TUESDAY 6TH APRIL 2021

Despite COVID-19 Headwinds, 11 Banks' Profits Rise to N941bn Obinna Chima Despite the disruptive impact of COVID-19 last year, the full-year financial results of 11 commercial banks for the period ended December 31, 2020, have shown that their combined profit after tax (PAT)

for the period under review stood at N941.063 billion, higher than the N917.764 billion they recorded the previous year.

The banks are Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Union Bank

of Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank Plc and Ecobank Trans National Incorporated.

THISDAY compiled the results from their respective nine-month reports for the period, which the banks

presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

However, they recorded a combined profit before tax (PBT) of N1.085 trillion, lower than the N1.097 trillion they realised in 2019.

The financial statements showed that in the period

under review, while Access Bank Plc recorded profit after tax of N106 billion, compared with the N94 billion recorded in 2019, the bank’s PBT in 2020 stood at N125.922, up from the N111.925 billion it realised in 2019.

FBN Holdings Plc reported

a PAT of N89.7 billion in 2020, higher than the N73.7 billion it made in 2019; but the holding company’s PBT stood at N83.7 billion in 2020, higher than the N75.3 billion it achieved in 2019.

Continued on page 8

Controversy Trails Olu of Warri’s Demise's Announcement, Successor’s Appointment... Page 6 Tuesday 6 April, 2021 Vol 26. No 9494. Price: N250

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Buhari Orders Manhunt for Attackers of Imo Police HQ, Custodial Centre Directs arrest of fleeing 1,844 inmates Says incident act of terrorism IG blames IPOB’s ESN for assault Uzodimma calls for investigation Ikpeazu imposes curfew on Umuahia, Aba Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Amby Uneze in Owerri President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all security and intelligence agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those behind yesterday's dawn

attacks on both the Imo State Police Command Headquarters and the correctional facility in Owerri.

Buhari, in a statement by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, described the attacks Continued on page 8

NAF Intensifies Search for Missing Aircraft Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said yesterday that it would continue the search for the missing fighter jet that disappeared last week in Borno State.

The fighter jet lost contact with radar shortly after takeoff while on an interdiction mission in the North-east.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao,

immediately flew into Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to coordinate search and rescue operations.

The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that the missing fighter jet might have crashed in the North-east.

An earlier statement issued by its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, cited an intelligence Continued on page 8

ASSESSING IMPACT OF VIOLENCE… L-R: Enugu State Governor, Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, during an assessment of areas attacked by suspected herders in Abakaliki...yesterday

Kaduna Govt Reports Recovery of Five Abducted Students... Page 5

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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Kaduna Govt Reports Recovery of Five Abducted Students Parents insist on negotiating with bandits

John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kaduna State government yesterday said five of the 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka in the state have been recovered.

The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, quoted the military as saying that it had recovered the students.

He said in a statement that the five students, who were recovered in the afternoon, were taken to a military facility for a medical check-up.

“The Kaduna State government will provide updates on further operational feedback to be received on this case,” he said.

Meanwhile, the parents of the abducted students have vowed to negotiate with bandits for the release of their children, despite opposition from the state government.

The parents, at a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, expressed their determination to ignore the Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, who had warned that the state government would not negotiate with the bandits or pay them ransom.

The students were abducted in their hostels on March 11, 2021, when bandits invaded the school about 11:30 pm.

Aruwan had in a statement on Sunday said the state government would prosecute anyone caught using its name to negotiate with bandits or terrorists.

He stated that the state government had not appointed

an intermediary to negotiate with the bandits on its behalf.

The Chairman of the parents of the abducted students, Mr. Sam Kambai, told reporters that they were working to get the contact of the bandits to commence negotiations.

He said the parents felt abandoned by the government.

“If we have the means of reaching the bandits, we will negotiate with them.

“We are ready to negotiate the lives of our children. We will not allow the government to destroy our children in the bush. We are also working hard to get their contact,” Kambai added.

He deplored the government’s foot-dragging in ensuring the release of the students, saying the parents cannot fold their arms and watch their children being endlessly held in captivity.

They said since those responsible for the protection of lives and property had failed in their responsibility, they “will do everything within our power, everything humanly possible, with the help of God to ensure that our children do not perish.”

“Today makes it 25 dreary and excruciatingly difficult days since our children have been in captivity.

“We have not received any words of empathy or assurance from the government nor have we seen any action to inspire confidence that something is being done to secure the safe release of our children.

“For the record, the governor of Kaduna State has never addressed the parents of these

students from the first day of the incident until now.

“They have shown no concern about the trauma the parents have been enduring,” he stated.

He added that after they organised a peaceful protest during which they addressed a press conference on March 22, 2021, they got an audience with a government official, and were told that the state government would not negotiate with the bandits for the release of the students.

Kambai said: “As parents, we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing and that we would do

everything within our capacity to ensure the safe release of our children.

“Let us be clear, it is first and foremost due to the failure of government to live up to its primary responsibility of securing lives and property that we have this ugly development on our hands.”

He said the government had kept parents in the dark on efforts being made to release the students since their abduction 25 days ago.

“We observe with disappointment that in the Easter message by the governor, there

was no mention whatsoever of the students or any assurance of what government is doing to ensure their release.

“For us, it was a confirmation of our fear that the government has abandoned our children.

"We can never abandon our children and we will do whatever we can to see that we get them back,” he added.

According to him, the parents also read the statement credited to Aruwan that anyone who negotiated the release of the students would be prosecuted.

“For us, the statement is unfortunate and another

demonstration of callousness on the part of the government.

We have been beaten, and we are now forced not to cry. We are the parents of these children and if their lives mean nothing to the government, they mean everything to us...

“We will continue to do our best until we have our children back.

“Therefore, we are not intimidated by the threat of prosecution. We call on all Nigerians and the international community to support us in our efforts for the safe return to us of our children soonest”, he said.

FG to Redistribute SIXTY-ONE HEARTY CHEERS… Unutilised COVID-19 Vaccine to States Attack Won't Stop Me from Running for Election, Says Soludo Osun State Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola (left), and his wife, Kafayat, during the 61st birthday of the governor’s wife in Osogbo...recently

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government may tinker with the COVID-19 vaccine deployment strategy by redistributing unutilised doses out of the consignments sent to states to others that need them more.

THISDAY investigation revealed that following the unanticipated shortage of the AstraZeneca vaccine, the government is considering rejigging its plan to redistribute yet-to-be utilised doses to states that have already exceeded their limit in administering the first dose.

It was learnt that Kwara State exceeded its limit as it got an allocation of 55,790 doses and administered 34,112 doses before it suspended vaccination.

The state, it was learnt, was supposed to administer 27,895 doses, which is half of its allocation since each person is supposed to receive two doses of the vaccine within 12 weeks.

To make up for the shortage of 6,317 doses in Kwara and in other states that may face similar challenge, THISDAY gathered that states that are yet to utilise their vaccine allocation may give them up for redistribution to other states that may witness shortages.

A source at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) told

THISDAY that the measure, which is the usual practice in vaccine rollout is aimed at maximising the usage of the costly vaccine and to avoid wastage, if it expires.

He blamed the recent upsurge in the COVID-19 pandemic in India for the sharp drop in the supply of vaccines across the globe.

He said: "This is a proactive step by the government. You know we are providing the vaccine based on availability.

We have four million doses of vaccine that would take care of two million people because each person is entitled to two doses.

"The plan was that before we exhaust that four million, more vaccines would come through the COVAX facility but the way it looks now, we won’t receive additional doses before we exhaust the four million doses due to heightened global demand for vaccines.

"So what we were expecting from the COVAX facility may not come as planned, and in order not to get to a situation where you immunise four million people and when they are due for a second dose, you will not be able to administer it, we then have to stick to vaccinating two million people. This is because it is the two doses that give immunity and it would amount to wastage not to complete the two doses of vaccination."

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof.

Charles Soludo, has said that he will not be forced out of the Anambra State governorship race by last week’s violent attack on him.

Soludo, who featured on ARISE NEWS Channel, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, stated that giving up would mean yielding the political space to marauders who would ultimately destroy the state.

Three policemen attached to Soludo, who escaped by a whisker, were killed and the state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Emeka Ezenwan, was kidnapped when gunmen, last Wednesday, attacked a political gathering he was hosting at the Civic Centre in his hometown of Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The police have so far arrested five suspects in connection with the attack while Ezenwan has been frees.

According to Soludo, Anambra now prides itself as one of the safest states in the country under the current administration in the state.

He said the underlying reason behind the attacks must be unravelled, with all resources

fully deployed to make the job of the security agencies easier.

He stated that the police must be well funded to cater for their personnel, adding that two of the orderlies killed did not have anybody armour to protect them.

Soludo said all those arrested would be made public by the security agencies, adding that he would not speculate on the motive behind the attack on him.

Soludo stated that it would be far-fetched to say that the confrontation was connected with the recent spate of attacks on security agents in the Southeast.

He added that those persons who had been clashing with the security agents were not known to kidnap or invade events.

He urged the authorities to get to the root of the attack and deal with the remote and immediate causes of the “insurrection on the state.”

Soludo said: “Evil by the minority can only persist when the good among the majority decide to do nothing. I have told some people that if our resolve was 40 to 50 per cent before, this particular incident has spurred us to 99 per cent to get this.

“We all have to get involved because the punishment for those who abdicate from public

service or are indifferent to the governance of their space is that they will be governed by fools.

“For me, there’s no question of being deterred. It’s actually a call to action, telling us the magnitude of the challenges that we face because if we all run due to gunshots or attempts on our lives, then what happens to the rest of society? Society gets overrun by marauders and criminals. The thing is not to run away, but to confront the problem.”

He added that the state Governor, Mr. Willie Obiano, and his team visited him at home on the night of the incident, expressing gratitude to all the security agencies and all Nigerians.

Soludo said he had spoken with Ezenwanne, and he wasn’t aware that any ransom was paid before he was released.

While thanking Nigerians for their solidarity, Soludo stated that he had received over 1,500 calls from within and outside the country since the incident.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with the ongoing investigation into the attack, adding that he would not want to pre-empt the outcome.

Soludo, a member of the presidential Economic Advisory Committee (EAC), confirmed that three policemen died during

the attack.

“Two were attached to me, one was off and one of them had just been dispatched to me that Monday and one was a police orderly attached to the commissioner himself. Those were the three that died and it wasn’t until I got home that I heard about the abduction of the commissioner,” he said.

He expressed the hope that soon, the public will get the full briefing, stressing that he would be surprised if the probe showed that it was politically motivated.

“In Anambra, we talk, we boast and we go to court with several injunctions, but it doesn’t get to the point of trying to take the life of another person simply because you believe that this person is probably unstoppable or that he seems to be having an upper hand, the only way to stop him is to kill him,” he said.

Soludo stated that he was ready to go into the primaries in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and he is optimistic that he would win.

He said APGA remained the party to beat in Anambra, and confident that he would emerge the governor of the state if the capacity to deliver, network or grassroots support were the major criteria to be considered in electing a governor.

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Controversy Trails Olu of Warri’s Demise's Announcement, Successor’s Appointment Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba A pall of controversy enveloped the announcement yesterday of the demise of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, and the appointment of his successor, Prince Tsola Emiko.

The announcement made by the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom and acting Chairman of Olu’s Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe, at a traditional ceremony in Ode Itsekiri, the homestead of the Itsekiri was immediately opposed by the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami, who contended that there had been a breach of law.

Ikenwoli was the 20th Olu and Emiko would be the 21st monarch of the kingdom.

Atserunleghe’s declarations were followed by 20 cannon shots signifying that 20 Olus had reigned so far.

The Iyatsere also pronounced a mourning period of three lunar months throughout the Itsekiri nation during which there shall be no drumming, dancing or merrymaking of any kind anywhere while all Itsekiri sons and daughters must tie their wrapper upside down for the duration of the mourning period.

The announcement, which was witnessed by two monarchs, Olubosin of Ifetedo, Oba Akinola Aderera; and Ore of Otun-Ekiti representing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo; and another monarch from the Benin kingdom, has put to rest the controversy surrounding the death of the monarch.

Atserunleghe made the announcement by symbolically breaking three earthen (native pots) containing white chalks, one after the other on the floor accompanied by 20 cannon shots, which signified that the 20th Olu's reign over Iwere land had ended.

He subsequently announced

and presented Emiko as the Olu-designate, which was accompanied by a wild ovation from Itsekiri sons and daughters present at the event.

Atserunleghe also announced that the Itsekiri people would be in a mourning mood for the next three months till the burial rite of the late monarch is concluded.

"All Itsekiri adults, both males and females will put their clothes upside down throughout this period of mourning. No party, no drumming or merriment of any sort in Itsekiri land until the burial is over and new Olu installed," he said.

Emiko, who will remain Olu-designate until all necessary process are completed, will be formally crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri at a later date.

The Olu-designate was born on April 2, 1984, to Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko, the late Ogiame Atuwatse, and Gladys Durorike Emiko in Warri, Delta State.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in International Studies and Political Science.

He also holds a Masters degree in Management.

However, the announcement by the Iyatsere on the key developments in the kingdom prompted a swift reaction from Emami, who declared that the action of Atserunleghe could not stand, citing legal document to justify his claim.

According to the Emami, the reported emergence of Emiko is illegal, null and void.

While calling for calm among Itsekiri sons and daughters as well as concerned Nigerians, Emami insisted that Ikenwoli had not yet joined his ancestors and, therefore, a successor to the throne could not be announced.

He noted that the responsibility for such announcement rested squarely on his shoulders as the Ologbotsere of Warri, warning that the revered stool of Itsekiri Kingdom was not up for sale

to the highest bidder.

Emami claimed that only two out of the seven Itsekiri traditional kingmakers were present at the ceremony held at Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Moreover, the Ologbotsere argued that the edict outlining the process and procedure for making public the demise of an Itsekiri monarch, vis-â-vis the selection of an Om'oba or Olu-designate is duly gazetted.

In a statement countering what transpired at Ode-Itsekiri earlier, Emami said: “I don’t support illegality. You don’t buy Itsekiri custom and tradition; the throne

comes to you. I’m not part of what is going on there; it’s an illegality and that is why I am not there.

"The Olu has not joined his ancestors. As far as I am concerned, whatever was done today at Ode-Itsekiri was a kangaroo in search of power.

"The person that has the right to pronounce the transition of the Olu of Warri, whenever that happens, is the Ologbotsere, which I am till this moment by the grace of God.” He said the 1979 Edict has not been amended to give any other person the right to pronounce the passage of the Olu of Warri, apart from the Ologbotsere.

“Out of seven, it was only

two kingmakers that were there at Ode-Itsekiri. I am urging Itsekiri, and indeed all Nigerians, to remain calm. Itsekiri will announce their king when the time comes. Emami as the Ologbotsere of Warri will never support illegality in any form,” he said.

Signs of cracks in the fold of the Itsekiri council of chiefs emerged several weeks ago when news that the first class traditional ruler had joined his ancestors amid speculation about the possible cause of death, a piece of information which those conversant with such customary matters considered rather hasty.

The council of chiefs promptly denied the news, which had

already gone viral and was widely published by many frontline national newspapers in Nigeria, including THISDAY. Nevertheless, the apparent division among the chiefs took a dramatic turn barely a week ago with the reported suspension of a high-ranking chief, Emami, allegedly by a section of the body of senior chiefs.

The said suspension was shortly faulted publicly by another influential group said to comprise offspring of a preceding Olu, the late Erejuwa II, who claimed that those who announced the suspension of the businessman and influential Itsekiri titleholder lacked such powers.

CONDOLENCES...

National Leader of All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu (left), and Dr. Josephine Odumakin, widow of late Afenifere spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, during a condolence visit to the Odumakin family in Lagos…yesterday

Arik Air Healthy before AMCON’s Takeover, Says Okon Insists airline lost over 2,400 workers under new management Chinedu Eze Former owners of Nigeria’s major carrier, Arik Air, have taken issue with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over the circumstances that led to the takeover of the airline on February 9, 2017.

The Vice-Chairman of the former management of the airline, Senator Anietie Okon, told THISDAY in an exclusive interview that the airline was in full operation with 69 scheduled flights on the day it was taken over.

He was reacting to the claim

by AMCON that the airline’s services were disrupted due to paucity of operational funds when it was put under receivership.

Okon said as at the takeover period, Arik Air had about 3,200 Nigerian staff, adding that the airline under AMCON now has fewer than 600 personnel as labour crisis brews occasionally due to the inability of the new managers to pay workers regularly.

“Arik was in full operation at the time AMCON forcefully took over the airline. In fact, on the day AMCON invaded the Arik head office in Lagos with two lorry-loads of mobile

policemen; there were 15 serviceable aircraft and four aircraft on minor maintenance.

“On that day, the LagosLondon flight departed; the airline operated about 69 flights due to the harmattan haze, which disrupted flight operations. Normally the company operated well over 100 flights daily. AMCON continued operating the airline’s typical schedule for roughly two weeks before shutting down long-haul services,” Okon added.

He stated that the company, like others in Nigeria then, had difficulties in accessing foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to meet its operational needs for spare parts and other foreign obligations.

He said the then management of the airline approached the CBN to plead for assistance to access forex without success.

“It should also be noted that by the time AMCON took over Arik Air, there were 15 serviceable and four under minor maintenance aircraft, but from what we know, only four are now in service as of today. You know I am the vice-chairman of the airline; it is unfortunate that some of us put money into these things

to help the country at that level in terms of aviation, but what we have got in return is that we have been on the receiving end of one intrigue after another.

We have been restrained on the issue hoping that AMCON and government will see logic and act in fairness,” Okon said.

Okon said it was surprising that AMCON had to wet-lease aircraft from Mongolia because of its inability or unwillingness to maintain the fleet it inherited from the former management of the airline, adding that Arik was effectively servicing its loans by the time it was taken over by AMCON. He said: “Where are the spare parts valued at over $120 million that was in Arik maintenance stores when AMCON took over the airline?

“It is most untrue that creditors were closing in on the airline when AMCON took it over. The airline had exited (paid up) the facility of approximately $650 million it took from the US Exim Bank between 2007 and 2009 and paid up approximately $200 million from Export Development of Canada (EDC) for the first set of aircraft (3XCRJ 900 and 2XQ400) it provided facilities for. EDC second set of aircraft, two

new Q400 and CRJ 1000 were being paid for as we agreed on terms and conditions when AMCON took over.

"Payment terms and conditions were being met as required by the financier.

Furthermore, Arik was meeting her obligation with Afriexim Bank for two Boeing B737800.”

Okon also explained why the airline became indebted to the local banks.

“It should be noted that these international financial institutions requested that the credit facilities extended to Arik should be guaranteed by Nigerian banks. Consequently, Arik made arrangements with various Nigerian banks to collect ticket sales and retain an agreed percentage for the service of these facilities. After deductions by the various banks, the net balance of the ticket sales collection was therefore made available for Arik operations and maintenance.

“This has been the modus operandi from inception in 2006 up until February 2011 when Union Bank informed Arik that due to a change of policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, it would now require to reclassify guarantees, which

were off-balance sheet assets to on-balance sheet facilities, meaning that guarantees were now being defined as full-fledged loans by the policy of the CBN. "Consequently, the guarantee provided by UBN for the purchase of two A340-500 aircraft from Airbus Industries had now gone above the single obligor limit by virtue of the new policy of CBN,” Okon said.

According to him, by this change of policy by CBN, UBN was directed to transfer the guarantee as the local facility to AMCON even though the credit line was performing adequately.

"All attempts to get AMCON to discuss these issues and keep to the original agreement were resisted. The implication by consequence was that a foreign loan that was being serviced at a two per cent interest rate was now converted from US dollar to naira with a 24 per cent interest rate. You can now understand the predicament the airline was placed into and our journey into AMCON was not due to default but due to the CBN policy change between 2010 and 2011.

“The impact of this policy change as applied across the board without considering the

international implications and putting all companies into the Nigerian lending envelope was not only wrong but devastating.

It is unfortunate that those that led the banking regulatory sector at that time refused to comprehend the consequences for international borrowers and its effect on Nigerian companies. In fact, there was a sense of stubbornness, and this did not change with subsequent regulators. This is the major reason that the Foreign Direct Investment Index (FDI) has dramatically fallen and has affected the GDP and employment status of Nigeria," he added.

Okon said Arik was not being closed on by any banks and alleged that AMCON was deliberately orchestrating a situation with the banks for some time even though the banks were resisting.

“Of course, being a company directly under the banking regulator, the banks gave in when AMCON suggested a buyout and took over the so-called loans. I hope this answers the question as to how we ended up in AMCON. I have never seen an organisation desperate to buy performing loans with government money,” he said.

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PGF DG Cautions against Delaying APC National Convention Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Director-General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has warned the caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, not to abuse the confidence of President Muhammadu Buhari by delaying the national convention of the party beyond June.

He added that under no circumstances should there be any contemplation of extending the tenure of the caretaker committee.

Lukman, in a statement yesterday, urged all party members and leaders to

ensure that the caretaker committee is able to complete the task of organising a national convention where new leaders of the party would be elected.

He described APC as the only party where contestation is taking place and leaders recognise the challenges facing the party.

He added that If democracy is about contestation, with all its problems, APC represents the hope for a democratic Nigeria.

Lukman stated: "For that to become reality, APC must pass all its litmus tests. A strong pillar, which is the catalysing element for the party to be able to pass all its litmus tests is the liberal

leadership of President Buhari, based on which he doesn’t interfere in the management of the party.

"The caretaker committee must not abuse the president’s confidence by delaying the national convention of the party. No party in Nigeria has the liberal atmosphere provided in APC. "Whether APC will be able to pass all its litmus tests will depend a lot on whether the caretaker committee is committed to finishing its assignment by June 2021.

"Even if it is able to complete the assignment, processes of internal negotiation to produce leaders of the party, the character and capacity of the new leadership, as well

as the scope of membership participation during congresses and national convention will be determining factors of whether the party is conforming to both democratic principles and progressive ideals."

He lamented that for more than nine months, the caretaker committee has not convened any meeting of any organ of the APC apart from the emergency NEC meeting of December 8, 2020, adding that even the 13-member caretaker committee is hardly meeting.

He said part of the indication was that most decisions taken by the caretaker committee were done by the chairman and the Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

Lukman stated that the needless extension of the registration and revalidation of the party only serves to strengthen suspicions that the caretaker committee is reluctant to organise a national convention.

According to him, based on what has been done so far, the minimum requirement should be that records of members of the party are displayed in all wards and copies made available to local governments, states and national secretariats of the party.

He added: "Under no circumstances should there be any contemplation of extending the tenure of the Caretaker Committee.

In order to ensure that no

extension is being considered, committees for congresses and national convention should be established without any further delay. Similarly, the dates for congresses and national convention should be decided."

Lukman stated that once that is done, negotiations and campaigns for the emergence of party leadership at all levels can commence.

He urged the party to elect leaders that can inspire strong belief in members, and by extension Nigerians, warning that once political touts are the new leaders of the party, it will weaken the capacity to resolve challenges facing the party and the challenges may become worse.

bank made PBT of N94.717 billion in 2020, higher than N90.925 billion.

Ecobank Nigeria’s PAT was N33.742 billion in 2020, as against the N99.462 billion the pan-African bank recorded in 2019 and with a PBT of N66.598 billion in 2020. Sterling Bank also posted a PAT of N11.242 billion in 2020, up from the N10.602 billion it achieved in 2019.

Despite the impressive performance recorded by the banks, Moody’s Investors

Service in a report released last week stated that the outlook for Nigeria’s banking system remains negative.

This, the rating agency stated, reflected expectations of rising asset risk and weakening government support capacity over the next 12 to 18 months.

Analyst at Moody’s and the co-author of the report, Peter Mushangwe, predicted that Nigerian banks’ loan quality would weaken in 2021 as coronavirus support measures implemented by

the government and central bank last year, including the loan repayment holiday, are unwound.

Mushangwe said: “The negative outlook also captures the weakening capacity of the government of Nigeria to support the country’s banks in case of need, as reflected by the negative outlook on the government’s credit rating; on the other hand, Nigerian banks hold robust capital buffers and foreign-currency shortages will ease.”

DESPITE COVID-19 HEADWINDS, 11 BANKS' PROFITS RISE TO N941BN While Zenith Bank’s PAT grew to N230.565 billion in 2020, up from the N208.843 billion recorded in 2019, the bank’s PBT also climbed to N255.861 billion in the year under review, from N243.294 billion. The United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) PAT jumped to N113.765 billion in 2020, as against the N89.089 billion it made in 2019.

But the bank’s PBT grew to N131.860 billion in 2020, higher than the N111.287 billion it made in 2019.

For Guaranty Trust

Bank, its PAT rose to N201.439 billion in 2020, from N196.849 billion the previous year while its PBT in the year under review was N238.095 billion, up from N231.707 billion the previous year.

Also, Fidelity Bank’s PAT stood at N26.650 billion in 2020, as against the N28.425 billion it made the previous year, just as the bank’s PBT stood at N28.054 billion.

FCMB posted PAT of N19.610 billion in 2020, higher than the N17.337

billion it made in 2019, just as its PBT stood at N21.912 billion in 2020, from N20.130 billion in 2019.

Also, Union Bank in the year under review recorded PAT of N25.129 billion, higher than the N24.366 billion the bank posted in 2019. However, its PBT stood at N25.974 billion in 2020, up from N24.844 billion in 2019.

Stanbic IBTC’s PAT stood at N83.211 billion, higher than the N75.035 billion it made in 2019, just as the

BUHARI ORDERS MANHUNT FOR ATTACKERS OF IMO POLICE HQ, CUSTODIAL CENTRE as an act of terrorism.

Gunmen had launched coordinated attacks on the state police command headquarters and the correctional facility during which they set some inmates free.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that 1,844 inmates were set free during the attacks.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, however, blamed operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), promoted by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist organisation, for the attacks.

IPOB has denied the allegation, saying its fighters were in the forests searching for killer herdsmen.

NCoS Public Relations Officer, Mr. Francis Enobore, in a statement issued in Abuja, said the attackers stormed the facilities at about 02.15 am.

He stated that while 1,844 inmates were freed, as at the last count, six had voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 others refused to escape.

Enobore said: “The attackers who stormed the facility about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel

on duty in a fierce gun battle.

“They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.

“The Acting ControllerGeneral of Corrections, Mr. John Mrabure, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and in collaboration with other security organisations commenced a search-andrecover operation to recapture the fleeing inmates.”

The statement appealed to Imo State residents and Nigerians to assist with information that would facilitate the recovery of the inmates.

It also assured them that the security of custodial centres remains sacrosanct.

Reacting to the incident, Buhari condemned the attacks and praised the initial response by security guards and security forces for preventing greater loss of lives and the destruction of public property.

He directed security and intelligence agencies in the state and the South-east to go after the terrorists, apprehend them and get them punished under the law.

Buhari also called for the re-arrest of fleeing inmates, many of whom are believed to be deadly criminals.

He appealed to the public to assist law enforcement agencies with information that could lead to the apprehension of the attackers and their sponsors.

“The president also urged members of the public to be vigilant as all of us have a

stake in preserving our way of life from disruption by terrorists and anarchists while the federal government will use every available tool at its disposal to confront and terminate this bare-faced anarchy,” the statement added.

In condemning the attacks, the IG blamed the security arm of the proscribed IPOB for the incident.

Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, Commissioner of Police, ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of riot policemen and other police tactical squads in the state to strengthen security and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the state.

The IG said: “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK-49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/ Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the police armoury at the headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking

in and looting the armoury.

“The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a Police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.”

The IG directed the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nasiru Mohammed, and a new Special Investigation Team “to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.”

“The IG, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-east and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criinality.

“The IG calls on citizens to avail the police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals.

“He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security and socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement added.

The proscribed IPOB, however, denied responsibility for the attacks.

IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful,

said the attacks were not carried out by operatives of ESN. He said: “The attention of IPOB has been drawn again to the fallacious and fabricated news that IPOB and ESN are involved in the attack of prison and police headquarters in Owerri Imo State.

“IPOB and ESN are known groups, not unknown gunmen.

ESN is in the bush chasing Fulani terrorists; why linking IPOB and ESN to this attack?

IPOB and ESN were not involved in the attack in Owerri Imo State and the recent attack on OnitshaOwerri road at Ukwuorji junction. It is not our mandate to attack security personnel or prison facilities.”

He urged the federal government and the media to stop linking IPOB and ESN to the multiple attacks going on in Nigeria.

He stated that IPOB was formed on the principle of peace “and we are still in it.”

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, condemned the attacks and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

He told journalists after a tour of the two institutions that the attacks were politically motivated.

He said the primary intendment of the IPOB members who carried out the attacks was to create fears in the minds of the people and to secure the release of their comrades in custody.

Uzodimma added that

he had met with heads of security agencies in the state to evaluate the incident and was confident the situation had been brought under control.

He said given the magnitude of the attacks, the damage done and sophisticated weapons used, he had directed a probe into the matter with a view to fish out those behind the attacks.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has imposed a curfew on Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state and Umuahia, the state capital.

The curfew, according to a statement by Commissioner for Information, Mr. John Okiyi-Kalu, starts from 10 pm to 6 am from yesterday till further notice.

He said: “This is a sequel to security reports received from multiple sources, and informed by the need to continue to protect innocent citizens and residents of the state.

“Security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the directive.

“Only those on essential services with proper identification are exempted from the curfew.

“All law-abiding citizens are advised to go about their normal duties, outside the curfew period, without fear of molestation as the security architecture of the state is robust enough to guarantee their safety."

ruling out any eventuality but expressed hope that the crew would be found.

In an update issued yesterday, the NAF spokesman said the search and rescue efforts would continue until the fighter jet was found, adding that

the missing jet had not been found.

It said the Air Force would keep the public abreast of the search and rescue efforts until the crash site is located.

"From the day control lost radar contact with the aircraft on March 31, 2021,

the NAF as a professional fighting force has been keeping members of the public abreast and updated on the missing aircraft and combined efforts of the NAF and Nigerian Army(NA) search and rescue team to locate the crashed aircraft.

"While search and rescue efforts are being sustained until the wreckage of the aircraft is found, the NAF wishes to reassure the general public that it shall be informed of any update as regards the missing aircraft," it said.

NAF INTENSIFIES SEARCH FOR MISSING AIRCRAFT report indicating that the Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) went off the radar with two crew members on board on March 31, 2021, might have crashed.

It said the cause of the crash and the whereabouts of the pilots remained

unknown.

The NAF said extensive search and rescue efforts involving NAF surveillance aircraft, Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops were in progress.

The statement affirmed that the air force was not

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COMMENT

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

2021: ANAMBRA SHOULD GO SOUTH

Anambra South and their choice must be given the opportunity to govern, argues Oseloka H. Obaze

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n Nigerian politics, oftentimes expediency trumps morality.

Honour is also a scarce commodity. Sadly, this norm has gained toehold. As the 6 November 2021 Anambra State Governorship election approaches, the issue of zoning is now front and centre and fraught with controversy for most parties.

This is more so for my party, PDP. It should not be, for anyone who expects a modicum of morality in politics. At issue, is whether it is the turn of Anambra South senatorial zone to produce the next Governor; that is after Anambra North senatorial zone would have governed for eight years-2014 to 2022 and Anambra Central senatorial zone for eight years, before that. Without any ambiguity, my position is that we should let Anambra South be and enjoy their turn in 2022.I am from Anambra North. In 2013 and again in 2017, I campaigned for the governorship of Anambra State to go North. I did so while in APGA and later, in PDP. To avoid any ambiguity, in 2013, I wrote an op-ed piece, titled, “Understating Why Anambra Has to Go North. ”In2017, as the PDP candidate, I campaigned on the premise that I will only serve one four-year term, if elected and allow the position to revert to the South. That position was implicit in the understanding/agreement that power will shift to the South in 2022.

Those who now conveniently repudiate that understanding are being clever by half. Yet, the fact remains that while as the PDP 2017candidate, I got some support from the Anambra South, a majority of the Anambra South power brokers and moneybags did not support my candidacy. Their rationale; simply, they could not contemplate honour in politics and therefore, did not believe that I would honour my four-year service commitment once elected.

They were totally wrong and Anambra State is worse off for it. I did not win the hard fought 2017 gubernatorial elections despite picking Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe, a female from the South as my running mate: and despite her political pedigree. Still, that fact does not negate my principled position and my commitment to honour that implicit–and to some explicit-rotational understanding, which explains why I am not running for Anambra State Governor in 2021.

My decision not to run, mirrors that of Senator Ben Bruce in 2018, not to run for another senate term in order to respect extant rotation and “as a man of honour interested in the well being of my people,” or in my case, my State. That I’m not running in 2021 does not mean that some qualified aspirants from Anambra Central and North will not run. It’s their call. It’s a matter of personal choices and values. We cannot chastise them for running, since they will point correctly to several aspirants from the Anambra South running when it was the turn of Central and South. Those who argue that the three Anambra Senatorial zones have respectively

FOR THOSE OF US FROM THE SOUTH EAST GEOPOLITICAL ZONE, IT WOULD BE NEAR DUBIOUS TO BE FIGHTING FOR ZONING OF THE NIGERIAN PRESIDENCY TO THE SOUTH EAST ZONE, WHILE REPUDIATING INTRASTATE ZONING, WHEN IT COMES TO THE GOVERNORSHIP

had their turn of governorship and that the process should be thrown open, also have a valid argument. That point of view is further buttressed, by the fact that when it was the turn of the North, some aspirants from the South and Central zones also ran.

These views are in tandem with my broad position that political zoning in any form is meant to ensure equity. Once equity is achieved, the premise ought to shift to purposeful leadership and the capacity to lead and deliver good governance.

The forgoing point has been eloquently buttressed by someone; “Zoning is a desirable tool that when followed carefully can successfully address political imbalances, until a country (or State) matures democratically to the point that such things are no longer needed. “Nonetheless, the present debate is made possible, especially within the PDP; because the Party did not take a firm position on zoning in Anambra State.

Yet for those of us from the South East geopolitical zone, it would be near dubious to be fighting for zoning of the Nigerian Presidency to the South East zone, while repudiating intra-state zoning, when it comes to the governorship. I don’t argue glibly against superior logic. And on this zoning issue, superior logic exists on both sides.

Consider this observation: “Coming from Anambra State, I cared very little if all our successive governors came from one town. I am more interested that we receive good governance, and that should be the standard in most states, especially tribally homogeneous states. Once this last cycle is completed, it would be in the interest of all political parties to open up their nomination process to the whole state and allow the best candidate to emerge. Or these parties risk putting themselves at a disadvantage, especially in states that share the same tribe, culture, religion, and so forth as is the case in most Igboland. “While morality in politics, most times, seems more of an aberration, it ought not to be so. My position is ably guided by a sense of honour and by the fact that I should not repudiate a position I took voluntarily and publicly, just for the sake of convenience. My children, their peers and the many young people I mentor would never understand nor accept such volte-face. And what they think of me and my generation is important to me. Concluding this piece for me is easy. I will use the exact words, which I used in 2013, when canvassing for Anambra North to be given a chance, to wit: What indeed we look for in a leader for Anambra, is someone who will take the state from good to great. Their zonal origin, pedigree and political sophistication ought not to be an issue. Anambra South can boast of a few of such good men and women. Anambra South and their choice must be given the opportunity to tender their provenance.

Obaze was the Anambra State PDP governorship candidate in 2017

THE ARTFUL DODGER OF DOOM

Kunle Jenrola tasks leaders to do more to stem the move toward disintegration

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ver wondered why Extreme Sports or Tensioned Adventures such as BungeeJumping or Highwire/Tightrope Walking do not appeal to Africans as a pastime.

It even arouses curiosity that Africans have yielded their heat -baked terrain suitable for the high octane “extreme motor rally” to the adrenaline- rush seeking Europeans and Americans.

The reasons for this apparent aversion for nerveracking recreation may well be that most Africans have sufficient “extreme” socio-economic and political challenges to grapple with; thereby making any “tension-soaked leisure” an indulgent art.

It could also be that, by nature and nurture, we are wired not to join issues with mother earth.

To the black man, the consequence of any act that tends to defy nature by engaging in daredevil acts and highwired stunts is akin to tending your itchy nose with the head of a live cobra.

Not lily- livered, but if cornered into defending his instinctive flight from fright, he would, if he were of the Yoruba extraction retort:”eni t’oyo lon wa bekun bekun” (only the overfed resorts to a belly bursting activity).

Yes, it’s homespun wisdom that forbids a “motherless child” from courting an injury on his back.

It is however befuddling that either by accident or default, many African Nations, including Nigeria seem to have turned Tightrope walking or Skydiving towards socio- political danger into an art form.

From Cape to Cairo ;Monrovia to Mogadishu, the continent’s political travail is florid with incidents of reckless gravitation towards comatose/ collapsed political structures.

To give vent to this perception is to analyse the

protean socio-political situation in Nigeria; Africa’s most populous and , arguably, most endowed nation .

The irony is that this welter of chaos is more oddly familiar than novel.

Nigeria’s history as a nation tottering on the edge dates back to the pre-independence days when the” gift of self governance” was accepted by regional leaders with varying warmth.

Little wonder, we started our highwire -walk of nationhood with a military coup and counter coup; thus setting the tone for a civil war in 1967.

Even as the military leadership clutched at balancing tools of a political skywalker such as state creation, Youth Corps Programme, and Federal Character , the destabilizing high winds of our polity always threw up a sweaty feat.

Indeed , at the peak of our shaky trip on the wire, a devastating coup, led by a certain Major Gideon Orkar occurred in 1991. The attempt of the coupists to correct the imbalances in the system through excision of a chunk of the North ended up as a quixotic act of trying to sever the head to cure a headache.

Then came the slap-dash political arrangement of the Babangida years and our immobile movement on the cline became a walk through the “valley of death” as massive protests greeted the annulment of the presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola on June12 1993.

But like the resilient tightrope walker who could survive tomato pelts, we steadied our pace toward democracy and arrived at a new political dispensation under President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

As usual, our nemesis: ethnicity caught up with us wearing a religious camouflage. The introduction of Sharia laws into the north tugged at the heartstrings of the nation’s secularity. Again, equilibrium was achieved when political sharia

took a bow to genuine sharia.

With a consevative , politically savvy and religion-sensitive North on the same highwire with a liberal, western -educated and entrepreneurial South, a foreground to upset the delicate balance was groping.

Another testy ride found expression in the Resource Control agitations in the Niger Delta region during the Yar Adua/Jonathan years. With the restive militants threatening to shut down Nigeria’s oil production facilities, an economic strangulation loomed and a break-up beckoned.

The signs of a split were real and as ominous as to provoke a “scientific prediction” by the Americans that Nigeria would be history by 2015.

But , they lied...we sprang back. We broke the locks and”Houdinized”!

Today, the storms that could cause a fatal misstep from our wired heights are palpable in the spate of banditry, abductions, acts of terrorism and ethnic agitations.

And, how much closer can a nation totter on the edge than the current state of insecurity in Nigeria.

Yet, given the fact that we have perfected the act of pulling back from the precipice, we may have acquired the uncanny confidence level of the fumnabulist.

Why not? Having lived on the knife edge between nationhood and disintegration for decades must have honed our skill as a tightrope walking nation.

The good thing is extreme sports like “extreme nationhood” can push you to your physical and mental limits.

The events of the last couple of days in which ethnic nationalities were at each other’s throat may have taught us the virtues of tolerance and mutual respect.

A renewed sense of humility and fear

management would also have spewed from these adversities.

A perfection of attributes such as unflappable calmness, stoic endurance, bravery, cautious optimism that define political brinksmanship would be quite handy at a time like this.

A perversion of these skills will keep us on the track of, banditry, terrorism, food blockade, expulsion of non-indigenes, injustice and ultimate fatal collapse of the nation .

It may be presumptuous to expect that the divinity of our unity typified by long history of inter tribal marriages and intercellular business associations, would always keep us away from a gardarene slide into an endless cycle of mayhem and violence.

All told, there can be no denying the fact that Project Nigeria is a work in progress.

Nigeria’s definition may even align with the popular anecdote of the “Blindmen and the Elephant” as recalled by the Vice Presidential candidate of the annulled 1993 election, Ambassador Baba Kingibe in his tribute at Chief Segun Osoba’s 80th Birthday celebration, in 2019.

Whatever it is, a lot the work has to be done to halt the move toward a tipping point of disintegration by a leadership committed to the ideals of national peace and justice.

President Buhari appears set to halt this slide with his latest “shoot at sight” order on any illegal carrier of AK-47(Avtomat Kalashnikova) assault rifle.

A non-discriminatory implementation of this order and active engagement with all stakeholders in the eye of the storm of insecurity could stem disorder and restore the mental and emotional health of the citizenry.

Jenrola, a Veteran Journalist and Communication Consultant wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021

EDITORIAL DANLADI UMAR’S GROSS MISCONDUCT The conduct of Justice Umar is unacceptable

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hairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar was last week caught on camera fighting with a security man in the Wuse district of Abuja. Although he has tried to rationalise an irresponsible behaviour that calls to question his temperament, any discerning person watching the video would see that Umar’s response was the typical ‘Does this man know who I am?’

Narrating his ordeal, Clement Sargwak, 22, said trouble started after he informed Umar that his vehicle was not well parked, as it would obstruct other visitors coming to the plaza. “After I informed him about his wrong parking, he came out and slapped me,” said Sargwak who added that an enraged Umar “went to his car to pick up an iron rod in an attempt to hit me on the head. A tenant at the plaza quickly held his hand and pleaded with him not to hit me with the metal.”

Since video evidence bears out the claim by the assaulted security man, there is no known justification in Nigerian law

BY THEIR SPECIAL for the despicable VOCATION AS AN acts of brigandage UNBIASED EMPIRE IN displayed by Umar THE DISPENSATION who was lucky OF JUSTICE, JUDGES to have escaped OUGHT TO BE THE MOST the scene without DISCIPLINED OFFICERS being lynched. As a member of the bar and bench, Umar must understand that there are clear and definite constitutional provisions for any aggrieved person to seek redress in a court of law. A situation in which a man who superintends a critical government agency dealing with code of conduct was publicly engaged in violent acts smacks of arrant rascality.

In an embarrassing statement strewn with grammatical errors, the CCT Head of Public Relations, Ibraheem Al-Hassan put the blame for what happened on ‘Biafran Boys’ without explaining

the conduct of Umar who could be seen throwing punches at a man later identified as the security man. That such a statement would come as an official response depicts the level to which Nigeria has degenerated. But the person to hold accountable for what happened is Umar.

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T H I S DAY

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he Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned what it described as a “display of naked power by a public officer especially one who, by virtue of his high office, is expected to exhibit a high standard of conduct,” adding that “the situation is all the more critical when it involves the head of an agency of government set up to ensure compliance, by public officers, with the code of conduct.” Furthermore, according to the NBA, Umar is expected, “by the extant rules that regulate the conduct of legal practitioners in Nigeria, to maintain a high standard of professional conduct, and not to engage in any conduct which is unbecoming of a member of the legal profession. Prima facie evidence available at the moment raise questions regarding whether such standards have been met.”

There are precedents for dealing with Umar’s rascality. On 15th March, 2010 the National Judicial Council (NJC) suspended Justice Idris Habib Shall of the Bauchi State High Court for fighting in public. The Judge had physically assaulted a petitioner, Kassim Danlami of the Bauchi State Ministry of Work and Transport. So, the issue in this case is not even whether Umar was the aggressor; the issue is that he fought in public. With the compelling video evidence, he cannot deny that.

By their special vocation as an unbiased empire in the dispensation of justice, judges ought to be the most disciplined officers. Aside the issue of assault, Umar is using the cyberspace to promote hate speech by referring to his brawl opponents as ‘Biafra Boys’ in contravention of the relevant law.

A man who could exhibit such gross misconduct in public cannot continue to chair the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

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

Letters to the Editor

Run, Chukwuma Soludo, Run!

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rofessor Charles Chukwuma Soludo doesn’t need any introduction in the Nigeria’s space. He is one of the connoisseurs that both the intelligentsia within and international communities always doff off caps whenever they mount a stage to deliver lectures on economic and management issues. Another figure in the class is the Director General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The duo in particular, if not that democracy compulsorily demands electoral-franchise - freewill to choose a leader, ought not to contest for any electoral office in the country. Soludo is a member of the British Department for International Development’s (DFID) International Advisory Group. In Nigeria, he is a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, and holds other sensitive positions both far and near. These scorecards speak volume.

Politics aside, Soludo has distinguished himself and become a force to be reckoned with vis-à-vis impacts to the national economic strata. I repeat, the eloquent professor of Economics, under normal circumstances, shouldn’t fight with mere politicians to lead any state in the country on account of his management skills, exposure and experiences over the years. Nobody can argue that Soludo is not overqualified for the office of the governor having creditably led the Central Bank of Nigeria as its governor with enviable scorecards, and also, as chairman, CBN Board of Directors. Anambra indigenes should somewhat count themselves lucky to have Soludo considering what he would bring to the table. To be candid, Soludo has all it takes to deliver for the office of Nigeria’s President.

Beyond that, it shows that Anambra is indeed prosperous by

progressive records on her governors. After Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s administration of the Peoples Democratic Party which was hijacked and frustrated by godfatherism, the state had continued to take upward dimensions successively with visible impacts. To sustain the momentum, a square peg must necessarily be positioned to a square hole. The first-class brand, Soludo should therefore be embraced with massive support. The aspirants that hitherto showed up or about to, should place the interests of the state above personal interests which convincingly, doesn’t go beyond mere desire to answer ‘Mr. Governor’.

Anambra needs a man with expertise, proficiency and capacity to take the state to the next level from its present position. The state has gone beyond ‘trial and error’ leadership which opportune politicians always resort to when in office as witnessed in her neighbouring states and beyond.

The former US President, Donald Trump’s administration should teach scores of lessons to politicians and electorate. To become successful in private businesses or assemble mere academic certificates shouldn’t only be the factor to vie for public service. Adequate experiences can never be overemphasized. What America faced under Trump administration showed there’s a difference between managing private business empires and public office. And the office of the governor particularly for a state like Anambra that has grown progressively shouldn’t be used as a learning field on public administration. Nobody needs to be told that Trump despite being a successful businessman messed up America – the world’s leading nation.

Suffice to say that irrespective of the platform a good candidate embraces should be supported massively. This is not a time for party

politics but for strengthening and advancing Anambra towards the sky.

Anambra governorship politics should go beyond ‘money-politics’ or cheapened to charities to indigent communities during election periods.

The state needs a tested technocrat that would promote commerce, entrepreneurship. To call spade a spade, Anambra Government House doesn’t need amateur or local players for the office of the governor.

Other states may fit in but not Anambra. The state has made tremendous progresses in various dimensions, and therefore, consolidation alongside progression is essential. Soludo has held a sensitive position exclusively set aside for experts, and he delivered. In other words, the economics guru is predictable based on his antecedents. Anambra cannot afford to make the mistake Americans made by allowing a novice to power, and ended up in monumental regrets. Someone that has managed and impacted institutions cannot be equated with people with only litany of unrealistic promises, and without any record of administrative savvies.

This has continued to be the problem in the country. Most times, people without adequate skills gear up for sensitive positions, and at the end, subject the people and their destinies to misery and poverty.

Politicians often see public office as ‘turn-by-turn’. But it goes beyond it. It must have both immediate and long-term positive impacts on the people. The country is looking forward to a time all the states will be manned by technocrats competing for significant impacts in the lives of their people, and not just opportunists. That’s the overall essence of leadership.

Carl Umegboro, is a public affairs analyst and Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

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POLITICS

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

As Ihedioha, Associates Reset Imo’s Political Calculus Stakeholders of Rebuild Imo Agenda, the political platform that produced Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of Imo State appear ready to launch a new game plan that may lead to the exit of the Senator Hope Uzondinma-led All Progressives Congress government, writes Chuks Okocha

Uzodinma

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ince 1999, the state once made popular by the late sage, Chief Sam Mbakwe has been struggling to have a firm grip on its politics. Within the last two decades, Imo State has been running short of clean politics; its leadership recruitment and governance have also suffered the same fate. From ‘share the money’ in 1999 to flogging priests in cassock to ‘Iberiberism’ and now to ‘Hopism’, Imo State politics and governance have fallen short of good ethos.

In the 2019 gubernatorial election, there was a glimmer of hope that things were going to change for the better. That fate - for a better Imo was hinged on the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha becoming governor and occupant of Douglas House. It was already a fait accompli, until the Supreme Court nullified Ihedioha’s mandate after seven months in office and enthroned Sen. Hope Uzodinma as governor of Imo State.

That January 14, 2020 judgement raised the issue of credibility on the current occupant of Douglas House.

Many discerning Nigerians think the infallibility of the apex court is slowly being eroded. Speaking on the doctrine of stare decisis, retired Supreme Court Justice, Bode Rhodes-Vivour at his valedictory session argued passionately that most of the judgements by the Supreme Court no longer make sense.

Following on that thought, many are of the opinion that Rhodes-Vivour had the case of Uzodinma vs Ihedioha/ SC.1462/2019 in mind.

Ihedioha may have put the apex court inexplicable verdict behind him.

What stares Ihedioha and his political machine in the face now is how to draw a new political map in Imo. Thus, his 56th birthday celebration in Abuja and Owerri sort of became a rallying point to begin the 2023 Imo governorship challenge. In Abuja where the birthday party held at the highbrow Maitama District, it was a gathering of top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members. From former Governors of Cross River and Kwara States, Sen. Liyel Imoke and Abdulfatah Ahmed respectively, to former Imo Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, PDP National Organizing Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), PDP Governors Forum Chairman and Governor of Sokoto

Ihedioha

State, Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, former Deputy Governor, Engr Gerald Irona, House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, Dr Kema Chikwe, Sen. Uche Ekwenife, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje and others, it was more of a mini political rally than a toast of sweet wine for Ihedioha.

It was more of the reunion of the ‘Rebuild Imo Agenda’, Ihedioha’s political group - with the primary focus of fostering people-oriented politics and governance in Imo. The main objective of the Rebuild Imo Agenda is basically to restore decent politics and ensure that Imo is never stripped off of its foundations - rooted in transparency, hardwork, economic development, public service and accountability to the people. The group was instrumental to the 2019 gubernatorial victory of Ihedioha and the subsequent political trajectory that Imo took within the seven months that the former Deputy Speaker held sway.

In the mind of those who honoured Ihedioha that fateful day was the regrouping of Rebuild Imo Agenda for the sake of 2023 governorship election. Though the ambiance was that of a birthday celebration; their hearts were fixated on the political

battles that lie ahead of 2023 Speaking to THISDAY at the ceremony on the current position of the group with regards to Imo politics, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Uche Onyeagocha harped on what made Ihedioha’s a government celebral in comparison to others. According to him, the objective was to entrench “clean and incorrupt administration,” “we were sure that definitely the state was on the right track to development in a manner that was sustainable,” he stressed.

Also, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Mayor Eze also added his voice to the synergy associated with Ihedioha and the Rebuild Imo Agenda.

Eze believes Ihedioha practically holds the ace of redemption of Imo both from the political and governance standpoint. He added that the former governor was able to prove his worth and capacity with the track records in policy, governance and development agenda he set within seven months in office.

It was not only the politicians that used Ihedioha’s birthday to reset public discourse about Imo, even intellectuals and private citizens are also echoing the imperatives of the Rebuild Imo Agenda. Speaking on the legacies of Ihedioha, an indigene of the state and

Beyond the accolades and applause poured on Ihedioha, many eyeballs are squarely set on the political possibilities in Imo come 2023.

The idea for Ihedioha’s group is to rejig the Rebuild Imo Agenda and stay focused. Ihedioha and his group would have to remain tight, as they railroad a new political calculus in Imo. That will take the combined forces of Ihedioha, Onyewuchi, Senator Sam Anyanwu (Sam Dede) and all the bigwigs in the PDP to slug it out with the All Progressives Congress and Uzodinma.

As the season for politicking fast approaches, Imo promises to be a fierce political battlefield

Harvard-trained scholar and Associate Professor of Law at Baze University, Dr. Sam Amadi said: “You seemed prepared to govern. You came with a good script and a good team. But the Supreme Court threw a spanner in the work.”

In Imo, the PDP and its state Chairman, Engr Charles Ugwu also used the occasion to set the missing link between Ihedioha and the current administration in politics, accountability, infrastructural development and governance. According to Ugwu, the accomplishments recorded by Ihedioha and the vision for a better Imo remain critical in the history of the state.

Beyond the accolades and applause poured on Ihedioha, many eyeballs are squarely set on the political possibilities in Imo come 2023. The idea for Ihedioha’s group is to rejig the Rebuild Imo Agenda and stay focused.

Ihedioha and his group would have to remain tight, as they railroad a new political calculus in Imo. That will take the combined forces of Ihedioha, Onyewuchi, Senator Sam Anyanwu (Sam Dede) and all the bigwigs in the PDP to slug it out with the All Progressives Congress and Uzodinma.

As the season for politicking fast approaches, Imo promises to be a fierce political battlefield.

The Nigerian political and electoral calendar indirectly awards two years for governance and development; and regrettably, the other two years for politicking and electioneering campaigns. With that in focus, after May 29th, 2021, expect serious campaign and political consultations to begin. In Imo, Ihedioha and Uzodinma would have to return to the trenches for a real battle royale.

It will be Ihedioha’s big-picture ideas centred on Rebuild Imo Agenda - of infrastructure, education, policy, youth women and beneficial governance versus Uzodinma’s grassroots politics.

The former will be angling to rally and mobilize his support base and party men, the latter will be relying on party structures and the gradual transformation he is bringing to the nooks and crannies of Imo. For Imo voters, it will be a contest to affirm their democratic and universal franchise mandate - the power to vote. It will likewise be a date to decide how Imo

T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021

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POLITICS

The Young Turk with a Key to Unlock Nigeria’s Economic Potential Tony Amadi writes that Alhaji Shittu Mohammed Kabiru, former Chairman of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance and its presidential candidate in the 2019 national elections, has joined the All Progressive Congress and promises to rebrand the ruling party into a progressive force for good Nigeria

I

n the course of my examination of the current political situation in the country, I had a chance meeting with a young political Turk recently at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton.

Alhaji Shittu Mohammed Kabiru was conducting meetings with so many political groups and deftly stimulating the community of several political parties masquerading as the third force, beyond the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His police orderly was busy opening the door, welcoming different shades of political big wigs and some not so heavily weighted.

Shittu Mohammed Kabiru appears to be a dynamite figure, though he may look differently, but in the past couple of days I have watched him move around with confidence among political elites, then later saw him on the Charles Aniagolu’s ARISE News and realised that he was not going to be satisfied with the tag of ‘the also ran’ in Nigeria’s political firmament.

Shittu is in fact a big player in the scene and if you ignore him, you might regret it much sooner than you imagine, for he is heavily weighted in the scheme of things. and in fact, he was a presidential candidate.

He is politically savvy, at home with the makers and shakers of Nigerian politics and loved by his own people in Niger State. It is when Aniagolu began his incisive questioning of the presidential candidate that you begin to realise that Shittu Mohammed Kabiru is very deeply rooted in political and economic development ideologies that can change Nigeria forever.

He has been managing the party since 2006 and he believes that the breakthrough is about to explode in a big way for him and his political fortunes. At the time, the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) was big in Kano state because they fielded Mohammed Sani Abacha, son of the late goggled general who was flexing muscles with Governor Ganduje of Kano whom he gave a good run for his money during the election that Ganduje eventually won. Mohammed Shittu was actually at home with the mainstream voters of the people of the ancient trading city.

Shittu blamed the media for the widespread belief that the two leading parties, APC and PDP or the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are the only ones capable of winning elections in Nigeria.

He said that Nigerians will find that the political terrain has changed from what you might be calculating now, adding forthrightly that Nigerian youths are ready to take control of the power and politics of the nation and make it a resounding success.

Last month, precisely March 4th 2021, Mohammed Shittu Kabiru after shepherding APDA into a quasi-political force, decided to move into the ruling All Progressive Congress along with many other political groups.

The former national chairman of APDA which is one of the 74 political parties de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2020, registered as a member of the APC at his Gwagwa Ward in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Shittu also called for a two-party system in the country which according to him, would help build a stronger democracy and boost the nation’s socio-economic life. He said that ‘’from today, we are joining to build a strong political party that will build a strong economy and a peaceful country. I’m appealing to Nigerians that a two-party system should now be entrenched in our constitution for us to build a strong nation.

“For the growth of this country, political parties have to come together and we have decided today that we are collapsing into APC to build a strong nation. APC has brought the agenda for change and now we believe that it is time that the forces that want this country to grow must come together.”

At 54, Mohammed Shittu is a smart talking and credible politician whose self-confidence is not just convincing but infectious and has an amazing stock of goodwill among his peers.

Kabiru Shittu says that “Nigerians have seen what we have done in the area of politics, putting Nigeria in a better perspective and I believe that I will be judged by those antecedents. I started politics in 1992 and in 1993 I was the chairman of the municipal local government of the NRC, National Republican Convention which is now known as AMAC. “My antecedent is that Nigerians know that what comes first for me is Nigeria. And I believe that whoever has gone through my history will know that what I am saying is that they must know us as a country. We must chart a way for ourselves. What the Chinese did was that they took capitalism, took socialism and married it with Communism and bring out Socialism in Chinese character and that is what we have been preaching in this country”.

Aniagolu added: “I have to say that you are making a very important point here and you are one of the very few people I have actually heard talking about this because you are talking about an ideology, a political ideology which is something we don’t find other parties talking about.

Shittu was elected in 2013 as chairman of African Young Leadership Forum in China. “I have gone to several courses in US, in China and I have studied their economy and I have seen that until a country chart a way for itself that is unique to that particular country you must marry your economy with your culture.

We had empires. How were those empires run? How we are running the country today is different?

“Chairman Mao tried the Cultural Revolution and was almost crumbling, but when Den

Shittu Mohammed Kabiru appears to be a dynamite figure, though he may look differently, but in the past couple of days I have watched him move around with confidence among political elites, then later saw him on the Charles Aniagolu’s ARISE News and realised that he was not going to be satisfied with the tag of ‘the also ran’ in Nigeria’s political firmament. Shittu is in fact a big player in the scene and if you ignore him, you might regret it much sooner than you imagine, for he is heavily weighted in the scheme of things. and in fact, he was a presidential candidate. He is politically savvy, at home with the makers and shakers of Nigerian politics and loved by his own people in Niger State

Xio Ping came in, he took advantage of the Cultural Revolution and took over and turned it around economically and before you knew it, they transformed their country. Whatever we have we must use it here to change Nigeria for good.

“My political and economic belief is that we need a system that will be African, we must reflect our political economy and social life according to our culture”.

Shittu was unrelenting in his postulation: “I want to let you know that all the great nations have diverse cultures. If you go to China you will hear that they only do just one language but they have several other tribes and languages and even in political system, China has over seven political parties but we only hear about the Communist Party of China, because CPC is like the head but all other political parties are also represented in the general assembly and if you look at even in Europe, Europe were not one, we had the Othman Empire that broke into several empires. There are differences. There is nowhere, no country, no continent that are one. Therefore, why do we allow what is supposed to strengthen us to divide us?

“What I am saying is that if you want to invest in Nigeria, you are welcome but you must process whatever you are taking out of Nigeria here because this is the only way to create employment. If you are taking solid mineral out of Nigeria, you don’t just take raw gold and go and refine it in Switzerland and bring us the finished product.

“We should turn Nigeria into an industrial hub where you come here, take our gold, refine it here then market it here and abroad,” In summary it seems apparent after listening to the thoughts of Alhaji Mohammed Shittu Kabiru that by joining the broader All Progressive Congress rather than remaining in his small sized APDA the change he will bring into the APC will be more ideologically based and with his well-known antecedents, he is capable of turning things around in the All Progressive Congress and the whole country at large as he deals his way to the top of his new party.

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ, 2021

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430

A National Initiative Targeted at Impacting Children Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the annual Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition was launched as a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility intervention by Lafarge Africa in 2014 and has since grown to become a national initiative positively impacting 700,000 beneficiaries including children and teachers across the country with over N500million invested already

L-R: Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Ade Adefioye; overall Junior Category winner, Miss Ewaade Adebowale of Alapere Primary School, Alapere-Lagos; Country Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani and Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem during the presentation of prizes to winners of the 7th Edition of Lafarge Africa Plc National Essay competition in Lagos

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or six years, the annual Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition has kept faith with school children across the nation. This year was not different as winners recently emerged in the seventh edition.

Themed theme “Building the Nigeria of My Dreams", the competition was opened to pupils aged 9-13 in public primary and secondary schools in the junior and intermediate categories on December 4, 2020 through to January 15, 2021. A total of 1, 600 participants from all the 36 states in Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja enrolled for the competition.

Launched as a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intervention by Lafarge Africa in 2014, the competition has since grown to become a national initiative positively impacting children and teachers across the country.

Winners This year, Miss Ewaade Adebowale of Alapere Primary School, Alapere-Lagos, who emerged the overall winner in the Junior category was awarded a cash prize of N1.5 million in the Diamond category while Zainab Saliu of Ummul Khair Model School, Lagos and Emmanuel Somefun of Community Nursery & Primary School, Magodo Lagos won N1 million and N750,000 in the Gold and Silver categories respectively.

They also won many other exciting educational consolation prizes. In the Intermediate category, Miss Bilkisu Aliyu of U.B.E Junior Secondary School, Abaji, F.C.T emerged the overall winner to cart home a cash prize of N1.5 million in the Diamond category while Ekpono Obot of Uyo High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom and Alexandra Pearl Egonu of Federal Government Girls College, Nkwelle, Anambra State won N1 million and N750,000 in the Gold and Silver categories respectively.

Strategic Investment Speaking during the presentation of prizes to the winners, the Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Adebode Adefioye said: “Lafarge Africa is making strategic investments across all levels of education in Nigeria. Some of these are the National Literacy Competition at the primary level; provision of educational infrastructure and equipment at the secondary level and the award of bursaries for students of higher institutions of learning (amongst others)".

While quoting statistics from the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), that says an estimated 10.5 million children are out of school in Nigeria despite the fact that primary education is compulsory, Mr. Adefioye said Lafarge wants to leave a legacy of good education that will be qualitative and the annual literacy competition is part of

the steps to prepare our youth for the future.

He said: "The implication of this reality is that we must have all hands on deck, working together to complement government’s efforts.The legacy of good education that we all want to leave for future generations must be qualitative and prepare them for life. Literacy is the first step in this direction and we are committed to this cause as an organisation.

"Maya Angelou states and I quote ‘We must create a climate where people agree that human beings are more alike than unalike’. This is one of the commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals. I am happy to announce to you that The National Literacy Competition is aligned with five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 1 : (No poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 ( Gender equality), Goal 11 (Reduced inequalities) and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

"In seven years of implementing the Literacy Competition, Lafarge Africa has invested over N500m and impacted about 700,000 beneficiaries.

There is still so much to be done to close the divide to make the Nigerian child more globally competitive. Our approach must be more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable. " The abridged edition of the National Literacy Competition meets this criteria on different fronts. At Lafarge Africa, wearedeveloping stronger structures that assure shared value for our stakeholders, which includes strengthening theimpact monitoring and evaluation frameworks."

Commitment Also speaking during the event, the Country Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Khaled El-Dokani, noted that the essay competition is a testament to the company's commitment to contributing to the development of the Nigerian child through literacy.

He said: "We recognise that the depth and quality of a country’s human capital are as important as its physical infrastructure, hence, our investment over the last seven years in enhancing the Nigerian educational sector just as we are committed to empowering Nigerians through our world-class building solutions.

"One of our key sustainability priorities at Lafarge Africa is our commitment to our communities through education and we are actively collaborating with the government and the private sector to improve the country's literacy ratio towards making an impact in reducing the World Bank estimate which states that over 80 per cent of Nigerian primary school-leavers cannot read”.

He went on to state that "this intervention was developed seven years ago in line with our commitment to complement government’s efforts in education. This intervention sits under the Education Pillar for which Lafarge Africa is

Executive Director/Founder at Slum2School Africa, Mr. Otto Orondaam; Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Ade Adefioye, overall Junior Category winner, Miss Ewede Adebowale of Alapere Primary School, Alapere-Lagos and Editor, THISDAY Style, Ms. Ruth Osime during the presentation of prizes to winners of the 7th Edition of Lafarge Africa Plc National Essay competition in Lagos committed and has made strategic investments.

Over the last couple of years, we have worked with partners and committed resources to a cause that is far reaching and impactful.

"In our bid to promote and embed digital literacy as a core element of the programme, we introduced the Computer Based Tests (CBT) in 2019. At that time, we did not realise that we were preparing for the future. By 2020, the pandemic was upon us and we could only rely on the solid foundations that we had laid in the previous years. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we launched the initiative digitally "The beautiful coincidence of Nigeria and Lafarge at 60 afforded us the opportunity to create something bigger and more impactful. It is to this end, that the National Essay Competition ‘Building the Nigeria of my Dreams’ was launched.

"For this competition, we expanded the scope and made improvement in three major areas: We improved the cash prizes by 500 per cent; we extended the competition to students of junior secondary schools and it is wholly a 100 per cent virtual education intervention.

"We call on partners from the private, public and development sectors to join us in ‘bridging the literacy gap together’’. Collaboration and partnership is essential to achieving the Nigeria of our dreams."

Charge Zuriel Oduwole, the renowned Teen Filmmaker, Presidential Envoy & Advocate best known for her work focused on the advocacy for the education of the girl child in Africa in her keynote address encouraged the pupils to dream big at all times resulting in her meeting with President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique in 2017 to discuss the negative impact of child marriage on the development of girls and the society. Sixteen months later, in June 2019, Mozambique officially outlawed child marriage. ‘I have learned that if your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.’ she stated.

Also, the First Lady of State State, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu applauded Lafarge Africa for consistently investing in initiatives that have a direct impact on the literacy ratio in the country.

According to Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Director Lafarge Africa Plc, the company's educational intervention is recognised by national and international organisations for its consistency and far-reaching impact.

"We intend to continue our theme of Bridging the Literacy Gap Together in the coming years working with crucial partners in order to enhance literacy of our children in Nigeria," she stated.

Support The national essay competition which was supported by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEBs), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Federal Ministry of Education is aligned with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 1 -No poverty, SDG 4 -Quality Education, SDG 5 - Gender Equality, SDG 11 - Reduced inequalities and SDG 17 - Partnership for the goals.

Lafarge Africa over the years has worked in partnership with the Ovie Brume Foundation founded by Mrs Evelyn Oputu who is the foundation Chairperson with Ese Brume as the Executive Director.

Prize Presentation The prize presentation ceremony was a hybrid event in Lagos in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols and had over three hundred pupils join virtually.

All submissions for the competition were received through the www.learnwithlafarge. com competition portal and thereafter reviewed and shortlisted by an independent jury made up of Ruth Osime, the THISDAY Style Editor; Otto Orondaam, Founder, Slum to School and Dr. Mo Adefeso Olateju, founder of TEP centre.

The submissions were reviewed in three levels of assessments.

Lafarge Africa worked in partnership with the Ovie Brume Foundation and PriceWaterHouseCoopers to deliver this intervention.

Also present at the event were the First Lady of Gombe State, Her Excellency Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa; the Honourable Commissioner of Education in Ogun State, Gombe State Professor Arigbabu, the Commissioner of Education Gombe State, Mallam Ibrahim Batari; and the Commissioner of Education, Cross River State, Dr Amanke Ogar.

About Lafarge Africa Plc Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Sub-Saharan Africa building materials company is a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim, a world leader in building materials. Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanisation and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.

Lafarge Africa leverages its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria.

TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

LAWYER WEEKLY PULLOUT

A

EFCC CHAIRMAN, ABDULRASHEED BAWA

06.04.2021

GOVERNOR, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA, GODWIN EMEFIELE

CAN EFCC COMPEL BANK EMPLOYEES TO DECLARE ASSETS?

2/DASHBOARD

06.04.2021

Revival of Abandoned/Waived Right of Appeal PAGE 4

Professor Atsenuwa Becomes UNILAG Deputy ViceChancellor PAGE 11

QUOTABLES 'Notwithstanding our diversity or ethnicity, culture, language and religion, Nigerians are better together, even stronger together. We must count our blessings in Nigeria, and seek in them the crucial factors of peace and unity.’

- Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘At the time the commitment was made (to pass the P.I.B), we didn't take into cognisance the Easter Break, and that the Ramadan is coming up as well. We are still going for the end of April, but we are not going to straight-jacket ourselves into a particular date....When we say end of April, we are saying thereabouts. It might be a week after, or two weeks after at most.’ - Honourable Hakeem Olufemi Gbajabiamila, Lawyer, Speaker, House of Representatives, 9th National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Akwa Ibom High Court Strikes Out Suit Against Addax Petroleum PAGE 11

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06.04.2021

On Shehu’s Insincerity, Umar’s Misconduct and Mohammed’s Illogicality Happy Easter Everyone. It is our prayer that the same way Jesus rose from the dead, every good thing concerning Nigeria which hitherto has been dead, will also rise. Amen.

Three incidents that transpired lat week, caught my attention.

Garba Shehu and the President’s Medical Tourism I watched an interview of Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu last Tuesday, in which he said that President Muhammadu Buhari's trip to London for a medical check up could not be classified as medical tourism, because he was going to see his Doctors who have been caring for him for the past 30 years! I felt so embarrassed for Nigeria, with that singular statement that Mr Shehu made. It would have been better for Mr Shehu to have responded “no comment” to the question put to him on the issue of the President’s trip (since we all know the correct answer), than to give such an absurd response, especially as Mr Shehu is very far from being unintelligent. While, undoubtedly, the job description of these Presidential Spokespersons is to paint Government in a positive light, and, given the state of the nation, admittedly, this may sometimes be an insurmountable task - that is, attempting to defend the indefensible, sometimes silence golden, or in this kind of precarious situation, certainly a better option than rubbing salt into the wound.

For the avoidance of doubt, what President Buhari and many of us Nigerians engage in, is known as "Outbound Medical or Healthcare Tourism" - where you leave your own country to seek medical care in another country. Typically, under-developed countries like ours who lack adequate healthcare facilities, engage in outbound medical tourism to seek assistance in more developed countries.

I do agree that it must be somewhat humiliating (assuming they are able to feel any sense of shame or remorse - these sentiments seem to be rather rare amongst Nigerian Politicians) for those who had once declared during their election campaign that their administration would not engage in, and eliminate the need for outbound medical tourism, to be the ones spear-heading the practice, but, it is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. General Babangida did it during his time, and so did President Yar’Adua; so, what is the big deal? Though, in fairness to the APC and this administration, we all know that it is the norm for campaign promises in Nigeria not to go beyond what they are - empty promises!

And with the state of Nigeria’s healthcare, it would have been a pipe dream for anyone to imagine that this administration could/would work any magic/miracle in the health sector. Plus, the decay in our healthcare system certainly did not start with this administration. It has been on a steady decline for many years, through many regimes and administrations.

Would you be flabbergasted, if I say that I do not begrudge the President travelling abroad to see his Doctors? If I did, I would be wasting my time and emotions. Sometimes, one just has to be realistic.

Here are some of the reasons for my position. Most importantly, for any human being, including the President, self-preservation (‘the protection of oneself from harm and death’) is the first law of nature - ‘a basic instinct in human beings and animals’, except Jesus Christ (who died for sinners); and it is an undisputed fact that Nigeria does not have good medical facilities, and unfair or not, the President is exercising his right to life guaranteed by Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2018)(the Constitution), a right which may be put in jeopardy if he seeks medical attention here, especially as his ailment seemed extremely serious at a point in time. Does anybody think the President would risk his life by subjecting himself to sub-standard medical facilities here, just to please Nigerians? Yes, as President he is called to the highest level of responsibility, accountability and circumspection, especially with the Oaths of Office he has taken, but in Nigeria, all that is meaningless.

Medical practice has gone beyond the guess work of the 1800’s, and the fact that most of our hospitals here, to date, are still constrained to work on conjecture and hunches due to lack of adequate medical facilities, makes medical tourism the most viable option for those who can afford it. Why then would anyone expect the President to risk his life, if he doesn’t have to? Linked with the issue of self-preservation, is the fact that for those individuals with evil minds, the President’s safety could have been endangered if he stayed in a Nigerian hospital for an extended period of time like he did in the UK, or sought extensive medical care here, as he obviously did in the UK. Additionally, the nature of his ailment has been

concealed and shrouded in secrecy, and I can say for certain that, if the President had stayed in any Nigerian hospital during the period that he was extremely unwell, somehow the details of the state of his health would have leaked out. After about six years, all Nigerians know is that the President suffers from ear ache.

What I however begrudge the President and his administration for, is that since they assumed office in 2015, not much has been done to improve the state of our medical facilities nor improve the lot of medical practitioners, all to the detriment of majority of Nigerians who cannot afford to go on outbound medical tourism. This gives the distinct impression that, while this administration will go to any lengths to secure the health of President Buhari (and a few other precious people) they couldn’t care less about the Nigerians who voted them into office (see Section 17(3)(c) & (d) of the Constitution).

These negative optics are further exacerbated by the President travelling to take care if his own health, in the midst of a strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors which commenced last Thursday, but was threatened before the President travelled to London. A little attention may have however, been drawn to the deplorable condition of our medical facilities, as the Covid-19 pandemic made it glaring, even to the blind! Nevertheless, we wish the President a successful trip - ‘eti a gbò (i)re o’ (the ears will hear good news)!

Shame on Danladi Umar, Chairman, Code of ‘Misconduct’ Tribunal The second incident was the shameful, condemnable behaviour of the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, when he assaulted a security guard, Clement Sargwak, at Banex Plaza, Abuja, slapping and kicking him, thereby trampling on Mr Sargwak’s right to dignity and ennobling treatment (Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution).

But, what’s new? Members of the various arms of Government fighting in public, or Banex Plaza being the preferred location for fisticuffs?! We have not forgotten ‘Senathug’ Abbo and his assault on two young ladies, Biba and Kemi, at Pleasure Chest Sex Store, also located at Banex Plaza.

I would have favoured a situation in which Mr Umar would be swiftly removed by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) by virtue of Sections 15(3) Part 1 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution and 11(1)(b) of the Interpretation Act (IA), by which the CCT Chairman is appointed and empowers those who appointed Mr Umar - the President on the recommendation of the NJC, to remove him for his misconduct.

Unfortunately, Section 17(3) Part 1 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution is specific as to how the Chairman of the CCT can be removed - by two-thirds majority of each House of the National Assembly. Or he could decide to spare everybody the ‘wahala’ and do the honourable thing - simply resign from his position (though resignation is a very rare occurrence in Nigeria). Luckily, however, the aforementioned Section 17(3) does not preclude him from facing disciplinary action from the President/NJC, as the same Section 11(1)(b) of the IA allows him to be suspended, and another, appointed to act in his place (Section 11(c)(ii) of the IA). I urge the NJC to swing into prompt action, and recommend Mr Umar’s immediate suspension, while I call on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee of the NBA to take action against him. It goes without saying that, a person who can behave in such a violent and unbecoming manner, is not fit to sit in judgement over the conduct of others. We recall that, Mr Umar also had corruption charges levelled against him.

(Culled from Business Day)

By his actions, Mr Umar contravened many laws, starting from Section 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, to Sections 4(1), 14(1), 18(1) & (3) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, that is, Wilfully placing a person in fear of physical injury, Emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, Intimidation and Inciting - aiding and abetting the Police to Intimidate Mr Sargwak (attracting punishments of up to two years imprisonment or N200,000 fine or both, upon conviction), to committing offences contrary to Chapter XVIII of the Penal Code Act 2006 (applicable in Abuja)(PCA) - Offences Affecting the Human Body - ranging from voluntarily causing hurt, use of criminal force against another (slapping Mr Sargwak), threat of assault and assault, contrary to Sections 240, 242,262, 263, and 265 of the PCA, punishable by imprisonment of one year with an option of fine or both (Sections 246, 265 (a) of the PCA). Isn’t it ironical that, instead of arresting Mr Umar who we all saw was clearly the aggressor in the video of the ugly incident which went viral, he abused his position as CCT Chairman and got Mr Sargwak arrested instead - this kind of injustice must not be ignored, as it is clearly discriminatory against Mr Sargwak contrary to Section 42(1)(a) of the Constitution.

You will recall that, I have constantly maintained that stereotyping did not start with Fulani Herdsmen (that doesn’t make it acceptable), and Government has always castigated those who have done this in the case of the Herdsmen, only for the Spokesman of such an important Government official as the CCT Chairman, to be quick to stereotype the people at Banex Plaza as “Biafran Boys”. Government should also condemn this stereotyping, roundly.

Alhaji ‘Barrister’ Lai Mohammed and his N100,000 Fine I thought we were trying to attract FDI and diversify our economy, as well as market Nigerian products to the world? So, how did the Minister of Information come up with such a bizarre idea to levy fines on Nigerians who advertise their made in Nigeria products on international television stations, or make adverts in foreign lands with foreigners? I must admit that while I’m not sure that I fully understand the Minister’s directive and rationale, I submit that levying fines in this regard is unnecessary, arbitrary, illogical and inane. At worst, he could insist that they also have to advertise locally, if the Minister is trying to promote the issue of local content and ramp up revenue.

Take for example, the Nollywood and Nigerian Music Scene which has gone global (together, already a multi-million and soon to be a billion Dollar industry according to recent projections) - I hope they are not affected by this directive - would Burna Boy and Wizkid have won Grammys last month, if they made all their videos in Nigeria and only catered to a local audience, or a Nigerian Fashion Designer who wants to sell his/her products in USA or UK, if adverts of their products are featured only on NTA (Nigerian Television Authority), a local television station which is more or less a dead channel? Yes, some of our television stations like Arise TV and Channels can be viewed in other countries like the UK, but a station like CNN has worldwide coverage; and we all know that NTA is one of the worst television stations in Nigeria, possibly the most unwatched. Even majority who cannot afford DSTV, go for cheaper options of cable television like GOTV or StarTimes. NTA is mainly for Government functionaries, and it does not reflect the reality of what is going on in the country, especially being a State-owned station. Even if Nigeria is burning, NTA will continue with its cultural show featuring Atilogun Dancers, instead of interrupting the

“WOULD YOU BE FLABBERGASTED, IF I SAY THAT I DO NOT BEGRUDGE THE PRESIDENT TRAVELLING ABROAD TO SEE HIS DOCTORS?......MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOR ANY HUMAN BEING, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT, SELFPRESERVATION..... IS THE FIRST LAW OF NATURE - ‘A BASIC INSTINCT IN HUMAN BEINGS AND ANIMALS’, EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST.....”

scheduled programme to report the fire!

Again, if a particular song is about New York, would it make sense to shoot the video in Ojuelegba because of local content? Has Nigeria developed to the point where 5th Avenue in New York can be portrayed and replicated in Nigeria? I think not.

The bottom line is that, if I want to sell my products globally, I must advertise them globally, and it makes no sense to punish me for doing something that will rake in revenue, and be beneficial to us as a country in the long run.

I emphasise the fact that the Minister is a Lawyer, because the last time I checked Section 40 of the Constitution Section gives us the right to associate freely with other persons, which includes doing music videos with foreigners, for example, while Section 16(1) & (b) inter alia, mandates Government to promote national prosperity. What legislation did the Minister use to back his repugnant policy? And if indeed, there is such a law, it must be reviewed as a matter of urgency because it is counter-productive.

A Press Release by the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG) protesting against this recent move by the Minister, shows clearly that there was no Stakeholder consultation before the Minister issued this regressive directive, thereby breaching the fair hearing provisions of Section 36(1) of the Constitution (audi alteram partem). I urge the Minister to engage in some consultation with Stakeholders, and fine tune his directive accordingly.

Conclusion Let me conclude by saying that, I find a great deal of merit in Mr Atedo Peterside’s suggestion that the $1.5 billion will be better spent on building world-class health facilities in the various geographical zones for the benefit of Nigerians, than wasting it on moribund refineries, especially for the fishy reasons which are being espoused for trying to raise these refineries from the dead. Again see Sections 16, 17(3)(c) & (d) of the Constitution.

4/LAW REPORT

Revival of Abandoned/Waived Right of Appeal Facts The Appellant entered into a contract with the First Respondent, whereby the latter agreed to convey to the Appellant, his interests in 16 hectares of land at Ikoyi for a term of 99 years. Afterwards, the Appellant was informed that the said contract had been superseded by the Deed of Lease dated 13th November, 1993 and the Deed of Rectification dated 19th April, 1999. By the subsequent rectification in the Deed of Lease, the conveyance was reduced to 10.47 hectares of land, instead of the 16 hectares earlier agreed to.

Further to the above, the Appellant filed an action at the Federal High Court, Lagos whereat it challenged the actions of the First Respondent. It sought various declaratory reliefs against the Respondents (and other Defendants at the trial court), with respect to the conveyance of a lesser area of land by the Deed of Lease and Deed of Rectification. It also prayed the court to find that the First Respondent was in breach of the contract for lease of 16 hectares of land to the Appellant.

The trial court found for the Appellant, that it is the owner of the entire land contained in the survey Plan with number MAF/322/95/L. The court also ordered that the Appellant is entitled to the grant of Statutory Right of Occupancy over the 16 hectares of land; that the First Respondent has no interest whatsoever in the subject land, and that the purported grant of the leases over the land to other persons (3rd to 8th Defendant at the trial court) is null and void. The judgement was delivered on 8th June, 2009.

At the trial court, the Acting Chief State Counsel from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, represented the First and Second Respondents. Consequent upon the judgement of the trial court, the counsel advised the First Respondent that given the overwhelming evidence in support of the Appellant’s case, the chances of success on appeal was very slim. He therefore, wrote a letter dated 14th August, 2009 to all the parties in the suit at the trial court, informing them on behalf of the First and Second Respondents, that after a careful review of the judgement, the First and Second Respondents have decided not to appeal the judgement and that the Ministry did not have further interest in the matter.

Subsequently, in the year 2010, the First and Second Respondents filed an application at the Court of Appeal, seeking trinity prayer for extension of time to seek leave of court to appeal the decision of the trial court; leave to appeal against the decision; and enlargement of time within which the Applicants may appeal the decision of the Federal High Court. The application was vehemently opposed by the Appellant, on the ground that the Applicants (First and Second Respondents) who had abandoned their right of appeal by consciously electing not to exercise the right, cannot be heard to say that their decision constitutes “good and substantial reasons for failure to appeal within the prescribed time” in line with the provisions of Order 24(2)(b) of the Court of Appeal Act, 2004.

The Court of Appeal, in its consideration of the application, held that the Second Respondent was most complacent and derelict in protecting whatever interest the Government may still have in the case. The Appellate Court found that the deliberate decision of counsel for the Respondents was not a conscious election not to exercise the right of appeal, but a mere mistake of counsel, the consequences of which should not be visited on the clients (Respondents).

Dissatisfied with the decision, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The Appellant formulated five issues for determination of the appeal, while the Respondents put forward two issues for consideration by the court. The Apex Court determined the appeal based on the following issues, which were considered together by the court: 1. Whether by their letters and conduct, the Respondents had abandoned, extinguished, relinquished and waived their right of appeal.

2. Whether the court has no option but to grant an extension of time to appeal to a party who fails to show good and substantial reasons for not appealing within the prescribed time, so long as a proposed ground of appeal prim facie raises an issue of jurisdiction.

Arguments The Appellant put forward an argument, for waiver and estoppel by conduct. Counsel submitted that the Respondents communicated their intention not to appeal the decision of the trial court, and that the Respondents had in clear terms, abandoned, renounced and repudiated their right of appeal.

Appellant argued that having expressly abandoned their right of appeal, the Respondent should not, in equity, be allowed to seek to exercise the said right.

On their part, the Respondents argued that they did not waive their right of appeal, which is a constitutional right.

Relying on the decision of court in ARIORI v ELEMO (1983) N.S.C.C. 1, they submitted that the only right that can be waived is that conferred solely for the benefit of the individual.

They reasoned that in this case, the right of appeal vested

Honourable Ejembi Eko, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 1st day of February, 2019 Before Their Lordships

Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun Amiru Sanusi Ejembi Eko Justices, Supreme Court SC.239/2011 Between COUNTY & CITY BRICKS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

APPELLANT

And HON. MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2. ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION

RESPONDENTS

1.

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ejembi Eko, JSC)

in the State or public officials, are not such that the State or public officials can waive.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Determining the issues, the court examined the principle of estoppel by conduct. Section 169 of the Evidence Act, 2011 provides that when a person has, either by virtue of an existing

“THE RIGHT OF APPEAL IS IN PERSONAM, AND CAN ONLY BE EXERCISED WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME..... THE RESPONDENTS HAVING VOLUNTARILY WAIVED THEIR RIGHT OF APPEAL, THEY CANNOT BE HEARD TO COMPLAIN THAT THEY WERE DEPRIVED OF THAT SAME RIGHT.... A PARTY SEEKING ENLARGEMENT OF TIME WITHIN WHICH TO APPEAL...... BEARS AN ADDITIONAL BURDEN OF ENSURING A PRIMA FACIE COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES OF COURT”

court judgement … or by his declaration, act or omission, intentionally caused or permitted another person to believe a thing to be true and to act upon such belief, neither he nor his representative in interest shall be allowed, in any proceeding between himself and such person or such person’s representative in interest, to deny the truth of that thing.

Estoppel by conduct is a public policy principle, premised on the belief that there must be an end to litigation. Its aim is to hold a party to his undertaking that he will no longer insist on his right to appeal or the accrued right or obligation from the judgement, and not to allow a person benefit from his prevarication. Equity abhors subterfuge, deception and some other unconscionable conduct.

Section 241 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) vests a right of appeal against the final decision of a High Court on an aggrieved party.

However, this right must be exercised within 90 days in line with Section 24(2)(b) of the Court of Appeal Act, 2004. In this case, the Respondents elected not to exercise this right, and communicated this decision to the other parties in the suit. The legal consequence of the written correspondence and conduct of the Respondents, following the judgement of the trial court, is that they have abandoned or relinquished their right to appeal the judgement. The right of appeal is in personam, and can only be exercised within the prescribed time. The fact that the Respondents are public officers, does not derogate from this fact that they enjoy the same rights and obligations before the law. By Section 17(2)(a) of the Constitution, they can waive the rights conferred on them as litigants, as they did in this instance – ARIORI v ELEMO (supra). “’A right conferred solely for the benefit of an individual’, means the right of appeal conferred on the litigant who may be aggrieved by a decision given or rendered in a suit against him.” There is nothing in the Constitution or the relevant Court of Appeal Act, which forbids waiver of the Respondents’ right of appeal. Thus, the Respondents having voluntarily waived their right of appeal, they cannot be heard to complain that they were deprived of that same right. This is more so, as the incumbents of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation should be men of candour and valour; they should not fail in their courage to be fair to all concerned.

By law, every counsel has general authority over every cause or matter, he is employed or engaged to prosecute or defend. Unless the authority is expressly limited, the ordinary authority of counsel includes, entering into compromise and settlement – AFEGBAI v A-G EDO STATE (2001) 7 S.C. (Pt. II) 1. The counsel representing the Respondents at the trial court, informed parties of their resolution not to appeal against the decision. It is not for the Court of Appeal, to question the authority and judgement of the Second Respondent as counsel for the First Respondent.

Further, a party seeking enlargement of time within which to appeal, in addition to establishing the two requisites of good and substantial reasons for the delay and ground(s) of appeal which prima facie show good cause why the appeal should be heard, bears an additional burden of ensuring a prima facie compliance with the rules of court – RATNAM v CUMARASAMY (1964) 3 ALL E.R. 933 at 935; BANK OF BARODA v MERCANTILE BANK (1987) 6 S.C. 341 at 350. Even where the application is not opposed, the court is still duty bound to satisfy itself that exceptional circumstances exist to warrant the grant of the indulgence sought – NWABUBA v ENEMUO (1988) 5 S.C.N.J. 154.

Prevarication of the Applicant, is definitely not one of the exceptional circumstances provided for in the rules of court.

The Respondents in this case, elected not to activate their right of appeal until over one year after delivery of the judgement by the trial court. The facts in the affidavit in support of the application for extension of time before the Court of Appeal, did not set forth good and substantial reasons for the delay, in line with Order 7 Rule 10(2) of the Court of Appeal Rules 2011. A wilful and inordinate delay, as in this instance, cannot activate a judicial and judicious exercise of discretion by court. Thus, the Court of Appeal should have refused the application, in order to prevent an abuse of judicial process.

The authority of UKWU v BUNGE (1997) 8 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 518) 527 at 542 is merely to the effect that, where jurisdictional issues are raised in the proposed Grounds of Appeal, the court will be inclined to take a lenient view of the delay in appealing within the prescribed period. The position does not avail the Respondents, whose delay was both wilful and inordinate.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation Oluyode Delano, SAN with Mutiu Akinrinade, Esq.; Ahmed Oyebami, Esq. and Alex Ozogwu, Esq. for the Appellant.

Paul Usoro, SAN with Ime Edem-Nse, Esq.; Ayi-Ekpeyona Imah, Esq. and Ezinne Ukwu, Esq. for the Respondents.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

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The Future of Immigration Law and Policy in Nigeria (Part 1) The Keynote Address delivered by Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN on March 13, 2021 at the Inauguration of the Centre of Immigration Law Studies, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, renamed Professor Epiphany Azinge Centre for Immigration Law and Policy in his honour. This Address is particularly pertinent today, in light of the influx of criminal aliens causing mayhem across the length and breadth of Nigeria be extensively revisited, when we discuss the challenges of National Security in Nigeria).

Also, not addressed is the issue of illegal entry through unauthorised routes, and the procedure for tracking down illegal entrants into the country. More significantly, the law is silent on how to form a synergy between the Nigerian Immigration Act and the ECOWAS Treaty on Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services. The irony in this is heightened by the fact that, our passports bears ECOWAS name.

INTRODUCTION When my seminal and magisterial work AZINGE’S IMMIGRATION LAW AND PRACTICE IN NIGERIA was published in 1998, it was clearly the only work on immigration law in Nigeria. For me, it was a good faith effort to help develop Nigeria’s corpus juris on Immigration Law, and shift the frontiers of our jurisprudence on the subject-matter. I never imagined that almost 21 years after its publication, the book will attract such an enduring recognition that has culminated in the inauguration of a Centre of Immigration Studies in Gregory University.

My keynote address today is titled The Future of Immigration Law in Nigeria. This topic is quite instructive. Anyone familiar with my book on immigration, will easily observe that Chapter 13, which is the last chapter, is titled The Future of Immigration Law of Nigeria. It is indisputable that a lot of progress has been made, since my book was published.

A new Legislation/Regulation are now in force. Technological advancement has impacted positively on immigration practices.

The world has witnessed unprecedented migrant trafficking, and human smuggling.

Immigration challenges are critical indices, in addressing the National Security Architecture of our nation. There are certainly Covid-19 dimensions, to immigration challenges. So also, are the overwhelming problems caused

by Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS, and the nagging issues of free movement of goods and persons.

Immigration issues, are never discussed in isolation. In this regard, our conversation will extend to related laws that are inextricably intertwined with Immigration procedures and practices. I propose to dwell on the overarching challenges of citizenship in Nigeria, and its effect on the New Visa regime.

This paper will attempt to adopt an evidence based empirical analysis approach, by using available data to buttress our propositions and postulations. Before all this however, it is crucial to take the audience on the historical voyage of Immigration Law in Nigeria before 1963 and thereafter.

History of Immigration Law and Practice Nigeria became an independent Nation on the 1st of October 1960. Before then, Nigeria as a colony existed as part and parcel of the commonwealth. In this regard, the laws applicable to citizens of the commonwealth were applicable to Nigerians, as far as Immigration Laws were concerned. Even at that, Immigration Law in Britain developed based on circumstances peculiar to their territory. The Aliens Act of 1905 was passed in response to the Jewish Immigration to Britain from Eastern Europe between 1880 and 1905, and to the Anti-Jewish campaign which accompanied it. The British Immigration Law has since developed, based on exigencies of the Moment.

On the 1st of August 1963, Nigeria enacted an Immigration Act to consolidate and amend the Law as to Immigration (1963. No. 6).

Basically the Act was applicable to persons entering or leaving Nigeria, and to persons who are at any time therein after the commencement of the Act. It is instructive to note that, the 1963 Immigration Act remained in force in Nigeria till 2015 when a new Immigration Law and Regulation was passed by parliament. A noticeable aspect of the Immigration Law of Nigeria, is the paucity of case law in this regard. This did not help the development of the jurisprudence, as is the case in other jurisdictions. Not much has changed, since the new Law came into force. Thus, Lawyers in Nigeria pay scant

attention or regard to immigration law and practice.

The 2015 Immigration Act, is the extant Law in Nigeria. Any projection on the future of Immigration Law and Policy in Nigeria, of necessity is now predicated on the 2015 Enactment.

“THE 2015 ENACTMENT FOR INEXPLICABLE REASONS, WAS DISTURBINGLY SILENT ON THE LAND BORDERS OF NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICE.....ALSO, NOT ADDRESSED IS THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL ENTRY THROUGH UNAUTHORISED ROUTES, AND THE PROCEDURE FOR TRACKING DOWN ILLEGAL ENTRANTS INTO THE COUNTRY”

Analysis of Provisions of the 2015 Immigration Law It can be said that for the 2015 Immigration Act, made 52 years after the 1963 Act, there are bound to be substantial modifications.

Indeed, there are many additions in the 116 Sections of the 2015 Immigration Act with commencement date of 25th May 2015.

Noticeable highlights of the 2015 Act include, well defined structure and functions of the Nigerian Immigration Service; a clear command structure of the service; detailed passport offences; conditions for entry and departure from Nigeria; control of visitors and transit; control of crews and stowaways; determination of Nationality in special cases; residency and employment of foreign Nationals in Nigeria; Deportation processes; comprehensive outlay of offences and penalties; Migration and Smuggling provisions; Enforcement and restitution of compensation order; seizure of property of arrested persons; forfeiture of foreign assets; Body Corporate offences and a more encompassing Interpretation clause.

There is no doubt whatsoever, that the 2015 Enactment is a massive improvement on the 1963 Act and therefore, in conformity with International standards and best practices.

More significantly, the Enactment created an enabling environment for judicial intervention and participation, whether for civil or criminal actions in respect of the numerous offences highlighted.

The 2015 Enactment for inexplicable reasons, was disturbingly silent on the land borders of Nigeria and the role of the Nigerian Immigration Service (this issue will

Nationality, Citizenship and New Passport/ Visa Regime Legally a citizen of a country means one who under the Constitution and laws of a State is a member of the political community, owing allegiance and being entitled to the enjoyment of full civil rights. It is also defined to mean a member of a political community who in his associated capacity, has established or submitted himself or herself to the dominion of a government for the promotion of his general welfare and protection of his individual, as well as collective rights of all.

Chapter 3 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered) is quite explicit on classification for citizenship – Sections 25 – 27 of the Constitution. The 2015 Immigration Act in its interpretation section, also adopted the definition and classification of citizenship contained in the constitution.

There are some fundamental clarifications that must be made, before one can engage in any conversation on right to passport.

First is to contextualise the provisions of Section 9(2) of the Immigration Act which states that “Nigerian Passport shall be issued only to BONA FIDE Nigerians within and outside Nigeria”. The concept of BONA FIDE in place of citizenship is totally unknown to Immigration Law and policy, and must be revisited for purposes of evolving the future dynamics of our Immigration Law. Secondly, is that in no part or portion of the Immigration Act 2015, is the word “ALIEN” mentioned. Again, this is another anomaly in Immigration Law Jurisprudence.

Entry of aliens, which can be equated to entry of non-citizens, is predicated on two contending theories on whether or not an alien should have free passage as of right.

Sibert’s Theory The first theory has its main protagonist Sibert, who advocates a general right of entry for all persons. He contends that every State has a legal duty to receive in its territory, the ressortissants of other States. His theory, in the main, is premised on the present needs of international life, commerce, trade, and due to the exigencies of individual freedom of movement and migration. It also finds justification by reference to the right of immigration, which is enumerated in Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the equality provisions as mentioned in the preamble to the United Nation Charter.

Sibert further argues that, the right of immigration is a corollary of the right to emigration, and therefore, States are under an obligation to admit aliens generally.

However, he admits certain exceptions to his theory of general right of entry. He is of the view that, a State has a sovereign faculty of prohibitions of entry in respect of individuals and categories, but at the same time denies this right affecting all foreigners.

Sibert’s theory, though attractive, has been criticised on several grounds. First, the theory de-emphasises the sovereign right of a State to exclude aliens at will, which is an incident of territorial sovereignty.

Second, aliens right to emigrate is limited cont'd on page 7

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The Future of Immigration Law and Policy in Nigeria (Part 1) cont'd from page 6

It is therefore, a well-established rule of international law that an alien (or a Treaty alien) is not above the immigration laws of a country. Thus, the moment an ECOWAS citizen violates the immigration laws of Nigeria, he becomes an illegal alien, and automatically liable to deportation.

by the right of a State to protect the immigrant himself. Third, the theory ignores the concept of “National Interest or welfare of the admitting State”.

Fourth, the question of immigration, reception of aliens and expulsion of aliens, are essentially the matters of domestic jurisdiction.

As such, States must be considered competent to exclude aliens.

The Dominant Theory: Vattel The second theory (which is the dominant theory) posits that a State is under no obligation to admit aliens, except where it has agreed to do so by treaty obligations and ‘’a fortiori’ ‘that if a State does permit aliens to enter, it may do so upon such conditions as it pleases to impose.

Emrich de Vattel who is one of the foremost proponents of the second theory, argues that entry of foreigners could be denied by a State, if they are ‘’danger’’ to the nation.

According to him, a sovereign State may prohibit the entrance of foreigners into its territory in general, or in particular cases, for certain purposes as the “welfare’’ of the State may require, and can impose conditions upon the entering aliens. Vattel’s theory is based on two major premises. First, a State is not legally bound to admit aliens at all.

Thus, aliens cannot claim admission to a State as a matter of right, but depends on the discretion of the admitting State. Further, he considers that the State is well within its power to impose conditions on entering aliens, keeping in view, the welfare of the State.

Nigeria’s immigration Law and Policy is tailored fully towards the theoretical postulation of Vattel, and this finds expression in both the 1963 Act and the extant 2015 Immigration Act. A critical appraisal of Parts 2 and 3 of the 2015 Immigration Act underscores the internalisation of Vattel’s propositions into Nigeria’s Immigration Law jurisprudence.

Back to the issue of citizenship, it is instructive to state that, evidence abounds that some non-Nigerian citizens are in possession of the Nigerian passport. This is not due to laxity or deficiency on the part of issuing officers, but a consequence of difficulty in distinguishing between a citizen and non- citizen among members of the ECOWAS community.

ECOWAS and Immigration Policies The ECOWAS Treaty is an international agreement, to which Nigeria is a party.

The preamble to the Treaty, envisages the elimination of all obstacles to the free movement of persons. The preamble of free movement of persons, is equally confirmed in the aspect of the treaty dealing with the aims of the community.

The ECOWAS Treaty provides a concrete legal basis for the freedom of movement, and to some extent the method of it’s implementation. According to the Treaty “Citizens of member States shall be regarded as community citizens and accordingly, member States undertake to abolish all obstacles to their freedom of movement and residence in the community’’.

The Treaty does not define the term ‘’community citizen’’. In pursuance of Paragraph 2 of Article 2 and Article 27 of the Treaty, the Heads of States/ Governments of the community, at a summit meeting held in Senegal, Dakar signed the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in 1979.

ECOWAS Treaty defines ECOWAS citizen as follows “any person who is a citizen of any member State of the community is a community citizen”. Against this background, it stands to reason that all citizens of all the members States that make up ECOWAS are community citizens as defined, and are therefore entitled to all rights, privileges and duties that may accrue to any community citizen.

Before examining the legal status of ECOWAS citizens vis-a-vis Nigeria’s Immigration Law and Policy, it is pertinent to reconcile ECOWAS Treaty and Protocol with the respective municipal laws of the member States of ECOWAS, particularly Nigeria. As is most evident, each member State of ECOWAS has its municipal laws, which confers citizenship on persons. There are also related laws that govern the entry of aliens into other countries. Conferment of jus soli and jus sanguinis remains the predominant methods of acquiring citizenship and nationality. As is argued, both methods are not mutually exclusive, as some States

Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN follow a combination of the two methods in drafting the relevant legislations.

For anybody in Nigeria to claim community citizenship, he must have acquired Nigerian Citizenship by any of the constitutionally prescribed methods. This could be by birth, registration and naturalisation. The same principle applies to people from other ECOWAS member States.

It is instructive to state that, ECOWAS Treaty did not confer right of entry to another country on community citizens. Article 27(2) of the treaty merely provides that: “Member States shall by agreements with each other exempt community citizens from holding visitor’s visa and residence permits, and allow them to work and undertake commercial and industrial activities within their territories’’.

The above provision only indicates that until an agreement is entered, exempting community citizens from holding visitor’s visa, no community citizen can claim right of entry into Nigeria.

On 29th May, 1979, Nigeria ratified the Dakar Protocol relating to free movement of persons. The Protocol fully endorsed the principles enunciated in Article 27(2) of the ECOWAS Treaty. As regard the free movement of persons principle, Article 2 of the protocol stated as follows: “The community citizens have the right to enter, reside and establish on the territory

“......A TREATY ALIEN ENTERING THROUGH A BUSH WAY, OR WITHOUT SUBMITTING TO THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES, OR WITHOUT VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, OR TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT WITHOUT FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE PRESCRIBED

BY THE IMMIGRATION ENACTMENT, FALLS UNDER THE CATEGORY OF AN ‘’ILLEGAL ALIEN’’, AND AS SUCH LIABLE TO DEPORTATION”

of member States’’.

The Protocol further stipulated that a Community citizen visiting a member State for a period not exceeding 90 days, shall enter the territory of that member State free of visa requirements. However, there are some conditions precedent to the exercise of these rights of entry.

The Protocol provides that a citizen of the community must posses valid travel documents, including international health certificate. He must also present himself at any of the official entry points of member State, and the duration of his stay must not exceed 90 days.

It is pertinent to mention that the abolition of visa for community citizens, does not mean that they can enter the country illegally, or reside illegally, or engage in illegal activities in Nigeria in contravention of the immigration law and policy of the country.

It means a treaty alien entering through a bush way, or without submitting to the immigration authorities, or without valid travel documents, or taking up employment without following the procedure prescribed by the Immigration Enactment, falls under the category of an ‘’illegal alien’’, and as such liable to deportation.

The Dakar Protocol was silent on the question of right to residence of a Treaty Alien. It was the Abuja Protocol of 1986 that defined right of residence as: “The right of a citizen who is a national of one member State, to reside in a member State other than his State of origin, and which issues him with a residence card or permit that may or may not allow him to hold employment’’.

The right of residence, must be distinguished from right of entry. The right of entry permits a community citizen visiting a member State, to enter for a period not exceeding 90 days. This is totally different from the right of residence, which if granted entitles a community citizen a longer duration in a member State with possibility of securing employment. Article 3 of the Abuja Protocol however, provides that a member State may restrict the right of residence of Treaty aliens for reasons of Public Order, Public Security and Public Health.

This restriction may occur at the point of entry, or when the citizen is already within the territory of a member State. It all depends on when the information enabling the immigration authorities to invoke the restrictions, becomes available to them.

In spite of the right created for ECOWAS nationals by the respective protocols highlighted above, a host State still reserve the right to expel non-nationals for various reasons, and through laid down procedures.

As Hon Justice Niki Tobi clearly articulated in his conference of 1982 titled FREE MOVEMENT OF ECOWAS CITIZENS (13th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law, 26th and 27th March 1982): “the right of expulsion is a concomitant attribute of statehood, which has to be exercised to minimum standard of civilised behaviour’’.

Migration, Human Trafficking and Smuggling The future of Immigration Law and Policy in Nigeria, cannot be discussed without an exhaustive scrutiny of migration, human trafficking and smuggling. It is instructive to note that, the 2015 Act unlike the 1963 Enactment, incorporated principles and policies drawn from literature on Migrant trafficking. This certainly has increased the responsibility of the immigration service, in the performance of their duties. It has also redefined the concept of migration from voluntary movement or migration, to coerced movement by third parties. What the Immigration Service is required to do in this regard, is to develop a database that will help document movement of migrant trafficking, and formulate measures to combat that form of migration.

As is well chronicled, trafficking in migrants has become a global problem which affects a complex matrix of origin, transit and destination countries, their international relations and security, and their economies. Thus far, there has been little systematic research into trafficking or serious academic literature on the subject.

The debate over precise definitions “for the concepts of trafficking’’, “smuggling’’, and “organised crime’’ came to a head only in the second half of the 1990s. Part of the problem in defining trafficking is the debate over whether it should be considered a form of illegal migration; this debate has had implications for formulating legal instruments and adopting counter-trafficking measures. A further obstacle to achieving a consensus on the definition of trafficking, is the confusion between the concepts of “trafficking’’ and “smuggling’’. In Europe, several agencies have drawn distinction between trafficking and smuggling. According to the Europol Convention of 1995, ‘’ illegal migrant smuggling “comprises activities intended deliberately to facilitate, for financial gain, the entry into, residence or employment of an alien in the territory of the State, contrary to the rules and conditions applicable in such a State” whereas trafficking relates to ‘‘… subjection of a person to the real and illegal sway of other persons, by using violence or menace, or by abuse of authority or by deception, particularly in order to engage in the exploitation of prostitution of that person, forms of exploitation of sexual violence in relation to minors, or trafficking in children given up by their parents’’.

It is therefore, generally agreed that trafficking in human beings involves elements of coercion, deception, violence and physical or psychological abuse, and that it often implies the involvement of networks or syndicates of organised crime.

The 2015 Immigration Act amply covered the field in the matter of smuggling of migrants, and the consequences/offences thereof. Part X of the legislation expressly established a directorate in charge of prohibited smuggling of migrants, while Part XI deals with smuggling of migrant’s offences. Part XII provides for restitution for smuggled persons, while Part XIV addressed the issue of migrants’ civil remedy. The introduction of “Objects of Smuggling of Migrants Trust Fund’’ in Part XVI, is undoubtedly a commendable novelty.

The interpretation clause gave apt definitions to the terms “smuggling of migrants”, “smuggled persons’’ and smuggle’’ within the context of immigration law jurisprudence. It is however, instructive to note that though the term ‘’trafficking ‘’ is well defined in the interpretation clause, the concept of trafficking was not incorporated in the body of the enactment. This is a grave omission, and does not confer full authority on the Immigration Act 2015. Certainly, areas to be addressed in projecting the future of immigration law and policy in Nigeria. (To be Continued) Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, Professor of Law, former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Principal Counsel, Azinge & Azinge, Abuja

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the new anti-corruption Czar is straddling with vigour. His recent order that all Bank and other Financial Institutions' employees should declare their assets willy-nilly, has however, sent chills down the spine of many. Onyekachi Umah, Richmond Idaeho and Richard Abdulahi in this Discourse, raise questions as to whether Mr Bawa and his Commission are not acting Ultra vires their statutory mandate Legality of the EFCC Order on Bank Employees’ Declaration of Assets Onyekachi Umah Assessment of the EFCC Order On 16 March, 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that all employees of financial institutions (including banks) in Nigeria must declare their assets before 1st June, 2021 in line with the provisions of the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act 1986 (the EFCC Order).

The Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act (BEDA Act or the Act) which was promulgated on 26 September, 1986 (35 years ago), is lawful, valid and operational in all parts of Nigeria. The Act does not need an EFCC Order, before any person can be investigated or prosecuted under it. Hence, the EFCC Order is a mere friendly Notice (reminder) of the existence of the BEDA Act. However, such reminder is unknown to law and the BEDA Act; it lacks the force of law, and has no legal effect; a mere Noise.

The BEDA Act mandates all employees and former employees of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Banks, Bureau de Change, Cryptocurrencies operators and all other financial institutions in Nigeria or in foreign branches, to declare their assets annually and to continue to do so even 2 years after termination of the employment. It also allows the President of Nigeria to add more persons, to the list of persons to be bound by the law to declare their assets.

At the time of this publication, the writer is not aware of any Federal Gazette stating a deadline for the mandatory declaration of assets by employees of financial institutions from the Federal Government of Nigeria in the BEDA Act. Rather, the public media is awash with reports that the Chairman of the EFCC made a public comment, ordering the mandatory declaration of assets by employees of financial institutions in line with the Act. Generally, Government orders are to be made by instruments published on the Federal Gazette.

Specifically, Sections 12 (2) and 13 of the BEDA Act permit only the President of Nigeria to make directions and regulations for the it. Obviously, being a 1986 law, the Act never mentioned the office of the Chairman of the EFCC as the person to make any such directions. It is a power given to the President of Nigeria alone, and there is no room for such powers to be delegated to another person. In exercise of delegated law-making powers (quasi-legislative powers), the executive arm of government (like the President, Ministers, Heads of Federal Parastatals, Governors, State Commissioners and Heads of State Parastatals) make Executive Orders, Regulations and Rules for effective and efficient implementation of existing laws. Consequently, written Executive Orders, Regulations or Rules legally made by an executive government, are binding law.

It must be mentioned that mere television/ radio comments, policy documents/broadcasts, social media posts or public threats and pleas of President, Governor or their agents, are not law or regulation. At best, such threats/pleas are policy guidelines/directions, and in Nigeria, policy guidelines of Government are not laws. Unlike Executive Orders, Regulations or Rules which are law and having the force of law, policy documents/ guidelines of government and other comments of government are not Law”. Consequently, the EFCC Order is not an executive order, regulation or law.

Hence, it is unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional for any person to be arrested or prosecuted, based on a mere television/radio comments, policy documents/broadcasts, social media posts or public threats and pleas of President, Governor or their agents (the EFCC Chairman). Offences must be clear, and can only be created by law or regulation, and not by common sense, inference, wishes, conjecture, popular opinion, “judicial rascality”

EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa or executive abracadabra.

The BEDA Act has no room for reminders and notices, and rather expects the Federal Government of Nigeria to enforce it against all employees bound under it. The EFCC and other security agencies should have, on the orders of the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, been verifying and investigating asset declarations of employees under the Act, and the assets of such employees.

And, where such employees failed to declare assets since 1986, they should have been prosecuted and convicted.

The EFCC Order is a Notice, to the extent that it is a reminder of the existence of the Act, however, it is also a Noise, since it is not a binding regulation/ directive of Federal Government, and has no force of law. The grace period from 16 March, 2021 to 1st June, 2021 purportedly created by the EFCC Order is unknown to law; rather, it is a violation of the BEDA Act, and as such, unlawful and illegal.

Debunking Myths Relating to the BEDA Act Several myths and conspiracy theories have been birthed around the BEDA Act. Below is an attempt to debunk some of the myths.

“THE EFCC ORDER IS A NOTICE......SINCE IT IS NOT A BINDING REGULATION/ DIRECTIVE OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, AND HAS NO FORCE OF LAW. THE GRACE PERIOD FROM 16 MARCH, 2021 TO 1ST JUNE, 2021 PURPORTEDLY CREATED BY THE EFCC ORDER IS UNKNOWN TO LAW; RATHER, IT IS A VIOLATION OF THE BEDA ACT, AND AS SUCH, UNLAWFUL AND ILLEGAL”

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele The BEDA Act is not a creation of the EFCC or the President Buhari. Rather, it is a 35 year old existing Federal legislation, that has rarely been enforced in Nigeria.

An aide of President Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, was reported by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) to have while relying on the BEDA Act and the EFCC Order, twitted that: “Lifestyle audit is now legal in Nigeria. Those who flaunt lifestyles they cannot afford, can now be investigated by any of the anti-graft agencies to produce evidence of the sources of their wealth.

You can now be called upon to explain how you acquired certain properties.”. It is important to note that, the BEDA Act does not affect persons who are not employees that are under the Act. Although, Section 7 of the BEDA Act creates the offence of “Unjust Enrichment”, it focuses only on employees that are under the Act, that is: “… owns assets in excess of his legitimate, known and provable income and assets”. The Act does not by any chance create room for lifestyle auditing of all Nigerians. However, by a coalition of existing laws in Nigeria, lifestyle auditing can be conducted on any person in Nigeria.

Questions Chief Dele Momodu asked some questions in response to the EFCC Order and the BEDA Act, which seem to represent views of some Nigerians. Chief Momodu asked; “Are we in a military regime? Why not start with Government agencies and Politicians? Banks belong largely to the private sector.” In response to his question; it is important to note that the BEDA Act is an existing Federal Government and not a Presidential Order.

By the BEDA Act, some specific private persons are to declare their assets, and the President of Nigeria can also increase the categories of persons that must make asset declaration. Nigeria is not under a military regime but under democracy, and under the democracy is a democratic legislation that mandates certain private persons to declare their assets annually. Also, Government and Politicians are often public officers, and are to declare their assets under the Code of Conduct. However, as rightly pointed out by Chief Momodu, there is need for the President of Nigeria to exercise his powers under the BEDA Act, and enlist Politicians into the list of private persons who should declare their assets annually.

Objections The Association of Senior Staff for Banks, Insurance

and other Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) was reported to have objected to the EFCC Order, and its President was reported to have said: “EFCC has the right to investigate the top management and board of directors of banks, but ordinary workers who are diligently carrying out their responsibilities as professionals should be exempted.” In response to his statement, the Act has not exempted any bank or financial institution worker from making declaration of assets. Hence, the EFCC and even the President of Nigeria, lacks the power to remove or exempt any person listed in the BEDA Act. The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFE) in communicating its displeasure, stated through its Deputy General Secretary, that, “Another thing is that they said bank workers. Now, who are the bank workers? They should go to CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) and ask who are the bank workers? The CBN has said that about 90 per cent of those working in banks, are not bank workers. So, if you are saying tellers, marketers and others are not bank workers, then fine. In that case, they (EFCC) should focus on the MDs (managing directors) of banks.” The BEDA Act has gone ahead of the growing confusion on the status of bank workers, and bank casual/part-time workers. The BEDA Act expressly states that all manner, title and types of workers in the bank and financial institutions are to declare their assets. The Act covers all employees of financial institutions in Nigeria and those in their foreign branches, from the bank executives to cleaners, drivers, messengers, and the last person on their chain, whether in full or temporal employment.

It has also been canvassed by some persons that the CBN collects asset declaration from top executives of financial institutions, and as such that the BEDA Act and the EFCC Order are not necessary. This conclusion is wrong. Whatever asset declaration that the CBN collects, is good and commendable. However, the Act is specific on how asset declaration forms are to be completed, submitted, delivered, timelines and the relevant person to receive such forms. Under the BEDA Act, the CBN is not a collector of asset declaration forms; rather it is the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria or his/her agents.

Onyekachi Umah LL.M, ACIArb(UK), Managing Partner of Bezaleel Chambers International; Executive Director of Sabi Law Foundation

Legality of EFCC Powers to Prosecute and Compel Bank Employees to Declare their Assets Richard Idaeho Introduction The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (“EFCC” or “the Commission”) had on Tuesday, 16th March, 2021 given a directive that starting from 1st June, 2021, the Commission will be demanding for declaration of assets of employees of financial institutions, particularly, the banks.

This, according to the Commission, would help to block some of the loopholes currently being exploited by unscrupulous players in the sector to undermine the Nigerian economy, through money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Against the background, the question begging for answer is whether the EFFC has the power to compel bank employees to declare their assets, or face prosecution? This will be examined below in the light of relevant laws.

A Review of the Bank Employees etc (Declaration of Asset) Act and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act The obligation of bank employees to declare their assets is a statutory one arising from the Bank

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Employees etc (Declaration of Asset) Act (BEDA Act). The BEDA Act makes it obligatory for every employee of a bank to make full disclosure of assets upon employment, and annually in subsequent years. Section 1(1) of the Act provides that “Every employee of a Bank shall, within fourteen days of the commencement of this Act, make a full disclosure of all his assets”. Subsection 2 provides “in the case of a new employee, he shall within fourteen days of assuming duty with the Bank, make a full disclosure of all his assets at the time of his assuming duty; and for the purpose of this subsection, a transfer or secondment from one Bank to another shall be treated as a new employment”.

“Bank” is defined in Section 14 of BEDA Act to include “the Central Bank of Nigeria, commercial banks, merchants banks, acceptance houses, discount houses, financial institutions or any other authorised dealer appointed under the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act”, while "employee" or "employee of a bank" is defined to includes “the Governor, the Chairman and members of the Board, Managing Director, Director, General Manager, Manager, Examiner, Inspector, Controller, Agent, Supervisor, Officer, Clerk, Cashier, Messenger, Cleaner, Driver, and any other category of workers of the Central Bank, a bank or other financial institution of whatever title or designation, whether general or peculiar to the Bank; and for the avoidance of doubt, it includes a person engaged as a part time, casual or temporary worker, and also any worker deployed to work in any branch or office of the Bank in or outside Nigeria”.

Section 8(1) of the BEDA Act makes it a criminal offence for any bank employee who knowingly fails to fully disclose his assets, or makes a false declaration in whole or part, or fails to answer any question contained in the appropriate form under the Act, or fails, neglects or refuses to make a declaration or furnish information as required by the provisions of the Act, and on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term of ten years.

The BEDA Act is however, silent with respect to the authority with the powers to prosecute any bank employee who fails to comply with the provision of the Act. Notwithstanding, a careful consideration of the BEDA Act will reveal that the Act was enacted for the purpose of preventing unscrupulous financial activities by bank employees, and in this regard, a review of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act (“EFCC Act”) will suggest that the enforcement of the BEDA Act is under the jurisdiction of the EFCC. Section 6(b), (c), (e), and (f) of the EFCC Act enumerate the functions of the Commission to include the investigation of all financial crimes; the co-ordination and enforcement of all economic and financial crimes laws and enforcement functions conferred on any other person or authority; the adoption of measures to eradicate the commission of economic and financial crimes; and the adoption of measures which include coordinated preventive and regulatory actions, introduction and maintenance of investigative and control techniques on the prevention of economic and financial related crimes.

From the foregoing, the EFCC is, by virtue of Section 6(c) and (f) of the EFCC Act, empowered to co-ordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes laws and exercise enforcement functions conferred on any other person or authority by virtue of any such laws. In addition, Section 7(2) of the EFCC Act expressly makes the EFCC the coordinating agency for the enforcement of specific laws and “(f) any other law or regulation relating to economic and financial crimes, including the Criminal Code and Penal Code.”

The Powers of the EFCC The powers of the EFCC and the scope of who the Commission can investigate was emphasised in FCDA Staff Multi-Purpose (Coop) Society & Ors v Samchi & Anor, thus: "...it is important not to have any illusions about the powers and functions of the EFCC. For the avoidance of doubt Section 7(1) (a) and (b) of the EFCC Act, provides that: ‘The Commission has powers to - (a) cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed an offence under this act or other law relating to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission: (b) cause investigations to be conducted into properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person's lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.’ Clearly the powers of the EFCC to investigate, and indeed, prosecute crimes is not

of its enabling Act. This article is meant to examine the provisions of the Act in order to determine whether from the trails of the provisions of the Act and the trajectory of judicial pronouncements, the EFCC has the requite statutory powers to issue the directive.

EFCC Operatives restricted to government agencies, public officers or civil servants, as it appears to be suggested, it extends to corporate bodies and organisations, where they offend the law…."

Furthermore, in Ajoku v EFCC & Ors, the Court of Appeal, while expounding on the powers of the EFCC, held that “the Commission is the designated Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Nigeria, which is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the various institutions involved in the fight against money laundering and enforcement of all laws dealing with economic and financial crimes in Nigeria."

In view of the above, the EFCC is empowered by law to prosecute any person who has committed financial or economic crimes. Thus, the action of the Commission was predicated on the provisions of the BEDA Act, which mandates all bank employees to declare their assets or face prosecution. Section 7 of the BEDA Act makes it “an offence for an employee of a Bank to own assets in excess of his legitimate, known and provable income and assets”, and where found guilty shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for ten years, and shall, in addition, forfeit the assets or its equivalent in money which are in excess of his legitimate, known and provable income and assets, to the Federal Government.

Can the EFCC Enforce the Provisions of BEDA Act? A community reading of the EFCC Act, as well as judicial authorities empower the Commission to enforce the provisions of any other law or regulations relating to economic and financial crimes. As part of its functions, the Commission has the vires to adopt measures geared towards a coordinated preventive and regulatory actions, introduction and maintenance of investigative and control techniques on the prevention of economic and financial related crimes.

In view of the above, it can be said that the directive of the EFCC is merely a reiteration of an already existing provision of the law, which Bank employees are expected to comply with. However, whether the EFCC has the jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the BEDA Act, is a question that now begs for answers. It will appear clear that the EFCC has not been statutorily empowered by the

"THE COMMISSION HAS POWERS TO - (A) CAUSE INVESTIGATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED AS TO WHETHER ANY PERSON, CORPORATE BODY OR ORGANISATION HAS COMMITTED AN OFFENCE UNDER THIS ACT OR OTHER LAW RELATING TO ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION"

BEDA Act to enforce its provisions, and the EFCC Act did not expressly include the BEDA Act amongst the list of Acts for which the Commission will act as the coordinating and enforcement authority.

The EFCC is a creation of statute, and every exercise of power by it must be traceable to an enabling law. It would therefore, be arguable whether the EFCC has the statutory jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of BEDA Act. Thus, on the one hand, to the extent that jurisdiction is statutory, it is argued that until the President makes a regulation with regards to the effective implementation of the BEDA Act as donated by virtue of Sections 12 and 13 of the Act, or the National Assembly takes appropriate legislative measures to address the issue of the agency with power to enforce the BEDA Act, the jurisdiction of the EFCC to implement the BEDA Act would remain a controversy.

However, on the other hand, the sweeping functions and powers of the EFCC under Sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC Act which extends both to the public and private sectors as relate to economic and financial crimes are capable of clothing the Commission with the powers to enforce the BEDA Act. It could be axiomatically argued that the Commission has the power to apply and enforce the provisions of BEDA Act being a financial or economic law, and as such would be considered as falling within Section 7(2)(f) thus forming part of “any other law or regulation relating to economic and financial crimes.” Hence, the Commission would equally be the co-ordination agency for the BEDA Act. The decisions of the court above, would seem to have provided a judicial support for this position.

Conclusion The EFCC is statutorily empowered to enforce the provisions of any law or regulations relating to economic and financial crimes, and also acts as coordinating agency for specifically enumerated Acts, as well as all other laws relating to economic and financial crimes.

The BEDA Act has though not been specifically mentioned as falling within the coordinating purview of the EFCC, a review of the general powers of the EFCC however, will suggest that the Commission has the jurisdiction to administer and implement the provisions of the BEDA Act as forming part of the laws relating to economic and financial crimes.

Richard Idaeho Legal Practitioner, Lagos

EFCC Directive to Bank Employees on Asset Declaration is Ultra Vires Richard Abdulahi Background Driven by the zeal to not only stem the tempestuous tide of illicit financial flows, but also stamp his imprimatur as the “new sheriff” in charge of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the new Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, recently directed all employees and operators in the financial sector to declare their assets by June 1, 2021. Interestingly the directive was issued pursuant to the provisions of the Bank Employees, ETC. (Declaration of Assets) Act 1986, a clear indication that the anti-graft agency could not find refuge under any of the provisions

The Relevant Provisions of the Act The Bank Employees, etc (Declaration of Assets) Act is one of the military Decrees promulgated in 1986, which subsequently gained sanctuary under Section 315(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as an existing law. At the time, the Decree was promulgated to combat corrupt practices involving private businesses and employees in the financial sector.

Sections 1 and 4 of the Act make it mandatory for an existing Bank Employee to make full disclosure of all his assets within 14 days of the commencement of the Act, and in the case of a new employee, within 14 days of his resumption of duty. Thereafter, the asset declaration is required annually.

It is further provided under Sections 2 and 3 of the Act that the Declaration of Assets must be done as prescribed in the Declaration of Assets Form attached to the Act, and it shall be executed before a Registrar of a Superior Court of Record and submitted within the prescribed 14 days to the Chief Executive of the Bank, who is required to submit the same to the Appropriate Authority within 7 days of receipt. Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Act encapsulate variegated and detailed sanctions for failure to comply with the Assets Declaration requirement which includes imprisonment for ten years upon conviction.

It is to be noted that section 2(2) of the Act provides for the powers of the President or an Appropriate Authority to prescribe from time to time other forms necessary for the achievement of the purpose of the Act. The EFCC is not the Appropriate Authority Under the Act? It is thus, clear from a combined consideration of the above provisions that the person vested with the requisite power to prescribe the form or mode for the enforcement of the provisions of the Act, is the President or the Appropriate Authority specified under the Act. Section 14 of the Act defines “Appropriate Authority” as follows: 14. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires "appropriate authority" means the Secretary to the Federal Government or any person he may designate in that behalf by an instrument published in the Federal Gazette.Nowhere in the relevant provisions of the Act is the EFCC or its Chairman mentioned, and could not have been mentioned having regard to the fact that as at the time the Decree was promulgated in 1986, the EFCC was yet to be grafted within the uterine walls of any legislative contemplation. Having not been mentioned, the principle of law now well encrusted in a latin maxim, is that the EFCC or its Chairman is excluded from the provisions.

In BUHARI v YUSUF (2003) 14 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 841) 446 at 499 PARA F-G, the Supreme Court aptly rehashed the law thus: “The principle is well settled that in the construction of statutory provisions, where a statute mentions specific things or persons, the intention is that those not mentioned are not intended to be included. This is the expressio unius est exclusio alterius rule, meaning that the express mention of one thing in a statutory provision automatically excludes any other which otherwise would have been included by implication…”.

There is also no instrument published in any Federal Gazette wherein the Secretary to the Federal Government has designated the EFCC or any of its Officers for the purpose of issuing any directives or form for compliance with the Act as the EFCC now seeks to do. The directive of Mr. Bawa is thus, an unbridled arrogation of powers which the Act has clearly not conferred on the President and the Secretary to the Federal Government.

In the case of WILSON v A.-G. BENDEL STATE (1985) 1 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 4) 572 AT 580, the Supreme Court had cause to interpret the meaning of the word “Appropriate Authority” within the meaning of the provision of Section 2(2) of the Tribunal or Inquiries (Validation, etc.) Act No. 18 of 1977. The Apex Court cited with approval the decision of the trial Court thus: "For any of the Defendants to be entitled to protection under that law, it must be shown that the Public Service Commission that purported to convert the retirement of the Plaintiff into dismissal cont'd on page 11

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EFCC and Other Regulatory Agencies’ Powers to Enforce Declaration of Assets (Part 2) Introduction Last week, I commenced our discourse of this vexed national issue of asset declaration. Who are those Nigerians who must declare their assets? Under what conditions or laws? What powers, if any, do antigraft agencies and other monetary financial regulatory bodies have, in compelling such group of Nigerians to declare their assets? I shall dwell on this topic for some time, and do a global comparative analysis.

Assets Declaration: The Nigerian Example When Yar’Adua Broke the Jinx Late President Umaru Yar’ Adua was the only President ever in Nigeria, to have publicly declared his assets on June 28, 2007, less than a month after assuming office as Nigerian President. President Yar’Adua made public photocopies of his duly and honestly completed assets declaration form, through his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr Segun Adeniyi.

In an unprecedented step by any Nigerian President since independence, Yar’ Adua declared N856.4m (which included N19m belonging to the then First Lady) Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua.

His total liabilities being outstanding loans secured with the Unity Bank Plc, Imani Estate Branch, Maitama, Abuja, was put at N88,793,269.77 The bulk of the President's assets included remunerations, savings, campaigns, post-campaign contributions, buildings and vacant plots of land, farms and orchard, cash at hand and vehicles located in his home State and Abuja. The President disclosed that, he had no foreign accounts or assets.

On September 3, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, declared their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). According to the report, details of the President’s assets declared included less than N30m cash; one Union Bank account; shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank; five homes in Daura, Kaduna and Abuja; two plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt; Farms, an orchard and a ranch; 270 head of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, birds, trees; Cars, two of which he bought from his savings, and the others supplied to him by the Federal Government in his capacity as former Head of State.

We did not get to have a glimpse of his 2019 assets (assuming he did declare). The CCB never told Nigerians. Nor did the President and his megaphones, who had made integrity his mantra. On the other hand, in 2015, the Vice President’s assets included N94m and $900,000 in his bank accounts; 4-bedroom residence at Victoria Garden City, Lagos and a 3-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, a 2-bedroom flat at Redemption Camp and a 2-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford, England; Law firm, known as SimmonsCooper; Shares I Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd., MTN; Infinity SUV, Mercedes Benz and a Prado Jeep.

Public declaration of assets by President Buhari and the Vice President Osinbajo, was very significant for so many reasons. Both they and their party, APC, had made the issue a subject-matter of campaign, during the build up to the 2015 Presidential elections.

Nigerians could swear on their ancestors’ graves that Buhari was going to declare his assets publicly, at least to follow the worthy precedent set by Yar’Adua, his predecessor in office. This is because having made eradication (or at least, curtailment) of corruption one of his tripodal cardinal campaign promises (I do not know if he has fulfilled any of them at all, or do you?), it was expected that he would lead by example by declaring his assets publicly.

Indeed, asset and interest disclosure has become a key front burner global anti-corruption issue, that engages the attention of the whole world. It was expected that once the number one and number two citizens declared their assets publicly, nothing prevented any other public official from following suit. All categories of public officials, would then have a heavy moral and legal burden to publicly declare their assets. Assets declaration represents a veritable tool for transparency in governance, and important hallmark of the democratic tradition in all civilised nations of the world.

The international community considers asset declaration, as a tool for transparency. This is evidenced by its inclusion in the UN Convention Against Corruption.

The Buhari Scenario There was later to be a clash, between fiery Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, and the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, over the reluctance of President Buhari to publicly declare his assets and liabilities upon taking the oath of office.

At the launch of a book in which he was guest lecturer, Bishop Kukah had queried: “People have asked how is it that the President used Justice Onnoghen’s asset declaration form to prove his corruption and proceeded to sack him, yet the President himself has not publicly declared his own assets as he promised during his campaigns? Kukah was the guest lecturer at the launch of a book, “Farida Waziri: One Step Ahead: Life as a Spy, Detective and Anti-Graft Czar.” In reaction to Kukah’s remark, Adesina as usual had defended his principal, by stating that Buhari never promised Nigerians he would declare his assets publicly. Buhari had therefore, not broken any law by not doing so, he argued, tongue-in-cheek.

But, unlike Buhari, his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had in 2015, followed Yar’Adua’s footsteps. He expressed solidarity with Nigerians, when he publicly declared his assets and liabilities. He even desired that his salary be slashed by half. At that time also, Buhari had rejected a proposal to purchase five customised armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars at the cost of about N400 million. Nigerians had embraced this tokenism, as showcasing a man of seeming frugality and simplicity.

The unsuspecting public believed then that he was a man with a high sense of moral probity, and one who would kick corruption by the

ass. Nigerians had therefore. assumed that Buhari would publicly declare his assets. But, he failed them. His being welcomed back to Nigeria by Kaakaki (flute) trumpeters at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on many occasions after his several foreign medical trips did not help matters. It worsened them. Nigeria saw a President, undergoing incredible metamorphosis.

In his compilation of over 80 of Buhari and APC’s campaign promises and what the then candidate Buhari would do in his 100 days if he became President, as published in The Cable, Buhari had maintained his commitment not only to publicly declare his assets, but that he would encourage his political appointees to do same publicly.

Even months after Buhari became President; Adesina had admitted that this promise was made. Surprisingly, he was later to argue that it was made by the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and not Buhari as a candidate. Hear! Hear!! Hear!!! A political party cannot be separated from its candidate. They are Siamese twins. That is why under Sections 65(2)(b), 106 and 131 of the 1999 Constitution, a candidate must run under the platform of a political party. He cannot run alone.

Buhari himself had however, firmly stood by his campaign promise roughly a month before Adesina made his weird, illogical suggestion.

Through a statement released by his senior spokesman, Garba Shehu in June, 2015, Buhari had maintained that details of his declaration would be made public soon after the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had completed verifying them. Said Shehu: “In the circumstances, it is only after this verification exercise, and not before, that the declaration can be said to have been made and validated; and only after this, will the details be released to the public.

“There is no question at all that the President and the Vice President are committed to public declaration of their assets, within the 100 days that they pledged during the presidential campaign.”

Buhari’s Later Public but Partial Disclosure of Assets In September, 2015, bowing to intense pressure from and national hoopla by watchful Nigerians, the Presidency very reluctantly publicised only some of Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s assets.

In May, 2019, before his second-term inauguration, President Buhari submitted a second set of asset declaration forms to the CCB, not to the public. According to Shehu, they “showed no significant

“TO ME, PUBLIC DECLARATION OF ASSETS GOES BEYOND MERE ROUTINE LEGALISM AND INTELLECTUAL GYMNASTICS. IT IS EVEN MORE SO, AN ISSUE OF MORAL RECTITUDE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN LEADERSHIP”

changes in assets as declared in 2015 by him”. Oh, really? Could he swear on the Holy Quran, that Buhari of 2015 was exactly the same Buhari of 2019? With even his wife, Hajia accusing his security guards of stealing humongous sums from her?

In the polemics between Kukah and Adesina, the issue at stake was whether the law should only be seen in the letter, and not in the spirit also. To me, public declaration of assets goes beyond mere routine legalism and intellectual gymnastics. It is even more so, an issue of moral rectitude, transparency and accountability in leadership. It is not only captured in fixed Hamurabi’s tablet, it is better demonstrated in the spirit of the law, through actions and deeds. After all, actions speak louder than words. Leaders must walk the talk.

I had maintained this stance as far back as June 6, 2015, barely one week after Buhari took oath as President of Nigeria. In a write up by New Telegraph of that date, titled, “Sagay, Ozekhome fault Buhari, Osinbajo on Assets Declaration…… Lawyers split over Buhari, Osinbajo Assets Declaration”, the paper had written: “Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, urged President Buhari to declare his assets publicly, in conformity with his campaign promises of breaking away from the old order. He reminded the President that Nigerians now have a long memory, and would watch him closely. “I think President Buhari should realise that all the promises he made with his party, the APC, constitute a check list that Nigerians are keeping closely with a biro at hand ready to tick either performed, or not performed. I wouldn’t want to believe that some of the promises he made were empty words customised to get votes from Nigerians, and then refrains from them later.”

Yar’Adua was Refreshingly Different Though he died prematurely in office, Yar’Adua would still be remembered for five major thrusts in the Nigerian polity, for which his name is inerasable from Nigeria’s annals. He termed himself the (“servant leader) when he launched his Presidential campaign in 2006. And this humble son of Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, first Republic Minister for Lagos Affairs, lived his promise, maintaining a very low profile till he died in office in 2010. Secondly, Yar’Adua publicly declared his assets, because he said he had nothing to hide after being a two-term Governor of Katsina State between 1999 and 2007. Thirdly, Yar’Adua set up the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Panel, whose white paper indeed, led to some electoral reforms.

This is because he had publicly acknowledged, during his May 29, 2007 swearing-in ceremony, that the election that threw him up as President was flawed. This man must be resting in Aljannah Firdaus.

Fourthly, Yar’Adua, in fulfilment of one of his seven-point-agenda (the others were critical infrastructure, the Niger Delta Food Security, Human Capital Development, Land Tenure Reform, National Security and Intelligence, and Wealth Creation), gave amnesty to the then restless Niger Delta militants. The politicians had literally grounded exploration and exploitation of oil, in their agitation for a just economic order and fair treatment on matters concerning oil and gas, their God-given wealth.

Lastly, Yar’Adua excelled in his Rule of Law practice, as the bedrock of democracy. Although Rule of Law is presumably a given in any constitutional democracy, Yar’Adua came out clearly and made it his mantra. Under his predecessor, President Olusegun Obasanjo, rule of law meant different things to different people and classes of citizens. A court judgement was only obeyed, as interpreted by imperial President Obasanjo. Due Processes were seamlessly bypassed in impeachment of Governors, such as Fayose and Dariye. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had become a law unto itself, contrary to its motto, “No one is above the law”. This was later ignited under President Buhari. But, Yar’Adua distanced himself from these ugly anti-people practices. He promised to uphold the rule of law, at all times. He actually started implementing court judgements. He swiftly restored Peter Obi to office as the Governor of Anambra State in 2007, after a court judgement. He stuck to due process, in his governance template. Yar’Adua is gone. But, he remains in our hearts. (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It's self-defence.

It's patriotism”. (Joe Biden)

NEWS/11

06.04.2021

Professor Atsenuwa Becomes UNILAG DeputyVice-Chancellor Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa of the Department of Public Law, is the new Deputy ViceChancellor (Development Services) of the University of Lagos.

At the Statutory Meeting of Senate held on Monday, March 29, 2021, she was elected via an electronic voting process with 81 votes (63.28%).

Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa is a Professor of Public Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

Her teaching and research interests are wide and traverse Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, Human Rights Law, Gender and the Law, Law

Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa

and Religion, as well as Health and Migration Law. Within the legal academia, she is widely respected

for her initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between legal academics and legal practice, and

Akwa Ibom High Court Strikes Out Suit Against Addax Petroleum The High Court of Akwa Ibom State on 15th March, 2021, struck out the N166 billion suit of Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service against Addax Petroleum Development (Nig) Ltd. In a considered judgement delivered by the Honourable Justice Theresa Obot, the Court upheld the objection of the Defendant's Counsel - Olurotimi Aju, Esq. of CLP Legal - to its jurisdiction and, accordingly, struck out the entire claims of the Claimant.

The Claimant had claimed the sum of N166 billion against the Defendant for various taxes and levies, including PAYE and WHT, purported to have been unremitted by the Defendant between 1997 and 2018, and arising from the Defendant's operations of OML 123 allegedly falling within the territorial jurisdiction of Akwa Ibom State.

The Defendant, however, contended at the trial that it was not liable to the Claimant

cont'd from page 9

Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Godwin J. Abraham

for any of the taxes and levies claimed, since it did not have DQ\ VWDͿ RU YHQGRUV UHVLGHQW within Akwa Ibom State, or otherwise carry on business in the State. The Defendant further contended that OML LV RͿVKRUH 1LJHULD DQG the abolition of the onshore/ RͿVKRUH GLFKRWRP\ E\ OHJLVODtion heavily relied upon by the Claimant only related

to the revenue derivation formula and did not change the seaward boundary of littoral States, including Akwa Ibom State.

Citing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, Federal High Court Act, Allocation of Revenue (Abolition of Dichotomy in the Application of the Principle of Derivation) Act, and other legislation, alongside decisions of the appellate courts, the Defendant's Counsel argued that the Federal High Court had the exclusive jurisdiction to determine matters howsoever arising, in respect of mines and PLQHUDOV DQG RͿVKRUH 1LJHULD The Defendant's Counsel thus, submitted that the High Court of Akwa Ibom State lacked the competence to assume jurisdiction over the matter, both from a subject-matter and territorial perspective.

The Court upheld the Defendant's challenge to its jurisdiction in its entirety, and accordingly, struck out the Suit.

is acknowledged for her HͿRUWV DW HYROYLQJ PRUH development-oriented law degree programmes in terms of content and teaching methodologies.

Outside the university system, Professor Atsenuwa has done much to contribute to closing the gap between legal theory and practice and to the advancement of sustainable development in Africa, through her leadership engagements.

A member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), she has served on the Boards of several institutions and organisations, including

the Legal Research and Resource Development Centre, CLEEN Foundation, Orderly Society Trust, Partnership for Justice, Girls’ Power Initiative, Open Society Initiative for West Africa, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Council of Legal Education of Nigeria, /DJRV 6WDWH 2΀FH RI WKH Public Defender, Lagos State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, National Advisory Committee on APRM-NEPAD and the NBA Task Force on the North-East.

She has consulted for various international de-

velopment organisations including the United Nations, European Union , UK-DFID/British Council, United States Agency for International Development, Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation, among others.

Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa is the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Law, and comes into her QHZ R΀FH ZLWK VXEVWDQWLDO administrative and community service experience.

Her appointment is for two \HDUV DQG LW WDNHV HͿHFW from Monday, March 29, 2021.

Human Trafficking Victims to Get Free Legal Services in Ogun State Ademola Orunbon The Ogun State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, says respite will soon come to the victims of KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ DV WKH\ ZLOO get free legal services through the creation of Ogun State Public Interest Law Partnership (OPILP).

Adeniran who made this revelation in Abeokuta during the fourth meeting of the State 7DVNIRUFH RQ +XPDQ 7UD΀FNLQJ added that OPILP would be partnering with private legal practitioners, to render free legal services (Pro-bono) to indigents DQG YLFWLPV RI KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ across the State.

The Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of the Taskforce, said the services would only be rendered if the victim wanted to pursue a civil action against WKH WUD΀FNHUV QRWLQJ WKDW LW would be an advantage for victims who want to claim damages or compensation for the dehumanisation meted

Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran

on them through the Pro-bono services.

He added that, the Taskforce would also enrol the victims in various empowerment training programmes, such as Anchor Borrowers and other existing programmes, either on governmental or nongovernmental basis, as most RI WKH SHUVRQV DͿHFWHG DUH OHVV privileged, which makes them more vulnerable.

"The State Taskforce will enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with

Governmental and NonGovernmental Organisations, with the aim of training the victims for more support, as well as empowering them with basic skills, under the Ministry RI :RPHQ $ͿDLUV DQG 6RFLDO Development and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies for proper rehabilitation, that will make them have a source of income", he said.

The Commissioner stated that the State Taskforce is collaborating with the National Agency IRU WKH 3URKLELWLRQ RI 7UD΀FNLQJ in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nongovernmental Organisations, Federal Road Safety Corps, Traditional Rulers, Faith-Based Organisations, among others, to ensure proper monitoring and arrest of culprits.

Speaking on behalf of other members of the State Taskforce, Mr. Olakunle Sanni, appreciated Government for the initiative, urging it not to relent on its HͿRUWV DW HUDGLFDWLQJ WKH PHQDFH

Can EFCC Compel Bank Employees to Declare Assets?

was invested by law with power to do so. It was not the appropriate authority as defined by law, and clearly had no such powers. There cannot be any suggestion that it had any duty to exercise the powers of the appropriate authority. The person who had power under the law to dismiss the Plaintiff in pursuance of the recommendation made following investigations of his assets, was the Military Governor at that time…Nothing in all the Laws cited shows that …. the Military Government then delegated that power to anybody, not even the Public Service Commission that purported to dismiss the Plaintiff.

Nor is there any law or evidence that the Public Service Commission ordinarily can act of its own volition for the appropriate authority”.

The EFCC Cannot Unilaterally Exercise the Powers Vested in the Appropriate Authority Under the Act Although it could be argued that the EFCC being an agency of the Federal Government, can validly exercise the executive powers of the President vested by statute as in the instant case, it is however, not a potent contention as the kite of that contention sought to be flown in the case of CBN v Nigeria Bar Association unreported in Appeal No. CA/A/202/2015 did not fly. In this case, the Nigerian Bar Association successfully challenged the provision of Sections 5 and 25 of the Money Laundering Act in so far as they purport to apply to Legal Practitioners in Nigeria. The Court of Appeal held: “By the provision of Section 5(1)(b) of the Money Laundering Act, a designated non-financial institution whose business cash transaction as defined in the Money Laundering Act which involved the one of cash transaction involving sum exceeding US$1000 or its equivalent must make a report and make disclosure of what the transaction entails to the Ministry which under Section 5(2) shall forward the information required and received pursuant to Section 15(1) of MLA to EFCC within 7 days. The Minister of Commerce or Trade and Investment is expected

to make regulations to guide the operations of Designated Non-Financial Institutions…There is no evidence on record that any Regulation has been made by the Minister or guidelines…”.

Though, in A-G.FEDERATION v ABUBAKAR (2007) 10 N.W.L.R. (Pt 1041) at PG 85, it was held by the Apex Court that the powers vested in the President are exercisable either directly or through the Vice- President, Ministers or officers in the public service of the Federation, those powers, to be legally exercised, must be expressly or impliedly donated by statute. See: CBN v NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION (SUPRA).

The EFCC is not vested with power to issue the Asset Declaration Directive under the EFCC Act In seeking to justify the powers of the EFCC to issue the directive, there is the prevailing argument that seeks to contend that the powers of the EFCC under Sections 1(2)(C), 6, 7 and 13(2) of the EFCC Act to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, cover the issuance of the asset declaration directive.

The argument seems plausible having regard to the decision of the Supreme Court in NIGERIAN ARMY v AMINUN-KANO (2010) 5 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 1188) 429 where it was held thus: “It is the general practice of the courts, to read statutes on the same subject-matter together.

Statutes are said to be of the same subject or matter, where they relate to the same thing or person or they have a common purpose. Such statutes are read, construed or applied together so that the intention of the legislature is discovered from the whole set of enactments on the same subject- matter”.

Inspite of the plausibility of the argument, the question is whether the two legislations cover the same subject-matter, and whether they can be both construed as to confer the power to issue the directives on the Chairman of the EFCC. The answers to those questions, respectfully, will emerge from the negative divide having regard to the provisions of Section 6 of the Bank Employees Etc Assets Declaration Act

which provides: 6. Verification, etc., of Assets Declaration. The appropriate authority shall cause to be verified every Declaration of Assets Form and Annual Assets Declaration Form submitted under this Act, and may direct that a thorough investigation should be conducted into the assets and activities of the employee concerned including the assets and activities of his spouse, child, relative, parent, associate or privy.

By the above provision, upon receipt of the Asset Declaration Forms, the Appropriate Authority is required to verify the same and may direct that the assets and activities of an employee or his privies be investigated. It will be seen that the powers of the EFCC to investigate, arrest and prosecute financial crimes, can only be properly countenanced within the province of the directive of the Appropriate Authority to investigate assets of an employee and not to issue the directive.

It has been held in a plethora decisions of the Supreme Court that the provisions of the EFCC Act which generally regulates the investigation of financial crimes, cannot override this more specific provisions of the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act, which is the existing law that regulates the declaration of Assets by Bank Employees. See: INAKOJU v ADELEKE (2007) 4 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 1025) 427.

The provisions of the Bank Employees, ETC. (Declaration of Assets) Act are clear and unambiguous, and by the principle of statutory interpretation, they must be construed plainly within the crucibles of their plain and literal meaning. See: CORPORATE IDEAL LIMITED v AJAOKUTA STEEL (2014) 7 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 1405) 165.

In GUARANTYTRUST BANK v ADEDAMOLA (2019) 5 N.W.L.R. at Pg 30, an instruction issued by the EFCC to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) to freeze the funds standing to the credit of its customer on the basis of an ongoing investigation in purported exercise of its powers under the EFCC Act, was held to be unconstitutional, null and void. In condemning

the brazen resort of the EFCC to illegality in seeking to perform a legal function, it was held: “…It is in the interest of both Government and citizens that laws are respected, as respect for the rule of law promotes order, peace and decency in all societies, we are not an exception. Our financial institutions must not be complacent, and appear toothless in the face of brazen and reckless violence to the rights of their customers.”

Relying on the admonition in the above decision, financial institutions must not be complacent and appear toothless in the face of brazen and reckless violence to the rights of their employees, and the EFCC’s resort to lawlessness in seeking to solve an illegality by extra-legal and extra-judicial means.

Conclusion Globally, the hydra-headed monster of cross border illicit financial flows and the increasing link of some of the illicit funds to terrorism, has precipitated the need for ingenious and innovative means by governments to stem the tide of the flows. According to Transparency International in partnership with CISLAC, an estimated sum of $15.7 billion illicitly leaves Nigeria’s financial system annually.

However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission cannot in a bid to proffer a panacea for illegality resort to illegality. Perhaps, the admonition of the Supreme Court in the case of ATTORNEYGENERAL OF LAGOS STATE v ATTORNEYGENERAL OF THE FEDERATION (2007) 4 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 1025) 427 is instructive: “In addition, the "executive powers of the Federation", is vested in the President by Section 5 subsection (1)(a) of the Constitution and such powers extend to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution.

This is certainly so, but the question is does such power extend to the President committing an illegality?

Certainly the Constitution does not, and could not have intended that.”

Richard Abdulahi, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

06.04.2021

12/

CCT Chairman’s Public Meltdown, EFCC’s Powers and Ibori’s Loot News of the physical altercation, last week, between the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Mr Danladi Umar, and a security officer at the ‘famous’ Banex Plaza, Abuja, has rightly elicited public indignation that a public officer of his stature can exhibit such indecorous behaviour. The subsequent public statement issued on his behalf, did not help matters - not least because it was strewn with embarrassing grammatical gaffes.

The supposed ‘rebuttal’ did not quite deny that incident actually occurred, but merely sought to portray His Honour as the ‘victim’. While the jury might still be out on that particular score, the discerning have pointed out (rightly) that, like Caesar’s wife, the CCT Chairman should be seen to be above board, as the appearance (or optics) of impropriety are more telling than its reality.

It is in this regard that, not a few commentators have wondered whether the Chairman should not review his position, that is, consider resigning, failing which he should be sanctioned by the appropriate authority - in this case by the President, acting (pursuant to Paragraph 17(3) & (4) of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers under the Constitution) on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. The first is unrealistic, of course, as public officers rarely resign in Nigeria.

The second might be similarly overly optimistic, given the power dynamics of Nigeria, from which the judiciary (including the CCT) is not insulated. So, the whole incident is likely to blow over – unless, of course, the supposed victim of His Honour’s alleged assault chooses to pursue it, either in a criminal court or by civil process. In the former case, the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 might offer a plausible launching pad for any possible prosecution. In that event, His Honour might, presumably, seek to take advantage of the principle in NGANJIWA v FRN to argue for a suspension of such prosecution on the ground that, being a ‘judicial officer’, the NJC ought to first sanction him before such criminal proceedings can be initiated.

The answer to this, of course, is that the misfeasance in this particular case – unlike that of Hon. Justice Nganjiwa – did not occur in the course of performing the Chairman’s official duties. In other words, it wasn’t ‘judicial misconduct’.

Is the EFCC Too Powerful?

This question is prompted by the controversy over the ultimatum reportedly issued by the Commission’s new helmsman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, to Bankers to declare their assets by the 1st of June, 2021, or face the consequences under the Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act (formerly Decree) 1986.

Public reaction to the directive has, not surprisingly, been mostly positive. More on this later. Suffice it to say for now that such a blanket endorsement misses the fundamental question of the limits of the law-making powers of the legislature in a Federation such as Nigeria.

In relation to the EFCC, its enabling statute is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment, etc.)

Act No. 1 of 2004. This law repealed the earlier, original, Act of 2002; for our purposes however, both enactments are virtually the same. They were made by the National Assembly, whose law-making powers are donated and circumscribed by the provisions of Section 4(2), (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, by virtue

SC. 200/2001. In the latter, the Supreme Court construed Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution – which obliges the State to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” – and held that it validated the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act enacted by the National Assembly.

In the case of the EFCC Act, however, I believe that, with the exception of Sections 6(b),(m) and 7(2),(c)&(d) thereof (which empower the Commission to investigate and prosecute, inter alia, counterfeiting, illegal charge transfers, futures market fraud, fraudulent encashment of negotiable instruments, computer credit card fraud), the National Assembly is incompetent to apply the rest of its provisions across the country.

In other words, I believe that, apart from Abuja, the FCT, (which the National Assembly legislates for by virtue of Section 299(a) of the Constitution) the Assembly is incompetent to enact those provisions of the EFCC Act which purport to apply across the 36 States of the Federation. Accordingly, in my view in those States, those provisions are ultra vires the National Assembly: only State Houses of Assembly possess the power - as part of their Residual Powers under the Constitution - to enact them.

EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa in Section 6 of its said enabling Act. Their main provisions are as follows: i. “The investigation of all financial crimes, including advance fee fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, illegal charge transfers, futures market fraud, fraudulent encashment of negotiable instruments, computer credit card fraud, contract scam, etc.”, ii. “The examination and investigation of all reported cases of economic and financial crimes with a view to identifying individuals, corporate bodies or groups involved”; iii. “Taking charge of supervising, controlling, co-ordinating all the responsibilities, functions and activities relating to the investigation and prosecution of all offences connected with or relating to economic and financial crimes”; The Commission’s Remit Additionally, Section 7 (1) of the Act The functions of the EFCC are contained empowers the Commission to:i. “Cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed an offence under (the) Act or any other law relating to economic and financial crimes”; ii. “Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person it if appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income” Finally, Section 7 (2) of the Act provides that the Commission shall be the co-ordinating agency for the enforcement of the provisions of:i. “The Money Laundering Act; ii. The Advancement Fee Fraud Act; iii. The Failed Banks (Recovery of Debt and Financial Malpractices in Banks) Act; iv. The Banks and other Financial Institutions Act; v. The Miscellaneous Offences Act; vi. Any other law or regulation relating to economic and financial crimes, including the Criminal Code and the Penal Code”.

It is a trite constitutional aphorism, that a Federal Parliament can only legislate over matters in respect of which it is specifically empowered under the Constitution. See DOHERTY v BALEWA (1961) All NLR 605 and ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF ONDO STATE v ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION & 35 OTHERS, of which:i. The Assembly is empowered to make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List contained in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Constitution (68 in all); ii. The Assembly also has power to make laws in respect of Items 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 28 of the Concurrent Legislative List contained in Part II of the Second Schedule to the Constitution; iii. The Assembly may also legislate in respect of any other matter which the Constitution empowers it to do.

“THE SUPPOSED ‘REBUTTAL’ DID NOT QUITE DENY THAT INCIDENT ACTUALLY OCCURRED, BUT MERELY SOUGHT TO PORTRAY HIS HONOUR AS THE ‘VICTIM’ ”

As for the Bankers’ Declaration of Assets Law . . .

I believe that, to the extent that it’s subjectmatter is banking (precisely, bank employees), Items 6 and 68 of the Exclusive Legislative List, in Part 1 and Paragraph 2 (a) of Part III – both of the Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution – confer it with the requisite constitutional validity as an existing law under Section 315(1)(a) thereof.

In other words, the EFCC is competent to enforce it, as it reportedly purports to do.

This is virtue of Section 7(1)(b) & (2) (f) of the EFCC Act referred to above.

Ibori’s Loot The return to Nigeria, by the British Government, a couple of weeks ago, of the sum of £4.2million purportedly recovered from former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has provoked the usual media frenzy - and, even, reportedly, a suit or two.

While the latter development put something of a dampener on things in terms of public commentary on the issue, one can, however observe – albeit in passing – that most of the informed commentary has focused on the incongruity (or otherwise) of the claim on the fund by the Delta State Government, given her previous position – in court – that she lost no money to Ibori’s malfeasance.

However, equally relevant (indeed, even more so, in my view) are the provisions of Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution which obliges the payment of all monies “received by the Federation” into a Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, which can only be accessed (or disbursed/ withdrawn) in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly in an Appropriation Act – popularly called ‘the Budget’. Was Ibori’s ‘Loot’ received by the Federation?

If so, the answer to the poser about its disbursement is obvious.

In that case, the concerns about the strings allegedly attached to its return – deployment towards visible infrastructural projects (the Kano-Abuja Expressway, the 2nd Niger Bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway) – become irrelevant, as these can easily be captured in next year’s Budget or in a Supplementary Appropriation Act to be passed by the National Assembly.

Talk about a storm in a tea cup.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ 2021

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Quick Takes Stanbic to Host Youth Leadership Forum

COURTESY VIST

Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, (left), presenting a souvenir to the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, Sarki Auwalu, during the director’s visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja... recently

Report:PowerSupplytoImprove onDecliningWaterConstraints Peter Uzoho Nigerians are expected to enjoy improved power supply in the coming weeks owing to the return of the rainy season and the resultant decline in water constraints suffered by hydro power plants, a report by the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) has predicted.

This is coming as an electricity distribution company (Disco) has decried the unwillingness amongst consumers under its network to register and be metered under the federal government’s National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) despite the fact that the programme does not entail upfront payment.

The FDC, in its economic bimonthly update made available to THISDAY, however, warned that gas shortages would remain the principal challenge to power producers as gas fired thermal

ENERGY power plants account for approximately 70 per cent of total power generation.

“The rainy season has commenced and we expect water constraints to decline significantly and a gradual pickup in hydro power. This is expected to boost power output in the coming weeks.

“However, gas shortages will remain the principal challenge as gas fired thermal power plants account for approximately 70 per cent of total power generation,” the research and financial advisory firm stated.

It noted that with water constraints falling, an increase in hydropower generation would increase available power supply and reduce the demand for alternative energy like diesel or fuel-powered generators.

It recalled that in February

2021, the average on-grid power output was 4,559MWh/h, 1.40 per cent higher than the average of 4,496MWh/h recorded in the corresponding period in January.

The FDC attributed major constraints to power sector to gas and water distribution challenges, which have restrained the ability of the Distribution Companies (Discos) from generating power optimally.

“Total constraints for the review period averaged 1,881MWH/H. So far in March, power output averaged 4,693MWh/h with a total constraint of 1,902MWH/H. During this period, Geregu, Omotosho, and Afam VI NIPP plants were the most affected by the gas constraints while Shiroro Plant had the highest high level of water constraints,” the report stated.

Meanwhile, in what could be described as an irony, electricity consumers who have been

complaining of high estimated billings from their distributions companies due to lack of meters, have refused to register to be metered free of charge under the ongoing National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

Under the NMMP which was launched in October last year, the federal government in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Discos and meter manufacturers, wants to aggressively close the huge metering gap in the country with the provision of six million meters.

One million meters were shared among the Discos for onward distribution to their customers in the phase zero roll-out exercise that kicked off on October 30, 2020.

However, the Ikeja Electric which was allocated 106,701 Continued on page 24

WTO:COVID-19VaccinesBestStimulusforWorldEconomy Dike Onwuamaeze The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has reiterated that a rapid global and equitable vaccine roll-out would be the best stimulus for a strong and sustained economic recovery for the global economy.

Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged that large monetary and fiscal injections in advanced economies helped prevent a bigger economic downturn last year and served as a major factor in why growth and trade have both outperformed projections from last year.

She, however, stated that these

ECONOM support measures would not, “be enough to bring an end to the crisis. Only by ramping up production of vaccines and making them more widely available can we hope to get the world economy back to full speed.”

She also emphasised that stakeholders should pay adequate attention to effective vaccine roll-out because COVID-19 has continued to pose the greatest threat to the global outlook for trade.

“The rapid development of effective vaccines has given the world a realistic chance

of stopping this disease in its tracks and jump-starting the world economy at the same time, but this opportunity could be squandered if large numbers of countries and people do not have equal access to vaccines.

“Ramping up the production and deployment of vaccines in all countries will allow businesses and schools to reopen more quickly and help economies get back on their feet.

“Depending on how quickly we can bring the pandemic to an end, trade could either see a major resurgence over the next two years, or it could experience a weaker, more prolonged recovery,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

The director general also said accelerated vaccinations would allow containment measures to be relaxed sooner, which could raise trade growth up to 2.5 percentage points above the baseline forecast in 2021 and hopefully returning trade to the pre-pandemic trend.

But on the other hand, “if supply shortages continue, or if vaccine-resistant strains of the virus emerge, trade growth could end up two percentage points below the baseline forecast.

“Overall, we believe that the balance of risks to the forecast is considered to be on the downside, but upside potential exists if Continued on page 24

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc is set to hold its annual Youth Leadership Series (YLS) on Thursday, April 8, 2021. The event with the theme, ‘Winning,’ was specifically designed to empower young Nigerians become future business leaders. This year’s edition, the fourth of the series, will hold virtually.

Accordingtoastatement,sincetheinceptionoftheYLS,professionals from different walks of life have been invited to drive high impact sessions, where relevant issues that pertain to various industries are discussed.

It pointed out that the aim has been to enlighten and empower future leaders.

“In line with that, the 2021 edition of the YLS will witness the gathering of renowned and knowledgeable business leaders that will share insightsandpracticaltipsonachievingsetgoalsandobjectives,”itadded.

Speaking on the rationale for hosting the YLS, the Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr Demola Sogunle, reiterated the financial institution’s dedication to creating opportunities for future leaders.

He said, “It is important to ensure that the youths are adequately empoweredtoexcel.Thisiswhywehavedecidedtocontinuetoempower them with the knowledge required to prepare them for the long and possibly strenuous journey ahead.

“This year’s line-up of speakers will engage the younger generation on various issues that concern business ownership and entrepreneurship, as well as what it takes to ‘win’, especially in today’s ever changing business landscape.”

Smile Telecoms Gets Restructuring Plan

SmileTelecomsHoldingsLimited,aPan-Africantelecommunications groupwithoperationsinNigeria,Uganda,Tanzania,andtheDemocratic Republic of the Congo, has announced that its RP (Restructuring Plan) hasbeenapprovedandagreedwiththelenders.Thedebtrestructuring plan sees an injection in fresh money funding from Smile’s majority shareholder, the Al Nahla, and rescheduling on debt repayment until post-March2022.Thefreshinjectionof$51millioninfundingforoperations is expected to further enhance Smile’s position in its respective markets and energise Smile’s operations and support efforts towards achieving better performance.

Founded in 2007, with its head office in England, Smile Telecoms Holdings Ltd is a Pan-African telecommunications group with operations in Nigeria,Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa. The company has one of the largest sub-1 GHz 4G LTE commercial networks in Africa, operating in the “future proof’ low band, 800 MHz band, and mid-band.

Smile was the first to launch VoLTE on its network and continued its innovation, introducing SmileVoice, a free mobile app. SmileVoice enables customers with any Android or Apple iPhone device (including those which are not VoLTE-enabled) to make SuperClear voice calls over Smile’s 4G LTE network. Smile was also the first to introduce an Unlimited offering, which enables SuperFast data and SuperClear voice, all on one bundle.

IMF Approves $2.34bn for Kenya

TheInternationalMonetaryFund(IMF)hasapprovednewthree-year financing arrangements for Kenya valued at $2.34 billion to help the African country continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and address its debt vulnerabilities.

Approval of the new loans under the Fund’s Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility will enable immediate disbursement of about $307.5 million that Kenya can use for budget support, adding to $739 million it received in emergency COVID-19 aid in May 2020, the Fund said in a statement.

According to Reuters, the IMF said Kenya’s debt remained sustainable, but it was at high risk of debt distress, and authorities should focus their near-term agenda on urgent structural policy challenges.

For nearly two years, Kenya has abandoned expensive commercial debt to cut back on ballooning repayments, while revenue collection has been squeezed by the pandemic. It also faces huge budget deficits that have been deepened by the coronavirus crisis.

“The beauty of clusters is that you have economies of scale by having shared infrastructure and common facility and will attract spill offs for other enterprises” DG, SMEDAN, Dikko Umaru Radda

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T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD REPORT: POWER SUPPLY TO IMPROVE ON DECLINING WATER CONSTRAINTS pre-paid meters for its customers, said the turnout of customers for metering has been low.

He explained that many of them have refused to register online for the ‘Know Your Customer’ (KYC) process, a pre-condition for metering, to be carried out by it.

Disclosing the Disco’s challenge at a recent media parley in Lagos, the Head of Corporate Communication, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Felix Ofolue, said only 57 per cent of the company’s customers have completed the mandatory KYC online application.

“The challenge we are having is that people are not going online to register. Only 57 per cent have done their KYC and some are even saying they don’t want meters. “There is also the issue of separation of accounts by customers, which involves installation of their electrical connection to the required standard before they can be issued meters.

“Some of them have refused to do that and we cannot issue one meter for instance for five flats because it can easily get damaged,” Ofulue said.

WTO: COVID-19 VACCINES BEST STIMULUS FOR WORLD ECONOMY countries make wise policy choices,” the director general of the WTO said.

Okonjo-Iweala warned that the possibility that many countries would be left behind as the world emerge from the COVID-19 crisis would be a major source of concern because despite the broad-based nature of the global economic recovery to date, there are signs of divergence in trade flows across regions.

She disclosed that the volume of world merchandise trade contracted by 5.3 per cent in 2020. But this contraction was smaller than initially feared.

She stated that following a sharp decline in the first half of the year, “trade recovered more quickly than expected in the second half of 2020.

This rebound has continued, and the WTO’s baseline trade forecast foresees an eight per cent increase in the volume of world merchandise trade for 2021.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

NEWS

Katagum, Pitan Harp on Women Empowerment Dike Onwuamaeze The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maria Katagum has called for increased economic empowerment of women by addressing the challenges they face.

She identified the challenges as including unequal opportunities to leadership positions, difficulty in owning land, difficulty in accessing credit and unequal opportunities for education and jobs.

According to a statement, she made the remarks at the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) International Virtual Women’s Day 2021 Celebration in Abuja recently, stressing that across the globe and even before the COVID-19 Pandemic, the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs remained vital to accomplishing the far-reaching objectives of financial inclusion, sustainable growth and poverty eradication.

She said, “Recent studies have shown the significant role women play in promoting social unity and economic advancement.”

Citing a report by the McKinsey Global Institute which concluded that as much as US$28 trillion could be added to global annual GDP by 2025, if women participated in the work force at the same rate as men, she stressed the need of stakeholders to strive to increase women’s overall involvement in the work force.

She said the Ministry’s strategic aspiration was to accelerate the diversification of the Nigerian economy for economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, with specific focus on women-owned businesses.

“We have reinforced this through the MSME Survival Fund, where 45 per cent is dedicated to women-owned

enterprises. We thank Mr. President for granting women this priority!

“Furthermore, this government has tried to balance female entrepreneurship through the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP); a N112 billion social intervention fund, which provides zero-interest financing to beneficiaries at the lower echelon of the business ecosystem, who are also predominantly market women.

“Since the introduction of the Fund in 2018, the Bank of Industry has recorded disbursements in excess of N38.1 billion, with over 2.4 million citizens having benefited from the programme nationwide.”

She cited other pro-women initiatives including those of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Financial Inclusion Special Interventions Working Group (NFISIWG),

which aims to address the structural issues that hamper women’s access to financial services.

“Then, there is the MSME Development Fund (MSMEDF), a N220 billion fund, which is designed to address the unique challenges encountered by women in accessing credit in Nigeria; consequently 60 per cent of this Fund has been earmarked specially for women. These interventions were deliberately focused to increase women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria,” she added.

She applauded the President Buhari administration’s focus on women empowerment, citing several women who currently occupy leadership positions in the country and on the international scene.She also commended the Bank of Industry for the continuous focus on supporting women-owned enterprises across the country.

The minister said, “I always feel a sense of pride when I have meetings with the Managing Director of the Bank and realise the conscious efforts to put women in positions of leadership across the Bank.

“Furthermore, I find the Bank’s numerous programmes and activities to support women enviable, and I can only hope that other organisations are as progressive as the Bank of Industry, in recognising the importance of women to their continuous growth.”

Confirming the minister’s observation, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Kayode Pitan said BoI remains committed in its drive to support women and take deliberate steps to address issues around gender equality in entrepreneurship.

He announced that the bank has partnered with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide funding for female-

led businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

He explained that the partnership, in line with AfDB’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) guarantee for growth (G4G) programme, aims to make up to $3 billion in financing available for women entrepreneurs through de-risking and technical assistance measures.

Additionally, “BoI is collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to implement the business resilience assistance for value-adding enterprise (BRAVE) women Nigeria project.

“BRAVE Nigeria is part of a larger $32.2 million five-year initiative coordinated by the Islamic Development Bank,” Pitan said.

“The project combines training and grant-matching to support the growth and resilience of women-led enterprises in spite of their challenging operating environment.”

‘Ibom Deep Sea Port, $1.4bn Fertilizer Plant to Change Akwa Ibom’s Status’ Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Government has said the approved Ibom Deep Seaport and the proposed $1.4 billion Fertilizer and Ammonia Plant are expected to change the economic status of the state.

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, made the assertion in an Easter message to the people of the state.

He maintained that with the recent approval and take off of the federal government’s approved Oil and Gas Free Zone and the ongoing construction of the

Sterling Petrochemical Plant at Eastern Obolo, the state would be ready to dump its status as a civil service state.

The governor said the fertilizer and ammonia plants should be supported by all indegenes and residents irrespective of political affiliation because of its capacity to change the economic fortunes of the state.

The governor who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the industrial projects in the state said construction work on the Ibom Deep Seaport would commence very soon.

“In recent past, we have been

blessed with life-changing projects such as Sterling Petrochemical Plant in Eastern Obolo, where construction is in an advanced stage.

“Two months ago, the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) approved the license for us to commence the construction of our long desired Ibom Deep Seaport.

Work would soon commence on this gigantic project. These are huge achievements for our State and our people.

“Ibom Deep Seaport will open up our economic fortunes; create employment and wealth opportunities for our people and

throw open our State as a major maritime hub in our nation.

“We thank the President and the Commander in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) for this kind approval,” he said.

Continuing, Emmanuel said: “About three weeks ago, we signed a $1.4 billion Fertilizer and Ammonia plant with our Moroccan counterparts. The plant will again create huge employment and other supply chain activities for our people, which will transform us from a civil service oriented state to a

fast industrialising one.

“These are huge achievements that should gladden the hearts of every Akwa Ibomite irrespective of political affiliations.”

He reminded the people of the state that the essence of Easter would be lost if the resurrection of Christ is not allowed to illuminate their souls through love and sacrifice to one another.

“Let the fishermen in the ocean fronts of Mbo, Okobo, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno love one another. Let the farmers in the rice plantations at Ini, Ikono, Ika, Onna and Nsit Ibom love one another.

Total Partners Moove Africa to Improve Drivers’Welfare, Productivity

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Peter Uzoho Total Nigeria Plc and Moove Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a partnership that aims to improve the productivity and welfare of drivers of the latter’s vehicles.

The partnership is in line with Total’s desire to improve customer satisfaction.

The mutually beneficial partnership will avail Moove vehicles/drivers’ access to the

fleet management system and services offered by Total Nigeria Plc through its Total Card in addition to exclusive discounts and rebates on white products, lubricants and other services.

Earlier in the year, Moove Africa and Total launched the initiative in Nigeria with 360 vehicles under the ‘Uber Prefers Total’ project which aims to get over 4000 Moove vehicles enlisted on the Total Card Fleet Management System.

Under the agreement, Moove,

as one of the leading vehicle partners for Uber vehicles in Africa, would be assigning a Total Card to every on-boarded Moove driver.

This in turn will afford Moove drivers the luxury of special incentive packages and discounts from Total’s premium services thus enhancing their productivity and improving their welfare.

At the MoU Signing ceremony held in Lagos recently, Total’s Chairman, Marketing and Services (Africa), Mr. Stanislas

Mitelman, lauded the partnership while emphasising that the initiative will “leverage on Total’s elaborate network of service stations across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

He also said the partnership would enable, “Moove Africa entrepreneurial innovativeness to deliver great value to drivers in three key areas namely cost-effective ownership of vehicles, support and safety, and opportunity and access.”

With this market strategy,

Total Nigeria Plc and Moove Africa are set to innovatively delight Nigerians with these new approaches to driver/fleet management.

Also present at the signing ceremony were the Managing Director, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Imrane Barry; Co-Founder, Moove Africa, Mr. Jide Odunsi; Director of Operations and Projects, Grace Lake Partners, Mrs. Olamide Adebiyi; members of Total Nigeria Plc’s Executive Committee; and a host of other dignitaries.

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Rescuing Collapsed Oil Facility ThehopeofthedormantKaztecEngineering’sfabricationyardinLagosStatecomingbacktolifewasrekindled recently during the Senator Magnus Abe-led Presidential Inter-Ministerial Committee on Assistance to Kaztec Engineering visit to the site of the critical oil and gas support facility, reports Peter Uzoho

T

he recent crucial visit by the Senator Magnus Abe-led Presidential InterMinisterial Committee on Assistance to Katzec Engineering Limited (KEL) to the company’s fabrication yard at the Snake Island, Lagos State has rekindled the hope of the over $600 million facility coming back to life after six years of inactivity.

The facility licenced to KEL with Addax Petroleum as KEL’s technical partner, had been dormant since 2015 when Addax Petroleum had some tax and audit issues with the federal government.

The case resulted to the declaration of a force majeure on the project by Addax Petroleum and since the last six years, the facility has continued to rot as no activity is going on there.

The fabrication yard is one of the major oil and gas support facilities in Nigeria and has the platform construction for the drilling of about 19 million barrels of oil from Antan and Ofrima/ Udele fields.

However, four of the company’s vessels in the yard, namely Ekulo Cheyenne (a DP barge), Ekulo Spirit, Ekulo Tornado and Ekulo Explorer have been lying fallow for six years, leading to the deserting of the place by both the foreign and indigenous crew there.

Abe, a member of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had led members of the committee on an on-the-spot assessment of the state of the facility to ascertain the level of collapse and to make recommendations to President Muhammadu Buhari on how to assist the company to revive the oil facility.

The president, who was worried over the collapse of major oil and gas support facilities across the country and indicated interest to reverse the ugly situation, had directed that the ministry of petroleum resources set up the inter-ministerial committee specifically for the Kaztec Engineering’s facility.

Overview Formed over 14-years ago as a wholly indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Installation and Construction (EPIC) oil and gas contractor in Nigeria, KEL was to specifically provide integrated engineering, construction, installation, hook-up and commissioning services to government, National Oil Companies (NOC), International Oil Companies (IOC) and independent operators for onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas developments in Nigeria.

The now collapsed fabrication yard was expected to be a one-stop-shop for the fabrication of onshore and offshore platforms (FPSO refurbishment, hulls, jackets, topsides, caissons, and piles), living quarters, electrical buildings, process vessels, skids and small modules, as well as corrosion protection services of structures and offshore hookups.

It was also intended to provide facilities like pipe mill, pipe coating, dry and floating dock, logistics, supply base and skills development and satisfaction of all the project delivery needs of oil and gas companies doing business in Nigeria and provide jobs for Nigerians.

At the fabrication yard, KEL has already invested in excess of $600 million in fabrication and marine assets and had, prior to 2015, delivered large complex developments to major clients in Nigeria.

Internal practices and procedures were developed and implemented that enabled the company achieve technically-sound and commercially-practical results, which led to meeting client deadlines and first oil dates.

The oil services firm was a leading member of the Nigerian contracting industry and employed about 1,250 Nigerians at the facility directly during peak operations and a greater quantity indirectly.

It provided these highly motivated personnel with technical training and a pathway to supervisory and management positions. International client companies acknowledged that KEL regularly delivered world class facilities. Non-Nigerian employees provided high level management and specialist services for those projects that required this input; these personnel never exceeded one per cent of the work force.

on the assignment given to it and that the report was almost ready.

“Very soon. As soon as we interface with the minister of petroleum. We will submit the report very soon. We have done a lot of work, I can assure you”, he noted.

Abe

Buhari

Unfortunately, in 2015, market conditions and other client internal difficulties caused suspension of normal operations at the fabrication yard and almost all personnel were released; fabrication facilities shut down and expensive marine assets and equipment became idle since then.

The company’s maintenance budgets experienced depletion, and marine assets fell into a state of serious disrepair. Further investment on the project was consequently put on hold and KEL was transformed from a fast-growing oil and gas contractor to a stressed company.

KEL has been crying for assistance to enable it reactivate the facility and continue to provide its valued industry support services to its clients even as it wants to resume its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.

and responded by directing the setting up of the committee in order to find ways to assist the company to bring the facility back to life.

According to Abe, the facility was projected to generate over $33 billion values in both revenues and foreign exchange savings to the federal government over a 10-year period.

He added that when it was functioning, the facility provided over 3,0000 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect jobs to Nigerians but that all those jobs have been lost due to the inactivity of the facility.

This, he explained, prompted the president to direct the setting up of the committee under the supervision of the ministry of petroleum to look out for areas of possible assistance to Kaztec Engineering for the revival of the facility.

He said members of the committee were drawn from the ministries of justice, finance; industry, trade and investment; the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), amongst others.

“This is the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Assistance to Kaztec Engineering, set up by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to look at ways and means by which the federal government can legally assist this company to come back to life”, he said.

The chairman of the inter-ministerial committee said what has happened to the Kaztec fabrication yard was a national tragedy in so many ways.

He noted that, “not only is the economy negatively impacted, but at a time when we are trying to save foreign exchange from every means possible, it is quite disheartening to see that there are a lot of things here that could help this company save millions of dollars in foreign exchange that is actually lying waste.”

Abe thanked President Buhari for setting up the committee, pointing out that such action “actually shows that he is in touch with the realities of what is happening in the economy, in this country, and that he is doing everything possible to see that the Nigerian economy is not negatively impacted unduly by the current happening”.

He stated that Nigerians should indeed be grateful to the president for the initiative.

He lamented that the facility had been in such bad state for over six years and nothing was done about it until the intervention by the presidential committee.

Abe said the committee is also made up of technocrats and people with expertise from their ministries, whose inputs would be material to the recommendations of the committee’s report.

He assured Nigerians, particularly, the 3,000 direct workers of the company in the facility, the 10,000 ancillary dependants as well as the banking partners, that the president was on top of the situation.

“He has set up this committee to make recommendations and advise him on what can be done, and we are doing that, and definitely, far-reaching recommendations will be made to enable us recover from this national tragedy,” Abe said.

Speaking on how soon the committee’s report would be submitted to the president, the senator said the committee has been working tirelessly

Investments Plans/Update At the 531 hectares Snake Island Fabrication Yard Development, KEL planned to invest $1billion in a three-phased projects and has already invested over $600 million.

Phase-1 valued at $400 million entails Yard Fabrication Facility to be carried out from August 2015 to 2021. Phase 1A which comprises workshops, warehouse, laydown areas, erection area and 4,000T load-out quay, totalling 180,000m2, has already been completed.

Phase 1B entails yard expansion, comprising workshops, warehouse, laydown area, erection areas, site accommodation and offices for 1,000 personnel and 10,000T load-out quay, totalling 360,000m2.

Similarly, Phase-2 was estimated to cost $450 million for the construction of FTZ Logistics Base including 200m Quay wall, Offices, Training facility and open storage area of 1,500,000m2.

The Pressure Vessel Fabrication Plant was scheduled for completion by 2022 while the Pipe Coating and Pipe Rolling Mill were to come on stream by 2024.

Also, the Phase-3 estimated to gulp $350 million for the construction of VLCC Dry Dock was to be completed by 2026.

Presidential Intervention Disturbed by the tales of the sorry state of the important oil asset especially considering its estimated $33 billion value to the Nigerian economy over a 10-year period, which has been largely affected, President Buhari swung into action to rescue the dying facility. The president must have been more worried by the spillover effect of over 3000 workers on the facility disengaged by the shutdown of the facility.

He must have also been ruffled by the extent of local capacity endangered by the stoppage of work at the KEL’s facility and the high amount of foreign exchange that may have been wasted on sourcing the kind of services rendered by the company abroad over the last six.

As s result, Buhari rose to the occasion and mandated that the Abe-led committee just like other committees on the project, be set up to find ways to arrest the situation.

Addressing journalists during the tour of the facility, Abe stated that the president had indicated his determination to revive the moribund facility.

He said the president had indicated his awareness of the ugly state of the important oil facility

Comeback Plans At the moment, KEL is anxious to resume operations, implement further planned investment, and remobilize its labour force at the facility.

The Director of Engineering at Kaztec Engineering Limited, Mr Mike Simpson, who guided the committee on the tour, said the facility was being built to be the first fully-owned indigenous fabrication yard in the country.

Simpson said some of the unutilised equipment in the facility included a Dive Support Vessel, Pipe Laying Vessel and an already constructed Jacket, which could be used for oil and gas operations.

He said the Phase 1A of the project, comprising workshops, warehouse, laydown areas, erection area and 4,000T load-out quay, had been completed.

“Kaztec’s future planned investment and manpower remobilisation is entirely dependent on previously committed projects being activated such as pre-fabricated Antan Facilities that could be readily adapted for use in other field developments, Ofrima/Udele Project if now applicable, and other projects that could benefit Nigeria using Nigerian contractors,” Simpson said.

He said the company needed the support of the inter-ministerial committee in the form of activation of previously committed projects that were suspended and new projects that will ensure that a steady workflow was necessary for their return to the market.

He added that the expertise accumulated during the firm’s years of operation was completely retained in their internal practices and procedures and ready to be put back into use.

“KEL is capable of restarting with little or no learning curve – we are still in continuous touch with our released personnel.

“KEL’s $600 million investment in construction assets is ready to be put back to work for Nigeria. Patronage of the upstream oil and gas industry is vital and your assistance in this matter is urgently and respectfully requested,” Simpson noted.

Urgency Earlier Validated However, during a similar visit to the fabrication yard over a month ago, the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr Sarki Auwalu, had harped on the need for government to swing into action and rescue the economically impactful facility from continuous collapse.

Auwalu at the time had expressed displeasure that the Kaztec facility had not been operational since 2015, pointing out that the company was licensed by the DPR to provide support services to the oil and gas sector.

He said due to contractual issues, critical equipment in the facility were currently not being utilised for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“The industry depends on facilities like this to actualise their investment because it is like a support system for the oil and gas sector.

“Our visit here is that we see an edifice that we licensed and it is dormant, but we are going to make it active because we see it as an opportunity to grow the oil and gas industry,” he said.

The DPR boss stated that the facility, when functional, could play a significant role in supporting and driving the federal government’s gas utilisation, penetration and expansion programme.

According to him, “We have issued several licenses for modular refineries that needs fabrications. We cannot allow this kind of facility to remain under-utilised.”

Auwalu noted that due to the shutdown of the facility, some of the fabrication jobs that could be done at the facility were being shipped to China to the detriment of the Nigerian economy.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ 2021

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Energy Billionaires Earn $51bn from 2021 Oil Rally Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report The world’s oil billionaires became richer in the first quarter of 2021, adding a combined net worth of $51 billion to their fortunes as oil prices rallied and investor confidence in excessively punished oil stocks returned.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s richest people, US oil tycoon Harold Hamm saw his net worth jump by $3.3 billion year to date to stand at $8.4 billion as of the first week of April.

Shares in Continental Resources that Hamm had founded also

jumped by 59 per cent year to date.

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani with interests in ports, commodities, and power generation saw his net worth surge by $23.3 billion to $57.1 billion in the first quarter. This was the largest increase in a billionaire’s wealth so far this year anywhere

in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

In total, the energy billionaires globally saw their combined net worth jump by around 10 per cent in the first quarter, the highest growth in wealth of any group of billionaires in the index compiled

by Bloomberg.

Investors have warmed up in

recent months to the energy sector, which bore the brunt of last year’s shock of crashing oil prices and oil demand. The energy sector has been the top performer in the S&P 500 index year to date. Some exchange-traded funds (EFTs) tracking oil prices have surged since the start of 2021 as investors turned their attention to industries

expected to benefit the most from the economic recovery. Energy is one of those, and analysts still see upsides for energy stocks and ETFs. Some banks, including JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, said in February that they expected a new supercycle in oil, with economies rebounding from last year’s pandemic shock.

IEA Sees Drop in Nigeria’s Crude Oil Capacity by 2026 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that crude oil capacity in Nigeria will drop by 200,000 barrels to 1.6 million barrels per day by 2026 due to low investment.

It stated that though global oil supply looks comfortable

through the forecast period, with the world’s oil production capacity expected to rise by 5.9 mb/d by 2025, which more than covers growth in demand, some countries will encounter a decline in their production levels.

In the report, the IEA listed the US as leading the way as the largest source of new supply, fol-

lowed by Brazil, Guyana, Iraq and the UAE who will also deliver impressive gains and Colombia, the UK, Russia, Egypt, Nigeria and Angola posting the biggest declines.

It stated that one of the reasons why Nigeria’s production would decline is: “As other producers in Africa seek to improve com-

mercial terms, Nigeria plans to raise taxes on its deepwater oil production, which will make investments less attractive.”

According to the IEA the OPEC+ supply cuts reduced Nigeria’s crude oil production to 1.5 million barrels per day in 2020, the lowest level since 2016.

The agency noted that as

demand rises in other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, will have to increase production to ensure the world is adequately supplied.

“With the notable exception of Libya, capacity in most African OPEC+ members is set to slide as producers struggle to attract

enough investment to stem declines. In Nigeria, crude oil capacity declines from 1.8 million bpd in 2020 to 1.6 million bpd by 2026 due to underinvestment.

“The oil price collapse, in addition to an increase in deepwater government royalties, may prompt IOCs (international oil companies) to review projects.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ˜ 2021

CBN, MBA and Investors Bashorun Olurombi “Let us begin by thanking you for your massive patronage and that we would like to let you know that we appreciate you as business partners who put your hard-earned money in our care for the purposes of business.

“As a business concern, the only asset we have and the one we most cherish is your trust.

That is why we are relentlessly dedicated to ensuring that whatever happens, we hold tenaciously to this trust. There is no business worth pursuing and no joint purpose worth hoping on once trust is lost.

“So, again, we thank you for entrusting us with your money. Trust once broken may never be regained and so we never on any occasion took this hard earned currency for granted.”

Those were the exact words of the Chief Executive Officer of MBA Capital and Investment Limited, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in a passionate plea convened to their respective customers last month.

The fulcrum of every relationship is sturdily anchored on trust. Life will be worse than the Hobbesian definition of the state of nature if trust was to be absent in the affairs of mortals.

We will explain the unexpected factors which are now threatening this trust between us subsequently.

The funds invested were lost as a result of the volatility of the forex market and not due to the incompetence of our highly skilled and experienced traders. Loss is inevitable in business and ours is no exception. We did all we could as professionals to minimise the losses but the unpredictability of the market which we couldn’t reasonably predict made mincemeat of our laudable efforts.

Like the age-long cliché goes ‘Hope for the best but expect the worst’ was tragically our fate. Some things especially in the risky world of investments are outside the direct control of the traders and our losses only remind us of our human frailty. The unexpected arrival of the coronavirus greatly devastated macroeconomic frameworks and stability worldwide, disrupting international trade and leading to unprepared for shutdowns all over the globe. The containment strategies evolved only ameliorated the debilitating effects of the tales of the unexpected and no amount of proactive strategies or game theory modeling could have anticipated this.

The pandemic caught even the clairvoyant napping as it was missed by the best of the world’s forecasters. We were badly hit by it as the markets took a great nosedive no thanks to the sinister virus from Wuhan which brought hitherto developed nations to her knees as they still grapple with its deadly aftermaths over a year later.

Secondly, we are aware that there are many rumours flying around and we have also noted that there are many pages opened on the worldwide web and social media network purporting to be our pages and some behind these pages purporting to speak for us. Please, be aware that our only official pages on the worldwide web and social media arewww.mbatrades.com and mbatradingcil (on Instagram / Facebook).

No member of staff or agent of MBA Capital and Trading Investment Limited is authorised to open and run any page on behalf of the company. So, for all credible information about what is going on, do check the right pages.

Where necessary to contact you privately, we shall do so via the channels you have provided for such purposes, once this engagement falls within the confines of the laws of the land.

As a regulator the Central Bank of Nigeria has done stellar work in navigating new instruments to guide the emerging new technologies as well as the new forms of financial engineering models arising from it. All over the world we are aware of “great disruptions” to the hitherto established and Central Banks have had to creatively adapt their regulatory frameworks in order not to hold back the wheels of progress and more crucially make their economic players lag behind other countries in terms of innovative competitiveness.

The CBN should give MBA the benefit of the doubt in its demonstrably honest attempt to rectify the damage while monitoring payments to depositors closely and with timelines and deadlines. By doing so they will be emulating the greatly admired German interpretation of “Negotiation” which translates into a process in which everyone comes out believing they have obtained the lions share.

The regulatory authority should not kill the fly with a sledge hammer. Let us cast our minds back to 1934 in the aftermath of the Great Depression in the United States. The then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointed a well known securities trader, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, the father of the legendary 35th US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy as the pioneer Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The first thing he did was to outlaw insider trading which ironically was the foundation of his vast fortune. This greatly stabilized the markets and enabled it bounce back from the 1929 tragedy which saw the life savings of millions of Americans wiped out by the stock market crash. The legacy out of the outlawing of insider trading still lives on till date and has been adopted by most regulatory authorities around the globe.

While we acknowledge the statutory responsibility of the CBN to bring sanity into the industry which has been sadly giving a bad name by cow boys in the name of wonder banks, there is also the need to look into the unique peculiarity of our case as we are far from being a wonder bank. We were victims of circumstances beyond our control and there is the need to unfreeze our account so that we can refund the capital to our investors who have numerous financial needs that must be met.

Apart from its practical efficacy, such a method will acknowledge that this is about the first time that the CEO of an affected company and investment institution will be coming forward to own up and accept the tactical errors which occurred and that defaults did happen. The CEO has accepted liabilities and as a person of honour is unambiguous in his steadfast commitment to rectify by paying up. In doing so he will need the breathing space of time to do so.

The investing public who have demonstrated admirable forbearance should see this as an appeal to the apex body to unfreeze the account of MBA to enable them fulfill their obligations to their various customers. There can be no doubt about their willingness to do so as this provides a great opportunity to reboot and reclaim their reputation.

The new and social media has sadly brought us into the ugly era of fake news as anybody with a smart phone and internet access is now a ‘journalist.’ There is the need to decipher what is the truth and what is maliciously false and so we urge every investor to only follow updates from the above mentioned official channels of communication to avoid being misinformed especially by fifth columnists who want to take advantage of the crisis to further cast a dent on our credibility. It took us years to build up our reputation and our adversaries naturally want to take advantage of this temporal crisis to paint us as fraudsters who make a living hoodwinking unsuspecting members of the public. We boldly say that we are straight forward and are only a victim of circumstances beyond our control.

We recall the tragic case of the French trader, Jerome Kerviel whose trading activity led to

the loss of $7 billion in Societe Generale Bank.

This didn’t lead to the bank’s closure despite the bad press generated from the tragic affair.

Tough times never last, only tough people do and we are certain that we are no exception and will come out of this phase much stronger and ready to take on more challenges headlong.

Thirdly, we have also been made aware that in the midst of the situation we have found ourselves, some of our clients calling our offices for information have found themselves scouting for relieving information. We have received a few complaints in this regard, but we take our corporate responsibilities to our clients seriously.

We also assure you that we understand the nerves of the moment and will not do anything to aggravate an already tense situation. None of our clients also deserves to be insulted by those with whom he or she is doing business just because they seek information. You are our valuable partner, and shall remain so.

Now, following the challenges we are currently grappling with in our business due to market volatility and other unfortunate developments, which means we are unable to meet up with the expected outcomes, we are strongly committed to ensuring that you do not at least lose your capital. We sold you an idea that we believed in and you have invested your funds into it because you trusted us. Where for one reason or the other things do not work out as expected in terms of your returns, the least you would expect is that your capital is safe.

Our commitment is to pay back all capital funds. In fact, we have commenced that process by paying out our clients on the N360, 000 category (which has the largest volume of persons).

To this end, we have slowly paid out hundreds of persons before we encountered an unforeseen circumstance. The central bank suspended any dealings in our accounts because, according to them, it became imperative to carry out some checks to ensure that we have been acting lawfully.

All other payment gateways we normally use for easy payout of funds have also blacklisted us causing even more difficulty in the initial process. On our part, we recognize the role of government’s intervention in moments of hazy optics. While we are not perfect, we do not subscribe to criminality and will not convert this intervention to exploitation of your patience to shy away from our responsibility. However, you will agree with us, in circumstances like this, we are expected to cooperate with the authorities until they lift this embargo and allow us to fulfill our commitments to you. We assure you that this is what we will do the moment we are cleared to do so, which is the refund of capital funds to all our clients. We are hopeful there shall be fair and just appraisals of our operations and processes in a way that does not discourage other persons of perceived or suggestive high-handedness. As we do not know for how long we have to wait though our lawyers are working assiduously to vacate the order, it is our hope that the order restricting our account for 180 days would be vacated so

we can resume paying you again.

Trading is fraught with inherent risks and we also lost substantial sums of money due to no fault of ours as we only profit when our clients do. However, we are obliged to ensure that you don’t lose out completely but please pay no attention to the fake news and malicious rumours spreading like wild bush fire in the harmattan orchestrated by our envious detractors who will stop at nothing to bring down our hard earned good name which took us years of labour to build.

In as much as we would have loved you to recover your investment capital as soon as possible, we cannot go against the order of the CBN as we are a law abiding financial institution. For now our hands are tied with regards to the speedy payment of your capital but be rest assured that once the moratorium is lifted, we will do the needful by promptly refunding your capital. We cannot go against the ambits of the law and so we appeal to you to be patient with us as we exhaust all legal options to ensure that we are free to resume paying you back your capital.

At this juncture, it is also important to clear the air on the mountains of smear campaigns against certain individuals who have sacrificially committed their time to stave off crisis from inception till now. Especially our former Director, Mrs. Vodina West. Let’s make it abundantly clear that Vodina West is not in possession of MBA’s corporate funds, neither is she deliberately or remotely a trigger-factor within the trajectory of our current development. As a matter of fact, even after taking on other opportunities completely different from what we do, she has still gone ahead to lend her hand of expertise to MBA as we fashion out the roadmap to resolving our current impasse.

Once again, we apologise for the obvious inconveniences all this has caused you, especially as this is coming at a time there is a prevalent reputational deficit with Nigerian business concerns, but we are not a fly-by-night business outfit and certainly not in the category that traffic in deceit. We are also not engaged in another notorious ponzi scheme reminiscent of the infamous MMM which made many investors develop needless health complications.

We know we face difficult challenges at the moment, but we believe it also offers a learning curve for us all, especially us as a business. This intervention by the apex bank is for us not a slight, or a torment. Rather, we are adopting the observing and learning mode to be navigated by their experience and model of probity till we survive this with you all.

There is also a selfish reason we are investing in your trust and making sure we pay you your capital, at least, no matter what happens. We have a business with tens of thousands of clients on our platform, each of you putting your money on our idea. Wouldn’t it be myopic to, for whatever reason, lose thousands of you and foreclose the possibility of future business growth? Wouldn’t it be wiser to keep your trust, so tomorrow you can still count on us? Because we want to make our words our bond, we will never undermine ourselves by undermining you, our esteemed partners.

So, please, give us some time to sort things out; no matter how inconvenient it appears, we are working zealously for your advantage keeping in mind that the current conditions are exhaustive and depressive. Confidently, by the time we are communicating next with you it would be to inform you that we have resumed putting some money in your accounts.

No investor big or small will be abandoned in this trying time of theirs and we assure you that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Please let us endeavour to be law abiding and follow the due process laid down by the law especially by the CBN which is the financial institutions’ regulator as it will be on our overall best interest.

Throughout history, crisis has challenged humanity. Some are political, some are economic while others can be social or natural disasters.

How we interpret, react and bounce back today are what determines our capacity to survive tomorrow. An opportunity is here for MBA to walk its talk in fulfilling its promise to investors and the watching public, the CBN should grant the Firm this benefit of the doubt. t 0MVSPNCJ B mOBODJBM DPOTVMUBOU XSPUF GSPN -BHPT WJB PMVSPNCJCBTIPSVO !HNBJM DPN

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Homeowner in Lekki Alleges LASBCA Compromised in Building Code Violation Bennett Oghifo

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homeowner in Lekki Lagos has alleged that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) may have been compromised because of its unwillingness to stop the developer of a building next door from continuing work on the structure that violates the state’s building laws, particularly after the Agency sealed the premises.

According to the lawyer of the complainant, Gbayode Somuyiwa Esq the developer at Plot 12, Abimbola Okulaja Close, Lekki Phase 1 violated the Lagos State building code and regulations by not adhering to the stipulated setback between buildings and that they wrote three letters dated June 25, 2018, December 14, 2018 and January 28, 2019, to inform LASBCA about the issue.

Thereafter, LASBCA sealed

the property by pasting a contravention notice, ordering the developer to stop work, but surprisingly, the complainant observed three weeks ago that the erring developer has resumed work on the project and has even put the property on sale.

An official of LASBCA told THISDAY that it was possible the developer “broke our seal.

We are going to inform the Director of Enforcement so that our people can visit the site.”

They never did because last week the same official requested for the same information about the location of the building that is contravening the Lagos State’s building code and regulations.

“It is obvious that LASBCA did not go beyond threats,” said the complainant.

According to the complainant’s lawyer, “We wrote to the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) regarding flagrant abuse of building code

and regulation by a developer at Plot 12, Abimbola Okulaja Close, Lekki phase 1.

“The property is beside our client’s property and the new property developer has not observed the prescribed space for setback between two properties.”

Their displeasure is contained in the three letters they addressed to the General Manager of LASBCA, titled ‘Petition for Breach of Building Code and Planning Laws of Lagos State’.

They stated that “the developer in absolute disregard of our client’s space has erected a building overlooking our client’s building, built a structure attached to our client’s perimeter fence and this developer did not observe the prescribed setback from the border fence.

The infraction into our client’s space poses serious danger, security threat and invasion of our client’s privacy.

“It is utterly an unacceptable

act to build a structure against a perimeter fence in a highbrow area like Lekki Scheme 1.”

The complainant reminded LASBCA of their prescribed building regulation “that building construction works are carried out according to specification and thorough drawing detailing according to minimum standard stipulated

by Building Codes.”

The complainant’s lawyer, therefore, said “It is shocking that some persons like this said developer can violate with impunity the building codes of the state despite government’s avowed zero tolerance to illegal developments. We appeal to LASBCA to put a stop to this infraction of building regulation and extant laws of Lagos State.”

In reaction, the Eti-Osa Zonal Office put a stop work order, stating that “It was observed that (a) the building under construction is unathorised; (b) the development did not

comply with the development permit issued by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.”

Meanwhile, the erring developer is working day and night to ensure the building is completed and sold.

Sanwo-Olu

COPEN Group to Build 1,500 Nationwide Fadekemi Ajakaiye A real estate development firm, the COPEN Group, has said it would deliver over 1,500 housing units in different cities between 2021 and 2023.

The housing development firm, which observed that the country had made modest achievements in housing delivery, however, reiterated that Nigeria’s housing deficit currently stood at over 20 million units, adding, “In the face of this colossal statistics, the burden and sense of mission that God has called us to, has remained and is intensified.”

The Managing Director of the company, Pastor Ugochukwu Chime stated this at the COPEN Housing Launch 2021, which held at the Miracle Arena, AMADEO Events Centre, Enugu, recently.

At the launch, which had in attendance, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo, amongst other dignitaries, Chime said the company had threefold vision of mentoring, poverty alleviation and housing for all.

According to Chime, the 1,500 housing units would be built in Abuja, Lagos, Awka, Abakaliki, Nsukka, 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, among others, stressing that the company’s over 15 years’ experience in housing development, had placed it at vintage position to deliver timely, efficiently and cost-effectively.

While thanking the various state governments and the Federal Government Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, for providing the enabling environment for the Group to thrive, the COPEN boss added, “Beginning with the commissioning of Bethel Estate in 2008, we have seen God deliver for us Goshen and Jubilee Estates, in 2011; Elim Estate, in 2014; Jedidiah Gardens and Elshammah Estate, in 2017; FMBM/ NLC/TUC/NECA Workers’ Village and Adonai Gardens Nsukka, in 2020. Knowing the trepidations and challenges we had in the development of each of these estates, we are truly humbled by the feats the LORD is accomplishing in and through us.”

He said, “Coming into this year, we received a commission to deliver 500 housing units each year for the next three years, as part of our contribution to assuaging the need of our people.

“When we nursed the idea of estate development in Enugu in 2006, it seemed absurd.

Many naysayers told us Nna Enugu adi eweta oku. But we found the Enugu State Government a forward-thinking government and embraced the possibilities inherent in the real estate ecosystem. Enugu State Government gave us the land for many of the estates for the development of Bethel, Elim, Jedidiah, Elshammah, Workers’ Village, Adonai and Elohim Estates.

“We have completed and commissioned most of these estates because of the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. FMBN has supported us tremendously through the provision of Estate Development Loans as well as individual mortgages for our off-takers. It is trite to say that without our collaboration

WFDP, CEPEJ Partner to Promote Peace, Environmental Programmes Sylvester Idowu in Warri The World Funds for Development and Planning (WFDP) has agreed to partner Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) for better promotion of peace and environmental sustainability.

This was made known when members of CEPEJ paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Office of the World Funds for Development and Planning (WFDP) in Abuja.

The Country Director and Special Envoy for ECOWAS, Mr. Buhari Muhammad who received the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade

Sheriff Mulade and his team, said he was glad to identify with a reputable NGO such as CEPEJ, stating that his Organisation signed an agreement with Nigeria’s Federal Government towards promoting and supporting three key areas of concentration: Health, Agriculture and Education.

He said he was sure that WFDP would be willing to partner with the highly experienced CEPEJ and strengthen the three areas, as well as peace building to enable other sectors work peacefully in the country.

Mr. Muhammad thanked CEPEJ for embarking on good and selfless works without

Government’s support or donations from reputable organisations.

He also expressed happiness with recommendations from members of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria indicating that CEPEJ’s works were good.

He assured that the WFDP would be willing to sign a partnership agreement with CEPEJ as soon as possible to cement relationships.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator, Chief Sheriff Mulade on his part, thanked the Country Director and WFDP team for hosting the NGO, in spite of their tight schedule.

with this great institution, our work might not have thrived as it has. So, we appreciate FMBN today and always for the many ways it has empowered COPEN to fulfil its mission.

“We also appreciate AG Mortgage Bank Plc, our key stakeholder and primary mortgage partner, for helping us in diverse ways including preparing and packaging mortgages for our off-takers.

I appreciate the Managing Director of AG Mortgage Bank

Plc, for his awesome character traits that has inspired many of us.

“We also appreciate the synergy established with the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, through the Nucleus development concept that has led to the ongoing delivery of 120 homes at their SANDVIEW Estate Akwuke, Enugu.”

Many attendees at the event testified to the honesty, hardwork and consistency of COPEN Group in initiating

and completing every project despite the challenges and odds they have faced in the transaction dynamics and value chain.

As a consulting firm, group midwifed the delivery of over 2,000 housing units across the country from Jalingo, to Benin, etc and as a real estate developer, it has delivered over 1,200 units in various parts of the country in collaboration with Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and AGMortgage Bank Plc.

Understanding Environmental Justice Crucial for Change, Says HOMEF Fadekemi Ajakaiye The concept of environmental justice deserves clear understanding to ensure that actions taken to correct environmental harms do not inadvertently generate more problems. Health of Mother Earth Foundation’s (HOMEF’s) School of Ecology (SoE) is a space for building people’s intellect and reasoning power around such environmental as well as other socio-ecological issues.

The coming School of Ecology (SoE) session which is the second in 2021, is slated for 6th and 7th April, with focus on Environmental Justice. In a media release, the director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey stated: “The coming SoE session is informed by the need to reinforce knowledge on environmental justice and build resilience while creating and strengthening webs of resistance towards the change we seek to see in the society.”

The SoE session aims to ensure that climate actions do not place more burdens on victims but relieves them of the unfair deleterious effects of years of resourceexploitation.

According to the release, the session will canvass for fair treatment and inclusivity with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies - regardless of race, national origin, or income.

As explained in the release, “This would entail equitable distribution of environmental risks and benefits; fair and meaningful participation in environmental decisionmaking; and recognition of community ways of life, local knowledge and cultural specificities.”

It is understood that promoting knowledge of environmental justice contributes to ‘Building Webs of Resistance and Change’ which is the running theme for Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in 2021.

HOMEF intends to pursue this theme holistically and partly through her Ikike vehicle – the knowledge creation and sharing hub which includes the School of Ecology (SoE) and cuts across other projects in the non-governmental think tank group.

To achieve the aim of

the SoE session, HOMEF has selected credible and well informed team of instigators from around the world to speak on the subject matter.

The speakers include- Alberto Acosta, an Ecuadorian economist, researcher and former Minister of Energy and president of the country’s Constituent Assembly. Another speaker from Ecuador is Ivonne Yanez a founding member of Accion Evologica and Oilwatch International.

Two speakers, Dipti Bhatnagar and Daniel Ribero, will speak from Mozambique. They are both affiliated to Friends of the Earth Mozambique/International. From Kenya will be a Goldman Environmental prize winner, Ikal Angelei who leads Friends of Lake Turkana. Four other speakers at the SoE are from Nigeria.

They include- Gabriel Umoh, a professor at the University of Uyo; Babatunde Bernard, an associate professor at the University of Port Harcourt; Morris Alagoa, head of the Niger Delta Resource Centre of the Friends of the Earth Nigeria. The director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, will also be a resource person.

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PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

NCF Premieres Documentary on African Vultures Fadekemi Ajakaiye

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leading conservation organisation, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) scaled up its advocacy for vultures with production of a documentary titled “Our Plights to Survive: Nigeria’s Vulture and Wildlife Trade Crisis” which was premiered on Wednesday, 24th March at Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.

The documentary is aimed at intensifying NCF’s campaign on vulture conservation in Nigeria and the intricate link between vultures killing and illegal wildlife trade. The production is supported by United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Egyptian Vulture New LIFE project.

The documentary reveals how vultures are heavily traded

as commodities in the wildlife market in the South-Western and Northern parts of Nigeria.

It also shows threats to vultures emanating from poachers, wildlife traffickers, traditional medicine practitioners as well as many people who perceive the bird as ominous.

Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director-General of NCF, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to NCF members, partners and ‘Save Vultures Campaign Ambassadors’ for their continued support for NCF and conservation efforts in Nigeria.

He said that a campaign for the survival of vultures translate to the survival of the ecosystem and other species.

He urged the general public to team up with NCF in the war against vultures’ extinction, as NCF and a few other organisations cannot handle

the issues alone.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director of Technical Programme, NCF, who spoke on ‘the journey so far’ said that the foundation began its campaign for the protection of vultures in 2016.

He listed the seven species of vultures facing threat of extinction in Nigeria as follows: Egyptian vulture, Rüppell’s griffon vulture, Hooded vulture, Lappet-faced vulture, White-backed vulture, White-headed vulture and Palm-nut vulture.

Belief-based use was identified as the leading human endaevour driving vultures into extinction. He cautioned that if we obliterate vultures and prevent them from carrying out their nature-imposed sanitary role, we will open ourselves to outbreak of diseases.

Dr. Onoja added that NCF will sustain collaboration with

market women, traditional medicine practitioners and law enforcement agencies in the campaign to save vultures

from extinction.

‘Save Vultures Campaign Ambassadors’ - Frank Donga, a comedian/actor; Mariam

Longe, co-host of YourView on TVC and Tito da fire, a musician were present to witness the premiere event.

L-R: Julius Berger Officials–AFP Sales Mgr, Uchenna Uzoewulu; South South/South East Managt. Staff, Chief Sam Mgbor; Commercial Manager Port Harcourt Mr. Klein; Head of Media Relations Office Head Office Abuja, Prince Moses Duku; a guest; AFP Gen. Mgr. Oliver Cohneh; and South South/South East Regional Mgr, Engr. Juergen Fischer, at the AFP showroom opening event in Port Harcourt… recently

Julius Berger-AFP now in Port Harcourt Abuja Furniture Production, AFP, the exotic furnishing and interior design and implementation unit of Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has opened its latest Showroom in the beautiful Garden city of Port Harcourt.

The high-end AFP Port Harcourt Showroom has been carefully planned over the past two years and was finally commissioned in a 3-day exhibition of top class furnishing taste, elegance, functionality and style.

Not surprisingly, because of the historical, progressively creative, outstanding and imposingly imperial Julius Berger brand from which the AFP strongly derives its impeccable engineering standard and iconic value delivery, the crème-de-la-crème of the social and business elites as well as discerning investors

and industry patrons endlessly streamed into the new Showroom to savour the truly innovative and exciting array of home and office design offerings on display.

Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, was on hand to personally cut the ribbon to formally declare the AFP Port Harcourt Showroom open to clients. Wike said his administration, has created a conducive investment climate in the State, and will continue to partner investors such the AFP who are taking advantage of the available opportunities.

The governor said he had earlier approached the management of AFP in Abuja and encouraged them to come over to Port Harcourt to serve the South-South and South East geopolitical zones. AFP, the

Governor said, has honoured their promise to eventually open a showroom in the Rivers State capital. “Let me appreciate you for keeping to your promise. It shows you as having interest in moving the economy of the State forward….I am sure that even though I have spoken to you, you must have also done your (market) survey. We know that, concerning furniture and furnishing, AFP is the best place to go, as far as Nigeria is concerned, said the Governor.

Wike encouraged the AFP to diligently do their business, assuring the AFP management that the he is convinced that they will be successful in Rivers State. Looking admiringly at the beautiful and elegantly laid out furniture on display at the showroom, Governor Wike said: “With the kind of work you have done here, and with the

Report Shows Hybrid Work Trends for Business Leaders Exclusive research and expert insights reveal urgent trends for leaders as the next phase of work unfolds.

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) (“Microsoft”) has announced the findings from its first-annual Work Trend Index. Titled “The Next Great Disruption is Hybrid Work – Are We Ready?” the report uncovers seven hybrid work trends every business leader needs to know as we enter this new era of work.

The report indicates that business leaders should resist the urge to see hybrid work as business as usual. It will require the rethinking of long-held assumptions.

“The choices you make today will impact your organization for years to come. It’s a moment that requires clear vision and a growth mindset,” says Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365.

“These decisions will impact everything from how you shape culture, to how you attract and retain talent, to how you can better foster collaboration and innovation.”

The findings suggest that this last year has fundamentally changed the nature of work: r $PMMBCPSBUJPO USFOET JO Microsoft Teams and Outlook suggest our networks have contracted but hybrid work will revive them.

r 5JNF TQFOU JO NFFUJOHT has more than doubled globally and over 40 billion more emails were delivered in the month of February of this year compared to last. r 8PSL IBT CFDPNF NPSF human. Nearly 40% say they feel more comfortable bringing their full selves to work than before the pandemic and one in six have cried with a colleague this year.

It also shows that we are on the cusp of a workplace disruption: r QFSDFOU PG XPSLFST surveyed want flexible remote work options to continue. r 3FNPUF KPC QPTUJOHT PO LinkedIn increased more than 5X during the pandemic. r 0WFS PG UIF HMPCBM workforce is considering leaving their employer this year and 46% are planning to move now that they can work remotely.

In short, addressing flexible work will impact who stays, who goes, and who joins a company.

To help organizations through the transition, the 2021 Work Trend Index outlines findings from a study of more than 30,000 people in 31 countries and analyses trillions of aggregate productivity and labor signals across Microsoft 365 and LinkedIn. It also includes perspectives from experts who have studied

collaboration, social capital, and space design at work for decades.

The report uncovers seven hybrid work trends every business leader needs to know as we enter this new era of work: r 'MFYJCMF XPSL JT IFSF to stay r -FBEFST BSF PVU PG UPVDI with employees and need a wake-up call r )JHI QSPEVDUJWJUZ is masking an exhausted workforce r (FO ; JT BU SJTL BOE XJMM need to be re-energized r 4ISJOLJOH OFUXPSLT BSF endangering innovation r "VUIFOUJDJUZ XJMM TQVS productivity and wellbeing r 5BMFOU JT FWFSZXIFSF JO a hybrid work world In addition to uncovering what’s at stake with the future of work, the Work Trend Index identifies five strategies for business leaders as they begin to make the necessary shift: r $SFBUF B QMBO UP FNQPXFS people for extreme flexibility r *OWFTU JO TQBDF BOE technology to bridge the physical and digital worlds r $PNCBU EJHJUBM FYIBVTUJPO from the top r 1SJPSJUJ[F SFCVJMEJOH TPDJBM capital and culture r 3FUIJOL FNQMPZFF FYQFSJence to compete for the best and most diverse talent

market, there was a need for you to bring a Showroom to Port Harcourt which will serve South-South and South-East Zone”. Speaking further, and to further incentivize the AFP employment-generating presence and work in Rivers State, Governor Wike said the State Government will award the furnishing of the State House of Assembly Quarters that is currently under construction to AFP. “We know that you will employ our people and that will reduce the level of unemploy-

ment in our State. The people will make money and feed their families,” said Wike In his remarks at the ceremony, the South south/ South east Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr.

Juergen Fischer, said the Abuja Furniture Production (AFP) has come to Rivers State to stay as a business entity. Fischer thanked the Governor for having created conducive investment climate in the State. Fischer also said the Julius Berger-AFP is encouraged by the milestone of development witnessed in Rivers State.

The General Manager of the AFP, Oliver Cohneh, in his welcoming remarks thanked the Governor for very graciously finding the time out of his clearly busy schedule to be present in person to open the AFP Port Harcourt Showroom.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Sergent Awuse and a host of other very important personalities as well as corporate and business executives and dignitaries and the Governor’s son accompanied him to the ceremony.

Ensuring a Safer Meeting Experience in Teams Mohamed El Nemr We are more than 12 months into the global pandemic and many of us have not seen our colleagues face-to-face in months. With what I am sure started out as a bumpy ride with a lot of uncertainty – working from the comfort of our own homes has now become the norm and collaboration, done remotely is now a well-oiled machine and crucial for daily internal and client facing interaction.

But working remotely has brought with it the threat of ‘new and improved’ cyberattacks from unrelenting hackers and the like. This has meant the organisations need to constantly be on the pulse of ensuring that the technology solutions they employ constantly revolve along with their everchanging needs.

We’ve always tried our best to ensure that as we continue to innovative, that we place the specific scenarios of our customers and individuals at the center of the desired outcome. This naturally includes ensuring the online safety and privacy of all involved – particularly concerning the daily interactions that take place in meetings.

Our approach to privacy has always been grounded in our commitment to giving individuals transparency over the collection, use, and

distribution of their data. Our Teams offering allows users to create tailored environments to suit meeting preferences across the board. Let’s unpack how.

Start a private channel within a bigger team Often, sensitive information needs to be shared to specified team members within a broader team only – this may include details about a project, financials or confidential contracts that does not require holistic team protection. Rather than creating a new team, you can create a private channel within an existing team - only accessible to designated members. This ensures a great way to provide a security layer to protect sensitive business information without creating a separate new team. To create a private channel, go to the team and choose more options and select ‘Add channel’.

After providing a name and description, under ‘Privacy’, select the dropdown arrow to specify the channel is private – accessible only to a specific group of people within the team. Once created, you will be able to add up to 250 additional private channel owners.

Ensure increased security for your team If any of the content stored or discussed within the team is considered business sensitive, such as financial details or classified project information, applying increased protec-

tions to that team to ensure the security of the content is a good idea. This can be accomplished by creating a new team and applying an ‘IT-created sensitivity’ label.

This label automatically applies the configured protections to the team. When creating a new team, on the sensitivity and privacy pane select the dropdown under ‘Sensitivity’ to select an IT-created sensitivity label to apply to the team. It is always best to check with your organisation or IT department on how sensitive business information should be stored.

Control access to your Teams meetings directly and present Meeting organisers can change participant settings for a specific meeting through the ‘Meeting’ options web page.

This can be done by navigating to your ‘Calendar’, then selecting a meeting, and then selecting ‘Meeting’ options.

Here you will be able to tailor to your requirements – such as who needs to be admitted to the meeting and who can bypass the lobby to join it directly. In-addition, as the meeting owner, you can also decide which participants are able to join with the presenter role to present out content and who should join as standard attendees.

-Mohamed El Nemr - Modern Workplace and Security - Microsoft MEA Emerging Markets

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ ʹ, 2021

Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: National President, Kaduna Polytechnic Alumni Association (KPTAA), Mr Abba Adamu; Chairman of the Occasion, Sen Abdullahi Adamu; Host/Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna; and Grand Matron, Hajiya Amina Titi Abubakar, during the KPTAA Critical Stakeholders National Retreat and AGM, at NASENI Technical Orientation Centre, Abuja... recently

L-R: Mayor of the City of Sanniquellie in Liberia, Ms Maima Kamara; Facilitator of the event Mr Olusoji Adeniyi and Head of Liberian Mayors, Mr. Jefferson Koijee during Ecowas consultative workshop on vision 2050 in Abuja ...recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

L-R: Immediate past Commandant of National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Mackson Kadiri and his wife, Dalapo, during his pulling out in Abuja...recently

L-R: Acting Director of Sports in Rivers, Mrs Mildred Data-Hart; Permanent Secretary, Rivers Ministry of Sports, Mr Honour Sirawoo; and Commissioner for Sports, Mr Boma Iyaya, during a press conference over the readiness of Team Rivers for the forthcoming National Sports Festival (Edo 2020), in Port Harcourt...recently

L-R: Registrar, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. (Dr) Elijah Mohammed and Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Abubakar during a visit to the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja...recently PHOTO: AYO AJAYI

Controller of Correctional Services in Cross River State, Mr Ben-Rabbi Freedman (right) and Commissioner for International Development Cooperation in Cross River, Dr Inyang Asibong, during the visit of the Controller to the Commissioner’s Office in Calabar...recently

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege;Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Senate President, Senator Muhammed Lawal answering questions from State House Correspondents after a Tripartite Committee Meeting with the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...recently

L-R: National Auditor, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr Hakeem Bello; National President, NULGE, Mr Hakeem Ambali and NULGE Lagos State President, Mr Ajose Afolabi during NULGE Extraordinary Meeting and press conference on the Clamoring for Local Government Autonomy, in Lagos... recently

TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Judiciary Workers to Shut Courts Indefinitely from Today Alex Enumah in Abuja Judiciary workers will from today (Tuesday) commence an indefinite strike action to protest the nonimplementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.

While the federal government has allowed for financial autonomy of the third arm of government, states governments were accused of not granting financial independence to the judiciary in the states.

Reacting to the refusal of states to implement the policy, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), accordingly directed its members across the country

to shut down courts nationwide beginning from today.

JUSUN had on March 13, 2021 issued a 21- day ultimatum to the government, which elapsed on Sunday, April 4, 2021.

The strike action which was scheduled for Monday was however shifted to today April 6, 2021, due to the Easter holiday.

A statement issued yesterday

by JUSUN said: “All courts and other departments would be shut until and unless the government does the needful”.

Similarly, a circular with Reference No. JUSUN/NHQ/ GEN/111/VOL.11/65 dated April 1, 2021 and signed by JUSUN’s

General Secretary, Comrade Isaiah Adetola, directed members of JUSUN across the country to comply with the directive by the NEC of the union.

“I have been directed to refer to the communique issued at the

end of the last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of JUSUN on March 13, 2021 in Abuja and particularly refer to paragraph 9 on 21-day ultimatum to Government to implement the financial autonomy of the judiciary,

failure of which JUSUN will have no option but to resume the suspended national strike.

“Therefore, as a result of public holiday on April 5, 2021, the strike action has been postponed to Tuesday, April 6,

2021.

“You are directed to shut down courts/departments in your States until further notice from the National Secretariat of JUSUN in Abuja,” the circular stated.

To Avert Strike, FG Invites Poly Lecturers to Meeting As part of the last-minute efforts to avert strike by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), the federal government has invited the leadership of the union to an emergency meeting to deliberate on how to stop the planned industrial action.

The emergency meeting had been scheduled for today (Tuesday), April 6, 2021 at 11:00 am.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben Bem Goong, and titled: “Education Minister invites ASUP to emergency meeting”, said the invitation followed the threat by ASUP to embark on another round of strike.

He said, “The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has invited the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to an emergency meeting following the threat to embark on another round of strike.

“The emergency meeting is to hold tomorrow, April 6 2021 at 11:00am in the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.

“Explaining the reason for the emergency meeting, the Minister said the meeting is intended to nip the strike in the bud.”

Goong recalled that ASUP had issued a notice of strike over what the organization described as the refusal of government to implement some of the agreements entered into between the union and the Federal Government

APC Paid for Its Mistakes, Says Ganduje and reassess the situation; that Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has admitted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) committed a lot of mistakes in the last elections and had paid the price.

Ganduje spoke yesterday at the town hall event for APC’s constitution review for North-west Zone held at the Kano State Government House.

Ganduje argued that the party was still a “mixture” and was yet to form a “compound”.

According to him, APC is a mixture of political parties, who merged to form the ruling party, adding that lack of strong cohesion is still affecting it.

He said there was no better time for the constitution review than now because the party had committed a lot of mistakes and paid for it, stressing that “It is time to look back and address the problems.

“There is no better time than now for the review of this constitution. APC as a political party has won many states in the Federation since its inception. It has been controlling the federal government in the past six years.

“Now in the second term, we lost some governors during the last election. We gained some governors during the last election.

We committed a lot of mistakes as a party and we have paid for it. So, it is time now to look back

is, reviewing the Constitution of our great party.

“I believe at the end of it, we will come up with a document that will govern the conduct of the party members and even the conduct of the leaders of the party,” Ganduje added.

Ganduje lamented that the ruling APC was still grappling to graduate from being a mixture to compound, noting that “APC is a mixture of various elements trying to form a compound. But unfortunately, up til now, APC is still a mixture. It has not graduated to the next level of becoming a compound.”

“So, we believe this review of the constitution will look into that. It will remove all those appendages that came together to form the party should be prescribed to form a single, solid APC,” Ganduje said.

The governor disclosed that there was a strong party structure in Kano State.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC Constitution Review Committee, Dr. Tahir Mamman said the idea behind the review was to form a more solid and stronger document that would guide the affairs of the party and become a model to other political parties.

Tahir explained that the exercise was to further strengthen the manifesto of the party and make the document easier to read by all party members.

EMERGENCE OF NEW KING…

The Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom and Acting Chairman of Olu’s Advisory Council, Chief Johnson Atserunleghe (left), presenting the new Olu of Warri, Prince Tsola Emiko to the Itsekiri nation, at Ode-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State...yesterday SYLVESTER IDOWU

I Inherited N50bn Debt from Amosun, Says Abiodun Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has cleared the air on domestic debt owed by the state, saying the figures given to it by the immediate past administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun did not capture the entire liabilities it left behind.

The state government said not less than N50 billion in financial liabilities were not accounted for in the financial report handed over to Abiodun in May 2019.

A statement in Abeokuta yesterday, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kunle Somorin, said the omitted amount was financial liabilities incurred by the immediate past administration, owing to unpaid pensions, gratuities and outstanding staff salaries, “which surprisingly were not captured in the books left behind for the new government.”

“We only got to know about this amount in the course of our carrying out due diligence on Ogun State finances shortly

after we took over.

“And as a transparent government, committed to being accountable, we had to disclose this for the first time, to give a true picture of the state’s indebtedness,” the statement said.

The governor’s spokesman also added, “Governor Dapo Abiodun has started paying the retirees and pensioners affected, with the first tranche of N500 million paid to them last month.

“The governor has promised to pay them at least N500 million every quarter, till everyone is

paid.”

While noting the recent report by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on the state’s domestic debt, the statement said the omitted figures by the immediate past administration in the state had an impact on the DMO report.

“The increase in the 2020 total debt of the state was due to an undisclosed gratuity and staff liabilities of about N50billion not recognised in the state financial statements in May 2019 at the end of the previous administration.

Tinubu Pays Condolence Visit to Adebanjo over Odumakin’s Death The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the National Leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, over the death of the spokesman of the group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

The former Lagos State governor tweeted that he visited the Afenifere leader yesterday shortly after visiting the wife of the deceased.

“After visiting Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, I also paid a condolence visit to Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at his Lekki residence, Lagos to also condole with him on the death of Mr. Yinka Odumakin,” he tweeted Odumakin, one of the greatest critics of Tinubu, died on Saturday at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

He suffered respiratory complications arising from

COVID-19.

Tinubu had in his condolence message described the deceased as a committed fighter for democracy.

He described Odumakin as a dedicated activist, and an outspoken defender of whatever ideals and principles he believed in, and a patriotic citizen in every sense of the word.

According to him, Odumakin was fearless and unrelenting in speaking up in promoting the

cause of justice and what he perceived as the best interest of the citizens of Nigeria ever since his student days.

Tinubu noted that the deceased never allowed himself to succumb to tyranny or be pressured into submissive and pliant silence.

He also added that Odumakin was at the vanguard of the battle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election

Buhari Mourns Slain Miyetti Allah Leaders, Seek Collaboration against Insecurity Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday mourned the leaders of the Miyetti Allah in Nasarawa State who were recently killed by bandits.

Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, and titled, ‘President

Buhari mourns Nasarawa Miyetti Allah leaders.’

Buhari also sought the collaboration of the Miyetti Allah group towards ridding the country of the security challenges facing it.

The President stressed the commitment of his administration to work with all members of the Miyetti Allah society in a bid to rid Nigeria of the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and terrorists.

President Buhari made this known in a condolence message to the government and people of Nasarawa State over the brutal killing of the leaders of the Miyetti Allah who forged a strategic partnership with the government against the menace of bandits and kidnappers.

The President described the late Miyetti Allah leader, Alhaji

Mohammed Husaini, who was among those murdered as a beacon of peace for Nasarawa State and the sub-region.

In praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, President Buhari urged the Fulani leaders in the state to choose new leaders who would build on the foundations of peace set up by the Husaini-led leadership.

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NEWSXTRA

Ngige Blames NMA President for Resident Doctors’ Strike Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has accused the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association

(NMA) of connivance and tacitly giving support to the ongoing strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

He specifically blamed NMA

Kogi Police Arrest Suspected Anti-Buhari Campaigners Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Kogi Police State Command has confirmed the arrest of two persons caught yesterday midnight allegedly carrying out ‘smear campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari’ in Lokoja, the state capital.

The state Police Commissioner, Ayuba Edeh, explained that at about 2:30 a.m. yesterday, policemen attached to the command arrested two young men who were allegedly painting buildings and carrying posters with the inscription ‘Buhari Must Go’.

Edeh disclosed that while the people have the right to protest, however, he said it must be done lawfully without inciting the public.

He added that the young men could not have been protesting at the wee hours of the night as being insinuated, as painting walls, buildings and pasting anti-

Buhari posters cannot be termed as peaceful protest.

The commissioner said the police command was working round the state to ensure the protection of lives and property, warning mischief makers to stay clear of the state, as he promised that his command would fish out and arrest perpetrators of crimes in the state.

It was gathered that at an odd hour of yesterday, some youths allegedly invaded Lokoja, campaigning against President Buhari through paintings on buildings as well as carrying posters with the inscription ‘Buhari Must Go’.

Meanwhile the state government has commended “the gallant and vigilant youths of the state for rising to the occasion to crush the ungodly campaign by some imported and sponsored youths, who came to the state to campaign against President Buhari.”

President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, for not interfacing properly with the Federal Ministry of Health in resolving some of the issues that led to the current strike by members of NARD. The minister also clarified issues relating to his recent television interview, where he made reference to the service package for residency training of doctors in the United

States and United Kingdom in relation to Nigeria, stating that what he meant was that their government is not involved in payment of salaries and some aspect of the training of resident doctors such as books, examination fees among others as it’s done in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press and Public

Relations, Charles Akpan, in Abuja, Ngige said instead of dissipating energy on interpreting his comments which at best could be regarded as an orbiter, the NMA should sit up and address the challenge of series of strike which junior doctors in NARD have been embarking on, especially the current one that started on April 1.

Speaking on the issues that led

to the current strike by resident doctors, the minister said one of the demands of NARD, which is the central placement of House Officers, was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and that it was intended that this would enable all would-be interns to be automatically absorbed into the system after their one year internship.

WE SHARE YOUR GRIEFS…

L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Dr. Josephine Okei-Odumakin, widow of Afenifere’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, and Amosun’s wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, during the former governor’s condolence visit to the widow of the late Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary in Lagos … yesterday FASUA KAYODE

Zulum Commends Military for Recent

Oshiomhole Donates Church Successes on Insurgency War to His Community in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city A cross section of politicians in Edo State and beyond yesterday witnessed the donation of a church building by former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, to his community, Iyamho, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, was also at the occasion when the church, St. Joseph Catholic, Iyamho, was donated.

The ceremony also had in attendance, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince

Clem Agba.

Others were Senator Francis Alimikhena, representing Edo North senatorial district; Hon Dennis Idahosa, representing Ovia federal constituency; Hon Johnson Oghuma, representing Etsako federal constituency; APC state House of Sssembly members-elect, former commissioners among others.

During the dedication of the church and its Canonical Erection as a parish by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, Oshiomhole said he got the inspiration for the design of the church while he was looking for sponsors for the state-owned Edo University “whose academic activities would not be truncated by strikes and unstable academic calendar.”

Oyetola Launches Osun Food Support Scheme Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has flagged off the Osun Food Support Scheme at the Osun State Secretariat, Abeere, Osogbo, the state capital.

Speaking during the programme, the governor said the scheme was designed to feed 30,000 poor and vulnerable citizens once every month till the end of his administration,.

He described the programme as a pace-setting Post-Covid-19 Social Protection drive in Nigeria.

Oyetola said the Covid-19induced lockdown in 2020 was one singular event that unearthed the necessity of an emergency food relief for the economically vulnerable whose standards of living were worsened by the debilitating pandemic.

He noted that households numberingtensofthousandsbenefitted from the emergency food relief of the government at the time.

The governor added that the participation of the private sector during this time was also notable, adding that a number of role players in the sector made donations of relief materials to support the government in the fight against Covid-19.

The stategovernmenthadannounced on May 30, 2020 that it took delivery of five truck-loads of food items - which included noodles, spaghetti, salt, sugar, etc. - from the private sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CA-COVID), adding that 75 trucks bearing the rice component of the donation were expected to be delivered to the state.

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has commended the Nigerian military over recent gains recorded against Boko Haram insurgents in parts of the state.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman to the governor, Malam Isa Gusau, “The governor commends the Nigerian military such as troops of the 26 Brigade in Gwoza for eliminating and injuring scores of insurgents last Sunday and

recovering their weapons.”

Gusau said his principal also commended the troops of Sector 3 of Operation Lafiya Dole for eliminating scores of insurgents and recovering their weapons last Friday on Monguno Gajiram road during an ambush by the terror group at Jigalta village.

He said the troops, which were accompanying a resettlement committee led by the state attorney-general and commissioner of justice, displayed courage, patriotism and professionalism during almost one hour encounter

with the insurgents.

The spokesman said the governor was impressed that despite three soldiers sustaining minor injuries, the troops chased the fleeing insurgents, neutralised all locations and proceeded with their escort duty.

Zulum also lauded troops of the 112 Battalion in Mafa for recovering truck loaded with valuable items which insurgents seized from citizens on MongunoGajiram road.

He noted that the troops, during their patrol between Mafa and

Dikwa last Saturday, intercepted the truck which was expected to make supplies to insurgents in Sambisa in the night. The 112 battalion again recovered weapons and motorcycles from the insurgents.

The governor said all of these were strong indications of patriotism, courage and commitment which “we need to acknowledge in order to strengthen the determination to build enduring peace in Borno State.”

Odumakin: Afenifere Cancels Monthly Meeting James Sowole in Akure The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has cancelled its monthly meeting scheduled to hold today in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The cancellation of the meeting was in honour of its late Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin,

who died last Saturday, a member of the group disclosed this yesterday.

He said the group was scheduled to meet today to take decision on an important issue, but said the meeting has been postponed as a mark of respect for Odumakin.

According to the source, he

said the leadership of Afenifere was badly hit with the sudden death of its publicity secretary, who was regarded as one of the engine rooms of the group.

A statement signed by the Assistant General Secretary of the group, Mr. Adeleke Mabinuori, said the meeting for today has been cancelled.

The statement read: “I have been directed by the acting Leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, to inform you that the Afenifere meeting scheduled for April 6, 2021, is cancelled.

“This is in honour of the late Afenifere Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin. Please await further directives.”

FCTA Workers Threaten Strike, Demand Removal of Permanent Secretary Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has threatened an indefinite industrial action if the current Permanent Secretary posted from the Office of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Olusade Adesola, is not removed, to pave

way for the implementation of the Executive Order 1 of 2004 and ratification of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act. The workers also demanded the removal of all FCTA staff from the Accountant General of the Federation’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

The Chairman of JUAC, Matilukoro Korode, who listed all these demands, said

the unions would paralyse government activities if their demands are not met.

He urged the FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa Bello, to immediately implement the Act, which was signed three years ago by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The union noted that the Executive Order 1 of 2004 which abolished the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) before the signing of the Act has provided a career path for qualified FCT workers to be appointed permanent secretary as well as the FCT Head of Service, as obtained in all the states.

He lamented that without the implementation of the Act, FCT workers would perpetually be limited in growing at par with workers at other states.

TUESDAY APRIL 6, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

Ighodalo Calls for Creation of Awareness on COVID-19 Vaccine Mary Nnah Following the numerous controversies trailing the COVID-19 vaccine and the perceived reluctant of many people to take the jabs, the Senior Pastor of Trinity House Church, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo has called for the creation of more awareness, stressing that knowledge, and information were needed to address the fears of every person and then encourage as many as possible to take these vaccine.

Speaking yesterday as a guest on ARISE NEWS Channel, a THISDAY broadcast arm, Ighodalo cited a quotation where the Bible said the “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

The revered cleric, who spoke on the role of the church in the current vaccine drive to address the current pandemic faced around the world, noted that the problem of whether or not to take the vaccines is a problem of knowledge.

“So, I think that the first thing that needs to be done is to compel the church and also the leaders of our nation to educate the masses enough on the issue of vaccines, answering the questions of the people, who are thinking that the vaccine is a deliberate effort to wipe out the human population.

We need to prove that this is not so. “Other people think it is the sign of 666 dragons in the Bible.

We need to address that and prove that this is not so. Other people

think that the vaccine will have a negative effect on people’s health; we need to address that and prove scientifically that this is not so.”

Ighodalo explained further that the problem right now was that a lot of questions were not being properly addressed, adding that there were so much rumours flying all over the places.

“As for some churches, they believe in divine healing and would not support taking of the vaccines but if they check well, they would also know that God provided knowledge for healing.

God said: ‘Is there no balm in Gilead; why are my people sick?

It means that God knows that from time to time, you need a balm; you need some medicine.

So, God himself provides divine knowledge for healing”.

He said therefore that there was

an urgent need to speak to the fears of people.

“We need to speak emphatically and explain to people what these vaccines are all about so that people can now out boldly and get these vaccines.

Ighodalo who had personally taken the jab, noted further that: “I prayed about it, thought about it, considered it and then one day I woke up and said I am going to take the vaccine. It was a clear direction from God to go and take the vaccine and I have explained to people in the church that God provides knowledge so that we have to deal with knowledge and understand what is going on and end all the rumour mongering and the little gossips here and there.”

The cleric further appealed to his fellow pastors to do proper

research, get the knowledge and stop misinforming people or improperly educating people on guess work, instinct and position.

“And then let the researcher prove to us what they have done within this one year to ensure that the vaccines they got out there can do what it needs to do and let them also tell us if it can give us 70 or 60 per cent protection, or even 50 per cent protection.

Let us understand that and let us know what we are getting”, he added.

Ighodalo also debunked the claims by the federal government that churches in Nigeria flouted COVID-19 protocols, insisting that the government should rather focus on educating the vast number of citizens who moved about without masks and sanitizers.

“To speak to the issue of whether the churches are the ones going against COVID-19 protocols, I regret to say that I don’t quite agree. I think the government has bigger fish to fry,” Ighodalo said.

“If you go to any of the markets, any of the bus-stops, any of the busy places, people don’t even wear masks. So, those gatherings of people are much more than the gatherings you have in any church from time to time, and in fairness to most churches they have tried; a few no doubt, have flouted the rules here and there but most of them have tried to keep to the COVID protocols.”

“So, the huge churches did their best to observe these things.

Therefore, it’s not fair to say that it is the churches that are flouting COVID-19 guidelines”, he added

was later found in the bush while four suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of the woman by the search team of NSCDC, vigilance group and the Nigerian police.

“The suspects are Adams Sodiq, 19yrs; Rasaq Rasheed, 16; Lukman Quadri, 15, and Billiaminu Qayum, 16.”

Afolabi further explained that “the statements of the four

suspects were taken after security fact findings linked them to the death of the young woman.

“Having carried out investigations, the following facts emerged: ‘That the deceased, Aishat Sanni, was declared missing on April 2, 2021, by Alhaji Musa Waziri, and a report was made to the office of NSCDC at Esie/Ijan outpost “That her body was later found

on the April 3, 2021, in the bush around 08:30a.m. half-naked with cuts all over her body.

“That three out of the suspects, Rasaq Rasheed, Lukman Quadri and Biliaminu Qoyum, confirmed in their statements that the prime suspect, Sodiq Adams, arrested a Bororo woman for allegedly stealing cashew nuts but later escaped.

Kano Police Arrest NSCDC Nabs Four Suspected Rapists in Kwara 27-year-old Kidnapper Hammed ShittuinIlorin with Two AK-47 Rifles Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, Abubakar Burumburum, 27, who was found in possession of two AK-47 rifles by operatives of the Operation Puff Adder in the state.

Spokesman of the police in the state, Mr. Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to journalists in Kano last Sunday.

Kiyawa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the suspect was apprehended following a tip-off.

The police spokesman said the suspect was currently undergoing interrogation at the state police command, confirming that

Burumburum would soon be charged after the completion of investigation.

He stated that the suspect, popularly known as Likita in the Birnin Gwari area, mostly carried out his activities in Kaduna, Kano and other parts of the northern states.

The suspect, who claimed to have six children, confessed to being a cattle rustler, and admitted that he had engaged in kidnapping twice.

Burumburum further said he was raised at Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.

According to him, the two AK-47 rifles and ammunition found with him were obtained from the children of one late Muhammadu Bakanoma in Zamfara State.

The Kwara State Command of Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed the arrest of four suspected persons for allegedly raping and killing a middle age woman in the state The incident, according to THISDAY checks, happened in Esie and Ijan towns of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking with THISDAY yesterday in a chat, the state Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, who confirmed the incident, stated that: “On April 2, 2021, at about 5 p.m., officer of the command, Mr. Babatunde Azeez of Esie/Ijan outpost, received a complaint from the Secretary of the Fulani and Bororo in Esie and Ijan region, one Alhaji Musa Waziri, about a missing woman, Aishat Sanni.

“The missing woman’s corpse

Striking Doctors to Meet with House of Representatives Thursday Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the striking resident doctors under the umbrella of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has been summoned by the House of Representatives Committee on Health next Thursday to discuss issues relating to their ongoing industrial action.

The President of NARD, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, who confirmed the meeting to THISDAY in a telephone

conversation yesterday, however, said the association was yet to receive any invitation to resume talks with the federal government over their strike, which is now in its fifth day.

When asked about the update on their strike, Okhuaihesuyi said: “We heard that there may be a meeting with the federal government after the Easter holidays, but we haven’t been officially notified. We have been invited by the House of Representatives Committee to a meeting next Thursday.”

On the payment of the doctors’ salary arrears, Okhuaihesuyi said no payment has been made since they began the strike.

Among the issues raised by the aggrieved doctors in their Notice of Trade Dispute are the non-payment of salaries of some house officers, non-recruitment of house officers, abolishment of the bench fees for doctors undergoing training in other hospitals, non-payment of National Minimum Wage and hazard allowances.

Ekiti Police Arrest Woman for Allegedly Plotting to Starve, Kill Her Children Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a woman, Joy Fatoba, for allegedly locking up her twins with a sinister intention to starve them to death.

The police have, however, rescued the children and taken them to hospital for medical care, having been locked up in a room without food for many days.

The police command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Abutu, said last Sunday, his men got a distress call from a good Samaritan that the suspect from Igbara-Odo, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of the state allegedly confined her twin children in a room for three days without food.

Abutu stated that the mother was alleged to have threatened to kill them should anyone compel her to open the door.

The police spokesman said the Command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), upon getting the tips, swiftly swung into action, rushed to the scene and rescued the two children.

He said: “During interrogation, the lady narrated that the father of her kids left her for Calabar, Cross River State, when she was pregnant and has refused to return to take care of her and the children till date.

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Rivers APC Heading for Danger, Abe Tells Amaechi Group Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former senator representing Rivers South-east, Senator Magnus Abe,

yesterday raised the alarm that the party in the state was clearly heading for imminent danger due to impunity and clear disregard for political realities.

Abe, who was responding

Okowa, Others Mourn Former Delta Acting Gov, Obi OmonJulius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has described as shocking the death of former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Sam Obi, asking his family and relations to take solace in the fact that he led a good life and left worthy legacies.

Okowa described the deceased as “a dependable political ally” whose contributions to democracy in the country as well as the development of the state, and Ika North-East Local Government Area in particular, would not be forgotten.

Obi was the state acting governor following the judicial nullification of the governorship election of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan from November 2010 until the rerun few months later.

The former Speaker, who hailed from Ute-Okpu in Ika North-East LGA, was also the founder and minister of Oracle of God Ministries Church in Asaba, the state capital.

He was formerly the chairman, Board of Directors of The Pointer Newspaper owned by the state government.

Regarded as a grassroots politician, having begun public office as a councillor and later a local government chairman, Obi’s last public outing was last Wednesday as a VIP guest at the Second Maris Public Lecture at the Government House in Asaba, three days before his death last Saturday after a brief illness.

However, Okowa said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba that Obi “was a great

patriot and leader who led with the fear of God. “Obi was a dependable political ally, whose commitment to the attainment of ‘Stronger Delta’ based on unity and peace, was infectious and grandiose.”

Okowa added: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of our beloved brother and former acting Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi. “He was a very peaceful man who loved his people and served them to the best of his ability.

“As a minister in the temple of God, Prince Obi served the Lord by preaching the gospel of Christ and shepherding His flock until his demise.

“As a former Speaker and acting governor, he will be long remembered for his contributions to the growth and development of the Ika nation and Delta State in general.”

Also, former state Governors, James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan; the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, as well as former state Assembly Speaker, Hon Victor Ochei, were among those who expressed grief over the demise of Obi. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Maris Trust Council, Sir Fidelis Egugbo, while describing Obi’s death as “tough to believe,” observed that: “In the second edition held on March 31, 2021, in his usual candour as a statesman, he was seated before 12 noon when the lecture commenced and stayed till the end of the lecture.

House Urges Judicial Workers to Shelve Proposed Strike Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has called on the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to shelve its proposed strike, while it engages with both the federal and state governments towards resolving the outstanding issues.

The Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Onofiok Luke, made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

He said the House understood and shared the concerns of the union on the financial autonomy, however, appealed to the union to momentarily shelve the planned strike and give the committee time to engage the governments towards resolving the issue.

Luke said: “The attention of the House Judiciary Committee has been drawn to the planned nationwide strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on the failure of the governments to implement the financial autonomy of the judiciary.

“It is in this vein that the committee calls on the union to stand down on its proposed strike while we engage with the government both at the federal and state levels towards resolving the outstanding issues.”

The committee stressed that the House under the leadership of the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, takes the concerns involving the judiciary seriously.

The committee noted that the House has constantly canvassed for financial autonomy, better welfare and conditions of service for both judicial officers and judiciary staff.

It stated this is because the committee understands that financial independence is synonymous with an independent judiciary that can execute justice and adjudicate over the interests of the citizens and residents without fear or favour.

to claims by Senator Andrew Uchendu who belongs to a faction of APC in the state loyal to the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said it was sad that he (Uchendu) was not seeing the danger befalling the party in the state.

Uchendu had mockingly urged Abe to “stop crying” and join hands to rebuild the party in the state.

But in a statement he personally

signed, Abe, a board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), told Uchendu that he could not continue to keep quiet when the party was clearly heading for imminent danger.

He posited that as an experienced politician, Uchendu should know that Rivers APC was being run with impunity in clear disregard for political and historical realities, a development he said

poses serious risks to the party.

However, he argued that the senator would rather lie and pretend that all is well to please the powers that be, instead of speaking up like he (Abe) is doing.

He alleged that after spending 12 years in the House of Representatives, Uchendu stood before the people of Etche at a public rally to promise the people that he would only run for Senate once, and support the people of

Etche.

“When the next time came around, Uchendu shamelessly snatched the party ticket under the nose of the same people and told them that he was ordered by the party to go back to the senate.

He could not tell the party, of which he claimed to be a leader that it was unfair, unjust and indeed dishonourable to lie publicly to the people of Etche.

TURBAN FOR THE PRINCE…

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar (in blue), and Sokoto State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki (sitting right, wearing a red cap), during the turbanning of Dasuki as the Santuraki Sokoto in Sokoto…recently

Ayade Budgets N100m Research Grant for Alternative Electricity Generation By NASENI To demonstrate the commitment of his state to partner the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has announced N100 million as research grant to the agency for the generation of electricity from borehole.

The research into how to generate electricity from borehole is to be jointly undertaken by the agency and the state-owned University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).

The governor spoke at the State Executive Council Chamber in Calabar, the state capital, while playing host to a team of NASENI officials led by its Executive Vice Chairman, Professor Muhammed Sani Haruna.

Ayade said the time had come for the agency to develop a wholistic framework to launch Nigeria into the global engineering map.

According to him, “NASENI is an agency that is responsible for the science and engineering infrastructure. We must begin

to truly develop engineering infrastructure in this country.

It is a shame that as a country we still import spare parts, it is a shame that you have to take a man from a temperate climate who does not have sun, who is always in the cold to come and tell us how to use our sunlight.

“What a shame that you have crude oil under your earth, yet it takes somebody who comes from a country that does not have oil to tell you how to dig it out, more shameful that you do not even know how to use it. You have to send it out.”

The governor urged the agency to set up an office in Calabar, pledging a vehicle and an office space.

He challenged the NASENI to bring to bear its true essence because “Cross River State is ready to collaborate with you and I am making available, once you establish your agency here in Cross River, one brand new pickup, and an immediate office

for you to move to and make available a land for you to build a permanent office.”

“We are providing in collaboration with University of Cross River, the sum of N100 million for the development and generation of electricity from borehole. I want to also challenge you that from this same N100 million, you should generate electricity for CalasVegas from the Calabar River.

“This is going to be our (Cross River State) patent because the research is being financed by us in collaboration with NASENI. So, together we will hold the baton to be able to ensure that every single home has electricity from simply just taking water from the ground, using that water to move a turbine and the turbine generates electricity and the electricity pumps back the water from the borehole and recirculate”, Ayade stressed.

He commended Haruna’s brilliance after listening to his presentation and promised to be a strong advocate for the

proper funding of the agency by the Federal Government.

“I am with NASENI on the realisation of one percent allocation of the federal revenue to the Agency in order for it to perform optimally,“ he said.

“Everywhere I go in Nigeria especially amongst my colleague governors, I will act as ambassador for NASENI henceforth”, added.

Earlier in his address, Haruna extolled Ayade’s sterling administrative and academic qualities saying he was surprised, when as PhD student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, the students were advised to make reference to his 1994 PhD citation.

While pledging that NASENI will collaborate with the Cross River government in its Industrialisation drive, Professor Haruna pleaded with the governor to market the agency to his colleagues.

“Your Excellency be our ambassador, convince your colleagues that what we are doing in NASENI is very important to them.

PDP Congratulates former Kogi Gov, Idris, on His Turbaning as Jakandan Sokoto Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday congratulated the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, on his turbaning as the Jakandan Sokoto by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Abubakar Sa’ad.

The party described the turbaning of Idris as Jakandan of Sokoto as well-deserved given his exceptional patriotism and sacrificial contributions towards

the unity, stability and economy of the country as a political leader as well as an entrepreneur in critical sectors of the national economy.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said in a statement that Idris stood out as a detribalised Nigerian and one of the leading lights in the collective pursuit of democratic tenets of inclusiveness, rule of law, equality, transparency,

mutual respect and good governance at all levels of national participation.

According to him, “As the governor of Kogi State, Idris remains unmatched with his unprecedented massive infrastructural development as well as the empowerment of the citizens in every sphere of life.”

Furthermore, he said: “Alhaji Idris remains a pillar and stabilising force for the party

at the national, north central and state (Kogi) levels,” adding that he has remains exceptionally humble, accessible and loyal to the cause of the party despite his attainments.

The PDP family, Ologbodiyan said felicitated with Idris for the honour, and prayed that God would continue to bless him with wisdom and strength as he serves the country and humanity.

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COVID-19: Saudi Arabia to Reject Pilgrims Not Vaccinated Saudi authorities said yesterday that only people immunised against Covid-19 will be allowed to perform the year-round Umrah

pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims.

The hajj and umrah ministry

Closing Gender Gap to Take 136 Years, Says Report Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that attaining global gender parity will take nearly 136 years, up from its previous estimate of almost 100 years.

WEF measures parity in four ways: economic participation and opportunity, education, health and political empowerment.

Data examined by the organisation showed that the gap in political empowerment has widened significantly since its 2020 report, while economic participation has improved only slightly.

The group estimated that the economic gender gap will take another 268 years to close. That data does not yet fully reflect the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, which could make matters worse.

It stated: “Progress towards gender parity is stalling in several large economies and industries. This is partly due to women being more frequently employed in sectors hardest hit by lockdowns combined with the additional pressures of providing care at home.”

While the proportion of women among skilled professionals is growing, income disparities and the scant number of women in managerial positions still pose problems, WEF said.

The report noted that women have lost jobs at higher rates than men during the pandemic, and are being rehired at a slower rate than men as the economy bounces back, adding that when schools and other care facilities closed, women “disproportionately” took on childcare, housework and the care of elders.

Osinbajo Mourns Social Activist, Chukwuma Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the late Director of Ford Foundation, West Africa, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, as a thoroughbred social activist.

Osinbajo, who expressed deep sadness over the demise of the activist, also commiserated with the family members, friends and associates of the late civil society leader, noting that Nigeria has lost a “thoroughbred social activist whose relentless pursuit of justice and the common good will be an enduring legacy.”

In a personal tribute issued yesterday, the Vice President described the late Chukwuma as a “friend and collaborator of many years.”

“I was greatly saddened by the news of the passing of Innocent Chukwuma, a thoroughbred social

activist, my friend and collaborator of many years. Innocent, then in CLEEN Foundation, was a crucial resource in Police reform in support of our justice reform efforts in Lagos State in my time as Attorney-General.

“Also, as Ford Foundation Lead in West Africa, he was first among others to support our work in the Office of the Vice President (OVP), in the setting up of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, (PACAC), and most recently, in the police reform efforts of the federal government.

“His thoughtful, knowledgedriven, drama-free, but relentless pursuit of justice and the common good will be an enduring legacy.

“We pray for God’s comfort for his wife, family and loved ones, and blessings on his memory and legacy always”, Osinbajo stated in the condolence message

said in a statement that three categories of people would be considered “immunised” — those who have received two doses of the vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior, and people who have recovered from the infection.

Only those people will be

eligible for permits to perform umrah, as well as to attend prayers in the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca.

It added that the condition also applies for entry into the Prophet’s Mosque in the holy city of Medina.

The ministry said the policy

starts with Ramadan, which is due to begin later this month, but it was unclear how long it would last.

It was also not clear whether the policy, which comes amid an uptick in coronavirus infections in the kingdom, would be extended to the annual hajj pilgrimage later

this year.

Saudi Arabia has reported more than 393,000 coronavirus infections and 6,700 deaths from Covid-19.

The kingdom’s health ministry said it has administered more than five million coronavirus vaccines, in a country with a population of over 34 million.

COUNTING LOSSES…

L-R: General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, addressing journalists after inspecting the level of damage at the Imo State Police Headquarters, Owerri…yesterday

Massive Job Creation, Antidote to Insecurity, Says Former Ecobank Chairman at 82 Former Chairman of Ecobank Nigeria Limited and fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Dr. John Agboola Odeyemi, has advocated for massive job creation by government at all levels as the only antidote to the worsening security situation in the country.

Speaking shortly after a thanksgiving service marking his 82nd birthday anniversary at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Diocese of Ife (Church of Nigeria), Ayegbaju Ile Ife, Osun State, Odeyemi who expressed deep worry about the state of the nation, declared that this is the time radical decisions ought to be taken to address various challenges facing the nation.

Odeyemi, who was also a former National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers

of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), explained that if the decision would lead to inflation in the country, there was no cause for alarm stressing that massive jobs creation would save the country from many challenges weighing down the nation especially in term of insecurity.

According to him, “if there is massive employment, there will be no idle hands; if there is employment, there will be peace and people would be happy in their different homes.”

He blamed the political class for the current insecurity, noting that all those used as servants and political thugs before being elected and promised jobs were left to fend for themselves, stressing that there is a multiplier effect to jobless people.

“We now have about 30 million people in Nigeria without jobs. Also, parents do not have work to do and they cannot take care of themselves how much more their children. The acid test now in my opinion is let us go to public work. It is not about creating 20,000 or 30,000 jobs, it is more than that. Even if it will cause inflation, then let there be work and let there be peace in the land”.

He also berated the government for allowing international marauders to penetrate through the already porous borders to inflict terror on the people of the country and use them for political settlement.

Odeyemi, who is also the Baba Ijo of the church, said all he had done for the church and mankind were to the glory of

God, adding that women and children were his main focus in terms of empowerment.

Earlier in his sermon titled: Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, the Vicar of the Church, Reverend Bishop Soji Ogunyimika noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ was very important not only to Christians but to generality of the people, saying the resurrection brought peace, love, joy, happiness and salvation to mankind.

While admonishing people to appreciate Jesus Christ for his good work to mankind, he enjoined all to live a life worthy of emulation.

According to him, “the Lord will wipe out all our tears and no more trouble as old things have passed over.

Okadigbo’s Widow, Ex-Anambra Lawmakers Oil Communities Threaten Protest over Alleged Negligence by Shell, Seplat, Others Vow to Install APC Gov David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The widow of the late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Mrs. Margery Okadigbo and 20 other former lawmakers in Anambra State have planned on how to install the next governor of the state.

Mrs. Okadigbo, a former senator representing Anambra North senatorial zone, said they would stop at nothing to ensure that All Progressives Congress (APC) produces the next governor of the state.

Okadigbo and 20 other former state and federal lawmakers met at the weekend under the auspices of Parliamentary Caucus of the APC, Anambra State chapter.

The meeting was convened

by Senator Emma Anosike at his country home in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state behind closed doors, while a copy of the resolution was made available to THISDAY after the meeting.

The communique signed by all the 21 ex-lawmakers present at the meeting stated that the group would work as one to ensure the victory of the APC in the November governorship election in the state, charging the leadership of the party to put in place a process that will allow for credible primary election.

Part of the communique read: “We resolved to come together as a united body

under the APC family to contribute to the success of the party at the state and national levels.

“We resolve to work assiduously in conjunction with all existing party organs, for the victory of the party in this year’s gubernatorial election.

“We also resolved to liaise with the party to ensure the emergence of the most electable candidate for the November 6, 2021, governorship election in the state.”

The group charged the party to put in place a credible process that would ensure a free and fair primary for all the aspirants of the party

Peter Uzoho Oil communities in Ohaji, Imo State, have threatened to embarked on a non-violent mass protest against alleged negligence and injustice melted out to them by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, and Sterling Global-four oil producing companies operating in the area.

The Ohaji Development Initiative (ODI), a transformation driver in the area, disclosed the planned protest in a letter written to the four operators, which was signed by its Chairman, Mr.

Tony Ogbonnan, and four other officers of the group.

ODI, in the letter made available to THISDAY, which contained its charter of demand to the operators, said the protest would take effect on May 17, 2021, if the operators refused to call for an alignment meeting between their cluster boards and the ODI executives to iron out the grievances of the communities.

It explained that the protest, which would be carried out in major streets across Ohaji communities, would also be accompanied with a prayer walk to draw the attention of God, the operators and state

authorities to the failure of the four companies to fulfill their obligations to Ohaji people.

“From May 17, Ohaji people are going to be in the streets. We are going to have a non-violent protest and prayer walk. During that, all Ohaji men, women, youths and children are going to be in the streets to express our grievances on what is happening, and pray to the oil companies and to God to do something.

“We are not telling them not to operate; we are not telling them to go, but we are telling them that in line with statutory requirements, they should integrate our people,” Ogbonna said.

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TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Osinbajo to Declare Edo 2020 National Sports Festival Open Today Gov Okowa storms Benin City, leading Delta’s push to retain title Duro Ikhazuagbe The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, will today in Benin City declare the 20th National Sports Festival

opened with the inauguration of facilities put in place by the host Edo State Government.

THISDAY learnt yesterday that the country’s Number Two citizen will pay homage to his royal majesty, the Oba

New National Records in Swimming The swimming event of the ongoing National Sports Festival tagged “Edo 2020” on Monday produced new records in swimming.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that new national records were set by swimmers from Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo on Day 1 of the competition.

Ifiesegba Gagbe of Bayelsa became the new record-holder in the 100m freestyle women with her time of 1:01.54 minute.

She broke the record of

1:02.66min set by Okpilobo of Ondo State at the Lagos 2012 edition of the festival.

Similarly, Uwaje Ilayefa of Edo who came second with a time of 1:01.96 also surpassed the former record-holder time.

A new record was also set in the 200m butterfly women by Delta’s Timipamere Akiayefa.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa and Delta have started the rush for gold at the ongoing NSF by winning five gold medals apiece on Day 1 of the festival.

of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II before proceeding to the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the ceremonial opening.

According to the programme of the Opening Ceremony released to the media yesterday, Edo’s rich cultural heritage will be on display with Nigeria’s genre-defying singer Fireboy DML (real names Adedamola Adefolahan) capping an evening of two hours of culture and music at the pitch on which several of the country’s former top footballers strut their stuffs.

Fireboy was the biggest winner at Nigeria’s Headies top music awards in February this year, taking home four

gongs including the Best R&B Album of the year.

The country’s chief sports officer, Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare, is also expected to officially welcome the athletes, and officials to the 20th edition of Nigeria’s ‘Olympic’ while Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, will also be speaking on their readiness to host a Festival to remember for a long time.

The organisers said last night that to ensure compliance with the Covid-19 Protocol, there will be restrictions to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with people gaining access with only invitation cards, while

states will be allowed only 20 athletes for the ceremonial.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 has insisted that that all guests and athletes should obey laid down protocol.

A record 550 Volunteers will be on hand at Festival for a hitch-free event.

Meanwhile, Governor of Delta State, the defending champions of the festival, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will today storm Benin City to be present at the opening ceremony of the 20th edition the state is hoping to win again.

Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa, told reporters at the Ogbemudia Stadium yesterday

that the governor would be present physically alongside some of his cabinet members.

Delta State won the last edition of the festival in Abuja.

“The governor will be here for the opening ceremony,” Okowa said. “He is not just coming to sit at the VIP, he will be with the athletes to lead them in the match past because he always love to relate with them as his children.

“He was there in Abuja and he has promised to be available again this time around. It is going to be a good motivation for the athletes, seeing their governor matching with them,” Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission concluded.

ACCESS BANK LAGOS CITY MARATHON

Deborah Pam Tips Husband, Emmanuel Gyang, for Podium Finish after Son’s Birth Reigning Nigeria women prize winner in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Deborah Pam, has tipped her husband, Emmanuel Gyang, who is the reigning champion in the Nigeria men’s event to rub shoulders with international elites and make the podium on Saturday.

The 2021 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will hold Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Pam who recently gave birth to a baby boy will not be in Lagos but believes the birth of their son will motivate her husband to finish among the top men.

“I am very confident that my husband can do even much better at this year’s marathon because our baby is an extra motivation for him”.

Indeed, doing well in Lagos is non-negotiable for Gyang as he has many plans around his

family, especially his new boy from projected earnings from the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

“We have not done the baby dedication yet. I hope to do it after winning in Lagos by God’s grace,” Gyang declared.

As for Pam, she remains eternally grateful for the role Access Bank Lagos City marathon has played in her career and now her family.

She said: “I want to thank everybody that is involved in the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon for the many things they are doing for us, the motivation and all. It is through the Access Marathon that we got married and now we even have our first child. I pray the almighty God will continue strengthening them and provide for them so they can even do more for us.

I wish them a successful event this year and beyond”.

Real Madrid at training yesterday ahead of tonight’s clash with Liverpool

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Write Real Madrid off at Your Peril, Zidane Warns Reds’ Fans Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid are being underrated ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool tonight.

Madrid have endured a patchy season but remain alive in the Champions League and La Liga, with the gap to Atletico

Madrid down to three points with nine games left.

And if they can overcome Liverpool, they will have a semifinal to come against either Chelsea or Porto and be within sight of a 14th European triumph.

“I think my team has been

Akeredolu, Ade-Ojo Honoured at Ondo Auto Rally 2021 Ondo State was the melting pot for various shades of sports tourism event over the weekend with the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and frontline Auto dealer, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo honoured at the yearly Ondo Auto Rally.

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa, who graced the on-road race that opened the Ondo Auto Rally Race said the government was very proud to be associated with ingenious efforts to expand the state’s tourism offerings and would give the initiative an enabling environment to grow.

According to Ayedatiwa who represented the state government and flagged off

of the road race in Akure, “Our government is open to all effort both private and public that will complement the vision of the government and the Work and Play group has been consistent in that.”

Adeoye Ojuoko, the President of the group that championed the multi-sport engagement; both on-road and off road, and bike races, said it was time sports become a huge part of domestic tourism.

“We have a purpose-built race track for off-road race in Ilara Imokin, which attracted a lot of car and bike enthusiasts this Easter. Our goal is to keep pivoting till its fit perfectly a major diary event for domestic tourism,” he said.

The racers had visited Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls on their way to the event in which Ojuoko said his group has the intention to grow it to run for longer days.

“Our off-road track is nestled within the Smokin Hills Golf Course Resort which gives the participants the opportunity to explore the course, either as players or campers.

“There is also the chance of exploring the beautiful lake on the course, which has become home to different species of migrating birds all year round,” he added.

Argo Raak, last year winner of the Ondo Race extended his dominance at this edition when he won both the On-road

and Off-road races.

The Estonian, dumped the highly competitive line up of top racers that graced the onroad event, in the six-lap race around Alagbaka Government House in Akure.

“It feels good to be winner again, Akure and the Work and Play team has been wonderful in keeping this event on. I am also very appreciative of the support from the indigenes that are becoming more attuned to the sport. The government of Ondo State too has been very supportive and making us feel welcomed each time we are here. This victory is for everybody,” concludes Argo.

underestimated,” said Zidane in a press conference on Monday. “I trust my team a lot and I know what it can give. But we can’t change what people think. We can only work day by day and while there is still a chance, we never give up.

“We are going to fight for everything. We have had difficult moments this season and now we are better but it doesn’t mean anything tomorrow.”

Zidane raised the possibility of Eden Hazard being involved in the first leg in Madrid on Tuesday, even though the Belgian has missed the last three weeks with a pelvic injury. Hazard trained at Valdebebas on Monday morning.

“We have talked a lot about this, Hazard has to be calm. The important thing is that he has recovered,” said Zidane. “If the player is well, I want him with the team. We are going to do things little by little and we’ll see what happens.”

Madrid will be without their captain Sergio Ramos, who injured his calf on international duty last month with Spain.

Ramos played a key role as Real Madrid beat Liverpool in the Champions League final in

2018, after his challenge forced Mohamed Salah to be substituted in the first half.

“I know Sergio, he is a teammate, a friend,” said Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez. “It’s a shame, nobody likes to be injured in moments as important as this and even more so when you know Sergio, who is the captain.

“I’m sure that not just Salah but everyone from Liverpool will want to take revenge and win the game, just like us.”

Liverpool bounced back from their defeat in Kiev by winning the Champions League and Premier League over the next two seasons but, like Madrid, they have wavered since, falling behind Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

“We don’t think about the past,” said Zidane. “It’s a big game for them and it’s a different game from the final in Kiev. We’re preparing for a different game.”

“We are at a club where every day, every minute we live with pressure,” added Nacho.

“We know how to handle it, we try to use it in the best possible way, which is to lift a trophy at the end of the season.”

TR

Tuesday April 6, 2021

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MISSILE Ofeimun to Buhari

“In President Jonathan’s time, it was his party that abandoned their president in search of regional solidarity; in the case of President Muhammadu Buhari, he was the one that abandoned his party in pursuit of an ethnic and personalist agenda.” – Author/Poet, Odia Ofeimun made this remark during Chief Obafemi Awolowo lecture recently.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

The Judge as a Street Fighter I

would never have believed that a day would come when a Nigerian judge would engage in street fighting no matter the level of provocation. It was for this reason that I initially thought the video showing a suitwearing fellow, referred to as a certain powerful judge kicking and slapping a security guard at the Banex Plaza, Abuja last week, was a Nollywood video. But when it was later confirmed that the kick-boxer was actually a serving judge, identified as Justice Danladi Umar, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, I was shocked.

When the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Ibraheem alHassan later issued a statement in defence of the learned Judge, my shock turned to petrification.

Nothing could be more shocking than seeing the man in charge of the country’s Code of Conduct Tribunal in such disgraceful misconduct in public.

Justice Umar may have been watching a lot of UFC shows and may have learnt one or two things about how to punch, kick and overwhelm the opponent, but not even Israel Adesanya or Kamaru Usman would behave in such manner as seen in that video. Judges occupy a position of great value in society. They are guided by a code of conduct that requires them to be on their best behaviour at all times, either on the Bench or away from it. They are required like Caesar’s wife to be above board.

Justice Danladi Umar has stayed long enough on the Bench. He certainly does not need to be lectured on this fine point. He became a Chief Magistrate before the age of 36, and was appointed Acting Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal at 36. He was appointed Chairman of the Tribunal at the age of 40, the youngest Nigerian to assume that office. He is now 50, and has been in charge of the Code of Conduct Bureau either as Acting Chairman or as Chairman for more than 14 years.

What got into him? At a point, I was afraid that his Lordship, if not restrained by security men, was going to remove his jacket and charge ferociously like a kickboxer in the ring! He should be advised to stop watching kick-boxing matches just in case he does so.

There may well be persons out there who will insist that Justice Umar is after all, a human being and no man is infallible. And to show just how human he is, we are told that he goes to the Banex Plaza regularly to shop and repair his phones if he has to. He doesn’t send aides to do the rounds for him. He goes there himself.

But I don’t see how this justifies his misconduct.

Nobody expects judges to be invalids. A judge going to a shopping mall is not an achievement.

Other professionals live a normal life and engage in routine activities, but they do not go about engaging in physical altercations or punch-ups.

They respect rules of communal conduct. And a judge should know about rules.

The security guard at the Banex Plaza was said to have told His Lordship’s driver that he could not park at a particular spot. He was doing his job, as a guard and parking attendant. He obviously was not in a position to know the status of the occupant of the vehicle he was re-directing.

Justice Umar was said to have insisted that his driver would occupy a chosen space. This was at the Banex Plaza, a shopping centre, not at the premises of the Code of Conduct Tribunal where he is the Boss. There is also no indication in Justice Umar’s resume that he once worked as a parking attendant and hence, had a better understanding of how vehicles should be parked.

Naturally, the Banex Plaza staff insisted on doing his job, and that led to an altercation and the Judge rushing out of the car.

In the recorded video of the incident that has since gone viral, someone could be heard in the

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad background saying: “Hey! Hey! Hey! This man is mad. Your power will not save you. Respect yourself. Oga go inside your car. You are not the most powerful herdsman… Respect yourself, dem go beat you comot for here.. Hey! Hey! Who are you? Who you be?...Dem don lock the gate. Dem go show you pepper here today…Who are you?

Who are you?.. Close the gate.. Close the gate.

One Fulani man think say he get all the power in the world. Who are you? We make the rules here. If Buhari come here dem go show am pepper.

See. Dem don break him glass… Hei! Heeei!” It was a very ugly situation in which the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal found himself.

The CCT Head of Press and Public Relations, Ibraheem Al-Hassan later issued a statement on the incident in which he says “the boy was rude in his approach and threatened to deal with the Chairman if he refused to leave the scene”. The statement claims that the CCT Chairman was assaulted by “Biafran Boys”. Danladi Umar himself has commented directly on what transpired. He said he was assaulted by persons who chanted “secessionist and sectional slogans” and that the video in circulation does not show the part where he was “molested.” He says he “regrets being drawn into responding to the situation.” It is surprising that days after the incident, Justice Umar is more or less still arguing that he was provoked into resorting to physical assault. He also does not see anything wrong in the reference to “Biafran Boys.” He repeats the offence in that regard by referring to “secessionists” and conveniently, he concludes that his action “has been misconstrued in the narrative floating across the social media”.

He still doesn’t get it, does he? He is a jurist, an officer in the temple of justice, and even if he is “drawn into responding to the situation”, he really believes that “kick-boxing” is the best response? If he was molested, and that can be proven, why would he then take the law into his own hands? A man whose job is to enforce the law should not be seen breaking the law. If Justice Umar has an anger management problem, he should be encouraged to seek help.

Ugoji Egbujo has written an opinion piece titled “Nigeria’s CCT Chairman as a Senior Agbero” (Premium Times, April 5, 2021). I respect the judex so much I wouldn’t dare translate the Yoruba word, “agbero” into English or quote Egbujo’s expletives-ridden commentary. But I think Justice Umar needs to learn some very quick lessons or lend himself some wisdom. No 1: We are in the age of social media, citizen journalism and the democratization of news. Whatever anyone does in public, can be easily recorded by persons wielding even the cheapest smart phone in the market. Private conversations on phone can be

recorded and edited. Whatever is recorded can be published almost immediately.

Twenty years ago, the drama at Banex Plaza involving the CCT Chairman could have occurred and nobody will know about it. If it gets noticed by the media, Umar’s Press Team would have appealed to editors to please kill the story. These days, it is difficult to kill a story. The citizen journalist who operates on Instagram and WhatsApp may not even have a by-line. The standard phrase is that bad news sells. It not only sells; it now travels at the speed of light. No. 2: Nigeria is no longer a place where anybody wearing some fancy clothes, driving a big car, going about with uniformed security can expect that his class and stature will intimidate less privileged members of society. You can no longer go about telling people: “Do you know who I am?” No matter who you are, you will most likely be told: “Who are you? Or Who do you think you are? Do you feed me? Okay, do you know who I am too?

And what makes you think I should know who you are?” Nigerians are angry. It is better not to provoke them any further. No. 3: Justice Umar talks about “secessionists and sectional slogans”.

Ibraheem Al-Hasan in his first press statement said Umar has been going to the Banex Plaza for about 18 years. Apparently, most people there did not know his identity. But now with the video that has gone viral, his cover has been blown.

Common sense should tell the CCT Chairman that it is in his best interest to stay away from that plaza for a while.

And No 4: did Justice Umar directly ask Ibraheem al-Hassan to refer to the persons at the Banex Plaza as “Biafran Boys”? Is he aware that this contravenes Section 26 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 as has been correctly pointed out by Femi Falana, SAN? Al-Hasan also insists that he acted on the directive of the CCT Chairman. Can someone please help explain to Mallam Al-Hassan that no public officer is excused under the law with such an explanation that he or she was carrying out an unlawful order just because a superior official gave a directive to that effect? The penalty

for the use or suggestion of xenophobic words is five years imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of N10 million. Al-Hassan is the Head of Press and Public Relations at the CCT. He was deployed to that agency by the Federal Ministry of Information. I was furious reading the first press statement that he issued on the Danladi Umar incident. It was riddled with grammatical infelicities, howlers, spelling errors, wrong word use and the abuse of syntax. As Nigerians are wont to say, the guy “murdered the English language”: “video cliff” instead of “video clip”; “Packing lot” instead of “parking lot”; “fixe” instead of “fix”; “had went” instead of “had gone”, “rode instead of rude”, “refuse” instead of “refused”. I had to take analgesics after reading his press statement.

Al-Hassan’s excuse in a public apology is that he wrote “under intense pressure and instruction” and was unable to proof-read the statement! What does this tell us about standards, competence and quality control? Al-Hassan should be sent on a refresher course in public communication without any further delay.

Public outrage on all the issues raised above is in order. Many groups have asked that Justice Umar should resign for conduct unbecoming of his status. Others want him reported to the Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Presidency and the National Assembly for sanction. The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has condemned his conduct, described as a “display of naked power” and has ordered an investigation with a view to taking “appropriate action”. Others have dredged up old allegations against him including how he was the one who issued a controversial ex parte order for the suspension of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. Umar has stirred the hornet’s nest. But nobody should count on anything happening to the CCT Chairman by way of sanction. He will not resign. That is certain.

And he is not willing to apologise properly either.

The man he assaulted, Clement Sargwak, 22, can only be advised to seek an enforcement of his fundamental human rights and thereby institute legal action against him.

A Tale of Two Airports

A

tailpiece in this column: “Much Ado About Ogun Cargo Airport” (Tuesday, March 23, 2021) turned out to be my own version of stirring the hornet’s nest, given the controversy, the animus and the attention that it has generated. I had raised specific questions about an emerging Egba vs. Remo war of attrition that had developed around the idea of a Cargo Airport in Ilishan Remo, Ogun State an inherited project which happens to fall under the Senatorial District of the current Governor of Ogun State, and another airport at Wasinmi within the Egba territory.

Ilishan and Wasinmi are within shouting distance from each other.

I argued that the former having come first in order of time, should not become controversial if the present Governor is trying to develop it. I added that I did not see the wisdom in having two airports any way for reasons of ethnic ego.

What! Hell broke loose in Egbaland. I was woken up the following morning by strident attacks on my phone. My identity was questioned. A senior friend sent me all the WhatsApp messages that had been circulated about me: I was called a bastard for daring to question the siting of an airport in Wasinmi. One man wrote: What kind of Egba man will support Remo/Ijebu people against Egbaland? Are you sure this Abati is one of us? “Omo ale!” Is he aware that Egba is

his political base and not Ijebu? Does he even know the facts?

A friend took the trouble to send the Egba side of the story: “(1) that the Wasinmi Airport Project is being funded by the Federal Government and has been part of the budget for the last couple of years. The financial arrangement was designed to be effected through the instrumentality of a Bond programme that failed to get the approval of the state legislature. (2) I was told the Wasinmi airport is a passenger airport while the Remo airport is a cargo airport. (3) The Dapo Abiodun administration is asking the Federal Government to stop the Wasinmi Airport, that Ogun state doesn’t need it and that the money meant for the project should be diverted to the Cargo Airport at Remo. That is wrong, my friend said. (4) Even if Egbas are the most intelligent people in the world, they will rise against that nonsense Dapo Abiodun is doing and (5) I was accused of attacking former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and here is what I was told: Governor Abiodun is the culprit here, not Amosun. Every Senator has a right to defend projects allocated to his state...”

My point is proven: ethnic politics and conflict, that is the “my-own-isation” of everything, is the bane of Nigeria’s development process at both national and sub-national levels. Tragic.

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