALLY‌ON THE TRAIL OF LINDA EDOZIEN AND TONY ANENIH Tony Anenih is smitten. He is obsessed with Linda Edozien. Esosa, his wife of many years loathes his newfound love but Tony does not give a hoot. The years doused love for Esosa in his heart as water quenches fire in the hearth. But Tony’s enchantment with Linda sparkles near the brim; he has fallen in love with her rosy cheek. He is besotted to her coral lip and her star-like eyes fuels his inner fire. But as Tony’s love for Linda crackles like a wildfire, Esosa is taking it in stride. If half of the news making the rounds is anything to be believed, in a few months’ time, Linda will become Tony’s trophy wife. And not all the pleas and entreaties
Linda Edozien
Herbert Wigwe
Aig Imoukhuede
robust relations. They attend events together and they do everything together. They also look out for each other. Aig and Herbert’s friendship is undoubtedly wrought with great
in the world could make him change his mind. It is an open secret that the son of late People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongman, Anthony Anenih, had been dating Linda for quite some time. All efforts made by Tony’s wife, Esosa, and some family members to thwart his love with Linda were futile. This is because Tony is madly in love with Linda. It would be recalled that Linda used to be married to Dean Priddy, the elder brother of Lagos Island city girl, Louisa Priddy, of Bacchus Bar fame. Linda’s marriage with Dean did not work out over irreconcilable differences that dogged their union. Linda’s heart was apparently somewhere else. Notwithstanding, Tony is desperate to marry Linda, mother of India, a pretty girl. The two lovebirds have been seen on many occasions and at public places, engaged in brazen display of public affection. Tony and Esosa got married in Benin, Edo State in 2002. Their wedding ceremony attracted A-Class guests, because Tony’s father, Chief Anenih, wielded a lot of influence back then. So glamorous was the ceremony that the King of Juju music, King Sunny Ade, contracted to treat the guests to classic tunes from his repertoire of memorable music. Until Linda came between them, the duo of Tony and Esosa enjoyed a good marriage, according to family sources. As it is now, Tony has reportedly informed his family and close friends that he will never let go off Linda whom he claims to be genuinely in love with. But didn’t he tell Esosa the same thing? How fickle is the love of Tony?
beneďŹ ts; however, they cut a dierent portrait from the sordid and oft reviled imagery of contemporary ‘friends with beneďŹ ts.’ They have certainly come a long way since that fateful day in 2002
WEDDING ACROSS THE SEAS‌ ECHOES OF ATIKU ABUBAKAR’S SON WEDDING IN DUBAI It was the wedding ceremony of the son of former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, some days ago. The wedding unfurled like a performanceart project set in a modern-day enchanted hall. Granted, it was an expensive one. Press accounts pegged the affair’s price tag at millions of naira. Tested, able hands oversaw all aspects of the event, from dÊcor to lighting, to conceiving expensive keepsakes for attendees and selecting its design, in part, to evoke the pedigree of the uniting families. Guests literally gasped as they emerged into the venue of the ceremony, which a glade in which luscious greenery and
when they saw a unique opportunity and grabbed it, acquiring what was then a small commercial bank, Access Bank. At the time, Access Bank was the 65th largest of 89 banks in the country. It is one of the top three now.
hanging garlands conferred a medley of colour and a sense of undulation. It was grand in its scale—but beautiful, not gross or overwhelming. The marriage ceremony was no doubt intended to celebrate the families astounding wealth and the couple’s unblemished love. But wait a minute, few things are as fickle as loyalty of Nigerian politicians! Atiku is often referred to as a juggernaut in Nigeria’s political circle. In fact, his influence transcends politics; he has ubiquitous networks of high net worth Nigerians as friends and acquaintances. It is therefore most resoundingly underwhelming when what was supposed to be a destination wedding of his son became only a piece of news that was only filtered in hushed tones to the high society
Abba Abubakar and wife, Mariana
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Footprints of a Titan... VP Osinbajo to Commission Abdulsamad’s $350m BUA Cement Plant
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t is often more convenient to possess the ashes of great men than to possess the men themselves in their lifetime. But in Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu’s case, the reality is remarkably dierent; Nigeria is extremely lucky to possess Rabiu. This is because the maverick chairman of BUA elevates entrepreneurship to an art form, for the beneďŹ t of the country. The excellence of his art, however, lies in its intensity; Samad is specially gifted at taming the odds and making all disagreeable evaporate like mountain dew on grains of sand. And he does not have to force it; he simply faces challenges with courage, matchless equanimity and devotion to beauty and truth. However, the Forbes-rated billionaire is ready to commission his N130 billion BUA Cement Plant, 32MW Captive Power Plant and Coal Mill in Sokoto State. The plant, with its commanding presence would occasion a lot of double takes while a cursory stroll into its bowels would leave so much to see and salivate about. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will commission the worldclass gigantic project on May 10.
Interestingly, Rabiu is a rare man. While vainglorious peer jostle for acclaim and honour of shady casts, the BUA chairman is honoured by nations and leagues of men. This is understandable: he hails from the topmost crust of extraordinary men. Predictably, his ascent to the top was never a walk in the park. It required paying his dues and shunning the frivolous. Hence you would never ďŹ nd Rabiu concentrating on anything beyond business and philanthropy. So committed is he to industry that so many observers believe that with his regular presence at high proďŹ le international business fora, and the recognition he receives, he is fast becoming the most inuential business ambassador for the country. The Kano-born billionaire, reputed for his ďŹ ne taste in all things of life that money can buy, is sparing no expense in constructing a plant that can compete and compare favourably with any in its class across the globe. BUA group is one of Nigeria’s largest conglomerates specializing in Cement, Manufacturing, Port Operations, Sugar ReďŹ nery, Edible Oil, Shipping & Real Estate and many more.
by few blogs that attempted projecting scanty images of the wedding held at Madinat Jumeriah Hotel, Dubai. Atiku and his wife, Jennifer, threw a supposed grand wedding for their son, Tony, but only three to four Nollywood faces were all that could add docile glamour to it! With pageantry and funfair that visited his cross-carpeting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last November, one would have thought most PDP governors, led the garrulous Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike as well the party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus, and other notable public office holders of the party’s extraction would have graced the occasion to show their solidarity as politicians are wont to do. This was not to be. Could this be an indication that Atiku is fast becoming a mere politicking tool in the hands of the emerging new class of politicians? Atiku is often reported to be the one with Adamawa politics in his pocket. He was said to have sunk heavy resources into the election of the incumbent governor of his home-state governor and appointment of notable members of the governor’s cabinet. Well, Governor Bindo Jubrilla, has already indicated where his loyalty stands on the 2019 presidential election. He has chosen to swim with President Mohammadu Buhari. So, his absence from the Dubai event is understandable. For some of Atiku’s close associates in the APC, they would rather stay away from any event that has the capacity to be construed as supports for Atiku. Also conspicuously missing at the event were the special set of people who have earned themselves the sobriquet, ATIKUNATION. Only Senator Ben Bruce was a politician of note seen at the so called ‘grand wedding’.
father, Adedeji Adeleke, a moneybag but political rookie who has decided to build a political dynasty out of his family. And Osun State is the battleground for this clash of egos. Forget his recent mandate to reconcile warring factions in his All Progressives Congress (APC), the battle for political supremacy in Osun State occupies the uppermost on the mind of Tinubu at the moment. And he appears to have found a formidable opposition in the Adelekes, who are bent to ensure that they are twice lucky with their brand of hereditary politics that saw the ‘Dancing Senator’ Ademola Adeleke inherit the seat of his late elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, which culminated in a series of political intrigues that saw Ademola cross-carpet from the APC to the PDP under which umbrella he inflicted an electoral injury on the Tinubu camp-anointed candidate, Mudashir Hussein, in last year’s OsunWest senatorial poll. It is authoritative that Tinubu has perfected plans to ensure that his cousin and current Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, takes over when Aregbesola’s second tenure expires in November. In the same vein, Deji Adeleke has thrown his weight
behind his brother, Ademola, who has thrown his hat into the ring in a move to actualize their late brother’s gubernatorial ambition, another inherited dream of late Serubawon. The senatorial victory for the Adelekes conspicuously etched a scar on Tinubu’s political family in the state. The Lion of Bourdillon has since put his best foot forward for victory this time around. It is certain that the next bout would not be fought with kids’ glove as Tinubu would do everything to ensure that his blood relation, Oyetola, is enthroned as Osun’s numero uno. Ademola’s critics have continued to reason his being in the Senate could be excused but running a state government is too serious a business to be gambled away to a jesting dancer who has no moderation to his antics when the dancing spirit descends on him, and one who has not matched his dancing skills with same gusto in the Senate, as he has hardly made contributions during debates in the Senate nor has any bill been traced to him. Well, his supporters would also say Oyetola has no traceable history of electoral success at the poll except being related to Asiwaju who is largely instrumental to Oyetola’s appointment as Chief of Staff. It is incontrovertible that the next battle in Osun is that of featherweights backed by two heavyweights, both of who share mutual networks of wealthy friends. Weeks ahead will reveal who will be queuing behind whom among these friends
withhold answers when most needed, hence, there’s been no shortage of speculations on how or what could have led to Hauwa’s death. She died last Wednesday at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, after a protracted cancer, and was buried on Thursday in Kaduna. Once again, the death of this beautiful lady reminds us of our dour humanity, and of the fragility of our hold on human subsistence. The world is indeed a stage and life itself is but a walking shadow. Life is a permanent shuttle in the sepulchre, and what we have are fleeting memories, stilled mementoes, fraught memories and the fractured memorabilia of those who are gone forever, never to be seen again. Now, Hauwa is gone, leaving her only daughter a loner in the drudgery of life. Maina appeared in a number of Nollywood movies after attaining superstar status in Kannywood. One of her iconic roles was as Queen Amina of Zazzau. She has won awards including best actress SIM awards 2010, best Afro-Nollywood Award, London (2007). The late actress, who was born in Kaduna State, hailed from Biu, Borno State. She did her primary school in Kaduna and Geidam, Yobe State. She completed her secondary school in Nguru, also in Yobe State. She obtained a National Diploma in Management from Kaduna State Polytechnic.
NIGERIA LOSES ONE OF HER FINEST HAUSA ACTRESSES... HAUWA MAINA Ëž
DAVIDO’S FATHER, ADELEKE, THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND BROTHER, ‘THE DANCING SENATOR’ The stage is set for a battle between Senator Bola Tinubu, a seasoned political warlord who has been to many battles and carted home some spoils of war in conquest, and the music superstar, Davido’s
Abdulsamad Rabiu
Adedeji Adeleke
Alive, she shouldered a rare and inspiring womanhood stepping up to motivate and lift the spirits of many a teenager and adult fan of her acting. In death, she looms even larger in stature and immensity to the human cause; which makes her unforgettable to her friends, associates and family. What could have happened? The world is as keen to offer misery as it is to
Hauwa Maina
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The Return of Igho Sanomi ‌Plans to Celebrate 43rd Birthday in Grand Style
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he nightingales are singing near the convent of the oil mogul, Igho Sanomi’s sacred heart as you read. This is because for the umpteenth time, the Taleveras Group boss, has reasserted his humility and devotion to loved ones. Funnily enough, it is often said that too much money destroys character, corrupts virtue, dishevels morals and feeds the vanities of its random possessors. Thus too many possessors of the legal tender have been found to lose their humanity and souls to its enthralling caprices and vile. But Igho is remarkably dierent. He is immune to the wiles and ravages of money. Unlike too many of his peer that have fallen to money’s devious charms, Igho is invulnerable to the terrifying charms of the legal tender. Despite his intimidating wealth and stature, he is hardly goaded to believe himself capable of feats otherwise unachievable if he were of modest means. The billionaire magnate who lives a life of modesty does not subscribe to the usual vanities that eventually consumes his fellow deep pockets in the circuits of the ďŹ lthy rich. There is much to admire in Igho. His realistic
She is survived by a daughter Maryam Bukar Hassan, a famous poet and an Information Technology graduate from Radford University, UK.
THE TRAGEDIES THAT BROKE NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO HUNGARY, ENIOLA AJAYI
˞ ˪ She suffered a horror of sunsets at her prime; consequently, Dr. Eniola Ajayi is torn by grief too early in her life. She lost two most important people in her life. First was her father. Sadly, she lost her daughter at her father’s burial. It was supposed to be the culmination of her father’s burial rites at Iyin-Ekiti, the day she finally casts off the ill-fitting robes of mourning for good. Alas, the grim reaper chose that moment to strike once more, turning what was a celebration of deserved repose into a solemn chorus of wailing for a life lost in the prime of youth. The crème of high society had on Friday trooped to Ekiti for the high octane burial shindig of Pa Oluwatoyin Owolabi Ajayi who passed away on January 21. All was going well at the high-class church ceremony which had Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Eniola’s mentor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in attendance. That is, until the daughter of the former commissioner for education and environment in Ekiti state who had come
Eniola Ajayi
bent, his wittiness, and charming demeanour. Add to that, his infectious tenacity and blithe disposition, which has so far, endeared him to the most exclusive high society circuits, and you have an ideal portrait of charisma and panache in a 43-year-old. Yeah, Igho Sanomi will be 43 in few days and he has attained that ripe age with unusual ĂŠlan. Unlike commonplace characters in the high society circles, Sanomi doesn’t have much company in the rareďŹ ed air in which he lives and creates; he is exclusively his own man and thus wellattuned to staying in orbit. In 43 years, Sanomi has grown to establish his dominance in the oil and gas sectors, overcoming adversities to record victory after victory in a ďŹ eld erstwhile dominated by retired generals and sit-tight political godfathers. There is no doubt that he has made an incredible impact in the world of Nigerian business, but it’s his determination to never give up that has always resonated with the loudest peal. Since he made his remarkable foray into the Nigerian oil and gas industry, Sanomi, through his Taleveras Group, a globally recognized energy, shipping and power conglomerate, has demonstrated outstanding abilities as a leader, manager, and visionary. down from America for the burial started to complain of headache. All efforts to relieve her on the spot proved abortive and she had to be rushed to a private hospital where she sadly gave up the ghost. As news of her demise filtered in all festivities at the burial ceremony came to a complete stop. The uplifting music being dished out from the bandstand by gospel act Yinka Ayefele was replaced with serious wailing and lamentations from the shocked guests. The ambassador who also doubles as Nigeria’s representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia is reported to have been badly shaken by the turn of events. Predictably, her spirit is vexed about the unfortunate incident. Even from the aperture of her eyes, you could feel the dimple of sorrow. Meanwhile, most of the guests that graced the truncated burial ceremony are still trying to make head or tail of a strange day that began with celebration of life and ended with commiseration
BURDEN OF BAD DEBT...WHY FIRST BANK LITTERED MARINA FRONT WITH SEIZED OIL VESSELS
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If the Nigerian bank is truly a graveyard for ghastly debts, then First Bank Plc, could be the greatest undertaker among contemporary banks. The foremost financial institution wallows in a sea of debts as you read; this is because its major debtors within the oil and gas business sector serially defaulted in payment of outstanding loans to the bank. Consequently, the bank has seized over 100 vessels belonging to its several debtors. The vessels are currently stowed on the high sea in Marina, Lagos, opposite the bank’s headquarters. Findings revealed that the vessels belong to many oil and gas debtors who are owing the bank billions of naira. And in desperate bid to recover its money, the bank has to take over some of their assets. A visit to Marina in Lagos Island will reveals the extent of First Bank’s financial quandary with its debtors; the sea is littered with vessels of all sizes and colors. But while the bank effects seizure of the vessels, speculations abound concerning its intent with the seized vessels. Pundits aver that very soon, the seized vessels would
Igho Sanomi
become a liability to the financial institution if it does not implement practical measures to recover its debts. It would be recalled that First Bank’s face-off with clients in the oil and gas sector started years ago following its seizure of two oil rigs at the outer Marina of Lagos. The rigs allegedly belonged to an indigenous service company indebted to the bank in billions at the period.
AGAIN, BOLA SHAGAYA THROWS HIGH-OCTANE WEDDING FOR SON, KABIR The feast of the rich are never for the faint hearted; glamour and lyre, pageantry and cut stones are simply flashes of the cache unapologetically put on display; there is always more treasure to be showcased, more pleasure to be had. Kabir, the son of billionaire magnate, Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya, has begun his journey into matrimony. The marriage between him and his fiancĂŠe, Amina Buba, kicked off last Thursday, 26 April, with the Gamu ceremony. The traditional wedding and reception took place on Friday, 27 April. It was attended by notable dignitaries like wife of
the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, (the mother-in-law of Bola Shagaya’s son, Seun), wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, Yinka Idowu, among others. The last leg of the wedding ceremony held Saturday in Victoria Island, Lagos. The joy of the newlywed couple knew no bounds as they swooned with joy and excitement at the altar and on the dance floor. The pair waltzed across the reception hall like two royal scions at the threshold of their dreams. Every detail about their wedding was undeniably gorgeous. The rich and enviable social contacts and affiliations of both families were fully displayed and amply felt by everyone present at the occasion as the hall was packed full with the crème of the pack of Nigeria’s business and political high societies. There were fever pitch dances and splatters of beautifully dressed men and women as they began their matrimonial odyssey. The couple was a study in bliss and beauty while their parents, brimming with colour and class, style and solid reputation were everywhere ensuring that their varied guests were comfortable and well attended to. Even as the night wore on, the merriment did not lose its lustre neither did the ecstasy of the new couple wane.
Kabir Shagaya and wife
ARTS & REVIEW A
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ABRAHAM OGHOBASE'S LEAP OF FAITH Ecstatic 03
EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com
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MAY ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
ARTS & REVIEW\\EXHIBITION
ABRAHAM OGHOBASE'S LEAP OF FAITH In his first solo exhibition in Lagos in a decade, Abraham Oghobase shares a kaleidoscope of his images between 2009 and 2017. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
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t doesn’t really take that long for the penny to drop. That is when the image begins to resolve itself into some form of coherence. In the photograph before the viewer, the photographer is the subject. His topless body – captured mid-air – forms an arc against the backdrop of the calm azure sky. He ostensibly has taken a leap from the roof of a commuter bus. His arms are stretched out behind him and his head tilted backwards as if he intends to turn himself into a human bow. Or, perhaps into a human projectile. This photograph, which belongs to the series Abraham Oghobase calls Ecstatic, might as well be a metaphor for his sudden re-appearance after a long break from holding solo exhibitions. Indeed, it looks as if he is leaping from out of the blues... All puns intended. He is, after all, back with his first solo exhibition in a decade. Titled No Matter Who You Are, it opened on Sunday, April 22 at a project space called Angels & Muse, along Sunbo Jibowu Street off Ribadu Road in South West Ikoyi, Lagos. It is obvious from this exhibition, which is on until Monday, June 18, that the 39-year-old alumnus of Yaba College of Technology’s School of Art and Design has moved on from the more conventional, documentary offerings of the previous solo, Lost in Transit. That exhibition held followed on the heels of his return from a three-month intensive German language course in at the Goethe-Institut in Berlin, Germany. The viewer then begins to connect the photograph to the others in the series. The initial blur of sameness soon dissipates, as the viewer distinguishes each photograph from the other. Besides the numbering of the photographs from 01 to 05, they capture the different moments before the leap in addition to the leap itself. Though taken from different perspectives, they could easily pass for still shots of a motion picture. Perhaps, that’s really what they should be. Didn’t the photographer, after all, call himself a visual author? “It’s interesting how you take photographs,” he once told Emmanuel Iduma, the editor and co-founder of Saraba Magazine as well as the associate curator of the Nigerian Pavilion at the last year’s Venice Biennale. “This one was taken four years ago and this one was taken last year. So, it’s almost like you are writing. That’s why I think I’m an author. I’m a visual author. Like writing, you write to a point and then you stop, because you are stuck. Your story is not complete. But you have to be patient with the story until it clicks – then, you write...” In this series, he explores the relationship of the self to the landscape. Almost a decade after, he finds himself extending this exploration a little further in another series he calls Washed Ashore. The first three photographs in this series capture the movement of the sea waves below a sullen cloudy sky. There is an obvious attempt by the photographer to follow the movement of the ocean’s surge. In the series’ last photograph, the photographer is captured in yet another mid-air leap. This time, he is shown upside down in a manner that suggests a reflection from the water. Even with his lurch towards conceptual photography, Oghobase’s enchantment with landscapes and seascapes, which he attributes to his fascination for minimalism, has lost none of its fervour. Rather, it has transcended the commonplace through his experimentation with monochromes. Take his Kono Beach Revival series, for instance. A photograph of the photographer in his now familiar mid-air leap beside a polluted shoreline seems replicated in five different monochromatic colour schemes. A viewer is expected to be first sucked in by the attraction of their different colour hues before discerning the unsavoury details of the image. “The fact that it is a landscape, you think it’s just simple – it’s more complex than that. And that is what is beautiful about it. The fact that
Washed Ashore 03
Oghobase
you feel like it is minimalistic, but when you begin to go through the lithographs and you begin to see these different colours. What happens is that it creates this tension as well – the tension that comes through the colours, and then the vibration changes; it exudes lots of emotions as well, because colour brings a lot of emotions.” He had just moved back to Nigeria from the US, where he had unsuccessfully tried to immigrate, when he turned to lithography. As he told Iduma, “I was exploring my states of consciousness at that time, because it was a time...it was kind of rough, emotionally...” Then, there was this inner urge to explore new ways of extending the limiting two-dimensionality of his photographs. This was when Kelani Abass, his co-exhibitor at a 2016 group exhibition at the Lagos-based Centre for Contemporary Arts, suggested lithography. He has since further honed his skills in this medium and even integrates its use with digital negatives. He even likens his use of the medium to creating musical notes. “I like to believe that I want to create musical notes – musical chords – with my compositions, with the kind of work I create. So, they’re kind of visual chords, visual notes.” Photography, for Oghobase, has transcended what he calls “point-and-shoot”. It took him three
Kono Beach Revival - 01
years, he says, to conceptualise the images of the surging ocean. “Just so you have an understanding that it is not just the image of the ocean you are looking at,” he emphasises. In his works, he also emphasises how fundamental the elements of water, air and land are to human existence. Air, he further explains, does more than make it possible for us to live. “...It also helps us to move from one place to another. It also helps the birds move from one place to another – even air-planes. And not only does the land feed us in terms of agriculture, it also helps people to move from one place to another.” It is on this footing that he explores the concept of migration in his work. For him, it is “a kind of poetic migration”. Thus, even the apparently silent images seethe with expressions of activities swirling around human existence and human condition. They allude to congestion in a tangential way. “I didn’t have to go to Oshodi to show that Lagos is congested,” he says. “Because that’s not the interpretation of congestion that I want to engage with.” In a country reeling with so many existential problems, Oghobase thinks the notion of art for art’s sake absurd. “We have very
pressing issues to talk about in this country, and you expect me to do art for art’s sake?” he asks. “I can’t. It is impossible. Extremely impossible. It would be a crime and disservice to humanity if I do it. So, if I have to go the poetic route, I still feel I owe myself the responsibility to produce work that will talk about something vital – about human existence and the human condition. Even if it’s just about spaces...the spaces actually bring about these dialogues.” Needless wondering about the photographer’s plans for the future. If he scoffs as the notion of Afrofuturism,, it is because he is convinced that the future is spawned from the present. “What does it mean?” he wonders during his colloquy with Iduma. “We haven’t exhausted the idea – the concept – of the present and we are talking about the future.” Indeed, he sees the future in the present. “Now is the future. And then, the future becomes the past and the past is the present. So, how do you tell me I should explore the future?” Similarly, he doesn’t care for the generallyaccepted notion of the word “legacy”. For him, legacy is all about collaboration. “The whole idea of legacy should come as a result of value,” he argues. “People who see value in what you’re doing will always find a way to preserve it.”
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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 6, 2018
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THE RETURN OF FELA AND THE KALAKUTA QUEENS Yinka Olatunbosun
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ela, one of the greatest African music voices and iconoclasts to have ever lived, had his life story relived for the second season in Lagos at a recent opening night of Fela and the Kalakuta Queens sponsored by MTN Foundation. Destination was Terra Kulture in Victoria Island, Lagos, where theatre-goers had made a weekly pilgrimage just to enjoy the true-life story of the women behind Fela’s Afro-beat music. The much-trumpeted show was first received by Lagos audience in December 2017 and early January 2018 with the jazz artiste, Laitan Adeniji – a. k. a. “Heavywind� – playing the role of Fela. In spite of the long run of the shows, there was a huge clamour for the show to return. This time, it returns with Patrick Diabuah as Fela. Diabuah has been a poster boy of contemporary musical theatre in Nigeria and his absence from the first Bolanle Austen-Peters’ production of Fela and the Kalakuta Queens did not escape carefully-raised eyebrows. Of course, the Fela role, according to the production notes from the director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, demands a creative artist who can act, sing and play at least a musical instrument. The real Fela was a multi-instrumentalist and so, it is usually a difficult task for both the director and the actor to nail the character right on its head, on stage. It takes grit and high level of commitment, both of which Diabuah demonstrated on stage at the sold out opening night. First, his voice texture was a great match to Fela’s although his alter-ego in the orchestra pit did sing most of the songs. Call that division of labour. It was easy to pardon Diabuah for not overplaying the Fela role since the play is not really about Fela but his women. Or, his wives who doubled as his vocal back-up and dancers. The Kalakuta Queens were portrayed as sensual, devoted and fashionable women. Their unconventional lifestyle of co-habiting with their band leader is better explained through a series of scenes with each leading into a popular Fela song. Some of the songs include “Zombie�, “Shakara�, “Yellow Fever� and “Demokracy�. With the illuminating multi-media backdrop showing the front-page headlines on old newspapers that covered the life and times of Fela, the timeline of the musical was established. The story covers the 60s till the early 80s’ period of Fela’s artistry, his cosmopolitan love life culminating in the unprecedented polygamous marriage to his 28 women. Clearly, the director adopts a minimalist approach to the production with the handful of cast that represents the larger-thanlife Fela music band. The plot is not exactly biographical, what with some omissions regarding how Fela juggled his first marriage and children alongside the Kalakuta Queens. The plot was carefully developed around the theme of the Kalakuta Queens, their sweet voices, pains, joy, mutual jealousy and shared passion for Fela and his music. Their common enemy was the military government and, perhaps, any new lady that Fela brings to the commune and makes “Kalakondo� impenetrable. From the dialogue, Kalakondo is portrayed as the most desired place of utopia in Fela’s trouble-filled commune. To gain entry, a time-table for coital enjoyment with the Queens was made and sometimes broken over quarrels, favouritism and, sometimes, perceived misdemeanours from some of the Queens. The most-outspoken of the Kalakuta Queens were highlighted through the characters of Laide, Kike, Kewve and one of his two Ghanaian wives. Pidgin was the prominent language used in Fela’s Kalakuta and in the play. The Queens are shown to be resilient, loving and proud to be associated with Fela.
They constitute Fela’s army and were with him during his encounters with the military and his dubious recording company that owed him a large sum of money. In all, the musical thrives on humour and great choreography. The Ituen Bassey-made costumes accentuate the queens’ sexuality which was an important element of their collective public image. The high-spectacle production is one of the MTN Foundation’s Arts and Culture initiative which began in 2015 geared towards theatre renaissance in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Nonny Ugboma declared that the show is crucial to supporting the efforts at promoting the rich cultural diversity embedded in Nigerian history. A musical production like Fela and the Kalakuta Queens reportedly gulps a N30million budget. That explains why it is important to have a committed sponsor and appreciative audience to achieve a successful production.
A scene from the production
The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike
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MAY ʹ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
ARTS & REVIEW\\LITERARY CAFÉ
KWARA STATE: HALF A CENTURY LATER... The book, ‘KWARA at 50: Achievements and Aspirations’ edited by Dr Abdulwaheed Musa, was last week launched in Ilorin. In this review, -reveals why the book is important
W
ith contributions from eminent citizens of Kwara State, including a former and serving governor, ‘Kwara at 50: Achievements and Aspirations’ is an important contribution to the literature on Nigerian history. In the foreword by Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, the erstwhile Foreign Affairs Minister and former United Nations under secretary-general, contends that the book strikes “a balance between honest self-appraisal of weaknesses and appreciation of strengths.” To a considerable extent, the book indeed meets that expectation even though one can also dismiss several portions as being essentially promotional which is understandable since it is supported by the state government. Nevertheless, one must commend the efforts of the editor, Dr Abdulwaheed Musa, a lecturer at the Kwara State University (KWASU) who is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, not only for his significant inputs but also for drawing from the experiences and expertise of some prominent professionals from the state to enrich the collection. The first chapter, an overview of the state in the past 50 years, set a very appropriate tone by presenting Kwara as a melting point where diverse peoples (Nupes, Yorubas, Fulanis, Barubas etc.) have co-existed for decades in harmony. Incidentally, as the writer, Dr Musa also pointed out, the Kwara of today is not the Kwara of 1967. At different times in the past 50 years, some parts of the state have been excised to join Benue, Kogi and Niger States. Despite that, the state still boasts of a landmass that is more than ten times the size of Lagos. But I find it rather curious that the achievements of George Agbazika Innih would be reduced to a mere footnote in the chapter. In fact, in the narrative, Innih’s name was not mentioned at all. This is a clear omission considering the legacy left behind by the late former military governor who gave Kwara State most of its infrastructure. The chapter by the current Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, quite naturally dwelt on his eight-year stewardship as the immediate past
governor of Kwara State and his intervention is somewhat similar to the contribution by his successor and current governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed who was also part of that administration. Readers, I believe, will contest some of their claims. Meanwhile, I find the chapter on taxpreneurship and social contract both insightful and interesting. Incidentally, when Dr Muritala Awodun came to my office to drop the book, he shared some insights with me on how the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state has improved from N600 million in 2015 to as high as N2.2 by the end of last year. To the extent that taxes underpin our position as citizens in a society, I have always
believed that Nigeria will not develop until we begin to run our country on the basis of taxation rather than oil rent. But I am also aware that it is not enough to tax the people, there must be accountability and transparency in the use to which such taxes are deployed. As Dr Awodun quite correctly captures it, the best way to understand tax is as a social contract: citizens of societies pay their dues in return for mutual benefits from the government in power. That, however, is where the challenge is. With dwindling oil rent, it is becoming very clear to the Nigerian authorities that taxation is the way to go. But there is still no discipline in the manner in which government is run. Yet, social contract presupposes that the accumulated resources from the dues by citizens are used for the advancement of the people. I hope that is the case in Kwara State. Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Dr Sarah Alade, in the first of her two contributions in the book--which centres on policy, process and progress in the economic development and modernisation of Kwara in the last 50 years-spoke to the paradox of low unemployment and acute poverty which afflict the state. This, to her, suggests that majority of the people are either underemployed or are employed in low productive sectors. After examining all the indices, Alade wagers that the latter would most likely be the case which then throws a challenge to those in authority in Kwara State if we must change that sordid narrative. In the chapter dealing with the business environment jointly authored by Alade and Musa, there is a copious literature on the investments of recent years in the state. Although the
chapter deals with such issues as the inventive structures, some of the infrastructural gaps filled, notable investments and the Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement through which some were made, the authors raised more questions than they provided answers. For instance, from Harmony Holdings to Shonga Farms, there have been several questions around some of these investments especially as they relate to ownership but because the writers of this chapter adopted an academic approach, readers are offered little in that regard. Another joint chapter by Dr Silas Dada and Mr Jimoh Ajadi on the mineral resources available in the state not only identified available mineral resources, it proposes five mining districts for investors. But the authors are also very pragmatic in their conclusion. In as much as they see prospects, they also argue that if the right approach is not adopted in the exploitation of these resources, there is the risk that it could cause “poverty through environmental degradations, ecological debt, climate change and human rights violation as is the current scenario in many mining communities and the nation at large, especially in the oil producing areas.” In the ‘Mineral Wealth of Kwara’, Prof Mosobalaje Oyawoye, a renowned geologist brings his expertise to bear to list 23 rock types which form the geology of the state as well as the different types of minerals that can be found which he classified into four: Metallic, precious, semi-precious and industrial. But since mining is an exclusive federal government responsibility, the eminent professor expresses cautious optimism should the state seek to move in this direction. When added to the earlier fear of the danger associated with mining, especially against the background of the high level of criminality being witnessed in Zamfara State, there is little to suggest this is the road to follow. The trio of Prof. Olajide Olatinwo, Prof Tnaimola Akande and Dr Emmaneul Opawoye, respected professionals in the field of medical sciences dissected the healthcare system in Kwara State and they did not dissemble. (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)
BOOK READING Olive Obioma
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ince it kicked off the “Get Nigeria Reading Again!” campaign with Chimamanda Adichie in 2005, and continued in 2006 with Wole Soyinka, the Rainbow Book Club has not relented in its bid to pioneer various exciting initiatives to encourage reading in Nigeria with particular attention to children and youths.
Rainbow’s Date with the Presidency This time, the Port Harcourt-based outfit has enlisted participation from no less an organisation than the presidency. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo read to children from a biography of Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe. The occasion was UN World Book & Copyright Day, on Monday, April 23. Rainbow Book Club founder, Koko Kalango,
VP Osinbajo and Mrs. Kalango (founder Rainbow Book Club) at the reading to mark World Book & Copyright Day...recently
moderated the event. April 23 is an important date in Nigeria’s history. It was a day Port Harcourt became the UNESCO World Book Capital four years ago. It was the Rainbow Book Club that took the bold step to make this application on behalf of Nigeria. The book club also managed the year-long project featuring 24 programmes around books and reading. Over the 12 years of existence the book clubs has established and run over 200 book clubs in primary and secondary schools, set up 13 libraries, organised trainings for over 500 book club facilitators, organised over 42 reading and writing exercises to groom upcoming writers and published some of them. It has also promoted established writers. In addition, the Rainbow Book Club has consistently organised the Port Harcourt Book Festival (formerly the Garden City Literary Festival) since 2008. The venue for today’s reading was a public primary school, the L.E.A. Primary School, Life Camp, Abuja. Also present at the reading were the Minister for Education Adamu Adamu, the Minister for the FCT Alhaji Muhammed Musa Bello and a UNESCO representative Ifeayin Ajaegbo. VP Osinbajo read to a class of up-
per primary students and interacted with them for about 90 minutes. From the discussion on the life of Nnamdi Azikiwe the children pointed out important lessons they had learnt on humility, hard work and perseverance. They also recognised the man popularly called “Zik” as a symbol of unity in Nigeria. For though he was Igbo but spoke Hausa and Yoruba. The fact that Zik rose above all odds to become Nigeria’s first president was indeed very significant to the children. The students also had questions for the Vice President like: How did he spend his day? Did he have time for his family? When he was a child did his mother beat him? Was he bullied as a child? How will he fight corruption in Nigeria? The Vice President graciously responded to the children who then represented him with a card they had made specially for him. The visit ended with a group photograph with all the children and teachers. Readers in past events organised by RBC has included Jesse Jackson, Wole Soyinka, Oby Ezekwesili, Emeka Anyaoku, federal ministers, a governor, captains of industries and celebrities. ––Obioma writes from Port Harcourt
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
CICERO
Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819
IN THE ARENA
Killings: Mounting Body Count A recent report by THISDAY, which puts killings in the Middle Belt and some parts of the Northeast at 901 since January is worrisome, writes Abimbola Akosile
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he number of deaths in the Middle Belt and some parts of the Northeast since January, put at 901, is a disturbing cause for concern. Yet, the bloodletting has not stopped. And the federal government does not appear to have a feasible solution on offer. With Mosques and Churches being consumed in the rising wave of killings due to largely to the invasion by suspected herders in many states of the federation, particularly in the Middle Belt and some parts of the North-east, many Nigerians are worried that the country totters on the brink of collapse. According to THISDAY findings, the states covered by the compilation include Benue, Taraba, Kaduna (mostly Southern Kaduna), Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and Adamawa. The report revealed that April recorded the highest number of deaths at 412 persons. This was followed by January with about 272 persons killed. March recorded 162 deaths, while 62 persons were killed in February. In the state-by-state breakdown, Benue State recorded the highest number of deaths with 308 persons killed. The state also took the lead in the number of property and farmlands destroyed in the period under review, resulting in thousands of persons displaced from their homesteads. Following Benue was Taraba with 192 killed, while Kaduna had 75 Coffins of victims of the Killings in Benue, January deaths recorded against its name. country might have lingered than anyone could Plateau posted 84 deaths due largely to attacks imagine. blamed on suspected herdsmen even as 127 Of particular concern, again, is the brazen deaths had been traced to Nasarawa. In Adamawa, fashion with which herdsmen and other criminal the number of persons so far killed was put at 56, groups carry out their acts without as much a whilst Kogi followed closely with 43 deaths. challenge from anywhere. The fact that governThis compilation, however, excludes those who ment has not been able to effect any arrest and died from Boko Haram attacks in Borno, Yobe and make example of some of those behind these acts Adamawa States or through illnesses, childbirth, of terror is what analysts believe has emboldened cholera and Lassa fever, among other natural them to do more harm unchallenged. death causes. Thus, while it is understandable the unconBut, even more disturbing is that the killings ventionality in the war against terror and the have not abated. For everyday reports, there was fact that government is visibly running around always something about killings in one part of to effectively brace up for the challenge, nothing Nigeria or the other. However, whilst different can justify how and why it has sat back and watch countries of the world have their challenges too nearly helplessly how common criminals have particularly in the area of security, their capacity to genuinely rise up to the situations has been the continued to have field days, killing mindlessly. If the report from the Middle Belt alone puts marked difference between them and Nigeria. killings at 901, the number would have been too The tendency to want to thrive on propaganda alarming if other sources of killings are included. and lies, alluding to technical defeats that never This is why government, analysts observe, canexisted or gallivanting over alleged reclaim of not continue to give excuses at instances where seized territories by terrorists have remained all that is required is effective and determined one of the reasons the security situation in the
leadership. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration secured its current mandate on a tripod of security, anti-graft and the economy. Curiously, whilst there were doubts about his capacity to address the economic challenges of the country, no one disputed the fact that he would do well in the area of security and the fight against graft, alluding to a past that was not properly sculpted. Today, unfortunately, he appears to have failed even more in those two areas than the economy earlier considered the weakest link and this is largely on account of the fact that he has failed to deliver leadership, either by accident or design. In spite of government’s palpable failing capacity, the killings are becoming one too many and it is the view of all well-meaning Nigerians that government must not just rise up to the occasion; it must also review its strategy and now. Whatever it has done for the last three years has clearly failed and now is the time to have a rethink and come up with strategies that can sufficiently contain the many challenges of the country, security especially.
P O L I T I CA L N OT E S
The Attack on Ohanaeze President
L Nwodo
ast Sunday, about 5.30am, there was a bomb explosion that rocked the Ukehe country home of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, albeit leaving no casualties. But as it has turned out, the attack is not just condemnable, security agencies will do well if they took the assignment very seriously by unravelling
all the mysteries surrounding the attack. Already, there is a theory of foul play being fondled with by the Middle Belt and other southern leaders, who suspected an attack since the Improved Explosive Device used was reportedly hauled over the defence. Of course, such theories cannot be ignored, given that the times are interesting particularly as the elections inch very close.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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BRIEFINGNOTES
President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo with CAN leaders
CAN’s Growing Critique of Buhari Will the growing criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari by the Christian Association of Nigeria, adversely affect his re-election bid? Shola Oyeyipo asks
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he 2019 general election promises to be exciting as about 10 months to the poll, interesting dimensions are emerging in the polity. Whereas there have been calls to Christians to take more active part in politics, discordant tunes emanating from the ranks of the Christian leadership call for worry. Some Northern Christian leaders led by Bishop John Abu Richard under the aegis of Arewa Pastors Non-denominational Initiative had visited Aso Rock and endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for another term next year. Their decision to throw their weight behind the president, they claimed, was partly because of his integrity, honesty and incorruptible antecedents. But there is no gainsaying that the decision was not collective and that the larger Christian body may actually not be prepared to support Buhari for a second term. One of the foremost religious groups that backed Buhari in 2015, United Christian Leaders Eagle Eye Forum (UCLEEF), was the first to reject calls urging the president to run for a second term. UCLEEF National Chairman, Pastor Aminchi Habu, said the APC ledgovernment had failed Nigerians going by its inability to solve the security challenges, youth unemployment issue, stabilise the economy and reduce poverty in the country. He therefore suggested that Northern and Southern leaders should unite and present a formidable candidate that would take over from the present government. Much later, in an even clearer term, the highest body of Christians, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the 19 Northern states disowned the band of pastors, who endorsed Buhari, on the grounds
that they lacked the mandate to speak on behalf of the pastors in the 19 Northern states. CAN’s Publicity Secretary, Reverend John Hayap, said the Arewa Pastors Non-denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria was not known to CAN in the North and therefore, cannot represent Christians in the North. “We have searched through all our chapters in the 19 Northern states and Abuja and we found out that the leader of the delegation and most of them reside in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,” he said. CAN, however, suspected that the group might have been sponsored by some politicians in the South-south region for personal and political gains. Unfortunately, these are part of the obvious indications that the Christian body may be sharply divided with most of the leaders not supporting the idea of President’s already declared second term ambition. Also miffed at the development, a Senior Pastor, City of Refuge Ministries International, Bishop Oscar Ossai, in a chat with THISDAY, did not only contend that President Buhari was yet to get a collective endorsement of Christians, he urged Christians to get actively involved in politics so as to positively alter the country ‘s narrative. According to Ossai, “The church of Jesus Christ in Nigeria does not know those people. There is no credible voice of the church involved in that visit. The church has not taken any position yet and we are praying and seeking the face of God to know what the position of the church should be. “The church is made up of elements in Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and there is a coalition made up of the leadership of these groups where we gather to discuss issues and take decisions and we have not taken any decision. We don’t
know them; we don’t even know them as pastors. There is no familiar face among them. Not one.” He was particularly not impressed by the Nigerian political situation, noting that “It is my belief that the political elite have failed Nigeria. They have failed in the sense of the demographics at our disposal. Look at the unemployment rate; Nigeria is more than 65 per cent unemployed and out of that number, 40 per cent is unemployable i.e. they can’t handle the tools of work. This is a nation whose active population is the youth.” There have been varying shades of what could best pass as gang-ups against President Buhari’s second coming. First, are the ‘generals” who seemed to have vowed to stop him, and perhaps the most potent is that gradually, the Nigerian youths are waking up to the challenge of political leadership and 2019 may as well be a test case between the old and the younger generation of politicians. The position building up in Christendom is the latest dimension to the swelling antagonism against the president and this currently trending issue is likely to remain one of the reference points in the debates that will shape the outcome of the election. The position taken by CAN is a food for thought. The magnitude is huge, considering that it is coming from a very important constituency. It is indeed curious. So, many questions are agitating the minds of observers. For instance, a member of the Nigerian Labour Congress, National Executive Committee (NEC), Comrade Issa Aremu, was of the opinion that agitations should not arise against the president’s ambition since it is within his constitutional right to contest for second term in office, but he underscored the fact that Nigerians also have a right to vote for the candidates of their choice in 2019 based on the performance of such candidates.
“President Muhammadu Buhari certainly has the right under the 1999 Constitution to seek re-election for a second term in office. Same constitution allows all eligible citizens to exercise their rights to vote and be voted for,” he said. Then that precipitates one question: does CAN really have a platform to galvanise Christian votes to actualise the desire to stop the president from re-emerging? The answer to that is no. Christians are largely apolitical. In fact, not many of them are involved with politics. That much did Ossai acknowledge when asked about the involvement of Christians in politics when he said: “That is my primary constituency and I want to say that we have not done so well as far as lifting a standard for Jesus Christ in our country is concerned. Anybody can disagree with me, but my view is that the church has not done as much as it should do with respect to insisting on righteousness in leadership of the land.” Then there is the question of why would CAN arrive at the conclusion that the president should not consider running for a second term? Could it be as a result of attacks on Christians by herdsmen and other terror groups, because of the economic situation, or may be because some pastors had declared support for the president without CAN’s collective decision? Whatever factors that may have propelled CAN to take its current stand, stopping Buhari will definitely require more than just lip service. The Christian body must be prepared to present a credible alternative or encourage one on the platform of a recognised political party, canvass support for such person nationwide and support the candidate with finances. Where these measures are not in CAN’s consideration, prescribing to Buhari that he should not contest will only amount to an advice he is at liberty to ignore.
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
CICERO/REPORT
Buhari’s US Trip: A Postscript Omololu Ogunmade, in this report, reviews the outcome of the recent meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the United States President Donald Trump in Washington DC
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his concern expressed by Trump generated many reactions from Nigerians, who described it as a wake-up call on Buhari to make assertive statements capable of propelling security chiefs to rise up to their responsibility and put paid to the wanton destruction of lives and property particularly in the Middle Belt. “Also, we have had a very serious problem with Christians, who are being murdered, killed in Nigeria. We are going to be working on that problem, and working on that problem very very hard, because we can’t allow that to happen. Mr. President, thank you for being here, thank you,” Trump said. Responding, Buhari blamed the heinous killings being perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen on the movement of militants from Libya following the death of its former leader, Muammar Gaddafi, saying these militants are versed in shooting and killing. According to the president, whereas herdsmen in Nigeria were hitherto known for carrying only sticks, and machetes to cut grass for their herds, they are now armed with AK47 rifles. He, however, told Trump that efforts were being made to stop crossborder movements and check proliferation of arms in West African sub-region. “The problem of the cattle rearers and herders in Nigeria is a very long historical thing. Nigerian herdsmen never carried anything more than a stick and occasionally, a machete to cut down foliage and give it Buhari and Trump during their joint press conference to their animals. These ones are carrying cally the course of events” between the two Koreas, also AK 47. So, I don’t think people should underrate what “congratulated the US government on the important role it happened in Libya. In the 43 years of Gadaffi, people were played in the defeat of ISIS,” noting however, that “some of recruited from the Sahel. They were thought nothing other the remnants have found their way to the Sahel region.” than shoot and kill. The commendation of the two Koreans by the two “With the demise of Gadaffi, they moved to their counleaders was also remarkable in view of the protracted battle tries and their regions and they carried away with them the of wits between the two countries. Trump, who has been only experience they had and their trainings using weapons. hailed for facilitating the summit, has been described by And that is what is aggravating the situation. We are doing different persons as a candidate for Nobel Peace Prize. our best to ensure that we stop cross border movements and Buhari also acknowledged what he described as the so on and to get the proliferation of small arms weapons in strong US support for Nigeria in the fight against terrorism the regions checked,” Buhari promised. by assisting in training the Nigerian military and the sale It is believed that with concerns expressed in faraway of 12 Super Tucano A-29 war planes to the country to United States over daily killings of innocent Nigerians, effectively fight terrorism. Buhari, who had been called upon back home by different He also acknowledged the US grants to Nigeria to individuals and groups to sack the incumbent service address humanitarian crisis in the North-east. But there was chiefs over perceived inefficiency, will take decisive steps a discrepancy in figures given by both leaders on this grant. to end the menace and redeem the country’s image in the While Buhari described the US as the biggest contributor to international community. humanitarian crisis plaguing the North-eastern part of the In some other ways, the visit holds some prospects for the country, Trump’s contribution countered his submission as country. For instance, Buhari disclosed at the joint briefing the US President put the annual American aid to Nigeria at with Trump after the meeting that both Nigeria and the $1 billion as against the $500million stated by Buhari. US had put machinery in place for the repatriation of $500 Who is actually wrong between the two? The fact needs million stolen funds from the US to the country. to be checked and the real truth unfolded in no time. He also hailed the government of Trump for its laudable “The USA has been to date the biggest contributor to the decision to launch a Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative to humanitarian response and last year, gave approximately assist in achieving this goal and implored the US to sustain 500 million US Dollars in cash and in-kind contributions its cooperation with Nigeria to effectively achieve this through the United Nations and other inter-governmental objective. organisations. These have mainly supported protection “We thanked the US government very much for the activities, health, food assistance and shelter,” Buhari said. cooperation we have received in our effort to recover stolen At the opening session of the meeting, Trump had asked funds. Our two governments have put the machinery in Buhari on what he was doing to secure the release of the place for their respective Attorneys-General to collaborate in Chibok and Dapchi girls, who are yet in the captivity of ensuring the return to Nigeria of $500 million looted funds Boko Haram. siphoned away in banks around the world. Responding, Buhari, who said his government was “In this connection, we congratulated the US government deploying every power within its reach to secure the release on launching a Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which of the remaining girls, disclosed that Nigeria “will continue was spearheaded by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to welcome US collaboration in intelligence gathering, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering. We hope that we hostage negotiations and information-sharing.” could continue to count on US support in this area,” Buhari This is a good promise by the president but also raises said. a rhetorical question: when will this promise become a Consequently, both leaders agreed to mandate their reality? Will the president indeed work assiduously to bring attorneys-general to work out the modalities for the back Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi girl held back by Boko repatriation of the funds. This move looks cheery as this Haram, because she refused to renounce her Christian humongous fund makes its way to the Nigerian economy, faith and other Chibok girls in no time? This may be a one because it has the capacity to add huge value to Nigeria’s million dollar question. troubled economy. On violence being unleashed on farmers and villagers by Both leaders, as stated by Buhari, also congratulated the Fulani herdsmen, Buhari said the federal government was leaders of North and South Koreas on their recent “historic “taking necessary steps to promote the peaceful co-existence summit” and “applauded them for the positive commitment of herdsmen and farmers, by focusing on boosting security they have made towards the denuclearisation of the Korean and enforcing legislation that will guarantee herders and Peninsula.” farmers access to land.” Buhari, who added that Trump deserved “a great deal of From concerns being expressed daily, every right thinking credit for his statesmanly role in transforming so dramati-
Nigerian is no doubt interested in this promise and will be excited to see the president live up to his promise. On the economy, Buhari congratulated both Trump and his government on what he described “as the impressive performance of the US economy under their watch,” disclosing that Nigeria’s plan is to diversify its economy by focusing on agriculture and food security as well as power and infrastructure. The president, who also said the 2016 statistics showed that Nigeria’s trade volume with the United States stood at $6.07 billion, added that the figure comprised $4.176 billion worth of Nigerian exports to the US and $1.894 billion US exports to Nigeria. According to him, both of them agreed to put in greater efforts aimed at increasing these figures substantially. But the president has been criticised for not maximising the opportunity of seeing Trump to prevail on the US President to ensure the resumption of crude oil export to America. Instead, the president had said “nobody tells the US what to do.” His critics said he erred by holding on to that assumption, saying it trivialised the essence and opportunity of bilateral talks. There are still some issues that are ambiguous in the meeting. For instance, Buhari told Trump about the commitment of his government to diversify the Nigerian economy with particular focus on agriculture and food security. This submission was in tandem with the investment in agriculture in recent times, which has for instance, witnessed the reduction of rice importation by 90 per cent. In the same vein, the country has been making frantic efforts to ensure the exportation of farm produce such as yam to other countries. But many Nigerians were shocked to hear Trump say that the United States would be exporting agricultural produce to Nigeria. They said it is antithetical to the president’s common slogan that “we must grow what we eat,” observing that if agricultural produce are being exported to the country from the US, will Nigeria still be growing what it eats? On governance and human rights, the president said the government of Nigeria remained committed to the principles of human rights, promotion and protection of people’s freedom, even in the fight against terror, adding: “We commit to ensure that all documented cases of human rights abuses are investigated and those responsible for violations held accountable for their actions.” While this comment seems to prove cynics wrong that Buhari has no respect for rule or law and rights of individuals, it likewise puts the president on the spot on the necessity of his administration to conduct thorough investigation into the daily oppression and destruction of many Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen, who storm farms without any provocation and destroy crops, rape women, burn down houses and kill as many people.
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Secondus during PDP’s last December convention
What’s in a Name? Following the debate in the Peoples Democratic Party on the desirability of a name change as part of its rebranding efforts, Onyebuchi Ezigbo reviews the pros and cons of the proposition
T
he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) no doubt bestrode the political landscape of the country like a colossus for more than a decade and half. Within this period, the party presided over governance at the centre, and to a large extent, governments at the state and local government council levels. The party still takes the credit for helping the country to successfully transit from the military regime to civilian rule in 1999. Though some people might hold different view, PDP has also helped to build a virile democratic culture in the country by establishing several institutions that are today being relied upon to defend and protect democratic governance in the country. Virtually more than half of the politicians that have either ruled in the past or are in government at the moment can trace their roots to the PDP. In the last few years, the party had witnessed serious downturn in its affairs. It not only lost the presidency in the 2015 election but also lost many of its key members to the APC. But it appears the worst days of the party are over and things seem to be looking up for the PDP under the new national leadership headed by Uche Secondus. Despite the initial disagreements that trailed his election at the national convention of the party, Secondus appeared to have weathered the storm and is moving on with plans to reposition the PDP as a potent force in the 2019 election. First, the leadership has been able to reconcile most of those who protested the outcome of the elections at the last December convention of the party. Of particular mention is the mending of fence with a former deputy national chairman of the party, Chief Bode George, which many see as very critical to placating whatever ill-feeling that the South-west stakeholders of the party may be harbouring as aftermath of the convention. The Secondus-led PDP leadership has also moved a step further to rebuild the party structures across the country and further unified the party by reaching out to many of its leaders and stakeholders. Only recently, the party has been talking with some of its former members in various parties to negotiate their return to the PDP.
Forming Broad Coalition In the bid to actualise its dream of staging a brilliant come back to power, PDP is rebranding and refocusing on its ideals as well as mission. Efforts at forming a broad-based coalition are already on and the party has made serious overtures aimed at negotiating the return of some of its former members, who left for other parties. But one issue that has continued to crop up at the various meetings to woo back key members is the conditions to the PDP. Many of those, who had expressed interests in returning to the PDP, had also given conditions that the party should be purged of the ills of the past. Everyone kept insisting that the party must not allow impunity and money politics to rear its ugly head again in a rebranded PDP. Also, in pointing to the way forward, speakers at a recent colloquium organised by the Secondus-led National Working Committee had sounded
a note of caution that the calibre of candidates in the 2019 elections would probably determine the fortunes of the party. They were emphatic on advising that the party should do its home work and access the best material the country could offer in order to present to Nigerians a credible alternative to the APC. But Secondus had assured that based on the new thinking, PDP would insist on fielding popular candidates for elections and that money will not be a deciding factor any longer. As part of the new thinking, he said the party was developing an initiative that could lead to a broad-based coalition, bringing persons and groups with new ideas. Perhaps, it was in keeping with this promise that the party last week set up a 22-member committee to work towards for a new coalition that would unseat the APC in the 2019 election. The 22-member committee known as the Contact and Integration Committee is headed by the former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke. The main task of the committee will be to reach out to all political stakeholders, including top members of the All Progressives Congress, who are interested in seeing that the present crop of leadership in the country are swept out of office to enthrone good governance. According to the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, “The committee will be reaching out to all political stakeholders that are dissatisfied with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and are prepared to have an interface with the PDP with the hope of forming a coalition that would edge out this government through the instrumentality of the ballot box”. Other members of the Contact and Integration Committee include Senator Ibrahim Tsauri (Secretary), Governors Ayo Fayose, Darius Ishaku as members; Senator Joshua Lidani, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Senator Ibrahim Kazaure, Chief Austin Umahi, Mrs Erelu Obada, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Amb. Kema Chikwe, Hon. Emmanuel Enoidem, Amb. Aminu Wali, Dr. Mohammed Haliru Bello, High Chief Tom Ikimi, Senator Ben Obi, Dr Babangida Aliyu, Gabriel Suswam, Senator Abdul Ningi, Hon. Ajibola Muraino, Alhaji Ibrahim Hamza and Moses Clopas Zuwegho. According to the party, the new committee will lead the way in the effort to galvanize democratic forces to oust the APC and would engage in all forms of legitimate talks to form a coalition ahead of the 2019 general election. Also, the committee has as part of its terms of reference, negotiating on issues relating to power sharing and distribution of offices among the coalition parties and groups after the election must have been won. It is why observers feel the new PDP national leadership should consider this aspect very important and will need to draw guidelines and rules of engagement in order to avoid the experience of the APC, which failed to manage the varying interests after its victory in 2015. Suffice it to say that this will be second time the opposition will set up a committee of this nature. The first one that was headed by one of its founding members, Prof. Jerry Gana was established by the National Caretaker Committee in the wake of the long drawn leadership tussle in 2016.
At that time, the Jerry Gana-led committee met with various political associations and interest groups some of which canvassed alliance and outright merger. But the leadership of the party turned down offers for merger, which would lead to changing its name, preferring instead that other parties get subsumed under the PDP structure. However, under the new push for a coalition, the PDP contact and integration committee has been mandated to negotiate with all interest groups and to also consider request for alliance and merger. One of the critical issues that the committee will be seeking to address is whether or not the call for the change of the party’s name should be heeded. Those who are urging for a change in the name are hinging their argument on the fact that the name of the party has been soiled by previous operators of its affairs and that it would be a hard-sell to ask Nigerians to embrace it once again. Another reason given by those canvassing this agenda is that a change in name will give those willing to join forces with the PDP to dislodge the APC in 2019 a good reason to come in. There is also the argument that some of the parties talking merger with the PDP did not want to collapse their structures without having a new name. But those who are opposed to this school of thought and are bent on going on with the name said that there is nothing wrong with the name. When the issue of name change was brought up at the party’s last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last month, it was quickly dismissed by a majority of the members. Some leaders of the party, who bared their minds on the issue, believed that the proposal to change the party’s name might be fifth columnists’ agenda designed to throw up fresh crisis in the main opposition party. It is pertinent at this point to consider the pros and cons of changing the name of PDP. First among the factors to be considered are the election timetable and the often cumbersome process of effecting change in party name as contained in the nation’s Electoral Act. Second, the timing of such an action is a serious factor considering that the next general election is around the corner, less than nine months from now. Apart from the rigorous procedure to approve a new name, there is the fear that the party may risk plunging into another controversy and possibly another round of litigation by divergent interests. Another point is how to sell the new name to Nigerians within the short period of time left before the election kicks off in February, 2019. No doubt, the name, PDP has now become a household name among Nigerians and is almost indelible in their minds. The party can boast of structures not only in various units and wards but even in the remotest locations of the minds of its supporters. It would be very difficult, therefore, to attempt to erase that now and replace with a new name just few months before the election. As it is, the party does not have the luxury of time to contemplate changing its name now. Although PDP may be unable to completely run away from its past, it can however identify those lofty ideals and achievements recorded in the past and build on them as well as use them to reshape its future.
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Failure Foretold: How Melaye Defeated Bello over Recall Although his travails are not over yet, the failed attempt to recall Senator Dino Melaye from the Senate is very instructive at with the approach of election season, writes Yekini Jimoh
T
he recent recall process of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, which suffered a monumental failure, is a testimony that the people not only know what is good for them, but also have a grasp of the issues in the politics of the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) only recorded 5.34 per cent out of 50 plus one per cent it needed for the recall of the senator to move to the next of the process. And going by what took place during the exercise, it can be deduced that most people did not sign the petition in the first place. It was also gathered that one person singlehandedly signed many names, numbering over 800 and when people came for verification, it was discovered that most people never signed the petition. Cases of forged signatures and names of dead people were also discovered on the list. Across the seven Local Government Areas that made up the district, there was apathy as the electorate failed to show up. In Lokoja, a mild drama ensured at some of the polling units, with the electorate surprised to see their names on the displayed list. For example, one Samuel Olukotun threatened to sue those who had put his wife’s name, Feyisayo Olukotun on the list. This, unfortunately, was the case with many people. The senator’s victory was immediately seen as a precursor to the 2019 general election by his supporters and even members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although Melaye is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he had recently become a darling of some PDP commentators, who are trying to seize advantage of his ongoing travail to encourage him back to the party. Melaye was formerly of the PDP, on whose platform he was elected into the House of Representatives in April 2007. He later abandoned the party and was elected senator in 2015 on the APC banner. Although Melaye supported Alhaji Yahaya Bello, 42, for governor in 2015 and was even the compere at his inauguration in January 2016, the two soon fell out over the state’s staff verification exercise. The exercise was widely deemed unpopular, because it left thousands of workers unpaid for many months. But the governor said the initiative was necessary to winnow out ghost workers and other employment racketeers, who constitute a major drain on the state’s already lean resources. Melaye, however, recognised the essence of the policy, but strongly opposed the tactics deployed by the Bello administration. The matter soon became a serious point of political tension between the two, and Melaye believed it was also the basis for his ongoing criminal investigations by the police. Again, the opposition party in the state equally played a major role that led to the failure of the recall process. Before the recall exercise, the Kogi State Chapter of the PDP had urged its members to dissociate and vote against what it called government organised recall of Melaye. In a statement signed by Achadu Dickson, Director Research and Documentation, the party described the recall as a hoax, politically motivated and urged its members to vote against the plan to recall the embattled senator. While the party said it stood to dissociate itself from the recall process and described it as undemocratic, it noted that it was executive recklessness against opposing voices. The PDP said it stood by the message
Melaye of the embattled senator in exposing bad governance, which he described as the hallmark of the APC-led administration under Bello since its inception. The PDP also said Dino’s position that Bello’s inept leadership and bad governance had brought the state to its lowest ebb, had reinforced its position that Kogi had become a failed state and had been made a laughing stock amongst comity of states in the country. Another factor for the failure of the exercise was the inability of the governor to pay salaries to workers and pensioners. Today, many workers and pensioners have turned to beggars because of non-payment of salaries. Many people have been sacked by the governor while some people were forcefully retired from service. Thus, the feud between Bello and Melaye over non-payment of salaries contributed to the victory of the senator. The people of Kogi State saw Melaye as their messiah and the only senator in the state that challenged the governor on the grounds of bad governance. His ordeal with the security agents, which led to his arrest in Abuja and subsequent detention made the people to sympathise with him. Also, a majority of the political appointees from Kogi West failed to mobilise people during the exercise. It was gathered that despite the huge amount of money collected from the ‘sponsors of the recall’, many of them went into hiding during the exercise. It was also gathered that the governor has given an order that all the political appointees from the seven local government councils should refund his money or face sack. Although Bello did not publicly participate in the campaign to recall Melaye, the senator’s ability to survive the recall exercise despite being bedridden in the lead up to the exercise
has made some commentators to see it as a major loss for the governor. Demola Olarewaju, a PDP sympathiser, said the outcome of the exercise was a reflection of the electorate’s capacity to enthrone and dethrone politicians, a statement that echoed an earlier one by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose. The victory of Melaye, he said, was not solely for him but for truth over falsehood, of true democracy over tyranny, of people power over cabal desire and of light over darkness. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mrs. Petra Onyegbule said, “The governor is not in any way connected to the exercise. That it is going to affect the governor’s political future is a very myopic thinking.” She dismissed the excitement that trailed Melaye’s victory as indicative of a deep-seated ignorance of political commentators. While it may not be difficult to establish where Bello stood on the recall, some of his aides frequently ran partisan online commentaries that gave tacit support to the pro-recall campaigners. But the outcome of the recall showed that the people might have turned their back on the administration. Melaiye has boasted that despite his current travails, he was still able to mobilise his constituents and also deploy agents to monitor the signature verification exercise and defeat the proposal to recall him. “The chain of events from last Monday to this day are enough for one to be grateful to God Almighty and all Kogi people both at home and in the diaspora, including my friends outside the Confluence State and all over the world, for standing behind me in this trying times,” he said through his Media Assistant, Mr. Gideon Ayodele. The Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Hadi
Ametuo, said the recall process was initiated by some ghost voters from Kogi West to recall the only senator, noting that “our party has in Kogi State come to a premature end.” According to him, “The message is very clear that Senator Dino Melaye is the most popular senator ever produced by Kogi West. That this is a sign of what to expect in the 2019 general election and no amount of financial inducement and coercion will change the will of the people of Kogi State in the future elections.” The opposition PDP also accused Bello of wasting over N5 billion public funds on the failed plot to recall Melaye. The party said the huge human and financial resources deployed to the “Dino Melaye must go” agenda could have been more meaningful made to impact on the lives of the downtrodden people of Kogi State, especially the workers that were being owed several months’ salaries. Deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2015 elections in Kogi State and member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, described the outcome of the verification exercise as a pointer to the fact that Bello was unpopular in the state. In separate tweets through his Twitter handle @JAFaleke, he said the ultimate loser in the failed recall exercise was the APC, adding that until those who worked so hard to win election for the party in Kogi were given due recognition, Bello would continue to struggle politically without results. “The recall project has failed. The people won. The outcome today is not just about Dino but the open rejection of the Yahaya Bello-led state government. Even in detention, Dino Melaye defeated them. Clear sign that Yahaya Bello is very unpopular in Kogi State,” he said.
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2019 and the Imperative of South-west Unity The unity of the South-west has never been this threatened, writes Victor Ogunje, as he situates the place of the region in the 2019 equation
F
rom time immemorial, the South-west region has always played pivotal role in the politics of the nation. As a result, it has remained a critical factor in deciding where the pendulum would swing in any presidential race. Above all, the body language of the people in the zone had always signposted whether or not democracy would be fortified or grossly
endangered. To go down memory lane, South-west’s full involvement in the 1964 politics branded operation ‘wetie’ led to the demise of the first Republic then piloted by the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The ding-dong that ensued from the region after the rigged 1983 elections caused military usurpation that killed the second Republic. Conversely, the region played active role in the return of democracy in 1999 after several years of military interregnum. Without overestimating the strength of the region in the power equation in Nigeria, the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari into office after three unsuccessful times further buttressed how strong and potent the region has been in changing the political fortunes of the nation. Thus, taking cognizance of this chequered political trajectory, it would be foolhardy for anyone to downplay the role of the Yoruba race in Nigeria. It is understandable, therefore, why historians believe that the zone would also be a good bride to be courted across political divides in 2019. But in recent time, the region has not been enjoying the kind of cohesion it is known for. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled this country for 16 years, has been ripped apart by power tussle. The cleavages existing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have decimated the power that resides in the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Emerging power blocks are beginning to challenge the old folks and this had created such factors now undermining the importance of the region. The pointer to the fact that the region seems to be tearing apart was confirmed by a recent exchange of verbal tirades between a former military governor of the Old Ondo State and former National Deputy Chairman of the PDP (South), Chief Bode George and a former governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the PDP, Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The two were known political allies under former President Olusegun Obasanjo but power games and quests for leadership had separated them and the open confrontation seems to be unsettling the zone and heating up the polity in a way that can undermine the unity of the region. Obasanjo has his own crowd and the likes of George and Oyinlola belong to his political family that held sway in the region since 2003 before they were disgracefully routed in 2010, through the instrumentality of a Tinubu-led Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The former President was known to be close to the two eminent Nigerians and was involved in so many political dealings that gave the PDP a slight edge over other contending forces in the zone before certain realignments altered the configurations. But to the consternation of many Nigerians, the exPresident had exhibited deep resentment towards Buhari’s government. He overtly expressed disappointment about the alleged clannish style of the APC-led government, which propelled him to consummate the National Intervention Movement (NIM), rumoured to be planning a merger with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to unseat the present government. But many Nigerians viewed the NIM from different prisms. While some applauded the move, branding it as a way to salvage the country from Buhari’s palpable misrule, many viewed it as a voyage of futility that would not suffice or gain enough traction in 2019 to disgrace Buhari out of government. However, while Oyinlola was one of those that held the view that NIM was a well-conceived political movement, coming to salvage the land, George perceived it as merely dissipating energy that could have been coalesced to develop
George
Oyinlola
the existing party, particularly the PDP. The two extreme views by these politicians would later stoke an unsavoury altercation that is now unsettling the land. Espousing his views on NIM, George didn’t mince words, when he upbraided the proponents of this movement. He was of the opinion that people were just trying to overrate their political relevance and this he warned, might boomerang. Though George did not clearly make allusions to Obasanjo in an interview, the whole nation knew where the fingers were pointed, having already known the true identities of those propping the group. But Oyinlola, who hurriedly resigned his position as the Chairman of the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) to assume the role of coordinator of the political group believed that the comment made by George against their former benefactor was harsh, uncouth and venomous. He therefore counseled George in a manner he found repulsive. Oyinlola went further to say George was the least expected Nigerian to have gone so hard on Obasanjo on any issue, having benefited enormously from the former President, when he was in the saddle of governance in Abuja. With this, Oyinlola succeeded in portraying George as disloyal, which did not augur well with those in the camp of the Lagos State PDP Chief. Oyinlola’s position, however, seemed to have elicited many reactions with some agreeing that George was only articulating his views and that such should not have generated any statement that could deride his personality. Those who belong to this school told Oyinlola to learn how to be tolerant of the opposition for Yoruba nation to remain united and protect the culture of Omoluabi that has become a long standing norm among the race. George’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Uthman Sodipe-Dosunmu, said Oyinlola goofed in asking his principal to beg for forgiveness, saying the former Osun State governor was the one, who actually manifested ingratitude considering what Chief George did for him to emerge the gubernatorial candidate of the party in 2003. Like the two sides of a coin, former Nigerian Ambassador to Canada and SDP governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Chief Dare Bejide, described Obasanjo as an icon in Nigeria and the most patriotic Nigerian ever to have ruled the nation, as a military and civilian leader.
Bejide said politics revolves around loyalty and that it would be a serious aberration for anyone to condemn whoever had benefited him in the course of his political journey on a platter of the prevailing political misunderstanding. As these opposing views were becoming more heated, the elders of Yoruba land viewed the turn of event as a threat to the peaceful co-existence among the political gladiators in the zone, which some thought could heat up the temperature beyond normal ahead of 2019. Rattled by the development, the Secretary General of a Pan-Yoruba Political Group, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide, said he had made several efforts to contact George on the need to advise him that it was wrong for two elders, particularly those that had held positions of responsibilities to spit at each other in public, but that his efforts were futile. He warned that such could embolden the youth and breed acrimony in the land. He said Yoruba race has never been this divided in the history of this nation over election, saying leaders of good conscience must combine efforts to nip the impending battle. Olajide added that allowing such two leaders to continue to fight in the public may expose the race to enemies and create cracks for them to weaken the already debilitating political base of the West and make it irrelevant in national politics. Today, there is no state in the zone where there are no factions. In Ekiti State, the two dominant parties, APC and PDP are up in arms against each other. Even, internal crises in each of these parties are worrisome. In Ondo, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Senator Ajayi Boroffice are arch enemies. In Oyo, Governor Abiola AJimobi and the Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, do not speak to each other. In Ogun, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the Senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Solomon Adeola, are like cat and mouse. In Osun, Governor Rauf Aregbesola is battling the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yusuff Lasun. Even in Lagos, which has enjoyed seemingly limitless level of stability and effective leadership now has some pockets of crises. All these, observers reckon, have combined to corroborate the fact that the South-west is becoming more and more polarised and there is a need for an emergency fence-mending interventions to restore normalcy and civility for the region to retain its place in the body polity.
NOTES FOR FILE
APC’s Alleged N6b Convention Budget
Buhari
Although the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied finalising its budget for its impending national convention, news flying around has it that the ruling party is proposing to spend N6 billion on the meeting and has actually taxed the governors to pool the fund. It is common knowledge that governors and other stakeholders fund political parties, the very reason governors are quick to hijack parties as well as dictate terms to suit their personal agenda. However, for a party which claims to be averse to corruption and insen-
sate profligacy, a N6 billion budget for its national convention is no less finding ‘means for the boys.’ This does not in any way reflect piety or a commitment to changing the way things used to be done by the previous administrations, often accused of sleaze. With a tottering economy and a disposition which is ostensibly averse to graft, the budget is not only indefensible, it is simply inconceivable, but except of course, this is one of those avenues to raise funds for the elections.
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APC, PDP Governorship Hopefuls’Last Minute Battles The July 14 governorship poll in Ekiti State is around the corner and gladiators are back in the trenches with the parties now holding their primaries, writes Victor Ogunje
I
n Ekiti State, intrigues and intra-party squabbles are becoming more convoluted and eliciting deafening hoopla on a daily basis as the July 14 governorship election stares everyone in the face. This frenzy is however prevalent in the two dominant parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The 2018 election might end up the most keenly contested election in the history of the state since 1999. This cannot, however, be divorced from the notion that governors wield enormous power. They command power to hire and fire and this has more or less made the battle for the Ekiti governorship fiercer and pulsating this time around. To buttress the foregoing assertion, 30 aspirants have been given a clean bill in the APC by the Chief Timipre Sylva-led Screening committee to contest the Saturday, May 5 primary of the party. On the starstudded list are heavyweights like former governors Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni. Other political juggernauts scrambling for the ticket are former members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, Bimbo Daramola and Bamidele Faparusi. The galaxy of stars in the race accounts for the scorching heat in the APC. There have been so much verbal abuses and serious brickbats among the aspirants in the party in the last few days and the most pummelled among them are Fayemi and Oni, probably for seeking re-election at a time many of the aspirants thought the race would be exclusively open to first timers. This is not to mean that the PDP is immune from crises under this circumstance. The party has been experiencing cacophony of confusions over the shabby way Governor Ayodele Fayose adopted his deputy, Prof Kolapo Olusola as the sole candidate of the party in the election. The governor did this brazenly in a manner that precluded other contestants like a former Minister of Works, Dayo Adeyeye and Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi from veering into the race. Moreover, the duo of Adeyeye and Olujimi has experiences on their sides and had proven not to be minnows in the game with the way they have maintained their beats over time. Their threats had also forced the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus and Senator David Mark to design a mediating team to broker truce among them. The trouble-shooting effort seems to be gradually dousing the raging tension for now. A lot of factors are out to play pivotal roles in the primaries. Principal factors that will determine how and where the pendulum will swing in both parties vary. Prominent among these denominators are zoning, financial muscle, incumbency weight and the delegates in relation to how the electorate will behave on Election Day. In APC, for instance, zoning has become a serious stump the party would have to scale to prevent it from disintegration. The aspirants from the south have been agitating that the primary should be restricted to aspirants from the zone for equity and fair play. They justified and predicated this on the strength that the district has not produced the governor since 1999. They have enlisted the backing of the traditional rulers across the three districts and this has further made the game more intriguing. To salvage the situation, the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun personally came to Ekiti and overruled such demand, saying it was antithetical to APC’s constitution. Again, this has refused to gain traction, because a majority of the delegates placed high premium on who could win and reclaim the seat for the APC. In the PDP, zoning has not constituted any snag, because all the aspirants in the party are from the south senatorial district. Despite this compliance, the trio of Olusola, Adeyeye and Olujimi are battling one another in a manner that may endanger the chances of the zone and the party. The countdown to the process leading to the primary had vividly shown that money is a determining factor in the APC primary. It has been a season of
Ojudu
Olujimi
naira rain for APC delegates to the extent that popularity now depends on the amount of money spent during any interface with them. Again, many of the delegates viewed the present situation as a veritable opportunity to make as much as they can from the contenders. They have been left in the cold since Fayemi was defeated four years back. The duo of Fayemi and Senator Gbenga Aluko are having an edge in this regard, that is, if the situation subsists till the day of the primary. Fayose is currently the generalissimo of Ekiti politics and the PDP in the state. History favourably places him in a special position, having defeated two incumbent governors at two different times. He brooks no opposition in PDP and having his deputy, Olusola grabbing the ticket has become a fait accompli so to speak. If Fayose had his way, he would have imposed Olusola without any primary. He was resolute to go the whole hog to achieve this, but he later soft-pedalled, when Olujimi and Adeyeye fought back ferociously. In actual fact, the governor was not really rattled by the opposition to his anointed candidate; he was merely circumspect of litigations and decided to change the gear, so he won’t freely walk into a cul-desac.
Fayemi
Eleka
Fayose as an incumbent governor controls the elected officials, who are automatic delegates. He also has firm grip on the party executives at all levels. Added to this is the fact that he is in charge of the state purse and being a smart politician, he would definitely deploy these to his advantage in the primary. Head or tail, Olusola appears the candidate to beat. As things stand now, a majority of the APC delegates are caught in the web of either to vote for a popular candidate or go for pecuniary influences. Without trying to overestimate his acceptability, Oni is currently putting up a good show in the APC. However, Fayemi, being a serving Minister of Mines and Steel Development has the cash and party structure to his advantage, in addition to being a former governor with indisputable record of performance. He also appears to enjoy the confidence of the power brokers in Abuja. However, the APC knows it would require more than conventional ways to reclaim Ekiti. In this regard, the delegates seem confused and this has made it difficult predicting the voting pattern before the exercise. But in the face of the ongoing last minute horsetrading and seeming unpredictability of the outcome of the primary in APC, those to watch out for are Fayemi, Oni, Aluko and Bamidele.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH
Odds against Oyo’s LG Polls With a few days away from the local government election in Oyo State, litigations from within the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party are already threatening the smooth process of the exercise, writes Ademola Babalola
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n Oyo State, civil litigations have always been the excuse for delaying elections into local councils. The trend began in 2003 when former governor Rashidi Ladoja would not conduct council polls until five days, May 24, 2007, to the end of his tenure, because of several legal challenges to the composition of the election management body, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission. Ladoja’s successor, Adebayo Alao-Akala also suffer the same experience. And for almost seven years since it ascended power the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led APC government has been unable to conduct local council election ostensibly because of litigations challenging the composition of the election management body. Even when the matter was finally laid to rest in court, about three years ago, the APC still continued with the caretaker arrangement, seen by many as an aberration and abuse of power by the state government, which constitutionally oversees the affairs of the councils. An attempt by OYSIEC to conduct election into local councils and development areas sometime last year, was thwarted by a litigation instituted by some Baales in Oyo West, Atiba and Oyo East local governments, who sought an order restraining the commission from conducting the planned election in 2017, pending the determination of the case, which eventually led to shifting the date of the election from an earlier date of February 21 to this weekend. Curiously, history appears to have a way of repeating itself. Since the demise of the leader of the progressives and former governor Lam Adesina on November 11, 2012, there have been noticeable cracks in the political family along the groups tagged Lamists and Senaco. Lamists are the core loyalists of Lam Adesina and the other group is comprised of those loyal to Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Just like when a controversial and colourful Ibadan politician, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the PDP leader in the state died on June 11, 2008, the PDP has never been one again, because of the absence of a father figure, a unifying force and rallying point. This is the situation of things today in the Oyo APC! The governor, being the leader of the party should naturally control all organs of the party but he seems to have lost grip to control the party ever since Adesina’s death. Reason is not far-fetched. Remember Ajimobi was in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) prior to the selection of the party’s gubernatorial standard bearer in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2010. Senator Femi Lanlehin was reported to be the choice of Adesina and the ACN in the state but through some machinations of Ibadan elites, the late business mogul, Arisekola Alao, Ex-governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others, Adesina was ‘begged’ to allow Ajimobi fly the party’s ticket having contested for the same poll in 2007 but lost to Akala. Ajimobi, who won the 2011 race against Akala of PDP, was regarded as a better and sellable candidate than Lanlehin, who was later pacified with Oyo South senatorial ticket and won. Thereafter, with the centre not holding between Ajimobi, Lanlehin and a few others in the then ruling ACN, Lanlehin defected to Accord and is presently in PDP to contest the governorship again in 2019 with others like Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Seyi Makinde and Senator Ayoade Adeseun. Apart from the threat posed by the opposition in conducting the council election, lack of firm grip by the governor in conducting primaries to select chairmanship and councillorship candidates within his own party was another major albatross for the state helmsman. Even when the Chairman of APC in the state, Chief Akin Oke announced at a news conference in Ibadan that all was set for the primaries of the party (about two months ago), the governor who got wind of the development quickly called the party leadership to perish the thought! The governor finally had his way as he summoned some officers of the party from across the 33 local governments and LCDAs to an enlarged APC meeting, where the standard bearers for the coming election were selected in an hotel in Ibadan, in defiance to the APC constitution that certain criteria should be followed in choosing candidates at their respective council/ward areas and not in a single location as was done. And just a few days ago, the cold war between the Lamists and Senaco finally blew open as a group under the name APC Unity Forum met in Ibadan and issued a communique to President Muhammadu Buhari, party’s outgoing Chairman, Chief Odigie Oyegun, Tinubu and a few others on the lingering crisis in Oyo APC. The stakeholders, who spoke during the APC Unity Forum meeting with the theme: “Making 2018 APC Congress work for peace, unity and victory in 2019 elections” included a former Chairman, TESCOM in the state and Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, who admitted that there was a serious crisis in the forthcoming local government election he described as a time bomb waiting to explode because the recent ‘primary conducted’ has factionalised the party. Also, the State Deputy Chairman of the party, Alhaji Isiaka
Governor Ajimobi
Alimi advised the national leaders of the party to wade in, while lamenting that most of the candidates picked for the election were not members of the party. He said the party has been polarised due to the stage-managed congress held in a hotel, where some unknown members were picked as candidates. “This has polarised the party, even myself as Deputy Chairman, I don’t have a single councilor. I am using my local government, Akinyele as a case study, the people who did not vote for the party, who worked for another party in 2015, who decamped and voted for another party in 2015 were the ones picked as candidates. Is that person fit to contest? Don’t you see that failure has started for APC? That is why we must avoid mistakes”. Other speakers at the meeting which included the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who was represented; the deputy governor of the state, Hon. Moses Adeyemo, who was also represented; former Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives and a governorship aspirant, Dr. Kola Balogun; former Chief of Staff in the state, Professor Adeolu Akande; House of Representatives member, Hon. Adedapo Lam Adesina; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Busari Adebisi and former Chairman, Ibadan North West Local Government, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, warned that failure to ensure transparent congresses in the state would not be in the interest of the party. Others include Senator Adesoji Akanbi, who was represented; former Minority leader, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle, Ex-Chairman Parliamentary caucus, Hon. Fatai Salam, former Chairmen and other chieftains of the party lamented that they were left with no option than to cry out so as to save the party. The stakeholders, in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, urged aggrieved members not to leave the party. They however urged INEC and security agencies not to be used or bought but allow votes of the members of the party to count in the forthcoming congresses of the party. The APC stakeholders in the communique signed by Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi (Chairman) and Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun (Secretary) said “The forthcoming congresses must be transparent, devoid of any imposition and in accordance with the constitution of the party. Therefore all party members must be allowed to choose their preferred executive members at all viz ward, local, state and national delegates to the national convention of the party.” Amidst this, however, was a court order, five days ago, where a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan stopped the conduct of council poll in the wards created by the OYSIEC. In a suit number FHC/IB/ES/47/2018 filed by five Eruwa town elders against the OYSIEC, Oyo State Governor and the AttorneyGeneral of the state, the applicants were seeking an order on interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents or privies from using, relying on or employing the use of any electoral areas or wards and polling stations for the purpose of any elections in Oyo State, including local government elections, other than the electoral areas or wards and polling stations created
by INEC pending the determination of the substantive action. They were also challenging the creation of the electoral areas or wards by OYSIEC, particularly in Ibarapa East council area of the state, describing it as illegal, null and void. While granting the prayers, Justice J.O Abdulmalik adjourned hearing on the substantive case till May 28, 2018. Counsel for the plaintiffs, Solomon Adeseun said he was glad that the court granted their prayers. “What we are calling for is for the OYSIEC to limit the poll to the wards created by INEC. OYSIEC lacks the power to create wards. The election can hold but INEC’s creation must be respected,” he said. Another judge, Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Thursday adjourned the case involving the PDP, Oyo State chapter and the INEC, OYSIEC, Oyo state governor and Oyo State House of Assembly over its plan to conduct local government election in the state on May 12 till May 15th, following the absence in court of the lead counsel of the defendants, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, Oluseun Abimbola. The PDP in its suit number FHC/Ib/CS/42/2018 is challenging the listed on the allegations that certain things about the proposed conduct of the election are wrong. The Director of Civil Litigation and advisory Services, Mr S.O. Adeoye, led other counsel to defend the second, third and fourth defendants while Dr. Nureni Adeniran led counsel team of PDP. When the case was mentioned, Mr S.O. Adeoye informed the court that the Attorney General, who loves to lead the case was deeply involved in the burial rites of the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Michael Adeyemo, who died on May 27th. Adeoye informed the court that he had discussed with his Plaintiff’s counsel, Dr. Adeniran earlier, who stated that they had discussed as Adeoye said to seek an adjournment in respect of the reason. Justice Ayo-Emannuel then adjourned the case till May 15 for hearing. The electoral umpire, OYSIEC in its response to the restraining order by Justice Abdulmalik said “elections are therefore not restrained from proceeding as scheduled in all the local governments and LCDAs. Meanwhile it should be noted that the extant provisions of section 9(1) of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission law, cap 154, Laws of Oyo State 2000 which states that “no interim, interlocutory or any other order, decision or judgment by any court or tribunal before or after the commencement of this law in respect of any intra-party, or inter party dispute, or any other proceedings or matter pertaining to an election under this law, shall affect the timing of an election under this law”. This extant law remains valid and binding on us all.” Whatever is the outcome of this weekend’s election, it will no doubt shape to a large extent, whether the ruling party would still remain formidable to thwart the rampaging PDP, which is fast closing its internal wrangling.
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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GAVEL TO GAVEL
Edited by Wale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com
House Still Cross with Buhari over Tucano Payment UnliketheSenate,whoseleadershipcalmedfrayednerves,thelowerchamber,writesJames Emejo, is still too angry to be pacified over the payment for military war planes without legislative approval
M
ajority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, last penultimate Tuesday, called for the impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari over an alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution as altered. The rare but brazen clamour for his removal may have come as a surprise to many, given that the president’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) forms the majority in the lower chamber. Yet, it didn’t take many by surprise given the growing resentment or more still, disharmony between the executive and legislature in recent times. In fact, analysts believe that apart from the alleged breach of the constitution in the purchase of military hardware without parliament authorisation, the president and members of his executive arm had developed the habit of belittling the legislature in several instances. The late submission of the 2018 budget by the president in December last year instead of September as provided by law is still fresh in the minds of the lawmakers. It is believed that the tardiness in the submission of the 2018 Appropriation constituted part of the reasons it has not been passed by the National Assembly as there appears to be no time to properly scrutinise the estimates from the agencies of government – a situation, which had forced the lawmakers to variously reach a conclusion that the executive may have reduced parliament to a rubber stamp. Also, the recent controversy over the nonrelease of N100 billion contingency vote, which is dear to the hearts of every legislator and almost marred the Buhari 2018 budget presentation to the joint session of the National Assembly is another grudge being nursed against the president. Furthermore, the penchant of heads of government agencies to flout parliamentary invitations and summons at any given time had also been a bone of contention between the legislature and executive arms in recent times. House resolutions are hardly implemented by the executive, leading to assumptions that Buhari’s nonchalant attitude towards the parliament might have helped to embolden other agencies to treat the National Assembly with contempt. Although the call for the president’s impeachment was the fallout of the anticipatory approval the president gave for the withdrawal of $496 million from the ECA for the procurement of 12 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States government without the green light from parliament, the lawmakers, who set aside sentiments and political alignment in their clamour to impeach him cited similar expenditure by the executive without appropriation, particularly the current petrol subsidy programme, which is unknown to parliament and which the executive had denied funding against mounting evidence to the contrary. AJoint Committee on Finance and Petroleum Downstream,headedbyHon.BabangidaIbrahim (APC, Katsina) recently established that there’s an existing fuel subsidy regime which is unknown to parliament. As a result, he said a full-blown investigation into the sources of funding for the subsidy scheme had commenced. The House had on January 17, following a motion, tasked the committee to find out what sources of funding was being used to operate the subsidy regime, when there’s no proposal for it in the 2018 budget. This aspect of alleged breach of the constitution was also cited by members of the lower chamber in their push
Dogara...standing in for the president
for an impeachment proceeding against Buhari. Besides, the explanation by the president in the letter that he gave the anticipatory approval for the withdrawal of the amount, because of the February deadline given by the U.S. government to close the deal on the aircraft purchase didn’t appease lawmakers’ frayed nerves as some of them questioned the rush to make the payments when the military aircraft are to be delivered by 2020. Nevertheless, the lawmakers’ call for the removal of the president began when Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP Rivers) raised a point of order, pointing out the constitutional breach by the president after his letter of request was read on the floor. He said Buhari was in breach of the Constitution given that the expenditure had already been incurred even before seeking parliament’s consideration and approval. “Mr. Speaker, there’s no such language as anticipatory approval in our law,” he said, adding that the House could not be the rubber stamp of the Executive. Chinda argued that a “constitutional infraction like this is impeachable”, to which many members chorused: “yes”. “Let’s commence the impeachment of Mr. President right from this moment,” he added. He said such impunity by the president would never be allowed in any democracy in the world. “We have no reason to allow things to continue this way. We have power over the purse. Must we approve everything?” He called on the National Assembly to assert itself as a watchdog, noting that it appeared to be asleep and had evolved into an institution that can only bark and not bite. Backing his assertions, Hon. Karimi Sunday (PDP, Kogi) pointed out that the $496 million was spent without the parliament’s approval and challenged his colleagues to take up the responsibility of questioning the constitutional breach. “It’s time to tell the president that we were elected to serve the people. We are not going to take what he’s done,” Sunday said, adding that the House needed to reply the president, drawing his attention to the fact that he was in
breach of the Constitution and there would be consequences. Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Chukwuma Onyema, while describing the constitutional breach as a shame, said the House should reply the president’s correspondence and alert him on the infraction and consequence. Aliyu Madaki (APC, Kano) also supported his colleagues on the constitutional breach by the president, while Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen (PDP, Kogi) said, “We shouldn’t misinform ourselves. It’s a letter telling us what has been done and not a bill. “I appeal we jettison partisanship on this issue. The executive has always told the public that we are the ones killing the economy. We were told that the aircraft are to be supplied in 2020 and so why the rush?” Hon. Sergius Ogun (PDP, Edo) said the House had the right to do the needful, recalling that the former Senate President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, was impeached after he gave anticipatory approval for the construction of streetlights in the assembly complex in 2000. Contributing, Hon. Lovette Idisi (PDP Delta) said based on precedents, it would not be the first time the executive has spent public money outside the National Assembly’s approval. According to him, “We should not support illegality, what is wrong is wrong. We should rise and speak the truth. I second the motion for impeachment proceedings.” Although the clamour for the president’s impeachment enjoyed the overwhelming support of lawmakers last Tuesday, it proved difficult to actually commence the process to unseat Buhari. This was largely because a few members, who were against the move, cited the need to adhere to the House rules in dealing with the issue. According to them, the correspondence from the president to the speaker ought not to be immediately subjected to a debate on the same day it was read, as stated in the rule book of the House. But proponents of the impeachment bid said such rules apply to bills and not letters, insisting that the issue be trashed out Tuesday. It was apparent that those in favour of commencing the impeachment process were
concerned that if the matter was deferred to a later date, members may be compromised through lobbying to abandon the move. It was at this stage that the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Oker-jev, intervened and stated that by the House rules, debating the president’s letter would have amounted to putting the cart before the horse as “this is just the first reading”. Seeking clarity, the Speaker Yakubu Dogara sought to know if there were instances of first reading concerning letters received by the House. “The letter is asking for appropriation and there’s no way to appropriate because it’s not a bill. But let’s operate within the ambit of the rules,” Dogara said. Agreeing with Dogara and Oker-jev’s position, Hon. Iorember Wayo (APC Benue) said: “The wrong thing has been done and there are infractions of the Constitution. But let the issue be properly brought to the floor. Let’s wait until that day.” However, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga (PDP, Ebonyi) countered Wayo, saying the president’s letter was a mere communication and not a bill. “It doesn’t enjoy first or third reading. It’s consistently out of order to subject it to a first reading.” Hon. Pally Iriase (APC, Edo) said though such unapproved expenditure could no doubt instigate anger, “a letter from the president should be slated appropriately as this is the first time.” At a point in the debate, it was difficult to reach a consensus on the matter. Eventually, the speaker had to resort to the House rules to defer the formal debate on the president’s letter to another day but was curiously silent on the precise date the debate would take place. “We have a procedure of doing things. Normally, we will commit it to another date for debate,” he said. Although the issue may have been temporarily suspended until a date for its debate by the House, it remains to be seen whether the strong agitation for the president’s removal will be sustained when the matter is resurrected in the coming days.
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MAY 6, 2018 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER
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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ͞˜ ͺ͸͚΀
NEWSXTRA Hagher: Education‘ll Take Nigeria out of Ignorance George Okoh in Makurdi
Former Minister of Health and former Nigeria Ambassador to Mexico and Canada, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher has identified pervading ignorance in the country especially among the political class as the main
reason Nigeria is finding it difficult to make steady progress in development. The don, as a panacea to the problem, advocated a large chunk of the country’s budget to be allocated to the education sector to help turn around the fortune of education in the country.
Hagher stated this yesterday at the palace of the paramount ruler of the Tiv People and Chairman of Benue state Council of Chiefs, Prof. James Ayaste while seeking the blessing of the Tor Tiv to vie for the Presidency of the country in 2019. He said the biggest
challenge the country is facing involves the ignorance of her citizenry who are not well educated. The former Senator pledged to govern the country with fairness and justice and also adopt a posture of a president of education if voted into
AVIATION GURUS L-R: Council President, International Civil Aviation Organisation, Bernard Aliu; Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika; and Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Saleh Dunoma, at a gala night during the Airports Council International Africa conference in Lagos...recently
power. “Education is the only way out of our situation and providing infrastructure and supporting research and learning will bring out the best in us and every other thing will follow.� The former Pro-Chancellor of Afe Babalola university in Ekiti State, said his ambition was borne of his deep love for the country. According to him, if realised, his presidency would make Nigeria one of the most respected countries on earth. He also promised to unite farmers and pastoralists, in order to permanently end internal conflicts in the country. In his remark, the Tor Tiv gave his blessings to Hagher’s ambition to be president of Nigeria in 2019 under the Social Democratic Party.(SDP) and said it was the turn of North-Central Nigeria to produce a president, after long years of sacrifice for national unity and stability. He said, “Even though, he (Hagher) is running on the platform of the SDP, all political parties must unite and adopt him for president in 2019. “We have been on our own for over 50 years; the Middle Belt has suffered
for the unity of Nigeria, yet power continues to rotate between the South and the far North; power has not resided with us in the middle belt since the Civil Rule era. So I think it’s about time for a Middle Belt person to lead Nigeria and Hagher is very qualified for the job of President. “He has more than all the things that have qualified people for the office. All the things others have done, he too has done them. He has been a Minister, Senator, Ambassador, author and university professor, so he won’t be learning on the job�, the monarch submitted. The Tor Tiv expressed regret that despite the sacrifices of blood made by the Middle Belt since the 50s to unite the country, the geopolitical zone has continued to suffer persistent attacks without the protection of government. “Tiv people in particular, and the Middle Belt in general have died in droves, fighting for the sovereignty of this country, yet, we are hardly remembered, when it’s time for the sharing of the national cake�, he bemoaned.
Reps C’ttee Vows to Curb Estimated Billing, Okays Meter Manufacturing Firm David-Chyddy Eleke in Akwa
The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on power to curb excessive charges by distribution companies has expressed determination to strengthen the operations of indigenous meter manufacturers and curb cases of estimated billing in the country. Chairman of the committee, Mr. Isreal Famuyiwa, stated this weekend in Awka during a visit to Sabrud Con-
sortium, an indigenous meter manufacturing firm based in Awka. Famuyiwa, who led four other members of the committee to Awka, said there was need to encourage and protect local manufacturers and employ them in the efforts to bridge the metering gap which had resulted to estimated and excessive billing. He said meter manufacturing needed to be encouraged to enable the stakeholders
play their role for a win-win situation in the sector as well as conserve foreign exchange. “We are here to inspect Sabrud factory, to confirm their capacity and the quality of their products, be sure that they are up to standard and we have seen what they can offer Nigerians in terms of provision of meter, “From what we have seen, I can say they are up to standard so the House of Reps will provide assistance not
only to Sabrud but all local meter manufacturing companies in the country. This is because the only to grow the sector and help the country is to encourage indigenous production of the products and discourage importation,� he said. A representative of Anambra government, Mr. Victor Meju, said the issue of estimated billing and lack of meters for electricity consumers had been a challenge in
the power sector. Meju who is the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Power, energy, Public Utilities and water Resources said fair billing and access to meter was every consumer’s right. He lauded Sabrud for their intervention in the sector and called on the federal government to support them, having passed all regulatory and eligibility tests. “They have a great vision
of salvaging the power crisis in this country as it concerns metering. If you observe, the federal government has expressed worry on why discos will supply power and place customers on estimated billing�, he said. Managing director of Sabrud Consortium, Mr. Chiso Nwangwu, said the goal of his company and other meter manufacturing firms in the country was to ensure that Nigerians were metered.
Comply with FOI Act, Board Directs NABTEB Registrar
Obaseki Advocates Legislation to Allow State, Community Policing
Glo’s Professor Johnbull Dwells on Essentials of Whistleblowing
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
This week’s episode of the situation comedy, Professor Johnbull, sponsored by Globacom, dwells on the essentials of the anticorruption crusade of whistle blowing, with a message that the campaign should be regarded as noble and patriotic means of recovering looted funds and not a profit making venture. In the episode entitled Trumpet Blowers, the lead character in the series, Prof. Johnbull, acted by Kanayo O. Kanayo, cautions would-be whistleblowers to be mindful of the information they pass on to the authorities as wrong information or deliberate falsehood attracts punishment from the law. As viewers book a date with the sitcom on Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00pm., with repeat broadcast on Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the cable TV channels and on NTA
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), has affirmed its readiness to partner the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) to ensure that the examinations body fulfills its constitutional mandate fully. Chairman of the newly inaugurated governing Board of NABTEB, Prof. Leonard Shilgba, gave the assurance yesterday while reacting to a press statement titled “MRA Confers NABTEB with FoI ‘Hall of Shame’ Award for Violating Its Obligations under FoI Act.� He disclosed that the Governing Board had already directed the Registrar/Chief Executive of NABTEB to promptly make available the requested information, and report back to the Chairman.
The MRA had in the statement issued in Lagos by its Legal Officer, Ms. Morisola Alaba, named NABTEB as this week’s recipient of the “Freedom of Information (FoI) Hall of Shame� award, accusing the examinations body of consistently violating its obligations under the FoI Act while also denying citizens the right to obtain information from it. According to Ms Alaba, information published by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), an Abujabased non-governmental organisation, indicates that NABTEB has not been responsive to requests for information. In a swift reaction, Shilgba noted that even before the MRA press release, he had, hours after the inauguration of the Governing Board already demanded for the pieces of information requested by MRA.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has again called for the review of the security architecture in the country, maintaining that the country’s recurring security challenges call for constitutional review to allow for state and community policing with necessary safeguards to check abuse. Obaseki made the submission when he hosted participants of the Senior Executive Course 40 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, to a dinner at the Government House in Benin City yesterday. He said Edo State would continue to strengthen her security architecture, stressing that the “security of lives and property should not remain on the Exclusive Legislative List in the country’s constitution.
There should be constitutional provision for state and community policing with necessary safeguards put in place.� The governor who spoke on thethemeoftheCourse40study tour of the state: ‘Strengthening Internal Security Framework and Community Policing: Models, Policy Options and Findings’, noted that the theme was apt and relevant to tackling the current security challenges faced in the country. Obaseki said, “The Institute, which holds special significance to sustaining the country, needs to investigate and proffer realistic and sustainable solutions to the internal security challenges facing the country.� He expressed appreciation to the Institute for granting the state government’s request to allow for one senior civil servant from the state to be trained during the Institute’s annual course.
Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, with Anambra Broadcasting Service airing same at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, they will be confronted with how the noble idea almost turned awry in the hands of the trio of Samson (Ogus Baba), Nje (Angela Okorie) and Jeroboam, aka Boam (Osita Iheme), who are propelled by intended financial gains to blow false whistle. The episode aptly defines what whistle blowing is all about, while also drawing attention to the scenario that the fact that a politician or a government official lives a comfortable lifestyle does not necessarily mean that such a fellow has helped himself to the public treasury. The episode also shows that not every Ghana Must Go bag contains looted funds.
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enowned sports broadcaster and former General Manager at NTA(Nigeria Television Authority) Mr. Tayo Balogun and sister Mrs. Kate Ibitoye, a retired Director in Kogi State public service, led their siblings and family members to pay the last respect to their mother, the late Mrs. Rodah Iyetemi Balogun, a community leader in Ayetoro Gbede, Kogi State. The outing service for the deceased who died at 99 held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ayetoro Gbede and guests were entertained at Atiku Square. Photographs Julius Atoi L-R: Deaconess Serah Olorunmaye and Tayo Balogun
Prince Olushola Akanmode and wife Yemisi. L-R: Mr. Paul Balogun and Dupe Akosanaye
Mr. Segun Bello
Mr. Yomi Awoniyi
L-R: Madam Kate Ibitoye and Innocent Chukwu
L-R: Mr. Shola Agodi and Alhaji Shaibu Ipinmisho
Ade Joseph Medupin and wife, Margaret
L-R: Eniola Bello and Hajia Rakiya Zubairu
L-R: Omolade Owoseni and Col. Femi Mepaiyeda
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L-R: Mr. Abayomi Akanmode and Mrs. Mojifa Shoro
Mr. Jerry Aiyejumoh and wife Sarah
L-R: Barister P A Bello and Tom Odemwingie
L-R: Dr. Grace Adedoyin and husband. Chief Samuel Adedoyin
L-R: Mr. Joseph Ajetumobi and Mr. Ajetunmobi
L-R: Shola Daniyau and Major Segun Selowo (rtd)
L-R: Toyin Ibitoye and Hon Dayo Akanmode
Hon. Boye Bello and Hon Dare Osawu
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NEWSXTRA Forensic, Investigative Auditors’ Bill Will Get Presidential Assent, Says AGF Abimbola Akosile The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would assent the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (CIFIA) Bill when it gets to his table. Malami, who noted that the institute’s activities were in tandem with the anti-corruption fight of the Buhari administration, disclosed this when the CIFIA President, Dr. Victoria Enape, led a team from the institute on a
courtesy visit to him in Abuja. The AGF, who also expressed support for the body was also conferred with fellow of the institute. According to Malami, “This, indeed, CIFIA is an association that the ministry will be keen and exceptionally interested in partnering in terms of collaboration, cooperation and working together fundamentally on three plans. “CIFIA is an institute that is rooted in the fight against corruption; it is an institute that can help the federal government in tackling the menace of insurgency and it can help in rooting out elements
of fraud in bureaucratic processes and administration. “To that extent, we believe that collaboration with CIFIA will eventually pay off by way of engaging the services being provided by federal government and reduce corruption in governance. “In relation to the pending bill, it the desire of the federal government, to see to the passage of the bill because of its immense contribution to breaking to associated leakages inherent in our system. The federal government will be readily available to support the bill and see to its assent in the context of national interest,” he said.
Investors Storm Enugu for Business Opportunities Emmanuel Onumah New set of investors have made presentations to the Enugu State Executive Council on the possibility of establishing business investments in the state, in line with the robust investment drive of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi administration. A Morocco-based company, OCP Africa, the world’s first producer and exporter of phosphate rock and phosphoric acid and the number two in phosphate-based fertilisers,
made a presentation at the EXCO meeting on its plan to establish a fertiliser blending plant in Enugu State. Addressing newsmen after the presentation, the company’s Country Manager and Deputy Managing Director, Nigeria, Caleb Usoh said the firm chose Enugu State as one of the states to invest in the fertiliser business because of “the peaceful, secure and investment-friendly atmosphere” in the state. Usoh added that the company was also attracted by the invest-
ment drive of the state government and the infrastructural development in the state, stressing that the state government has exhibited serious commitment that “Enugu State is open and ready for business”. “We have seen the level of drive by government of Enugu State to woo investors to the state. We have a more peaceful environment to operate business here and it is really key for any business. You can’t operate a business where you are not sure of your safety.”
T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ MAY 6, 2018
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Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com
Judgment Day for Chelsea as Liverpool Visit Stamford Bridge
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urely, nothing but a win against Liverpool today will give Chelsea any chance of gate-crashing the PRmier League’s top four and qualifying for the Champions League. Afew weeks ago, afrer losing 3-1 to Tottenham, it seemedtheBlueshadbeencondemned to a season in playing in the Europa League. However, a late charge - coupled with faltering opponents - means Chelsea have an outside chance of overhauling both Liverpool and Tottenham, which gives today’s match extra significance. Liverpool go into this afternoon’s match knowing that a point will virtually seal a top-four finish. Jurgen Klopp’s side will arrive in west London in buoyant mood having progressed to the Champions League final against Real Madrid by getting the better of Roma 7-6 on aggregate in midweek. The Liverpool manager has likened the weekend clash with Chelsea to a Champions League semi-final. “Both games are very, very important,” said the German. “I have said it before. How I see, we have two semis again against Chelsea and Brighton. There is no chance to think of anything else and then we have two weeks to prepare for this game. It is not for three, it sounds crazy to prepare for this game now. “In the end, we need to be ready for Chelsea, it is the same situation as Roma. It is clear we can make life easier for us if we get a result. It is always a difficult place, but we will try to be 100 per cent ready.” Meanwhile, Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte thinks today’s clash could be a good time to play Liverpool after their exertions in Rome on Wednesday night. Conte’s Chelsea, who are currently five points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur, are chasing fourth place in the Premier League standings. “This could be a good opportunity for us,” the Italian said. “As
Chelsea will once again face the dreaded Salah (in red) who was one of theirs
I said a lot of times in the last three games, if we want to keep the hope alive we have to win. We have to get three points. “Liverpool are a good team. It won’t be easy, but if we want to keep alive the hope, we have to try to win, to get three points on Sunday.” Chelsea will have left wing-back Marcos Alonso available to face Liverpool after the Spaniard served his three-match ban, while
Ferguson Undergoes Emergency Surgery Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had emergency surgery yesterday for a brain hemorrhage. A United statement said the procedure“hadgoneverywell”butFerguson“needs a period of intensive care to optimise his recovery”. The Scot, 76, retired as United manager in May 2013 after winning 38 trophies during 26 years in charge. He was at Old Trafford last Sunday when he presented Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with a commemorative trophy. Ferguson’s family have requested privacy as he recovers in Salford Royal Hospital. The most successful manager in the history of the British game, Ferguson’s trophy haul at Old Trafford included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns, five FACups and four League Cups. Ferguson famously won the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999, the year in which he was knighted. United’s club captain Michael Carrick said he was “devastated” to
learn his former manager had undergone emergency surgery. “All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Be strong boss,” he wrote on Twitter. Ferguson began his playing career with Scottish club Queen’s Park as a 16-year-old striker whilst working as an apprentice tool-worker at Clyde Shipyards. His most notable spell as a player came in a two-year stint at Rangers from 1967. He retired as a player in 1974 when he was on Ayr United’s books. He began his managerial career as a 32-year-old at East Stirlingshire before going to St Mirren, where he won his first trophy by taking the Scottish first division title in 1977. Ferguson moved on to Aberdeen and turned them into a major force in a Scottish top division where Rangers and Celtic had dominated. He led them to three Scottish titles, four Scottish FA Cups, one League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 by beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final.
midfielder Danny Drinkwater - who has been left out for the last two games - also returns after a groin problem. However, both David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are still out with injury. Liverpool, meanwhile, are still missing Joel Matip, Emre Can, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with injury, while defender Joe Gomez is also a doubt after missing the trip to Rome.
El Clasico: No Guard of Honour for Record-chasing Barca Real Madrid will opt against giving La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when they visit the Nou Camp today. The newly crowned league winners are playing their first game since sealing the championship with a 4-2 win at Deportivo last weekend and Zinedine Zidane said last month his side would ignore convention and not clap their opponents onto the pitch. This is the first Clasico since 2008 to be played after the La Liga title has already been decided. Ten years ago, Carles Puyol and his teammates clapped rivals onto the pitch. But Zinedine Zidane was annoyed when Barcelona did not see his side out on to the pitch after they won the Club World Cup in December. “I’m not the one who decides, after the Club World Cup I understand that it wasn’t important for them
Arkwright: England Taking Nigeria Friendly ‘Very Serious’ Demola Ojo
As the build up towards the prestigious international friendly between Nigeria and England at Wembley Stadium gathers steam, principal actors in both countries are working towards an exciting occasion with the recent visit of Nigeria Football Federation stalwarts to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright. The Super Eagles and the Three Lions will lock horns on Saturday, June 2, in what will be the Eagles’ penultimate friendly match before flying to the World Cup finals in Russia. NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and the 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko, met with the envoy in Abuja where they were informed that the match would be used as an opportunity to organize a number of events both in the United
Kingdom and Nigeria. Officially, both countries have clashed only twice previously at senior level: one competitive match and one friendly. The friendly was on 16th November 1994, when the Three Lions pipped the Eagles 1-0 at old Wembley Stadium thanks to a first half header by David Platt. The second time was a group phase tie at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals in Korea/ Japan, where both teams ended it 0-0 at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka. “Let me assure you that England is taking this match very serious. It is more than just a game; it is a big preparatory game towards the FIFA World Cup. More than that, the historical ties between our two countries are there to be considered, so it will also serve to strengthen and enhance relations and
Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League meetings with Liverpool (D3 L3). They last had a longer winless run against them in the top-flight between 1985 and 1990 (10 games). Liverpool have won their last two Premier League games at Stamford Bridge - the only side to win three in a row away at the ground in the competition were Blackburn, between 1993-94 and 1995-96.
good collaboration between our countries,” said Arkwright. Pinnick told Arkwright that the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom is also involved in efforts to ensure the match is a huge success, coming less than two weeks before the opening match of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. “We appreciate the excellent cordial relations between our two countries and that is one of the reasons this is more than just a match. It is coming up only two weeks before Nigeria’s first match at the FIFA World Cup, and 16 days before England’s first match in Russia. “Ours are two countries that have so much in common. We believe this match will go a long way in strengthening England-Nigeria relations in several areas.”
to do a guard of honour,” Zidane explained. “Some say that they weren’t in the competition but it’s a lie, you have to win the Champions League to play in the Club World Cup and we are all in the Champions League. “I’m not the one who decides that I don’t want to give a guard of honour, they didn’t do one. With respect, we won’t do it because they didn’t do it.” Barca are four games from completing the first unbeaten season in La Liga history, having already set the record for the longest run of games without defeat in the Spanish top flight. In league meetings, the Catalan club have not been beaten by Real in the last three encounters, although they did lose both legs of the Spanish Super Cup in August 2017 to Zidane’s men. Real have won 95 of the 236 competitive games between the pair, although since the days of Pep Guardiola the tide has turned, and Barca have now won 92 times in this fixture. Zidane’s side secured their place in a fourth Champions League final in five years with a 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, but are still fighting to finish second in La Liga following Atletico Madrid’s recent slip.
RESULTS & FIXTURES Stoke Bournemouth Leicester Watford West Brom Everton Man City Arsenal Chelsea Barcelona
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Crystal Palace Swansea West Ham Newcastle Tottenham Southampton Huddersfield 1:30pm Burnley 4:30pm Liverpool 4:30pm Real Madrid 7:45pm
Sunday May 6, 2018
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Saraki to Buhari
“No IG has ever refused to appear before the Senate... But we must know these actions are a danger to our democracy. Again, we cannot say it is just to us because the president told us that he told him to go to Benue and the man refused to go to Benue and he is sitting there� – Senate President Bukola Saraki commenting on the refusal of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, to honour Senate’s invitation over Senator Dino Melaye
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simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961
PVC and its Many Limitations
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r. Fela Durotoye, a presidential aspirant, recently suggested that women should deny their husbands sex if they do not have the voter card, popularly known in Nigeria as permanent voter’s card (PVC). He might have put things rather dramatically, but he was in essence hammering on the importance of registering to vote in the 2019 elections. I have also followed campaigns on social media asking Nigerians to get the PVC so they can vote, as INEC will not be counting prayer points and number of tweets on the election day. Under military regimes, there were threats not to pay civil servants their salaries or stopping their children from attending school if they did not register to vote. Sometime in 1991 at the University of Lagos, a few of us gathered and started discussing President Ibrahim Babangida’s transition programme. We were busy analysing who should be president and who should not be. One of us, mischievously, stopped the discussion. “Sorry to interrupt,� he said, “but we’ve been busy speaking English for one hour now over the elections. How many of us have registered to vote?� Not a single hand was up, including his. We all laughed it off but he went on: “We will sit down here and be speaking English while the area boys, agberos, bus drivers and conductors have all registered to vote, and they will be the ones determining our future.� That was the day I finally decided to register as a voter. It felt good to register and felt even better to exercise my right and civic duty. Even if your candidate doesn’t win, you are somewhat happy that you registered your voice at the ballot. It is one of the things that make democracy beautiful. It is one reason democracy is described as government “of� the people, formed by the winner of the majority of votes. Another aspect of democracy that excites me is regular elections, during which you can decide to change or retain leaders. You are not stuck for life, unlike under military regimes and monarchies. Not forgetting, of course, the rule of law and all the freedoms that come with it. However, as the campaign for PVC gains momentum, I am beginning to see another danger around the corner – the danger of unrealistic expectations. The way people talk about “PVC�, you would think voting can on its own bring about good governance. If 100 million Nigerians are eligible to vote and they all troop out to pick the candidate of their choice, we seem to think that the end result will always be good governance and rapid development. That is the impression I get with this PVC talk. We tend to believe in the collective wisdom of the majority to pick a good leader. We, as well, believe in their collective wisdom to dump the leader if he or she does not deliver the goods. I should think what the PVC guarantees you is just your basic right – the right to vote and be voted for when you attain a certain age. I will stretch my luck further by saying that, in fact, that is the only thing the PVC guarantees you. The PVC does not guarantee that you will vote wisely or make an informed choice. It does not mean the winner of an election is the best candidate on parade. It does not mean even if the best candidate wins, he or she would do well in office. The PVC does not make you smarter, does not defeat poverty, does not overcome hate and does not make you a prophet – all by itself. It has to be the PVC in addition to something else. At election times, every candidate comes forward to promise us heaven and earth. It could be in council, governorship, legislative or presidential elections. The campaign promises are always about how rosy things would become “if you vote for me�. I have never in my life heard any candidate promise to make life miserable for the people. I have never heard any candidate
Buhari promise to be corrupt. They all tell us what we want to hear: that they will fight corruption, provide quality education, make the roads motorable, make the hospitals hospitable and generally make Nigeria a better place. Political season is the season of beautiful promises and grandstanding. Nobody is left out, trust me. Confronted with an array of beautiful promises, the voter has to take a decision. Unfortunately, the PVC cannot help anybody here. Intelligent or intuitive decision-making can never be guaranteed by the PVC. You have to take the decision with the PVC tucked in your pocket. Who should you vote for? The candidate who speaks English like the Queen of England? The one whose oratorical prowess can put Martin Luther King Jr out of business? The one who dresses like a model or bank MD? The one who has a wonderful CV with a “sparkling� track record? The one who is very good-looking? The one who is so well packaged you think this is the messiah we’ve been waiting for? Or, to go emotional, are you going to vote for the one who speaks your language or shares your religious beliefs? Or the one you were “instructed� to vote for by your leaders – the ethnic, religious, community and ideological influencers? Will you vote for a party simply because that is the one you have been supporting all your life, irrespective of who is flying the flag? Are you going to vote for a candidate for distributing rice and salt, thereby meeting your temporary needs? By the way, virtually every candidate distributes “something� – either directly or by proxy – at election times, so after you have collected from all sides, will your PVC help you choose who to vote for? I have asked so many questions that are better answered by the individual voter. What determines my choice is not what determines your choice. But, globally, some things are established. For one, no election is guaranteed to produce the best candidate as winner. You win an election because you have the highest number of votes or seats, and this does not automatically mean you are more competent than your opponent. It only means you have a better support base on the strength of your party structure, finance, charisma, packaging and publicity. The candidate you defeated may be more competent than you, just that he is electorally weaker. The question then is: how do you know a candidate who is going to do well in office? Nobody in this world can say for sure. For instance, when I saw the campaign materials of Alhaji Yayaha Bello in the “supplementary� Kogi governorship election, I said: finally,
Kogi is going to have a proper governor. For once, I saw a candidate for Kogi governorship articulate a programme cutting across all sectors with beautifully designed pamphlets. He was young as well. But what did he do immediately he became governor? He married another wife and began to stockpile bullet-proof vehicles that look like bulldozers. How could a voter have foreseen this? It was not as if Kogites had much of a choice. Alhaji Wada Idris, the incumbent that Bello “defeated�, was a disaster for four years. Indeed, in most elections in Nigeria, voters are forced to pick between “one week� and “seven days�. This is one problem PVC cannot solve. On the other hand, though, not many pundits gave Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode a chance when he was fielded as APC candidate in Lagos. He was not an orator like the incumbent then, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, or his major opponent, Mr. Jimi Agbaje (PDP). But for the strength of his platform, he could easily have lost the election. Three years in power and he has proved to be as competent as anyone. How could a voter have foreseen it? Where am I headed? One, it is good to register and get your PVC. It guarantees you a vote. Who you vote for is within your control. Two, the PVC is just a card – it does not guarantee good governance. Even if you elect the most “competent� people into office, your PVC doesn’t know what they will do when they get power. This is beyond your control. We have seen honest people get elected (or appointed) into public office but when they get there, they become something else. The PVC can do nothing about that. Three, you can get angry and vote out your senator, governor or president but nothing guarantees the next person will be any better. We’ve seen this a million times since 1960. What then? Sit down, fold our arms and start shedding tears of hopelessness? I wouldn’t think so. Voting with your PVC is just the beginning of the journey. It allows you to have your say even if you don’t have your way. Thereafter, the real work begins. We have to begin to engage positively and constructively (not negatively and destructively) with whoever is in power. We must demand good governance and police the system closely. We don’t have to like our leaders, but they are in power anyway. If they fail, we will all suffer the consequences. I am always amazed whenever I see Nigerians wish failure for their leaders just to prove a point of “didn’t I tell you?� Who does that help? The strongest power of the PVC is that we can keep waving it in the face of our leaders, reminding them that we have the power to send them packing. Some will even argue that we should keep voting in and voting out our leaders until we get it right. Knowing that they stand the risk of being voted out may actually be an incentive for them to perform. That is a beautiful argument. It reinforces the get-your-PVC argument. Your vote is your power. But then, there is also the assumption that most voters will take informed and dispassionate decisions. Those voting on sentiments may, unfortunately, outnumber those voting on merit. That is yet another limitation of the PVC. Nevertheless, whatever our emotions and convictions may be, we need to be very realistic: nobody can transform this society overnight. I said this under President Jonathan, I am repeating it under President Buhari and I will say it again if Buhari is voted out. In life, good things take time. These are the pivotal questions we should be asking: are we moving forward or backward? Are the signals positive in spite of the temporary pains? If we are not impressed, we should engage with power meaningfully while preparing to do the maximum damage with our PVCs in the next election. We can only wish that the new leaders we are voting in will be any better. The PVC cannot guarantee that. Lottery.
And Four Other Things‌ BLIND KILLERS It must be regarded as an irony that moments after US President Donald Trump told President Muhammadu Buhari that America would not tolerate “the killing of Christiansâ€? in Nigeria, a mosque was bombed, presumably by Boko Haram, in Mubi, Adamawa state, killing dozens of Muslims. I concede that I am naĂŻve, but the poor security situation in Nigeria is a problem for everybody no matter the religion, state of origin or ethnicity. The killing of Catholic priests in Benue state has further worsened religious tension in the Middle Belt, but in truth nobody is safe. For a country that has, over the years, spent (and still spends) billions of dollars on “securityâ€?, nothing could be more troubling. Helpless? CODEINE CARNAGE One of the best ways of getting the Nigerian government to act on any issue is for the foreign media to highlight it. It always works. We care more about how outsiders perceive us than what we really are. Kudos to the BBC for the excellent report on the abuse of codeine-containing medications in Nigeria. Kudos to Mrs Ruona AgbrokoMeyer, the Nigerian journalist, who did the wonderful job. The Nigerian media has been reporting this, and other social drug menaces, for years but government never acted until the BBC took it up. Can the CNN please help Nigerians highlight the parlous state of our public hospitals and medical centres? There is no way government won’t act. Banker. BUHARI IN AMERICA President Buhari was guest of US President Trump last week and many people, critics inclusive, said it was Buhari’s best international outing so far. He hardly put any foot wrong, although some have argued that we set the bar very low. Of interest to me, really, is the criticism that Buhari did not request that US should start buying Nigerian oil again – to counterbalance Trump’s position that Nigeria should open up its market to American agricultural exports. Fair point. However, the US is now a net exporter of oil, so importing from Nigeria is of little or no economic value to them. For example, Nigeria is now a net exporter of cement, so why should any country lobby us to import from them? Why? AND FINALLY‌ Who doesn’t want to live long, especially when your health is not in a terrible state? Dr. David Goodall, renowned ecologist and botanist, is 104 years old and fairly in good health, but the fear of the future means he is no longer happy to be alive. He doesn’t want to become a burden on anybody, he said, so he travelled from Australia to Switzerland to end his life. “I greatly regret having reached that age,â€? he said on his birthday last month. “I’m not happy. I want to die. It’s not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.â€? His major reason is his “diminishing independenceâ€? – having to rely on people to help him do certain things. Life could be unfair, even in a dierent way. Mystery.
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