TUESDAY 1ST JANUARY 2019

CEOs Predict Bright Economic Prospects in New Year Goddy Egene, Chinedu Eze and Nume Ekeghe Despite the upcoming general elections in the country, some chief executive officers (CEOs) have predicted that the Nigerian economy will perform better in 2019 than

last year.

They stated this in separate interviews with THISDAY. The Managing Director/ CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, said, “I am optimistic about 2019 despite the fact that there is

an expectation of a slowdown in the first half of the year on the back of elections.�

Adeduntan recalled that since the Nigerian economy came out of recession in 2017, its level of recovery has remained fragile. “As we move into 2019, the

expectations are that things may be a bit slow on the back of the elections and given the fact that naturally, key players especially on the fiscal side of the economy would be focusing on re-elections. “But post that, the projections that I have seen

are expected to impact the general economic and business environment in the first half of 2019.

Typically, investors hold out until post elections, when a new government (with formed

are all quite positive and they all speak to the fact that the expected growth should be higher than what we recorded in the course of 2018.�

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Eczellon Capital, Mr. Diekola Onaolapo, pointed out that the 2019 elections

Continued on page 10

Labour Insists on Tuesday Protest over Minimum Wage‌ Page 35 Tuesday 1 January, 2019 Vol 23. No 8658. Price: N250

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Buhari: Elections Need Not Be Do-or-Die Affair Atiku, others preach peace, hope for better Nigeria

Omololu Ogunmade, Adedayo Akinwale and Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday joined other prominent politicians to preach messages of peace and hope for a better Nigeria in the brand new year.

While the president asked

Nigerians to approach the New Year with caution being an election year, saying the polls need not become a do-or-die affair, the PDP flag bearer said citizens have an opportunity to chart a new course for the country with the impending February 16 presidential election.

Buhari in his New Year message said approaching Continued on page 10

Obaigbena, Dangote, 15 Others Honoured for Contributions to Nigeria’s Growth Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Newspapers and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arise News Network, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, has been nominated to be honoured for his contributions to the development of the media industry in Nigeria and by extension the country’s national development by These

Executive Minds (TEXEM), a pre-eminent consulting firm in the United Kingdom.

Nominated alongside Obaigbena for their contributions to national economic growth especially at a time Nigeria is reportedly challenged with tough socioeconomic times by TEXEM are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Continued on page 35

Seven Killed as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities... Page 10 &20,1* 72*(7+(5 72 *,9( 285 &86720(56 025(

CONDOLENCES...

L-R: Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; his Sokoto State counterpart, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the president’s condolence visit to the family of late former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, in Sokoto‌recently

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TUESDAY, ÍšË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

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Seven Killed as Gunmen Attack Plateau Communities

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Seven persons have again been following attacks by gunmen on two communities in Barki Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The latest attacks occurred on Sunday night in Dorong and Nding, within the area council.

Five of the victims, who were returning home after a picnic organised by a Christian youth fellowship in Jos, were said to have been gunned down by the assailants, who had laid ambush on them close to Nding Community bridge, while the other two

victims died when the gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders invaded Dorong community.

The names of the victims of the attack in Nding community could not be immediately ascertained, but a resident of the community, Mr. Solomon Dalyop, who confirmed the killings, gave the names of the other two as Miss Janet Markus and Mr. Dung Pam. Dalyop said on phone, "I'm at the scene of the incident as I talk with you. At 6:20p.m. on Sunday, COCIN Youth Fellowship of Gassa and Nding communities of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area were ambushed at Nding

community bridge when they were heading back home from celebrating Christmas at Wildlife Park in Jos, Plateau State capital.

"The attack claimed at least five lives while the injured ones have been rushed to the hospital.

"Also on Sunday evening, armed Fulani herdsmen invaded Dorong Community and killed Miss Janet Markus and Dung Pam. "With the fresh killings that have been sustained in the past few days, we are beginning to agree with the rumour we heard that some armed Fulani have been moved to

the communities to disrupt the peace in certain communities in the state during the Christmas and new year festival and ensure that the killings continue so that there will be no election in Berom land because of insecurity.

"We call on government and the security agents to act swiftly and safe the people from the situation and also ensure that those behind the fresh hostilities against the people do not succeed in their evil agenda."

Confirming the killings, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Terna Tyopev, said, "On the

30/12/2018 at 1815hrs, the Plateau State Police Command, Jos received a distress call from Samson Bitrus of Gwom Nding Village that on the same date at 1800hrs some unknown gunmen attacked a Peugeot 504 Station Wagon on the way to Nding Village."

He said the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Mr. Austin Agbonlahor, having received the information immediately assembled a team that raced to the scene of crime but found that the attackers had left the scene of crime.

He added, "On the scene of crime, three persons were

seen motionless and they were immediately taken to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Three injured persons were also taken to the hospital.

"Out of the three persons that were injured one of them died while receiving treatment.

The remaining two persons in the hospital are responding to treatment.

"Citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses and volunteer information that could lead to the timely arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act to face the full weight of the law."

presents an opportunity to elect a visionary leadership in the forthcoming general elections.

The former vice president said in 2018, the country became the world headquarters for extreme poverty, but assured that if the country can chart a new course, more Nigerians would be lifted out of poverty.

Atiku said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m convinced that in 2019, if we chart a new course, we can become the world headquarters for hope and extreme devotion to the cause of lifting our people out of poverty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2019 is as yet a blank page.

As a nation, we must not settle for whatever it brings.

Rather, we must take collective action, through our choices, in making it a year where we revive national hope, with visionary leadership that sees our economy and institutions working again as they did in our golden era. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can chart a new course and open a new chapter that sees every Nigerian living in peace and prosperity with their neighbour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can be the year when our youths finally get a job instead of being unfairly tagged as lazy. With purposeful leadership, it can also be the year when we put an end to terrorism and usher in a golden age of peace."

The former vice president said the only type of leadership that could navigate the difficulties currently facing the nation and lead the country to unity and faith, peace and progress, is

the one provided by the PDP and its candidate in Atiku and Peter Obi. Atiku noted, â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it will not just happen by itself.

We have to make changes from the top all the way to the bottom. We already have the vision, the vision of a nation that is a beacon of hope for the Black Race and the world at large, what we lack and what 2019 can provide, is the leadership that has the capacity to translate that vision into reality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2019, Nigerians need a leadership that is 100 per cent for 100 per cent of Nigerians, 100 per cent of the time. We have seen where division and sectionalism has led us to.

Now let us try unity and patriotism.â&#x20AC;?

He asked Nigerians not to lose heart and hope, adding that Nigeria is no stranger to overcoming difficulties.

to their homestead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Specifically, we should remember to intercede with God on behalf of our sister, Leah Sharibu, and other captives from Chibok and Dapchi. May they regain their freedom in good health in the new year.â&#x20AC;?

The Senate president added that the New Year presents another opportunity to write a new success story for the country by working to make Nigeria great again.

He urged Nigerians to remain positive and hope for better days even as they celebrate the commencement of the New Year, 2019.

According to him, the current social, economic and political challenges would give room for better times if Nigerians remain hopeful and collectively work together to ensure a turnaround. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I congratulate all Nigerians who are today ushering in a New Year in an atmosphere of peace. While a lot needs to be done to increase the level of security in the land, revive our economy, gainfully engage our youths, the New Year gives us another opportunity to take steps that would lead us to our desired destination as a nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can only overcome our challenges if we remain resolute in fighting for what is right and doing the right things. We should ensure the coming general election is peaceful, free, fair and credible. All of us should abhor any illegal or violent

growth in the sector in 2019, saying the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy has marked positive turnaround.

According to him, more domestic airlines would join the market and there would be more inbound international and domestic passengers, so there would be more air traffic in 2019 compared to 2018.

He expressed optimism that the planned airport concession, establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility would be realised in 2019 as the processes have been in the works in the last three years.

According to NAMA boss, local MRO would ensure that Nigerian airlines conduct major maintenance checks locally. This he said would save the country millions of dollars of capital flight; it would create jobs and also lead to human capital development, as the facility would lead to skilled

manpower development for engineers that would man the maintenance facility.

Akinkuotu also expressed hope that the planned concession of major airports would be realised in 2019 and this would lead to more employment, the upgrade of airport terminal facilities and more investment in the sector.

In the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, he said that the agency would complete work on navigational aids with particular attention to Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) which would become fully automated.

This would help to improve safety in the airspace and quick dissemination of information. He also said that NAMA would improve its services in 2019 because of the massive human capital development it embarked on in the last two years.

In addition, Akinkuotu said the agency would also

BUHARI: ELECTIONS NEED NOT BE DO-OR-DIE AFFAIR mere elections with fear and trepidation was unnecessary, restating his commitment to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections and expressed happiness that many presidential candidates had signed a pact for peaceful and violence-free 2019 polls.

While arguing that the greatest number of Nigerians trust in the preparedness of his administration to provide a level playing field for all candidates at the polls, the president warned those he accused of promoting falsehood and beating drums of war, saying such individuals are only fighting a lost battle.

According to him, Nigerians yearn for a secure and prosperous country characterised by infrastructure development, a task he said his administration had been committed to since its advent in 2015.

Against this background, Buhari said the resources at his administration's disposal had been well utilised and secured from the reach of a few people whom he accused of greed as he sought the cooperation of all in the effort to build the nation of their dream.

He said, "2019 will be an election year for us. In about two months, the polls are due, and we will elect leaders into various offices, at national and state levels.

As I welcome you into 2019, I also reiterate my many promises and declarations that the general elections will be free, fair and credible.

"Elections need not be do-ordie affair, and we should not

approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear. Happily, a large number of presidential candidates have committed to peace, and peace we shall have.

"Those who continue to trumpet falsehood and negativity are on their own, fighting a losing battle. The greater number of Nigerians are trusting, and believing that we shall deliver on our promises for a level playing field at the polls, and that is what we shall do.

"Nigerians desire peace, security, prosperity, inclusiveness and infrastructural development, a nation they can be proud of, a country that can hold its own among the nations.

"That is the journey we have embarked on since we came onboard in 2015, and we are not distracted as we move on. We are resolved to build a country in which the resources are utilised for the benefit of the largest number, and not appropriated by a privileged few in their never ending quest to satisfy their greed.

"We are on this mission together, and I assure you of a firm commitment to the ideals of a safe, secure, fair, just and prosperous country."

Acknowledging that the country has been confronted with a myriad of security, economic, political and social crises, Buhari restated the promise of his administration to conquer such challenges.

He thanked Nigerians for their support and collaboration

in the past three years adding that he looked forward to the year 2019 with hope that the people would give him yet another opportunity to retain power for another four years.

He said Nigeria was making steady and sustainable progress in every area of its national life, arguing that his search for power was not for any ulterior motive but rather to serve as a platform for service to the country that is devoid of selfish objectives.

He added, "I appreciate your support and collaboration in previous years, and look forward to same in 2019, and beyond, as I hope you will renew the mandate you overwhelmingly gave us in 2015, for another term.

"We are motivated by nothing other than service to motherland, and service without selfishness or personal interest. I can assure you all that we are making steady and sustainable progress in all areas of national life. Those who are unbiased can see and appreciate the progress the country has made since 2015.

"A New Year provides opportunity for renewal of commitment, and I invite you to rededicate yourselves to the vision of a Nigeria that works for all."

Atiku: 2019 Offers Nigerians Opportunity to Chart New Course Atiku in his message said 2019 could offer a beacon of hope for Nigerians as it

Saraki: Let's Pray for God to Restore Peace in Nigeria Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, on his part, called on Nigerians to pray to God to restore peace to every nook and cranny of Nigeria as we enter Year 2019.

In his New Year message, he emphasised the need to remember "our fellow countrymen and women in troubled areas of the country and pray to God to restore peace in all the nooks and crannies of the country, defeat insurgency and successfully restore the displaced people

Continued on page 35

CEOS PREDICT BRIGHT ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN NEW YEAR cabinet would have taken office). We expect business to follow this pattern, he said.

Onaolapo added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The business environment may be slow and challenging in the first half of the year, but the economy will still grow, albeit still at a slow pace overall for the year. The new government will need to be proactive and initiate policies and actions that will quick the slow pace of the economy and position the country for growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stabilisation is expected to return to the economy 100 days after the winning government is sworn into power as it is expected to have appointed its Cabinet and the market will have an understanding of the economic agenda of key members of his cabinet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Nigeria is still an oil-driven economy, despite the moves made by the government to diversify the economy, activities in

the global oil-market will determine the economic direction of Nigeria in the coming year. Recently, there is perceived to be a glut in the global oil market which has led to a decline in oil prices and informed the decision of OPEC and non-OPEC members to cut the supply of oil by 1.2 million barrels per day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, this decision has not had any significant impact on oil prices which has fallen by more than 20 percent in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The decline can be largely attributed to the rising oil rigs in the US which has increased the supply of oil and weakened its price in addition to geopolitical tensions.â&#x20AC;?

Fears of an oversupply of the product in 2019, had led to JPMorgan reducing its price forecast this year, from $83.50 per barrel, to $73 on average.

To this end, Onaolapo noted that with Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

2019 budget benchmark oil price set at $60 per barrel, should prices go below this forecast by JP Morgan, it would negatively impact the execution of the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget plans in addition to other multiplier effects which a reduced oil price would have on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forex rate, external reserves and, by extension, inflation.

He also said interest rate normalisation in the United States would lead to increased cost of funds in to corporates with a negative impact on the growth of the real sector and affecting its expansion plans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We expect large corporates to seek new capital, for refinancing and stabilisation in the new year,â&#x20AC;? he said.

In the aviation industry, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, also anticipated

upgrade its surveillance by improving its radar and communication system.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN % VITAFOAM 0.40 4.40 10 CHAMPBREW 0.18 1.99 9.9 DIAMONDBANK 0.19 2.18 9.5 UNITYBANK 0.09 1.07 9.1 NIGERINSURANCE 0.02 0.24 9.0 TOP LOSERS NGN % STANBICIBTC 5.30 47.95 9.9 FORTEOIL 3.15 28.70 9.8 NEIMETH 0.08 0.78 9.3 AIICO 0.06 0.63 8.7 CUTIX 0.14 1.64 7.8 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â&#x201A;Ś1,485.00 Volume: 929.323 million shares Value: N3.951 billion Deals: 4,144 As at yesterday 30 /12/18 See details on Page 31

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ÍŻË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

THE MAIDUGURI PROTEST

Energy consumers should be measured, writes Adewale Kupoluyi

I

n what appeared like a drama, residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital recently protested against a 24-hour supply of electricity to their communities. For them, rather than rejoicing, the constant electricity supply has increased the amount they pay for electricity and has led to ridiculous and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outrageous billingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, as they called for a reversal to the 12-hour electricity supply they had previously enjoyed.

The issue of electricity supply is a big deal in our country today.

There is hardly anything that can be done without power. Not only is everything boring when there is power failure, business activities are almost at a standstill when there is no access to electricity supply. For those that cannot do without electric power, the next option is to use the generator. There is hardly any household in Nigeria that does not have at least, one generating set or another, as an alternative energy source. The burden of the people is worsened not only with the erratic power supply but because they are made to pay for what they did not use. This is simply sheer exploitation.

It is for these reasons - to end exploitative electricity billings - that the House of Representatives is seeking to criminalise estimated billing system by the Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos).

This forms part of the oversight function of the National Assembly.

The legislation, being sponsored by the Reps, is meant to alleviate the burden on electricity consumers in a country where the plight of power end-users is hardly taken seriously or considered necessary by regulatory authorities. It is not only electricity supply that the average Nigerian is shortchanged. Mention it; recharge voucher, fuelling, domestic gas and even basic essentials of life that we all get in the open market. It is one form of exploitation or another in which the people keep stomaching such unjust practices.

In practical terms, the bill by the legislators seeks to amend the Electricity Power Sector Reforms Act 2004 in order to outlaw estimated billing by giving penalties for Discos that fail to supply prepaid meters to their consumers within 30 days of applying to be connected to power. Estimate billing is done to give speculative recording of the electricity used within a period of time. No doubt, a lot of complaints against estimated billing have been raised by electricity consumers across the country with the result that virtually all the electricity consumers are faced with outrageous bills for electricity that they did not consume in the first place. The culture of arbitrary charge and estimated billing, which amounts to corrupt practice had been condoned and tolerated for too long in our public life and should no longer be allowed.

In line with global practice, governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment in business ventures are either privatised or managed on public-private partnership basis. Many citizens are frustrated that despite the sale of national assets to private businesses, electricity supply and other social services in the country appear to be highly erratic and going from ridiculous to almost non-existent level. The government seems not to be doing enough to punish erring electricity distribution companies for their inability to live up to the expected standards in relation to monies spent by the consumers. On their part, energy providers are complaining of poor returns on investment and that after investing billions of Naira to buy the outfits, they are neither unable to do as much as they would want to, nor generate as much

THE CULTURE OF ARBITRARY CHARGE AND ESTIMATED BILLING, WHICH AMOUNTS TO CORRUPT PRACTICE HAD BEEN CONDONED AND TOLERATED FOR TOO LONG IN OUR PUBLIC LIFE AND SHOULD NO LONGER BE ALLOWED

revenue as they should on their huge investments in the country.

The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s erratic electricity supply has lingered on for decades, despite the colossal resources allegedly invested; the situation has really not improved significantly as we were told. Poor electricity supply has driven up the cost of manufacturing and production, created uncertainty in the future of most businesses, led to unsustainable level of output and inevitable high cost of finished goods and services. It is unfortunate that many years after the privatisation programme, the power sector is still mired in debilitating challenges, ranging from poor liquidity, inefficient distribution line and weak transmission line, among others.

A main actor in the electricity production, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), is said to be hampered by factors such as high non-technical losses and low infrastructure coverage of the country with less than 40 per cent of the nation actually covered by the existing transmission infrastructure. TCN has, at many instances, suffered stranded generation such that the improvement of its operational performance and efficiency remains fundamental to the attainment of stable and reliable power. Furthermore, the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) gas debt is pending on the Discos while the cost-reflective tariff is still a big problem. On their own part, the Discos have promised to deliver over 1.8 million pre-paid meters to consumers, ensure an improvement in service delivery, extend the distribution network and scale down power interruptions, but none of these promises had been achieved after several years.

Epileptic supply of electricity has remained a national embarrassment. Despite the huge investment and the appointment of prominent Nigerians to oversee power matters, not much succour has come the way of the nation. It is widely believed that certain interests that are benefitting from the pitiable state of electricity supply could be undermining genuine efforts at revamping the energy sector. Therefore, there is need to restrategise on how to turn around things for the better by crushing the cabals that are working against regular public supply of electricity. It is saddening that smaller African countries like Ghana enjoy better electricity supply than Nigeria. As a way forward, there is the need to deal with the situation within the framework of the proposed law by the National Assembly and liberalise the production of meters such that different companies would be empowered to get involved in the production of meters. There should be no room for the people to return to the old exploitative way of procuring meters.

It is hoped that the people would be able to get value for their money and not be exploited all in the name of providing uninterrupted power supply. Policies that are hindering effective private participation should be set aside while genuine investors should be encouraged to come in. More importantly, the government should show the necessary political-will to make things work, just like in other countries that can take regular supply of electricity for granted. After all, the people are not afraid to cry out when nobody is listening to them even when you give them Greek gifts such as the one that spurred the Maiduguri protest.

Kupoluyi wrote from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

2019: THE BUTCHER WASHES HIS HANDS Charles Dickson argues that we are yet to be democratic in our ways

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some hours into 2019. To imagine that only 19 years ago, her democracy was only a year old. Between a Buhari and an Atiku presidency I have tried to confront the reality that we live in the Age of the Strongmen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the time of authoritarianism. The broad smiles of the neoliberals have faded. They had their moment to squeeze society and produce prosperity for the few. When the neoliberals squeezed society, wealth travelled upwards to the few and left the many bereft. It was in this condition of unbearable inequality that the strongmen appeared. They promised jobs and an end to corruption, but what they actually delivered was social toxicity. It was easier to blame minorities for broad social problems than to actually try and solve them. The strongmen continued the agenda of the neoliberals, but this time without a smile on their faces. They promised violence and they delivered violence. These are ugly times for Nigeria and indeed the larger society.

In 1935, the German Marxist playwright Bertolt Brecht wrote a short note on capitalism and fascism: Those who are against fascism without being against capitalism are willing to eat the calf, but they are against the sight of blood. They are easily satisfied if the butcher washes his hands before weighing the meat. They are not against the property relations, which engender barbarism; they are only against barbarism itself.

Amongst APC, PDP, and the others, it is the reality of our 2019, that is why you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a soothsayer to tell you that an Atiku is promising 50 million jobs.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Property relationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; referred to capitalism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in which a small minority of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population holds the vast mass of social wealth (land, labour and capital). This social wealth is used homeopathically to hire human beings and exploit nature not for any other reason than to make money from money, namely for profit. Concern for humans and nature does not drive the investment of this capital, greedy by its nature.

This capital stands apart from human life, eager to accumulate more and more capital at all costs. What drives the few â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the capitalists â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is to increase their profits by seeking higher profitability. In cycles, capitalists find that there are no easy and safe investments that would guarantee profits. So the excuses would begin! And like the APC, strikes on the system simply show the capitalists draw social wealth away from social use and dry up the economic prospects of very large numbers of people.

High rates of income and wealth inequality alongside dampened aspirations for a better life amongst large sections of the population create a serious crisis of legitimacy for the system.

People who work hard but do not see their work rewarded begin to doubt the system, even if they cannot see an exit from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;property relationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that impoverish them. Mainstream politicians who champion the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;property relationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and who call upon the desperate to become entrepreneurs are no longer seen as credible.

So the strongman Buhari, whether Sudanese or Chadian, the message of APC is that if we allow PDP get power no future seems possible. The

Buhari camp belittles the mainstream politicians for their failed projects, but then they do not offer a coherent solution to the escalating crises either.

Instead, the strongmen blame the vulnerable for the dampened aspirations of the vast majority.

Sadly with the PDP not knowing the ball game, their fangs will be flashed at the weak, who earn the anger of those who have high aspirations but cannot meet these aspirations. The PDP is drawing on the frustrations of people without offering any reasonable exit from a situation of high inequality and economic turbulence. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no collaboration, no competition, just a garb from same bunch of persons.

Either individuals and families or the state are moving into massive debt so as to increase aggregate consumption and save capitalism of politics and leadership from itself. People are asked to be patriotic, and governance is only asked to be profitable.

For the Left what really is 2019 about and why is it already failing even before starting? The first set of challenges is that we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t found a way to organize people who find their society shattered and their expectations confounded. The second set of challenges includes how to find a policy exit from this system and its limitations.

Time again will be spent pointing fingers at the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outsiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the losing politicians, the social minorities, and anyone who is socially powerless.

It is against these people that the need to build strength to a great future irrespective of who gets the nod in 2019.

There can be no resurgence without a firm

and complete defence of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outsiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a total rejection of the fascistic ideas of hatred and biology that saturate society. It is harder to build a politics of love than a politics of hate. Can the left movements (in this case our third force) develop a politics of love that attracts masses of people towards 2023?

Are we working to produce the sensibility that a future is possible and to engender confidence amongst people to fight to build that future?

Currently we are growing a democracy without democracy. Democracy or at least an illusion of democracy is the main form of governance but the oligarchy and imperialism have used many methods to undermine democracy, to dominate society without suspending democracy. The methods used are sophisticated, including to delegitimize the institutions of the state, to disparage elections, to use money to corrupt the electoral process, to use social media and advertising to destroy opposition candidates and to utilize the least democratic institutions in a democracy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as an unelected judiciary â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to erode the power of elected officials. So will Atiku or Buhari defend the idea of democracy from this attrition without allowing democracy to come to mean merely elections and the electoral system?

So the butcher washes his hands before weighing the meat, but does it change the source of the meat? If only solutions were in the men in these race there would be hope, but the year is bleak. Can we manage to change something?

Dr. Dickson is a Researcher and Policy Analyst

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

EDITORIAL Welcome To 2019, With Trepidation We should all work for a better year

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However, the situation could get worse if politicians and other stakeholders abandon governance in their bid to get re-elected into offices. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has since released the timetable for the 2019 general election, beginning with the presidential election on 16th February. Even if we admit that the elections are important, governance should not suffer at their expense.

We cannot keep doing things the wrong way.

We therefore expect of the politicians a measure of discipline and decorum in conducting their electioneering campaigns. They should work hard and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

t is becoming increasingly clear that Nigerians are being ushered into a new year with a flood of worries. The prevalent public disillusionment occasioned by severe economic hardship is being capped by the fact that the Nigerian authorities are fast losing the dominance of the machinery of violence to non-state actors. Right now, Boko Haram is fiercely contesting some vital territories in the North-east state of Borno with our military.

While we commend our military for their sacrifices, we hasten to add that the national security situation has become very treacherous.

Boko Haram, the brutal insurgent group that had been declared ‘technically defeated’ two years ago, still constitutes a major security threat. This is not to mention the other cocktail of crimes and criminal activities - from kidnapping, armed robbery, herdsmen-farmers conflicts, cultism to general banditry – crimes that constitute additional instability to a country already on fire. In Zamfara State, criminal gangs are on the rampage and the situation is deteriorating.

AS WE BEGIN 2019, WE HOPE NIGERIANS WILL EMBRACE A NEW SPIRIT THAT PLACES EMPHASIS ON UNITY OF PURPOSE AS WE SEEK TO ADVANCE OUR COUNTRY IN PEACE AND PROSPERITY

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To compound the problems, many basic services such as education, health and infrastructure are decrepit while a demographic crisis is looming large on the horizon. The unemployment rate, going by recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is not only frightening but breeds the risk of social, economic and security turbulence. With a large segment of the population roaming the streets without any means of livelihood and hope for the next meal, it should be little wonder why the social tension in the country has reached a boiling point, taking several forms, including violent agitations.

T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

e urge all political groups and their associates to steer the country from emerging political rifts and sectional conflicts. But there is also a need for caution on the part of the judiciary. In this election season, it is our hope that both the bar and the bench in Nigeria will, by their conduct before, during and after the ballots are cast, help to strengthen rather than weaken our democracy.

Nothing less is expected particularly because of the rising tension and violence occasioned by hateful speech, divisive comments and a polity obsessed with ethnicity and religion.

Against the background that all manner of frivolous suits that could affect the elections are being filed by politicians and their agents, it is important for the judiciary to insulate itself from partisan politics and guard its independence and impartiality jealously. And the only way to do that is if our judges imbibe the virtue of living above board, especially at such a delicate time as this. As we have repeatedly re-echoed here, the function of law as instrument of social engineering should never be compromised on the altar of expediency and corruption.

As we, therefore, begin 2019, we hope Nigerians will embrace a new spirit that places emphasis on unity of purpose as we seek to advance our country in peace and prosperity.

We wish all our readers a Happy New Year!

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

A LETTER OF THANKS ON NEWYEAR DAY

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ear Lord, thank you for another New Year.

Thank you for escaping armed robbers, terrorists, kidnappers, rapists, accidental discharge, and sickness.

Also for recession, hunger and poverty that didn’t kill us.

Thanks for our families, and those that matter to us.

For mum and dad, a loving husband, a loving wife, children, siblings, old folks and bosom friends.

Thank you for birthdays, weddings, naming ceremonies, Old Boys, Old Girls, Alumni, and reunions.

Thanks for good tidings and good grades, for good luck and good health.

Thank you for safe delivery, for successful surg eries, for quick recovery, for cancer survivors, for longevity and for small mistakes and big erasers.

Thanks for fried food without getting fat, for wine, without getting drunk, and for candies without tooth decay.

Thank you for stab-in-the-back-gossip, for forgiveness and for restitution.

Thanks for admission letters, for call-up letters, for appointment letters, and for promotion letters. Thank you for life, without the hard knock, that life is only fair, that the poor have hope, and that the rich also cry. Thanks for “controllable hypertension” and “uncontrollable laughter”, for hiccoughs that stop and hearts that go on.

Thank you for clones and doubles, for originals and fakes, for “Oluwole” and “wole and wole,” and for the more you look, the less you see. Thanks for “one” without the “chance”, and for “change” without the “change”.

Thank you for GENCOs, DISCOs, NAPEP, INEC, EFCC, ICPC, SURE-P, PMB, PYO, and NIPOST. Thanks for Azikiwe, Balewa, Bello, Awolowo, Obasanjo, Abiola, Soyinka,

Achebe, Utomi and Adichie.

Also for Okocha, Kanu, Oliseh, Rufai, Ighalo, Iwobi, Mikel, Musa, Oshoala, Oparanozie, Akide, and Dede.

Thank you for Genevieve, Omotola, A a, Davido, D’banj, 2Baba, Banky W, Wiz Kid, Iyanya, Phyno, Flavour, M.I, Skid, Savage, Olamide, Don Jazzy, and Chidinma. Thanks for Baba Sala, Papi Luwe, Zebrudaya, Samanja, Jagua, Ibu, Osuofia, Ali Baba, Basket Mouth, I go die, AY, Teju Baby face, and Aki and Pawpaw. Thanks for Nigerian Idol, Project Fame, The Voice Nigeria, Big Brother Naija, and Guilder Ultimate Search.

Also for Channels, AIT, Silverbird, TVC, Galaxy, NTA, Arise, and EbonyLife TV. Thank you for Olumo Rock, Zuma rock, Gurara Falls, Tinapa Resort, the Yankari Game Reserve, and the Sambisa forest.

Thanks for Argungu Festival, Eyo Festival, and the New Yam Festival.

Thank you for jollof rice, pounded yam, amala, fufu, garri, edika ikong, ofe nsala, banga soup, gbegiri soup, kilishi, suya, isi ewu, cow leg, cow tail, chicken, turkey and nkwobi.

Thanks for “No noise”, “No smoking”, “No loitering”, “No parking”, “No hawking”, “No trading”, “No overspeeding”, and “No farting.”

Thank you for “Post no bill”, “Cars parked at owners’ risk”, and “This house is not for sale. Beware of 419”.

Thanks for “Up-NEPA!”, “It’s a goal for Nigeria!” and “I don get alert!”

Thank you for “shine your eye”, “arrange me”, “settle me”, “I like am die”, “enter with your change,” “nothing spoil,” “dem go hear wen”, “diaris God,” “our mumu don do”, and “enough is enough”.

Thanks for “meaning?” “oya”, “o jare”, “yepa!”, “ gba mi o!”, “shikena”, “lobatan”, “alawada”, “eh ya”, “abeg”, “chei!” “It’s a lie!” and “na true”.

Thank you for “No overtaking,” “Many have gone,” “God dey”, “Make I come dey go,” “Na dem dem, “It’s not my portion”, “I reject it”, and “Back to sender”. Thanks for questions like “Who born you?” “Which state you come from?” “Which tribe you be?” “Who you go vote for?” “You wan try?” “and “Na only you waka come?”

Thank you for coups that leak, and oil pipelines that don’t, laughter that explodes, and bombs that won’t.

Thanks for Mother Africa without the mosquitoes, for the rains without the flood, and for the Harmattan without the dust.

Thank you for votes that count, for free and fair elections, for restructuring and for the will of the people.

Thanks for freedom of speech, for freedom of choice, for freedom of movement and for freedom to defect. Thank you for used security votes, for used constituency allowance, for used budgetary allocation and for Treasury Single Account. Thanks for a just judiciary, for democracy, and for the ghost of June 12 that has been exorcised.

Thank you for 1914, 1960, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1993, 1999, and of course 2019. Thanks for the Chibok girls, for Leah Sharibu, and for a Nigeria free of terror. Thank you for knowing that truly, Things fall apart, for knowing The trouble with Nigeria, and for remembering that There was a Country. Big thanks for an indissoluble Nigeria, for a better tomorrow, and a whole new Nigeria.

Finally, for jeans that fade, and love of Nigeria that doesn’t. For our biggest pain and for our highest hope.

Happy New Year.

Dr. Cosmas Odoemena, a medical practitioner, Lagos

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5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com (08114495324 SMS ONLY)

TRENDING NEWS

Ekweremadu Rallies PDP against APC Onslaught in Enugu Christopher Isiguzo writes that the two major political parties in the Enugu State, the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party appear set for the mother of all battles

Ugwuanyi

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head of the 2019 General elections, many political gladiators have started devising strategies on how to outwit each other as indications continue to point to the fact that the elections will be keenly contested in many states of the federation.

Enugu, though generally regarded as a PDP state, the battle for political supremacy will not be different in Enugu as the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears ready for an epic battle. With the way things are going, it’s becoming crystal clear that this, perhaps, will be the first time a major political contest will take place in the Coal City since 1999.

That perhaps explained the fund-raising dinner organized last weekend by the people of Enugu West senatorial district in support of Enugu West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates ahead of the 2019 general elections. It was the first of its kind since the nations return to democracy in 1999. That also explains the symbolism of the event- which is that it’s not going to be business as usual.

The leading light in the zone and candidate of PDP for Enugu West senatorial seat in the coming election is no less a personality than the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, four-time senator and three-time deputy senate president, the longest serving deputy senate president in Nigeria’s history. Ekweremadu could be said to be politically lucky. Though his meteoric rise did not come without dint of hard work; it was a typical rise from grass to grace.

He started his political journey as local government chairman. But before then, his first attempt at becoming local government chairman was meted with baptism of fire. He said to have been abducted and put in a car boot and taken on a merry-go round journey before he was freed. And of course he lost the election. He succeeded in second attempt.

Then he was picked by former Governor of the State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani in 1999 and made Chief of Staff and later Secretary to the State Government (SSG). He went to the senate in 2003.

In the 2019 general elections, Sen Ekeweremadu will face his major opponent from the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the person of Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Judicial Reforms and former deputy governorship candidate of APC in the 2015 general elections. Other candidates of PDP will similarly be facing formidable opponents from the APC, with a former two-term senator, Senator Ayogu Eze set to slug it out with

Ekweremadu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the state’s topmost position.

Meanwhile the fund-raising event was in support of Ekweremadu and others, including the member representing Awgu-Anninri and Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon Toby Okechukwu and member representing UdiEzeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Amadi; Hon. Chima Obieze (Ezeagu state constituency) and Hon Chuka Eneh (Udi South state constituency), who are second term cvandidates.

Others are fresh state assembly candidates including; Engr. Okwu Chinedu Otaka, for Aninri; Mrs. Jane Eneh, for Awgu North; Mr. Chukwuobasi Johnson, for Awgu South; Mr. Geoff Mba, for Oji-River and Engr. Uche Callistus Ugwu, for Udi North.

Speaking at the event, Ekweremadu assured his constituents, the people of Enugu West senatorial district; that they will never regret investing in him and others.

The lawmaker told his audience at the Base Event Centre, Enugu, venue of the fund-raising dinner, Ekweremadu said that the people invested in good cause and would reap bountiful returns in terms of good governance

Enugu, though generally regarded as a PDP state, the battle for political supremacy will not be different in Enugu as the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears ready for an epic battle. With the way things are going, it’s becoming crystal clear that this, perhaps, will be the first time a major political contest will take place in the Coal City since 1999

Eze and democratic dividends.

“We believe that whatever investment you made for us today will be a testament for development of good governance not only in Enugu but also Nigeria.

“We are committed to good governance and making returns on investment in terms of qualitative representation. We believe that working together we can make Nigeria better and we can make our various states better.

“You are investing in a good cause and we want to pledge that we will never disappoint you”.

The vice chairman of PDP in Enugu West senatorial district, Ozo Okey Ozoani appreciated those who made donations for the re-election campaigns of the candidates from the zone.

“Today is a great day for us. You are gathered here because you have seen things done by our political representatives including the state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Deputy Senate President, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu; and our state and national assembly representatives; in terms of human capital and infrastructural development,” he said.

Ozoani boasted that his party, the PDP, would win all the positions in 2019 general elections in Enugu state and Nigeria.

“By what you have done today, by coming to donate funds, you have encouraged us to go into the field to mobilize the people for votes. We assure you that the money donated will be judiciously utilized” He said that the people leading the campaigns at the state and zonal levels in the state are goal-getters, while the products they are marketing are good ones.

The zonal vice chairman stated that while Governor Ugwuanyi had done excellently well in infrastructural development and workers welfare in terms of regularly payment of salaries, Sen Ekweremadu was also impressive in human capital development and infrastructural development.

He said that there is hardly any local government area in the state that did not benefit from amenities attracted to the state

by Ekweremadu.

Ozoani said both men had given governance a human face and praised them for being youth and sport-friendly.

“I will not end this speech without mentioning the Governor’s impact in sports development, which has earned the Rangers International both the league title and the AITEO Cup in the last three years.

“In the same vein, Senator Ekweremadu has also committed himself to sponsoring of the annual youth sports competition, which has also contributed immensely in enriching

the Rangers International feeder team and development of various sports talents”.

The chairman of the occasion, and CEO Rico Group of Companies, Sir Eric Chime said that the occasion was not only to raise funds but to give honour to whom it is due.

“Sen Ekweremadu, the House of Representatives and House of Assembly members are representing us well; we want them to go back.

“We shall all go back to our wards and make sure we have your PVCs. We want all our candidates in Enugu West to be winning with 96 percent, while we will give Governor Ugwuanyi 98 percent of our votes. We don’t want to take chances.

“This night we have to support them financially, and then during the voting proper, we do proper mobilization to ensure we cast our votes for them,” Chime who donated N10 million with a pledge to supply all the water during campaigns said.

The chairman extolled the existing cooperation between Governor Ugwuanyi and Ekweremadu, which he said was responsible for the political peace and development strides in the State.

According to him, in the past, Enugu was heading into a major election without crisis.

He described both leaders as agents of peace, political stability, and good governance in Enugu State. He observed that the synergy between the state government and the state’s federal lawmakers had translated to massive grassroots development in Enugu State.

He said: “The synergy and sincere brotherhood shared by Governor Ugwuanyi and Senator Ekweremadu has brought peace, unity, political stability and good governance to our State. Enugu State has witnessed purposeful, responsive leadership and massive infrastructural development, which have uplifted the living conditions of our people.

This is exemplified in all sectors- economy; road infrastructures, water projects, health, education, among others. Our choice is to support them to continue the good work because we cannot change a winning team.”

More than N150 million was raised during the fund raising dinner witnessed by business moguls and politicians from within and outside the state including the state Governor, Ugwuanyi, who was represented at the occasion by the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi.

Also present were; the Director General of PDP campaign in the state, who is also the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Charles Egumgbe, the former Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abel Chukwu and the chairmen of the five local government areas that that make up Enugu West senatorial

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019

NEWS

PRP Set to Take Power in Kano, says Chairman Ibrahim Shuaibu The Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Kano state, Alhaji Sammani Sharif, has said the party has perfected strategies to clinch power from the ruling All Progress Congress.

At a meeting with journalists, Sharif, stressed that his party’s gubernatorial contestant in the state, as well as candidates for other positions are superior to their counterparts, vying for all elective positions.

According to Sharif, PRP has come, with the keys to unlock the good people of Kano from abject poverty that they have been grappling with for some time. He disclosed plans to disburse direct grants to deserving indigenes at the local government level to emancipate them from untold hardship. ‘’Our campaign would be issue-based, not on personalities, like other political parties.

PRP is alive in Kano. We are fielding formidable candidates,

who are committed to clinching victory on the platform of the PRP, which is a household name in the ancient city of Kano and beyond. We have the capacity to edge out the incumbent APC-led administration.’’

The Chairman emphasized that the PRP has come of age, spanning back to the days of its founder, which took Kano State and suburbs by storm, stressing that the party has been toeing the path of its founder, Mallam Aminu Kano.

He said, to date, PRP remains the only party that sensitizes its flag bearers, so as to conform, with the principles and legacies of the party, pointing out that all its members are law abiding and always monitored whenever they are campaigning, so as to ensure decorum.

While not disclosing its fresh strategies to clinch power from the incumbent administration, he added that the PRP was set to re-enact the ideals of Mallam Aminu Kano, which the people of Kano have embraced.

Ezekwesili Laments Killing of Soldiers The Presidential Candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed concern over reports that 700 Nigerian soldiers were killed in Baga by Boko Haram terrorists. The news reports also alleged that over 2,000 of the country’s soldiers are missing.

“Although the military and the Presidency have denied the reports, but the serial credibility challenges of the Buhari administration and the security team he leads as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces have created public distrust of any rebuttal by government. And that is gravely worrisome,” Ezekwesili said in a press statement on Monday.

She said, “The only way to ensure accuracy of the casualty

that Nigeria is suffering as a result of counter-terrorism at this stage is to inaugurate a citizens-led independent investigation panel.

Such an initiative would go a long way to eliminate the opaqueness of the counter-terrorism war and restore public confidence, as the case may be, in how the Buhari administration is prosecuting it.”

The ACPN presidential candidate also frowned at the consistent killings in Zamfara State recently, saying that the once most peaceful state of the North West region had been turned into a theatre of terrorism.

According to her, the security situation in the country shows a lack of effective leadership by President Muhammadu Buhari. “This is demonstrated in the very troubling

inertia to decisively confront and end the frequent killings of our citizens; especially our soldiers on the frontline of battle.”

She added, “The killings have tragically earned Nigeria the designation of the 16th most dangerous country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. Nigeria is also the 15th most fragile country in the 2018 Fragile States Index by the United States Fund for Peace.”

Ezekwesili stated that the constitutional mandate of the government to ensure the security of life and property of all Nigerians had been poorly handled, especially within the last decade.

“Tackling this will require commencing a security discourse and

planning away from a narrow focus on military responses, to a more collective and participative conversation of the structure of the Nigerian state and our security architecture. Our ACPN administration would without fail prioritise this.”

“We would be responsive to current and immediate challenges by revising the current containment measures to ensure efficiency, include effective public communication on security issues without compromising genuine national security concerns. We would also bring citizens in as participants in their own security, through the establishment of local peace committees as part of the national security architecture,” she said.

Otti Promises Restoration in Abia Nseobong Okon-Ekong The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on the citizens of the state to stand up and be counted as the nation approaches general election in the first quarter 2019.

While wishing the people of Abia, a happy and prosperous new year, Otti described 2019 as the year of restoration for the state. “God has promised in Joel 2:25, that He will restore the days that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the cankerworm.

The time for our restoration is now. The year 2019 is our year of restoration. Let us break the evil chain that has held our State bound. Enough is enough,” he declared.

In a statement laced with references to the Bible and signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Alex Otti Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kazie Uko, the APGA gubernatorial candidate recalled how he had won the election in 2015, before the victory got truncated.

He said, “As you well know, we won that election before the then governor led a gang of PDP brigands and compromised security agents to INEC collation centre and intimidated the INEC Returning Officer into truncating our victory. We tried to defend the mandate freely given to us by the Abia people, using the due process. We got victory at the Appeal Court, but the Supreme Court in its wisdom reversed it.

“But this is 2019. We are wiser now and affliction shall not arise a second time. Our promise to Ndi Abia is that we will not allow the event of 2015, where our mandate was stolen, repeat itself this time around.

We will do all within the law and humanly possible to defend our victory, against any threat by marauders. We are certain that God is on our side and Ndi Abia are with us and together, in 2019, we shall overcome”.

While calling for prayers and support from the church and all Abians, Otti said he was already in a covenant relationship with Abia people, with the publication of his manifesto. According to him, “I have already entered into covenant with the Abia people, with the release of my manifesto.

I promise to bring back joy, peace, and happiness, which are necessary ingredients for human development, that have eluded our people for about two decades of bad governance. I will achieve this by implementing the laudable programmes that I have enumerated in my manifesto.

The Bible says in Proverbs 29:2, that when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice but when the wicked doth rule, the people mourn.

“I implore you in the name of God to join hands with us, as well as support us with your prayers, as we embark on this arduous task of dismantling the principalities and powers and the rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places that have ravished our State and held her bound. It is high time we reclaimed our beloved Abia State from the occultic and devious politicians and god-fathers who have sold their souls to the devil.

“I have no iota of doubt in my mind that Ndi Abia are conversant with the fact that Abia remains the least rated among her peers, in the Southern part of Nigeria. The reason is not far-fetched. Abia, from all indices of development has performed woefully, not only in the last four years of Okezie Ikpeazu, but in the last 20 years of misrule by the PDP, which has been in power in the state.

It might interest us to note that Abia State grosses close to N10 billion, from both Federal Allocation and internally-generated revenue monthly. This does not include refunds from Paris Club Debt and bailout funds. So conservatively, one can say that in the last 43 months of Okezie Ikpeazu’s regime, Abia State has earned over N400 billion.”

HONOURING AN ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara (2nd right) wife of Late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Hajiya Aishatu Jummai Tafawa Balewa (right) and the children of the late Prime Minister, Alhaji Mu’azu Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (left) and Zainab Tafawa Balewa, during the Speaker’s visit to the family in Bauchi

We Have Strategies to Defeat Boko Haram, Herdsmen Militias, says Gana Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prof. Jerry Gana has presented his policy document, code-named ‘SWIFT’ in Abuja, while claiming that it had designed specific strategies to defeat Boko Haram and herdsmen militias. He also promised to increase the numerical strength of the Nigeria Police to 900,000 and also increase the number of Assistant Inspector General of Police by posting one to every state and assigning one commissioner of police t every senatorial district.

On December 14, 2018, a Federal High Court declared him as the authentic presidential candidate of the party.

“We have designed specific strategies to decisively fight Book

Haram and the herdsmen militia, kidnappers and armed robbers, but for obvious reasons we won’t disclose our strategies, he said.”

Speaking further Gana said, “We are under policed and the police is under equipped. They are doing their best given the training and the facilities at their disposal. If we must secure our people then we must increase the number of the officers of the Nigeria Police to 900,000, with each state having not less than 25,000.”

He submitted, “Though state governors are chief security officers in their states, they don’t really have that control over the police.

We will have in each senatorial district a commissioner of police for efficient policing. We will have an Assistant Inspector General in every state of the federation. And we make sure that the presence of

police officers are felt at the ward level. This will be done in the first six months. In doing this we must also strengthen the police with modern equipment and hi-tech equipment for solutions.”

He also promised to return Nigeria to true federalism, “We want federalism that reflects the will and the aspirations of the people; fiscal federalism. “The Fiscal Responsibility Act will be replaced with Fiscal Expansionary Act which allows for economic growth.”

While explaining the SWIFT he said, “The SWIFT program has been meticulously designed to ignite productive growth and thereby mitigate Nigeria’s current socio-economic and governance crises, and set the momentum for sustainable growth of the economy.

The core of SWIFT is structured

to foster a Nigeria that works for all Nigerians, driven by common objectives and people’s participation in Reworking Nigeria Together.

For emphasis, our social contract with the Nigerian people and directive principles are fundamentally anchored on the restoration of human dignity; promotion of the rule of law; strategic focus on the welfare of the Nigerian people; enthronement of new governance processes; delivery of social justice; and respect for human dignity, human rights, ethno-religious harmony and the sanctity of human life.” He said SWIFT stands for; S: Security Reengineering, W: Wealth Creation, I: Infrastructure Excellence and Power Supply, F: Fight Against Corruption and Indiscipline and. T: Technology, Education and Human Development

I Will Heal the Wounds of Biafra, Olawepo-Hashim Promises Nseobong Okon-Ekong Presidential candidate of the Peoples Trust (PT), Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said that he will heal the wounds of Biafra if elected president.

The PT candidate spoke in Enugu, at a meeting with various groups in preparation of his nationwide campaign, told the people that current happenings in Nigeria was not what many had envisaged.

He however declared that his

presidency would bring unity and harmony among the various divides. He also assured Southeasterners that he would bring in measures that will heal the pains felt by the zone and make Nigeria truly united.

Olawepo-Hashim, who also consulted with stakeholders and community leaders in the South East geo-political zone said that his candidature would guarantee equity in the Nigerian federation.

According to Olawepo-Hashim, if elected president, he would

create a legislative framework within six months for the creation of one more state in the Southeast, so that the region would be in the same footing with the rest of the country.

He said: “the 2019 elections is going to be an unusual election, in the sense that it is almost a referendum on the future of Nigeria, on its peace and stability, on its security, on its continuity and of course, most importantly, about the prosperity of Nigeria.

“The South-east zone is very

crucial. The way we handle issues that affect us and are germane to the people would determine whether we will continue to live in unity and peace as an indivisible entity. “And of course, there have been a lot of wounds in this part of Nigeria. People carry a lot of wounds. Just like a lot of communities in Nigeria and states also carry some kind of wounds. But there is no other place in Nigeria where these wounds are so deep as we have it in the South-east of Nigeria.”

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5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

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5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

A

01.01.2019

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

‘APC CANDIDATES MUSN’T APPEAR ON BALLOT PAPERS IN RIVERS STATE’

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON

2/DASHBOARD

01.01.2019

Leave to Appeal: Requirement to Appeal Consent Judgement PAGE 4

Activists Ask FG to End the Killings in Zamfara PAGE 5

Kogi Judiciary Blame Gov. Bello for their Plight PAGE 5

Annual Gani Fawehinmi’s Lecture Holds January 15 PAGE 5

Lagos Law Firm Marks 50th Anniversary, Celebrates Founder

QUOTABLES ‘You are all aware, of how some of the questionable economic decisions and practices in recent years, sowed the seeds of many of the economic troubles that became full blown shortly after we came into office in 2015. We emerged from the biggest oil boom in the country, with oil prices at between $100 and $114 for four to five consistent years, in 2011-2014. We emerged, not just with depleted external reserves, but also no commensurate level of investment in infrastructure, for the welfare of the Nigerian people.’

– Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Professor of Law, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

PAGE 6

‘Young Lawyers Must stay Focused and Strive towards Constant Improvement’

‘I am at best, ambivalent about the current version of this fight against corruption...If you look at our history, it has been there since independence. Tafawa Balewa fought it, and got killed. On 15/1/66, Nzeogwu announced his coup condemning the ten percenter......

Why is that every government claims to fight corruption, and yet, none appears to succeed in it, and yet, none seems to do it properly? I have very serious doubts about this current version of the fight against corruption.’

– Dr Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission

PAGE 6

Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN 1930-2018: An Appreciation PAGE 7

COLUMNISTS DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIARB, PH.D, LL.D Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Dr. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He cofounded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria's pioneer human rights league, on October 15,1987, the Universal Defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Dr. Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

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

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

/3

Time Up for IGP Ibrahim Idris

I

2019: My Expectations wish you all my dear Readers, an extremely happy and prosperous 2019 and beyond. We thank God, for sparing our lives to see another year; a year, which happens to be an important year of decision for Nigerians; one that will shape our lives for the next four years, and beyond.

At the beginning of 2018, I told you that, I was not sure whether it was worth having any expectations for the year - in the words of Alexander Pope – “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed”. This simply means that, if one does not anticipate that anything positive will happen, there will be no disappointment, when it actually does not happen. Of course, my hope for 2018 was simply that Government would make good on its campaign promises, which were more or less in concert with Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution), that is, Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, especially fighting corruption and insecurity, and improving the economy.

Alas! I showed you Government’s scorecard last week. They have fared rather poorly, so far. Is there therefore, any point in having any expectations for 2019? What with Transparency International rating Nigeria as worse in corruption in 2017, and the Nigeria Police being rated as the worst in the world. I’m quite sure that, now that we are in a season of campaign, we will hear more false promises from Government and politicians in general (which no one intends to fulfil), more than anything else.

However, my hope and prayer for 2019, is for us to have peaceful, free and fair elections next month. The two governorship elections which took place in Ekiti and Osun States last year, were anything but peaceful, free and fair. They

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris

were marred with violence, with many accusing the Nigeria Police Force of not only being partisan and partial towards the APC, but the main culprit behind unleashing violence on voters, even arresting political leaders of the opposition, on the eve of the elections.

IG Idris Kpotum Well, for many Nigerians, especially those from places like Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau and Rivers States, there is some good news on the horizon - “Every cloud has a silver lining”. We are due for a change of baton in the Police, in exactly two weeks. Come January 15, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris Kpotum mni (IG), will attain the age of 60 and become a sexagenarian. Happy Birthday Sir! 60 years, is the retirement age of the Nigeria Police Force. There is no option of 60 years or 35 years of service, as in the case of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. And even if there is, over beloved IG also reaches 35 years of ‘meritorious’ service to the Force this year, as he was commissioned as a Police Officer in 1984.

In any event, there is no provision in the Constitution, for the extension of tenure of the IG, past the retirement age. The Nigeria Police’s governing body is the Ministry of Interior, and therefore, the Police does not qualify as an extra-ministerial body, whose head can serve at the pleasure of the President, such pleasure however, ceasing when the President ceases to hold office (Section 171(2)(d) and Section 171(6) of the Constitution).

The question is, whether the Executive will do the right thing, or whether in its typical manner of not caring or giving a damn about what is lawful, act contrary to the provisions of the law. Come to think of it, it is really not the President’s call, to do anything, since the IG’s tenure is over, by virtue of the effluxion of

time. By now, the Nigeria Police Force should have concluded plans, for a grand passing out parade ceremony at Eagle Square, for the outgoing IG, as is customary.

We are all aware that in 2017, the Nigeria Police Force was adjudged to be the worst in the world, by a Global Index; it was scored 127th out of 127 countries. So, if it is on the basis of performance, there is no reason for the IG to stay on. The IG, once he is appointed, either retires on attaining the age of 60 or is removed from office for some reason or the other.

It seems that, these are some of the anomalies which the Police Act (Repeal and Re- Enactment) Bill 2018, which has passed the second reading in the Senate, seeks to correct. For instance, it provides for a five year tenure for the IG. It will replace the outdated 75 year old Police Act, which has been in force since April 1, 1943, without any amendment.

It is obvious that, the Nigeria Police Council (NPC), which comprises of the President, the Governors, the Chairman of the Police Commission, and the IG, has gone to sleep. One of the duties of the NPC, is to oversee the operations of the Police, but for example, even with the complaints of Nigerians, killings in Benue, the failure of the IG to relocate to Benue State at the height of the crisis, as instructed by the President, the NPC was completely silent. Nigerians hope that this time around, the NPC will play its constitutional role, as provided by Section 215(1)(a) of the Constitution, and actually properly advice the President on the choice of a new competent IG, taking into consideration the state of Nigeria’s security.

Wise Words of President Obama Let me conclude, by referring once again, to a statement made by President Barrack Obama, during his visit to Kenya

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

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

“ANY ATTEMPT TO EXTEND THE TENURE OF IG IBRAHIM IDRIS KPOTUM PAST THE RETIREMENT AGE, WILL BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNLAWFUL. EXTENDING HIS TENURE, WOULD NOT ONLY GO A LONG WAY TO CONFIRM THE ALLEGATIONS WHICH MANY NIGERIANS HAVE MADE AGAINST THE PRESIDENT AND HIS ADVISERS - THAT THEY ARE TRIBALISTIC, NEPOTISTIC, PARTISAN, CLANNISH....”

in July, 2015, a few months before he left office. He said that, even though he was still young (54 years old at the time) and had a lot to offer, the Constitution of the United States of America did not permit him to serve more than two terms, which he had almost completed. As such, he would be handing over to President No. 45 come January, 2016. He urged African leaders, to learn to do the same.

President Obama also added that, any system which insists that a particular individual is so good at a job, that no one else can replace him/her, is unsuccessful, as it has failed to train its personnel adequately. I certainly, concur.

Any attempt to extend the tenure of IG Ibrahim Idris Kpotum past the retirement age, will be unconstitutional and unlawful.

Extending his tenure, would not only go a long way to confirm the allegations which many Nigerians have made against the President and his advisers - that they are tribalistic, nepotistic, partisan, clannish, and insensitive to the plight of those that are being slaughtered everyday

by Herdsmen in places like Benue, but above all, that they do not have much regard for the rule of law. This is an opportunity for the President to prove the ‘naysayers’, and indeed, even the world, wrong.

4/LAW REPORT

01.01.2019

Leave to Appeal: Requirement to Appeal Consent Judgement

T Facts

he Respondents had instituted the action leading to this appeal, against the Appellant at the High Court of Rivers State. The Appellant, who was not satisfied with the decision of the lower Court, filed a Notice of Appeal and Grounds of Appeal challenging the decision.

At the Court of Appeal, the Respondents filed a Motion on Notice seeking to strike out the Appellant’s Notice of Appeal for being incompetent, on the basis that the decision being a consent judgment, the Appellant ought to have sought and obtained leave of Court before filing the appeal. The Respondent’s Motion on Notice was supported by an Affidavit and two exhibits.

In response, the Appellant did not file a Counter-Affidavit to the application, but chose to oppose the application on points of law, and prayed the court to be allowed to address the court on the application.

The court noted that, being an Election Matter and as a matter of practice in the court, the Appellant ought to have filed its response to the application before the date; nonetheless, the prayer of the Appellant to respond orally to the application, was granted by the court on the ground of fair hearing.

Issue for Determination Whether the judgement of the High Court of Rivers State, was a Consent Judgement requiring leave of court to appeal against same.

Arguments Counsel for the Respondents submitted in support of their application to strike out the appeal, that the decision being challenged by the Appellant is a Consent Judgement which requires leave of Court.

Counsel posited that, an appeal of this nature is not as of right, as the grounds of appeal were of mixed law and facts going by the provisions of Section 241(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the authority of EGEMOLE v OGUEKRE (2008) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1101) 544. Counsel also referred to the judgement of the High Court (Exhibit A), where the consent was shown. He submitted that, the Appellant was represented by Counsel, heard and given fair hearing in the determination of the issue(s) before the High Court.

The Appellant, on its part, argued that its appeal was pursuant to Section 243 of the 1999 Constitution, and that same was as of right, as the grounds of appeal were on grounds of law, thereby obviating the need to seek leave of court. Counsel argued further that, its appeal was not based on a Consent Judgement as there was no Terms of Settlement shown in the Record of Appeal, and that this is the only way parties can demonstrate their intention to settle out of court amicably by way of consent.

Counsel for the Appellant submitted that, all the parties to the action must sign the terms, and that the Appellant never

In the Court of Appeal In the Port Harcourt Judicial Division Holden at Port Harcourt On Wednesday, the 12th day of December, 2018 Before Their Lordships A.D. Yahaya T. Akomolafe-Wilson P.O. Elechi Justices, Court of Appeal CA/PH/461/2018 Between All Progressive Congress ...........Appellant /Respondent And Ibrahim Umah & 22 Ors. .............Respondents /Applicants (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. A.D. Yahaya, JCA Presiding)

consented to the judgement given against it. Counsel stated that, a crucial issue before the High Court was that of legal representation of the Appellant, which was only determined by the lower court at a later stage; thereby depriving the party of an opportunity to be heard.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Determining the sole Issue before it, the court noted that, the Appellant did not file

“THE DECISION OF THE LOWER COURT, IN THIS INSTANCE, WAS MADE WITH THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES, AND SO, LEAVE IS REQUIRED BEFORE AN APPEAL CAN BE FILED. WHERE LEAVE OF COURT IS REQUIRED, BUT NOT OBTAINED, THE APPEAL CANNOT BE COMPETENT, AND THE APPELLATE COURT WILL LACK JURISDICTION TO ENTERTAIN IT”

a Counter-Affidavit to the Affidavit filed by the Respondents in support of their Originating Summons, before the lower Court. The law is trite that when a party fails to file a Counter Affidavit in opposition, it will be deemed to have admitted/accepted the deposition(s) in the affidavit of the party.

Counsel who represented the Appellant at the lower court (and who was not debarred from representing the party), agreed that illegality was unleashed on the Respondents when they were excluded from Ward Congresses. Counsel therefore, informed that court that he was not opposed to the court granting the reliefs sought by the Respondents; he consented to the judgement to be given in favour of the Respondents.

Their Lordships held that going by the record before the court, it is difficult to appreciate the position of the learned Counsel for the Appellant, that the judgement was not a Consent Judgment. It is of no moment, that Terms of Settlement were not filed and signed by parties. Counsel who represented the Appellant at the lower court was an agent of the party, and his action and pronouncement binds his clients. More so, there is nothing before the court, to show that he acted fraudulently.

Further, Section 241(2(c) of the 1999 Constitution provides that, an appeal against a decision of the High Court or Federal High Court made with consent of the parties or on costs only, shall be by leave of court. The decision of the lower court, in this instance, was made with the consent of the parties, and so, leave is required before an appeal can be filed. Where leave of court is required, but not obtained, the appeal cannot be competent, and the appellate court will lack jurisdiction to entertain it. ATTORNEY-GENERAL LAGOS v OSVOKA (2010) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1183) 68. It follows that, the failure to seek and obtain leave of the trial High Court or the Court of Appeal before the appeal was filed, is fatal. The Court of Appeal is deprived of jurisdiction to entertain the appeal.

Appeal Struck Out. Representation Chukwu – Legal Adviser for the Appellant present in Court.

E.N. Ebete with Prince O.S.F. Azundah and L.A. Ohajunwa for the Appellant. K.P. Luke with S.S. Okin and L.T. Mieyebo for the Respondents/Applicants.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)

01.01.2019

NEWS/5

SYMPOSIUM L-R: Hon. Justice Sybil Nwaka, Mrs. Joyce Onafowokan and Solicitor General/Permanent Secreatry, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funlola Odunlami at the Symposium titled, “Securing The Home Against Violence” organised

by Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team(DSVRT) held at AGIP Recital Hall MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, recently

APPOINTMENT L-R: Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, Mr. Ademola Koko, Newly Appointed Chairman of Lekki Lawyers Forum, Mr. Yinka Olasewere and Chairman, NBA Epe Branch, Prince Sunday Abimbola during the appointment of Olasewere, recently

Activists Ask FG to End the Killings in Zamfara Akinwale Akintunde Lagos based Human Rights activists, have urged the Federal Government to do everything to end the killings in Zamfara State.

The activists including. Femi Falana, SAN, Dr. Kolawole Olaniyan, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Adetokunbo Mumuni, Lanre Suraj, Malachi Ugwummadu, Amnesty International Nigeria, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, (CDHR) and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), condemned the incessant killing of unarmed people, abduction and rape of women by armed bandits who have been terrorising

the law-abiding people of the State, for quite some time.

In a statement signed

by Bamisope Adeyanju, SERAP Senior Legal Adviser on behalf of the activists, they said: “It is sad to note that, despite the assurance of the Federal Government to protect the life and property of every Nigerian citizen, the armed bandits have continued to unleash mayhem on the people of Zamfara State unabated.

“Recently, Governor Abdulaziz Yari announced that he was quitting as the Chief Security Officer of the State, and urged Allah to take control of the security situation.

Since then, the intensity of the reckless attacks by the armed bandits, have continued unabated. Having been left completely at the mercy of the criminal gangs, the people have

decided to draw public attention to their plight, by embarking on peaceful rallies.

“Since the fundamental right of the Nigerian people to assemble peacefully and express themselves freely, is guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), we support the rallies convened by the people of Zamfara State, to protest the state of anarchy and chaos in the State. Instead of adopting adequate measures to restore law and order in the State, the Nigerian Army has been dispatched by the Federal Government, to stop the protests. As usual, armed troops have killed a number of the people, for staging protests against the armed bandits.

“In solidarity with the people of Zamfara State, we urge the Nigerian authorities to:

1. Immediately end the involvement of the Army in the maintenance of internal security in the country, as it has always led to wanton killing of innocent people; 2. Immediately end harassment and intimidation of the people of Zamfara State by the Nigerian Army; 3. Urgently recruit and train adequate number of police personnel to secure the country; 4. Pay adequate compensation to the families of the people who have been killed by the armed bandits and Nigerian Army in Zamfara State; and 5. Ensure prosecution of the armed bandits arrested by security forces, for committing the offences of rape, armed robbery, abduction, culpable homicide and other human rights abuses and crimes under international law”, they stated.

Kogi Judiciary Blame Gov. Bello for their Plight Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The plight of Judicial workers in Kogi State, was occasioned by the failure of the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to perform his constitutional duties of releasing funds due to the Judiciary.

The Kogi State Chairman, the Judiciary Staff Union (JUSUN), Comrade Emmanuel Waniko, who made this known in a statement issued, which a copy was made available to our Reporter in Lokoja, said the Governor failed to follow the law as mandated under Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the 1991 edict of Kogi State that prescribes releases of subventions to the Judiciary,

from which salaries are paid to Judiciary staff.

According to him, it was the refusal of almost all the State Governors in the country to comply with this constitutional provision, and the judgement of 2014, that resulted in the JUSUN strike embarked upon on the eve of the 2015 general elections.

His words, "the purported impasse between the Executive and the Judicial arms of government, was blown out of proportion by the SSG, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade Arike, who preferred to refer our industrial action to the State House of Assembly.

"She did not exhaustively exploit, the possibility of

an amicable resolution of our refusal to to participate in the policy of table payment or pay parade.

"The singular act of the SSG's petition against the Hon. Chief Judge and the Chief Registrar, accounted for the suspicious plot of clamping down on the Judiciary without provocation.

However, he said that the present State AttorneyGeneral had consistently rebuffed all attempts to remind Government of their earlier agreement, even as their salary arrears continued to accumulate up to this unbearable moment that the Union declared the ongoing strike.

"JUSUN's interest is in

the payment of our salaries through our normal channel, just like the NJC does to the Federal Judiciary workers, notwithstanding all the commendable reforms so far introduced by the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, without necessarily embarrassing or attempting to humiliate the leadership of the other arms of government.

"For the record and the purpose of public education and posterity, it must be reiterated here that, just as our current struggle predates the present administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi State, our determination to CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Annual Gani Fawehinmi’s Lecture Holds January 15 Akinwale Akintunde he 15th edition of the Annual Gani Fawehinmi’s Lecture, is to hold on Monday, January 15, 2019, with the theme ‘INEC Independence, A Panacea for Credible Elections’.

According to the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Monday Ubani, the event which is billed to take place at Airport Hotel, Ikeja at 10am, will have Hon. Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court as the Chairperson,

while the Guest Speaker is Akin Oyebode, a Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence.

Ubani, who was immediate past 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Chairman, NBA Ikeja, explained thatall Presidential Candidates are expected to be Guests of Honour, while the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Lagos Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke, are expected to be Special Guests.

Judiciary in Nigeria not truly Independent, says Onoja, SAN Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja A Legal practitioner, Chief Ogu James Onoja has said that, it is regrettable that the Judiciary in Nigeria is not truly independent, because if it is truely independent, a Governor cannot dictate to a Chief Judge of a State, on how to run the Judiciary arm of government.

Speaking with newsmen at his country home, Ofante-Ogugu in Olamaboro Local Government Council of Kogi State, the renowned legal practitioner, stressed that what we are seeing now was an attempt by the Kogi State Government, to emasculate the Judiciary to bring them to total subjugation, in this era of political time where we need an independent Judiciary to mediate in a political cases that will end up in the Judiciary.

According to him, the issue of Kogi State Government and the Judiciary, is most unfortunate.

He pointed out that, the Nigerian Constitution has stated clearly, the principle of separation

of powers.

“When we are talking of arms of government, we have the Executive , the Judiciary and the Legislature, and by the principles of separation of powers, each if them is supposed to be autonomous.

"The issue we have now, is that we have a State Government who wants to dictate to the Judiciary in terms of how salaries should be paid, which the Chief Judge had resisted.”

He stressed that, one cannot imagine a government planning a table payment for Judges and other staff of the Judiciary, and the Chief Judge said it is not possible, because the Judiciary is supposed to be independent, to be able to discharge justice on behalf of the ordinary man, because the Judiciary is between the ordinary man and the Government.

"So if the Judiciary has to queue up in line, to collect salary from Government, then it will not be healthy for our democracy. If the Judiciary has to go cap in hand, to beg for its entitlement from the Executive, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

6/

01.01.2019

Lagos Law Firm Marks 50th Anniversary, Celebrates Founder Akinwale Akintunde The law firm of M. A. Bashua & Co, marked its 50th anniversary last week, amidst encomiums on the founder of the firm, Mr. Mikhail Adisa Bashua, SAN. The golden jubilee celebration, which took place at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos was not just about the firm anniversary, but more of a celebration of the founder, Bashua, SAN, who had, one way or another, left a mark on both current and former staff of the firm.

Speaking at the event, Bashua, SAN attributed the success honesty and integrity.

The Senior Advocate, encouraged younger Lawyers who wish to excel, to make honesty their watchword, and cultivate a culture of integrity.

“Young Lawyers must be honest, and understand the fact that law is the noblest profession, so, they have to uphold its etiquettes.

“Upholding the profession’s etiquettes, will get you anywhere you want to go.

Never allow overburdened interests to becloud you as a Lawyer; the client’s interest should always come first.

“Every upcoming Lawyer, should see this profession as a very interesting one; it should never be seen as a chaotic, problematic and difficult work. Once, as a Lawyer, you enjoy what you do, the sky is the limit”, he advised.

The event also saw so many in attendance, giving good remarks about Bashua, SAN. Among were two Lawyers from the firm, who have risen to the Bench of Lagos High Court, Hon. Justice

Kafeel O. Dawodu and Justice Abisoye J. Bashua, who is a son of the SAN. Justice Dawodu, whose father, M. A. Dawodu, is also a Lagos Lawyer, said it was difficult for people to tell which law firm he belonged to – his father’s or Bashua’s.

“This was because, I regularly practiced with both law firms. I thank God for making today possible, to gather in honour of our father. I cannot say much about my life without mentioning Alhaji Bashua, and the chambers of Alhaji Bashua. I am one of those who benefited immensely from his wisdom and guidance”, he said.

For the celebrant’s other son, Justice Bashua, he would never have become a Judge without his father’s advice and guidance.

“He told me something one day. He said, ‘It is a person like you that would be a success in practice’, and I took it upon myself to be the best and learn from him.

“While I was with him, he taught me a lot, and I really thank God that I practiced under him, because while I was going with him, he would tell me, ‘take your book along with you, take notes’ and I would do that.

“He would tell me, ‘read a lot of law reports and make your notes.’ I would do that. All of the notes I was making then, I have a compilation of them now. I use them when I am writing judgements, till today. I want to thank him very much, because he has played a big role in my life”, he added.

Justice Bashua noted that, he had not

L-R: Hon. Justice Abisoye J. Bashua, Alhaji Mikhail Adisa Bashua, SAN, Mrs. Shola Bashua and Mr. Moshood Aderemi Bashua during the 50th anniversary celebration of the law firm held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, last week

wanted to practice or become a Judge.

“I did not want to at all. He (Bashua, SAN) called me one day and said, ‘You have the qualities to be a Judge.’

“I told him I wasn’t interested. He didn’t say anything more. The next thing I saw, was one of my Uncles who told me, ‘Your father told you to consider becoming a Judge, you’re saying you don’t want to. You have to do it oh!’

He talked to me a lot, encouraged me.

“So, I agreed to give it a thought. I consulted my senior, Justice Dawodu and some other people, and I changed my mind. Now, I have no regrets at all.

I can see what he saw then.”

For Mr. Moshood Aderemi Bashua, who is a son of the Founder and a Partner, who was full of appreciation for his father, for showing him the ropes in law practice,

his father’s good reputation opened doors for and earned him friends “in the most unexpected of places”.

He also noted the firm’s impact on the legal profession, including winning cases which have become locus classicus.

“Its continuous legal practice and consultancy services, has been mostly recognised in several ground breaking cases, one of which is the case of Mohammed v Olawunmi (1990) 2 N WLR (Part 133) R 458 SC. “This case, upon the judgement by the Supreme Court, became an authority often cited by Lawyers and the courts.

“The principle of law in that case, is when a decision of court is regarded as a final or interlocutory decision, and, CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

Legal Personality of the Week Adetola Kazeem

‘Young Lawyers Must stay Focused and Strive towards Constant Improvement’ My name is Adetola Kazeem. I am a partner at Adetola- Kazeem Legal Practice, and Founder/Executive Director of Prisoners' Rights Advocacy Initiative (PRAI), an NGO advocating for the rights of prisoners and striving to make Nigeria’s prisons truly reformatory. It is also assisting inmates break the cycle of poverty crime and recidivism. I specialise in Dispute Resolution; Medical and Health Law; Employment and Labour Law; Criminal and Human Rights Law and I am presently, building capacity in ethical finance.

I am a member of the Board of Trustees of Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Network of Pro Bono Lawyers. I served in the Young Members’ Group (YMG) Steering Committee and Scale of Fees Review Committee. I currently serve on the Membership Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch. I am a member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), and was selected as a Reviewer at the LCA International Mock Arbitration 2018.

I am a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, and was a finalist at the International Bar Association Pro Bono Awards held in Boston in 2013. I am an aspiring Olympic Taekwondo Coach, I founded Q-MADI Taekwondo Club, a multiple award- winning club nurturing street children into world-class champions.

The club emerged the best grassroots club and the most improved club at the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation awards 2017, and currently has 4 of its students in the Nigerian Senior National Taekwondo Team.

Have you had any challenges in your career, and if so, what were the main challenges?

Challenges are an integral part of human existence. My major challenge in my career, is combining my humanitarian endeavours with the business of law. I am addicted to helping people particularly the poor, it is what drives me. The realities of life necessitates that one

in court advised me to ask for a stand down, to enable me familiarise myself with the file.

I followed his advice, and the court granted my request. I could not make any sense out of the contents of the very bulky file, as the matter was filed under the old dispensation when there was no frontloading of processes.

I telephoned my boss, who then instructed a senior in chambers, Mr Dozie Ogunji, to come and lead me. When he came, he simply spoke with the Counsel on the other side, to allow the court adjourn. Surprisingly, the Counsel obliged him, simply because they were from the same town.

Adetola Kazeem

should balance that with making money, so that one won’t find oneself in penury. I must confess that, I am yet to find that balance; the challenges keeps surfacing on a daily basis, it is a very tough one.

What was your worst day as a Lawyer?

One incident I won’t forget in a hurry, was in 2010 during my NYSC. My boss, Mr. Obiora Obianwu, SAN, handed me three files to attend to in court the next day. As a matter of practice, I ensure I study my files well, to avoid any surprise in court. However, on this fateful day, I had a clear instruction from my boss to take an adjournment in one of the cases, which was slated for trial. On getting to court, I indicated that the trial would not be going on because my boss who wanted to handle the case personally, was not in town.

The opposing counsel insisted that the matter must go on, and the Judge agreed with him.

I was sweating profusely, not knowing what to do in the circumstance. One of the Lawyers

What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?

My most memorable experience, was winning my first set of Fundamental Rights cases. I won three cases in three months, for three inmates who had spent 9, 10 and 12 years respectively in prison awaiting trial. The courts ordered their release, and also ordered the Police and the Lagos State Government to pay them seven million naira, one million naira and seven hundred thousand naira, respectively.

Two journalists who wrote feature stories on the cases, got nominations and won the DAME Awards for Media Excellence. Another memorable experience was winning my first Supreme Court case – BB Apugo v Orthopaedic Hospital Management Board (2016) 13 NWLR (Pt 1529) 206. I appeared against about ten other Lawyers from a reputable law firm, the case decided many salient issues.

Who has been most influential in your life?

The most influential person in my life, is the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBOH). He epitomised the kind of leader I want to become.

He was a Jurist, Administrator, Army General, Philosopher, Psychologist, he was the best husband, father and the best of mankind.

My father, late Chief Gani Adetola- Kaseem, SAN, had a great influence on my life. He

laid the foundation for whatever I might have achieved, and will achieve. His humility was unparalleled, he was very brilliant yet unassuming. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him the best of abode in Paradise.

Why did you become a Lawyer?

My father was a Lawyer, and growing up, I wanted to be like him, so the decision to become a Lawyer came naturally. Also, I wasn’t good at sciences and anything that had to do with calculation, so the only safe haven to progress in Senior Secondary School was to ‘quarantine’ myself in art class. When I got to the University, seeing the injustice being perpetuated around, I was emboldened to take up the profession as a passion, in order to give voice to the voiceless, and that I have been able to do within the limit of my resources.

What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in law?

My advice to anyone wanting a career in law, is to stay focused and strive towards constant improvement. It is necessary to take time to learn the rudiments of the law, and find an area(s) of special interest and develop competence in such area(s). They should be ready to make temporary sacrifices, for the actualisation of their vision and dreams. The journey to greatness is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you had not become a Lawyer, what other career would you have chosen?

I would have chosen Psychology. I still hope to take some courses in Psychology in future.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Only Allah knows what the future holds.

If it pleases Allah that I am still living, I hope to have been elevated as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I also hope to have moved very close to my dream of becoming the most influential legal personality of my generation in knowledge, character, wealth and in lifting others.

01.01.2019

TRIBUTE/7

Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN 1930-2018: An Appreciation Learned Senior Advocate, Eyimofe Atake, pays a much deserved tribute to the late Chief Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN, age 88, who joined the saints triumphant on Christmas Day, extolling his virtues as one of the most brilliant criminal Lawyers of his time. Eternal rest grant him, O Lord, and let your light perpetual shine upon him. Amen

I

n the late 1950s and early 1960s, my father was a Senior Magistrate in Lagos. But with the creation of the Mid-western Region in 1963, we moved to Warri in the current Delta State, where my father had accepted a higher judicial appointment. He often reminisced about law practice in Lagos and talked about the Lagos Bar of the early days and those Lawyers who appeared before him. One such Lawyer was Frank Odunayo Akinrele, fondly and affectionately called F.O.. Growing up therefore, one of the names I constantly heard was that of F.O. Akinrele. Said my father of him: “F.O. Akinrele, is one of the best Criminal Law Lawyers in Nigeria”.

That name F.O. Akinrele kept coming up, whenever law or criminal law was discussed. My Uncle, Chief O.N. Rewane of blessed memory, was disciplinarian. Being a Lawyer, he wanted all of us to study law and would give us several reasons why we must. He would state: “you must study law in the University of Hull like me and match or beat F. O. Akinrele’s record there”. To which I would jokingly add behind his back that, he wants us to beat a record he did not beat. In my formative years therefore, I often wondered whom this gentleman called “F.O. Akinrele” that my uncle used his name to intimidate and scare us, was.

As if that was not enough, another Uncle, Chief Hope Harriman of blessed memory, when ever he came to our home would recollect his days in Cambridge. He would often talk about the four brilliant Akinrele brothers, viz.: Christopher Olufemi Akinrele, Frank Akinrele, Dayo Akinrele and Marshall Olatunde Akinrele. He would tell us the story about how he and Dr. Dayo Akinrele as students in Cambridge, went up to the Master of Trinity College, Lord Adrian, to ask if their younger brother Marshall Akinrele, who was a student in Kings College, Lagos could be admitted into Trinity College. Said Lord Adrian “is he brilliant”? To which they answered “very brilliant”. Let him come to sit for the exams then. Needless to say, Marshall Akinrele sat for the exam and passed them all and got admitted to Trinity College Cambridge. You can, therefore, understand how that name Akinrele stuck in my memory.

Meeting Chief F.O. Akinrele It was not until July 1984, that I met Chief F.O. Akinrele, SAN in the flesh. His son, Demola and I were contemporaries at Cambridge. He and his wife, Mrs. Ibidun Akinrele, had come to Cambridge to attend the graduation of their son, Demola. I made every effort to be present at that ceremony.

But, the first person I met was Demola’s mum. I thought she was his older sister.

Then I met Chief F.O. Akinrele. He looked straightforward, uncomplicated, effortless, humble and unassuming in a smart grey suit. I took a good look at him and jokingly said thereafter, even if what had been stated of him had not been wholly correct, on the showing of his wife alone, he must be very clever. From that day onwards, I observed Chief Akinrele and listened to all his wise sayings, clever, witty, amusing and humorous comments. He had so many of them. But, if you think that you were observing him then that was your encumbrance. He was observing you even more, and knew a lot of things about you. He is one of the best judges of a person’s character, that I have ever met.

Alexander, who insisted that he must apply for the rank.

Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN

His Life and Qualities Born on the 8 March, 1930 in Ondo Town, F.O. Akinrele was one of the most brilliant criminal law Lawyers, of his generation.

He had an analytical mind that was logical, systematic, investigative and methodical.

If he wanted to get to the nitty-gritty of a matter, he would approach it in an enquiring, orderly, meticulous and rigorous manner.

His conclusion would be so searching, that you must put your hand up and say it was a fair and equitable decision.

He had his secondary education in Kings College, Lagos, and then went to the University of Hull, where he studied Law obtaining an LL.B degree in 1953 and an LL.M in 1954.

Beyond doubt, just as he was a brilliant Criminal Law Lawyer with a forensic mind, he was also an outstanding law student who was awarded the Andrew Marvell Prize for the best graduating law student in Hull. He was in Hull University, a forerunner to many distinguished Nigerian jurists, some of them retired Justices of the Supreme Court, who will not spare a moment to tell you about his exceptional academic record in Hull.

According to some of his contemporaries, he was a very disciplined student who was focused and maintained a cordial relationship with his tutors and fellow students. He was quick to lay down his arms, in the pursuit of knowledge. He was sharp in observation, a quality he maintained till he passed away. He was also very keen in learning new things as a student; no wonder he took up the study of languages and music when he retired from the practice of law at the age of 56. I often saw him reading the French Newspaper Le Monde. He spoke French fluently, a language he studied at home after

“F.O. WAS ERUDITE AND PAINSTAKING, AND WAS A BRILLIANT CRIMINAL LAW LAWYER. HE WAS ELOQUENT, SKILFUL AND VERY CONSCIENTIOUS. HE WAS COURTLY AND CIVIL”

retirement. He also played the piano quite proficiently, indulging in complicated piano tunes to keep his mind active. His keen sense observation made him quite knowledgeable.

He understood the character of people, and had words of wisdom for every situation, even if awkward. If there was a problem or issue, he would ask only the right questions and put the matter to bed in a fair, impartial, evenhanded and equitable manner.

His Legal Career Called to the Bar at the Middle Temple and the Nigerian Bar in 1955, he commenced his legal practice in the law firm of Thomas, Williams and Kayode. That Law firm was a partnership of three distinguished Lawyers of blessed memory: Chief Bode Thomas, Chief FRA Williams, CFR, QC, SAN and Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, QC, SAN. In 1962, however, he established his own law firm, F.O. Akinrele & Co. and started cutting his teeth practicing law on his own. He was a competent trial Lawyer who was honest and capable. These are some of the words my late father used to describe him, as he often appeared before him in Lagos. “F.O. was erudite and painstaking and was a brilliant Criminal Law Lawyer. He was eloquent, skilful and very conscientious. He was courtly and civil”. If you think I am patronising of him, hear the late Hon. Justice Adewale Thompson in his book Reminisces. “F. O. Akinrele was the most brilliant junior of our time”. Some of the factors that made F.O. Akinrele a “brilliant junior of our time”, were his good communications skills. He was articulate and a good listener, who had good judgement. He had a deep sense of respect for society and culture: societal norms and the law of the land.

Networking with him, I noticed that he had the ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions or assumptions, from limited information and materials, and could easily identify potential weaknesses in an argument.

He could also evaluate matters, and decide on the most suitable course of action. No wonder in 1980, he was one of the first set of Lawyers to take Silk, thereby, becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Some very distinguished Lawyers and Judges of blessed memory told me, and I verily believe them, that his humility and modesty did not allow him to apply for the rank of a Senior Advocate on time, until he was encouraged by the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Darnley

His Interests Apart from his interest in the law, Chief F.O. Akinrele, loved boating. He is the first Nigerian to be appointed Commodore, and subsequently, Trustee of the Lagos Motor Boat Club. I knew him also in close quarters as a Trustee of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, having been a member of that club for over 20 years. At the Boat Club, he made us believe that you have to trust the process, by so doing he inculcated and impressed the spirit of certainty, confidence, faith and hope in the Club and its members, exhibiting at all times, his sense of wisdom. He managed members with his people skills. He worked well with people, on behalf of people and had effect positively on the lives of people.

He was personable, persuasive and able to read others. And those qualities helped him to decide on the best approach to resolve issues, or to achieve a desired outcome. He was a committed man who persevered in his views by bringing to bear his experiences, knowledge, insight and good judgement.

Though conservative, he did not mind thinking outside the norm or the box, to find solutions to disconcerting and perplexing issues. He was a practical and realistic man.

As a Trustee of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, he would indisputably and unquestionably, be accorded a very high place.

Chief Frank Odunayo Akinrele, SAN will not only be remembered in the legal profession for his hard work, discipline, principles and his immense brilliance as a Criminal Law Lawyer, but will be held by all those who came in contact with him, in considerable esteem, respect, admiration, fondness, love and affection. He was one of the most brilliant Criminal Law Lawyers of our time. He lived a good, focused, resolute and purposeful life. He was an outstanding man, who had an unqualified sense of mission.

Service above self.

With his death at the age of 88, he clearly had very good innings. He played well, and did not give away his wicket unreasonably and without good cause and due consideration.

In a public speech, the last that I listened to, during the celebrations of his dear wife’s 80th birthday, he almost broke down, but he composed himself in his characteristic manner, when he stated: “I have fulfilled all my obligations”. When a man accomplishes all that he has set out to achieve at the ripe age of 88 years, with successful children in their various callings, two of them, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and has been married for over 60 years, with a wife at 80 years old still looking radiantly beautiful, it certainly lies in that man’s mouth to say with utmost confidence and without prevarication and equivocation, that he has indeed “fulfilled” all his “obligations”.

He would be sorely missed. Forever and forever fare thee well, Uncle F.O., we do hope to meet again. It was a joy to have known you, and a delight to listen to your wise words, and your witty, humorous and sharp comments. You provide happy memories, so your memory will keep. Your words of wisdom, are treasures that will be locked deep in the stockroom of our souls. I know that if asked in the other place, Chief what are you doing here? We did not really expect to see you at this moment in time, you will with a straight and direct look on your face give a witty answer, saying: “didn’t you know I was sick?” Requiescat in pace.

Dr. Eyimofe Atake, SAN

8/COVER

01.01.2019

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON PHOTOS: Kolawole Alli

‘APC Candidates Musn’t Appear On Ballot Papers in Rivers State’ He came into office three and a half years ago, to meet countless abandoned projects, heightened insecurity, electoral violence, cultism and a Judiciary that had been rendered inoperative for almost two years, on account of political wrangling. But, His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS, hit the ground running. In a matter of weeks, he was able to get the State back on track. The courts were reopened, a new Chief Judge of was appointed, new roads started to spring up all over the State, hospitals and schools were renovated and built, new courts were built while old ones were renovated, the NBA Secretariat was built, security substantially improved, and the bombing of oil installations and activities of militants, were curtailed. The indefatigable Governor, though a member of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party, was given the sobriquet, “Mr. Projects” by no other than the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, because of the developments which he observed, on a visit to the State. As 2018 was drawing to an end, Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi tracked the Governor to his office in the oil rich city of Port Harcourt, to hear his views on several issues. In his usual passionate manner, he spoke his mind about Nigeria, Rivers State, the 2019 elections, and why the responsibility lies squarely on the Police and INEC, to ensure free, fair and non-violent elections, all over the country

01.01.2019

H

appy Birthday Your Excellency. We wish you many happy returns Sir. Let us discuss however briefly or superficially, the recent Court of Appeal decision about the APC, that the party has no Gubernatorial Candidate for the 2019 Rivers State election. We know that you are not a member of the APC, but do you know how the APC got themselves into this situation, and the reasons that the Court gave for arriving at that decision?

If this decision is upheld by the Supreme Court, won’t the 2019 election be a walk over for you?

Are you celebrating yet? Especially as some have said that, Tonye Cole may have proved to be a formidable opponent for you?

Ordinarily, I would not bother to discuss this issue. But, for public consumption, and for other related questions you asked. Like you said, I am not a member of the APC; I don’t want to be a member of the party. If they have problems, they should be able to sort them out themselves. We all have our own problems, and we should be able to use internal mechanisms to sort them out.

But, from what I have read and from my investigations, I think that what has led to all this, is impunity.

That is what we are talking about. I felt that the Minister of Transport and his friend, Senator Magnus Abe, from what I heard, had some misunderstanding with regard to who runs for governorship under the platform of the APC. You see, the point we are making is, you remember, there was a time the courts were besieged by members of the APC, trying to disrupt the court activities, and trying to prevent the court from giving its ruling. But, somehow, the court was able to give a ruling, from what I heard.

Again, impunity, nobody obeyed the court order.

From what I heard, the Minister of Transport faction went on appeal, and got a stay of execution, which enabled them to participate in their National Convention that produced Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of the party. But, the Court of Appeal did not grant a stay of proceedings. So, the State High Court went ahead, since there was no stay of proceedings. From what I read, Magnus’ faction went to the Supreme Court, to challenge that stay of execution that was granted by the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, the substantive matter continued at the State High Court.

Again, they had their congresses and elected whom

COVER/9 they called their governorship candidate, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates from their own faction! The Supreme Court, in their judgement, said ‘No, you cannot stay or somebody benefits out of disobedience. Therefore, that stay was not necessary.

In essence, that order of the State High Court still subsists. The implication is that, that ruling given by the State High Court still subsists. In effect, it means there were no congresses, in the first place.

Now, the State High Court gave their judgement, and nullified all the primaries conducted by APC. From what I read, Tonye Cole went to court to seek for leave to appeal. But, under the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). you must go within 14 days. However, I heard he went after 23 days. So the Magnus’ faction objected saying ‘No, this leave is incompetent, because it is statute barred’.

Again, the Minister’s own faction, filed a notice of appeal against the judgement of the High Court.

The judgement was given on the 10th of October, while they filed their notice of appeal on the 23rd of October, which means they were still within time, only one day would have made them statute barred.

Now, Magnus’ faction filed a motion asking that the notice of appeal be dismissed, because the judgement given at the lower court was a consent judgement, and therefore, required the leave of court, before they can appeal. So, the Court of Appeal panel held that ‘look, on this leave to appeal, you are out of time. There is nothing you can do. On this consent judgement you are appealing, you need leave and you didn’t seek leave. Therefore, there’s no appeal’.

So, what that means invariably is, you are back to square one. The PDP on its part, has gone to the Federal High Court, Abuja to compel INEC to say ‘by virtue of the judgement of the State High Court and the Court of Appeal, to say you cannot recognise

“IN EFFECT, IT MEANS THERE WERE NO CONGRESSES, IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOW, THE STATE HIGH COURT GAVE THEIR JUDGEMENT, AND NULLIFIED ALL THE PRIMARIES CONDUCTED BY APC”

them, as persons who will participate in the election.

Therefore, their names should not be on the ballot papers’. The Federal High Court has heard it, and adjourned to January 7, 2019 for judgement.

So, when they say Tonye Cole is formidable, I am surprised. We have defeated APC before. He has not been in the game before. So, I don’t know the basis of his being formidable. If they say formidable in terms of money, ok. As a business person, maybe he has money. But politics, is not all about money. The people must know you. You must be around, and on ground. Magnus’ faction are saying that, they must declare them as the rightful candidate. That is their internal problem. So, there is nothing like celebrating or not celebrating. We are preparing for an election. What we have done, speaks for us. That is our own campaign. If we had not done anything, we would have been worried. The issue of whether or not they have a candidate, is not our business.

That is their internal problem, which I think they should be able to resolve. That is how it is.

There seems to be a resolve by the main opposition, APC, to ensure that you do not return to serve a 2nd term. We have received reports that, during the last election that was held in Port Harcourt, the Police/SARS were used to intimidate people and stop them from voting. Some people even claimed that law enforcement locked them in their Estate, refusing to allow them to go and cast their votes. How can you ensure a free and fair election in your State in 2019, especially as it seems that most of the oil producing States are in the hands of the PDP opposition and the ruling party, may, as a matter of desperation, want to wrestle them out of PDP hands?

Thank you for that question. We are not unaware, about the plans of the APC led Federal Government.

We are also not unaware, that they want Rivers State, they want Akwa Ibom State, at all costs. We are also not unaware, that these efforts are being orchestrated with the connivance of security agencies and INEC. What people do not understand, is that you don’t push people to the wall. Like we said, the votes of the people must count. I am not worried about them saying, I should not come back for second term. It is not within their power, to say so. It is within the power, of the people of the State. If not for rigging, there is no way APC would contemplate sponsoring any candidate to run in Rivers State. All the whole hope they have, is that they want to use the security apparatus to rig in Rivers State!

That brings us to the issue, if the security apparatus wants to rig in their favour what happens? The people will resist it. When the people resist it, it will lead to violence. So, government is preaching non-violent, free and fair election. Now, who are those who plant the seed of violence? INEC and security agencies! If INEC and security agencies don’t collaborate to rig, there will be no violence. So, in order not to have violence, INEC must say ‘we must do the right thing’.

In order not to have violence, Police must say ‘we are neutral, we are not partisan’. But, unfortunately, all of us know that this is often not the case.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police came to my office today to pay me a courtesy call, and he was saying they are not partial and I said ‘No! what makes you impartial? Everything has shown that you are partial, you are partisan’. You want us to sign a peace accord? I said ‘It’s not necessary for us. Rather, the Police and INEC, should be the ones to sign a peace accord to show Nigerians that they want free and fair elections. Hold us responsible, if the elections conducted are not free and fair’. I think that, this is what this accord should be, and not interim political parties.

If Party A is being helped by INEC and security agencies, what would Party B do? To fold their arms and watch them? No! Or you want to tell them to go to court at the end of the day? Nobody does that.

Its important that the Police must not just seem to be neutral, but must actually be neutral. You don’t go arresting top shots of a party close to the elections. See what is happening in Akwa Ibom. Using the EFCC, to make sure the government does not operate. For me and for us in this State, I can tell you one thing - We want free and fair elections. But, whether we are prepared to resist rigging, yes we are prepared to resist. That one should be taken as a bank draft. We will resist any attempt, to manipulate the election. The only way there will be free and fair election, is that INEC which is supposed to be the umpire, the Police and other security agencies, should not come out to show that they have a role to ensure that peoples’ votes do not count. Peoples’ votes must count.

We firmly believe that, one’s achievements should speak for themselves, and it is these achievements that should be the determinant for seeking re-election. You have earned for yourself the nickname “Mr. Projects”. As the 2019 elections approach, kindly, tell us what you have done to deserve your nickname, and what you have done to develop your State in the past three and CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

10/COVER

01.01.2019

‘APC CANDIDATES MUSN’T APPEAR ON BALLOT PAPERS IN RIVERS STATE’ a half years, which entitles you to run for a second term? We watched your 3rd year anniversary celebration on television, which featured a video footage of the ‘befores and afters’ of many projects purportedly undertaken by your administration.

Were they real?

Thank you. I didn’t give myself the name ‘Mr. Projects’. It was the Vice President under that APC Government, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN that called me Mr. Projects. For you to see at that level, for the Vice President to come to our State and call the Governor Mr. Projects, obviously, he had seen things.

So, it’s not a question of I say that I am Mr. Projects.

If you watch, I don’t just show showcase projects, I show people who have come to commission these projects. For instance, during our Rivers at 50 last year, I called the Sultan of Sokoto, to come lay the foundation of the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat. That was May last year. In May this year, he came to commission it. He laid the foundation and he commissioned it. So, its not as if it was there, and I just called him to come and commission it.

The National Industrial Court, the foundation was laid by the President of the National Industrial Court, last year too. This year, the Chief Justice of Nigeria came and commissioned it.

Everybody who knows the Court of Appeal, can’t believe it. We had to turn around the Court of Appeal. Today, people say the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, is the best. The CJN and the President of the Court of Appeal, came to commission it. It is their court, and they know how it was. They couldn’t have come to commission it, if they there was nothing there to commission.

It is them that use it, now us.

I am sure, you have seen the Doctors Quarters, named after one of our elder statesmen, Dr. Fiberisima, as you are going down by your left. It was commissioned by Dr. Peter Odili, who is a foremost medical doctor.

I don’t want to talk roads. That is a different matter.

You can’t believe that, this State has never had a medical college. Since the creation of Rivers State in 1967, it is now that I established a medical college. It was the Governor of Sokoto State, who came to commission the medical college.

We never had a cultural centre. As I speak to you today, I don’t see any cultural centre that beats this our Rex Lawson Cultural Centre. The Ooni of Ife, came to commission it.

The popular Garrison Road, which was awarded by the former administration at a cost of over N40billion in 2008, I was paying to RCC N1billion every month, deducted from our internally generated revenue. By the time we came in, it was just about 25%/30% done. But, the debt was so much. I called RCC, and we sat down, and they said ‘lets have N1billion every month’. And I said ‘how do we pay?’ We have internally generated revenue (IGR), and I told them to deduct at source. So, every month, as soon as the IGR came in, they deducted.

Check for how many years, two and half years, and they deducted 1billion every month. General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the former Head of State, commissioned that project.

If you take Woji-Aboloma-Elelewo Dual Carriageway and Bridge, I remember when NBA had their Annual Conference here. The NBA President at the time, A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, I took him there and he asked me ‘are you sure you can do this project?’ I told him ‘Don’t worry, just watch and see’. It was commissioned by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

The one opposite the Airport Road, the flag-off was by the Deputy Senate President, and was commissioned by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

If you go to what is now Chief Emmanuel Aguma House, it used to be Produce House in those days. It was rotting. Go and see what we did. The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, commissioned it. Go to Government Girls Secondary School, Romuokuta (you can’t believe it), the British High Commissioner commissioned it. Go to Internal Road Nsiugbo, the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, commissioned it. If you go to Ipu, Omademe Ozuoha, about 22km road, the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commissioned it. I don’t want to talk about the ones in town, which Chief James Ibori commissioned.

I don’t know the ones to call, and the ones not to call. When you put all these things together, everybody is satisfied.

Look at the Ecumenical Centre. It was commissioned by Daddy G.O, Pastor Adeboye. Look at the Pleasure Park. I was there last night, to light the place. It was an armed robbers den.

Nobody believed that, we could do it. We called Julius Berger, to tell us what to do. They told us ‘we’ll turn it around to a world-class pleasure park’. I was there last night. I went in there last night, to inspect the cinema, which will be opened in December. It

“BECAUSE, WHEN HE WAS ATTORNEY-GENERAL, WE NEVER HAD LEGAL PROBLEMS IN THIS STATE. HE KNEW WHAT TO DO. HE WAS A VERY COMPETENT ADVOCATE. HE WASN’T ONE OF THOSE, WHO JUST LOVED TO BE ATTORNEY-GENERAL. HE WAS AN ATTORNEY-GENERAL WHO LOVED TO GO TO COURT. HE WASN’T THE KIND OF ATTORNEY-GENERAL, WHO LOVED TO FARM OUT CASES SO THAT HE CAN DO BUSINESS WITH THE LAWYERS. NO!”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

“WE ARE NOT UNAWARE ABOUT THE PLANS OF THE APC LED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WE ARE ALSO NOT UNAWARE, THAT THEY WANT RIVERS STATE, THEY WANT AKWA IBOM STATE, AT ALL COSTS. WE ARE ALSO NOT UNAWARE THAT, THESE EFFORTS ARE ORCHESTRATED WITH THE CONNIVANCE OF SECURITY AGENCIES AND INEC”

was commissioned by Dr Peter Odili.

If you go to Sani Abacha Road, we did it, and it was commissioned by the Obi of Onitsha.

So, I am calling names that you can verify. These are not Nigerians that will come to you, when there is no project. So many projects abound, as I speak to you. I don’t even want to talk about the Sanbero Road which will be commissioned in January. I don’t want to talk about the Elelewon-Akpajo Road, almost completed by Julius Berger now. I don’t want to talk about the Mother & Child Hospital, the former Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, which is now Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Go and see the Judges Quarters. Go to the Mile 1 Market. Go to the Fruits Garden Market, that was burnt down just recently. But go and see what we have done now. So many things! Is it jetty? Is it sand filling?

Go and see where we had Reinhard Bonnke Crusade. It is over 10 hectares of land, but on water. Go and see how we have sand filled it, opposite NLNG. So, when the say what earned me Mr. Projects, its speaks for itself. It was given to me by Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the Vice President of Nigeria. Not a PDP person!

For an APC person to say ‘lets forget politics, this is Mr. Projects’.

We are saying ‘let’s continue to

complete what we have started’. The people are happy with it. It is not a secret.

In this State today, there is nowhere I will go to and you will say ‘people are stoning him’. No way. There is no local government area that can say that, since our administration came on board, there has been no project there. I challenge any local government. No local government can say that, they have not felt our impact. Not one! If its not hospital, it is school or it is road.

That is why we are saying in our own campaign, ‘see what we have done’. We are not promising. We are saying ‘see what we have done. We told you and we have done it.’ Not people who are saying ‘if you vote for us, we will do this’. Our own, we have told you, and we have done it. So, why not continue with that?

The 2019 elections are round the corner, and Rivers State is now being perceived to be a hotbed for political violence. What plans has your administration put in place, to ensure that the elections are violence-free?

There is nothing like, hotbed of political violence. That is the caption of the Federal Government, to rig elections; to justify why they will bring all the security apparatus down here.

Why is it that, it’s only when there is politics there is violence? Why is there no violence and insecurity when they are drilling oil? Does it make sense? You drill oil, there is no violence, no insecurity, but when politics comes, there will be violence. How! Who orchestrates this violence? It’s not true! There is no violence here. And we have said it severally. It is only because, we know what their game plans are - to say there is violence and postpone, and make sure that elections in Rivers State do not hold the same day the other States are having their elections. Then, they will now send all their security apparatus to go and make sure. That is their plan, and we know that. So, this so-called violence, is not true. They should conduct free and fair elections. That is all.

What has become of Akin Fakorede, the head of SARS in your State, and the allegations which were levelled against him in an INEC Report, which Rivers State publicised in several national dailies? Is he still in Port Harcourt despite all that?

He is still in Port Harcourt! Of course, you know the Federal Government. He took us to court. You can’t say you are protecting Rivers people, and you take them to court. That is a conflict of interest.

Let him be in court, but take him out of Rivers State. Up till now, they have not. All eyes are on them, so, they have told him to be quiet. But, he is still in Rivers State, doing the dirty jobs he was sent to do. All of us are aware, and as I said, we are going to resist it.

Your Excellency, please, accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your Attorney-General, Sir Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, SAN. We know how close he was to you, and how traumatic his death must have been for you. How did he impact on your administration, and how have you been able to cope with the vacuum which his death created?

Its very difficult to talk about it, because anybody who knows him, will know that we were very close, and he had a lot of positive contributions, which made us what we are today. If you look at the relationship between the arms of government, that is, the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature, he made sure we had a good relationship.

Because of him, we have the new Judges Quarters. Because of him, we have the National Industrial Court. Because of him, we have a good brand new Court of Appeal. Because of him, we have the State High Court. All these, were built during his tenure. Because of him, we have this policy of owner-occupier, that Judges will now own their houses, after their retirement. Before him, it had never happened before. He was somebody who CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

01.01.2019

COVER/11

‘APC CANDIDATES MUSN’T APPEAR ON BALLOT PAPERS IN RIVERS STATE’ cared for the Judiciary. He came on board and said ‘Your Excellency, we must obey the rule of law. We must work according to due process. Look at what the Constitution says. Look at what the convention is. We’ll appoint the most senior person, as the Chief Judge. It doesn’t matter where he or she comes from’. That is why we have the present Chief Judge of Rivers State today, who is not from Rivers, who is not married to a Rivers indigene. No State has ever done that. He said ‘this person has been working for Rivers State. She didn’t appoint herself a Judge. She was appointed by Rivers State, and she has worked for this State for over 20 years. She never knew she will become a Chief Judge, but by whatever providence, she became the most senior Judge’. He advised that, we must follow due process. That was what happened.

So, we had an Attorney-General who said we cannot have development, without following the rule of law.

His contribution to this government, is unimaginable. Sometimes I don’t want to think about it. It is very painful. Each time I see legal issues, I just remember him. Because I know that, when he was Attorney-General, we never had legal problems in this State. He knew what to do. He was a very competent advocate. He wasn’t one of those who just loved to be Attorney-General. But, he was an Attorney-General who loved to go to court. He wasn’t the kind of Attorney-General who loves to farm out cases, so that he can do business with the lawyers. No! He wanted to go to court. He wasn’t being paid for doing those cases, he was only being paid his monthly salary as Attorney-General just like every other Commissioner, and just like me, being paid. That was the kind of AttorneyGeneral I had. But, unfortunately, maybe that was how God wanted it. Talking about filling this vacuum, is not easy.

We leave everything in the hands of God. He gives and he takes. Anybody who is a member of our team, feels something is not available, feels his absence. But, we thank God and put our trust in Him. He is our comforter.

Before Sir Aguma’s death we watched a television interview, in which he said Rivers State was in the process of instituting an action against the Federal Government and others, with regard to pollution in your State. Has the action been instituted? If it has been instituted, was it instituted locally? If it was instituted locally, do you think you’ll get justice here? What is the basis of the action and the status now?

Will it change anything?

Well, I can tell you that, we had the mind to, and we farmed it out to one of the environmental Lawyers, who was going to get all the data, research and the reports, before Chinwe Aguma’s death.

His death, was like a setback. However, we now have a new Attorney-General, who will now continue working with the Lawyer the matter was assigned to. You know, we don’t want to go to court, for the sake of going to court.

We want to go to court, with all the available facts we can prove, because it has to do with the environment. We have to be sure that these are the causes of this pollution, and that these are the people responsible.

We have gone far on that, and I think that by January the suit will be filed.

I am not yet sure, whether it will be filed internationally or locally. The Lawyers will take that decision, with regard to jurisdiction. They know which jurisdiction, will serve best.

Why have the oil majors been permitted by the Federal Government to move their headquarters from the Niger- Delta where the oil comes from, to places like Lagos and Abuja. Is it that the region is unsafe? What were the reasons given for the movement?

After all, it appears that during your administration, the kidnaping of oil workers and bombing of oil instal-

lations greatly reduced. You made a very strong statement, that from this type of action it shows that Nigeria does not want the people of the Niger-Delta to be part of this country. How did you come to this conclusion?

Very obvious! You take oil from here, and when you take the oil, you go to where there is no oil, to stay. Why would you say, that the headquarters should leave the Niger- Delta? When you to encourage peace, it means that those companies should be here. It will create employment. Government will get taxes. I have not seen anywhere in the world where oil is being drilled, and you find the headquarters of those companies are located elsewhere. What other feeling, do you want us to have?

It can only happen, in the Niger-Delta!

It cannot happen, in the North. It cannot happen, in the West. That is the truth! It just means that, they are only interested in the oil, and not the development of the Niger-Delta. If they were interested in Niger-Delta development, obviously, they would have mandated all the oil majors, ‘move your headquarters to where you drill the oil, collect the oil, so that the people will feel your good impact’. But, that is not the case. So I came to the conclusion that, yes, truly, they don’t think we are part of Nigeria.

We should be part of Nigeria. We want to be part of Nigeria, but treat us as if we are Nigerians too.

Look at the appointments, even in the oil sector, NNPC and the rest. Does it show that we are part of this country?

No! does it show that anybody wants us to be part of this country? No! How can you treat people this way? You and I know that, the only reasonable conclusion you can come to, is that they don’t want you. They only way they will even allow you to talk, is when they are still seeing oil in the Niger-Delta that they will take. If today, there is no oil in the Niger-Delta, the Federal Government won’t even listen to us for anything! Already, we have oil and gas, and look at how they are treating us. But, when the resources are gone, what will happen?

Your Excellency, the Neighbourhood Watch soldiers stopped training. Why? That is the point we are making.

Soldiers are now involved in politics.

Neighbourhood Watch is a creation of law. We took the one of Lagos, and amended it. In the law of Lagos State, the Police and SSS are not part of it.

But, in that of Rivers State, the Police and SSS are members of the Board.

You cannot recruit, without the Police and SSS profiling them.

So, it was not as if, the security agencies were not part of it. It’s a creation of law. It’s not a taskforce thing. Now, they started recruiting these people, who would serve as intelligence officers to aid the Police and other security agencies, with information. The Police are claiming that, they don’t have enough manpower to be everywhere. Now, we want to complement it, by recruiting our people to give information on time, so that whatever will happen, can be nipped in the bud. Now, they want to go for training. They wrote to NYSC Camp at Onwa, and it was approved.

Not a private camp. The Police and SSS were there. They wrote to the Nigerian Army, and they confirmed receipt. Then they now came in to say ‘oh they are training militia’. How can we be training militia, when we wrote to you, so that you come and do the training?

So, this is the kind of politics you see in this country. We have gone to court to challenge it. We don’t believe in crisis. We believe in the rule of law.

Due process must be followed, if not this country will be on fire. So, the army now has shown us, that they are also part of the scheme to make sure that there is insecurity in Rivers State.

To what extent has being the arrowhead of PDP, the main opposition, impacted upon your State, especially in terms of accruable benefits from

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

the ruling APC Federal Government at the centre?

From APC?! What do you think we’ll benefit? The last state that will ever benefit, is Rivers. The Federal Government cannot say, that they have done one single thing in Rivers State. Let them mention just one thing, which they have done.

But, they talk about the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Which airport?! Built by who? That airport was completed 75% by the Jonathan administration. The loan we took was from NEXIM Bank. So, how could they say that? Or is it functioning?

For political reasons, he came and cut the tape and said they are doing the international wing, and it not working.

He came through the airport, and saw it was not working. Which international flight has landed there?

How can you tell a whole State like Rivers State, that you completed the airport which Jonathan started? So, that’s an achievement for us? What about the roads? What can the Federal Government say that they brought to this State?

Nothing. I challenge them. They say they gave us the Minister of Aviation.

Which State does not have a Minister? It is not an advantage. So, if you gave us, come and take the monorail and partner with the Federal Government. Let the Federal Government come and take it over, and let’s see that you are trying to do something for us. The Federal Government cannot say they have done anything for Rivers people, for almost four years. Nothing. That is the truth.

What really happened, when your courts, which were upgraded and reconstructed during your tenure, were attacked and damaged earlier this year?

It is this same APC, we are talking about. They wanted to stop the court from giving a ruling in their own matter, APC-APC. I am not surprised, because its is the same Government that shut down the courts for almost one and a half years. You see their antecedents.

The same way they did that, they came again to stop a whole court from sitting, in order not to give a ruling. That is the level we have got to. They will do it, to the Court of Appeal tomorrow.

They will do it, to the Supreme court tomorrow. If they perceive that a judgement may not go in their favour, they can send people to demonstrate and riot in front of the Supreme Court, so that judgement will not be given that day. They can also tell their people, to go and demonstrate and riot in front of the Court of Appeal, and the Police will be aloof, so that no judgement will be given that day. Look at the level we

“IF TODAY, THERE IS NO OIL IN THE NIGER-DELTA, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WON’T EVEN LISTEN TO US FOR ANYTHING! ALREADY, WE HAVE OIL AND GAS, AND LOOK AT HOW THEY ARE TREATING US”

have descended to, and these are the same people, who want Nigerians to vote for them again.

What is the position of your State on the N30,000 minimum wage?

I have no problem about that at all, and I have said it several times. It’s a federal system. You cannot be deciding, what States should pay. Every State should be able to say, ‘I will negotiate with my workers, and this is what I will be able to pay’.

In the United States, you work in California, the same work may not earn the same pay in Atlanta. The environment differs. Why I don’t bother myself is that, I never made any promise to the Nigerian Labour Congress, while I was campaigning. They made the promise.

So, they should bear the headache. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, and that is why I decided that, I won’t attend any of their meetings. If they agree at the end of the day, all well and good.

But, to go and have sleepless nights, to solve a problem caused by the Federal Government itself, is not necessary.

But, my take is very simple. We are not doing the right thing. We are not running a unitary system. We are running a federal system. We must do things that, are in consonance with the federal system. Today, I heard that the Federal Government set up a committee, to see the implementation of the independence of the Judiciary and the Legislature.

For Christ sake, where have you heard this?! To look at whether Rivers State, has implemented. So what?! If I don’t implement, what will you do to me? You leave what your responsibilities are, and go to things that you don’t have power over. So, if I don’t implement for example, what happens to me? Rivers State will be scrapped? No more Rivers State? The Federal Government is now running the country like a military government, as if we are being appointed. So, you have CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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01.01.2019

‘APC CANDIDATES MUSN’T APPEAR ON BALLOT PAPERS IN RIVERS STATE’

a Commander-in-Chief who now says, ‘Governors, if you don’t do this, I will remove you’. That is what is going on. It doesn’t make sense. Allow us to negotiate.

I employed you, you never employed them. What if we negotiate and I say ‘I don’t think the salary is too much, but I will downsize’, for example. Will you also tell me that, I shouldn’t downsize? I am the one, that will tell you about my purse. Its not you, that will tell me.

I get my money, and you tell me I must use this money for so and so thing? I must pay salaries, I must pay pension? What is your business? We go and share money every month. You take your own, I take my own. You now want to tell me that, I must use my money for so and so thing. Who tells you what you use your own for?! What kind of system are we running? So, if they agree, all well and good.

But, I am not here to help them. In fact, I will make sure they have more problems, if they go and make promises they cannot fulfil.

The Omoku massacre of January 1, 2018 in which suspected cultists killed worshippers returning from the crossover service, raised further concerns over the rising menace of cultism in Rivers State. What is your assessment of the war against cultism in your State? How successful has it been?

I can tell you today, I can sleep well. Security agencies can tell you that. Businessmen and women, can tell you that. Insecurity in Rivers Sate, has declined so low. If you are around in the night, you can go out to nightclubs, and you’ll see everywhere bubbling. That is how you know. Before, it wasn’t so. People didn’t go out after 12 midnight. But now, people go out and stay till about 3am and go back to their houses.

So, I can tell you we’ve done so much, by God’s grace. We have been able to achieve all that, because it is God who has done it for us. I will also compliment the security agencies, because in this area they have done well. If they do the right thing, I will compliment them and say they have done well. If they do the wrong things, I will condemn them and say they have not done well. In terms of fighting crime, they have shown support. But, when it comes to political crimes, it’s a different matter. They will go and arrest somebody whom they know is involved in cultism, and they will release that person the next day. Because somebody will call them and say, ‘he is one of our boys. One of the boys they want to use’.As far as this State is concerned, we have been able to contain insecurity.

On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, what is your opinion on this back and forth, President refusing to assent? What is your position?

I am shocked. I can’t believe that, people can still be talking about the signing of Electoral Act in this country now. I can’t believe it! A government that talks about fighting corruption. A government that says, corruption is the bane of our problems. What can be more corrupt, than rigging election?

The whole thing about not signing the Act, is just to rig elections. If you look at the cases from 2015 elections, I remember the one of even my own case. It went all the way to Supreme Court and the Supreme Court said ‘Card reader is a good innovation, but it’s unknown to law!’

In order to accommodate these anomalies, they said ‘ok, let’s use this Amended Act to checkmate certain rigging tactics’. They said no. You bring one today they ‘say no, its from PDP’.You bring another one again, they say ‘oh, the phrasing’. Bring another one ‘oh paragraphing’. Bring another one, they say ‘its too close to 2019’. What kind of system is this?! Do we really want a country?

Its so appalling, I can’t believe it. I’m speechless. To say that the President refused t assent to the Amended Electoral Act. No right thinking person, no matter

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

which political divide you belong to, will do that. If you mean well for this country, you should be able to tell Mr. President ‘please sign this’. There is no law, that is ever perfect. Sign it, then amendment could take place. That is the problem.

The President signed a peace accord with other presidential candidates. Do you believe this will help free and fair elections?

That was a public show! Those who should sign peace accord, is Police and INEC! It was public show and that is what I don’t like. Look at those, who are responsible for conducting elections. Tell them that, ‘if politicians come to meet you, tell them no, I want to do the right thing’. Having signed, how can there be peace, when you have set the stage for rigging the elections, refusing to sign the Electoral Act? By signing the Electoral Act, you have shown that, ‘yes, I want peace in the country. I want a free and fair election. I want the votes to count’.

Regarding that Electoral Act, what was your opinion on the issue of the change in sequence of the elections?

Look, the National Assembly has every right, to decide which election comes first. You know the major hit, is the presidential election, and it has a bandwagon effect. So, why not do the other elections, and allow the presidential election to be the last? But, of course they know.

I am in support of the change of sequence. I have met them at the National Assembly. So, there is nothing wrong. If you’ve done well, there is nothing to be afraid of.

I can sit here in Rivers State today, and say ‘schedule the election any day, and allow it to be free and fair, I will win’. It doesn’t matter which election comes first. But, they can’t say so for themselves, because there is too much poverty, insecurity, hunger and unemployment in the land. Millions of jobs have been lost.

Don Waney, is on record to have terrorised Rivers State for years. But, his death in the hands of security forces, has been criticised as being crude, and the law prescribing the death penalty for cultists sponsored by you after the incident, has also come under the attack of human rights activists, as being draconian. Has the law been passed? If so, has anyone been punished under the law?

When they say crude and draconian, is there anything you do, that so-called human rights activists will not criticise as draconian? What is draconian? A man goes to kill people and shoot, if he has committed such murders and the law now says he also should be given the death penalty, it becomes crude? I don’t understand people.

“THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS NOW RUNNING THE COUNTRY LIKE A MILITARY GOVERNMENT, AS IF WE ARE BEING APPOINTED. SO, YOU HAVE A COMMANDERIN-CHIEF WHO NOW SAYS, ‘GOVERNORS, IF YOU DON’T DO THIS, I WILL REMOVE YOU’.... IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE”

The man goes and kills innocent people, and he is caught. The law now says that, the one who committed such heinous crimes should be punished by the death penalty, so that becomes crude? These same people, are the ones talking about insecurity. If you know what that young man did! If you see the innocent souls, that lost their lives! Then, security agencies finally caught up with him, he wanted to have a shoot out, he wanted to escape. So, what did they want the security agencies to do? They should have allowed him to escape? If he had escaped, by now what that boy would have done in this State, would have been unimaginable. And I am sure that, the Federal Government would have supported him.

They would say ‘oh Wike is finding it difficult to govern Rivers’. He wanted to escape from security agencies and they told him ‘no, you cant do this’.

Ask Agip Oil, they couldn’t operate. He held Agip to ransom. The death of Don Waney, in fact, raised the production level of Agip, which has been beneficial to the Federal Government and Rivers State. He would not allow them to operate. He would tell them, ‘if you don’t bring N200m now, you can’t operate’. He had more sophisticated weapons, and he used the money to acquire more sophisticated weapons for his boys. And if you had seen this young boy, you would not want to take a glass of water from his hands. You would never, never like it. So, that was where we found ourselves. But, thank God, all those things are things of the past now. We have been able to overcome it. We are so sorry that people died.

We put a price-tag on his head. And, the security men worked well and got him, and he wanted to escape. But, they got him. They wouldn’t allow him to escape.

We still hear that there are disgruntled elements in your party, concerning the choice of Peter Obi as the Vice Presidential candidate. How far have you gone in resolving that issue?

They have gone very far, in that reconciliation.

But, let me tell you that, there no decision you will make, that everybody will be happy at the same time, and there will not be complaints.

People have different interests. You may have positioned yourself, and he may have positioned himself. Naturally, if he gets it, you will feel somehow and say, ‘But, I thought I was the one’. If you are a party person, you will move on. I did not support Atiku, but he emerged. I am a party person, I have no choice, but to work with him with the zeal with which I would have worked with the man I supported.

It’s not because your man didn’t get it, therefore, you are still disgruntled. If you got it, who would not be disgruntled? I believe in team work. And, that is what will make our party, win the elections. But, I think that matter has almost been settled.

What do you really see for 2019 regarding the elections? Do you really believe PDP stands a good chance and can turn things around if given the chance?

Nigerians want good things to happen, and for those good things to happen, is for PDP to win elections. It is not a question of PDP, don’t look at it from that angle. Just that there is somebody in PDP whom Nigerians think, will give a good match to the President in the election. If another party has such a credible candidate, Nigerians may have also have been thinking such about the person. Its not a PDP matter, it’s a Nigerian project. No reasonable Nigerian who wants to better his or her life, will want to vote this President in again. Its not a PDP per se issue. No. It’s a Nigerian project, and every Nigerian must be involved.

Thank you very much Mr Projects. Happy New Year!

01.01.2019

THE LIGHTER/13

LEGAL HUMOUR A Criminal Lawyer tells the Defendant, “I have some good news and some bad news.”

“What’s the bad news?” asks the Defendant.

“The bad news is, your blood is all over the crime scene, and the DNA tests prove you did it.”

“What’s the good news?” “Your cholesterol is 130.” ˾˾˾ Q: What’s the difference between a Lawyer and a herd of buffaloes?

A: The Lawyer charges more. ˾˾˾ 10 Real Court Transcripts: From courtroom transcripts: Q: What is your date of birth?

A: July fifteenth.

Q: What year?

A: Every year. ˾˾˾

We Hold Your Brief

Q: What was the first thing your husband said to you when he woke that morning?

A: He said, “Where am I, Cathy?”

Q: And why did that upset you?

A: My name is Susan. ˾˾˾

JUDE IGBANOI jude.igbanoi@thisdaylive.com Dear Counsel, I am in a dilemma. Your advice will be appreciated. I really don’t know what steps to take.

Our housemaid is in the hospital, and it took a lot of cajoling for her to reveal the cause of her sickness. To our utter dismay, we discovered that she had been having a love affair with the Barber who operates a salon in front of the house. We later found out that, when everyone has gone to work and the children, to school, he comes into our house and they engage in amoral activities.

She has just confessed to us that, she became pregnant and that her Barber boyfriend insisted that they go to a Pharmacy, to terminate the pregnancy. Out of fear she refused, but the boy later procured some medications which he gave her to drink for a period of three days. She suddenly collapsed at home, and we took her to the hospital only to find out the ugly truth.

The doctors are now battling with what the nurses told us, could be a case of perforated womb. My husband who is more knowledgeable

on these issues said what the Barber has done, is a criminal offence. What should we do?

M.E., Ajah, Lagos.

Dear M.E., Indeed, it is a criminal offence, for the Barber to have administered medication on your housemaid with the intention of procuring a miscarriage. My advice therefore, is to immediately report this matter to the Police, and have the boy arrested. If you neglect to do this and your housemaid dies in the process, you will have to a lot of explanations to do to the Police.

By virtue of Section 228 of the Criminal Code Act, ‘Any person who, with intent to procure miscarriage of a woman whether she is or not with a child, unlawfully administers on her or causes her to take any poison or other noxious things or uses any force of any kind, or uses any means whatsoever, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.’

Take immediate steps on this please.

KOGI JUDICIARY BLAME GOV. BELLO FOR THEIR PLIGHT see the end of Executive domination of the Judiciary through financial strangulation, will not waiver.

"However, owing to the responsiveness of the leadership of the Judiciary to national issues, it prevailed on our leadership based on the sensitivity of the requirements of that election, to suspend the strike.

"JUSUN leadership heeded this call and suspended the strike, but only at the level of Federal Judiciary, while directing our State branches to negotiate with our respective Governors.

"Aside the foregoing, it is sad too, that His Excellency also described the notions of independence of the Judiciary and its fiscal autonomy as "dodgy" and "legalistic".

"In the civilised world, the principle of independence of the Judiciary, which embodies fiscal autonomy, is acknowledged, respected and venerated. It constitutes the pillar and bulwark of democratic practices and the rule of law, rather than being seen as "dodgy" and "legalistic", whenever it is mentioned.”

He noted that, it was expedient to state that,

What do lawyers do after they die? They lie still. ˾˾˾ What do you throw to a drowning lawyer? His partners.

Judges are not unionists and cannot embark on strike actions. They are not members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

"Judges courts are available to attend to urgent matters of extraordinary circumstances in times of strike actions and vacations, just like that of January 27, 2016 described above. In short, describing an order of court duly obtained as "curious", casts an unexpected doubt on the sanctity of our courts, and does not, in any way, measure with statesmanship in the 21st Century.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

SAN, 89, was called to the English Bar in 1960 and, on his arrival in Nigeria, he founded M.A. Bashua & Co. which he registered in 1968.

“His brother, Shafiu Alade Bashua, who was called to the English Bar in 1968, teamed up with him as a Partner in 1980. The older Bashua was enrolled into the Lincoln’s Inn, while the younger was enrolled in Gray’s Inn. The firm commenced operations at No.

JUDICIARY IN NIGERIA NOT TRULY INDEPENDENT, SAYS ONOJA, SAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 then the Judiciary will not be able to take a stand in the interest of justice, when there is conflict between the Government and the ordinary citizen.

"This action will not favour the development of our legal system, and it will not also favour the hope in the Judiciary that we are all looking

Q: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?

A: No. Q: Did you check for blood pressure?

A: No. Q: Did you check for breathing?

A: No. Q: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?

A: No. Q: How can you be so sure, Doctor?

A: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.

Q: But could the patient have still been alive nevertheless?

A: It is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law somewhere ˾˾˾ The postal service just had to recall their latest new stamp issue. Lawyers were part of the design and people couldn’t figure out which side to spit on. ˾˾˾

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

LAGOS LAW FIRM MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATES FOUNDER whether a party appealing to an Appellate Court requires leave of Court before appealing against an interlocutory decision of Court.

“The case became a locus classicus on those two issues of law. The Supreme Court agreed with MR. M. ADISA BASHUA, SAN, CON. that leave of Court was necessary”, Aderemi said.

Aderemi also gave brief history of the firm: “Bashua

Q: How far apart were the vehicles at the time of the collision? ˾˾˾

up to.

"So it is now up to the people, to rise in support of the Judiciary, for the purpose of our independence, because the judiciary should be independent, independent from the tyranny of Government, and from the tyranny of the Executive.

45, Iga-Idunganran Street, then known as Reclamation Street, Lagos Island. The office was later moved to its present place, at 218, Bamgbose Street, Lagos Island, in 1980.

“While his older brother took Silk in 1997, the younger Bashua later became Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Bashua, SAN was elected Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Lagos Constituency from 1962 till 1964. He was conferred with the national award, Commander of Order of the Niger (CON), in 2008. He is a member of Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch. The Bashua brothers, were both born into the Bashua Chieftaincy family of Lagos”, he explained.

The climax of the event, was the special recognition of and the conferment of awards on past and present members of the firm, including Chief Samuel Honvu, who joined the firm as a Litigation Clerk, but later enrolled for and qualified to practice law.

14/

01.01.2019

TALKING CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY DR. MIKE OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIARB, PH.D, LL.D

SMS only to 08098898888

A Holding Charge is Patently Illegal Under the Constitution (Part 1)

I

Preamble have heard some very disturbing supposed legal opinions purportedly from some legal practitioners, to the effect that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, (ACJA), particularly Sections 293-299, thereof, gives an open cheque to Magistrates to order the remand, without trial, of any person who is the subject of an investigation.

For the avoidance of doubt, the ACJA was not enacted to curtail, abridge, whittle down, truncate, abrogate, or take away the much cherished rights, freedoms and liberties, duly granted to the citizens by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as altered. The National Assembly has no fiat or power, to abrogate or diminish constitutionally donated rights of any citizen, under the guise of making laws. Section 4(2) merely states that, the National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.

The National Assembly is presumed, therefore, to have made laws only, for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation, and nothing more, in the fight against corruption or any other socio-economic, or security matter in Nigeria. Such “fight” must be done within the constitutional stratosphere and legal regime, existing in Nigeria.

It is a trite principle of law, as copiously replicated in a litany of cases, that the National Assembly or a State House of Assembly, in enacting laws, cannot exceed the powers donated to it by the Constitution. Nor can it make laws that oust, or purport to oust the jurisdiction of the courts.

Section 4(8) of the Constitution specifically forbids this, thus: Save as otherwise provided by this Constitution, the exercise of legislative powers by the National Assembly or by a House of Assembly shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts of law and of judicial tribunals established by law, and accordingly, the National Assembly or a House of Assembly shall not enact any law, that ousts or purports to oust the jurisdiction of a court of law or of a judicial tribunal established by law.

Where the National Assembly makes laws that are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, such laws become automatically void to the extent of their inconsistency.

Individual Liberties Under Section 35 (1) of the Constitution, the personal liberty of an accused person is sacrosanct, thus: (1)Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty save in some case and in accordance with a procedure permitted by law, as outlined in 1(a) to (f).

Section 35(4) provides: Any person who is arrested or detained in accordance with subsection (1) (c) of this section shall be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time.

The expression “a reasonable time” is defined in S.35(4), to mean: (a) in any other case of an arrest or detention in any place where there is a court of competent jurisdiction within a radius of forty kilometres, a period of one day; and (b) in any other case, a period of two days or such longer period as in the circumstances may be considered by the court to be reasonable.

For instance, it is clear that the EFCC detention centre at “Idiagbon House” is within a 40 kilometres radius from the Federal or FCT High Court, as the case may be. Indeed, it is less than two kilometres.

In OHIZE v COP (2014) LPELR-23012 (CA), the Court of Appeal, per AKOMOLAFE-WILSON, J.C.A, emphasised the sanctity of a citizen’s personal liberty as follows: “The constitutional right to personal liberty of a person is sacrosanct,

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris

even for an accused person.”

A Holding Charge is an Anathema to our Laws Aside from the fact that Sections 293-299 of the ACJA violently violate the clear provisions of Section 35(4) and (5) of the Constitution as shown above, they also presumptuously create a “holding charge”, which has been declared by the highest courts of the land, to be patently illegal, unconstitutional, null and void. It is disheartening to note that, security agencies still derive pleasure in taking an accused person to a court, that has no jurisdiction to try such an accused person.

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, “holding charge” means a criminal charge of some minor offence filed to keep the accused in custody while prosecutors take time to build a bigger case and prepare more serious charge.”

A “Holding charge” therefore, is a charge brought by the Police or other law enforcement officers against an accused person, before an inferior court that lacks jurisdiction to try the offence charged, pending the receipt of legal advice from the office of the DPP, to recommend the accused person’s trial in a court of competent jurisdiction, or tribunal, set up to try the particular offence.

Nigerian courts have, however, consistently declared this “arrest- before-investigation”, rather than “investigation-before-arrest”, (as

“ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT SECTIONS 293-299 OF THE ACJA VIOLENTLY VIOLATE THE CLEAR PROVISIONS OF SECTION 35(4) AND (5) OF THE CONSTITUTION....THEY ALSO PRESUMPTUOUSLY CREATE A “HOLDING CHARGE”, WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED

BY THE HIGHEST COURTS OF THE LAND, TO BE PATENTLY ILLEGAL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, NULL AND VOID”

done in civilised criminal jurisprudences of the world), as anomalous, unconstitutional and illegal.

Dilating on this in the case of OLAWOYE v C.O.P. (2006) 2 NWLR (Pt. 965) 427 at 442-443, paras H-A (CA), the Court of Appeal, held, per Abdullahi, JCA, as follows: “The arraignment before a Magistrate Court is tantamount to a holding charge, which has been described as unconstitutional and illegal by this court. In the case of Enwere v C.O.P. (supra) it was held that, "holding charge" is unknown to Nigerian Law and an accused person detained thereunder, is entitled to be released on bail within a reasonable time before trial, more so in a non-capital offence.

The intermediate court followed suit, in the case of SHAGARI v CO.P. (2007) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1027) 275 at 298 Paras. C - G, 302 Paras. G - H (CA), (Summary judgement of Sanusi and Ogbuagu, J JCA), where it held: "A holding charge is unknown to Nigerian law and any person or an accused person detained thereunder, is entitled to be released on bail within a reasonable time before trial (more so in non-capital offences). A holding charge has no place in Nigerian judicial system. Persons detained under an 'illegal', 'unlawful' and 'unconstitutional' document tagged 'holding charge', must unhesitatingly be released on bail. In the instant case, the Appellants were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate's Court, which certainly lacked jurisdiction in homicide cases/offences, and there was no formal charge framed against them accompanied by proof of evidence, as at the time the High Court heard their motion for bail. The above amounted to special circumstances for the High Court to admit them to bail, but by continuing to detain them on a "holding charge" was not a judicious and judicial exercise of discretion. See Enwere v CO.P. (1993) 6 NWLR (Pt. 299) 333; Jimoh v C.O.P. (2004) 17 NWLR (Pt. 902) 389; Ogori v Kolawole (1985) 6 NCLR 534; Onagoruwa v State (1993) 7 NWLR (Pt. 303) 49; Oshinaya v CO.P. (2004) 17 NWLR (Pt. 901) 1."

Similarly, In the case of ONAGORUWA v THE STATE (1993) 7 NWLR (Pt. 303) 49, Justice Niki Tobi, JCA, as he then was, held that: "It is an elementary, but most vital requirement of our adjectival law that, before the prosecution takes the decision to prosecute, which is a forerunner or precursor to the charge decision, it must have at its disposal all the evidence to support the charge. "In a good number of cases, the police in this country rush to court on what they generally refer to as a holding charge, even before they conduct investigations...”

Furthermore, In BOLA KALE v THE STATE (2006) 1 NWLR ((Pt. 962) 507 at p. 765, the Court of Appeal expressed the same sentiments in the following words: "It is an aberration and an abuse of judicial process, for an accused person to be arraigned before a Magistrate for an offence over which it has no jurisdiction, only for the accused person to be remanded in prison custody and not tried or properly charged before a competent court for trial. It will be an infraction on the rights to fair hearing and liberty of the accused person."

Mere Rules of Court, such as the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, that have constitutional flavour, are superior to provisions of the ACJA, let alone provisions of our “Kabiyesi” Constitution itself. Thus, in ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY v ANYAIBE (1996) 3 NWLR (part 439) 646 at 661, paras E – F, the Court of Appeal, coram Justice Katsina – Alu, JCA (as he then was), dilated: “Since the Rules have the force of law as the Constitution itself, it overrides the provisions of any other enactment which seeks to provide an alternative”.

(To be concluded next week).

01.01.2019

/15

INSIGHT ABUBAKAR D. SANI

xL4sure@yahoo.com

Is the Presumption of Innocence Absolute?

N Introduction

ews that the Court of Appeal has affirmed the decision of the High Court of the FCT, to invalidate Sections 53 and 60 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act has, once again, brought to the fore the relationship between the Constitution and that law. It will be recalled that Hon. Justice Jude Okeke had struck down both provisions, on the ground that they violated the presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

That pronouncement was made last year, when the learned trial Judge threw out the charge of bribery against Hon. Justice Adeniyi Ademola (now retired, but formerly of the Federal High Court), his wife and Mr Joe Agi, SAN. In dismissing the appeal against that decision last week, the Court of Appeal held that, in the absence of a substantive ground of appeal against that finding, it “subsists forever until set aside by a higher court.”

Notwithstanding the outcome of the appeal, I believe that, it is worthwhile to take a retrospective look at the decision of the trial court.

In doing that, I shall strive to answer the following questions: is the constitutional presumption of innocence absolute? Can it be derogated from, where the Constitution itself imposes on an accused person the burden of proving particular facts? What, if any, are those circumstances? This inquiry, necessarily calls for a critical examination of the relevant provisions of both the Constitution and the ICPC Act. Did Hon. Justice Jude Okeke interpret them properly? I intend to start by analysing the relevant statutes.

Section 53 of the ICPC Act This provision is in four parts. Given their importance, I will set them out in full, thus: (1) “where in any proceedings against any person for an offence under Sections 8 to 19 it is proved that any gratification has been accepted or agreed to be accepted, obtained or attempted to be obtained, solicited, given or agreed to be solicited, or given, promised or offered by or to the accused, the gratification shall be presumed to have been corruptly accepted or agreed to be accepted, obtained or attempted to be obtained, solicited, given or agreed to be solicited or given, promised or offered as an inducement or a reward for or an account of the matters set out in the particulars of the offence, until the

contrary is proved”; (2) “where in any proceedings against any person for an offence under this Act or any other law prohibiting corruption, it is proved that such person has accepted or agreed to accept, obtained or attempted to obtain any gratification, such person shall be presumed to have done so as a motive or reward for the matters set out in the particulars of the offence until the contrary is proved”; (3) “where in any proceedings against any person for an offence under this Act or any other law prohibiting corruption, it is proved that such person has accepted or attempted to obtain any valuable thing without consideration or for a consideration which he knows to be inadequate, such person shall be presumed to have done so with such knowledge as to the circumstances set out in the particulars of the offence, until the contrary is proved”; (4) “where in any proceedings against any person for an offence under the Customs and Excise Act, it is proved that any officer of Customs or other person duly employed for the prevention of smuggling has accepted or attempted to obtain any bribe, gratuity, recompense or reward, such officer or person shall be presumed to have done so for such neglect or non-performance of his duty as set out in the particulars of the offence until the contrary is proved” For it’s part, Section 60 of the ICPC Act provides that: “in any proceedings under this Act, evidence shall not be admissible to show that any such gratification mentioned in this act is customary in any profession trade, vocation or calling or on a social

“IT CAN BE SEEN THAT, JUSTICE OKEKE’S DECISION THAT SECTION 53 OF THE ICPC ACT VIOLATES THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE UNDER SECTION 36(5) OF THE CONSTITUTION, IS IRRECONCILABLE WITH PARAGRAPH 6(1) & (2) OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICERS, UNDER THE SAME CONSTITUTION”

occasion” As for Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it provides thus: “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty: provided that nothing in this section shall invalidate any law by reason only that the law imposes upon any such person the burden of proving particular facts”.

Analysis It is trite that, in interpreting the provisions of any statute or the Constitution, the objective is to discover the intention of the law-maker, as expressed in the statute/Constitution. The intention, and therefore, the meaning of the instrument, statute or Constitution, is primarily to be sought in the words used therein. If they are plain and unambiguous, they must be applied as they stand: GOMWALK v OKWOSA (1999) 1 NWLR pt. 586 pg.

216 @ 239. As a corollary, the Supreme Court has held repeatedly that, not only should the Constitution be interpreted liberally and broadly, it should be read as a whole, in that related provisions should be construed together. See BRONIK MOTORS v WEMA BANK (1983) NSCC 226 and TUKUR v GOVT. OF GONGOLA STATE (1988) IS.C. 95.

To my mind, the question is really one of the correct interpretation of the proviso to Section 36(5) of the Constitution. Are the provisions of Section 53 of the ICPC Act within the contemplation of the proviso? Do they impose on an accused person “the burden of proving particular facts”? That is the question. I believe that if the proviso to Section 36(5) of the Constitution is interpreted liberally – as it should be – the answer is obvious: that, in as much as the prosecution bears burden of proving the guilt of an accused person beyond reasonable doubt, however, to the extent that any law imposes the burden of proving specific facts on him or her (such as Section 53 of the ICPC Act), such a law does not, ipso facto, violate his presumption of innocence.

I believe that, this view is buttressed by comparable provisions in Paragraphs 6(1) and (2) of the Code of Conduct

for Public Officers contained in Part 1 of the Fifth schedule to the 1999 Constitution as follows: 6(1): “a public officer shall not ask for or accept property or benefits or any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties”; 6(2): “for the purposes of subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph, the receipt by a public officer of any gifts or benefits from commercial firms, business enterprises or persons who have contracts with the government shall be presumed to have been received in contravention of the said sub-paragraph unless the contrary is proved.”

The question here is, if the argument that Section 53 of the ICPC Act violates the constitutional presumption of innocence is valid, are the aforesaid provisions of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers also invalid for the same reason?. This cannot be, of course, as the Supreme Court has held that all the provisions of the Constitution are co-equal and no provision is superior to the other: INEC v BALARABE MUSA (2003) 1 SCM 62 Section 60 of the ICPC Act It can be recalled that, this provision bars a person charged under the Act from giving evidence that any gratification which it prohibits “is customary in any profession, trade, vocation, calling or on a social occasion.” By contrast, a similar provision in Paragraph 6(3) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the Constitution expressly permits gifts to public officers in those circumstances, in these words: “A public officer shall only accept personal gifts or benefits from relatives or personal friends to such extent and on occasions as are recognised by custom; provided that any gift or donation to a pubic officer on any public or ceremonial occasion shall be treated as a gift to the appropriate institution represented by the public officer, and accordingly, the mere acceptance or receipt of any such gift shall not be treated as a contravention of this provision.” That being the case, it follows that if the Constitution itself permits a public officer to accept gifts in certain circumstances, the restriction which Section 60 of the ICPC Act places on evidence of such circumstances, is untenable.

Conclusion It can be seen that, Justice Okeke’s decision that Section 53 of the ICPC Act violates the presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the Constitution, is irreconcilable with Paragraph 6(1) & (2) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, under the same Constitution. I believe that to accept it, would be to recognise two sets of rules in relation to the presumption of innocence – one for public officers under the Constitution, and another under the general law. Such a suggestion, is clearly illegitimate, as it would violate not only the right to equal protection of the law under Article 3(2) of the African Charter, but the right to freedom from discrimination under Section 42(1) of the Constitution.

16/

1.1.2019

Our friendship grows older with fresh commitments, even as years pass byâ&#x20AC;Ś to greatness ahead.

Happy New Year From all of us at FCMB

23

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻË&#x153; 2019

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 18.42 % 17.17%

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

15% 12.75% 12.63%

D E C E M B E R S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

355.69% 0.39% 1.78%

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078, 08152447875

2 8 , 2 0 1 8 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2.41% 7.96%

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎;˚ͯ ̊ ̊

Quick Takes Heritage Bank Partners Prinsult

ECONOMIC REVIEW

L-R: National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, lndustry, Mines and Agriculture, (NACCIMA), lyalode Alaba Lawson and Director-General, Ayoola Olukanni at the NACCIMA end of the year media briefing in Lagos...recentlya abiodun Ajala

NNPC: PSCs Now Account for Most of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oil Production Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja

ENERGY

Most crude oil produced in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Niger Delta region now come from Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), a recent report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has disclosed.

The NNPC in its monthly operations and financial report for September 2018, explained that that between August 2017 and August 2018, the volume of oil produced from PSCs fields were 310,424,845 barrels, while that from Joint Venture Agreements (JVA) were 245,537,573 barrels, indicating a difference of 64,887,272 barrels.

On the average, the report

showed that oil output from PSCs operations amounted to 23,878,834.23 barrels per month and 770,284.975 barrels per day; while that of JVA was 18,887,505.61 barrels per month and 609,274.37 barrels per day.

PSCs and JVA oil production were closely followed by Alternative Financing (AF), which accounted for 102,162,516 barrels in the production-to-date (PTD) period, as well as the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) which also accounted for 51,018,207 barrels of oil within the review period.

In the same vein, marginal

field operators and independents produced 55,739,537 barrels of oil within the period.

Recently, an audit report on the operations of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil industry for the year 2016 by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), had disclosed that PSCs had become the leading oil production arrangement in Nigeria because they are mostly offshore and less prone to production disruptions.

NEITI equally hinted that the development has now made it necessary for Nigeria to renegotiate the terms of the PSCs as stipulated in the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act of 1993 so as to increase

governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take from oil production therein.

The NEITI report had stated that: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A major highlight of 2016 was that for the first time in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, crude oil produced from Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) overtook output from the Joint Ventures (JVs). â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2016, PSCs accounted for 324 million barrels, while the JVs accounted for 289.1 million barrels, (as against the 320 million barrels for PSCs and 375.5 million barrels for JVs in 2015). PSCs, a production arrangement introduced in 1993, thus became the leading production arrangement Continued on page 24

Gencos: Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Electricity Market Operating Without Contractual Terms Power generation companies (Gencos) in Nigeria have alleged that the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) does not exist.

The TEM was unveiled in 2015. The commercial interactions between operators were expected to be backed with contracts such as the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Ancillary Agreements, Gas Supply Agreements (GSA), and Vesting Contracts amongst others, under the TEM. However, the Gencos noted that at best, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity market was been run on conjecture, as against using enforceable commercial terms.

Speaking through their association â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Association of Power Generating Companies

ENERGY (APGC), the Gencos explained even though provisions in the TEM assured they would get full payments for power they supply to the national grid, they were yet to get full payments of their invoices to the market.

Their views were contained in a note the Executive Secretary of APGC, Dr. Joy Ogaji, shared with THISDAY. In it, the group explained that there was no binding contract in the market at the moment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005, the electricity market in Nigeria would be administered by a number of industry contracts

and market rules. The investment on generation is at the instance of the off-taker (in this case NBET). â&#x20AC;&#x153;TEM was declared on 1st February, 2015. The declaration of the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) would signal the commencement of all contracts but contrary to the TEM promise, the conditions for declaring it are still far away.

Without effective contracts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Ancillary Agreements, Gas Supply Agreements (GSA), Vesting Contracts between Discos and NBET and other industry contracts, TEM cannot be said to have taken off,â&#x20AC;? said the Gencos.

They further explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

TEM promise of 100 per cent Genco invoice settlement by NBET failed, placing a big financial burden on the Gencos.

The promise provoked some additional investments by Gencos with its attendant high cost of capital, increased regulatory risk, increased debt profile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Gencos were made to bear the brunt of this lack-lustre performance on the part of NBET and other market participants. The power sector is yet to attain a contractual market status. One of the notable functions of a contract is to facilitate forward planning and to make provision for future contingencies.â&#x20AC;?

HeritageBankPlcandPrinsultGlobalConsultingLimitedhavejoined forces to train women on how to balance the challenges posed by their health condition and eďŹ&#x20AC;orts towards wealth creation.

Theyweresaidtohaveempowerednofewerthan150womenthrough a seminar held in Ikeja, which had as its theme: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Building Your Health and Wealth as a Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Speaking at the occasion, Mrs. Betty Eriyo, Cluster Head, Lagos Mainland 1, Heritage Bank, said her management believed that health is wealth. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;at Heritage Bank, we believe in creating, preserving and transferring wealth; adding that this maxim has always been their guide in Heritage Bank in their operations.â&#x20AC;?

Eriyo, advised participants to always ensure that what we (adults) went through during our childhood the younger generations do not go through them. In view of this, she explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heritage Bank has usually supported several institutions that could make life more meaningful to the people by making funds available for seamless services.â&#x20AC;?

According to her, â&#x20AC;&#x153;based on our belief that health is wealth, we have equipped several hospitals in Nigeria with the requisite funds needed for technologies and other facilities necessary for eďŹ&#x20AC;ective medical services.â&#x20AC;? She therefore advised participants, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do not neglect your health; exercise more; know your body type; eat well and eat right, because timeless wealth is timeless health.â&#x20AC;? On her part, Mrs. Dorothy JeďŹ&#x20AC;-Nnamani, Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Novo Health Africa in her keynote address delivered at the event, acknowledged that the abilityofparticipantstoperformwassolelytiedtotheirphysicalvitality.

She explained that women have unique health condition compared to men. She stated that menstruation and menopause are no diseases and are peculiar to only women. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even those health issues shared with men normally aďŹ&#x20AC;ect women diďŹ&#x20AC;erently. STD can be more dangerous to women than menâ&#x20AC;?, she stated.

FG Assures on Geoscience Data

Thefederalgovernmentrecentlyreceivedoutputsofthedeskwork studies done by contractors of Ministry of Mines and Steel Development on Integrated Exploration Projects under the Natural Resources Fund before they resume ďŹ eld work.The government while reassuring investors of adequate geoscience data, hinted that, the key objective of the exploration projects was to rapidly generate integrated geoscience information in GreenďŹ eld and BrownďŹ eld settings. he Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari, who spoke on behalf of government noted that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is in fulďŹ lment of these that the federal government ďŹ&#x201A;agged oďŹ&#x20AC; this project in September and subsequently set up a 7-man ministerial committee to implement and monitor it.â&#x20AC;? According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The committee was given the mandate to ensure strict compliance with theTerms of Reference, oversee the implementation and management of technical aspects of the projects and assist in removing any bureaucratic bottle-necks that may arise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thecommitteeisalsomandatedtoliaisewiththeministrytoensure timely release of funds, in line with the levels of job completion and contract agreement.â&#x20AC;? He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It may interest you to know that this project is the ďŹ rst of its kind in the country and is designed along typical exploration phases with time-bound deliverables.

Egypt Expects IMF Loan

Egypt expects to receive the ďŹ fth instalment of its $12 billion IMF loan programme in January, the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oďŹ&#x192;ce has disclosed.

The International Monetary Fund oďŹ&#x20AC;ered the three-year loan programme in 2016 after Egypt agreed to a package of reforms including the devaluation of the pound, cuts to energy subsidies and the introduction of a value-added tax, according to Reuters.

TheIMFpostponedareviewofEgyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;seconomicreformprogramme, initially planned for earlier this month, prompting speculation that the ďŹ fth tranche of the loan, worth $2 billion, might be delayed.

However, central bank Governor Tarek Amer briefed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;positive resultsâ&#x20AC;? of the IMFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent staďŹ&#x20AC; team visit to Egypt, Sisiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oďŹ&#x192;ce said in a statement.

This included â&#x20AC;&#x153;commendation of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rigorous adherencetotheimplementationoftargetedreformmeasuresaccordingto predetermined timetables, with delivery of the $2 billion ďŹ fth tranche of the IMF loan expected in January 2019,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The top four banks in Africa are South African and that speaks to the strength of South African banks.

If our economy is bigger than that of South Africa, naturally you would expect that we should have bigger banksâ&#x20AC;?

MD/CEO of First Bank

Dr. Adesola Adeduntan Continued on page 24

24

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻË&#x153; Ͱ͎ͯ͡

BUSINESSWORLD NNPC: PSCS NOW ACCOUNT FOR MOST OF NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OIL PRODUCTION

in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The PSCs are mostly offshore, thus insulated from vandalism and sabotage, and are not constrained by adequacy/availability of equity funding by the Federation.

This change in production structure pushes to the fore the need to renegotiate the terms of the PSCs as stipulated in the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act of 1993 so as to increase governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take.â&#x20AC;?

Similarly, the NNPC report for September stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A total of 61.90 million barrels of crude oil and condensate was produced in the month of August 2018 representing an average daily production of 2.00 million barrels. This represents an increase of 7.20 per cent in the average daily production compared to July 2018 average daily performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of the August 2018 Production, Joint Ventures (JVs) and Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) contributed about 32.27 per cent and 38.96 per cent respectively.

GENCOS: NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ELECTRICITY MARKET OPERATING WITHOUT CONTRACTUAL TERMS

According to them, the current market situation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;gives room for conjectures, no contract is binding, and all are on best endeavour.â&#x20AC;?

They stated that the absence of effective contracts to backstop gas supply agreements in terms of bankability, currently puts the Gencos in a tight corner. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Instances abound where Gencos have had to resort to other means other than the electricity market to support the gas and other services just to put power on the grid. Genco requires adequate payment security from NBET as per the PPA to back stop payments due under the PPA,â&#x20AC;? they added.

On the imperative of the guarantee for the Gencos, they noted that the role of guarantees in the power value chain was important for their operations.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

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Comms/e-Business Editor

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Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Cap Mkt) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Ebere Nworji (Insurance) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (e-Business

NEWS

Reforms Required to Sustain Macroeconomic Stability in 2019, Says LCCI Jonathan Eze Given the challenging economic conditions the country is facing, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stressed that key policy reforms will be imperative to support and sustain macroeconomic stability.

In a statement made available to THISDAY, the included among others, a foreign exchange management framework that reflects the market fundamentals, the acceleration of the economic diversification agenda, normalisation of Lagos ports environment, the oil and gas sector reform, especially the petroleum industry bill; reduction in the cost of governance at all levels; improvements in the domestic revenue (particularly independent revenue) to reduce volatilities of government revenues, among others.

It noted that the Nigerian economy remained fragile with the high dependence on oil sector for revenue and foreign exchange earnings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although oil revenues increased with recovering oil prices in 2018, the impact

on the economy was subdued by the huge foreign exchange commitments to petroleum product importations and the inherent subsidy. The high debt service obligations were also major constraints to the growth of the economy.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the limited progress in the ongoing effort to diversify government revenue sources, the performance of the oil and gas sector would remain a critical factor that would shape the outlook for the economy in 2019.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;According to estimates by Capital Economics analysts, every $10-per-barrel fall in oil prices will cause a 3-5% decline of GDP in most of the Gulf economies, and a slowdown of 1.5-2% of GDP in Russia and Nigeria on an annualised

basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The outlook will therefore depend to a large extent on developments in the oil and gas sector and the political will to undertake far reaching reforms, beginning with the oil and gas sector,â&#x20AC;? it added.

FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURES

L â&#x20AC;&#x201C; R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema presenting a replica of the closing gong to the Executive Director, CIO, ValuAlliance Asset Management, Mrs. Eno Atoyebi, during the ValuAlliance Value Fund Facts Behind the Figures presentation on the NSE in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

Chinese Steel Manufacturer Supports FGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive to Boost Domestic Production Obinna Chima The Group Managing Director, Inner Galaxy Group, promoter of the Hongxing Steel Company Limited, Mr Andy Lu, has pledged the commitment of his company towards enhancing domestic production of steel in the country.

Lu, urged the Nigerian government to see his company as a development partner, saying that a country like Nigeria, with huge gaps in infrastructure needs a vibrant steel industry, which he described as the bedrock of construction and manufacturing.

Lu, said this at the annual staff Christmas party and long service awards of Hongxing Steel Company Limited (a member of the Inner Galaxy Group), that took place in Lagos, recently According to him, for such a critical sector, the nation cannot afford to depend on importation.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is why I am glad for the fact that we are helping to drive the cost of steel products. In the past importers of steel products could just flood the market with imported steel products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, we have made it more expensive for anybody to import and sell foreign steel products in Nigeria, but more importantly, our locally produced steel products are comparable to the best in the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While commending the federal government of Nigeria for the support to genuine manufacturers in recent years, I think that there should be continuous dialogue between the federal government and the manufacturing sector, especially the steel manufacturing industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If this happens effectively, not only that this sector will be a foreign exchange conserver, it will also be indeed a foreign exchange earner for the country.

At the moment, we are already exporting our steel products to other West African countries, to

the benefit of Nigerian economy,â&#x20AC;? he explained.

Lu, urged other manufacturers in the country to show faith in Nigeria, saying his experience from south-east Asia was that countries do experience challenges from time to time.

He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They survive because the critical sectors show faith and weather the storm with them; not to jump off the ship when the weather is bad. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The truth is that the bad weather will not last forever.

It always ends. On their part, government and its officials must keep the doors open and listen to genuine investors and manufacturers, to know their needs and know how best to support them to support the economy.â&#x20AC;?

According to Lu, 2018 marked the 10th year of successful operation for the company.

He said the annual event was important to the management

of the company because it was its way of expressing its commitment to continue to ensure that its hard-working and loyal staff remain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want a company where people who do the right things will be happy, whether they are Nigerian or Chinese. In the days ahead, we will create rewards for staff who demonstrate hard work, loyalty and teamwork, which are some of our important corporate values. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last 10years has not been an easy journey. But we have made significant progress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Group started in Nigeria in 2008, Hongxing Steel, as our only company, with a factory at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, producing about 1,000 metric tonnes. Today, we have several companies in the Group, with factories all over Nigeria, including Enugu, Benin, Abia where we have Inner Galaxy Steel Company, which, when fully completed, will be the largest Steel company in West

Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our combined production capacity has also increased to about 50,000 metric tonnes. In the area of employment opportunities we have created in this economy, our staff strength has grown from just 150 people employed in Hongxing in 2008, to about 3,000 people in the Group in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also very remarkable is the fact that the people who are indirectly employed either as suppliers of scrap or even transporters, and other related works, are far in excess of 10,000 people,â&#x20AC;? he said.

According to him, through its operations, the group has provided employment opportunities to those who ordinarily would have been considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;mere scavengersâ&#x20AC;?. He stressed that â&#x20AC;&#x153;picking dirt has become a decent business. And by this we provide another important benefit to society â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helping to clean up the environment.â&#x20AC;?

suspect named the buyer of the vandalised items as one Kenneth Agusi who operates at the Tinker Market, Coal Camp, Enugu. Kenneth was immediately arrested by the Police.

Also, in Ojoto, Anambra State, members of the Vigilante group arrested a vandal identified as Chinedu Ejikeme for vandalizing injection substation which is an NIPP project, located at Mmiri Ojoto area. In the course of interrogation, he confessed to be responsible for the vandalized 200KVA transformer, property of EEDC, located at Iruebenebe

Community, Ojoto.

The Head, Communication of EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, said EEDC has gone a step further in apprehending the buyers of these vandalised items, because it is believed that that is the motivation the vandals have. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If there is no one buying the items, there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be that motivation for the vandals to engage in this act.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year, two buyers were sentenced to prison and we are hopeful that after the due process of law, these ones apprehended will serve their term in prison.

Power Sub-station Vandal Arrested Osita Anazodo, a 32 year-old electrician who hails from Akuiro, Okpuno, Anambra State, attacked a 300KVA distribution sub-station belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc (EEDC), located at Ugwuagulu Obiofia, Ozubulu, Anambra State.

But a statement revealed that luck however ran out on him as an eye witness who saw him leave the scene on a motorcycle with the vandalised armoured cables placed on the fuel tank reported the incident to the leadership of the local vigilante, who immediately

reinforced with youths of the community and went in search of him. He was eventually apprehended and he led the team to the spot where he had buried the vandalised cables in wait for market to reopen so that he can hand the items over to his buyer. The local vigilante group subsequently took him to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community from where he was handed over to men of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The statement said it was gathered from members of the community that the attack by Anazodo, was the very fourth on the transformer. They equally pointed accusing finger at Osita, claiming he was the one masterminding most of the vandalism experienced in the community.

In a related development, Solomon Nwafor, a native of Ikwo in Ebonyi State was recently arrested for vandalizing Water Board distribution substation, located at Victory Estate, Emene, Enugu State. In the course of interrogation, the

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Push to End Energy Poverty From a recent visit to key nuclear power facilities and institutions in parts of Russia, Chineme Okafor, reports that the desire for Russia to have Nigeria cut down the huge energy supply gap in the country has not waned despite the latterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lethargic approach

A nuclear power plant The nuclear power accidents in Chernobyl in April of 1986 and Fukushima in March of 2011, have more often become the sore points in conversations about the possibility of Nigeria adding nuclear power generation to her energy mix.

Despite the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor electricity supply system and inability to provide electricity to all of its people, even when she has enough energy sources other than gas and hydro to do that, she has nevertheless managed to produce circa 4000 megawatts (MW) for use every day by her industries, homes and offices.

Out of this 4000MW it generates every day, Nigeria still gives out at the least, 300MW to countries like Niger and Benin Republics, as part of a bilateral power trade arrangement, thus indicating she has just about 3700MW on the average to distribute to her domestic consumers.

Leveraging this gap, Russia has continued to court Nigeria on the need to consider adding nuclear power generation to her energy mix. It had in its proposals, held that nuclear power could provide the big leap Nigeria sought in her electricity upgrade plans.

However, for reasons such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima incidents, the adoption of nuclear power has become one of the most controversial conversations to hold in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity market today.

The Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents were by far, the worst nuclear accident in the history of safe use of nuclear power, and they both happened on the back of different reasons.

For Chernobyl, it was reported that different wrong decisions during the management of the nuclear plant caused a big nuclear explosion, while the Fukushima nuclear accident was reportedly propelled mostly by an earthquake off the northwest coast of Japan which subsequently resulted to a tsunami that severely affected the Dahiichi Fukushima nuclear plant on the northeast coast of Japan.

Pact to build nuclear power plant Notwithstanding these accidents, Russia still considers nuclear power safe enough for use in

Nigeria, and has gone ahead to sign a deal for the construction of same in Nigeria.

Acting through its nuclear power giant â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rosatom, the country reportedly signed an intergovernmental nuclear co-operation agreement in 2009 with Nigeria, and subsequently followed that up with another agreement for the construction of four nuclear power plants which would cost $20 billion, and generate 4,800MW by 2035.

In pushing through this, Rosatom inferred that because the average lifespan of a modern nuclear reactor was between 60 and 80 years, Nigeria could have a predictably cheap electricity over this period from the nuclear plant to power her economy.

It posited that even with any potential rise in prices of uranium which is the fuel for a nuclear power plant, the final cost of electricity from nuclear plant would remain cheaper than the price of other sources like gas and coal amongst others, thus insisting that nuclear was the Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best option for industrialisation.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Simon Mallam, said recently that Nigeria would go ahead with

Now in total, at all our nuclear education programme, we are training about 20 African students and we are expecting more. We are doing all that to give them trainings on nuclear power, which is why we have several directions of trainings

its agreement with Rosatom, adding that the government would be looking to 2025 and 2028 to get this off the ground.

Mallam, equally pointed out that investments in nuclear energy requires a long-term process, and that the country was pushed to consider nuclear on the back of the need to expand its energy mix and close up the energy gap.

Assessing safe use of nuclear Even with the claims of its economic advantage, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor maintenance culture remained a key factor to be considered in its pursuit of nuclear power supply, hence, THISDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent visit to key nuclear facilities such as the Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) engineering school of nuclear technologies; Tomsk Atomic Information Center; Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first nuclear power plant at Obninsk; as well as the National Research Nuclear University, also in Obninsk.

While at TPU, which is reputed to be the first engineering school in Russiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Siberia, the paper had conversations with experts in atomic energy on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to introduce nuclear power in her energy mix, as well as its implications with regards to safety, and they were positive about the plan.

In a chat with Dr. Vera Verkhoturova, who heads the mastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme in nuclear power engineering and nuclear power installation operation at TPU, on how safe it is for Nigeria to adopt nuclear energy in her power mix, THISDAY gathered that it could become beneficial to Nigeria and Africa if they were applied rightly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am responsible for training international students on nuclear engineering. Nuclear power engineering is one of the most prospective directions for any country to develop, and if the country wants to be in the leading position in energy, they have to develop nuclear energy,â&#x20AC;? said Verkhoturova.

She further explained: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be sure that it (nuclear power) is completely safe, a lot depends on the training of people. If the engineers are well-trained, there is almost 100 per cent guarantee that they will do their best to provide national

nuclear facilities with safety and security at the highest level.â&#x20AC;?

Verkhoturova, added that countries in Africa including Nigeria were already sending students in partnership with Rosatom to get training in safe deployment and use of nuclear at TPU. According to her: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now in total, at all our nuclear education programme, we are training about 20 African students and we are expecting more. We are doing all that to give them trainings on nuclear power, which is why we have several directions of trainings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are training not only reactor engineers but also medical physicist who specialises on nuclear medicine and more importantly, on nuclear safety and non-proliferation.â&#x20AC;?

She further said the trainings were structured to ensure the students get hands-on skills on nuclear power management, adding that a good number of Nigerian students involved in the trainings have proven to be keen about nuclear programmes.

Similarly, TPUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of Laboratory for Radioactive Substances and Technology, Prof.

Vladimir Golovkov, stated in his assessment of nuclear risks and the readiness of African countries like Nigeria to adopt nuclear power, that with minimal efforts, it could end energy scarcity in Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that now, atomic energy is one of the main great opportunity to overcome the distance of absence of enough amount of electricity with minimal efforts because there is an opportunity to create even small power plants. I think it is very promising to use atomic energy to provide faster energy to Africa,â&#x20AC;? Golovkov explained.

Asked if he does not think the risk would be too high for Nigeria and other African countries, he said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know that each technology have disadvantages as well. Atomic energy is free of dangerous pollution and it is absolutely clear from the point of view of environmental pollution, but I think that with regards to accidents, Russia now has great experience in the use of atomic energy and its use is not so dangerous, so I think that this has a great potential and the fear of its use is mainly in our mind than in reality.â&#x20AC;?

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

SustainingMacroeconomic Stability Muda Yusuf

sectors about high energy costs especially high expenditure on diesel, higher cost of and scarcity of gas, and payment demand

by Discos for power that were not supplied.

These continue to take its toll on the bottom line of investors. SMEs and some real sector companies reported that they spend as much as 20-25% of their total operating cost on provision of alternative power supply and payment to Discos.

The business and economic space was characterized by several challenges and accomplishments in 2018. However, investors had to contend with the typical constraints of the business environment - high interest rate, weak GDP Growth, weak consumer demand, deficient infrastructure, energy issues, traffic gridlock on Lagos port roads and insecurity in some parts of the country, among others.

The economy nevertheless maintained a positive growth trajectory driven by the recovery of oil price for most part of the year. This gave a boost to the macroeconomic fundamentals. However, at the close of the year, we saw a sharp decline in oil price to $54 per barrel, from a peak of $86 in early October this year, posing a risk to the stability of the macroeconomy. Nigeria remains a potentially robust economy with a large market, abundant natural resources and a productive population.

Economic Activities & GDP Growth The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the Nigerian economy grew by 1.81% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2018. This figure indicates an expansion in the economy for Q3 2018, compared to the 1.17% GDP growth rate of the corresponding quarter in the previous year. There was also an improvement in the quarter-on-quarter GDP growth rates from 1.50% in Q2-2018 On the other hand, the year-on-year nominal growth rate was 13.58%.

This performance is lower than the IMF and Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) growth forecasts of 2.1% and 4.1% respectively for 2018. GDP growth of 1.81%, which is far below 3% annual population growth remain a cause for concern due to its wider implications for welfare and poverty conditions in the country.

Beyond the GDP Numbers Beyond the GDP numbers, what is paramount to investors are the cost of doing business, productivity of the investments, competitiveness of firms and the sustainability of investments.

And to the average Nigerian, what matters is welfare and quality of life, especially food prices, cost of healthcare, improved transportation system, power supply, access to quality education and security of lives and property.

Oil Price Data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) shows that oil prices are trending down at $54 p/bl on 22nd December 2018 from its peak of $88p/bl in the month of September and October 2018.

This is already below 2019-2021 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2019 budget benchmark of $60p/bl. The declining global oil price will likely distort FGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic projections for 2019 as well as impact adversely on its MTEF if the trend is not reversed.

Foreign Exchange Market Exchange rate was relatively stable in 2018 in different segments of the FX market. At the parallel market, the naira hovered within the band of N361/$ - N363/$; and at the I&E FX window, the naira traded within the tight band of N360.95/$-N363.32. Higher oil prices and stable local production levels of crude oil are the two key critical factors that restored calm in the forex market.

Policy rate normalization in the United States of America, which led to the US FED hike in policy rate triggered capital flow reversals.

The contagion effect spread across emerging economies including Nigeria, with foreign investment outflows leading to pressures in the forex market. Consequently, in a bid to support the value of Naira, the CBN sustained its intervention in the forex market.

There are fears that the sharp fall in oil prices if sustained could lead to a new pressures on the naira exchange rate. As capital flow reversals intensify, oil price weakens, and foreign reserves come under pressure, there are worries about the sustainability of current frequency of interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] to stabilise the market.

Some measure of rate adjustment may become inevitable. The improvement in liquidity and relative stability in forex market witnessed by businesses in 2018 may be threatened if oil price declines continues. This will have profound impact on the prices of imported goods and services leading to a rise in the level of inflation. The fiscal operations of government would be adversely affected.

This may further escalate the deficit in the budget.

Interest Rate The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN in its 2018 meetings consistently left the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and other parameters unchanged as follows: r.13 XBT MFGU VODIBOHFE BU r$BTI 3FTFSWF 3BUJP $33 BU r-JRVJEJUZ 3BUJP BU BOE The MPC cited factors such as slow recovery in the economy, rising inflation rate, late implementation of 2018 budget, rising level of non-performing loans in the banking system, weakening demand and consumer spending, and expected minimum wage increase as reasons for retaining a tightening monetary policy stand at this time.

Access to and cost of funds remain a big issue for many domestic investors. With commercial bank lending rate at between 20-35%, the private sector especially the SMEs could not successfully access funds capital for their businesses. We note the efforts of government through CBN and Bank of Industry (BOI) to extend intervention funds to business owners particularly SMEs. However there are still pockets of issues with access to funds.

Foreign Reserve The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) consistently intervened in the foreign exchange market in 2018, and this put pressure on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external reserves which dropped from $47.5 billion in July 2018 to $43 billion as at 20thDecember 2018. The increasing pressures on the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currency may not be unconnected with the sell-off in fixed income securities and equities by foreign investors resulting from the rising rates in advanced economies. However, the reserves are still robust enough to support the nations international trade transactions at this time.

Inflation After 18 consecutive months of decline, inflation rate began to rise in August 2018 with headline inflation of 11.26% in October 2018 compared to 15.13% in January 2018 and 18.7% in January 2017. Following the diminished high base effect in August 2018, the country is likely to see headline inflation trending up in the early part of 2019.

Debt ProďŹ le The Debt Management Office (DMO) put the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total debt stock (federal, FCT and states) at N22.38 trillion ($73.21 billion) as at June 30, 2018. We are concerned about the fast-growing public debt profile and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fiscal sustainability in the medium term. Debt service to revenue ratio of 31%; and debt service to capital expenditure ratio

of 75% in the 2019 budget proposal are on the high side with implication on the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to deliver infrastructure investments.

Capital Market Year to Date (YtD) loss of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All Share Index stood at -20.37% as at December 20, 2018. The market decline was due largely to factors such as the increasing U.S treasury yields, and in anticipation of more rate hikes by the U.S Fed as well as investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skepticism around the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 general election.

Market realities fell short of LCCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projections expectation for 2018. For instance, the implementation of policy reforms such as the Investors & Exporters FX window, increased dollar liquidity and moderated rate of inflation failed to keep the equity market in green.

Notwithstanding, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s macroeconomic fundamentals remain stable and supportive of market recovery over medium to long term.

Thus, the equity market holds a decent entry opportunity for investors with a medium to longer term horizon.

INVESTMENT CLIMATE ISSUES IN 2018 The business environment issues are as critical to the progress of the economy as the macroeconomic conditions. These are issues of infrastructure, policy issues, tax issues, regulatory environment, institutional issues, security situation, policy consistency and many more. Some of the major business environment issues that impacted on businesses in 2018 include the following: Ease of Doing Business Ranking in 2018 The 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business report, ranked Nigeria 146 out of 190 countries.

The report showed that the country took a step backwards from the 145th position it ranked in 2017. The ranking takes to account, trading regulations, property rights, contract enforcement, investment laws and availability of credit.

We acknowledge the efforts of the present administration through the Presidential Ease of Doing Business Council (PEBEC) and series of Presidential Executive Orders targeted at improving the business environment. In 2017, there was record leap of 24 steps in the ease of doing business ranking for the country, from 169 to 145.

However, the Government still has enormous task of ensuring much better performance to enhance the productivity of businesses in 2019. This calls for a sound and result oriented business regulations and innovative implementation in 2019.

Power Situation The provision of power remains at the heart of ease of doing business in Nigeria. We note the efforts of the Government in addressing the perennial power supply shortage and deeper commitment to alternative sources of power including off-grid initiatives.

However, the power situation continues to pose severe challenges to the private sector operators, impacting adversely on productivity. Throughout the outgoing year, we received complaints across

TrafďŹ c Gridlock on Lagos Port Roads Traffic congestion to and within the Lagos ports is a popular and well-reported phenomenon. Nigerian ports were classified among the worst ports in the world in 2018 due to challenges bordering on delay of import/ export processes, heavy human and vehicular congestion to and within the ports, difficulty in gaining access to the ports due to bad roads and security concerns.

The LCCI recent maritime port feedback research finds that approximately 40% of businesses located around the Lagos portsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have either relocated to other areas, scaled down operations or completely shut down due to vehicle traffic congestion crises. This development has very huge adverse implication for non-oil export, job creation, tax revenue and real economic activities.

Regulatory Environment In 2018, businesses experienced frequent incidence of overbearing regulatory disposition, leading to increased burden on businesses, higher cost of operation, waste of executive time and reputational consequences. These manifested in form of fines & charges that are sometimes difficult to justify, sanctions, regular summons of corporate executives.

These summons were serious distractions and had implications for travel/logistics costs, loss of executive time, disruptive effects on businesses and sometimes reputational downsides.

Arbitrary Bank Charges Concerns were expressed by stakeholders on the multiplicity of fees charged by the banks which includes COT, card maintenance, transfer fees and other charges in the outgoing year. As part of efforts to ease the burden of doing business in the new year, we urge CBN to strengthen its oversight on issues relating to bank charges in order to protect customers of banks.

Outlook For 2019 The Nigerian economy remained fragile with the high dependence on oil sector for revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Although oil revenues increased with recovering oil prices in 2018, the impact on the economy was subdued by the huge foreign exchange commitments to petroleum product importations and the inherent subsidy. The high debt service obligations were also major constraints to the growth of the economy.

With the limited progress in the ongoing effort to diversify government revenue sources, the performance of the oil and gas sector would remain a critical factor that would shape the outlook for the economy in 2019. According to estimates by Capital Economics analysts, every $10-per-barrel fall in oil prices will cause a 3-5% decline of GDP in most of the Gulf economies, and a slowdown of 1.5-2% of GDP in Russia and Nigeria on an annualized basis. The outlook will therefore depend to a large extent on developments in the oil and gas sector and the political will to undertake far reaching reforms, beginning with the oil and gas sector.

Given the challenging economic conditions, key policy reforms would be imperative to support and sustain macroeconomic stability. These include, among others, a foreign exchange management framework that reflects the market fundamentals, the acceleration of the economic diversification agenda, normalization of Lagos ports environment, the oil and gas sector reform, especially the petroleum industry bill; reduction in the cost of governance at all levels; improvements in the domestic revenue (particularly independent revenue) to reduce volatilities of government revenues, among others.

Yusuf is the Director General of the LCCI

5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Stakeholder Expects Real Estate to be Significantly Rewarding in 2019 with Right Products Bennett Oghifo As the New Year 2019 breaks this morning, the nation’s real estate landscape is expected to present a positive new dawn for investors and buyers, with the right products. Hopefully, it would improve significantly more than it is up until this morning.

According to a key player in the real estate industry, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, the Chief Executive Officer of Eximia Realty Company Limited, there are ageold challenges like land access, infrastructure, title, documentation, cost of transfer, perfection cost, for approval, etc, but “If you’re able to successfully meander through these challenges, and deliver the right products to your customers, the reward can be significant in Nigeria.”

Ogunniran said the challenges would probably remain but that the opportunities would be greater than the challenges.

“I believe in the saying in Mafia that “when there is blood on the street, it means there is money to be made.”

Everyone in the real estate sector agrees that the market is not looking up right now, echoing Ogunniran who said “Everything has changed; the customers have changed, they are now a lot more sophisticated, discerning, put a lot more emphasis on value, have wider range of choices.

Years back we had only a few developers but in recent times we have many of them. So, you have access to a deeper pool of

choices. Competition has also changed such that in the industry today you have some bright young men who have come to disturb the space. Even the whole world has change; there is significant impact of technology on real estate. Today, we talk of proptech; the whole market has changed. What we used to do and get away with 10 years ago, as developers, we cannot do again because the customer is very knowledgeable. To succeed in this market, you must take time to determine the category you want to play and you must understand what the customers in that particular category want.”

On his projections for the real estate market in Nigeria in the years ahead, Ogunniran explained that “real estate drives the economy; it mirrors the economy. So, when you have a country where the government is investing in infrastructure as the current government is doing, you need to be excited as a real estate player, and must begin to position yourself for what is going to be the inevitable uptake in that segment.”

He urged property investors to be proactive. “You need to get very far away from the box and think; create the right products, create the right business enterprise that will deliver the right products in great locations, competitive pricing, adequate facilities. It is what the customers want and not what you as a developer think that they want.”

This is exactly what his com-

L-R: Music maestro 2Face; General Manager, Haven Homes, Ufuoma Ilesanmi; Chief Executive Officer, Haven Homes, Tayo Sonuga; and music artiste, Banky W, sharing thrills when residents of Richmond Gate Estate hosted their Christmas party… recently

pany is focusing on. “Another thing is that Eximia is moving away from marketing mothers and fathers to the children. We are profiling young people from age 25 to 35; we are bringing them into our cooperative so that in the next two to three years, they will have decent contribution in the cooperative which they can use to access other financing for owning their homes. My desire ultimately, is to create a unique ecosystem of housing development, facility management, of financing that help people to own homes in

that ecosystem. That is exactly what Eximia wants to do.”

It terms of their focus, he said, “We’ve done our research and we’re going to focus on midtier housing; we are going to focus on private housing in that category; we’re going to build one bedroom and two bedrooms in good locations.

The customers we’re targeting in that category have preference for certain locations but they have to prepare to trade off size for such locations. They don’t want to live very far away; they want to live in places closer to their

offices.”

He said “To help us drive our vision, one of the things that we did was to launch a real estate cooperative, designed as a platform to enable people to have house ownership targeted.

They can save under the cooperative over a period of time.

We have already launched the cooperative and people are joining and contributing over a particular period and that helps us to mobilise capital in a totally different way than what others have been doing in this particular market.

“The objective is to build huge membership of people who will off-take (buy) our projects in the future and can use it for investment in another real estate product. You can have targeted savings over a two-year period, particularly if you know that we will have a product in the market in two years. You can target and do monthly contribution that will enable you to meet the counterpart funding for it and we can help you to access finance thereafter. It is a model which has worked in other countries.”

Tuface, Ay, Tiwa Savage, Others Bond with Neighbours at Haven Homes Christmas Party The celebrity residents of Richmond Gate Estate had a Christmas party which presented an opportunity for them to bond.

Richmond Gate Estate, developed by Haven Homes in Lekki, can be described as the look alike of Beverley Hills in Lagos, considering its array of celebrity residents.

The annual Christmas party was organised by the estate’s residents to promote friendship.

The chairman if the Residents Association, Mr. Afolabi Oke explained that in an estate where

many residents are top celebrities and VIPs, it was important to create a night of music, jokes and entertainment to crown the year.

The grand event was anchored

by MC Pencil and performances were led by celebrity co-residents like 2face, Ay Comedian, Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage, Banky W among others.

Earlier in the day, Tiwa Savage thrilled her neighbours’ kids at the children’s party.

Speaking at the party, Managing Director Haven Homes, Tayo Sonuga stated that the company’s

goal was to create a luxurious, peaceful and safe environment where celebs, VIPs, expatriates and other influential members of the society can live peacefully and cohabit peaceably with their neighbours. “That is what we have currently at Richmond Gate Estate,” he said, adding “Our estates are designed to give comfort that is devoid of status but is also very affordable by all who desire the serene atmosphere all round.”

Sonuga stated that Haven Homes was the developer that

pioneered the spectacular contemporary designs that have now dotted Lagos’ landscape.

“We specialise in creating homes that model after the rich, luxurious, western aristocratic homes previously only seen in movies, very obvious reason why our celebrities are at home here with Haven Homes.”

Ayo Makun, aka Ay comedian, who recently moved into the second home he bought within Richmond Gate Estate, noted that his heart knows no bounds, sitting and chatting with his

neighbours in an environment that is homely without rattling and bustling, after working hard all day.

He enjoined more Nigerians to come join the train as they are building an inclusive environment that would impact individual and contribute to economic and social development. 2Face, aka 2Baba was also present with his lovely wife, Annie. 2Face couldn’t find words enough to describe his peace and joy for having found such a tranquil and friendly estate to live with

his family. Banky W confirmed he has joined the growing list of celebrities finding haven at Richmond Gate Estate and he also used the occasion to enjoin the residents to come out and vote with their consciences at the forthcoming general elections in 2019. Haven Homes is the Real Estate subsidiary of Haven Global Resources Ltd, a firm registered as a limited liability company in Nigeria and have been building affordable luxury residential homes since 2006 and have since won multiple awards.

Climate Change Increases Exposure of Vulnerable People to Neglected Tropical Diseases, Say Scientists Bennett Oghifo Scientists have warned that it is important to keep global temperatures well within the 1.50c sought because of the negative breeding conditions rising temperatures provide for disease vectors, particularly Neglected Tropical diseases (NTDs) that afflict the poor mainly.

Interestingly, the twenty-fourth meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 24) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) closed in Katowice, Poland, at the weekend with some positive takeaways that point in the direction of governments adopting a robust

set of guidelines for implementing the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The implementation of the agreement will benefit people from all walks of life, especially the most vulnerable and poor, who scientists believe suffer most from the impacts of climate change.

This is a major reason the global community is focusing on the plight of poor and vulnerable people who bear the psychological burden of NTDs. “They do not have a voice; every human being has a right to health,” said Dr. Olawale Salami, Clinical Project Manager, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya.

The organisation is a not-for-profit initiative, working to develop new treatment for neglected diseases, as well as neglected patients. So, in the context of HIV, pediatric population is neglected, Salami said. “So, we have been working over the last five-six years to develop new formulations of existing drugs that are better targeted at children who are infected with HIV. Salami stated this at a lecture on NTDs at a workshop on ‘How to Improve Coverage of Health in the African Media’, held in Kigali, Rwanda, recently, by that country’s association of science journalists; and MESHA, based in Kenya, in collaboration with the Centre for

Science and Environment (CSE), a leading research and advocacy think tank based in New Delhi, India.

Salami said the National Control Programme of NTDs have done very well in Nigeria, especially with Guinea Worm that has gone down, just like the lymphatic philiaratic which has been remarkably reduced.

“In terms of NTDs, Nigeria is doing quite well.”

He, however, said in the area of HIV, “we don’t see much progress compared to other disease areas and this is largely due to a lot of factors. In my own area where I work, I know that pediatric cases in Nigeria are still very poor, but

there is also another problem of data quality.”

He said as things stand today, “treatment coverage for children in Nigeria is still very poor; the proportion of children with good virus suppression is still very low and mortality is still quite high in children.”

According to him, to get out of this situation, “we need more resources, more home-driven resources from the Nigerian government for us to be able to plan better. When the resources come from the government, then they are able to align their own priorities and only have to work with the priorities of the donor.”

Also discussing NTDs at the

meeting, Dr. Samuel Oti of the International Research Development Centre said these diseases are closer to people than they think.

Speaking on “The Race Towards MDG3,” as it relates to NTDs, Oti said there is what is known in medical circles as the big four; cardiovascular diseases; cancer; diabetes; respiratory diseases/asthma.

He said regardless of the huge presence of NTDs in Africa, communicable diseases were still the major cause of death on the continent, but that if nothing was done about it, the incidences of NTDs would skyrocket in the years to come.

5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

29

30

T U E S DAY Ëž ÍŻË&#x153; 2018

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

500 Richest People Lose $451bn in 2018 The 500 richest people on earth lost jointly $451 billion this year, a report has revealed.

This was mainly due to declining stock exchanges, Bloomberg stated.

Last year, the five hundred richest people received more than a trillion dollars.

According to the report, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the world.

His assets increased by $24 billion, to $123 billion dollars in 2018.

But Bezos also suffered from falling stock markets.

In September he was worth

another $45 billion. All American billionaires jointly contributed $76 billion.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg alone saw his assets shrink by $20 billion and now has to make $53 billion. Chinese billionaires lost just under $76 billion.

The report showed that 50 people disappeared from the rich list, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis.

The Russian aluminium tycoon Oleg Deripaska also fell off the list. His company Rusal lost a lot of value as a result of US sanctions.

In all, 13 billionaires died

in 2018. These included Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the chairman of football clubs Leicester City and Oud-Heverlee Leuven died in a helicopter accident, among others.

On the other hand, new names on the rich list included Tim Sweeney who benefited from the success of the Fortnite computer game and is now worth $7.2 billion. The British founder of bookmaker Bet365 Denise Coates is also new with a capital of 4.1 billion dollars.

Stable Exchange Rate in 2018 Excites ABCON The strategic partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) on foreign exchange supplies and sustenance of market integrity helped naira stability last year.

ABCON President, Aminu Gwadabe, who disclosed this in a statement at the end of year briefing in Lagos, said both the apex bank and ABCON worked together in the course of the year to achieve exchange rate stability, which is one of the agenda set by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele at the beginning of his tenure.

Gwadabe, said the partnership between both institutions would continue in the New Year.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The strategic partnership between the Central Bank and ABCON continued to make the naira sovereign in the foreign exchange market. The opening market rate N360/361 to dollar on the two-way quote has been stable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This sustained stability made the Bureaux De Change (BDCs) to continue to be the potent monetary policy tool of CBN exchange rate managements.â&#x20AC;?

According to the ABCON boss, the market distortion by forex speculators, rent seekers, currency hoarders and frivolous demand that usually endangered naira stability have been successfully checkmated.

The buying/selling rates for dollar stood at N358/359.5;

Pounds Sterling, N452/ N457 and Euro N404/N409.5 respectively.

In Port Harcourt, dollar buying/selling rates closed the year were at N359/361; Pounds Sterling, N457/N464 and Euro N405/N408 respectively.

In Abuja, dollar buying/ selling rates closed last year at N359/360; Pounds Sterling, N464/N467 and Euro N407/ N410 respectively. In Kano, dollar buying/selling rates for last year were at N359/360; Pounds Sterling, N465/N472and Euro N407/N411 respectively.

Gwadabe said that ABCON last year created naijabdcs. com, a live rate engine room created to provide uniform rate for all BDCs across the country.

The app displays live exchange rates for different currencies against the naira. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was created by ABCON to bring about price discovery and transparency in the foreign exchange market. The portal has the support of the CBN, commercial banks, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, Travelex, over 4,000 BDC operators among others,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said the App can now be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Gwadabe said the local currency stability has also been achieved in the official market, where the exchange rate closed the year at N307 to dollar yesterday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The naira remains stable de-

spite political parties campaign spendings across the nation. The strategic partnership, actions and pre-actions of the CBN and ABCON have stopped distortions to the exchange rate due to ongoing politicking and campaign spending in the country.

ABCON has on its part, ensured that its members continue to make dollar accessible to critical end-users like travellers demanding personal and business travel allowances, school fees and medical bills payment abroad among others,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said going into the New Year, the ongoing ABCON automation and configuration of soft token for forex return rendition by over 4,000 BDCs nationwide will enhance transparency and financial integrity of the operators. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This feat will no doubt strengthen the effectiveness of the technical compliance of the Anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws and help Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessment into the Financial Action Task Force coming up this new year,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

He said ABCON was impressed that increased surveillance by the security agencies on illicit financial flow and controls at the nations boarders enhanced the stability in the market in the course of last year, adding that same activities should be sustained in the New Year.

Heritage Bank Partners Ikoyi Club Heritage Bank Plc has announced its partnership with Ikoyi Club 38 to host the monthly mugs competition of the golf section.

Speaking at the event, the MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo said the bank partnered the club because, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we needed to pitch our tent where it matters, needed to be visible and to put our footprint in the sands of time.â&#x20AC;?

Sekibo, who was represented by the Regional Head, Lagos Island 2 of Heritage Bank, Abiodun Agbaje, was quoted in a statement to have said while the lender could not do everything at the same time, it was specifically looking at some events that are educative and have high calibre of people to

deal with, adding that as a bank, they need to grow their business base with the kind of people that are at the event, who are high-calibre business people.

He said the event was one where a lot of business people gathered together in one place at the same time, stressing that Heritage Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.

Also speaking, Joe Oduah, Chief Executive Officer of Resource Churchill, one of the players who contested in the competition, described the mug competition as a monthly tournament played by members only, adding that the winners are usually presented with a gift, which is a mug.

He said it was a medal play,

which meant that the player with the lowest net emerged the overall winner, which entitled him to a mug and a special parking slot in the car park of the club.

Oduah, who also doubles as CEO of 3M, a safety equipment stockist and service centre and who has been playing in the tournament for about 10 years said generally it was an interesting tournament that brings all the amateurs players together to compete against one another.

In his contribution, Mr. Fabian Kenni, manager of the Golf Section of the Ikoyi Club 38, said the monthly mug competition is a tradition in golf worldwide and is usually done every month, either the first Saturday or the last Saturday of the month.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018 Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

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

5,433,209.43

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

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58 Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039;

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2018

The price of OPEC basket of ďŹ fteen crudes stood at $53.92 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $55.13 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

31

T U E S DAY Ëž ÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

MARKET NEWS

NEM, Diamond Bank, Continental Re Removed from Governance Index Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has removed NEM Insurance Plc, Continental Reinsurance Plc and Diamond Bank Plc from the NSE Corporate Governance Index(NSE CGI).

The NSE CGI was launched during the inaugural Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS) certification ceremony in February 2018.

The NSE CGI was introduced

to track the performance of the 35 Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS) rated companies using their market capitalisation, free float and corporate governance rating scores.

However, the exchange said yesterday that its Index Governance Committee resolved to remove NEM Insurance from the NSE CGI following the suspension of the CGRS rating of the company by the Steering Board of the CGRS on

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Monday, 19 November 2018.

The NSE added that in view of the recent governance issues with Diamond Bank, the Index Committee has decided to remove the bank from the NSE CGI. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Index Committee also decided to remove Continental Reinsurance Plc from the NSE CGI following the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application to the exchange to delist from the Daily Official List of The Exchange,â&#x20AC;? the

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

exchange said.

The NSE had explained that index would be reviewed on a bi-annual basis at which point other companies that have become CGRS rated in the interim may be added to the Index or companies that have had their ratings suspended or withdrawn may be removed.

The exchange said the index was expected to be an important tool for investors keen on investing in well governed

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

companies as well as corporates eager to distinguish themselves on the ground of governance.

Specifically, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Oscar Onyema, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The launch of the CGI is an important milestone to strengthening listed companies by tracking their corporate governance practices. This index will increase transparency in our market and provide investors additional data points upon

O F

which to make sound decisions.

I congratulate the companies that have successfully completed the process and I expect that they will be more positively looked at whilst trying to raise and access capital within or outside of our jurisdiction.â&#x20AC;?

The CGI was launched at the certification ceremony for 35 companies and 437 directors that made it over the 70 per cent threshold for the CGRS process.

2 8 / 1 2 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ë&#x153; ÍšË&#x153; ͺ͸͚͡

33

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Flour Mills Introduces Two Products to Boost Operations Goddy Egene Dangote Flour Mills Plc has rolled out two products, Dangote Semolina and whole wheatmeal into the Nigerian market as part of its desire to put tasty meals on the tables of Nigerians and boost its bottom-line.

The company said the in a statement that the unveiling of the two products took place in Kano and Ibadan. Speaking on the products, Executive Director,

Dangote Flour Mills, Halima Aliko Dangote declared that the new products come with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a taste to treasureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as granules are better and fortified with micro granules for superior taste.

According to her, the two products have been fortified with micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Niacin, Zinc, Iron, Folic acid and many more, which makes it beneficial to nutritional health. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Dangote Wheatmeal contains 100 per cent wheat for

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the

100 per cent nourishment which gives it the additional benefit of being rich in fibre for easy digestion. Everything we do starts with an understanding of the consumers and their desires.

Here, we engage regularly with the consumers, users and potential adopters of our brands to understand and appreciate their points of view on product needs and aspirations. This openness has helped in getting good and invaluable feedback on product performance and

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 2812-2018, unless otherwise stated.

improvements,â&#x20AC;? she said.

The company said bakers expressed their excitement on the affordability and multipurpose brand during the launch in Kano.

Chairman of Association of Master Bakers and Caterers in Kano, Alhaji Muazu Gidauniya, said he was elated by the new product that has already been tested by his members. A renowned distributor of Dangote Flour in Kano and Secretary General of Masters Bakers,

Kabiru Abdullahi said he was optimistic that the product will move well in the market.

Dangote Flour Mills, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited, recently invested in a dedicated semolina machine in its Apapa plant to produce 10 times the previous volumes.

The products now have a longer shelf life and are available in a more complete range of pack sizes: 1kg, 5kg and 10kg. Dangote Semolina and Wheatmeal range come in very

attractive new pack design.

The company said it is exploring new markets and embarking on aggressive expansion strategy by investing in additional production plants and mill to meet the growing needs of consumers. These expansions, according to the company, were in response to a growing national demand for flour and flour-based products and in addition to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive for increased market share.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 157.84 159.32 -10.95% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 276.59 278.32 19.68% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.84 0.85 2.15% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 7.37% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.11% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.22 2.24 -3.17% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 16.93 17.44 -7.33% ARM Discovery Fund 362.47 373.40 -6.84% ARM Ethical Fund 28.61 29.47 4.72% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 101.32 102.03 -13.01% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.63% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.97% Paramount Equity Fund 11.54 11.83 4.05% Women's Investment Fund 101.08 103.67 0.45% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.10% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 95.60 95.87 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.40 98.72 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.69% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.85 0.86 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.17 1.17 11.15% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.29% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.35% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,179.51 1,180.27 11.74% FBN Heritage Fund 143.27 144.49 2.67% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.30% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 113.18 113.73 3.85% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 112.91 113.46 3.73% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 151.58 153.78 -4.80% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.21 1.24 -5.94% Legacy Debt Fund 3.24 3.24 12.12% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 2.93% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,986.74 3,016.92 0.05% Coral Income Fund 2,758.76 2,758.76 12.68% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.08% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 106.63 107.49 7.24% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.71%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.15 2.17 1.98% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.41% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 124.81 125.01 8.44% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.21 1.23 5.53% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,096.66 1,096.66 13.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.35 11.45 -12.41% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.45% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.34 1.37 12.71% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.21 12.28 10.64% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.90% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 121.77 122.35 -6.05% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.70 1.70 14.48% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,307.14 2,321.18 4.96% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 190.28 190.28 9.25% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.94 0.95 -6.44% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 247.01 247.05 14.43% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 162.20 164.04 -9.43% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.43% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,410.54 8,512.02 -11.55% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 7.25% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.26 11.41 -6.89% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.46 12.58 -3.32% Zenith Income Fund 20.75 20.75 12.39% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.90%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

9.00 139.60 51.74

-20.11% 5.39% 1.79%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.42 117.57 88.50

10.52 120.07 90.21

-11.99% -17.69% -18.97%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.96 7.34 14.62 12.20 143.48

4.00 7.42 14.72 12.40 145.48

-16.44% -23.17% -16.23% -37.77% 6.63%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.13

17.03%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and FMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

32

5 ) * 4 % ": t TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2019

34

TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

French Court Orders Sending Central African Republic War Crimes Suspect to ICC A French court has authorised Central Africa Republic Soccer Executive and alleged militia leader, Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona

to be handed over to the Hague war crimes tribunal, a judicial source said on Monday.

Ngaissona, who has been

14 Ethiopian Migrants Found Dead in Tanzania No fewer than 14 migrants, identified as Ethiopians, had been found dead in Eastern Tanzania’s region of Morogoro, Police said on Monday.

Morogoro Regional Police Commander Wilbroad Mutafungwa said that the aliens were found dead in Mindu area, near Morogoro municipality, on the TanzaniaZambia highway.

He said that there were 26 illegal migrants on board a vehicle, but 14 of them had already died, five were receiving medical treatment at the Morogoro Regional Hospital, while seven people were not affected.

He said that the aliens were on their way to South Africa,

through Malawi or Zambia, in search for “greener pastures’’.

Mutafungwa said that the driver of the vehicle managed to escape.

Acting Morogoro regional medical officer, Francis Semwene said the aliens died because of suffocation as the vehicle carrying them was too small to accommodate the 26 people.

On her part, Regional Immigration officer Safina Mhindi said that it was not clear whether the bodies of the Ethiopians will be buried in Tanzania or taken to their home country.

Tanzania is the main gateway for illegal immigrants particularly for those who are on the way to South Africa.

described by prosecutors as the “senior leader” of the anti-balaka militia that carried out systematic attacks on the Muslim population in 2013 and 2014, was arrested in France on December 12.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) said Ngaissona is suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, extermination, deportation, persecution, torture, attacking civilians and recruiting child soldiers.

Ngaissona, who was elected as a top executive of Africa’s football governing body CAF, has denied the charges.

A search was carried out at his French home after he was detained at Charles de Gaulle airport.

The investigating chamber of the Paris Appeal Court has now ordered him to be handed over to the war crimes tribunal, the source said.

The decision is subject to appeal, the source added.

The ICC said on December

12 it had made a request to French authorities for Ngaïssona to be handed over to the court once national procedure had been completed.

The Central African Republic has been mired by inter-communal violence since 2013 after a coalition of mostly northern rebels known as Seleka, seized power in March 2013.

Their brutal rule gave rise to the mostly Christian anti-balaka militia.

In spite of the presence of

thousands of UN peacekeepers and a presidential election, titfor-tat violence has continued and thousands have died due to the conflict.

The ICC has said it is investigating crimes committed by all parties in the conflict including the Seleka rebels.

In November, another leader of the anti-balaka militia, Alfred Yekatom, a sitting member of the country’s parliament once nicknamed “Rambo”, was arrested and handed to The Hague court.

CCTV Footage Shows Men Transporting Khashoggi’s Body Parts A Turkish television station has broadcast CCTV footage showing men carrying cases and bags which it says contained slain Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi’s body parts.

The images shown on A-Haber television late Sunday, feature three men carrying five suitcases and two large black bags into the home of the Saudi consul general in Istanbul.

The residence lies a short distance from the Saudi consulate where Khashoggi was murdered in October in a killing that has tested Riyadh’s relations with the West.

Citing unnamed Turkish sources, A-Haber said Khashoggi’s dismembered body was inside the cases and bags.

Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, was killed on October 2 shortly after entering the kingdom’s consulate in what Riyadh called a “rogue” operation.

The 59-year-old former Saudi insider turned critic was strangled

before he was cut up into pieces by a team of 15 Saudis sent to Istanbul for the killing, according to Turkish officials, with media reports suggesting the parts were dissolved in acid.

The consulate and the residence were searched by the Turkish authorities in October along with several other locations but Khashoggi’s body has still not been found.

There has been speculation that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman ordered the hit but Riyadh has absolved the de facto leader of any blame.

Saudi Arabia has also repeatedly rejected Turkish demands to extradite suspects connected to the murder of the journalist, a critic of the crown prince.

A-Haber said the bags and suitcases were put into a minibus which travelled the short distance from the consulate to a garage at the residence.

The men are then seen taking them inside.

Burkina Faso Declares Emergency over Violence Burkina Faso is declaring a state of emergency in provinces grappling with jihadist violence, Communications Minister, Remis Fulgance Dandjinou, said on Monday.

“The president has decided to declare a state of emergency in certain provinces of Burkina Faso. He has also given instructions for specific security measures across the country,” Dandjinou said after a cabinet meeting that followed a deadly attack on police.

Ten gendarmes were killed and three wounded on Thursday in an ambush in the northwest of the country, near the border with Mali.

They had been heading to the village of Loroni after a school had been attacked and textbooks torched by armed assailants, a security source told AFP.

The state of emergency applies to a number of provinces that lie within seven of the country’s 13 administrative regions, Dandjinou said.

The regions are Hauts-Bassins, Boucle du Mouhoun, Cascades, North and Sahel, in the west and north of the country, and the East and Centre-East in the east.

Names of the provinces where the state of emergency is to be applied will be made public in a presidential decree, he said.

A state of emergency gives additional powers to the security forces to carry out searches of homes and to restrict freedom of movement.

The impoverished Sahel state has been battling a rising wave of jihadist attacks over the last three years.

Congolese police arresting a man at Majengo neighborhood in Goma during a demonstration against the election in DR Congo.

AFP

Brexit: Number of Britons Seeking Irish Passports up 22% in 2018 The number of British citizens applying for Irish passports rose by 22 per cent in 2018, Ireland’s foreign office said on Monday, more than doubling the total of annual applications since Britain voted to leave the EU. Almost 100,000 eligible Britons sought to hang onto their EU citizenship via a passport from their nearest

neighbour this year, up from 81,000 in 2017 and 46,000 in 2015, the year before the Brexit vote led to a sharp rise in applications.

Anybody born in the Irish Republic or Northern Ireland, or with an Irish parent or grandparent, is entitled to an Irish passport – a total of about six million British citizens.

hey are able to hold dual citizenship.

Registrations for Irish passports in Northern Ireland, whose citizens can hold both an Irish and British passport as the province is part of the United Kingdom, rose by two per cent in the year to the end of December.

With three months left until

the UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, the draft divorce deal reached between both sides is floundering ahead of a planned vote in the British parliament next month.

This will be opening up a range of possibilities from a Brexit without a trade deal to calling it off entirely.

Ramaphosa: South Africa to Take Decisions to Move Forward in NewYear South Africa will make difficult decisions in 2019 to confront challenges bedeviling the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday.

The country will have to double its efforts in 2019 to realise its dreams and aspirations, Ramaphosa said in his New Year message.

“In 2019, we will be called upon to work with greater focus and determination to confront our problems and create new opportunities for all South Africans.

“We will need to take some extraordinary measures and work together to take some difficult decisions given the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

Ramaphosa cited sluggish economic growth and gender-

based violence as some of the challenges bedeviling the country.

“We will need a huge national effort to build on the progress made this year in restoring our country to a path of growth and progress,” he said.

“Having welcomed the new dawn at the beginning of this year we can be certain that the sun is indeed rising even higher in the South African sky,” Ramaphosa said.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that all our people bask in its warmth.”

South Africa will hold presidential elections in 2019.

Ramaphosa encouraged his countrymen to register to vote.

Earlier, Minister of International Relations and

Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu said the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and Africa as a whole will remain a strategic foreign policy priority for South Africa in 2019.

“We believe that stability in the SADC region and the continent is the cornerstone for socio-economic development in our country and in Africa,” Sisulu said in a Christmas Eve message.

She said her country will work with all in the region and continent to achieve an Africa free of conflict.

And also to fast-track the implementation of the African Union’s Continental Free Trade Area Agreement so that business people in the SADC region and the rest of

the continent can do business easily with one another.

South Africa, Sisulu said, is striving to become the business capital on the continent and a transport and technology connection hub.

“Our sophisticated financial and modern transport sector is playing an important role in developing the SADC region’s infrastructure,” the minister said.

The SADC must be connected through road, rail and air transport, as well as technology and communications, for business to grow, Sisulu said.

Beginning from next year, South Africa will take its nonpermanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the next two years.

35

TUESDAY, ÍšË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Labour Insists on Tuesday Protest over Minimum Wage Governors accuse NLC of blackmail Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will proceed with its protest scheduled for Tuesday following the failure of the federal government to make a clear commitment on the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage by 12 midnight.

Its General Secretary, Mr. Peter Essom, had told THISDAY on telephone that if the president fails to submit the bill for the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage

by December 31 as demanded

by Labour, they would have no option than to proceed with the protest scheduled for January 8.

The demand was not met by the federal government yesterday, making the likelihood of the protest imminent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has

expressed displeasure over what it described as false assertion that governors are refusing to pay the N30,000 national minimum wage as demanded by workers.

In a statement yesterday by the NGF's Head of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazak Bello-Barkindo, the governors accused the NLC of trying to destroy the existing conviviality that is already building-up between workers and their governors in the states.

It said the statement credited to the NLC General Secretary, Essom, that the governors did not want an increase minimum wage was not only mischievous, but misleading and in bad faith.

The statement read in part, "State governors are making concerted efforts to improve education, health and infrastructure and for this, would not, therefore,

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige dedicate their statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entire resources to workers salaries alone, knowing that workers constitute less than five per cent of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population."

The NGF said the governors collectively resolved that no state would devote more than 50 per cent of its revenue to salaries.

It said, "To, therefore, insist that states must oblige the

NLC its demands, regardless of the economic gloom that stares the nation in the face is most unpatriotic and a deliberate attempt to hold the nation, especially the president, to ransom, this being an election year.

"At this point it is important to remind the NLC that most governors exhibited a high sense of responsibility and concern for the plight of workers by ensuring that most of them were paid their December salaries ahead of time. Some even received several monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salary arrears that were owed them, and they are happy with their governors."

The Forum also said the call by NLC for a probe of governors, who diverted bailouts, is a needless attempt by the leadership of labor to steer the public away from the promise by President Muhammadu Buhari to

constitute another committee to review the minimum wage gridlock.

According to the NGF, governors have "collectively made it abundantly clear that they would have been happy to pay workers the N30,000 but times are hard and because of financial constraints and other limitations, many states cannot afford it, for now."

It said that the governors had offered workers a token increment to the sum of N22,500 from the current N18,000 after the submission of the report of the Tripartite Committee set up by the president and headed by a retired Head of Service, Ms. Amma Pepple on October 6.

It said, "The N22,500 was arrived at, after extensive deliberations among all 36 governors, outlining their financial capacities and liquidity, considering the economic situation of the

country and the statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; other obligations to majority of the people of their various domains.

"Governors also emphasised that N22,500 is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;baseline threshold,â&#x20AC;? meaning that any governor, who can pay more than N22,500 is, therefore, free to go ahead and do so.â&#x20AC;?

The NGF said governors had met with the president twice, all in an effort to resolve the issue of minimum wage.

It said, "To put the records straight, governors are not under any obligation, by law, to show their books to the NLC. But they have, in their pursuit of the understanding of the union, done so, not once, but several times over, with a view to letting NLC know that what they are asking for is neither realistic nor sustainable.

"Yet, NLC remains adamant that its will must be done, or the heavens will fall."

in surviving the hardships of the past few years and urged them to use the New Year to pray against all negative projections by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, who he said had declared more hardship for Nigerians in the coming year.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerians must, therefore, avert such negative projections by voting out President Buhari and replacing him with their choice leader, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, who has already articulated a practical blueprint to ease their burden and pain by engendering rapid economic recovery, national cohesion and realistic solutions to our myriad of challenges.â&#x20AC;?

He said Nigerians had made immensurable sacrifices to keep the nation going in the face of very harsh policies, lies and fake promises of the Buhari administration, adding

that they now eagerly long for a breath of fresh air under Atiku as their next president. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerians should, therefore, be optimistic as their incoming president will usher in a new era of a transparent and responsive government with the template for wealth creation, job opportunities and revitalization of our productive sector through tax cuts and direct empowerment of our hard working entrepreneurs in a manner that increases our national productivity, reduce costs of goods and services, increase exports and shore up the value of our naira.â&#x20AC;?

The PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, too urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity that 2019 presents as an election year to vote the party and restore Nigeria on the path of greatness.

Secondus said 2019 is critical in the life of the nation as it would be a turning point

in the emerging political evolution.

The chairman, in a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Ike Abonyi, said that the good decisions by the voters this year is all that is needed to recover the country from the hands of the destroyers.

He stated, "The general election in the country this year 2019 provides ample opportunity for the country to be rescued and restored as the biggest black nation in the World, both economically and politically.

"This year provides us the ground to save our democracy and the country from the comatose state the misrule and inept administration of the APC has placed it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2019 provides the way for us as a country to correct the mistake we made in 2015 which has dangerously brought the country to this sorry state.â&#x20AC;?

BUHARI: ELECTIONS NEED NOT BE DO-OR-DIE AFFAIR activity", Saraki further said

Nigerians Should Be Optimistic, Says Dogara The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in his message challenged Nigerians not to despair, but to look to the future with optimism.

Dogara acknowledged that though 2018 was characterised by wanton killings, decline in the nation's economy, unemployment, general insecurity and other acts of lawlessness due to challenges of governance, he was hopeful that 2019 will present Nigerians a unique opportunity to renew their faith and hope in God and the country, as well as take full control of their destiny.

In view of the next few weeks preceding the general elections, Dogara tasked Nigerians to be patriotic

and committed to their civic responsibility by turning out en masse to elect leaders that will be sensitive to their yearnings and aspirations and provide adequate security for their lives and properties.

According to him, "The year 2019 presents a unique opportunity for us to take full control of our nation and our destiny. It is also time for us to take responsibility for our own lives and work towards making Nigeria a better place for all its citizens.

"A democratic government should always depend on its citizens as the reverse will only amount to slavery. Hence, we must continue to demonstrate patriotism, cooperation, dedication and resilience in order to overcome our challenges and triumph over the forces of retrogression.â&#x20AC;?

PDP Assures Nigerians of

Brighter Future Also reeling out its message for the New Year, the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation urged Nigerians to step into 2019 with unwavering optimism, faith and hope of a new era of peace, and economic prosperity under a new president, Atiku, as presidential election holds in February.

The main opposition party said 2019, as an election year, offers the citizens their much-desired opportunity to end the trajectory of economic hardship, hunger and starvation, strange humongous unemployment figures, wanton killings that have bedeviled the nation in almost four years of the Buhari administration.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, congratulated Nigerians for their resilience

OBAIGBENA, DANGOTE, 15 OTHERS HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GROWTH Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited for unparalleled contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Mrs. Aisha Ahmad, a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for impressive promotion of diversity; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources for inspiring effective governance; and Mr. John Momoh, CEO of Channels Television for outstanding leadership excellence in media.

A statement from TEXEM yesterday in Abuja, also explained that Alhaji AbdulKadir Saidu Umar, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) was also nominated for an award for his laudable achievements in public administration; Hon. Jimm Emmanuel, CEO of the

Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) for notable performance in promoting free trade; Alhaji Ahmed Bobboi, Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Management Fund (PEF) for commendable leadership in the public sector; Mr. Frank Aigbogun, CEO of Businessday Media Limited for inspiring innovation in the media; Mr. Umaru Ibrahim, Managing Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for outstanding leadership in financial regulation; and Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank for immense contribution to growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES).

Others slated to be honoured by TEXEM included Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher of Premium Times for unparalleled contribution

to the independence of the media in Nigeria; Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, Executive Director, Shared Services at Fidelity Bank for laudable achievements in digital retail banking; Mr. Mordecai Ladan, Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for inspiring regulatory leadership; Mr. Chris Ubosi, CEO of Classic FM for outstanding leadership excellence in media in 2018; as well as Mr. Dipo Davies, for commendable contribution to real estate development in Nigeria; and Mrs. Chizoba Mojekwu, CBN Director of human capital development for promotion of human capital development.

The statement explained that while Nigeria was going through a turbulent, challenging, complex and difficult socio-economic phase, the silver lining has been that

some venerable individuals were contributing immensely to its progress and that of the citizens.

TEXEM stated that it believed that it was essential to appreciate these trailblazers with the hope that it would encourage and spur them to continue to add value and positively impact society.

TEXEM said the award promotes effective leadership as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of reducing poor leadership which is the bane of many African nations with the aim of improving Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragile socio-economic environment, strengthening institutions, enhancing human capital and ultimately achieving prosperity that endures.

According to it, the award selection process was carried out in four stages which comprise nominations,

screening, shortlisting and selection.

The first stage it noted, consisted of nominations of individuals by members of the public based on their track record, professionalism, comparison with peers and positive contribution to society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A total of 400 nominations were received and nominators were asked to compile a onepage document that articulates each of the following criteria: effective leadership and by extension good stakeholder engagement credentialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; value adding contribution to society; and professionalism,â&#x20AC;? it explained.

In the second stage, it said a team of professionals did a screening of the nominations received, and 60 distinguished leaders were successful in this stage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following this, another panel comprising of UK

opinion shapers then pruned down and shortlisted three finalists based on the following: biography; contribution to improved organisational performance; enhanced industry leadership; and superlative service to society. In the final stage, the winners of each category were selected after debates and a vote by members of the panel,â&#x20AC;? it added.

The statement quoted Dr. Alim Abubakre, Chair of TEXEM - UK to have said that the award was TEXEM's way of inspiring others to raise their game as well as encourage distinguished individuals of excellence who have gone above their call of duty and demonstrated insightful, effective, motivational, consistent and impactful, individual, team, organisational and societal leadership.

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TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Equities Investors Lose N1.9tn, Market Declines by 17.8% in 2018 Nigeria’s debt rises to N22.4tn Goddy Egene and Nume Ekeghe Contrary to high expectations that the Nigerian equities market will sustain the 2017 positive performance in 2018, the market closed the immediate past year with a decline of N1.898 trillion, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) depreciated by 17.8 per cent.

This is just as the Debt Management Office (DMO) has revealed that Nigeria’s total public debt stock rose slightly in the third quarter of 2018 to $73.213 billion (N22.429 trillion) as at September 30, 2018.

The decline in the stock market was in contrast to the 42.3 per cent growth recorded in 2017 after three years of fall.

Based on the positive performance in 2017, operators and other stakeholders were upbeat that growth would be sustained.

While 2018 started on a positive note with the NSE ASI rallying 15.95 per cent in the first month, the bearish trend set in the following months, which persisted to the end of the year.

And the close trading for the year yesterday, the market capitalisation dipped from N13.619 trillion to N11.721 trillion, NSE ASI depreciated from 8,243.19 to 31,430.50.

According to analysts at CSL Stockbrokers Limited, the down trend in the stock market, which was initially triggered by rising

yields in the United States(US) due to hike in interest rates by the Fed, was exacerbated by escalating trade war between the US and China, and investor fears surrounding a “contagion effect” on the back of the turmoil in emerging markets (Turkey and Argentina in particular).

“In addition, the political uncertainties in the domestic economy in the build-up to the 2019 elections amidst a sluggish growth in gross domestic product (GDP), which slowed from 2.1 per cent in Q4 2017 to 1.95 per cent in Q1 2018 and then to 1.5 per cent in Q2 2018, from the economic recession led foreign investors to flee the equities market in search of high-quality lower-risk assets in developed economies notably the US,” they said.

Reflecting on the slowdown in the participation of foreign investors in the local bourse, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) data revealed that foreign transactions has declined by 49 per cent from N166.39 billion in January to N84.36 billion at the end of November.

“Noteworthy to mention is that, foreign transactions for the month of July stood at N36.15 billion, the lowest since the Investors and Exporters window was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in April 2017. The data further revealed that foreign outflows for the months of January till November has increased by 51 per cent from N402.2 billion in 2017 to N605.5 billion in 2018,”

Again, Gunmen Kill Four, Injure Seven in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna Four people were killed in an attack by unknown gunmen last Sunday in Kutura village, Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

Seven others were said to have sustained injuries from gunshots and were taken to the hospital.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the community at about 8.00p.m and opened fire on the youths who were said to be dancing in celebration of the New Year.

The attack came hours after the state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai appealed to the people of the area to live in peace during a Town Hall meeting in Kasuwan Magani.

President of the Adara Development Association (ADA), Mr. Awema Dio Maisamari, who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, described the attack as unfortunate.

“It was around 8. 00 p.m, the youths were celebrating the New Year, they were dancing in anticipation of the new year; suddenly the gunmen invaded the community and opened fire at the them.

“Four people were killed on the spot while seven others were injured” Maisamari said.

Accoording to him, before the

attack, there was a recorded audio message, allegedly, from a fulani man, informing about impending attacks on some communities in the area.

He said the recorded audio message listed the areas to be attacked, adding that Kutura community was one of them.

He said the latest attack had confirmed fears being expressed about the security situation in Kajuru Local Government Area and the failure of the authorities to initiate proactive measures.

“There was an audio message that was sent by a fulani man, telling us that they are coming and Kutura village was one of the villages mentioned for attack in the audio and that we should get ready.

“So, this has confirmed to us that all these things we are hearing and we called them rumours are coming to pass.

“When the audio was circulating, we we raised the issue at a meeting with government officials at the State House (Hassan Katsina House), Kaduna. They told us that they had already taken care of the situation.

“We were at the meeting with the SSG (Secretary to the State Government) and we brought up the issue; he told us that they were aware of it and they had already taken care of the situation.

CSL said.

Looking ahead, the analysts said: “Although, we acknowledge that the broad sell off in the market has led to a significant moderation in the share prices of stocks providing opportunities for bargain hunting, we think that the argument for “Buying the dip” frequently advanced by money managers and traders is still too early to call for.

“With growing concerns about a weakening global economy, the US Fed providing guidance for two rate hikes in 2019 and more importantly, the elevated political risk in the domestic economy, we expect foreign investors to remain on the sidelines. Hence, we still expect a choppy theme to characterise the nation’s bourse

over the short term.”

Speaking on the performance of the stock market recently, the Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk, had said a large percentage of these who do business in our market are foreign investors and as at the third quarter of 2018, the capital outflow stood at N513 billion as against N477.7 billion inflow.

“We can see that the impact of increase in interest rate in advanced countries not just US, has impact on capital outflow thereby leading to reduced performance in our markets. I want to say that the interest rate increase in advanced economies not just the US, does not affect

only Nigeria but also affects other emerging and frontiers market in the world,” she said.

Meanwhile, the latest debt figure released by the DMO which comprised external and domestic debts of the federal government, the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was 0.22 per cent higher than the $73.208 billion or N22.38 trillion it was as of June 2018.

External Debt declined by 2.02 per cent to $21.592 billion due largely to the redemption

by Nigeria of a $500 million Eurobond which matured on July 12, 2018.

The Eurobond, which was issued for a tenor of five years in 2013, was the first Eurobond maturity for Nigeria and Nigeria’s

ability to repay it seamlessly, boosted the country’s position as a good credit in the International Capital Market.

Nevertheless, debt service in the third quarter soared by 320 per cent compared to what the country spent on serving its external debts in the second quarter of the year.

Between July and September this year, the country had spent $849.972 million on servicing its external debts, while 82 per cent or $697.43 million had expended on servicing bilateral obligations.

This was a substantial increase compared to $202.373 million that was expended on external debt servicing, where 56.5 per cent or $114.37 million went into servicing bilateral obligations.

CONGRATULATIONS...

L-R: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu; new Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Head of Service at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday

US Embassy Closes Indefinitely,Visa Seekers to Miss Appointments Alex Enumah in Abuja Many Nigerians who applied for US visa will miss their appointments as the United States embassy in Abuja and its consulate in Lagos have shutdown indefinitely.

With this development, applicants for tourist, study, business visas, immigrant visas or any other travel document ,will not be attended to.

The US embassy in Nigeria said in a Facebook post that the development was caused by the government shutdown

in the US. According to the statement, “Due to the current US government shutdown, the American centres located in the embassy, Abuja and ConsulateGeneral, Lagos are unfortunately closed. They will re-open once the US government shutdown is resolved.

Sorry for any inconvenience to our valued patrons.”

President Donald Trump-led executive and the US legislative had clashed over Trump’s attempt to build a wall along the Mexican border.

Building a wall was one

of Trump’s major campaign promises as part of efforts to curb illegal migration and crime.

During his campaign, Trump had threatened that the Mexican government would pay for the wall.

But after the Mexican government refused to fund the wall, Trump approached the US legislature, requesting for $5 billion to fund the wall.

The Congress, however, rejected Trump’s proposal.

On December 11, Trump held a televised meeting with Speaker-designee, Nancy Pelosi,

and Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, in which he asked them to support $5billion in funding for the border wall but they rejected his request.

“I am proud to shut down the government for border security … I will be the one to shut the government down. I’m not going to blame you for it … I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down,” Trump reportedly said.

However, Politico later reported that Trump was willing to sign a bill that delayed a government shutdown into 2019 and the new Congress.

Ribadu Donates 40Vehicles for Buhari’s Campaign Former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said he was committed to mobilising Adamawa people with other stakeholders to ensure that President Buhari wins in the state.

Ribadu made the commitment yesterday in Yola while inaugurating 40

vehicles donated by his support group, Black Cap Revolutionary Movement, for the mobilisation of voters in Adamawa.

“Adamawa is 100 per cent for Buhari; we will make sure Buhari is re-elected, because he deserves it. Let’s help Buhari so that he can continue to work for Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

Ribadu, who is the Director of Field Operation of Presidential

Campaign Council of Buhari/ Osinbajo, said Buhari would get double of what he got in 2015 in Adamawa State.

“If Buhari won Adamawa by over 600,000 votes in 2015, by the grace of God we are going to give him over one million votes in 2019.”

He listed series of federal government projects completed and ongoing in Adamawa,

adding that the only way to reciprocate that was to vote for Buhari again.

Ribadu also lauded the ongoing fight against corruption by the Buhari administration, pointing out that over N400 billion had been recovered by EFCC. “Under Buhari’s leadership, this country’s foreign reserve has risen to about $45 billion.”

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NEWSEXTRA

Army Threatens Actions against Subversive Publications Deploys 40 trucks, armoured tanks to fight insurgents Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Army yesterday said it would begin to monitor and take actions against masterminds of subversive propagandists for their false publications designed to dampen the morale of troops on the war fronts Army’s Director of Public Relations, Brig. Gen Sani Usman, also raised alarm over attempts to politicise and derail the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

This is coming as the Nigerian Army yesterday deployed 40 trucks and armoured tanks laden with battle-ready soldiers to the Baga area of Borno State to fight the insurgents.

According to the army’s spokesman, some disgruntled elements are recycling video clips and old interviews of disgruntled soldiers, as well as inaccurate reports on the ongoing operations to create sense of insecurity in the country.

He threatened that the law will take its course against people behind such concerted efforts to ridicule the efforts of the military in ensuring peace and security of the country.

Usman said: “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the concerted efforts by some unpatriotic elements to politicise and derail the

ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in the country.

“This is manifested in the recent systematic releases and recycling of old BHT propaganda video clips, old interviews of disgruntled and cowardly soldiers, as well as false and inaccurate news reports by some section of the media.

“We regrettably further observed the unscrupulous elements are also perfecting strategy to rubbish the government’s efforts in the provision of safety and security for her citizens.

“They are determined to dampen troops’ morale especially in the North East so the troops will become compromised against the war efforts and complicate the security situation in the country for selfish and cheap political gains and expediency.

“We would like to reiterate that Nigeria is at war with Boko Haram terrorists, in any form or guise that they may manifest and strongly warn these subversive elements to desist from these unwholesome efforts.

“We would like to warn that the Nigerian Army will no longer tolerate these subversive acts and sabotage aimed at dampening troops’ morale, affect their performance and

to finally abandon the war.

“We will continue to monitor subversive propaganda and take necessary action against perpetrators,” he said.

Soldiers on patrol also neutralised three female suicide bombers in Dikwa, Borno State.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said the troops also

recovered one rocket propelled grenade and a suicide vest at the scene of the encounter.

In a renewed bid to contain the terrorists in Baga, the Nigerian Army yesterday deployed 40 trucks and armoured tanks laden with battle-ready soldiers.

The terrorists overran military bases in Baga three days ago, leaving a trail of blood and

destruction.

The deployment is coming as the Army warned against involvement in sabotage and subversive acts by “disgruntled elements”.

It said contrary to reports, Maiduguri-Monguno Road was not closed to traffic.

Military trucks and armoured vehicles from Borno state capital Maiduguri arrived late Sunday at

the garrison town of Monguno, 135 kilometres (84 miles) away, in readiness for the offensive, two military officers and militia sources told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“Military assets have been deployed to Monguno in preparation for an operation to recapture Baga from Boko Haram terrorists,” said the first military officer.

INSPECTION… We Are Celebrating Shagari, WAREHOUSE L-R: Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare; Governor Godwin Obaseki; and Bishop Feb Idahosa, during the governor’s inspection of an abandoned state-owned warehouse, in Benin City, Edo State.

Says Obasanjo Saraki, Sambo, govs condole with family Tinubu Asks Nigerians to Choose Path of Progress

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday condoled the family of the late ex- President Shehu Shagari, describing him as an epitome of personal integrity, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness and faith in God. Also, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was among the dignitaries that visited the Sama road, private residence of Shagari who passed on at the national hospital in Abuja on Friday.

Obasanjo who was led to the Sokoto family house of the late second republic President

by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, arrived via the Sa’ad Abubakar international airport,Sokoto at about 9. a.m.

Condoling the family through the eldest son, Muhammad Bala Shagari , Obasanjo further said the late Shagari was a man with simplicity, faith in God, commitment to own father land with interest in duty.

The former President while recalling his days in service and closeness to late Shagari in General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet, said he was honest, transparent and committed Nigerian.

“I had opportunity to work with him and immediately we were kicked out of government, I was immediately appointed Chief of Staff and had the task of managing our colleagues back to their respective places.

He thanked me for making arrangement for him to get back to Sokoto State.

“Shagari should not be

mourned but should be celebrated as a true, honest and sincere leader who was a nationalist to the core. Nigeria has lost a gem.”

Obasanjo further recalled how late Shagari expressed surprise when the mantle of leadership was handed to him in 1979 by a military head of state which happened to be himself.

Meanwhile, Saraki was among the dignitaries that visited Shagari family in Sokoto.

Saraki, who was accompanied to the house by the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, described the late former president, as a man of integrity and lovers of his people.

He described the tenure of Shagari as the president of the country, as one of the finest time in the history of Nigeria based on his infrastructure development and agricultural revolutions.

Also a former Vice President, Nnamadi Sambo, has condoled the governmennt of Sokoto State over the death of Shagari.

Sambo described his death as not only a loss to his family or the state but the country, Africa and the world at large due to his records of achievement when he was the president in the first republic.

Other visitors that thronged the home of the late leader includes, Bauchi State Governor, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nazir El-rufai, and Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

Glo wishes Nigerians a prosperous new year

Former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress national stalwart, Bola Tinubu, has asked Nigerians to select the path of forward progress in 2019 as opposed to going backwards to the past that has not helped the nation.

This is coming as digital transformation leader, Globacom, has sent a message of felicitations to Nigerians as a new year rolls in.

In the New Year message Tinubu personally signed, the

APC leader said Nigerians must enter 2019 and see it as a new day for the country.

“The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate,” he said, adding, “We can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward nor should we”.

Tinubu was referring to the

2019 general election, which is around the corner.

The New Year message reads: “As time ushers in the New Year, we must look back on 2018 with thanks and gratitude. We thank God for Nigeria and all that He has done for us.

Meanwhile, digital transformation leader, Globacom, has sent a message of felicitations to Nigerians as a new year rolls in.

The operator, in a statement from its head office in Lagos, canvassed unity among the

people of Nigeria, regardless of their tribes, religion or political affiliations.

Globacom urged Nigerians to beware of “the forces of underdevelopment, retrogression, economic stagnation and violence”, adding that these are the real enemies of the people.

The company emphasised the importance of peace in a nation that desires economic and political growth and advised the people to embrace peace in the forthcoming elections.

PoliceVow Not toVacate Melaye’s Residence Senator’s campaign organisation appeals to Abdulsalami’s peace committee Alex Enumah in Abuja and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The Nigerian Police Force yesterday insisted that the members of the force deployed to effect the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye at his Abuja residence would not retreat until the senator who is wanted by the police for alleged attempted culpable homicide turns himself in to the police for investigation.

However, as policemen continued to lay siege to the residence of the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Kogi West senatorial district in the 2019 elections, the Senator Dino Melaye Campaign Organisation has sent a Save-Our-Soul to the Abubakar Abdulsalami-led National Peace Committee.

Operatives of the Force laid siege to Melaye’s residence in Maitama, Abuja since Friday last week to effect

the arrest of the Kogi West Senator over alleged shot fired against an officer of the force by thugs said to be with Melaye.

The police said Melaye is wanted for a case of criminal conspiracy and Attempted Culpable Homicide, committed on July 19, 2018, when he “and his armed thugs attacked Police personnel; shot and wounded Sgt. Danjuma Saliu, attached to 37 Police Mobile Force (PMF) on stop and search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.

However, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Jimoh Moshood said that the Police operatives with a duly obtained Warrant of Arrest deployed to arrest Senator Dino Melaye in his residence in Abuja will not retreat until Senator Melaye surrenders himself for arrest and investigation.

“It is on record that the Police investigators submitted a Letter of Invitation dated July 23, 2018,

signed by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command addressed to the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja, inviting Senator Dino Melaye to report on July 26, 2018 at the Kogi State Police Command, CIID, Lokoja to answer to a case of criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide against him under investigation in the Kogi State Police Command. The claim by the Senate President in the Media that the Police did not submit a letter of invitation to the Clerk of the National Assembly is therefore incorrect as can be seen on attached letter with acknowledgment stamp of the Clerk, National Assembly, Abuja”.

Meanwhile, the Senator Dino Melaye Campaign Organisation has sent a Save-Our-Soul to the Abubakar Abdulsalami-led National Peace Committee.

In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson of its Media

Directorate, Mallam Yakubu Bawa, the organisation said it had become imperative to send SOS to the Abdusalaami Committee on the impropriety of this new attempt to muzzle dissenting voices to those in power.

The statement noted that four days before the invasion of Senator Dino Melaye’s residence, he had alerted the world of a plan to that effect which the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood hurriedly denied, describing the allegation as untrue and mischievous.

“With the unfolding event, we have every reason to be concerned about the real motive behind the new attempt to arrest Senator Melaye considering the spate of strange and unresolved deaths of persons in police custody in recent past,” the statement said.

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Kwara Youths Caution Lai Mohammed against Comments on Offa Robbery Minister berates Saraki over N10m donation claim Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State youths under the aegis of Kwara Youths Strategic Movement yesterday in Ilorin asked the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to exercise restraint over his persistent attempts to blame the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for

the April 5, 2018 armed robbery incident in Offa.

This is coming as the minister has also cautioned Saraki, to stop dancing on the graves of the innocent souls who died in the April 5, 2018 armed robbery attack in Offa.

The youths warned the minister to desist from making unguarded wrong assumptions about the incident because they

2019 Shall Be a BetterYear for Nigerians, CAN Predicts The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has prophesied in its New Year message to Nigerians that the dry bone of the country shall rise again.

The President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said this in his New Year message to Nigerians, which was signed

by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant, Media and Communications to the CAN President.

Ayokunle again prophesied that 2019 would be a year of peace, prosperity, rest of mind and a year when the Almighty God would miraculously intervene in the affairs of the country.

According to the cleric, the year 2019 is a crucial year to all Nigerians because it is a year of general elections.

He urged all Nigerians to make sure that they abide in peace without being involved in violence throughout the year, especially before, during and after the election.

“We should all distant ourselves from electoral manipulation in whatever form,” he said.

Ayokunle urged politicians not to be too desperate to be

voted into power and got involved in using thugs to cause chaos or commit electoral fraud.

He described vote buying as `evil’ and urged all stakeholders to shun it.

The cleric said all the law enforcement agencies, especially the Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain peace should not compromise their neutrality by working for desperate politicians.

“The military should not be dragged into the electoral process but instead, they should be allowed to face their primary responsibilities.

“Voters should not be intimidated and election observers should not be harassed like we witnessed in recent polls.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its personnel should maintain neutrality in their conducts before and throughout the election.

He reminded all Nigerians that without a free, fair and credible election which would bring credible leadership, the dry bones of Nigeria would not rise again.

New Political Programme ‘The Candidates’ Debuts January 9 Daria Media and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) with support from MacArthur Foundation will on January 9, 2019, launch a political programme christened ‘The Candidates’.

The programme would serve as a platform for the registered 91 political parties and their respective presidential candidates and their running mates to express their views and programmes and interact with the citizens ahead the general election.

However, the programme which is a four-part, two-hour live televised town hall meeting series would feature presidential and vice presidential candidates for four leading political parties.

These parties, according to the organisers were selected from the results of multiple polls aggregated by the Centre for Democracy and Development.

The Candidates’ Presidential town hall will take place as follows: Kingsley Moghalu and running mate, Umma Getso of the Young Progressive Party – January 9, 2019 Muhammadu Buhari and running mate, Yemi Osinbajo,

All Progressives Congress Party – January 16, 2019 Omoyele Sowore and running mate, Rabiu Ahmed Rufai, of the African Action Congress Party –January 23, 2019 Atiku Abubakar and running mate, Peter Obi of the Peoples Democratic Party – January 30, 2019 Kadaria Ahmed, Nigeria’s foremost broadcaster and journalist will moderate each town hall.

A statement sent to THISDAY quoted the late John McCain who said,: “The benefit of an open town hall meeting is one that you get to hear a lot of different views, and two it has credibility”.

“There will be an audience of 100 people for each town hall, including CSOs and the Diplomatic Corps, as well as citizens (who have applied online via daria.media) selected via an impartial and fair application process; other participants will join the conversation via social media and phone calls. It will be an opportunity for Nigerians to hear directly from the aspirants and to ask them questions on governance and nation building.

were capable of overheating the polity and causing political instability.

This was contained in a statement issued by the youths in Ilorin, which was signed by the Coordinator of Kwara Youths Strategic Movement, Mr. Gegele Ahmed Ibrahim.

The statement accused the minister of having “a demonstrated proclivity for propagating outright falsehood and peddling misinformation.”

The youths said Mohammed was only being clever by half by insinuating that Saraki had a hand in the Offa bank robbery.

The youths said that, “We are completely taken aback, by the statement credited to the Minister of information and culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in an attempt to score cheap political points, linking the Senate President with the Offa bank robbery.

“It is on record that Alhaji Lai Mohammed is a politician that is renowned for going overboard, by fabricating unsubstantiated allegations and peddling misinformation”.

They added, “In the case of the Offa bank robbery, it is common place that the suspects arrested in connection with the robbery neither implicated the Senate President or dropped his name in the course of investigation, despite unrestrained attempt by his political adversaries to implicate him.

“The Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, responded in writing to the Police when he was asked to do so, reiterating his innocence and till date, neither the Nigerian Police or any court of competent jurisdiction has found him culpable.

The youths noted that,,”We

call on the Minister of Information not to throw caution to the wind in an attempt to score cheap political points.

In a related development, the minister has warned Saraki, to stop dancing on the graves of the innocent souls who died in the April 5, 2018 armed robbery attack in Offa.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by his media aide, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, the minister repeated his earlier warning against playing politics with the unfortunate incident, after Saraki said in a radio interview that he donated N10 million when he visited Offa to commiserate with the people in the aftermath of the robbery, even when (he said) the amount that was stolen from the robbed banks’ vaults was N7 million. ‘’Instead of stopping at that, which in itself constitutes an

acceptance of wrong-doing, Dr. Saraki went ahead to hurl insults at me, even when I have been largely restrained in issuing my earlier warning. Had I not been restrained, I would have gone ahead to divulge what actually transpired. ‘’For example, the claim by Dr. Saraki that he donated N10 million to care for the victims of the Offa robbery is patently false. He did not!

The N10 million he referred to was donated when the Offa market got burnt, and it was made in Ilorin, not Offa. When Saraki visited Offa to commiserate with the community in the aftermath of the robbery, he did not donate a dime! I challenge him to prove me wrong. ‘’But with politics in the air, the truth becomes the first casualty,” the minister said.

SYMPATHY VISIT…

L-R: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs. Nkechi Eneh; Speaker of state House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Enugu East/ Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Mr. Cornelius Nnaji; when the governor visited the scene of the fire outbreak at a petrol station along Nike Lake road, Enugu…recently

MAN Recommends Strategies to Drive Economic Growth, Budgetary Objectives The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) yesterday released its 2019 Economic Outlook report detailing recommendations to achieve sustainable economic growth and budgetary objectives of the fiscal proposals for next year.

In the report released in Lagos, MAN urged the federal government to revisit the assumptions of the 2019 budget, particularly crude oil production and price as well

as ensure upward review of education and health allocations before appropriation.

“The crude oil price has a $60 per barrel benchmark, while oil production has a 2.3 million barrel per day projection, these assumptions should be revisited to reflect present economic realities,” it said.

MAN called for caution in the country’s rising debt profile in view of the associated services charges and future economic

burden that it would exert on the nation.

The association called for cutting down on government recurrent expenditures to reduce fiscal deficit, borrowing and service charges.

It also canvassed shedding the current borrowing size of the government in the domestic financial market so as not to completely crowd-out the private sector.

The association called for

the commencement of the implementation of the harmonised taxes and levies and to allow the Joint Tax Board (JTB) monitor and enforce compliance by states and local governments.

It said that the government should be more interested in result-oriented spending with frugality, be more transparent and accountable in order to assuage the psychology of taxpayers for improved tax compliance.

Mark, Suswam, Ortom, Ayu Ask Benue toVote out Buhari George Okoh in Makurdi Former Senate Presidents, Senator David Mark, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and a former Governor of Benue State Dr. Gabriel Suswam yesterday unanimously urged the people of the state to reject the President Mohammadi Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) for what they described as the failure of the party to meet the yearning and aspirations of the people.

They also called on the people in the state to vote out the APC for being unable to protect the Benue people against the activities of Fulani herdsmen who have over the years killed people in the state.

According to Senator Mark, the APC has failed on their promises to the people of the state and had no justification to ask for another term.

He added that Governor Ortom stood for the people of the state and deserves to be re-elected for

another tenure.

In his speech,Senator Ayu called on the people to vote former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He said even though Atiku is a Fulani man he has shown that he is a distrabilised Nigerian who has the experience to lead the country to where it should be.

“Our people are not happy with the Buhari regime and are going to vote them out” He said past Fulani leaders like late President Shehu Shagari and President Umaru Yar’Adua

accommodated and gave Benue people many appointments when they were ruling.

Also, Suswam urged the people to protect their votes in 2019.

He asked the people to vote in Ortom, Atiku and all other PDP aspirants in 2019.

In his remark, Ortom said as the Chairman of PDP Campaign in North Central States, he appealled to all the people to support the PDP Presidential Candidate and former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

39

ÍšË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Chukwu: Shagari Changed Face of Football in Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Super Eagles legend, Christian Chukwu (MON), has paid glowing eulogy to former President Shehu Aliyu Shagari, who died on December 28, 2018 and was buried two days later in his village in Sokoto State.

In an exclusive telephone conversation with THISDAY last night, Chukwu lauded Shagari, who died at the age of 93, as the person who changed the face of sports in Nigeria.

On March 22, 1980, at a full capacity National Stadium, Lagos, Chukwu led a bunch of talented and determined players, when Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 with goals by Segun Odegbami and Muda Lawal to clinch their first ever

Africa Cup of Nations title.

Incidentally, the victory which united the country, happened during the presidency of Shagari, who as a mark of appreciation, lavished the players with money, houses and national awards.

Speaking from Enugu, Chukwu said the transition of football from amateurism to semi-professionalism was enabled by the reward package he (Shagari) donated to the players, adding the Nations Cup victory opened a new vista, motivated and encouraged younger people to start playing football. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His death is a sad one but thank God that he died at a very ripe age and was accorded rites of passage. He changed

the face of sports in this county. In 1980, he was the first Nigerian president that won the Africa Cup and was also the first President that showered players with houses, cars, money and other national award. Since then the face of football changed in Nigeria. We transited into semi-professionalism and football became a thriving industry that everybody now started to play. We are sadly going to miss

him,â&#x20AC;? Chukwu said.

He also added that the legacy pioneered by Shagari changed their lives and became a benchmark that future national team players that excel on international assignments began to reap from subsequent administrations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We got duplexes at FESTAC Lagos, money, Peugeout 504 salon cars and national honours.

Those things changed our lives, till today we are still

enjoying the fruits of sports.

The money also had value because the exchange of the Naira relative to dollars was strongâ&#x20AC;?.

One of the everlasting memories of the victory was Shagari, then 55 years old, and early in his presidency standing and leading the cheer party in the state box as Chukwu heaved the cup of unity on his head to the delight of a nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That memory will remain abiding in the

history of our countryâ&#x20AC;?

Chukwu recalled, adding â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember the words he told us on that occasion.

He congratulated us and said we made his government very proud because it was his first major assignment when he took over government.

He was so excited and we appreciated him. When he gave us the cup, he told us that he would shower us with presents and he did exactly thatâ&#x20AC;?.

NBBF Banks on Stakeholders for Better 2019 The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has tasked all stakeholders in the game to brace up for another rollercoaster ride in 2019 as the federation gets ready to hit the ground running.

Despite landmark achievements in 2018 the NBBF believes that 2019 will be better.

According to the President, Musa Kida, â&#x20AC;&#x153;2018 achievements were not accidental but products of serious preparations and efforts of all the board members.

Despite the challenges and unnecessary distractions, 2019 promises to be better .â&#x20AC;?

Kida thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung for providing a level playing field for all sports federations to thrive in the year under review. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We cannot thank Mr President and the Honorable Minister enough for their support. Barrister Solomon Dalung was with the Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tigress in Spain for the better part of their World Cup campaign which served as the needed motivation on their way to rewriting basketball history as well as Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup qualifiers in Lagos.â&#x20AC;?

The board also took time out to appreciate all corporate sponsors and members of the media for their amazing support in 2018 while asking for more collaboration in the New Year.

Reminiscing on the NBBFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements in 2018, Kida said it has never been this good.

In the year under review, Nigeria hosted the World Cup qualifiers twice in Lagos as Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tigers under Coach Alex Nwora recorded a 9-match unbeaten streak to become the first country

in the world to book a World Cup ticket in China.

Coach Otis Hughley led Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tigress to the quarter final of the World Cup while also becoming the first African country to ever win more than one game in the same tournament and the first country in Africa to ever get to the quarterfinals of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the home front, for the first time in the history of Nigerian grassroots basketball, we have started repositioning the domestic league with the Total sponsored Division 1 and 2 expanded under a new format with over 150 teams participating.

The Zenith Bank Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball League was also rejuvenated. First Bank who won the 2018 league finished 3rd in the FIBA Africa Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club championship in Maputo, Mozambique,â&#x20AC;? Kida said.

Rivers Hoopers of Port Harcourt and Civil Defenders of Abuja both emerged Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continental representatives before booking their place in the inaugural FIBA Afro League starting in 2019.

The federation therefore promised that efforts will be intensified at the home front to make the domestic league marketable, rewarding and conducive for players, coaches and team owners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;2019 is already here and we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just wait to tip off. We have the All Africa Games, the Afrobasket for men and women, U-16 boys and girls and then the big one which is the World Cup. The time to start preparation is now as we urge all to join hands with us on this memorable journey while looking forward to focusing on grassroots development and making sure the Nigerian flag flies high outside her shores,â&#x20AC;?

Kida concluded.

Late President Shehu Shagari beaming with excitement as Green Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu lifts the AFCON 1980 trophy high after Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 to win it for the ďŹ rst time

Hopman Cup: Serena Takes on Federer Down Under Tennis greats Roger Federer and Serena Williams will meet on court for the first time at the Hopman Cup on Tuesday when Switzerland face the USA in Perth.

They will play in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles rubbers before meeting in the mixed doubles alongside partners Belinda Bencic and Frances Tiafoe.

Federer and Williams, both 37, have won a combined 43 Grand Slam titles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very exciting for both of us and I hope a lot of tennis fans tune in and watch it,â&#x20AC;? said Federer.

Williams said it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;like a dream come trueâ&#x20AC;?.

She added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been looking forward to it.

This is so cool.â&#x20AC;?

The match has been described as the most anticipated contest involving a male and female player since the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Battle of the Sexesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 1973, when 39-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King beat former menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world number one Bobby Riggs in straight sets.

Despite their concurrent careers, Federer said it would be an â&#x20AC;&#x153;exaggerationâ&#x20AC;? to say he knew Williams well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I admire everything sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done on and off the court, we are both fierce competitors and we always want to win,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is going to be one time, probably never again. She is one of the biggest champions in our sport ever - men and

women combined - so it is great to be playing against her.â&#x20AC;?

The Hopman Cup comprises two singles and a mixed doubles match between nations in a round-robin format with two groups of four. The winners of each group will contest Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final.

Federer and Bencic beat Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter in their opening roundrobin tie, while the USA lost to Greece on Monday despite Williams winning her singles tie.

Switzerland are the defending champions, Federer and Bencic having won the event in Perth in January 2018.

Meanwhile, organisers have announced that prize money at next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Australian Open will rise by 14% to AUS$62.5m (ÂŁ34.5m).

There will be a 25% increase for those who lose in the first round: players who reach the main draw are now guaranteed at least AUS$75,000 (ÂŁ41,400).

The singlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; champions will each take home $4.1m (ÂŁ2.26m).

The total prize fund has increased by 89% over the past five years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a responsibility to improve the conditions for all the players, and ensure tennis offers a viable career path, and this means increasing prize money as well as easing the costs associated with playing the Australian Open,â&#x20AC;? said Australian Open chief Craig Tiley.

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Tuesday January 1, 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE Wakkala to Yari

“Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, accusing Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari of sidelining him.”

–Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, accusing Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari of sidelining him.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Politics: My Baptism of Fire I

t was about 6.00 am when I heard knocks on the gate. It was as if someone wanted to bring down the gate to the house. Gba! Gba! Gba! Gbaga, Gbaga! It was unsettling.

It was frightening. The noise was deafening.

I woke up. I was angry because I was enjoying the sleep. You know that kind of sleep when you have a dream and a fine girl shows up in the dream and not just a fine girl, but a fine girl you know in real life, offering you affection and love. Then all of a sudden, one idiot cuts it off with a shot of reality. I was not just angry. I was bitter. Only a criminal will wake a man up in the middle of a romantic dream.

I tried to go back to sleep, to recapture the dream. But dreams don’t obey commands. They are like moments in a film. They come and they disappear. And so in this instance, the fine girl didn’t return. Eventually, I had to wake up, because whoever was determined to see me, banged on the gate again. I checked the time.

But apparently the barbarians at the gate thought they had some rights of access and control and ownership.

I asked one of the boys in the compound to go and find out what was going on at the gate.

I heard sounds. “We are not going anywhere until we see him. If you people like, you can shoot us. If you like call police. We are members of the PDP and we will take breakfast in this house this morning”.

I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I told the gateman to keep the gate shut. I was told some boys wanted to see me. I gave somebody some money to go and give them and allow me to sleep. The money was brought back. I was left with only one option. I went out to see the intruders. I personally asked them to come in.

“Egbon, this alakowe thing cannot work oh.

We have been in front of your gate since 4 am.

We said we wanted to see you, they said you were sleeping. Sleep how? We are PDP members, anytime we want to see you, you must wake up.”

The guy that spoke turned out to be the spokesman of the team of three that entered the compound. I took a look at them. One of them had a bag slung across his shoulders. He looked menacing. The other one looked like he was drunk. Their spokesman sounded as if he was struggling with a hang-over. I later learnt that when they arrived in front of the gate, their car had crashed into the gutter. They were so drunk, one of them even slept inside the gutter.

Every effort by the security guards to get them to move away failed. They woke up around 4 am. They looked up and saw the posters in front of the gate and they thought it was time for breakfast at my expense!

I tried to be polite. I asked the boys to bring chairs. The intruders and I sat in the compound.

They introduced themselves. They turned out to be children of families that used to be very important in the town. They could boast of pedigree. Why do the children of important families end up as vagrants? One of them even said he was a student at Olabisi Onabanjo University.

He didn’t go as far as claiming that he graduated from the University, but what the heck, he could actually be a graduate. The spokesman told me he was actually speaking on behalf of youths in the Estate, and that the three of them had decided to meet me. I asked if I could offer them anything.

“I have water, gentlemen. Would you like to take water?”

“No. we don’t do that”, the spokesman replied.

“Tea?” “We don’t do that”, he replied. I thought he sounded irritated.

Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris “Coffee, then” “That is not our stuff”, he responded.

“Okay, I have beer. Heineken. Chilled. Criminally cold.”

“No, we don’t do that”, came the response.

“There is soft drink in the fridge. Coke, Sprite, Maltina. Malta”.

“We don’t do that” “I have Schnapps. Something to warm the stomach. Waa-ale, go and bring schnapps” “No. Dr. We don’t want Schnapps” “Lord’s Dry Gin, then. I have that. Cartons of it.”

“We don’t do that.”

It was 7 am at that point. My uninvited guests were busy rejecting everything that I offered. I didn’t know what to offer anymore. Every other person in the compound appeared anxious. I told them to relax. I knew the families of at least two of the guests. If life had been fair, they would never have found themselves stalking anybody as early as 4 am.

“Okay, guys, what do you do? What can I offer you?

“We do Hennessy, XO” “I don’t have that” “Then give us Johnnie Walker” I checked my phone. It was 7. 15 am “Sorry, I don’t have that in this house.”

What followed was a long lecture by the spokesperson of the team.

“Egbon, see. We know you very well. We have been watching you. We have been in front of your house since 4 am. Just forget this thing about being a technocrat, or an intellectual.

You can’t be in politics and you say you are a technocrat, an intellectual. E gbagbe e. You have to step down. We decided to come here today to advise you. Forget grammar, Egbon.

Step down.”

I got another 30 minutes of unsolicited advice.

I listened. I was stunned. The boys spoke impeccable English.

“This place is an Estate.”, I told them. “I have been here for 15 years. Do you people live here? Where are you from?”

“Egbon, e fi yen sile. We don’t live here. But our parents have houses here and we always come here to play football in front of your house.

Have we ever disturbed you? No. We just watch you whenever you come to Abeokuta. Have we ever entered your house? No. But if you want to be Deputy Governor, you must reckon with us.

We will enter your house whenever we like.”

“No. You can’t. This is a home, not a party secretariat”

“Egbon, e wo, e gboju nbe... We are PDP members. Even Buruji Kashamu does not stop us from entering his house. Buruji. Buruji. Ibu Owo Baba Sherifatu, Ekun oko Susan. You see these your security men, they can’t stop us. They know us. In this town, ko si omo anybody.”

I advised them that if they wanted anything, they should go to the party secretariat. I even gave them the name of the party’s youth co-ordinator and promised that our team is willing to work with them. They rejected the offer. They said anytime they need to interface with me, they would come straight to the house. At 4 am?

They even wanted me to recruit them as my personal team. I told them I have no plans to create any team. I am in politics to serve not to create any team of persons who ask for Hennessy and XO at 7 am.

Our conversation soon ran into a cul-de-sac.

They asked for my number. I asked them to take my Personal Assistant’s number. They insisted they wanted only my own number. I gave them.

Then they asked for money for the boys. I tried to apologize that I had spent some days on the campaign trail and I had incurred expenses. I would give them something for breakfast, but they should try and understand... I could well have been talking to the deaf.

I went in, put some money together, and sent to them. They asked the PA to return and tell me they needed more money or else, they would not leave. “How can a whole Deputy Governor give us small money?” Apparently, in their heads, the 2019 election has been won and lost. I hid inside the house because I had no additional money to give them. They eventually left, but that was not the last I would hear of them.

The same day, sometime in the evening, I was told that some Okada riders also came to the house. Motorcycles are not allowed inside the Estate where I live, but somehow they found their way to the house. The PA who reported the incident to me said he had to prevent them from seeing me. He didn’t want me to be upset, so he gave them some money and dismissed them. What did they want? They wanted me “to do Christmas” for them. I was also told that a woman also came in the course of the day to ask for help. The PA also gave her some money. He added that the woman broke down in tears, and that more people were coming to the house to ask for money. I was alarmed!

Which money?

I am in this thing called politics to make a contribution at another level and to put practical effect to the ideas we mouth on a daily basis in the media. There are too many unqualified persons occupying important positions in Nigerian politics.

The educated elite should seize the initiative and begin to take charge, in the same manner in which that class took charge between the 40s and 70s. For some reason, however, the Nigerian educated elite lost the initiative, and allowed a generation of unprepared persons to lead the country. We need to change that. It may be tough. It may be risky. But if this country must make progress, we will need to recruit into the governance arena, more members of the educated and intelligent class.

When the pressure became excessive- people queuing up in front of the house to beg for money and food, I began to feel as if I was losing my mind. I called Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, my MD at Arise TV and reported my frustration. She didn’t have any magic solution to my ordeal, but talking to her helped a bit to reduce the load on my mind. The following day, to tell the truth, I packed my bags and ran back to Lagos. I rejected every phone call. I needed to

regain my sanity.

But I returned. You can’t run away from the people who will vote for you. Besides, my Principal had called to complain that our posters were not on the streets of Abeokuta, and he wanted me to address that. My brothers waded in immediately and recruited a team of 60 boys. We had given out thousands of posters, only to find out that the desperate opposition groups in Ogun State also have their own boys whose assignment is to remove other candidates’ posters. The state government even insists that only the candidate favoured by the State Governor can have his posters in certain places. Other candidates and parties are not allowed to place their posters in such places. If you flout the rule, your poster will be removed. I also learnt that posters can only be pasted at night. Our posters were removed.

But I decided to take charge. I stopped giving posters to contractors. My brothers and one of our in-laws, and the team that we recruited decided to go out the other night to paste posters. We drew up a movement chart. Start from Aro and walk the town all the way to Ita Oshin, Lafenwa, Itoku, Sapon and Iyana Mortuary. We had buckets of starch. You need starch to paste posters. We started at 9 pm and we kept moving from one spot to the other. It was in the course of this that I discovered how endangered the so-called Nigerian elite is. Forget government.

Forget the elite. Every big man is living in a fool’s paradise. The people who run Nigeria belong to the underground. They are laughing at us. The Nigerian elite will some day pay a big price for failing to raise the level of the people’s welfare. We are in fact endangering the future of the children we educate abroad, because this country called Nigeria has been taken over by those the elite denied the opportunity of hope and self-fulfillment.

To paste a campaign poster, the party is required to pay some amount of money to the signage agency, which is not really a problem, but the real challenge is that you can’t paste any poster and have it protected except you pay ground rent to an underground Mafia that is definitely in control of the town. The boys in charge of this Mafia do not respect government. They are in charge of territories that they have assigned to themselves. They monitor the movement of every VIP in the town. They will tell you without batting an eyelid, that not even the President of Nigeria or the Governor of the State can do anything to them. They are in charge. They actually insist that they are the ones in charge.

In the course of this campaign, I have had to send persons to or talk to persons who claim that they are the real government in Ogun State.

Incidentally, the people know them and respect them. They don’t even bear normal names and you dare not look down on them.

If I thought they were bluffing, when we got to Ijaiye junction around 2 am, someone called my phone and told me that he just sighted me around the area and he wanted to know what I was doing on the streets of Abeokuta that late.

I told him I was at home. He told me not to lie to him. He quoted my vehicle’s plate number. I asked him what he too was doing on the streets that late. He retorted that he was surprised I would ask a street boy what he was doing on the street at 2 am. What? But the truth is: I have learnt so much within a month.

I am in Abeokuta for this election. I refuse to be scared. We are determined to rescue this town and our state from poverty, and despair, and elevate our people’s standard of living. The campaign is on from Oju Ogbara, to every junction or base… Yes oh! Eyin omo Aye, Tuu-ale!

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