SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 2022

Obasanjo Clocks 85 Amid Loads of Goodwill Messages Atiku, Saraki, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Sani Bello, Anyim celebrate former president Our Correspondents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria's head of state from 1976 to 1979, and later as its president from 1999 to 2007, clocked 85 today, amid

goodwill messages from eminent Nigerians wishing him good health and long life.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated his former boss while praying to God to continue to bless

“this giant of Africa” with good health and that his legacies of good governance should continue to manifest in many parts of Africa.

In a statement he personally signed, Atiku, who served

as Vice President during the Obasanjo presidency said, “The celebration of Obasanjo is parallel to celebrating vision of good leadership and panAfricanism.”

Atiku adds: “The vision

which Obasanjo brought into governance either as a military head of government or as a democratically elected president continues to set the pace for progressive ideals in governments across Africa.

“In the decades of the late ‘70s when almost all of Africa was covered in military dictatorships, Obasanjo set the pace for a transfer of power to Continued on page 6

APC Approves 19 Sub-Committees to Oversee National Convention… Page 8 Saturday 5 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9825

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804 Nigerians Fleeing Ukraine Evacuated, Land in Abuja Wole Soyinka, 164 other Nobel laureates condemn Russian invasion Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Michael Olugbode in Abuja The

federal

government

yesterday evacuated 804 Nigerians fleeing the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This came on a day a coalition of 165 Nobel laureates, including Nigeria’s Wole Soyinka, openly

condemned the Russian Federation led by Vladimir Putin, for its “unprovoked military aggression towards

Ukraine.”

The evacuees arrived on three flights to Abuja with the first batch of 450 from

Romania landing at the private jet terminal of the Continued on page 6

Buhari in Surprise Return to Abuja, Defers Departure for London Medicals to Sunday Promises to defend Nigerians wherever they are

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja yesterday after a three-day visit to Nairobi, Kenyan where he participated in the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

His return, which is contrary to an earlier announcement that he would proceed to London, United Kingdom, from Kenya, for a two-week medical checks, triggered surprise and speculations.

A statement issued last Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, announcing the Kenyan trip, said Buhari would head to London from Nairobi after the UNEP event.

"From Kenya, President Buhari will proceed to London for routine medical checks that will last for a maximum of two weeks," the statement had said.

This did not happen.

But the Senior Special Continued on page 6

CELEBRATING NIGERIAN WOMEN… L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI), Olukayode Pitan; United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Matthias Schmale; Minister of Women and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen; Minister of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Yahwaji Katagum and wife of the BOI MD, Olorunfemi, during the International Women's Day 2022 tagged, “Break the Bias'' in Lagos …yesterday

Manufacturers Groan as Price of Diesel Hits N520 Per Litre... Page 46

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

PAGE SIX OBASANJO CLOCKS 85 AMID LOADS OF GOODWILL MESSAGES civilian government in Nigeria and that singular effort began the process of democratisation across the continent.”

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki described Obasanjo as a man who at 85 years remains the pride of Nigeria and Africa.

Saraki in his goodwill message to mark the birthday of his former boss under whom he served as Special Assistant (Budget Matters) between 2000 and 2002, stated that Obasanjo laid the solid foundation that ensured the survival of democracy in the country.

He noted that in the same vein, the former President continued to play a key role in achieving peace, unity, and development of the continent as he still serves in different capacities to entrench stability across Africa.

Saraki said: “Baba, you have continued to bring honour to our country, Nigeria, and her over 200 million citizens. For decades, you have been the pride of our dear nation and its flagbearer in striving for the maintenance of peace not only in Africa but also across the globe.”

In his message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, described Obasanjo as a quintessential leader not only in Nigeria but globally.

He said the retired military general and elder statesman, “is worth celebrating at 85, having served Nigeria in many capacities, especially for unity, peaceful coexistence and socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria.”

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press

Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile, yesterday, said Obasanjo is one of the few Nigerian leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country both as military and civilian leader, and left with impeccable records.

He said Obasanjo at the global level “is a leader to be reckoned with” due to his passionate involvement on African affairs and other global issues.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Obasanjo has made lots of positive impacts in the country as a military officer and political leader, fighting along with several other patriots for a united Nigeria during his

days in the Nigerian Army.

“He has written his name in gold as the first Nigerian to serve as Head of State and later Civilian President. He also administered the country with focus on improving the lives of the citizens and the country's economy.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also felicitated with Olusegun. In a brief statement posted on his Instagram page, Abiodun showered praises on the former president, describing him as a "living legend".

He also prayed that the former president continues to age gracefully in excellent health.

A message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle

Somorin in Abeokuta yesterday read: "Not many can boast of your profile - civil war hero, federal commissioner, former chief of staff, supreme headquarters, two-term president of Nigeria, retired military general, peace maker, farmer, family man, politician, author, traditional titles’ holder, global statesman and with an earned Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) obtained at age 80.

"You remain, for us, an inspiration as a living legend and symbol of Ogun Standard of Excellence. As you clock 85 today, you still spend every moment, not just for yourself, but for the successor generations and

the rest of humanity. Even at your advanced age, you keep sacrificing for security, stability, development and co-operation across Africa and the rest of the world. Your footprints remain indelible in the sands of time. Our prayer is that you keep trudging in excellent health on the global plain and may every stage of your life be more exciting than the previous.”

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello described Obasanjo as an "exceptional and patriotic leader who used "The best of his life to work for the unity and stability of Nigeria."

Bello said that the former president also worked

tirelessly to achieve peace on the African continent In a message to mark the 85th birthday of the elder statesman, the governor said Obasanjo had also become "a living legend and a strong voice within and outside the shores of the country, considering the outstanding and commendable sacrifices he made for Nigeria and many African countries.

"Chief Obasanjo is one leader that has had a very rare opportunity to serve the country both as a Military Head of State and democratically elected president and did so exceptionally well.

Continued on page 47

BUHARI IN SURPRISE RETURN TO ABUJA, DEFERS DEPARTURE FOR LONDON MEDICALS TO SUNDAY Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said there was no cause for alarm and that the President returned to Abuja because his engagements in Nairobi finished earlier.

Shehu said: "Nothing has changed about Buhari’s planned trip to London; it is still as earlier planned. He will leave for London on Sunday.

There's no need for any anxiety.

President Buhari is now billed to leave for United Kingdom on Sunday unlike the initial plan of his leaving the UNEP conference in Nairobi to London.”

The Nigerian President official aircraft, Nigeria Air Force 1 touched down at the presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 1pm yesterday.

While in Kenya, the President participated in the Special

Session to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nation’s body.

President Buhari said at the session: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of UNEP’s existence, we laud the efforts of UNEP and encourage broader action to overcome climate change, protect biodiversity, stem rising levels of pollution and waste, being three major crises threatening our planet.

The President also met with Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Nairobi.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has declared that his administration would continue to defend the interest of Nigerians wherever they may be, even as the nation begins the evacuation of citizens stranded in the aftermath of the happenings

in Ukraine.

He made this disclosure on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya at a Townhall Meeting with a group of Nigerians resident in the country.

Buhari said: “On our part as a government, we shall continue to defend the interests of all Nigerians wherever they may be. We have demonstrated this over time, as we have had cause to evacuate our citizens abroad. We did it in Libya, South Africa and we have just commenced doing the same in Ukraine, where thousands of our citizens, especially students, are trapped by the on-going war between Russia and Ukraine.”

The President, who was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, commended the Diaspora Nigerians for the unity that

exists among them and peace with their host communities, urging them to respect the laws and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

He reiterated that it was the determination of the current administration to forge a partnership with the ‘Ambassadors-at large’ towards building the country together that led to the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

Buhari said: “We expect your willingness to give back to Nigeria some of your resources, talents, skills and global exposure in the development of our great country, Nigeria.”

He, therefore, encouraged the Ambassadors to key into the programmes of NiDCOM, especially the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund whose mandate is holistic

for all Nigerians abroad, adding that the platform would assist them to expeditiously contribute to the development of their fatherland.

Responding on behalf of Nigerians in Diaspora (Kenya), its President, Dr. Nicholas Ozor, expressed his appreciation to the President for always meeting with them when he is in the country as this boosts their morale.

He appreciated efforts of the Nigerian High Commission officials for their support and care.

Ozor, however, requested the President to intervene in some of the challenges confronting them, such as; the stoppage of visa on arrival for Nigerians; delay in getting student permits; obstacles to ease of doing business, and undue negative profiling of Nigerians.

“We join in condemning these military actions and President Putin’s essential denial of the legitimacy of Ukraine’s existence.

“There is always a peaceful way to resolve disputes. The Russian invasion blatantly violates the United Nations Charter, which says all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

“It ignores the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, which obligated Russia and others to respect the sovereignty, independence, and existing borders of Ukraine.

“The Russian invasion will stain the international reputation of the Russian state for decades to come. It will pose barriers to its economy and inflict hardships on its population. The sanctions imposed will restrict the ease of movement of its talented and hardworking people in the world. Why raise this fence between Russia and the world now?

“Hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers, Russian soldiers, and Ukrainian civilians, including children, have died already.

It’s so sad, so unnecessary. We gather in this appeal to call upon the Russian government to stop its invasion of Ukraine and withdraw its military forces from Ukraine.”

Reinstating their support for Ukraine, the scholars said, “We respect the calm and the strength of the Ukrainian people. We are with you.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all, Ukrainians and Russians, who have died and been injured already. May peace come to this piece of our beautiful world.”

Seize Europe’s Largest Nuclear Power Plant

a repeat of the Chernobyl disaster and begged world leaders to back Kyiv.

He said: “No country other than Russia has ever fired on nuclear power units,” he said in a video message released by his office. This is the first time in our history; in the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror.”

Zelensky alleged that the Russian troops had knowingly fired on the nuclear facility.

“These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting,” said Zelensky.

Ukraine’s nuclear facilities have been a major point of concern since Russia’s military invaded the country last week and began bombarding cities with shells and missiles.

804 NIGERIANS FLEEING UKRAINE EVACUATED, LAND IN ABUJA Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7:10 am via Max Air. The second batch of 180 Nigerians, including four children arrived on board Air Peace from Poland at 6.55 pm.

The third batch arrived at around midnight from Hungary on board Air Peace.

The evacuees were mostly students who fled Ukraine to Romania, Hungary and Poland following Russia’s invasion of the Eastern European country.

The arrival of the Nigerians is a welcome relief after initial reports that they and other Africans were being ill-treated and prevented from leaving Ukraine through the Polish border.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who condemned the ugly development, said there were about 4,000 Nigerians in Ukraine, mostly students.

He said one group had repeatedly been refused entry to Poland so they travelled back into Ukraine to head for Hungary instead.

According to President Buhari in a tweet, "All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under the UN Convention, and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.”

Some of the evacuees who spoke to journalists on arrival yesterday appreciated the federal government for its efforts in ensuring they were safely evacuated but narrated the pains they had to go through to get out of Ukraine.

Wegwu Kella, a female Nigerian from Rivers State and student said it was a bitter/sweet feeling leaving Ukraine back to Nigeria.

She said: “I feel Ukraine has been home and since my arrival in that country, things have been working out well but I feel I am safe

and returning to Nigeria to meet loved ones. I was really in another city when the bombing started. The social media was awash with news of the impending attack so I had left the capital city. When I was leaving for the border, I was in the cold and had to walk for six hours straight to get to the gate and on getting to the gate they were allowing only Ukrainians to pass and I had to leave and get a bus to another border point. This took another 24 hours to get to but this time around I was in a bus.

“I cannot explain how I got here because I was going to miss the flight, I went to the embassy yesterday to register and I got to the airport and was told the plane was full. I waited to see if any opportunity arises and today because I was in front of the line I was able to make the flight.”

Another evacuee, Eniola Badejo, also a student appreciated the government’s efforts, but appealed for more information and better coordination as the exercise continued.

She said: “We thank our government because it has been really tiring, we went through a lot of stress, many of us travelled all the way and we barely slept. I am just happy going back to my family.”

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Christian Ugwu appreciated President Buhari for his swift intervention and release of funds to get all stranded Nigerians in Ukraine back home.

Ugwu said the embassy in Poland was on top of the situation and had successfully coordinated the first batch that was being evacuated already.

The ambassador, however, urged all Nigerians who had made it to Poland to ensure they got ready to be evacuated

home rather than remain in Poland.

Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, leader of the evacuation exercise from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that the March 3 flight was cancelled due to delay in getting all the intending evacuees together from their respective hotels.

Akinremi explained that as at when they were ready, the International law did not allow for the crew members to continue with the journey as they had overshot their duty time.

Wole Soyinka, 164 other Nobel Laureates Condemn Invasion A coalition of 165 Nobel laureates, including Wole Soyinka, yesterday openly condemned the Russian Federation, led by Putin, for its “unprovoked military aggression” towards Ukraine.

This was stated in an open letter jointly signed by the Nobel laureates, who stated that there were other peaceful ways to solve disputes.

The scholars also noted that the invasion “will stain” the international reputation of the Russian state for decades to come.

A copy of the letter made available on Vox Ukraine partly read: “In a move that recalls the infamous attack of Nazi Germany on Poland in 1939 (using similar tricks of feigned provocation) and on the Soviet Union in 1941, the government of the Russian Federation, led by President Putin, has launched an unprovoked military aggression — nothing else but a war - against its neighbour, Ukraine.

“We choose our words carefully here, for we do not believe the Russian people have a role in this aggression.

Russian Forces

Russian forces seized control of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant yesterday after a battle with Ukrainian troops that caused a fire and fears of a catastrophic accident.

The Ukrainian nuclear regulator said that the fire had been extinguished and no radiation leak had been detected, with site staff still able to work at the Zaporizhzhia site.

“The Zaporizhzhia NPP site has been seized by the military forces of the Russian Federation. The fire was extinguished by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service units,” the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said in a statement.

Earlier, fighting had erupted between Russian invasion forces pushing towards the city of Zaporizhzhia and Ukrainian defenders, causing a blaze at the plant and global alarm.

The power station is located in southern Ukraine on the Dnipro River and produces a fifth of Ukraine’e electricity.

Any fire in a nuclear plant revives memories of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, also in Ukraine, which left hundreds dead and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe.

Of the six reactors at Zaporizhzhia, the agency said, one is in operation and producing power, one has been turned off and four are being cooled to prevent overheating.

The regulator did not say, however, what each reactor’s status had been before the fire.

An on-site inspection is being carried out by Ukrainian staff.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of resorting to “nuclear terror” by risking

US Senator Calls on Russians to Assassinate Putin US Senator, Lindsey Graham has called for “somebody in Russia” to assassinate Putin.

The Republican Senator called for Julius Caesar-style assassination of the Kremlin strongman, currently leading an invasion of Ukraine, during an appearance on Fox News' Hannity show and in a series of tweets on Thursday.

“Is there a Brutus in Russia?

Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military?” he tweeted, referencing the army officer who attempted to kill Adolf Hitler.

“The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country and the world a great service,” his tweet continued.

Graham's call for Putin to be assassinated comes as the Russian leader continues to indiscriminately bomb cities in Ukraine.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

APC Approves 19 Sub-Committees to Oversee National Convention Chairmen, secretaries to be inaugurated March 7 Charles Ajunwa

With 19 Sub-Committees and a secretariat to provide Support/ Technical Services all made up of 1, 562 selected members, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is ready to conduct a hitch-free National Convention on March 26, which will produce the party’s National Working

Committee (NEC) members.

The composition of the SubCommittees for the National Convention of the party was approved by the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Governor Mai Mala Buni, after a series of consultations.

The Secretary of the Care-

2023: Emir of Katsina Vows Not to Disown Tinubu Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmuminin Kabir Usman, yesterday vowed not to disown the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election in the country.

The monarch gave the assurance when he received in audience the members of the Arewa Organisations Movement for Asiwaju led by Senator Abu Ibrahim at his palace in Katsina, the state capital.

The delegation also visited Governor Aminu Bello Masari at the Government House where they solicited for his support and prayers. Usman explained that the country was facing security challenges ranging from banditry, kidnapping, rape, drug trafficking and addiction but if elected as president in 2023, Tinubu would not fail Nigerians.

According to him, “I knew Tinubu when he was governor while I was district head and he has assisted me in many ways and now is contesting for president. Tell me the reason why I should disown him.

“This insurgency, rape and so many other atrocities in the country are orchestrated by men

and if there is anybody that we think can solve these problems, we will vote him, support him and advise him.

“So, Tinubu is the son of the soil and he is a good material. I don’t think he will fail us. He will not fail us. Nigeria is one country and there is no other country to go to except Nigeria. We must come together and help yourselves in order to build Nigeria.”

He, however, attributed the spate of insurgency, banditry and kidnapping bedevilling the nation to what he termed selfish interest and myopic interest of Nigerians, particularly the leaders.

The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to shun tribalism, religions and political affiliations and work together for peace and socio-economic activities to thrive in the country.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Senator Abu Ibrahim, told the Emir that Tinubu is capable of addressing the challenges afflicting Nigerians when elected as president of the country come 2023.

He explained that the delegation was at the emir’s palace to solicit for his blessings, support and advice on the actualisation of the dream of the Arewa Organisations Movement for Asiwaju.

Delta Oil Host Community Threatens Protest Over Neglect Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The elders and people of Iwhrekan, an oil producing community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, have threatened massive protest over what they termed long years of neglect by oil companies operating in the locality.

They said that they have run out of patience and appealed to the federal and state governments to come to the aid of the people and rescue them from health, economic and social challenges due to environmental degradation, including pollution of water bodies and farmlands resulting from oil exploitation.

The Iwhrekan people stated this at one day ‘Community Diagnostic Dialogue’ held at the Iwhrekan Community Hall, organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF).

Speaking on behalf of Iwhrekan community, Elder Victor Onokere, said that although they were host

community to ND Western (formerly SPDC) with the first and second phases of the multibillion dollar Utorogu Gas Plant, the people had nothing to show for it than destroyed fishing water, farmlands, houses and all manner of health challenges.

He said that the oil and gas companies have apparently been taking the community for granted because Iwherekan had been too quiet as a peace-loving community.

Onokere said, “We are calling on the ND Western, they are the people in charge, all these companies we have mentioned today, they are working with them. There are contractors working under ND Western. We will stage a protest for the whole world to hear us, to know what we are suffering here.

“Many multi-national companies are coming here, for example Malcolm’s Engineering Services; they just finished the second phase of the gas plant.

Now we have Lowlem that are working here now, working on the third phase of the gas plant.

taker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe who signed the approved list of the Sub-Committees obtained

by THISDAY, enjoined the party members to disregard all previous communications on the matter.

Akpanudoedehe also said that the Chairmen and Secretaries of the 19 Sub-Committees would be inaugurated on Monday March 7, 2022, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja by the Chairman of CECPC, Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The approved National Convention Sub-Committees are as follows: Central Coordinating Committee has 12 members with Governor Mai Mala Buni as Chairman and Senator John James Akpannudoedehe as Secretary; Secretariat to Provide Support/Technical Services has eight members with Abdullahi Yusuf Gashu’a as Chairman and

Dare Oketade as Secretary; Screening Committee has 88 members with Governor Abdulrasaq Abdulrahman as Chairman and Mr. Shuaibu Aruwa, SAN, as Secretary; Screening Appeal Committee has 88 members with Governor Hope Uzodinma as Chairman and Dr. Danjuma Adamu Dabo as Secretary; Election/Planning Committee has 87 members with Governor Aminu Masari as Chairman and Chief Ikechi Emenike as Secretary.

The Election Appeal Committee has 86 members with Governor Dapo Abiodun as Chairman and Mr. Moses Okezie as Secretary; Legal Committee has 88 members with Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami as Chairman and Juliet Ibekaku as Secretary; Accommodation Committee has 88 members with Governor Bello Matawalle as Chairman and Dr. Zainab Gimba as Secretary; Venue/ Decoration/Site Servicing Commit-

tee has 88 members with Governor Dave Umahi as Chairman and Senator Stella Oduah as Secretary; and Transportation/Logistics Committee has 88 members with Governor Simon Bako Lalong as Chairman and Hajiya Ireti Kingibe as Secretary.

Others are Media/Publicity Committee has 87 members with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chairman and Kingsley Fanwo as Secretary; Security/Protocol Committee has 89 members with Governor Yahaya Bello as Chairman and Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd) as Secretary; Accreditation Committee has 89 members with Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege as Chairman and Hon. Godwin Afangideh as Secretary; Entertainment/Welfare Committee has 89 members with Deputy House of Representatives Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase as Chairman and Ahmed Bala as Secretary.

The Medical Committee has

89 members with Governor Ben Ayade as Chairman and Hon. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu as Secretary; Budget Committee has 88 members with Governor Inuwa Yahaya as Chairman and Mr. Umana Okon Umana as Secretary; Finance Committee has 88 members with Governor Badaru Abubakar as Chairman and Senator Margaret Okadigbo as Secretary; Accreditation of Volunteers/Diplomats/Diaspora/Observers Committee has 88 members with Governor Umar Ganduje as Chairman and Abike Dabiri Arewa as Secretary; Digital Communication Committee has 88 members with Governor Nasiru Ahmed ElRufai as Chairman and Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi as Secretary; and Convention Legacy and Rapporteurs Committee has 46 members with Governor Bagama Umaru Zulum as Chairman and Prof. Al-Mustapha Ussiju Medaner as Secretary.

HERE FOR YOUR BLESSING… L-R: All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, in Okitipupa, Ondo State, during Asiwaju’s visit to the traditional rulers in Ondo South Senatorial District ...yesteday

Nigeria Needs Competent Leader, Says Ogun Monarch James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, has said that Nigeria is facing a lot of challenges that only a competent leader could address The monarch spoke in his palace in Sagamu, Ogun State, while receiving a group of youth under the aegis of Act Now, demanding that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo should throw his hat into the ring for 2023 election.

The youth group, specifically, asked the traditional ruler to

prevail on Osinbajo, to declare his intention to run for the presidency in order to succeed the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Several political groups in the state have met with the monarch to prevail on him to declare his intention for next year’s presidential election.

Ajayi, who rules over Remo Kingdom where Osinbajo hails from, however, said the Vice President “knows the right thing to do” on his ambition.

He said, “Nigeria is battling myriad of challenges and it requires a good leadership structure and competent leader

to resolve it.

“There is a lot of works involved. l can assure you that the Professor knows what is right for this country, he knows what is right for himself and what’s right for Nigerians.

“Just like you said, it is a request that you have asked me to put across, I will put it across.

It does not cost me anything to put it across to him.

“There are a lot of issues in the interplay of Nigerian politics.

Take it from me that that man is a very knowledgeable person.

He knows what is right. He knows what he should do. What we need to do is to continue

to pray for him that God will grant him wisdom to continue to do what is right. I’m sure he would consider it and he is considering it.

“We should just continue to wish the country the very best.

We have not been able to get it right in Nigeria and we must hope that in the coming election we must be able to get it right.

“I take it as a personal mandate. I wish I will probably get the opportunity to sit with him and ask him ‘what are you doing? What are you going to do? People are asking me. Are you going to run or you are not going to run?’

Buhari Appoints New Executive Secretary for TETFund Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Sunday Echono as the new Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) The appointment of Echono, who recently bowed out as Permanent Secretary of the

Federal Ministry of Education, was made known yesterday in a terse statement issued by spokesman of the ministry, Ben Goong.

The statement read: “President Muhamadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Arc Sunday S.T. Echono as the new Executive Secretary of the

Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

“He takes over from Prof.

Sulaiman Elias Bogoro whose five year tenure will end on 18th March 2022.

“Described as an accomplished technocrat, Arc Echono brings to the job, diverse wealth of experience spanning Infrastructure, business

administration, procurement management, ICT and the education sectors.

“Prior to his appointment he had served as Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education and Member, Board of Trustees of TETfund among other important National assignments.”

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MARCH 5, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Welcome home...

In Praise of Hadi Sirika

Russia and a Rush of Rashes

W

ith Vladimir Putin, one can never be so sure.

But with each day that goes by, with Russia inexplicably remaining in Ukraine, and the world responding with an unprecedented cyclone of condemnation and sanctions, it would appear that the Kremlin did not avert its mind to just how forcefully the global response would be to its invasion of its smaller Eastern European neighbour. Already, the images break the heart: hundreds of civilians including children have been killed with many more critically injured. Many Ukrainian public and residential buildings have been shelled by the Russians. The toll on the Ukrainian military has been similarly heavy even as the country has ridden a wave of global support to dig out a defiance long thought to be lost in ancient battle fields.

The casualties are mounting and there is every reason to believe that at the end of the day, the toll will be monumental.

However, one suspects that at the end of the day, a momentous message would have been sent that war mongers like Vladimir Putin would be left in no doubt that when war becomes so blatant, so baleful, the response will be bitter and biting.Apart from the global show of support and solidarity for Ukraine, countries, institutions and individuals have taken measures that resound in Russia with dire consequences.

Many suspect that although Russia has kept a straight face, it must be secretly counting the cost of its invasion of its neighbor with many more sanctions yet to come.

Football governing bodies, FIFA and UEFA, have banned the Russian national team and Russian clubs from all their competitions until further notice. Some sporting organizations have scrambled to disassociate themselves from Moscow while some individual athletes have had some of the strongest words possible for Vladimir Putin and his horde of Russian attackers. It is before their own eyes that Russia long suspected to be the last vestige of the Soviet Union is swiftly becoming a pariah.

The economic sanctions have been similarly harsh. The United States has cut off Russia`s Central Bank from dollar transactions as Moscow. The value of the ruble, Russia`s currency, has fallen to historic lows. With many countries poised to pile the sanctions, there is no doubt that pretty soon, Russia will find itself knee deep in alligators. Save for a modicum of sympathy for the Russians who oppose the war, that is what it should be.

As the global order moves towards guaranteeing peace and prosperity for every citizen of the world from Burundi to Burma, all those who foment trouble and create conflicts must be met with the harshest sanctions possible. To serve

as a deterrent, they and others of their ilk must be treated like lepers. In this, there can be no compromise.

War creates chaos and pain, subjecting the most vulnerable populations to unspeakable horrors. While the invasion of Ukraine has whipped up global sentiments, the response to similar situations the world over must be universal and ubiquitous. There can be no compromise whatsoever.

For the world to come to relative safety, it is imperative that all those who fan the flames of war the world over are made to account for their startling stupidity. They must be forced to reckon with their actions or at least live under the certainty that all that they do which bring pain to innocent people the world over will be met with the stiffest punishments possible.

Admittedly, this is a tall order for an international order which continues to blow hot and cold at will. But there is encouragement to be drawn from the way in which Russia, despite its vast energy riches and nuclear weapons, has faced a wave of sanction after sanction since the monumental folly of its leaders sent the first armoured tank over its border with Ukraine.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

T

here are myriads of challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Sometimes the challenges can be formidable because while some are being tackled, others are rearing their heads.

Despite the challenges, the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, has weathered the storm and positioned the sector in ways that are unprecedented, especially since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.

There is no better way to describe Hadi than a cat with nine lives who is determined against all odds to make the desired difference in the sector.

Since Hadi’s appointment in August 2019, he has demonstrated commendable determination and vision - two key instruments needed to sanitise the aviation industry. He put necessary modalities in place for the industry’s transformation. As a man legendary for his belief in wel-

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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 SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

farism and proper staff training and retraining, he has championed several capacity development programmes for the ministry’s staff and extended same to all agencies under the ministry’s supervision - an effort that has received commendation from far and near. For Hadi, every day is another day as he fashions out developmental initiatives that can make the Nigerian aviation industry compete with its counterparts around the world.

A trained pilot, Hadi attended the prestigious Petroleum Halicopters Institute, USA; Flight Safety International, USA; and Delta Aeronautics. This impeccable credential had presented him to President Muhammadu Buhari as the best man for the aviation minister’s job.

Hadi’s track records in office speak volumes of his resolve for excellence. He has entrenched professionalism in the sector. He has also entrenched probity and accountability, bringing corrupt officers to justice like never before, upgrading the airports across the country with modern equipment and entrenching safety practices. After due diligence, he gave private individuals licence to operate airlines with very strict guidelines, even as he set up monitoring teams with a view to ensuring that aviation industry procedures are followed in the strictest terms. In addition, he constantly organised training on aircraft maintenance and handed young pilots opportunities for training at home and abroad, thereby encouraging them on professionalism. It should be stressed that Hadi has a knack for hands-on, professionally, as a stickler for high standards.

Senator Hadi is a source of pride for his generation as well as a mentor for the younger generation who marvel at his work ethic. He typifies the excellence and resilience for which Katsina indigenes are known.

Adeolu Anjorin, Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

NEWS

In New Dress Code, Female Police Officers to Dorn Headscarf, Ear Rings Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Baba, has

approved a new dress code for female police officers which permits them to wear stud earrings and headscarf under

Alleged N135bn Debt: Court Orders AMCON to Serve Ifeanyi Ubah Charges Through Clerk of National Assembly Wale Igbintade After several attempts to serve the Chairman, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah copies of charges filed against him by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) over alleged N135 billion debt, a federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered that the charges be pasted at his residence or through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The order of the court was sequel to an application filed and argued before the court by AMCON prosecutor, Mr. Babatunde Lawal.

Lawal had told the court that it has been very difficult to personally serve Senator Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, a copy of the charge, He told the court that it was necessary to obtain a court order to serve Uba and

his company a copy of the charge, either by pasting it at his residence with the assistant of the Nigerian Police Force or serve him through the Clerk of National Assembly The trial Judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, while acceding to the request of the AMCON prosecutor, held that the defendant could be served either by pasting the charge at his residence in Abuja or through the Clerk of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, AMCON had filed an 8-count amended charge before the court to replace the initial four-count charge filed against Uba and his company.

Subsequently, following an agreement between AMCON Prosecutor, Mr. Babatunde Lawal and Jane Okocha representing the second defendant, (Capital Oil and Gas Industries), Justice Oweibo adjourned the matter till May 24, 2022, for arraignment.

Ugwuanyi Lists Achievements in Judiciary, Inaugurates Model Customary Courts Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday listed numerous remarkable achievements his administration has made in the provision of modern facilities in the state judiciary to facilitate the dispensation of justice both in the urban and rural areas.

Ugwuanyi disclosed that his administration had provided modern courtrooms properly equipped to ensure a conducive atmosphere for efficient dispensation of justice.

The governor added that his government had within the last six years created two additional judicial divisions and six additional Magisterial districts to decongest courts for timely dispensation of justice.

He said that the landmark projects were in addition to the building

and equipping of 24 Magistrate Courts (16 of which are brand new) as well as the construction of 34 brand new model Customary Courts (two per local government) across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The 34 Customary Court buildings which were described by the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, Hon. Justice George Chibueze Nnamani, as part of Governor Ugwuanyi administration’s unprecedented infrastructural interventions in the state judiciary as well as its urgent efforts at repositioning the Customary Courts to give them a new lease of life and relevance in line with international best practices for efficient and effective dispensation of justice in the rural areas and beyond, were inaugurated simultaneously across the 17 LGAs, on Friday.

Caverton Helicopters Says Company Remains Safe, Financially Stable Chinedu Eze Caverton Helicopters has said that it is safe and financially stable and has continued to carry out its operations without hindrance.

The company was reacting to reports indicating that it was facing financial challenges and losing its key personnel.

The airline in a statement said though it was not in its character to blow its own trumpets, but noted, “We make bold to say that Caverton Helicopters’ commitment to safety in all facets of its operations is impeccable and unimpeachable.”

The company said it

remainsed financially stable despite the lingering impact of COVID-19 on the national and global operating environment.

The airline also debunked reports that the chairman of the company was a politician or a politically exposed person.

On why some pilots left the company for another, it said the country and the industry operate a free-market economy whose cardinal principle was free entry and exit, including of labour, adding that it was within the constitutionally guaranteed rights of those who left the company to do so, as it is within the rights of others to come on board.

their berets or peak caps as the case may be while in uniform.

The dress code was unveiled at the IG’s meeting with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police from the 36 States and FCT. A statement issued by Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the IG noted that the personnel of the force were drawn

from the 774 Local Government Councils in the country with a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds with an increased inclusion of females.

“This, therefore, brings the need to guarantee inclusion, gender mainstreaming, ethnic and religious diversity in the workplace for optimum output and professionalism.

“This has informed the improvement for effective

global workforce diversity management,” it said.

The statement signed by the Acting Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, cited other countries that adopted the same dress code to include Canada, the United States, Sweden, Turkey, Australia and the United Kingdom among others.

It said the dress code remained

optional and senior female police officers were tasked by the IG to ensure compliance with the approved standard for women police officers, who opted to adopt the dress code.

The IG noted that the development, which is in line with international best practices, addresses growing concerns for gender mainstreaming and respect for culture and diversity.

EMPOWERED TO SERVE. . .

L-R: Wife of Isi Uzo Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Onyinye Obeagu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the Council Chairman, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Obiora Obeagu, during the inauguration of the newly elected 17 Council Chairmen and their deputies in Enugu…recently.

Buhari Congratulates New Attah Igala, Tasks Him on Peace, Security Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated new Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche over his ascension to the stool of his forefathers, urging him to work towards peace and security of his domain, Kogi State and Nigeria in general.

Buhari made the call yesterday during the installation and presentation of staff of office to the new Attah Igala by the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello at Attah Palace in Idah, Idah Local Government Area of the state.

The President who was represented by the leader of federal government delegation and Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari, expressed gratitude to God for making the process of his selection rancour free, praying for God’s guidance for the new Attah Igala and wishing him the success in his endeavours.

“What we witness here is demonstration that the right choice has been made and prayed to Allah to give him the wisdom to lead the people of lgalaland” he stressed.

The President admonished the royal father to work for the people of

Igala land and Kogi State, stressing that the people would also work for his success too.

The Sultan of Sokoto,Alhaji Saad Mohammed Abubakar IlI felicitated with new Attah Igala, pledging the support of all other traditional rulers in the country.

Sultan explained that the royal father came at the time Nigeria was facing difficulties, noting that he must be prepared to do his best.

“As the President of Kogi State Council of Traditional Rulers, you are automatically a member of Northern Nigerian Council of Traditional Rulers,” he stated.

The Sultan posited that his ascension to the throne was the wish of Almighty God that transcends human power, praying to God to guide and direct all his affairs.

Governor Bello gave glory to God for giving him the opportunity to be part of a historical epoch event, noting that it was Almighty God who gives power.

Bello explained that under his administration over 100 traditional rulers have been graded and upgraded, noting that the state government had zero tolerance for interference in the processing of selection of new Attah Igala end had allowed the wish of the people to prevail.

Osinbajo Canvasses Re-training of Public Servants for Effective Service Delivery Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised that with technological advancement, it was imperative that Nigeria develops well-trained, knowledgeable and well-motivated public servants for effective service delivery and excellent performance.

Osinbajo stated this when he played host to graduands of

the pioneer cohort of the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) & Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government (AIG-BSG) Public Leadership programme, sponsored by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation at the State House, Abuja.

The inaugural in-country programme for talented, mid-career public servants, a partnership between the federal and state govern-

ments, with the AIG and the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, lasted for about seven months.

The participants were drawn from the civil service at national and sub-national levels.

According to the Vice President, it is vital to provide cutting-edge training to public servants because once public goods cannot be delivered effectively, development suffers, the commons are all at risk

and the overall quality of life of the people is undermined.

He said, “our governments have never been short of ideas, policies or roadmaps. Indeed, we have some of the best written and most insightful policies on practically all issues, but we sometimes fall flat on implementation. The reason is the quality of the human resources that we deploy in the public sector.

Senate Orders Nigerian Army to Vacate 20.6 Hectares Owned By Lagos Firm Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate has ordered the Nigerian Army to vacate a large expanse of land currently being occupied by its Signals Barracks in the Apapa area of Lagos State.

The Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions’ Committee of the upper chamber at its sitting yesterday ruled that the contentious 20.652 hectares of land rightly belonged to the

Kazuma Shipping Company Limited based in Lagos.

The Chairman of the Senate panel, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, gave the verdict brought before him by the law firm of Messrs Muiz Banire & Associates.

A copy of the petition signed

by Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), and dated November 21, 2021, was made available to journalists by the panel.

In the petition, Banire

explained that the land was originally owned by the family of the late John Saint-Matthew Daniels, from whom the Kazuma Shipping Company Limited bought it in 2002.

He alleged that the Nigerian Army encroached on it despite the fact that it was outside their barracks.

According to him, the owners of the land commenced a series of litigations against the Nigerian

Army and got favourable judgments at the High Court, Appeal Court and Supreme Court.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria explained that the Supreme Court while delivering judgment in Suit No SC/68/71, had declared that the land, which borders the Nigerian Army Signal Barracks, Apapa, Lagos State, belongs to the children of the late John Saint-Matthew Daniels.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

08054699539

The World Must Cut Insane Putin Down to Size

L

ast year, the federal government spent 76 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing. This may jump to 92 per cent this year as predicted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Nigeria’s debt-servicing obligation in relation to its revenue is far above World Bank’s suggested 22.5 per cent for low-income countries like Nigeria. The Buhari government has evidently been binge-borrowing. Last year, it took $6.18 billion external loan to finance the N5.6 trillion deficit in budget 2021.

Alrea He cares less about the humanitarian crisis created by his senseless invasion of Ukraine and has now placed his country’s nuclear deterrent forces on high alert, raising global concerns about a nuclear confrontation. This Godless man is threatening to drop nuclear bomb on the rest of us. That’s Russian President Vladimir Putin for you; a beast determined to humiliate the human race. Putin is all the negatives you can think of: killer, tyrant, liar, manipulator, monster, massively corrupt, drug addict and the rest.

Already, satanic Putin’s madness in Ukraine has resulted in millions of people seeking refuge in neighbouring Eastern European countries and beyond. Within nine days of Putin’s invasion, almost 400 innocent Ukrainians were killed and hundreds of homes destroyed. The mad man called Putin has been dropping bombs on civilians. Last Monday, I was left in tears after watching the shelling of residential areas in Ukraine’s second most populated city Kharkiv, resulting in the death of scores of civilians.

Putin is not aiming to annex Ukraine simply because that country is seeking to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), an inter-governmental military alliance between 28 European countries and two North American countries, established in the aftermath of World War II. Putin’s dream has always been to restore the Soviet Union’s flag. As soon as Boris Yeltsin named him his successor in 1999, he started dreaming about restoring the power Russia had lost and a neo-Russian Empire. That was why he snatched Ukraine’s Crimea region in 2014.

The Russian President has been fueling separatists in the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine since 2014, so that they can also join the Russian empire he is fantasizing about.

This is the main reason for invading Ukraine.

Donetsk and Luhansk, parts of the Donbas region, are under the control of native Russian secessionists since 2014, and so, in effect, by Putin. Now, Putin wants the whole of Ukraine.

Another of Putin’s weird reasons for invading Ukraine was alleged human rights abuse in the Donbas region. Imagine cruel and lawless Putin talking about human rights abuse; a man that brutally repelled separatists in Chechnya, killing thousands of Muslims; defanged the country’s oligarchs and controls the Russian media, with all sorts of restrictive laws. Many independent Russian media have

Putin

been forcefully shut. Daily, dissenting voices in Russia are dehumanised by Putin’s secret agents.

Did Putin think the world will forget how he poisoned and froze Russian opposition leader/anti-corruption activist, Alexei Navalny?

The politician was jailed upon his return from Germany, where he spent five months recovering from a nerve agent poisoning, no thanks to the Russian leader. Navalny is facing fresh charges inside a maximum-security prison outside Moscow that could extend his prison stay by a decade. Putin has simply turned Russia into a police state with zero respect for human rights.

I have heard some people justifying the invasion of Ukraine because the United States also moved against Cuba when Russia tried establishing a missile station there; that it is alright for Russia to resist NATO at its backyard in Ukraine. People who argue along this line still have the mentality of the cold war era. In any case, why would anarchy by the United States be a justification for the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? Ukraine is a sovereign country and it is not the business of Russia to determine its security arrangement.

NATO has failed Ukrainians and the rest of the world in this invasion. President Joe Biden of the United States remains a big disaster in this regard. Before the invasion, all that Biden was doing was to alert the world about the planned date of invasion and make useless verbal threats. Biden and his NATO allies did not take a single concrete step to deter Putin. While the Russians were massing troops along the border with Ukraine, if NATO had responded by moving its troops deep into its Eastern Europe member countries and allies, Putin would have been restrained.

This is the only language that would have

hindered the Russian President. Because there was no practical response from NATO, Putin confidently invaded Ukraine.

It is not too late for NATO to step in and practically force Putin to pull out of Ukraine.

The sanctions placed on Russia by the West and arms sent to the Ukrainian government won’t force Russian troops out of the country. The only language that would move Putin is massive attack by NATO on Russian forces in Ukraine and beyond. Forget about Putin’s nuclear deterrent forces.

It is just an empty threat. This brute called Putin is also afraid of being killed. I have heard some chicken-hearted fellow saying this could lead to a world war. Which world war? Russia’s archaic military machines can’t face NATO. We all can see how Russian troops are struggling in Ukraine. Many thought they would just stroll in and take Ukraine. It did not happen because Russian military machines are now antiquated. A shameless Russia admitted on Wednesday that 498 of its troops had been killed by Ukrainian forces in seven days of fighting. It also admitted that one of its top commanders, Major General Andrei Sukhovetsky, was killed last Wednesday in Ukraine.

So, the other option to ensure that Putin pulls out of Ukraine is for the world to put pressure on the Russian military to seize power from Putin and kill him. This man doesn’t deserve to live any longer because he is a threat to the human race. This should be the world’s clear message to the Russian Army.

As for the Ukrainian Army, my message to them this morning is straight forward: Start firing missiles targeting military facilities and personnel on Russian soil. Some of them will escape Russian missile shields and hit targets.

Palestinian militants did this against Israel and got a great deal of respect. When Putin starts getting bombs at home, he would take a second look at his senseless invasion of Ukraine.

Also, the world is back to the old arms race no thanks to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The competition between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons has resumed. Humanity will suffer as NATO and other developed nations increase spending on arms.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has already pledged that Germany would allocate €100 billion to its armed forces as it looks to increase defense spending in the light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “It’s clear that we need to invest more in the security of our country in order to protect our freedom and democracy,” Scholz said early this week while delivering a statement on Ukraine at a special parliament session.

He added that the country would invest more than two per cent of its Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in defense every year “from now on” and accused Putin of planning a Russian empire to change Europe. Criminal Putin has taken the world back to the ugly

Bureau of Statistics’ Voodoo Inflation Figures

W

henever the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) rolls out figures showing that inflation is on the decline in Nigeria, I tend to wonder if it’s another country this statistics agency is talking about. More often than not, these figures don’t tally with the realities on ground. This insanity started last year when for eight months, the NBS reported that Nigeria’s inflation was on a steady decline.

I had to persistently go back to check the meaning of inflation. In simple terms, it means a general increase in prices of goods and services over a given period of time, more often, as a result of a fall in the purchasing value of a country’s money and declining productivity. For almost seven years now, Nigeria has been experiencing creeping, walking, galloping, and hyperinflation, because the Naira has been crashing, with productivity deteriorating. Then, the NBS gets up and turns in declining inflation statistics.

After seeing the latest inflation statistics released by the NBS i.e. January 2022, I became convinced that these NBS guys are high on something. Only God knows what it is. The agency reported that The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation moderated to 15.60 per cent (year-on -year) in January, 2022, compared to 16.47 per cent in the corresponding year.

For me, the NBS persistent story about inflation being on the decline in Nigeria is a ruse and politically-motivated. The appointment of Simon Harry as the new Statistician-General of the Federation and head the National Bureau last year has compounded the folly of the agency.

Harry now dishes out politically-motivated statistics. It’s preposterous reading the NBS reporting that “urban inflation slowed to 16.17 per cent year-on-year in January 2022, from 17.03 per cent recorded in January 2021, while rural inflation rate also moderated to 15.06 per cent in January from 15.92 per cent in January 2021.” I don’t know the

urban area in Nigeria Harry is talking about.

The key drivers of inflation in any country like exchange rate depreciation, value of a country’s currency, liquidity challenges in the forex market, high cost of transportation, security problems and disruption of production (particularly agricultural activities) would always have a significant impact on headline inflation.

Nigeria is persistently on the negative on all the indices listed, yet, the useless NBS is reporting declining inflation.

Perhaps, the officials approving these figures are simply following the directives of some powerful guys in government who want to positively project the federal government on the economic side, even when it is obvious that they are failing.

Releasing politically-laced inflation statistics creates further crisis for Nigeria’s prostrate economy. The government will be planning with fake figures; that is if they have any planning agenda.

era of spending big on arms. The human race will be the biggest loser as resources are diverted to arms instead of human beings.

Wike

Wike Should Respond to traumatised Pensioners

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overnor Nyesom Wike has been building flyovers at the expense of human beings. This aptly sums up his almost seven years tenure in Rivers State. This governor has spent about N80 billion on flyovers amid suffering in the state. This morning, I am drawing attention to the plight of those devastated Rivers State pensioners who have not been paid gratuities and pension arrears since 2014. Those who retired from 2014 and further have also not been paid pension. These seniors are suffering. Some have died waiting for annuity.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Collins Nwonkwo remarked: “No gratuities or accumulated arrears have been paid so far except for monthly pension. All other benefits that we have been fighting for like gratuities, arrears of pension and harmonisation have not received any response yet. Wike’s tenure is ending; he should start the payment and wherever he stops becomes a starting point for the person coming after him.

The National President, South-South Youths Initiative, Imeabe Saviour adds: “The governor of the state should make deliberate effort to pay our retirees. We have witnessed repeated protests by these elders who served the state with all their strength and time. It is painful that we still see this class of people on the streets demanding what belongs to them that should have been paid with ease.

“We condemn in its entirety the idea of reckless spending of Rivers money on other states. This, the governor does in the form of donations. Within two years, the governor has donated N1.5 billion to three states. N500 million to Sokoto State, N500 million to Benue State and just last week, the governor donated N500 million to Bayelsa State. This is happening when our pensioners are protesting, the education system is not functioning well, and the primary healthcare system is going down the drain. We see this as a slap on the people that gave him all the support he needed.”

My dear Wike, you must slow down on your spirit of flyovers, and touch human lives directly. I challenge you today, to pay all pension and gratuity arrears. Forces of good in Rivers State must put pressure on Wike to do the needful. He must learn to spend more on human capital development instead of splendor projects.

Wike is building very expensive flyovers and multi-lane city roads while public hospitals and schools are in tatters. The citizens lack access to things as basic as public water supply and drivable inner streets, while billions are sunk into flyovers. Only a few homes have access to public water supply in Rivers State.

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SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Asa Draws Strength from Fifth Album Ferdinand Ekechukwu

J

ust two nights ago, Asa performed to the delight of her fans at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The France based Nigerian music diva, Bukola Elemide, popularly known as Asa, had nights before then delivered her highly anticipated fifth studio album, ‘V’. This comes after months of teasing with aweinspiring singles such as “Mayana” and “Ocean”.

The award-winning pop-jazz singer released the 10-track body of work as earlier announced.

‘V’, which was produced by Priimebeatz, includes collaborative tracks with Wizkid, Amarae, and The Cavemen. The song ‘IDG’ with Wizkid appears to be the most streamed off the new album. From Asa’s 2019 album “Lucid” to the point before releasing “Mayana”, with her 2022 debut single “Ocean”, prior the release of ‘V’, Asa has been engaged with a plethora of music tours which in turn foster the promotion of her records as well as bond her fans strongly to the music.

On the album, the ‘Jailer’ crooner dwelt more on love which sounds like the phase she is currently in. Asa has had a range of experiences that cuts across her life recently; it is where the strength of ‘V’, her fifth album is drawn. Before the release of her self-titled debut album in 2007, Asa was little known in Nigeria. In the months to come, she emerge among the year’s breakout stars.

The strength of her album elevated her immediately into the pantheon of modern African pop greats. The journey since then has been quite well documented. Her debut single, ‘Eyé

Adaba’ was beginning to get airplay. Aṣa soon signed to Naïve Records. The release of her debut album saw Aṣa charting radios across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

She went on to win the prestigious French Constantin Award in 2008 when she was voted best fresh talent of 10 singers or groups by a jury of 19 music-industry specialists in Paris. Her second album, ‘Beautiful Imperfection’, in collaboration with Nicolas Mollard, was released in October 2010. Asa’s third studio album, ‘Bed of Stone’, was thereafter put out in August 2014 as she went on a world tour from 2015 to 2017.

In 2019, she released ‘Lucid’, her fourth album. Explaining why she took this long to come up with another album, the singer, songwriter said, “I did not want to do another ‘Jailer’; neither did I want to do another ‘Bibanke’. I wanted to be inspired, and I wanted it to be real. I have lived that already and I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. I am just going where life takes me. I probably will never wait that long (between albums) any more.

“I don’t want to wait that long anymore because I also wanted to live normally.

I wanted to live like everybody else. My life is on the road, on the stage, and when one stops, bam! The tour is over, then one starts to act like a zombie; one does not know where one’s passport is, because on the tour, there is a schedule, and there is the need for time to recover. But this time, it is different.”

Asa

Nigerian Idol Season 7: Contestants Excite Judges GOtv Announces Discount Offer on Decoder Price

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

s the Bigi sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 7 Live Show draws near, contestants have come to realize that exceptional talent is the only way to get the Golden Tickets for the music reality show billed for this month of March. Interestingly, it’s been another exciting season of drama and rousing musical contest for music lovers and upcoming artistes in the music reality show that has set the pace in the industry.

Itohan, a 17-year-old student, was one of the stars of the day.

The teenager thrilled the judges with her beautiful rendition of Andra Day’s ‘Rise Up’. Her performance was accompanied by the piano and got a golden ticket for her performance. Matthew Idu, a 23-year-old student also wowed the judges with his rendition of Timi’s Dakolo’s ‘Iyawo Mi’.

Idu’s rendition was particularly emotional as he revealed to the judges that he had vocal training to learn to speak again after a nearfatal accident.

Others who got golden tickets include Abigail, Gerald, Faith, Enato, Azuka, Jitey, and Chris. There were also a handful of less melodious renditions for the night. There was Obinna, who got a ‘No’ from the judges. For Jennifer, Nicholas, Emmanuel, Clinton, Nzebuike, Christopher, Olamide, and Robert, their hopes of becoming the next Nigerian Idol crashed as they did not get golden tickets.

As the live show kick-starts on Sunday, March 20, the contestants

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Idol Season 7 Judges, L-R: Obi Asika, Simi, and D’banj

with the golden ticket will be showcasing their musical prowess to outwit one another to get the winning prize of N100 million worth of prizes, which include a recording deal from a label, a brand-new SUV, cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.

According to Rite Foods’ Brand Manager, Boluwatife Adedugbe, the brand is highly committed to talent promotion and growth of the entertainment industry by discovering and rewarding budding artists in the country. She stated that the soft drink brand had for the second time, been the headline sponsor supporting the musical talent platform that has helped young

Nigerian singers to develop their careers and become superstars that would make the nation proud, as they go global.

The show which premiered on DStv Channel 197 and GOtv Channel 29 on Sunday, February 6, 2022, has the popular music superstar, Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj; singer, songwriter, and actress, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko, best known by her stage name Simi; and ace creative industry entrepreneur, Obi Asika as judges, while the top-notch radio and television On-Air Personality, Ikponmwosa Osakioduwa, popularly known as IK, as host.

ay television service provider, GOtv Nigeria, has announced a new discount offer, MAX Enjoyment for Less, for new customers which started Thursday, 3 March 2022 The decoder price, which was previously 9,500 has been discounted to N6,500, with a GOtenna and a one-month GOtv Max package as additional benefits to subscribers.

The discount, which is available for a limited time, serves as a way to encourage new customers to get access to GOtv’s bouquet of quality entertainment.

Speaking on this, Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said “We are aware of the current economic situation in the country and are constantly seeking avenues to make available quality entertainment at pocket friendly prices.

“This discount creates a window for new customers to join the GOtv world of entertainment and remain connected to quality programming with family and friends,” Ugbe concluded.

GOtv Max package offers quality home entertainment and access to top channels such as ESPN, SuperSport La Liga, BET, M-Net Movies 4, StarLife, Africa Magic Family, Cartoon Network, Investigation Discovery and much more.

This offer will see customers enjoy an array of exciting programmes such as the brand-new ‘Come Play Naija’ game show on Africa Magic, Nigerian Idol, FA Cup, El Clasico, Premier League matches and World Cup Qualifiers between Nigeria and Ghana.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Romantic Comedy, ‘Cake’ Opens in Cinema Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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omantic comedy movie ‘Cake’ opened in cinemas on Friday February 25.

The quirky Prosper Edesiri-directed romcom is an intriguing story about a baker who finds himself in a love triangle that almost ruined his almost perfect life.

In the background to the story, his late mother had told him his new bakeshop would help him find love. As he is to open the business, he meets a woman he falls head over heels for but doesn’t realise that his assistant, played by Folu Storms, is in love with him.

As he goes to declare his love for the woman, it turns out she is engaged.

The lead then goes on a mission to win her over with his cake-baking abilities in a storyline that encompasses such themes as love, drama, and comedy.

The lead character, Tope Tedela, told this reporter: “I play Tomiwa who is a go-getter who has everything going well for him except love, and in his quest to find and attract love he becomes another version of himself he did not know existed.”

He also shares his experience on set of the movie. “I had a really great time making this film because of the cast members especially, the legendary Patience Ozokwor. Everyone came correct and it was fun times both on and off set shooting.”

The Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions project parades an interesting cast, including Tope Tedela, Sophie Alakija, BBNaija Saskay, Emmanuel Jibunor and Philip Asaya.

The feature film is part of a larger body of 12 films that showcase the creativity and skill of a new generation of film directors telling meaningful stories to entertain families. Speaking on the film, producer Dotun Olakunrin describes it as “a must-see because it sweetly captures the essence of modern-day romance in cosmopolitan cities and the attendant twists and turns. Prosper Edesiri tells the story quite brilliantly and cinema halls will be wowed with the good work done by the entire production team.

Patience Ozokwor brings needed experience to a film that elevates the art of young Nollywood creatives.”

Dotun Olakunri and Steve Gukas, the team behind “93 Days” and “Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,” tells a brilliant story that will leave cinemagoers asking for more. The Director and actors bring out the best in a film that people will find most relatable and enjoyable.

“It is heartwarming to see the transformation of the directors we have worked with, in the development of the film slate. Seeing

Tope Tedela and Sophie Alakija on set of the movie

them embrace the process and put it to work is very pleasing. The output is the better for it and it shows. I am very excited and cannot wait for the world to see the amazing films they are making,”

Gukas added.

‘Cake’ is one of the 12 films slated to be released through the collaboration between Natives Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions.

Styleh Celebrates Ibadan and the New Olubadan Tosin Clegg

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till basking in the euphoria of the success of his last single “Good Vibe”, Niger Delta born Afrobeat singer, Otuata Emeka Seun, popularly known as Styleh, seems not relenting as he revs his game. He has proven to be a force to reckon with in the music industry with his rare craft and growing career. Styleh has worked with prominent personalities and legends in the music industry such as the Fuji icon, Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere on a song titled ‘Portable’ and also featured the late Fatai Rolling Dollar in a song called “Iwoni”.

Meanwhile, in a bid to express the love he has for Ibadan, her culture and people, Styleh has just released a new song titled “What’s Up Ibadan”, dedicated to the Ibadan people and the new Ibadan king, who is the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. The song also eulogizes Ibadan women, culture and

Styleh

the people in general, while highlighting some important places in Ibadan.

Speaking on what inspired the song, the “Good Vibe’”, the crooner said: “The main reason why I decided to do a song for Ibadan is simply because first of all, I am an African man and I believe so much in culture. I have been to many places in Ibadan and I discovered they have beautiful culture and the city is also very beautiful. I love Ibadan people because they are very accommodating, loving and caring.” So, I believe they deserve an evergreen song to appreciate them.”

On what he intends to achieve with the song, he said: “I just want to take Ibadan to the world by promoting this song in other part of this country and also outside Nigeria in other to encourage our sweet African culture. According to him, he plans to shoot the visuals for the song as soon as possible.

I might marry an Ibadan lady, Styleh adds with a smile.

Sean Dampte Thrills with ‘Lagos Friday, London Monday’ Tosin Clegg

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inally, after numerous announcements and push backs, the long awaited debut album of the Awoodah Grandmaster - Sean Dampte (Oluyole Oluwaseun) is set for release. The debut album titled, “Lagos Friday, London Monday”, is based on Dampte’s lifestyle that many fans would want to enjoy. And it appears the industry cannot wait for it to happen. It is coming at a perfect time, when music lovers want to see the UK-based Nigerian Afrobeat and Afro fusion singer, perform.

Having served his fans with tip of the Awoodah EP series and several hit singles, the ‘Pe Pe’ crooner is finally set to fully unleash his

11-track album. The album title depicts the lifestyle of Dampte, based in London, but in 2021, he visited Nigeria about 14 times and most of these visits lasted only from Dampte landing in Lagos on Friday and before you know it, he is back in London on Monday.

According to one of his associates, Alashi Eniola, fondly called Chazy, “most people believe Dampte must have his own private jet. He has never been known to flaunt his doings. Many have doubted his longevity and always felt he was just about singles and so we felt it was time to get to the studio and share the lifestyle of ‘Baba Won’.

“With the title already self-explanatory, It was just an opportunity to bring the world to the Dampte world and share with them some of his views and philosophies,” said another

associate, Ehimigbai Idowu, popularly known as Chelsea Pastor.

Scheduled for release on the 3rd of June this year, the project was produced by Dampte’s inhouse ace producer, Jay Ocean. “All the songs are inspired and have the inspirations behind them that will be shared as we get closer to the release date,” adds the producer.

Dampte himself said: “Lagos Friday, London Monday is a lifestyle for people who love life. I have never disappointed before when it comes to my music. I have also always made my sound mine. So everyone can expect the kind of great music and sound that we have come to know from Sean Dampte for. The slogan, ‘Ariwo Ko Ni Music’ is enshrined in all of my music as I believe that music, especially our Afro Sound is to be enjoyed rather than suffocating.”

Sean Dampte

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

The Glitz of 2021 Afrobeats Hall of Fame Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ast Saturday at The Amore Gardens, Lagos, the first-ever Afrobeats Hall of Fame (ABHF) Induction Ceremony held with the aim of paying homage and honouring African achievements in music. The epoch-making induction ceremony honoured the artistry and the contributions made by those who have played major roles in the dissemination and creation of the art of African music.

The ceremony witnessed the induction of non-performing acts like Eddy Lawani, Daddy Showkey, Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, Obi Asika, and DJ Jimmy Jatt amongst others into the Afrobeats Hall of Fame. While the lifetime achievement recognition went to Fela Kuti, Tony Odili, King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, and Alhaji Sikiru Barrister.

Induction evening commenced with an elegant black carpet hosted by On-Air Personalities, Samantha Walsh and Uti Nwachukwu, ace comedian Bovi and renowned artiste, Dbanj were the hosts of the night and navigated the audience through performances from artistes like Kcee, Flavour, Tesh Carter,

L-R: Bovi, Baba Keke, Alariwo, Dbanj and D1 at the Afrobeats Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Shina Peters, Omawunmi and Wizkid paying a special tribute performance to Fela Kuti.

While receiving the Honorary Award, Kenny Ogungbe aka Baba Keke gushed: “Today we have the internet, from just

one button, the whole world receives it.

Being celebrated while we are alive is a privilege and this is an award I will never take for granted”. Also honoured in the same category is Dayo Adeneye (D1).

D1 said: “We started the game of music before the interest. We introduced Nigeria to the UK musically.” Made Kuti, the grandchild of Fela received the award on behalf of his grandfather Fela, saying, “I feel honoured and blessed to receive this award on behalf of Abami Eda, thank you for enjoying Fela’s music”.

Barry Jhay who received the award for his father, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, said: “We are here to celebrate my father’s life as the supreme master of Fuji music. Sikiru Ayinde was an astute storyteller who used his music to shape the opinion of life.”

Part of Afrobeats Hall of Fame’s objective is to include inspiring and engaging African people through the power of African music, building a serious level of credibility, respect and acceptance across Africa and the world to celebrate the historic and cultural significance of African music. With this induction ceremony, stakeholders have been brought together under the music canopy to create harmony, structure and a solid Afrobeats music foundation across Africa and the world.

Avila Naturalle Launches Fashion Brand Oluchi Chibuzor

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vila Naturalle Limited, one of the leading manufacturers of natural skincare products in Nigeria recently launched its new fashion brand, as it also rewarded distributors.

Avila Fashion, which was launched in Lagos during a dinner event to mark the grand finale of the company’s Annual Distributors’ Summit and Excellence Award (ANDSEA 2022), is inspired by the need to create affordable clothing that will not only meet their needs but also give a sense of class and style to customers.

Speaking during the launch, the President, Avila Naturalle, Mrs. Temitope Mayegun, said the firm offers exquisite designs with the modern family in mind.

According to her, “The brand combines bold statement masterpieces with creative touches to give people a variety of unique and elegant ready-to-wear garments. Avila Fashion is divinely inspired to further the company’s vision to inspire a healthier and happier world by changing the narratives in modern fashion trends and clothing people with decent and imperial styles that boost self-confidence and make them feel like kings and queens.

“Avila Fashion is aiming at becoming a continental brand that will have several branches and outlets in cities across Africa

and some countries of the world. The business is also aimed at meeting the growing demand for classy yet affordable clothing whilst competing favourably with other leading brands in the African fashion industry. The brand’s flagship style is catering for varying styles of clothing, including the Corporate, Smart Native, Contemporary Casual and Fast Fashion ensembles that offer beautiful, simple but classy options for every member of the family.”

She added that the new Avila Fashion brand was in furtherance of the vision of Avila Group to be a global household brand that will inspire a healthier and happier world: “Therefore, all the divisions of Avila, including the ones to come in the near future will ultimately make people the world over, live healthier and happier one way or the other.”

Mayegun

Epic Action Thriller, Igbinogun, Gets Release Date

Ideh Chukwuma Innocent

Epic action thriller, The Rise of Igbinogun, is set for cinema release from March 18.

With a rich feel of ancient African culture, Igbinogun is an epic tale of a young warrior who fights against injustice in her land while battling her own demons. As Igbinogun steals from the rich and helps the poor, she must watch out for the king and his guards as well as her own father. Ultimately, this is a story

of a young woman embracing her destiny.

Written and directed by Ideh Chukwuma Innocent, this is a creative and adrenaline-filled film complete with drama, romance, and action.

Featuring Enyinna Nwigwe, Blossom Chukwujekwu with supporting roles from Ego Nwosu, Tina Mba, and Akin Lewis, the film is certainly entertaining with its plot twists and colourful cast.

Breakout star and veteran actress Damilare Kuku and Shaffy Bello shine as they deliver standout performances as Igbinogun and the Queen respectively.

The movie succeeds on almost every level where each word spoken and action made fires on all cylinders and makes the film worth watching repeatedly.

Igbinogun was produced by Tunde Aina and Innocent Chukwuma Ideh.

Hero Daniels Hosts Come Play Naija Game Show on Africa Magic Media personality, Hero Daniels is the host of Africa Magic’s latest game show, Come Play Naija, which premiered this Thursday, 3 March on Africa Magic.

The show will air Thursdays and Fridays from 9pm and Saturdays at 7pm on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family channels on DStv and GOtv, as well as the DStv app.

Daniels is poised to bring maximum entertainment to what promises to be an

entertaining family game show with millions of cash up for grabs.

When asked about what to expect from him on the show, Daniels said: “I’m here to have fun while putting money in your pockets. In this economy, “Urgent 2k” is very much needed and Hero the TV host will guide you on your way to prosperity. Viewers should expect maximum engagement”, he said.

Come Play Naija is a 60-minute game show

format that involves two teams competing against each other for a chance to win millions of Naira and other surprise prizes such as a brand-new car.

The show will have five segments that include Trivia games, Obstacle Course 1, Obstacle Course 2, Obstacle Course 3 and Spin the Wheel. Each segment will require one or more team members to participate in the games that are valued from N400,000 to

N2,000,000 . Up to N5 million will be up for grabs on every episode.

Meanwhile, active and new DStv and GOtv customers stand a chance to win cash prizes with the ‘Home Play Edition’ on the show by predicting the winner of the Saturday live games. The first correct 40 predictions will win N50,000 weekly. Download the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps to reconnect or use the USSD code *288#.

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SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

INTERVIEW DAKUKU PETERSIDE

Wike’s Real Madrid Academy Project, a Fraud The former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), who was the 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State talks to THISDAY on the state of Rivers State, particularly the performance of Governor Nyesom Wike

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exchanges with Wike over this. What is the situation now?

You are right. Wike’s argument is that he is doing urban renewal. My position is that you can do urban renewal following International best practice that respects the rights and dignity of those who reside at the waterfront. Wike and his government displaced these persons without giving a thought to the social consequences.They were not served adequate notice, compensation not paid and no plans whatsoever to assist them resettle. It is consistent with his trademark of impunity.

You have said severally that Wike has no plan for the youths but he has done so much for young people using the likes of theReal Madrid Academy.

YouthempowermentisnotpartofWike’sagenda and this is in all ramifications. Education has been abandoned in Rivers State. If you want to see a people with no future, look out for a society that does not consider educating the next generation as important. The Real Madrid Academy project is a fraud. Rivers State Government is to pay Real Madrid Foundation and Interact Sports $2 million yearly to use its brand name to run a sports academy in Port Harcourt. Even more is the fact that the Real Madrid Academy has remained moribund; with no activity taking place there for more than three years. How do you explain that? $2 million was enough to resuscitate most dilapidated primary schools in Rivers State and provide world-class ICT facilities to pupils. It is sufficient to provide scholarship to about 200 Rivers’ undergraduates in European universities and 800 similar undergrads in Nigerian universities. Wike should stop playing games with rivers people.

ou recently accused Governor Wike of embarking on property acquisition spree and dashing off Rivers State property to his friends and cronies. Do you have evidence ?

What other evidence are you looking for? The government of Rivers State has since admitted that it indeed sized government properties and criminally allocated same to those the government described as competent private individuals.

Now, an interrogation of the response of the Rivers State Government to my statement exposed the criminal intentions of Wike and his team. His response raised fundamental questions.Who are the qualified private individuals and how were they determined? Who are those considered qualified? Did the Rivers State Government, by any means, prequalify Rivers indigenes before re-allocating those buildings? When and where was the process carried out? The issues of transparency in selling off public asset become glaring. At what price did they sell our common wealth to these selected competent private individuals known only to Wike? The Governor is being clever by half.

The governor’s landed acquisitions are known to everyone in Rivers State and even beyond.

You may have heard of the ‘unknown investor’ buying up anything and everything in sight in Port Harcourt and Rivers State. You find out for yourself who this unknown investor is.

Is anybody in Government of Rivers State the unknown investor? Is the same person responsible for acquisition of properties of Rivers State University of Education?

You may have heard that the Governor has effectively acquired the University of Education’s staff quarters in D-line part of Port Harcourt and is set to dash it to his political cronies. The Vice Chancellors lodge at Olu Obasanjo has been sold to an unknown investor. A block of flats belonging to the same Rivers State university of Education located at GRA Port Harcourt also sold to the unknown investor. It is sheer madness and the people appear helpless. The Governor will soon find out that Rivers people are no fools.

We are talking about common property and not his personal estate.

The unknown investor is known to everybody in Port Harcourt except the Governor and officials of Rivers State government who are desirous of protecting their loot.

But the Governor seems to be doing well. Any moment from now he will Commission the 10th, 11th and 12th fly rover built by his administration.

This is a classic case of misplaced priority driven by greed. The government is building multiple flyovers on the same road at the expense of health care, education, pensioners allowances, employment creation, rural development and human capacity development. Now you and I know that bridges and flyovers are supposed to be catalyst for ease of transportation, economic growth and national competitiveness. All indicators in the case of Rivers State point to the contrary. Unemployment and poverty has hit roof top in rivers state. One firm, which is not a local firm is doing all the contracts and there is absolutely no linkage to the local economy. Two, all the projects are located in two LGAs in the state capital. Three, you are building bridges with no traffic study, no future projections and no budgetary provisions. There is a crisis of governance in Rivers State.

Wike recently said he would now focus on stomach infrastructure, now that he has delivered on his campaign promises. What do you make of this?

This is another indicator of the hollowness and warped understanding of the actor in charge in

Peterside

This is a classic case of misplaced priority driven by greed. The government is building multiple flyovers on the same road at the expense of health care, education, pensioners allowances, employment creation, rural development and human capacity development. Now you and I know that bridges and flyovers are supposed to be catalyst for ease of transportation, economic growth and national competitiveness. All indicators in the case of Rivers State point to the contrary Rivers State.The most important roles of government are security and welfare of the people. The import of his unguarded statement is that for seven years, he did not consider the welfare of the people of Rivers State as important. Now that he has finished building bridges and impoverishing the people, he is now saying to their face that he wants to give them a

negligible portion of their wealth to assuage them and you think they are fools.

It time for politics and he wants them to identify with his presidential aspiration.

Our people are smarter than that.

Recently, over 100,000 persons were displaced at Diobu waterfront area of Port Harcourt. You have been having

The Rivers State Government has accused you of attacking her continuously because you want to run for governor and your leader wants to run for President. Is there any truth in these?

I am a Rivers man qualified like any other to run. Is that a reason whyWike and his team will appropriate Rivers common wealth to themselves? Is it a reason why they don’t have an iota of feeling for the poor, weak and vulnerable? Does that account for the poverty, unemployment and mediocrity he is promoting in the state? The truth is that Wike is more interested in his personal agenda, which is primitive accumulation of wealth than tangible development of Rivers State. All the issues I have raised at various times are serious governance issues that a government that has the interest of the people at heart will not take lightly.

Most issues bother on lack of transparency and accountability and the fact that the government has absolutely no definite vision and plan for Rivers State. On weather Rotimi Amaechi wants to run or not, his options are limited. Nigerians are beaconing on him to provide leadership at a challenging time in the life of our country when we need energy of the youth, power of vision and a good dose of experience.

Your party, APC, appears to be in disarray.

What are its chances in next year’s general election?

APC is still the party to beat. Today, it is the only truly national party in Nigeria. It is true we may not have solved all the problems in Nigeria but people should not forget in a hurry where we are coming from. The alternative party is worse in form, content and composition than the ruling APC. The alternative party is today controlled by one rascal governor. The fringe parties have not shown any seriousness. Nigerians still prefer APC to any other party. The party has done well on railway and infrastructure generally. I am optimistic that when all issues are considered Nigerians will still want APC to continue.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

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POLITY

Soludo’s Battle for a New Revolution

Ben Benson-Okoli

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n March 23, 1775, Americans heard one of the greatest speeches that changed the course of their lives. It came from Patrick Henry at the Second Virginia Convention, held at St. John’s Church, Richmond. While compatriots were debating whether to confront Britain head-on in the quest for independence or continue the policy of appeasement, the path, which previous leaders had toed, Henry, a lawyer and a great orator stood up to give the famous speech - Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.

The address, which stood him out as one of the greatest advocates of freedom and liberty, convinced the delegates to equip the Virginia militia in the war for the Independence, had ended with the famed declaration: I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.

So powerful was it that one of those who stood by the window to listen, made a death wish that he be buried, at the exact spot, where he stood to listen, a wish, which came to pass when he died, several years after.

When Chukwuma Charles Soludo, gave that famous speech to the 80-member Oby Ezekwesili-led transition committee, it evoked similar sentiments in those who have heard it, because, as it was, hundreds of years ago, this too was a battle-cry for freedom - perhaps, not one of call to arms, but a call for war all the same - social, political, economic war.

The battle ground this time is not America, but Anambra State. The enemy, is not Britain, but vested interests and other forces that have stunted growth and development. Because it is said that what is pleasant to the nose, is usually pleasant to the mouth, the opportunity to change the course of history is here once again.

Because these times are different, it may not be possible to ascertain whether people made wishes, as most people access information from the comfort of their bedrooms, but certainly, the feeling is same.

For me, the catchphrase in that outing was when Soludo declared - Ife ga-eme n’Anambra! They were the exact words with which he concluded his address to that team of eggheads.

Of course, like in the proverbial description of the elephant by the blind, different people have continued to interpret that outing, last month from different angles. At least, I know that here in South Africa, it has remained more than a political speech to an article of faith.

For me, those words remain core - Ife ga-eme n’Anambra!

You need to be Igbo to understand the full import. Literally, it means, something will happen in Anambra. But even in English, the implication is not totally lost. The passion, the depth behind them and the way he shook his head, underscore the full import of those words.

Coming from Anambra myself, I was literally transfixed watching that tape and assessing the implication. It was obvious that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was not a happy at that moment. He was not

Soludo happy, not because he has not done well for himself. That fact is settled. But how could anyone be happy with the state of affairs of a people getting so little even when surrounded with such stupendous potentials and opportunities in human and natural resources.

As one who was physically present at virtually all the campaigns, not only did I listen, I read the lines on his face.

I observed the passion of his delivery of every word about what would be coming as he spoke to the people. But, somehow, I continued to believe that somewhere, somehow, there would be politics of it.

But, recent events have removed every vestige of doubt.

After all, did he need to say those things? Did he need to deviate from the known conventions or the ubiquitous political tradition? Who would challenge him if he followed the same route or toed the same line? Nobody! He could as well have continued with the sharing of the commonwealth of the state to vested interests and maintaining the aura of government.

That would have guaranteed his easy sail in office for the next eight years, and ensured his next stage, perhaps in the Senate, which has become the dumping ground for ex-governors in Nigeria.

So, that he tells you that he is going to drive only Innoson vehicles as his official car in government, is not because there is no precedent or he is not entitled to the latest Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that roll out of the factories in Japan or Europe. The heavens will not fall if he devotes billions of Anambra money to acquire scores of them for himself, his family and cronies. It is the tradition. In fact, there is no telling that Soludo must have acquired some of those exotic cars in the past, either as a private person or as the CBN boss. He

has the resources. If he is seen in any of them, it wouldn’t be foolhardy.

Come to think of it, haven’t you heard that some of his colleagues have even gone ahead to acquire jets, whole planes, for the same purpose? You probably have heard the din about how one of such planes owned by a state government is missing, assuming you’re looking for evidence.

Again, when he tells you that he would settle for Akwete cloths, don’t think that he doesn’t have access to the best designers in the world to inundate him with their latest suits or that he lacks the physic to wear them. No it’s deliberate.

I just read a piece credited to his long time spokesman, Joe Anatune that henceforth, the official drinks at government house and government functions, would be palm wine and local brews.

What that radical departure from the tradition means is that Soludo has the solution to a disease that has been ailing his people and to prove that the medicine which cured the disease in other places does not kill, he is tasting it himself first. He is doing so in the presence of the people, so that when he starts administering it to others, they will know he is not trying to feed them poison.

Would there be a domino effect? Expectedly, yes! Firstly, I don’t see anyone within government circles deviating from that example. By the time government functionaries began to copy the governor in buying local products, it would probably become as fashionable as playing Nigerian music.

Times were when playing Nigerian music was considered an anathema and a mark of bush behaviour. But today, it’s touche to do so. Nigerian music is now making waves internationally. It took the efforts of some pioneers to change the thinking. The same could be done with foreign products.

So, by this example alone, it is expected that in time, more people outside government would begin to buy Innoson. Perhaps, one other state might copy the idea, then more and some more. The projection is that it could become so widespread that in time it would become unwise for any state to look outside, including the Federal Government.

Such massive patronage, would mean the the local manufacturer would have enough pool of funds to go into more research and development, employ more expert hands to continue to improve on the products. Because it is purely private, more investors with deep pockets would establish their own plants and induce competition that would in turn improve the quality of the vehicles. In time, Nigeria would start to export vehicles to its neighbours and perhaps, the world market too. Who says it is not possible?

Now, imagine the amount of foreign exchange that could be saved when Anambra alone ensures that its 30 members drive Innoson. Imagine the 360 members of the House of Representatives and 109 Senators, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Presidency. Just imagine!

– Okoli, journalist, lawyer, wrote from Johannesburg, South Africa Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Olori Afolabi Unveils ‘The Masters who Trained Me’ Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist, publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom in Osun State has joined the league of authors. Her debut titled, “The Masters Who Trained Me”, was unveiled on February 24 ,at the Alapomu Palace Hall in Apomu, headquarters of Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State as part of activities marking the second coronation anniversary of HRM, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, the Alapomu of Apomu.

Presenting the book to the guests, Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager/Editor in Chief of Vanguard Newspapers said it was an important gift that should last till eternity. Adefaye, who is a former two term President of Nigerian Guild of Editors said: “Olori Janet Afolabi is a famous journalist; not just a journalist but an award- winning journalist with local and international awards.”

He said: “Olori Janet set out to remember those who took her on the journey of becoming a master and successful journalist. The book is a tribute to the mentors of Olori Janet. They guided, trained and tutored her till she decided that their efforts deserve to be documented for posterity.

“It is acknowledgment of excellence of the work of the most famous Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akinrinade, Nosa Igiebor and Dare Babarinsa.”

Olori Afolabi said she wrote the book to honour the renowned journalists who trained, drilled and molded her into someone with valuables skills.

The Olori said: “They gave me media platform to operate, explore and express myself. They gave me wings to fly in the winds of journalism travails and triumphs. I want to appreciate them while they are alive. I am expressing my gratitude by giving them a gift that will live after them. The gift is this book. My experience with each of them and the techniques of newswriting they taught me are chronicled in

L-R: Olofa of Offa,Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; Oluwole Oyebamiji, Secretary to Osun State Government; Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi; Soji Akinrinade; Olori Janet Afolabi, author of the book and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. the six chapters of the book.

“The book is a source of material for the younger generation of journalists and journalism students. It is also an addition to the existing literature on the Nigerian media industry. The history of journalism in Nigeria may not be complete without the contributions of these great men who have trained and mentored some of the best hands in journalism. They are indeed an asset to the world of journalism.”

Among those at the event were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Oluwole Oyebamij, who represented Governor Gboyega Oyetola; Asoya of Isoya who represented the Ooni of Ife; Akarigbo of Remo, Oba

Babatunde Amoo; Onire of Ire and the Olowu of Owu kuta.

Other personalities include Waheed Olagunju, Former Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry; Marouf Olanrewaju, Majority leader of Osun State House of Assembly; Yemi Lawal, Commisioner for Youth and Sports, Osun State; Marouf Akinremi, Chairman Isokan Local Government Area of Osun state; Soji Akinrinade former Executive Director/Editor in Chief, Newswatch magazine; Mustapha Isa, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors; Bolaji Adebiyi, Managing Editor, THISDAY Newspapers/Vice President (West) Nigerian Guild of Editors; Dotun Oladipo, former President Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and Gabriel Akinadewo Publisher Freedom Online.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

POLITY

EFCC: Bawa’s One Year Like aDecade

Dele Oyewale

Victor- Marie Hugo, a French poet, novelist and essayist died more than two centuries ago but there still stands some immortal and memorial thoughts he blessed the world with before his demise in 1885. Hugo said that: “ There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come”. These thoughts bear striking parallelism to the fecundity of fresh ideas, vision and drives which Abdulrasheed Bawa, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has brought to refashion and redefine the anti- corruption war in Nigeria.

In just one year, by dint of hard work, courage and clearminded focus, Bawa has brought to the EFCC, and indeed, the entire nation, what an average leader may not be able to accomplish in ten years.

Whoever advised President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint Bawa as EFCC Chairman, has offered one of the most patriotic and generational services to our nation. Let’s start with the digitalisation of the anti- corruption war, which Bawa envisioned and achieved within few months of being appointed the EFCC’s boss. The Eagle Eye Apps is all too known now. With it, every whistle-blowing effort has become a “jollof” affair. Through the App, the reporting of any suspected corrupt act can be done, and even anonymously.

Photographs and images can be uploaded and sent to the EFCC. Since the launch of the App on July 14, 2021, the anti- corruption war in Nigeria has received massive boost. It is imperative to place on record that the Eagle Eye App is the first of its kind in the law enforcement community in Nigeria.

Today, there is simply no cover-up again. Nigerians now have every opportunity to lay bare any unsavoury conduct, infraction or compromise of extant financial rules and regulations.

The anti- corruption space is truly open through the initiatives of the EFCC’s boss.

For those who have been following the strides of operational works of the EFCC in the last one year, conscious and determined efforts have been going on against the monster of internet fraud and Yahoo practices across the country. This is without prejudice to the crack- down on politically- exposed persons, banking malfeasance, contract compromises, procurement fraud, illegal oil bunkering and other havocs of financial fraudsters against the nation. The tempo and consistence of the furnace against these criminals are so intense that, Yahoo operators are staging a fight- back against EFCC’s operatives. The result of all these inspiring efforts, in 2021 alone, yielded 2220 convictions for the EFCC. It is the largest record of prosecutorial engagement of the EFCC in its 19 years of existence. The convictions cover criminals of all shades and colours. The simplest interpretation of such a success is that, 2220 economic criminals are taken out of the ways and businesses of Nigerians, in just one year!

Every conviction of an economic or financial fraudster is beyond a prosecutorial success of the EFCC. It is safety for businesses and their owners; enhanced confidence in the business environments of the nation, boost and ease of investment for local and foreign investors and higher reputation capital for Nigeria. Bawa’s leadership is strategic; focused, unassuming, dogged and evidentially profitable for every stakeholder in the Nigerian project.

The conviction records of 2021, for a nation coming out of the tumultuous and calamitous Covid- 19 pandemic, is assuring and refreshing. We have an overseer of an anti- corruption agency who is always thinking on his feet and whose commitments are sincere pursuits of the overall good of the nation. If in 2021, 2220 economic criminals are sent to the Correctional Centres, you can just imagine what the record will be in 2022 and beyond. The writings on the wall for every corrupt Nigerian, is that the Bawa’s leadership in EFCC, is bad news for them. It is certainly not business as usual.

Now to an issue which every EFCC’s functionary will carry banners of appreciation and jubilation around! The past 10 years had been years of stagnation, hard breathing and hard fasting for the core staff of the Commission because of issues of promotion and career progression that were unjustifiably un- addressed. Bawa came like a mascot, broke the jinxes of stagnation, scattered the iron gates of relegation and moved every staff to their deserved designations. Like soft waters in arid deserts and macadamised highways in the wilderness, the EFCC boss has brought fresh strides, gusto and blossoming hopes to the Commission. An average EFCC staff today is a watered garden and sufficiently motivated to ply his or her job with contentment and renewed strength. It is, therefore, not surprising that their productivity is rising higher every day. The leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa is a sweet song on the lips of his staff and bouyant blessings for the whole nation.

Beyond commendable staff welfare and loud records of operational performance, is the amazing efforts to standardise and institutionalise the anti- corruption works in EFCC, through newfangled Policies and Manuals, designed to berth Standard Operating Procedures( SOP) There are 18 such Policies and Manuals covering every length, breadth, height and width of the anti- corruption works. A Strategic Plan (2021-2025) is also in place with five carefully articulated objectives designed to take the Commission to even greater heights in five years. The vision is to evolve a systemic framework for the EFCC in such a way that rules, processes, procedures undergird every activity in the Commission. This way, arbitrariness; abuses; compromises and violations of values will be totally removed from the works of the EFCC. The Commission can now run on auto- pilot and good speed and good success can easily attend to the works of the EFCC. This initiative places the Commission among the best law enforcement agencies in the world, making it globally

Bawa competitive and respected. Even, the harshest critics of EFCC, through this well- thought- out framework, will give Abdulrasheed Bawa his deserved credits. Only fools despise proofs.

It is normal for cynics to regard an opinion piece like this as a publicity stunt or image- making works. Such tendencies are only justifiable if facts outlined in the piece are controvertible. The truth, really is that things are looking up in the EFCC, and at a frenetic speed. You would think that Bawa had taken some painstaking courses in Harvard or Cambridge to be prepared for the sweeping reforms and institutional renaissance he has brought to the EFCC. He hit the ground running immediately he was confirmed by the Senate and we really need to thank the Senate for not delaying or denying us his confirmation.

In one year of effective and success- stuffed leadership, Bawa has shown that he is eminently qualified and adequately prepared for leadership. There is sliver lining in the horizon for the EFCC and the entire nation and for those that have given up on the future of Nigeria, just task a fresh look at the resourcefulness and vision- driven leadership of the EFCC’s Chairman and you would certainly see the sun rising again.

Lastly, I see Bawa’s ringing successes as fresh challenges to our youths. No Nigerian youth has an excuse for criminality, redundancy, ineptitude, apathy or failure. Like the legendary former Egyptian leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser said: “ There is a role wandering aimlessly in search of a hero. ... The role is beckoning on us to move, take up its lines, put up its costume and give it life...”.

– Oyewale is Head, Public Affairs Directorate in the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Command of the EFCC. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

2023: The Prayers of Kaduna People Mohammed Abdullahi I came to live and work in Kaduna State in 2013, a little over two years after completing my postgraduate degree. Since then, I have lived in almost all the major cities of the State, including Zaria, Kafanchan and the capital, Kaduna. I have also lived in more than five of the state’s 23 local government areas, spending at least two years in each. I therefore consider myself fairly competent to offer commentary and perspective about the governance of Kaduna, if not its politics.

I must confess that the first time I arrived Kaduna, nothing in its entire structure and make-up gave a hint of its expected glory as the former capital of northern Nigeria. There were no impressive road networks or any beauty for that matter that offered a compelling sight to first time visitors like myself.

Kaduna, as at 2013, was just there, a famous city with nothing extraordinary about it.

Since leadership is not the same as governance, it is important to acknowledge that successive administrations in the state tried their best to deliver governance as best as they could. But 2015 marked the turning point, for a man appeared on the scene to deliver leadership and show Kaduna people the wonders an effective government could accomplish. That man is Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-rufai.

Having won election as governor of Kaduna State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and armed with his trademark inclination for results, coupled with his incredible courage and infectious foresight, El-rufai quickly mobilised his team to begin the task of delivering what is today the eye-grabbing development being witnessed across Kaduna.

From infrastructure to health, from education to rural development, El-rufai embarked on aggressive reforms tailored at turning around the fortunes of Kaduna State for good. In road infrastructure especially, even someone like me who had lived in Kaduna for close to a decade now experience difficulty finding my way around the city, all due to the expansive road re-engineering and restructuring all over.

Knowing how to spend money in government is the beautiful part of a long story for many governors, the other

not so alluring part is knowing how to make money. El-rufai clearly understands both parts. Within a space of six years, the man initiated a deliberate policy around investment drive, established the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to attract and coordinate investments in the State; with the result being an astronomical increase in foreign investment and the consequent improvement in internally generated revenue of the State from a little over N10 billion in 2015 to a whopping sum of N50.7 billion by 2021.

With all his verifiable and jaw dropping achievements, the grateful people of Kaduna, who at every point never ceased to praise the reform mindset and innovation that El-rufai has brought to governance, have now begin to worry about the all-important issue of sustainability. As the 2023 elections gradually gather steam, the attention of the people has now shifted to the question of who will succeed El-rufai, with many praying that the next governor of the state would have the energy and mental capacity to build on the progress El-rufai has initiated in the state.

Already, El-rufai himself recently expressed the hope that he would be succeeded by a member of his present cabinet who understands the thinking behind every major government decisions in the last seven years. But without prejudice to all other fine brains who have supported El-rufai to implement his policies and vision for Kaduna since coming to power in 2015, one outstanding individual that I believe will do a wonderful job of entrenching the legacy and performance of El-rufai, and equally build on the present level of development in the state, is Mallam Muhammad Sani Abdullahi (Dattijo).

A former Chief of Staff to the governor and presently the Commissioner for budget and planning, Dattijo embodies the traits of a modern leader - smart, intelligent, educated, courageous and cosmopolitan, all attributes that no doubt assisted his principal, El-rufai, himself to make a mark in government. And with his education and work experience, Dattijo no doubt came highly prepared for the job.

Educated at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, where he bagged a degree in development economics and policy, after which he obtained another degree in international affairs and diplomacy from the Ahmadu Bello

University, Zaria; Dattijo, who is also an alumnus of London School of Economics with a degree in public finance, had an impressive career before joining the public service as a government appointee in 2015.

He had served variously as Deputy National Programme Manager for the Millennium Development Goals at the Nigerian Presidency; Economic Adviser of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and as a policy adviser at the Executive Office of United Nation’s Secretary General. The achievements and career success of Dattijo, who is just a little over 42 years, no doubt read like a fairytale, and it was all due to his penchant for excellence, coupled with an insatiable appetite for results.

He has exhibited these traits since joining government in 2015. As Commissioner for Budget and Planning, a position he occupied for the entire duration of El-rufai’s first term, Dattijo ensured that Kaduna state consistently presented and delivered budgets ahead of time, a tradition that earned Kaduna great reputation as the first to present budget to state legislature year in, year out. It must have been his impressive performance in this role that recommended his return to man the same budget and planning ministry of the State after a little over two years as Chief of Staff to the governor.

Indeed, having been in charge of the planning and budget for key government interventions under the El-rufai government for a significant part of the life of the administration; it won’t be out of place to describe Dattijo as the repository of all the ideas and thoughts that predated every major government policies. This advantage confers on him the opportunity to seamlessly sustain all the reforms and achievements of the El-rufai administration and provides an answer to the prayers of Kaduna people who yearn for sustainability, with a man who understands what it means to provide deliberate leadership taking over the mantle in 2023.

Again, as Kaduna people pray for a worthy successor after Mallam, and without prejudice to all the other aspirants; I reiterate my convictions and those of many others that I have spoken to across the State that Mohammed Sani Abdullahi can do the job.

– Abdullahi writes from Kaduna.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

25

POLITY

Wise Women of Soulcomms Breaking the Glass Ceiling Haniel Ukpaukure

T

he theme for the 2022 edition of the International Women’s Day celebration – “Break the Bias” – is a fitting description of the tradition at Soulcomms Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading strategic communications and engagement consultancy companies, where women have consistently risen above their circumstances to attain heights and achieve great successes in a seemingly male-dominated profession. The theme resonates with the women who have not allowed themselves to be discriminated against; who have refused to be stereotyped on account of gender, boldly asserting their relevance and making invaluable contributions to the string of successes the company has recorded in its almost 18-year history.

Mojisola Saka, Chief Operating Officer; Omonigho AgbatorMomodu and Uyiosa Aigbe can aptly be described as The Wise Women of Soulcomms. They are currently flying the flag that indicates the milestones that have been recorded by women across generations at the top-rate company. It is a flag that symbolizes the DNA that runs in the company.

The women have succeeded because the company provides a conducive environment and a level playing field that allows each person to thrive, irrespective of gender. It is an environment that allows women to realize their full potential, which is evident in their ability to effortlessly juggle their roles as professionals and executives at the workplace, as well as wives, mothers, daughters and sisters at home.

Despite the unenviable reality of carrying domestic and official burdens almost on a 24-hour basis, women have been able to make their mark by contributing immensely to the growth of Soulcomms, thanks to their never-say-die spirit.

It is proof of their ability to break biases in a society where women have to work extra hard, more than their menfolk, to be recognized and appreciated.

It is a befitting testimony to the resilience and resourcefulness of women at Soulcomm that Mojisola, the only woman to run the company since its establishment in 2004, has held the position longer than her male predecessors, literally responsible for the enviable height the company has attained today. She wears many caps that include team leader, business driver, mentor, entrepreneur, conceiver and administrator.

The propriety of celebrating the women at Soulcomm on this year’s International Women’s Day must be viewed against the background of the general disapproval and outrage that has greeted the failure of lawmakers to pass the

L- R: Omonigho Agbator, Team Lead, Strategic Engagement and Activations; Mojisola Saka, Chief Operating Officer and Uyiosa Aigbe, Executive, Strategic Engagement and Activations, all of Soulcomms. four gender equality bills which were expected to be part of the constitution amendment process currently going at the National Assembly. In the view of many Nigerians, especially women organizations, the action of the lawmakers is simply a reflection of the patriarchal nature of Nigeria, where male dominance forms part of the culture.

According to the Human Resource Management International Digest (Volume 27 No.7, pp.9-11), “The patriarchal system such as seen in Nigeria remains a strong culture of male dominance and women continue to be subjugated. Thus, in Nigeria, the patriarchal system still forms a barrier to achieving a good work-life balance and advancement for women”.

The patriarchal system accounts for why there is lack of access to education for the girl child, especially in some sections of the country where little value is placed on education of female children because of the age-old but erroneous belief that their place is in the kitchen as full time housewives. This belief is fueled by the thinking that she loses the family name the moment she is married off into another family, and is therefore not worth being invested in.

There is also the cultural factor that robs the girl child of opportunity to acquire education because she is given out for marriage even before she attains adolescence, as is the practice in some areas.

It is a system that encourages gender discrimination against women in virtually every segment of society – at the work place, in schools, in politics, in social organizations, etc. Succinctly put, Nigeria is a place where gender disparity has virtually reduced women to second class citizens, though the constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. Even the statutes that set up public institutions discriminate against women, ignoring the same constitution.

Last month, an Abuja Federal High Court upheld the January 22, 2022 dismissal from the Nigeria Police of a female officer, Omotola Olajide, for getting pregnant while unmarried.

The court re-affirmed Regulation 127 of the Police, despite the argument of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which instituted the case, that the action is a violation of Olajide’s rights which are enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The NBA pointed out the discrimination in the action of the Police authorities in the face of the well-known fact that unmarried policemen impregnate women and are not dismissed from the service.

In December, 2021, an Army Private, Hannah Akinlabi, was arrested and detained by the authorities for publicly accepting a marriage proposal from a member of the National Youth Service Corps at a passing out parade in Kwara State. The lady’s offence was that she violated military rules by publicly displaying emotion while in uniform. Incidentally, it was the time a video of a male soldier doing the same thing to a lady trended on social media, with Army authorities keeping mute on the matter. It took public outcry and appeals for the authorities to release the lady a day before Christmas to enable her to spend the festive season with her family, but not without a stern warning to ensure she did not repeat such an act.

This is the society in which women at Soulcomm find themselves, but have refused to be victims of the many biases that are stacked against the female gender. It is the same society where they are breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. This is a feat that deserves recognition and celebration.

Mojisola, a globally trained and experienced resource manager in Advertising, Experiential/Direct /Social Marketing and Banking, has handled projects within Nigeria and West Africa. An amazon in her own right, she leads the team from a strategic and execution perspective as COO. The numerous successes recorded by Soulcomm on all the projects under her watch have come about as a result of her knowledge and dexterity in Strategic Communications, Engagement and Messaging.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: District Governor-Elect , Ayaba Omotunde Lawson; District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Remi Bello FCA; President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Babawale Agbeyangi; and Keynote Speaker and Former Chairman, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega during the club’s World Peace and Understanding Day Symposium at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos…. recently

L-R : Patron, Anglican Communion Brigades (ACB), Mr. Stephen Olugbile; National Secretary, Girl’s Brigade Nigeria GBN, Mrs. Ruth Utulu Baba; Immediate Past President, GBN, Mrs Magdalene Apeh; New National President (GBN), Mrs. Stella Abosede Fabanwo; Vice President, Girls Brigade Worldwide International, Mrs. Aruk Omori and Spouse of new National President, Mr Rotimi Fabanwo, during the handover ceremony of The Girls’ Brigade Nigeria in Abuja

L-R: MD/CEO, Pladis Global Company, Ms. Omotola Bamigbaiye Elatuyi; MD/CEO, Auxilia Images, Mrs. Funke Fajusigbe; CEO, Tiff Media, Ayodeji Moradesan; Chief Operating Officer, 03 Capital.

Taye Falara and CEO, Onacom, Mr. Taiwo Onalaje, during the unveiling of Family Fame Game Show in Lagos…. recently

L-R: Team Lead AfrIPI Project, Dennis Scheirs; Head, EU Trade Delegation, John Clarke; AfrIPI’s LongTerm GIs Expert, Dr. Monique Bagal; Executive Director Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR), Sand Mba Kalu; AfrIPI Social Media Officer, Ms. Lynn Chiremba and Head, EUIPO International Cooperation, Ignaciouas de Medrano at the Geographical indication Workshop at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.... recently

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SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

05.3.2022

Ola Aina Succour from The Hammers?

NEWS

178TH MANCHESTER DERBY PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ola Aina Succour from The Hammers?

Ola Aina in Serie A action for Torino against Napoli

Ola Aina had been a regular with Serie A side Torino. However, on returning from the recently concluded AFCON with the Super Eagles, securing a regular shirt with the Turin side has been difficult to come by. A succour however could come from West Ham as Manager David Moyes has shown interest in the Nigerian defender.The Italian side has now placed a 10 million euros fee on the Nigerian

S

uper Eagles defender, Ola Aina is no longer happy in Turin, and he could be on the move by next summer after the Italian Serie A side, Torino have slammed a 10 million euros fee on him.

The Super Eagles star left Chelsea for the Bulls in 2019. After a season which saw him make 32 league appearances, he returned to the Premier League on a loan deal at Fulham.

However, he returned to Torino last summer after Fulham got relegated to the Championship.

At the beginning of the season, the 25-year-old was a crucial part of the Torino backline. But since he returned from the African Cup of Nations, he has not kicked a ball for Torino.

Aina was linked with a return to the Premier League in January, but it did not materialise. Nevertheless, with Aina’s lack of playtime in Turin, a move to the Premier League could

be in the offing.

According to FootballNews24, Torino are willing to let the Chelsea academy product leave, but they would request for 10million euros before they let Aina go.

Aina has spent most of his life in England, and it is expected that he would favour a return to the Premier League rather than elsewhere.

Meanwhile, West Ham boss David Moyes wants to bring the 25-year-old defender to the London Stadium in the summer according to a report from Calciomercato.

This summer will be an incredibly busy transfer window for Moyes and West Ham with so many players set to be out of contract, moved on or returned to their parent clubs.

One player in particular who is out of contract in the summer is Ryan Fredericks.

The 29-year-old will undoubtedly be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

The harsh truth of the matter is that he isn’t good enough to be playing Premier League football.

And if Fredericks moves on, Moyes will have to bring in another right-back, unless he is ready to promote Harrison Ashby to the senior squad.

Torino have decided to place Ola Aina on the transfer list ahead of the summer transfer window.

And Calcio Mercato claims that the Hammers can pick the Nigerian international up for around £8 million.

The 25-year-old joined the Serie A outfit from Chelsea in the summer of 2019 for around £9 million. And it seems as though Torino are looking to recoup a similar fee for him.

The good thing about Aina is that he can play at both right-back and left-back. He can even play in the left or right wing positions. So signing him would kill two birds with one

stone.

Aina has mostly operated as a left-back for Torino this season. In 16 Serie A appearances, the Londonborn Nigerian international has averaged one tackle, 1.4 interceptions and one clearance per game .

The 25-year-old is incredibly athletic, energetic and has stamina and pace in abundance.

Aina is expected to be a very strong addition for West Ham United. He would provide strong competition for Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal in the left-back and rightback positions respectively. £8 million for the Nigerian seems like very good value for the Hammers. And should David Moyes bring Aina back to London from Italy, we believe West Ham will be a lot stronger as a result.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Lille are said to have joined the race to sign the Torino left-back, who remains a player of interest to Leeds United.

Aina, 25, initially joined Torino on loan in the summer of 2018 from Chelsea before a deal was made permanent.

However, his long-term future at Torino looks in doubt. The Serie A side are yet to offer him a renewal and it was expected that in January the ex-Chelsea man had emerged as an option for Leeds.

Now, it appears Leeds will not be alone in their pursuit of the London-born flyer. Indeed, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Lille are all interested in Aina – along with Leeds.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

City, United Divide Manchester in 187th Derby Once regarded by Manchester United’s legendary manager, Sir Alez Ferguson as the noisy neigbour, Manchester City have since grown to emerge as a powerhouse in English football.Title-chasing Citizens host bitter rivals-Red Devils who themselves face a topfour battle. Granted, City have largely had the run of their rivals over the last few years but United have certainly sprung surprises at the Etihad of late. With Liverpool in ominous form and the title race heating up, both teams have an awful lot to play for

Premiership Table Man City Man City Liverpool Chelsea Man Utd West Ham Arsenal Tottenham Wolves Southampton Brighton Crystal Palace Leicester Aston Villa Newcastle Brentford Leeds Everton Burnley

26 27 26 25 27 27 24 25 26 26 26 27 24 25 25 27 26 24 25

46 47 50 31 10 12 11 3 3 -3 -5 -1 -4 -4 -17 -17 -31 -13 -10

63 66 60 50 47 45 45 42 40 35 33 30 30 30 25 24 23 22 21

Premier League TODAY

Leicester Aston Villa Burnley Newcastle Norwich Wolvers Liverpool

v Leeds Utd 12:30 v Southampton 15:00 v Chelsea 15:00 v Brighton 15:00 v Brentford 15:00 v Crystal Palace 15:00 v West Ham 17:30

SUNDAY

Watford Man City

v Arsenal 14:00 v Man Utd 16:30

MONDAY

Tottenham Manchester United wing back, Luke Shaw struggling for poccession with Manchester City’s winger Riyad Mahrez

v Everton 20:00

La Liga TODAY

T

he standout Premier League fixture this weekend takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as Manchester City face Manchester United in the Manchester Derby.

Three places and 19 points separate the two bitter rivals in the table, with the hosts seeking to steer clear of Liverpool at the top while the Red Devils aim to re-ignite their top-four pursuit.

As accustomed to seeing all season long, one team’s hard work was undone by an inexplicable VAR decision, as Everton held Manchester City at Goodison Park and were somehow not awarded a penalty when the ball struck Rodri’s arm inside the area.

A lapse of concentration from Michael Keane at the other end of the field allowed Phil Foden to prod home the game’s only goal eight minutes from time, but Everton were reportedly apologised to by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, PGMOL chief Mike Riley after VAR official Chris Kavanagh saw nothing wrong with the Rodri incident.

However, champions certainly have to win ugly on a couple of occasions, and City have seemingly mastered the art of doing so, but they strolled to a 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Peterborough United earlier this week to set up a quarter-final showdown with Southampton.

Foden’s late Goodison goal saw Man City open up a six-point gap to Liverpool in the rankings, although the Reds do boast a game in hand and Pep Guardiola will need no reminding of how his side’s most recent home encounter went against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the champions have unsurprisingly scored a joint-high 36 goals in the Premier League at home this term and have shipped a mere nine - winning seven in a row at the Etihad before that shock

defeat to Spurs and Man United’s clinical edge was simply nonexistent last time out.

Manager Roy Hodgson has certainly instilled a greater sense of defensive resilience into this Watford side since his arrival, but groans of frustration emanated all across Old Trafford as the Red Devils could not finish a single one of their bountiful chances on the day.

A draw with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano can be viewed as a successful result, but a 0-0 at home to the 19th-placed Hornets did not help Man United’s top-four endeavours whatsoever, and the chasing pack are now closing in.

The Red Devils are just about clinging onto fourth spot but find themselves level on points with West Ham United - who travel to Liverpool today, while Arsenal have now cut the gap to just two points having played three fewer matches.

The draw with Hodgson’s side did at least represent a sixth game without defeat for Man United in all competitions, and not since the Vicarage Road humiliation in November have the Red Devils lost away from home in any competition, but they are still waiting for their first away Premier League clean sheet of 2022.

City cruised to a 2-0 win over Ralf Rangnick’s side earlier in the season, but the Red Devils are no stranger to turning up the heat at the Etihad and have won four of their last five in all competitions on their rivals’ turf, but such a record will count for nothing if they cannot find their best shooting boots.

The Reds have a full week to prepare for the test against Manchester City and will crave to continue their strong recent form in the Blues’ backyard.

United have won five of the last seven derbies at the Etihad Stadium, including last season’s visit when

Bruno Fernandes was on target with an early penalty in an eventual 2-0 victory. ‘’It’s one of those games where we know what it means for the city, for the fans, for the club and for ourselves,” Fernandes said.

Though Man United have something of a penchant for Etihad victories and possess the talent needed to produce another shock result here, but whether Rangnick’s side have the defensive ability or attacking edge to do so is another question entirely.

Barring the surprise loss to Spurs, City have swept aside almost all who have come before them at the Etihad this season and are blessed with a near fully-fit squad, so the champions are strongly favoured to come out on top in this crunch derby.

Former Manchester United Captain Roy Keane believes the Red Devils will need to find their clinical edge in the derby on Sunday.

Keane outlined what the Reds need to do in order to get one over their foes as they look to keep their Champions League hopes alive with Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur all vying for the final spot in the top four.

The former United skipper speaking to ITV Football said: “I’m looking forward to it, another test for City, they’ve been fantastic over recent years. But Man United, hopefully, they will turn up and do a job on them.

“The best thing for United is to be on the counter-attack, City will dominate possession like they always do but United on the counterattack, they’ve been creating chances lately - not been taking them. But they’ll have to do that Sunday because they won’t get many.”

United were tepid during their last meeting in November as Guardiola’s side brushed them aside at Old Trafford but this time around both sides have it all to play for.

Osasuna Espanyo Valencia Madrid

v Villarreal 13:00 l v Getafe 15:15 v Granada 17:30 v Sociedad 20:00

SUNDAY

Cádiz Elche Celta Vigo Real Betis

v Vallecano 13:00 v Barcelona 15:15 v Mallorca 17:30 v Atlético 20:00

MONDAY

Bilbao ]

v Levante 20:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Mo Salah Liverpool Diogo Jota Liverpool Sadio Mané Liverpool Heung Son Tottenham Heung Son Tottenham Jamie Vardy Leicester Raheem Sterling Man City Bruno Fernandes Man Utd Emmanuel Dennis Watford Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal Raphinha Leeds

Head to Head 21-11-06 Man Utd 0-2 Man City 21-03-07 Man City 0-2 Man Utd 20-12-12 Man Utd 0-0 Man City 20-03-08 Man Utd 2-0 Man City 19-12-07 Man City 1-2 Man Utd 19-04-24 Man Utd 0-2 Man City 18-11-11 Man City 3-1 Man Utd 18-04-07 Man City 2-3 Man Utd 17-12-10 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 17-04-27 Man City 0-0 Man Utd 16-09-10 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 16-03-20 Man City 0-1 Man Utd 15-10-25 Man Utd 0-0 Man City 15-04-12 Man Utd 4-2 Man City

GOALS

19 12 11 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Aribo

Victor Osimhen scores to level scores against Cagliari

Aribo Admits Drop in Form after AFCON

Osimhen Eyes Scudetto as Napoli, Milan in Top of Table Clash

Joe Aribo has admitted that he has not been at his best for Glasgow Rangers since returning to the club from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The central midfielder has managed just one goal in nine appearances across all competitions this calendar year and in terms of assists he has registered two during that period.

At yesterday’s pre-match conference before the visit of Aberdeen, Aribo noted that he’s experiencing a dip in form and wants to prove his worth in the business end of the season.

“For me personally, I’ve

wanted to get more numbers in terms of goals and assists, I think for myself I’ve not been at my best compared to how I was before I left for my international,” Aribo said.

“But, in football, you have these dips in form throughout a season. Hopefully, I can move past that and come tomorrow you can see a strong performance and move forward from there. “ Aribo feels he needs to put in extra work to return to the form he was at before joining the Nigeria squad in January.

“I think I just need to work

my hardest to get back into form and that’s what I’m doing every single day.

“I want to be my best when I’m on the pitch so that’s what I’m hoping to do,” he concluded.

Aribo impressed for the Super Eagles despite their early elimination from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, bagging a crucial assist in a 1-0 win over Egypt in the group stage.

The 25-year-old is hoping to reach the World Cup with Nigeria when they tackle Ghana at the National Stadium in Abuja on March 29.

Eguavoen Sweat over Troost-Ekong Ahead of Ghana’s Clash Nigeria’s interim manager Augustine Eguavoen will be hoping key central defender William Troost-Ekong can return to full fitness ahead of the national team’s 2022 World Cup playoff matches with regional rivals Ghana.

Troost-Ekong is now rated as doubtful for the back-to-back matches against the Black Statrs with Watford boss Roy Hodgson revealing at Friday’s pre-match press conference that the Super Eagles star is out for the foreseeable future.

The Tottenham Hotspur

academy product will not be available for selection when the Hornets face off with Arsenal at Vicarage Road Stadium on Sunday due to a muscle strain.

“It’s a muscle strain, the same with Troost-Ekong. It’s going to keep them (Saar and Ekong) both out of the equation for the foreseeable future, but I don’t know how long exactly,” Hodgson told Watford’s official website.

“It’s not a minor thing, it’s not a knock, both have muscle strains, and that can

take anything from a week to four weeks to recover from.”

Troost-Ekong was one of two players in the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations squad that went the distance in the four matches played in Cameroon, the other being Leicester City holding midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

Since Troost-Ekong’s return from AFCON duty, he has not tasted action for Watford but was named in the matchday squad for four matches in the Premier League.

Awoniyi Turns Down Wolfburg’s Move German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg were keen to open the purse and shell out a few million to sign Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi during the January transfer window, according to a report by Kicker as per Neunzig Plus.

But Awoniyi turned down the offer to team up with the Wolves after deciding he was not interested in leaving Union Berlin just yet.

Awoniyi completed a permanent switch to the Berlin-based club last summer from Liverpool for a club-record transfer fee close to €7 million.

The Nigerian striker had made a positive impression with the Iron Ones during his time on loan with them in the previous campaign. A few clubs, including Wolfsburg, reportedly tried to sign the then-Liverpool player at the time before he decided for Union, having been convinced he had found a home and family in Berlin.

And it has been an inspired transfer for Awoniyi as he has scored 15 goals for Union Berlin in all competitions, and in the process becoming the club’s all-time highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga.

But while Awoniyi was flying with Urs Fischer’s men, Wolfsburg were struggling in the lower rungs of the league table, with their attack among the least prolific in the elite division.

And in January, the 2009 Bundesliga winners reportedly approached Union with offers for their two leading goal scorers – German attacker Max Kruse and Awoniyi.

However, while 33-year-old Kruse opted for a €5 million switch to the Volkswagenowned club, Awoniyi stopped Union from negotiating with the Wolves.

Tuchel Commits to Chelsea Despite Abramovic’s Selling Plan Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said “whoever buys the club will be lucky to have it”, and added his commitment to staying with the Blues.

The Stamford Bridge side’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich is planning to sell the club.

He has taken the decision following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Chelsea, for me, is a perfect fit. I love to be here and love everything about the club and, hopefully, it continues,” said

Tuchel.

“There is now uncertainty but isn’t there always as a football manager?

“I’m used and trained to live with it. Of course, different levels and, I have to be honest, this is quite a level but I am positive and hope things will end well.”

Tuchel became Chelsea manager when he replaced Frank Lampard in January 2021 and led them to Champions League victory last season.

“I have the opposite of a

problem staying here. I said many times that I love working in the Premier League,” said the German.

“I love being in England and feeling the tradition and love for sports in general, and for football in particular. It’s an amazing place to be.”

Abramovich said he was “giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the stewardship and care” of the club before the League Cup final against Liverpool.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen’s dream of winning the Scudetto with Napoli after the Naples side last won it in 1990 face a big test as they face joint leaders-AC Milan tomorrow in top of the table clash.

“We think game after game, the goal can also be the Scudetto,” Osimhen said.

Napoli and AC Milan are locked on 57 points at the Serie A summit as the two sides prepare to go head-to-head at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday night.

Both teams have registered 17 wins, six draws and four losses this season. However, first-place Napoli lead second-place Milan on goal difference.

With Inter Milan sitting two points behind (before their outstanding game on Friday night), Sunday’s showdown is a must-win when it comes to the title race.

Napoli head into this clash on an eight-game unbeaten streak in Serie A, having picked up five wins and three draws since losing to Spezia just before Christmas.

Last time out, Luciano Spalletti’s men claimed a 2-1 victory over top-four chasers Lazio – with Fabian netting a stoppage-time winner.

Napoli boast the best defensive record in the Italian top flight, having conceded just 19 goals in 27 encounters this season.

When you look at the bigger picture, they have only lost four of their last 36 Serie A matches.

That run is thanks to a 12-game unbeaten streak at the beginning of the campaign.

On the flip side, Milan recorded a goalless draw with Inter in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Tuesday – despite racking up 13 shots.

However, it is worth noting that Milan have only managed to win two of their previous six Serie A games and have drawn three of their previous five.

Just like Napoli, Milan’s record across the past year is hugely impressive. Indeed, Stefano Pioli’s side have lost only four of their past 32 Serie A outings.

Given that Milan have avoided defeat in each of their previous six away games in Serie A, they will fancy their chances of getting something from Sunday’s clash.

In the reverse fixture back in December, Napoli secured a 1-0 victory over Milan at the San Siro.

That means Milan have only managed to win one of their last five Serie A meetings with Napoli. The Rossoneri have also lost each of the previous two without scoring a single goal.

Orodje of Okpe Golf Tourney Climaxes Today The two-day 4th Orodje of Okpe Golf Tournament which teed off yesterday at Sapele Athletic Club Golf Section, Delta State with 150 golfers participating comes to a close today.

According to the Captain of the golf section, Okakuro Gilbert Aghogho, the event tagged ‘HRM Orodje 2022’ featured golfers from various golf clubs across the southern and northern part of Nigeria to the ancient city for one of the best organised golf events in Nigeria.

The tournament is sponsored by Seplat Energy to commemorate the 15th Coronation Anniversary of

Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Orhue 1 Major General Felix Mujaperuo (rtd), a prolific golfer, and the Grand Patron of the club.

“The tournament is a clarion for golfers all over the country to rally round one of their own; Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Delta state, The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.

“Golfers arrived from Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba; Ogunnu Golf Resort, Warri; Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS); UBTH Golf Club, Benin City.

Arsenal Golf Club, Owerri, Imo State; IBB International Golf and Country Club,

Abuja; Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos and many others.

“The monarch, being a prolific golfer, his friends and associates are taking part in the event.

Winners in men’s and ladies’ events, veteran and super veteran and other categories will win trophies and many other prizes.

“The arrival, registration and cocktail were held yesterday, while the ceremonial tee-off and tournament proper holds today while presentation of prizes to winners and the dinner party will hold in the evening at the section’s pavilion,” Aghogho said.

Murray Reunites with Lendl for Third Time Andy Murray and coach Ivan Lendl have reunited for a third time with the pair set to work together in preparation for the grass-court season.

Lendl first worked alongside Murray from late 2011 to 2014 when they enjoyed a successful partnership.

He led the former British No 1 to his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012 before Murray collected his first Wimbledon title a year later.

Lendl, an eight-time Grand Slam winner, returned to Murray’s team in 2016 when he guided the Scot to his second Wimbledon crown and year-end world No 1 for the first time in his career.

They split for a second time in late 2017, but after five years, the Czech former world No 1 will once again begin working with 34-year-old Murray over the next few months.

It is understood they

will spend several weeks together in the USA after the Miami Open on an extended training block, where Murray and the team will prepare for the grass season.

Murray, who has already confirmed he will miss the clay-court season but has underlined his determination to play Wimbledon, will also be aiming to appoint an additional coach, who will travel and work under the guidance of Lendl.

31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 05, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER QATAR 2022

Victor Osimhen Leon Balogun

Kelechi Iheanacho

Troos-Ekong

Ndidii

Musa, Ekong, Ndidi, Simon Top Eguavoen’s 32 Provisional Lists against Ghana ˾ Lookman sets for Nigeria’s debut

T

echnical Adviser, Augustine Eguavoen has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, midfielder Wifred Ndidi and forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho in a Super Eagles’ provisional list of 32 for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana.

Interestingly, Ademola Lookman is in line to make his Nigeria debut after being named in the Super Eagles’ squad for their 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana.

The 24-year-old winger, who is on loan at Leicester City from German club RB Leipzig, represented England at youth level but was cleared to play for Nigeria last month.

Lookman was part of the England Under-20 squad which won the U20 World Cup in 2017.

Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis, who was withdrawn from the squad for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, has also been included by Eguavoen.

The Hornets reportedly refused to release Dennis for the tournament in Cameroon

and a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) statement said the 24-year-old had been excused because Watford were “baring fangs”.

Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey has earned a recall to the Nigerian national team as the Super Eagles aim to clinch their place at the World Cup Finals.

The young Rangers defender was disappointed when he was left out of the squad for the African Cup of Nations.

He has yet to be capped after being selected last year but unused in a Word Cup double header with the Central African Republic.

But he has been brought back for the double header against Ghana later this month after a series of impressive displays with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Bassey has made the left back slot his own in recent games and has also performed well at centre back with Gio van Bronckhorst trusting him ahead of Borna Barisic.

Also called up are goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and

forwards Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze.

Leicester City FC of England forward Lookman and former U17 World Cup star Akinkunmi Amoo are officially called for the first time, while defender Bassey and Dennis return to the fold of the three –time African champions.

2021 AFCON forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Peter Olayinka, defender Chidozie Awaziem and long-time absentee Ogenyi Onazi are in a seven-man standby list.

Meanwhile, Everton winger Alex Iwobi has been omitted from the Super Eagles squad to take on Ghana in back-to-back matches.

The Hale End Academy product was not invited because he is ineligible for the games against the Black Stars after he was red carded in Nigeria’s round of 16 clash against Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The camp opens in Abuja on March 21, with a 24 –man final list for the two big games to be released at a later date.

Nigeria take on Ghana in the 20,000 –capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium as from 7.30pm on Friday March 25, with the reverse leg set for the Moshood Abiola

National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, March 29 as from 6pm. The winner over two legs will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled for November 14–December 18 this year in Qatar.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

TRIBUTE

Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh: 1926 to 2021

Sam Ekpe

O

tughievwentown,theancestral capital of Ughievwen clan and capital of Ughelli South Local GovernmentAreaofDeltaState, isbubblingastheycelebratethe life and times of Hon. (Chief) Patrick Emurode Sito Ideh, the Okpako-Orere of Otughievwen and Ushota of Ughievwen Kingdom.

ChiefIdehdiedonDecember22lastyearandwas buriedonJanuary1stthisyear.Today’scelebrationof thelifeoflatePaIdehbythesonsanddaughtersof UrhoboKingdomisinformofaThanksgivingMass at the Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun. Yesterday, March 4, there a valedictory courtsessionatHighCourt1,inWarri,forlatePaIdeh.

Already,PresidentMuhammaduBuharihascommiserated with the Ideh family over the passing of Pa Ideh.

PresidentBuharicondoledwiththeGovernment andpeopleofDeltaState,professionalandbusiness associates of the departed, urging more trust in God, and appreciation for the long life of the elder statesman and former lawmaker, who served as member of the House of Representatives, 19791983.

President said on the late father to the Urhobo ethnicnationality:“Thelegaliconandbusinessman workedselflesslyfortheunityandprogressofhis domain,leavinglandmarktestimoniesofspeaking for the voiceless, supporting the underprivileged and,mostsignificantly,ensuringpresenceofsons and daughters in national discourse.”

Buhariprayedforapeacefulrestforthedeparted, and God’s comfort for his family.

ThelatePaIdehwasbornonNovember3rd1926 at Otughievwen. He was the third of the four sons ofhismother,lateMrs.OshoghanvwenIdehandthe lastchildoflateChiefIdehEgholor,averypowerful Ughievwen Adeh (Palace Chief) who had several children from many wives. His mother was a fish traderandthedaughterofAkpoberhifromEganre QuartersofIwrekan.Hisfatherdiedwhilsthewas still very young and consequently Sito, as he was fondlycalledspentmostofhisearlylifeinIwrekan with his mother but was brought up by his eldest brother,ChiefAmrukobireIdehofblessedmemory.

Young Emurode Sito Ideh attended Native Authority (N.A.) Primary School, Otughievwen and from Standard IV proceeded to N.A. Central School,Ughelliin1942fromwhereheobtainedhis MiddleCertificatein1943.Hethereafterproceeded toOduduwaCollege,lIe-lfeforhissecondaryeducation. He completed his secondary education at theUrhoboCollegiateSchool,Warri(nowUrhobo College, Effurun) which was then administered by thehighlyreveredandrenownedpremiereducationist in the Delta Region, Late Chief Ejaife. After his secondary school education in December 1948, young Emurode worked briefly as a teacher at SidoPrimarySchool,Warri,wherehefirstmethis sweetheart, then Miss Onajite Lady Ekpere, the daughterofareputedgoldsmithfromOrhokporin EthiopeEastL.G.A.ofDeltaState.Helaterworked as an Accounting Clerk/Draughtsman in the then Warri Township Office and subsequently served there as a Councillor from 1955 - 1956. He also at aboutthesameservedasaCouncillorattheCentral DistrictCouncilinUghelli.Hewasduringthatperiod appointed into the board of the Benin/Delta Joint EducationBoardbetween1955-1956fromwhere helaterproceededtotheUnitedKingdominsearch of the proverbial ‘Golden Fleece’.

In the United Kingdom, he studied Law at the University College, Aberysthwith, the largest College of the famous University of Wales and graduated with Honours in 1960. Thereafter he went for a short programme at Kings College London, and in 1961 was called into the English Bar as a Barrister of Grays Inn. On his return to Nigeria in April 1961, he enrolled as a Solicitor and AdvocateoftheSupremeCourtofNigeriamaking him the first Legal Practitioner from Ughievwen Clan and indeed UgheIIi South Local Government Area of Delta State.

His contemporaries in the University of Wales includedmanyAfricanLeadersamongwhom,were the former President of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Tijan Kabah, and Hon Justice P. Nnaemeka Agu (Justice of the Supreme Court) of blessed memory. While atWales,hewaselectedSecretaryGeneralofthe Oversees Students Association. The association had the duty of promoting good relationship and understanding between the oversees students, the host community and the indigenous student

Ideh population. The subsequent year, he was electedthePresidentGeneralofthisAugust Body and ran the body with distinction.

Emurode Ideh’s activism and foray into politics preceded his call to bar.

Asayoungmanpriortohissojournabroad, hejoinedtheZikistMovementandbecamea veryactivememberoftheNationalCouncil of Nigeria Citizens (NCNC). He was in the fore-front in the campaigns for Nigeria’s IndependencefromBritainundertheleadership of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the great Zik of Africa. Such was his love for his country he named his first son after prominent nationalists from the three major ethnic groups in the Nigeria. A founding member oftheMid-WestStateMovement,heserved as Assistant Secretary and member of the WorkingCommittee,beforeheproceededto theUnitedKingdomtostudyLaw.Uponhis return to Nigeria, he became the Assistant LegalAdviserandMemberoflegaldefense team of the Midwest Movement until the region was created in 1963. A man of very strong convictions, principles and unusual courage, his principled stand and beliefs brought him into conflict with the powers thatbeonseveraloccasionsbutheremained undaunted. His doggedness and pursuit in theidealsequality,justiceandnationhoodas espousedbythenN.C.N.CledbyDr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, almost cost him his life in the early years of the Nigeria Civil War. Afterthefederaltroopsover-rantheMidwest Region, he was maliciously branded a

rebelbyhisdetractors.Hewasarrestedandtaken tothethenMidwestInn,Effurun,whereofficersof the Nigeria Army used as their base. There to his consternationandutterrevulsion,hesawNigerians of Ibo extraction being escorted away into buses foralmostcertainexecutionneartheoldJ.Aliensat Effurun. The soldiers demanded a bribe from him forhisfreedombutherefusedbluntlyandwasthen orderedintothebusbutstoutlyresisted.Justinthe nick of time an old friend, professional colleague and associate, late Webber George Egbe, QC, the erstwhileAttorneyGeneralofMidwestdroveinto the premises and upon citing him, hurriedly met the commanding officer of the forces in Midwest Inn to intervene. He was then brought before the Commanding Officer of the rank of a Major (from Ondo Province) who asked him point blank if he believedinOneNigeria.ThesummationofOlorogun Ideh’s response was that he and his colleagues in the NCNC fought for one Nigeria along with Zik and others. However, his faith in one Nigeria had been severely damaged by the killings of Ibos in the Northern part of Nigeria and here in Warri, as well as the killings of Hausas in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Consequently, he did not think he could honestly sayatthatpointthathestillbelievedinOneNigeria.

Anobviouslydistressed,flusteredandconcerned Webber Egbe interjected, ostensibly to save his friendfromhimselfsaying,“Thisistheproblemwith Patrick,heisalwaysblunttoafault”.Tothisremark however,theOfficerretorted,“No,itishissalvation; it is this character of his that has just saved him. I appreciatehishonestyandforthrightness.”Hethen “decreed” in writing that all federal soldiers should

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notonlyleavehimalone,butensureheisprotected atalltimes.ThissameofficeronabriefvisittoWarri after his posting out of Warri still enamored by his personality,hadHon.IdehbroughttohiminMidwest Inn and in the presence of Chief E. A. Esiso, (now of blessed memory) ordered lunch to be served to him and then drove him to the office of the Officer CommandingthefederaltroopsinWarri,thenMajor Musa Yar’Adua to be introduced. As it turned out however, they did not meet the Major at his base near the Warri Club. His travails did not, however end there, as he was subsequently arrested and dragged along with the likes of Late Godwin Boyo (OneTimeNationalPresidentoftheNBA),LateS.I.0.

Giwa-Amu(OnetimeSolicitorGeneralofMidwest), Late A.T. Rerri, Late Justice Ohiwere and Justice A.N Maidoh before a Special Tribunal headed by Late Justice Omo-Eboh for rebellion.

Itisinstructivethatthe“decree”/declarationissued bytheaforesaidMajorfromOndoprovincewasto be invaluable as same was tendered in evidence in his defence at the hearings. He was eventually discharged and acquitted. While discharging him, hewasadvisedbythepresidingjudgetobecareful and to watch his back. He fought for the creation of Delta State, and his sense of justice and equity led him to offer his legal services in the defense of Chief M.K.O Abiola at Abuja along with Chief G.O.K Ajayi SAN of blessed memory. Indeed, he drafted his son to tag along with him in the process. He was member of Western Region Law Reporting Committee(1962-1963),andMidwestRegionLaw Reporting Committee (1963-1966), a founding Director of the then government owned Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) Lagos (1963-1966).

The law was his first love. In his hey days of practice, he handled several highly contentious civil and criminal matters before courts in Warri, Ughelli,Orerokpe,Sapele,AgborandBeninCity.He was capable even in old age of citing pages of legal authorities to support legal positions he took. His severalappearancesintheSupremeCourtespecially in the 60’s and 70’s, a rarity then for most lawyers, are reported in the Supreme Court Law Reports.

Despite his distinguished legal practice, like his old and now deceased friend Chief J.A, Cole of blessed memory whose repeated appearances at the Supreme Court are well documented, he never applied for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

During the second Republic, he was elected into the National Assembly to represent Ughelli Federal Constituency. At various times, he was a memberoftheExecutiveCommitteeoftheSocial Democratic Party (Delta State), and leader of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (Delta State).

Hon. P. E. S. Ideh was a man of unusual candor and simplicity, blessed with an amazing and uncanny capacity to interact with all persons irrespective oftheirage,status,backgroundorethnicity.Itwas not unusual to see people a third his age, sit and engage him in discussions and debates on end as he makes all around him feel at ease, respected and loved. Besides, he would share his last glass of water with anybody in need.

AcompletelydetribalizedNigerian,hehadwarm, longandcherishedfriendshipswithrenownedIgbo, Yoruba,Ijaw,Itsekirileadersovertheyears.Onthe home front, when late Justice Donald Ikomi, a man hehardlyknew,waswronglyaccusedofmurderand ignominiously dismissed on National television by theFederalgovernment,heanUrhobomansingularly convinced the Warri branch of the N.B.A. as a mark of their solidarity, to raise a legal defence team for him. To him this was a set-up and the man had not even been heard. Indeed, he volunteered at his own expense to be at the head of that team from Warri which joined the defense team led by Late Chief F.R.A. Williams SAN in the successful defence of the charge against Ikomi. Some of his bosom friends and associates like Late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Late Hon. Justice Ogbobine; Late Chiefs O. P. Edodo, Late Mr. I. O. Jemide, Late Chief Rewane; Late Chief Utieyone to mention a few, were all of Itsekiri extraction. Therefore, it is not unusual to hear people say he is maternally Itsekiri. A very far-cry from the truth. Indeed, such was the affection and confidence Itsekiri’s had for himthatafterthecelebrationsofhis80thbirthday in 2006, the cream and leadership of the Itsekiri came to pay him a birthday visit at his home with giftsforhim.Theyincluded,ChiefO.PEdodo,Chief I.O Jemide, Justice S. Ajuyah, Chief J.O Ayomike all now deceased and a few others.

Read full Article online - www. thisdaylive.com

33

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

PERSPECTIVE PIA: NNPC Broadens Investment Opportunities Emmanuel Ike

T

here has been what looks like a groundswell of criticisms against the plan by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to expand its operations by exercising its pre-emption rights over some assets that are up for sale in the country.

Right of pre-emption is a legal right to parties in a joint venture to be the first to be considered for any planned sale or takeover of assets in the JVs if either party chooses to trade them off.

Clearly, with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), there’s no gainsaying that the operations of the NNPC will be significantly impacted when the law comes into full swing. It, therefore, shouldn’t come as a surprise that the national oil company, which is expected to sustain its new status by pursuing new investment opportunities in the oil and gas industry, has decided to expand its asset base.

Although the growing attention to the activities in the oil and gas industry remains a positive development, many of the comments on the latest issue have been mostly uninformed. The insinuation that the NNPC is creating a wedge on Seplat Energy’s plan to purchase ExxonMobil’s Nigerian unit, Mobil Oil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) is misconstrued. There can be nothing further from the truth.

The Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire the entire share capital of MPNU, it has been reported, was for a purchase price of over $1.283 billion shares of the company, plus up to $300 million contingent consideration.

But that the state-owned oil giant has opted to exercise its Right of First Refusal (RFR) on the sale of the assets, shouldn’t be misconstrued.

Although the NNPC has not officially spoken on the matter, a source close to the goings on, listed three criteria for assets that may be reshaping the portfolio of the new NNPC. Accordingly, it stated that the NNPC limited in the new energy transition world, and post-PIA needs to reshape and optimise its portfolio to ensure it can deliver value to its shareholders and stakeholders.

In order to reshape its portfolio, it will rely on acquiring assets that have high performance, low vulnerability and huge gas potential.

It would also aspire to acquire high performance assets with robust reserves with potential for growth and high performance and operators will be a key priority NNPC would consider in reshaping its portfolio.

With this, assets which have minimal vulnerability would be prioritised over assets which have higher vulnerability to security or production loss issues.

In order to reshape its portfolio, NNPC is thus carefully selecting assets which have low vulnerability with regards to security and production losses over other assets.

With this, divested assets under MPN JV would thus take priority to be acquired by NNPC over assets in SPDC JV which have high vulnerability to security and production loss issues.

It is also worthy to note that gas is the new oil expected to drive the strategy in reshaping and optimising the NNPC portfolio.

Therefore, the NNPC would thus prioritise acquisition of assets rich in gas , especially those ready for blowdown.

Furthermore, the NNPC places strategic interest in assets like MPN JV which have been unable to monetise its huge gas resources. NNPC, thus, not willing to risk another partner on the asset that may not prioritise the monetisation of gas.

Kyari

It is also worthy to note that gas is the new oil expected to drive the strategy in reshaping and optimising the NNPC portfolio. Therefore, the NNPC would thus prioritise acquisition of assets rich in gas , especially those ready for blowdown.

Furthermore, the NNPC places strategic interest in assets like MPN JV which have been unable to monetise its huge gas resources. NNPC, thus, not willing to risk another partner on the asset that may not prioritise the monetisation of gas Although some have argued that NNPC’s action could lead to legal tussle between Seplat and the national oil company as the NNPC did not have the power to halt the acquisition of the multinational oil company’s shares by Seplat, the national oil company clearly has the right under the law to take the action it took The NNPC, it was learnt, had previously conveyed its decision to exercise its rights and match any offer by interested parties for the assets following ExxonMobil’s decision to receive bids for their share of the JV, the platform reported.

A letter signed by the Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, and addressed to ExxonMobil, quoted NNPC as reiterating its resolve to take over the company’s share of the assets: “We are aware that you reached an agreement to divest from onshore and shallow waters JVs,” the letter read, adding, “Clearly we are interested.”

According to the letter, NNPC also reiterated that it had already transformed from being a corporation to being a profit driven company and it now had the capacity to buy over the share of ExxonMobil in the Joint venture.

The NNPC had recently announced a funding agreement with Afreximbank for up to $5 billion to grow its investment in

new and existing upstream assets.

Those close to the happenings in the industry argue that sweeping reforms that the PIA introduced in the oil and gas sector, was the reason for the NNPC action.

In addition, President Muhammadu Buhari had recently mandated the national oil company to focus on profitability and continuous value creation beyond the simple fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements.

“NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers across the world, while acting as enabler-company that will foster the development of other sectors of our economy,” Buhari had said.

Buhari signed the PIA into law on August 16, 2021 and following the assent of the president, the NNPC Limited was incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on September 22, 2021 after it received application for its registration from the federal government.

The PIA also raised stakeholders’ expectations on the company, even as it has given it a wide room to stimulate investments in the oil and gas industry.

The company’s preference is to source lenders that can provide the funding in a ratio based on the capacity of each of the lenders.

Section 65 of the Act encourages NNPC Limited and its joint venture partners to explore the use of incorporated joint venture companies. The NNPC is also required to declare dividends to its shareholders and retain 20 per cent of profit as retained earnings to grow its business like any other incorporated entity incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, as provided under Section 53(7) of the Petroleum Industry Act. Also the NNPC Limited supervises the mechanism of funding the Joint Venture Operations through the cash-call process.

Clearly, from the foregoing, as a commercial entity, the NNPC Limited in striving to ensure that its stakes in the Joint Venture Contracts are not weakened if further shares are issued, would continue to exercise its right of pre-emption.

And by doing that, it is simply protecting its investments in the JVCs. With this, there is no need crying wolf where there is none in the case of the ongoing divestment of ExxonMobil JV assets and the illusion of to grab and grab Group Managing Director of NNPC, Kyari, said recently that the company’s operational leaning would henceforth be business-like, with a profit motive, since it is now a CAMA entity.

He had said under the new arrangement, the company would raise between $3.5 billion and $5 billion in corporate finance to fund major upstream investments under its funding strategy for selected upstream investments.

To achieve this objective, Kyari said NNPC planned to acquire pre-emptive rights in select Joint Venture (JV) operations in the industry as well as take over the ownership of some non-investing partnerships.

The NNPC strategy, Kyari said, also included investing in strategic assets to address integrity, bottlenecking, and growth issues in the oil industry, such as “rigless” activities and oil drilling campaigns.

He said the company preferred to find lenders who could provide this funding in a ratio based on each lender’s capacity to help finance part of NNPC’s key investments, including acquisition of equity interests in quality upstream oil and gas producing assets.

According to him, this remains an integral part of NNPC’s corporate strategy to rebalance its oil and gas portfolio, by divesting from some toxic assets, to enable it acquire choice strategic assets that would help support its long-term strategic objectives.

This saw the company recently securing a $5 billion corporate finance commitment from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to fund major investments in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Under the contract, Afreximbank agreed to enter into a finance advisory and fundraising role to raise $5 billion to, “acquire, invest and operate energy producing assets in Nigeria as part of NNPC’s growth strategy following its incorporation as a limited liability company.”

Furthermore, the bank committed to underwrite $1 billion as part of forward sales based trade finance transaction. The finance commitment would enable NNPC fund some of its major investments in the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.

So, there is no cause for alarm as the federal government has through the PIA, renewed its commitment to attracting investments in the oil and gas industry as the legislation provides the needed improvements in fiscal and governance frameworks, emphasises transparency and accountability as well as provides a level playing field for all players.

The NNPC no longer has access to government funding, but now survives based on its internal resilience and efficiency. It is now a going concern and just like every other limited liability company, its level of productivity is what would determine if it would remain in business. These, would continue to define its operations going forward and so its intervention in the Seplat-ExxonMobil deal should not be misinterpreted.

Ike writes from Umuahia, Abia State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

TRAVEL

St. Regis Brand

Tourism Operators Urge Marriot to Bring Iconic St. Regis Brand to Nigeria Justina Uzo

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ometourismoperatorsinNigeria want Marriott International to bring St. Regis to Nigeria following the announcement that the hotel chain plans to open in the United Kingdom. Marriott International, Inc., which manages top hotels around the world, had announced the signing of a management agreement with Cola Holdings and The Westbury Hotel Limited to bring the luxury St. Regis brand to the United Kingdom. The new entrant, situated on one of London’s most alluring neighbourhoods, is expected to welcome its first guests in 2023.

St. Regis will also open 11 new resorts around theworldby2025.Theannouncementwasmade in the Marriot Virtual Press Briefing, recently, which was hosted by the President, EMEA and Senior Vice President, Design Hotels & EMEA Brand Portfolio, Satya Anand, who also gave overviewofsomeofMarriott’sbrilliantopenings this year.

The Nigerian operators expressed their joy saying that business travellers will have the most pleasant time when they visit Nigeria, if the prestigious St. Regis is represented in Nigeria on franchise. They said the newly established Marriott property in Ikeja, Lagos is already showing results after the agreement was signed.

An event planner, Chioma Egu, from Lagos hails the move saying “St. Regis is a few luxury away.”

She wants Marriott to bring the brand to Nigeria to join the vibrant Lagos hospitality market.

“St. Regis brand is not represented in Nigeria, right now. We expect the cherished St. Regis brand to be premiering in Nigeria,” she said excitedly. Egu continued, “The anticipated St. Regis Hotel will not only add more beds to the competitive Lagos market, it will also undoubtedly, be well received by the executives.

Another tourism operator in the country pinning her hope on Marriott to give more beds is Ibiso Lawal. While commenting on Marriot International new achievement, Ibiso, one of Nigeria’s travel experts, urged Regis Hotels & Resorts to bring the ‘leader in luxury’ here.

“I think their policy transcends the purely commercial gains, important though they are. St. Regis brand will stand out. I will be delighted if Marriott will manage a St. Regis hotel in Nigeria to enable people here to feel its classy brand,” he noted.

According to him, “Nigeria has hotels. We have Sheraton, Hilton, Golden Tulip brands, to mention just a few. The question is, which hotel chain is not represented in Nigeria. But we want more saleable rooms in the upmarket segment. Already, Marriott International is making waves in Lagos. Like Oliver Twist, we

want St. Regis and you know what that means for the accommodation segment in Nigeria, competition will bring down rates.”

Travel industry insiders are desirous of having more saleable rooms in the upmarket segment of Abuja and Lagos hotel industry to bring down rates. At, present, it has been difficult to control price. Lagos has one of the world’s highest accommodation tariffs. Lagos Tourism has received poor record when it comes to accommodation tariffs. Hotel rates in Lagos remain high. For example, guestroom rates at Sun Heaven Hotels & Resorts, Ikoyi, Lagos start from N45,000 to N150.000 a night.

Another Lagos hotel, Eko Hotels & Suites chargeshigherrateswhichstartsfromN69,000 a night to N300.000 a night (Eko Signature).

The challenge is the market forces, a mismatch in demand and supply whereby more guests are looking for a few standard guestrooms. Prices for the saleable rooms are therefore very high.

Speaking earlier on hotels, a MASHAV expert from Israel, Illan Ben-Joseph said: “Nigeria has hotelsandmorearecoming.” Whatshouldworry people, he said, is having budget hotels. “Most hotels in Nigeria are in Lagos. What happened to places like Jos where you hardly find a good hotel? Government should encourage entrepreneurs to develop hotels and attractions in certain areas and give tax relief,” Ben-Joseph said.

The St. Regis brand, meanwhile, continues to expand its renowned global portfolio by adding this highly sought-after address in Mayfair, London. Plans call for an extensive $122 million (90 million pound) redevelopment and transformation of the former Westbury Mayfair Hotel, with the addition of an eighth floor.

St. Regis London which boasts 196 rooms and suites is offering a highly personalised guest experience on the corner of Bond Street and Conduit Street that will blend the brand’s modern glamour with the best of British style and service.

The hotel will be designed by Peter NewmanEarp of Morrison Design with interiors by Richmond International. Furthermore, the property is set to receive an extension to the rear of the hotel, creating enhanced public areas, along with renovations to the façade of the building and the drop-off area outside of the main entrance. Design plans include a signature restaurant, speakeasy jazz bar, fitness centre and spa.

The St. Regis London will honour the building’s heritage by retaining the iconic Polo Bar, originally designed for the Phipps family of America, avid polo players and creators of the Westbury Hotel in New York and London, and where guests will be able to enjoy a local twist on the Bloody Mary, St. Regis’ signature cocktail.

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AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Tips for Better Suspension System Maintenance

A local auto plants

Potentials of Nigeria’s Motor Vehicle Production Industry

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igeria has great potential of becoming a frontline vehicle manufacturing country because the few indegenous companies that have dared to take that path have produced

exceptional vehicles.

In addition to this is the emergence of very resourceful ancilliary companies that are producing motor vehicle parts. These are expected to feed the automotive industry.

Nigeria’s auto manufacturing industry has come a long way since the 1950s with the production of passenger cars and commercial trucks. Early production was led by the assembly

line of Bedford TJ trucks made by United Africa Company’s (UAC) subsidiary, Federated Motors Industries and SCOA’s production of Peugeot 0 pickup trucks. SigniÀcant development began in the 1970s, during a period of oil boom, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed joint venture partnerships with foreign car manufacturers to assemble vehicles and provide technical assistance towards vertical integration within the local industry. These foreign brands went on to dominate the industry from the middle of the 1970s to the end of the 1980s. The passenger vehicles brands were Peugeot Nigeria Ltd and Volkswagen. The commercial vehicles manufacturers, Leyland, Anambra Motor

Manufacturing, and Steyr competed with Bedford trucks for dominance. The companies simply assembled kits and completely knocked down parts imported from abroad. In the marketplace, demand was largely dictated by the government’s budgetary concerns.

Towards the end of the 1980s the industry was negatively aͿected by a downturn in the economy, government’s inconsistency and the higher cost of locally manufactured cars compared to imported counterparts.

By 2000, used foreign cars dominated car sales in the country, and the rise of these aͿordable used cars negatively impacted the development of backward integration in the industry.

Lanre Shittu Motors Empowers Youth with Auto Skills

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anre Shittu Motors instituted an auto skill training and employment scheme for school leavers that has taken many dropouts and area boys out of the streets.

This is contained in a statement released by the auto Àrm, where it said it has also extended similar but advanced training skills to young graduates interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry. In total, the frontline auto industry player stated that over 50 of such Nigerians have beneÀtted from the schemes.

The statement quoted the Executive Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Taiwo Shittu, as saying that part of the empowerment scheme of the auto company is to help beneÀciaries secure decent jobs with good salaries.

According to the statement, he said, “The company has contributed a lot to the Nigerian economy especially when it comes to manpower, training and empowerment of young Nigerians.

We have an empowerment scheme for school leavers who have passion for automotive development. They are trained for a period of four years and get paid even while on training.

“After the training, we send them to our customers across the country to service them.

We ask them to be employed, accommodated and paid well. In some cases, they are given a car and placed on a good salary that we dictate.

We are getting good testimonies from those we sent to Kano, Bauchi, Ondo and Cross River states, among others.

“These are people that would have been bus

Lanre Shittu auto assembly plant

conductors, touts or motor boys, now heading a facility of 300 to 500 trucks.”

Lanre Shittu also said, “We have some people sending interested young graduates and school leavers to us for training. For instance, Desmond Elliot, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, sent 10 people from his Surulere constituency to us for the scheme.”

He called on the Nigerian government at various levels to invest and utilise the abundant,

but untapped local skills, especially among the youth to develop the automotive assembly industry.

According to him, Nigerians have the skills; they just need the support of the government; this is what will make the industry develop.

He stressed the need for the current generation of leaders to invest and make sacriÀces for the development of the next generation just like the Chinese did.

Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a very important role. However, it’s one of those things i t many drivers don’t really think about until that it i becomes a problem. Your suspension provides you y with better handling and safety when driviing. It also protects other important automotive systems and components like brakes, wheels, ttires, axles, differentials and more. All of these parts are interconnected. A problem with one can p snowball into serious issues throughout the car.

Taking proper care of your suspension system and its vital components will help ensure the best possible handling performance for your vehicle. p It will also extend the lifespan of your suspension and other affected equipment.

1. Check Your Wheel Alignment Having proper wheel alignment is crucial to your vehicle’s handling while also protecting y your suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, etc. Get y your wheel alignment checked regularly and y get your wheels realigned as needed.

2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Tires that are a little underinflated or overinflated may seem like no big deal. However, it’s always m a good idea to maintain the recommended tire pressure across all four tires. Your suspension p shocks/struts/springs will benefit from proper air pressure in your tires.

3. Check Your Tire Treads Your tire treads can actually tell you a lot about the health of your vehicle’s drivetrain system and other important issues like brake, wheel alignment and suspension system health. If the tire treads are getting too low or they are wearing out very unevenly, you’ll want to address the problem(s).

Source: Fox Run

Access to Finance Necessary for Automotive Sector Devt, Says Autochek Leading automotive technology company, Autochek is moving to provide easier access to financing options for automobile vehicles in Nigeria and across Africa.

Speaking at the first ever auto finance summit in Lagos on Wednesday, Etop Ikpe, Chief Executive Officer at Autochek highlighted that various stakeholders had been working in silos in the past and that the automotive sector needs a multi-layered approach to financing to reach its full potential in Nigeria and across the continent.

Ikpe further emphasised that financing is critical for the auto ecosystem as it plays a critical role in alleviating transportation poverty and impacting the whole value chain including dealers, workshops, SMEs and ultimately the consumer.

He also stressed the need for consumer education on how to responsibly access credit and make the most of the financing solutions available to them, as well as other related services.

With operations across West and East Africa and a partner-led retail footprint in over 1000 dealer and workshop partner locations, Autochek is committed to building solutions to enhance commerce and synergy between the different stakeholders in Africa’s automotive sector. Its products and services include facilitating access to auto loans, quality maintenance/after sales services, warranty solutions and transactional marketplaces.

Mayokun Fadeyibi, SVP West Africa highlighted that Autochek is building the infrastructure to make car ownership more accessible and affordable to more Africans and this event has brought together key stakeholders to engage in the necessary conversations to drive growth and opportunities across Africa’s automotive sector.

Notable guests at the summit were Director General, National Automotive Design And Development Council, Jelani Aliyu, National Chairman, Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin, Omobola Johnson, Former Minister of Communications and Senior Partner TLcom Capital, Dr Adebola Akindele GMD Courteville Solutions, Bisi Oni, ED, FundQuest Financial Services Limited, etc.

Key discussions addressed at the summit included ‘Unlocking constraints to boost growth and job creation in the automotive industry’, ‘Future of automotive financing and opportunities for the continent’ and ‘The ripple effect of embedded finance to support digital and financial inclusion in Africa’.

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AUTO WORLD

Ooni Acquires Jet Mover, Seeks Assistance for Indigenous Businesses

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he royal vehicle Áeet of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, now includes Jet Mover, a 14-seater bus assembled in Nigeria by Jet Motors Company.

The auto assembly company’s Chief Executive O΀cer, Mr Wemimo Osanipin, and the Marketing Director, Mr Rupani Sanjay, went to the palace of the Ooni at Ile-Ife, Osun State,to handover the vehicle.

The Ooni was delighted at the increasing capacity of Nigerians to grow the local economy, especially in the automotive sector. “I am very impressed by what I have heard of the Jet Mover, especially its unique safety features, comfort and durability. I commend the brilliance and ingenuity of the team at Jet Motors.

“It is investments of this nature that can truly position Nigeria for greatness. I wish to call on the government at all levels to create the right incentives for indigenous entrepreneurs to excel and grow the economy for the beneÀt of all Nigerians,” Ooni said.

The Ooni said his decision to purchase a unit of the Jet Mover was inÁuenced by the positive testimonials trailing the brand.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi receiving a Jet Mover bus from the Chief Executive Officer of Jet Motors Company, Mr Wemimo Osanipin, and the Marketing Director, Mr Rupani Sanjay in Ile-Ife… recently

Bolt, Fixit45 Collaborate to Improve Access to Autocare Services

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L-R: Country Manager, Bolt, Femi Akin-Laguda; and Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Fixit45, Justus Obaoye, at the partnership agreement signing ceremony in Lagos… recently

ixit45, has partnered with ride-hailing platform, Bolt to provide its community of drivers with access to subscription-based plans that minimise potential mobility disruption and improves their chances of income optimisation. This is in light of the pivotal role played by the mobility industry in the general, and ride-hailing segment in accelerating economic growth, as well as driving shared prosperity, coupled with the need to sustain these mobility efforts, auto tech platform.

This partnership is premised on Bolt’s dedication to redefining urban mobility by helping people move seamlessly and empowering partners to improve their earnings and Fixit45’s avowed commitment to building a seamless autocare and auto-repair, maintenance services, fleet management and so much more.

This subscription-based service plan for drivers on the Bolt platform guarantees unfettered access to quality auto services that include autocare, vehicle repair and maintenance from Fixit45’s service network across the Country. Other benefits include access to repair financing, discounts on spare parts, unlimited diagnosis, periodic car wash and tire services.

CEO and Co-Founder, Fixit45, Justus Obaoye noted that given the enabling power of mobility as a critical success factor in stimulating advancement and development for both urban and rural economies, it is imperative that concerted efforts are made towards mitigating disruptions in that space. “As a platform that enhances mobility experiences, Fixit45 has collaboration in its DNA. As such, we are excited to partner with a market leader in the ride-hailing space in oiling the wheels of progress. This service plan ensures that drivers’ inactivity often occasioned by vehicle operational downtime is minimised while increased earnings, improved vehicle reliability, and quick service turnaround time are some of the perks that come with this partnership. This partnership with Bolt is poised to keep the lights of the Nigerian economy on,” Obaoye said.

Speaking on the partnership, Femi AkinLaguda, Country Manager at Bolt, said, “At Bolt, our promise of improving the experience of our drivers has been central to our continued success in Nigeria. Our commitment is reÁected in our constant eͿort to build new avenues that help make our drivers and fleet partners more profitable.

Danger Signals for Pedestrians to Watch

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ometime in January 2022, I had a near miss while doing my daily early morning walk to keep Àt and stay healthy. I was walking facing oncoming vehicles as the safety rules for pedestrians dictate. In fact, in keeping with my calling as a safety o΀cer, I can boldly say that I took all the necessary safety precautions such as wearing the brighter colours and facing oncoming vehicles. Suddenly the extremely bright lights from oncoming vehicles behind alerted me of a vehicle which was on high speed trying to overtake another vehicle at a bend. I was saved by my guardian anger who shoved me a little bit onto the hard shoulder. That near miss reminded me of the need to ensure that one’s Àfth senses are all alert despite complying with the necessary safety precautions.

Startled by this near miss, I strolled leisurely into my o΀ce the next day with so many thoughts on my mind; thoughts of how God saved me, where to raise fund to sort out so many personal challenges and hopefully also meet the needs of some close friends and people I do not know, but who think that with my new position in the Federal Road Safety Corps, I must be in the league of the Dangote’s and the Otedola’s. Even the educated ones assume that for every vehicle arrested for tra΀c infraction, somebody somewhere must be

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

rubbing my palms. My new assignment, as I said earlier, even complicates matters.

I also had thoughts on what topic to focus on this week. There were also thoughts on how to handle the numerous phone calls, text messages and WhatsApp chats for assistance on other issues such as recruitment into the Corps in 2022 and even feeding in the face of the challenges associated with security challenges according to some and COVID-19. I also had thoughts on what topic to focus on this week which for me was most disturbing because of the deadline required. I know I have heard people who are writers complain on what they call writer’s block. Now if gifted writers would lament on what to focus on what then should a bloody road safety o΀cer like me trying to reach out to the road user be going through, if you catch my drift. The reasons for a writer’s block such as

fear, timing and perfectionism were all staring me in the face.

Even when I tried some of the getaway tricks such as going for a walk, changing environment, reading a book, listening to music or staying with someone who makes me feel good just did not help me. When I could not make a headway on what to focus on, my mind suddenly Áashed on the new normal because of COVID-19 and yet the challenges of ensuring safety on our roads. Even that was without form or substance.

It was just then that a colleague walked into my o΀ce oblivious of my inner struggles and asked me if I had heard of the tragic death of the cousin of one of our senior colleagues. I said and with a smile on my face asked him exactly what happen and where. Without knowing how much a savior he had become to me, he gave me a snippet of the incident.

According to his story, the young man named Jerry Uwah (not real name) who is survived by a wife and a daughter before his death was working with a private company in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja where according to colleagues, he had carved a niche for himself as a disciplined and time conscious staͿ. On this fateful day, Jerry had left his house after pacifying his beautiful daughter with a promise to buy her favorite chocolate on his way from work not knowing what fate held for me. He

hugged his daughter, gave her a kiss and waved as he opened the door and immediately Áagged down a cab just in front of their two-bedroom apartment in one of the estates in Abuja. He boarded the car and had and smooth and safe ride and alighted at the nearest junction to his o΀ce at the central business district without hiccups. He was crossing the road to the other side where his o΀ce is when he was knocked down by a car driven by a female driver. The impact of the hit was so heavy that despite being rushed immediately to the hospital, he died as a result of the bleeding from his head.

JeͿrey’s death brought to my memory a similar tragedy I shared a couple of weeks ago on this same page about the death of another young man even though his death occurred diͿerently. According to the story, Frank Uzor (not real name), his wife and their one year and six months old daughter were heading to church on a sunny Sunday morning in their black Lexus Jeep. He stopped by a bank to make a withdrawal for oͿering. After parking his car at a spot, he believed was safe enough, Frank crossed over to the other side of the road, made his withdrawal at the ATM before crossing back to his vehicle parked at the other side; he got into his car but before he could start his car and move, a Toyota Hilux lost control and crashed onto their Jeep.

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NEWSXTRA

Saraki Blames Buhari for Nigeria’s Woes Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Former Senate President, Mr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday declared that President Muhammadu Buhari has grossly failed Nigerians.

Saraki, whose Presidential Campaign team visited Kano, Thursday night, said President Buhari promised to provide Nigerians power but the country was now worse oͿ in energy supply.

According to him, “President Buhari said he will provide

eͿective security of lives and properties, today, Nigerians cannot even travel to a closer town without being in fear and uncertain of what will happen to them.”

Saraki, who was represented by his Campaign Director, ‘Bukola Saraki Presidential Campaign Directorate’, Professor Iyorwuese Hagber, said “Bukola Saraki would certainly take over the government, organise massive reforms, restructure the mentality of Nigerians, and bring back

justice, because justice has been compromised by the APC regime, which does not respect separation of powers.”

Professor Hagber said they surveyed the number of aspirants contesting the presidency in 2023 and critically looked at the performances of APC/ President Muhammadu Buhari, and agreed that only Bukola Saraki would salvage the country from the ineptitude of President Buhari.

“The judiciary and the legislative arms have all

come under the control of the executive,” he said.

“Today, Nigeria is greatly divided along tribes and religion, that is why something urgently must be done to salvage it.

“Nigeria is the poorest nation on earth today. They have failed to make Nigerians happy, we are sad and disgusted. Bukola Saraki who is not corrupt would do the magic and wipe out the tears of Nigerians come 2023,” he added.

NCC Working to Ensure More Businesses Embrace Digital Platforms, Says Danbatta John Shiklam in Kaduna The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has said that it is working assiduously with various stakeholders to see how more businesses could embrace digital platforms for delivering their services.

The Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the commission, Prof.

Umar Danbatta stated this in his remarks during the ‘NCC- Day’ at the ongoing 43rd edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair.

He said the telecoms sector had been a strategic driver of the digital economy agenda of the federal government as it continues to provide the needed digital sinews that support the economy, especially during

the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant restriction period.

Danbata, who was represented by a director in the commission, said Information Communications Technology (ICT) was not only one of the fastest growing industries directly creating millions of jobs, but also an important enabler of innovation and development.

He said, “In Nigeria, the number of active mobile subscriptions reached 195.4 million in December 2021 with Internet subscribers exceeding 141 million and a broadband penetration 40.88 per cent.

In this new environment, the competitiveness of Nigeria, for instance, depends on ability to leverage new technologies.

Afro-dance Debuts on Glo Battle of the Year

AT THE GRASSROOTS… L-R: Mrs. Alanyingi Sylva, Minister of State Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva, Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Senator Degi Eremienyo, during a visit to Nembe Ward 4 and 5, in Bayelsa State, on Friday

Niger Now Harbours Boko Haram Elements, Says NLC Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cried out that the state was now harbouring Boko Haram elements and some dangerous gangs that were now making life unbearable for the people.

This according to the NLC was diͿerent from armed bandits and other gunmen ravaging parts of the state.

Rising from an expanded emergency State Executive Council meeting held at the Labour House in Minna, the Congress declared that:” It is no longer news that Niger State has become the

harbour of terrorists, as disturbing reports conÀrm the presence of Boko Haram elements in some parts of the state, this is coupled with bandits who traverse our state without resistance.”

The communique signed by the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Yakubu Garba, lamented that the state government was not doing enough to contain the activities of these murderous gangs.

“The NLC is very disturbed that security of lives and properties appear to have overwhelmed the state security apparatus despite the existence of seven well grounded military formations across the three zones of the state,

this is in addition to the almost 100 per cent LGA coverage by police and NSCDC formations and the non conventional formations (Vigilante).”

“The rampaging bandits go about on motorcycles numbering hundreds as against thousands of conventional and non conventional security personnel. The number of security formations and men is adequate to reverse the embarrassing insecurity in Niger state.”

The Congress therefore asked the government to do “Whatever it takes to halt the rampaging murderous terrorists that are transcending the hinterlands

unleashing mayhem, kidnapping, raping, setting homes and food reserves ablaze,” adding that “Government should rejig the security architecture to ensure that communities are secured enough for citizens to return to their homes, farms and businesses without further delay.”

It also implored the government to set up a Commission of Enquiry “To ascertain the extent of damages and loss of properties by victims of terrorism and to adequately compensate them,” saying such action will bring succour to the victims and restore conÀdence of the people in government.

Army, NSCDC Arrests 11 Vandals in Delta

RCCG’s DSA Retools Pen Cinema Agege Divisional Police Headquarters

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

In its pursuit of Christian Social Responsibility objectives, The Dominion Sanctuary Acme Parish (DSA) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 19 Head Quarters Ogba, Lagos on Sunday February 13 2022, donated operational tools to the Pen-Cinema Divisional Police Headquarters, Agege which was one of the public facilities burnt down during the October 2020 nationwide #EndSARS protests.

The Regional Pastor in Charge of Region 19 Headquarters of the RCCG who is also the Intercontinental Missions Coordinator of the RCCG, Pastor Brown Oyitso, was represented at the occasion by the Minister-in-Charge of RCCG DSA’s

Eleven suspected vandals are now in the custody of the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The suspects were apprehended while carting away vandalised oil pipelines by soldiers of 181 Amphibious Battalion of Operation Delta Safe.

Commandant of Delta NSCDC, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, made the disclosure yesterday while parading the suspects at the Command’s headquarters, Asaba.

He said that the suspects were arrested and handed over by the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Ughelli,

due to robust synergy and collaboration by the two agencies.

Akinsanya disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that one George Umukoro, aged 66 years, recruited the other suspects to transport the vandalised crude oil pipes in Evurode in Ughelli South Local Government area of the state.

Other suspects, he disclosed, included Adu Peter aged 62; Luke Efekerhi aged 66; Thomas Umukoro aged 60; Felix Iku aged 45; Ede Otoborisi, aged 43; Henry Oshevire aged 42; Eruovuho Akparugo aged 32; Sunday Godwin aged 36; Igwe Shedrack aged 30 and Orava Adiza aged 41.

Christian Social Responsibility Department. Asst Pastor (Prof) Olugbenga Ogunmoyela.

The CSR is an initiative of the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Speaking during the short ceremony held in the temporary premises of the Police Station in Agege, Lagos on Sunday, Pastor (Prof) Ogunmoyela said the gesture was to demonstrate the support and appreciation of the church for the work the Police is doing under very difficult conditions. He therefore prayed that the operational tools would enable the police to discharge their duties more effectively in the face of rising insecurity in Lagos and the entire country.

Viewers and fans of Glo Battle of the Year reality tv show are in for a fun time as Episode 5 of the hit dance show airs by 8p.m. today on GloTV, Globacom’s streaming app.

Repeat broadcasts are scheduled for DSTV AFMG Urban (Ch. 153) on Sunday at 3p.m.; NTA (Ch. 251) on Sunday at 8p.m.; DSTV AFMG Showcase on Tuesday at 5p.m.; AIT on Tuesday at 9p.m.; and Africa Magic Family on Tuesday at 10p.m.

In a statement by the company, it noted that “as the competition enters the Afro dance stage, Globacom is expanding the options available to viewers and fans to watch the show with friends, family and loved ones while cheering on the talented contestants as they battle their way to mega millions in Globacom’s latest empowerment

initiative.”

Episode 5, 6 and 7 will focus on Afro dance with contestants showing off their dance skills as they battle to make it to the finals and a shot at winning the mega millions at stake.

Introducing the episode, host Do2tun asked a question then provided the answer: “What does pepper soup and afro dance have in common? They are both hot.”

On Episode 5, the dancers do more than bring their A-Game, they bring fire to scorch the dance floor.

On Episode 5, watch Afro dancers battle across regional centers from Abuja to Kaduna, Enugu to Port Harcourt and Benin to Lagos as they pray and hope that success in the competition will help them realise long held dreams.

NNPC Announces N37bn Increase in Trading Surplus for September 2021 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) yesterday announced what it said was a trading surplus of N37.50 billion for the month of September 2021.

A statement signed by the Group General Manager, Group Public AͿairs Division, NNPC, Mr. Garba Muhammad, in Abuja, stated that this represented a 352 per cent increase from the N8.29 billion surplus in August 2021.

Details of the Àgures contained in the September 2021 NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR), the NNPC said, indicated that the

rise in trading surplus was largely due to the increased earnings of its upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

It added that trading surplus or trading deÀcit was derived after deduction of the expenditure proÀle from the revenue in the period under review.

But in September 2021, NNPC said its group’s operating revenue as compared to August 2021, reduced by 29.87 per cent or N191.90 billion to stand at N450.45 billion. Similarly, expenditure for the month, it said, decreased by 34.87 per cent or N221.11billion to stand at N412.92 billion.

Abuja Disco Apologises for Poor Power Supply Emmanuel Addeh inAbuja The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) yesterday apologised for the recent poor power supply in its franchise areas, blaming poor electricity generation for the challenge.

A statement from the company signed by its Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Donald Etim, noted that the power available for supply to customers had been abysmally low in recent times.

AEDC stressed that as a com-

pany fully committed to enriching its customer experience, it regretted that the challenge of low generation was beyond its direct control, but said that it was aware of the plight of its customers.

The distribution company’s customers are mostly in Kogi State, Niger State, Nasarawa State and Abuja.

“The current low and unstable supply of electricity to homes and businesses is as a result of low power generated to the national grid,” it stated.

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 5, 2022

NEWSXTRA Enugu Community Accuses Traditional Ruler of Fuelling Town Union Crisis Nseobong Okon-Ekong The people of Agunese in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State have blamed the unease and apprehension in the town on plots by the traditional ruler, Igwe Cyprian Maduabuchi Nevobasi, to hijack the running of the town union.

Prominent members of the community disclosed that the traditional ruler has been using security agents to haunt those opposed to his devious plans to impose unaccountable leaders on the town union.

They alleged that the traditional ruler does not want

WE’RE BETTER CLOSER… L-R: The Turkey Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Hidayet Bayraktar and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, when the Ambassador paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja...recently

Manufacturers Groan as Price of Diesel Hits N520 Per Litre Dike Onwuamaeze

The organised private sector yesterday raised the alarm that the current spike in the pump price of diesel to between N520 and N560 per liter would triple the cost of production and accelerate inÁationary pressure on the economy.

The massive rise in the price of diesel is causing discomfort for manufacturers and businesses because they now rely heavily on it to power their generators following epileptic public power supply.

The President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and

Industry (LCCI), Michael Olawale-Cole, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday on the prevailing high cost of diesel, said the escalation in the price of diesel would be a double jeopardy for manufacturers and portends a hard time that could even threaten their survival and competitiveness.

Olawale-Cole told THISDAY that the prevailing prices of diesel, as well as current petrol scarcity “are totally unacceptable,” warning that “if we are not careful the economy and Nigerians will suͿer for it.”

He attributed the trend in the domestic price of diesel to the

rising price of crude oil in the international market, which is impacting on its landing price in Nigeria.

“The rising price of crude oil is part of it. The current scarcity of petrol is now inÁuencing the diesel market.

“However, the answer to all these problems is to ensure that we are adding value to our crude oil here and stop depending on imported reÀned products. That is the solution and can be met by government showing commitment to ensure that our existing reÀneries are maintained and made to work.

It is agonising that we are

producing crude and exporting them abroad for reÀning and later import them at prices that we cannot aͿord. Naturally, this is going to aͿect inÁation and add to the suͿering of the people.”

Also, a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who spoke anonymously to THISDAY yesterday on the prevailing high cost of diesel said: “We will suͿer for this as we generate our own power at a very high cost of diesel whose price has climbed from N380 in December 2021 to over N400 in January and is now selling above N500.

Group Petitions ICPC, FCT Minister over Illegal Adegoke’s Murder: Judge Imposition of Fee on Secondary Schools Reserves Ruling on Bail Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A group, Citizens’ Rights, Accountability and Development (ICRAD) has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, to investigate the illegal imposition of levies on secondary school students

by FCT Education Board.

The Executive Director, Mr. Hassan Luqman while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said ICRAD through petition invited the anti-graft agency to look into the illegal imposition of a mandatory, unauthorised and illegal payment of N1,500 PTA levy” per annum on all students in JS 3, SS 1, SS 2 and SS 3 in the FCT by the Board; a levy which cumulatively runs into a hundreds of millions

of Naira annually.

“We stated that the N1,500 payment foisted on indigent students and their poor parents run contrary to legal enactments such as the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, the Public Procurement Act as well as the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regulations which are extant laws that ordinarily ought to govern such levy, its collection and/or expenditure - if it was actually deemed necessary and fair to be imposed in the first place.”

The group noted that students were being forced to pay the said amount per session outside the official fees recognised by FCTA for Senior Secondary School Students in FCT. Luqman noted that this fee, which was tied to the School Management System (SMS), only allowed the students to check their results online.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, has reserved ruling on bail application brought before her by Dr. Rahman Adedoyin, owner of Hilton Hotel and Resort Ile-Ife, and six others defendants over the murder of Timothy Adegoke, an Obafemi Awolowo University’s postgraduate student.

Adedoyin and six of his workers, Adedeji Adesola, Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwale Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem, and Adebayo Kunle were docked before Justice Ojo on 11-count bordering on conspiracy to commit murder, murder, felony, altering of evidence, administering of extrajudicial oath among others.

Bail applications for six of the accused were moved on Thursday, March 3, 2022 while

that of the seventh accused, Adesola Adedeji, could not be moved as she was just included in the amended charge before the court.

At the resumed sitting yesterday, Prosecution counsel, M. Omosun informed the court that the accused person, having been remanded in Ilesa Correctional facility, could not be brought to court.

Moving the bail application for Adesola, her counsel, Okon Ita, pleaded with the court to proceed without the defendants, since the day’s proceeding was just to move the application.

Ita, while pleading with the court to admit the defendant to bail in most liberal terms, said he adopted the application, supported by a 29-paragraph affidavit, the lone exhibit and the written address therein.

Varsity Restates Commitment to Deepen Research on Remedies for Viral Diseases Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia As the world continues to wait for curative medicine for COVID-19, HIV/AIDS and other viral diseases, the management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has restated its commitment to research and innovations that will positively

impact humanity.

The Vice-chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, made this known at a news conference to mark his Àrst anniversary in o΀ce, saying that the institution was proud of Prof. Maduike Ezeibe for his research in treatment of HIV/ AIDS, COVID-19, and other viral diseases.

Ezeibe, who is the Dean,

College of Veterinary Medicine of MOUAU discovered that the synthetic Medicinal Aluminium Magnesium Silicate (MSAMS) in nano particles has proved an eͿective remedy for treatment of HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and even cancer.

But Àve years after what appeared to be a landmark discovery was made public, the relevant federal authorities in Nigeria have

been foot dragging in determining the veracity of Prof. Ezeibe’s drug and possibly incorporate it into the nation’s health system.

Nonetheless, the MOUAU VC asserted that Ezeibe’s research Àndings remain relevant and plausible hence the resolve by the management to back him to deepen his research and also to be accorded the needed recognition by relevant authorities..

enlightened members of the community to superintend over the development of the town, insisting that people should be allowed to elect credible persons to move Agunese forward.

In an interaction with journalists, stakeholders of the community, including the member representing the town in the state House of Assembly, Hon. O. J. Chukwuobasi, a candidate in the botched town union election of December 30, 2021, Mr. Simon Okeke and Prince Linus Okoli, the community said the way out of the quagmire is for Igwe Nevobasi to withdraw unfounded petition to the security agencies.

INAC Expo 2022 Will be Stronger and Better, Says Runsewe Plans are in top gear to make this year’s International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo bigger and more culture-friendly.

This revelation was given by the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, in his office when he received in audience the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Turkey, His Excellency, Hidayet Bayraktar who visited him in his office.

Runsewe, who expressed delight in the visit of the envoy,

said the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey dates back to 1962 and has since grown with much strength and friendliness.

The NCAC boss in a preamble to this year’s INAC Expo, said the diplomatic community will be hosted by the Council to a pre-INAC dinner where the diplomatic community would unwind and share ideas on their experience and expectation leading to the INAC Expo in August this year.

Land Grabbing: Anambra Community Protest Against Monarch, Beg Govt for Intervention David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Indigenes of Umugama Village in Ukwulu community of Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday begged the Anambra State government to intervene in the arbitrary sale of their land by their monarch, Igwe Peter Uyanwa.

The indigenes also protested to Anambra State Police Headquarters, blocking the gate to draw the attention of the commissioner of police, stating that

Rotary Restates Commitment to Serving Humanity Omolabake Fasogbon

The Rotary International District 9110 through its foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian works, thus sought for support from well-meaning Nigerians.

The District Governor, Rotarian Remi Bello, declared this during the Rotary Foundation Annual Dinner ceremony that was held in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the well attended event, Bello expressed worries on the alarming and increasing poverty level in the country and urged individuals to support the government’s effort in lifting the society.

Quoting a report by Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Bello said,”up to 40 per cent or 83 million Nigerians lived in poverty in 2020. It has also been estimated that the number of poor people in the country will increase to 90 million, or 45 per cent of the population by 2022.”

the monarch had always used police operatives to arrest and detain anyone who challenged him over sales of land.

The youths led by Mr. Philip Dilibe said they embarked on the protest to call the attention of the government to the highhandedness of the Igwe towards his subjects.

Placards carried by the indigenes for the protest read: ‘Stop violence in Umugama’, ‘Igwe Ezedike stop selling our lands’, ‘we need peace in our land not violence’, among others.

The protesters also marched to the Zonal Police Command, Ukpo and the palace of the clan head of DunukoÀa, Igwe Robert C. Eze, OkoÀa VI.

47

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION MY ENCOUNTER WITH SHEIKH GUMI IN KADUNA antecedents and past role as a much feared and respected military dictator. Seven years on, he has not yet succeeded. For a man well trained in the art and science of military tactic, manoeuvrings and war, his failure should worry us all. His failure is a failure of all of us because we clearly made a wrong choice and having done so have failed to support him or push him in the right direction to take the proper decisions and make the necessary sacrifices.

As we crawl towards the next general elections in 2023, I felt we need to seize the bull by the horns and search for the root cause of this dangerous situation, that we are now confronted with in our country. How can any government succeed when it is unwilling to engage anyone in dialogue?

Despite the trillions of Naira thrown into fighting this war of attrition, not much has changed. War is never a tea party. Dialogue is to be preferred to war at any time because it saves lives and property. Nobody has ever been able to predict the outcome of any skirmish, let alone a battle or war. Even those with superior weaponry, science and technology now understand that war is an imprecise science that follows not the dictates or plans of man. Ask the Russians in the unfolding tableau that the world is being forced to partake of. Even if battles are won, the war is never over. Guerrilla warfare becomes the order of the day. Vigilantes and freedom fighters appear as far as those on the defensive are concerned and the more you push them underground, the more lethal they become as we have now found to our huge chagrin.

I have decided to assign myself this task of information gathering and peace-seeking by reaching out to the dramatis personae in this orgiastic theatre of the absurd. Apart from banditry, we have those ethnic groups seeking to break away from Nigeria due to a serious feeling of rejection, marginalisation and exploitation by one overhyped group, especially in the South East and the South West. For a country that survived a civil war about 50 years ago, it is sad and distressing that we want to risk a second civil war which experts have warned against. No country can survive two internal conflagrations that pits

brother against brother as we all are in Nigeria. I am of the firm opinion that we remain better off as one indivisible entity. Our problems stem not from our grundnorm, constitution or institutions, but from the players in our polity who have ascribed to themselves the status of deities when they are fallible, weak and actually pitiable. It is us as a people that give them whatever strength we perceive them to have because they are a tiny minority, a miniscule element that have us at the jugular merely because we succumb to their crass bullying.

On my part, I feel the need to proceed in search of peace and hopefully meet and speak to those who can help me give meaning to our variant of madness without methods. I believe I have been given the opportunity to do this because I have no alignments and I am a liberal minded person who does not judge without listening to the other side. I believe in fairness and equity. The lawyers always talk about a right of fair hearing, and I am a devout advocate of this. As a responsible journalist, I must ensure the people hear and see both sides and then make up their minds. In something as volatile as the security and well-being of our nation, it is imperative that we must find ways of making peace and the first way is by listening to the other side.

Some of my meetings would have to be clandestine. I knew that I would have to cross borders into certain territories and do what needs to be done and return to compile my findings in readiness for what God might do for us soon. While most politicians are only concerned with preparing their war chess for the next rounds of elections, a few of us should be thinking of the next generation. It is for them we aspire to lead because the future is theirs and not ours. Our present crop of politicians are yet to grasp this fundamental principle. I have succeeded to some extent in reaching out to some very influential people, some of my findings cannot be made public yet due to certain circumstances. But I’m greatly enriched by the knowledge I acquire on my travels. Doing this has been an enriching and ennobling personal

experience as well.

My meeting with Sheikh Gumi had to be made public because of the volatility, controversy and sensitivity that his name attracts. I’m glad he raised no objection whatsoever to this happening.

I had called him late last week and left a message for him. He called back and apologised for not getting him on the phone when I had called earlier. I told him my mission, that I would love to meet him last Wednesday. He said Tuesday would have been better for him as he wanted to go somewhere but agreed to stay back for me.

My next move was how to get a flight to Kaduna. I was shocked to discover that only two airlines fly to Kaduna daily from Lagos, Air Peace and Azman, both in the morning, with their returns also before 12 noon. I had to arrange heavy security based on what I had read and heard. According to reports, Kaduna, one of my favourite cities in Northern Nigeria has fallen on bad times despite the efforts of its energetic Governor, Nasir El Rufai. As soon as we landed, I could feel the tension in the air.

Our drive into town wasn’t the usual bubbly affair. Fuel scarcity was palpably causing its own mayhem. We eventually meandered our way to Sheikh Gumi’s house. Only one young man at his main gate who swung the gate wide open and led us to the rear building. A fire incident had occurred only last week in the front wing.

I empathised and offered my sympathies.

Sheikh Gumi was all dressed waiting for me.

He looked very handsome, certainly better than in the previous pictures of him I had seen. He is obviously highly charismatic and cosmopolitan.

We hugged, backslapped like old buddies although we were meeting for the first time.

This immediately calmed any tension and nerves there might have been between us. My sense of unease disappeared. I was made to feel at home, and I felt at home. Wow, it was such a delight to meet him. He disarmed me with his warmth and simplicity and his frankness. We got on so well. He spoke with so much candour in impeccable English. He did not mince words.

For him, the Buhari government did not trust, or want, anyone to assist in finding solutions.

There was definitely an agenda. Some people were also milking the security budgets, which according to him is mainly in cash and unaudited.

He is of the opinion that career politicians can never change Nigeria. He gave me fresh insight into the mindset of the herdsmen and why they are so cantankerous. He likened them to the aggression of Russia against Ukraine. He said while the world sees what Russia is doing as illegal, Russia feels otherwise by seeing it as self-defence and self-preservation. We touched on the leadership crisis in Nigeria, corruption, nepotism and so on. He concluded that Nigeria deserves fresh leaders who would not be bogged down and encumbered by the ghosts of their past misdeeds. Those fighting for emancipation in the various parts of Nigeria simply do not trust the current crop of politicians because they have been betrayed time and again. Nothing that they have done so far engenders in them any faith or trust that they are capable of changing, hence the conundrum and quagmire that the nation is presently presented with.

Sheikh Gumi was such a good host, and we could have talked well into the night and the next day. However, I needed to rush back to the airport, and he saw me off to my car and he said goodbye. I was happy to establish that first contact in an atmosphere of camaraderie. I look forward to further tapping into his wealth of experience in the near future. In the fullness of time, I will publicise fuller details of our discussions. This is not the most appropriate forum anyway. Suffice to say, I met a man determined to work for the security and unity of this nation when he sees the same interest, seriousness and desire displayed by those who lead us.

I firmly believe that this kind of approach and rapprochement that I am pursuing is the way forward for a secure and united Nigeria.

We must continue to believe in our country and our fellow countrymen no matter where they may come from and their antecedents. With the right attitude to discussions and peace we will achieve the elusive trust, peace and unity that we so earnestly yearn for.

The search for a peaceful Nigeria continues…

ENUGU GOVERNORSHIP ZONING AND THE COLOURS OF HYPOCRISY of the PDP? Why is he running away from engaging in the national political discourse in such craven manner, but working insidiously to disrupt the harmony in his home state?

To many observers, it perhaps speaks to the disheartening and somehow incipient recumbent timidity among the Igbo political elite.

Why would Ekweremadu for instance, after holding such high national office of the Deputy Senate President for a wholesome 12 years consider himself only fit to be governor of Enugu State willy-nilly? Why have Igbos suddenly become too timid?

Suffice it to say that Ekweremadu’s ambition to govern Enugu State has been a long-consuming passion that dates back to 2007. Indeed, the unforgivable sin he and his followers hold against Senator Chimaroke Nnamani is solely based on their perception that no one else was better deserving to succeed him in 2007 other than himself. And for not obliging him this passion, he has done everything within his powers to demystify Nnamani. It is doubtless that the greatest headache he seems to be contending with in his present scheme is perhaps the sudden reappearance of Senator Nnamani, and he is reputed to have sworn not to forgive Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for bringing him back. That perhaps explains why Mr. Okolie would conclude that the only reason why Nnamani allowed power to rotate to the West Senatorial zone through Sullivan Chime was simply because “he thought that the latter would be pliable so that he could continue to rule Enugu State by proxy.”

Okolie insinuates that Ekweremadu would have as far back as 2011 become a governor if he was ever so desperate for it. But the truth is that he had always, without let, aspired but failed! In an interview he granted The Sun Newspaper in 2018, Sullivan Chime described Ekweremadu’s reaction to his decision to zone the governorship ticket to Enugu North thus: “Incidentally, I didn’t know my senator was actually warming up to be governor and when he heard that pronouncement (that it has been zoned to the North senatorial zone), everywhere; every

Ekweremadu paper was full of attacks from him, attacking me, saying when did they reach such decision?

Of course, I ignored him.”

When he was further asked if Ekweremadu had any powers that overawed him, he again narrated how Ekweremadu came back on his knees and “pleaded and I gave it up. I told him it was not a do-or-die affair, but for him to go to the senate he must abandon his colleagues and immediately he did it, all the people he had planned with to cause trouble…” Vintage Ekweremadu! So he did not by any stretch of imagination defer to anyone, and even in 2015 he contested against the incumbent and was defeated! There was thus no way he “could have easily swooped on the governorship

ticket”, like Okolie had claimed in his essay as though the governorship election was a sort of grabfest at a buffet table. As a matter of fact, those words further betrays the might-is-right mindset that has always defined Ekweremadu’s perceptions of politics.

What is obvious is that Ekweremadu is seemingly haunted by the reality of a life outside public office post 2023. As elite political offices go, not least in a developing democracy like Nigeria’s, occupants often tend to be carried away by the associated fripperies to the extent that life outside the bubble becomes too hard to contemplate. It may seem like a naturallyimbibed tendency, but it is dangerous if not tempered by the time-honored lesson that power is transient, and the knowledge that public service is also nurtured by the experience gleaned in followership, not by a perpetual sense of entitlement. But he should and has been reminded by the leaders of the state, to in the words of Anton Chekhov, that he who doesn’t know how to be a servant should never be allowed to be a master; the interests of public life are alien to anyone who is unable to enjoy others’ successes, and such a person should never be entrusted with public affairs!

Okolie even alluded to “competence” as Ekweremadu’s selling point in his current gambit, but I am at a loss at this gratuitous elevation. For a man who occupied the elevated position of a Deputy Senate President for a record 12 unbroken years, most of which were under a PDP government, and the Enugu Port Harcourt and Enugu Onitsha highways remained impassable, it beggars reasoning to see any validity in such ascription. If anything, he is afflicted by a tunnel vision of development.

He would rather, driven by arcane provincialism, rather facilitate a road contract from the highway to his tiny Mpu village as if the whole of South East had by that elevated position not become his larger constituency.

Those who know the nuances of budgeting at the National Assembly would appreciate

the preeminent position he held for at least 8 good years as Deputy Senate President under a PDP government. That these crucial roads, significant portions of which even run through his senatorial district remained unattended to, speak unequivocally about his so-called competence.

So barring the reconstruction currently being carried out by the President Muhammadu Buhari government, Ekweremadu might just have occupied such exalted seat without facilitating the fixing of these all-important South-east corridors that adorn his immediate constituency.

Leadership is about legacy. A leader who apparently has little qualms about the political and cultural division that his ambition will foster should never be trusted. By openly disavowing an idea he had taken so much benefits of, and which has earned Enugu State much respect as a stable political entity, Ekweremadu has done incalculable harm to the immense regard people like me hitherto had for him as a respected voice of equity and justice.

No amount of sophistry can whitewash the self-seeking quest that his governorship ambition represents. After 20 unbroken years as a senator, Ekweremadu’s quest to stand against the popular wishes of the state presents an unfortunate visage of a man who has had it all but who has scant regard for gratitude, and who suffers from a paralysis of conscience.

His desperate clamour against every principled reasoning is akin to a godhead that demands blood for propitiation which does not take palmoil simply because it is red! It’s instructive to note that all the leaders of the state across party lines are in agreement with this functional template.

It is the resolution of the good people of our dear state and the consequences are so stark that not even the governor can change it. He should never forget that a people convinced against their will would still be of the same opinion!

unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of our dear country, Africa and the world at large.

“You stand out as a true patriot. You have continued to give your all to see Nigeria take her place among the comity of nations, as a richly endowed country.

“You have played key roles at various stages of Nigeria’s and Africa’s political history. At all those stages, you provided visionary and principled leadership guided by deep love for and commitment to the well-being of Nigerians and the black man.

“You have remained a voice of reason, cautioning and proffering solutions as Nigeria

wades through the many challenges of nation building. You have written letters, books, given lectures at home and abroad, all in the effort to communicate your thoughts and ideas on how to make Nigeria work. As a result, your stature towers on the world stage.

“Baba, I want to assure you that Nigerians appreciate you and your noble contributions to the peace, unity, progress and development of our dear country.

“God has blessed you with good health, strength and a sharp mind. May He continue to uphold you as you continue your worthy service to our dear country, Africa and the world at large.”

•Ezenwa Okenwa writes from Lagos.

OBASANJO CLOCKS 85 AMID LOADS OF GOODWILL MESSAGES “His democratic finger prints on the African continent are indelible. He is a beacon of democracy and stands tall in the hall of fame of the greatest African leaders,” Bello said.

The governor on behalf of the government and people of Niger State joined millions of well-wishers of the former President, within and outside Nigeria to pray for more strength, good health and wisdom to the celebrant.

Former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim described Obasanjo as a foremost statesman and citizen of the world.

In a birthday message to the former President who clocked 85 today, Anyim, a

frontline presidential aspirant for next year’s election said Obasanjo had demonstrated unwavering commitment to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also recalled that OBJ, as the former President is popularly called, played key roles at various stages of Nigeria and Africa’s political history.

The congratulatory message, which Anyim personally signed read: “Baba! You are a true citizen of the world, an outstanding leader in Africa and our nation’s preeminent statesman. You have demonstrated

Saturday, March 5, 2022

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MISSILE

Jega on the State of Nigeria “While Nigeria may not have totally collapsed, it is in the process of collapsing, as reckless elite in control of the governance are blindly running the country aground” –Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, lamenting the state of Nigeria.

PENDULUM My Encounter with Sheikh Gumi in Kaduna DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

F

ellow Nigerians, let me confess that what I did on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, was nothing short of a commando operation. In planning and execution, it was daring, bold and brave. I had to keep my visit to Kaduna to meet with the irrepressible Sheikh Gumi close to my chest.

Even my closest aides did not know what I was up to. My wife was kept totally in the dark because I knew she would be scared for a variety of reasons, chief of all, being my welfare and security. Only a couple of my closest confidants knew what I was up to, and they fully agreed in the need to shroud my movement in absolute secrecy. Uncharacteristically, I did not utilise my aides in sorting out the logistic demanded by such a high-profile trip. I was not going to be dissuaded or discouraged from doing something which I believe needs to be done by any leader worth his salt, which is dialoguing with those that can majorly affect the unity and security architecture and fabric of our dear country.

So, it was like taking a kamikaze plunge as I headed to Kaduna, almost incognito, to keep an appointment with the one and only Sheikh Gumi. Depending on which side of the divide you belong, the name of Sheikh Gumi instantly conjures up different images of a pious and devout Muslim, almost Angelic in appearance or that of an oversized monstrosity who seems to have access to the most dreaded bandits who have been terrorizing many parts of Nigeria, and worse still seems to enjoy their confidence.

Momodu presents his books to Sheikh Gumi in Kaduna He has been described as their spokesman and treasurer. However, his defenders see him as a simple patriotic man who is ready to risk his life to find a lasting solution to the grave problem of insecurity in our country and is thus prepared to dine with the bandits for this purpose.

My view is that, say what you will, Sheikh Gumi

is a man who deserves to be engaged by our government and security forces. His knowledge of those that are causing the grave security meltdown that we are currently experiencing in the country and their unqualified acceptance of him makes him a veritable treasure in the fight against the toxic insecurity and the divisiveness

that is eating into our diverse nations and its peoples. His uncommon confidence and courage have both attracted him to me, even before we met for the first time. I was not just curious to know what propels him, but also interested in knowing how he has been able to achieve what this Government has strived to achieve in almost seven years with limited or no success depending on your viewpoint. How did he manage to win the confidence and friendship of those tormentors of Nigerians, strong men who are able to trek thousands of kilometres to wreak havoc and vanish into thin air within a twinkle of an eye? I had many questions begging for answers. I was determined to get some answers to some of my questions because I am of the firm belief that no matter where I find myself, those answers may well help in shaping the course of our country and I can be one of the catalysts for bringing it about.

I have been deeply concerned about the widespread fear and dread of wanton killings, rape, kidnappings and unending destruction of lives and property in Nigeria. No part of our nation has been spared the pillaging, maiming, murder and denudation that has accompanied or trailed the bandits and herdsmen. Indeed, one of the main reasons some of us supported the return of Major General Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, was the assumption that he would be able to tackle the catastrophic problems of insecurity head-on because of his military Continued on page 47

RIGHT OFREPLY EZENWA OKENWA

Enugu Governorship Zoning and the Colours of Hypocrisy

A

ustin Okolie’s piece “No Governorship Zoning Agreement in Enugu,” (ThisDay, February 26, 2022) was of interest reading. It did not only mark his venture outside the narrow precincts of the “Enugu Dream FM”, a radio station founded by his principal, Ike Ekweremadu in 2009 to fan the embers of his long-standing ambition to be governor of Enugu state, it also revealed a compelling flame of frustration in the face of all stark realities vis-à-vis the now manifestly fateful dream of his principal to become the next governor of Enugu State.

He labored to glamourize his principal as an all-conquering messiah, profiled his unequalled sense of equity, and even demonized the political leaders of the state for daring to call him to order in his maddening ambition. While it is always reserved for the dogs to bark at the enemies of their master, the fact however remains that Ekweremadu is walking all alone in his overarching gambit to govern the state by all means.

And for people like Okolie who chorus a repudiation of the long-established zoning principle and spread the lie that there was never any zoning arrangement in the state, or that the cyclical order of rotating the governor’s seat in Enugu State ceases after the first cycle, I hope

they realized that there are perhaps only two ways to be fooled: one is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true!

Unfortunately, and perhaps unknown to Okolie, Ekweremadu currently bears a peculiar burden because there is no verdict more scathing than the words of a man standing in witness against himself! A few months after the 2015 general elections, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), set up a committee to review the circumstances that led to the sobering defeat it suffered, and to recommend steps that would help the party to avert a repeat scenario in future elections.

That post-election committee was chaired by him and their findings regarding the party’s loss was unequivocal: the major reason was its non-adherence to the principle of zoning/ rotation that has guided the party over the years!

Speaking after the submission of his committee’s report, Ekweremadu was even more emphatic: “Since the last president of PDP extraction came from the southern part of Nigeria, it is recommended that PDP’s presidential candidate in 2019 general election should come from the northern part of the country in accordance with the popular views expressed in the submissions to the committee,” he said.

To mitigate injustice and feelings of marginalization in the PDP, the committee also

recommended that “the zoning principle, which has been the strength of the party, should be strictly adhered to as a matter of urgency AT ALL LEVELS!” (Vanguard, October 1, 2015)!

Could it possibly be that Ekweremadu did not reckon that Enugu State is also part of the “ALL LEVELS” which was recommended by his committee?

Nowhere else has the benefits of zoning been more pronounced than in Enugu State, where adherence to rotational power-sharing/zoning has helped to foster an agreeable political climate that gives every section a sense of belonging such that it could indeed be argued that the committee possibly drew some inspiration from it.

Since 1999, Ekweremadu has held varying degrees of political offices; from Chief of Staff to a governor, to Secretary to the State Government, and a senator largely based on zoning! It is therefore simplistic for Okolie to parrot the lame argument that there is no single document detailing the articles of the zoning. The fact still remains that there is indeed a subsisting document on it arrived at in a meeting by Enugu State stakeholders of which Ekwereandu was a party and has been displayed by no less a person than Senator Collins Ndu. But assuming without conceding that there was indeed no single document in that regard, Ekweremadu

as a lawyer knows that it is not all contracts that are written, just as it is not all constitutions that are written.

It is perhaps too late in the day for a practice that has lasted for the past 22 years to be casually wished away by the sheer disingenuous whims of some individuals. We talk about zoning in consequence just as we talk about agreement in conduct. You cannot have your zone enjoy the benefits of zoning for unbroken 8 years and claim tomorrow that it doesn’t exist. The democratic process is sustained by the respect the practitioners have for the process itself!

It is quite amazing to observe Ekweremadu’s overarching sense of entitlement in the affairs of PDP in the country. Mr. Okolie for instance questions why anyone would have “the moral high ground to say that someone (Ekweremadu), who literally laid down his life and political career to salvage the PDP post-2015 when many beneficiaries of the party’s years in power deserted it cannot have PDP governorship ticket. This is not even about a presidential ticket!”

Whereas we all know that Ekweremadu has taken more from the PDP than he could ever possibly offer, the question however is why is he not interested in the presidential politics Continued on page 47

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