SUNDAY 2ND JUNE 2019

CAN: Buhari’s Attendance of OIC Summit Unconstitutional Asks if President will attend World Council of Churches meeting Urges FG to heed Obasanjo's warnings

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday raised constitutional concerns about the recent representation of Nigeria by President

Muhammadu Buhari at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In a statement by President of CAN, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle, signed by his Special Assistant

(Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the Christian body condemned what it called attempts to forcefoot Nigeria, a constitutionally secular state, into a purely Islamic association. CAN

asked if Buhari would also be attending the meetings of the World Council of Churches. It advised the Buhari government to listen to the wise counsel of former President Olusegun Obasanjo,

who had expressed concerns about an alleged Fulanisation and Islamisation agenda.

The Christian body also deplored the executive order issued by Buhari withdrawing gun licences issued to eligible

Nigerians, while armed herdsmen were yet to be disarmed, saying such made Buhari’s attendance of the OIC meeting suspect. It regretted Continued on page 8

Lawan: PDP Senators-elect Have Endorsed My Candidature… Page 16 Sunday 2 June, 2019 Vol 24. No 8819

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President’s Wife: End Banditry Now before It Consumes Us All With elections over, I will battle terrorism with full force, says Buhari Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina The First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, yesterday, expressed her frustration at the growing

insecurity in the country, saying Nigeria runs the risk of a cataclysmic upheaval if the menace of banditry is not quickly contained by the security agencies.

However, in a related

development President Muhammadu Buhari in far away Saudi Arabia restated his resolve to battle terrorism with full force now that the elections are over.

Mrs. Buhari while lamenting

the appalling security situation in the country, said the people of the President's home-state of Katsina were particularly worried that the rising spate of attacks and killings in the state was not a fitting requital for

their overwhelming support for the president at the last election.

The president’s wife said these while distributing relief materials to over 25,000 victims of attacks by unknown gunmen in Katsina State. She challenged

the security agencies to live up to expectations.

A flustered Mrs. Buhari said, “What we have seen here is beyond the strength of a state.

Continued on page 8

In a Fallout of SEC’s Action, Volpi Moves to Take over Oando SEC fines directors N417.692m Oil coy calls for withdrawal of penalties, demands forensic audit report, fair hearing Obinna Chima and Goddy Egene The directive by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the co-founders of Oando Plc, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wale Tinubu, his deputy, Mr. Omamofe Boyo, and other board members should resign and an extra-ordinary general meeting be convened to appoint new directors, on or before July 1, this year, appears to play right into the hands of Mr. Gabriele Volpi, the Chairman and main shareholder of Intels Nigeria Limited, who has been having a running battle with Tinubu and Boyo over the control of the oil and gas company.

This comes exactly two weeks after the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) terminated its boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement with

Intels for failure to pay $145 million in revenues the the FG's Treasury Single Account ( TSA).

Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and Ansbury Investments Inc., had written two separate petitions against Wale Tinubu and Mofe Boyo. Specifically, Ansbury, a firm set up by the 78-yearold Volpi, a multi-billionaire, who holds dual Italian and Nigerian citizenship, with extensive interests in oil and gas, ports logistic services and real estate spanning 40 years in Nigeria, had petitioned SEC, where it sought removal of the two executives over their inability to repay $680 million, which he loaned them for the acquisition of ConocoPhillips oil and gas assets.

After failing to repay him the loan as at when due, Volpi dragged the duo of Tinubu Continued on page 8

BUILDING COOPERATION IN MAKKAH...

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Chadian President, Idriss Deby, hold bilateral meeting in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on the margins of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit... yesterday

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PAGE EIGHT IN A FALLOUT OF SEC’S ACTION, VOLPI MOVES TO TAKE OVER OANDO and Boyo to arbitration in London and won The Oando founders, however, went on appeal, which is yet to be decided. Oando’s inability to repay the loan as and when due, was largely because of the collapse of oil prices in the international markets.

In 2012, Volpi had through his company, Ansbury, invested about $700 million in Ocean and Oil Development Partners Limited (OODP BVI), a special purpose vehicle registered in the British Virgin Islands, by acquiring a 61.9 per cent stake in the firm, while a company owned by Tinubu, Withmore Limited, held 38.10 per cent of the stake in OODP BVI. It was reported then that Tinubu had approached Volpi to invest in the British Virgin Islands-registered firm when Oando Plc was seeking to acquire ConocoPhillips’ upstream oil and gas assets in Nigeria for $1.5 billion, a deal eventually consummated in 2014.

OODP BVI, in turn, owns 99.99 per cent of the shares of Ocean and Oil Development Partners Nigeria Limited (OODP Nigeria), which holds 55.96 per cent of the shares in Oando Plc, the oil and gas company listed on Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges. The action of SEC in demanding the resignation of Tinubu and Boyo paves the way for Volpi to use his majority shares in OODP to choose the CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO in Oando Plc and establish full control. THISDAY checks reveal that Volpi has began consultations in this regard over the weekend and is looking to get Dahiru Mangal to join him in this pursuit despite Mangal making peace with Tinubu and Boyo and appointing 3 directors into Oando Plc. Mangal nominee directors will be the only surviving directors in the post SEC clampdown. But they would have no quorum to convene the board and take decisions, except new directors are appointed by shareholders led by Volpi controlled OODP in the SEC-ordered Extra-ordinary General Meeting.

Meanwhile, more facts have emerged as to the alleged infractions and false disclosures

by Oando Plc which led the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to order the oil firm’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wale Tinubu, the deputy, Mr. Omamofe Boyo and other board members to resign.

Tinubu and Boyo have challenged

most of SEC's findings and are citing lack of fair hearing in the entire process.

According to SEC, Oando and its Directors are to pay a total fine of N417.692 million for the various forms infractions the oil and gas company violated.

SEC disclosed this in a six-page letter dated May 31, 2019, that was addressed to the Chairman, Oando Plc, that was obtained

by THISDAY last night.

But Oando, in a five-page letter dated June 1, 2019, and addressed to the Acting Director-General, SEC, Mary Uduk, demanded the withdrawal by SEC of the penalties listed in the letter within three days, insisting that the findings were largely unfounded and remained unsubstantiated in the absence of any representation from the oil and gas company before the regulator arrived at its sanctions.

The oil and gas company also demanded that it should be given the findings of the forensic audit as well as an opportunity to defend itself.

However, a breakdown of the fine the Commission asked Oando to pay showed that while SEC directed the company to pay the sum of N8.450 million for publishing untrue statement in its 2012 financial statements, in violation of Rule3(4) of the SEC Rules and Regulations, made pursuant to the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007; the company was also expected to pay N7.850 million to the Commission for publishing untrue statements in its 2013 financial statements in violation of Rule 3(4) of the SEC Rules and Regulations, made pursuant to the ISA 2007; and another N42.750 million to the Commission, for non-disclosure of related party transactions in its 2012 financial statements in violation of Rule 39 (1&7) of the SEC Rules and Regulations, 2013, made pursuant to ISA 2007.

In addition, Oando was also asked to pay another N30.625 million as penalty to SEC for non-disclosure of related party transactions in its 2014 financial statements, in violation of Rule 39(1&7) of SEC Rules and Regulations, 2013, made pursuant to the ISA 2007.

Furthermore, Ademola Akinrele SAN, Ammuma Alli, a former permanebt Secretary in the federal ministry of Petroleum Resources, Engr. Yusuf Njie, Ike Osakwe, Oghogho Akpata and Tanimu Yakubu, Chief Sena Anthony

and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, all Directors of Oando, were directed to immediately refund to Oando Plc, the total sum of N145,767,316, being remuneration and other benefits paid to them above the provision of the Board Charter over a period of 5 years.

It must be pointed out that no wrongdoing was established against the directors most of whom have sent in the refund cheques.

A further breakdown showed that Akinrele was directed to refund N24,351,158; Alli -N11,950,00; Njie -N3,115,000; Osakwe - N24,351,158; Akpata N28,975,000; Yakubu -N24,000,000; Anthony -N11,250,000 and Oba Gbadebo -N20,000,000.

The letter also stated that for certification of untrue statements of material facts in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 financial statements of Oando Plc in violation of Section 60(2(b)(ii)of the ISA 2007, Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu, who is the Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Olufemi Adeyemo, the Chief Financial Officer were ordered to pay the sum of N91.125 million each to the commission. “All monetary penalties referred above should be paid to the commission immediately,� it added. “Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu and Mr. Godwin Omamofe Boyo are hereby barred from being directors of public companies for a period of five years for improper conducts in managing the affairs of Oando Plc to wit: market abuse, related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length, misstatements in the financial statements of Oando Plc. “In view of the gravity of the corporate governance lapses and internal control failures observed in the company, every person who sat on the Board of the company when the failures occurred: Oba Gbadebo; Mr. Mobolaji Osunsanya, Mr. Olufemi Adeyemo; Mr. Oghogho Akpata, Chief Sena Anthony and Mrs. Ammuna Lawan Alli, should resign his/her position from the Board of Directors of Oando Plc, failing which such person would be barred from serving as a director in any public company for a period of five years. “Oando Plc should convene an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting on or before July 1, 2019, to appoint new directors and articulate remedial measures for the observed corporate governance lapses,� it directed.

CAN: BUHARI'S ATTENDANCE OF OIC SUMMIT UNCONSTITUTIONAL

that despite widespread opposition, Buhari attended the OIC meeting immediately after being sworn in for his second term, as his first official assignment.

The statement said regarding the OIC, “This is an organisation, which states it is ‘the collective voice of the Muslim world’ and works to ‘safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony’. Are the government officials listening to those who voted them into power at all? Is the government not heating up the polity? “We all remember how Nigeria was smuggled into OIC during the military. We wonder if the

President is ready to attend the meeting of the World Council of Churches or be asking the Vice President to represent him whenever the members meet.�

On the tendency to attack Obasanjo over his position on the alleged Islamisation and Fulanisation of the country, CAN said it was not good for the government to always rain abuses or pour venoms on former leaders whenever their thoughts were critical of government’s actions or policies. It called on the federal government to pay attention to Obasanjo’s thought-provoking positions, rather than disparaging him. “We appeal to the federal government to listen to

Obasanjo on his counsel over the alleged West African Fulanisation and African Islamisation agenda instead of resorting to disrespecting him and misinterpreting his noble warnings to the nation,� CAN stated.

CAN regretted that while the likes of Obasanjo were treated as honourable statesmen and institutions in developed nations, like the United States and the United Kingdom, they were antagonised and vilified at home by the Buhari government. “This is not only unfortunate but exposes us as a people that have lost their moral values.

Obasanjo sacrifices a lot for this nation in order to make it one and great! He deserves

SEC recalled that following the receipts of two petitions by SEC from Mangal Dahiru and Ansbury Incorporated, the Commission in 2017, conducted an investigation into the activities of Oando Plc and observed certain infractions of securities laws by some members of the board of Oando Plc. Additionally, it stated that the findings of the Commission were communicated to the Group Chief Executive Officer by a letter dated July 10, 2017.

Owing to this, the Commission said it further engaged Deloitte and Touche to conduct a forensic audit of the activities of Oando Plc, through which findings were made.

The letter revealed the findings to include: “There were several corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight. These includes irregular approval of Directors’ remuneration, Directors’ participation in matters in which they had declared interest, unjustified disbursement to Directors and management of the company, failure of the audit committee to hold meetings with management, internal auditors and external auditors. “Oando Plc failed to establish an effective system of internal controls as required under Section 61 of the ISA 2007, over its financial reporting, thereby compromising the integrity of the company’s financial controls and reporting as revealed by the misstatements in the financial statements, high number of related party transactions and unjustified disbursements to Directors.�

Continuing, the letter stated that in 2013, Oando Plc reported the sale of its subsidiary, Oando Exploration and Production Limited (OEPL), the Green Park Management Limited without obtaining the approval of the Commission, (in violation of the provisions of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007) and the consent of the Minister of Petroleum (as required under the Petroleum Act, 1969).

According to SEC, the purported sale of OEPL enabled Oando Plc to report a profit instead of a loss, thereby misstating its financial statement in 2013 and 2014 and “consequently misleading investors.� “This fictitious profit reported

in 2013, enabled Oando Plc to declare dividend. The 2013 misstated accounts and quarterly reports of Oando Plc were included in the 2014 rights circular, thereby misrepresenting the financial status of the company to the public in violation of Section 86 of the provisions of the ISA 2007. “In 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, certain insiders of Oando Plc sold shares of the company during “closed periods� despite having knowledge of active closed periods by the company and contrary to the rules of the NSE. “The insiders include Ocean and Oil Investment Limited (OOIL –represented by Jubril Adewale Tinubu and Godwin Omamofe Boyo), Ocean and Oil Development Partners (OODP – represented by Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Godwin Omamofe Boyo, Francesco Cuzzocrea), and ECP African Fund II (a company in which Nana Appiah – Korang was director). “This violation is being referred to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

OODP, the major shareholder in Oando Plc represented by Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Gowdin Omamofe Boyo and Francesco Cuzzocrea authorised the sale of 1,210,000,000 units of OODP shares in Oando Plc valued at N21,455,909,256.�

SEC stated that the trace took place between January and October 21, 2015, preceding the release of the 2014 audited financial statements on October 23, 2015, in which Oando Plc declared an unprecedented loss of N183 billion.

During this period, these representatives of OODP were insiders of Oando Plc and had access material non-public information regarding the poor financial status of the company commencing December 2014, in violation of the provisions of the ISA 2007 regarding insider dealing, the Commission maintained, adding that the violation was being referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Furthermore, SEC held the view that Oando Plc was involved in several related party transactions linked to key board members particularly Tinubu and Boyo. According to the capital market regulator, some of the related party transactions were not disclosed in the company’s 2012 and 2014 financial statements that these disclosures had been accurately reported.

“In 2014, Oando Plc paid interim dividends when the company was facing liquidity facing constraints. Oando Plc failed to fully comply with the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies. “The company falsely indicated full compliance with the Code in its annual reports for 2012 and 2013. “Alhaji Dahiru Bara’u Mangal failed to disclose his substantial ownership in Oando Plc as required by CAMA. Similarly, Oando Plc failed to notify the NSE of his shareholding of five per cent and above as required by the rules of NSE. This is being referred to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and NSE). “Oando Plc deducted an amount representing 24 per cent of the dividend paid to shareholders in 2014 as withholding tax. This exceeded the statutory requirement of 10 per cent as required by the Companies Income Tax Act(CITA). Oando Plc failed to comply with the several tax laws such as Companies Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax etc. These tax related violations are being referred to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).�

respect and his pronouncements should be treated with caution,� the apex Christian body said.

It added, “The truth is evident for those who care to see the danger of Obasanjo’s warning except those who are either part of the agenda or are just being mischievous. “When the perceived genocide started in Southern Kaduna, how many of the suspected herdsmen involved in the barbaric attacks were arrested by the security men? How many of them have been detained and are being prosecuted?�

With respect to the recent presidential order to mop up legally held guns, CAN said the federal government must be wary of actions that tend

to portray it as protecting or preserving a section of the country against others. It accused the security agencies of not doing enough to deal with killings and kidnappings by bandits and herdsmen, saying the whole thing smacks of bias and deliberate effort to defend and advocate for a group being accused of atrocities.

It cited as an example of ethno-religious injustice the case of Kaduna State, where the government claimed they had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the killings in Southern Kaduna and three years after, nothing had been heard about the matter.

CAN also faulted the composition of the country's

security management system under the Buhari administration, insisting that such an important national structure must not be dominated by people who share the same faith and ethnicity. “This is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria,� it stated, adding, “The preponderance of the Fulani people at the corridors of power is what Chief Obasanjo refers to as Fulanisation agenda. “As President Buhari begins another term, we appeal to him to have a blueprint for the security challenges facing the country. He should see the whole country as his and avoid lopsided appointments in every facet of the government, especially, the appointment of chief security officers.�

was represented by a former Commissioner for Health, Mariatu Usman, called on the federal government and the security agencies to tackle banditry and other crimes in the state.

Masari stated, “We have over 20,000 persons displaced from their homes, which means they are not farming; their children are no longer in schools; their livelihoods are totally destroyed and their homes burnt down. “We have people from

28 villages in Batsari Local Government assembled to collect assistance. This is very unfortunate. We call on the federal government to rise up to the challenge and put a stop to it.�

Other women who donated relief materials to the victims at the event included the wives of former governors of Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Adamawa, and Akwa Ibom states.

The items distributed included

Full Details of SEC’s Findings

Oando’s Point by Point Rebuttal On its part, Oando which demanded the withdrawal by SEC of the penalties listed in the letter within three days, recalled that following SEC’s receipt of two petitions bordering on alleged gross abuse of corporate governance and financial mismanagement, the company received SEC’s letter dated 10th July 2017, requesting that it addresses the said allegations.

The company explained that it responded to the allegations in its letter dated [26th May 2017] and thereafter instituted a legal action before the Federal High Court in October 2017, challenging the propriety of the forensic investigations subsequently ordered by the SEC. But it stated that it withdrew the petition on the assurance given by the SEC that the forensic investigation will be impartial and independent. “Furthermore, the company in its reasonable expectation that it would be afforded fair hearing before a verdict is reached on the audit, consistently followed up Continued on page 10

PRESIDENT’S WIFE: END BANDITRY NOW BEFORE IT CONSUMES US ALL We are not supposed to be here giving rice, milk and others items to victims of an incident during Ramadan period.

“This is a state where we got 1. 2 million votes free of charge. It is not proper for us to give highest number of votes during the general elections and allow bandits continue to kill people and keep quiet.�

While calling for a concerted effort to arrest the situation, she said, “The security agents should either assist to take action or

allow the situation to continue until bandits finish killing our people.�

She called on all well-meaning Nigerians to speak up when things are going wrong in order to force action by the government, saying silence is counterproductive.

According to her, “We should not keep silent while things are happening, thinking that if something happens today it will not happen tomorrow.

What happened today will

happen tomorrow, it will also happen next tomorrow if we keep silent. “It is compulsory to speak the truth; it is not proper for us to give highest number of votes during the general elections and allow bandits to continue to kill people and keep quiet.

We must speak on whatever is going wrong in the country.�

Earlier, the District Head of Katsina, Alhaji Aminu Abdulmumini, thanked the president’s wife for the

gesture and also called on the government to intensify efforts to address the menace of banditry. “These people need assistance, but they want the government to address the situation to enable them continue with their normal life. Almost on daily basis, we hear sound of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets. Yet, bandits are killing people. We don’t know what is happening,� Abdulmumini said.

Speaking also at the event, the First Lady of Katsina State, Dr. Hadiza Masari, who

Continued on page 10

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

MUCH ADO ABOUT ‘FULANISATION’ To isolate criminals who are Fulani from others terrorising the country is mischievous

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he recent charge by former President Olusegun Obasanjo about the security situation in the country might have played into the hands of those who stigmatise others with sweeping generalisations. With some opposition groups blaming the general insecurity in the country on ‘Fulani herdsmen’ and issuing ultimatums that could engender reprisal actions and set the country ablaze, we need to quickly re-position this debate. Profiling on the basis of religion or ethnicity not only hurts the society, when a whole group is treated with suspicion, innocent people become targets and that only helps the real criminals.

Although Obasanjo’s thesis was specific to the Boko Haram insurgency which has “incubated and developed beyond what Nigeria can handle alone”, it is his coinage of the word ‘Fulanisation’ that has been weaponised by some politicians to score some cheap points. “It is no longer an issue of lack of education and lack of employment for our youths in Nigeria which it began as, it is now West African Fulanisation, African Islamisation and global organised crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining and regime change”, Obasanjo said in a keynote address at the 2019 Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Oleh, Delta State.

A few admissions are in order here. It is true that majority of the roving cattle herdsmen in Nigeria happen to be of Fulani extraction. It is also true that till lately, they have remained harmless and law abiding, only constituting a public nuisance with the uncontrolled movements of their herds around the country. It is equally incontrovertible that in the last

four years or so, some of these herdsmen have acquired military grade weapons with which they rob, kidnap, maim and kill. However, those who commit these atrocities do so not because they are Fulanis but rather because they are criminals. These errant herdsmen, like their counterparts in other parts of the country, have just discovered the attraction of material things and access to easy wealth through armed criminality.

They have also felt the surge of power that can come from the possession of sophisticated weapons.

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Dire as our internal security challenges may be, we must avoid ethnic and religious profiling because of the consequences to our peaceful co-existence as a nation

Letters to the Editor

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS OLAWALE OLALEYE, TOBI SONIYI 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 DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH, PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

e must locate the challenge of the current insecurity in the epidemic of armed criminal gangs and rackets that have been allowed to roam free and overwhelm the populace. There is a blatant failure of crime fighting, crime intelligence and overall internal security strategy. Meanwhile, there is no ethnic group in Nigeria that has a monopoly of these crimes.

To therefore isolate criminals who are Fulani from other criminals terrorising the country (who may be Hausa, Ijaw, Yoruba, Igbo or from any of the other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria) is mischievous politics. It is also counterproductive at a time we should be calling on government, at all levels, to rise to the challenge of general insecurity.

At a period when respected political and religious leaders who ordinarily should preach peace seem to have thrown both caution and public decency to the wind, there is an urgent need to remind critical stakeholders that there is a correlation between unguarded utterances and the ethno-religious violence. Ancient suspicionshave suddenly resurfaced. Long held prejudices that we are gradually transcending are threatening to step in again. If this is allowed to continue, no one can tell the quantum of damage it would have on our fragile unity. This has to be a source of concern to all men and women of goodwill.

However, it ought to particularly worry President Buhari, himself a Fulani rancher, that roving herdsmen have become almost out of control under his watch. It is this fact and some curious decisions like the proposition to establish a ‘Fulani Radio’ by the federal government that encourage the unfortunate rhetoric of ‘Fulanisation’ and its attendant politics of bad manners. But dire as our internal security challenges may be, we must avoid ethnic and religious profiling because of the consequences to our peaceful co-existence as a nation.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

The Future of The Nigerian Child

he future of a society can best reflect in the quality of those being raised to become full adults in the same community. Nigeria recently celebrated Children’s Day on May 27. However, the issues affecting the lives of children in Nigeria are legion, in spite of the colorful parades.

Nigeria is presently one of the worst places in the world in which to be a child. The necessary ingredients for the balanced growth of a child are lacking in the Nigerian society.

Education, healthcare, nutrition, legal child rights, protection against abuse, access to social recreation and other such needs are not available or where available are not accessible to the average Nigerian child. Generally in every country, the quality of life a child lives is based on the financial capacity of

the parents. In Nigeria, the finances of parents have not been favourable with the nation just emerging from economic recession amidst other challenges.

The facts speak for themselves and they do so loudly in the Nigerian context. Some10.5 million children are out-of-school, according to the UNICEF. Another 43 percent, according to the International Labour Organisation, are given to child labour, making Nigeria one of the highest users of child Labour in the world.

These statistics from ILO and UNICEF require brief examination.

Illiteracy and child labour have a very strong connection. The bond dates back in time and is to be found in every society. Wherever child labour is rife, child education is always in mayhem because the alternate use of the children as labour effectively limits the desire

to educate them by their parents and even reduces the desire of the child to read. As a volunteer in a non-governmental organization, I have come to recognize these problems wherever children are employed with stipends to take home for themselves or their parents. Poverty encourages the continuation of such child labour against child education. This factor does limit education alongside other factors like customary teenage marriage in some places (affecting the girl-child more) and some outdated cultural or religious values that do not encourage education.

It is clear why adult literacy in Nigeria stands at 59.6per cent or in practical terms, almost half of all adult Nigerians have not been educated. The cause of this is in the failure to discourage child labour effectively over time and the failure of the government to budget

enough towards education.

There is also the issue of corruption in the educational sector with a claim

by Transparency International that more than half of Nigeria’s education budget is lost to corruption.

The almajiri system in the North of Nigeria gives the hardest knocks to education in the country. Despite the efforts of the government, the children are still not being educated. Almajiri were initially meant to be educated according to religious views. However, the system has degenerated into a mass form of child migration and daily begging.

The infant mortality rate in Nigeria according to the World Health Organisation ensures that one in five Nigerian children does not live to the age of five.

The UNICEF also ranks Nigeria as the country with the third highest child mortality rate in the world.

The child population in Nigeria is quite large with Nigeria projected to be one of the most populated countries in the

world in a not-too-distant future.

Nigeria has a legal framework for child protection. The Child Rights Act passed in 2003 is the best legislation in this regards as it incorporates the international charters such as Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The law also outlaws child human trafficking and sets up a government framework for the enforcement of child rights while it identifies their functions. It also gives the age of a child.

However, the impact of this law is suspect. There is a need for concerted efforts from all concerned stakeholders to ensure an increase in school enrollment in Nigeria. There is also a need to focus on healthcare. The need to translate the laws from the letters to the spirit has become more urgent than it has ever been.

––Koye-Ladele Mofehintoluwa, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

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NEWS PRESIDENT’S WIFE: END BANDITRY NOW BEFORE IT CONSUMES US ALL rice, milk, sugar and clothes.

They were given to no fewer than 25,988 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who came from Batsari, Kurfi, Faskari, Danmusa, Jibia, Safana and Kankara local government areas.

With Elections over, I will Battle Terrorism with Full Force, says Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari said on Saturday in Saudi Arabia that with the general election in Nigeria over, he would now face the issue of terrorism in the country head-on. Buhari made the declaration at a bilateral meeting with Idriss Deby Itno of Chad Republic in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where both leaders attended the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit.

The President, also yesterday in Makkah, commended the OIC for its interventions in aid of development and the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and other African countries. Buhari said this while reading the collective statement of African countries at the 14th summit of the OIC in Makkah. He particularly commended the interventions by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in key sectors, such as agriculture, trade, and investment.

The President’s assertions were contained in statements by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

In a statement, Shehu said Buhari told Itno that it was time for “a new way forward that completely removes the threat of terrorism from Lake Chad sub-region.�

According to the statement, both leaders agreed to deliberate on a strategy aimed at guaranteeing sustained battle against terrorism until the menace was eradicated. It also revealed that Buhari would host leaders

of Lake Basin Commission in an informal summit on the sidelines of the Democracy Day and his second term inauguration celebrations on June 12 in Abuja.

Shehu said in the statement that the meeting would focus on new strategies to end the threat of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.

The statement read, “Speaking at a bilateral meeting with President Idris Deby Itno of Chad Republic in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where both leaders are attending the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, President Buhari said it was time for 'a new way forward that completely removes the threat of terrorism from Lake Chad sub-region.' “The President said since elections were over, he would have more time to pursue the threat of terrorism with 'full force.' “The Nigerian and Chadian leaders agreed on the need for sub-regional leaders to sit down and agree on changing the strategy 'for a more sustained operation, which will continue until the threat is brought to a permanent end.’ “President Buhari and President Deby Itno also discussed the challenge posed by rainy season to military operations against terrorism, agreeing to urgently review strategies that will bolster onslaught against insurgents. “The two leaders talked about how the meeting in Abuja will respond to infiltration of displaced elements of the Daesh, an acronym for ISIL's Arabic name, al-Dawlah al-Islamiyah fi-Iraq wa-sh-Sham, through Libya into the Lake Chad area.�

Shehu in another statement quoted Buhari as saying while addressing the OIC summit on behalf of African countries, “The robust interventions of the various OIC institutions and principally the Islamic Development Bank Group, have been effective

in such key sectors as trade and investment, agriculture, rural development and food security, science, technology and innovation, poverty alleviation as well as women and youth empowerment.�

The statement said the president acknowledged the support of OIC member-states in countering the menace of terrorism and armed criminality in West Africa, the Lake Chad area, and the Sahel countries.

He said, “In particular, Nigeria acknowledges the support of OIC Member States in countering the menace of terrorism and armed criminality in West Africa, the Lake Chad area and the Sahel Countries. We appreciate their contributions in the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency but urge

them to do more. “We appreciate their contributions in the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis arising from the insurgency but urge them to do more.�

The statement also said Buhari commended OIC institutions for supporting development projects in Nigeria. It said the president highlighted the inter-water basic transfer aimed at recharging the Lake Chad, the National Food Security Programme, the Second Niger Bridge, and roads and school rehabilitation projects, as some of the projects that had been supported by OIC institutions in Nigeria.

The statement also said Buhari spoke on some global issues, where he said African members of the OIC were pleased with the renewed efforts by the

organisation to restore the national rights of the Palestinians and resolve other long-standing conflicts.

It said the president noted that many OIC member-states were grappling with serious security problems, such as terrorism, violent extremism and armed criminality. The president, according to the statement, said some of these challenges had assumed grave dimensions in recent times and required serious and coordinated approach for lasting solutions.

Buhari was quoted as stating, “In addition to the core issue of the restoration of the national rights of the Palestinians and other long-standing unresolved conflicts, we now grapple with serious security problems, represented by the destructive

activities of terrorists, violent extremists and armed criminals in many of OIC Member States. “This situation has also been compounded by a series of political crises, which continue to affect a number of our countries.

In this regard, we support the actions of the OIC in seeking an early resolution to the lingering Palestinian question and the rights of the Palestinian people to an independent homeland. “We equally subscribe to the various actions of the OIC in resolving the crises in Syria, Yemen and Libya. “We commend OIC engagement with other international actors in addressing the various political conflicts in the OIC region and the plight of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar.�

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IN A FALLOUT OF SEC’S ACTION, VOLPI MOVES TO TAKE OVER OANDO with the [SEC] on the status and/ or outcome of the forensic audit.

It was therefore disappointing to note that the Company only became aware of the conclusion of the audit and existence of the Report following the publication of the press release on SEC’s website and thereafter, its Twitter page, a few hours before SEC’s Letter was delivered to the Company and its directors. “The Company is of the position that SEC’s Letter contains generic and vague allegations and findings contained therein are unsubstantiated, invalid and calculated to prejudice the business and interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Despite the Company according the forensic auditors maximum cooperation throughout the protracted duration of the audit, a copy of the Report and the recommended sanctions were never shared with the Company. “As such it was not afforded the opportunity to defend or make any representations on the findings in the Report before it was published on the website of the SEC in addition to being communicated in your Letter,� it added.

In response to the specific points raised in by SEC in its Letter, in the area of corporate governance, Oando stressed that it prides itself as a pioneer Nigerian company in the adoption of best corporate governance practices.

Oando said it was the first NSE-listed company to achieve a cross-border dual listing of its 100 per cent shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2005 and a further listing of 100 per cent shares in its upstream subsidiary on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2012. These successful listings required the company to institute and maintain

the highest international standards of corporate governance in its management and business operations. “The company firmly states that it is not in breach of any corporate governance practice or SEC code as alleged by the SEC in its letter above. The company denies that there was any illegal approval of director’s remuneration at any period under review. All payments to directors were in accordance with the Board Remuneration Policy and in accordance with proper governance processes. All such payments were approved by the Board of the company and disclosed in the audited financial statements which were duly approved by the shareholders at the company’s general meetings. “All remuneration (including expenses) to directors and management are approved and paid in accordance with the approved delegation of authority document of the company. Failure of the Audit Committee to hold meetings with management, internal auditors and external auditors. “A review of the records of the Audit Committee meetings of the Company would confirm that the Committee holds regular meetings with the Management of the Company and its internal and external auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee meets separately with the internal auditor and the Management is absent at such meetings.

The rationale behind this is to reinforce the independence of the internal auditor and to comply with the requirements of the Audit Committee that the internal auditor should have unfettered access to the Audit Committee,� it explained.

Responding to the issue of its Directors’ participation in conflicted matters, the Lagosbased company noted that the law requires Directors to disclose matters in which they have an interest. According to Oando, it is the practice and tradition of the Board of the company to have as the first item on the agenda in all Board Meetings, the disclosure of any interest they may have in the business of the day. Furthermore, in compliance with best corporate governance standards, directors of the Company who disclose an interest in a matter before the Board always recuse themselves from exercising their right to vote on that matter, it added.

The company denied the allegation that it does not have an effective internal control process in place as required by S61 of the Investments and Securities Act 2007, stating that in the absence of any specific instances or examples adduced by the SEC in its letter, “the company is of the position that there is no basis for this finding as statutory internal control processes are strictly followed in preparing the financial statements of the company. The SEC is therefore put to further proof of this allegation.�

It added: “The company reiterates that it did not violate the provisions of the ISA in respect of the sale of its subsidiary, OEPL to Green Park Management Limited as it was always the intention of the company to seek SEC’s approval prior to the completion of the sale. The same is applicable to obtaining the consent of the Minister of Petroleum to the sale. The practice is that SEC does not give consent unless and until the consent of the Minister concerned with that transaction has been sought and obtained.

In fact, the transaction was one in which SEC’s approval was a condition subsequent to the sale. “The accounting treatment accorded to the transaction at closing (prior to completion) was in full compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the rules of the Financial Reporting Council. “The company rejects the assertion by the SEC that the sale of OEPL in 2013 was fictitious or orchestrated to enable the company to record a profit and pay dividends. The subsequent events that resulted in the inability of the company to conclude this transaction with a third party on an arm’s length basis could not have been foreseen at the time the transaction was closed and appropriately recorded in the company’s books. “The 2013 audited accounts and subsequent quarterly reports of the Company were the proper account to be used in the 2014 Rights Circular and at the time of inclusion, did not contain any untrue statement or mis-statement. There was no intention on the part of the Company to mislead the public as alleged by the SEC. “The company has always maintained that its policy and procedure on Insider dealings and sale of shares during closed periods are in accordance with best corporate governance standards. We refer you to our letter dated [26th May 2017] for our detailed response on this allegation. “The company has always in the spirit of transparency and accountability, fully disclosed all related party transactions with Board members and management in its audited financial statements. The SEC has not specified the details of

the related party transactions that were undisclosed in 2012 and 2014. As a result, we are unable to respond in detail to this allegation and again put the SEC to further proof of same.�

It added: “The Commission claims that the company declared dividends in 2013 and 2014 from unrealised profits. The company has repeatedly denied this claim and provided evidence to the SEC in its earlier communication.

The interim dividend declared in September 2014 and paid by the company in November 2014 was paid from the first half of 2014 profits of the company. At that point in time, the company had sufficient distributable reserves and it is acceptable under the law to pay out dividends if reserves exist at the point of declaration. The declaration of the interim dividend on the basis of reserves available at the point of declaration, complied fully with the provisions of section 379 (2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. “The SEC would observe that by the company’s letters dated 21st July 2017, 23rd August 2017, 24th August 2017, 28th August 2017 and 21st September 2017, Oando repeatedly brought to the attention of the SEC the fact that to the best of the company’s knowledge, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal held less than five of the shares in the company and requested that the SEC compel Alhaji Mangal to disclose his full beneficial ownership in Oando in accordance with Section 95(1-5) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act to enable the Company comply with Rule 17.13 of the NSE Rule book. “The Company denies that it deducted and/or remitted any amount in excess of the statutory 10% Withholding Tax

deductions from the dividend paid to shareholders in 2014 as required by the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA). We put the SEC to further proof of this allegation. “Oando hereby states that the SEC did not follow the legal procedure prescribed under both statutory and case laws in making an order for the resignation of and/or barring the directors of the Company from holding the position of director in any public company.

We therefore maintain that such order from the SEC is invalid, illegal, ultra vires and should be rescinded.�

It reiterated that SEC’s actions on the matter would have a hugely negative impact on the company’s reputation as a leading indigenous oil and gas company and its shareholders, investors and stakeholders, whose interests the SEC has a duty to protect. It condemned what it described as the disturbing pattern in which the SEC had repeatedly taken harsh punitive actions towards the company without according it the fundamental principle of fair hearing.

These, it maintained have had negative effects on the company’s share price, goodwill and commercial fortunes as well as those of its subsidiaries. “In view of the foregoing, the company demands a withdrawal by the SEC of the penalties listed in the Letter within three days from the receipt of this letter as they are largely unfounded and remain unsubstantiated in the absence of any representation from the Company before the SEC arrived at its sanctions. The company hereby reserves its right to challenge the findings in the letter in the appropriate court of law,� it added.

SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

OPINION

BUHARI AND THE HURDLES AHEAD The president must set for duty more determinedly, writes Samuel Akinnuga

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resident Muhammadu Buhari is in for the second time. For the 20 years that Nigeria has enjoyed democracy, so to speak, he is the second man to enjoy such privilege. Being a man with history on his side as a former military head of state, he is also the second and most certainly the last who would hold rein as Nigeria’s number one man who served in Nigeria’s 20th century military. If all things go in his favour at the election petition tribunal, he has my best wishes as he gears up for what is, undoubtedly, one of the most daunting and protean tasks in the world. He certainly needs all the prayers and wishes that we believe make all things possible in this part of the world. He will also need more.

Being the norm, the president has given us an inkling of what is to come in the years leading to 2023 when he will be taking the final bow from government and hopefully politics. He has promised to consolidate on his gains in the fight against corruption, economy and the infrastructure. It is on these gains by whatever metric that preponderance of studies and public reports have disagreed; more a case of re-campaigning on agenda you previously failed on. With the foregoing, Nigerians might be doing themselves a great good if they do not raise their hopes in the possibility of any drastic change.

The Buhari-administration has recorded a number of modest achievements. The administration has recorded few highs in agriculture and in infrastructure, particularly in the transport sector.

Without the intention of attacking the person of the president, and with profound respect to the offices he occupies, I would like to state my sincere opinion on the leadership credentials of President Muhammadu Buhari. I have always maintained that the president by orientation and outlook cannot reconcile with the realities and complexities of the 21st century Nigeria.

At times, when I have raised this with ardent followers of his, the retort is that Nigeria needs a Buhari in a time like this: a man able to set a good foundation for the future of Nigeria, a man of integrity, a man of impeccable character, a man with history of abhorrence for malfeasance. I concede that these are indeed remarkable qualities but where is the room for competence and full grasp of the multifarious challenges bedevilling the nation on every side?

As a decorated retired military general, one would expect that security being his forte would be the area where he demonstrates the most strength. Quelling wars and rebellion should be second nature by virtue of his illustrious years donning the khaki. For all those who voted for him for the sole reason of ‘making Nigeria safe’, my respect of the most profound nature goes to them. Many a fan of PMB as expected would come in his defense with the usual retort that the security challenges did not start in his time and that would be correct. But then, if a military general after four years cannot make a bold statement in his area of expertise, who will?

Often, I have wondered if PMB was actually prepared for leadership. In this regard, I do not refer to holding political office on whatever basis but a purposeful interrogation of the problems of Nigerians, having an informed and systemic answer and working to bring the solutions. In the over 30 years that he was not at the helm of affairs, how passionately did he keep in touch with the realities of the country? Beyond seeking power routinely in 2003, 2007 and 2011, what were the plans to unite the country? Nigeria has evolved in diverse ways but does the president know that? I sincerely doubt it.

My conclusion is while PMB may have been genuinely interested in being president for noble reasons, he has proven to be ill-prepared for the job. The leadership he has offered in a trying time like this has been largely ineffective and uninspiring. Like the ones before him, posterity would be the better judge.

Now, it is trite to congratulate PMB for a second term in office as well as offer a few suggestions that would

Mr. President, if you must take decisions which you must, please do with a sense of duty that every second wasted is an opportunity lost to correcting an anomaly

be useful along the way. For one, no one expects the president to be a magic-working machine. Put together a team with the finest credentials and not the most loyal politicians in the same political fold. This is a call for merit to prevail over familiarity and not in any way to dismiss the possibility of having politicians in the cabinet. If need be, offices of ministers should be put up for adverts in dailies and qualified Nigerians should be encouraged to take a shot at serving their country at the level. Screening would be in line with the criteria spelt out in the constitution.

The energies of the youth must be channeled towards positive enterprises. If the president is serious about building a Nigeria with a great future, then the youth must take centre stage. The issue of unemployment must be tackled squarely. My advice is that no other issue should enjoy as much priority with a concomitant focus on education and healthcare. The youth is key to sustaining any enduring legacy. The country has failed us time and over again. Many have lost faith in this country and see it as a nation beyond redemption. A large number are more than willing to put their lives on the line to make it to some other countries. The next four years avail you the rare privilege to correct that.

Mr. President, if you must take decisions which you must, please do with a sense of duty that every second wasted is an opportunity lost to correcting an anomaly. I must concede that we have a long way to go. Your interest in the office must mean that you are ready for the journey. You do not have another four years to keep complaining about the challenges you met on ground, you can be rest assured that Nigerians would not take that as an excusable reason. Roll your sleeves or ‘babariga’ and get to work. No more tactless statements. This time around, you must be on top of everything. Nothing like ‘the president is not aware’ or that ‘he is taking his time’. None of that I assure you is going to be considered as reasonable.

Nigerians should be encouraged to speak truth to power. If the president or his handlers fail or pretend not to be aware of the times and harsh realities, it must be the duty of public-spirited Nigerians to remind them. We must remain vigilant to safeguard this country. If we must grow, the next best opportunity to do so is now. I wish him the best in his mission to make Nigeria better than he met things.

––Akinnuga wrote from Lagos

The Africa of Our Dream Olusanya Anjorin urges Africa leaders to sit up and rise to the challenges of the times

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orruption had become entangled in Africa like a bird entrapped in a wire nest. Since independence, most rivers in African countries have not kept their courses, the tributaries have been diverted, heaps of cash had moved beyond and had refused to reside in Africa for her development. A society where governance is done in shroud, thinking is amputated, truth is naked and where Siamese twin is hard to sever. One wonders if African rulers were ever concerned about the impact of the billions of dollars starched in foreign land would have done for the development of their father’s land.

There was once vision 2000, it came and nothing happened; then vision 2010 came and nothing happened, and now vision 2020 is just around the corner and in reality we are still far from Eldorado.

It is interesting that African Union’s vision 2063 will set our socio economic transformation in Africa. The vision seeks to transform the continent from epileptic uprising to gigantic revolution and ensuring sustainable development.

The children of Africa are asking for a brighter future.

The children of Africa are dreaming of good health and sound education. The children of Africa are asking our leaders to stop the hunger in the land. The ribs of some African children are protruded from lack of food. They are asking why we are lacking in the midst of surplus.

Half of the world’s uncultivated arable land is in Africa with a conducive climate to go with it. Yet the children are still crying of hunger.

The children of Africa are saying Africans have suffered in phases, the slave –trade era, foreign imperialism and the scars of apartheid - but the most regrets of them all is the inability of our leaders to lead us out of the woods.

More than 60% of the African population is under 25 years old. The young people who are physically and mentally capable cannot find decent jobs and that is why

some of them are getting drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better future.

The children are asking why is it that when you search through the search engine, ‘the poorest children in the world’’ is in Africa. The most susceptible children to disease, we account for 20% despite having 15% of the world’s population.

Africans have gotten used to malaria that they treat it with levity. Some of the common diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS can be treated if the right drugs are available.

Most Africans will attest to the fact that an economy’s failure is usually the product of failed monetary and fiscal policies by each country’s authorities.

The children are asking why the standard of education from primary to university level has continued to deteriorate. The children of Africa are asking for safety and the rule of law. Several countries are experiencing conflicts and civil wars.

The children are asking why is it that Africa has the worst electric power infrastructure in the world with the lowest scores in power generation, consumption and security of supply (according to the World Bank).

Experts have predicted that by 2050, the population of Africa would hit 2.3 billion; it therefore means that the demand for shelter would increase. What are the leaders doing to guide against the problem? What decisions are our leaders making in the national interest?

Africa leaders arise and remedy past and present technology disadvantages. The children, the dreamers of hope and faith are calling Africa leaders to rise and take its exalted position in the committee of continents.

Our leaders must build bridges across the world .The bridges that cut across ethnicity and racism, the bridges that would allow those who have been locked out to cross over.

Our leaders must be selfless and look beyond today.

They must begin to ask questions: who liberated America that we all want to travel to today? What did they do right that brought them to this level of development? What happens to Japan after the war?

What happens to Singapore? How did they turn around their future? Our leaders need to ask so many questions.

They must know that when youths are excluded from nation-building Africa will remain the way it is. When a leader consistently ignores the voice of reason, throwing it in the abyss of history, we will continue to be the way we are.

African leaders arise and prevent our young ones who are drowning in the Mediterranean seas in search of the good life, from Nigeria to Ghana-Zambia –CongoZimbabwe-Ethiopia-Kenya-South Africa-Egypt-MoroccoTanzania-Angola- Rwanda and other African countries.

Let our leaders arise and start the revolution of technology advancement. It is the leaders that can liberate the shackles of malnutrition, poverty and hunger.

As it is said, power must change hand, from the north to the south, east and west; we have one of the richest natural resources in the world and we can feed the world.

There is a tremendous gap between the technological haves and have-nots. The have-nots are the children of Africa who would be left behind if they do not embrace change. The change is to guarantee security and safety to investors and stakeholders. The change is provision of adequate power supply to its citizens.

Here is the Africa we have all been clamoring for… with a relatively high level of economic growth and security, with a healthy per capital income and gross domestic product, low infant mortality rate and high life expectancy coupled with good standard of living.

Olusanya Anjorin wrote from Lagos.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

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LETTERS The Transient Nature of Political Power

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ecently, precisely on 29th May, 2019, a change of guard was effected in the leadership of some states in the federation and, indeed, that of the National Assembly. With this development, many who once traversed the political landscape of the country as some lords of the manor suddenly realized the ephemeral nature of political power. If only men recognize that tomorrow will come, they would be cautious in the way they handle today One thing that is quite puzzling is the mind-set of most political office holders while in office. They seem to forget that political office, like political power that births it, is transient. No sooner have some of them assumed office than they begin to act in manner contrary to the expectations of the people whose interest they are supposed to protect.

One remembers, with regret, the utterance of a particular minister, in the dark days of military rule, to the effect that telephones are not meant for the common men.

Contrary to his claim, both the common and the uncommon are today proud owners’ of mobile handsets among other forms of communication. Ironically, the same man that demonstrated such a

Sanwo-Olu disdain towards the common men, once, occupied a very sensitive post in the polity!

If only they would learn from history, public office holders should always view their appointments strictly as opportunity to leave indelible footprints on the sands of time. They should take their appointments as a privileged opportunity to serve their people and fatherland.

Ideally, the ultimate purpose of political power is to shape

and control public policy primarily for the betterment of the society. This viewpoint is reinforced by the conviction of AmericanBaptist Minister and Civil-Rights Leader, Martins Luther King that power is a moral instrument needed to uphold justice and fairness in the society. To this end, Martins Luther King once declared: “I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that

is good.” By alluding to the moral perspective of power, King was simply emphasizing justice and fairness as the fundamental basis of true political power.

In his famous book, ‘1984’, English novelist, essayist and critic, George Orwell was, perhaps, inadvertently referring to the power perception of the average Nigerian political power actor when he stated that: “The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power.

Power is not a means; it is an end. The object of power is power.” How awful!

Without doubt, the picture of political power actors painted above by Orwell, to a great extent, perfectly describes the power image of a typical Nigerian political power actor.

Orwell’s reference to pure power could be interpreted to mean absolute power. In this clime, pure power stands for various things ranging from liberty to drive against traffic, in utter disregard for traffic laws, to condoning off a whole city because of a ‘powerful’ political power actor.

Late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, once revealed that he was always studying late into the night in search of solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the country while some of his

Show-Case Mannequin Robotics

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indly recall the cliché ‘patriotic fillip’. Phillip is a patriot, a-part, riot-iscar, Iscariot feel-lip of Jesus, in a kiss of elia-ishabet ray. Betrayal of Elisha the tail, by Elijah his head. Head of Elisha-caravanIshi, IS-chariot, 2kg2:3, 11, Hos 2:16, Acts8:38-40. Iscariot appears inferenced by Elijah and John De Baptist Mt17:11-13, both of which appear to be re-incarnations of Abel, insinuating circumcision by the be-heading of Abel. A bell known in Ehugbo as Atama-Jah, a vampire, umpire in wrestling over a lot to be inherited in a show-case mannequin robotics-project, ‘ike ngaozi’, a right of blessing on return, of Firstus from grey-message as income of Secondus will power of attorney, a turn-around of their fathers’ incarnate-soul (ogbo), the first good turn that deserves another as secondchance in mothers’ lottery.

Her-lottery, harlotery of which, refers to okpara agbara nulu ikenga ozi-nje-kobu ibite na mkpume ogbo-ogoror, ie the first bet lost in second motion-move, meant for the errand, a randy father of the right-type with left on key-bodmas-tricks, matrix of name numbers, transfigured in the wrestling which is a bout. About a robe that helping hand of rib-aka made, as her lot of forbidden fruit-loan known as nzi, co-terminous with sperm, given with her left, over to Nnas’-right, giving-back as secret-alm, amu-seasonal due, a period

to taken-in seed-time of life from under his thigh, with the helping-hand-made robe-in and out of wrestling bout.

A bout of twins, one of which is a woolen-scar-let of Cain Gen4:15, the other, a linen. Line en-Abel, a bell-ring of the umpire intervention, itavenison, a game of Isau, such as ebi, mgbada, enwe, agu, anyigor at transfiguration of Jacob, the sport and witty-next of kin, in animal hide of skin and kithing-up forbearance as surname, answered by Jacobs’ voice recording, of his grandfather fooled. Food, ofuudi efe in animal husbandry, a gender with diverse kinds and kith. Kins and kitten-up with garment of mingled linen and woolen scar-let of the marabout.

A bout of wrestling, over first to be born, between Jacob the scion and Isau the scout, two nations of vast difference. Vas difference ‘iche’ the stone of Israel, being Joseph, the birth right-foot stool of midwives, as quick in-step-mothers in-law, lawdstone-dead Peter, a showcase mannequin of Candace Acts8:27, on tele-ikuru pilgrimage, for a bath, lo mew-Cat, apulted from Ethiopia unto far in height-Jerusalem-depth of water-baptism. Barb yisim, barb of the hair with comb, the oha that seize us, scissors barbing the heir, of Jacob in blind-halt on thigh-wo with kehindey-break at sunrise of the east, east-star seen on watch of the sky for the clause of a star-risk.

Asterisk of bet on the odds and even number of name in kitty, to ask as what, worth asking price of the robe at marabout-ique Gen32:23-31 Gen27:16-15, Lk12:23 Gen25:2329 Gen32:31-24 Eph5:32-23 Psm22:20, 16 Jn8:59 Mt2:2 Gen50:26 Ecc10:1 Gen30:8 Dt25:11 Acts 10:10 Gen2:18 Mt26:75 Sngs1:3 Gen24:15.

Mara-boutique-robe-price to ask, tax of males en-trance in cart to port-afar, taken on the ride as a fare, affair with the bride-price, paid on females.

Fee, males pay as bridegroom, bride-room to lodge for the trance, a deep sleep with rib-aka-ya, the handhelping himself to pottage ready-made as funeral-robe, ‘akwa ozu nna’. Nna-robe-in of Jacobs’-skin in hide of Isaus’ robe-out, Isaus’-robot, rubbed out-omated in animate Jacobs’ mind at help-meeting for conference of name, on Jacob

by Ribeka with Isaac her husband ‘Di’ at wrestling with his Chi, for calling as Israel

by Chi-Di, the man-frank, in sense that the size is no longer trans-figured but dis-figured out print of Isaus’ right-hand, footing bill of thy voice of Jacob left alone as ‘Chim pa nzi’ the ‘Ozo-futara Jacob niyi onwuruh’ his deliverance in salvation by Ozo, Dim gba ra-Chi’ in the wrestling.

Chi ozo gbara ewa.

‘Mgbarewa’ a bracket on the off-day-break at dawn-fall of the night. Knight-fall at dusk ‘uhuru-Chi ji-ozo’ posturing against opponent, ozo gbagide in the wrestle till D-vision,

of Multiplication in addition, a diction mbene-factor of males. Malefactor-bene-fit of pros, pro-fit of Jacobs’ robe at cons-table of Isaus’ loss.

Loss of the robe, Joeselfs’ coat of many colours, a hide of Chameleon, Camel-Lion-bull.

Bullion, a gold-ingot of the Magi, magic-ingot, maggot, the larvae of flies at ohorror-lodge, a hut for o-tele, hotele -castration of Joe-self, the atone-van sub-traction as sinew. Sign-new moon on holyday-7thnight of rest in zoo, ike-ladder-uratransiting. Trance-eaten at lodge of upper-chambers lain, slain four-footed beasts and creeping things on a cheat of heaven in bed.

Bed-sheet fall and rise in the sub-traction, of pulley not pushi cart-van, caravan-bullLion of Judah, the Baale and the Ishi, a Hem-aphro dite-Inn, Indite meant for Magi-darling, Magdalene, the Church and her head, Jesus, the only One in Three Father Christmas, Santa clause-star of the east, Easter-sun, Day of church-bell, Oha the begotten ward, robe not made, Living-stone of Stephen, good-Knight of kachi foo, Chi-foes, the enemies made foot-stool, of the Roof-star, Bright in-visible, Morning crow of the Cock-at-thrice, the Light of light, Chi-uhuru, free style wrestling of man and wife, Havilah gold-leaf-mid-Rib-eka, mkpo-akwukwo-Agbara, the Book of Life, candour of Man-frankincense, name as ointment poured forth, well beloved My-rrh.

–– Abili Willy, Lagos.

contemporaries were partying away in the dead of the night.

It is because leaders with adequate preparation for the rigorous demand of power are in short supply in the country that we have been moving in circles for long.

A former governor once complained that he couldn’t deliver democratic dividends in his state because of dearth of fund. Well, Mr. Governor, part of your duties in power is to creatively device means of stepping up the revenue base of your state.

Ironically, the same governor fought tooth and nail to secure re-election for a second term in a state where there was no fund to actualise his electoral promises. Despite being located in a desert, Israel remains self-sufficient in food production. This was achieved through the creative use of power.

This is the time for our new crop of political leaders across the country to uphold the right concept of power for the good of the society. This is also the time for the followers

to ask questions of their leaders. Government does not exercise power; rather, it is the concept of government, upheld by law, which exercises power. Democracy will be endangered, when political power actors assume that they wield power, and not, that power wields them.

In the meantime, it is important that new leaders in the country’s political landscape understand that only God is constant.

Whatever position anyone finds himself in the political space is temporary. Humility remains key in every human endeavour.

That you are privileged to occupy a revered seat of influence is an act of grace, not that you are the best in the race. One day, you would leave that position. As Williams Shakespeare puts it: “All the world’s a stage and the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances….’

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

In Praise of BobManuel Udokwu

B

ob-Manuel Udokwu, who has a commanding and imposing physical presence, is handsome, and dashingly dapper. In addition to this, he exudes dandified air, which masks his disciplined lifestyle and devotion to the art of film-acting.

That’s why millions of Nigerians and non-Nigerians, who are ardent lovers and watchers of Nollywood films, are familiar with his finely-sculpted face. He is one of the very gifted Nollywood thespians, who are adept at interpreting roles excellently in the world of make-believe. Bob- Manuel has acted in countless Nollywood films and soap operas, which endeared him to us.

Thankfully, his film -acting prowess, which has imprinted his name on our collective psyche, hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has garnered for him accolades and awards in Nigeria and abroad. In 2014, he received the lifetime achievement awards at the 10th African Movie Academy Awards. It’s a measure as well as a proof of his worth as a seasoned and talented actor. More so, Bob- Manuel, we should remember, was the anchor of the Gulder Ultimate Search competition for several years.

His fabulous success in the entertainment industry is not unconnected to his natural aptitude for the arts and the qualitative education he received from kindergarten school to the university level. And he has a passion for the arts, which accounted and influenced his choice of study in the university.

But, it’s not only the education that he received in his Theatre Arts degree programme that accounted for his success in his film-acting career. “Discipline, training, providence helped me to achieve my life’s goal. And discipline is very key; if you are

not disciplined and training, and re-training, your artistry will become rusty,” Bob -Manuel said.

And he mentioned God or providence as the chief factor behind the strings of successes he recorded as an actor and political administrator. However, he’s very dissatisfied with the way Nigerians practise their diverse religions. “Religion is a personal thing. However, the proliferation of churches everywhere in Nigeria has not helped us. The fact is this, we do not know God, if we know God, terrible things that do happen around us will not be happening here,” he said.

It is an incontestable fact that Udokwu is immensely blessed

by God. And, over the years, he has continued to be favoured by both God and man. At the twilight of the political administration of Mr. Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, he was given a political post as an SSA on Creative Media. That appointment was an icing on the cake for him.

And, expectedly, he discharged his duties with panache and diligence to the admiration of people.

Not surprisingly, when Chief Willie Obiano became the Governor of Anambra State, he was not shoved aside. Rather, he was given the post of SSA on Creative Media (movie/ entertainment industry). The portfolio he’s given is a niche for him owing to his educational training in Theatre Arts and the experience he has garnered over the years as an actor. Now, he has been collaborating with the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy to harness and nurture the abundant talents in the state, and help them to enter the mainstream entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

NEWS

Acting News Editor Gboyega Akinsanmi E-mail: gboyega.akinsanmi@thisdaylive.com, 08081986590

PDP Senators-elect Have Endorsed My Candidature, Says Lawan Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate Leader, Dr. Ahmad Lawan has disclosed that many of the 44 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators-elect have endorsed his candidature for the ninth

Senate Presidency.

Lawan made the remarks at his campaign secretariat, Abuja yesterday alongside Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Senator Barau Jubril and one senator-elect, Hon. Opeyemi

Bamidele.

He, therefore, justified his endorsement on Friday by a returning PDP Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, noting that latest development “clearly shows that he is popular among Senators-elect across party

lines.”

According to him, many of the re-elected and fresh PDP Senators have endorsed him one way or the other in the course of this our consultations and campaigns for the leadership of the ninth Na-

CALL TO DUTY

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Dovernor, Mrs. Yetunde Odejaye; Deputy Dovernor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Director, Admnistration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosumu during Hamzat’s first meeting with staff in his office, Alausa...

Friday

tional Assembly.

He emphasised that there are so many PDP Senatorselect who have identified with our vision, because our vision is not a political party vision, it is a national vision that everybody will find comfortable to embrace”.

He further expressed optimism that at the end of the day, the PDP Senators-elect would endorse his candidacy, saying he “is expecting all the PDP senators-elect to have an understanding with us and endorse my candidacy as a caucus.”

The senate leader explained that his endorsement by Nwaoboshi “does not signify any crack in the PDP senators fold in the Senate.”

Rather, he said what the endorsement means “is that feeling of patriotism, that feeling of necessity for all of us that will be in the ninth Senate to work together in the national interest, that feeling that we have no time to lose or waste, that we should hit the ground running immediately we are inaugurated in the ninth Senate.

“That feeling that do not care what platform you represent in the Senate, what Nigerians care for will be what the ninth

Senate is able to do to better their lives. What Nigerians care for is an improvement in the security of their lives and property.

“What they care for is how the economy would be improved and enhanced and revitalised so that it is an all inclusive economy. An economy that would work for those at the lowest level of the ladder and those at the highest level”, he further said.

Lawan also said that the endorsement is another way of breaking down the barriers associated with party representation at the legislative chamber.

He explained that what Nwaoboshi “did to me, I think, is to say that we should breakdown these barriers.

If you go in you would have may be 62/65 APC Senators, may be 44/45 PDP Senators and a YPP senator, but why should we keep those barriers.

“I believe that we should demolish the barriers right from now. We should be thinking of how to come together all of that would be in the ninth Senate, work out how we can make those interventions that will be needed and helpful to the present administration,” Lawan said.

Kajuru Killings: Kaduna Accuses Odinkalu of Making Incendiary Statement t Asks police to investigate him Tobi Soniyi The Kaduna State Government has asked the police to investigate a former Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Chidi Odinkalu for allegedly inciting the public against the state.

The state, through its Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Umma Hakima, had on April 4 petitioned the Inspector General of Police, asking for an investigation into some charges brought against

Odinkalu by the Kaduna State Government.

Already, the state has secretly obtained an order from a magistrate court in Kaduna.

The proceeding leading to the granting of the order was not served on Odinkalu.

The order, which asked the police to investigate Odinkalu for allegedly inciting the public against the state government, was attached to the petition sent to the IGP. Acting on the petition, the police last week invited Odinkalu for questioning in Abuja.

The petition bordered on

statements purportedly made

by Odinkalu during an interview with a television station early in the year in which he questioned claims made by Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai that 66 persons were killed in the Kajuru crisis in the state.

It was learnt that the state government had applied, through an exparte application, to a Magistrate Court presided over by Hon Ibrahim Musa, for an order asking the police to investigate the charges brought against the human rights activist.

Specifically, the underlying allegation contained in the exparte application dated March 28 is that in a television interview on 16 February, Odinkalu said, “I keep coming back to this Kajuru story because we must never allow that story to get away. 66 Nigerians killed; that’s 66 too many.

“If anybody claims that 66 people were killed in Kajuru this week, including the Governor of Kaduna State, let us go and verify.

I’m not willing to allow that story to go away. It is not true.”

According to the application by the state government, reinforced

Oshiomhole Must Go, Says APC Group

Ekiti to Inaugurate Sixth Assembly June 6

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekit

An All Progressives Congress (APC) advocacy group under the aegis of Rivers Unity House (RUH) yesterday threw its weight behind calls for the resignation of the APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

The Convener of the group, Mr. Kingsley Wali made the call at a news conference in Port Harcourt, alleging that Oshiomhole was responsible for 96 per cent of the challenges faced the ruling party in the 2019 general election.

Wali said, “It is a natural thing in politics that whenever there are loses, people have to be held accountable for those loses. There is need to identify the people who made it possible for the party to suffer any kind of loss.”

“Just like if the party enjoys a decent measure of victory, it

will obviously point out those who made it possible and then, compensate them for making it possible.”

On the note, the convener noted that those who are responsible for the body-blows APC received should be identified and made accountable so it discourages this kind of attitude.

He said, “I am one person who has been consistent with the position that Oshiomhole is 96 per cent responsible for the problems APC had. It boils down to nothing but somebody feeling that he knows everything and no other person is smarter than him.

“I think the reasonable thing to do is for APC as a party to ask Adams Oshiomhole to vacate the seat. If we insist on understanding or characterizing the next level slogan of APC, the kind of attitude that Adams Oshiomhole exhibited cannot be in tandem with the President’s vision on Nigeria.”

As the lifespan of the 5th Ekiti State House of Assembly expires on June 5, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi will inaugurate the sixth Assembly in the state next Thursday.

This was contained in a statement by the Clerk of the House , Mr. Tola Esan, saying the proclamation signified the commencement of the legislative duties by the incoming All Progressives Congress APC) dominated assembly .

In the last election, the APC won all the 26 state constituencies in Ekiti, which signposted that the assembly would be wholesomely unipolar.

The clerk said the inauguration “is scheduled for the main Chambers of the Assembly.

Members of the State Executive Council, permanent secretaries, top government

functionaries, religious and traditional rulers, civil societies and members of the general public are enjoined to be part of the ceremony.”

The Hon Ebenezer Alagbada-led Assembly, which was initially dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, was inaugurated on June 5, 2015 by former governor Ayodele Fayose.

Meanwhile, the clerk asked all members of the outgoing fifth assembly, who are still using allocated official number plates, to submit them to the House of Assembly without delay.

He enjoined the affected lawmakers to urgently comply with the directive as the House set for the inauguration of the sixth Assembly, warning that the assembly might involve security agents to retrieve the vehicle number plates from them if they defy the order.

in its petition to the IGP, by making this statement Odinkalu committedthefollowingoffences: “Furnishing false information punishable under s. 104 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017; injurious falsehood, punishable under s. 373 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017; public nuisance, punishable under s. 150 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017; and inciting disturbance, punishable under s. 77 of the Penal Code, Laws of Kaduna State 2017.

Confirming the invitation by the police, Odinkalu said that he

arrived at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja around 3.30pm last Monday. He said he was asked to write a statement based on the allegation and that he denied all of them.

“I was asked to make a statement on the stationery of the Police under caution. I did. My statement essentially affirmed my name,occupation and identity. I also affirmed the words stated above as mine but denied clearly that I had any intention to or was indeed capable of or had committed any of the offences alleged.

Martial Art Experts Grace Glo-CNN African Voices Three experts in martial arts will this week grace the studios of African Voices, a magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), sponsored by digital transformation network, Globacom.

These include Kamarudeen Usman, a boxer from Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria; Amanda Lino, fondly addressed as Mad Dog, a female flyweight and bantam-weight champion from Durban, South Africa and Balla Dieye, a taekwondo athlete from Dakar, Senegal.

Born in 1987, Usman is making a global name for himself in his passion. Of NigerianAmerican mixed parentage, he competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current Welterweight Champion.

He is also the Ultimate Fighter 21 tournament win-

ner who, as at March this year was Number 7 in the UFC pound-for-pound official rankings.

South African “Mad Dog” Lino was born in 1990 at Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal. She got into martial arts specifically to lose weight but got hooked after a few classes.

Lino is the Amateur Women’s Featherweight World Champion and was the first female in Extreme Fighting Championship to feature on the main card, the second ranked out of 32 active South African female boxers and the current Best Female Bantam-weight in her country.

She has been strutting the canvas, competing in Mixed Martial Arts since 2012 and won the 2014 Featherweight World Champs in Las Vegas.

SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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INTERNATIONAL Ensuring Nigeria’s National Security: The Offer of Assistance by the Soludero Hunters Association of Nigeria

T

here is no disputing the fact that Nigeria has become a terra cognita for national insecurity in various ramifications, as Nigeria is currently in a junction of insecurity and indecision, especially in terms of how best to deal with the saga, under the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). The insecurity ranges from threats of Islamisation and Fulanisation of Nigeria to actual manifestations of efforts at dismantlement of Nigeria as presented by the Boko Haramists.

And true enough, the criticality of insecurity in Nigeria has deepened to the extent that the National President of the Soludero Hunters Association of Nigeria (SHAN), Oba Nureni AjijolaAnabi, has not only promised to put a stop to the ‘unprovoked attacks from Fulani herdsmen in Yoruba land, but also to assist the Federal Government in completely neutralising the Boko Haram insurgency. In this regard, Oba Ajijola-Anabi said he would liaise with the Agbekoya Association and other conventional security agencies to ensure that there is no hiding place for criminals.

As noted by Oluseye Ojo in his report entitled ‘Yoruba hunters Vow to Stop Fulani Herdsmen Attack (vide Daily Sun, Wednesday, May 29, 2019, p.43), Oba Ajijola-Anabi ‘enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to incorporate hunters into the fight against insurgency in the North East... The president should just try us and see if we can help.’ More importantly, the report further has it that ‘Nigerians, including the army, will see how much we can do. There are still charms that can render weapons of war useless and we will be catching them (Boko Haram) like chickens.’ Earlier in July 2018, the hunters in the South West chapter of the association had asked the national leadership of the Fulani herdsmen to call their colleagues in the zone to order so as to avoid blood shell and strengthen the cordial relationship that existed between them and the Yoruba (vide Naija News Daily, July 11, 2018). In this regard, how is the battle or the war going to be fought? Oba Ajijola-Anabi declared as follows: ‘I want to tell you that we have charms that can demobilise armoured tanks and rifles of all kinds. Their weapons will just not work. When invited, we can also give the soldiers some protection that would not make them vulnerable to attacks’ (vide Spynigeria.ng, home metro, December 6, 2018).

It is in light of this self-acclaimed capacity and capability that Oba Ajijola-Anabi has called on President Buhari to consider including the South West hunters in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents. But Government does not appear to have taken this offer of assistance seriously. If the offer had been reckoned with in July or December 2018, there would not have been any need for Oba Ajijola-Anabi to be making fresh offer of assistance in May 2019.

Without doubt, at the critical stage of insecurity in Nigeria of today, every citizen cannot but be interested in any offer of assistance for various reasons. Insecurity has become recidivist under the administration of PMB. Effective containment of terrorism in international relations has also failed. Consequently, any offer of assistance in the area of containment of use of terror as a method of political negotiation cannot be set aside with mere kid gloves.

And true also, no one can rightly quarrel with the self-acclaimed capacity of the Soludero Hunters Association.

From the name of the association, ‘Soludero,’ is a Yoruba word which simply means ‘make the town or community easy to live in.’ The word is therefore an objective and a means unto itself.

Does the hunters’ association really have the power to engage in modern warfare? Who has attempted to experiment this black man’s native intelligence or technology? In fact, was there not the time former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, advised Nigerian people to consider using black man’s juju (African magic or charms) in the fight against apartheid South Africa? Has it been used? If not, why has it not been used?

If we consider Obasanjo’s suggestion along with the offer of assistance by the hunters, it means that there is a local technology, often referred to as ‘black power, that exists and that is yet to be taken advantage of. We do believe that black power exists but the extent of its potency in the face of modern weapons of war remains another critical issue for determination. But since Oba

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

against the Boko Haram and the suspected criminally-oriented Fulani herdsmen.

Explained in other words, what is the nature of the truth in Nigeria as at today? Why has it been difficult for the Government of Nigeria to go beyond the ‘technical defeat’ of the Boko Haram?

Why is it that the Boko Haram still remains undefeated? And most importantly, can Nigeria win a war that is internationally designed and driven, executed by religious jihadists, as well as aided and abetted by Boko Haram sympathisers in government and acquiesced to by a docile society?

This is precisely the very environment in which the South West hunters want to engage by seeking to take the battle against insecurity to the door steps of the insurgents. In this case, why has the Government not responded to the offer? Could it be because of doubts about the capacity of the hunters? Could it also be because of the need to prevent putting the lives of several soldiers at risk by accepting an experimentation with the hunters?

Whatever is the case, let us at this juncture deal with the truth before going beyond it to addressing the possible ways forward.

In doing this, it is argued here that corruption is one of the major catalysts of insecurity in Nigeria. The whole governance system is not only corrupt, it is also consciously acquiesced to, even under PMB who is said to be fighting corruption tooth and nail.

Most unfortunately in this case, the truth is that PMB apparently cares little about what his entourage does, even when they are publicly accused. In the thinking of the general public, if, at the level of the presidency, corruption is condoned, what then is the big deal for the poor people of Nigeria? The current insecurity in Nigeria is therefore originated by the elite, sustained by policy inconsistencies, and promoted by the poor people. This is the hard fact that is often neglected by PMB and his administration.

Matters ofTruths

Buhari Ajijola-Anabi has asked to be given a trial, and as it is popularly said that ‘a trial will convince you,’ there is absolutely nothing wrong in considering the assistance offered by the hunters association of Nigeria. There is a desperate need for a permanent solution to the problem of boko haramism.

The request for a trial is what can be referred to as the level of hypothesis in academic research settings, which can still be subject to further enquiries or experimentation. In the context of the native black power to be used to defeat the Boko Haram insurgents, it is difficult to have an objective scientific approach to the understanding of the phenomenon. However, a solution must still be found to the problem.

In this regard, there is the need to have a clear understanding of the nature of Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Put differently, insecurity in Nigeria constitutes a major recidivist problem simply because the Boko Haram saga is taken as a domestic issue, rather than as an international problem. It is taken as a political insurrection, rather than as a religious jihad. It is also being handled with much dishonesty of purpose, rather than with objectivity and honesty of purpose.

When former president of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, made it clear that there were Boko Haram and sympathisers of the Boko Haram in his government, has there been any investigation to determine the extent of the veracity of the statement?

Could the statement not have had a legitimate basis if we consider that every strategic initiative by the Nigerian military had always been neutralised by the insurgents with much effectiveness and even before execution of the war plans.

And perhaps more disturbingly, anti-insecurity efforts take place in an environment of reckless indiscipline and conscious corruption. As a result, insurgents see official acts of indiscipline as an enabling factor to re-energise their efforts in attacking the government. This is why there is the need, not only to establish the truth of the matter, but to also seek to go beyond it in discussing the place of the Soludero Hunters Association in the fight

Consequently,the critical point here is that the Soludero HuntersAssociation of Nigeria may have the local technology to render powerless any rifle or weapon of war, the insecurity situation in Nigeria is not a priori about battles and wars.They are not even about strategies of war.It is first and essentially about leadership dishonesty and mutual suspicion,indiscipline and don’t care attitudinal behaviour in the political governance of Nigeria.The challenge for the hunters is how to use their local charms to change the behavioural disposition of the policy makers, combatants and non-combatants. It is about how to first deal with the boko haramists in government but over which there appears to have been great silence since the raising of the issue by former President Goodluck Jonathan.Whatever is the case,there is nothing wrong in allowing the hunters to try their own luck.Nigerians are unnecessarily dying of poverty and insecurity in all its ramifications. Urgent end to this saga has become a desideratum

First, PMB is a direct and indirect beneficiary of institutional corruption. One illustration of this point is the placement of public adverts to sing his praises on the pages of newspapers.

Placement of adverts may not be seen as the problem per se, nor considered as an act of corruption on its own. What makes it corrupt, however, is when government agencies place such adverts and they use public funds to do so. It is improper to do so. It is also improper to condone it. In fact, many questions can be asked at this juncture: under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, government agencies were prohibited from placing adverts to congratulate or praise the president or public officials or anyone with public funds, is the prohibition order no longer in place?

Who really is paying for the various adverts placed by some MDAs to congratulate PMB on his second inauguration?

For instance, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, and the South East Governors’ Forum placed a full-page advert each in the Daily Sun of Wednesday, May 29, 2019 to congratulate PMB on his historic second inauguration. Did the sponsors pay from their private pockets? What is the ultimate objective of this type of advert of praises? Is it not a foundation for corruption in the making?

In the Vanguard of the same day, the South East Governors’ Forum, comprising Nweze Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Willy Obiano of Anambra State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, and Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State congratulated PMB on ‘the historic occasion of his inauguration for a second term in office. The Senate spokesman and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator (Dr.) Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, dedicated his own advert to ‘transition to another democratic dispensation.’ The main difference between the two adverts is quite interesting in terms of the deductive rationale for the advert. As noted by the South East Governors’ Forum, they are confident that with the swearing in of Mr. President ‘for another term, happier days are ahead not just for South East but the whole of Nigeria.’ This advert is, at best, self-patronising, as there is no serious rationale for it beyond advertising for purposes of future gain.

On the contrary, the Senate spokesperson did not engage in praise singing but in the use of the occasion of the inauguration to seek public support and promote nationalism, as well as patriotism. In the words of Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, ‘[g] ranted it has been tough, tortuous, and mistakes made, but it has equally been enduring and eventful: as we strive and work hard to deepen and sustain the gains of our democracy. As we usher in this 9th democratic assembly, it is our hope that Nigerians will continue to join hands with the National Assembly towards installing that desired democracy where everybody will be proud of belonging to Nigeria.’ Perhaps more interestingly, he added some wordings of Nigeria’s first National Anthem, according to which ‘though tribe and tongue may differ, but in brotherhood we stand’ for the peace and unity of our dear nation where everybody can benefit from the abundant resources that God blessed us with.’ When the two adverts are compared and contrasted, there cannot be any disputing the fact that the South East Governors’ Forum was interested in political gains, hence the advert was already corruption-laden and this is what PMB has been set to receive.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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Herders with their cattle...

Tackling Farmers-Herders Crisis to Boost Economic Growth James Emejo writes that the federal government must ensure that the funds appropriated for creation of grazing reserves in the 2019 budget in order to put an end to the current herders-farmers crisis, which continues to exact a huge toll on agriculture and the economy in general is well utilised for the purpose

A

latest report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has it that the sum of about $13 billion was being lost annually to farmers- herders crisis, particularly in the Northern part of the country, with no end in sight.

It summarised that unless urgent and serious measures were taken, the crisis will continue to cause great setbacks in human and economic development of the country.

The agency said mediation and negotiation remained key to resolving the crisis.

But, it would not be the first time concerns had been raised over the past dangers of the continued menace of herdsmen in the country.

Apart from the hundreds of human lives that had been lost, thousands of farmlands had been destroyed with growing cases of intimidation, rape continuing in several parts of the country especially agrarian communities.

Only last year, the Statistician General of the Federation/Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale explained that clashes between farmers and herdsmen had dragged down the gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2018.

According to him, we have seen challenges in agriculture because of the clashes that are happening in different parts of the country. “Obviously, if people cannot go to the farms, it is going to be a problem. Agriculture is not just crop, when you destroyed a farmland or even cattle rearing is also part of agriculture, so the back and forth thing is affecting both crop production and livestock and agriculture is the biggest part of our GDP and that is slowing down the economy.�

The problem had further taken a toll on the economy in the first quarter of 2019 where the GDP growth contracted to 2.01 per cent from 2.38 per cent in the preceding quarter.

An analysis of Q1 economic performance showed that though agriculture contributed 21.91 per cent to growth, its share of real growth was less than the preceding quarter when it recorded 26.15 per cent. There is no doubt that the current security challenges continue to impact the outcomes in the sector.

Essentially, the increasing farmers-herders crisis is also said to be a major threat to food security.

Former Minister of State forAgriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, had further lamented that the present

administration’s commitment for the country to attain food selfsufficiencyby2030maybehamperedbythelingeringherders-farmers crises in some northern parts of the country.

He said, to avert a food crisis, state governments must collectively demonstrate seriousness in agriculture by committing at least five per cent of their budgets to agriculture, this way, the country would be able to upscale the agricultural production.

Similarly, the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh had warned that there was no better time to solve the incessant clashes between herders and farmers, adding that the development had taken a huge toll on the economy.

Even though the herders argued that under the ECOWAS protocol, everyone is guaranteed rights to free movement, experts said the exercise of such rights must not be at the detriment of national security.

The federal government, had made some attempts to address the situation by suggesting the establishment of cattle ranches to curtail the movement of cattles which destroy farmlands, often leading to breakdown of law and order.

InFebruary2018,however,thefederalgovernment’spolicytocreate cattle colonies as a way of resolving the constant farmers- herders crisis was rejected by the House of Representatives.

The lawmakers however, rather settled for the establishment of grazing reserves to avert the continuing blood shed.

Even so, the planned establishment of the reserves came under attacks from some section of the public as some states governments including Benue, Ekiti and Taraba banned open grazing outrightly.

But, justifying the creation of the reserves as lasting solution, Ogbeh had said those who are criticising government’s good gesture towards the Fulani herders, in trying to provide grazing reserves for them were being unfair because government had also made several interventions to farmers under its new policy on agriculture, noting that herders constitute part of the agriculture plan of the present admiration.

However, there appears to be hope for an eventual resolution of the menace, which has prevented farmers from going to their farms for fears of being attacked by herders who are now armed to teeth and willing to counter any challenge by farmers in the course of grazing.

The federal has finally embraced the idea of providing grazing reserves for cattle to feed rather than going about in their destructive fashion on people’s farmlands.

Government’s commitment was demonstrated in the 2019 budget of continuity of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which earmarked the sum of N2.27 billion for the development of the National Grazing Reserves.

Ogbeh had said the federal government had the intention to soon commence the reconstruction of grazing reserves across the country.

According to him, the reconstruction of the grazing reserves had become necessary due to farmers-herders conflicts, adding that they also have economic influence to reduce the high unemployment rate in the country.

The minister said: “The grazing reserves will help in solving these problems. We are not going to any state that is not interested and we are not going to collect anyone’s land�, an apparent response to criticisms by state that it was a plot to take over their lands under such pretext.

He called on individuals who had the interest and ability to build grazing reserves to join efforts assuring that the government would support such individual.

However, Lokpobiri had stressed that to avert a food crisis, state governments must collectively demonstrate seriousness in agriculture by committing at least five per cent of their budgets to agriculture, this way, the country would be able to upscale the agricultural production.

He said: “The prolonged crisis, especially in the North-eastern part and other parts of the country that have experienced incessant clashes of herders and farmers is also an issue of concern.�

He said achieving food security entails that all Nigerians see and treat agriculture as serious business and not as mere programme.

According to him, the country must take advantage of its rapidly growing population to invest seriously in agriculture, while the private sector takes the lead in the project, with the government providing the enabling environment, “because government has proven to be bad business manager.�

According to the minister, if Nigeria is able to feed itself, it would have been able to solve the issue of hunger and malnutrition in the black race and by extension Africa, which is, “a bold step in guaranteeing food for all in the world.�

However, it remains to be seen how the Buhari administration utilises the appropriation in the budget to liberate the country, particularly farmers from the claws of death and wanton destruction arising from the activities the activities of marauding herders across the country in the interest of humanity and economy.

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Fresh Clampdown on Oando The ruling of Securities and Exchange Commission on the outcome of forensic audit of Oando Plc’s activities is capable of not only destablising the operations of the company, but also discourage investors from patronising the capital market, writes Goddy Egene

T

he renewed investor confidence and growth operations of Oando Plc is enjoying are coming under threat following regulatory action by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday. Oando Plc, which is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), suffered significant decline in investor confidence and financial performance in 2017 as result of board crisis due to petitions by two shareholders.

Following the petitions, SEC took certain actions including of preliminary investigation that led to forensic auditing of Oando Plc operations, and suspension of trading in the shares of the company. While trading in the shares resumed in April 2018 and the company has been reporting improvement in financial performance, the result of forensic auditing was being awaited.

However, SEC, last Friday said it had concluded its investigation into the activities of Oando Plc and found its management involved in serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements of financial statements and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight.

As a result, the commission ordered Oando Plc’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wale Tinubu; his deputy, Mr. Omamofe Boyo, and other board members to resign and ordered that an Extraordinary General Meeting be convened to appoint new directors, on or before July 1, this year. It also barred Tinubu and Boyo from being directors of public companies for a period of five years.

However, in a swift reaction, the oil firm said it would challenge SEC’s ruling, saying the alleged infractions and penalties were “unsubstantiated, ultra vires, invalid and calculated to prejudice the business of the company.�

Genesis of Probe The capital market apex regulator decided to probe Oando following petitions by Ansbury Inc. (owned by Mr. Gabriele Volpi) and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal in 2017. The duo had petitioned SEC, claiming majority shareholding in Oando and that the company was being mismanaged by the Wale Tinubu-led management. They had sought the removal of Tinubu as Group Chief Executive Officer of the company so as to save it from going under.

SEC said it carried out a comprehensive review of the petitions and found: breach of the provisions of the Investments & Securities Act 2007; breach of the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies; suspected insider dealing; suspected related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length and discrepancies in the shareholding structure of Oando , among others.

Suspension of Trading The commission explained that due to the fact that its primary role is to regulate the market and protect the investing public, the above findings were weighty and therefore needed to be further investigated.

The regulator added that after due consideration, the commission believed it was necessary to conduct a forensic audit into the affairs of Oando . This was pursuant to the statutory duties of the commission as provided in section 13(k), (n), (r) and (aa) of the ISA 2017. “To ensure the independence and transparency of the exercise, the forensic audit shall be conducted by a consortium of experts made up of auditors, lawyers, stockbrokers and registrars.�

SEC explained that to further ensure the interest of all shareholders of Oando are preserved during the course of the exercise, it directed the NSE to place the shares of Oando on technical suspension on October 18 and full suspension on October 20, 2017.

Oando’s Initial Reactions Reacting to the actions of SEC, Oando said they appeared to be biased and illegal, adding that they were illegal, invalid and calculated to

Uduk

prejudice the business of the company.

Dissatisfied with the actions and to safeguard the interests of the company and its shareholders immediately, Oando took steps to file an action with the Federal High Court (FHC), Ikoyi, Lagos, against the SEC and the NSE. And on October 23, 2017 the company obtained an ex-parte order from the FHC granting an interim injunction, via an order restraining the NSE from effecting the directive of the SEC to implement a technical suspension of the shares of the company, and an order restraining the SEC from conducting any forensic audit into the company’s affairs pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

Oando raised questions as to why the commission has investigated a petition brought on by an indirect shareholder (Ansbury Inc.) domiciled outside Nigeria, in a jurisdiction outside the SEC’s purview and one currently in arbitration court in the United Kingdom when SEC’s Complaints Management Framework says it shall not consider any matter which is currently in arbitration.

Furthermore, in a recent letter to Oando, SEC re-categorised the petitioner as a “whistle blower�, contrary to its former position as a “shareholder�, which according to Oando shows a clear bias as it suggests the SEC re-categorised the petitioner’s position to ensure it is able to carry on investigating the petitions.

The company highlighted letters sent by its Chairman, HRM Oba M. A. Gbadebo, to the DG alleging bias and lack of due process in the way and manner in which the SEC conducted this investigation.

Oando disclosed that the chairman asked to be granted an audience to present the company’s case, a request that the SEC repeatedly denied, whilst the regulator has granted an audience to Ansbury Inc and gone so far as to offer what is tantamount to legal advice to them.

Oando had alleged that action taken by the regulator confirmed that the commission appeared to be working to its own conclusion rather than looking at the facts before it, and acting in the best interest of the company and the minority shareholders whom, it claims, it seeks to protect.

To further reinforce the company’s strong reservations with the SEC’s findings, Oando outlined all of the alleged infractions identified by the SEC and details its position, for the most part disagreeing with the commission’s pronouncements and going so far as to highlight the prescribed penalties as set out by the regulators for said infractions none of which singularly or together

Gbadebo

warrant the institution of a forensic audit, full or technical suspension of trading of the company’s shares on the NSE. According to the company, it does not believe that SEC has presented a strong enough case to support the engagement of a forensic auditor to conduct a forensic audit into their affairs and highlights seven reasons to support this belief.

Reasons include SEC requesting a forensic audit in order to investigate whether its findings are true which is a clear contradiction. “How did the SEC arrive at its findings if it cannot be sure of the veracity of those findings, and more importantly how did it ascribe the appropriate level of weight to be given to those findings, enough to warrant an immediate suspension followed by a technical suspension of the shares of the company, especially if those findings are still mere allegations at this point, as the commission has clearly communicated? ,� the company queried.

In a letter from SEC, it informed Oando that the N160 million cost of the forensic audit will be borne by the company, to which Oando responded by saying that this must be an error in light of all its submissions to date, and not the best use of shareholder funds at this time.

Also, the company has highlighted that in the letter sent to Oando by the SEC, both the petitioners were copied, Alhaji Mangal and Ansbury Inc. Oando stressed that it is unheard of and prejudicial for petitioners to be copied on correspondence to the investigated party on findings yet to be concluded.

Oando wondered how SEC arrived at its findings if it could not be sure of the veracity or otherwise of those findings and how did it ascribe the appropriate level of weight to be given to those findings, enough to warrant an immediate suspension followed by a technical suspension of the shares of the company, if those findings were still mere allegations at that point. “The company has fully co-operated with the SEC since the commencement of this investigation in May 2017 and provided all information requested. It is evident that submissions made to the SEC have not been duly considered due to the conclusions reached and actions taken, as all of the matters raised have been responded to in great detail with all supporting documents requested by the SEC. The company repeatedly, through its chairman, requested an audience with the SEC to enable it present its case before the commission but to date, no invitation has been extended to the company,�

Oando said.

The company had argued that each of the alleged infractions has a penalty as prescribed by the respective provisions of the ISA, SEC Code, SEC Rules and Regulations, NSE Listing Rules and CAMA, adding that none of them whether singularly or together warranted the suspension of free trading in the securities of the company or the institution of a forensic audit.

Shareholders’ Concerns Some shareholders of Oando had raised concerns that if an indirect and foreign shareholder could wield so much power over a public listed company, with the backing of SEC, with no regard for all the other shareholders, then none of us is safe. “Contrary to their mission to protect the capital market and Nigerian shareholders, the SEC has folded its arms and watch the investment of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian shareholders go down the drain while the public has had to appallingly watch what should have been a closed door investigation play out in the media. For those of us who have invested in Oando and seen the drastic nosedive that its share price has taken, we are deeply saddened by the SEC’s management of this investigation,� the shareholders said.

Similarly, another shareholder, Mr. Olatunde Olufemi, said going by the decision of SEC that Oando Plc would bear the cost of N160 million for the forensic audit, the shareholders were already losing money. “This penalty begs the question, is this the most effective use of shareholders money? How independent and objective is the process? Oando has confirmed that they weren’t carried along on the panel selection, they have not received a scope of work and timeline for the audit and accordingly a justification for the N160 million bill. So how did SEC arrive at this cost. What SEC is doing is setting a bad precedent in the market,� he said.

Also, some shareholders had expressed displeasure at the SEC’s neglect of minority shareholders in favour of the majority shareholders.

They have also expressed distaste at the public display of unprofessionalism stating that the leak from SEC on the proceedings of the investigation was mind-boggling.

They said, SEC could not have reached an objective conclusion especially because it’s clear the commission had been working in favour of the majority shareholders to the detriment of the over 270,000 shareholders whose investments are languishing as a result of the saga.

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Oando: Allegations Remain Unsubstantiated

Cont’d from pg. 20 that the sale of OEPL in 2013 was fictitious or orchestrated to enable the company to record a profit and pay dividends. 3.3 The 2013 audited accounts and subsequent quarterly reports of the Company were the proper account to be used in the 2014 Rights Circular and at the time of inclusion, did not contain any untrue statement or mis-statement. There was no intention on the part of the Company to mislead the public as alleged by the SEC.

“The financial results in contention was approved by the NSE, the SEC and audited by leading international auditors. If the financials of the company were truly ‘cooked’, then all the regulatory bodies should also bare the cost as well and be investigated,� a shareholder said.

Lifting of Suspension After over 170 days, the suspension on the shares of Oando Plc was lifted in April 2018 with SEC explaining that the prolonged suspension was because there were lawsuits initiated by parties against the planned forensic audit of the company. “Shares of Oando Plc were placed on technical suspension in October 2017 upon the announcement of forensic audit, which aimed to protect investors as a short-term measure. Suspensions are typically intended for a short period to ensure market stability and thereafter lifted to allow market dictates. “However, the suspension of the shares of Oando Plc was prolonged due to several litigations by Oando and other shareholders contesting the propriety of the forensic audit and technical suspension. All litigations have now been withdrawn, the independent forensic audit by Deloitte is ongoing and the preliminary result is expected,� capital market regulator said.

Settlement with Dahiru Mangal In May last year, Oando Plc announced a settlement with of the petitioners, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, saying, it had been notified that Mangal was a substantial shareholder.

According Oando, in addition to confirming his status as a substantial shareholder, all the issues raised by Mangal in his petition to the SEC had been successfully addressed and clarified by the company.

Commenting on the development, Tinubu said: “I am pleased we have reached an amicable agreement with Alhaji Dahiru Mangal and have satisfactorily addressed the concerns he raised in his petition to the SEC. We encourage him to exercise his rights as a shareholder and be more involved in oversight of the affairs of the company. Shareholders must be confident in the operations of the company they are invested in; this can only occur through active participation.’’ On his part, Mangal said: “Following the clarification I have received from Oando’s management team, I have withdrawn my petition to the SEC. I invested in Oando because I could see its potential.

It is therefore with excitement that I concur to this Peace Accord signifying the renewal of our relationship; one that gives me more insight into the company’s operations and aspirations and involves more dialogue. I am confident in the company’s leadership team and trust that with the right support it will continue to grow from strength to strength, returning real value to all its shareholders including my good self.’’ SEC’s Ruling While it was hoped that the disagreement with the shareholders, who wrote the petitions, was over, SEC on Friday raised new dust announcing that it had concluded its investigation into the activities of Oando and found its management involved in serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight.

Consequently, it directed Tinubu, Boyo and other board members to resign and ordered that an extra-ordinary general meeting(EGM) be convened to appoint new directors, on or before July 1, this year.

The commission also barred Tinubu and Boyo, from being directors of public companies for a period of five years.

According to the regulatory agency, these were part of measures to address identified violations in the company. It also directed the payment of monetary penalties by the company and by the affected individuals and directors, as well as refund of improperly disbursed remuneration by the affected board members to the company.

As required under Section 304 of the Investments and Securities Act, (ISA) 2007, the commission said it would refer all issues with possible criminality to the appropriate criminal prosecuting authorities.

In addition, SEC stated that other aspects of the findings would be referred to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

SEC said: “Following the receipt of two petitions by the Commission in 2017, investigations were conducted into the activities of Oando Plc., (a company listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges). Certain infractions of Securities and other relevant laws were observed. The commission further engaged Deloitte & Touche

t4VTQFDUFE .BSLFU "CVTF BOE *OTJEFS %FBMJOHT The Company has always maintained that its policy and procedure on Insider dealings and sale of shares during closed periods are in accordance with best corporate governance standards. Oando is however not in a position to provide a response regarding alleged actions of shareholders as these are independent and separate legal entities.

Tinubu

Boyo

to conduct a forensic audit of the activities of Oando Plc. “The general public is hereby notified of the conclusion of the investigations of Oando Plc. The findings from the report revealed serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements, internal control failures, and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight, irregular approval of directors’ remuneration, unjustified disbursements to directors and management of the company, related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length, amongst others. “The commission is confident that with the implementation of the above directives and introduction of some remedial measures, such unwholesome practices by public companies would be significantly reduced. “Therefore, in line with the federal government’s resolve to build strong institutions, Boards of public companies are enjoined to properly perform their fiduciary duties as required under extant securities laws. “The commission, as the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, maintains its zero tolerance to market infractions, and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the fairness, integrity, efficiency and transparency of the securities market, thereby strengthening investor protection.�

corporate governance practices. Oando was the first NSE-listed company to achieve a cross-border dual listing of its 100% shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in 2005 and a further listing of 100% shares in its upstream subsidiary on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2012. These successful listings required the Company to institute and maintain the highest international standards of corporate governance in its management and business operations.

Oando’s Reaction to SEC’s Ruling

Oando came out with a point-by-point rebuttal of SEC’s grounds for indictment.

In a letter signed by its Chairman, Oba Micheal Adedotun Gbadebo, Oando recalled that following SEC’s receipt of two petitions from Ansbury Incorporated and Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, SEC wrote to the company requesting responses to the petitions. The company responded to the allegations in its letter dated 21st July 2017 addressed to the Acting DG, Ms Mary Uduk. However, SEC only responded by communicating its interim findings in its letter dated 17th October 2017 wherein it stated that its findings are “weighty and therefore need to be further investigated to ascertain their veracity‌â€?. The SEC thereafter suspended the Company’s scheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM) and ordered the appointment of a forensic auditor into the affairs of the Company. In October 2017, the Company filed a suit before the Federal High Court to challenge the SEC’s directives which later went on appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The company later withdrew the appeal from the Court of Appeal on the strength of the assurance given by the SEC that the forensic investigation will be impartial and independent.

While noting that it was aware that a copy of the forensic report was submitted by the forensic auditors to the SEC in December 2018, Oando said it had never at any time been furnished with the forensic report neither had it been afforded the opportunity to defend or make any representations on the final findings therefrom.

Having stated its general position on SEC’s letter and without waiving its rights to receive the full report pursuant to which the commission’s letter was issued, it responded to the specific points raised in the letter. t$PSQPSBUF (PWFSOBODF -BQTFT The Company firmly states that the SEC has not substantiated its findings on alleged ‘several corporate governance lapses stemming from poor Board oversight’. Oando prides itself as a pioneer Nigerian company in the adoption of best

t *SSFHVMBS "QQSPWBM PG %JSFDUPS T 3FNVneration The Company denies that there was any irregular approval of director’s remuneration at any period under review. All payments to directors were in accordance with the Board Remuneration Policy, were approved by the Board of the Company and disclosed in the audited financial statements.

t3FMBUFE 1BSUZ 5SBOTBDUJPOT The SEC has again not specified the details of the related party transactions that were undisclosed in 2012 and 2014. As a result, we are unable to respond in detail to this allegation and again put the SEC to further proof of same. t 1BZNFOU PG *OUFSJN %JWJEFOET EFTQJUF MJRVJEJUZ DPOTUSBJOUT The Commission claims that the Company paid interim dividends in 2014 when it was facing liquidity constraints. There is no legal basis for the SEC’s findings. As the SEC should be aware, Section 379 (2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act permits the payment of dividends from distributable reserves. The interim dividend declared in September 2014 was paid by the Company in November 2014 from the H1 2014 profits of the Company. At that point in time, the Company had sufficient distributable reserves and it is acceptable under the law to pay out dividends if reserves exist at the point of declaration.

t'BMTF %JTDMPTVSFT The SEC’s claim that Oando failed to comply fully with the SEC Code of Corporate Governance for public companies is false, unsubstantiated and t6OKVTUJmFE %JTCVSTFNFOUT UP %JSFDUPST for the records, unhelpful. and Management The SEC has failed to furnish instances of such t /PO EJTDMPTVSF PG #FOFmDJBM 0XOFSTIJQ ‘unjustified disbursements’. All remuneration The SEC would observe that by the Company’s (including expenses) to directors and management letters dated 21st July 2017, 23rd August 2017, are approved and paid in accordance with the 24th August 2017, 28th August 2017 and 21st approved Delegation of Authority document of September 2017, Oando repeatedly brought to the the Company. attention of the SEC the fact that to the best of the Company’s knowledge, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal t'BJMVSF PG UIF "VEJU $PNNJUUFF UP IPME held less than 5% of the shares in the Company NFFUJOHT XJUI .BOBHFNFOU *OUFSOBM "VEJUPST and requested that the SEC compel Alhaji Mangal BOE &YUFSOBM "VEJUPST to disclose his full beneficial ownership in Oando This is completely false and raises quality PLC in accordance with Section 95(1-5) of the assurance concerns on the SEC’s findings. The Companies and Allied Matters Act to enable the records of the Audit Committee meetings of the Company comply with Rule 17.13 of the NSE Company clearly shows that the Committee holds Rule book. regular meetings with the Management of the The SEC did not send Oando a response to its Company and its internal and external auditors. request and Alhaji Mangal did not contact the In addition, the Audit Committee meets separately Company until 29th September 2017 and 11th with the internal auditor and the Management is October 2017. We thereafter promptly notified absent at such meetings. The rationale behind this the SEC that his shareholding had exceeded 5% is to reinforce the independence of the internal based on his notification. auditor in compliance with the requirements of the Audit Committee. t 5BY 3FMBUFE *TTVFT The Company denies that it deducted and/or t %JSFDUPST QBSUJDJQBUJPO JO DPOnJDUFE remitted any amount in excess of the statutory 10% matters Withholding Tax deductions from the dividend The SEC has again failed to provide details of paid to shareholders in 2014 as required by the this allegation, which is denied. It is the practice Companies Income Tax Act (CITA). We put the and tradition of the Board of the Company to SEC to further proof of this allegation. We also note have as the first item on the agenda in all Board that the SEC has clearly exceeded the remit of its Meetings, the disclosure of any interest they may powers by alleging non-compliance with ‘several have in the business of the day. Any director(s) tax laws such as Companies Income Tax Act, Value of the Company who disclose an interest in a Added Tax Act etc’‌We respectfully request that matter before the Board always recuse themselves the Commission restricts its regulatory oversight from exercising their right to vote on that matter. to the matters permitted by the applicable law. t 'BJMVSF PG *OUFSOBM $POUSPMT The Company denies the allegation in your Letter that it does not have an effective internal control process in place as required by S61 of the Investments and Securities Act 2007 (“ISAâ€?). In the absence of any specific instances or examples, the Company is of the position that there is no basis for this finding. The SEC is therefore put to further proof of this allegation.

t%JSFDUJWFT JODMVEJOH SFTJHOBUJPO PG %JSFDUPST GSPN UIF #PBSE Oando hereby states that the SEC did not follow due process in the conduct of this investigation and reserves its rights to challenge the legality of the directives in your Letter. We therefore maintain that such directives from the SEC are invalid, illegal, ultra vires and should be rescinded.

We reiterate that the SEC’s actions on this matter would have a huge negative impact on the t*ODJEFOUBM *TTVFT BSJTJOH GSPN UIF TBMF Company’s reputation as a leading indigenous oil PG B 4VCTJEJBSZ and gas company and its shareholders, investors The accounting treatment accorded to the sale and stakeholders, whose interests the SEC has of Oando Exploration and Production Limited a duty to protect. We condemn the disturbing (OEPL) was in accordance with the International pattern in which the SEC has repeatedly taken Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the rules harsh punitive actions towards the Company of the Financial Reporting Council. without according it the fundamental principle The Company rejects the assertion by the SEC of fair hearing.

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Timber logs

Ending China’s Rosewood Racketeering in Nigeria With Chinese encroachers in Nigeria’s forests, the country’s rosewood has become endangered. Corrupt activities ranging from bribery of forestry guards to misrepresentation of logging shipments bound for Chinese ports have created the conditions for the illegal logging businesses to flourish. Adedayo Adejobi reports

I

n 2017, the Nigerian authority regulating the export of wood issued a retroactive permit to export timber to China, and then it issued another permit and countless others, thereafter.

Evidence gathered by the environmental investigations agency indicates that these permits allowed transnational organised criminals to smuggle 1.4million illegal rosewood logs from Nigeria to China. How could official permits be used to smuggle illegal wood?

The answer involves one of the largest timber laundering operations in history.

According to the Director of Forest Campaigns Environmental Investigation Agency, Lisa Handy, from March 2015 to September 2017, the EIA conducted an in-depth investigation into the illegal rosewood trade between Nigeria and China undercover with all the main players in the supply chain, from the forest in Nigeria to the tree furniture boutiques in China.

The United Nations Secretary General who is a former Nigerian Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, also alluded to this illegal trade. In her words, “The illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products include elephant ivory, high value timber and marine species, which constitute a threat not only to sustainable development but to peace and security.’’ The illegal trade in rosewood has become the world’s most lucrative form of wildlife crime. Since 2012, the demand for rosewood has triggered in China, triggering cycles of boom and bust in forests all over the world. The environmental investigations agency has discovered that most of the billion dollar rosewood trade between

Nigeria and China was illegal and focused on single dry forest specie known as “kosso� (Pterocarpus erinaceus).

In the words of Director of Forest Campaigns Environmental Investigation Agency, Lisa Handy, ‘‘We found massive harvest of illegal harvesting smuggling from the neighbouring country of Cameroun. The felling of trees in national parks, violation of Nigeria’s log export ban, and the systematic forgery of legal documents, all of these routinely facilitated by bribery in both Nigeria and China.’’ The common thread is to obtain presigned and pre-stamped official documents through bribe with the information of the shipment conveniently left blank. The race to grab any remaining kosso has led traders to source from areas controlled by the terror organisation Boko Haram, which may have benefitted from the illegal trade.

In 2016, in an effort to save their forests, West Africa turned to the Convention on international trade in endangered species or CITES in a national treaty ratified by all United Nations member states. As a result, in 2016, China stopped and forbade more than 10,000 containers full of illegal kosso from Nigeria with at least $300million.

Stocked up these containers would be as high and wide as three empire state buildings, a whole forest of endangered trees.

Chinese and Nigerian traders told undercover reporter that they pay more $1million in bribes to senior Nigerian officials who assured them that they would be able to issue the required permits. After sitting for months, the containers were be suddenly released and entered into China in the early 2017. This was possible only because of the actions of the Nigeria

authority who issued over 10,000 CITES permits in breach of the convention’s principles.

In Nigeria, the Minister of Environment alone is allowed to sign CITES permits. At the time, these permits were issued, the then Minister of Environment, Amina, Mohammed, was a world’s renowned diplomat. Well-placed sources says, she spent time signing tens of thousands of permits with her red ink pen, then she took-off from Abuja, the Nigerian capital to New York, where she was sworn in as the United Nations Deputy General in February 2017.

Speaking on his trajectory into the timber business and counting his losses as a result of Chinese racketeering in Nigeria, Femi Oki said, “I started the wood business in Nigeria. In 2006, Nigeria Export Promotion Council organised for us, wood exporters, during the Obasanjo regime. We went to China. We were trading solely in Apa and Iroko hardwoods in Nigeria. There was a shortage in Apa and Iroko, so I looked inward and proposed the hardwood species to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.� “So they organised a trade fair. We went to Vietnam and China in 2006 and 2007. In China, they picked rosewood.

We began to export until the Chinese started to troop into Nigeria. When they came in, some people advised the federal government to join the World Wood Trade Organisation, under the United Nations.

When Nigeria signed the memorandum of understanding, they did not read the clauses before appending their signatures.

The United Nations told them that the rosewood is an endangered wood. Nigeria

should never have signed the MOU in the first place because it’s not beneficial to the government. Before then, if we export things out of Nigeria, the government gave us incentives and 30 per cent of the export proceeds. But when they joined the WWTO, the grant was cancelled. And so we couldn’t expand. Although we have been exporting rosewood since 2013, but in 2016, the CITES was introduced and we were then asked to be paying N200, 000 to export Rosewood, and that the monies would be used to plant the wood. We weren’t bothered, as we paid the money on each container. Without the CITES, the buyer would not be able to get his wood.

Sometimes, it could spend six months on ground in China or Vietnam before the CITES would be issued. One has lost money. I have lost nothing less than over $60m in the last three years, as a result of the Chinese rosewood racket in Nigeria,’’ Oki added.

Now, hundreds of Chinese factories are transforming more than a million illegal rosewood logs into luxury.

Confirming the involvement of Nigerian officials in the transnational organised timber crime, these were his words, ‘‘The Nigerian government wouldn’t issue the certificate. Once you load your container, they then inspect the log, and then they will issue the certificate after the payment of N350, 000.00, of which you only get a receipt for N200, 000.00. We are not even bothered about that, but instead of issuing the quote given to them by the United Nations, they issue thrice the quote to the Chinese. There are case where they’ve issued over a 1000 CITES to people who don’t even have wood. They issue the certificates in anticipation. The Nigerian government was supposed to attend a meeting last year at the United Nations in Geneva. At the meeting, Nigerian officials were asked to make a report on how many CITES they’ve issued. Because of the racket on-going in the system, officials from the ministry of environment couldn’t present a report on the amount of CITES it has issued, because they have exceeded the quota. “For that reason, Nigeria was suspended.

I had three containers that have gone to Vietnam since last year, I cannot collect it because there is no CITES. So the Chinese are trading with their earlier bought CITES, whilst Nigerians can’t export. Where we are at a loss is that, we don’t have monies to bribe Nigerian officials for the CITES upfront. “Those who buy upfront are the only ones exporting log now, after buying the wood at rather ridiculous prices. In a bid to foster their trade and make gargantuan profit from the illegal timber laundering, a huge chunk of the Chinese have set up factories in Sagamu, Lagos, and Ijebu –Ode to mention a few. The prices they pay for these woods are so ridiculous. Some woods cost between 4-5million to get to the Chinese in these mentioned locations, and on getting to them, they haggle to pay as low as N2million. They have monopolised the business and it’s not supposed to be so. They shouldn’t be allowed such privilege. No Nigerian can do that in China. I’ve been exporting for over 25 years to Italy, Germany, Vietnam and China, and it’s been lucrative until the Chinese came in with this racket. Officials of the Ministry of Environment should be killed.

The Chinese are in forests of Taraba, Ogun and the hinterlands of Nigeria. In Ijebu Ode, the Chinese have over 2,000 workers, whereas you have less than 200 Nigerians employed. The government should ban Chinese from exporting wood from Nigeria. We can plant woods by ourselves. It’s not the right of Chinese to come to plant wood in our country. A lot of Nigerians are becoming jobless due to this racketeering.’’ According to the Director of Forest Campaigns Environmental Investigation Agency, Lisa Handy, CITES must urgently adopt more modern measures to deal with 21st century criminals and corruption. All CITES member states must join in this fight and particularly China as the leading importer of this endangered rosewood and timber globally. China has the unique opportunity to ban the import of illegal wood and put an end to the destruction of the world’s most endangered timber species.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î

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Ëš

The Renewed Spotlight on LG Funds The latest effort by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to enforce probity and accountability in the management of funds meant for the development of local government areas can eradicate the menace of financial embezzlement, writes James Emejo

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed

R

ecently, the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) announced to the excitement of members of the public, its decision to probe revenue allocations to local government areas across the states of the federation.

It stated that the move was meant to check the widespread abuses and embezzlement of funds meant for the local government development, which are often seized or siphoned by state governors.

The unit noted that the State, Joint Local Government Accounts (SJLGA), which had been subject of controversy of the years, with a section of the public calling for its abolition, currently posed the biggest corruption, money laundering and security threats at the grassroots levels as well as the entire financial system.

The acting Chief Media Analyst for NFIU, Ahmed Dikko, had further stressed that the unit’s action became necessary in order to also avert a possible isolation of the entire Nigerian financial system by other international financial systems “because of deficiencies in our anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing implementation.�

The unit also set a June 1, 2019 deadline for all financial institutions, other relevant stakeholders, public servants and the entire citizenry to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the guidelines already submitted to financial institutions and relevant enforcement agencies including full enforcement of corresponding sanctions against violations.

The NFIU specifically warned that effective from June 1, any bank that allows any transaction from any local government account without monies first reaching a particular local government account will be sanctioned 100 per cent, both locally and internationally.

A report by PTCIJ.org had alleged that about N15.5 trillion revenue allocation to local governments had been siphoned by state governments in the last 12 years.

The call for the abolition or probe of the joint account because of the irregularities associated

NFIU MD, Modibbo Hamman -Tukur

with the account had been on for a long time.

The local government councils have severally protested to relevant quarters, including the National Assembly in order devise another means where such monies could get to them directly.

In November 2016, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, described the joint allocation account of states and local governments as one of the major evils hindering the country’s developmental aspirations.

Dogara added that the National Assembly was ready for a showdown with state governments as lawmakers were determined to expunge the provisions from the constitution.

Dogara had said: “We all know when funds are allocated to the councils. Instead of getting to the councils, they are hijacked at that level and appropriated according to the whims of the powers that be.� “As a matter of fact, joint account is one of the biggest evils because it gives the authority to local government ministries in the state. In most states, especially in the North where we don’t have oil and gas, the ministry of local government in the state is regarded as the ministry of petroleum resources.�

Further expressing frustration over the mismanagement of joint account, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in July 2018, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to institute a probe panel to scrutinise the states and local councils’ joint account in the last 10 years.

The National President of NULGE, Ibrahim Khaleel, said the joint state and local governments account had been subjected to massive abuses and called for autonomy of the third tier of government.

According to him, it is our belief in NULGE that President Muhammadu Buhari should use his administrative powers to appoint reputable auditors to carry out forensic auditing of the joint state and local governments account within the last 10 years. “This is necessary since there is little or nothing on ground in the 774 local councils to show for the huge resources allocated to states over the years,� he added.

Nonetheless, in what could eventually lead to an eventual purge in the local government system as well as heeding public outcry to sanitise the corruption therein, Buhari, in July 2018, signed the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) bill into law.

Essentially, the NFIU is the Nigerian arm of the global Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), which was hitherto domiciled in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as an autonomous unit operating in the African region.

But the unit has now been domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following the passage of the bill into law.

Among other things, the NFIU exists to ensure a country’s compliance with international standards on matters bordering on money laundering and terrorism financing and also mandated to check suspicious transactions.

It has the responsibility to receive, request, analyse, and disseminate financial intelligence to relevant agencies.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang: “One of the key objectives of the Act is the creation of a legal, institutional and regulatory framework to ensure transparency, effective and efficient and management administration and operation of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence unit. “Also the bill will institutionalise best practices in financial intelligence management in Nigeria and strengthen the existing system for combating money laundering and associated predicated offences, financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.�

He added: “The Act, which makes the unit an autonomous body, makes provision for the unit to exchange information with financial intelligence institutions or similar bodies in other countries in matters relating to money laundering, terrorist financing activities and other predicated offences.�

Notably, the fact that state governors launder some of the intervention aid towards empowering the local councils for development further justifies the need for NFIU to beam its searchlight to understand the movement of resources.

There is a general opinion that though the state

joint local government accounts were meant for grassroots development, the original intention has been defeated as the funds are largely looted, leaving the councils in even more deplorable condition.

But there are also arguments that there is no guarantee that if the local government areas become autonomous, funds directly paid to their respective accounts will be well-utilised.

Initially, the NFIU circular to banks and other affected institutions appeared to have been misinterpreted by a section of the public.

However, in a bid to emphasise its earlier position, NFIU, reinforced the June 1, 2019 deadline to all financial institutions, other relevant stakeholders, public servants and the entire citizenry to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the guidelines already submitted to financial institutions and relevant enforcement agencies including full enforcement of corresponding sanctions against violations.

The unit observed that there had been isolated comments from a section of the public, which were in conflict with its initial pronouncement regarding the commencement of investigations into revenue allocations to local government areas across the states of the federation and the need for relevant stakeholders to abide by financial regulations as spelt out in the constitution.

It stated: “The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is using this second press statement on the above subject to reiterate its position that the 1st June effective date of the guidelines to all financial institutions and public officials on the local government funds stands. “The unit also maintains its understanding of the 1999 constitution that no debit is allowed on any local government funds unless and until the funds are credited to and reach the bank accounts of a local government in any state of the federation.�

No doubt, with the stage now set for probity and accountability in the management of local government resources, Nigerians await the outcome of the NFIU probe and if the National Assembly will live up to its promise to discontinue the joint account, which it said, is currently marred by corruption.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î

Ngige

CHRIS NGIGE

How I Foiled Fuel Subsidy Strike in 2016 The immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, recently held a valedictory session marking the end of his tenure in the ministry. In this interview with Onyebuchi Ezigbo, the former governor of Anambra State talked about the expectations, achievements and challenges that had characterised his tenure

H

ow can you rate the Ministry of Labour and Employment under your leadership?

Summarising it will be difficult and using the word little is also difficult because the things we did here in three and half years are numerous. When I came, the economy of the country had nosedived. The President moved to institute certain measures which, even though the immediate past government knew about it and talked about it, they were unable to do it. He moved to introduce the Treasury Single Account. I was one of those who supported the introduction of the Treasury Single Account, having being in the Senate and seeing the pillage and wastage of funds that was going on among the MDAs in the country. This brought the funds of the

federal government to the glare of everybody and all the monies that could be stolen under the table without anyone knowing were now placed on top of the table. Everyone knows what has been paid into that account. Also, the President decided and got the support of the Federal Executive Council to take the bull by the horn and address the issue of inappropriate pricing of petroleum product. Kerosine and diesel had been deregulated, leaving petrol. So, he removed subsidy on PMS by telling NNPC to recover their cost and they tried to do an appropriate sale so that the landing cost will be equivalent to what petrol will sell. These two situation made the polity overheated and we had to grapple with it and more work was created for the Labour Ministry because the Labour movement and workers said they are the conscience of the nation went up in arms. We tried to explain to them, we tried to assuage them, yet they went on strike.

There was restiveness in the financial system because there was no cheap money anymore and the grounds were not financially wet.

Contractors were also crying and everybody was in a war mood against the government. We tried and broke the strike and so, it could not fly in 2016. We made some palliative overture to the workers.

I led the technical team that discussed it. One of the fallout of that overture was that we agreed to review the national minimum wage.

This was outside payment of other allowances owed to workers of federal ministries and agencies. The office of the Head of Service was encouraged to do the FIHS programme (Federal Integrated Housing Scheme). The Federal Mortgage Bank was revitalised to start building low cost housing for workers outside the Federal government low-cost housing being built by the Federal Housing Authority. We also had our obligation to workers in the private sector

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î

State Governors Must Pay Minimum Wage and we had to dialogue with our social partners NECA.ThosewhoarenotwithintheambitofNECA like the oil companies, we brought them here and the then Minister of state, late James Ocholi (SAN) and myself, we addressed them and worked out a format of what could be done.

One of the actions that brought you in collision with the labour movement was the ‘no work, no pay’directive.Why was it necessary?

After the bank issue, there were other disputes, the major one being that with the NationalAssociation of Resident Doctors. They went on strike and when we told them we will invoke the principle of no work, no pay, they had to buckle and take what the government could pay at that time. There was the issue of shortfall of salaries and other allowances.

One or two hospitals went on separate strike and we applied the principle of no work, no pay and some doctors in Jos and Federal Medical Centre, Owerri became casualties and up till today, we did not refund their pay. After them came the JOHESU(The Joint Health Sector Union). They went on strike and we negotiated with them in the first instance and in 2018, they went on another round of strike and we had to invoke the no work, no pay on them after two months. We had to do so because after two months, the ILO permits you to invoke it. In fact, the ILO permits you to invoke it immediately anybody on essential services embark on strike. Essential service as defined by the ILO is any service by worker in which if he withdraws his service, there could be loss of life. So, health workers are number one in that classification, followed by electricity workers and then gas supply company workers because all these could cause death if the services are withdrawn. JOHESU strike was one of the sore points of the conciliation we did because they had to be called back by the National Industrial Court. As I was preparing my instrument to refer the matter to the National Industrial Court, because they were very recalcitrant, some other civil rights body took them to that body and got an injunction against them to go back to court. The matter is still in court that referred it to its Alternative Dispute Resolution section. There was also theASUU strike.

They did the first one and we met them half way and the strike lasted six weeks. In 2018, they went on strike again and this time, the choose their time very well. It was around the election period and they started in November and we had to approach it with a carrot and stick approach. They had about 16-point needs and by the time we met majority of them, they called off the strike. But one thing stands out in these strikes and that is the fact that a lot of them needed to be paid outstanding allowances that were accumulated over the years, not by this government, but the previous government, who entered into an agreement with them in 2009 and another one in 2013. It is those agreements that they are now calling up for us to pay.Agovernment that inherited a battered economy tried to do its best.

The President, as a very understanding person, authorise money whenever such request came.

Don’t forget that this ministry is called Ministry of Labour and Employment and the government, even though there is no money and the personnel cost kept increasing. In spite of that, we said we must give employment to Nigerians. So, we did a double barrel approach to it. Government established the N-Power programme, which was domiciled in the Vice President’s office. We employed 200,000 in the first batch in 2016/2017 and in 2017/2018, we employed another batch of 300,000 and placed them on a monthly pay of N30,000. We also had an N-power built for those without university degree who needed to learn some craft in various fields. We categorised them into the northern and southern zoneandemployedabout80,000persons.Wetrained them for about nine months and empower them with work tools. We also increased recruitment in all sectors of government who were allowed to replace those leaving and promote others. We did not place embargo on employment and so, many Nigerians were employed. We might not have been able to satisfy everybody in terms of the white collar jobs. But in terms of the blue collar jobs, we did a lot there.

We revitalised skills acquisition centres through the NDE and the ministry. We had special skill acquisition centres being manned by the department of skill in Lagos, Kaduna, Calabar, Bauchi, Kano and Warri among other places. We did not achieve all that we needed to achieve in that area because our original thinking was to be funded enough to revive all the skills acquisition programmes including those belonging to state government and do a national programme for continuous training of people in these areas. But funds was our limitation

Ngige

and so, could not do that. If we go to the other areas, we got approval of the Federal Executive Council for some regulations to protect workers.

We had boiler equipment regulations, we got divers regulations for those who dive to go under water to do their work. There were other regulations for those who use lifts and cranes to work and there are regulations to ensure their safety. We had an employment policy in place as well as occupational safety and health policy and some other policies aimed at protecting the industry.

One of your major achievements is the successful negotiation of the new minimum wage. How did it happen?

Well, it is a big one. minimum wage was one of the products of the technical committee that worked on the palliatives as a result of the increase in pump price of PMS. Here, we were the anchor ministry and I led the government delegation comprising about seven ministers, the Salaries and Wages Commission and the state government. It was a tortuous and excruciating discussion because of where we found ourselves and where we were coming from. About 27 states were unable to pay the existing minimum wage of N18,000 and now, there is a demand, a genuine demand necessitated by the increase in pump price of PMS and the fact that inflation has eaten deep into the N18,000 and also by the fact that there was a big depreciation of the dollar, even though we were not computing everything about wages with the dollar. But we know that 40 to 50 per cent about the needs of every worker is foreign based. The minimum wage encompasses transport, housing needs. The last minimum wage was last negotiated and passed into law in 2011 and so, six, seven years down the line, there was no need not to touch it because even the constitution proscribes that you must adjust pension every five years or if you adjust any wages before the five years.

You said it was a tortuous negotiation and now, there are governors who say they cannot pay the new wage.

No, it is a national law and no governor can say he will not pay. Issue of national minimum wage is item 34 on the exclusive legislative list of the third schedule of the Nigerian constitution. Issue of labour is also there and not on the concurrent list. If it is on the concurrent list, then they can make their own state assembly laws on that. Every state government is now owing workers if they have not started paying N30,000. They are owing workers effective from 18th of April, a new minimum wage. We are now in a committee working out a new template with which we will adjust upward the consequential adjustment upstairs for those already earning above N30,000. The minimum wage is for the most vulnerable down the ladder and that is the man on grade level one step one.

So, you must consequentially adjust for the man

on grade level two, grade level three, grade level four and five, because that man on GL 1 step 1 has overtaken them with his new payment. That is what we refer to as consequential adjustment.

This consequential adjustment touches more on the people on the lower ladder and we are working it out. The negotiation is going to be with the Joint Negotiating Council in both the federal and at the state level. What we are trying to do now with the Salaries and Wages Commission is that we have a technical committee working out what the federal government will do for their workers and advice the state government appropriately. In 2011, there was a mistake in the consequential adjustment in some states when they applied the principle of percentage increase across board and they ran into trouble and were able to pay. What this N30,000 translates into is that there is a 67 per cent increase.

If a state government applies the same 67 per cent increase across board, there will be serious trouble, the same with the federal government and when there is that trouble, there will be trade dispute because the principle of ability to pay will come in and ILO encourages us to apply those principle in our discussion. If I am unable to pay and my workers know that I am unable to pay, we will sit down and agree on what I am able to pay. So, there is a baseline now as no worker in Nigeria should earn anything less than N30,000 provided that the establishment has more than 25 workers.

When will workers begin to enjoy the new minimum wage?

They will enjoy it. In fact, they have started enjoying it. Employers in the private sector adjusted immediately because it is easier for them to do. In the government sector, the bureaucracy and bottleneck of government is responsible for the delay. You know that you must budget for it. That is what is causing the delay. But whenever the encumbrances are removed, they will pay arrears with effect from 18th April, 2019. So, the sooner an establishment start paying, the better for you so that you don’t take a huge backlog that you cannot take. If you pay in piecemeal and start going, the better. So, I advice all employers of labour in Nigeria, including state government to immediately set up their Joint Negotiating Councils so that whatever we get from here, we give it to them and they will look at it based on their peculiarities. There are no two states that are the same in terms of the revenues coming from the federations account and internally generated revenue. So, when the template from the federal level is given to you, you put it on the table with the joint negotiating council and discuss how it suits you and cue into it as much as possible with the finances available to you. Luckily, today, finances of states are known. Everybody know what the state is coming from FAAC with. The IGR of most state government are also known now. So, it is a pleasant situation that we are all in now.

One of the things that has often led to unrest

and strike action in the country especially among government workers is the inability of government to implement signed agreements with unions. Right now,ASUUarespoilingforanotherroundofstrike‌ You started by asking what is my major magic.

The major magic is that I have forced government establishments to keep to agreements especially the ones that we entered into now. Where we have difficulties is the 2009 and 2013 agreements that the then government made. But nobody wants to know that. They will tell you that government is a continuum. So, as much as possible, we try to renegotiate some of these agreements to make them realistic. The ILO principles permits that CBAs that are not feasible can be renegotiated. That is the luck we have and in this ministry, we have used it to the best of the advantage of the government. That is why today, if you go to the Industrial Arbitration Panel, they are complaining that cases no longer come. We are taking the bullets here and not putting some there. I have read through cases that goes there and discovered that when cases goes there, employers are not satisfied and still go to the National Industrial Court and to Court of Appeal. As they are doing that, you have spate of industrial actions because once the worker finds out that you are trying to frustrate them from getting what they believe is theirs, they will find ways of declaring new dispute. So, now that we are here, we have told government the truth. I insist and bring government officials here for negotiation. I don’t take officers for negotiation.

The best we can do is for a minister to come for the first two meetings and then delegate his permanent secretary and this has worked. Ministers are chief executives of the ministries and are the ones who will take the major decisions and do a memo to Mr. President saying we need this and that. When they do that I collaborate it and they get the necessary funds.

Recently, the ministry had a running battle with labour especially regarding the issue of NSITF Board. Some have accused you of having personal issues with Frank Kokori and the NLC President. How do you react to this ?

I have nothing personal against Comrade Frank Kokori, who I respect very much because of the role he played during the June 12 struggle. I was in Lagos and I know the role he played as the General Secretary of NUPENG. He was an employed officer of NUPENG, but stayed there long enough and made those sacrifices. Many people made sacrifices for June 12. So, I don’t have anything personal against him. If anything, we hold him in high esteem. The same goes for Comrade Wabba, whom I met here as NLC President, even though it was a factionalised NLC. There were two factions when I came. But for the NLC president, I don’t like his style of administration and I have told him that many times. He operates a system of divide and rule, which I don’t like. He operates a system whereby if he doesn’t like anybody, he wants everybody else to dislike that person.

Cuts in : Then the NSITF‌ I will continue to explain the issue of NSITF because the Act that sets up the place is clear. There are two Labour representatives and there are two employersrepresentatives.Whentheactwaswritten, the labour representatives are to come from the NLC because it was a 1993 decree that was converted to an Act in 2004. Nobody has right to dictate to them who they should be and immediately they submit those names, I pass them down. The only thing I can do is to send them down for SSS screening to show that they don’t have criminal records and that they are proper Nigerians. The four executive directors come from government side and I also pass them for security screening. Then the chairman have a special paragraph, which says that the minister of labour will nominate a neutral and competent persontoMr.Presidentforappointmentaschairman.

This is so done because it is a tripartite board. The person who should wear the cap as chairman is not supposed to be among the tripartite. He cannot be an employer association member, he should not be a trade unionist and should not be a government official. So, when Ayuba Wabba came here along with the NECADG at that time to tell me that they have made a nomination to the Vice President, I told him it was wrong and that they don’t have the right to nominate. It is the minister of labour that has the right to do so and I have not done so. I wrote to the vice president who was then acting as president to point out this anomaly if it ever happens. Where the mixed up came was that there was a committee in the SGF office working on board membership of over 500 boards of government agencies.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

NEWS Malaysian Police Killing, Setting Nigerians up, Coalition Alleges Asks FG to rescue Nigerians in the Asian nation

Alex Enumah in Abuja A Coalition of Civil Society Groups yesterday accused the Government of Malaysia and its police of setting up and killing Nigerians residing in the Asian country over fabricated charges.

The coalition, also, lamented that the police in Malaysia “are in the habit of bringing trump up charges with maximum prison sentences against Nigerians, who refused to offer them bribe.”

Convener of the coalition, Mr. Sunday Attah raised the allegation at a news conference he addressed in Abuja yesterday, demanding that the

federal government should call the Government of Malaysia to order.

As a matter of fact, Attah alleged that the way the Malaysian police “are accusing, killing, extorting, assaulting, intimidating and harassing Nigerians every day is surprising, shocking, and unbelievable; it makes mockery of us as the giant of Africa.”

He cited the case of a Nigerian, who was set up in Sarawak by Malaysian police, noting that he was handcuffed; put him in the police van while they searched his car in a dark basement in his absence.

He said the Malaysian police then came out “to say that a drug

was found on his car that he should pay 150,000 Malaysian Ringgit to get his freedom but when the guy failed to reach the demand as we talk now the boy has been sentenced to death by hanging by a court in Sarawak Malaysia.

“This very act by the Malaysia Government and Police is one too many. It is gradually demonstrating its penchant for

impunity, racism, disregard for the International rule of law and professionalism.”

He, however, urged the federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari to caution the Nigeria High Commissioner and the Staff of the Nigerian High Commission in the Asian Countries, especially Malaysia whom they accused of conniving with the police

against Nigerians in their host countries.

He alleged that a top official at the Nigerian High Commission had been compromised and failed to use diplomatic ties between the two countries to save those facing death sentences on trumped-up charges.

Specifically, Attah cited the case of a Nigerian, Alowonle Gilbert, who he said was ac-

cused of killing a Malaysian Nurse, Miss Siti Kharina, by the Malaysian police.

He said the Commission had promised “to follow up with the case by getting a lawyer that will defend Alowonle Oluwajuwon Gilbert at the Sepang Court Selangor, Malaysia, but to our greatest surprise the Nigerian High Commission didn’t show up.

Eid-el-Fitri: Oyetola Provides Free Train Ride to Osun For the third time since assumption of office six months ago, Osun State Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has provided free train ride for indigenes and others travelling from Lagos to the state for religious celebration.

This was contained in a statement his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina issued yesterday, saying the free train service for those travelling for the Eid el-Fitri would depart the Iddo Terminus in Lagos on Monday June 3, stopping over in Abeokuta and Ibadan among others, before arriving at the Nelson Mandela Train Park Station in Osogbo at an estimated arrival time of 6pm.

On June 6, the train will make a return trip to Iddo Terminus in Lagos, stopping over in Oyo and Ogun states after taking off at 10am from the Nelson Mandela

Train Park Station in Osogbo.

Already, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays for the end of Ramadan celebration.

The Supervisor for Finance, Commerce/ Industries /Cooperatives, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, described the programme as part of the social intervention initiatives of the Oyetola Administration.

“It is designed to provide relief to citizens of the state travelling home to celebrate with their loved ones,” he said.

Millions of people including citizens of neighbouring states of Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara and Ondo, have benefited from the free train programme during celebrations to and from Osogbo from Lagos, since it was initiated by the Osun State Government in 2011.

TO GOD, I PLEDGE

L-R: Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu and his wife, Dr. Zainab Bagudu after taking oath of office at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State ... Wednesday

Budget Constraints Slowing Down Buhari’s Social Investments Programme Tobi Soniyi

NNPC to Probe Applicants’ Complaint on Technical Hitches The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has given an indication that it would look into complaints of some of the over 60, 000 applicants that wrote test for the ongoing recruitment exercise.

Some of the candidates for the Computer-Based Test in Abuja expressed their frustration over ‘technical glitches and timing out’ before the allotted time.

A handful of applicants told THE WHISTLER at centers in Gawarimpa and Jabi areas of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory that their computers logged them out about 30 minutes before the time allotted lapsed.

The Group Managing Di-

rector of the state owned oil corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, in a reply to a test message by THE WHISTLER said he had directed a ‘fair assessment’ of all those with genuine complaints.

“I will check and since they are many will direct a fair resolution: to grade them based on what they were able to attempt for the time they spent,” the GMD replied in a text message.

“I have already directed COO, CS to consider the grading to the few affected and lodged the complaint to their invigilators/ supervisors.”

Mallam Isa Muhammad Inuwa is the Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services (COO, CS).

CORRIGENDUM There was a mix-up in an opinion titled, Africa and the Anti-Corruption Generation, published on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Whereas the writer of the article was Pearl Uzokwe, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, it was wrongly credited to Bethel Obioma of the Corporate Communications department of Sahara Group, The error is regretted.

Inadequate funding of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Social Investment Programmes is partly responsible for why the impact have yet to be felt across the country, figures released from the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Office of the Vice President have shown.

Analysis of the budgetary provisions for the programmes reveals that out of an annual approved budget of N500 billion, only N470, 825,522,694.62 (31 percent) was released for three budget cycles of 2016, 2017 and 2018.

For the three years, the budget should have been N1.5 trillion.

In 2016, only N79, 985,158,705.32 was made available for the

programme out of the N500 billion appropriated while in 2017 N140, 000,000,000.00 was released.

In 2018, the federal government jerked up fund for the programme to N250,840,363,989.30.

At no time was the annual budget of N500 billion made available for the programmes.

The budget shortfalls have left a good chunk of the project unimplemented. The programme has secured N500 billion annually in national budgets over the past three cycles, but releases have consistently fallen well below the allocation, leaving Upon assuming office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari Administration took it upon itself to design programmes that would improve the lives of all Nigerians irrespective of

religion, political affiliation and social class.

The administration structured the programmes to be impactoriented, specifically catering to the needs of the poor, vulnerable, unemployed and those at the bottom of the pyramid (without access to finance). Four broad programmes (N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfers, National Home-Grown School Feeding and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programmes) emerged, each uniquely targeting different subgroups of Nigerians for empowerment.

Only last week, wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari was in the news again.

Apparently appalled by the level of poverty in the north, she criticized the Social Investment

Programme (SIP) of her husband’s administration, saying there was little evidence to show that a good chunk of its budget was judiciously utilised.

According to her, the initiative has failed to reach its intended beneficiaries in at least Adamawa and Kano. However, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Mrs Maryam Uwais has defended the what the programme had been able to achieve so far.

She nevertheless agreed that the program could have achieved more had there been more funds.

She said: “I believe we could do so much more if we have sufficient funding. We have only scratched the surface in the sense that we do not have the sufficient funding to address.”

US Demands Social Media Details from Visa Applicants Adedayo Akinwale The United States Government has reeled out fresh condition for visa application, noting that nearly all applicants for the United States (US) visas will have to submit their social media details under newly adopted rules.

The US Department of State gave the new regulation yesterday, saying people will have to submit social media names and five years’ worth of email addresses and phone numbers.

When proposed last year, au-

thorities estimated the proposal would affect 14.7 million people annually.

Certain diplomatic and official visa applicants will be exempt from the stringent new measures. However, people travelling to the US to work or to study will have to hand over their information.

“We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect US citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States,” the department reportedly said.

Previously, only applicants who needed additional vetting such as people who had been to parts of the world controlled by terrorist groups - would need to hand over this data.

But now applicants will have to give up their account names on a list of social media platforms, and also volunteer the details of their accounts on any sites not listed.

Anyone who lies about their social media use could face “serious immigration consequences”, according to the department.

The Trump administration first proposed the rules in March 2018.

At the time, the American Civil Liberties Union - a civil rights group - said there is “no evidence that such social media monitoring is effective or fair”, and said it would cause people to self-censor themselves online.

US President Donald Trump made cracking down on immigration a key plank of his election campaign in 2016.

He called for “extreme vetting” of immigrants before and during his time in office.

SUNDAY JUNE 2, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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˜ ˞ JUNE 2, 2019

MARKET NEWS

NSE: Invest in Stock Market and Reap Numerous Benefits Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has said investing in stocks has many benefits and has urged investors to patronise the nation’s equities market in order to reap those benefits. Like any other stock market in the world, the system and structure of the Nigerian stock market works the same way, just

some few differences. “Knowing how the stock market works is an essential knowledge you cannot do without, for how can you drive a car without first learning how it works and then how to drive it? The stock Nigerian stock market works similarly to the way in which the traditional market works (that’s the normal buying and selling). But going

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

deeper into the NSE world, you will understand that it is more structured and more complex,� the exchange said.

According to the NSE, as a preferred listing destination in Africa, it features large to smallsized companies that meet and adhere to its globally acceptable high listing standards. “By investing in shares of listed

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 30May-2019, unless otherwise stated.

companies on the NSE you become part owner of these listed companies and thus can benefit from share price growth and/or income paid as dividends. Ownership interest depends on the number of shares held by an investor relative to the company’s outstanding shares and class of shares held. An investor can trade shares by using a licensed stockbroker to buy and

sell shares on his/her behalf or remotely through direct market access,� it said.

Citing some of the benefits, the NSE said there is capital growth, which refers to an increase in share market value. It noted, however, that the shares can also lose value, as stock prices can fall below the purchase price due to macroeconomic or company-

specific factors. “There are also dividends, which is the share ownership incentive given by a company to its shareholders, usually as a share of profits. Some companies pay dividends regularly while others seldom pay or not pay at all. Some companies also allow you to reinvest dividends into new shares,� the NSE said.

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: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.88 0.89 4.43% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 33.67% 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 13.23% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.30 2.33 3.66% 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 15.90 16.38 -4.18% ARM Discovery Fund 350.53 361.10 -1.71% ARM Ethical Fund 29.35 30.23 3.92% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.19% 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 97.85 98.54 -3.30% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.43% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 13.62% Paramount Equity Fund 11.81 12.11 0.84% Women's Investment Fund 104.23 106.90 1.62% 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 12.57% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 98.91 99.37 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.87 99.18 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 12.35% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.83 0.84 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.19 1.19 6.68% 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 12.19% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.17% 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 N/A N/A N/A FBN Heritage Fund 144.91 145.90 1.49% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.94% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 140.97 142.97 -6.02% 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 Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.28% Legacy Debt Fund 3.41 3.41 5.03% Legacy Equity Fund 1.13 1.15 -7.12% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.05 1.05 1.94% 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 2,987.71 3,017.55 0.11% Coral Income Fund 2,899.92 2,899.92 5.85% 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 10.73% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 108.29 108.71 0.56% GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.94%

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 12.42% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.16 2.19 0.75% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.99% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 131.13 131.22 4.92% 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 5.75% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,102.94 1,102.94 5.64% 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 120.30 120.67 -0.43% 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 1.02 1.02 5.89% 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 2,356.75 2,370.45 1.84% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 201.63 201.63 6.04% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.92 0.94 -2.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 255.45 255.56 5.39% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 159.16 161.08 -2.40% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.77% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,101.72 8,204.76 -4.53% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 2.54% 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 1.19 1.20 -0.15% United Capital Bond Fund 1.69 1.69 6.26% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 -3.86% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.10% United Capital Eurobond Fund 110.79 110.79 3.29% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.12 1.12 2.41% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.78 10.96 2.42% Zenith Ethical Fund Zenith Income Fund Zenith Money Market Fund

11.60 21.86 1.00

11.76 21.86 1.00

-0.01% 13.34% 11.84%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.40 120.90 52.38

-44.85% 2.69% 1.24%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.07 100.94 83.72

10.17 103.08 85.27

-4.54% -13.95% -5.58%

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

3.66 6.34 13.62 11.20 155.55

3.70 6.42 13.72 11.40 157.55

-8.48% -16.76% -8.86% -9.34% 8.31%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.90

17.40%

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 manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

02.06.2019

MAIRE ABIA-BASSEY Using Music to Advance the Woman’s World ASSISTANT EDITOR OLUFUNKE OLAODE/funkola2000@gmail.com

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COVER

MAIRE ABIA-BASSEY

Nigeria’s Newest Female Artiste With glistening skin, seductive eyes, delicate fingers, and luxuriant fluffy hair, she emerged like a fairytale princess out of a fable book. Then she struck a chord with her delicately-poised, eclectic voice creating an ambient soundtrack for the electrified audience. When the enraptured crowd heard ‘Spend like Alhaji’, next single, ‘Addicted’ got them hooked on and they went gaga with ‘Mkpoyo’. Down-to-earth, the heavenly songstress Maire Abia-Bassey is brain and beauty personified. Exuding ingenuity and camaraderie, Maire has turned a dinghy, distant past into a rose-bed of the enchanting present, writes Bayo Akinloye

Abia-Bassey

E

verything looks surreal. Her voice wafts through the air with incredible cadence.

The beat roars out of the speakers, waists winding in electric fashion. Like a pristine princess carved out of fairytale storybook, she bursts into dancehall frenzy as throngs of fans gyrate with abandonment. Dressed in fiery red, effervescent attire – dragonthemed – Maire Abia-Bassey takes her audience into a surreal moment of ecstasy.

As if speaking a thousand tongues, Maire sings as if her life depends upon it – with golden beads of sweat forming on her brow.

Maire! Maire! Maire! The adrenalincharged fans want more. Again, they let

out a shriek: Maire! Maire! Maire! By now she has disappeared into the silhouette of the dimly-lit corner of the stage. The crowd’s shrieks continue to reverberate forming a sound of music of its own.

Maire appears again. In dazzling blue dress with plunging neckline held delicately by tiny straps, she sets the stage aglow as she meanders with grace and gumption – with the melodrama sparking off another breathtaking moment of stirring melodic bashment.

She has always wanted to take the centre stage. “Music is my passion,� says Maire. “Nothing is as fulfilling as making a dope record or leaving a very energetic rehearsal session. Literally, even if I have a migraine, once I walk into a rehearsal

session it disappears.�

A first-class graduate in Communications and Multimedia Design from the American University of Nigeria, Maire makes a living from what she loves doing. A bundle of talent, she sees herself as a music entrepreneur in the making.

Sure-footed, she is not just concerned about making music. “You will find me coming up with marketing strategies to help me connect better with my fans,� the youngster explains, “writing business plans and proposals with my goals and ambitions for my music. Being in both the corporate and entertainment world gives me a perspective that most musicians don’t have.�

It is not difficult to understand her flight of passage through time and travails.

Less than four years old, at night after her nanny had bathed her while preparing little Maire to go to bed, Maire often grabbed a bottle of lotion, turned it upside down and pretended it was a mike in hand – inspired in the dusk she began to sing, dance – in front of the mirror. With mouth often agape, her household was her spellbound audience. “They’d laugh and cheer me on,� Maire recalls. “When I was nine, my cousin put some friends and me in a girl group and taught us to make dance moves. I composed female anthems,� she adds, “because in my head we were TLC. I guess music and entertainment have always been in my blood.�

Music is not just in her blood. Music flows in her unceasingly – not even the grip of the grief of her mom could stop the flow. “I started dropping music after my mum passed away in 2013. The first song was ‘DJ’ featuring Tekno (it was produced by Tekno). Mkpoyo (celebration) followed,� Maire reveals, “as an ode to my mom who was always the life of the party.�

It was Maire’s own way of encouraging her family to be happy because they were all distraught. In that moment of being gripped by grief, she found solace in using a lot of the Calabar expressions her mom would normally use. “Honestly,� she admits, “that studio session was very spiritual for me. It felt like her spirit was there with me – singing

through me. However, things became professional in 2016 when ‘Alhaji’ was released.�

Though not under any recording label, Maire says she is inspired as an independent artiste to work her way up.

From Oron in Akwa Ibom State, Maire is the granddaughter of a paramount ruler though she grew up in Lagos. “After my mom passed away, life was unkind to me and that’s a reality,� she confesses. “I saw the real world. It was a rude awakening for a girl like me who grew up having everything at her feet. Nobody goes through what I went through and remains grounded.�

Maire was faced with the option of cracking under pressure, settling for regular life, compromising her values or taking the bull by the horns to making something out of nothing while fighting to the finish. “I guess you already know which option I chose,� she winks with a wry smile. “The hustle brought me back here – to Lagos. We die here until we ‘blow’!�

For Maire, music has the power or mandate to influence an entire generation – having a way of connecting the world, making it a global village. “It’s pop culture,� she lets out.

She believes she is conscious of the kind of messages, she put out in her music which has a tinge of ‘rebellion’ in it.

She explains: “In a society that tries to suppress our truths as women, and objectify us, I am very rebellious to the status quo with my message of female empowerment in my music.�

Like men, women too have certain feelings and characters. But Maire is convinced they are often forced to hide them in order to be perceived as ‘good women’. “So I approach my music from an unusual perspective,� Maire acknowledges. “My songs, ‘Bad’ and ‘Kau Kau’ (gunshot) are two of those songs that put the woman in a position of power and I say things women ordinarily won’t say. “Bad talks about a woman shooting her shot not waiting to get shot at.�

This may not be surprising because Maire grew up in a competitive environment dominated by males. In

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COVER

Abia-Bassey

Rising, Thriving and Fighting to the Finish school, she was often the only girl among the top five ‘A’ students.

This made her know that as much as it is a “man’s world” it is also a woman’s world.

“I want women,” says Maire explaining her mission, “to know they don’t have to compromise to get to the top in life. God has given us equal brains and voices so why not use them to get ahead? You can call me the liberator of women.”

But she is not.

She fears pressure. Maire fears the pressure to conform and the pressure to live a certain lifestyle.

“But,” she argues, “looking at where I’m coming from, it makes perfect sense why I have gone through the things I have gone through. God has a way of preparing you through trauma. I have had people come and go; material things come and go.”

Maire believes she has evolved in her way of thinking and relating with people, admitting that she is never going to give up without a fight.

She has been fighting for acceptance in the music industry and has some personal struggles to deal with despite having a terrific beginning.

“The start was great for me. My style made people pay attention to me,” she thinks.

“What affected me really was the long break after Alhaji was released.”

After that sizzling single there were a lot of internal issues with management and other things.

Some people felt her career had become stagnant.

“I had a lot of trouble in my personal life and little or no support from family. It was really a learning curve for me,” she points out.

Not one to give up, Maire has bounced back with a banging single, ‘Addicted’.

“It’s a very different sound and people love it. Still working on making sure everyone hears it,” she says. But Maire adds: “I have learnt not to really worry about people’s opinions but stay true to myself and keep going; the people I’m meant to inspire will eventually come across my music in the very near future.”

The young, eclectic young artiste thinks Burna Boy is the gold standard for the music industry in Nigeria.

“I know what it feels like to be misunderstood and he has risen above it all. He’s a true testimony that talent will always supersede popular opinion no matter how long it takes. I also feel like soundwise he has a strong fusion of afro-beat/ R’n’B and bashment which I can totally relate to,” she shares.

Maire loves performing on stage.

“I really hate performances where I have to

sing over my soundtrack because the set-up does not provide an opportunity to sing live. It’s not real. “It doesn’t allow you to connect with the people watching. That’s why I go the extra mile with band rehearsals and stuff,” Maire discloses.

Burna boy, to her, set the bar high last December with his concert: full live band, props and all. But there is more to Maire than is already known.

For one, she feels she an afro-urban artiste, saying her art is versatile, influenced by various genres including R’n’B, afro-beat, bashment, and hip-hop.

At the same time, she sees herself having a very strong background in R’n’B as she grew up in the Aaliyah-TLC-Destiny’s Child-era.

“My first single, Alhaji (Spend like Alhaji), was produced by the prolific A-list producer, Spellz – whom I like to describe as the Timbaland to my Aaliyah. “It has a very strong R’n’B vibe which was the hot sound at the time with the new R’n’B wave Chris brown had going on with charttopping songs like ‘Loyal’ and ‘Show Me’,” Maire recollects.

However, what made her music different is its afro-twist.

“The way I combined the Nigerian lyrics and pidgin over the beat, I guess, is what caught everyone’s attention. ‘Bad’ was the follow-up single with a similar sound and fun-loving nature,” she says.

“However, we infused bashment (dancehall) vibes which I love so much. I have grown since then and my sound is constantly evolving. With singles like ‘Addicted’ and ‘Mkpoyo’, I borrowed my local Oron language over infectious high life and afro-beats.

“The tongue twisters in Oron/Calabar are really infectious so it’s hilarious when people usually try to imitate my flow because it sounds so foreign but sweet. Half the time, they think it’s just meaningless lambas until I actually sit down to translate them,” Maire tells THISDAY. The talented artiste has fire in the pit of her belly, pointing out that Africa is the home of rhythm.

“So we have that advantage over other genres from other parts of the world. What’s beautiful is our ability to fuse different genres and still make it original,” Maire thinks.

“It’s no surprise that Africa is in the limelight on the global stage, slowly dominating world music and it feels good to be in this digital era of music.”

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PERSPECTIVE

Edo 2020: Why Obaseki’s Detractors Should Find a New Calling

Eben Enasco Kingsley

T

he rising profile of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State and his growing list of achievements in just under three years in office is transforming the governor into a socio-economic reformer, a trend which is sending cold shivers down the spins of a handful of insecure politicians in the state, who are now throwing feeble, infantile attacks to whittle the governor’s glowing image.

These apprehensive politicians have been hurling jabs in the media that can best be described as a storm in a teacup, as their attempts have fallen flat and exposed them to be scavengers seeking to curry unmerited favours and boxing the thin air for relevance.

The Obaseki brand has grown beyond what these set of people can comprehend, hence their attempts at blackmail or subterfuge have left them even more befuddled as to how they can unravel him. Their feeble attempts were to fly kites of a disaffection between the governor and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, but when that didn’t stick, they attempted to cause a ruckus in the party, hinting of splinter group being loyal Oshiomhole, to curry favours for themselves. That also fell flat, with all their tantrums not even landing a scratch to the governor’s looming image.

Governor Obaseki’s declaration on return from his annual leave that there was no skirmish between him and Comrade Oshiomhole, exposed these persons for who they truly are – greedy opportunists seeking to milk the state’s meagre resources. The media campaign was sponsored by a small, vile group of politicians in the state chapter of the APC, who were angling to get him to share the money meant for the people to them. Party leaders have also come out in defense of the governor, pointing out that the interest of the people far supersedes that of a greedy lot.

The governor has been particularly unequivocal about his stance, making it known at every fora since his return that the state’s resources will never be used to service the parochial interests of a few, who have over the years, grown a fat appetite to be serviced with state resources.

A groundswell of opinion in support of the governor’s stance has been building ever since, coupled with political intrigues steered by the gravitation of political opponents to the governor’s humane style of governance.

On the streets of Benin and across Edo State, the governor

Obaseki is amassing followers by the day due to his glowing achievement in different spheres of the state’s economy, notably in basic education, infrastructure, law and order, workers’ welfare, institutional reforms and deployment of technology in government processes. The refrain is often that the governor doesn’t make noise. But much of that is tied to his peculiar carriage and a civilized, methodological approach to governance, which the people are warming up to, and which has pitched him against a fast receding culture of sleaze perpetuated by a few individuals in and around government.

While it is healthy to have opposing views in a gathering, the end game of these people who are displeased with the new culture in Edo State is what should be troubling to any right-thinking person. That wanton rape of the state’s resources to the detriment of every other hallmark of progress is the ultimate goal of these few persons calls their sanity to question.

They have constituted themselves into naysayers and spew multifarious, obnoxious lies, coming in form of crying wolf over naught and making a ruckus where they should join in further strengthening the delivery of good governance to the people, whether as objective critics – if they chose such

roles – or as partners in progress.

The state government, through the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, has also come out to lend credence to the fact that the supposed rift with the state government by a few individuals, is only the antics of a greedy few. The handwriting is on the wall that the government has no intension to part with the people’s patrimony, no matter the scheming of these few individuals, who have gone extreme lengths to vent their anger.

In recent weeks, opposition bigwigs from the People Democratic Party (PDP) such as Esama of Benin, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, Chief Tom Ikimi and Comrade Osamede Adun also known as Bob Izua have come forward to throw their weight behind the governor. They came with glowing praise of what the governor’s achievements, which they can attest to even though they are on the other side of the divide.

Though many would argue that the endorsement from Chief Igbinedion, is suspect because of what many arguably say was a bad outing by his son when he was governor, it is not a gesture that should be taken with a pinch of salt. This is because of the stature of the Esama of Benin as one of the last standing in the pantheon of ‘Kingmakers’ in Edo State, with the passing of the colossus from Esanland, Chief Tony Anenih, and Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.

Also, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has joined in lauding the Governor Obaseki’s sterling performance, noting that his support for the governor was from the knowledge of what the Benin City looked like in the past and was impressed with how the governor has quietly changed the fortunes of the state capital.

While it may be advisable for this group of prowling politicians to sheath their swords in the face of overwhelming support for the governor across and beyond party lines, as their continued affront would be going against the will of the people, it is also expedient to assert that only delivery of veritable governance can imbue the government with the confidence to insist on prudence and transparency, as the Obaseki government is currently doing.

As the political intrigues continue to play out, it is instructive that the governor and his government have maintained the stance that the state’s resources are not to be frittered and the verdict is out for the people to pick out those ogling their patrimony with the intention to deprive them of muchneeded development.

––Kingsley, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City, the Edo State capital.

What Nigeria Needs is Ideological Restructuring Henry Nwosu suggests how restructuring can be achieved with a different approach

A

gitations for restructuring of Nigeria’s political system have been going on for eons without fruition. While the agitations have raged on, there has been no agreement among the Nigerian elites on the “why” and “how” the country should be restructured. Whereas there is a broad consensus among southerners that Nigeria needs to be restructured, the northern compatriots on the other hand are not so crazy about the idea.

The demand for restructuring is largely driven by what has been identified as a dysfunctional unitary system of governance that was foisted on the country since the 1966 military incursion into public administration of the country.

The system entails the full control of revenues generated from taxes and mineral resources at sub-national levels by the central government, which then allocates proportions of such revenues to the federating units in an inequitable manner. Thus, the proponents of restructuring argue that this negates the letter and spirit of true federalism.

The major focus of the restructuring debate has been on changing the percentage of the derivation formula for the regions, where mineral resources are extracted. This formula, which has gone through various iterations, has dropped from 50 per cent in the 1960s to currently 13 per cent. If we have to be realistic with ourselves, this preoccupation with sharing revenue in our extractive economy is antidevelopment. Therefore, what we need is a restructuring of our thinking.

I will strive, in this opinion piece, to show why we need a new development model that shifts the mindset of our states and the various regions of the country away from dependence on oil & gas and makes us a more economically prosperous nation.

In the substance of it, I do agree with the need for devolution of powers to the federating units but I go farther in my submission than most adherents of restructuring. The federating units that I refer to are not the states and local governments but the six geopolitical zones or what is called regionalism. This, too, is not a new idea per se. I maintain that the states can remain as they are

President Buhari and Osinbajo under the regional system I am proposing.

Some supporters of restructuring have floated the idea of reducing the number of states to the 12 created by General Yakubu Gowon. Their argument is premised on the weak fiscal positions of a large number of the current states, many of whom cannot pay the salaries of their workers and owe so many months in pensions to retirees let alone invest in healthcare, education, infrastructure and other development projects.

I further propose that each of these six regions should have a development plan upon which budgetary allocations will be anchored. For instance, the six states in the South-west will come together to draw up an economic blueprint or development plan for their region.

The blueprint will be based on two factors – politics and economy. First, the regional restructuring that I propose will require each region to have its own political party, which will be based on their peculiar economic and social ideologies. This will bring an end to the irresponsible proliferation of political parties and the situation whereby national political parties control the

levers of government to the disadvantage of others. But I will come back to this shortly.

The second advantage of the regional restructuring I am proposing is that the economic blueprints of each region will be based on the competitive advantage of that region. For instance, while one region might find it necessary to focus on manufacturing and services, another region might want its development agenda to focus on mining and agriculture, essentially, playing to their greatest strength.

The blueprint will require the development of export markets and providing employment opportunities for people in that region. There will be independent bodies or institutions that will be set up to implement these plans. There could be, for instance, the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) which membership could be the commissioners from the seven states in the region. The federal government’s annual budgets will be provided mainly for the funding of the projects that each region has earmarked to be accomplished in a particular year.

The funding will be made available to the regional development bodies with direct oversight from the governors rather than the federal government.

Under this system, the federal government will divest itself from direct engagements in oil & gas, education, healthcare and all other sectors of the economy except defence and foreign policy. It will however impose federal taxes on some region to fund its own activities. While my proposal does not advance the reduction in the number of states, it does support the reduction of the representatives at the National Assembly from the states as each region shall be allotted a fixed and equal number of representatives. This will be in alignment with the streamlining of the federal government’s functions in public administration.

This system will summarily bring an end to constituency projects and other bogus contraption that federal lawmakers receive. At least, N100 billion is disbursed to the National Assembly for various projects every year.

-Nwosu wrote from Lagos (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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High Life Dimeji Bankole Under the Radar, Shuns Political Events Former speaker of the House of Representatives and governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress in Ogun State Hon Dimeji Bankole seems to have disappeared off the social radar just as suddenly as he appeared during the lead up to the recent national and state elections.

The debonair dude who will turn 50 later in the year is one of the curious absentees in the frenzied rounds of wheeling and dealing that have been taking place in recent days.

Although he was soundly trounced by APC’s Dapo Abiodun at the polls, Bankole’s pedigree is such that many still expected him to play a central role in Ogun politics. Little wonder his seeming disappearance from the stage has led to widespread consternation.

Not many thought his loss would affect him to the extent that he took his balls and went home.

Many could still recall the bravado and joie de vivre that attended Bankole when he assumed the exalted office of speaker of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011. Neither plots from within the green chambers nor Intrigues from without could ruffle Bankole who at 37 became the youngest civilian to head any arm of the central government in Nigerian history, a record that still stands to this day.

Although he lost his bid to return to the assembly in 2011, it was thought a minor setback in a career that still had many more laps of brilliance to run.

His decision to contest the 2019 elections on the platform of the lesser known ADC after being schemed out of the two major parties raised quite a few eyebrows though. Still, Bankole banked on his popularity and message of change to give him a ride into the government house.

As it turned out, such naive idealism didn’t gain any traction among the electorate who soundly rejected him. Bankole, bruised by the experience, hastily exited the public scene with his tail firmly tucked between his legs. He now shuns political events and severely limits his social appearances to events organized by very close friends and family.

Dimeji Bankole

61 with KAYODE ALFRED 08116759807, E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Gubernatorial Ambition Tales Trail Dino Melaye ....May likely Throw His Hat into the Ring in Kogi State

Dino

If the gods of political drama have their way, the November 2 , scheduled gubernatorial elections in Kogi state will be a two-way fight between the dancing governor and the singing senator. Just as current Kogi helmsman Yahaya Bello has been going around the state thumping his chest and declaring himself invincible, drums of support are also being beaten for the rumoured candidacy of Senator Dino Melaye.

That Dino and Bello do not see

eye to eye is the understatement of the century. Both men never miss a chance to throw punches where it hurts. The news now making the rounds is that Dino, the senator representing Kogi West at the national assembly, is allegedly aiming for the ultimate knockout blow by securing the PDP governorship ticket and defeating Bello at the polls.

Although the man himself has not come out to confirm the rumours, insiders claim many in the Kogi State

chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party see Dino as the man with the required mettle to unseat Bello whose popularity in the state has been waning like the evening sun.

Following recent grumbles in the populace over failure to pay salaries and implement so many promised projects, Bello is regarded as an incumbent with more bark than bite, easily knocked off from his perch as long as the right candidate confronts him.

And there is no gainsaying that Dino is the sharpest thorn in the governor’s flesh. When he isn’t releasing numerous satirical songs mocking Bello as an inept leader, he is writing letters to central government agencies asking them to tightly monitor the state’s spending. The unending war of words between the two has degenerated into physical violence by proxy on more than one occasion.

Still, those close to the matter agree it won’t be a cakewalk for Dino, a son of Okun extraction, were he to seriously desire the PDP ticket. A stumbling block is the Igala bloc, the largest voting segment in the state that controls nine local government areas in the North-Central state.

They are insisting someone of Igala extraction must be the next governor because Prince Abubakar Audu, an Igala, won the previous election before his untimely death paved the way for Bello to become governor.

It remains to be seen if Dino’s gubernatorial interest is solid or mere rumour spouted by mischief makers. Political watchers are now awaiting the governorship primaries of the APC and PDP in Kogi to see who emerges the parties’ respective standard-bearers.

And Daniel Wept… How Ogun former Governor Reclaimed Hotel After 8 Years For prominent Ogun politician and twoterm governor of the state Otunba Gbenga Daniel, it was like reuniting with a long lost love and witnessing the ridges and furrows carved by time onto a face now old and decrepit. Daniel could not stem the tides of sorrow as he broke down in tears and wept profusely after visiting his abandoned hotel for the first time in almost a decade.

The hotel, variously dubbed Conference Hotel and Golf Resort Hotel located in Òkè Mosan, Abeokuta was poised to be the best in the state. Work was already at an advanced stage in the 150-room 5-star edifice when it was sealed in 2012 on the orders of Ibikunle Amosun who had replaced Daniel as the state governor the previous year.

In what the Daniel camp alleged was a witch hunt taken to extremes over political differences, Amosun refused all entreaties by major stakeholders to release the hotel and even posted personal security to make sure no living thing entered or exited. The contractors working on the project were chased from the premises. The official line from the Amosun camp was that Daniel illegally secured the land on which the hotel is being constructed and even used state resources to kick off the project.

Despite some court orders in Daniel’s

favour, Amosun remained obstinate as the Certificate of Occupancy on the land was revoked and not returned for several years. There was even talk of moves to take over the structure and convert it to a state utility. At a time when the hotel located along Presidential Boulevard, Abeokuta was ninety percent complete, it came as a rude blow to Daniels whose entreaties to Amosun fell on deaf ears. To add pepper to a smouldering wound, the Ogun government even refused to pay him a kobo in compensation for the resources he’d already expended on the project.

Eventually, with more important matters at stake ahead of the 2019 elections and his tenure winding down, the governor’s attention turned elsewhere. By the time his personal security that had been barring the place for more than two years finally packed their bags, the once glorious edifice had became a sorry sight. What was conceived as a place of relaxation for the elite had become a nest of weeds, rodents, reptiles and roaches.

Unsurprisingly, no sooner had Amosun handed the reins of power to Dapo Abiodun than Daniel made a beeline for his abandoned hotel. What he saw there reduced both him and the onlookers to tears. His trusted followers and business associates were on hand to witness the

Daniel

mass vandalization of the property.

Everything was in a state of disarray.

From the toilets and electrical fittings which were either missing or in various states of destruction, to the imported lifts and generators which looked like expensive scrap, the whole place was a mess. A visibly shaken Daniel could not contain his emotions as he surveyed how a multi-billion Naira investment became a haunting monument to politicallymotivated neglect.

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HIGHLIFE

No Loud Noise for Tunde Fowler’s Wife’s 60th Birthday As the clock of years prepared to strike 60 for Rosemary Fowler, the ageless and stunning wife of boss of Federal Inland Revenue Service Babatunde Fowler, high society already had their celebration outfits pressed and ironed. Lips moistened in expectation of the first-class food and fine wine while feet unconsciously twitched in anticipation of classical dance numbers. Alas all that was not to be as Rosemary’s diamond anniversary came and went without much fanfare.

Indeed, the 60th birthday celebration of Rosemary Fowler on Tuesday May 21 was a low-key affair.

Unlike previous occasions were Tunde Fowler would go all out with a grand shindig, this time, there was barely any ripple. If not for the heartfelt social media posts marking the occasion

by Rosemary and her newly married daughter Funke Aig Imoukhuede, neĂŠ Fowler, not many would even know that the Fowler matriarch even had an occasion to celebrate.

Mrs. Fowler

Irked friends and acolytes have since been casting side eyes at the FIRS head honcho, hoping he would announce the date for a grand celebration to honour

his wife but Tunde is giving them the cold shoulder. Those close to the dude intimated he is determined to stay out of the news at all costs.

This is not unconnected with his recent travails at the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Since they swooped in and arrested some of his men in connection with alleged shady dealings in the tax collection agency, Tunde has been feeling the heat. The powers that be are said to be watching him closely and so he is determined to be on his best behaviour and not give his political enemies any nails with which to nail him to the cross.

Those in the know claim Fowler is on a very precarious situation at the moment as his chances of returning as FIRS boss have been seriously damaged by the scandal. Hence, he is taking great pains to keep his family off the public radar and not allow himself to be in the news for the wrong reasons again.

T

In the Spirit of Sportsmanship...Why Waidi Akanni is A World Apart From Other Ex-Footballers In a clime where retired footballers, especially those that represented the Nigerian national team, have gone into oblivion while some are in abject penury, former Green Eagles (as the Super Eagles was then known) mercurial defender, Waidi Akanni, is a cut above his contemporaries. Blessed with the benefit of a good education – he attended the Howard University, U.S.A, where he bagged a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering – Akanni has been able to stay afloat and remain relevant after his soccer career. In fact, for many of his teammates now, he is seen as a saviour, the go-to man when the chips are down. Described as selfless and straightforward, Akanni is said to always go the extra mile for his ex-teammates especially those who have fallen on bad times. Nothing, for him, is too much to do for those who sweated and sacrificed their youth for Nigeria.

One of such gestures was repaid bountifully recently when he conceived ‘The Match’, a novelty match organised to celebrate the former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode. Several former African footie stars among whom were Senegalese ace, El Hadji Diouf; former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah; former Barcelona and Malian

winger, Seydou Keita and Senegalese legend, Diomansy Kamara; and ex-Super Eagles stars like Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Ikpeba, Joseph Yobo, Peter Rufai and Ben Iroha among others came out to support a friend, brother and former teammate. While it was a most befitting send-forth for Ambode who extolled Akanni to high heavens for the excellent organisation of the testimonial and the colourful presence of the football legends, the players were reportedly stunned when he still ensured that everybody was well remunerated for their appearance according to new information available to us contrary to our earlier report.

Speaking on the initiative, Akanni said, “We are celebrating Ambode because he is outstanding. He supported sports so much in Lagos State and he is an all-round governor, so we put together a farewell match to say thank you to him.� However, it is not only ex-footballers that are benefitting from Akanni’s wide-ranging experience and skills.

As the former chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, he was instrumental to the entrenchment of an honest, ethical, competitive, commercially viable and talent harnessing environment, conducive for the

Waidi Akanni

education, employment and development of numerous talented youth. His type is indeed rare.

We regret the embarrassment the earlier report may have caused him and withdraw it forthwith

From Politics to Hospitality‌ Prince Lanre Tejuoso Retires to Restaurant Business

Tejuoso

It is understandable that after a career-halting blow comes a period of convalescence, of nursing open wounds and coming to terms with a changed landscape.

But while the vast majority of unseated politicians from the last dispensation are in just such a physical and mental retreat, Prince Lanre Tejuoso, the suave and simple blueblood, has already moved on.

Not many thought the chairman of the senate committee on health in the 8th senate could ever relinquish his tight hold on the Ogun Central Senatorial seat. But he wrestled not against mere flesh and blood but a political principality and power in the person of then-incumbent governor Ibikunle Amosun. The latter would use the incumbency factor and higher pedestal on the food chain to snatch the APC senatorial ticket from the popular royal.

But rather than let that bother him, Prince Lanre, the first son and heir of Osile of OkenagbĂĄ ba Adedapo Tejuoso, swiftly moved on to other terrains. A jack of all trades he might not be but he is determined to be a master of some.

This informed his venturing into the hospitality business. Having imbibed the tenets of sound business and entrepreneurial spirit from his late grandmother, Chief

Next Level: Osinbajo’s Daughter Kiki Launches Skincare Range

Bisoye Tejuoso, the Iyalode of Egbaland, Lanre is poised to make his new hospitality business a success. The trained medical doctor’s new upscale restaurant, The Mayfair Executive has already started attracting high profile clientele in and around the Gateway State.

The latest addition to Lanre’s burgeoning business portfolio is located at General Gusau Crescent, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta. The luxury hot spot packs an ensemble of work, play and relaxation spots under one roof. Fun seekers can avail themselves of the first class gym, bowling alley and bar. There is also a restaurant that serves the very best of African, western and Oriental cuisine. A spacious conference hall is available to host events.

Serendipitously, or perhaps calculatedly, the new place is just a stone’s throw from the Royal Mandarin, an exclusive Chinese restaurant owned by Olori Mojisola Tejuosho, one of the daughters of Eleganza boss Rasak Okoya and Lanre’s wife of more than three decades.

he lap of luxury is a nice place to be for most people. For the vast majority there is nothing better than being born with a silver spoon in the mouth, soaking in extravagance and painting the town red while drawing from an inexhaustible supply of inherited wealth, a fortune bestowed by an accident of biology rather than any personal struggle.

The vice president’s daughter KÏkÏ Osinbajo begs to differ with such persons. Rather than bank on the silver spoon bequeathed to her by family’s status, she would rather create golden, even platinum, spoons by herself to feed herself. Still just in her twenties, Kiki is already a household name in the startup entrepreneurial circles. The fair-complexioned beauty is the founder and CEO of Glam’d Africa Beauty House.

A company which, true to its name,, has been doing an excellent job of glamouring up its sizeable pool of high net-worth customers.

Not satisfied with a singular enterprise, the fashion icon has diversified into the skincare segment. She recently launched her Konyin skincare range for those desirous of a smooth, healthy and glowing skin. This asides her eCommerce site Shopcia where the very best of local and international designer items can be bought with ease.

Kiki has become a social media sensation. Her sense of fashion and style has attracted thousands, not just to her products and services, but to her person.

She is one of the most influential young fashionistas around. Anytime she steps out, be sure a minor earthquake will be triggered online. She has mastered the art of looking good without much artificial embellishments. She has come to stay on the fashion scene.

Her new concern Konyin Skincare is rising in profile by the day. Her proxy connections in the corridors of power might have fetched her a few connected customers but it is the quality of her products that is making them return for more and more. And let’s not talk about Glam’d Africa. In just two years since inception, it has become the location of choice for respected clothiers, make-up artists, manicurists and pedicurists and the rest of the fashion industry to set up stall.

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HIGHLIFE

Senator Ajayi BoroďŹƒce, Rotimi Akeredolu in Supremacy Battle

Ajayi BoroďŹƒce

Rotimi Akeredolu

The 2020 governorship election in Ondo State is still a year away but the battle for supremacy among the interested candidates has already kicked into top gear. Longtime rivals Rotimi Akeredolu, the current governor, and the Senator representing Ondo Central at the national assembly, Ajayi Boroffice, have been slugging it out in a battle for the soul of the state APC and the right to control who ends up with the party’s ticket.

The governor and the Senator representing his constituency have been at each other’s throats since the

primaries for the 2015 elections where Akeredolu emerged amidst claims that the process was manipulated and he was imposed from above against the party’s wishes.

After his installation in the government house, Akeredolu embarked on a campaign of sidelining Boroffice and others whom he claimed did not support him during his election bid. Things came to a boil just before the last elections as he went all out to stop Boroffice from securing the party’s ticket to contest the senatorial seat for a third term. The governor vehemently

refused to abide by the APC National Working Committee’s decision to give all incumbent Ondo senators automatic ticket. Akeredolu paid lip service to supporting his party man and instead allegedly threw his weight behind the candidate of the Action Alliance.

Not amused by the development, Boroffice allegedly squealed to the party’s top hierarchy about the treatment being meted to him, further straining the tenuous relationship between Akeredolu and APC leaders like the national chairman Adams Oshiomhole and the national leader Bola Tinubu. The governor is alleged to have indulged in numerous antiparty activities, culminating in the shoddy performance of the APC in the state during the presidential elections.

The party, it is claimed, are mulling over whether to give Akeredolu the Ambode treatment and the 3-term Senator Boroffice is one of those poised to take advantage were any such fate to befall the governor.

With warning bells ringing, a panicked Akeredolu is said to have begun a charm offensive to mend broken fences and woo state leaders like Boroffice to his side. Those in the know claim the senator is however having none of it, regarding such moves as futile gestures and vowing to get his pound of flesh for all the roadblocks the governor has placed on his path over the years.

Ubi Franklin in the Eye of the Storm ...As unpalatable Allegations Pile Up

Ubi Frankline

Nigerian music promoter and boss of Made Men Music (Triple MG) Group Ubi Franklin has been hit with wave after wave of allegations in

recent times. So relentless have the attacks been coming in recent days, it is as if there is a cosmic conspiracy to sweep away every last remaining shred of integrity he possesses.

The popular dude who used to be married to Nollywood actress Lilian Esoro has become a punching bag on social media as internet denizens have been ridiculing and caricaturing him without end following recent multiple allegations that he made away with loans he obtained from certain women.

Trouble began when a Nigerian entrepreneur Sandra Iheuwa took to social media to call out Ubi for obtaining money from her and absconding without paying the balance of 4 million. Not finished, she went further to castigate him for running away and abandoning her after putting her in the family way.

Coming few weeks after Ubi admitted that he is expecting a third child from a former female staff who is a South African named Nicola Siyo, the latest controversy generated instant ruckus as Ubi was lambasted

from one end of the internet to the other for being a loose cannon and an unreliable person that cannot be faithful to one woman. Many people have started commending his ex-wife Lilian for bailing out of the marriage in 2016, barely one year after they tied the knot.

Not that the man in the centre of the storm seems to be bothered by the series of allegations.

He hasn’t made a peep in response to the hoopla. He seems to be waiting for the noise to die down on its own.

Even after another woman came out to accuse him of cutting off communications after she invested $17,000 in a business venture he floated, Ubi has remained as silent as a graveyard.

Even with threats of legal action from his alleged fourth baby mama Sandra Iheuwa hanging over his head, Ubi doesn’t seem to give a hoot. He was spotted hanging with billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu few days back. He seemed to be in high spirits, as if the rumours about him aren’t his headache.

Barely 24 Hours After Assuming OďŹƒce, Yobe Governor Marries Predecessor’s Daughter As Third Wife Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State has taken a third wife barely 24 hours after his swearing in.

Highlife gathered that the Governor tied the knot on Thursday with the daughter of his immediate past predecessor, Ibrahim Gaidam.

Buni’s new wife is Ummi Adama Gaidam.

Ummi Adama, who takes the position of Governor’s third wife is currently studying in Saudi Arabia.

It was gathered that this move

was precondition from the outgone Governor for Buni to get the ticket and enjoy huge support.

It was gathered the lowkey marriage was solemnized at Mr Gaidam’s residence at Sabon Fegi area Damaturu, the state capital. “The bales of kolanut were presented yesterday, and the wedding Fatiha took place today in the presence of a few family members,� said a family source who preferred anonymity.

Mala Buni

Joshua Iginla

Superstar Man Of God ....Popular Abuja Pastor Joshua Iginla Acquires Private Jet The super exclusive club of superstar men of God that cruise around their air in private jets has just added a new member to their ranks. Apostle Joshua Iginla, founder of Champions Royal Assembly, an interdenominational church in Abuja, recently took delivery of a luxury air cruiser worth billions of naira becoming the latest pastor to achieve this milestone.

The popular preacher who heads the 80,000 capacity “City of Wonder� church headquarters was over the moon as he announced the feat to members during a special church service last Sunday. The firebrand was in his element as he waxed lyrical about the impact the new acquisition will make on his mission to propagate the good news to as many corners of the globe as possible.

As well as being a necessity, the jew jet was also the church’s birthday gift to the man who in little time elevated Champion Royal Assembly from humble beginnings to its current status as a worship centre of choice for the Abuja elites and masses alike. As part of the birthday festivities, he reportedly doled out choice plots of land worth 91 million in Abuja to the church pastors and three lucky widows.

Over 142 widows also smiled home with 150,000 each and a bag of rice.

Recall that another popular pastor Apostle Johnson Suleman recently treated himself to a Hawker BAe 125-800 that might have cost up to $2.9 million. There are fears in some quarters that the two pastors have inadvertently triggered a “jet race� as the remaining men of God compete to keep up with the Joneses.

Pastor Iginla and his church however defended their purchase as a product of necessity rather than vanity. They insist the man of God is so much in demand that he needed a fast means of shuttling between so many countries that require his presence. They claimed it would eliminate the stress of jumping aboard multiple flights to different continents within a single day.

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Adebayo Adeoye bayoolunla@gmail.com; 08054680651

SOCIETY WATCH

Isa Yuguda’s Humble Lifestyle

Temi Otedola Shines Receiving Father’s Business Leader Award

Isa

When Mallam Isa Yuguda was leaving his plum job at a bank, he was not under any illusion about his next plan: politics.

In politics, he made a great impact as a governor for eight years and later as a minister.

Unlike many of his colleagues who retired into opulence after public service, Yuguda embraced an unpopular path of earning a living via: mining.

The former governor is not lounging in his comfort zone and dishing out instructions to his workers. He is actually out there œ’Ĵ’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂœÂ˜Â•Â’Â?ČąÂ–Â’Â—ÂŽÂ›ÂŠÂ•ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą precious metals deposit worth Â‹Â’Â•Â•Â’Â˜Â—ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â•Â•ÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘ŽȹꎕÂ?Čą with his sleeves rolled up help humanity. Those who know the former minister are not surprised about his exploits after leavinf Â˜ÄœÂŒÂŽÇŻČą Â’ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ŽŒŽÂ?Ž—Â?ČąÂŠÂœČąÂŠČąÂ?Â˜Â›Â–ÂŽÂ›Čą bank MD speaks volumes about his intellectual capability and ’—Â?Ž••’Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂŽÄ›ÂŽÂŒÂ?ČąÂŠČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂ’Â?Â’Â&#x;ÂŽČą change in any area of human endeavours.

As a philanthropist, he has continued to be a blessing to tens of thousands across the country.

Yinka Ladoja Keeps Low ProďŹ le Why does Mrs. Yinka Ladoja, the adorable wife of ex-Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed ŠÂ?Â˜Â“ÂŠÇ°ČąÂ–ÂŠÂ’Â—Â?ÂŠÂ’Â—ČąÂŠČąÂ•Â˜Â ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Ä™Â•ÂŽÇľČą Even as no one can hazard a reason why she avoids the limelight, it is also puzzling that she is reportedly avoiding mixing with her friends in the social circle.

At a time, she was said to have relocated to the United States of America to cool off before she was later spotted at a family function a few months back. Though her new personal lifestyle is still generating attention in various quarters, many still applaud her for standing by her husband when the political temperature rose in the state during his tenure.

She never trivialises any issue that concerns her husband, publicly or otherwise. A source revealed that she is very protective of her husband whom she calls ‘Daddy’. In return, Ladoja too is said to adore her and has ÂžÂ—ÂœÂ‘ÂŠÂ”ÂŠÂ‹Â•ÂŽČąÂ?›žœÂ?ȹŠ—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â—Ä™Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ’Â—Čą her.

L-R: Prof Pat Utomi, Temi Otedola and Otunba Niyi Adebayo

Last week in Lagos, Chairman Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, was among a select group of achievers celebrated at the annual Zik Prize in Leadership Awards, as national heroes who have played a pivotal role in nation building.

Otedola who won the Zik Prize for Business Leader of the Year was described as a visionary entrepreneur whose energy is directed at transforming enterprises and putting them on the path of growth, a strong leader with a track record of achievements in business and always aiming to make things better, adding value in areas where pioneers have trod.

The tycoon was further described as an accomplished family man whose children are charting varied endeavours and making a name for themselves in arts, entertainment, fashion and business.

Even though the renowned industrialist

Photos: Kunle Ogunfuyi

and philanthropist was unavoidably absent at the glamorous event, he was represented by his youngest daughter, Temi Otedola.

Inside the hall of the grand event held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island were multiple tables set for a banquet. The Police Band reeled out renditions of old indigenous hits interspersed with an ample dose of praise singing. There were enough personalities for the band to wax lyrical about.

Newly elected chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi was present to support his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who was also an award recipient.

Also present were former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba - who was the chairman of the occasion, Jim Ovia, Ibe Kachikwu, John Oyegun, Prof Ibidapo Obe, Barrister Allen

Onyeama, Prof Pat Utomi, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and many more personalities.

But in the midst of these accomplished individuals, Temi stood out. Composed, elegant, graceful and courteous are some of the words to describe the performance of the young Otedola who - in her early twenties – is quietly blazing a trail as a fashion and travel blogger, vlogger and influencer. While she was certainly the youngest person by a distance on stage, she stole the show, using the opportunity to showcase her sartorial taste.

She was striking in a burgundy evening gown complemented by emerald earrings for a subtle, sultry look.

It was just right for a room filled with towering giants across different sectors: Captains of industry, leading politicians, royal fathers, erudite academicians and more.

Even the Master of Ceremonies, Gbenga Adeyinka, had to make a special comment when pictures of Temi were being taken while accepting the award on her father’s behalf. “I really like this picture,� he said referring to the distinguished men in flowing white robes with African hats flanking the young lady.

To her right was renowned economist Prof Pat Utomi, and on the left, former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

Temi Otedola handled the occasion with poise. The only indication that she was decades younger than the titans she shared a table with was her curtseying whenever she had to receive congratulations on behalf of her father.

A lady of few words but a growing profile, she later shared on her social media handles: “It was an honour to accept the Zik Prize for Business Leader of the Year on behalf of my inspirational father.� Her fans and admirers on instagram and twitter number in the hundreds of thousands, a testament to the captivating content she generates across the worlds of fashion, travel and photography.

JTO Fashion, a website she started in 2014 serves as a platform to express her style and share her adventures. In recent times, she has consciously made it a point to wear Nigerian, showcasing indigenous fashion brands and talent.

Indeed, the fruits are not falling far from the tree.

Confusion Continues to Trail Lulu Briggs’ Death He lived for 89 years! While he lived, he prayed for wealth, fame and happiness. He also prayed for children, who would all be a pride to him in particular and the family in general. His prayers were answered, as he was blessed with all of these to the admiration of many and envy of some others.

In appreciation of the immense blessings that providence lavished on him, he, in turn, lifted many whose paths crossed his around the globe.

Certainly, the story of the late billionaire oil magnate, High Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs, if knitted by a prodigiously talented writer, would make a compelling read or a must-see biopic. In life, everything about the founder of Moni Pulo Limited, a frontline exploration company in Nigeria, was news, either reported or under-reported.

Quite surprisingly, confusion has continued to trail the death and burial plans of the billionaire oil magnate since December 2018 when he passed on in Ghana, while everything that has either been written or said about him has continued to generate mixed reactions from members of the public.

While you expect that the family would have accepted the grim reality of the passing of the late businessman and philanthropist

Lulu

and accorded him the respect deserving of a man of his stature by giving him a benefitting burial, the world was literally jolted by a sponsored advertorial published on May 23, 2019, where the Oruwari Briggs House Of Abonnema, among

Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade ‘s New Lifestyle

Adekunle

In the last gubernatorial election in Ogun State, then Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was under fire within and outside the state over his anointed candidate, Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade.

Amosun became the anvil of criticisms, as he stubbornly stuck to the Yewa, Ogun State-born House of Representatives member, even as the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress vehemently opposed his decision.

In the face of the crisis, Akinlade defected to the Allied Progressives Movement, APM. But he lost in the end.

But since he lost to the APC candidate, Dapo Abiodun, he has reportedly recoiled to his cocoon, as he is no longer seen on the social scene.

other disquieting claims, said: “We do not know if High Chief O.B Lulu Briggs is dead or alive.�

In the said advertorial, it was said that since his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Seinye Lulu Briggs, travelled with him to Ghana five months ago, they had neither set their eyes on him. So, they poohpoohed the reports of his death. To them, there is no concrete proof that the patriarch of the Lulu family is truly dead!

The sponsors of the advertorial, unapologetically, also premised their claim on the fact that the rumours of his death amount to a violation of the Kalabari culture and tradition.

But a source described the sponsors of the advertorial as a bunch of confused clowns and unserious fellows. ‘’They are nothing but bunch of confused clowns, are they not the same Oruwari Briggs House that announced the transition to glory of the High Chief in a press release in The Punch Newspapers dated January 1, 2019?‘ Why the lies� The source lamented.

No doubt this is the kind of stuff that could be seen in a movie or read in a book. Or how else does one explain this claim, given recent reports that some family members, including High Chief Senibo and Dumo Lulu Briggs, had visited Ghana to see the corpse of the patriarch of the family privately?

Until his defeat in the guber race, Akinlade was a popular face and a major spender at many night clubs in Abuja. “In fact, he was more popular at Abuja night clubs than the House of Reps. He is quite famous for his generosity among clubs owners and the big babes at the Federal Capital Territory,� a source said.

Little wonder, no sponsored bill could be attributed to him before his tenure at the green chamber ended on week Wednesday.

Before the election, those who know Akinlade confirmed that he was allegedly living his life on the fast lane in the United Kingdom.

In fact, a source claimed that immediately he relocated to Lagos, some of his victims allegedly tracked him down with a determination to deal with him.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

SOCIETY WATCH

Lagos Big Girl, Bunmi Olutunji’s Wound in the Heart

Olatunji

To say that the popular fashion designer and socialite, Bunmi Olutunji is in pain is like stating the obvious. In fact, the Lagos big girl has been bemoaning the misfortune

that befell her since she was hit by the news of the grand wedding ceremony between Oba Saheed Ademola, Kusenla 111, the Onikate of Ikateland and Hadiza Tanko Yakasai.

Society Watch gathered that she has suddenly become an object of interest to newsmen.

This is not necessarily because she has won any laurel as a fashion designer.

But she is making headlines for losing out in a love tangle and thereby becoming a laughing stock in the public glare.

Beautiful Olatunji has been crestfallen, following the widely reported wedding betweenthe monarch and the daughter of Alhaji Tanko. Though the wedding had reportedly dug a deep hole in the heart of olori Aramide Sekinat, the first wife of the Elegushi, Olatunji, who is described as an ex-mistress of the Elegushi, seems to be more saddened.

Until the reality dawned on her, she had reportedly told anyone who cared to listen that she was going to have a fairy tale wedding with the

handsome Lagos monarch.

But she seemed to forget that her alleged wild lifestyle, which she had arrogantly refused to kick, would be her greatest undoing, as the respected monarch had reportedly complained so much about this to his close ones. ‘’Many friends and allies of Oba Elegushi knocked off his relationship with the lightcomplexioned lady, even while they hanged out together and they didn’t hesitate in warning that he could be playing with fire if he takes her as a wife,’ “a source said.

So, it was just a matter of time before the two realized their affair was leading to nowhere; hence, they parted ways.

It was learnt that even after the royal father had quit the relationship, she never gave up hope of being an olori. So she waited. But her hope was dashed with the Elegushi/Yakasai wedding which took place on May 3, 2019.

Ever since then, Bunmi has been crying , cursing and very bitter about the irredeemable disappointment.

Prince Dapo Abiodun: Child Of Destiny When you think of life and its stupefying wonders, you cannot but believe that the new Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is truly a child of destiny, one who is born to be great. When he was born on May 29 years back, no one could have predicted that he would someday be sworn in as governor of his state of origin also on May 29.

But before everyone’s eyes, Abiodun, also a top player in the oil and gas industry, had a date with history on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

The day, no doubt, meant a lot to him, as it also coincided with his 59th birthday celebrations.

The occasion was witnessed by top businessmen, politicians, traditional rulers and socialites.

In fact, it was a happy moment and day of honour for the Iperu-born billionaire.

It will be recalled that the governor had had unsuccessful run politically. But fortune smiled on him months back when he clinched the coveted seat against all odds.

Abiodun Laja’s Unfulfilled Dream When famous educationist and founder of Lekki British School, Lagos, Dr. Abiodun Laja, was travelling to the United States of America, USA, to undergo a surgery she had high hopes of returning to the country alive.

Indeed, her spirit had been buoyed, especially as the operation was successfully carried out.

But it turned out to be a joy with a slender body, as she eventually succumbed to the cold hand of death. She was said to have died of cardiac arrest.

Sadly, her death has sent shock waves to many, not only in the education sector, where she was a household name, but also in the social scene, where she was always a cynosure of eyes.

Society Watch gathered while battling with the health challenge, she was also preoccupied with the thought of throwing an elaborate party to mark her 70th birthday next year.

The deceased, a mother of two, started a private school at 27 and recently celebrated her 42nd anniversary in the education sector.

As proof of her insatiable quest for knowledge, she bagged the Doctor of Education (Ed.D Honoris Causa) from the Commonwealth University.

At the young age of 27, she founded the ABC Nursery Land . At that time, she was

the first young person to start a private school.

She started off with one school and in a span of three years, she had expanded the school to four in different locations in Lagos.

After running the schools successfully for 25 years, she established the very first British boarding school in Lagos, Lekki named British International School (LBIS). LBIS runs from crèche to sixth form and also caters to children with special learning needs.

She had her primary and secondary education in Nigeria. Thereafter, she proceeded to England to study at St Nicholas Montessori Knightsbridge London. Upon her return to Nigeria, she worked with reputable top schools in Lagos, including Adrao International School, Victoria Island and St Saviours School, which is a British curriculum set-up. It was based on her passion, knowledge and experience that she ventured to establish institutions that sought to ensure that the Nigerian child had access to education that empowers them to compete confidently with other children all over the world.

The late Laja was the younger sister of Chief (Mrs.) Kofo Olugbesan, a former top official in the Nigeria Customs, prominent lawyer and businesswoman. She was also the elder sister of Chief (Mrs.) Olukemi Nelson, prominent politician and National Woman Leader (South West) of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Laja

When Seun Awolowo, Bode Kayode Shut Down Paris Beautiful Oluwaseun Awolowo and handsome Akintoye BodeKayode set out on a blissful marital journey on Easter Monday last April.

On that memorable day, the families of the young couple had played host to numerous guests, as both Oluwaseun and Akintoye held their traditional marriage inside the Balmora Convention Centre of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Interestingly, the couple has continued to prove that they are surely romantic. Or what could be the reason for taking the final leg of their wedding to France?

The great granddaughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and her beau, Bode-Kayode, had dreamed and created a a wedding that will remain the talk of town for a long time.

Last weekend, the solemnisation of their love story was concluded with aristocratic wedding ceremonies in London and Paris.

It was an amazing weekend for the couple, as the first leg of the nuptials saw Seun and Akintoye walked into a lifetime of joy at the Old Marylebone Town Hall, one of London’s most iconic wedding venues.

It was gathered that the wedding train then moved to neigbouring France on Sunday for the main reception and the concluding part of the entire wedding ceremony that started in Lagos last month.

Many who witnessed the event at Toulouse, a small community out of Paris known for its serenity and good ambience, were said to have been wowed with the beautiful environment.

In attendance at the event, was Nigerian-born pop star, Davido, who entertained notable personalities, including wife of the Vice President and aunt of the bride, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; billionaire Femi Otedola;, Eyimofe Atake and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

The 27-year-old new bride is the daughter of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC boss, Olusegun Awolowo Jnr., who is also the first grandson of the late sage, and the only child of Sisi Abbah Folawiyo, the widow of billionaire industrialist, Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo. The groom, Akintoye, is the scion of the Bode-Kayode and the famous Giwa-Osagie families.

Seun Awolowo, Bode Kayode

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

LOUD WHISPERS

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

SAY BABA

You know this picture of daddy has been circulating all over the Place. The Picture of him when he was being sworn in for his first term – 2015 and the most recent one. You see in the first one, the man don suffer small, the face no smooth and na activist President we see with the ‘I no go gree’ stance as symbolized in the black power salute. You see we suffer for that first term o. Things tight, no money for circulation. People that used to buy cartons of champagne now started sharing bottles, six to a bottle. Private Jet owners started using Uber to Abuja from Lagos.

I tell you, my friend Tade who is into Private Jet leasing told me. Yes o it was that bad as Baba chased’ Looters’ everywhere.

There was famine in the Land and that TSA thing he introduced did not help matters. Kai, that first term was Hiroshima in the country. The people wept with no succor. Well be like say Mummy Aisha has stepped in. She must have sat him down the night of the inauguration, just outside the other room so that she can get his full attention and must have said, ‘Megida this your gra gra power man posture is not helping your image o. You have to relax o ‘he no hard like that o’. You cannot solve all the problem o. just do your own and go. I am telling you that is why you are seeing that open hand salute symbolizing, ‘it will be ok….. don’t worry everything will be just fine’. I am telling you,

the Cook in their house is my friend and he as assured me that we will be seeing a different Baba.

A much more relaxed Baba and a Baba that will allow things flow. I believe him o, shey we saw Baba jogging the other day in faraway Mecca, we saw Baba’s six pack or what looked like that in those pics and I hear they have released the Nigeria Airways Pensions and the minimum wage has also been finalized. Guys don’t worry, things will be ok. Things will start flowing again. Me, I have laminated that picture, not the one where he was doing hand like PHCN official wanting to cut light but the one were he opened his hands and actually smiled as if he was saying, ‘ No more tears’.

I really wish. Say Baba.

IS APC IMPLODING? This Zamfara issue has really pushed me to ask this question: Is APC, the ruling party, imploding?

How can they even fathom this, losing a whole state at all levels from governor to gutter sweeper?

Just as I was contemplating what to do to salvage the situation, I saw a letter written by the Deputy Chairman of APC Lawal Shuaibu as reported by the Cable asking the National Chairman to step aside because of his autocratic disposition to leadership amongst others. You see this thing is not something we should laugh about.

It is very serious when a ruling party is going through this kind of thing, we should all be afraid for this country. But then again what do you expect when strongmen come together as a contraption to seek power and are not pulled in because of vision or ideology?

You see, this APC no be political party na arrangement that is why you see no discipline, cohesion and collective responsibility. When the Chairman dey go left, Party Leader dey go right. That short one for north go dey go him own and Akpabio go siddon for Uyo dey speak English with Ibibio accent.

The only thing that unites dem na the need to hold on to power for no reason other than have power for itself and you can see how the inconsistency seeps into public policy. I remain very committed to this country but things like these

make me want to immigrate o.

Everybody is running to Canada, my junior brother and him whole

family don run leaving our family land for Anyiam Nsit to me as sole owner. But why won’t he run when

Obasanjo

Lawal Shuaibu

Ambode

BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU OF CAMELOT Let me send my heartfelt congratulations to this our new governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.The contest was tough although it was almost a sole candidacy that nonetheless did not stop the usual mudslinging and tirades that come with the terrain that is politicking. In all these even for some of us on the other side we noticed your calmness, your sticking to issues and your insistence on pushing your agenda

instead of joining us in the gutter. Well, you won the war as expected and you have emerged to join a very privileged and elitist league of people who have ruled the most sophisticated state in the country. We believe that the trust the people of Lagos have in you will not be betrayed and with the support of your backers the ones who wrote the master plan, your reign should see Lagosians have the very best in life.

Sanwo-Olu

he looks at leadership and it is people like this Xmen he is seeing at the helm. He will run fast. Make I join?

THE DUKE – SHOULD I RUN AWAY? The way people are emmigrating is alarming. As mentioned above, I call family meeting to discuss pressing family issues and na the news of the deputy head of our family, my second- in-command is emmigrating with the whole family including housemaid and driver. I shock. I just weak. Even though I like the idea of being the sole signatory to family account, the import of the news hit me bad.

He did not stop at that but also announced that he had applied for everybody and as such he would start processing for my family as soon as he lands. I stood up, put my hands on my chest like war hero and declare as Buhari talk for 1983, ‘this country is mine and I have no other country and will not leave’ before I talk finish, Duchess has moved to his side and handed over her passport.

Mbok, who will blame them?

The whole system looks so tight.

Opportunities draining away, insecurity everywhere Why won’t people run? That night I could not sleep. When I compared the life my brother will be running to with the continuous daily struggle we face here I almost want to take an unpatriotic decision of joining them. So my brothers, where does

Reno Omokri

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JUNE 2, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

LOUD WHISPERS

Aisha Buhari

Rotimi Amaechi

patriotism start and end and where does survival begin and end? The Duke will run away ooooooo. I am warning Buhari oooo, I will run oooo. I am saying it now o like joke. I will run ooooooo

AISHA BUHARI – TALES BY MOONLIGHT I just love this mummy. She takes no prisoners and does not suffer fools. She has called the welfare programme of her husband’s administration a colossal failure.

Wow!. As expected the affected officers have come out to debunk her claims and even went ahead to say that she must have spoken out of ignorance. Na lie, she knows what she is talking about and if I know her very well, she would have done her homework, asked for explanations from these same officials before coming out to destroy them. You see why I like this mummy, apart from her beauty is the need for her to stand by the people. She could have just kuku sat down in the cozy ambience of her beautiful palace and be doing manicure and pedicure but instead she jumps into the fray intermittently to intervene on behalf of the poor masses. Me I had said before that we should swapped the ballot and put her on it, I for vote APC. The truth she has said, nobody in her state has been affected by the programme despite the billions. If nobody in her home state has benefitted is it my people here in Shomolu? We, na God we dey look from whence commeth our salvation.

OBJ – WHAT DID HE SAY? They say he has said something about the Fulanization and Islamization of the nation. You know during the week I was on Soni Irabor’s radio programme to talk about my play - 3SOME and you know how these things, the topic came up. He asked me what I thought about the statement and I told him very bluntly that for once I did not agree with Baba. It is a lame excuse for gross inefficiency in our security apparatchik. So if there is a coordinated plan to Islamize Nigeria na herdsmen them go use? Abeg, we are just a funny people. A group of lawless people have taken it upon themselves to decimate our people and because we are finding it difficult to contain them, we start bringing about different theories and be arguing with ourselves while the killings are going on. So OBJ makes that speech and that takes the whole week of rebuttals and support while the killings are still going on almost unabated.

So we all just to sit down and justify it by saying it’s an Islamization of the country. Oya na, while we are still at it what do we call the kidnapping scourge and the yahoo yahoo scourge? The yahooing of the nation? Mbok it’s time for us to stand up and smell the coffee and do what we need to do to end all these once and for all.

Fulanization ko, Ijebunization ni.

Mbok these are just marauders that is all.

AKINWUNMI AMBODE – SMILE! As I observed the handover and the commentaries, I smiled. I can only but smile for a man who in just four years has put the state on a very powerful keel. Well the truth of the matter and our consolation is that time vindicates all mortals.

To me, Ambode did phenomenally well and has put the state on a very powerful level that would make his successor’s work a little bit easier.

The infrastructural development, the strides in the health sector, security and the rest only just show the kind of man this was. I can only say congratulations at this point and wish him well in any other endeavour he would be embarking upon going forward. That was a man.

ROTIMI AMAECHI – HEAVEN CAN WAIT My lord and master, at his birthday service was said to have mentioned that he wanted to make heaven.

What first came to my mind was to go and do what? Is it to go and complete the federal quota in heaven? But for me that dream should wait small; there are still a lot of things to be done on earth before we carry campaign go heaven. We never fit dislodge Wike for common Rivers here is it Angel Gabriel we want to go and struggle position with? Why this my oga will not focus always surprises me.

The issue here is that we no longer have a base, we have lost every conceivable election in Rivers from ward head to governor and now we are talking about heaven, that is not our constituency. How many Ikwerre people are there and can we carry this APC godfatherism there?

Mbok, heaven can wait. Let’s finish this one on earth. Happy birthday my lord and I wish you secure another term in the ministry. You did not do badly considering all that you faced.

Rochas Okorocha

SINARI OJIKUTU – NO, YOU DIDN’T SAY THAT I have just read that mummy said that corrupt people be killed. I doubt that she said it. I have read the report severally with the hope that I can spin this out of my head. Let me state it categorically, that I will never support capital punishment under any guise.

Asking for this is to say the least, riling and gut wrenching. What we should be looking to do is how to use technology to combat the scourge and not this kind of archaic thinking. Nigeria being what it is and with the kind of judicial system we have, we may just end up with legal lynching.

The capital punishment is draconian and irreversible once executed. With stronger systems, adequate use of technology, the issue of corruption can be solved.

Abi can you cheat your cable TV station? Once the money finish, he finish na. who do you bribe to allow you watch for some time? Abi, didn’t we hear the story of JAMB? Is it not technology they use to drive revenue from the N30,000 they use to give Federal Government to the billions they now deliver before the snake came to chop it? We have even heard of a Chief Medical Director in one of the teaching hospitals who use technology to collect revenues and the thing shot up by over 1000% so all these mob tendencies should end abeg. It’s tiring. Mummy don’t you have grandchildren to take to school or something?

ROCHAS OKOROCHA – THAT SPEECH I have not listened to more powerful speeches in a long time. This one in my estimation ranked up there with the ‘I have a dream’ speech and the “ask not what your country can do for you” talk. You see on WhatApp I don’t like downloading videos mbok.

Too many videos and they will be embarrassing you. You know when they send you video the thing will now go and automatically save on your gallery. That is how I was showing my mother pictures on my phone and one naked girl in the throes of ecstasy jump out at my mother. You can imagine her disgust and she pulled my ear , let my age, almost 50 and knocked my head. So, I hardly open those videos anymore. But when over 50 people are sending you the video you will be compelled to open and that is how I opened this Okorocha

Etop Ikpe

one o. The man was giving his last speech at the council which had every governor and the president and vice president seated. He spoke very cautiously and deliberately telling the president why he should run away from people like emmmm. Me, I cannot shout before they come and do what Reno Omokri call misplaced aggression and cowardice- that is fighting a softer target instead of facing the attacker. Okorocha in his element wondered what the president had in common with these two gentlemen and advised him to flee very far from them if he was to succeed. Mbok, I tried not to laugh even as I looked out for the deeper meanings of his words.

Well, he made a lot of sense o. Look out for the video and see the names he mentioned.

RENO OMOKRI – YOU ARE BAD! It was Michael Jackson that sang he was bad. He was a chicken beside this Reno. This Reno can kill o. kai, if you did not read that his article on Tinubu comparing him to a coward and stating OBJ’s courage under fire you had better go look for it urgently. That article which was published in his column and widely circulated on social media was mad ( millennials say something is mad if it is terrific for the old ones who are reading). He took Tinubu to the cleaners and that is not fair. What did the baba do to him? So he decided to fight shadows instead of facing El-Rufai who came into his den to talk the talk. Baba has the right to choose his enemies and strategy to fight. That is his right but Reno no easy o. He really came out blazing, telling us how the northern elites do not take Tinubu’s candidacy seriously because he is a soft target unlike Obj who has the guts to stand and fight to the end. Who calls a whole Jagaban a coward and lives to tell the story whether you are writing from exile or not? Me dey fear this Reno o, he can yab. Kai. Laugh don nearly kill me.

GABRIEL OGBECHIE – A SHOUT-OUT Let me say happy birthday to this my paddy and brother. I know know the age sha, he no gree talk but the way he dey waka be like say he go don reach the same level as OBJ and Buhari. Those ones na pre-historic and Gabriel fit like be two years younger. He go school during them Macpherson era as colonial governor. Anyways I wish am happy birthday and long life.

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JUNE 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

THE ALTERNATIVE

with RenoOmokri

Bola Tinubu: Caught in A Monkey Trap

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he demystification of Bola Tinubu continues. On the last day in May 2019, the news broke out like a bombshell. The Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC), announced that it had concluded its ‘investigation’ into the activities of Oando Plc and found its management culpable.

The SEC further announced that it was unilaterally ordering Oando’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wale Tinubu, his deputy, Mr. Eyimofe Boyo and other identified board members, to resign and directed that an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting be convened to appoint new directors, on or before July 1, 2019.

Earth shattering! Ground breaking! A bombshell! Ordinarily, these terms are used as exaggerations. But on this occasion, they could even be said to be understatements.

But what is really happening here? As the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, sang in his song Overtake Don Overtake Overtake (ODOO), ‘people wey no know they happy, people wey know them dey look’. (Could that be where the late Bola Ige got the idea for his siddon look brand of politics?).

The truth is that on this issue, there is much more to what is happening than meets the eye. Much, much more.

You see, the Cabal are using Nasir El-Rufai to clip Bola Tinubu’s wings politically, and now they have moved on to the next stage of their 2023 long term strategy: clipping Bola Tinubu’s financial wings through the instrumentality of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Many people do not know that the relationship between Bola Tinubu and his nephew, Wale Tinubu, the now erstwhile Chief Executive Officer of Oando, goes beyond just familial dealings. It runs much deeper. Much deeper than meets the apparent eye.

For instance, it is Wale Tinubu that introduced Babatunde Raji Fashola to his uncle, Bola Tinubu, eventually paving the way for Fashola to become his Chief of Staff while he (Bola Tinubu) was Governor of Lagos, and ultimately to make him (Fashola) his successor. The bond between Bola and Wale Tinubu runs deep!

Perhaps it is a coincidence that Wale Tinubu’s then burgeoning company, Ocean and Oil, acquired the Federal Government’s shares in Unipetrol in 2000, just a year after his uncle, Bola Tinubu, became governor. And perhaps it is not a coincidence.

You do the math!

Those who think it is a coincidence that Nasir El-Rufai flippantly unleashed his salvo against Tinubu three weeks ago on May 4, 2019 and the Securities and Exchange Commission moved against Oando on the last day of May, need to do a little digging. I will help them.

Nasir El-Rufai and Oando have history together. Very long and deep history. You see, Nasir El-Rufai was the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises when Wale Tinubu’s Ocean and Oil acquired Unipetrol’s shares.

I am a researcher and a very meticulous record keeper. I interview people and keep meticulous records of my interviews, because Nigeria is a dog eat dog environment, and you need to protect yourself if you are involved in Nigerian politics. And as far as I am concerned, the pen is mightier than the sword.

Hence I keep records.

I interviewed a personnel of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, who was in their employment in a high ranking capacity at the time when Wale Tinubu and Eyimofe Boyo acquired Unipetrol.

This high ranking person’s documented testimony to me is that the duo initially came to acquire a hotel the Federal Government sought to divest from.

Nasir El-Rufai, according to my source, then asked Tinubu and Boyo why they would want to acquire a hotel when they were already involved in the oil and gas sector, albeit, as small players.

He encouraged them to bid for one of the oil companies then.

They had not thought of that because they felt those things were

Tinubu for the big players who had godfathers (back then, Tinubu was not the Jagaban that he is today).

Well, to cut a long story short, the duo went back to their den and repackaged themselves, and to use a cliche, the rest is history.

I am adept at spotting patterns. As Bishop TD Jakes once said, ‘nothing just happens’. If you are not able to spot patterns, you will be so clueless in politics until the day that your enemies will shave your head in your absence (apologies to Chief MKO Abiola).

The fact that Nasir El-Rufai unleashed his salvo about cutting certain godfathers to size, three weeks ago in Lagos, and then this recent move by the Securities and Exchange Commission against a company that is only one degree separated from both El-Rufai and Tinubu, cannot be a coincidence. Not at all!

I will keep exposing these patterns. Unfortunately for these bloodsucking vampires who are retarding Nigeria’s growth, I am not within their reach, like Dele Giwa, so the only Letter Bomb they can send to me are spiritual arrows and my God is able to make every weapon formed or fashioned against me fall to the ground.

The move against Oando is Act 2, Scene 1, in the cabal’s Machiavellian plot involving the Fulani intelligentsia against an errant Yoruba warlord. It is the tragedy of Alimi and Afonja all over again. Sadly, someone is repeating history because he does not realise that the devil has no new tricks. What the devil does is what the devil has always done since he started his mischief making from the Garden of Eden.

Bola Tinubu has been caught in an old South Indian Monkey Trap!

In the American writer and philosopher, Robert Maynard Pirsig’s seminal book, ‘Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance’, (published in the year of my birth, so it holds a special significance for me), the author describes how Indians catch a

monkey using an ancient Monkey Trap.

According to Pirsig, the trap “consists of a hollowed-out coconut, chained to a stake. The coconut has some rice inside which can be grabbed through a small hole”.

The monkey’s hand fits through the hole, but his clenched fist can’t fit back out. “The monkey is suddenly trapped.”

The Fulani intelligentsia (which I greatly admire and studiously research) trapped Bola Tinubu in their Monkey Trap by giving him the promise of a future impossible or future possible Presidency. As long as Bola Tinubu’s fist is clenched on that promise, he can never escape their trap. He thus, remains beholden to them in a way that Olusegun Obasanjo never was and never will be.

As a result of this trap, Bola Tinubu will stay where he has been placed, and allow himself be subjected to whatever disgrace and insult his trappers choose to mete out on him.

Sadly, he is a victim of his own inordinate lust for power.

This is the same thing that another branch of the Fulani intelligentsia did in the banking sector using the then Governor of the Central Bank if Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (who is now getting his own comeuppance as Kano’s emir) to upend those they felt had grown wings by becoming too big for their breeches.

For the above, I refer my readers to Mrs. Cecilia Ibru’s recent interview on the above subject matter (Sanusi persecuted me as he thought I wanted his job at CBN – Cecilia Ibru, Punch Newspapers, May 11, 2019).

The problem with Southern Nigeria, and specifically, people like Bola Tinubu, and Samuel Ladoke Akintola before him, is that, while the North preserved and still uses the leadership ethos they learnt from their leaders, such as Shehu Uthman Dan Fodio (one of my mentors) and Sardauna Ahmadu Bello (another mentor of mine), Southerners on the other hand have jettisoned the wisdom of their own sages, like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, and yes, Olusegun Obasanjo.

That is why we keep repeating history and instead of accepting responsibility for this, we prefer to blame history for repeating itself.

Reno’s Nuggets When satan wants to FINISH a man, he brings him a SLAY QUEEN. If he wants to DESTROY him BEYOND REPAIR, he DECEIVES him to make her his wife. Put your trust in God when choosing a wife. He will open your eyes to a PRAYERFUL and SLAYERFUL Godly WIFE that will make you FULL of LIFE. If you fail to do this, satan will gladly give you a WIFE that will make you a FOOL for LIFE. Whether you want to be FULL or a FOOL, the choice is entirely yours #FreeLeahSharibu #RenosNuggets

Reno’s Darts

Dear Pastor Professor Yemi Osinbajo

You released a statement celebrating Imam Abdullahi Abubakar’s bravery. You even sent me an email. You praised this man and waxed poetic about him. I really appreciate your efforts and I agree that Imam Abubakar deserves to be celebrated. But when will you appreciate Leah Sharibu’s bravery? When will you send me and others emails about Leah? At just 14, she refused to DENY Jesus and FORCEFULLY accept Islam.

If you think Leah deserves to be celebrated, COMMENT and SHARE this until Osinbajo sees it. #OsibajoStandUpForLeahSharibu

Reno Omokri

Thinker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts V Fiction: True Story of GEJ Years. Avid traveler. Table Shaker. Buhari Tormentor. Sharer of the Gospel, not the gossip.

A Morning of Horror and The Slaughter of a People Femi Fani-Kayode

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ay 30th, 2019 represents the 52nd anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra.

I have written the following contribution to help mark that day. I hope it goes a long way to show where and when the trouble and challenges all started.

I also hope that it widens and stimulates the debate about the plight of the Igbo in the Nigerian state and to enlighten those that may not know why it is that so many young Igbos feel strongly about the concept of Biafra.

Some of the events that I have written about here are painful and deeply personal but write we must in order to educate others, in order to establish the truth, in order to ensure that history does not repeat itself and in order to usher in an era of true reconciliation, peace, love and forgiveness in our nation. Kindly fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight!

In the early hours of the morning of January 15th 1966, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Major Chukwuemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Chris Anuforo, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu, Major Humphrey Chuwuka, Captain

Emmanuel Nwobosi, Captain Ben Gbulie, Captain Donatus Okafor, 2nd Lt. G. Onyefuru and a handful of other junior army officers of the Nigerian Army, who happened to be predominantly from the Eastern Region, effected a violent rebellion and bloody mutiny.

During the course of that mutiny they murdered no less than 22 prominent and well-respected leaders, politicians and senior Army officers including Sir Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the Northern Region and his wife Hafsat, Chief S.L. Akintola, the Premier of the Western Region, Chief Okotie-Eboh, the Minister of Finance, Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun, Commander of the 1st Brigade Kaduna and his wife Lateefat, Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Commander of the 2nd Brigade Lagos, Lt. Colonel James Pam, Adjutant-General of the Army, Colonel Ralph Shodeinde, Head of the NMTC, Lt. Col. Abogo Largema, Commander of the 4th Battalion Ibadan, Colonel Kur Mohammed, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Colonel Unegbe, Quarter-Master General and others.

This was the first time that a violent mutiny and a military coup d’etat had ever taken place in the history of our nation and the Nigerian people, and indeed the entire world, were shocked by the brutality of the entire exercise and the ruthless, cold-blooded and

clinical precision with which it was effected.

My family and lovedc ones were not left out of the bitter events of that sanguine and frightful morning. The mutineers came to our official residence in Ibadan and almost killed my father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, the Deputy Premier of the Western Region as well.

As a matter of fact my father and Sir Khashim Imam, the Governor of the Northern Region, were the only two leaders whose homes were raided and who were arrested and abducted that morning by the mutineers that were not murdered.

By divine orchestration, sheer providence and the grace and power of the Living God Papa was delivered and saved by the Federal troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Jack Yakubu Gowon (as he then was) after a terrible gun battle at the Officers Mess in Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

It was indeed a terrible morning. I was 5 years old at the time and I still remember what happened vividly when, led by Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, they came to our home, cloaked in the darkness of the early hours and took away my father.

He offered no resistance but instead opted to courageously go and meet them outside after which they brutalised him before my very eyes.

––Fani-Kayode is former Minister of Aviation

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

THE BEAUTY OF ALBINISM IN AYENI-BABAEKO’S WHITE EBONY PAGE 71

02.06.2019

SOLONG A LITERARYODYSSEY Udenta

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ECHOESFROMTHEYEARSOFINNOCENCE Udenta. O. Udenta’s boyhood's literary efforts, published as a six-volume collection, are precursors of his recent activism years, writes Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

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child-prodigy, many would have called him.

But Udenta O. Udenta would rather explain his childhood years’ forays into creative writing as “magical moments that defy logical reasoning”. No, he was not being modest. He was just being honest. For how indeed could he account for something, which to him “seemed to exist outside of [the] Self, outside the control of my inner impulses; of something you create but cannot explain the meaning and context of your creation”? Hence, in his opinion, these “magical moments” were oblivious indifferent as to whether he was in his boyhood or adulthood.

Back then in 1977, when he was just a form three student in a secondary school, he recalled being weaned on virtually all the novels and short story collections published under the African Writers Series imprint, with Chinua Achebe's novels top on the list of the four or five books he was to be found reading simultaneously from back then.

“Richer details of the influences that conditioned my boyhood creations are to be found in the general introduction to the collection,” he recently told a literary journalist. “But to evaluate the degree of my coherent absorption and logical rendition of the cultural, especially pre-colonial cultural, universe constructed by Achebe, John Munonye and Elechi Amadi in their novels, as a 13-year-old, will be a task beyond me.”

There was no doubt about the fact that Udenta must have far beyond what was expected of a boy of his age at that time. For he evidenced his marked predilection for the printed word at that age, devouring whatever he could lay his hands on – African and English novels and poetry collections, Greek mythology, philosophical texts and works on political thought and Marxist ideology, even a whole volume of Encyclopaedia Britannica as well as the Nick Carter series, James Hadley Chase novels, novels

by Barbara Cartland, stories by Enid Blyton, particularly the Famous Five series, Denise Robbins novels, the Macmillan Pacesetters series, and the whole works of Tuesday Lobsang Rampa.

“However, the overabundance of the interpenetration of cultural density in those works speaks not only to my familiarity with the works of Achebe and [Elechi] Amadi but also my attentiveness to the fabular tales that our mother used to regale us with,” he also told the literary journalist.

Perhaps, these early influences only paved Udenta’s way to becoming a young acolyte of the Muse, which has been known to have whispered its secrets to both the young and the old alike.

They could have also helped to awaken the creative potentials slumbering in the impressionable youth. A youth’s sensibilities are after all no less profound than those of the adult even when adults are believed to be more mature artistically and intellectually. For, aren’t the so-called childprodigies are only celebrated for verbally expressing themselves as intelligibly as adults?

Now, far into his adulthood, Udenta has dredged up his childhood creative efforts and re-published them as a collection.

These Collected Boyhood Works by Udenta O. Udenta consists of six volumes straddling different genres from the novel to drama, poetry to the short story and are: The Wrath of the Gods (novel), Book of Knowledge and Great Understanding, Before They Came (novel), Poetic Reminiscences, The Rediscovery of Alistoga, and Ribblings in Youthhood.

He had written these works between 1977 and 1979 during his pubescent years, when his peers were still grappling with the challenges of adolescence.

The fact that he was able to churn out an average of three books in 12 months hints at a period of intense inspiration and speaks volumes about the author as a person, who could use both hands conveniently. Indeed, it is remarkable that he creative vision did not seem to have been blurred by his youthful experiences.

Somehow, this buttresses the argument that the intellect by virtue of its limitations to earthly transience is not called upon to impart eternal values, which works of art could offer. Because Udenta’s early forays into the realms of creativity suggests a calling, it implies that he carries the abilities to write within him. And these abilities, which only require refined inner sensibilities, are indifferent about his level of education or age. Perhaps, those who would doubt the authenticity and originality of these early efforts are confounded by the stock of vocabulary he effortlessly employed.

In the novel, The Wrath of the Gods, the reader is regaled with a tale of warring neighbouring communities, who ignore a peace deal brokered by the gods. The impudence of these communities

soon unleashed a maelstrom of destruction upon them. A tight narrative that echoes Achebe and Amadi, the novel is enriched with magical realism with an evident domestication of Greek Mythology.

Moving on to The Book of Knowledge and Great Understanding. This, as the second volume of the Boyhood series, is part philosophy and part memoir. This work lifts a corner of the veil on a youth’s receptivity to the profundity of the philosophical musings of the time. That early, he was already concerned about politics and statecraft with a fair understanding of Marxian dialectics as the book’s first segment reveals.

In the second segment, the reader is offered a shifting kaleidoscope of anecdotes of the author’s secondary school years and ends with a mythical tale delineating the conflict between good and evil with good inevitably emerging the victor.

The novel, Before they Came, as the third volume of the series, recreates how it used to be before the African came in contact with European. The story revolves around an orphan boy, called Ugagwu, who through hard work and perseverance overcomes many daunting obstacles to attain to greater heights.

It re-enacts the virtues of communal life and alludes to the balancing interventions of divine justice.

The fourth volume of the series, Poetic Reminiscences, is a collection of poems split into three parts: Poetic Reminiscences; Book of Dislocation; and Lyric and other Traditional Longer Poems. The first, an assortment of 50 poems, are basically about the author's musings on nature and hints about the influences of European poets.

The second, The Book of Dislocation, containing just 10 poems that speak of the psychic, physical and emotional displacement that human beings face due to stress and anxiety caused by unfavourable political and social conditions.

Meanwhile, the third and final part, Lyric and Other Traditional Longer Poems revisits themes already expressed in earlier poems.

The Re-discovery of Alistoga…, the fifth volume of the series, has two parts. The first part, obviously inspired by Nick Carter novels of his boyhood years, is about a secret service agent’s search for a priceless publication, The Alistoga. The protagonist somehow manages to overcome the dangers confronting him unscathed.

The second part, Retrospective Visions: Cultural Interactions, is a collection of simple and more relaxed short stories with a touch of naturalism and magical realism.

The sixth and final volume of the series, Ribblings in Boyhood, is a delightful mélange of play on the antics of children, witty stories about the Nigerian Civil War, a poetic drama enriched by Greco-Roman mythic lore and short stories anchored in Igbo world-view.

The author’s ability to preserve, and subsequently publish, these boyhood manuscripts deserves commendation. The reader is through them offered glimpses of how the grounds of his activism years were prepared.

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ARTS & REVIEW\\PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BEAUTY OF ALBINISM IN AYENI-BABAEKO’S WHITE EBONY Yinka Olatunbosun

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n emotionally-charged visual journey through some beautiful pieces of photography inspired by baroque painting took place recently at the Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos where a handful of journalists gathered to preview 20 photographs executed by the social activist photographer, Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko.

Titled, 'White Ebony', the solo exhibition is an outcome of a rare encounter that the photographer had with the Albino Foundation as the organisation gears up for the 2019 commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day. She began by going to their meetings, which were insightful as she was not deeply informed about the lives of persons living with albinism.

One of the first things she learnt during the bi-monthly meetings was that it is derogatory to call anyone “albino”. There are many attributes, skills and talents in such individuals. So by naming them “albino”, it blurs out other qualities that make them whole.

All over the world, persons living with albinism have endured the pain of discrimination because of their skin colour; some have lived in communities that hold superstitious beliefs about their condition. The complexity of albinism can indeed be overwhelming. That is why the Albino Foundation was founded

by Jake Epelle. According to the United Nations, “Albinism is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically.”

The reality of the world of albinism

Ayeni-Babaeko

pierced through the camera lens in Ayeni-Babaeko’s hands as she took several shots at each one, some in groups, mothers and children, amongst others. Finally, an astonishing collection is made. From the first glance, anyone will wish to have the skin tone. Ayeni-Babaeko moderated light, played with forms, and restored her insight into art history and tech-

nique to import an African material into a European context of painting rendered into photography. She blends sex appeal and self-confidence exuded by the models carefully on the canvas, which had been carefully framed like neo-classical paintings.

Brilliantly, her compositions relived the Elizabethan era. Interestingly, Ayeni-Babaeko, born of Nigerian

and German parentage, had been an advocate of social change through her work. Her advocacy role in the photography can be traced to her an exhibition hosted by the Goethe-Institut Lagos, where she unveiled some very graphic photography of women living with breast cancer to create awareness about the ailment and the underlying hope for survivors.

The curator for the exhibition, Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago spoke largely on some of the discoveries made by the Ayeni-Babaeko during the photography project; her commitment to social change and her unwavering support for marginalised communities whilst referencing her phenomenal photography, “Eko Moves” based on dancers performing in Lagos slums. Ayeni-Babaeko, on her part, revealed that the close engagement with the community had unearthed a lot about their unique personalities, their hyper-sensitivity to camera flashes and darkness.“It's easy to create a striking image of a person with albinism because of how unique they are. But these models were not just put in front of my camera for me to photograph them. I was able to really connect with them through long conversations about their daily struggles, sharing with me their life is like and all this knowledge translated into this new body of work,” she said.

Avinash Wadhwani, CEO of Temple Muse, described the works as “a powerful example of art for social change” while expressing his delight at the show which will run till July 19.

Part of the proceeds from the White Ebony exhibition will go into supporting people with albinism.

It is estimated that about four million Nigerians are living with albinism.

VISUAL ARTS

Tuggar Comes Closer Home, Courtesy Sterling Bank

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ot much is known about Fatimah Tuggar in these climes. Yet, this Kaduna-born artist, who was educated in Lagos, the UK and the US, is making waves in the international art circles for her use of technology as a medium and subject in her works.

So, what does she have to do with Nigeria’s technological advancement, ethnicity and colonial legacies? For almost an hour, Tuggar had engaged a select audience as the first guest of the TV talk

Tuggar

show, The Space, which was initiated by Daria Media and supported by Sterling Bank. Her works have been widely exhibited in prestigious venues and events in over 25 countries, which include the Museum of Modern Art in New York (US); Museum Kunst-Palast in Dusseldorf (Germany); Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris (France); the 24th Biennial of Graphic Art in Ljubljana (Slovenia) as well as in Moscow, Istanbul, Kwangju and Bamako Biennials. Through these works, she comments on such sensitive themes as ethnicity, technology and post-colonial culture.

In his address to the audience consisting

of select artists, collectors and culture buffs during the recording of the debut edition of The Space, the Sterling Bank’s CEO Abubakar Suleiman said the bank is committed to promoting original ideas, especially in relation to works of art.

The first edition of The Space, he explained, featured Tuggar because a lot of ideas that can transform the society will come from the creative industry. “It is the story that we tell about where we are coming from and how those stories inspire us that would help us to find a common ground so that our society can move forward,” he argued. “The words which writers use or the actual materials that visual artists use don’t convey much on their own.

Even the money that bankers use conveys little. What gives meaning to everything is how they are presented, what we put into them or what they do for the society. Every format and platform provide the artist or creative mind with an opportunity to communicate.”

Also speaking, the Daria Media’s CEO, Kadaria Ahmed, reiterated the need for serious, intellectually-stimulating and engaging conversations about the arts, leadership, business and community in ways that avoid the clichéd formats that have become the norm.

Lamenting the domination of the media and public spaces by politicians who are mostly not model citizens, Kadaria stressed that the importance of positive role models in shaping society through the influence they exercise on the young generation cannot be overemphasised.

Renowned artist Victor Ehikhamenor introduced Tuggar to the audience before engaging her in conversations that explored themes ranging from power to politics, career influence and the intersection between arts and technology.

Presenting works from her multidisciplinary portfolio, Tuggar who works with photomontage, sculpture and installations, defined her art as Alternative Imaginary. She uses images, objects, installations and web-based instructive media artworks which are eclectic mix of West African and Western motifs to provoke conversations on gender, electricity, infrastructure, access and the reciprocal influences between technology and cultures.

Her compositions also include web-based interactive installations that allows participants to create their own collages and narratives.

Among her works feature was her 1996 sculpture, titled “Turntable”, in which raffia discs are used in place of vinyl records. The work also speaks about the ways in which the introduction of the gramophone influenced the development of local language. Because of the physical similarly between the vinyl and fai-fai in many Northern Nigerian languages vinyl record get its name from raffia disc.

For instance, in Hausa the raffia disc is called fai-fai and vinyl is fai-fai gramophone.

Also featured is a work she titled “Money and Matter”, which was produced in 2002 and comments on the dynamics of money and matter. Made up of nine strings of images, the artwork, explores the relationship of humans to capital both on a personal level and from a social perspective. It also explores money as a symbol is both a subject and object of what people fear and desire.

Her works have been the subject of various panels and articles. They have been integrated as parts of academic curricula, in diverse disciplines and discussions, including technology, new media, politics, cultural studies, feminism, diaspora, globalisation, anthropology, sculpture, photography, and video among others.

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ADENIYI BAGS THE NIGERIAN ACADEMY OF LETTERS HONOURARY FELLOWSHIP Yinka Olatunbosun

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he chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi has been elected and admitted into the Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL). A letter to Adeniyi by the NAL Secretary, Prof. Ayobami Kehinde, dated 30th May 2019, reads: “On behalf of the President of NAL, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, FNAL, it is with very great delight that I write to congratulate you on your admission into the Honorary Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).

This followed your election on Wednesday, 29 May, 2019 by the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) in recognition of your contributions to knowledge in the field of humanities, as well as your outstanding contributions to national development and exemplary character. r i5IF JOWFTUJUVSF PG UIF OFX 'FMMPXT XJMM UBLF QMBDF PO Thursday, 8th August, 2019, in the J.F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium of the University of Lagos. The time is 11.00 a.m. The official letter in respect of the above will soon be forwarded to you soon.

Congratulations.â€? r "EFOJZJ XBT FMFDUFE BT B )POPVSBSZ 'FMMPX BMPOH XJUI former Daily Times Managing Director, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi. Also elected into the Regular Fellowship are Prof. Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe, Prof. AbdulRasheed Naallah, Prof. Sunday Enessi Ododo, Prof. Ademola O. Dasylva, Prof. Jim Unah and Prof. Albert ‘Lekan Oyeleye while Prof. Tanure Ojaide was elected as an Overseas Fellow. r 5IF /JHFSJBO "DBEFNZ PG -FUUFST JT BŇOBUJPOBM BDBEFNZŇBOE BQFY CPEZ PG BSUT BOE MJUFSBUVSF JO /JHFSJB *U JT BO BVUPOPNPVT ŇTDIPMBSMZŇBOE OPO QPMJUJDBM TUBUF JOTUJUVUJPO GPS advancing scholarship and public interest in the humanities at the highest level in Nigeria. Established in 1974 following a recommendation for the creation of national academies by the late Chief Jerome Udoji committee report, there are four types of fellows in the Nigerian Academy of Letters: Foundation Fellows, Regular Fellows (normally resident in Nigeria), Overseas Fellows (resident abroad) and Honorary Fellows. r 0G UIF TFWFO 'PVOEBUJPO 'FMMPXT PG UIF "DBEFNZ POMZ UISFF BSF TUJMM BMJWF 5IFZ BSF 1SPGFTTPS &NFSJUVTŇ"ZP #BNHCPTF Ň//0. 1SPGFTTPSŇ+ 1 $MBSL #FLFEFSFNP //0.

BOE /PCFM -BVSFBUF 1SPGFTTPSŇ8PMF 4PZJOLB 5IF EFDFBTFE 'PVOEBUJPO 'FMMPXT BSF 1SPGFTTPS &NFSJUVTŇ+ ' "EF "KBZJ //0. 1SPGFTTPS &NFSJUVTŇ"EJFMF "GJHCP //0. 1SPGFTTPS

Adeniyi

&NFSJUVTŇ"EFCPZF #BCBMPMB //0. BOE 1SPGFTTPSŇ$IJOVB Achebe, NNOM. r 'FMMPXT BSF BQQPJOUFE GPS MJGF BOE FWFSZ QSPTQFDUJWF GFMMPX must be nominated by a living Fellow. Self-nomination is forbidden. The Fellowship is given rarely to distinguished professors after a rigorous election exercise. Not more than two candidates from any discipline and not more than four in any one year can be admitted into the Academy. Elected Fellows are inducted at an investiture ceremony, which formally confers on them the SJHIU UP VTF UIFŇQPTU OPNJOBMŇ'FMMPX PG UIF /JHFSJBO "DBEFNZ PG Letters (FNAL). There are currently 84 Fellows in the Academy comprising seven foundation fellows, 51 regular fellows, 12 overseas fellows and 14 honorary fellows. r " #4D IPMEFS JO *OUFSOBUJPOBM 3FMBUJPOT GSPN 0CBGFNJ

Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) from the University of Lagos in 1997, Adeniyi began his journalism career as a Staff Reporter with ‘The Guardian’ newspaper of Nigeria in December 1990.In April 1992, he left ‘The Guardian’ to join the ‘African Concord’ magazine as a Senior Staff Writer and in September of the same year, he was appointed the magazine’s Abuja Bureau Chief with accreditation to cover the State House. r "EFOJZJ KPJOFE 5)*4%": OFXTQBQFS JO +BOVBSZ BT Deputy Editor of the Saturday newspaper before he later became editor of the Sunday THISDAY; and in August 2005, he was appointed the editor of THISDAY title. On May 30, 2007, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to be his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, a position he occupied until Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010. r "EFOJZJ IBT BUUFOEFE BOE QBSUJDJQBUFE JO TFWFSBM QSPGFTTJPOBM and academic programmes in many countries. Notably, in July 2007, he attended the International Visitor Leadership Programme organised by the US State Department in Washington. He also BUUFOEFE UIFŇ$IJOFTF HPWFSONFOU TQPOTPSFE A4FNJOBS PO 1SFTT and Publications in Developing Countries’ in Beijing in April Ň)F TQFOU UIF BDBEFNJD TFTTJPO BT B 'FMMPX BU UIF Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs, Harvard University where he conducted his research on the factors that shape incumbent presidential elections in Africa. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) and a founding member of the National Stakeholder Working Group of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI). r "EFOJZJ IBT BVUIPSFE TFWFSBM CPPLT JODMVEJOH The Last 100 Days of Abacha; Abiola’s Travails; Fortress on Quicksand; POLITRICKS: National Assembly under Military Dictatorship; Power, Politics and Death: A front-row account of Nigeria under the late President Yar’Adua; Against The Run of Play: How an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria and From Frying Pan to Fire: How African Migrants Risk Everything in their Futile Search for a Better Life in Europe. r 3FDFOUMZ BQQPJOUFE JOUP UIF #FMU BOE 3PBE /FXT /FUXPSL (BRNN) Council in Beijing, China, Adeniyi was a member of the Panel of Judges for the Nigeria Breweries Plc ‘Maltina Teacher of the Year’ for 2015 and 2016. He is also a member of the advisory board for the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), with a focus on partnering with leading academic institutions in the world for the award of post-graduate scholarships to outstanding Nigerians and Ghanaians who are expected to come back and work in their respective country’s public sector as change agents.

DRAMA

Death and The King’s Horseman Returns for Ramadan Yinka Olatunbosun

L

ive Theatre Lagos presents its maiden theatre production, Wole Soyinka’s Death and The King’s Horseman, this Ramadan Holiday from June 5 to 7. This free theatre show was a cultural staple in Lagos some years ago to encourage theatre tradition to thrive.

Death and the King's Horseman is a stage classic based on real events in a Yoruba town during the British colonial days around 1943 to 1944. Elesin is a prominent chief and the king's chief horseman who enjoys all privileges whilst the king lives. He must be ready for ritual suicide whenever the king dies, to escort the latter on an eternal journey in the afterlife. The king dies and is to be buried according to the custom; his dog, favourite horse and horseman must accompany him to the hereafter. However, the horseman dilly – dallies. His delay threatens the continuity of the kingdom and its cosmogony. The didactic historical play admonishes the audience to remember that ‘all is vanity’.

The production features Patrick Diabuah, Chris Anyanya , Lanre Adediwura , Amosu Faramola, Emmanuel Nlemadim, Diane Agbede , Basirat Jinadu, Emeka Nwachukwu, Desmond Ekunwe, Joseph Oriyomi and a host of other amazing talents. The play is directed by KelvinMary Ndukwe, stage managed by Leke Solanke and produced by Oluwanishola Adenugba.

Live Theatre Lagos is the rebranded name for Live Theatre on Sunday. The name change came about to have a well-rounded brand representation for its theatre productions.

Live Theatre on Sunday was started in 2008 as a renaissance project to bring the art and craft of stage plays back to its once prominent position in the Nigerian entertainment and popular culture and empower a new genera-

A scene from the play

tion of theatre artists. Its focus is to use theatre shows to drive social awareness, social change and development by exploring germane preoccupations to ignite social and national dialogue. This is in addition to presenting issues in a relaxed manner to engage the audience’s attention to the critical themes.

With over 200 stage plays in the past nine years and play productions that have featured notable figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Live Theatre Lagos has undoubtedly

made appreciable contributions to the reviving of public interest in stage theatre with its pragmatic approach.

Live Theatre Lagos 2019 repertoire feature plays on the third weekend of every month and with five free performances monthly slated from June - December, 2019.

Live Theatre Lagos operates on a freemium structure offering a platform for brands to host and or support theatre productions that their customers can enjoy for free as a

loyalty benefit. Hence the shows are free, yet premium because audiences get their tickets by special benefits and associations only. Thus, Death and The King’s Horseman would be free. Just log on to www.livetheatrelagos.info and reserve your seat.

This production of Wole Soyinka’s Death and The King’s Horseman is supported by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel amongst others.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

CICERO

Editor:Olawale Olaleye Email:wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

From CHANGE to NEXT LEVEL

Last week’s swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari, for a second term in office, has formally ushered in the journey to the ‘Next Level’, writes Olawale Olaleye

W

hen President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime took off in 2015, he was very clear about his destination – CHANGE. Although not unaware of some of the roadblocks in their path, the president and his team had identified three crucial roadblocks – the economy, security, and corruption – that must be pulled down to have a jolly ride.

President Buhari didn’t mince words that it was not going to be easy to pull down the roadblocks, the problem, perhaps was that he had no definite clue on how to effectively pull them down and allow for a smooth run particularly, providing the requisite leadership in this instance.

Four years after, the train eventually wobbled to destination CHANGE, however, with none of the three major roadblocks decimated. While some of them escaped the Buhari bulldozer through tact and strategic exploitation of the administration’s gauche approach, some indeed hung onto the tailboard of the train, eager to be part of the next level, while a majority of others successfully made it to the train, curiously, as passengers onboard.

In fact, there’s still a raging debate on whether or not the train President Muhammadu Buhari taking his oath of office the second time at the Eagle Square, Abuja that eventually made it to station was switched midway, because another train, which was granted as recorded by the Independent meant notice had been served and therefore, the sought to move the passengers successfully to National Electoral Commission (INEC). definition of low-key was entirely at his discretheir destination had arrived about the same Thus, without assurances of having effition and that of his team. time, contending that the Buhari train had ciently addressed the three monsters of corrupRegardless, that a major event as the inaudeveloped faults on the way and could not have tion, security, and economy, Buhari’s next level guration ceremony went without a speech is made it to station in record time. campaign centred on five concerns and they are alien to every known political culture here and Unfortunately, engineers at the station saw job creation, infrastructure renewal, business away and as such, excuses on why that bit was it differently. That Buhari was on the train was and entrepreneurship development, human suspended for June 12, do not suffice, because all that was needed to acknowledge the fact capital development services incorporating the they are not the same. And to also think that that he came first and not that a different train health and education sectors and of course, provision was made for his speech delivery in brought him and the other passengers. But political inclusion. the inauguration programme between 11 am some of the technical assistants at the station To judge Buhari on the performances of the and 11.15 am showed that it was a last minute are already investigating the matter and hoping last campaign promises is to assume he could change occasioned by some uninformed reato come up with their findings soon. Until then, fail in his next level plan. Look at it this way, sons.

Buhari is deemed to have a legal and constituinsecurity has been on the upswing despite Indeed, the inauguration ceremony should tional right to activate the next level trip. And attempts to downplay it. The economy is still have been an ideal avenue to make a crucial with his train fully serviced for the new trip, punching very hard below its weight while the announcement, including some of the very passengers to the next level are also ready to fight against corruption is generally considered important but first-line appointments. Sadly, board once the station opens. a façade in many quarters with an approach it appeared no lesson had been learnt yet and As was the 2015 movement, the 2019 largely considered selective. this might as well be another rollercoaster, campaign was simple and straightforward, But because he has been given the opalbeit different from the 2015 train, which only although not as they seem. The theme was next portunity of a second term, whether or not his struggled and wobbled to its destination. level and by implication, it was to consolidate election is still in dispute, he should be given That said, however, the next level train had some of the gains recorded between 2015 and yet another benefit of the doubts to address taken off immediately Buhari was sworn in on 2019, if there was any. some of these concerns in relation to the clearly Wednesday, May 29, and ready to start picking, Interestingly, the government has not been identified issues that would make the next level first, its staff on the way. There is no doubt that comfortable being assessed on the strength dream a reality. all eyes are on the Buhari/Osinbajo governof the tripod of security, economy, and corAlthough if the argument on how Buhari’s ment to either combine change and next level ruption atop which it ran in 2015, because in inauguration on Wednesday turned out is to be concerns for a more desirable result or fritter those areas, success has not been as visible factored into serious consideration, hope would away what is left of its goodwill, including this and pronounced as it should be. Yet, it asked begin to dim almost immediately, however, the fragile opportunity to right the wrongs of the for more time to consolidate and this request fact that he had announced a low-key ceremony last four years.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Zamfara and Its ‘Legal Aliens’

R

Oshiomhole

eacting to last week’s Supreme Court judgment on the elections of Zamfara State, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the nation’s apex court had only imposed strangers on the state by virtue of the judgment.

He spoke as a pained and disappointed party leader under whom the disaster befell the APC. Unfortunately, it is only in the eyes of Oshiomhole that the people so announced as winners of the Zamfara elections were strangers. But before the constitution and other extant laws of the land, they are “legal aliens”, whose ascendancy to power was

made possible by the impunity and indiscretion of the APC leadership as well as its lack of emotional intelligence to lead a national organisation with a high degree of unpredictability in terms of the tendencies of members.

But rather than point fingers at the Supreme Court or apportion blame to anyone else, it behooves Oshiomhole to first admit being a major accomplice in the ill-fate that befell the Zamfara APC and begin a process of self-reappraisal with a view to repositioning the party and ensuring ‘one house’ otherwise the challenges that lie ahead are bigger than he could ever imagine and might consume his already troubled leadership, ultimately.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

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BRIEFINGNOTES Aisha Buhari: A Profile in Courage While some may say she is an enemy within, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, is no doubt a patriot and stickler for the truth in collective interest, writes Shola Oyeyipo

H

istory will surely be kind to the wife of the Nigerian leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who holds a lot of fascination for many Nigerians that admire her bravery and ability to speak the truth to power, because in her case, she speaks the truth to a presidency headed by her husband, standing with the suffering majority.

In more than one occasion, the Nigerian first lady, without fearing whose ox is gored and not caving in to sycophancy, had come out like every other concerned Nigerian to openly condemn some of the ills in her husband’s government, proving she is first a lady before becoming the first lady of Nigeria.

This assertion was further given credence to last Wednesday, when she noted with disgust that the N500bn Social Investment Programme (SIP) initiated by her husband has failed “woefully,” in the North.

Drawing inference from her home state of Adamawa State and another northern state, Kano, she said the SIP implementation was “pathetic.”

She took that position recently during an interactive programme organised by her for women at the Presidential Villa, where she was quoted as saying, “Concerning the N500bn voted for SIP that was part of 2015 campaigns, where they promised to give out N10,000, feed pupils in primary schools and give N5, 000 to the poorest of the poor.

“The Senior Special Assistance (SSA) to the President on Social Investment is a lady from Kano and I am sure that my husband decided to put somebody from Kano, because of the population and political impact it made. I have never asked how the money is being used or is being given out. I met Barrister (one of the president’s aides on SIP) once and he promised me that for my state, we should get 30,000 women to be given N10,000. Up till now, I haven’t heard from him.

“I don’t want to raise the alarm that my state does not benefit from it. It is where the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) came from. I kept quiet, because I don’t want people to say that I talk too much,” she maintained.

Insinuating that poverty was still rampant among the northern peoples and that SIP did not percolate to the real poor people, she said: “Recently, I saw a 74-year-old man selling petty things in Kano, I asked him how much is his capital, he told me between N3, 000 and N4, 000. Don’t forget that we have campaigned to give the poorest of the poor N5, 000 every month. So, I don’t know – where is the social investment?

“Maybe, it worked out in some states. In my own state, only a local government benefited out of the 22. I didn’t ask what happened and I don’t want to know, but it failed woefully in Kano. It is not a good sign and it is not a good thing. We have a lot of women that do business locally due to the cultural thing in the North. They are at home doing their business. Some are millionaires, some have thousands of naira, they need the assistance but they do not get it. Most northern women do not belong to any market association.

“I was expecting the N500bn to be utilised in different methods in the North for the aim to be achieved. I don’t know the method they used, but most of the northern states did not get it. My state did not get it.”

When she asked the women at the occasion, “How many of you got it in your state? My state did not benefit from it,” the women responded that they did not get anything in the past four years.

The government’s social investment programme was intended to lift many Nigerians out of poverty and other forms of social problems. It is said that close to 110 million people are poor and with about 30 million living in extreme poverty situation. It is a project embarked upon in the office of Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, but being implemented by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Social Investment, Mrs. Maryam Uwais.

According to Mrs. Buhari, Mrs. Uwais informed her that 30,000 women would be beneficiaries in Adamawa State, but after four years, there has not been any indication that the SSA to the

Aisha Buhari...not minding whose ox is gored president fulfilled that promise.

Mrs. Buhari was equally miffed at the $16m counterpart fund said to have been used so far on procurement of mosquito nets, saying “I have heard about mosquito nets, Nigeria paid its counterpart fund, $16m. I asked them to give my own share of the net to send it to my village people. I didn’t get it.

“They have spent $16m in buying mosquito nets, I did not get it. Maybe some people have got it. But I feel that is my personal opinion. $16m is enough to fumigate mosquitoes in Nigeria.”

Also commenting on the anti-drug committee chaired by former military administrator of Lagos State, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), Mrs. Buhari, who said she managed to be member of the committee to ensure that things work well, underscored the good work by the wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, but wants the people to monitor the money expended on the initiative so far.

“The revelation is beyond comment. I asked her to publicise her discovery but she didn’t. If she had done so, it would have served as a lesson. Over N12bn has been released by the president to take care of trauma cases across the country. Can you please monitor the money? The ministers are going very soon and the money is being released,” Mrs. Buhari stated.

Expectedly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had quickly latched on Mrs. Buhari’s revelations. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan said Mrs. Buhari’s revelation has further indicated that there is huge fraud in the N500bn SIP, and that the N16bn Mosquito Net Project by the Buhari administration, has further vindicated its position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership was deceitful and a pretentious citadel of corruption.

The opposition party is therefore calling on relevant authorities to commence forensic investigation to ascertain the veracity of her claims.

Call her the mouthpiece of the masses or rebel from within, you may not be wrong but truth is, in what would have easily won her the appellation of ‘enemy from within,’ Mrs. Buahri, with the benefit of hindsight has been hitting the headlines since October 2016, when she said she might not support President Buhari in the recent 2019 presidential election except he rejigged his government.

She vented her frustration during an interview with the BBC. Her grouse was that the president did not know most of the top

officials he appointed, arguing that those who really worked for her husband’s electoral success had been left out of the government.

“The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years. Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position,” Mrs. Buhari stated in Hausa language.

Asked to name those, who had hijacked the government, she said: “You will know them if you watch television and whether President Buhari was in charge”, she said, adding: “That is left for the people to decide.”

By any standard, those were scathing criticism coming from a First Lady and she got rousing applauds from a majority of Nigerians, who believed she spoke nothing but the truth, even though supporters of the president also went after her.

President Buhari’s response to Aisha in Germany, during a joint press briefing with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, when he said: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room,” was in fact met with even greater disappointment by Nigerians, who felt his comment was derogatory and insensitive to the women folk.

She fired another salvo in December 2018, when she alleged that there were two strong men within the cabal slowing down her husband’s government.

She was speaking at a National Women Leadership Summit organised by a political group, Project 4+4 for Buhari and Osinbajo 2019 and in an apparent reaction to her gesture by some persons, including the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojodu, that she should discontinue the topic, she said: “I have realised that Senator Babafemi Ojodu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, and Dr. Hajo Sani, my aide, Sajo, and wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Osinbajo, are not comfortable with me saying this and want me to confine myself to my prepared speech, but we must say the truth.”

Her legitimate concern was that the actions of these fellows were hindrances to President Buhari’s performance. She was of the opinion that her husband would have performed better without these individuals. She was particularly unhappy that those who needed favour from her husband, would rather make nocturnal trips to the two men.

However, at same occasion, she commended the President Buhari for doing well in delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians even in the face of massive opposition.

Mrs. Buhari’s allegations were weighty and she doesn’t seem to be done yet. She has not alleged incompetence on the part of her husband, but her concern has been that certain forces within the government were covertly manipulating things. Though for reasons best known to her, she refrained from naming those persons, Nigerians were probably able to decipher her coded message.

She did not stop at the criticism and allegations; she challenged Nigerian men to stand up to the two people, who are allegedly hindering the progress of her husband’s administration.

“Our votes were 15.4 million in the last elections and after that only for us to be dominated by two people. This is totally unacceptable. If 15.4 million people can bring in a government and only for the government to be dominated by two people or three people, where are the men of Nigeria? Where are the Nigerian men? What are you doing? Instead of them to come together and fight them, they keep visiting them one after the other, licking their shoes (I’m sorry to use those words),” she said.

Say what you may, Aisha Buhari is not the typical northern woman, who lives and buries her potential in the shadows of her husband. She has shown to be different in all ways, particularly in a society where sycophancy is not just an industry but has assumed a life of its own. This is why her profile in courage is worth sharing, perhaps, to motivate millions of other women, whose beautiful lives had been shut down on account of their husband’s larger than life image.

NOTES FOR FILE

Learning to Communicate Better!

Shehu

It appears the handlers of President Muhamamdu Buhari have a penchant for insulting the very people, who voted their principal into office. Their language use often questions their thoughtfulness, and in many other instances, queries their qualification for the job. As the median between the government and the people in terms of communication, they had done too much harm lest their good intentions are subsumed in their recklessness.

That some presidential aides would dismiss the masses, who are critical of their principal as “wailing wailers”is a child’s play, when they react to critical positions from development partners like the legislature or the judiciary as independent arms of government. One of such was contained in a recent report, where the aides said President Buhari

would not sign any “stupid Bill”into law. Like seriously – with such arrogance and impudence?

Think of it too, how does an aide of a certain partner describe what comes from other co-partners, which include the people, as stupid? Even if their principal desired such a poor and an uncouth use of language, by virtue of their responsibility as communicators, they could have advised otherwise. This is why it boils down to the fact that they have either been overrated for this job or their capacity to think beyond unbridled sentiments is simply impossible. Their language use is often very unacceptable and must change, not only in the interest of their principal but collective concerns of the citizenry.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

CICERO/ISSUE

In APC, the Battle is Just Beginning Just as the ruling All Progressives Congress is settling in for another four years in the saddle, a new wave of crises is again threatening to tear the party apart, ahead of the 2023 polls, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has been on the edge since the emergence of the tough-talking former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as its national chairman in 2018. And since assuming duty as the chief executive officer of the ruling party as he often likes to be addressed, there have been some ruffled ankles among those who felt uncomfortable with his style.

His messianic disposition in handling issues in the party and penchant for delving into the political territories of those regarded powerful forces had seen him step on the toes of political heavyweights. The diminutive former labour activist-turned politician had also taken his fight against some governors, whom he accused of pursuing a selfish agenda to build their political dynasties in the states.

Although the party had been grappling with the trouble caused by a badly conducted congresses inherited by the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee, the seed of the present discord in the party was sown during the primary elections that preceded the just concluded 2019 general election.

It first began with the decision on which mode of the primary election to adopt by the party. The APC was drawn between the choice of either direct or indirect primaries and it chose to apply both. Many political analysts saw that move as a potential landmine capable of causing confusion within the party and undermine its electoral chances. But the party leadership felt otherwise and approved the dual approach for a primary election.

One of the reasons that propelled the decision of the party may have been to avoid any legal distraction that could arise based on the discrepancies witnessed during the conduct of party congresses in some states. The party did not also want the ‘sins’ of some of the state governors and other chieftains, who allegedly manipulated the congresses to their advantage to affect President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid for a second term.

This was why, in deciding to use the dual method for its primary elections, the APC insisted that its presidential candidate, Buhari, would emerge through the direct primary election. There was however confusion in the application of the approved guidelines and modalities for the conduct of the primary election with many of the state chapters of the party finding it difficult to agree on the method of the primary election to use.

This resulted in parallel primary elections being conducted public in many of the states and the subsequent emergence of rival candidates, who laid claims to party tickets. The cases of Rivers, Ogun, Imo, Zamfara, Enugu, Cross Rivers, Adamawa and Delta States will easily come to mind.

The fight over the governorship primary elections in these states went so dirty and there were multiple court cases, which led to some of the losses recorded by the party. A lot of arrows have been fired in the direction of Oshiomhole by those party stakeholders, who felt hurt by the positions taken by the APC national leadership.

For instance, the immediate past governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has accused the party’s national chairman of being responsible for the rancorous primary elections and by extension the misfortune that befell the party.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Sam Onwuemeodo, the ex-governor said: “Adams Oshiomhole was determined from the outset to destroy APC in the South-east and unknown to party chieftains from the zone, who had genuinely supported his chairmanship.

“He is playing the politics of 2023 in 2019 and in playing it – he has thrown caution to the wind. In all the South-east states, there are crises and all arising from the fraudulent manner he conducted the primaries”.

Another party chieftain, who has criticized Oshiomhole’s role in the build-up to the last general election, is the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, who accused the APC chairman of committing horrendous atrocities against the party.

He said Oshiomhole had mismanaged the primary election process.

Okechukwu said: “The intra-party feud before his ascendency as the chairman was escalated due to his narcissism. Comrade Oshiomhole is Mr. Know-it-all, intolerant and totalitarian. These are not good attributes in democracy. If President Buhari was not made of sterner stuff, he could have been bruised by the mangled primaries across the federation. This is why we are bleeding in our traditional strongholds like Bauchi”.

The criticisms by Governor Okorocha and Okechukwu may be described as an impulsive attack since they both contested for elective positions and were part of the party primary election but this certainly cannot be said of the recent strongly-worded letter calling for the resignation of Oshiomhole from office by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Senator Lawal Shuaibu.

In the letter addressed to Oshiomhole, the party scribe lamented the string of losses that APC has recorded in the 2019 general election.

While venting his anger over the misfortune that befell the

Former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun formally handing over to his successor, Oshiomhole at the party secretariat, Abuja party in some states, the Zamfara-born politician said: “We had 23 states in 2015, but after the 2019 election, we lost seven states! We also had 60 senators in 2015 at the end of the election count – we now end up with 57 senators in 2019! You were not brought in to lose an election. It is absolutely unacceptable.”

Dwelling on the serious implications of this, Shuaibu said what it entails is that for any Senator to become a presiding Officer, he needs to go and kneel down before the PDP Senators and beg for support. And to make things worse, he argued that Oshiomhole boasted that APC would not allow any PDP Senator to be appointed as Committee Chairman except the committees statutorily meant for the opposition members of the Senate.

Shuaibu’s letter further stated: “In advanced democracies, people who fail to add value or build on what they met on assumption of duty normally resign honourably. In that connection, therefore, I want to advise you to take the path of honour, to step aside and allow the Party to embark on the onerous task of reconstruction and rehabilitation in those states it was weakened by the effect of manner the last primary election exercises were conducted or even the task of recreating the party where it is on the path of extinction, arising from the loss of a sitting APC Government, for example in Zamfara State, where you directly personally created the problem leading to the painful complete loss of APC’s electoral fortunes”.

According to Shuaibu, the national chairman cannot exonerate himself from blame on what happened to APC in Zamfara State, thereby destroying the hopes and aspirations of 534,541 APC members” he said.

In the letter titled “APC: Its fortune and misfortune, time to act!” and made available to journalists Wednesday morning, he also said, “It is my honest opinion that your ability to ensure this party flourishes is deficient as you lack the necessary composure and you also don’t posse the capabilities and the requisite experience to run a political party”.

While accusing Oshiomhole of incompetence, Lawal said: “under normal circumstances, when you take over as a project, it is expected that you bring to bear, your wealth of experience to the new job, which will be seen in your capacity and capabilities as value addition. In a political party like the APC, you are expected to also introduce a new approach to strategies through committees that will work and submit recommendations “It is my honest opinion that your ability to ensure this party flourishes is deficient as you lack the necessary composure and you also don’t possess the capabilities and the requisite experience to run a political Party.”

Regarding the strained relationship between the party national leadership and some chieftains of the party, the deputy chairman said the respect APC was commanding among its members and sympathizers has been completely eroded, while the goodwill has equally evaporated with the type of attitude of threats to members that Oshiomhole deploys, including senior members like governors, senators, ministers, and other government officials, whose functions do not fall within his jurisdiction.

“As I know, the relationship between party and government are cooperation and collaboration to ensure that the government’s programmes are implemented in line with the party

manifesto, but not shouting and giving marching instructions to government officials on television screens or on the pages of newspapers, and more often than not, they call your bluff and make you look helplessly unimportant in the scheme of things”.

Expectedly, Oshiomhole has not been short of words in responding to the attacks on his performance. First, he has justified the intervention of the national leadership in the Imo State chapter, saying party moved to stop his plan to enthrone a political dynasty for himself.

Oshiomhole also told journalists that the party felt bad over the disrespect the former governor had shown to religious leaders. In the case of the crisis in the Ogun State chapter, Oshiomhole said the party was out to ensure that its decisions are respected and that justice and fairness prevailed.

Also, a group loyal to the national chairman tackled Senator Shuaibu describing him as one of those who are not comfortable with the kind of discipline the National Chairman has been instilling in the affairs of the APC since he assumed office in June 2019.

In a statement jointly signed by the President of Middle Belt Vanguard, Comrade Musa Ohimini Alechenu and Secretary, Meliga Godwin, they said Shuaibu was speaking for himself and not for the other members of the APC National Working Committee.

“In every society, reforms don’t come easy and it is very unfortunate that at this point in time, Senator Shuaibu and his co-travellers will expect business as usual. While we want to state that those words were personal to Senator Shuaibu and not the opinion of members of the NWC or NEC and of course majority of our party members, we call on Senator Shuaibu to apologize to the leadership of this party in the next 14 days or enjoy the wrath of the party”.

The post-election APC is beginning to show frightening signs of the nature of political intrigues that may engulf the party as 2023 approaches. The current move against Oshiomhole, which is now coming from within the NWC might take a wider dimension in the days ahead.

This can also have an impact on the APC-led administration.

Already, several political gladiators have started to position themselves to contest for presidency on the APC platform.

One of the national leaders of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is known to have shown interest in the exalted position. The new chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Kayode Fayemi is also being tipped in many quarters as a decent face in the 2023 presidential race.

There are those who consider the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola as sound material for the job.

Another stalwart of the APC and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi is lately being pushed from the South-south axis to take a shot at the coveted position once the race opens. There are also strong indications that the immediate past governor of Ogun State and senator for Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun may not be averse to the idea of increasing the list of the presidential hopefuls.

With such an early scheming for the 2023 presidential run and a brewing crisis in the APC, the ruling party risks the danger of degenerating into a disunited entity in the foreseeable future.

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CICERO/ONTHEWATCH

Yakubu at a meeting with stakehoders ahead of the last elections

Reforming Nigeria’s Electoral Culture As a direct response to some of the inadequacies of the 2019 elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission has decided to embark on a national conversation on the management of the electoral process, starting this month to correct, if not all, but some of the anomalies that characterised the just concluded general election, writes Adedayo Akinwale

T

he 2019 general election may have come and gone, but the irregularities that characterised the elections have left tongues waggling. Prior to the 2019 elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on many occasions promised Nigerians and the international community an election they would be proud of. The assurance from the electoral umpire left no one in doubt that the country was in for an improvement from the 2015 elections, but the reverse was the case as the whole country was left disappointed after the general election.

It’s also worthy of note that the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act amendment bill, which could have brought some sanity to the electoral process in the country did not help matters.

Rather, the President stubbornly ignored the public outcry, frustrated the efforts of the National Assembly and abruptly ended any hope of having transparent, free and fair elections with his refusal to sign the bill into law. His promise to conduct a free and fair election immediately became a mirage as his body language suggested otherwise.

Despite the pressure and the claim by the opposition parties that the president and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had colluded with the electoral umpire, the President stood his ground, and the dream of having the election result transmitted electronically ended within a blink of an eye. This singular act made rigging during the elections very easy.

However, from the uneventful postponement of the elections on the wee hours of February 16, 2019, before it was later held on February 23, to the militarisation of the whole process, the do-or-die attitude portrayed by the political actors, as well as the elevation of vote-buying to the next level, political violence, unleashing of violence on opposition parties and even INEC officials, the takeover of INEC collation centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among others, the electoral body was practically frustrated while Nigerians were left disappointed.

As soon as the elections were concluded, politicians and political parties shifted the battle to the Election Petition Tribunal. As at April 4, 2019, a total of 736 petitions had been filed against the conduct and outcome of the 2019 general election. This was against 611 petitions filed before the tribunal after the 2015 elections.

Considering the above statistics, political analysts,

as well as election observers believed that the 2019 election was retrogressive compared to the level the country attained in its electoral process during the 2015 elections. While the INEC may have strived to give the country an election better than 2015 elections, some staff of the commission, including ad-hoc staff, political actors and the security agencies frustrated the effort.

It was against this background, and as a result of its dissatisfaction with the do-or-die attitude of political actors, which was brazenly exhibited during the 2019 general election, the inability to penalise electoral offenders and its lack of control over the secuirty agencies on election day, that INEC has decided to embark on national conversation on the management of electoral process with various stakeholders in the country over the next two months.

Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, stressed the need for a review of all aspects of the processes and procedures for the 2019 general elections in full consultation with stakeholders.

He was of the opinion that this process must be qualitatively different from what was done in the past and benefits from all previous efforts at reform. The commission believed that until the country gets its electoral process on the right, consistent and progressively positive trajectory, the efforts at nation-building and promoting peace and progress would remain epileptic. The commission said while progress had been made since 1999, a lot of work still needs to be done.

To this end, the issues that would be on the front burner, according to the commission, include the number of political parties, mode of registration, internal democracy and accreditation of party agents.

The conversation would also cover Logistics’ movement and security of personnel and materials as well as recruitment, training and deployment of election personnel.

The conation will also be structured around ICT related issues ranging from the configuration and deployment of technology; the recruitment, training and deployment of technical support; the issue of security during the election between INEC and the security agencies, the effectiveness and impact of election risk assessment methods, deployment and conduct of security personnel.

Another important aspect of the conversation is the electoral legal framework and the necessity for a comprehensive, dispassionate and early conclusion as

well as the passage of any constitutional and electoral act amendments He said, “Election day processes, including polling unit administration, accreditation of voters, voting procedure and result management, particularly the collation and transmission of results. Above all, we need a conversation around the personal conduct of especially the political actors. The “do-or-die” attitude of some politicians and the inability to penalise electoral offenders incentivises bad behaviour “Over the next two months, the Commission plans to engage with all stakeholders, beginning with a root and branch review involving our own officials at Local Government and State levels, ranging from Electoral Officers (EOs), Administrative Secretaries (ASs), Heads of Department (HoDs) and representatives of ad hoc officials engaged for elections from Presiding Officers at Polling Unit level to collation and returning officers.

“We shall then follow it up with consultations at the national level with political parties, the security agencies, civil society organisations, the media, development partners, traditional and religious organisations, the national and local peace committees and professional groups accredited to observe elections. Details of the series of activities and timelines will be finalised at this meeting and made public immediately.

“Over the last 40 years, virtually all our elections have been accompanied by the report of one committee or another on electoral reform, among them the Babalakin Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO in 1986), the Uwais report on electoral reform (2008), the Lemu Committee on post-election violence (2011), the Ken Nnamani Committee on constitutional and electoral reform (2017), the various administrative reports by INEC, investigation reports by the security agencies (the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Army), the independent studies by the National Human Right Commission (2015 and 2017), the judgments of the various election petition tribunals, the reports of domestic and international observers, record of public hearing for the amendment of the electoral legal framework by the National Assembly and even confessional statements by some political actors.

“There is value in revisiting all these reports. The Commission will work with stakeholders in undertaking such a comprehensive review in earnest,” he said.

The Commission therefore hoped that the recommendations from the national conversation would feed into an enduring reform of the country’s electoral process.

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CICERO/REPORT

Will the Governors Walk Their Talk?

Twenty-nine governors took their oaths of office last Wednesday across the federation, either for their second term in office or as first-timers. Sadly, however, not a few of the governors often reckon they are accountable to the electorate to whom they owe their electoral successes the moment they assume office. But just in case they forget, these highlights should serve as a reminder of some of their promises at inauguration, writes Shola Oyeyipo

F

inally, the journey from 2019 has begun in earnest. Twenty-nine of the 36 governors, who took part in this year’s general election were sworn in last Wednesday, May 29, and have started work almost immediately with the various appointments so far announced.

It is worthy of mention that some of the 29 governors had returned to office for their second terms, some took over from those, who had either finished off their constitutional two terms or from those governors who were denied re-election by the people at the ballot or by their political parties for exigencies other than performance.

But beyond their pre-election promises, their inaugural speeches had further given fillip to such promises, believed to have made their mandates possible. Curiously, however, some governors often get carried away in office and thus consider accountability a responsibility not binding. Unfortunately too, the people hardly track these promises sometimes due to the high-wire political intrigues that fraught the business of governance.

For the record, therefore, and in no particular order, below are some of the highlights of the promises the governors made at inauguration – a handy notebook, perhaps – to help the electorate track development and progress across states.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos

It was a truck load of promises from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. He did not just promised to fix all the potholes and maintain Lagos roads all year round, he vowed to complete existing road projects, address inner city roads, complete the ongoing Blue Line rail project and begin the Red Line from Agbado to Marina.

He also assured Lagosians that he would build a 5000-capacity trailer park, in partnership with the federal government, and also work with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to develop an on-call system that notifies trailers when to pick-up containers as a way to address traffic gridlock on Apapa road.

He said the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme would be expanded to accommodate 500,000 households by the fourth quarter of 2019, and the health budget would be increased from 8.6 per Sanwo-Olu cent to 15 per cent, by 2021, all the 345 Primary Health Centres in the state will have a minimum of three doctors, three nurses and five community health workers, while ambulance points in the state would be increased by 50 per cent.

He said his government would ensure sustainable management of water and sanitation and that the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) would be empowered to effectively drive the elimination of waste accumulation.

He promised to create 100,000 jobs for youths in his first year in office, increase budgetary allocation for education to 18 per cent from 12. 07 per cent, recruitment of additional 5,000 officers into the Neighbourhood Watch, deployment of additional 2,000 stand-alone and integrated CCTV cameras to cover strategic areas of activity state-wide and the promise to commit N60bn in his first four years in office to support small and medium enterprise and innovation-driven enterprises. These are beautiful promises to watch out for in the Sanwo-Olu administration.

Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s 10-point second term agenda were clearly stated out during his meeting with some Abia State indigenes shortly after winning his re-election in Abuja. He promised to complete all ongoing road projects started by him, to construct 500km of new roads, systematic clearance of all salaries and pension outstanding, to rejig some parastatals and make them self-sustaining and be able to pay their workers.

He promised to strengthen the free home care service programme to take better care of the aged, start work on two new flyovers in Aba and Umuahia and develop Ohafia into a modern city. He said the Hospital Management Board would be rejigged too for greater efficiency and a lot of focus would be given to Abia State Teaching Hospital, Aba; that Enyimba Economic City project would be accelerated to create 700,000 jobs for young graduates and others.

He said the Nibra Leather City at Obuaku would be ready to commence automated shoe making in December 2019, a new automated shoemaking factory would also roll off with the 30 shoe-making Argonauts, who returned from training in China as the pivot; new sanitation regime would be launched, new order Ikpeazu would come into Abia with young and vibrant persons driving the leadership agenda and that the era of touts collecting and diverting state revenue would soon be history.

Babagana Zulum, Borno

Professor Babagana Zulum took over the mantle of leadership in Boko Haram ravaged North-eastern state of Borno and immediately reeled off his area of concentrations, promising in his maiden address, to implement a 10-point agenda to fast track rapid social and economic development of the state.

Expectedly, he said his government would accord priority attention to security of lives and property; establish a ministry of science and technology; adopt practical measures to address youth restiveness, thuggery and idleness. He pledged to reinvigorate agriculture, health and the education sectors of the state.

Udom

Bala Muhammed, Bauchi

From all indications, top most on the agenda of the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is his decision to reverse ill-advised decisions of the former government. The Head of the Bauchi State Transition Media Team, Mr. Ladan Saliu, had said the activities of the immediate past Bauchi State governor is of serious concern to the new administration of Governor Mohammed.

Apart from that, Mohammed has also said his core mandate is to give Bauchi citizens a better prospect and greater opportunity for a prosperous life. He promised to reduce poverty and encourage the people in the area of agriculture, education, urban and rural infrastructure.

Governor Emmanuel Udom has an 8-point agenda and they are well-articulated in his 172-page manifesto tagged ‘Completion Agenda 2019-2023’, where he priortised industrialisation, aviation development, rural and riverine area development, agriculture, human capacity development, security, infrastructure, small and medium scale enterprises.

He promised to establish at least one petroleum refinery, one thermal power plant, one

Muhammed

Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe

Before and even after his electoral victory in Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has continued to highlight areas of interest, where he made a pact with the people of the state to bring about noticeable changes and such areas are agriculture and livestock; civil and public service, communication technology; culture and tourism.

Others are education, finance, economic development and revenue generation, health, lands and survey, information and social media, local government and chieftaincy affairs, extraministerial department, works, legislature, security, urban and rural development, water, mineral resources and environment, justice, youths and sports development.

A committee headed by Malam Mohammed Kabir Ahmad Yahaya had been set up by the governor and the committee had engaged in appraisals and extensive consultations with various stakeholders within the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of the state to evaluate how the new government could actualise its set goals.

Emeka Ihedioha, Imo

The Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, perhaps, has one of the best manifestos around. It contains well-specified vision and mission statements subdivided under various broad headlines that cover practically every aspect of lives of the citizenry.

His agenda cover aspects of good governance, education, industrialisation, job creation, wealth creation, healthcare, integrated infrastructure development and public transportation, agricultural revolution, adherence to public service rules, women and youth development and empowerment and to maintain zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

He also seeks affirmative actions for physically challenged persons in Imo State, to boost tourism, culture and entertainment, float an Imo Diaspora Bond to attract funds for infrastruc- Ihedioha ture development; to support business men and women with revolving loans and credits, to rehabilitate and modernise the Dan Anyiam and Grasshopper Stadia in Owerri, Sam Okwaraji Stadium in Orlu and the Okigwe Township stadium and to expand internally generated revenue (IGR) sources by growing the economic base of the state.

Abudlraham Abdulrazaq, Kwara

Zulum

Emmanuel Udom, Akwa-Ibom

petrochemical plant, and one steel plant in the state before the end of his second term in 2023.

He also hopes to actualise the Ibom Industrial City and Ibom Deep Seaport, develop entrepreneurial skills of Akwa Ibom indigenes; facilitate easy access to capital for startups or financial support and generate employment opportunities.

Also, part of his plan is to establish Search and Rescue Centre, flight training school and construction of power station to supply electricity to the airport to boost the aviation industry.

Governor Abdulrazaq of Kwara State achieved what some thought was unthinkable.

He defeated the Senator Bukola Saraki political structure and has promised Kwarans open, transparent people-oriented leadership, involvement of women and vibrant participatory democracy, productive youth and sports development, infrastructure development, boost mining activities as a way to empower Kwarans, to construct or rehabilitate at least one road in each local government, to invest in electricity production, improve the existing water damage and facilitate availability of potable water.

He assured the people that his government won’t discriminate against any section of Kwara, but open up the rural areas for development to boost investments in agriculture, agro-processing factories, provide employment for the youths, rebuild public schools and hospitals; strengthen entrepreneurship and small scale businesses in a bid to boost internally generated revenues.

Abdulrazaq He said the government would interface with the police to address the challenge of insecurity. He also pledged to accord utmost respect to the traditional institutions and ensure that local government areas are allowed to serve the grassroots.

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CICERO/REPORT t WILL THE GOVERNORS WALK THEIR TALK? t Continued from Page 77 Mai-Mala Buni, Yobe

Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa

The main thrust of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s campaign manifesto is a promise to industrialise the state and make it the economic hub of the North-central zone. He is optimistic that it would address the challenges of unemployment of youth and women, wealth creation and boost economic activities in the state.

As the immediate past Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery, he promised to sustain the already existing partnership of the state government with Agri-business Company, Olam Nigeria Ltd and Dangote Group to establish the integrated sugar refinery in Tunga area of Awe local government.

His other areas of focus are economic development, agriculture, education, tertiary education, health, security, water, Sule electricity, infrastructural and rural development, youths and women, traditional institutions as well as civil service and labour relations.

Mai-Mala Buni promised to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam and assured the youths of political inclusion and empowerment opportunities. He said repeatedly that if elected, he would copy and domesticate federal government’s social empowerment programmes to tackle poverty and unemployment through agriculture and entrepreneurship.

He said the anchor borrower scheme would be replicated in the state to empower the people and expand their farming activities. He also promised to consolidate on the achievements of the past administration in the areas of roads construction, health, education, and water supply among others.

Shortly after taking the oath of office, Governor Buni has declared a state of emergency in the education sector.

Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta

Dapo Abiodun, Ogun

Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun promised to give Ogun State focused and qualitative governance that would be responsive, open and accountable to the people. He promised industrialisation and infrastructure development, by creating and promoting the enabling environment for a public private sector partnership.

He assured the people that the administration would focus on the development of agriculture and rural roads to increase the output of food and cash crops; create wealth for real farmers and ease the movement of farm produce to the markets within and outside the state while generating revenue. He also promised to return relevance to local government administrations in the state.

Seyi Makinde, Oyo

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has promised to put in place policies that would improve the productivity of farmers and ensure market for products of young farmers. He said his administration designed policies to improve the functioning and performance of the sector, make Oyo State system of education among the top in Nigeria through the provision of qualitative basic, secondary, non-formal and tertiary education.

He also hopes to spur infrastructure development through alternative ways such as Independent Power Project (IPP), make the transport sector in Oyo State evolve as the best integrated transport system over the next four years, develop, construct and maintain all water and sanitation facilities in the state.

Part of his plan is also to boost technological and industrial development, introduce innovative and purposeful modes of revenue collection and utilisation, ensure a regulatory environment Makinde that will ease doing business and empower the youths through various measures such as education, skills acquisitions, entrepreneurship training and poverty eradication programmes.

He promised to provide equal opportunities for men and women, work with communities and stakeholders, develop very effective and efficient strategies to ensure security.

Okowa

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State was very straightforward in enumerating the core areas his administration would pursue in his second term. He said his government would pursue enhanced internally generated revenue policy and generate sustainable employment, particularly in the private sector and ensure financial empowerment of citizens leading to higher quality of life, making the state a choice destination for cultural, eco-tourism and a global leisure resort.

Noting that the strategy to accomplish the goals of his administration would be anchored on people, infrastructure and economy, Umahi promised that a haven for investors would be created through a balanced and vibrant economy while providing effective leadership and political governance to improve people’s lives.

Umahi He promised to create an Ebonyi economy that would be selfpropelled, self-sustaining and reliant within 10 years, thereby reducing risks of dependence on federal government’s statutory allocations, create jobs for citizens and that the achievements of the first tenure, especially in the areas of agricultural development and healthcare delivery would be improved upon.

Ben Ayade, Cross River

In his inaugural speech, Governor Ugwuanyi assured the people of the state that his second term in office will witness massive infrastructure development in the state with security taking the centrestage. Acknowledged as one of the best governors, not only from the South-east but across the country, he promised that the next four years would witness massive deployment of resources to further engender development in the urban and rural areas.

Ugwuanyi

Muhammad Badaru, Jigawa

Samuel Ortom, Benue

Ortom

The people of Cross Rivers State should simply evaluate Governor Ben Ayade on the basis of his ability to bring about industrialisation. Of all his other policy thrusts, Ayade declared that his administration this second term would be to oversee the completion of his industrialisation projects across the three senatorial districts of the state.

In fact, Governor Ayade told the people of his state that his casual dress code at the inauguration was a reflection of his desire to spend more time outside the office inspecting projects.

Since industrialisation encapsulates education, infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, security and all other social variables, it is therefore easy to rate Ayade as a success or failure if his industrialisation policy does not translate into obvious development in his state.

Ayade

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu

Since the period of electioneering campaigns, the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Bello Matawalle had told the electorate that he would focus attention on three key issues: security, education and health. By his calculation, the state will only move forward if the three sectors get adequate attention. He actually promised to offer free education at all levels.

Aside the three areas, Matawalle assured the people that he would address the social welfare needs of poor people by providing them with supports, to run an open administration that would accommodate inputs from all segments of the population, particularly on how to address insecurity and to pay special attention to rural development so as to improve the living standards of the people.

The situation in Benue State is rather peculiar. The state witnessed vicious attacks by rampaging herdsmen between January 2018 and now and these have left no fewer than 700 people dead with hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Governor Samuel Ortom has said his main challenge is to get the displaced persons back to their ancestral homes. Also considering that there are still sporadic attacks by the herdsmen, a situation that poses threat to food security, the governor promised to provide new security measures to allow the administration cater to all other critical needs of the citizenry. Such areas include the educational, healthcare, human capital development intertwined with poverty eradication and provision of basic needs across the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State’s campaign promise has been that he would consolidate on the achievements of his first term in office. He assured the people that he would strengthen and upscale his administration’s wealth creation progmamme. His plan is to unleash the entrepreneur capacity of the people through skills acquisitions by establishing additional 19 new technical colleges in the state.

He also said road and physical infrastructure development would continue to receive priority attention from his administration. Okowa said his administration would partner relevant stakeholders and investors to attract infrastructure funding, connect communities with network of roads, provide recreation opportunities, youth empowerment and also build nine more technical colleges to make it one for each local governments and a fully functional vocational centre in each of the 25 local government areas in the state.

David Umahi, Ebonyi

Bello Matawalle, Zamfara

Matawalle

Buni

In Jigawa State, Governor Muhammad Badaru dwelled entirely on the previous achievements of his administration which he promised to consolidate upon. Some of such areas are the agricultural sector, which is the basic aspect of his economic recovery policy. He said his government has developed an agricultural masterplan from the medium to long term with a bias for private sector participation to attract the much needed investment.

Flood and erosion control, provision of Primary Healthcare Centres and specialist hospitals being constructed at the cost of over N3bn, revamping of the educational sector, careful financial planning, value for money principles, water supply, solar power provision, cash transfer scheme and home grown school feeding programme.

Jigawa Road, transportation and security were some of the sectors he said his government was mapping out programmes and policies that would sustain growth and encourage the citizenry to participate fully in how the state is being run by offering suggestions and advice at all levels of governance. He promised that his would be a listening government.

Nasiru El-Rufai, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai promised to sustain the improvement in the education sector if re-elected. He assured the people of social justice and that he would consolidate on his achievements in the first four years.

The governor’s campaign organisation and the APC chairman in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Jekada assured the people that the party would continue with development projects across the state for the betterment of its indigenes and residents.

El-Rufai

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CICERO/REPORT t WILL THE GOVERNORS WALK THEIR TALK? t Continued from Page 78 Simon Lalong, Plateau

Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano

The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, did not leave all his agenda on a promissory note, but declared free primary and secondary education for school age children in the state in his acceptance speech, and also assured the people that tertiary education would also be subsidised for Kano indigenes.

Like most other second term governors, Ganduje said his government would consolidate on the achievements so far recorded in healthcare delivery and other sectors. He also said his administration would establish a new company to be known as ‘Kano State Small Town Water Supply Agency’ to address the water needs of communities in rural areas, to boost agriculture and maintain the policy of zero tolerance to corruption.

After taking his oath of office a second time at the Rwang Pam stadium Wednesday, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said he would unveil his second term programmes through a town hall meeting on June 12, promising that the state government would celebrate the June 12 Democracy Day in a ‘special way’.

He said his administration hopes to consolidate on past gains and achievements in the light of increasing demands and development priorities amidst resource challenges.

Lalong Ganduje

Aminu Masari, Katsina

Masari

Shortly after he was sworn-in for second term, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State unveiled a new 8-point pledge with which he hopes to consolidate on the gains of the past four years.

He vowed to sustain investment in education, increase investment in agriculture, consolidate the gains of the health sector, increase investment in water resources, facilitate wider political inclusion and youth engagement, entrench good governance, political accountability and transparency, promote greater public-private collaboration, and bequeath secure and prosperous Katsina State. He also promised that persons of integrity that would add great value to his administration’s agenda for security and development would be appointed into his next cabinet.

Abubakar Bagudu, Kebbi

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State made a major promise to the people of the state in his inaugural speech, when he told the people that the state would soon join oil-producing states in the country. He told the people that the state government has partnered Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and that ethanol programme has started in Danko/ Wasagu local government area and other local government areas would soon join.

Noting that all the 21 local government areas in the state felt the impact of the government in the area of infrastructure development, he cited 410 kilometres of new roads and the rehabilitation of about 500 kilometres of existing roads; successes recorded in the health, education, electricity, infrastructure and agriculture sectors, the governor stated that his next four years would see to the improvement on the previous achievements of Bagudu his administration.

Nyesom Wike, Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike has assured the people that his government would continue to stand up for Rivers State and defend her interest, no matter the challenges or what comes at her, stressing that the government would not accept to be subjugated to a “headmaster and pupil power relationship” and that she would neither abandon the collective interest of Rivers State for the sake of political expediency.

On the direction of his administration in the next four years, Wike told Rivers people that he would consolidate on his first term achievements and make Rivers State, the greatest state in the country. He said he would continue to grow the economy, expand the tax base, provide a friendly business environment and attract foreign and local investments to create more jobs and empower the people.

He said his government would continue with fiscal discipline, prudence, prioritisation of capital projects over recurrent and give value for money spent in the delivery of services.

Wike

Aminu Tambuwal , Sokoto

Former Speaker and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, promised to complete all ongoing projects in the state before embarking on new ones. Reckoning that his administration had embarked on projects and laid the foundation for infrastructure and human development of the state, the governor has said repeatedly to his people that his government would focus more on improvement of education, security, agriculture and health sectors.

Other areas of concentration are improvement of water supply and electricity, as well as provision of support for orphans and other vulnerable groups in the state.

Tambuwal

Darius Ishiaku, Taraba

Abubakar Bello, Niger

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello said he did not make any promise while campaigning in 2015 and this time around he has not made much either. When he was sworn-in as others last Wednesday, he promised to consolidate on the achievements of his administration in the last four years, saying the government would prioritise agriculture, security and welfare of the civil servants in the next four years.

Ishiaku Bello

PHOTO SPEAK

Describing his first term as “a foundation laying stage,” Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, said he would consolidate on the successes of his administration in the first four years.

In line with his campaign promises to embark on an aggressive and deliberate measure to cut the rate of unemployment among the teeming youths of the state, he promised the youths to empower them to be millionaires, saying they would be exporting milk and meat; and will be driving Mercedes Benz, instead of Keke NAPEP. Ishaku promised to create more chiefdoms and assured the people of Taraba, particularly the youths of his administration’s will to continue to explore possible ways of creating job opportunities including more skills acquisition programmes to cut overdependence on government.

He said after experimenting with rice farming in Karim Lamido and with the result encouraging, the government would extend it to the River Donga and River Taraba plains in the southern and central parts of the state.

Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa

President Muhammadu Buhari signing his oath of office and allegiance shortly after being administered by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammed, while his wife, Aisha watches with exctement

With a clear 11-point agenda, the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has said there would be no quick fixes, shortcuts or actions inspired by fiat but knowledgedriven socially accountable governance akin to global best practices. As a government of popular consent, he said he was mindful of the honour and the responsibility this bestowed on him and as such, affirmed and declared that hope has been restored, and true change has come to Adamawa State.

He pledged to provide the required leadership that Fintiri would make the desired change possible for the good of all, saying it would be the kind of change that would balance policy and politics; change that would eschew might over right and treat all citizens as equals; transformational change that would harness the vast human potential of the people into attaining and enjoying the dividends of Democracy, which have so far eluded them.

Under his watch, he promised to pay attention to such areas as youth empowerment, employment, health, education and security, noting that the security of lives and prosperity would be the primary responsibility of his government, while the rights of citizens, justice, equity, merit, competence and diligence would prevail.

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 2, 2019

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NGF Election as a Shadow of Things to Come in 2023 In many ways than one, the election of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has a vantage place in the calculations for the 2023 polls, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo

I

n line with predictions, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olukayode John Fayemi has emerged the new chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Despite the sharp division between the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resulting from bitter exchanges during the just concluded general election, the governors from both sides of the divide unanimously agreed on the choice of Fayemi for the NGF job.

Many observers had attributed the consensus nature of Fayemi’s election to his popularity and acceptance among his colleagues. Also his experience and circumstantial advantage of being about the most ranking governor from the south, where the position was zoned played a major role. Before arriving at the consensus, it was learnt that the governors made several consultations at different levels.

Fayemi first received the endorsement of the northern governors forum after due considerations on the established tradition of the NGF to rotate the chairmanship position between north and south of the country. He was considered the best choice for the job being a second term governor and former Minister with wider reach across political divide.

Also, governors from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met and decided to throw their weight behind Fayemi after considering the options before them. The PDP governors met for hours at the Gombe State governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where they harmonised their position to back the Ekiti state governor for the NGF job. And thus, in a rare show of consensus, the 36 state governors came together to elect Fayemi as the new chairman of the NGF. Speaking on the election of the new chairman, former NGF chair and Zamfara State Governor, Abdul-Aziz Yari said the 36 governors were unanimous in their choice of Fayemi and therefore called off voting.

At the meeting of the governors held Wednesday night in Abuja, Fayemi was nominated by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru El-rufai while his counterpart from Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa seconded his nomination.

The fact that Governor El-rufai was the one that nominated Fayemi said a lot about the level of acceptability that Fayemi appears to enjoy among his colleagues. The Kaduna State governor was initially reported to have shown interest in contesting for the NGF chair although he had also denied it.

But at the meeting of governors last Wednesday, El-rufai made spirited effort to disassociate himself from the report, describing it as mischievous.

In the end, the Ekiti State governor was unanimously elected to lead the Forum for the next four years. Also elected unanimously as the Vice Chairman was the Governor of Sokoto State, whose nomination came from Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode and seconded by the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Yari said the governors met as one family without any pronounced attachment to party leanings.

“The governors have decided to unanimously elect the Governor of Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi as chairman of the NGF from 2019 to 2021,” he said.

With the election of Fayemi as the next NGF chairman, attention will now shift to the critical role he is expected to play in both politics and governance in the country. One of the factors that contributed to Fayemi’s easy sail in the NGF election was his acclaimed closeness to the presidency and his ability to manage opposition’s interest.

What may perhaps be the first acid test to prove his prowess in this direction will be his ability to handle the present concerns by governors over the insecurity in the country and the move by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to impose restrictions on the way states and Local Governments operate their joint account. The two burning issues were deliberated upon at the governors’ meeting.

During the meeting, the governors expressed frustration at their inability to bring the escalating insecurity in their states under control even as the chief security officers of their respective areas. The governors from the opposition PDP had earlier met and demanded that a state of emergency be declared on the security situation in the country.

But after lamenting their obvious challenges in dealing with the matter at hand, the governors resolved to take up the issue with the president to see what could be done urgently to arrest the situation.

Fayemi...a call to duty On this, Yari said: “The issue of security is under the mandate of Mr. President. We are supporting him, because he is the commander-in-chief and we hope to come up with solutions with him.”

The governors further discussed the issue of the their face-off with the Federal Government over the directive issued by the NFIU seeking to impose restrictions on the powers of states and local governments to operate joint state and local government accounts.

Yari gave an indication of the readiness of the governors to confront the federal government over any interference on their constitutional responsibilities, when he maintained that supervision of local government administration is under the purview of the state government and state House Assembly.

“Local government is not a federating unit and so what we are saying is that neither NFIU nor any federal government agency has the powers to interfere or regulate the operations of states and the local government. They have no powers to tell the governors or the local government what to do”.

Therefore, resolving the issues of insecurity and local government funds will no doubt prove a daunting task for the incoming leadership of the NGF under Governor Fayemi.

Before Fayemi’s emergence, one of the fears some people had about him was that he appeared ambitious and that he might use his new position to promote his perceived presidential ambition. Although the next general election is four years away, Nigerian politicians have begun subterra-

nean campaigns for the 2023 presidential poll shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 general election.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who got a mandate renewal in the last general election, and is due to begin his second term on May 29, 2019, is not eligible to run again due to constitutional restrictions to a two-term tenure for any elected president.

Even though there are sentiments within some sections in the ruling party that it is the turn of the South-east to produce the next presidential candidate in 2023, the tussle for the presidency has already gained traction in the South-west, where Governor Fayemi hails from.

Therefore, it is not out of place to say that Fayemi might be part of the tussle for the next presidential candidate of the APC. There is no doubting the fact that the chairmanship of the NGF carries a lot of political weight.

Anyone who superintends over the affairs of an influential body like the NGF and interfaces regularly with the governors of the 36 states of the federation will no doubt command a remarkable level of influence. His influence will pose a challenge to those seeking to succeed Buhari in 2023.

Particularly, Fayemi’s new position may set him against the presidential aspiration of a former Lagos State governor and one of the national leaders of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. However, his handling of the affairs of the NGF would certainly boost or undermine his chances as a major power broker in the build-up to 2023 presidential election.

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Lawan

Ndume

Goje

Gbajabiamila

Nwajiuba

Bago

9TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

A Fluid, Difficult Leadership Battle President Muhammadu Buhari, last Wednesday, returned to office after a low-key swearing-in ceremony held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the nation’s capital. The battle has now shifted to the inauguration of the Ninth National Assembly, which comes up later this week. Thus, from yet a different angle, Chuks Okocha examines some the intrigues and high-wire politics that could shape the battle for the leadership of the new parliament and the emergence of the eventual winners

T

he stage is set for the emergence of the leadership of the 9th National Assembly. The 8th Assembly under the chairmanship of Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki officially comes to an end this week, when it would conclude the parliamentary business of the day. However, the emergence of the leadership of the next assembly is not without the usual intrigues, maneuvering and backstabbing.

Themaincharacterpersonasinbothchambersof the Senate and House of Representatives are SenatorAhmed Lawan from Yobe, Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe) and SenatorAli Ndume (Borno) for the office of the Senate Presidency. For the office of the Deputy Senate, the gladiators are Senator FrancisAlimekana(Edo),SenatorOluremiTinubu (Lagos), Senator Omo Agege (Delta) and former governor Orji Kalu of Abia State.

In the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba (Imo), Idris Wase (Plateau), Umar Bago (Niger) and Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos) are the front runners for the speakership. Though many believe that the outgoing Speaker, Yakubu

Dogaraisintherace,heisyettomakehisaspiration known. That of course explains why he is yet to openly support any of the aspirants. He is keeping his plans to his chest.

Of all the aspirants in the jostle for the office of the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan stands out for many reasons. Lawan is by far the oldest parliamentarian, having been elected since 1999.

He is from Yobe State. He was first elected into the HouseofRepresentativesontheplatformoftheAll Peoples Party. Though the party has undergone several transformations, he has remained with the party through thick and thin.

Next in line is Senator Danjuma Goje from Gombe State. He is a former governor of the state for eight years and also a former Minister of state under former President Olusegen Obasanjo. He is a former member of PDP before he defected to APC. The next aspirant is Senator Ali Ndume. A former teacher in Ramat Polytechnic in Maidugiri, he was removed as senate leader and replaced

by Lawan.

The national leadership of the APC is solidly behindLawan’saspiration.Infact,heistheadopted

candidate of his party. The President, Mohammadu Buhari is yet to publicly adopt him even though presidency sources claimed President Buhari was willing to work with any person so elected as the number three citizen and chairman of the National Assembly.

Now, the intrigues...

As it is today, many of the returning senators and Senators-elect are pushing for the adoption of Standing Rules 2011 for the election of new principal officers. The 2011 senate rules prescribes anopenballoting tobeusedintheelectionofsenate leadership, while other senators are championing for the secret ballots system contained in the 2015 senate rules.

Those opposed to the 2015 Senate Standing rules claimed it was allegedly forged. But one intriguing problem is that nothing was done by the 8th senate to amend or re-adopt this aspect of the controversial senate rules. Even at this moment, the police report in the controversy is still hanging in balance after the suit challenging it was struck out by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

To compound issues, the Clerk of the National

Assembly, Mallam Mohammed Sani-Omolori, during the recently concluded retreats for the incoming National Assembly distributed the 2015 Senate rules.

But some of the senators-elect had written to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation for legal advice on which of the Senate rules to be used for their inauguration in view of the controversy around the 2015 senate rules. The office of the Attorney General of the Federation is yet to reply their letter.

In the letter, the senators said, “The Standing Rules 2015 was an illegal document, because all the procedures for amending the 2011 rules were not followed. The document was foisted on senators. There was nowhere that we sat to alter the Senate rules book.�

Accordingly, they claimed, “The Standing Rules was forged to pave the way for the election of principal officers by secret ballot. You will recall that the forgery of the 2015 rules is still the subject of an investigation by the police. The report ofAIG Ali Amodu’s Investigative Committee is yet to be considered by the government, because some public officers were indicted.

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A Fluid, DiďŹƒcult Leadership Battle “When the senators-elect met, we decided that the best option for the Ninth Senate is to adopt the 2011 Standing Rules to elect our new principal officers. The 2011 Standing Rules Policy allows open ballot system for the election of new officers.â€?

The report cited by THISDAY said, “Although the Clerk to the NationalAssembly, Omolori, has distributed the 2015 Standing Rules to senatorselect, we are not bound by it, because it is an illegal document�.

One of the contending senators told THISDAY that “If you look at the antecedents of 2015 Rules, it will create more division for the Ninth Senate.

We do not want to start on a controversial note.

As at press time, it was learnt that the report of the Police investigation into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 was still pending.

TheprobewascarriedoutbyaSpecialInvestigation Panel (SIP), which was headed by AIG Ali Amodu (Rtd).

The panel was mandated to find out the following: Whether or not, the 7th Senate at any time amended the Senate Standing Orders 2011.

If yes, what is the extent of amendment?

The name of the officer that authorised the amendment of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.

Thenameoftheofficerwhoorderedtheprinting of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.

The officer who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to senators-elect.

What did they do with the Senate Standing Order of 2011 at the induction�

Who conducted the induction? “Obtain the complete Hansard of the 9th and 24th June, 2015 to see what transpired on the floor of the Senate.�

A police source said: “The SIP has submitted a comprehensive report in the last three and a half years but the government is yet to act on it. “Definitely, a forgery was established. Also, some members of the National Assembly and top bureaucrats were indicted but action was suspended, because of alleged ‘political solution’ to the aftereffects of the investigation. If we are invited at any time, we will make the SIP report available.�

Powers of the Clerk The big challenge now is which of the Senate rules would be used on the day of inauguration bearing in mind that the senators have no voice until inauguration. They remain senators-elect until the newly elected senate president swears them in.

As far as the 9th Senate is concerned, the most important person on the day of inauguration is the clerk. That explains his ordeals in the hands of the EFCC. Apart from the palpable challenges on the mode of election, sources said that there are elements of intimidations in the entire processes.

For instance, Goje is yet to officially declare his aspiration for the office of the Senate presidency, because of a possible backstabbing from pending corruption charges against him by the EFCC. It was further gathered that despite the striking out of the corruption charges against him, the EFCC has appealed the order of the court, all in the bid to intimidate him and force him out of the race.

The truth remains that many senators especially, the former governors that are over 15 in the Senate are championing his aspiration. But as at press time he is yet to speak out. All about his aspiration is grapevine talks. Some of his aides claimed recently that in view of recent developments that the senator is comfortable retaining his position as the chairman of senate committee on appropriation, while others claim that he was still in the race. His very close aides claimed that his campaign would be reinvigorated once he is back from the lesser hajj, saying he would use the lesser hajj to sample opinions on his Aspiration.

PDP’s Insidious Plot In the incoming senate, theAPC constitutes the majority with 61 senators, while the PDP now has 48. No thanks to the Supreme Court judgment on the Zamfara State election, where the PDP gained big. Most PDP senators reliably inform both campaigners for Ndume and Goje to give them 15 APC senators that would dare the odds to openly support their aspirations.

Butuptillthismoment,noneoftheAPCsenators hadgottentheballstogoagainsttheadoptedparty position. This explains why some APC senators

Cont’d from pg. 81

A joint sitting of the National Assembly

are clandestinely championing the use of the 2015 senate rules for their inauguration.

The PDP plot is that they will vote en mass against any candidate perceived as an imposition.

But as things are, none of the APC senators are seen as willing to dare the party position, unless the 2015 senate rules is adopted.

Why Goje is Still Silent Though Goje is still non-committal, his aides say he want to hear directly from the President as a deal was struck between him and President Buhari, when the President visited him during the gale of defections, urging him not to defect.

Inside sources said Goje, who has been nursing ambition of becoming the Senate President reached an understanding that Buhari would support him, when the occasion arise. Within that period, Buhari personally visited Goje in his Asokoro residence to solicit for his support and urging him not to defect with Saraki to the PDP “Oga wants to hear from the President that Lawan is the preferred choice. That’s all�, one of Goje’s aide said.

From the Green Chamber AlmostatatimewhenNigerianshadconcluded that the next Speaker of the House of Representatives would be Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila from Lagos State, some northern cabals are bent on stopping the growing influence of the National leader of theAPC,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, believed to be behind Gbajabiamila’s ambition.As a result, theyhavefloatedthecandidacyofamemberofthe HousefromEhime/MbanoFederalConstituency, Emeka Nwajiuba to contest against Gbajibiamila.

Emeka Nwajiuba, who won defeated Hon. Chikainthepre-electionmatters,recentlyupstaged Chika, who was a front contestant in the race for the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The El-Rufai Connection The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who was recently involved in a controversy on how to stop godfatherism in Lagos State politics was allegedly recruited to field Emeka Nwajiuba as the next Speaker.

Nwajiuba’s relationship with President Buhari is said to date back to the Congress of Progressives Change (CPC) days, when he took Buhari as the then CPC presidential standard bearer round the South-east states.

Though he later defected toAccord Party when through the influence of Rochas Okorocha, he was denied the House ticket. Nonetheless, he still instituted a pre-election suit against Hon. Chika and eventually won the election. But the court later resolved the suit in favour of Nwajiuba. It was reliably gathered that some APC chieftains,

who were uncomfortable with the Tinubu camp producing the Senate President and the Speaker, connived to float the aspiration of Nwajiuba, who was a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 Inside sources also claimed some northern elites were uncomfortable with one man producing the vice president, ProfYemi Oshinbajo, the likelihood of producing Ahmed Lawan as the next senate president as well as the speaker of the House of Representatives. The campaigns and funding of Nwajiuba’s electioneering is said to being headed

by El-Rufai. The problem is that both Osinbajo and Gbajabiamila are from Lagos State.

Although Osinbajo I quick to claim Ogun, he however does not have a vote in the gateway state as he has never voted there but Lagos. Even when he had transferred his voting unit to the state ahead of the last election, he later moved it back for personal reasons and voted in Lagos.

Identifying the Tambuwal Factor However, the northern cabals were said to be unhappy that a former Speaker and Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambawaal is the arrow head championing the election of the Niger State lawmaker, Umar Bago. Hitherto, Bago’s speakership aspiration was floated and funded by the Niger State Governor,Alhaji Sani Bello, but when pressure was mounted on the governor’s father, he convinced his son to stop supporting Bago for Speakership.

It was at this stage that Tambuwal allegedly stepped in. The governor, it was gathered, is using his contacts in the House to mobilise support for Bago and gradually, the support base of Gbajabiamila is believed to be waning With the balkanisation of the APC into three camps in the race for Speaker of the House of Representatives, there is growing concern that the speaker of the 8th House, Dogara may spring a surprise.

This is because it is a settle matter that in line with the House rules, the race is going to be a secret ballot and the winner to emerge with a simple majority So far, Dogara has refused to endorse any of the speakership aspirants, in the thinking that he might contest. And with the division within the APC, he could stand a chance.

Another issue that may count against Gbajabiamila is religion. He is a Muslim from Lagos State, while Hon. Wase from Plateau State is also a Muslim. This, members-elect, who are Christians arenotcomfortablewith,queryingwhywouldthe Green chamber should be occupied by Muslim leaders with no regards to the other faith.

The outgoing speaker, Dogara is a Christian from Bauchi State, while his deputy, Lasun from Osun State is a Muslim.

How the Rules Apply TheSenaterulesorotherwisethestandingorder states clearly how the election of the Principal Officers of the NationalAssembly should be conducted, starting with the election of the President of the Senate, which shall be conducted in the following order: (a) “ASenator-elect, addressing the Clerk, shall propose another Senator-elect to the Senate to be President of the Senate and shall move that such Senator-elect ‘Do take the Chair of the Senate as President of the Senate.�

Order 3 (b) provides that “Asenator-elect, when nominated and seconded shall inform the Senate whether he or she accepts the nomination. He may then proceed to address the Senate.�

According to Order 3(c): “The Clerk shall then ask ‘Are there any further nominations?’ and if there are no further nominations, the Clerk shall say ‘I declare the nominations closed’. The Clerk shall then declare the Senator-elect so proposed and seconded elected as President of the Senate.

Such Senator-elect shall be conducted to the Chair by the proposer and seconder of the motion, and shall take the chair of the President of the Senate.�

Order 3(d) said, “If more than one Senator-elect is proposed as President of the Senate, the Clerk shall after the second nomination ask: ‘Are there anyfurthernominations?’andiftherearenofurther nominations, the Clerk shall say, ‘I declare the nominations closed.�

In the same manner, Order 3(3)(e) says, “When two or more Senators-elect are nominated and seconded as Senate President, the election shall be conducted as follows: (i) by electronic voting: or, (ii) voting by secret ballot, which shall be conducted by the Clerks-at-Table using the list of the Senators-elect of the Senate, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his vote, with the proposers and seconder as Teller.

According to the third step in (iii), “The Clerk of the Senate shall submit the result of the voting to the CAN, who shall then declare the Senator-elect who has received the highest number of votes as Senate President-elect. But Order 3(3)(f) provides that: “When more than two Senators-elect are nominated and seconded to be Senate President, the division shall be conducted in the manner prescribed in Order 3(3)(e)(ii) herein and the Senator-elect, who received the highest number of votes shall be declared the Senate President-elect. “In the event of two or more Senators-elect receiving highest but equal number of votes, the name of the candidate having the smallest numberofvotesshallbeexcludedfromsubsequent divisions; a further division shall take place.

This voting shall continue until one candidate receives a simple majority of votes of the Senatorselect. Such person will then be declared Senate President-elect.�

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Situating Bago’s Calculations for Speakership The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Marine Safety, Education and Administration and major contender for the speakership of the 9th assembly, Hon Mohammed Umar Bago, has premised his optimism for victory on certain curious permutations, writes Shola Oyeyipo

B

arring unforeseen circumstances, it is exactly 16 days from today before the inauguration of the leadership of the 9th House of Representatives and candidates, who are ready to see their ambitions to a logical conclusion are already weighing their options and pondering their chances.

Not only has Hon Mohammed Umar Bago (APC, Niger) representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, remained in the race for speakership despite proposals that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) representing Surulere I federal constituency, should be adopted by the APC, the lawmaker is very optimistic of victory. He is basing his optimism on some calculations.

A closer interaction with some of the eggheads working with the Niger State lawmaker clearly showed that they were predicating their projections for victory on some well-calculated possibilities that appear reassuring.

Some of such calculations include the fact that there are only 360 lawmakers that will determine, who becomes the next Speaker, the fact that Gbajabiamila and Bago are the two most visible and that both men are qualified on the grounds of their rankings, make the battle interesting.

Their belief therefore is that when the chips are down, external interferences will play limited role as only members of the 9th assembly will have the exclusive rights to elect the Speaker. Thus, what would count are their achievements in committee works, oversight, bills, motions and most importantly, inter-personal relationships with other lawmakers.

In presenting their candidate, the Bago team is saying while Gbajabiamila does not have committee experience, because he never chaired any committee considering his responsibilities as Minority and Majority Leader, Bago has been a committee chair, allowing him to carry out several oversights, sponsoring bills and motions, but they are not denying the fact that Gbajabiamila has enviable record in that field as well.

In terms of numbers, though the APC currently has 212 member-elects, PDP 121 and the rest goes to other opposition parties, in fact, PDP has prospect to get more, because some APC member-elects were sacked in Bauchi, another one was sacked in Ekiti, because of postprimary issue. The situation in Zamfara is a tragic one for the APC, but makes the PDP other parties smile.

The dynamics are changing, and so, Bago and other APC candidates are closely monitoring the swings.

The permutation is that since the precondition for whoever wants be Speaker is to have 181 votes, PDP members in the House are the beautiful bride that must be courted as well as members of the other parties.

Now with the sack of member-elect on the platform of the APC, Tata Umar in Bauchi State, and the sack of another one in Ekiti, the PDP has added two to its fold, so, anyone who has 100 per cent of PDP would only have to add 68 more from the APC’s 212, if not further depleted by court judgments, not forgetting the sweeping judgment on Zamfara.

Bago...not relenting

Some politically savvy APC members are already exploring the possibility of consolidating on the PDP block vote to boost their chances of becoming the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Five members of the ruling APC met with PDP member at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja last Wednesday. They are Segun Odebunmi (APC, Oyo), John Dyegh (APC, Benue), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (APC, Abia), Jide Olatunbosun (APC, Oyo) and Bago.

The meeting presented the lawmakers an opportunity to discuss various issues bothering on their mutual wellbeing as regards the coming speakership debate, particularly on standing committees vis-a-vis the position of the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Onyejeocha, who is the only female lawmaker in the race, assured the PDP that her leadership would ensure equitable allocation of committees as well as improved the welfare of members, irrespective of party affiliation. She also pledged to engage the leadership of the party to see the reason why members of the opposition should be given fair deal.

On his part, Bago assured the people that with him as speaker, all committee positions would be equitably distributed in a proportionate manner.

To further underscore the vital role

the main opposition party will play in the choice of the next Speaker, irrespective of Oshiohmole’s initial hard stance and open disdain for the PDP, the APC preferred candidate also wooed PDP lawmakers last Thursday.

Like his contemporaries, he was also at Transcorp Hilton.

However, an APC lawmaker from the South-west, who pleaded anonymity said, “This idea that it is a done deal; there is nothing to say Bago is losing this election. Anybody who says it is in the can, it is not true.�

He premised his assertion on the fact that similar ventures in the past when party leadership attempted to foist a candidate on the House failed. “In 2011, the PDP, the party in government wanted Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande from Ogbomosho, Oyo State but the defunct All Progressives Congress (ACN) instructed us to work against the party and vote Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

Though of the PDP, that the ACN was sympathetic to his course. And I think the chicken has come back to roost.� “In 2015, it was like a done deal. Even with a mock election he (Gbajabiamila) won, he lost three days after. So, we are expecting a serious sense of objectivity.

Fact is leadership must derive its authority from the people. Any leadership that

has character deficit, you will not be able to demand morality from it,� he said.

He strongly believed that despite pressure from some persons, there is a sense of self-determination among lawmakers to preserve the dignity of the assembly from external influences, especially in tandem with Section 50 that says members will elect their leader.

Bago’s campaign group however stands on the tripod of competence, constitutionalism, Nigerian and APC constitutions, which both guarantee equity and justice.

He has told whoever cared to listen that the APC constitution allows that there must be all-inclusiveness just as the Nigerian constitution and that the law says that every improvisation in conflict with the constitution of the country is null and void.

He has also said emphatically that the margin of victory for President Buhari and APC in Niger State alone was more than the entire states of the South-west, not even North-central.

Only Kwara did similar feat winning three senatorial seats and nine House of Representatives seat.

Arguing the need for equity and fairness in the allocation of opportunities, Bago told THISDAY that, “After the 1983 coup, Nigerians who were present at the Constitution amendment of 1999 made sure that the Constitution took care of agitation like this in a federal arrangement, where every part of this country is integral to the other, and that no people or section of this country should be marginalised either in the revenue allocation, political appointment, space or liberty. “So, every Nigerian is at liberty to live anywhere they want to live and stay there without any form of intimidation.

Every part of Nigeria must be seen in every office in Nigeria in a manner that reflects federal character. It is a constitutional provision. And APC; even the drafters of the party’s constitution made it very clear in the constitutional provision that the principles of fair hearing, justice, equity and federal character will be upheld.�

The Bago team has been querying the rationale behind the consideration that the South-west is being considered against the North-central, particularly considering that the fact that the Vice President already comes from the zone.

Rounding off, Bago considered the calls for open ballot system in the National Assembly leadership election, as a desperate attempt to forcibly influence the outcome of the poll According to him, such call is a “Burglary to democracy; it is a robbery to democracy in Nigeria; it is an assault on the parliament, for anybody, governmental and non-governmental organisation or group to start thinking of a primitive way of trying to coerce people to do something. It is primitive. “If they were so sure of what they are saying, why didn’t they agitate for it at the 2019 polls? If they had insisted that we went to the polls using an open ballot system, then we can say that every election in Nigeria should be by open ballot. Then, we will not be talking about this. They want to know those who are with them because they are unsure that members are with them. They are sure that people are not with them.�

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with DEMOLA OJO demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

SOCIAL MEDIA BITS

Last week on social media, an ex-governor welcomed another to the ‘EFCC alumni’, a new governor married his predecessor’s daughter, and the President returned to Saudi Arabia after his inauguration...

T

here were inaugurations of new executives around the country at the state as well as at national level, with President Muhammadu Buhari and many governors getting a second term in office while, some others get a first taste of being the number one citizen in their area of governance.

For obvious reasons, the President’s inauguration ceremony attracted the most attention and got people talking on social media.

Firstly, the President set a new record by being the first democratically elected leader in the history of Nigeria not to deliver an inaugural speech. Upon his swearing-in, Buhari merely took the oaths of office and allegiance, inspected the guards’ brigade, jumped into his convoy and left.

Another storyline that developed was the absence of quite a number of former heads of state at the venue of the event.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) was pictured sitting alone next to empty seats.

The opposition suggested it shows dissatisfaction with the election that returned President Buhari to power.

Maybe the speech and the presence of former heads of state and foreign leaders are being postponed for the real “party� which government has said will be celebrated on the new Democracy Day, June 12.

Another talking point was APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomole, being asked to leave his position after he stood between, acting chief justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, and service chiefs awaiting the arrival of the President at the venue of the inauguration.

It was interesting how Oshiomole didn’t realise what was obviously a breach of protocol until he was told.

Of course his detractors – of which there are many – shared the embarrassing video with glee, touting it as evidence

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SOCIAL MEDIA BITS of the former Edo governor overreaching himself once again.

The day after he was sworn in, President Buhari returned to Saudi Arabia to attend a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

He had been there for some days performing the lesser hajj and came to Nigeria penultimate week. Eight days after, he was back in the Gulf monarchy.

This drew reactions from two groups; those who continually berate him for “always� leaving Nigeria, and those who wonder why the President’s presence is needed at the OIC conference.

Judging from social media, many Nigerians - especially the younger generation - are unaware that Nigeria is a member of the OIC, whose mission statement bills it as “the collective voice of the Muslim world� that works to “protect the interests of the Muslim world�. It was established by 24 member states in 1969.

Today, with 57 member states from four continents, the OIC is the second-largest intergovernmental organisation in the world after the United Nations, with a collective population reaching over 1.8 billion.

This year’s conference is expected to address “current issues in the Muslim world� and “recent developments in a number of OIC member states�, according to the official agenda.

It is different strokes for different folks for incoming governors and outgoing ones. Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe state, married a new wife, ,his third, 24 hours after taking the oath of office.

The governor’s new bride is Umi Adama, one of the daughters of Ibrahim Gaidam, his predecessor. Adama is currently a student at a university in Saudi Arabia.

No such courtesies in Imo State where the government under new executive, Emeka Ihedioha, began the demolition of Akachi monument, a legacy of the immediate past governor, Rochas Okorocha.

As if that was not enough, there were reports that Okorocha was arrested by the EFCC. It turned out to be fake news.

That didn’t stop former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, of making jest of him by welcoming him to an imaginary EFCC alumni club. Fayose is also bent on inducting former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

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NEWSXTRA IATA: African Airspace Still a Danger Zone tCanvasses zero fatal accidents involving jets Chinedu Eze Despite improvement in the safety of air transport in Africa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday ranked the continent low compared to other regions of the world, thereby stoking global concern in aviation industry.

The IATA, trade association for the world’s airlines, noted that the airlines on the continent had zero jet hull losses and zero fatal accidents involving jets for a third consecutive year in 2018.”

IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and Middle East, Mohammed Albakri yesterday expressed the concern at the opening of the 2019 annual general meeting in Seoul, South Korea.

At the meeting, Albakri lamented that Africa suffered the loss of ET302 (Ethiopia Airlines

Boeing B737 MAX 8 crash on March 10) in 2019, urging African states to prioritise air safety by meeting the International Civil Aviation Organsiation (ICAO) safety standards.

He, however, disclosed that Africa was the only region “to see a decline in the 2018 all accident rate compared to 2017. The region experienced two fatal turboprop accidents, neither of which involved a scheduled passenger flight.

“More African (Sub Sahara) states need to meet the ICAO safety standards and recommended practices threshold of 60 per cent; currently, only 26 states have effective implementation of 60 per cent or greater,” Albakri said.

In order to help Africa attain high standard of safety, Albakri said that it continues “to avail its best safety practice tools like

IATA Operational Safety audit (IOSA) and IATA Standard Safety Assessment Program (ISSA) and to enhance and complement the state safety oversight role.

He said that not only that

aviation plays pivotal role in the economy of the Africa, it also contributed to the GDP of many African nations.

He disclosed that aviation “supports 6.2 million jobs in the region and generates $55.8

billion in GDP. While African regional growth is accelerating, the global growth is slowing and this creates additional opportunities for the region.”

Albakri said economically, Africa suffered from the fall

of oil prices in 2017, noting that while airlines should have benefited from lower oil prices, they suffered as the region’s oil producing nations, tried to recoup lost revenue through additional taxes and charges.

Kwara Poly Accuses ex-CISN Examiner of Frustrating Certificate Forgery Case Akinwale Akintunde The Kwara State Polytechnic has accused former Examiner of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria (CISN), Mr. Christopher Asaju of frustrating alleged certificate forgery case brought against him. =Asaju is currently standing trial before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Igbosere for allegedly forging a Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate of the polytechnic.

Penultimate Thursday, the Chief Magistrate P.I Bakare read a letter of protest, which the institution addressed to the court lamenting undue delay in Asaju’s prosecution and different ploys the accused person had deployed to frustrate it.

The Kwara Poly alleged that Asaju deliberately cooked up his involvement in an auto crash, in a bid to slow down his trial and thus get the case frustrated.

The polytechnic added that the accused person presented a medical report from a hospital “with no verifiable address”, to justify his claim that he suffered

broken neck in a recent road accident.

Asaju has been arraigned since March 2017 for allegedly forging the HND certificate in Computer Science, of the Kwara State Polytechnic.

After his trial began in December 2018, only an examination of Kwara Poly’s witness by the counsel to the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), was conducted, as further trial had been stalled until last week, owing to the claim by the accused person that he had a road accident and suffered broken neck.

While in court last week, however, Asaju appeared in neck bandage and dawdled as he walked. Meanwhile, the Kwara Poly’s letter led to crossfire between counsel to the complainant and that of the defendant.

Asaju’s lawyer, Mrs. Taiwo Obajemu, said she took exception to the description of Bethel Hospital in Lagos that issued her client a medical report as “without verifiable address”, claiming the hospital was well known.

Economic Discontent Root Cause of Boko Haram, Says UNIBEN Deputy VC Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof.

Ikponmwonsa Omoruyi at the weekend said socio-economic discontent was the root causes was the root cause of the Boko Haram insurgency currently ravaging the North-east.

Omoruyi, a professor of International Law and Human Protection has said that the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency “lies in the ability of the federal government to address the root causes of the crisis.”

He canvassed the positions at the institution’s 215th inaugural lecture titled “Advancing the Law as an instrument of Human development and Human protection: Municipal and International Perspectives.”

With extremely high rates of poverty, illiteracy and disease in the North-east, the scholar explained that it was only expected that the society will somehow pay

the price for years of utter neglect.

He said non-justiciability of the provisions of Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution “has not helped matters. Contrary to the federal government position that Boko Haram has been decimated, the group and other such organised insurgencies cannot be totally vanquished by the forces of arms.”

He explained that the reason for this “is partly because of the unconventional asymmetric nature of their operations and partly because of the fact that organisations like Boko Haram are hydra-headed.”

Omoruyi said the destruction of one head “does not amount to the destruction of the entity. This is where the law comes in. The enforcement of internationally recognised socio-economic and cultural rights is what is needed to tackle the problems of the utter neglect and low level of human development, not only in the North-east but in the entire country”.

AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

L-R: Ezechumagha of Ogidi kingdom, Igwe Alexander Uzo; Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Anambra State, Mr. Sule Momodu; Head of Service, Anambra State, Mr. Harry Udo; guest speaker, Mr. Abdul Momodu; Assistant Director, NDLEA, Adeyemi Adeofe; NDLEA Commander, Enugu State and Eze Ana-Ukwu Eze Igulube of Omor, Igwe Oranu Chidume, during the 5th annual lecture of the command held at Awka ... recently

Bayelsa SIEC Boss Resigns, Alleges Threat to His Life Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BYSIEC), Dr. Perekeme Bertola yesterday resigned his appointment about 71 days to the local government election in the state.

Despite Bertola’s resignation on Friday, the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson said the state would hold the forthcoming council election scheduled for August 10.

Perekeme announced his decision to resign in a letter addressed to the governor on May 31, thanking him for the opportunity to serve and expressing hope that his resignation would not affect the process.

In his resignation, Bertola alleged threat to his life, which

he claimed, was not unconnected to the conduct of the forthcoming local government election.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel IworisoMarkson, Dickson commended for the service he rendered to the state, especially, particularly for setting in motion the conduct of the August 10 local government election.

Regardless of the development, the governor assured that the council election would still go on, as the other members of the commission still form a quorum to carry on with the conduct of the council poll.

Dickson, therefore, directed the most senior member of the commission to tentatively take charge in acting capacity,

pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

“It is shocking that members of the opposition will go the length to harass, intimidate and threaten Bertola and his family all in their desire for him to do their bidding during the council election,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Moses Cleopas urged the state government to ensure the conduct of the local government elections despite alleged threats by elements of the opposition in the state.

He explained that no amount of threats should be allowed “to truncate the planned conduct of the local government polls.

It has come to the attention of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State that Bertola has

resigned from his position.

“Investigations by our party conducted into this sudden development revealed shockingly that Perekeme and members of his family were threatened by members of the opposition political parties who lack the capacity to win any free and fair electoral contest in Bayelsa.

“It is on this note that we call on the Government to proceed with planned local government polls designed to bring in Bayelsa’s next party chairmen and Councilors. It would be sad to accede to the criminal intent of these characters.

“We hereby call on the police and other security agencies to investigate this audacity being exhibited by criminals masquerading as politicians with a view to arresting them for prompt prosecution.”

Esekhaigbe Urges Obaseki to Explore Business Opportunities in W’Africa, Ohuabunwa Tells Entrepreneurs Settle Rift with Oshiomhole Uchechukwu Nnaike The President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa has urged entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses and gain international exposure to consider West Africa citing various opportunities in the sub-region.

He gave the advice at a news conference to announce the forthcoming business seminars of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Nigeria, Southwest District 3, Lagos.

Ohuabunwa, former Chief Executive Officer of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc and currently Managing Director of Starteams Limited, said instead of going to the United Kingdom and United States, where there are a number of conditions to be met

and restrictions, it was easier to export goods and services to West African countries where access was not restricted and no visa is required to travel.

The seminars will focus on “AchievingBusinessGrowthinToday’s Economy’ and ‘Imperatives for Building Modern Businesses.”

It will hold simultaneously on June 7-8, 2019 at the Academy Guest House and Events Hall, Agidingbi and Lagos Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja.

Also at the conference, the Chairman, Annual Business Seminar, Edward Eworo said the seminars would be a platform for the public to tap from the knowledge of erudite and tested scholars, as well as practicing business moguls, who would deliver lectures and offer practicable solutions to their business challenges in a dicey economy.

Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja First Bank of Nigeria has granted scholarships worth N2.7 million to 18 students, who emerged winners in its XploreFirst promo, an initiative designed to boost savings culture and promote financial inclusion among students.

The winners, who were drawn from the six geopolitical zones, received a sum of N150,000 each.

They emerged through an electronic draw conducted by Tequila on behalf of the bank and supervised by KPMG Nigeria, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos State Lottery Board and Consumer Protection Commission (CPC).

Speaking at the event, the bank’s Group Executive Director, e-Business and Retail Prod-

ucts, Mr. Chuma Ezirim, said the initiative “is a FirstBank savings account variant designed specifically for students between the age range of 18 to 29 years.”

The executive director said a minimum amount of N1, 000 is required to open the account and account holders are to maintain a minimum balance of N200 to run the account.

He said the initiative was one of the special benefits of the account, saying the 18 winners that emerged at the final draw would be offered yearly scholarships of N150, 000 each.

Ezirim said that the initiative was targeted at youths, especially those in tertiary institutions and informal sector to enhance savings culture and drive financial inclusion across the country.

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Edited by Demola Ojo Email: demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Liverpool Beat Tottenham 2-0, Become European Champions for 6th Time

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iverpool yesterday erased the disappointment of last season’s Champions League final loss by claiming the trophy for the sixth time with victory over Tottenham in Madrid.

It was Mohamed Salah, such a disconsolate figure when he was injured early in that loss to Real Madrid, who set Liverpool on their way with a penalty after two minutes when Moussa Sissoko was contentiously punished for handball.

In a final that rarely touched the heights of the blockbuster semi-finals that made this an all-Premier League showpiece, Spurs had chances but were denied by Liverpool keeper Alisson, who saved well from Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Christian Eriksen.

And their failure to capitalise was ruthlessly punished when substitute Divock Origi ensured manager Jurgen Klopp won his first trophy as Liverpool manager by driving low and powerfully past Hugo Lloris with three minutes left.

Spurs counterpart Mauricio Pochettino took the gamble of selecting England captain and main striker Harry Kane despite his not having played since April because of an ankle injury, replacing semi-final hat-trick hero Lucas Moura, but he had no impact.

Liverpool lifted the trophy that was taken from their grasp in Ukraine last season and now stand behind only Real Madrid and AC Milan as serial winners of this tournament.

One of the enduring images of Liverpool’s loss to Real Madrid in Kiev was a tearful Salah being led off midway through the first half as realisation dawned he could not continue with the shoulder injury sustained in a tangle with Sergio Ramos.

It was a moment that changed the mood inside the stadium and left Liverpool unable to turn the tide once it went against them - so this was an occasion laced with meaning for the world-class Egyptian.

And his moment came almost instantly when he took responsibility from the penalty spot and powered the ball past Lloris.

How fitting it was that the player who has contributed so much to Liverpool’s renaissance should make such a significant contribution.

Another major difference from last year’s disap-

Poland 2019: F/ Eagles Arrive Lodz for Senegal The delegation of Nigeria’s U20 team arrived in Lodz yesterday afternoon, ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA U20 World Cup Round of 16 clash with fellow African flagbearers Senegal.

Players and officials left their Qubus Hotel in Bielsko-Biala after breakfast and arrived in Poland’s third largest city just in time for lunch at the Hotel Ambasador Premium.

Nigeria finished third in Group D and only qualified as one of the best fourth third –place finishers in the six groups, while Senegal, Africa’s vice champions, finished at the top of Group A after two wins and a draw. The seven-time African champions are yet to truly impress in Poland since their opening day 4-0 lashing of Qatar.

A 2-0 loss to USA and 1-1 draw with Ukraine, meant the Flying Eagles had to sneak into the knockout rounds, but the spirit in camp is high following qualification, and the prospect of squaring up to another African team appears to be engendering determination.

Nicknamed ‘The Promised Land’, Lodz however does not hold much promise for the African army, as this early knockout round confrontation between Nigeria and Senegal, and the fact that South Africa’s Amajita are already back in Johannesburg following group stage elimination, means depleted African presence going forward. The other African team, Mali, will have to battle Argentina at the same stage on Tuesday evening.

Half of the Round of 16 fixtures are all-Confederation clashes. Apart from Nigeria/Senegal, South American representatives Uruguay and Ecuador are up against each other, as Asians Japan and South Korea, and European teams Italy and Poland.

Liverpool ended a brilliant season with the ďŹ rst laurel under Jurgen Klopp pointment was the giant presence of Alisson in goal as opposed to the hapless Lloris Karius, who gifted goals to Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in Kiev.

Here, the ÂŁ67m Brazilian was a rock with his safe handling and vital interventions when Liverpool came under stress in the second half.

Alisson, along with Virgil van Dijk, has given Liverpool the extra dimension that pushed them so close to a first league title in 29 years and has now made them European champions once more.

Liverpool manager Klopp knew one sub-plot to this Champions League final, played out in the searing heat of Madrid, would be his grim record of losing six successive finals.

He had lost three with Liverpool, including in this competition last season, and while no-one can seriously doubt the German’s outstanding work it was his legendary Anfield predecessor Bill Shankly who coined the phrase: “First is first and second

is nowhere.�

Klopp can now cast off that mantle and instead be known as the manager who restored Liverpool to the pinnacle of European competition.

Ironically, after a season of sustained brilliance and a single defeat brought the scant reward of second place to Manchester City in the Premier League, this landmark triumph was achieved with one of Liverpool’s least sparkling performances for some time.

That will not matter, however, because Liverpool earned this glory with wins such as those over Bayern Munich in the quarter-final and the astonishing 4-0 turnaround against Barcelona at Anfield in the semi-final.

Klopp was already a much-loved figure - now his name will be written into club folklore.

For Pochettino, the temptation to play Kane was simply too much to resist - and it was easy

to understand why.

Pochettino knew his world-class striker was a player who had hurt Liverpool in the past and could hurt them again - so he left out Moura, the scorer of that dramatic hat-trick in the semi-final second leg in Ajax that took Spurs to the final.

Kane had not played since sustaining another ankle injury in the quarter-final first leg against Manchester City on April 9 and it showed as he failed to exert any influence on the game, Moura introduced belatedly but unable to produce a second miracle.

Spurs and Pochettino were left heartbroken and perhaps with a sense of missed opportunity, because Liverpool were nowhere near their best and occasionally looked vulnerable.

Pochettino, however, deserves huge credit for taking Spurs to their first Champions League final without strengthening his squad this season.

Osaka, Williams out of French Open Three-time champion Serena Williams was yesterday stunned in the French Open third round by unseeded American Sofia Kenin.

Williams, 37, was seeded 10th but lost 6-2 7-5 to her 20-year-old compatriot, who was at times booed by the crowd.

The defeat means Williams’ quest to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles continues. “I’m so happy with this win - obviously you can tell with these emotions,� a crying Kenin told the crowd on Philippe Chatrier. “Playing against Serena, you have to fight for every point.�

Williams’ defeat followed the shock exit by world number one Naomi Osaka a few hours earlier and leaves only three top-10 players in the women’s draw.

Earlier in the day, defending champion Simona Halep enjoyed a straightforward 55-minute victory, beating Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 6-2 6-1 to reach the last 16.

World number 35 Kenin will play Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty in the fourth round, while Halep faces unseeded 18-year-old French Open debutant Iga Swiatek.

Meanwhile Osaka says her French Open exit was “probably the best thing that could have happened� and that she was suffering headaches from the “stress� of being the top seed.

Her bid for a third Grand Slam in a row ended with a 6-4 6-2 third-round defeat by unseeded Czech Katerina Siniakova.

Osaka

The US Open and Australian Open champion was playing in her first Grand Slam as world number one. “I feel like there has been a weight on me,� the Japanese 21-year-old said. “In this tournament I have had a feeling that was different to the other Grand Slam tournaments.

Usually, I find it very freeing and fun but this time I was kind of tense the entire time. “I think I was overthinking this calendar Slam.�

Osaka became the world’s leading player after following up her maiden Grand Slam win at September’s US Open with victory at the Australian Open in January.

Sunday June 2 2019

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MISSILE

Mrs Buhari to Security Chiefs “This is a state where we got 1. 2 million votes free of charge. It is not proper for us to give highest number of votes during the general elections and allow bandits to continue killing people and keep quiet.� – Wife of the president, Aisha Buhari while lamenting the invasion of Katsina State by bandits.

UBA SANI GUEST COLUMNIST

Political Intrigues and The El-Rufai Mystique

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trangely, but not entirely unexpectedly, even before the inauguration of recently elected persons into their respective political offices, the nation is virtually on the throes of another electioneering campaign. For some politicians and their acolytes, the elections of 2023 are already around the corner.

It is obviously against this background that they are already poised to hack down persons considered, no matter how remotely, as threats to their respective political ambitions. Some of us believe that it is clearly for this reason that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the re-elected Governor of Kaduna State, is being targeted by persons that are apparently feeling threatened by his rather intimidating profile and giant strides in Kaduna State in the last four years.

It is understandable that both friends and foes are all too often intrigued by the brilliance, clarity of thought, sagacity, raw energy and boldness of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; however, it is totally unacceptable to unfairly target him just to score cheap political points.

I have followed very carefully the very latest attempt to mire Mallam El-Rufai in dirty politics. Given my well known closeness to El-Rufai, let me clarify that he deeply appreciates the good people of Kaduna State who thronged polling booths on the 9th of March this year to overwhelmingly re-elect him as their Governor. Mallam El-Rufai is totally focused on consolidating Kaduna’s lead as the best governed state in Nigeria in the last four years. As a good Muslim, El-Rufai views talks or insinuations bothering on the elections that would hold three and half years from now, as not only preposterous but also sacrilegious. Therefore, his unfair targeting by close associates of one of the national leaders of our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is totally un-called for and should stop forthwith. It is also not helping that these persons are using a glaringly innocuous statement that Governor El-Rufai made recently at a private event in Lagos, to underhandedly haunt him.

I have carefully gone through a reasonable number of commentaries in the media on the so-called ‘verbal attack’ on Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

by Governor El-Rufai during the said Lagos event. In several of these commentaries, mostly by political jobbers, the impression is being created that Governor Nasir El-Rufai deliberately went to Lagos to lay out the blueprint for the possible dismantling of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political machine in Lagos State. Or like one of the writers put it: “El-Rufai went to Lagos to draw a conjectural map for them on how to retire Tinubu.� I dare say that nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, Mallam El-Rufai had rounded off his remarks at this private event when a participant raised a question on how good-intentioned or well-meaning candidates who do not have ‘political godfathers’ could ever win elections in Nigeria, using Lagos State as an example. Mallam El-Rufai’s reply was typically forthright and blunt just as his dispositions on all issues. In his answer to this question, Mallam El-Rufai simply told the gathering that he won the governorship election in Kaduna State without a godfather and that all it took was hard work.

Let me quote a reasonable portion of Governor El-Rufai’s answer to the question: “It is possible to win election anywhere without a political godfather. But it takes careful planning and hard work. That was exactly what we did in Kaduna in 2015. Connecting with the people, that godfather, you will retire him or her

El-Rufai permanently. But it is hard work; it requires three to four years of hard work. So, if you want to run in 2023, you should start now,� he said. Mallam El-Rufai further added, “Here in Lagos, you have over six million registered voters, only about a million voted (in 2019 general elections); five million did not vote.

If I want to run for Governor of Lagos, I will start now. I will commission a study to know why those five million registered voters did not vote; where did they go on election day?

Then I will start visiting them for the next four years. I will try and get just two million of them to come and vote for me; I will defeat any godfather.� There was nowhere and at no time at this event or while answering the question did Governor El-Rufai mention Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, whom he has immense respect for. The deliberate distortion of this general comment by Mallam El-Rufai at the Lagos event has not come to us as a surprise at all.

It clearly fits into what is already obvious; that persons who view him as a threat to their future political ambitions would go the whole nine yards to tarnish him. The truth however is that Mallam El-Rufai is very conscious of the fact that power comes only from God. Another trend in several of the commentaries is that Governor El-Rufai is himself a product of godfathers. This, again, is not true. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s very intimidating profile is in the public domain for anyone to peruse and make reasonable judgments.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying with First Class Honors from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai established a Quantity Surveying and Project Management Consulting firm (El-Rufai and Partners) in 1982 with three other partners. The firm became instantly successful, handling remarkable building and civil engineering projects in Nigeria, and in just few years, the partners became very successful while still in their twenties.

El-Rufai’s first foray into public service was in 1998 when he served as an Adviser in the transition administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar. From November 1999 to July 2003, he was the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPP) and the Secretary of the National Council of Privatization where he meticulously spearheaded the privatisation of many government-owned companies. In 2003, President Olusegun Obasanjo who was clearly impressed by the dogged and dexterous way Mallam El-Rufai undertook his assignment at the BPE, appointed him the Minister of

the Federal Capital Territory, which was then notorious for seemingly intractable corruption and land racketeering. It was as the Minister of FCT that Mallam El-Rufai truly established himself as one of the nation’s leading crusaders against corruption. Working round the clock with a profound team, El-Rufai, in a matter of months radically transformed the FCT. He boldly commenced and succeeded in the restoration of the original master plan of the Federal Capital Territory. He outstandingly ended the very embarrassing incidences of land racketeering with the establishment of the Abuja Geographic Information System within 12 months of being Minister of the FCT. Abuja became the first municipality in Nigeria with a computerised land register and information system.

Mallam El-Rufai was also a member of the very successful Economic Management Team of Presidential Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration alongside the likes of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Mallam Lawal Batagarawa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, among others. At various times during his tenure as Minister, he was tasked by the President to superintend over the Federal Ministries of Commerce (twice) and Interior. He also chaired several high-profile cabinet committees that led to the establishment of a mortgage system in Nigeria, National ID card system for Nigeria, Electric Power Supply Improvement and the sale of Federal Government real estate in Abuja.

After succeeding Obasanjo as President in 2007, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua appointed Mallam El-Rufai to the National Energy Council in September 2007, due to the belief that he could contribute positively to the under-achieving power sector of the country. Nasir El-Rufai resigned the appointment in June 2008, when he realized that the administration had begun derailing. Having exited government and public service, El-Rufai devoted his time and energy to the acquisition of further education. He attended post-graduate programmes at Harvard Business School and Georgetown University. He completed an LL.B degree from the University of London, graduating in August 2008 with Second Class Honors, Upper Division, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in June 2009. He also received the Kennedy School Certificate in Public Policy and Management having spent 11 months as an Edward A. Mason Fellow in Public Policy and Management from July 2008 to June 2009.

By 2015, it had become all too glaring that Nigerians were totally fed up with the very inept and irredeemably corrupt Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration at the centre and across a number of States in the country. It was also obvious that the movement for change had gathered momentum and the incorruptible retired General Muhammadu Buhari had become the champion of this movement. General Buhari was at the time the leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Mallam El Rufai was a member of the CPC, having left the PDP as far back as 2007. With the alignment of political energies, the CPC joined forces with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). Under this alliance, General Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the Presidential candidate while Mallam El Rufai who was very busy at the

time working assiduously to actualize the alliance, was prevailed upon by not just the indigenes of Kaduna State but top leaders of the newly formed APC, especially General Muhammadu Buhari, to run for the office of Governor of Kaduna State. It was landslide victory for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election while Mallam Nasir El Rufai decisively won the governorship contest in Kaduna State.

I have taken the time and the trouble to trace the political journey of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to debunk the wrong assertion that he got to where he is today at the behest of one godfather or the other. It is true that he enjoyed and still enjoys the support of many political, religious and traditional leaders across the country but it is not true that one godfather catapulted him to the office of the Governor of Kaduna State. Mallam El-Rufai himself has severally said that he would not have contested for the office of the Governor of Kaduna State in 2015 but for the insistence of General Muhammadu Buhari. Having secured the support of Buhari and several other leaders of the party, the onus now fell on El-Rufai to work extremely hard, deploying his intellect, superb organizational skills and other resources to reach out to the electorate.

Above all however, God Almighty blessed his aspiration and efforts. At the Lagos event, Mallam El Rufai merely told the story of how hard work earned him the Governorship of Kaduna State. He was underscoring the point that persons who seek to be elected into political offices must understand that it is no longer enough to assume that having earned good education, attained a certain level of economic and social pedigree or even good intention only would earn them votes. He counselled hard work that is steeped in actually reaching out to the highest number of potential voters irrespective of where they are in the voting constituency.

Mallam Nasir El Rufai did not go to Lagos to help anyone plot any scheme to oust the political leader of the State. He could not have done so because it is not even nearly his business to do so. Seeing as he is not from Lagos State.

I must however state that the political family of Governor Nasir El-Rufai have been able to decode all the attacks on our inimitable leader.

The well organized, syndicated and sustained attacks are no doubt the handiwork of mischief makers. You don’t have to be sophisticated or discerning to know that they have unleashed their media machine and despicable e-rats on Governor El-Rufai. Their pens and fingers are all dripping with vitriol. They are so unsparing and indecent in their attacks.

In their haste and hate, they are deeply hurting their Principal whom they are so eager to project and position for the 2023 presidential contest. Why see El-Rufai as your 2023 rival when the 2019 elections have just been concluded? Why burn bridges of understanding and cooperation when you should be expanding your political and social networks across the country?

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s associates and supporters are deeply pained by these sustained attacks but have been pacified by the Governor himself. But if these attacks persist, the El-Rufai camp may be forced to respond in equal measure. A word, they say, is enough for the wise. t6CB 4BOJ JT UIF 4FOBUPS FMFDU GPS ,BEVOB $FOUSBM 4FOBUPSJBM ;POF

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